Wedding Guide June 20, 2013

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Planning a Destination Wedding

How to Throw a Vegas Weddding

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Honeymoon Saving Strategies

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Wedding Insurance

Children in a Wedding

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FLAVORFUL Wedding Cakes a special supplement to

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2 Weddings

Sunday, June 30, 2013 • The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |

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How to throw a Vegas wedding

6

Cost-Cutting measures for newlyweds

7

Flavorful Wedding Cakes

8

Secrets to whiter smiles

9

Make the most of a rainy wedding day

10

Responsibilities vary for wedding party participants

12

Children in weddings

13

Honeymoon saving strategies

14

Wedding Insurance?

15

Processional Alternatives

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Toast of the Town - Toasting Tips

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Did you know?

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Advantages to a smaller wedding

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Weddings 3

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Destination:

Marital bliss

Tips to make your destination wedding a success

No two couples are the same, and as a result, no two weddings are ever the same. Weddings can run the gamut when it comes to style, from ultra-formal, black-tie affairs to laid-back ceremonies on the beach.

One increasingly popular style is the destination wedding.

When a couple decides to have a destination wedding, a walk down the aisle often takes place in a tropical locale. There are a host of factors that determine whether or not a destination wedding will go off without a hitch.

Destination weddings are often beautiful and intimate ceremonies. However, couples must consider a number of factors before deciding to do their nuptials on the road.

Budget. Though destination weddings are often more affordable than traditional weddings,

B r a s s tow n Va l l ey R e s o r t We d d i n g s

couples should still establish a budget. Destination weddings are typically more intimate affairs with far fewer guests. Fewer guests means fewer mouths to feed and less money needed to feed them. However, destination weddings can also come with some hidden costs. For instance, couples might want to fly their parents or the bridal party. If the wedding is taking place out of the country, that can significantly increase the cost of the wedding. So before making a final decision on a destination, first determine how much can be spent and how that compares to what a wedding in a particular destination is going to cost.

Attendance. Though a couple should get married in whatever location they prefer, most couples would prefer their most intimate friends and family members attend the services.

Therefore, a successful destination wedding ensures those people closest to the couple can afford to attend. This means couples will need to provide significant advance notice to friends and families. Save-the-date cards should be sent out earlier than they would be for standard weddings. This gives guests time to budget for the trip and align it with their work schedules. If late notice is given, then attendance will likely fall short of a couple’s expectations.

Also, couples who give advanced notice but still find their guests cannot make it might want to reconsider the destination, instead looking for one that’s more affordable.

Help. Couples should know planning a destination wedding will go much more smoothly with the help of a wedding coordinator from the chosen destination. Such a coordinator will know the local vendors and procedures for getting married. Sometimes, this help is even part of a resort’s services. Couples who choose a resort destination for their wedding might want to consider only those resorts with on-staff wedding coordinators.

If couples find a resort they love that doesn’t provide a wedding coordinator, look for a coordinator who’s readily available online. This will save money on costly international or long-distance telephone calls.

Laws. Marriage laws vary depending on location, and couples should research the marriage laws of any destination they’re considering before setting any plans in stone. Overseas marriage licenses aren’t necessarily as easy to obtain for nonresidents and might take a long time to be issued. Know the hurdles before deciding on a destination and setting the plans in motion.

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Vegas

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Weddings 5

how to throw a

wedding

Its popularity as a wedding destination has helped Las Vegas earn its status as

“The Wedding Capital of the World.”

When faced with the prospect of a long planning process, high expenses and all of the other goodies that go along with planning a wedding, many couples forgo tradition and book a round-trip ticket to Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is affectionally known as “The Wedding Capital of the World.” That’s because more than 100,000 weddings take place in this city each and every year.

Individuals flock to Vegas for the ease and affordability of getting hitched.

Though it might seem as though Vegas weddings are more spur of the moment affairs, couples who think that a Vegas wedding will suit them can prepare for their trip down the aisle.

Marriage license: A marriage license is necessary to get hitched in Sin City.

It takes only about 10 minutes to apply for and receive a marriage license in Las Vegas, and the license costs roughly $60.

In addition, the Marriage License Bureau is open until midnight each and every day of the week, and 24 hours on weekends and holidays.

The bureau is located in the Justice Center at 201 Clark Avenue in Downtown Las Vegas.

Location: There are scores of wedding chapels available to couples. Some are drive-through chapels that make getting married as easy as picking up a burger.

Some chapels are themed, while others are more elaborate. The majority of the chapels are located just north of The Strip in an area called “Wedding Row.” These include Little White Wedding Chapel, Chapel of Love, BelAmour Wedding Chapel, Vegas Weddings 4 U, and Viva Las Vegas Themed Wedding Chapel. The ceremony may cost as little as $40.

Casino: Couples who don’t want a quickie wedding can elect to have a more lavish affair in one of the casinos. Most casinos boast their own wedding chapels and have wedding coordinators who can work with couples to create a magical wedding.

Having a wedding in the middle of the summer, when the local temperatures can exceed 100 F, is one way to keep costs down. Hotels may discount rooms and packages could be less expensive.

Plan ahead: Just because it’s Vegas doesn’t mean some planning shouldn’t go into the event. This is expecially true if the guest list stretches beyond just the happy couple.

Arrange to have tuxedos and dresses set up. Bring essentials in a carry-on bag so they’re not lost in flight. A honeymoon at the Grand Canyon is a way to round out a trip to the desert.

2013

Kate Norton to Bo Wren................................................................. Jan. 5 Erica Breedlove to Ryan Chitwood .............................................. Jan. 12 Meg Bennett to Justin Middleton..................................................Mar. 9 Courtney Napierala to Andy Fox. ................................................April 6 Karli Spetzler to Will Griffeth ....................................................April 20 Jenny Wells to John Wilson ........................................................April 27 Kayla Foote to Jordan Holcombe ...............................................April 27 Katie Wilbanks to Jonathan Stafford ............................................ May 4 Hope West to James Mann .......................................................... May 18 Dallas Martin to Chad Sage .......................................................... June 1 Jennifer Meeks to Daniel Mullis.................................................... June 1 Ashleigh Fickey to Ethan Burke .................................................. June 14 Mary Frances Teaver to Donnie Clark ........................................ June 15 Mimi Staples to Mike Foxhall ..................................................... June 15 Kimberly Moore to Scott Haynes ................................................ June 22 Kathryn Bradley to Brady Lance................................................. June 22 Darcy Schaufler to Justin Davidson ............................................ June 22 Emily Hortenstine to Matt McDowel .......................................... June 29 Alyssa Hetlage to Charlie Bodine ............................................... June 29 AllisonRutherford to Angus Ferguson ....................................... July 13 Emily Windhorst to Jonathan Wisdom ....................................... July 13 Katie Bebe to Jon Saunders .......................................................... July 20 Suzanne Copeland to Sean O’Neill .............................................Aug. 17 Katie Hagler to Steve Coppola ....................................................Aug. 17 Julie Wynne to Bryan Jones .......................................................... Sept. 7 Carolyn Fuller to Trent McChesney........................................... Sept. 21 Sara Anne McCoun to Chase Davidson..................................... Sept. 21 Jamie Butterworth to Don Short................................................ Sept. 21 Garland Jaeger to Jordy Perkins.................................................... Oct. 5 Alyssa Haney to William McClure .............................................. Oct. 26 Lyndsey Hurst to Bennett Rudder................................................. Nov. 9 Kate Williams to Hayden Wiggins. ............................................. Nov. 23 Hillary Allen to B.J. Neff ............................................................. Dec. 21

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Cost-cutting measures for newlyweds Such couples still harbor the dream of home ownership, but realizing that dream can seem like a daunting task. But the task grows easier when couples begin to exercise some financial restraint.

There are many cost-cutting measures newlyweds can take that will help them save money for whatever their next big purchase might be.

• Learn to cook. Learning to cook is not only

Couples who eat in more than they dine out can save substantial amounts of money over time.

Once they have walked down the aisle and returned from their honeymoon, the next step many newlyweds look forward to is buying their own home together. Though there are deals to be had in any real estate market, the cost of home ownership is something many newly married couples cannot instantly afford. That’s especially true for the increasing number of couples who pay for their weddings without any help from family.

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a rewarding lesson, but also one that can help newlyweds save a significant amount of money.

Contrary to popular belief, cooking isn’t terribly difficult. Gourmet meals might require some natural culinary inclination, but more standard fare can be as simple as following a recipe. For those who have never stepped foot in a kitchen, it might be a good idea to take cooking lessons.

Such lessons are typically inexpensive, and the cost of the lessons will be recouped once couples start cooking for themselves and stop relying on costly meals out on the town. Couples who learn to cook together might also find it strengthens their relationship.

• Downgrade the apartment. Non-

married couples who live together commonly prefer two-bedroom apartments, using the second bedroom as a guest bedroom/home office.

The cost of a two bedroom is more than a one

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bedroom, but nonmarried couples often feel it’s worth the extra money. No matter how negligible that extra cost is, newlyweds saving for a home should consider downgrading to a one bedroom (unless one person works from home). This can help save some money on a monthly basis, enabling newlyweds to inch closer to the day when they will have enough money saved to make a down payment on their own home, which can then have as many rooms as couples prefer.

• Furnish the home piecemeal. One advantage today’s newlyweds have over those of yesteryear is that many live together before walking down the aisle. This means they’re not really starting from scratch once they get married.

A typical modern couple already has enough furniture and other household items to get by once they have moved into their new home. For those concerned about how they’re going to furnish a home once they’ve signed on the dotted line, one way to cut those costs is to hang on to what you currently have, and steadily buy new items one-by-one after you’ve moved in. Rather than facing the hefty bill couples can expect if they buy everything at once, newlyweds who go the piecemeal route will find it’s much less stressful to furnish a home piece-by-piece.

• Find ways to make home ownership work. First time home buyers are typically

shocked at the cost of home ownership. However, communities might offer a class that explains the

home-buying process and how best to navigate it. Some lenders even offer a lower interest rate to prospective buyers who have completed such a class. Such a discount can save couples a significant amount of money over the course of the mortgage, and the classes can give couples a better understanding of what they’re getting into by buying a home.

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Weddings 7

Flavorful wedding cakes A tiered wedding cake is often a fitting conclusion to a wedding reception. Today’s brides and grooms are experimenting with cake flavors and designs so their cake is a unique representation of their persona as a couple.

It’s no longer necessary to stick with a white cake with buttercream frosting for your wedding day. Think about exploring other flavor and filling combinations that will tempt the guests’ taste buds. For those who can’t settle on just one flavor, how about having a different flavor for each layer?

Couples getting married in the fall may want to think about a spice cake that evokes the feelings of sipping a mug of spiced cider. Cream cheese frosting is often a pairing with spice cake, or think about a layer of caramel that will make it taste like you’re enjoying a candied Halloween apple.

A hummingbird cake may fit the bill for a spring wedding.

This is made with mashed bananas, pineapples and chopped pecans.

This cake is perfect when paired with cream cheese frosting.

Yellow or white cake are universal favorites for weddings. Some pizzazz can be added through the use of creative fillings. Consider something citrusy and summery for a summer wedding. Raspberry preserves or lemon curd are tart and sweet. For a tropical flair, mangoes or passion fruit can be mixed with touches of coconut.

A winter wedding can be accented with rich flavors, like a decadent chocolate cake filled with chocolate ganache and black cherries — in a black forest style. Those toasting to the good life may want an almond cake enhanced with some fine liqueur and simple chocolate buttercream.

Couples should sit down with their baker and sample a number of flavor combinations to determine a recipe that works for them.

Pastry companies also may be able to develop a cake that encompasses a couple’s favorite flavors or symbolizes a special moment in their lives. A Boston Cream Pie-inspired cake may liven up the wedding of a couple who became engaged in Boston.

Maybe a cannoli cream filled cake will usher in memories of a trip to Italy. Kids at heart can enjoy candy confection cakes filled with gooey chocolate, nuts and marshmallows.

Whatever the case, couples can use their cake as a centerpiece that wows the senses of taste as well as vision. Consider displaying this culinary masterpiece on a table with the seating cards placed around it so that it can be enjoyed the entire night.

Wedding cakes can be an array of shapes, sizes & flavors.

8 Weddings

Sunday, June 30, 2013 • The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |

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Secrets TO WHITER WEDDING-DAY SMILES A lthoug h tradition states that no one else should wear white to a wedding but the bride, the rule strictly applies to a person’s wardrobe, not his or her teeth. With this in mind, the search is often on

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can help couples feel more confident and attractive. A nice smile also translates well into wedding photos — memories that will last a lifetime.

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The Times, Gainesville, Georgia | comes to teeth whitening. There are stain precautions to follow leading up until the wedding. Also, there are methods to removing stains and polishing teeth so they can look their best.

Natural Home Remedies If stains are minimal and you just want to give teeth a boost in brightness, there are athome, natural remedies that can help foster whiter teeth.

Baking soda is often the go-to choice for removing stains and improving oral health.

Peroxide can lighten hair, and it can also whiten teeth. Combining the two into a paste that is applied to the teeth can help whiten the teeth some, but be careful not to do it too frequently as it can cause sensitivity.

There is also evidence that malic acid, the acid that is found in strawberries and other tart foods, can help whiten teeth. Mixing crushed strawberries with baking soda and applying to teeth can remove some surface stains, according to Adina Carrel, a dentist in New York City.

Preventing stains in the first place is key.

Avoid foods and beverages that stain the teeth, including coffee, tea, red wine, cherries, and other deep-hued foods.

Over-the-Counter Options If natural remedies aren’t effective, individuals can turn to many of the products available at the pharmacy or even the supermarket.

There are several different brands of whitening products that range from pastes to strips to trays that boast myriad whitening properties. These tooth-whitening products may contain a mild bleach, such as peroxide, to lighten yellow teeth. Some pastes contain chemicals and abrasives to wear away stains.

While bleaches will change the color of teeth, abrasives will only strip away stains.

Kits may range from gels that are brushed

onto individual teeth, to pre-loaded thin strips that are applied to the teeth for several minutes each day. Trays or guards may be filled with bleach and then worn on the teeth for up to 30 minutes.

Whitening Treatment Insecurity about whitening at home or a desire for faster results leads many people to the dentist’s chair for whitening treatments.

Research from Oxyfresh indicates that teethwhitening procedures have increased by 300 percent in recent years and that around $1.5 billion is spent by Americans alone on whitening systems.

Expect the dentist to apply a bleaching gel to the teeth that need whitening. The gums and other areas of the mouth may be protected from the gel, which can cause sensitivity. A laser light is used to activate the bleaching agents in the gel. Generally the procedure is 60 to 90 minutes for whitening to take place.

A fluoride treatment may be applied afterward to minimize sensitivity from the bleach.

People with gum disease, broken and damaged teeth or restorations, exposed roots, incomplete dental work, and/or hypersensitivity in general are advised to talk to a dentist before beginning any whitening procedure. Not addressing these conditions first may put a person at risk for additional damage and serious side effects.

Whitening is one of the many grooming procedures couples undergo to look their best on their wedding day. Now it’s more affordable than ever to get a brilliant, white smile.

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Weddings 9

make the most of a

Keep in mind that those who have a lot of dental work, including crowns and veneers, may find that whitening doesn’t work on these artifical teeth. They may stand out against the whiter, natural teeth. In this case, consult a dentist for whitening options.

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gainesvilletimes com • Sunday, June 30, 2013

rainy wedding day

W

hen a couple envisions their ideal wedding day, rain rarely comes into the picture. Unless a couple likes things soggy, chances are rain on the big day will be a bit of a disappointment.

While there’s no way couples can keep it from raining on their wedding days, there are ways to prevent rain from ruining the ceremony and the ensuing festivities.

Have a contingency plan in place well in advance. Weather is unpredictable, but couples who choose an outdoor wedding should begin making a contingency plan well in advance of the wedding. This doesn’t mean couples need to plan two weddings, they just need to discuss with vendors what the plan of action is going to be should rain arrive.

When booking a venue, discuss with the venue manager what the venue can do if it rains. Many venues will set up a tent and have an umbrella station for arriving guests. When getting married outdoors, choose a venue that’s both idyllic and capable of handling a wet wedding.

It’s best to also have a contingency photography plan in place as well. When choosing a photographer, ask about his or her history with rainy weddings. Find out if the photographer has an indoor studio where portraits can be taken if the conditions outside are not ideal. Or, maybe he or she is familiar with the reception site and knows a few areas that would make good backdrops.

Get dressed at the venue. Brides understandably fear their wedding dress won’t survive a soggy ceremony. To reduce the gown’s exposure to rain, brides should consider getting dressed at the venue. This means they will only have to wear the dress outside during the actual ceremony. Wrap the gown and other accessories including shoes, in plastic to keep them safe from rain and mud. If the wedding is slated for later in the day, call the venue and determine how early the wedding parties can arrive and how much space will be provided for the party to get dressed. This won’t be too big an issue for the groom and his groomsmen, but the bride and her bridal party will likely want to get there several hours in advance of the ceremony.

Wear waterproof makeup. Brides-to-be should wear waterproof makeup. In addition, bring a collection of items, including hairspray and extra makeup, that can help combat the elements.

Prepare the ushers. Ushers will need to be extra diligent during a rainy ceremony.

Instruct the ushers before guests begin to arrive that their roles have taken on greater importance thanks to the weather. Ushers should keep an eye out and an umbrella open for arriving guests, escorting guests to their seats under a cloak of dryness. Once the happy couple has said their “I dos” and all the guests have managed to stay dry, the bride and groom should offer some special thanks to the ushers who helped keep everyone dry.

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Bridesmaids & Groomsmen The role of the bridesmaids and groomsmen are similar.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen are often the siblings or close friends of the bride and groom, and they accompany each other down the aisle during the wedding procession.

Typically, the role of bridesmaid and groomsmen is to offer any assistance in making the ceremony go smoothly.

Groomsmen may act as ushers, while bridesmaids might help address wedding invitations and choose vendors for the ceremony and reception. How involved the bridesmaids and groomsmen become is often contingent on how close they live to the bride and groom and how much help is needed the day of the ceremony.

Flower Girl & Ring Bearer

Responsibilities vary for wedding party participants

The flower girl and the ring bearer are typically very young members of the family, such as very young siblings or a niece or nephew of the bride or groom. The flower girl will carry a basket of flowers during the wedding procession, often tossing flower petals on the ground to signify the bride’s entrance. The ring bearer is a boy and carries a pillow with the rings sewn on it during the wedding procession.

Parents When asked to play a role in the wedding of a friend or family member, most people are honored and willing to do whatever it takes. That willingness to be helpful is often a blessing, as wedding party participants each have their own unique responsibilities.

Maid of Honor & Best Man The maid of honor and best man are counterparts in the wedding. The bride and groom’s right hand woman and man, respectively, the maid of honor and best man are often siblings or very close friends of the bride or groom.

Though their responsibilities are similar, the maid of honor and best man don’t have completely identical roles.

The maid of honor might have the most responsibilities of anyone aside from the bride and groom. The maid of honor will help the bride shop for her dress and must also plan the bridal shower and the bachelorette party. The maid of honor’s duties also extend to the wedding day itself, when she will be expected to help the bride get dressed and toast the new bride at the reception that night.

The best man’s role includes organizing the bachelor party and toasting the groom at the reception. The best man also plays a logistical role, organizing the newlyweds’ transportation to the airport the morning after the wedding as well as organizing the groomsmen’s gift to the couple.

The bride and groom’s parents play the role of hosts. The tradition of the bride’s parents paying for the wedding entirely by themselves has largely fallen by the wayside thanks to the escalating costs of throwing a wedding. However, if the bride’s parents are footing the bill, then they will typically act as hosts of the wedding. In that instance, the groom’s parents will host the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding.

During the ceremony, the bride is most often walked down the aisle by her father, though some brides choose to have both parents included in the walk down the aisle. The groom’s parents will often walk down the aisle ahead of the procession and take their seats.

The parents may also play a role in the months leading up to the wedding. For instance, the mother of the bride might help plan the bridal shower, while the father of the groom might help plan any activities, such as a golf outing, for the groomsmen and additional friends of the groom a day or two before the wedding.

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Weddings 11

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Children in a wedding means

no kidding around

A

wedding is a joyous event that couples want to share with as many people as possible. Couples commonly ask family and friends to take part in the ceremony as ushers, bridesmaids or readers. Before enlisting the help of a child to fill such roles, couples should carefully consider whether a youngster is capable of participating in the wedding ceremony or if he or she may not be up to the task.

Millions of people tuned into the British Royal wedding in April. Among the participants were six young children. The Hon. Margarita

Armstrong-Jones, Miss Eliza Lopes, Miss Grace van Cutsem, Lady Louise Windsor, Master Tom Pettifer, and Master William Lowther-Pinkerton were bridesmaids and pages in attendance. The children were as young as three years old and as old as 10. Although the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were confident enough in the kids’ maturity to include them, reportedly some measures were taken to keep the tots in line.

For instance, Prince Henry reportedly delighted little Eliza Lopes with a pink “wiggly worm” so she wouldn’t be frightened by the crowds.

Said wiggly worm actually made it into the official group bridal photo, being clutched by Miss Lopes.

Couples worrying about all the little details of their own weddings may not want to fret about kiddie meltdowns or the bloopers that can occur when kids act like kids. Each child’s

personal maturity level should be considered before enlisting their help. There are some other strategies to use as well.

• Young children serving as flower girls or ring bearers should be able to walk down the aisle without coaxing. If they cannot handle this task, then they should not be asked to take part in the wedding.

• Should children prove competent to walk down the aisle unattended, couples can have them then make their way to the seats next to their parents, rather than awkwardly standing with the rest of the bridal party for the ceremony.

• An minimum age requirement for wedding participants might be a good idea. A child age 5 or up may be able to appreciate the importance of the event.

• Consult with the pastor or officiant of the

ceremony. The ceremony location may have rules governing children in the ceremony.

• All people who have participated in the ceremony will be invited to the reception. If couples decide to have a kids-free party, then reconsider children in the ceremony.

• Think about another role for a young child that will not disrupt the proceedings. Perhaps he or she can help hand out birdseed or small bottles of bubbles to use when the couple has finished their vows. Or give children disposable cameras and allow them to capture a kids’-eye view of the wedding.

Couples who choose to have children participate in the ceremony have to realize that there is the potential for slip-ups. Keeping an open mind and some patience can make for some memorable moments and a little humor as well.

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honeymoon SAVING STRATEGIES

Weddings 13

A couple reeling from the cost of their wedding can still find ways to finance an affordable and memorable honeymoon.

Put the honeymoon off and travel during the off season.

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T

hanks to the changing landscape of weddings, today’s newlyweds are typically under more financial stress than the newly married couples of yesteryear.

The cost of weddings has risen over the years, and today’s couples are increasingly taking on the bill for their weddings without the help of Mom and Dad. One of the side effects of this shift in how weddings are paid for concerns honeymoons.

Whereas a honeymoon was once a tradition enjoyed by all newly married couples, today’s couples often find there’s not much money left to finance honeymoons after paying for their own weddings. But there are ways couples can still enjoy their dream getaway without breaking the bank.

Shop for all-inclusive packages. An allinclusive package might be tailor-made for couples with thin budgets. All-inclusive packages commonly include lodging, food, activities, and alcohol. This can make a trip considerably more affordable. A couple who just finished paying for their wedding expenses and doesn’t have deep pockets won’t have to worry about how they’re going to eat or enjoy themselves if they find an-inclusive package.

Put the honeymoon off and travel during the off season. Weddings often take place in warm weather seasons, which also happens to be tourist season. As a result, couples who get married during peak wedding season typically find it hard to book an affordable

honeymoon. Thankfully, there’s no rule that says a honeymoon must begin immediately after a couple walks down the aisle. Couples who are feeling a financial pinch can book their honeymoon for a few months after the wedding, when it’s not the height of tourist season and resort prices are more affordable.

Find a lesser-known locale. A Hawaiian honeymoon might be a dream for many couples, but it’s also an expensive dream.

Couples who are willing to do a little research can find deals in lesser-known locales that won’t be as expensive. What’s more, such locales likely offer more privacy, making them attractive to newlyweds who just survived the stress of planning and executing a wedding and simply want to get away.

Take to the Internet. Thanks to the Internet, travel deals are now easier to find than ever

before. Some Web sites will do cost analysis for their customers, showing customers how certain deals compare to others. Another way to save is to visit the airline Web site to investigate fares. When trips are booked through an airline Web site and not an unaffiliated travel site, booking fees and additional charges are often waived, saving customers substantial amounts of money.

Still, popular travel Web sites should not be ignored, as many offer vacation packages at great prices.

Consider a shorter trip. Honeymoons don’t have to last a full week. Couples can save considerable amounts of money by choosing a 5-day, 4-night package instead of a weeklong trip. Couples who do choose a shorter trip should choose a location that’s close to home so they don’t have to spend significant time traveling.

14 Weddings

Sunday, June 30, 2013 • The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |

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what is wedding

insurance?

Every bride and groom hopes their wedding will be a success. That includes the flowers and dresses being delivered on time and the reception site being ready to accommodate a night of fun. However, all too often weddings are plagued by unforseen events. Wedding insurance can help couples recuperate some or all of the money lost if replacement wedding arrangements need to be made.

Imagine a catering facility having to cancel use of the room because of a flood or other situation? What if a custom-made wedding gown is lost or damaged? Sometimes, wedding vendors, such as limousine services, fail to show up on the wedding day. Should any of these disasters occur, a couple getting married will not only have to scramble to book or buy replacements, but they will probably have to pay a large premium for short-term notice.

Having a wedding insurance policy in place can reduce out-of-pocket costs for emergency situations.

Not every couple needs to purchase wedding insurance. Some facilities or vendors offer their own built-in protection. Couples should ask to see individual insurance policies to confirm what will be covered in the event of an emergency. However, wedding insurance policies are relatively inexpensive ($150

to $500) when compared to the costs of some wedding elements. Therefore, many couples understand the benefit of purchasing insurance.

Wedding insurance will cover most aspects of the wedding. Considering the average wedding costs roughly $20,000, wedding insurance can offer peace of mind. After all, a person who purchases a $20,000 vehicle wouldn’t leave it uninsured.

There are a number of things that the insurance will cover, but each policy is different. It’s important to review the fine print before purchasing a policy. In general, here is what may be included.

• No-show vendors: If a florist or photographer fails to show up for the wedding, couples can recover some of the costs of the deposit and hiring a new vendor.

covered.

There are other items that can be included in a policy, such as damaged or missing gowns, tuxedos, and gifts; call to military service; honeymoon protection; and liability insurance for weddings at home.

Individuals cannot use wedding insurance to cover a cancellation of the wedding if the couple decides not to get married or something that was known about before the policy was purchased, such as a reception site facing foreclosure.

Wedding insurance can be a smart financial decision for large weddings with a high price tag. Couples can investigate policies by doing their homework online or by contacting an insurance company where they live.

• Weather: Some weddings need to be rescheduled due to extreme weather. The insurance will cover the cost of doing so.

• Missing officiant: If the pastor, rabbi or another celebrant doesn’t arrive, couples can recuperate their costs.

• Illness: Injuries or illnesses of key people in the wedding that may be grounds for rescheduling. Such rescheduling can be

Wedding reception meal choices A wedding reception is often a feast for guests. Be it a buffet-style cocktail hour or a three-course dinner, the food and fun seem to flow all night long. Some catering halls require notice of what guests will be eating prior to the wedding day so that food can be ordered and arranged. Others have a few set options that guests can choose from the night of the party.

Couples fretting over how to keep tally of guests’ menu selections may want to add a dinner choice line to their wedding reception response card. Although some etiquette experts frown at this approach, it is one of the easiest ways to count selections and report back to a catering hall. Chances are some guests have already seen this type of checklist on a response card, so there’s no need to add instructions.

Due to the varied palates of people, it pays to have two or more options from which guests can choose. Generally a beef dish, a poultry choice and a fish selection are offered. Inquire with the catering director as how to best handle special dietary restrictions, such as serving a vegetarian or someone who is diabetic or is limiting salt intake. There may be accommodations made for guests with certain needs.

The Times, Gainesville, Georgia |

Wedding processional

alternatives

Not every bride-to-be has visions of walking down the aisle to Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus.” Some prefer other songs that are romantic or dramatic. There may be a particular song dear to a bride’s heart or one she just fell in love with.

For those looking for something that more accurately reflects the tone of individual weddings, here are some selections, courtesy of The Knot, that can make the wedding even more special.

Traditional 1. “Air” (Handel) 2. “Canon in D” (Pachelbel) 3. “Procession of Joy” (Hopson) 4. “Te Deum” (Charpentier) 5. “Wedding March” (Mozart) 6. “Canzon V” (Gabrieli) 7. “Romeo & Juliet Love Theme” (Tchaikovsky) 8. “Winter” (Vivaldi)

Contemporary 1. “Sunrise, Sunset” (Hamick & Bock) 2. “The Look of Love” (Burt Bacharach) 3. “The Vow” (Lubbock) 4. “Wedding Processional” (Rodgers & Hammerstein)

Here are some other contemporary songs that can be used with lyrics or in instrumental versions as wedding processionals or first dances.

1. “Take Me As I Am” (Love Theme from “Jekyll & Hyde”) 2. “Marry Me” (Train) 3. “Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars) 4. “That’s All I Ask of You” (Love Theme from “Phantom of the Opera”) 5. “The Wind Beneath My Wings” (Bette Midler) 6. “Con Te Partiro” (Andrea Bocelli) 7. “My Heart Will Go On” (Love Theme from “Titanic”) 8. “You Raise Me Up” (Josh Groban)

gainesvilletimes com • Sunday, June 30, 2013

Weddings 15

Most popular months for weddings Every year millions of people walk down the aisle and begin the start of their new lives together as couples. December is one of the more popular months in which to get engaged, but other months of the year are more popular for weddings.

The decision on when to get married depends on a host of factors.

Some couples choose the date based on availability with a church or reception hall, while others might prefer to walk down the aisle during a specific season. Some couples choose to coordinate their wedding with a special event, such as a birthday or another day of note.

Most couples decide on a wedding month primarily for the weather.

That’s why the spring and summer are the most popular times of the year in which to tie the knot. Here is a list of the most popular months to tie the knot.

#1 JUNE #2 AUGUST #3 MAY #4 JULY #5 SEPTEMBER #6 OCTOBER #7 DECEMBER #8 NOVEMBER #9 APRIL #10 FEBRUARY #11 MARCH #12 JANUARY

Less popular months for weddings may be easier to book in terms of availability, and certain vendors may discount items because of a slower season. Having a wedding during this time can be advantageous if money is tight.

Did you know?

The Jewish tradition of breaking glass at a wedding dates back to the destruction of the ancient temple in Jerusalem. Taking place at the conclusion of the Seven Blessings, the breaking of the glass is meant to symbolize the breaking of the Jewish people’s hearts at the destruction of the temple. In addition, the tradition is meant to remind the Jewish people that even at the height of their happiness, they must never forget the destruction of the temple. During the ceremony, the groom will stomp on a glass wrapped in a cloth. Though it’s meant to remind the bride and groom as well as their guests what the Jewish people have been through throughout their history, this tradition has become a ritual many look forward to despite what it’s intended to symbolize. In fact, the shouts of “Mazel tov!” once the glass has been smashed typically begins a joyous celebration.

16 Weddings

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Toast of the town

Toasting tips for Best Men and Maids of Honor Wedding days are typically steeped in tradition. Whether it’s the hours before the wedding or the bride’s attire or the first dance, it seems no aspect of a couple’s big day isn’t accompanied by some ages-old tradition.

One of the more enjoyable wedding day traditions is the toast. Once the reception has begun, the maid of honor and the best man are trusted to toast the new bride and groom. Such toasts are typically heartfelt and humorous, but there are also a few guidelines to follow to ensure the toast is memorable for all the right reasons.

• Stand up! Stand up when delivering a wedding toast. Sitting down won’t command the guests’ attention, and your voice likely won’t carry as well if you’re sitting down.

• Don’t go too long. A good wedding toast shouldn’t stretch beyond five minutes. Longwinded toasts could come off as rambling and incoherent, and the guests will likely tune out if the toast goes longer than five minutes.

• Introduce yourself. Just because you’re a maid of honor or a best man doesn’t mean all of the guests know your relationship with the bride or groom. Make it brief, but provide an explanation of your relationship.

• Keep the toast appropriate. Many adults who have been to a wedding or two in their day have a story about a wedding toast gone awry. While these stories are humorous, no best man or maid of honor wants to have similar stories told about his or her toasts.

Make the toast appropriate, keeping in mind there might be some younger guests in attendance. In addition, avoid references to past relationships. Such references are awkward and uncomfortable.

• Don’t make it an “inside” joke. Maids of honor or best men are typically close friends or siblings of the bride and groom. Such a close relationship makes it easy to tell an inside joke only a few guests will understand. Avoid such inside jokes, as one of the goals of the toast

should be to illustrate your love and appreciation of the bride or groom in a way all guests can understand.

• Make it personal. A personal anecdote is a nice touch. Such anecdotes can be about anything, whether A successful wedding toast should be brief, it’s the first time you met your friend’s now-spouse or, if genuine and appropriate for guests of all ages. you’re not related to the bride or groom, how you met.

• Practice beforehand. Very few people can • Steer clear of the bar before the toast. survive “winging” a wedding toast. Practice Many a well-intentioned wedding toast the toast beforehand so you’re comfortable has gone horribly wrong thanks to alcohol. with what you’re going to say before the Maids of honor and best men should abstain moment arrives. from alcohol before their toasts to avoid embarrassing themselves and the bride and • Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. groom. If you’re especially nervous, maybe a Weddings are typically laid back and fun drink can help calm your nerves. But if you’re affairs, so don’t stress about giving the perfect going to drink before the toast, be sure to drink toast. If the toast comes off as genuine and stays appropriate, it’s a good toast. only in moderation.

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Weddings 17

DID YOU KNOW? Not all couples are in love with the idea of being the center of attention on their wedding day.

Some couples are simply uncomfortable in front of crowds both big and small. However, such couples who are about to walk down the aisle might want to take a cue from Prince William and his now princess bride, Catherine Middleton. In what many called the social event of the year and some called the most talked about wedding since Prince William’s late mother, Diana, walked down the aisle roughly 30 years earlier, the prince and his bride stayed cool under pressure despite the knowledge that their wedding was being broadcast all over the world. The Nielsen Co., which monitors television viewer habits across the globe, reported

that, in America alone, 22.76 million viewers watched the ceremony as it was taking place between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. EDT on Friday, April 29. That viewing was spread across 11 different networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, BBC America, and E! Entertainment.

But broadcast networks were not the only ones to reap the rewards of what came to be known as the Royal Wedding. E! Online reported its 23.6 million page views the Friday of the wedding was the most the site had ever garnered, while ABCNews.com, no stranger to big news stories itself, saw its online traffic reach its highest point since the 2008 presidential election.

18 Weddings

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Advantages to a smaller, intimate wedding A

wedding doesn’t have to be a mammoth event with 300 guests and a costly price tag. Many couples choose to walk down the aisle and then celebrate on a smaller scale with much success.

Millions of weddings take place across the globe every year. According to the Association for Bridal Consultants, the average American wedding includes 175 guests, and the average size of the wedding party is 12 people. Many couples may view these averages and feel pressured to throw a big wedding. But smaller events can be just as much fun and easier on the pocketbook as well.

One of the more obvious advantages to a small wedding is the cost. Many large weddings cost between $20,000 and $30,000 dollars. A small wedding will be significantly less simply because there are fewer people to feed. Catering costs account for a large

chunk of wedding budgets.

A reception with only 50 to 60 people may run $1000 or less.

Another benefit to a smaller wedding is a couple may be able to afford a higherpriced venue. Maybe there’s that historic castle or high-priced mansion that would be over budget if 200 guests were coming. With a much smaller guest list, the venue might now be affordable. Or, couples can look outside of wedding halls to restaurants for a nice dinner.

Small weddings tend to be more intimate.

Couples can spend more individual time with guests instead of having to spread their time thinly around a large reception hall. Special moments, such as speeches or words of wisdom, may bear more significance when the group is intimate.

Destination weddings have become quite popular and are most successful with a small group. Keeping a large guest list in order can prove challenging when traveling, which makes destination weddings ideal for small guest lists. Also, costs will be kept down if the couple is paying the travel fees for invitees.

It’s important for couples to keep in mind that a small wedding is not without certain challenges. Family members and friends may have their own perceptions of what a wedding should be. Once the idea of a small wedding is mentioned, it may be met with some opposition, particularly from parents who want to invite an extended list of friends and distant family members. This can make it difficult to pick and choose who to invite.

THE AVERAGE AMERICAN WEDDING INCLUDES

Another disadvantage is that large weddings evoke the energy of a big party and can make people less inhibited to celebrate and dance.

An empty dance floor at a smaller wedding may be intimidating to guests who will choose to sit and not fully enjoy themselves.

GUESTS

Ultimately, the decision to have a small-, medium- or large-size wedding is entirely up to the couple or the person who will be financing the event. Wedding planning is largely the personal choice of the couple who will be saying their “I dos.”

175

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Weddings 19

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For a wedding celebration you’ll remember for a lifetime . . .

Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites offer wedding packages in rustic, romantic settings with indoor and outdoor spaces for an intimate ceremony or a large celebration. Our scenic locations provide perfect photo opportunities for your engagement or wedding. We’ll also ensure that your guests have a great stay with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy including golf, hiking, paddling and so much more. Let us provide a unique backdrop for your special event, and we’ll make sure all your planning needs are met.

Visit GaStateParks.org/weddings for more information.