Wedding Guide
From the Editor
Congratulations! You’re entering an exciting, albeit stressful, time in your life, and our Wedding Guide is here to lessen your stress with convenient lists and lots of room for you to write your notes and estimates for your magical day. And our handy countdown will ensure you stay on schedule.
We’ve done the research and share with you the trends for today’s weddings. Find out the best and most meaningful bridesmaids’ and groomsmen’s gifts, and the perfect time to give your friends their gifts.
Are you a dancing queen? Read our first-dance ideas for a memorable first dance as a married couple. This dance can be just you and your new spouse, or invite others to join you halfway through to share in the fun.
Men’s formal attire is becoming less traditional, and we discuss how tux popularity is waning in favor of suits that can be personalized with fun socks and ties and bold pocket squares. Of course, tuxedoes will never go out of style, and if a tux is your vibe, go with it!
With today’s technology, there are so many ways you can personalize your wedding. The use of a wedding content creator is a sure way your special day is curated and shared with friends and family quickly and perfectly.
Whether you’re staying stateside or traveling abroad for your honeymoon, we share the top 10 honeymoon destinations for 2025. Have fun planning the perfect trip! (And apply for your passport ASAP if you’re traveling abroad.)
Thank you for allowing us to be a small part of your wedding day! Many blessings to you as you start this beautiful journey.
Show Me The Ozarks Wedding Guide
Publisher/Editor
Advertising Manager
Wendy Brunner Joely Edwards
Staff Writer
Graphic Designer Amy Howe Jay Judah
Cover photo by: SG Photography sgphotographymo.mypixieset.com
Published by
Show Me The Ozarks Magazine PO Box 3325 • Joplin, MO 64803 • 844.417.SMTO • showmetheozarks.com
Me The Ozarks Wedding
No
Countdown
12 Months Before
Settle the budget: decide who will pay for what.
Hire a wedding consultant.
Schedule your minister and begin premarital counseling.
Reserve wedding and reception sites.
Book the caterer, baker, florist, photographer, videographer, musicians and DJ. Create the guest list.
Select and confirm your attendants.
Schedule an engagement photo session in time to have photos by month 6.
8-10 Months Before
Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
Register with at least three gift registries, making sure to register for gifts in a range of prices.
Order your wedding gown.
Begin planning the honeymoon.
Order invitations and save-the-date announcements.
Begin planning the rehearsal dinner.
Meet with your florist for ideas.
Mail save-the-date announcements to guests.
6-7 Months Before
Choose the men’s formal wear.
Order all the attendants’ dresses.
Select music for the ceremony and reception.
Send engagement announcement to newspapers.
Choose your hairstyle.
4-5 Months Before
Meet with your florist to finalize decisions and place order.
Order all decorations not covered by florist, including rental items.
Order napkins and other reception necessities not covered by caterer.
Meet with the caterer to select menu.
Meet with a photographer and a videographer to select packages.
Meet with the musicians and DJ to finalize decisions.
Finalize honeymoon plans, make all the reservations, and order all tickets.
3 Months Before
Order wedding bands.
Purchase gifts for all the attendants and your fiancé.
Plan the seating arrangements for the rehearsal dinner and reception.
Make two appointments with your beautician – one for a trial run and one for your wedding day.
Make sure you have all the clothes, shoes and accessories you’ll need before, during
Try on everything you plan to wear the day of the wedding, including undergarments
The Best Bridesmaid and Groomsmen Gifts
and When to Give Them!
Your wedding party has been there for you through thick and thin—from dress fittings to bachelor parties and everything in between. Show your appreciation with gifts they’ll actually love and use.
For bridesmaids, think chic and personal: monogrammed robes for getting ready, dainty jewelry they can wear on the big day (and beyond) or customized tumblers to keep those mimosas chilled. A spa gift set with a heartfelt note is perfect for thanking them for their hard work and emotional support.
For groomsmen, keep it cool and functional. Personalized whiskey glasses, engraved pocket knives or sleek leather wallets are always winners. If they’re into fun and games, consider custom poker sets, a classy bottle of their favorite spirit with a thoughtful tag or a highquality cooler for tailgating and outdoor adventures.
When to Give the Gifts: Timing is everything! Hand out your gifts during the rehearsal dinner or while getting ready on the wedding day. The rehearsal dinner is ideal for a more formal “thank you” moment, while gifting during prep adds excitement and makes for great photo ops. Either way, pair each gift with a handwritten note—a personal touch that never goes out of style.
Your bridesmaids and groomsmen have been your MVPs, so make sure their gifts reflect just how much they mean to you. Thoughtful, fun and a little practical? That’s the perfect trifecta!
First Dance Ideas to Wow Your Guests
The first dance is your moment to shine as a couple, and the possibilities are endless! Whether you’re hopeless romantics or dance-floor daredevils, here are a few ideas to make it unforgettable.
1. Classic and Timeless
Stick to tradition with a slow, romantic ballad. Think “Can’t Help Falling in Love” or “At Last.” Dim the lights, let the spotlight find you and sway your way into wedded bliss.
2. Choreographed Surprise
Start slow, then bust out a choreographed routine to something unexpected—maybe a mix of your favorite hits. From “Uptown Funk” to “Thriller,” this twist will leave jaws on the floor.
3. A Song with a Story
Choose a tune that means something special: Your first concert, a road trip anthem or the song playing when you first met. Bonus points if you tell your guests why you chose it!
4. A Dance for Everyone
Invite guests to join you halfway through. It’s a fun way to get everyone on the dance floor early. Pro tip: a high-energy track like “Shut Up and Dance” works wonders.
5. Keep it Quirky
Not into dancing? No problem! Try a unique first moment—like a karaoke duet, a live band performance or even a flash mob with your wedding party.
Whatever you choose, make it you. The best first dances aren’t perfect—they’re filled with love, laughter and maybe a little improvisation. Now get out there and twirl!
Boutiques /Accessories /Beauty
Wardrobe
Bridal Gown
Tuxes
Bridesmaids
Flower Girl
Ring Bearer
Shoes
Headpiece/Veil
Lingerie Beauty
Makeup
Hair Accessories
Tanning
Notes
Vendor
Notes
Cakes & Catering
Cake/Desserts
Wedding Cake
Groom’s Cake
Cake Topper
Server
Toasting Glasses
Cookies
Catering
Rehearsal Dinner
Reception
Hors d’oeuvres
Notes
Vendor
Spotlight Wedding Attire Trends:
Suits Steal the
Gone are the days when grooms and groomsmen were expected to don tuxedos for every wedding. These days, the trend is shifting toward sleek, stylish suits that offer versatility, comfort and a dash of personality. Whether it’s a laid-back outdoor celebration or a formal ballroom affair, suits are stealing the spotlight, and we’re here for it!
Why the change? Well, suits are simply more practical. They come in a variety of fabrics, colors and cuts, making it easy to match the couple’s vision while still keeping everyone looking sharp. Think lightweight linens for summer weddings or deep navy and charcoal hues for a more traditional vibe. And let’s not forget the option to mix and match jackets, trousers and accessories for a personalized twist.
The best part? Grooms and groomsmen are embracing modern touches—think patterned ties, funky socks and bold pocket squares. It’s all about showcasing individual style while still looking cohesive as a group. Plus, suits are a wardrobe investment that can be worn again, unlike a tux that often sits in the closet after the big day (or if rented, returned to the shop).
So, if you’re planning a wedding, don’t be afraid to ditch the tux and opt for a suit that reflects your style. It’s a trend that’s here to stay, and we can’t wait to see how couples continue to make it their own!
Florist /Decor/Entertainment
Flowers/Décor
Bride’s/Bridesmaids
Bouquets
Corsages/Boutonnieres
Centerpieces
Altar/Pew Decor
Flower Girl Petals
Balloons
Candles
Ring Pillow
Reception Decorations
Miscellaneous Fees
Music/Entertainment
Ceremony
Reception/Band
Fireworks
Notes
Vendor
Jewelry / Photography / Stationery
Jewelry
Engagement Ring
Wedding Bands
Bridesmaid Gifts
Photography
Engagement Photos
Wedding Photos
Videographer
Stationery
Invitations/Thank you notes
Guest book/Pen
Seating and Place Cards
Announcements
Napkins
Postage
Notes
Vendor
The Rise of Wedding Content Creators:
Capturing Your Day, One Post at a Time
While traditional wedding photographers and videographers remain essential for beautifully capturing your big day, there’s a new trend making waves: content creators. Designed for couples who want their big day documented for social media in real-time, wedding content creators are becoming the must-have vendor for modern celebrations. Think behind-the-scenes TikToks, Instagram Reels and candid photos ready to post before the last dance even happens.
So, what exactly does a wedding content creator do? Unlike a photographer or videographer focused on polished, edited deliverables, content creators specialize in capturing and curating moments made for your social feeds. They’ll grab behind-the-scenes preparations, those impromptu dance floor moves, unique details of the venue and fun group shots —all from the perspective of your favorite platforms. By the time you’re off to your honeymoon, you’ll already have a highlight reel to share with friends and family.
How to Find the Perfect Wedding Content Creator
1. Start with Social Media: Naturally, the best way to find someone who’s savvy with Instagram and TikTok is to scroll through those very platforms. Search hashtags like #WeddingContentCreator or #ContentCreatorForWeddings, followed by your city and/or state, to discover pros who specialize in this service.
2. Ask Your Wedding Vendors: Your photographer, planner or venue coordinator might already have connections with content creators. It’s a growing trend, and the wedding industry loves staying ahead of the curve!
3. Look for Portfolio Proof: A great content creator will have examples of past work—quick videos, creative Reels and photos that feel authentic and fun. Make sure their style matches your vibe.
4. Set Clear Expectations: Content creators are all about the candid and unfiltered moments, but it’s still your day. Be sure to outline what you want captured, how soon the content will be delivered and which platforms matter most to you.
5. Budget Accordingly: Prices for wedding content creators can vary, but many offer packages that can be customized based on your needs. It’s an investment in memories you can relive (and share) instantly.
Hiring a wedding content creator is like having a social media fairy
Rentals
Tents
Tables/Chairs
Linens
Lighting
Transportation
Limousine
Misc.
Childcare
Gratuities
Guest Hotel
Guest Favors
Top 10 DestinationsHoneymoon for 2025
Your wedding day was magical, and now it’s time to pack your bags and whisk away to a dream honeymoon. Whether you’re craving adventure, luxury or pure relaxation, we’ve rounded up the top 10 honeymoon destinations for 2025 (in no particular order). Get ready to swoon!
1. Key West, Florida
Key West is a vibrant, sun-soaked destination perfect for couples looking for a laid-back island vibe. Explore Duval Street, snorkel in crystal-clear waters and savor fresh seafood while watching the sunset.
2. Charleston, South Carolina
For Southern charm and cobblestone streets, Charleston is a dream. Stroll through historic neighborhoods, take a horse-drawn carriage ride and indulge in some of the best food the South has to offer.
3. San Diego, California
With its year-round sunshine, San Diego is perfect for beach lovers and foodies alike. Relax in La Jolla, explore Balboa Park and enjoy romantic waterfront dinners along the coast.
4. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s moss-draped oaks and historic charm create a storybook
honeymoon. Take a riverboat cruise, explore the city’s beautiful squares and enjoy quiet moments in cozy, boutique inns.
5. Puerto Rico
No passport? No problem! Puerto Rico offers stunning beaches, colorful Old San Juan and lush rainforests. It’s an affordable Caribbean getaway with plenty of romance and adventure.
6. Napa Valley, California
Wine lovers, rejoice! Napa Valley is a haven for couples who enjoy vineyard tours, wine tastings and luxury accommodations. Sip, savor and toast to your new life together.
7. Tulum, Mexico
Tulum combines boho vibes with gorgeous beaches and ancient ruins. Relax in eco-chic resorts, swim in cenotes and enjoy fresh, flavorful Mexican cuisine—all without breaking the bank.
8. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Think pastel villages perched on cliffs, sparkling turquoise waters and sunsets made for two. The Amalfi Coast is a postcard-perfect escape for romance seekers who love delicious food, coastal charm and a Vespa ride through lemon groves.
9. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Overwater bungalows, anyone? Bora Bora is the ultimate luxury escape, with crystal-clear lagoons and coral reefs perfect for snorkeling. Spend your days lounging, dining under the stars and toasting to forever.
10. Maui, Hawaii
Closer to home but still paradise, Maui offers everything from romantic beach sunsets to adventures along the Road to Hana. Hike lush waterfalls, enjoy a luau or simply relax on golden sand beaches.
Whispering Woods Venue is just one mile from Downstream Casino, our venue is the perfect destination for your dream wedding. Surrounded by nature, we offer both indoor and outdoor spaces, including a romantic pavilion, a bridal suite, a dedicated groomsmen area, a spacious deck overlooking the water, and a charming beer garden. Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, we provide full decorating services and customizable wedding packages to make your special day unforgettable. Let us bring your vision to life in a setting where elegance meets natural beauty.
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• Award-Winning
• Free Breakfast
• Fitness Center
• Group Rates
