Wedding Guide 2014

Wedded

Bliss

A guide to the fashion, flowers and milestones on the road to happily ever after

2014

WEDDING GUIDE

Love The Wedding Guide

is in the

Air

By Tim Fields // Photos by Simon Hurst

It’s January, and we have weddings on the brain. Maybe it’s because the holiday season is one of the most popular times to get engaged and the obvious follow-up question to “Will you or won’t you?” is “What will I wear?” With that in mind, we’ve pitched in with some of the legwork to curate a few stunning styles that work in lots of big-day scenarios: from refined and uptown to fun and casual. Mazel tov!

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THE WEDDING GUIDE Advice, Ideas and Vendors to Make Your Day Special Love is in the Air Fashion for the Bride and Groom The Language of Love Symbolic Stems -

48

58

Countdown to the Big Day A Planning Checklist -

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Luxurious lace defines this superb A-line style from Allure Couture.

The sweetheart-shaped neckline has scalloped edging and soft cap sleeves, and the cafécolored charmeuse lining is covered in ivory lace. Pearl necklace and earrings are

by Toni Federici. Available at Moliere Bridal. Boots: model’s own.

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The Wedding Guide

Leanne Marshall handkerchief pleated chiffon and lace bodice gown with a Meg Guess sash, headpiece and veil.

Available at Meg Guess Bridal Couture A navy double-breasted wool tuxedo with satin lapels by Ralph Lauren adds a touch of care without trying too hard – perfect for a country soirée. Navy silk tie by Robert Talbott. Available at Spencer Stone

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This sophisticated look is courtesy of an Allure Bridal taffeta gown, cut to fit and flair with a soft lace peplum bodice, dramatic V neckline and crystal beading at the waist. Available at Bridal Boutique

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The Wedding Guide

Make a statement in this Justin Alexander alabaster satin mermaid gown, adorned with a beaded sash and crystal and satin buttons covering the back zipper all the way down the chapel-length train.

Top it off with a Giselle birdcage veil in ivory Russian tulle and jewelry

by Toni Federici. Available at Moliere Bridal And we can’t forget the fellas: dapper glen plaid tux coat with navy satin lapels and navy trousers

by Ports and silk bow tie by Robert Talbott. Available at Spencer Stone

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Allure Couture’s modified strapless A-line gown in ivory features tiny horizontal bands of champagne-colored satin throughout the silhouette, creating a fabulous shape. Five strand pearls by Moliere Bridal Design and earrings by Toni Federici with Giselle bridal floral headpiece. Available at Moliere Bridal

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The Wedding Guide

A romantic city wedding is on point in this fairy tale, tiered tulle gown with beaded and jewel encrusted bodice by Jim Hjelm for Meg Guess, with Meg Guess white tulle veil.

Available at Meg Guess Couture Bridal

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This Allure Bridals soft satin ball gown with a ruched sweetheart bodice, pockets and a crystal beaded belt is a fun approach to a serious day, paired with a jeweled headband. Available at Bridal Boutique

JANUARY 2014 // SLICE 55

The Wedding Guide

This Allure Couture ivory slip gown features a plunging neckline and beautiful V-shaped back. The ethereal silhouette is created from a top layer of English net embellished with beading and crystals and a bottom layer of soft charmeuse satin.

Accessories are by Toni Federici. Available at Moliere Bridal

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The Wedding Guide

The Language of Love

By Sara Gae Waters

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, I WASN’T ALWAYS “IN LOVE” WITH FLOWERS like I am today. Don’t get me wrong – I liked flowers a lot. But the actual “falling in love” happened over the course of the first summer months after I was married.

Just a few weeks after my wedding, I found myself included in a small group of my mom’s friends who were “doing the flowers” for another friend’s wedding. One weekend turned into several more because suddenly it seemed that everyone we knew was getting married.

Floral arrangements take a lot of work, much more than you comprehend until the moment you are kneedeep in snapdragons, lilies, gladiolus and Queen Anne’s lace with only hours before show time and you realize you now have to transport them all. And yes, those were the f lowers of choice circa 1992!

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I treasure the memories we made that summer. I can smell a lily from a mile away and it instantly takes me back to that time. It was definitely worth all the effort, but all that being said, no matter how much you love flowers, it’s a really good idea to find a florist for your wedding! It helps to spend some time thinking about what you want and what you like, and a good florist will be able to incorporate your thoughts into the selections for the big day.

My taste in flowers changes frequently, and “so many flowers, so little time” should be my motto. I do have a few favorites for you to think about for your special arrangements. In a day packed with meaning and symbolism, flowers can reinforce particular themes in addition to adding decoration. In mixed bouquets or clusters of just one variety, you can’t go wrong with these beautiful blooms!

Ranunculus

SYMBOLIC MEANING: RADIANCE

And that they are. Choosing a color may be the hardest part of picking this whimsical and fun flower. I am crazy about clustering them together in similar hues for bouquets, especially the whites and butter yellows with creams and pinks and light corals. For tables at a reception, placing single stems in various sizes of glass vases is a modern look that is simple and easy to do. Pairing ranunculus with geranium leaves and other supporting flowers is also a great way to go.

Peony

SYMBOLIC MEANING: HEALING

This flower would definitely win the most popular award.

It’s also hard to pick a color – pink, blush, coral, white, white with pink … there are so many choices. I have to say these clustered together in one hue is my preference, however if you pair them with some succulents and garden roses, you’ve got a showstopper on your hands.

Tulip

SYMBOLIC MEANING: CARING

The tulip will always be one of my top choices. With so many varieties to choose from, you simply can’t go wrong. Orange or coral tulips and pink tulips are my top choices. For a really unique look, parrot tulips are simply incredible to behold.

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The Wedding Guide

Hydrangea

SYMBOLIC MEANING: PERSEVERANCE

The hydrangea packs a punch that most flowers can only wish to deliver. Since it’s a large flower, even just one in a vase commands attention, and a big urn spilling over with them is amazing. Bright purple may be my favorite hue right now.

From pure white for a spring wedding to antique hydrangea (a combination of green and maroon) for a fall setting, there are colors in many hues of pink, purple, blue and even green to choose from. The hydrangea has a strong stem and is a sturdy flower for big arrangements.

Anemone

SYMBOLIC MEANING: FRAGILITY

This flower is definitely delicate. With a beautiful center (I love the black centered ones!) the petals are thin and ruffled and scream femininity. These may be tough to get, but I think they are worth it. Red ones are stunning, but I haven’t ever met an anemone I didn’t like!

Lily of theValley SYMBOLIC MEANING: SWEETNESS

The last but not least is the ever-divine Lily of the Valley. I just don’t think there is another grouping of a single variety that stands on its own like this flower does. Not overbearing but not understated, it may always be the perfect wedding flower to me.

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The Wedding Guide

Countdown to the Big Day A planning checklist for your wedding

Wondering where to begin preparing for THE BIG DAY? There are a great many details involved in planning a wedding, and it’s those very details that are often the source of stress and anxiety. Allow yourself ample time to think over the details that will make up your celebration, and flexibility to alter your choices and budget while your ideas evolve.

Here are some tips to keep you and your wedding on track … and on budget:

18 to 9 Months Prior ◻Schedule an engagement photo session.

Announce your exciting news to friends, family, co-workers and the local media with your new photographs.

◻Organize a wedding binder or scrapbook. Look through magazines – bridal, design, food, fashion, lifestyle, city – for things that inspire you.

◻Set the tone. Now is a good time to determine

what kind of wedding you and your fiancée want, whether formal or informal, indoors or out, destination or local, and even what season and time of day you both prefer.

◻Create a budget. Sit down with your fiancée and other financially involved family members to iron out a budget. Determine how much you can spend and what each person’s contributions will be.

◻Finalize your wedding date. If you are choosing

a major holiday or heavy travel weekend, be sure to send out Save the Date cards. And don’t forget to check the OU and OSU football schedules. This is Oklahoma, and these things matter.

◻Reserve your date and venues. Deposits may be

due at the time of reservation. Make certain to factor in the correct amount of travel time if you plan to have separate wedding and reception locations.

◻Research florists, photographers, videographers, bands, caterers and bakers.

◻Book your officiant. ◻Begin planning your vows if you intend to write your own.

◻Throw an engagement party!

8 to 7 Months Prior ◻Get the dress. Choose your gown and acces-

sories, as well as your bridesmaids’ dresses. You’ll typically need two or three fittings for your dress.

◻Book a caterer. If your reception venue doesn’t provide food services, book a caterer after you have reviewed their offerings and narrowed down your desired menu.

◻Order the cake. Make certain to sample cakes

and other desserts from bakers before making your decision.

◻Hire a wedding coordinator. If you prefer to have ◻Book a photographer and videographer. Discuss a professional wedding planner ease your burden, make certain to factor the cost into your budget based on the level of service you desire.

◻Start the guest list. Start compiling a list of

addresses for invitations. A spreadsheet will help you keep track of responses, gifts and other pertinent information throughout the planning.

◻Choose your wedding party. Give these indi-

viduals ample time to prepare financially for any expenses they may incur and any possible travel arrangements.

the shots and angles you may want, and listen to their suggestions.

◻Book a florist. Your florist will want to know your color palette, though final decisions can be delayed for a few months.

◻Book the entertainment. Choose the orchestra, band, DJ or other musical group, but make certain to attend a few performances before making a decision.

◻Reserve hotel rooms. Choose a hotel (or two) close to the reception venue for your out-oftown guests.

◻Plan your honeymoon. Begin the process of

acquiring a passport or updating an existing one if necessary for your travel plans. Also make sure you make appointments for any vaccinations you may need prior to travel.

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The Wedding Guide

6 Months Prior ◻Register for wedding gifts. Choose a minimum of two retailers to give guests options.

◻Create a wedding website. There are

many free and easy-to-use services available on the Internet if you’re not website savvy. If you have an attendant who is, consider tasking that person with this item.

◻Order invitations. While ordering your

wedding invitations, select stationery for menus, programs and thank-you notes. The stationery store can likely recommend a calligrapher if you want to use one. If you plan to send save-the-date cards, this is the time to order those as well. Invitations should be mailed eight weeks in advance, with the RSVP cutoff set at three weeks after the mail date.

◻Reserve transportation. Options for

transporting you and your wedding party are plentiful: limousines, town cars, minibuses, trolley cars, even horse-drawn carriages. The method should fit the type of wedding you’re planning and should be feasible for distance and time.

◻Reserve rental equipment. If your

caterer or venue isn’t providing tables, chairs, linens and dinnerware, reserve these now.

◻Dress the men. Purchase or reserve the groom’s attire, as well as the attire for his attendants.

◻Meet with the officiant. Discuss the

details of the ceremony and ensure that you have all the documents required by the state. Choose your desired readings for the ceremony and run your finalized vows past your officiant if you choose to write your own.

5 to 4 Months Prior ◻Choose gifts. Purchase any gifts you

wish to give your attendants. Arrange for welcome baskets for out-of-town guests, and if desired, select favors for guests to take away from the reception.

◻Book the rehearsal and rehearsal-

dinner venues. Schedule a rehearsal venue, time and menu for all involved in the ceremony. Consider inviting all out-oftown guests as your budget allows. If you plan to host a next-day brunch for your guests, book that venue now, too.

◻Start your dress fittings. Take the

undergarments and shoes you plan to wear with your dress to every fitting. If you didn’t choose your veil/headpiece when you purchased your gown, do so now.

◻Book hair and makeup artists. If you

don’t already have a favorite stylist, visit a

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few before making a decision. It’s helpful to offer photos of the wedding party attire.

◻Finalize your music selections. If you’re

uncomfortable on the dance floor, consider signing up for some dance lessons now.

3 Months Prior ◻Create a schedule for your wedding and

reception. Compile a “day-of” schedule of events for all participants to follow for your wedding day, including times and locations for photographs, hair and make-up, any last-minute rehearsals, readings, etc.

Consider tasking this item to a trusted relative or friend if you’re not using a wedding coordinator. Make sure to give copies to all vendors involved, as well.

◻Confirm any hair and makeup appointment times. If you want to get a cut and color before the wedding, this is the time to do so.

◻Enter RSVPs into your guest list database.

◻Mail the rehearsal dinner invitations. ◻Schedule your final dress fitting.

Week of the Wedding ◻Print place cards and seating charts, if desired.

◻Finalize your flower choices and cater-

◻Reconfirm arrival times with all

◻Book a room for your wedding night. ◻Purchase your wedding rings.

◻Send a final timeline to your wedding

ing menu.

2 Months Prior ◻Touch base with all your vendors. Make

certain that everyone is in agreement on all the final details.

vendors.

party.

◻Notify your caterer of your final guest count.

◻Assemble welcome baskets. ◻Pack for the honeymoon.

◻Submit a newspaper wedding announce-

◻Take care of as many final payments as

◻Mail the wedding invitations.

◻Prepare tip envelopes.

ment. Check the newspaper’s website for any rules about what and how to submit.

1 Month Prior ◻Print any programs and menus you

require. You should have all the information you need after confirming the schedule with your officiant and finalizing the menu with your caterer.

◻Get your marriage license. Make

appointments for marriage licenses and any bloodwork your state may require.

Request certified copies of any documentation necessary. Also, complete any paperwork required to change your name, if you choose to do so.

◻Update your address with the post

office. Complete a change-of-address form through your local post office if your living arrangements will be changing.

you can.

◻Get a manicure and pedicure, or treat

yourself and your attendants to a spa day.

◻Supply any drivers (including hired

transportation and out-of-town guests) with point-to-point directions.

◻Pick up your dress or arrange to have it delivered.

◻Pick up your wedding rings. ◻Break in your wedding shoes! ◻Delegate the details. If not using a coordinator, assign tasks: delivering welcome baskets, carrying vendor tips, transferring bouquets to tables, bustling your dress, being in charge of gifts.

◻Buy a guestbook. If you prefer some-

thing less traditional, consider a platter or jar with little notecards for guests to jot down a message.

◻Purchase attendants’ gifts. The

rehearsal dinner is the time to present these.

◻Assign seating. If you’re having a seated dinner, plan where everyone will sit.

If you write thankyou notes as gifts arrive, you won’t feel overwhelmed after the wedding.

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