Bride's Guide 2015

Bride’s Guide 2015 ❧ Page In

Bride’s GUIDE 2015

Owatonna.com

Page 2 ❧ Bride’s Guide 2015

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Bride’s Guide 4 The 12 essentials of a dream wedding

Have Your Reception at the O w a t o n n a

Country Club

6 Ceremony, officiant, and reception 7 How to immortalize your wedding 8 Creating atmosphere is the secret to your reception

9 Four smart ways to invite your guests to table 10 An invitation like no other 11 The perfect wedding band to tie the knot 12 The most beautiful bride from head to toe 13 Coordinate outfits for the perfect bride and groom

14 Decorating suggestions for your reception 15 Special transportation for a special occasion 16 Wedding favor ideas for your guests 17 Five destination ideas for your honeymoon 18 The head table: Always a delicate matter

O C C

19 A carefully planned seating chart 20 Golden Rules for respectful guests 21 The roles of main or matron of honor and best man

22 Writing your own vows? How to get past writers block

23 The perfect gift for the couple Publisher - Ron Ensley Advertising Director - Debbie Ensley Media Consultants - Alisha Davidson, Per Kvalsten, Jay Petsche, Jennifer Sorensen Graphics and Design - Lauren Barber, Nikkie Gilmore, Keeley Krebsbach, Jenine Kubista, Kelly Kubista Cover Design - Keeley Krebsbach Bride’s Guide is published by the Owatonna People’s Press 135 West Pearl, Owatonna, MN 55060 and printed by Cannon Valley Printing, Northfield, MN 55057.

All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertiser.

No portion of the advertising or editorial content of the Bride’s Guide may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

All rights reserved. ©2015

Owatonna.com 135 West Pearl l Owatonna l 507-451-2840

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Page 4 ❧ Bride’s Guide 2015

The 12 essentials of a dream wedding

PHOTOS: JUPITERIMAGES / STOCKBYTE THINKSTOCK

A wedding is the event of a lifetime. This special day has to be perfect, hence the importance of taking care of even the smallest of organizational details. You don’t want to forget anything, whether it’s a reservation, a fitting, or a trial run for your menu and hairstyle.

Here’s a checklist of the 12 key elements you’ll need to take care of along the path to your dream wedding.

5. THE INVITATIONS Don’t wait until the last minute to send out your invitations if you want all the important people in your life to be with you for this celebration. Remember to indicate the theme and dress code. And do think about including selfaddressed stamped envelopes for those essential RSVPs.

1. THE CEREMONY, THE OFFICIANT, AND THE RECEPTION Are you going to have a civil or religious wedding? Have you asked your best friend to unite you in wedlock? And will the reception be in the country, on a cruise ship, or in a hotel ballroom?

Make sure the location you choose can easily accommodate all your guests.

You’ll also want to think about signing a marriage contract or prenuptial agreement.

7. BEAUTY APPOINTMENTS Hairstyle, manicure, waxing, and makeup: leave nothing to chance if you want to be stunning on your big day.

Make your appointments for just the right time; you don’t want your roots to be visible under your veil!

2. THE MEAL AND THE WEDDING CAKE There are loads of things to think about when organizing the meal: the format; the menu; a children’s menu; the bar; and the wedding cake. Say, why not set up a candy bar?

And don’t forget to ask about your guests’ food allergies.

3. THE ATMOSPHERE What theme will you choose to set the tone for your wedding: a colour, a culture, a historical period? Which DJ will get your guests out on the dance floor? Will you surprise everyone with a unique first dance?

4. PHOTOGRAPHER How will you immortalize your wedding: photos, videos, or both? Remember to plan for an indoor photo session in case Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate on your big day.

6. WEDDING BANDS Your wedding bands are the symbols of your love; choose them with care.

Do you both want gold, silver, or with diamonds? Discreet or extravagant? With or without an engraving?

8. THE DRESS, SUIT, AND ACCESSORIES The outfits of bride, groom, and wedding party should be coordinated. Will you be a vision in white or will See ESSENTIALS on 5

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Bride’s Guide 2015 ❧ Page 5

Essentials From page 4 you choose to add a colourful note?

And will the perfect dress feature something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue?

11. GUEST FAVOURS A personalized trinket, a gourmet sample, or a home decor object: have you found the perfect wedding favour to thank your guests for joining you?

10. TRANSPORTATION Will you arrive by boat, car, horse-drawn carriage, or maybe even by parachute? Whatever your choice, be sure to take your dress and the weather into consideration.

GET OUT YOUR CALENDAR, GET SET, AND RESERVE! Make your reservations early in order to secure the top experts in every domain. Remember that their talents are in big demand.

12. THE HONEYMOON A truly idyllic honeymoon shouldn’t 9. FLOWERS AND DECORATIONS break your budget. Are you tempted Have you chosen a colour scheme for by an exotic island or a vibrant city? your flowers and decorative accesso- Choose the destination and the timries? What are your favourite flowers? ing carefully to stay in line with your How will the tables be dressed? means.

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Page 6 ❧ Bride’s Guide 2015

Ceremony, officiant, and reception

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO RESERVE Have you made the big decision to get married? Then there’s no time to lose, especially with regard to the venue for both the ceremony and the reception. It’s no secret that the best dates get snapped up quickly, especially for the most beautiful settings.

Even the services of the marriage officiant should be reserved early.

The first step is to determine whether you want a religious or civil wedding. Then comes the choice of reception venue.

The possibilities abound: reception hall, conference centre, restaurant, hotel, country inn, golf club, outfitter, ski resort, spa, vineyard, orchard, farm, sugar shack, museum, botanical garden, marina, cruise ship, or cottage. The options depend only on your imagination.

legalities in your destination country so you can be sure your union is legally watertight.

You and your fiancé should also discuss a marriage contract that clarifies your financial contributions and responsibilities to each other, especially if either of you has children from another marriage. It may not seem very romantic, or one of you may feel the other is preparing to abandon the marriage before it even gets started, but that’s not what it’s all about. A prenuptial agreement shows that you take marriage seriously, as a legal and moral commitment. A future spouse who is well informed before saying “I do” is a worthy counterpart.

PHOTO: MARIA TEIJEIRO / THINKSTOCK

Narrow down your list of choices by finding out if they can accommodate everyone on your guest list. Ask about the services and equipment available, such as tables and chairs, decorations, catering, entertainment, liquor license, bathrooms, kitchen area, and audio and video equipment. Be sure to check what is and what isn’t included in the package.

THE LEGALITIES You want to unite your destinies abroad? Find out about marriage There are endless possibilities for where you can celebrate your new life as a married couple.

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Bride’s Guide 2015 ❧ Page 7

How to immortalize your wedding

A FEW CLICKS OF THE SHUTTER Make sure the best moments of your wedding are captured by a professional photographer who knows how to be unobtrusive.

But what if the weather’s bad and the lighting in the hall is terrible? Don’t panic; a photo session can be scheduled a few days before or after the wedding. A good photographer will know how to immortalize your union in an unusual and stunning way, worthy of a

glossy magazine.

With a photo booth and a few accessories at the reception, your guests can also pose for posterity.

A few crazy snapshots will definitely help them remember the event. You can even ask your guests to send you a few of their favourite photos that they took during the festivities.

A WEDDING FILMED FROM EVERY ANGLE Guest interviews, staging, backstage cameras at the ceremony: it sounds like Hollywood! A wedding videographer will trace the history of this unique day as if it were a movie.

You’ll be filmed from the moment you start your wedding preparations with your bridesmaids, making the final product a treat for all the people you love.

PHOTO: JUPITERIMAGES / THINKSTOCK

Your wedding is going to be overflowing with meaningful gestures: bountiful affection, tender gazes, knowing smiles shared between the two of you, not to mention the kiss that seals your vows. Weddings are filled with a panoply of intimate moments that you’ll want to capture for posterity. If it’s documented well, it’ll be an exciting day that you can live and relive, over and over again.

A picture is worth a thousand words,so you’d better multiply the memories of this special day.

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Page 8 ❧ Bride’s Guide 2015

Creating atmosphere is the secret to your reception What makes one wedding more fun than another? There’s no need to look far: the secret is in the atmosphere. Here are some tips on how to organize a memorable wedding reception.

THE THEME Begin by choosing the theme that will be the foundation of the wedding. This will guide you through your clothing and decorating choices, and it will even determine the wedding favours you offer and the meal the caterer serves. The theme can be a colour or combination of colours, an era or a season, a country or a culture, an object or a shared passion. Above all, it should reflect both your personalities.

DJ or musicians, you’ll have more fun at your own wedding. You’ll both be able to circulate amongst your guests, and there won’t be any uncomfortable lulls. A good DJ is a facilitator who can adapt to the age and tastes of the guests and keep the momentum going.

Just be sure that anyone you hire can entertain according to your theme.

PHOTO: JUPITERIMAGES / THINKSTOCK

SOME IDEAS FOR SURPRISING YOUR GUESTS • Plan a unique arrival at the reception.

• Set up a photo booth with wacky accessories.

• Provide a guest book that can be a decorative item in your home after the reception.

• Work out a dance routine to perform together or with your wedding party.

ENTERTAINMENT • Have a karaoke machine for later on, at the reception.

AND MUSIC If you hire an enter- • Release disposable lanterns into the sky when it gets dark, or tainer along with your plan some fireworks.

• Hire a magician, a croupier with casino tables, or a caricaturist to entertain your guests.

Choose a theme that will add a unique flavour • Serve custom cocktails, poured by a professional flair to your wedding and bartender who can juggle bottles and do some spectacular reception. bartending tricks.

Blooms of Love

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Electricity on grounds • Sound System and Operating Staff • Chairs Skirted Display Tables • Unity Table • Bridal Chamber • Emergency Kits • Bathroom Facilities • Card Box • Satin Seat Covers

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Bride’s Guide 2015 ❧ Page 9

Four smart ways to invite your guests to table 1. A banquet. This is the classic wedding dinner format. It’s often preceded by a cocktail reception with appetizers and a cash- or open bar. The meal, which includes several courses, is served to guests at their tables by wait staff. The cost varies according to the number of courses and the choice and variety of dishes on offer.

2. Tapas. It’s possible to replace the traditional three course meal with tapas, or assorted samples of different dishes. These can be a meal in themselves when served at the table and in sufficient quantities.

3. A cocktail party. This format involves an informal seating plan that allows guests to circulate and nibble

on a variety of finger foods throughout the evening. It’s a great way to encourage mingling among your guests.

4. A buffet. Simple and affordable, a buffet has the advantage of offering a wider variety of food. Guests get to serve themselves, according to their specific tastes.

Discuss the different options with the person responsible for the reception. Whatever format you choose, always Banquet, tapas, buffet, or cocktail party: which will you choose to provide options for the satisfy your guests’ appetites? children and ask guests about allergies, intolerances, and dietary laws. Think about whether you want to offer an open bar or a cash bar, and whether you want to serve a dessert in addition to your wedding cake. These days, other sweet ideas are gaining in popularity at receptions, including cupcakes and allyou-can-eat candy bars. Ask your caterer about all the Meeting and event rooms for bridal showers, latest trends. grooms dinners, and hospitality rooms Space for intimate weddings and receptions Large pool, whirlpool, & game area Complimentary hot, home-style breakfast favorites Group Rates Available AmericInn Shuttle Service A friendly & professional staff dedicated to making your stay enjoyable

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PHOTO: JOHN FOXX / THINKSTOCK

What you give your guests to eat at your wedding reception shouldn’t be decided lightly, especially as the meal generally swallows up a large part of the wedding budget.

Here are a few options.

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Page 10 ❧ Bride’s Guide 2015

An invitation like no other The countdown has started; sending out your wedding invitations makes it all seem official. It is an important step indeed. In addition to announcing your wedding, this little piece of cardstock, tucked so neatly into its pretty envelope, gives your guests a taste of the celebrations to come. Their curiosity will definitely be aroused.

To show all this promise, your invitation should include: • the names of the bride and groom (include those of the respective parents if you want to follow the tradition of the parents hosting the wedding) • the location, date, and time of the ceremony • RSVP cards and envelopes (encourage your guests to

confirm their presence by including a pre-stamped reply card) • an invitation to the reception (feel free to invite only certain guests to the party following the ceremony; specify the theme, dress code, location, and menu choices) IT’S A GO! Send one invitation per address, whether it’s to a single person, couple, or family.

Invitations should be mailed at least three months before the big day. If you’re inviting your guests to join you abroad for your wedding, or if some of your guests live outside the country, try to send your invitations as early as eight months in advance. Keep a few spare invitations, just in case.

An invitation styled according to your wedding theme will give your guests a hint of what’s to come.

NEED SOME INSPIRATION? When it comes to invitation design, it isn’t always easy to transform your ideas into reality. You can turn to websites or

wedding magazines for help.

If you’re not very artistic, choose a template or hire a graphic designer to create a unique wedding invitation.

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Bride’s Guide 2015 ❧ Page 11

The perfect wedding band to tie the knot

THE METAL • Gold. Whether it’s yellow, pink, or white, gold is always a safe bet. The price varies according to the number of Karats (abbreviated by K or kt).

• Platinum. This metal is attractive and very durable, but more expensive.

• Titanium. It’s less expensive and doesn’t scratch or fade, but it isn’t as shiny as

gold or platinum.

• Silver. This is typically the most affordable option, but pure silver oxidizes over time.

DISCRETION VS. EXTRAVAGANCE You might enjoy having a ring that’s striated, bejeweled, or engraved with a personal message from your beloved. There’s nothing to stop you from being creative and commissioning tailormade wedding bands from your jeweler. Men typically Gold, platinum, silver, or diamonds: what will you choose for your prefer to opt for discretion dream wedding ring? and comfort; jewellery without gemstones is less fragile and thus more popular with them. And even though rings are available in an endless range of possibilities, most women still choose diaCash Wise Offers: monds, which are, of course, • Professional Florists Wedding & Reception Flowers forever.

Wedding superstition holds that you shouldn’t try on your wedding bands before the big day, and that the groom-to-be should keep the rings until the wedding.

But the only really important rule is that this day be filled with happiness.

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PHOTO: GOODSHOOT / THINKSTOCK

Since time immemorial, wedding bands have symbolized the continuity of marriage. Legend has it that a wedding ring is customarily worn on the left ring finger because of the vena amoris, or “vein of love”; it was thought to have a uniquely direct connection to the heart. We know today that all the fingers have similar privileges, but your choice of wedding ring is still as important as ever. After all, you’re hoping that it will adorn your ring finger until death do you part. Your tastes, your gender, and especially your budget are the main factors to consider in choosing the right band.

Page 12 ❧ Bride’s Guide 2015

The most beautiful bride from head to toe The excitement, joy, and anticipation you’ll feel on the big day will make you radiant with beauty. After all, there’s nothing like a good dose of happiness to put a blush on the cheeks, a sparkle in the eyes, and a beautiful smile on every bride’s face.

But to truly glow from head to toe, perhaps you should think about consulting some beauty professionals.

1. THE HAIR STYLIST A stunning bride needs a fabulous hairstyle.

Whichever style appeals to you, you’ll want to entrust your hair to the expert hands of a real hair salon professional.

Remember to make two appointments: one to try different hairstyles, and another for the big day.

2. THE ESTHETICIAN Manicure, pedicure, hair removal, facial, eyelash extensions, and massage: a wedding is the perfect excuse to pamper your body.

Not to mention that stray

body hairs, dry skin, and damaged nails are not on the guest list! Don’t forget to make two separate appointments for your makeup as well.

3. THE DENTIST Because laughter is the right of every newly married couple, treat yourself to a teeth whitening treatment for a sparkling smile.

Future brides should make their appointments early; the best beauty

A BEAUTIFUL AND ORGANIZED professionals are always in demand.

BRIDE • Make your appointments as soon as possible.

• Carry a photo of your dress and accessories to all your appointments, along with Excellent facility for inspiring images from seating up to 350 people magazines. ~ • Find out the best time Affordable Rental, Beverage, to pamper yourself with & Food Service Rates! ~ the various treatments.

Ample parking available This way you won’t ~ have any regrets, such as Stage with wing entrance doors hair colouring done too ~ early (hello, roots!) or a Dance Floor ~ microdermabrasion done Very good lighting and acoustics too close to your big day. ~ Excellent food service available ~ Alcohol and non-alcohol beverage service

Contact Sheri Tapp at 507-676-7287 for availability and pricing for your event!

BloomingPrairie Serviceman’s Club 210 4th Street NE • Blooming Prairie, MN 507-583-7884

Bride’s Guide 2015 ❧ Page 13

Coordinated outfits for the perfect bride and groom THE BRIDE On your big day all eyes will be on you. Even though the pure white wedding dress remains a classic, many brides break with tradition by opting for a more colourful outfit. No matter what your preference, be sure to choose a dress that enhances your figure and is comfortable to wear.

THE GROOM Even though the groom isn’t supposed to see the dress before the ceremony, he should at least know its colour so that your outfits are somewhat harmonized. A light or a dark suit goes well with a white dress, while a light-toned suit (yellow or

ivory) is suitable alongside a dark dress. Whatever the case, choose a suit made of top quality material, such as linen, wool, or raw silk.

ACCESSORIES Accessories add the finishing touch to both your outfits. For the bride: choose a veil (or head accessory), jewellery, shoes, and a bouquet that enhance your dress. Don’t forget to have something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. For the groom: choose between a tie, cravat, or bow tie. And to look like a perfect gentleman, dare to wear a hat, vest, cufflinks, and pocket square. You can leave out the matching cummerbund, though; alas, they belong to another time.

PHOTO: STOCKBYTE / THINKSTOCK

One thing is certain about your wedding: the bride and groom are going to be the centre of attention all day long. So be sure to think colour and style coordination when making your fashion choices.

Shop well in advance; you’ll never find the perfect outfits at the last minute.

Bella Vita SALON Hours of Operation: Operation Monday-Saturday 10-8 Sunday 11-6

And don’t forget, the bridal party’s suits and dresses should harmonize with the bride and groom’s outfits.

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Page 14 ❧ Bride’s Guide 2015

Decorating suggestions for your reception Whether your wedding reception is set to take place in a reception hall or at home, the decorations are a key element that should never be overlooked. Here are a few ideas.

grance and freshness. Some of the most popular flowers are red and white roses, tulips, lilies, azaleas, and bluebells. Discuss your preferences with different florists before you choose which one to hire for your big day.

COLOUR Pink, blue, red, or gold: get out your colour charts to determine a colour scheme that will plunge your guests into your wedding theme.

A WHOLE BUNCH OF IDEAS Garlands, topiary, bouquets, or delicately scattered fl owers occupy a prominent place at any wedding. Some couples prefer top-quality silk flowers for their longevity, but

PHOTO: JUPITERIMAGES / THINKSTOCK

most opt for natural flowers because of their fra-

OTHER ELEMENTS FOR A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING • Monograms. The initials of the newlyweds can elegantly personalize the reception venue and the guest favours.

• Fabrics. Dress the room from top to bottom in theme-inspired fabrics.

Ceiling and wall hangings give an imposing touch to your wedding.

Use wrinkle-free cotton or satin fabric to dress up the tables.

• Wedding lanterns. Hang these cozy lights high above your guests; rice paper lamps diffuse harsh hall lighting and create magical surroundings.

• Wall hangings. Garlands, pennants, beads, pompoms, and streamers add a whimsical touch to walls.

• Table settings. Use fabric bows and slipcovers to transform plain chairs.

Disperse bouquets, candle holders, and other centerpiece features along the tables to bring coherence to the whole room.

The perfect place for you and your wedding guests Show your unique

wedding style through coordinated

SAVE THE DATES,

Invitations, rsvp cards programs. &

Our beautiful, inviting hotel is the perfect place for your incoming wedding guests.

We offer discounted rooms for your guests. Ask for details on a free room for the bride & groom.

Please visit our website for our special wedding offers.

Complimentary Hot Breakfast • Indoor Pool & Whirlpool Small Meeting Room Available for: Gift Openings . Bridal Showers . Anniversary Parties

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Bride’s Guide 2015 ❧ Page 15

Special transportation for a special occasion motorcycle or scooter.

• You like a bit more comfort? Show up in a classy limousine, race car, or vintage car.

PHOTO: LIZ GREGG / THINKSTOCK

It only lasts for a few minutes, but the arrival of the newlyweds at the reception launches the fun part of the wedding celebrations. After saying “I do” to your significant other, how will you go about surprising your guests when you make your grand entrance?

• You’re both green at heart?

Opt for an entrance in a horse-drawn carriage, on a bicycle, or even better, on a tandem bike.

Dare to be original and arrive in style.

ARRIVING IN STYLE You’re allowed to impress your guests any way you want when it’s your wedding.

So the aim is to find a unique way to arrive that reflects your personalities and the theme of the festivities. Here are a few suggestions.

• For a waterfront reception, arrive on a boat to cause a real sensation.

• You prefer to stay on terra firma? Join your guests on two wheels, making your appearance on a

• For an extravagant touch, dare to make a theatrical arrival by helicopter, parachute, or hot-air balloon.

If you want your wishes to come true, don’t wait until the last minute to make your reservations. When the time comes to decide on your choice of transportation, be sure to take into consideration the reception venue, the weather forecast for your big day, and the bride’s gown; it may even be wise to plan a second outfit for the trip.

Making Your Wedding

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On Site Catering Available

VFW

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507-451-1001

Page 16 ❧ Bride’s Guide 2015

Wedding favor ideas for your guests

GOURMET FAVOURS Chocolates, sugared almonds, or other treats will delight those with a sweet tooth. You can personalize your assortments by adding your initials or an illustration that represents you both. For a winter wedding, a hot chocolate mix is a comforting gift that your guests can enjoy to their heart’s content.

FAVOURS FROM MOTHER NATURE Nature lovers, this gift is for you: a pretty box filled with potting soil and some tiny succulents so your guests will leave with some genuine greenery. Or, opt for seeds to symbolize the beginning of your new life together.

SCENTED FAVOURS Scented candles are perfect for most weddings, as they’re available in all shapes and colours. You

PHOTO: BUCCINA STUDIOS / THINKSTOCK

Your guests have honored you with their presence and it’s now time to thank them.

Ideally, your wedding favors will include the names of the bride and groom and the date you exchanged your vows. Here is a selection of ideas to give your wedding the perfect finishing touch.

Don’t let your guests leave without a little favour to thank them for joining you.

could also consider giving bath salts or shell-shaped soaps for a nautical theme, or rose potpourris for a vintage wedding.

DECORATIVE FAVOURS A magnet for the fridge, coasters, photos, or snow globes: think traditional souvenir trinkets. They’ll feature a photo of you both that your guests will treasure.

not offer a box of cigars, a small item of jewelery, or a bottle of good wine.

This is especially suitable for smaller weddings.

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Bride’s Guide 2015 ❧ Page 17

Five destination ideas for your honeymoon

1. A SUN DESTINATION Turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and palm trees…

Can you already picture yourselves sitting by the sea, sipping delicious cocktails? The beaches of Mexico, Cuba, or any other exotic island setting are good picks.

2. AN URBAN DESTINATION Paris, Tokyo, New York, Las Vegas, Venice, London...

World-class cities are great destinations for cool couples who are lovers of good food and culture. If you’re looking to experience the excitement that only the world’s biggest cities can provide, choose an ur ban adventure.

3. AN ECO-HOLIDAY DESTINATION You both long for open

spaces and fresh air?

You’ll discover intimate and ma gical places during a romantic trip to the countryside.

Whether you prefer the woods, mountain tops, or remote jungles, this kind of honeymoon is for adventurous couples only.

PHOTO: JEREMY MAUDE / THINKSTOCK

Are you getting married soon? It will be a memorable day followed by an unforgettable trip. Here are some tips to help you discover that little piece of paradise that will turn your honeymoon into an unforgettable experience.

4. A FIVE-STAR DESTINATION For a shorter honeymoon, especially one that’s close to home, treat yourselves to a few nights in a luxury hotel suite. Elegance, peace, and sensual pleasures are on the schedule; what a great way to start married life.

5. A MYSTERY DESTINATION Instead of traditional wedding gifts, you could ask your families or guests to work together in choosing a surprise destination for you and your beloved. Are you brave enough to play along? Just be sure to take your budget into consideration before spinning the globe to pick your dream destination.

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Page 18 ❧ Bride’s Guide 2015

The head table: Always a delicate matter

Typically, if the parents of the bride or groom are divorced and remarried, they are not seated at the head table with their new spouses. However, if head table space and family relationships allow for it, then toss convention to the wind and do what feels right for your fa mily. One practical solution is to organize a separate table for step-parents and their families, which could be in close proximity to the head table or an extension of it. Another option is to use a table in the shape of a half circle just for the bride

and groom, the maid of honour, and the best man.

The partners of the wedding party members sit at other tables.

There are many ways to organize the seating at the head table, but generally speaking, the groom is seated to the right of the bride. If the bridal party is seated at the head table with the newly married couple in the centre, then All eyes will be on the head table, so it is important to choose who men and women are seated sits there very carefully. alternately.

If you’re afraid of hur- are seated alone. This is one happy at the wedding ting the feelings an increasingly common reception. of people who you solution for keeping everyhave not chosen to sit at the head table, you could THE PERFECT always ask them to host PLACE the ta ble where they will FOR YOUR WEDDING! be seated. In that case, be sure to indicate the names HC HOURS Tuesday, Wednesday and of the table hosts on your Friday: 10am–4pm seating chart.

Thursday: 10am–8pm If it is proving difficult to find a head table arrangement that pleases everyone, you might want to resort to a “sweetheart” table, at which the bride and groom

Saturday: 10am–3pm Sunday: Closed

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Use the SACO CHURCH for your wedding and the HISTORY CENTER Wenger Multi-purpose Room and Outdoor Patio for your reception.

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PHOTO: GEORGE DOYLE / THINKSTOCK

Planning your head table seating arrangements can be tricky, especially when parents are divorced or remarried. It is important to leave lots of time to plan a solution to this problem and consult the parties involved; if done well in advance of the wedding day, chances are that you can accommodate everybody’s needs.

Bride’s Guide 2015 ❧ Page 19

A carefully planned seating chart

1. Seat guests in a logical fashion. Place families, colleagues, and groups of friends close together; keep separated couples, or guests who don’t get along, as far apart as possible.

2. Pregnant women and parents with young children should be positioned close to the exit and the bathrooms, but well away from any loudspeakers.

If some tables might be moved after the meal in order to create more dance floor space, reserve the tables that will not be moved for these people.

Find out ahead of time if high chairs or booster seats will be needed.

PHOTO: BUCCINA STUDIOS / THINKSTOCK

A seating chart is essential if you want your guests to be able to find their seats quickly and easily at the wedding reception.

A seating chart is also an easy way to show the wait staff where children’s meals have to be served and which of your guests have allergies or special diets. It also allows you to strategically place the guests of your choice close to the head table.

3. Try to seat guests with at least one person they already know.

You can seat strangers at the same table, but do your best to ensure that they have common interests or will get along with each other.

4. Try to have an equal number of men and women at the same table.

5. Children nine years old and younger should be seated with their parents. You could reserve a table for 10- to 17-year-olds, but be sure that

Creating a successful seating chart requires time and thought.

it is situated towards the back of the room, as younger guests usually pay less attention to the speeches and prefer talking among themselves.

The completed seating chart can then be printed and positioned at the entrance of the reception hall, or you can give to someone dependable the task of directing guests to their tables.

The guest list: A little more complicated than a grocery list!

Are you the type of person who has lots of friends, gets on well with work colleagues, and is involved in plenty of activities or sports? If you are sociable, love meeting people, and have the gift of building solid friendships quickly, you’ll probably find that compiling your wedding guest list is a little trickier than putting together a grocery list!

First of all, you should ask yourself if your budget warrants an intimate ceremony or a huge affair. Although your big day isn’t just about money, the basic budget factor for the whole day is based on how many guests you invite to your reception: the more there are, the more expensive it will be.

And, of course, more guests also means a more complex

planning and set-up operation.

Keep in mind that every guest has the option of bringing a partner, which quickly extends the guest list. Start by listing the names of your respective parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, and closest friends.

After this you could add the names of all the uncles, aunts, and cousins. The list may now be already as long as you can handle. If your heart is set on a bigger wedding, you could always add the names of your work colleagues, distant family members, and old friends while choosing to offer a simple one-course meal or buffet.

Alternately, you could invite many to your wedding ceremony, and just a few closer relations to a smaller, more intimate reception.

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Page 20 ❧ Bride’s Guide 2015

Golden Rules for respectful guests

For women, there is one golden rule to follow: never wear a white dress. The bride should be the only person to dress in this colour; for someone else to wear it would show very poor manners, as if they were trying to steal the show.

Provocative styles, such as very short, tight dresses with plunging necklines, should

also be avoided. Dresses made of a silky fabric are classics, and a light woven wool is alright, but avoid knits and worn looking fabrics. Long dresses are not obligatory, but hemlines should never go too high — a dress cut just above the knee is the most appropriate choice.

For men, a long-sleeved shirt tucked inside the pants with a belt and a tie is a basic courtesy. Smart pants in a dark colour complete the outfit. Wearing a sports jacket Dressing in an appropriate manner and appearing or suit jacket will depend on well-groomed are essential for a wedding. the type of wedding you’ve been invited to. The impor- groom may specify a colour they want to standardize the tant thing is to forgo casual that they want all their guests photographs in their souveclothing and bright colours, to wear for their wedding. If nir album. Don’t forget that like those flashy Hawaiian this is the case, try to be agre- this is the bride and groom’s eable about it and follow their day, not an occasion to try shirts! wishes. It may be that they and stand out from the other Once in a while, the bride and have a wedding theme, or that guests.

PHOTO: JUPITERIMAGES / THINKSTOCK

For an important event such as a wedding, it is absolutely essential to dress in an appropriate manner and appear well-groomed. However, it isn’t always easy to make the right choice for these occasions, especially because of the great variety of styles that blur the boundaries between casual and formal.

Choosing the right bouquet A bouquet is an important accessory for any bride, one that should be coordinated with the dress as well as the style of the wedding itself. Here are a few tips for choosing the right bouquet: • If you’re wearing a long dress, your options are broader: your bouquet can be round, simple, or cascading. If your gown is shorter, however, it is advisable to opt for a round or discreet bouquet so that your flowers will not hide the dress.

• If you’re dreaming of a huge bouquet, keep in mind that the more imposing the bouquet, the heavier it will be to carry.

That could get tiring, not to mention the chore of trying to throw it over your shoulder! You should also take your figure into consideration when making your choice: a tiny or very slim silhouette can be overwhelmed with a

large bouquet.

• Think about personalizing your bouquet with accessories such as lace, pearls, or even fruits. Be sure to set yourself a budget: flowers that are rare or out of season will make your bouquet costs climb.

THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS Even though some brides choose a bouquet for its look, others prefer to use flowers that have a traditional symbolic meaning: red roses (love), white roses (pure love), lilies (purity), carnations (sincere love), tulips (perfect love). If this language means something to you, perhaps you’d better avoid yellow roses (infidelity) and narcissus (selfishness)!

Most important of all, be careful not to choose flowers that will spread pollen all over your beautiful gown.

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Bride’s Guide 2015 ❧ Page 21

Someone close to you has asked you to be their best man or maid of honour, a role you have happily accepted. But what exactly does this entail?

The maid or matron of honour gives a short speech during the reception and offers practical and emotional support to the bride throughout the planning and organization of the wedding. She also takes care of a wide range of small but important details: helping with the invitations and shopping for the dress and the bride’s bouquet, and dealing with last minute surprises. In other words, it’s a busy time for the maid of honour as well as for the bride.

The role of a best man is virtually identical. On the big day, he helps the groom dress and accompanies him to the ceremony. Most importantly, he holds the wedding bands. Like any good host, he is the first to

arrive at the reception hall in order to welcome the newly married couple. He makes the first toast of the evening and dances with the bride as well as her mother and the mother of the groom.

Of course, the maid of honour is traditionally in charge of organizing the hen or bachelorette party, and the groom organizes the stag party. One innovative idea for a hen party is to organize a relaxing day at a spa to relieve accumulated stress, followed by a gourmet meal and an evening at a nightclub. For the men, the groom’s interests are a good indication for a suitable bachelor party: if he loves playing golf and going to the casino, then an afternoon on the golf course followed by an evening on a floating casino is a brilliant plan.

In short, the privileged role of the maid of honour and of the best man is to ensure that everything runs smoothly, before and during the wedding. Don’t

PHOTO: STOCKBYTE / THINKSTOCK

The roles of maid or matron of honor and best man

The role of the best man and the maid of honour is to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

forget that if you have been invited to fill one of these key roles, it is because you

are trusted. And that is an honour in itself!

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Page 22 ❧ Bride’s Guide 2015

Writing your own vows?

How to get past writer’s block If you have opted for a religious ceremony, many priests or pastors will provide you with traditional vows. If that is the case, you won’t have to think too hard. On the other hand, if you have decided on a more unconventional route, writing your own vows is a wonderfully romantic idea. But what if you can’t quite get your thoughts and feelings down on the page? What if you find yourself stuck in front of a blank page for hours on end? Here are a few suggestions for expressing your love without sounding overly sentimental.

Start by asking yourself the right questions. How did you fall in love with your future spouse? What does commitment mean to

you? And marriage? Your answers are the best material to use, as they come straight from your heart.

Keep your vows simple and concise so they will be memorable and interesting.

There is nothing wrong with drawing inspiration from a favourite poet or a line from a movie. Most of all, you don’t want to see your guests’ eyelids getting heavy! A good rule to follow is to make the vows about the same length as traditional vows, which are between 30 to 40 seconds long when spoken. If you have too many feelings to express in this amount of time, then you could take up to a minute, but not any longer.

You won’t make a mistake if you are speaking from the heart. Once you have your vows down on paper, practice them until you have them memorized perfectly.

Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to have a copy tucked into your sleeve, just in case your nerves play with your memory.

PHOTO: STOCKBYTE / THINKSTOCK

“I do” are not the only words you’ll have to say during your wedding ceremony. Not to put any pressure on you, but your vows are the reason for your union and they should be chosen and spoken with care.

You can’t go wrong if you speak from your heart.

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Bride’s Guide 2015 ❧ Page 23

The perfect gift for the couple Choosing a wedding gift is not always an easy task. You might not know the couple well, which means you don’t really know their tastes or style, and you might not be sure how much money to spend.

him-and-her spa passes makes a nice outing for the couple as wedding prep stress begins to build, or you could offer a gift certificate for an evening out at a chic restaurant for when they return from their honeymoon.

A reasonable solution is to offer a gift certificate from a department or specialty store, or even cash. This kind of gift allows the couple to choose exactly what they need. Alternatively, you could offer them an item from a bridal registry at a department store. You can ask the bride or groom where they’re registered or ask at a store if the couple has set one up.

Wedding guests often wonder how much they should spend on a gift. If your budget is limited, there are many ways to be generous without breaking the bank.

You could offer a shared gift along with some friends, which would allow you to offer a single large item that none could afford alone. You could make a gift of your time and help with the wedding preparations, or compose a song dedicated to the new couple. Or, you could offer a symbolic gift, such as a tree that they can plant and watch

If you’re close to the bride or groom, you might consider a more intimate gift. A pair of

It’s hard to go wrong with a gift of cash; the bride and groom will be able to buy exactly what they need.

grow over the years.

Whatever the gift, be sure to include a card with your name

and return address; that makes things easier for the couple when the time comes to send out thank-you notes.

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Page 24 ❧ Bride’s Guide 2015

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