RVP Winter Bridal 2019

YOUR LOCAL GUIDE TO PLANNING THE PERFECT DAY

To Have &To Hold inside

• HONEYMOONS • RECEPTIONS • IDEAS

• PHOTOS • ADVICE

• FASHION

and more!

A publication of

Rock Valley Publishing Winter

2019

© Katy Daixon Photography

Happily ever after starts here.

Stinebrink's Floral & Bakery

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Full Service Floral Shop and Bakery located in Stinebrink’s Piggly Wiggly.

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100 E. Geneva Sq. Lake Geneva, WI 262.248.8798

334644

you’re getting married!

Each year, millions of couples around the world tie the knot. But before couples walk down the aisle, the proposal to get married must take place. Many couples mutually agree to get engaged, while the experience may be a surprise for others who have thought about it, but may not have been sure when one partner or another would “pop the question.”

Upon getting engaged, couples may ponder how long their engagement should last. There is no perfect answer, and engagement length typically depends on personal preference and the needs of the couple. In fact, according to The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, the average length of an engagement is 14.5 months.

A number of factors affect the length of a couple’s engagement and couples should not feel as if they need to hurry down the aisle.

For example, couples who will be financing their own weddings may need a longer engagement than those whose

parents will be chipping in. In such instances, longer engagements give couples more time to save and may help them ensure their weddings are everything they hoped for.

Others may prefer a shorter engagement if they are financially stable and prepared to tie the knot. Couples in their late 30s may feel the tug of a biological clock and want to ensure there is ample time to get married and have children. A shorter engagement can facilitate that.

Some couples may have little choice in the matter, as the length of their engagements may be dictated by the availability of their favorite venues.

Military deployment, work commitments, medical issues, or travel responsibilities also may affect the length of an engagement.

Some couples may feel that an especially lengthy engagement diminishes

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Planning tricks and tips. . . . . . . . . . 5 Budget worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Choosing a wedding party. . . . . . . 7 At-home weddings. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Seating suggestions. . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Honeymoon ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Rehearsal dinner tips. . . . . . . . . . . 11 Dress fitting guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Scheduling the big day. . . . . . . . . 13 Visit the bridal shows. . . . . . . . . . . 15

TO HAVE and to hold A publication of Rock Valley Publishing LLC

1102 Ann Street, Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 728-3411 FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES: Call (262) 763-2575 EDITOR: Tracy Ouellette GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jen DeGroot CREATIVE/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Heidi Schulz ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Vicki Vanderwelff

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Congratulations,

Inside

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a CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 their excitement about getting married. That “new engagement shine” can wear off as family and friends wait months or years for the wedding to take place.

Couples generally are advised to stick with what feels right to them regarding the length of their engagements.

Whether you’re looking at a storybook wedding complete with formal ball gowns and tuxedos or a simple backyard affair with lemonade served out of canning jars, we can help.

Inside this guide you’ll find ways to budget for the big day and ideas for everything from the menu to the honeymoon.

Our advertisers are here to help, too. We urge you to take advantage of their services; it will help smooth all the rough edges of the planning and execution of your wedding.

The area caterers, bakeries, photographers, dressmakers, vendors and venues are all looking to make your special day the best it can be.

The first step in the planning process is to start making contact with them so they can show you what they offer.

And don’t forget the rest of the family, when planning. Everyone wants to be involved when a wedding is getting underway. Let them help too.

Just like all aspects of the wedding, couples can weigh the opinions of others but follow through with what works best for them.

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10 wedding tricks add ease to planning and fun

Use page markers for 7. seating. Use multicolored, self-sticking page markers

Brides and grooms understandably feel a little stress when planning their weddings.

Adding to the pressure is the fact that, according to a WeddingWire.com report, the average couple in their 30s spends $32,000 on their wedding. That is a lot of money riding on one day.

But planning a wedding can be even more fun than it is stressful, especially for those couples who employ a few tricks of the wedding planning trade.

2.

Use labels. Once the guest list is finalized, create a database of guests’ addresses.

Print out two sets of labels: One for addressing the invitations

Make a photo clothesline.

8.

A clever and inexpensive idea is to pin photos of the couple to a string, cataloguing how they met and their time together leading up to the wedding.

and the other to address the thank-you cards.

3.

RSVP tricks. Number the back of RSVP cards and correspond the numbers to the guest list.

4.

transport home for guests who want a memento.

Stock up on string lights.

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Lights can be wrapped around trees outdoors, strung

especially practical, you may consider skipping the favors.

indoors around windows or draped along buffet tables to create a romantic ambiance.

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WHAT WILL YOUR

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: $_______

Save money on favors.

6.

Unless the favor is something to eat or something

Use loose flower 9. centerpieces. Loose flowers in a vase are easier to sort and

wedding cost?

Embrace inexpensive decor. Dollar stores and craft stores are great places to find inexpensive decorative items.

BUDGET WORKSHEET

5.

Create an email address.

To have all of the weddingrelated details in one place, create a separate email address exclusively for wedding correspondence.

Limousines

$_______

Buses/transport for guests

$_______

TOTAL TRANSPORTATION: $_______

Bride’s bouquet

$_______

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

$_______

TOTAL FLOWERS: $_______

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:

$_______ $_______ $_______

Use this convenient list to figure out the costs involved in planning your special day.

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1.

Fake the cake. Save some money by asking the bakery cake artist to decorate a foam-tiered “mock” cake for pictures and display, and serve guests from an inexpensive sheet cake in the kitchen.

to create easy seating arrangements. Each color can represent a category: His, Hers, Friends, Work.

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Know the lingo GET SCHOOLED ON WEDDING TERMINOLOGY

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Couples about to embark on their wedding journeys will likely learn a thing or two about party planning once their engagements are over and they are newly married. Wedding planning can seem overwhelming and a tad confusing at times, but a crash course in wedding terminology can help couples make more informed choices along the way.

• Civil ceremony – A marriage ceremony conducted by a council official or justice of the peace at a municipal location rather than in a house of worship.

• Cocktail hour – Typically an hour-long interlude between the wedding ceremony and the main dinner of the reception. Guests have time to arrive and mingle before being seated.

• Deposit – A percentage of the total cost of service given to a vendor to secure a date for their services.

• Maid/matron of honor – The title given to the woman who assists the bride and stands closest to her at the altar. “Maids” are those who are unmarried, while “matrons” are women who are.

• Processional/Recessional – Musical pieces that mark the entrance and exit from the wedding ceremony.

• Receiving line – A line of the key people in the wedding who (METRO CREATIVE) welcome and greet guests.

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Choosing a wedding party

Things to consider when selecting attendants particular situation. Trends vary based on geography and culture. These tips can help couples decide on the size of their wedding parties.

Match it to scope and style Wedding planners may use a standard ratio for a proportion of guests to wedding party members. That ratio is one pair of wedding attendants for every 50 guests.

This creates a balanced feel where the more people in attendance, the larger the wedding party and vice versa.

Consider your expenses Wedding party members may be asked to spend considerable amounts of money to be in the wedding, but the couple will have certain expenses tied to the wedding party as well. These can include limousines to ferry people between the ceremony and reception, photography costs to arrange and photograph large

wedding parties, the cost of boutonnieres and bouquets, attendants’ gifts, as well as extra mouths to feed at the rehearsal dinner. Small wedding parties can be easier on couples’ budgets.

Know your expectations Couples should discuss what they expect from their wedding parties. Do couples want their loved ones to be very hands-on or waiting in the wings? For those who want a lot of input from their wedding parties, asking distant friends or family to be included may be impractical.

Select reliable, easygoing people Wedding party members should be people couples can rely on, and it only helps if wedding party members are not prone to overreacting. Choose a wedding party that can be trusted and people with whom you get along.

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Making the important decision to get married can fill couples with joy and excitement as they imagine spending the rest of their lives together. Naturally, brides- and grooms-to-be are anxious to share the good news with others and include family and friends in the festivities.

One way couples exemplify inclusion is by asking their closest acquaintances to be part of their wedding parties.

Being asked to serve as a bridesmaid or groomsman is an honor. Some couples may be tempted to ask every friend, sibling or cousin they have to be in their wedding parties, and some do. In fact, ancient Roman law required 10 witnesses to be part of the wedding ceremony. However, the larger the wedding party, the more people couples have to coordinate and the more personalities they must manage.

While large wedding parties are in style, there isn’t any one-size-fits-all formula to decide which size party is right for a

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Keeping it simple

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SECRETS TO AT-HOME WEDDINGS

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Many couples preparing for their trip down the aisle follow the familiar sentiments expressed by Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.” Such couples feel “there’s no place like home” when hosting a wedding ceremony or reception.

There are many benefits to hosting a wedding at home. Homes often hold couples’ most cherished memories, and hosting a backyard celebration or an intimate indoor ceremony at your own home or the abode of a loved one can be a cost-effective way to have a good time.

Here are some tips to help couples navigate hosting an at-home wedding: Assess the space The average home is not equipped to handle hundreds of guests, wait staff, caterers, and parked cars. Concessions in regard to comfort and safety will have to be made when drawing up the guest list.

The wedding resource The Knot advises

the general rule is six- to 10 square-feet of floor space per guest for row seating.

You’ll probably need even more space for buffet tables, seating and a dance floor.

You will likely need to temporarily move furniture to comfortably fit everyone indoors – or rent a large enough tent for a backyard wedding.

Hire a cleaning service It’s important to present a clean, inviting space when hosting a wedding at home. A cleaning service will conduct a thorough cleaning before and after the festivities, freeing up your time for last-minute tasks or to embark on your honeymoon.

Book an officiant early Confirm with an officiant that they can oversee the wedding proceedings at your home. Many religious officials are not able to perform ceremonies outside of a place of worship.

Learn if it’s legal

Certain municipalities may require permits for parking on street, noise past a certain hour, closing of streets, and much more. Do your research. You may need to coordinate parking at a nearby lot (like a school closed on the weekend) and shuttle people to your home.

Consult with an insurance carrier Inquire if having such a large party at home is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, particularly if your home is damaged or someone gets injured during the festivities.

Supplemental liability insurance or an umbrella policy may offer greater protection.

Weddings at home can be a unique opportunity for couples who love the comfort and familiarity of their homes.

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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 sit-down 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’re 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

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. 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

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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WHO’S PERFORMING THE CEREMONY? Types of wedding officiants

Religious officiant Couples who want traditional religious ceremonies often choose a religious officiant, such as a parish priest or rabbi, with whom they’re familiar. For example, couples who grew up attending a particular church might choose the priest who’s been preaching to them since they were children, while others might choose the priest at their current place of worship.

Religious officiants may be governed by certain rules that restrict them to performing ceremonies in a house of worship, so couples

should inquire about such restrictions as early as possible in the planning process so they aren’t caught off guard.

Civil officiant Civil officiants are officers of the court, such as a judge or justice of the peace.

Many couples who are planning destination weddings abroad still choose to have a civil officiant perform a wedding ceremony at home. Civil officiants make sure marriages are legal, and they also make great options for couples who just want to get hitched without a grand ceremony.

Professional officiant Professional officiants are not affiliated with a particular religious organization. That makes them great choices for couples who aren’t religious as well as those who come from different religious backgrounds and won’t be converting to the same faith.

Loved ones Many couples ask a friend or family member to officiate their weddings, which

can add a fun and very personal component to the ceremony. Couples who want to take this route should research local laws to determine the steps loved ones must take to become ordained ministers who will be recognized by the state or country where the ceremony will take place. (METRO CREATIVE)

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Many people play a role in a wedding. The bride and groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring bearers and flower girls are front and center on the day a couple ties the knot.

Another central, and very important, figure on a couple’s wedding day is the officiant.

Officiants perform the wedding ceremony and are the first to introduce the newlyweds to their guests as an officially married couple.

Various types of officiants can officiate a wedding, and understanding each type can help couples find the right one for them.

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Engaged couples spend lots of time and money planning their weddings. The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study found that the average couple who married in 2017 spent more than $33,000 on their weddings. If that figure raises eyebrows, couples may be even more surprised to learn it does not include the cost of a honeymoon.

Honeymoons often mark couples’ first trip together after tying the knot. The 2017 Real Weddings Study found that the average engagement length in 2017 was 14 months, and many couples are no doubt ready for a getaway after spending more than a year planning their weddings. Whether couples are working with shoestring budgets or have some financial flexibility, it’s wise to consider various factors before choosing a honeymoon destination.

• Distance

A remote, exotic island might sound like the perfect place for couples to visit on

their honeymoons. However, couples who spent more than a year planning their weddings may prefer somewhere less remote than an exotic isle that requires multiple flight transfers and possibly even days of travel to get to. Couples should discuss how much travel they’re willing to endure during their honeymoons, and then find somewhere that both partners are excited about.

• Amenities

Many resorts offer honeymoon packages that include a host of amenities, including all-inclusive food and beverage, spa access, access to water sports, and even airport pickup and dropoff. Such packages can save couples substantial amounts of money, which can help those who might have spent more on their weddings than they initially intended.

• Recreation

Couples also may want to consider the accessibility of local recreational activities before choosing a honeymoon destination. Some couples may just want to spend the duration of their honeymoons unwinding on a beach, while others may want to mix relaxation with exploration.

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District

THE (PRIVATE) AFTER PARTY

The night before the wedding

TIPS FOR THE REHEARSAL DINNER

by Julie K. Ieronimo CONTRIBUTOR

After the big question has been popped and the answer is “Yes!” months of diligent planning commence.

From engagement parties, to showers, to the big day, there are lots of decisions to be made. And often times the lesser talked about, yet equally important, rehearsal dinner has taken a back seat. But in recent years with more destination weddings and grand “wedding weekends” being planned, the rehearsal dinner is now considered an integral part of the festivities.

Here are some current trends when it comes to the night before the wedding: Who hosts Traditionally the parents of the groom are in charge. Though today, it isn’t uncommon to see the cost and planning split between both sets of parents, or the bride and groom might take the responsibility of this night on themselves.

Who attends

Venues In the past, most rehearsal dinners were smaller affairs and easily held at a relative’s home or in a favorite restaurant. While both are still popular choices, if your guest list exceeds capacity at these locations, check with the local chamber, your wedding planner, or the hotel where you are staying for suggestions. Private rooms, tents, or stand-alone venues which can accommodate 30 or more guests are now widely available.

It is wise to reserve well in advance.

Food and beverage The wedding menu should guide your selections for the rehearsal dinner. Offering

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bridal Guide

Chuck’s Lakeshore Inn in Fontana, Wis. is available for rehearsal dinners, engagement parties and other wedding-related events.

something different and a bit more casual is generally preferred – such as a pizza party, themed buffet, or a traditional plated dinner.

Offering a full or limited open bar is typical, though cash bars are not uncommon. It is a good idea to discuss all bar options and expectations in detail ahead of time.

Decorations A recent trend in decorating has been more is more. Though, you should never outshine the wedding reception, incorporating hints of the bridal colors, pictures from the couple’s courtship, seasonal flowers, or other décor reflecting their interests or honeymoon destination will give the evening a more

personal touch.

The extras Show a video chronicling the bride and groom’s lives; have parents and friends give speeches or offer toasts; give attendant’s gifts; and most of all to have fun.

At the rehearsal dinner all the planning has been completed and you are now ready to enjoy the company of family and friends as you prepare to enter your new married life.

Julie K. Ieronimo is the operation manager at Chuck’s Lakeshore Inn, 352 Lake St., Fontana, Wis. For more information, call 262-903-4432 and visit www.chuckslakeshoreinn.com.

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The bridal party plus dates/spouses and immediate family should always attend, and it is common to see other close relatives/ friends join in this special night. Tradition suggests it is proper to include out of town guests as well, but if this is a destination wedding and most guests are traveling to attend, you may want to consider a smaller rehearsal dinner and either set up an alternative event for additional guests to attend or provide suggestions for dinner locations after their arrival.

Another idea is to make this a very casual event and dub it a “welcome party.”

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Wedding dress fitting guide Tips to pick the perfect gown Because fashion preferences were once ornate and dependent on precise fits, readyto-wear clothing really did not become widely available until the early 20th century.

Such attire is now available in just about any retail store. Because ready-to-wear clothing is so readily available, the average person may be unfamiliar with custom-made or tailored items. In fact, a couples’ wedding may be the only instance in their lives when they require the services of a seamstress or tailor.

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.

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 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 for alterations, which 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 (METRO CREATIVE) subsequent fittings.

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With clockwork precision How to create a wedding day schedule Wedding days can be hectic. In fact, many couples note after tying the knot that their wedding days were so busy that the ceremonies and receptions were over before they knew it.

Creating a wedding day schedule can seem like a daunting task. Couples tend to have lots of things to do before saying “I do,” and organizing everything so ceremonies begin on time can seem as puzzling as a brain teaser. But certain scheduling strategies can help couples ensure they look their best and make it to the altar on time.

Start with the ceremony Couples can establish a framework for their wedding day schedule by working back from the ceremony. Once the ceremony time is set, couples who plan to take photos before their ceremonies can then work with their photographers to determine how much time they will need for photos and where they want to take the photos. Bridal parties may need transportation to the photo session, so determining when and where to take photos before the ceremony gives couples an idea of when to arrange for pickup.

Confirm venue is open

Hair and makeup Determine how much time is needed for hair and makeup. Weddings that feature large bridal parties will require more time for hair and makeup than ceremonies with small bridal parties.

Grooms and groomsmen often take care of their own hair, though some grooms might want to schedule hot shaves for themselves and their groomsmen.

Grooms should ask groomsmen if they want a hot shave and then work with their barbers to determine how much time it

will take to tend to all participants.

Brides with large bridal parties may need to book more than two hair and makeup artists so everyone can get done on time. Wedding hair and makeup sessions can last several hours for large bridal parties, so brides should schedule their sessions early if their parties are big.

Make lunch arrangements Some couples choose to tie the knot and host their receptions at the same venue. In such instances, if brides are getting their hair and makeup done at the venue, ask the venue representative if lunch can be provided to the bridal party. Some venues may include small lunch buffets in their reception costs, while others might charge extra. Confirm the availability and costs, and if it’s unavailable or too expensive, then arrange for lunch to be delivered. Either way, couples should not skip lunch, as it may

be their only chance to eat until after the ceremony.

Inform everyone Distribute your schedule to one another and the bridal party. Once the wedding day schedule has been devised, couples should share it with each other and their wedding parties.

Grooms’ wedding day to-do lists might not be as extensive as brides’, but grooms should still be kept in the loop regarding the schedule so they can help if anyone has questions or if something goes awry.

Sharing the schedule with the wedding party decreases the chances of someone being late or missing an appointment.

Couples can solve the riddle of scheduling their wedding days by working backwards and asking their vendors to cooperate in laying out the day’s events.

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Confirm when the wedding venue is open to the wedding party. Before booking hair and makeup appointments, couples should confirm when they will be able to access their wedding venue.

Brides may want to get their hair and makeup done at the ceremony sight, but that may only be possible if the venue opens early for the wedding party. If it does not, then brides must account for transportation time to the ceremony sight when making their wedding day schedules.

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Special Occasion and Prom

If budgets were stretched for the wedding, couples should not discount the benefits of planning a post-wedding weekend getaway and then saving some money for a more traditional honeymoon down the road. This option still affords couples a chance to spend a few post-wedding days away from home and can help them save for a honeymoon trip they will never forget.

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We can help to preserve your memories You have taken great care every step of the way . . . You spent hours trying to find THE dress. Your groom saw THE dress for the first time when you walked down the aisle . . .

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6 Locations

Highcrest Shopping Center 1672 N. Alpine Road Rockford, IL 61107 815-397-4102

East Riverside Center 6322 E. Riverside Blvd.

Loves Park, IL 61111 779-210-3197

1304 Brooke Road Rockford, IL 61109 815-398-9322

340 E. Riverside Blvd.

Loves Park, IL 61111 815-654-0004

845 S. Perryville Rd. Rockford, IL 61108 815-708-7327 Roscoe location is located in the strip mall behind Kelly’s Market Mobil 5211 Elevator Rd. Roscoe, IL 61073 815-623-9400

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Get the most out of bridal shows and wedding events Recently engaged couples may be excited to get a jump on wedding planning. Bridal shows can be a great way for couples to meet and familiarize themselves with local wedding professionals, all the while introducing themselves to the terminology of wedding planning. Though they’re a great source of information, contacts and samples, bridal shows also can be a bit overwhelming. Learning how to maximize time spent at shows can help couples plan their weddings as efficiently as possible.

• Start small

If the idea of large crowds is unappealing, attend the more intimate, boutique shows that are often held at local reception halls and restaurants instead of the larger installations at convention centers and hotels.

• Scout out vendors

Check the bridal show’s website for lists of exhibitors and see if your desired vendors are on the list. But even if they’re not, keep an open mind and use the show as a chance to compare offerings. If an event map is available, marking off must-visit booths can help save time.

• Pre-register

Pre-registering for bridal events saves time at check-in, and doing so may make you eligible for discounted tickets.

• Come prepared

Chances are each vendor is going to ask couples for information so that they can follow up with a phone call or email with more detailed offerings and estimates. Couples attending the show can expedite the process by coming equipped with labels that feature their names, contact information and wedding date.

They can then stick the labels on sign-in sheets or use them like business cards.

Bridal expos involve a lot of walking and roaming around. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Consider a backpack or hands-free bag so you are not weighed down when collecting the swag and other handouts throughout the day.

• Ask questions

When face-to-face with vendors, rely on their expertise but don’t hesitate to ask questions concerning themes, colors, recommendations for honeymoon locations, invitation paper (METRO CREATIVE) suggestions, and much more.

BRIDAL - WINTER 2019

• Dress comfortably

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BRIDAL - WINTER 2019

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