BH I Do 2022 32pgs

I DOBLACK HILLS

Your local guide to all things wedding

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Photo

Yushta

Photo by CJ Yushta Photography

during wedding planning Reconnect

Wedding planning can be intense and often requires dedication and many hours of work. Coordinating a wedding often requires that couples make many differ ent decisions and spend a considerable amount of time in the wedding-plan ning trenches.

Couples expend so much energy planning their weddings that it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture — namely the relationship that is the basis for the marriage in the first place. But as easy as it can be to get lost in wedding planning, couples can use this time together to connect on a deeper level and learn to work cooperatively.

DIVIDE & CONQUER

Separate wedding planning duties so that both of you feel you are contrib uting equally and no one person gets overly stressed out. Stress can lead to short tempers and arguments.

ESTABLISH A MUTUAL BUDGET

Even the healthiest couple argues over finances from time to time, but budgetary debates should not set a negative tone for wedding planning. Couples should discuss their potential budget before they even begin to plan their weddings, and both partners

should do their best to compromise while also understanding where the other person is coming from.

SCHEDULE TIME FOR FUN

Do not let wedding planning be all-consuming. Schedule days that allow you to enjoy yourselves together without having to think about or dis cuss your pending nuptials. This may include date nights that may have fallen by the wayside since getting engaged or periodic day trips to get away from it all. Explore your mutual hobbies or try something new.

LEARN TO LAUGH AT THE LITTLE THINGS

Not every detail will go off without a hitch. How you react as a couple may influence how much you enjoy your wedding. Recognize that certain things will not go your way, but that unfore seen circumstances will not ruin your wedding day, no matter how unpleas ant they may seem. Laugh at what can not be changed and recognize that, in the long run, the details you think are major today may actually prove trivial when you look back on your wedding day in the years to come. n

Plan your perfect day with the Black Hills I DO Wedding Planning Directory found exclusively on the Explore Black Hills App powered by the Black Hills Pioneer.

Dresschoosing the

any brides-to-be visit bridal shops with specific goals in mind regarding the style of their wedding gowns. Some women come equipped with magazine tearouts or pull up ideas on their mobile phones. Others may have an entire scrapbook filled with various ideas they’ve been compiling for years.

Much consideration is given to wed ding gowns. The cost and silhouette of the dress may garner the bulk of that consideration, but brides might want to spend more time considering comfort.

Depending on the time of day their weddings take place, brides can spend 12 hours or more in their wedding gowns on their wedding day. However, when shopping for their gowns, brides may prioritize beauty over comfort, even though it’s entirely possible to find a gown that’s both stunning and comfortable. When friends or family who have come along to offer advice start to blush over wedding gowns, brides-to-be may feel pressured to down play any discomfort they

To make sure brides look flawless and elegant but are still comfortable in their wed ding gowns, consider the following tips.

KNOW WHAT TO HIGHLIGHT AND WHAT TO COVER

No two body types are the same, and many women

feel certain parts of their bodies are their best assets while they want to downplay others. Try on gowns that play up your best features. If you have shapely legs, consider a dramatic gown with a slit to show them off. Certain gowns can enhance the decollete or show off an hourglass shape. Remem ber, many gowns can be modified so that you feel secure and confident. Sleeves can be added or fabric placed to cover up any perceived flaws. Confi dence and pride are important parts of the comfort factor.

GET SIZED CORRECTLY

Bridal gown sizes do not coincide with street sizes. Depending on the manufacturer, brides may have to select gowns that are several sizes larger than they would normally wear. This should not be a cause for alarm. Brides should go by their measurements. Attempting to squeeze into a dress that is too small will only lead to discomfort on the wedding day.

PURCHASE THE RIGHT UNDERGARMENTS

Improperly fitting bras, shapewear and other undergarments can lead to discomfort as well. Some seamstresses can sew in supportive cups to remove the need for separate bras. Brides can explore various options to reduce the visibility of certain accoutrements.

MOVE AROUND

Brides should not just stand in front of the mirror and smile when trying on gowns. Put them through their paces. Try sitting, bending and even a little dancing. Make sure the dress is com fortable to move around in.

TRY DIFFERENT OPTIONS

The gown brides have in mind may not be the one they ultimately go home with. Explore different styles and ma terials. Choose cooler, breezier fabrics and lightweight gowns, like crêpe, geor gette or organza, for summer weddings. Heavier fabrics, such as brocade, may be more comfortable in the winter.

Wedding gowns can be both beau tiful and comfortable for those who know how to shop. n

apps andYour wedding

Spearfish weather at a glance

Listed below are average temperature highs, lows and preciptation for the city of Spearfish throughout the year.

Month High Low Precip

Jan. 37˚ 18˚ 0.6”

Feb. 39˚ 20˚ 0.7”

Mar. 47˚ 26˚ 1.4”

Apr. 57˚ 34˚ 2.3”

Diving into the world of wedding apps can be a time-consuming and confusing journey. Here’s how to know which one is right for you.

CAN’T GET STARTED?

Wedding Wire links engaged couples with thousands and thousands of vendors and venues, with millions of reviews written by real-life newlyweds. This will help you narrow things down if you’re not sure about location or pricing. There are also checklists, and templates to make and keep a budget, so you can stay on track.

DIY PLANNING

The free Wedding Happy app works like an online personal assistant, with preloaded tasks to guide engaged couples every step of the way. You can set up reminder alerts that a wedding planner would normally handle for signpost moments in the run up to the wedding, like invitation mail outs or putting down various deposits.

BUDGET CONSCIOUS

Mint wasn’t designed with weddings exclusively in mind, but the popular money-management site provides a budgeting system to help you track costs. You can sync this free app with your credit cards and bank account to monitor spending.

INSPIRATION NOTES

Who hasn’t seen a cool Instagram centerpiece and wondered who made it? Carats and Cake provides expansive details on everyone who works their wed dings, from florists to caterers to photog raphers. Eliminate the summer wedding guesswork by digging into their reviews and portfolios. You can also book these vendors through the same site.

DESTINATION DETAILS

Destination weddings are all the rage, but where? The Venue Report offers a di rectory of trendy hotels, can’t-miss event spaces and party spots. From the south of France to the wilds of Montana, the site helps you filter results by price, capaci ty and place. Information about fees is also included, as well as direct contact information.

COOLER GIFTS

Household appliances are fine and all, but what about something even cooler? You can find all of the basic essentials on Zola, as with any standard department-store registry. But the app also links you up with higher-end and specialty items like Waterford Crystal stemware, the Sonos sound system, or comfy Matouk bedding. There are also group-gifting options that offer your guests the chance to go in on pricier items together. n

May 65˚ 44˚ 3.4”

June 76˚ 52˚ 3.8”

July 84˚ 59˚ 2.1”

Aug. 83˚ 57˚ 1.7”

Sept. 72˚ 48˚ 1.6”

Oct. 58˚ 37˚ 1.5”

Nov. 46˚ 26˚ 0.9”

Dec. 38˚ 18˚ 0.7”

2022 BLACK HILLS I DO STAFF: Letti Lister - Publisher

Sona O’Connell - Ad Director Mark Watson - Editor

ADVERTISING SALES: Dawn Hatch, Katie Heggem, Sharon Mason, Kyle Parks, Christine Jewett, Jaci Conrad-Pearson

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Katie Hartnell, Melissa Barnett, Jeri Rhoads, Lex Brady

Black Hills I DO is published by Seaton Publishing, Inc.

315 Seaton Circle, Spearfish, SD 57783 (605) 642-2761

Engagement Announcements run free of charge in our Black Hills Pioneer Saturday edition or as space allows. NOTE: Submissions may be edited according to available space.

Engagement Information

Bride’s Name and Hometown: Bride’s Parents’ Names and Residence(s):

Groom’s Name and Hometown: Groom’s Parents’ Names and Residence(s):

Date and Place of Wedding:

Bride’s Education: Employment:

Groom’s Education: Employment:

PHOTO ENCLOSED: YES q NO q

If photo needs to be returned, please enclose self-addressed, stamped envelope.

We strongly urge you to type this form or print neatly. Handwriting can be misinterpreted and if we can’t read your handwriting, mistakes can happen. We cannot re-run engagement news printed incorrectly if the mistake is caused by misinterpreted handwriting.

Phone number and contact person if there are futher questions:

Please Return Completed Form To:

Black Hills Pioneer, 315 Seaton Circle, Spearfish, SD 57783 • (605) 642-2761 – OR –Email: happenings@bhpioneer.com

the Bridesmaid dresses

are not models (unless they are) — so what you see in photos will look dif ferent in person and on each individual person.

CONSIDER THE COST

can cause more drama than choosing bridesmaids dresses — especially if you have a large bridal party or opinionated atten dants. The smart bride understands that this aspect of her wedding is less about her and more about her maids.

HAVE KEY INFO IN HAND

should know your wedding

colors and have your venue booked and your own gown ordered. All of these items will impact the style and hue of the gowns you choose.Will you be choosing the gown or have you decided to allow your maids to choose their own (with your final approval, of course)? Do you want your maids in the same style? Will they be wearing various colors or hues of the same color? Know the answers to each of these questions before stepping foot inside a bridal salon.

START WITH PICTURES

Look through many photos before you begin shopping. Also keep in mind, as much as you love them, your friends

Not everyone is going to have the same budget, and a compassionate brideto-be will be mindful of this. Unless you are picking up the tab, don’t choose a pricey gown. Not everyone views your wedding as the investment you see it as.

BE FLEXIBLE

This applies both to your expectations of the dress and your maids. Keep in mind that the color you see in a maga zine might be slightly different in person. Be flexible in terms of what will look good on different skin tones.

ORDERING

Many dresses require one to three months to ship, so be sure to allow for this. After the dresses arrive, you also will need time for your maids to pick them up (unless they are being shipped directly) and for the gowns to be altered. n

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have the most affordable

Wedding the venue

Wedding planning requires couples to make many de cisions, including where the wedding will take place.

A couple’s wedding day is typically broken into two parts: the ceremony comes first, and the reception follows soon after. Depending on couples’ preferences and religious beliefs, ceremonies may take place at a house of worship or another location that is separate from the reception venue. In some instances, couples may choose one location for both the ceremony and the party to follow. Wedding ven ues are where the bulk of the day will unfold, and couples can consider these four tips to find a venue that suits their needs.

1. Consider your theme and wed ding style. Most couples know which

sentiments they want to convey during their weddings. The venue should match the theme so the entire wedding will feel connected to the space. A modern wedding, for exam ple, will be at home in an art gallery or warehouse. A wedding with natural elements may work better on a ranch or in a botanical garden. Zeroing in on the wedding style helps narrow down potential venue options.

2. Assess the budget. A couple may find what seems to be the perfect ven ue, only to realize that the cost of the space doesn’t fit their budget. Amper sand Travel says the venue accounts for the most significant wedding expense, at an average cost of $9,000. Finding a venue that will maximize dollars spent involves looking at what is included. Rentals for chairs, linens, lighting,

a dance floor, and other extras can quickly add up. Couples should have a set limit they’re willing to spend on the venue and let that dictate the location.

3. Availability of the location. When a couple wants to get married may determine their venue options, espe cially if they’re planning on a budget. September and October are now the most popular months to get married, so venues will book up quickly during that time of year. Those who have their hearts set on specific days will have to begin the search earlier than couples with no attachment to a particular date. Concessions may need to be made if a certain date is a must.

4. Estimate the size of your guest list. Price, date and style will factor into wedding venues, but the number of guests also is a major consideration. A trendy restaurant may seem like the perfect locale, but it must be able to accommodate everyone on the guest list. Couples should sit down with their families and come up with a list of po tential guests and look for a venue that can accommodate everyone. n

theInvitations

Today’s weddings are highly person alized affairs. The formats, rules and conventions of yesteryear have been replaced by contemporary styles that mix the old and new, all with an eye on making a one-of-a-kind expe rience. That attention to detail should include the invitations, too.

EXCITING MATERIALS

Gone are the days when invitations were embossed on a paper of standard ized color, much less a standardized

material. They now run the gamut from handcrafted items in exciting new shapes to bespoke luxury papers with personalized script. Jazz things up by choosing offbeat fonts or typeset ting approaches then place them on a personally selected material, which may be anything from parchment or recycled paper to felt or cotton card stock. Some might choose ivory papers threaded with gold, while others opt for linen cardstocks with printed flowers.

COLORS AND SHAPES

Want to really stand out? Skip the every-day whites or off-whites for something more unconventional. Your invitation may be colored to match the theme, the bride’s bouquet, or some consistent element in the bridesmaids and groomsmen’s outfits. If you don’t want to go all in on a particularly non traditional color, consider using it as a border around the edges of the invite — or only on the envelope. The shape of the card itself can reflect your sense of style, too. A heart might signify the timelessness of your love, while the Eiffel Tower a special memory.

OTHER PERSONALIZATIONS

An invitation must meet certain stan dards, even in an age of endless person alization options. It needs to announce the couple, while including time, date and place details for the ceremony. Af ter that, however, the invite can go in a number of different directions. Perhaps add a favorite quote, lyric or poem? Maybe a note about how you met, or fell in love? n

The Four C’s Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut

Buying a diamond ring can be intimidating. Demystify the process by learning about the four C’s. This system of grading diamonds was developed 60 years ago by the Gemological Institute of America.

• Carat is a weight measure ment. A 1-carat diamond weighs 200 milligrams. But there’s no ideal size for a diamond. It de pends on your budget and taste.

• Color is graded by letter, starting with D for rare, colorless diamonds. E and F are con sidered excellent, but G or H diamonds will look just as good to the naked eye.

Farther down the scale, you’ll notice differences. “If you put a K color beside a G color, you’ll notice more yellow in the K,” said Russell Shor, senior industry analyst for the Gemological Institute.

• Clarity measures diamond flaws, called inclusions, which might appear as tiny spots, clouds or cavities in the stone. The clarity grade SI stands for “slightly included.” VS is a better grade, “very slightly included.” VVS is even higher, “very, very slightly included.” Most inclusions in the VVS-SI range cannot be seen by the untrained eye “unless someone tells you where it is,” Shor said.

• Cut measures workmanship, rather than a diamond’s inherent qualities. The way a stone is cut enhances sparkle and luminosity and can hide flaws.

Rings the

Engagements precede wedding dresses, flower arrangements, limousines, and even a couple’s wedding vows. And no proposal is complete without a ring. Knowledge of rings and stones is essential for those who plan to propose in the near future.

A recent survey from the wedding resource The Knot in which 12,000 brides and 1,200 grooms in the United States were asked about their rings, found that people spend an average, of $5,978 on engagement rings. Recognizing the poten tial cost of engagement rings can help ring shoppers prepare for their purchases.

In addition to considering costs, couples can employ the following tips to shop with confidence.

CUT COSTS WITH STYLE

Engagement rings can be costly, but many couples feel they are worthwhile investments. According to In Style maga zine, a ring with a classic solitaire of one carat weight can cost thousands of dollars, while a band covered in just under one car at of tiny pavé diamonds will offer plenty of sparkle for a lot less money.

KNOW YOUR SETTINGS

How the diamond is framed can affect how big it looks and even how much it sparkles. Gems framed with a bezel can give the illusion of a larger stone.

GET THE DESIRED CUT

A skilled jeweler knows how to properly cut a stone to bring out its best radiance. From round to princess to emerald to marquise cut, cut styles can affect how the stone looks as well as the price.

KNOW RING METALS

Platinum and gold are some of the most popular ring setting metals. Plati num costs considerably more than gold or silver, but is long-lasting. Couples should weigh the cost versus benefit of splurging on a more expensive metal, or speak with a jeweler about a suitable substitute.

PERSONAL STYLE

People should pay attention to the jewelry their significant others wear so the engagement rings complement their style. Some love modern jewelry, while others gravitate toward vintage pieces.

COME IN UNDER CARAT

Buying just shy of the next carat weight can save between 20 and 30 percent, offers The Knot. Plus, the size discrepancy probably will not be visible to the naked eye.

THINK ABOUT TRADING UP

Some couples like to replace engage ment rings with a more elaborate ring for a big anniversary. Some jewelers will accept the purchase of the engage ment ring toward the price of a future ring. n

Flowers the Y

ellow is having a moment this year. One of Pantone’s colors of the year is Illuminating, a bright yellow that’s spirited and energetic. If you’ve picked sunny tones for your wedding palette, the good news is that there are plenty of blossoms that will give a pop to your bouquets, boutonnières and more.

YARROW

These flat-topped bunches of tiny golden blooms are perfect to accent larger blooms in your bouquet. Yarrow can be arranged dried or fresh. Yarrow also has fern-like leaves that can be used in your arrangements.

ROSES

Yellow roses are classic additions to wedding bouquets. There are hundreds

of yellow rose varieties. Each has their own shading, fragrance and bloom shape.

HELLEBORES

Looking for a bloom of a different color? Hellebores have pointed, leathery leaves with textured centers that range in color from white to purple, including a variety of shades of green. Some yellow hellebores can even have edging or centers in other colors, including a stunning deep purple.

TULIPS

Tulips are spring classics. They come in almost every color of the rainbow and their simple cup shape and long stems make them perfect for elegant bridal bouquets. Tulips come in many shades from a creamy, buttery tone all the way to neon yellow. Looking for more drama? Ask your florist for ruffled or double tulips.

DAISIES

If you’re going rustic for your

nuptials, consider a bouquet of daisies. Gerbera daisies have big blooms that can get up to five inches in diameter and are more budget friendly than other flowers. Also look for black-eyed Susans. Their brown centers give your bouquet texture and depth, especially when paired with plenty of greenery.

LILIES

Showy, trumpet-shaped lilies are stunning stars of any bridal bouquet. Many varieties also have a pleasant fragrance that festoons many a spring wedding. You can get classic, starshaped Asiatic lilies, Golden splendor trumpet lilies, dramatic Caucasian lilies and the classic, vase-shaped calla lily.

SUNFLOWERS

There may not be a more yellow flower than sunflowers. They can get up to dinner-plate sized and make great cut flowers. With their dark centers and showy, sunny petals, these flowers make for beautiful bouquet centerpieces and lovely table arrangements. n

Socialwedding media &

Young couples tying the knot today grew up with social media, so it’s no great surprise that so many want to utilize various platforms when planning their weddings. In fact, a recent survey found that 87 percent of brides turned to the social media platform Pinterest for inspiration when planning their weddings.

SOCIAL MEDIA PHOTO BOARD

Social media boards are digital screens that display social media walls. Live event social media boards collect and curate content from social media channels and display it on a single digital screen. Users, in this case a couple’s guests, simply use a predetermined hashtag when posting photos and the images are then displayed on digital screens in real time.

LIVE STREAMS

Live streams became very popular during the pandemic, when couples getting married had to pare down their guest lists in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines. But live streams can continue to be used after the pandemic, as there will always be guests who can’t make it to the wedding. Facebook Live was a go-to social media platform for live streaming weddings during the pandemic, and it can be utilized to involve loved ones in the festivities

even if they can’t be there in person.

HASHTAG THE WEDDING

A couple-specific hashtag can serve as something akin to a wedding album, only it’s one everyone can easily access via the couple’s chosen social media platform. Encourage guests to hashtag photos from the wedding so everyone can have a good time looking back on the ceremony and reception.

PLANNING

Social media can be as fun, inclusive and useful when planning the wedding as it can during the wedding itself. Brides and grooms can create their own private Pinterest boards and share them with the wedding party. Everyone can then use the private board. n

Wedding trends

Some wedding trends, like a fo cus on sustainability, remain but there are several twists on the way — from the return of pearls to non-tra ditional flower girls.

’80S REDUX

Blame Bridgerton, but it appears that the return of Regency-era fashion is now being combined with a little ’80s flare. So, corset bodices … but also puffy sleeves! Brides are looking to make a statement.

A FLORAL TWIST

Back in 2013, wedding flowers were bold and bright. A couple of years ago, the trend began moving toward more neutral colors. Look for brides to start mixing it up, as neutral color palettes get a boost with splashes of bold accents.

GOING OLD-SCHOOL

The classic black-and-white color pattern is also set to return in a big way, as traditional styles and simple lines take center stage after years of exciting experimentation. What’s old is new again!

SUSTAINABILITY

The sustainability trend continues, as eco-conscious wedding dresses and labgrown engagement rings are joining hip picks like biodegradable cutlery.

NON-TRAD FLOWER GIRLS

Your flower girl doesn’t have to be a “girl,” or even a woman at all. Grand mothers will be dropping petals down some summer wedding aisles, while a “flower man” takes over at others.

ELABORATE DRINKS

If the color scheme is simple, then why not give your cocktails a boost? This summer will be marked by ever more interesting ingredient choices, made complete with eye-catching details like garnishes, stir-sticks and sparkles.

PEARLS

The return of Regency-style fash ion was dubbed “regencycore.” So, call this trend “pearlcore,” as these traditional gems move well beyond the choker. Look for pearls everywhere from wedding cakes to decor, accesso ries like veils and capes, to shoes and manicures.

GOING GREEN

In this case, it’s the color green, a hot new color for bridesmaids dresses. Emerald engagement rings are increas ingly popular, too. Some adventurous brides are incorporating shades of green too, as they tie in their ceremo ny with the simplicity and grounding qualities of nature.

SMALL PLATES

Rather than tried-and-true sit-down dinners built from a series of serving stations, look for summer weddings with their own kind of progressive dinner featuring appetizer-sized por tions. There’s an increased opportunity for food adventures, and it’s so much easier to mix and mingle. n

budget

Ceremony

Venue

Officiant Fee/Donation

Reception

Venue Fee

Food & Service

Beverages & Bartenders

Cake & Cutting Fee

Reception Decor

Attire & Beauty

Gown & Alterations

Jewelry

Bride’s Accessories

Hair & Makeup

Pre-wedding

Groom’s Tux

Accessories

Wedding Rings

Her Ring

Ring

Photo + Video

& Videos

Flowers

Bride’s Bouquet

Bridesmaid Bouquets

Groom & Groomsmen

Boutonnieres

Flower Girl Flowers

Additional Boutonnieres

Corsages

Reception

Stationary

Save-the-Dates

Invitations & Reply Cards

BUDGETED:

BUDGETED: ACTUAL COST:

Rehearsal Dinner

Ceremony Programs

Thank You Cards

Postage Guest Book

Music

Ceremony Musicians

Cocktail Hour Musicians

Reception Music

Transportation + Lodging

Limo or Car Rental

Guest Shuttle or Parking

Bride/Groom Hotel Room(s)

Gifts

Attendant Gifts

Favors

Parent Gifts

Flower Girl & Ring Bearer Gifts

Miscellaneous

Event Planner

Marriage License Dance Lessons

Rehearsal Dinner

Rentals & Lighting Tip Money for Vendors

Honeymoon

Travel

Lodging Entertainment

Other

BUDGETED:

notes

Wedding

Wedding favors let your guests know you care and provide them with a tangible memo ry of your big day.

Wedding website The Knot says the average cost of favors is about $400, so it’s not a small part of your budget, either. Here are some great ideas for showing your guests that they’re your favorite on your wedding day.

TINY TOTS

Find miniature bottles of liquor, wine or beer to give out to your guests. Look for a brand that comes from near the site of your wedding. You may even be able to order customized tags for your big day. Don’t forget a non-alcoholic option, too, for those who don’t imbibe.

DRINKWARE

This category runs the gamut, but think along the lines of koozies if you

favors

live in a warmer area and have a list full of out outdoorsy guests. For more upscale venues and budgets, look for customizable shot glasses, mugs or julep cups. These are great ways to give a reusable gift that can remind your guests of your big day.

CUSTOMIZED PLAYING CARDS

If you’re friends and family never met a game they didn’t like, customized playing cards may be an ace in the hole. You can get cards with pictures of you and your love through customization sites such as Shutterfly.

LIVE PLANTS

Setting an outdoor scene? Let your guests take some of the gorgeousness home with them in the form of live plants. That way, your love can grow in everyone’s home. Look for succulents

(trendy and easy to care for), seedling trees and more. Visit a local nursery for ideas on native plants that will do espe cially well in your climate.

DESTINATION FAVORS

Hitting the road for your I-dos is a lot of fun and gives you a great oppor tunity to select some amazing wedding favors. You can choose to go the travel

5 tips

on choosing & workingwith a wedding photographer

(AP) — Your wedding is fast approaching and you have an un-blissfully long to-do list, from finalizing your flower selection to choosing your menu to deciding on your dress.

Near the top of that list you might want to put “select photographer.” That way, one of the most important parts of your wedding — the memo ries — will be preserved.

Think about booking your photographer soon after you have selected your venue, and make sure he or she is a good fit with your personality.

Look at potential photog raphers’ electronic portfolios, pricing and availability, and plan to meet several candi dates to gauge their sensibility.

Below are five tips on choosing and working with a wedding photographer:

LOOK FOR DEPTH

Ask to see a complete portfolio from beginning to end for at least one or two weddings. You don’t want to see only a few “best” photos.

“It’s easy to show a bunch of terrific single images taken at many weddings,” says Radhika Chalasani, “but a great wedding photographer has to capture an entire wed

ding beautifully from start to finish.” The New York-based Chalasani has been pho tographing weddings since 2004.

Looking at portfolios will ensure that the photographer wasn’t just an assistant or a guest with a camera.

You can see how the pho tographer handles all parts of the wedding, including the preparations, ceremony, cocktails, portraits, speeches, dancing and cake-cutting.

GET A CONTRACT

A wedding photographer without a contract (and without liability insurance) is likely not a professional.

The contract should spell out what the photographer will provide, and whether the pictures will be on DVDs, an online gallery, a finished album, etc. It will include the hours worked, and what hap pens if you ask the photogra pher to work longer.

In addition, you want to know how things will be handled if the photographer becomes unable to work on the wedding day due to illness or injury. He or she should have a back-up.

The contract also should spell out the cost, the amount

of any deposit and when the balance must be paid.

Small, casual weddings might not seem to require a contract, but having one will protect both you and the photographer.

DON’T BE SHY ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT

“There’s no harm in being specific,” says Chicago wedding photographer Candice C. Cusic, a photojournalist for 15 years and a teacher at Northwestern University.

Tell the photographer what the most important aspects of the day are to you, whether it’s exchanging rings or walking down the aisle.

“Brides should be realistic about their day and make every possible effort to help their photographer capture great imagery,” Cusic said. A bride or groom getting ready inside a messy hotel room, for instance, will not make for strong pictures, she noted.

MAKE SURE YOUR PERSONALITIES JIBE

Other than your significant other, the person with whom you’ll spend the most

A

time on your wedding day might well be your photographer. He or she will be with you as you get ready and as you go through the emotional highs of the day. The photographer might guide you and your family through a portrait session, walk backward as you process up the aisle, and hang close by during your first dance.

So this person’s personality — sense of humor, demeanor, even appearance — should be a good fit with both of you.

Craig Warga, a New York-based wed ding photographer, said “good photography happens when you can get close to your subjects, and they feel completely comfortable being natural and themselves in front of your lens. If you don’t like someone, you’re not going to have that level of comfort in front of them, and it will affect the pictures.”

If you like a sassy personality who will add some color to your day, then by all means hire a vibrant, outgoing photog rapher who exudes energy. On the other hand, if you want a subtle documentary photographer who will capture important moments without being intrusive, go for someone who won’t talk loudly over you

when you first meet, and who seems cool and composed.

The right photographer, said Warga, is someone who leaves you thinking, “it’d be nice to have that person as a guest at my wedding.”

SWEAT SOME DETAILS

Ask if the photographer has a full set of equipment: multiple bodies and lenses with back-ups.

Will he or she be working with an assistant or second photographer? If so, what is the additional cost and does that person need to be there all day?

If your venue will be dark, can the photographer handle it?

Is the photographer able to work in adverse conditions such as rain at an outdoor ceremony?

FINALLY, MAKE PROVISIONS FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER TO EAT; IT’S HARD TO BE “ON” FOR EIGHT TO 10 HOURS STRAIGHT

A 15-minute meal break might just be the best thing you do for the photogra pher. n

of

Wedding Announcements run free of charge in our Black Hills Pioneer Saturday edition or as space allows.

NOTE: Submissions may be edited according to available space.

Wedding Information

Bride’s Name and Hometown: Bride’s Parents’ Names and Residence(s):

Groom’s Name and Hometown: Groom’s Parents’ Names and Residence(s):

Date and Place of Wedding:

Wedding Party: Wedding Colors: Bride’s Education: Employment: Groom’s Education: Employment:

PHOTO ENCLOSED: YES q NO q

If photo needs to be returned, please enclose self-addressed, stamped envelope.

We strongly urge you to type this form or print neatly. Handwriting can be misinterpreted and if we can’t read your handwriting, mistakes can happen. We cannot re-run wedding news printed incorrectly if the mistake is caused by misinterpreted handwriting. Phone number and contact person if there are futher questions:

Please Return Completed Form To: Black Hills Pioneer, 315 Seaton Circle, Spearfish, SD 57783 • (605) 642-2761

– OR –

Email: happenings@bhpioneer.com

changing your Name

local Social Security office.

To change your driver’s license, stop by your local department of motor vehi cles office. You will need to bring a cer tified copy of your marriage license. If your license has a gold star in the upper right corner, you will also need to bring your current driver’s license or ID card, two documents proving your residential address such as a utility bill, bank stub, phone bill among other items.

If your license does not contain the star you will need to bring more items. This includes a document that proves your date of birth, identity and citizenship. This can be a valid and unexpired U.S. Passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate as well as other items.

After months of planning your wedding and all the details that go along with making your special day one to remember, you’re finally able to relax and enjoy spending time with your new spouse. But if you or your spouse plan on changing your name, there is more work to be done. How does that work, exactly?

From changing your driver’s license, to bank account, Social Security card, and more, getting your name changed on all official documents can be a process, but it is important to ensure accuracy.

Don’t try to start the name change game before you say, “I do.” It’s a waste of time and you have plenty of other priorities to take care of. Instead, start after you say your vows.

First, stop by your county’s Register of Deeds office and get at least two certified copies of your marriage license. It is a good idea to make several more non-certified copies as well.

One of the first documents that

should be changed is your Social Secu rity card.

This should be on the top of your to-do list as some banks want your new name on your Social Security card be fore opening an account. Updating your card will also ensure your wages are posted correctly to your Social Security records.

Changing your Social Security card cannot be done online; however there is no charge to make the changes.

To change your name on your Social Security card you will need to complete Form SS-5. These forms can be obtained at http://www. socialsecurity.gov/ forms/ss-5.pdf. Additionally, you will need proof of your identity. Sometimes you also may need to prove your current U.S. citizenship or lawful noncitizen status. This can be done with a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued, non-driver ID card.Mail your application to your

You will also need to bring docu ments that prove your Social Securi ty number. This can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a pay stub with your name and full Social Security number. For more information on what documents are needed, visit http://dps. sd.gov.

Now that you have a new Social Security card and driver’s license, other documents can be updated.

If international travel is in your future, be sure to update or receive a passport. You may run into troubles if you have a passport in one name and a driver’s license in another. Find need to know info at http://travel.state.gov. It does take a while for your passport to be issued - four to six weeks, however expedited processing can be requested for a charge.

If you are honeymooning abroad and are using your maiden name and will later change your name, don’t worry about losing all your visas and stamps. Your old, cancelled passport can be sent separately from your new passport.

Other documents should be changed such as bank accounts and mortgages, credit cards, investments, utilities, health insurance, voter registration, other legal documents and with your employer.

Each entity seems to have its own pol icy when it comes to the name change game, but relax, and enjoy your new spouse. n

wedding checklist

When was the last time you planned a party this big? If you’re like most brides, this event is a first in size, details — and pressure! Be cause wedding planning is so time consuming, being well organized is the only way to keep things under control. Most weddings, especially large ones, require lots of advance planning in order to book the best bridal resources, many of which are reserved one or two years before the event. Today’s long engagements — 14 months on average — allow couples time to pull the details together and save for the expenses they may be han dling or sharing with parents.

This checklist is packed with all the essential steps you need to know about during plan ning. The more time you have, the more opportuni ty you’ll have to comparison shop. And you’ll also feel less pressured to commit to something that does not seem right for you.

during the months of January, Feb ruary and March. Happy planning!

12 to 24 MONTHS

BEFORE THE WEDDING

Visit your clergy together and set the date for the ceremony.

Discuss expenses with all con cerned and establish a firm budget.

Decide on the size and formality of your wedding.

Interview party planners or wed ding consultants with a reputation for a job well done.

to bring your attendants in to see their choices. Because they pay for their own dresses, it’s thoughtful to do this, if possible. After a review of the styles, the final decision is yours.

Draw up the guest list. Notify your fiancée’s family to do the same.

Interview photographers, vid eographers, musicians and florists. Make a separate folder for each service you select. Keep contracts, notes, questions and all pertinent data in them for a handy and quick reference.

6 to 12 MONTHS

BEFORE THE WEDDING

Select and order your invitations. Include extra envelopes in case of mistakes, and a few extra invitations to have as mementos for you and your family. At the same time, order personal stationery (an ample supply of both letter and notepaper) for writing thank-you notes.

Besides the reception, the most expensive parts of the wedding are engagement rings ($6,163), photography and video ($3,378), music ($1,297), & wedding rings ($1,727).

Select the place you’d like to hold the reception. Make reserva tions if it is in a club, hotel, catering hall or restaurant. If it is to be at home or at a place that does not provide food, check into catering services and book them. Ask to see a variety of possible menus; inquire if a wed ding cake is included or if one must be arranged for separately.

Start shopping around for your wedding dress, headpiece and veil.

Have mothers select their dress es. The bride’s mother has the priv ilege of first choice so that she can have the color and style she prefers. The groom’s mother chooses a dress similar in formality and in a com plementary color. Both should blend with your bridal-party color scheme.

Decide upon the men’s attire. Accompany your fiancée to a for mal-wear specialty shop in your locale to select what the groom, best man, ushers and fathers will wear.

However, if your timetable is condensed, simply move the steps up. For a much shorter schedule, a wonderful wedding can still be had by making some logical compromis es. For example, plan on a morning/ noon wedding, with a breakfast or brunch/luncheon reception, or a Friday or Sunday evening ceremony and reception. In some areas of the country there is also more flexibili ty for hiring choice resources for a Saturday wedding on shorter notice

Make alternate plans for an outdoor wedding in case the weath er is bad. The most logical options include a very sturdy tent and a platform that withstands rain, or an indoor, alternative location that is indicated on the reception invita tion.

Invite relatives and/or friends to be in your wedding party. Talk over finances with them and be consider ate of their limitations.

Select two or three possibilities for your attendants’ gowns and ar range an appointment with the shop

Register with the bridal gift registry in your favorite store. Meet with the director of the registry and her trained staff for help choosing your china, crystal, linens and other household preferences. Indicate engagement and shower gift choices, as well as wedding presents.

Reserve the location for your rehearsal dinner.

4 MONTHS

BEFORE THE WEDDING

Address invitations and an nouncements. All addressing, stuff ing and stamping should be com pleted in time to mail the invitations

Pack an emergency wedding day kit

• needle and thread in white, black and the color of bridesmaid gowns

• extra pairs of pantyhose

• pain reliever pills/antacid

• quick-clean detergent stick

• bandages

• powder

• deodorant

• double-sided tape

• black buttons

• sanitary pads

• mints/gum

• makeup for touch-ups

• extra cash

• slippers or a change of shoes

• umbrellas

• hairspray

• hair pins

• names and phone numbers of all wedding vendors

• static cling spray

• hair dryer

• contact lens solution/ eye drops

• nail file/clipper

• straws (to sip drinks without ruining lipstick)

• safety pins

• black socks

• earring backs

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

four to six weeks before the wed ding. If you have an “A” and a “B” list, you may mail “A” eight weeks in advance. When you receive re grets, you may invite people on “B” four weeks (and no less than three weeks) before the wedding. Prepare maps and directions to include with invitations.

Schedule professional dance lessons to make your first dance memorable.

Meet with the caterer to firm up the menu and all the details. If any guests require special food, arrange that now. Be sure all your expecta tions are clearly defined in a writ ten contract, which should include taxes, any service charges, and additional fees to bartenders and waiters, if not included in the pack age. Also, you should make certain that the location — which should be a licensed catering establishment — carries basic liability insur ance.

54%

Engage a baker to create a special wedding cake, if you want something more elabo rate than what your caterer offers. Inquire about a cake-cutting charge if you bring in the wedding cake from elsewhere.

maps, transportation schedules and prices, sights to see and restaurants. An additional courtesy, included with this information, might be a refreshing basket of fruit, snacks or other food that your region is known for.

Visit your florist with dress-col or swatches to help with the selec tion of flowers for your wedding and reception. Ask about providing the aisle runner for the ceremony. Again, be sure everything is clearly itemized in a contractual agreement.

Decide on your honeymoon des tination. Consult a travel agent. Tra ditionally, the groom makes these arrangements, but if you’re better at that, don’t hesitate to offer.

Hire limousines or other spe cialty cars for the wedding party members.

Investigate resources for de signing and printing a program to distribute at the ceremony. Desktop publishing should make that possible at a reasonable cost to you.

of brides use Pinterest to communicate their wedding-day vision to planners and vendors.

Consult with your offi ciant about any restriction on photography and videog raphy.

2 MONTHS

BEFORE THE WEDDING

Compile a list of all the friends and family members you would like to have invited to show ers.

Plan a rehearsal dinner. Members of the wedding party, their spouses, fiancées or significant others should be invited, along with both your im mediate families. If possible, invite out-of town guests, too.

Reserve a block of rooms at a hotel for out-of-town guests. Most hotels offer discounts to guests for a wedding weekend. In advance of mailing invitations, write to your guests and enclose the hotel infor mation so they can make their res ervations directly. Once they arrive, have waiting for them a complete information packet, including city

Tell the hostess for parties in your honor where you are regis tered. That store may be indicated right on the shower invitation, but not on the wedding invitation.

Now’s the time to put your wed ding invitations into the mail.

Record your wedding gifts as they arrive. Note the giver’s name, address, type of gift, date received and date you acknowledge them.

Write thank-you notes prompt ly. Within two months of returning from your honeymoon, you should acknowledge all wedding gifts.

Call to confirm the exact date and time of rehearsals with your of

ficiant. Notify attendants and family of the time and place.

Send out all invitations to the rehearsal dinner.

Select gifts for wedding atten dants. Your fiancée does the same for his.

Purchase a pretty wedding guest book for friends and family to sign at the reception.

Meet with the organist and anyone else you have asked to play or sing at the service to determine the music.

Meet with the musicians or DJ engaged to play at the reception to plan the selections you and your fiancée want, from your song to the dance tempo you expect them to maintain. Plan a variety of songs so there’s something older guests will enjoy as well as what’s hot among your peers. Caution the musicians about excessive volume

— it can ruin a reception. Tell them about any ethnic favorites you may want so they’ll be familiar with the music. Inquire about breaks, contin uous music and overtime. Get it all in writing.

Speak with the caterer about the food you want to serve to your pho tographer and musicians. Something simple to eat, a beverage and a place to sit that’s away from your guests are considered sufficient.

Meet with the person handling your reception and firm up every detail. If rental equipment is required, make ar rangements for it.

Select your wed ding ring(s). Arrange for engraving.

Set a date with your photogra pher for a formal bridal portrait to be made four weeks before the wedding.

Check with your local newspa per for the form and timing of your

wedding-announcement submission.

Select party favors to present to your guests to thank them for sharing your happiness. For this purpose, a groom’s cake, in a tradi tional fruitcake or deep, rich choc olate, may be ordered from your baker. Guests take a piece home in little boxes.

Talk about ways to personalize your ceremony and then discuss your ideas with the officiant.

Check with the church sexton and manager of the reception loca tion for accessibility to accommo date handicapped or elderly guests. Inform ushers of this.

1 MONTH

BEFORE THE WEDDING

Finalize plans with your photog rapher and draw up a list of pictures you definitely want taken during the ceremony and reception.

Ask a relative or friend who knows the family well to help the photographer identify the people to

getting married!

What documents are required?

Marriage licenses may be obtained at your county’s Register of Deeds office.

To receive the license:

• Both parties must be present.

• A valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID or passport is required.

• The fee is $40, and can be paid by cash and usually credit cards. Checks are not accepted.

• There is no blood test or waiting period required.

• The license may be used the same day, and it must be used within 20 days from issue.

• The license may be used anywhere within the State of South Dakota.

mal portrait is taken, and again the day before or day of your wedding.

Check apparel for the wedding party. Have bridesmaids’ gowns fitted. Get swatches of material and have shoes dyed to match. If any at tendants live out of town, send their dresses to them to be fitted. Check mothers’ dresses and accessories.

Call the caterer and make a final decision on the reception menu. Be sure that the cake has been ordered.

Give your cater er a reliable esti mate of the number of guests expected at the wedding reception, so they can give you a written confirmation of cost per per son with an itemized accounting - to the smallest detail - of what they promise to provide.

Start gathering documents to change your name on your bank ac count, Social Security card, license, insurance and other important documents, if you are assuming your husband’s name.

1 WEEK

BEFORE THE WEDDING

Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements.

Recent trends in wedding planning indicate September and October to be the most popular months to get married.

Wrap gifts pur chased for your attendants and groom. Present them at the rehearsal party.

Make plans to transport any gifts brought to the recep tion to your parents’ home or other desig nated place.

Confirm ceremony vocalists and musicians, and recheck your musical selections.

Confer with the florist to be sure everything is ordered. Confirm the time that flowers will be delivered and decorations will be completed.

Arrange a transportation sched ule for those in the wedding party.

Select a special wedding gift to give each other.

Go over all procedures of the wedding ceremony and receiving line with each other.

be included in your photos, espe cially if there is a divorce or remar riage, or any type of sticky situation among the parents of the couple.

Develop an orderly system of tracking guests’ responses and any special information you need to remember.

Discuss the bachelor party with your fiancée. Suggest the event be scheduled at least a week before the wedding day so there’s plenty of time to recover from the revelry.

Have a final fitting on your gown and make certain it will be ready to take to your bridal-portrait sitting.

Make an appointment to have your hair styled just before your for

Make seating plans for the rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception.

Write out place cards, if you plan to have a bride’s table and a parent’s table. Also complete table number cards for guests if you’re hosting a sit-down dinner.

Decide which members of the wedding will be included in the re ceiving line and plan their positions.

2 WEEKS

BEFORE THE WEDDING

Set a date with your fiancée to get your marriage license.

Be sure that the clothing and accessories for all members of the bridal party are in order.

Present a small gift or note of appreciation to friends and relatives who did special favors that made planning run smoothly.

Do a final check on details with your florist, caterer, sexton, clergy, musicians and p hotographer.

Finalize your honeymoon plans and begin packing.

1 WEEK

BEFORE THE WEDDING

Have a manicure, pedicure and even a massage to pamper yourself and help you feel relaxed.

Attend the rehearsal. Review all important duties with the principals in the wedding party.

Give ushers the list of guests to be seated in the reserved section.

THE WEDDING DAY

Rest and thoroughly relax in a nice warm bath.

Allow plenty of time to dressabout two hours before the ceremo ny begins, if possible.

Have a wonderful wedding day and enjoy every beautiful moment! n