Spring Bridal 2019

! s n o i t a l u t a r g n Co

YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED Getting engaged has and always will be a big deal. While marriage proposals are often steeped in tradition, some facts and figures about modern day engagements, courtesy of the 2018 Newlywed Report from WeddingWire, show just how much this special moment and all that surrounds it is changing.

• The pressure to make marriage proposals extraordinary appears to be on the rise, at least for Millennials. Of the nearly 18,000 respondents who shared their stories via WeddingWire’s 2017 Newlywed Survey, 72 percent of Millennials said they feel pressured to make their proposals highly unique, while only 45 percent of Gen X respondents indicated feeling such pressure.

• Proposals might be changing, but getting down on one knee appears to be an enduring tradition that Millennials plan to keep in style. Eighty-two percent of

TO HAVE and to hold

A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers

Millennials indicated they got down on one knee to propose. In addition, the tradition of asking for parents’ blessing also remains popular among Millennials, 72 percent of whom sought such blessings before proposing marriage.

• The average cost of an engagement ring was $5,000.

• Christmas Day is the most popular day to pop the question, followed by Valentine’s Day. Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve round out the top five.

• How to spread the news of an engagement is perhaps the biggest change surrounding engagements. Engagement parties were once the go-to way to spread the good news, but just one in four couples now have engagement parties. Nowadays, 86 percent of couples spread the news via social media.

Inside

Budget worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Money matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Dress fitting guide . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Casual weddings . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Short-hair styles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Destination weddings. . . . . . . . 9 Outdoor weddings. . . . . . . . . . 11 Seating arrangements. . . . . . . 13 Outdoor photo tips. . . . . . . . . 17 Family and weddings. . . . . . . . 18 Honeymoon planning. . . . . . . 25

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BRIDAL GUIDE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019

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BUDGET WORKSHEET

WHAT WILL YOUR

? t s o c g n i d d we

Total Wedding Budget: $______________ CEREMONY Location fee $_______ Officiant fee $_______ Marriage license $_______ Rings $_______ Pillow $_______ TOTAL CEREMONY: $_______

TRANSPORTATION

RECEPTION Reception site $_______ Food $_______ Drinks $_______ Rentals $_______ Cake $_______ Favors $_______ TOTAL RECEPTION: $_______

FLOWERS Ceremony $_______

MUSIC Musicians $_______ Band/DJ $_______ Extra musicians $_______ TOTAL MUSIC: $_______

Limousines

$_______

Buses/transport for guests

$_______

TOTAL TRANSPORTATION: $_______

Bride’s bouquet

$_______

Bridesmaids’ bouquets $_______ Corsages and boutonnieres $_______ Reception centerpieces $_______ Flower girl basket

$_______

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ATTIRE Gown $_______ Headpiece/veil $_______ Undergarments/ hosiery $______ Shoes $_______ Accessories $_______ Jewelry $_______ Makeup $_______ Hair $_______ Tuxedo $_______ Shoes $_______ Cuff links $_______ Men’s grooming $_______ TOTAL ATTIRE: $_______

PHOTOGRAPHY Photographer’s fee $_______ Videographer’s fee $_______ TOTAL PHOTOGRAPHY: $_______

STATIONERY Invitations $_______ Postage $_______ Thank-you cards $_______ TOTAL STATIONERY: $_______

GIFTS Wedding party $_______ Parents $_______ Other $_______ TOTAL GIFTS: $_______ HONEYMOON Accommodations Food TOTAL HONEYMOON:

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MONEY MATTER$

How to build your wedding budget Couples engaged to be married have a lot on their plates as they begin planning their weddings.

Whereas tradition once demanded parents of the bride pay for a couple’s wedding, nowadays more and more engaged couples are completely or partially financing their own nuptials. That means prospective brides and grooms must develop wedding budgets that won’t ensure their first act as Mr. and Mrs. is paying down debt.

In its 2015 Real Weddings Study, online bridal resource The Knot found that many couples still receive substantial financial support from their parents to pay for their weddings. The survey found that, on average, the bride’s parent’s contributed 44 percent of the overall wedding budget in 2015, while couples financed 43 percent (the remaining 13 percent was financed by the groom’s parents and additional sources).

Couples who hope to follow that formula or pay for their weddings on their own can heed the following tips to build wedding budgets that won’t break the bank but will still ensure a day to remember forever.

EXAMINE YOUR COLLECTIVE FINANCES Few couples know the details of each other’s finances before getting engaged. While some may still hesitate to share their personal financial information upon getting engaged, an open and honest discussion and examination of each person’s finances is the only way to develop a realistic wedding budget that both partners can live with.

Once couples know what they can contribute, they can then consult their parents to determine if their mothers and fathers are intending to contribute.

DEVELOP A PRELIMINARY GUEST LIST A preliminary guest list can give couples an idea of how large and expensive their weddings will be.

According to the Real Weddings Study, the average cost per wedding guest in 2015 was $237.

While that cost can vary greatly depending on geography and other factors, couples should keep that figure in mind when drafting their guest lists. If need be, keep costs down by trimming the guest list so it includes only close family members and friends.

DON’T COUNT ON GIFTS Many couples justify runaway wedding budgets by telling themselves that they will ultimately get the money back via wedding gifts. While many guests will give financial gifts, counting on such windfalls is a

recipe for accruing debt.

Do not build potential wedding gifts into your wedding budget. If you do so and your expectations fall short, you could be facing considerable debt upon returning home from your honeymoon.

GET QUOTES BEFORE CHOOSING VENUE Where couples get married will have a great impact on how much money they will spend on their weddings. For example, the Real Weddings Study found that, in 2015, the average wedding in Manhattan cost couples slightly more than $82,000, while the average Alaskan wedding cost just over $17,000.

Venues within the same city can vary greatly with regard to pricing and offerings as well, so couples should give themselves ample time to gather quotes and find an affordable venue they like.

BUILD EXTRA COSTS INTO YOUR BUDGET When determining a budget you can live with, remember to include a little extra for unforeseen costs.

Weddings are large undertakings, and it’s reasonable to expect some unforeseen costs to arise. Building such costs into your initial budget will make these unforeseen circumstances that much easier to handle.

Budgets can help couples stay on track and avoid debt as they plan their weddings.

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BRIDAL GUIDE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019

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Wedding dress fitting guide Tips to pick the perfect gown

may or may not be included in the price of the dress.

Bring shoes and undergarments Remember to bring along the exact shoes and undergarments you will wear with your gown. A change in shoes or bra/corset can result in the alterations fitting poorly the next time. Bring these items along to all subsequent fittings.

Fittings are a part of wedding planning, and here’s how brides-to-be can navigate the process of finding and being fitted for a dress.

Try on sample gowns The first step is to make your rounds to various gown shops and try on the samples they have available. Most sample sizes will not be the size you wear every day, so expect them to be ill-fitting. Do not be discouraged. Once a gown is chosen, the dress shop will take your measurements and order the gown according to the manufacturer’s sizing guide. Again, this can be shocking, since the size will likely be larger than what you wear in street clothes.

Some shops will also order a little larger to allow for adequate tailoring.

Schedule the first fitting The first fitting should be anywhere from eight to 12 weeks before the wedding date, according to experts at WeddingWire, an

Speak up Martha Stewart Weddings suggests speaking up at fittings if anything is uncomfortable or needs tweaking.

Seamstresses are masters at their crafts, but only if they understand the desires of the bride.

online wedding information provider. This is the time it takes to complete most standard alterations. Complex customizations can take even longer. Brides should also budget a minimum of $500 for alterations, which

Check the details The second fitting is designed to check that all issues from the first fitting have been addressed, the gown is comfortable and you can move freely. At the last fitting, ask the maid of honor to come along so that she understands how to bustle or help you handle complicated straps or closures.

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Elegant, lavish weddings provide moments couples will remember for years to come. But while such storybook ceremonies and receptions remain popular, casual affairs are gaining popularity.

According to the bridal resource The Knot, more and more couples are opting for less pageantry and more laid back panache when planning their weddings. For those who prefer something more intimate and more personalized, casual weddings may be right on target.

There are many advantages to having a “luxe with less” wedding, including the ability to break molds and impart more of the couple’s personality into the event.

Another advantage is the price tag. The average U.S. wedding, according to The Knot 2014 Real Weddings Study, costs $31,213. In some urban areas, particularly New York City, average costs are three times that amount. Golden Girl Finance, a leader in financial digital media, has found that Canadian weddings average $31,000 with honeymoon included. Although wedding costs have gone up, the average number of wedding guests has gone down.

As such, certain couples might look to rein in other aspects of their wedding.

Transforming the festivities into a casual affair can help keep the overall budget low

while still allowing for an exciting and enjoyable event. To put casual plans into motion, consider these ideas to help the wedding vision come to fruition.

can opt for casual footwear, such as athletic shoes. Place wildflowers in crystal vases.

These are just some methods to give a rich feel without removing the fun element.

Venue

Personal touches

Catering halls and other reception sites do a wonderful job of meeting the needs of their clientele. However, food and beverage costs are often the most expensive wedding expense. To reduce the per-guest cost and also incorporate some variety into their wedding days, couples can consider a venue change. Look for public locations that allow couples to hire their own caterer, which may be a favorite restaurant or specialty food shop. The cost per person may decrease dramatically from the venue costs.

Changing the venue also enables couples to pick unique spots that may hold special meaning to them. For example, couples can choose the site of their first date or the location where their proposal took place.

Contrast

Menus or wedding programs printed at home in a fun font can set the casual tone couples are looking for. Look for eclectic fabrics to use as gift tags or napkin holders.

Hand-painted signs or a hodge-podge of picture frames can display pertinent information, such as itineraries or seating arrangements. Encourage friends or family to contribute a favorite menu item to the food offerings. A home-baked dessert can be delicious and budget-friendly.

Wardrobe

Enjoy a casual, free-spirited wedding that incorporates some aspects of formality in an off-beat way. Think about serving fast food, such as fried chicken or pizza, on fine china. Those wearing tuxedos and gowns

Clothing often indicates the formality of an occasion. Everyone from the wedding party to the guests can dress down. Sundresses can replace taffeta bridesmaids’ gowns. Guys can opt for tailored sports coats with jeans. Guests may feel comfortable in less formal attire that facilitates dancing and mingling.

Casual weddings are becoming more popular as many couples are playing down the party for various reasons.

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BRIDAL GUIDE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019

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short-hair

On a day when all eyes and cameras will be trained on them, it’s natural for brides and grooms tying the knot to want to look their best. As a result, many couples invest a portion of their budgets into spa and beauty treatments, with many even hiring salon stylists to ensure their wedding-day looks are flawless.

Women with short hair may lament that they do not have many options when styling their hair for their wedding days. Some may even consider growing out their locks. However, plenty of creative styles exist for ladies without long locks.

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Rein in destination wedding costs Destination weddings can make for memorable affairs for brides, grooms and their family and friends. Destination weddings often take place in idyllic locales that make for a gorgeous backdrop to the happy couple, setting the perfect ambiance for such noteworthy occasions.

Destination weddings ask a lot of both the couple and their guests. Couples may need to visit the location of their destination wedding several times before the big day, and those costs can quickly add up. Guests, too, will need to budget for flights and lodging to attend a destination wedding. But there are some ways for couples to rein in the costs associated with a destination wedding to ensure everyone has a good time without having to worry about finances upon returning home.

Look for convenient, affordable travel

Some resorts may offer great prices on destination wedding packages, but be careful to avoid locations so remote that you and your guests will be forced to pay for expensive flights. Destination weddings have become more popular over the last decade, and many resorts now offer competitive destination wedding packages

as a result. But if keeping travel affordable for your guests is a goal, find a location that guests can visit after purchasing reasonably priced flights rather than choosing a location based on the cost of the wedding package.

Shorten the guest list

Shortening their guest lists is how many couples curtail destination wedding costs.

Invite only your closest family and friends to the wedding and reception, and then host a second, less formal party for your remaining relatives after returning from your honeymoon. Guests will understand, and you will ultimately get the chance to celebrate with all of your loved ones anyway.

Go simple and save

Many traditional weddings include all the bells and whistles, such as lavish floral displays, elaborate gowns and additional expensive accoutrements.

But it’s acceptable, if not expected, to simplify things at destination weddings, especially those in island locations. Let nature do the decorating and opt for native wedding attire if it’s more affordable than potentially costly gowns and tuxedos.

Resist peak tourist season Much like there’s a peak wedding season throughout North America, many countries’ economies depend heavily on tourism seasons. Avoid peak tourist season when choosing the date for your destination wedding, as costs may be considerably more to marry during this time of year than less hectic and popular seasons.

Look into discounts

Popular destination wedding locations may be willing to negotiate prices on all aspects of the wedding, and those discounts might increase as more guests commit to attending. Resorts recognize that destination weddings bring guests who will need lodging, food and entertainment, and couples can use that to their advantage when negotiating prices.

Couples may even be able to negotiate with airlines for discounted airfares if they can guarantee a certain number of travelers.

Destination weddings need not break the bank, as savvy couples can find numerous ways to trim costs.

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BRIDAL GUIDE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019

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SHORT-HAIR

FROM PAGE 8

underlights can add an extra spark to a bride’s normal hairstyle. Speak with a qualified stylist about what you plan to achieve with a wedding-day look, so color can be applied correctly.

gathered into a braid or bun, you can opt for adorned pins, barrettes or headbands to add a touch of sparkle to the look.

Ask a stylist to tease the crown of your hair to achieve a little more height and impact.

Retro glamour

Half-up style

Brides may want to harken back to an era when glamour reigned supreme. Replicate one of the short styles of the 1940s or 1950s, paying homage to Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall, or Judy Garland.

Braids and plaits

Braids can add whimsy to shoulder-length or shorter hair.

In addition, braids can anchor short locks when an up-do is desired. Braids can be placed into the front or rear crown of the head to look like a hair halo or crown.

Use embellishments

Many women with short hair find that using bobby pins to pin up select areas of their hair can help achieve a partial up-do look without the need for longer locks.

Experienced stylists will know how to manipulate hair effectively to create this look.

Small tendrils of hair can be left free and curled for a less structured, more natural effect.

Brides-to-be with short hair do not need to fret nor make drastic changes to their hairstyles to look beautiful on their wedding days. Short hair can be manipulated into many camera-ready creations.

If short hair cannot be

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Essential planning tips to make your

outdoor wedding perfect There’s so much to love about an outdoor wedding. Whether it’s set on the beach, at a winery or even in the backyard of a family member, pledging your eternal commitment to your partner in beautiful natural surroundings makes the day extra memorable.

If you’re thinking of holding the big day in the great outdoors, you’re in good company. Over the past decade, outdoor ceremonies are on the rise: 52 percent of couples tied the knot in an outdoor ceremony in 2017, compared to 29 percent in 2009, according to the TheKnot.com’s 2017 Real Weddings Study. Couples are also shying away from churches, hotels and banquet halls as settings for the ceremony receptions and opting instead for less conventional sites, such as rooftop event spaces, historic homes, wineries and parks.

Unlike the traditional venues, an outdoor ceremony and reception has its

own set of considerations when it comes to planning. These practical tips will get you started in building the outdoor wedding of your dreams.

Sketch out the itinerary early Before you sign the contract with your chosen venue, discuss in detail your vision with the coordinator, and before you leave, be perfectly clear on what’s permissible and what’s off-limits.

If you’re envisioning dancing the night away under the stars, you don’t want to find out three weeks before the big day that the venue has restrictions on equipment and noise. Before you sign any contract, have your itinerary ready and discuss it from start to finish.

Plan your equipment needs One thing to know about holding a

wedding in a less conventional spot is venues can vary wildly on what they can provide for you in terms of supplies and equipment. Take time to walk through the entire event so you’re clear on what you may need to supply yourself.

Even if a venue lacks essentials like power outlets and bathroom stalls, don’t give up, there are affordable solutions out there to help you upgrade the space to a fully functional venue. Your local rental store, for example, is an essential stop for anyone planning a wedding. In addition to all the wedding gear you could need, from decorations to seating, they also have lots of other equipment and ideas to help you plan the perfect outdoor event.

Always have a Plan B It’s impossible to predict what the CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 BRIDAL GUIDE • SPRING/SUMMER 2019

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OUTDOOR WEDDING weather will bring for an outdoor wedding, which can add uncertainty. But you can reduce the stress by planning for the worst conditions.

Is hot and humid weather a possibility? How about a thunderstorm? A deposit on a rented air-conditioned tent and a set of misting fans can be a smart move. You may not end up needing these, but your peace of mind will be worth every penny.

Set up a kids’ station

FROM PAGE 11

Encourage exploration If the big event is held in a public place, help your guests fully appreciate the experience.

Does the park have a hiking path that leads to a beautiful waterfall? Have maps printed and leave out a stack for those who decide to take a little break.

Are you getting married in a beautiful garden at a historic mansion? Ask the venue if you can take extra brochures to offer the guests, or set aside time for special guided tours.

This is a sure way to show consideration for your guests and make the day memorable.

When the pieces fall into place, planning and hosting an outdoor wedding is a beautiful way to begin your lives together. To find a rental store in your area to help you plan the perfect event, visit RentalHQ.com.

Many outdoor reception spaces have a built-in advantage for hosting pint-sized guests: There’s more space for them to stretch their legs and be kids without disrupting other guests. Create a kid-friendly corner featuring games, activities or even a rented inflatable bounce house that lets kids be active and let off some steam. They’ll be thrilled (and so will their parents).

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How to handle seating wedding guests Receptions may be big or small, lavish or casual. But regardless of their size or style, receptions all share a common element: They will require couples set up seating arrangement for guests.

Even though assigned seating isn’t mandatory, selecting seats for a sitdown dinner makes things simpler and reduces confusion. Some reception

venues may even require assigned seating so that catering staff can service tables accordingly.

Seating guests can be tricky, but employing a few strategies can make the process go quickly and smoothly.

Use a seating chart A seating chart, whether it’s venuespecific or one couples make themselves, is essential. If you using a self-made chart, inquire with the venue about the shape of tables, how many guests each table can seat, and the location of tables around the space.

Start with the wedding party table Couples can ease themselves into the task of seating by doing the easy tables first. The primary one is the wedding party table. This traditionally can be a dais or a sweetheart table flanked by the wedding party. According to Martha Stewart Weddings, the table should be centrally located and the wedding couple should sit in the middle.

A male-female pattern follows on either side of the couple, consisting of the ushers, bridesmaids, best man, and maid of honor. If much of the wedding party is already married, couples may opt to have the wedding party sit with their spouses instead of at the dais.

Organize family tables Tables for parents, grandparents and immediate family members of the bride and groom also are high priority. Both families can be combined at one table, or they can be separated into two tables.

These tables should be the closest to the bride and groom.

Consider mobility issues Next seat guests who have specific needs at tables. Elderly guests may want to be away from the band, deejay or speakers. Guests in wheelchairs may need an accessible seat near the exit.

Get some help Enlist the help of parents to seat their friends and extended family members.

Parents may know best who gets along and who should be separated.

Seat dancers near the dance floor To encourage dancing, place guests who tend to be lively close to the dance floor so others can see them getting up to dance and join in.

Couples can use apps, lists or selfmade charts to plot their reception seating arrangements. Create place cards or a central chart so guests can find their seats promptly and easily.

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HOW TO ARRANGE THE BEST

outdoor wedding photos Photography is a great way for couples to capture all the special moments that occur on their wedding days. Long after the final piece of wedding cake has been consumed, wedding albums remain to remind couples of all those moments that made their big day so special.

Photography preferences differ from couple to couple, but when weather permits, many brides and grooms prefer to take photos outdoors. Mother Nature can provide some awe-inspiring backdrops, and such beauty comes at no extra cost.

Couples using professional photographers should share their image preferences with their photographers, especially if outdoor photography is desired. Photographers may have to do a little more work to achieve great outdoor photographs, even visiting a site in advance of the big day to scout areas that can produce great photos.

Scouting and preparation can involve seeing the landscape, examining the way the light shines on photo subjects and getting an accurate light reading on a meter to adjust flash accordingly. Photographers also will need to ensure there are no obstructions that will appear in the background of the photos.

It’s also important for photographers to select locations that have shade. This way they can adjust the amount of light needed, rather than having to contend with the photo washing out from too much sunlight.

There’s much a photographer can do in production to fine-tune photos, but the couple can help things along. Bring along some powder or makeup to touch up between photos. Warm weather can cause shininess or beads of sweat on the skin. A light dusting of powder can tame shine, while any remaining moisture can be blotted away with a towel.

Be aware Although brides and grooms may think clouds on their wedding days are a harbinger of bad luck, overcast conditions can actually contribute to better photos.

A healthy blanket of cloud cover can produce richer colors and pleasing shadows, making photos even more appealing. If the clouds are just passing, photographers may wait until a cloud passes over the sun to provide just the right amount of light filter.

Be prepared Couples may want to change into

comfortable footwear as they traverse the landscape to get into perfect portraiture locations. This will help keep their fancier shoes clean, and photos can be cropped to hide feet.

Bring along some refreshments when posing for photos, as it can be tiring.

Couples can take frequent breaks as the photographer adjusts his or her camera for the next shot.

Staying hydrated will keep skin looking supple and ensure that everyone feels refreshed when it’s time to return to

the party.

Be considerate Not every family member will be able to join the happy couple for outdoor photos. Elderly relatives or those who have mobility issues may find it difficult to stand in the sun or make their away across certain landscapes. Arrange for indoor photo shoots with guests who can’t handle the outdoors.

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Weddings and nontraditional families Families come in all shapes and sizes.

During special events — particularly those steeped in tradition, such as weddings — blended families may have to employ certain tactics to ensure the events go off without a hitch.

When planning their weddings, couples must give consideration to the needs of their families. Even though a wedding is about the union of two people, oftentimes couples engaged to be married must contend with the politics of divorce or other familial issues. This includes if and how to incorporate stepparents and stepsiblings into the ceremony and celebration.

There are no traditional rules regarding how to handle blended families, so brides- and grooms-to-be can customize their decisions based on their own unique situations. Even when families have been happy through the years, the unique circumstances and traditions surrounding the nuptials can dredge up former insecurities, and certain aspects may require extra patience and tact. Here’s how to navigate the process.

Consider stepparents and stepsiblings VIPs Brides and grooms who are not particularly close to their stepfamilies still

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have to recognize the role they play in the family dynamics. These people are still family, so respect and courtesy should be offered. If there is any lingering animosity, extend the olive branch on this day and try not to let anyone be made to feel as if they are unimportant. A simple announcement of who stepparents are at the wedding reception or inclusion of their names on wedding itineraries can help smooth over any potential bumps.

Put others’ needs before your own While the wedding may be about you and your future spouse, you must consider the feelings of others. Biological parents and stepparents may act defensively if they feel uncomfortable or hurt, and that can create an air of negativity to the day. Try to avoid this by considering potential areas of conflict.

For example, mothers might be hurt if their ex-husbands’ new girlfriends are asked to be in a group family photo.

Instead, select separate times to have everyone included. Remember to give parents and stepparents priority seating as well, and they each should be seated next to someone they love and someone with whom they can converse comfortably. You may think everyone can play nice, but it’s

best not to push the issue just to make a point at the wedding.

Recognize that some families break the mold Recently, a father made waves on the Internet when a video of him pulling the bride’s stepfather up to assist in walking her down the aisle went viral. This was a wonderful image of families making it work despite their differences or the awkwardness that can result when brides or grooms have parents and stepparents in attendance. Although this scenario might not play out for all, find ways to impart a special touch, especially if you’re close to both your biological parents and your stepparents. For example, your biological father may walk you down the aisle, while your stepfather may enjoy the first dance.

Order flowers and gifts for all Purchase flowers and wedding party gifts for all of the special people in your lives, including your stepfamily.

Weddings can be complicated affairs when factoring in blended families. With patience and compassion, such families can enjoy a beautiful and happy day.

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TIPS FOR PLANNING THE

perfect honeymoon Honeymoons are big business.

According to a recent Conde Nast Bridal Infobank survey, the average couple spends more than $5,000 on their honeymoon, indicating just how much meaning couples assign to their first official trip as newlyweds.

If the average spending on honeymoons seems high, it’s important for couples working on budgets to realize that there are plenty of ways to plan memorable getaways without breaking the bank.

Couples can keep the following strategies in mind as they plan their honeymoons.

Plan and book early In its 2016 Real Weddings Study, online wedding resource The Knot found that the average engagement length was 15 months.

That gives couples plenty of time to plan their weddings, but also a great chance to book their honeymoons well in advance of their wedding days.

Fifteen months affords couples the chance to piece together the perfect

Consider all-inclusive

honeymoon on their own or shop around for package deals.

Delay the honeymoon Couples without much wiggle room in their budgets or those who simply want to save money can delay their honeymoons, choosing to take their getaways months after they tie the knot. This provides couples with more traveling flexibility. And depending on when couples get married, delaying the honeymoon may push the trip into the vacationing off-season, when more affordable deals can often be found.

Don’t shy away from your newlywed status Resorts might not advertise it, but many offer special amenities to honeymooning newlyweds. Some may provide complementary spa services, while others might offer free room upgrades if they have any vacancies. Such amenities may be grand or small, but no matter their size, they can make honeymoons feel more special.

Give ample consideration to allinclusive honeymoon packages. Whether couples are working on tight budgets or planning their honeymoons without regard to cost, all-inclusive packages may be worth the extra money upfront. Allinclusive packages tend to include meals, some beverages and fun activities that couples would otherwise have to pay for á la carte.

All-inclusive packages may also remove some of the work of planning the honeymoon because couples won’t need to tirelessly research activities and find the most affordable local vendors.

Couples can examine the nuts and bolts of all-inclusive packages to make sure they include activities and foods they’re likely to enjoy.

Planning a honeymoon takes work, but much of that work is fun, and couples who do their due diligence can save substantial amounts of money.

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Beautiful Hall

Just perfect for your special day

Lovely for a bridal shower or other event.

Seating for 100

Convenient location in the heart of Burlington Handicap accessible with off street parking

Burlington Senior Activity Center 587 E. State Street, Burlington 342953

Call 262-716-0329 for a personal viewing

Just like you.

Let us prepare you for one of the most treasured days of your life. We understand the importance of traditions as well as letting your unique personality shine through on your wedding day. Relax, enjoy and be pampered by our professional, caring staff.

Let us celebrate with you with a full day of spa, nail, and hair treatments--and makeup application– to make sure both you and your bridal party look and feel beautiful from head to toe.

Phone 608.362.5249 Fax 608.362.5619 amhbirchroom@gmail.com

3807 S. Riverside Dr. Beloit, WI 53511

715 Hunt Club Drive Lake Geneva

Banquet Hall Bar & Grill Pavilion

262-248-3303 www.miafaccia.com 342936

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