Create a winning wedding reception
Planning a successful wedding is a multi-layered undertaking that often stretches across many months. There are dozens of decisions to make and often thousands of dollars involved in what culminates in one day of celebration. There are many components of wedding planning, and tasks may range from entirely enjoyable to tedious. Organizing a wedding reception seating chart tends to be more the latter than the former. in fact, the wedding resource Table Top Planner identifies arranging seating plans as the most stressful part of planning a wedding.
What seems like a relatively simple concept – giving guests a seat at the party – frequently turns into a stressful situation for couples when they begin to consider all of the personalities invited to the wedding. A wedding brings together close family, distant family, friends, coworkers, parents’ acquaintances, and others. These are people who may not interact on a regular basis, and plenty who have never met before. Throw in the added mix of people who are divorced, estranged or may not see eye-to-eye on hotbutton topics, and the challenge escalates.
Arranging guests at tables where they will spend four to five hours together takes some effort, but it is possible. Follow these guidelines to make the process a little less cumbersome.
1. Understand the venue layout and their seating requirements. A catering manager or venue representative can provide a blueprint of how the room can be laid out and the maximum number of tables. Round tables generally are the norm at weddings because they encourage conversation and foster a more intimate atmosphere. Round tables often seat between six to 10 people.
seating plan
Arranging guests at tables where they will spend four to five hours together takes some effort, but it is possible.
2. Avoid skipping the seating chart for larger affairs. Couples hosting a smaller wedding may be able to forgo a seating chart. But most wedding etiquette experts advise a chart for weddings with 50 or more guests. You’ll want to save guests the stress of trying to find a seat on their own, which can lead to feelings of discomfort. Plus, having a seating chart and set table numbers facilitates organization.
3. Finalize the guest list. it may be tempting to get started on the seating chart right away, but you’ll need the final guest list before beginning. Afterwards, take time to group guests based on how you know them, such as family, school friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Finding commonality can make it easier to see who might be able to sit together.
4. Blur the lines of “sides.” sometimes it seems like separating your family and friends into sides is the way to go.Your future spouse’s parents and friends are on one side of the room and yours are on the other. But by blending certain guests together, the seating chart may fall into place.
5. Resist the urge for wedding day matchups. skip the idea of a singles table where unattached friends are seated in hopes they might make a match.
6. Ask for some help. involve parents in the process, particularly with assistance in seating people they know personally and with whom you may be unfamiliar.
7. List the seating chart alphabetically. Place the seating chart at the entrance to the reception space. You can be as creative as you’d like with the design, but just be sure to list each person’s name in alphabetical order so it is easy to find the table assignment. Arranging tables and seating for a reception is challenging, but with some trial and error couples can find spots that will please most of their guests. ª
DRAzEN ziGiC | FREEPiK
Unique elements to include at your wedding eception
Couples who are currently planning their wedding undoubtedly hope the day will one they remember forever. Weddings will be memorialized in people’s minds and on film and video, and setting an occasion apart from other weddings and big events may come down to some creative touches that truly make it unique. Here are some interesting elements that merit consideration, many of which involve interactive entertainment.
Photo booth
There is a reason why photo booths complete with entertaining props and various backdrops are so popular. A photo booth is a great way for guests to capture the day and take home a memento. Couples can review the photo booth images and enjoy snippets of unscripted and unposed moments from the party.
Live painter
Hiring an artist to capture the festivities can be a truly unique feature. While photography packages and wedding albums come with some turn-around time, a painting will be done at the end of the reception and can give couples a glimpse of the evening right away.
Interesting sweets display
Couples can elevate their wedding receptions by offering guests something that’s a cut above a piece of wedding cake. A “Viennese Hour,” also known as a “Venetian Hour,” is a popular wedding tradition, particularly in the tri-state area on the east
coast of the United states. This hour features a lavish dessert buffet presented after the cake cutting. Couples need not have a traditional Venetian Hour, however. They can offer a table filled with various candies, cordials, doughnuts, cupcakes, or whatever special sweet they want to showcase. serve with monogrammed napkins.
Entertaining performance
Performers can run the gamut from cultural dancers celebrating a couple’s heritage to magicians to even a specialized singer. in addition to a band or dJ, this performer can engage the audience and provide them with a bona fide show.
Signature cocktails
Whether a couple chooses an entire open bar or has select alcoholic offerings for guests, a signature cocktail can make the reception even more special. Tie the drink’s ingredients or theme into something that pertains to the couple’s interests or history. For example, if the couple sipped Moscow Mules on their first date, serve a First date Mule at the wedding reception. Couples can embrace various extra special touches to make their wedding receptions more memorable. ª
Tipping etiquette for wedding vendors
Florists, photographers, musicians, emcees, limousine drivers, caterers, and waitstaff are just some of the professionals couples will meet and rely on for their weddings. each of these vendors will ply their trades in the hopes of contributing to a night couples will remember forever.
Vendors charge a certain fee for their services, but couples may wonder if they should offer tips as well. When is it appropriate to tip wedding staff and at what rate?
A tip is never required but is always appreciated. That’s why couples can build tips into their wedding budgets to thank vendors for the various services they provide. Here are some additional guidelines.
• Familiarize yourself with the contract and determine if the agreement already includes a built-in gratuity. A service fee is different from a gratuity.
• Be prepared to offer something to an officiant. Members of the clergy may not be allowed to accept tips, but a donation made to a house of worship often is customary. A civil officiant is prohibited by law from accepting a gratuity in the United states, so keep that in mind if getting hitched at city hall.
• Wedding planners, hairstylists, makeup artists, and catering bartenders and waitstaff can be tipped 15 to 20 percent of the total fee charged, as can a transportation company.
• Consider offering a predetermined gratuity for a photographer, videographer or florist. in the past, these small business owners weren’t customarily tipped, but a cash tip always is appreciated. Fifty to $200 is a standard tip.
• Think about tipping parking attendants anywhere from $1 to $5 the number of cars at the reception.
• Use your discretion when tipping musicians. Generally between $25 and $50 per musician and setup staff is an adequate gratuity.
There are no hard rules regarding wedding vendor gratuities. Couples can bring cash along and enlist a bridal party member or parent to take care of tipping the wedding vendors who helped to make their special day memorable. ª
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change Embrace the
The seasons are about to change into one of my favorite times of the year. Autumn and winter, for me, are magical. summer? not so much. i’m not a fan of heat and humidity. But to each his own. For every summer lover out there, there’s a winter lover too.
As i grow older, i’m trying to adapt to change. i believe we all have to learn to adapt so we can be happier in our lives and relationships. Because let’s face it — change happens every day. We might as well embrace it instead of fighting it. so, to all the people who heard me gripe and moan about the hot weather this summer, i promise i’ll try to grow and evolve into a more accepting person by the time next summer’s heat rolls around.
i’ve always understood how important change — and the acceptance of it — is in relationships. While working with clients in my matchmaking business, i tried to instill in them the need to find a partner they could change and evolve with.Yes, finding the picture-perfect partner or the best “on paper” match is one thing. But finding a partner who will stand the test of time is just as important. After all, you’re searching for someone who will go through many life changes with you.
You need someone who can adapt to a growing family, shifting financial needs, and — though i hate to bring it up — someone who will stand by your side as you watch your parents age and pass. This journey of life is not something to take lightly.You’d better be looking for someone who can buckle up and take all the twists and turns life will throw at you.
By CHARLIE the MATCHMAKER
I have to remember that the guy I chose loves me, and doesn’t care if I’ve gained a couple of pounds or have a few more laugh lines.
My husband and i just celebrated the 35th anniversary of the day we met. Have the last 35 years been perfect? no. nothing is ever perfect. But are we still together after all these years? Yes, we are. And we’re proud of the fact that for every low, there have been many highs filled with love and laughter. i cannot express how important it is to find that special someone who can survive the roller-coaster ride that all long-term relationships inevitably become.
Another thing we all must wrap our heads around is this: The person we fall in love with isn’t going to stay the same as the years go by. As time passes, we all age and evolve. i’m learning to accept the older man staring back at me in the mirror. But do you know what the most important thing is? i have to remember that the guy i chose loves me, and doesn’t care if i’ve gained a couple of pounds or have a few more laugh lines. And that, my friends, is what i’m getting at. Change is going to happen in all our lives. One of the most important things we can do is learn not only how to deal with it, but — if finding a long-term, loving relationship is what we want — how to find someone who can grow and change with us. i hope the coming months bring each and every one of you the love and happiness you deserve. ª
Charlie Maffei was once known as CharlieTheMatchmaker after years of working as a professional matchmaker in NYC. Find his book “Love Made EasyWith CharlieTheMatchmaker” on Amazon.
12 songs to consider for a dancefirst
Traditions abound during weddings, from wearing something blue to a couple not seeing each other the night before the nuptials to a bride tossing the bouquet to eager singletons in the crowd.
A couple’s first dance is another enduring and popular tradition. The first dance harkens back to centuries ago when royalty or prestigious families would hold balls and it was customary for the guest of honor to engage in a first dance to start the festivities with a grand opening. Today, lavish balls have all but disappeared, but with weddings are still important events, and the first dance lives on during many of these parties.
Choosing a song for a first dance is among the decisions couples make when planning their weddings. All genres and eras can be considered. Couples who prefer something a little more modern can consider the following songs for their first dance.
“All of Me,” John Legend
Special lyrics: give your all to me, i’ll give my all to you. You’re my end and my beginning. even when i lose, i’m winning.
“All My Life,” WILD
Special lyrics: Oh, i will keep you safe for all my life. And you will have my heart for all time.
“Somebody Like You,” Keith Urban
Special lyrics: Yeah, i wanna feel the sunshine shinin’ down on me and you. When you put your arms around me you let me know there’s nothing in this world i can’t do.
“Perfect,” Ed Sheeran
Special lyrics: But darling just kiss me slow, your heart is all i own. And in your eyes you’re holding mine.
“Joy of My Life,” Chris Stapleton
Special lyrics: some may have their riches, some may have their worldly things. As long as i have you, i’ll treasure each and every day.
“Marry Me,” Train
Special lyrics: Marry me today and every day. Marry me if i ever get the nerve to say hello in this café. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
“Ho Hey,” The Lumineers
Special lyrics: i belong with you, you belong with me, you’re my sweetheart.
“Rewrite the Stars,” Zac Efron, Zendaya
Special lyrics: What if we rewrite the stars? say you were made to be mine. nothing could keep us apart.You’d be the one i was meant to find.
“You Look Like You Love Me,” Ella Langley feat. Riley Green
Special lyrics: excuse me, you look like you love me.You look like you want me to want you to come on home.
“Beautiful Things,” Benson Boone
Special lyrics: And i hold you every night, and that’s a feeling i wanna get used to. But there’s no man as terrified, as the man who stands to lose you.
“Birds of a Feather,” Billie Eilish
Special lyrics: i knew you in another life.You had that same look in your eyes. i love you, don’t act so surprised.
“Until I Found You,” Stephen Sanchez
Special lyrics: i would never fall in love again until i found her. ª
7 ways to include family in your wedding
The central component of a wedding is two people vowing to share their lives together. But weddings often are family affairs that feature more than the happy couple. in fact, a wedding merges two families who will then share in celebrations that come forth from the marriage union, including the arrival of children, work successes and much more. it is fitting, then, that a wedding should celebrate this future family unit. One way to do so is to incorporate various family members into the festivities in notable ways.
1. Processional
Couples can let more than just parents and the wedding party strut their stuff down the aisle. Allow other family members to shine, such as grandparents or someone who has been a very close and supportive person in the couple’s life.
2. Readings/Speeches
Family members can give readings during religious ceremonies, lead prayers or make
certain speeches. it’s also possible to ask a family member to officiate the wedding entirely or lead certain unity rituals like candle-lighting or sand-combining ceremonies that signal the blending of lives.
3. Play music
Musical family members can play an instrument during the ceremony or reception, or even sing if they have the vocal chops. Another idea is to include songs during the wedding that are meaningful to a particular relative.
4. Family traditions
incorporate family traditions into the reception, including cultural dances, special foods, traditional songs, or anything that is unique to the family.
5. Wear special clothing
A couple wear clothing that is meaningful to a loved one, like a grandmother’s wedding gown or a tie that was passed down through the generations. if a family
member is a tailor or seamstress, that person might also help tailor a wardrobe for the wedding.
6. Coordinate dances
The bride, groom, mother, and father typically enjoy the spotlight dances during a wedding reception, but couples can expand special dances to honor and include additional family members. A large group dance that invites several family members onto the dance floor is a great way to get everyone involved.
7. Photo display
A couple can set aside a table to showcase special people in their lives with a brief description of why these people are so meaningful to them. This also is a place to honor any deceased relatives who are in couples’ hearts.
including additional family members in a wedding can shine a spotlight on a few extra key players in a couple’s life. ª
How to maximize outdoor wedding venues
When searching for the right place to tie the knot, each couple looks for their own unique spot. According to The Knot Worldwide 2024 global Wedding Report, couples across the globe identify cost and venue style/type as the most important variables to consider. nearly 75 percent of couples worldwide report getting married within 30 miles of their homes. And many couples prefer an outdoor wedding.
Outdoor weddings peaked in popularity in 2020, when the global pandemic forced couples to be creative as they sought to tie the knot with friends and family in attendance. statista reported that 68 percent of couples hosted their wedding ceremonies outside or partially outside in 2020. However, Hudson Valley Weddings paints a more conservative picture of outdoor weddings today, with 35 percent of weddings now being held outdoors.
Couples hold their ceremonies and receptions outside for a variety of reasons, including the chance to tie the knot in a naturally beautiful landscape. The following are some ways to maximize the benefits of outdoor venues.
• Embrace the opportunity to accommodate more guests. Couples with large guest lists may opt for outdoor weddings because venues with outdoor space typically can accommodate more people. Outdoor spaces can be vast and not constrained by the walls of banquet halls or restaurants – allowing guests to
• Include child-friendly elements. if it would be difficult to exclude children from the festivities, an outdoor venue can ensure kids have something to do. Kids tend to have high energy levels, and an outdoor venue gives them space to run around without crashing into something or tipping something over. setting up a separate kids’ play area also makes it easy to gather the kids in a certain spot, helping to keep children away from adults who are dancing.
• Take advantage of the aesthetic. Most outdoor spaces offer awe-inspiring features. Those who opt for spring or summer weddings can take advantage of cultivated, fragrant gardens or even fields of natural wildflowers. Fall weddings will be on fire with the natural oranges, reds and yellows of the changing landscape, which makes the perfect photo backdrop for nuptials. Try to time the occasion for around sunset to make outdoor areas even more special. A setting sun can cast a special glow on the festivities. And save money on decor by relying exclusively on natural features.
• Get creative with food. Part of the appeal of being outdoors for the wedding is the freedom to offer guests less standard fare in regard to food. A pig roast for a tropical affair or even wood-fired pizzas or barbecue align well with an outdoor wedding. Caterers often suggest passed appetizers for the cocktail hour and plated meals for dinner to cut down on insects buzzing around a buffet line.
• Design a contingency plan. every couple wants the wedding to go off without a hitch (except for the actual getting hitched part), so it’s important to have a tent, pergola or covered area to retreat to in the event of rain or strong sun.
Outdoor weddings are popular options that can add a special touch newlyweds will remember for years to come. ª
Ven The
The benefits to choosing a local wedding venue
enUe
Wedding planning requires coordinating a laundry list of details that ultimately come together to make for a memorable ceremony and reception. Couples tying the knot have their work cut out for them, and one of the biggest decisions they will have to make involves choosing where to hold the ceremony and reception. Religious couples often opt for ceremonies at their churches, synagogues and mosques. secular weddings can occur just about anywhere, with couples sometimes utilizing ceremony spaces adjacent to their reception rooms.
As brides and grooms narrow down their venue options, they may want to give strong consideration to the benefits that sticking close to home can offer. Certainly there are advantages to be had hosting a wedding at venues many miles away or even in international locations, but there are unique perks to keeping festivities local. The Knot 2025 Real Weddings study indicated six in 10 couples chose to get married in a place where they currently live; 23 percent opted for a hometown venue; and 18 percent decided on a destination wedding. Here’s a look at some of the perks of staying local.
• Convenience: One of the biggest benefits of a local venue is convenience for both the couple and their guests. Local venues tend to be easily accessible for those who live nearby, minimizing travel time and reducing any barriers brought on by a lack of familiarity with distant locales.
• Familiarity: Couples who love their hometowns and close environs may want to get married in a familiar and comfortable atmosphere. Plus, they may already be familiar with venues in the area and what they offer.
• Expertise: Venue staff likely live in the area or are familiar with other services close by. They can offer valuable recommendations and insights on other vendors, including what has worked before and what to avoid.
• Familiarity with clergy: Couples who get married in a local house of worship likely know the religious leaders there and any support staff. This can add a particularly personal component to the ceremony.
• Easy payments: Many venues require some sort of payment plan that consists of a deposit at the time of booking and a series of payments culminating with the last installment upon learning the final head count. Choosing a local venue makes it easy to stop at the reception site in person and provide such payments with ease, while getting confirmation and receipts in real time.
• Reduce delivery fees: if florists and other vendors have to drop off items, they may not charge the same delivery fees if the reception site is close by.
• Ease returning home: Chances are the couple will arrive at the ceremony and reception by hired car. Once the wedding is over, they’ll have to find transportation back home, especially if there is a gap in time before departing on a honeymoon. Utilizing a local venue can make it easier to get home.
• Support of local businesses: Choosing a local venue keeps dollars in couples’ own communities, which is a great way to support businesses in the town and the people that work for them.
There are notable advantages to getting married close to home. When planning to tie the knot, couples can give ample consideration to local venues. ª
Left: Pictures of a recent wedding at Cadillac Ranch in Davenport Center, a popular local countryside wedding venue that offers both indoor and outdoor spaces. | TRACy BENDER
Creative ideas for wedding
welcome bags
Who doesn’t love a goodie bag? goodie bags are staples of kids’ parties, and “swag bags” have become the norm at everything from trade shows to town events. Known as “welcome bags” at weddings, these tokens of appreciation help set the tone for the wedding experience and are an extra touch that couples may want to consider.
Welcome bags may be crafted for out-of-town guests or guests who are attending destination weddings. They can be filled with necessities or just a fun mix of items. either way, they’re great ways for couples to show friends and family they are excited for those who are sharing in the celebration. Here are some ideas for filling welcome bags.
Essential items
Oftentimes welcome bags are filled with essentials that can help guests in a pinch. Pain relievers, breath mints, sewing kits, stain removers, and similar items are necessities that will come in handy.
Eats and treats
Food can appeal to a wide range of people. By filling up welcome bags with some bites from local vendors, couples can offer their guests a gift and support local small businesses.
Pampering products
Welcome bags also can include luxury toiletries, creams, bath bombs, or any other product designed to pamper.
Products for pets
if the vast majority of guests are pet lovers, then treats and trinkets for their four-legged friends may be appreciated.
Mixologist must-haves
Packaging the ingredients to make a signature drink, perhaps one that will be served at the wedding, is another clever way to fill welcome bags. Utilize miniatures/airplane bottles of liquor and pair with small amounts of mixer and garnish.
Overnight items
A welcome bag also can be outfitted with needs for travelers. earplugs, sleep masks, cozy socks, and travel toothbrush are some essentials that many out-of-towners will appreciate when they check into their hotel later on.
Personalized bags
sometimes the welcome bag alone can be the gift. A decorative or monogrammed canvas bag works as a tote for the beach or a reusable bag for the supermarket.
Welcome bags are an added touch that can set weddings apart. ª
Fwill find you
By Valerie Secor
inding love is not easy. Well-meaning friends and family will tell you that love isn’t something you find—it finds you.
Those of you who are single and feeling disappointed with the particular brand of “love” that is finding you are no doubt tired of hearing this anecdote over and over again.
People say this incredibly annoying thing because it happens to be true.
This column was originally meant to be informative. The plan was to dive into the free features of all the major dating websites and let our readers who are looking for their forever person know which apps or websites offer the most functionality without spending a dime. i would weigh the pros and cons of each site so you don’t have to.
Because i think that is valuable information for our readers to have, i went ahead and looked at three anyway. But just before those profiles were created and i jumped headfirst back into the online dating world i swore i was done with, something amazing happened: i fell absolutely head over heels in love with my friend.
dating websites force you to pinpoint specific qualities you want in a partner—but those qualities are often surface-deep. Algorithms match you based on height and age preferences rather than how much you both love to laugh. Through the apps, we are trained to weed out prospective matches for no other reason than their profession or their photos.
We do it in real life, too.
My last column—and my old dating profiles— all had one very clear deal breaker: no musicians. i was firm. Until i was sitting next to a friend of mine who happens to be a musician, an educator, and an all-around wonderful human. Until i realized he didn’t fit into the box in which i had painted all musicians. Until something changed—like the universe flipped a switch.
My point is, had this person not been in my life as a friend, i would have missed him completely.
if you are dating, think about your “deal breakers.” some are certainly legitimate, and you should hold strong to those. But are they all? Are some possibly judgmental? Mine was. i swore off musicians because i was hurt by one. That’s not a good reason. Lesson learned.
Secor is the publisher of Upstate Weddings magazine
My candor regarding this aspect of my life does have a purpose. As you are meeting new people, i urge you to keep an open mind and an open heart. it is entirely possible love will find you in the unlikeliest of places.
Until then, i hope the information below makes navigating the plethora of online dating tools just a bit easier. good luck, my friends.
Important information: The profiles created for this project were as similar as possible, including photos. Profiles were set to include both male and female matches. For transparency, my profile noted i was working on this project and, to ensure i did not interfere with their search to find love, my initial message to each match was to inform them i was conducting research for this column in case they did not actually read my profile. Many did not actually read my profile. Very few females were receptive to this project, so that perspective is fairly limited beyond my own.
FACEBOOK: Clear winner for those who do not want to pay to play.
Pros: The obvious benefit to this app is that there are no paid features. The app is what the app is. it allows you to message, send voice memos, and share social media profiles through the app. You cannot send photos, but i view that as a pro, not a con. no one can send you unsolicited photos of anything unless you are comfortable enough to provide a phone number and move off-app. The app also allows you to invite a friend in on the fun as a “matchmaker” to help you find matches. With Facebook being one of the largest social networks on the planet, dating app integration was a brilliant move. nice work, Zuck.
Cons: There seems to be a real issue with the location filter. The downside to being tied to the largest social network in the world is that the app can be a bit overwhelming to sift through when filters aren’t working properly. example: 24 hours after turning on this profile i had 173 “likes” to sift through. seventy-six percent of these were outside of my requested 25-mile radius. The app is only available on a mobile device and notifications do not push, so you must go into the app on your phone regularly to see if anyone sent you a message in order to keep a conversation flowing. The users i connected with also voiced their frustration with the app repeatedly showing them the same people.
BUMBLE
Pros: smooth profile account creation process. The site is available on both app and desktop. interface is very clean and user-
friendly. You can swipe through user profiles and like (or not) for free.
Cons: Major bummer. in order to see any likes, you must upgrade to a premium membership at $3.49 for one day, $19.99 for one week, $39.99 for one month, $79.99 for 3 months, $119.99 for 6 months, or $199.99 for a lifetime. As my goal is to research the best way to make connections without spending money—this site gets an F. Too bad. i had high hopes for you, Bumble. now buzz off.
TINDER
Pros: The location feature on this app is great. Assuming you did pay for the app, you would receive notifications for users in close proximity, making dating much simpler. But, since we aren’t paying, this point is moot. This app will allow you to swipe left or right for free (like or not like) and will let you chat with people with whom you match for free—but only if you match with them by chance.
Cons: i had the most difficulty actually creating this profile. The site glitches regularly. Profile information had to be entered and saved numerous times. As a result, my profile remained just 21% complete for several days. Once i was finally able to create my profile, the app’s limitations were clear. similar to Bumble, you can swipe for free, but you can’t see who likes you. if you want to actually meet someone—as your presence on the app suggests—you need to hope you match with someone without actually seeing who liked you first, or you’ll have to pony up for Tinder gold. speaking of glitches, be prepared to swipe left repeatedly. Tinder can’t seem to take the hint when you aren’t interested in someone. ª
3193State Route205
Har twick, NY 13348
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gather@eventscreekside.com www.eventscreekside.com
WHY IT PAYS TO HIRE A professional makeup artist FOR YOUR WEDDING
There is no denying that weddings can be exciting, memorable and expensive. According to data from the wedding planning and registry website Zola, the average wedding in the United states in 2024 cost $33,000. Prices for weddings will vary depending on geography and services.
in an effort to rein in spending, couples may wonder where they can cut costs, and one service that may be up for consideration is a professional makeup artist. After all, a bride and her bridesmaids may feel they already have plenty of experience applying makeup, and the plethora of online tutorials can guide them through areas where they may need some help. But before making a pilgrimage to Ulta or sephora for supplies, savvy brides should realize there are plenty of reasons to utilize a pro when it comes to wedding makeup.
• Bridal makeup isn’t like everyday makeup. A professional knows how to create a look that will remain flawless throughout the entire day. From the ceremony to the reception, makeup has to be durable, and a pro will know which products and techniques to use to ensure everything stays put, advises shervonne Kitto, a makeup artist serving new York and new Jersey.
• You can actually save money going with a pro. doing makeup yourself may not result in cost savings. Remember, employees at makeup stores may do your makeup for a reduced cost initially, but they are in the business of selling products. Many consumers walk away spending more in products than they intended, and sometimes the cost in getting all new bridal makeup could actually be more than if you relied on a professional.
• Enjoy time savings. Professionals who have mastered their crafts can quickly and efficiently create a desired makeup look, saving you time compared to a do-it-yourself attempt.
• Enhance your beauty. A pro knows which techniques to use to play up certain features and minimize others. This can help present the best version of yourself on one of the most photographed days of your life.
• Create a comprehensive look. Hiring a professional makeup artist means you can coordinate how you and your bridal part look, which can serve to complement the overall wedding theme. if you go the diY route, you might end up with a bridal party with some very different-looking makeup applications. A pro may do some photo-enhancing minimal touches for the gentlemen in the wedding as well.
• Enjoy time to relax. Having your hair and makeup done by someone else affords you an hour or more to just sit back and be pampered, something that likely will not occur for the rest of the busy wedding day.
When considering makeup artists, each should offer a free trial and be receptive to clients’ needs and requests. However, it is worthwhile to trust the makeup artist as he or she ultimately knows how to craft winning wedding day looks. ª
Remembering and honoring loved ones at a wedding
Reserved in memory of those watching over us from Heaven
A wedding is a happy day in a couple’s life together. Couples who have lost loved ones in recent years, whether it’s parents, grandparents, close friends, or siblings, may find their happiness mixing with feelings of loss. it can be challenging to fully celebrate in the absence of a beloved loved one who was supposed to be there joining in the happiness.
Responding to feelings of grief and loss on a wedding day can be challenging, but there are ways couples can pay homage to late loved ones during wedding celebrations to make the loss a little easier to bear. Here are different ways to remember the special people who are there in spirit.
• Save a seat. Reserve a seat at the ceremony and reception with a small placard that reads something along the lines of “in loving memory of the mother of the bride. she is forever present in our hearts.”
• Include a note. include an in Memoriam note in the wedding program with special words about the person who is missed.
• Light a candle during the ceremony. The officiant can say a few words and invite someone to light a candle in honor of a late
relative or friend.
• Carry a special memento. Whether in the bouquet or in the pocket of a tuxedo, carrying a small souvenir that represents the deceased loved one. if there is an item that belonged to the loved one, it can be worn during the wedding. it could be a dress, a piece of jewelry, a pair of cufflinks, or even an embroidered handkerchief.
• Toast with a drink. The atmosphere at a reception is more lively than during a ceremony. Offer a toast to the person who is missed or serve their favorite food at the buffet.
• Play a special song. if the deceased loved one would be featured in a signature dance, like the father/daughter, mother/son traditions, play a song that was meaningful to that person and enlist someone to stand in for the absent person.
• Request donations. set up a memorial table and make mention of the person’s favorite charity. Ask guests to donate in the loved one’s honor.
Remembering a special person who has passed on at a wedding can ensure that individual is honored and included in a couple’s big day. ª
did you know?
Choosing a location to get married requires careful consideration. some couples prefer to get married in their hometowns while others want to jet off to far-flung destinations. According to The Knot 2025 Real Weddings study, 60 percent of couples choose to get married where they currently live, 23 percent opt for a hometown venue, and 18 percent select a destination wedding. The truth is there are many domestic and international spots that are prime locations for weddings. The Knot says the French Riviera; Punta Mita, Mexico; spain; Costa Rica; Portugal; and greece are popular picks for destination weddings. People who want to stay closer to home often opt for the Hudson Valley and the Catskills, new York, for a farm or ranch wedding, and the Rockies in Colorado for a mountain venue. According to google data and the travel and lifestyle firm Holidu, Chicago is the most searched urban area for wedding venues over the past year, followed by Long island, new York and dallas, Texas. Other popular cities for getting hitched include san diego, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and new Orleans. Ultimately, wedding city location will depend on the couple’s budget and guests’ convenience.
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Awedding begins with a tender exchange of vows and culminates with a celebratory reception that often stretches into the late hours of the evening.
According to The Knot 2025 Real Weddings study, the average wedding in 2024 hosted 116 guests. Friends and family members who have been dining and drinking for five or more hours will need a place to stay, and couples planning a wedding will need to arrange lodging options for their out-of-town guests.
Couples thinking about making arrangements with hotels for a block of rooms for their wedding guests should consider the following amenities and tips when shopping around.
• Does the reception hall have a relationship with a particular hotel? Quite often reception centers enter into agreements with nearby hotels to provide their clients with
Hotel options FOR wedding guests
wedding accommodation packages. Couples who book with a certain reception hall may be bound to use their vendors, including a partner hotel.
• Consider proximity to the venue. seek hotels that are within a 15- to 20-minute ride from the wedding venue to limit the amount of driving that guests will have to do.
• Arrange for transportation. Offering safe passage to and from the hotel will reduce the risk of wedding guests driving under the influence. Couples can arrange to have a bus shuttle guests to and from the hotel.
• Look for group rates. Hotels typically offer a discounted group rate for wedding guests. Booking multiple hotels gives guests a choice and can help ensure there are enough rooms available.
• Think about complementary breakfast. some hotel chains offer a complementary breakfast to their guests, which can be a great value.
• Negotiate additional perks. it may be possible to negotiate with hotels to offer late check-out times or stocked snacks for the rooms.
• Ask about a complementary room for the couple. some hotels may be amenable to offering a free hotel room to the newlyweds who have a certain number of guests booked at the property.
Having a hotel available to wedding guests is a touch that can prioritize comfort and safety after a long day of celebrating. ª
READY FOR YOUR ARRIVAL
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