PLANNER 2018
For the perfect pictures that will last a lifetime... Make the Beautiful Choice
"Committed to providing an experience that is personal, caring, relaxing and sincere"
FACE - Full Body MAkE ovErs - skIN Facial rejuvenation • Cosmetic Fillers & Injections • Breast Augmentation • Abdominoplasty Medical Grade skincare Products • Chemical Peels • Gift Cards Available
612 Sioux Point Rd., Suite 600, dakota duneS, Sd • 4201 S. MinneSota ave., Suite 112, Sioux FallS, Sd 800-666-3349 oR 605-335-3349 • www.PlaStic SuRgeRyaSSociateSoFSd.coM
A LETTER TO OUR BRIDES Welcome Brides! Every bride has her very own ideas of how to make her wedding unique and special. With a solid plan and a map of what needs to be done, your wedding planning can be fun and exciting, instead of overwhelming and scary. This planner was developed as a guide to help local brides develop a basic map to get from their moment of engagement to their walk down the aisle. Inside you’ll find timelines, budget planners, helpful articles and ideas galore as well as advertising from local vendors that are committed to making your wedding dreams come true. Always remember, when planning your wedding no matter what resources you are using, be sure to ask questions and confirm and re-confirm details, reservations and deadlines. There are great tips on what to ask vendors specifically throughout this planner. Throughout the year, we have other tools you can use as well :
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Our October and January GonnaGetWed Bridal Showcases will bring you face to face with vendors and save you hours of time (and possibly fuel) by putting many options in a one-stopshop so to speak. There are also many discounts and giveaways at these events that will save you lots of money in the long run.
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You can register for bridal events at GonnaGetWed.com; which also has an actual directory of local vendors as well as a blog with wedding planning articles and information.
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Our monthly GGW newsletter brings you information on local vendors that may help you in your planning.
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Our GonnaGetWed page on Facebook is a source for information on all of these channels as well as a place to share your thoughts and ideas on wedding planning.
Many hours of careful coordinating went into creating this planner out of recognition and respect for the hours of careful coordinating that will go into planning your dream day! Best wishes, Kari Black & the GGW Team.
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TABLE of
Contents
55- INVITES & STATIONERY 127- MUSIC
WELCOME 1-Letter to Brides
56 You’re Invited
129 Tips to Picking Music
3- About Black Inc.
57 Stationery Timeline
130 Choreographed Dances
4- Credits
58 Font Pairings
131 Advice at a Glance
4- History of GGW
59 Invitation Wording
132 Questions to Ask
5-Reasons not to Attend a Bridal Show
60 Guest Listed
133- FLOWERS
62 Questions to Ask
7- TRENDS
134 Flower Glossary
63- BRIDAL FASHIONS
8 Derek + Angel 10 Grant + Danielle
66 Dress Styles
12 Ben & Keisha
75 Questions to Ask Grooms Attire
14 Derek & Molly
76 Questions to Ask Brides Attire
15 Wedding Planning Tips
17- PREP & PLANNING
136 Flower Trends 138 Questions to Ask
139- PHOTOGRAPHY 141 Pose Perfect
77- JEWELRY
142 Engagement Fashions
78 Which Cut Fits You
143 Photos Checklist
18 Marriage Wellness
80 Making Metal Memories
144 Why you need a Videographer
20 Budget Breakdown
83 Keeping It Clean
145 Avoiding Guest Photographers
21 Who’s paying?
85 Advice at a Glance
148 Holding on to Memories
22 Wedding Budget
86 Questions to Ask
149 Advice at a Glance
87- CEREMONY &
27 Notes 28 To Do Timeline
150 Questions to Ask
151- TRANSPORTATION &
RECEPTION
33 Wedding Day Kit
HOTELS
34 Marriage Traditions
89 Good as Gold
35 Questions to Ask Planners
91 Wedded in Wonderland
153 Transportation Tips
36 Questions to Ask Vendors
93 Winter Bliss
154 Out of Town Guests
95 Bold Chic
156 Questions to Ask
37- BEAUTY & WELLNESS
97 Beautiful Venue, Beautiful Wedding
157- HONEYMOONS &
38 Your Best Feature
99 In Loving Memory
39 Hairstyle Gallery
102 Making It Personal
40 Wedding Workout Tips
106 Questions to Ask Reception
160 Why you need Trip Insurance
41 Total Body Workouts
110 Questions to Ask Ceremony
161 Getting Married Abroad
42 The Mother’s Checklist 43 Advice at a Glance 46 Questions to Ask
47-PARTIES GIFTS & MORE 48 Gift Registry
111- CATERING, CAKES,
BEVERAGES
112 Wedding Cake Checklist 113 Cake Gallery 114 How Much Cake
50 The Art of Giving
116 Sweet Substitutes
51 Gift Checklist 52 Bachelorette Party 54 Advice at a Glance
117 Reception Throwdown 119 Wedding Wine 101 121 Dietary Restrictions 123 Snack Attack 124 Advice at a Glance 126 Questions to Ask
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DESTINATION WEDDINGS
&
164 Packing List 166 Questions to Ask
167- AFTER THE BIG DAY 168 Floral Preservation 169 From Ms. to Mrs. 170 Home Buyers Guide 172 Budget 174 Saying I Do to Home Ownership 176 Ways to Improve Credit
Black Events & Advertising Inc. is the area's leading bridal marketing firm. Our specialty is connecting brides with local bridal companies to create stress-free wedding planning. We offer three products to local bridal companies. Designed to bring brides all of the magic of wedding planning! This full wedding planner is filled with specific sections which include articles, hints, tips and built-in tools.
The wedding planner, shows and website all work together offering local bridal companies maximum exposure to local brides for a minimal investment, and the brides love all three!
We host the largest and only nationally-accredited bridal show in South Dakota. We spare no expense with our events and are known as the upscale, bestorganized bridal showcase in the area.
This website offers brides the opportunity to build a bride profile page, connect with vendors and have access to articles and resources. It is also the #1 bridal website in the state of South Dakota!
P HOTO BY: ALLY WU RTS P HOTO G R AP HY
WELCOME |
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A HISTORY OF GGW
PUBLISHED BY Black Events & Advertising Inc. Sioux Falls, SD
In 2005, Kari Black began Black Events and Advertising because she saw a need to help small businesses and local
PRESIDENT Kari Black
sole proprietors grow their business through efficient, cost effective means.
EDITOR Trissa Van Roekel
The Black Tie Bridal Showcase, now known as GonnaGetWed was one of her first tradeshows, devoted to
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Molly Kreutzfeldt
connecting very small businesses with their target audience, placing wedding professionals and other small business
FRONT COVER PHOTO Ally Wurts Photography
owners in front of the one percent of the population that was getting married each year.
BACK COVER PHOTO Laci Jane Photography
As time went on, Kari saw a further need to connect brides to
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY The Bridal Gallery, Ally Wurts Photography, Salon 75, Laci Jane Photography, Greg & LaRae Photography, Oh My Word Luxury Paperie, Oh My Cupcakes, The Cake Lady, Kristi Shanks Photography, Jason R Jonas Videography. THE GONNA GET WED PLANNER is sponsored by GonnaGetWed.com and is a registered trademark of Black Events & Advertising Inc. Black Inc. assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork, and reserves the right to reject any content, articles, or advertising materials. Black Inc. reserves the right to edit, rewrite, or reuse material. Contents may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent from Black Inc. Contents may be featured on gonnagetwed.com
bridal show professionals daily and at their own convenience and GonnaGetWed.com – a website devoted to this was created. The site went above and beyond because prior to its launch, there were no other websites like it connecting local brides with local wedding professionals offered in our area. Finally, Kari introduced her print connection with our yearly GonnaGetWed Planner Publication. These planners are offered to 4,000 brides a year through GonnaGetWed tradeshows as well as many local bridal professionals and businesses. Even though many brides do research online through sites like GonnaGetWed.com, and download numerous wedding planning apps the majority still report that they prefer some sort of physical planner that they can carry with them even beyond the wedding.
FOR MORE INFORMATION as a bride or bridal company, contact us at
Now that social media has begun to take hold and flourish,
BLACK EVENTS & ADVERTISING INC. 3313 S. Western Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (605) 332-6000 info@blackincevents.com
brides and provide that local connection.
the GonnaGetWed Facebook page is also helping support Our hope is that our year round efforts continue to bring brides and wedding professionals together for many years to come! Happy Wedding Planning!
PLANNER 2018
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REASONS TO NOT ATTEND A BRIDAL SHOW
You may have heard a lot about GonnaGetWed, or bridal shows in general. There is a chance you may be on the fence about attending one. Here are a few reasons why you may be someone who shouldn’t attend a bridal show. 1. YOU HATE FREE THINGS AND DISCOUNTS. They’re not for everyone. I mean, who would like winning free stuff from Vendors? Don’t even get me started on all the tasty food samples.
2. YOU DON’T LIKE FUN. Vendors’ Booths often have different games (and prizes) along with other entertainment for you as you pass the booth.
3. YOU DON’T WANT AN EASY WEDDING PLANNING EXPERIENCE. If you want an easier planning experience, I highly suggest you NOT attend GonnaGetWed. This is understandable. Why would you want to browse all the vendors you need in one location when you could search for hours upon hours for them on the internet? Getting to know your vendors in person before booking could provide you with a much more personable, unique experience. It also helps you determine whether it is someone you actually want to do business with.
4. YOU DON’T LIKE NEW IDEAS. Okay this one we might actually be serious about. If you can’t walk into the doors with an open mind, then a bridal show might not be for you. Sure there will be things you already have ideas about, but who is to say you can’t change your mind when new things you love come about? Our shows provide creative inspiration, and could give you the extra ‘nudge’ in the right direction you are looking for. Heck, Pinterest only gets us SO far! All jokes aside, we hope to see you at our shows. A new season is upon us! October 22, 2017 & January 21, 2018. See you there!
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THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL UNION M I C H A E L & V I C K I B A N G - F A I T H F A M I LY C H U R C H
return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give—large or small—will be used to measure what is given back to you.” (TLB) Verse 38, [Message Translation] says, “Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back, given back with bonus & blessing. Giving , not getting is the way. Generosity begets [reaps] generosity."
Is the key to a happy marriage a secret? Well, since marriage was God’s idea, it would be unfair of him to promote the good, strong, healthy, successful union between a man and a woman and not give us the keys to attaining to it. In Ephesians 5, the Apostle Paul addresses the “mystery” of the marriage union and actually compares it to Christ and His union with us, the church: V. 21-33 (MSG) Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another. Wives, understand & support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing. So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such [cherishing] leadership, wives should likewise submit to their husbands. Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving , not getting. Christ's love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does & says is
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designed to bring the best out of her. And that’s how husbands ought to love their wives. They're really doing themselves a favor, since they're already "one" in marriage. No one abuses his own body, does he? No, he feeds and pampers it. That's how Christ treats us, the church, since we are part of his body. And this is why a man leaves father and mother and cherishes his wife. No longer two, they become "one flesh." And this provides a good picture of how each husband is to treat his wife, loving himself in loving her, & how each wife is to honor her husband. So we learn that love, honor, giving, forgiving, cherishing and serving ONE ANOTHER are the foundational stones to an enduring and lasting marriage. In Luke 6: Jesus addressing His followers, said, 36 “Try to show as much compassion as your Father does [towards you]. 37 “Never criticize or condemn—or it will all come back on you. Go easy on others; then they will do the same for you.[c] 38 For if you give, [He’s referencing God’s unconditional love, honor, kindness, goodness, patience, forgiveness, etc.] you will get [the same kind]! Your gift will
Jesus tells us… “Give away your life.” Giving away one’s life is exactly what both parties are doing when they enter the Marriage Covenant. This isn’t a 50/50 commitment; but a 100% commitment from both parties! The foundational strength of every marriage union is God’s love in action (please read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8). When we give our hearts to Christ, spiritually we become one, unified with Him. That is the “mystery” revealed—His nature of love now working in us and through us. We are now able to be what Christ is to us, in our relationships with each other. So there’s the secret…God’s love willingly exercised each and every day by both parties will keep your marriage union intact, blessed, healthy and strong.
Pastor Michael Bang, Pastor of Faith Family Church & Outreach Center 127 N Spring Avenue, SFSD 57104 605-336-2227 • faithfamilychurch.com Sunday Mornings: 10am Wednesday Evenings: 7pm
MIDWEST WEDDING
TRENDS
F I N D INSPIR AT ION FROM 4
D I F FER EN T SOUT H DA KOTA WE DDING S, EACH ON E U N I QUE A S T H E BR IDE THAT P L ANNED T H EM!
PH O T O BY: K RI ST I SH AN K S PH O T OGRA P H Y
TRENDS |
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&
DEREK ANGEL
REAL S OUTH DAKOTA W EDDI NG S
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ASHLEY PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE PRAIRIE VIEW EVENT HALL FLOWERS ELABORATIONS BY JOYCE CAKE THE CAKE LADY CATERING TONY’S CATERING
PHOTOGRAPHER
TRENDS |
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&
GRANT DANIELLE
REAL SOUTH DA KOTA WEDDIN GS
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BRIANNE NICHOLE PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE BRANDON GOLF COURSE FLOWERS THE FLOWER MILL CUPCAKES TAYLOR’D CAKES CATERING TONY’S CATERING
PHOTOGRAPHER
TRENDS |
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&
BEN KEISHA
REAL S OUTH DAKOTA W EDDI NG S
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GREG & LARAE PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE CALICO SKIES VINEYARD & WINERY FLOWERS THE FLOWER MILL CAKE WALMART CATERING LANCE WHITE
PHOTOGRAPHER
TRENDS |
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&
DEREK MOLLY
R E A L S O UT H DAKOTA WEDDI NGS
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PHOTOGRAPHER
283 PHOTOGRAPHY
DENNY SANFORD PREMIER CENTER FLOWERS MEREDITH AND BRIDGETS CUPCAKES LORI HUISMAN CATERING DENNY SANFORD PREMIER CENTER VENUE
TRENDS |
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P HOT O BY: G R E G & L A R A E P H O T O G R A P H Y
WEDDING PLANNING TIPS P I CK YO UR DAT E W I S E LY Choosing a day other than Saturday may be less expensive, but it may also require your guests and wedding party to take more time off of work. Depending on the time of year, that may make it challenging for out-of-town guests to attend. Choose your date wisely! You shouldn’t have more than 2 hours between ceremony and reception. Plan something fun like a cocktail hour, a tour of downtown, or a wedding scavenger hunt for guests before the reception.
You and your groom are starting out and you probably need everything to furnish this new life. But your registry should not have only 1000 thread Egyptian cotton sheets, crystal glassware, and big screen TVs. Most likely, your friends and family have lives of their own they have to pay for and many of them may be traveling to your wedding. Your gift registry should have a variety of price points. Sure, your co-workers may team up to buy you something special. But your retired aunt and uncle who still have your cousin living in their basement may need to buy you something a little less expensive – everyone needs new towels!
T H I N K T H E ME NU T HROU G H
TO DRIN K OR N OT TO DRIN K
D O N ’ T M AKE G U E S TS WAIT
Provide alternatives for people who have allergies, dietary restrictions, or are vegan/vegetarians. Having a kids menu is also a good idea!
T H I N K A BO U T T HE W E AT HE R AN D P L A N ACCO RD I NG LY You can look through the last 50 years of the farmers’ almanac tracking weather trends, but you never know what the weather will be like on your wedding day. If you are getting married outside, it could be hot, it could be cold, it could rain. Face it – it could snow! Make sure you have a back-up plan and that your wedding theme corresponds.
A NT I CI PAT E T HE NE E D S OF YOUR G U E S TS Leave some extra parking spaces toward the front both at the ceremony and the reception for elderly guests. Make sure you have some extra comfortable chairs for people to sit on if need be.
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KEEP YOUR GUESTS’ BUDGETS I N MIN D WH EN REGISTERIN G
16 | TRENDS
Whether you like to party or not, having a cash bar isn’t very inviting to your guest. Having everyone getting tanked at an open bar isn’t great either. Try to find an option that will work, like offering a few drink tickets to people or offering free beer and wine. There is a way to find the happy medium between no drinks and free drinks.
GREET EACH GUEST PERSON A LLY The trend has been to greet everyone at the wedding either in a receiving line at the back of the ceremony location or to greet them as they are exiting their seats. Whichever way you choose to greet your guest, make sure you DO IT. They traveled here, they bought you a gift, they came for your special day – Say “Hello” & “Thank you”!
FEED TH E PH OTOGRAPH ER A N D DJ/BAN D They work hard. Feed them. Also remember; it’s your day! Make sure you take the time to enjoy it.
PREP and
PLANNING BY N OW YO U ' RE M AY B E A L I T T L E OV E RW HE L ME D W I T H A L L T HE W E DDING PL A NS , B U T H A NG IN T HE RE ! W E A RE HE RE TO M A K E YO U R L IF E A L I T T L E E ASIE R!
PH OTO BY: L ACI JA N E PH OTO GR AP HY
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MARRIAGE WELLNESS BY AGAPE COUNSELING CENTER
PH OTO BY: G RE G & L A RA E PH OTO G R AP HY
Agape Counseling Center extends to you heartfelt congratulations on your upcoming marriage. What an exciting time full of hope and promise! Planning for the wedding in anticipation of the wonderful event brings joy and enchantment. It is the beginning of a new life together. After the wedding day comes the promised happily ever after. What does happily ever after look like? Is it an easy task that happens spontaneously and intuitively? What does it require of partners to achieve a blissful life with love ever present? After the wedding day comes change. Managing that change makes marriages great. Change includes challenges.
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Marriage starts a new family, and with all that comes with creating a new family. Things to consider about this are how to maintain partnership intimacy in feeling heard, understood and cherished as life presents itself to the dream. Role expectations, changing identities, relationships with extended family, and practicing different family traditions will arise. Management of household tasks, finances, career decisions, parenting, and the ongoing decisions of daily life will be present in the happily ever after. Differences in how the partners manage change and differences in coping styles will become evident. You will get to know each other better than you ever thought you would.
When more than one person is involved in decision making conflict can appear. There are many types of conflicts that arise in marriage. There are relationship and personal expectation differences that can prompt conflicts about personal identity, self worth, and value differences, such as what constitutes loyalty and betrayal. There are process conflicts about family goals, structures, decision making power, assignment of responsibility and duties, and how tasks should be done. There are conflicts of interest about the means of obtaining those goals, division of the work load, and how much of the family resources should be applied to provide for meeting those goals. The ability to have an impact on each
other in decision making involves communication, negotiation and compromise. Having the ability for assertive self expression without aggression is primary in good communication. This requires personal awareness of your feelings, the ability to identify the concern about the situation, and to understand and express what you want. It also requires the ability to hear and understand your partner’s point of view. Negotiation is a method to resolve differences. It is a process to achieve compromise or agreement without argument or dispute. Fairness, mutual benefit, and maintaining the relationship are the keys to a successful outcome. Good interpersonal skills are necessary in positive outcomes in negotiation. Compromise allows for everyone to win in a conflict. It includes the ability to agree on making concessions. It is the ability to accept something slightly different than originally thought was necessary. It empowers and strengthens both partners in the marriage to achieve lasting love and commitment. Agape Counseling Center wants to be a support for you and your family. Premarital counseling supports planning on how to be great at marriage. Individual, marriage and family counseling supports personal and relationship empowerment to obtain growth and healing. As with your physical health and annual wellness checkups, we encourage you to consider ongoing marriage wellness checkups. It doesn’t have to be a crisis to seek support. Janet Opoien Twedt Agape Counseling Center, Brandon, SD
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BUDGET BREAKDOWN
48%...RECEPTION 12%...PHOTOGRAPHY 10%...DRESS + TUX
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10%...ENTERTAINMENT 2%.... TRANSPORTATION 8%..... FLOWERS 2%.... INVITATIONS 3%..... CEREMONY 2%.... GIFTS 3%..... RINGS
WHO'S PAYING? THE BRIDE • G ro o m’s we d d i n g r i n g • G ro o m’s g i f t • G i f t s fo r t h e b r i d e’s at te n d a n ts • T h a n k yo u g i f t fo r p a re n ts • B r i d e s m a i d’s l u n c h e o n (o pti o n a l eve n t)
T HE BRIDE’S FA MILY • C h u rc h a n d re c e pti o n s i te re n t a l • C a ke, c ate r i n g, a n d b eve r a g e s fo r th e re c e pti o n • I nv i t ati o n s, a n n o u n c e m e n ts, a n d s t ati o n e r y • S e r v i c e s of a we d d i n g c o n s u l t a n t • T h e b r i d a l at ti re a n d tro u s s e a u • P h oto g r a p hy fo r th e e n g a g e m e n ts, b r i d a l p o r tr a i t s, c e re m o ny a n d re c e pti o n • F l owe r s fo r th e c h u rc h, re c e pti o n, a n d th e bridesmaids • C o r s a g e s fo r s p e c i a l h e l p e r s • M u s i c at t h e c e re m o ny a n d re c e pti o n
A F E W TIPS O N HO W TO A P P R OAC H THE (O F TE N AW KWA R D ) S UB J E CT O F W HO IS PAY ING F O R W H AT. TA L K to your partner about the type of wedding
you’d like to have before you do anything else. Discuss what type of venue you would both like and roughly how many guests you would invite. This will help you estimate your wedding costs.
A S K your parents to sit down and discuss the budget. Do not surprise your parents with an impromptu budget meeting; give them a chance to sit down and discuss it together before you meet with them B E AWA R E of your parent's expectations before
accepting their contributions. Ask them how involved they would like to be in the planning process or if they have any requirements for your wedding.
B E FO R E YO U TA L K TO YO U R PA R E N T S
about who's contributing, it’s good to know how much you and your partner can realistically bring to the table. Decide how much the two of you can afford to contribute. Your parents might be willing to chip in a little more if they know that you are willing to spend some of your own money too.
• L i m o u s i n e fo r th e b r i d e a n d f a m i l y to th e c h u rc h a n d c a r s fo r tr a n s p o r t ati o n • Lo d g i n g fo r o u t- of-tow n b r i d e s m a i d s o r a r r a n g e m e n ts w i th f r i e n d s • Security and insurance • We d d i n g f avo r s
THE GROOM / HIS FAMILY
• We d d i n g g i f t fo r th e b r i d e • L i m o u s i n e ex p e n s e l e av i n g re c e pti o n o r fo r th e d ay • We d d i n g n i g h t a c c o m m o d ati o n s • H o n ey m o o n tr i p
• T h e b r i d e’s e n g a g e m e n t a n d we d d i n g r i n g s
• G i f ts fo r th e b e s t m a n a n d g ro o m s m e n
• Marriage license
• S h i p m e n t of th e we d d i n g g i f ts to t h e c o u p l e’s home
• O f f i c i a n t ’s fe e a n d tr ave l ex p e n s e s • B r i d e’s b o u q u e t a n d g o i n g - away c o r s a g e
• Lo d g i n g o r a r r a n g e m e n ts fo r o u t- of-tow n g ro o m s m e n
• C o r s a g e s fo r th e m oth e r s a n d g r a n d m oth e r s
• Rehearsal dinner
• B o u to n n i è re s, g l ove s, a n d ti e s fo r th e m e n of t h e we d d i n g p a r t y
• G ro o m's At ti re
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WEDDING BUDGET USE THE NEXT FEW PAGES TO PLAN YOUR WEDDING BUDGET, AND FILL IN THE ACTUAL COST AS YOU GO.
ANTICIPATED
P.
ACTUAL
Beauty, Health & Fitness
$
$
Parties, Gifts & More
$
$
Invitations & Stationery
$
$
Bridal Fashions
$
$
Jewelry
$
$
Ceremony
$
$
Reception
$
$
Food & Beverage
$
$
Music
$
$
Flowers
$
$
Photography & Videography
$
$
Hotel & Transportation
$
$
Honeymoon & Travel
$
$
Misc. Items
$
$
TOTAL WEDDING BUDGET
$
$
22 | PREP & PLANNING
WEDDING BUDGET B E AU T Y, HE ALT H & F IT NE S S
PARTIES, GIFTS & MORE
Bride’s Hair
$
Bridal Party Gifts
$
Makeup
$
Groom’s Gift
$
Nails / Manicure
$
Bride’s Gift
$
Pedicure
$
Wedding Attendant’s Gifts
$
Tanning
$
Favors
$
Gym Costs / Weight loss
$
Bridal Shower
$
Teeth Whitening
$
$
Massage / Facial
$
Bachelorette (or) Bachelor Party
Skin Care Treatments
$
Misc.
$
SUBTOTAL
$
SUBTOTAL
$
B RI DA L FAS HI O NS Wedding Gown
$
Veil & Headpiece
$
Undergarments / Garter
$
Shoes & Hosiery
$
Other Accessories
$
Bridesmaids’ Dresses
$
Flower Girl Dress (es)
$
Groom’s Attire
$
Socks, Shoes, Tie, etc
$
Groomsmen Accessories
$
Misc.
$
SUBTOTAL
$
IN VITATION S / STATION ERY Engagement Announcements
$
Invitations
$
Reply Cards
$
Thank You Cards
$
Save the Date Cards
$
Guest Book & Pen
$
Napkins
$
Programs
$
Place Cards
$
Stamp Postage
$
Maps/Direction Cards
$
Guest Accommodation Cards
$
Calligrapher
$
SUBTOTAL
$
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WEDDING BUDGET JEWE L RY
CEREMONY
Her Engagement Ring
$
Officiant Fee
$
Her Wedding Ring
$
Location Fee
$
His Wedding Ring
$
Marriage License
$
Ceremony Jewelry
$
Ring Pillow
$
Bridesmaid Jewelry
$
Unity Candles
$
Custom Engraving
$
Aisle Runner
$
Sizing & Soldering
$
Other Rentals
$
Other
$
Misc.
$
SUBTOTAL
$
SUBTOTAL
$
RECEPTION
FOOD / BEVERAGES
Site Fee
$
Reception Hors d’oeuvre
$
Centerpieces
$
Reception Dinner
$
Chairs & Tables
$
Bar Setup Fee
$
Linens
$
Keg Bar Fee
$
Dance Floor
$
Cake & Cake Stand
$
China & Glassware
$
Corkage Fee
$
Serving Pieces
$
Punch, Mints & Nuts
$
Decorations & Supplies
$
Misc.
$
Rentals
$
Misc.
$
SUBTOTAL
$
SUBTOTAL
$
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WEDDING BUDGET CE R E M O NY MU S I C
FLOWERS
Vocalist / Ensemble
$
Bride Bouquet
$
Pianist / Organist
$
Bridesmaids & Flower Girl
$
Guitarist / Violinist / Cellist
$
Ceremony Flowers
$
Reception Music
$
Reception Flowers
$
Cocktail Hour Musicians
$
Altar Flowers
$
DJ
$
Mother/Grandmother Corsages
$
Band
$
Helpers’ Corsages
$
Other
$
Groom Boutonnières
$
Dad/Other Men Boutonnières
$
Centerpieces
$
Head Table Flowers
$
Cake Flowers, Guest Book
$
SUBTOTAL
$
SUBTOTAL
$
PHOTO G R APHY / VI D E OG RAPHY Engagement Photos
$
Wedding Photos
$
Digital Files
$
Photo Album
$
Additional Prints
$
Wedding Night Suite
$
Custom Framing
$
Guest Accommodations
$
Videographer
$
Limousine / Transportation
$
Final Video & Copies
$
Beverage Fees
$
Unedited Video
$
Parents’ Transportation
$
Other
$
Tips or Gratuity
$
Other
$
SUBTOTAL
$
SUBTOTAL
H OTEL / TRAN SPORTATION
$
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WEDDING BUDGET H O N E YM O O N & T RAVE L
MISC. ITEMS
Passports
$
$
Resort
$
$
Airfare
$
$
Transportation
$
$
Meals
$
$
Spending Cash
$
$
Entertainment
$
$
Misc.
$
$ $
S U BTOTAL
$
$ $
SUBTOTAL
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26 | PREP & PLANNING
$
NOTES
PREP & PLANNING |
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TO-DO TIMELINE AFTER ENGAGEMENT
ΟΟ Start shopping for bridal gown and bridal party attire
ΟΟ Introduce families
ΟΟ Start guest list
ΟΟ Have an engagement party
ΟΟ Select and secure cake designer
ΟΟ Set wedding date ΟΟ Register on gonnagetwed.com
ΟΟ Research floral preferences and start wish list ΟΟ Interview and hire ceremony musicians / vocalists
ΟΟ Get organized and keep track of details and vendor information
ΟΟ Book a DJ / band
ΟΟ Meet with all parties financially responsible
ΟΟ Start planning honeymoon and meet with travel agent
ΟΟ Set overall budget and sub-budgets
ΟΟ Apply for passport, if needed
ΟΟ Assign expenses to all parties
ΟΟ Meet with officiant and schedule premarital classes
ΟΟ Interview and hire wedding coordinator ΟΟ Attend wedding shows and related events to gather information ΟΟ Select and secure ceremony location and officiant ΟΟ Select and confirm inclement weather plan if outside location ΟΟ Select and secure reception location and catering ΟΟ Interview wedding photographers and videographers ΟΟ Secure photographer and videographer
9 - 12 MONTHS ΟΟ Start workout / weight loss program ΟΟ Take engagement pictures ΟΟ Send engagement announcement to local papers with photo
6 - 9 MONTHS ΟΟ Narrow down the guest list ΟΟ Have each family compile guests’ current addresses ΟΟ Apply for permits pertaining to reception such as parking, fireworks, alcohol, etc. ΟΟ Order wedding gown allowing time for 2-3 fittings ΟΟ Get a swatch of fabric from gown for matching accessories ΟΟ Select and order bridesmaid gowns ΟΟ Shop for accessories: bra/panties, hosiery, headpiece, veil, petticoat/slip, gloves, jewelry, wrap/shawl, handbag, garter, etc. ΟΟ Start looking for formal wear – take your fiancé to match styles ΟΟ Consider purchased vs. rented suits or tuxedos
ΟΟ Select and confirm the bridal party
ΟΟ Purchase groom’s wedding band
ΟΟ Select colors, themes, and details
ΟΟ Purchase bride’s wedding band
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TO-DO TIMELINE ΟΟ Buy additional jewelry insurance
ΟΟ Prepare maps / driving directions
ΟΟ Purchase wedding day jewelry for everyone
ΟΟ Prepare guest accommodation information
ΟΟ Get your rings sized and engraved
ΟΟ Prepare list of area attractions for out of town guests
ΟΟ Investigate ethnic customs and cultural traditions to incorporate
ΟΟ Hire calligrapher
ΟΟ Purchase wedding insurance ΟΟ Start planning your ceremony music and song selections ΟΟ Start looking for decor, rentals, etc. ΟΟ Schedule a tasting with your caterer ΟΟ Book rehearsal dinner and caterer ΟΟ Meet with florists to start selecting flowers
ΟΟ Send all deposits due
ΟΟ Order personalized items like napkins and ribbons ΟΟ Order personalized party favors and gifts ΟΟ Attend first fitting; have shoes, lingerie, and accessories ΟΟ Have bridesmaids schedule and attend fittings ΟΟ Shop for mothers’ dresses or attire ΟΟ Get fitted for purchased men’s attire requiring tailoring ΟΟ Order all men’s attire after fitting
ΟΟ Select and book transportation
ΟΟ Select cuff links, shirts, ties, etc. and order if getting monogrammed
ΟΟ Reserve wedding night suite
ΟΟ Make reservations for all wedding rentals
ΟΟ Block guest rooms
ΟΟ Double check all reservations with wedding vendors
ΟΟ Make honeymoon downpayment
ΟΟ Discuss menu and finalize selections with caterer
4 - 6 MON T HS ΟΟ Review and select gift registry(s) ΟΟ Start skin care treatments or have consultation ΟΟ Make plans for any dental work ΟΟ Start looking at party favors ΟΟ Decide on a personal wedding logo concept ΟΟ Finalize guest list and send save the dates
ΟΟ Finalize all ceremony music: prelude, attendants’ processional, bride’s processional, ceremony/interludes, recessional and postlude ΟΟ Provide musicians with all sheet music ΟΟ Start song lists for reception and dance ΟΟ Finalize honeymoon plans ΟΟ Assign and confirm wedding responsibilities with friends and family (coordinator, reception tables, greeters, host / hostess, etc.)
ΟΟ Select and order invitations and personalized stationery
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TO-DO TIMELINE 2 - 4 MON T HS
ΟΟ Make list of photos you want taken with both families
ΟΟ Schedule teeth whitening
ΟΟ Finalize transportation details
ΟΟ Set up hair and makeup appointments
ΟΟ Meet insurance agents to ensure all insurance is in place
ΟΟ Schedule a spa day bridal party for week of wedding
ΟΟ Plan bridesmaids’ luncheon
ΟΟ Get blood tests / physicals for marriage certificate
ΟΟ Schedule vacation from work
ΟΟ Attend second fittings
ΟΟ Confirm ceremony details and ceremony music
ΟΟ Start dance instruction classes
ΟΟ Get any immunizations needed for honeymoon
ΟΟ Engrave cake server, knife, etc. ΟΟ Select and order gifts for bridal party, parents, etc.
6 - 8 W EEKS
ΟΟ Mail all wedding invitations
ΟΟ Schedule to start tanning (Spray tans no closer than 1 week before wedding)
ΟΟ Purchase or make guest book
ΟΟ Plan bachelor / bachelorette parties
ΟΟ Have programs designed and printed
ΟΟ Recruit friends to help with party favor assembly
ΟΟ Mail rehearsal dinner invitations
ΟΟ Have all bridal showers
ΟΟ Choose and reserve formal wear if renting; have all the men fitted
ΟΟ Follow-up with guests who have not RSVP’d ΟΟ Mail shower and party thank you cards
ΟΟ Choose what groomsmen will be wearing: ties, bow ties, cummerbunds, etc.
ΟΟ Set up your final wedding dress fitting
ΟΟ Finalize times for rehearsal with officiant
ΟΟ Verify all groomsmen were fitted, have purchased suits, had final fitting (wear dress shoes to fitting)
ΟΟ Finalize and purchase final decorations, ring pillow, flower girl basket, garter, candles, toasting glasses, favors, centerpieces, card box, disposable cameras, etc. ΟΟ Choose readings and readers; provide for practice ΟΟ Finalize details with cake designer ΟΟ Purchase cake topper ΟΟ Finalize fresh flower order ΟΟ Create photo montage for reception
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ΟΟ Finish pre-marital classes ΟΟ Confirm all ceremony and reception details ΟΟ Decide on wedding vows ΟΟ Finalize the ceremony contents with officiant ΟΟ Double check when all final payments are due ΟΟ Schedule floral preservation for bouquet ΟΟ Have photographer and videographer visit all sites
TO-DO TIMELINE ΟΟ Finalize details with photographer and videographer
ΟΟ Write out placement cards for assigned seating
ΟΟ Prepare contact info for all wedding vendors
ΟΟ Prepare wedding announcement for the newspaper
ΟΟ Get shoes dyed
ΟΟ Pick up wedding dress: try it on one last time
ΟΟ Put together children’s party favors / entertainment kits
ΟΟ Write any toasts or words of thanks for reception
4 - 6 WEEKS ΟΟ Buy gift for Groom ΟΟ Pick up wedding rings ΟΟ Plan seating arrangements for reception ΟΟ Decide on order of reception including toasts, dinner, cake cutting, etc. ΟΟ Finalize music selections: first dance, father-daughter, etc. ΟΟ Go over music selections with DJ / Band ΟΟ Get box for cake top ΟΟ Line up sitters for children at ceremony ΟΟ Attend final fittings for everyone ΟΟ Practice bustling wedding dress
2 WEEKS ΟΟ Make groom hair appointment for cut / color ΟΟ Test run with hair designer and makeup artist ΟΟ Get ring soldered ΟΟ Schedule and have facials ΟΟ Get waxed for him / her ΟΟ Attend spa and relaxation day for bridal party ΟΟ Deliver welcome bags to hotel for guest rooms
ΟΟ Tally guests’ meal count & inform caterer ΟΟ Arrange for cleanup after ceremony & reception ΟΟ Confirm all arrangements with ALL of your vendors ΟΟ Put all final payments due on wedding day in envelopes ΟΟ Confirm out-of-town guest reservations with hotel ΟΟ Assemble wedding day emergency kit: sewing kit, clear fingernail polish, extra nylons, hairspray, stain remover wipes, etc. ΟΟ Pack all accessories: jewelry, veil, shoes, panty hose, etc. ΟΟ Delegate post wedding tux returns ΟΟ Get information for name change ΟΟ Confirm rehearsal plans and finalize guest count ΟΟ Apply for marriage license ΟΟ Mail itinerary to wedding party and those involved ΟΟ Confirm and make final honeymoon payment
1 WEEK ΟΟ Have bachelor / bachelorette parties ΟΟ Wrap wedding party gifts ΟΟ Practice on site with musicians and vocalists ΟΟ Print out several copies of the seating chart arrangements for those seating guests
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TO-DO TIMELINE ΟΟ Make arrangements to decorate the reception location ΟΟ Finalize seating arrangement ΟΟ Make mints and finish favors
DAY OF WEDDING
ΟΟ Start packing for honeymoon
ΟΟ Have a nice breakfast and drink lots of water
ΟΟ Break in shoes and scuff the bottoms
ΟΟ Wear a button up shirt to your hair and makeup appointments to avoid strap marks.
1-2 DAYS
ΟΟ Allow plenty of time to get dressed
ΟΟ Pick up rented men’s attire and try on at shop
ΟΟ Take photos before or after ceremony
ΟΟ Finalize envelopes with payments and cash tips
ΟΟ Get witness signatures on the certificate
ΟΟ Confirm rehearsal time with those involved
ΟΟ Make payments that are due
ΟΟ Deliver your wedding gown, bridesmaids’ dresses, accessories, and other items to ceremony site if they can be safely stored
ΟΟ Remember thank you card for officiant
DAY BEFORE WEDDING
ΟΟ Relax and have fun!
AFTER WEDDING
ΟΟ Decorate the ceremony location
ΟΟ Return tuxedos to rental shop
ΟΟ Decorate the reception location
ΟΟ Go on your honeymoon
ΟΟ Get manicure / pedicure
ΟΟ Send out all final thank you notes
NIGHT BEFORE WEDDING ΟΟ Rehearse the ceremony details with wedding party ΟΟ Discuss seating details with ushers; practice ΟΟ Show parents and grandparents where they will be seated ΟΟ Give marriage license to officiant ΟΟ Finish any ceremony site decorations ΟΟ Have rehearsal dinner ΟΟ Give gifts to wedding party
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ΟΟ Make arrangements for vehicles to be delivered to reception site on the wedding day
32 | PREP & PLANNING
ΟΟ File for name change ΟΟ Change name on all insurance, home, car, bank accounts, etc ΟΟ Start planning for your next big purchase, a new home! See the "After the Big Day" section in this planner!
WEDDING DAY KIT A CHECKLIST OF THINGS EVERY BRIDE SHOULD H AVE ON-H AND ON HER WEDDING DAY. BE PREPARED! CHECK OFF ITEMS AS YOU ASSEMBLE YOUR KIT.
GROOMING
HEALTH / MEDICAL
• H a n d l ot i o n
• A n t a c i d
• We t w i p e s
• A s p i r i n, p a i n r e l i e ve r s
• Tissues
• U p s e t s to m a c h r e m e d y
• C ot to n b a l l s, c ot to n s wa b s • M a ke u p • M a ke u p r e m ove r
MISCELLANEOUS • E x t r a c o p i e s of d i r e c t i o n s to r e c e pt i o n
• Pe r f u m e • Tissues • Safety pins and a sewing kit with thread • Masking tape or sewing t a p e ( fo r l a s t m i n u te r i p p e d h e m s) • S m a l l s c i s s o r s ( fo r t h r e a d )
• Breath mints
• C l u b s o d a o r ot h e r s t a i n r e m ova l s o l u t i o n s
• Duct tape
• I ro n a n d / o r s te a m e r
• Snacks
• Bandages
• S m a l l g ro o m i n g s c i s s o r s
• C o n t a c t i n fo r m a t i o n fo r a l l ve n d o r s
• S m a l l h a n d towe l
• C u r l i n g i ro n, h ot ro l l e r s
• Fe m i n i n e hyg i e n e p ro d u c ts (t a m p o n s, p a n t y l i n e r s, etc.)
• Lint brush
• H a i r d r ye r
• N a i l p o l i s h i n s h a d e wo r n • N a i l p o l i s h r e m ove r • Nail file • Twe e ze r s
ATTIRE • “ T h rowaway ” g a r te r • C l e a r n a i l p o l i s h fo r r u n s i n pantyhose • E x tra earring backs
• B r u s h, c o m b • H a i r s p r ay, h a i r g e l • B o b by p i n s, h a i r e l a s t i c s, b a r r e t te s • Headband / clips
• E x t r a b u t to n s
• To ot h b r u s h, to ot h p a s te, floss
• F l a t s h o e s fo r t h e r e c e pt i o n
• M o u t hwa s h
• E x tra pantyhose
• B a by p owd e r
• A n t i h i s t a m i n e, c o l d r e m e d y, a ny p r e s c r i pt i o n medications • Small flashlight • Fo l d i n g u t i l i t y k n i f e • C e l l p h o n e a n d n u m b e r s of a l l we d d i n g p a r t i c i p a n t s • C o o l e r w i t h j u i c e, s o d a s, a n d b ot t l e d wa te r
• Deodorant
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MARRIAGE TRADITIONS
Contract, agreement, concord, treaty, pledge, alliance, bond, commitment….whatever word you use, an agreement between two parties is also known as a “covenant.” Marriage itself is a covenant, and the wedding and reception are a mix of the transaction itself and the celebration of it. There were several symbolic elements in the making of covenants in Bible times like:
BLOOD—one’s own or the blood of honored animals. Back in the day, a covenant was taken seriously enough to be sealed with blood, which symbolized that a great price was paid and the breaking of the covenant demanded death. Yikes. There’s something you don’t typically see at a modern day ceremony. Often though, we do hear the words “til death do us part,” a statement that your covenant or commitment to this person is meant to last.
EXCHANGING OF PROPERTY SUCH AS COATS OR RINGS— This was done to symbolize the pledging of one’s entire self, assets, authority and protection. The ring indicated legal access to another’s assets and authority, as well as a protective bond that is meant to last through perpetuity! Just like in its origins, today’s rings not only symbolize one’s assets, they actually are significant treasures themselves.
VOWS OR TERMS— The exchange of properties was always preceded by a solemn vow of what was included in the covenant. Aside from the legalities that are bound to marriages, your vows, whether repeated from a clergyman or written personally, are actually a covenant promise to your future partner.
CHANGING OF NAMES (or parts of another’s name)— This covenant honor not only identifies the two parties coming permanently together in agreement, but it ties their future success to each other. As a bride, when you take your spouse’s name, you are not only becoming one new unit, you are taking equal responsibility for establishing the meaning of that name in the future. WITNESSES— Two or more witnesses established a covenant. As it was originally, they should be those closest to you and have already been beside you through your best and worst, since they will continue to be a part of you keeping your covenant in the future. Sometimes that describes more than one person in each of your lives, and so your wedding party grows!
A MEAL—There was almost always a meal involved in covenant exchanges. Bread and wine were nearly always present. Bread denoted complete and unending provision for each other. Wine signified complete sacrifice—necessary for a relationship to prosper. The cake and the reception mean more than you realize and those who partake are invited to become a part of the process of your future life and prosperity. PH OTO BY: KRI S T I S H A N KS PH OTO G R AP HY
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34 | PREP & PLANNING
QUESTIONS TO ASK
WEDDING PLANNERS
• Do you have a portfolio with photos of weddings you’ve planned? • Do you have a business license? • How long have you been in business? • Are you certified? By what association? • What is your fee? Do you charge hourly, a flat fee, or a percentage of the total wedding budget? • If the fee is hourly or based on a percentage, are you willing to put a cap on the total fee? • Can we hire you to plan the entire event? • Can we hire you to help with just some of the planning? • Can we hire you to help on the wedding day only? • What details do you handle? • What details won’t you handle? • How many meetings should we plan to have? • Can we conduct business by phone, fax, or e-mail? • If site has been selected: Do you know the catering manager / events planner at our site? • Do you have vendors you’ve worked with in the past? • Are there a few you like for each service or just one vendor for each?
• Do these service providers give you a personal financial incentive to work with them, aside from any discount that we may receive? • What would the process be for selecting and hiring vendors for our wedding? • Do you like to take complete control or do you welcome our ideas and participation? • Will you be on hand the day of the wedding? • How many other events will you be organizing that day? • How many people on your staff will be at the wedding? • How long has your staff worked with you? • How will you (and your staff) be dressed? • Do you have liability insurance? • How does the payment schedule work? • What is your cancellation policy? • Do you have references? • What happens if you are ill on our wedding day? • Do you require meals? • Will you travel if necessary? • Will there be additional expenses for parking and travel?
• Do these service providers offer your clients discounts?
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PH OTO BY: A L LY W U RTS PH OTOGR AP HY
QUESTIONS TO ASK
WEDDING VENDORS
• Do you have liability insurance?
• Do you accept credit cards?
• Is there a deposit due and when?
• How do you handle unforeseen issues?
• When is the balance due?
• Do you have a backup plan if something goes wrong on our wedding day?
• What is the cancellation policy?
GENERAL VENDOR HIRING HINTS
• Ask friends and family to recommend service providers and venues that were satisfactory. • Talk to your friends who were recently married. They are an excellent source of knowledge. • The first question to ask potential service providers: Do you have my date open? This will save you time and energy if they do not. • Meet with several vendors in each category before you hire any particular one, even if you really loved the first one you met. • Be sure to conduct an interview with a potential vendor, regardless if you have several great referrals for him or her. Your personalities might clash, indicating a wrong fit for you. • Ask for a tour, samples, demos, previews, pictures and referrals from all your vendors before they are hired. Don’t just take their word for it. • Once you find a vendor you want… don’t wait, book them!
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GENERAL CONTRACT GUIDELINES
• Look over the entire contract. If you don’t understand something, ask them! If you have an attorney, you may want them to review the larger contracts. • Make sure your contracts all have the date, time, location, and a detailed description of all services and items to be provided by the vendor. • Make sure the contract includes ALL fees and how they apply: late fees, overtime charges, gratuities, open-ended charges, etc. Also make sure they include times, if time sensitive, and try to put a cap on prices if they could get out of control. • Contracts must stipulate the deposit amount, due date, and all payments and amounts due. • Do not sign if you do not agree with any part of the contract. Instead, negotiate the details and have a new contract drafted that you feel comfortable signing. • Make sure you get a copy of the contract before you leave with both signatures and the date signed.
BEAUTY, health W E L L NE S S
THIS S EC TIO N IS FU LL O F BEAU TY AND HEALTH TIPS FO R YO U TO LO O K AND FEEL YO U R B ES T O N YO U R B IG DAY; HOWEVER, WITH YO U R BEAU TIFU L DRES S , AND THAT BIG S MILE, WE KNOW YO U WILL BE FLAWLES S !
PH OTO CRE D ITS : G RE G & L A RA E PH OTOGR AP HY
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YOUR BEST FEATURE T I P S T O S H O W O F F Y O U R B E S T F E AT U R E S
Your wedding day is filled with countless photos and all eyes are on you, so it’s important to plan what kind of makeup you want to wear. These tips will help all your features look their best!
BROWS They define your face and give a balanced look, so it is important that they are filled in with powder, pencil, or tinted brow gel. Just remember to use a shade that matches. Brows can be a statement, but not on your wedding day.
EYES Your eye makeup should be made up of natural tones and, just like contouring your face, it is just as essential to contour your eyes. By using a darker shade in your crease, your eyes will appear much larger. Also, remember to use water-proof mascara on the big day. It will last longer and survive against any tears. CHEEKS We cannot stress enough to use bronzer and a little blush! This creates dimension in your face so you aren’t washed out in all of your beautiful wedding pictures. Another tip: avoid anything too shimmery, as this can make you appear greasy in photos.
LIPS Don’t settle with just a little gloss! Choose a lipstick darker than your lips, or something bolder, depending on your eye makeup. Remember, either a bold lip or a bold eye, try to choose only one for your wedding day. P.S. avoid heavy amounts of gloss! With lots of kissing, dancing and eating, gloss will be a hassle!
FIN AL TIPS A good primer is key not only for your skin but for your eyes and even lips too! This will allow for less re-applying and more time for you to enjoy your night! A bright white smile is always a plus as well! Check out DIY’s, take home kits, or talk with your dentist about options!
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HAIRSTYLE GALLERY
O U R F R I E N D S AT S A L O N 7 5 H E L P E D US FIND SOME PERFECT HAIR STYLES F O R Y O U R B I G D AY ! Your wedding day will be the most important day of the year and what’s the last thing you want? That’s right, a bad hair day. Your chosen locks should complement, not compete, with the rest of your attire, so it’s important to do a trial and error with a stylist to determine the right “do” for when you say “I do.” First, like any other booking for the big day, do your research for the right hairstylist for you. Although you may love how your hair dresser colors your hair, he/she may not be an expert in bridal hairstyles. Come prepared with photos from Pinterest or magazines to show him or her to give a sense of the style you would like. One tip we love is to wear white to your consultation to give you a better idea what you will look like on the big day. Next, time how long it will take to achieve your chosen style, and add 30 minutes. Wedding days always have hidden dilemmas, so plan ahead. Try a few different styles, and photograph them at different angles to see if you truly love the hairstyle on you. Lastly, discuss with the hair stylist if he/she will come to you or if you will go to the salon on the big day. If the stylist is able to come to your location, is he/she able to stay for touch ups throughout the day?
You have the perfect groom, the perfect ring, the perfect dress...
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507.283.4343 626 S. Kniss Avenue Luverne, MN 56156 www.salon75.com JUST MINUTES EAST OF SIOUX FALLS ON I-90.
BEAUTY & WELLNESS |
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WEDDING WORKOUT TIPS F R O M N I C K O V E N D E N , G R E AT L I F E Wedding planning can be costly, time consuming and full of stress. The last thing brides want to do is to spend hours at the gym every day in preparation for your big day. Many people have gone on a variety of diets and exercise routines that leave them exhausted and without much success. Here are a few easy tips that will help increase your chances of having long lasting results, maintain your energy level and not waste a ton of time in the process. BE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE WITH YOUR WORKOUTS. If you only have 30 minutes to workout, go right for the weights! By using large, multi-joint movements, you can create a “cardio” workout while working on muscle tone. Try pairing a squat with an overhead press, a push up with a row and a biceps curl with a lunge. Be sure to increase the number of reps, weights or sets each week to continue your progress and not hit that dreaded plateau. BE SURE YOU ARE GIVING YOUR BODY THE RIGHT FUEL AT THE RIGHT TIME. Different stats say anywhere from 70-90% of reaching your fitness goals comes from proper nutrition. While the exact number is a mystery, it’s a huge piece of getting you to your fitness goals. Sticking to these simple tips will help you time out your meals to get results. In general, there are 2 times throughout the day when your body can process sugar the best (insulin sensitive); the 2 hours following your workout and in the evening. This means that these are the times when your meals can consist of a higher amount of carbohydrates than the others. In the morning, your body is typically the most resistant to processing sugars so make sure your breakfast consists predominately of healthy fats and proteins. (My personal favorite is eggs, turkey sausage and avocado all rolled up in a whole wheat wrap)
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40 40 | BEAUTY & WELLNESS
BE SURE YOU ARE FINDING WAYS TO DESTRESS AND REL AX. We live in a stressed out world. The additional pressures that come with planning your wedding can get a bit overwhelming. Here are some great ways to destress: GRATEFUL WALKS I’ve heard of many different names for this but essentially you take time out of each day to go for a walk and reflect about all the positives in your life. By saying them out loud, you can reduce the stress hormones in your body. YOGA Yoga is a great way to work on your fitness while learning how to meditate and exhale many of your stresses away. SAUN A Sauna/Showers are waysto relax and detox your body at the same time. The goal of this is to relax into gentle stretches for long enough to get a nice layer of sweat on your skin, then immediately head to the shower to rinse off. The sauna is essentially pulling toxins to the surface and you are literally washing them away by rinsing off. Follow these tips and watch the inches melt away as you inch closer to your big day. Nick Ovenden, GreatLIFE
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the Mother’s
Checklist A CHECKLIST FOR THE MOTHER-OF-THE-BRIDE OR GROOM If your daughter or son is getting married, odds are you will also have some preparation going into the day! There will be pictures taken to last a lifetime, and everyone wants to look back on the day and feel great!
SI X MONTHS OR MORE Schedule a Consultation at a Medical Spa This is the perfect time to discuss any concerns you may have regarding acne, scars, dark facial hair and dark hair on your body as well as begin a regimen of medical grade skincare products. It cannot be stressed enough that quality medical spa products really do make a difference. You will see great results if you commit to taking good care of yourself and your skin during this fun time of wedding planning. Some of these treatments may require multiple sessions therefore it’s important that if you have the time use it wisely and obtain the best results! Things you want to remember to discuss: • Laser – Acne Scars, scars • Hair Removal – Dark hair, facial and body • Skincare – medical grade and Retin A
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FOUR TO SI X MONTHS PRIOR Lots of time yet! Be sure that if you haven’t begun your treatments that you begin them now. You still have plenty of time to get in many of the required number of sessions and obtain great results. Things you want to discuss: • • • •
Laser – Wrinkles, Melasma Chemical Peels – texture, pores, acne, pigment Microdermabrasion – Acne, Texture, pores Latisse – Lash growth and fullness
ONE TO T WO MONTHS PRIOR Now is an excellent time to begin to practice with a quality self-tanner. Things to discuss: • • • •
Botox – expression lines, forehead, Gabella, around eyes Fillers – wrinkles, plumping IPL – pigment, sun damage, freckles, vascular Self-tanning – Fake bake is where it’s at
ONE TO T WO WEEKS PRIOR It’s almost time!! If you’re just beginning now, don’t lose heart, there some last minute things that you can do for that picture perfect day. Things to discuss: • • • •
Stimulator Peels – Brighten and smooth texture Tinting – brows and eyelashes Waxing – brows Dermaplane – fine hair on face and texture
THE BIG DAY!!! It’s going to be a beautiful day. Enjoy it!
treatments are performed by our Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Howard or our Physician’s Assistant Tammi. Our RN Carolyn has 10 years of injection experience as well as IPL application and Sara our Aesthetician has 7 years of experience and is a wealth of knowledge on our skincare line. We have a State of the Art Icon 1540 Laser with top of the line medical grade skincare line! Give us a call today. We’d be honored to walk this journey with you! Remember you’re not losing a daughter you’re gaining a son! Congratulations. The Body Garage 6301 S Minnesota Ave, Suite 300 605.334.2443 www.bodygaragemd.com
If you are currently looking for a Medical Spa with a great history of satisfied patients call us at The Body Garage 605.334.2443. Our Medical Spa is under the direction of Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Richard Howard and Dr. Thomas Howard. All laser
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ADVICE at a
Glance PH OTO CRE D ITS : G RE G & L A RA E PH OTO G RA P HY
• Choose a hairstyle you are comfortable with. You want to look like yourself on your wedding day. • Plan a practice for your hair and makeup to make sure you like the style and colors. Once completed, take photos of the final look so you can refer to them on your day. • D o n’t h ave a f a c i a l o r a ny ot h e r s k i n t r e a t m e n t s w i t h i n t wo we e k s of yo u r we d d i n g. Yo u wa n t to h ave t i m e fo r yo u r s k i n to r e c ove r a n d yo u d o n’t wa n t r e d b l otc hy s k i n. • The morning of your wedding, wear a button-down shirt or a dress that can be slipped down over your hips. Do not wear clothing that you will have to pull over your head. You don’t want to mess up your hair and makeup. • If you are having your makeup professionally done, purchase or ask for samples so that you’ll be able to do touch ups throughout the day. • Carry a supply of blotting tissues so you can keep the shine off your nose and forehead.
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• Take it easy on the tan. Don’t try to cram in two months of tanning in one week. For spray-on tanning, have your last treatment at least one week prior to the wedding. • Don’t make drastic changes to your body right before your wedding. Don’t starve yourself or resort to crash dieting. Instead opt for a 4-6 month exercise routine.(A pound a week is the healthiest.) • Ask friends to work out with you. This will keep you motivated and on track. • Do not resort to drastic measures. Taking a dietary supplement may help you lose weight quickly but results will not be permanent. • Zit Zapper: use a concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone under foundation. • For sexy legs, soak in a bath for several minutes to soften hair. Then use a moisturizing shaving gel and shave in the opposite direction of hair growth.
Host a party and receive your
WEDDING MAKEUP FOR FREE!
BRITTANI FISCHER-GREEN • ELITE PRESENTER
Check out our complete makeup line, including our famous 3D+ Mascara Flawless Touch Mineral Liquid Foundation • Smudge-Proof, Stiff Upper Lip Stains • Gorgeous selections of eyeshadows, lip products, eyeliners, natural self-tanners, and MUCH more!
www.LashesbyBrittani.com Brittani627@gmail.com 605-951-7814 Naturally-Based • Paraben, sulfate, and Talc Free • Cruelty Free Vegan and Gluten free options • No Harmful Chemicals
GIVE YOUR BRIDAL PARTY THEIR OWN CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION Before you say “I do,” do something special for your friends. Treat them to an aromatic Aveda experience based on Ayurveda — the ancient healing art of India — and our own pure flower and plant essences. From facials and pedicures to hair and makeup services — each is a ceremony in itself.
Belle Touche’ Sioux Falls Aveda Lifestyle Salon The Bridges on 57th and Western (605) 275-6200 5005 S Western Ave Ste 180 Sioux Falls, SD 57108
PH OTO BY: G RE G & L A RA E PH OTO GR AP HY
QUESTIONS TO ASK
HAIR & MAKEUP ARTISTS
• Can we schedule a trial run?
• What kind of space and lighting do you need?
• Is there an additional cost for a trial run or is it part of the fee if I book your services?
• Will you bring an assistant or additional help?
• Will you travel? Are there additional fees? • Will you stay to help me with my hair, veil, headpiece and make-up touch-ups after the ceremony? At what additional cost? • How long will it take to have my hair and makeup done? • Do you bring your own equipment and hair products?
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• Will you or your assistant style my attendants’ hair and do their makeup? • How many hair styles and makeup can you complete and how long do you need? • How long will it take and what is the fee? • If you are not at the wedding, can you provide me with hair products and makeup for quick fixes?
PARTIES
GIFTS & MORE BRIDAL SHOW ERS, B AC HEL O R & B ACHEL ORETTE PARTIES, A ND TH E ART OF GIVING AND REC EIVING WEDDING GIFTS!
PH OTO CR EDITS: L AC I JANE P HOTO G R AP HY
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GIFT REGISTRY IF YOU DON’T ARGUE OVER WHO GETS TO HOLD THE REGISTRY SCANNER, ARE YOU REALLY DOING IT RIGHT?
FORMAL DINNERWARE ΟΟ Dinner, Salad, & Dessert Plates
ΟΟ Tumblers
ΟΟ Pasta & Soup Bowls
ΟΟ Highballs / Pilsners / Beer Glasses
ΟΟ Bread & Butter Plates ΟΟ Teacups & Saucers ΟΟ Fruit Bowls ΟΟ Teapot, Creamer, & Sugar Bowl ΟΟ Gravy Boat & Stand ΟΟ Serving Bowls ΟΟ Platters ΟΟ Chargers
CASUAL DINNERWARE ΟΟ Dinner Plates ΟΟ Soup & Cereal Bowls ΟΟ Bread & Butter Plates ΟΟ Salt & Pepper Set ΟΟ Covered Butter Dish ΟΟ Mugs ΟΟ Canister Set
FINE CRYSTAL
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BAR-WARE & EQUIPMENT
ΟΟ Sauce Pans, Saute, & Frying Pans ΟΟ Stock Pot / Dutch Oven
ΟΟ Ice Bucket & Tongs
ΟΟ Steamer / Double Boiler
ΟΟ Wine Cooler or Wine Rack
ΟΟ Wok / Stir Fry Pan
ΟΟ Cocktail Shaker & Pitcher
ΟΟ Roaster
ΟΟ Bar Utensils
ΟΟ Grill / Griddle
ΟΟ Moscow Mule Mugs ΟΟ Shot Glasses
KITCHENWARE ΟΟ Cutlery & Steak Knives ΟΟ Cutting Boards ΟΟ Timer ΟΟ Mixing Bowls & Spoons ΟΟ Storage Containers ΟΟ Spice Rack & Pepper Mill ΟΟ Measuring Cups & Spoons ΟΟ Dish Towels & Hot Pads ΟΟ Paring, Chef, & Bread Knife ΟΟ Carving Knife
ΟΟ Water Goblets
ΟΟ Colander
ΟΟ Wine Glasses (red / white)
ΟΟ Spatulas & Whisks
ΟΟ Champagne Flutes
ΟΟ Pizza Cutter
ΟΟ Iced Beverage Glasses
ΟΟ Spoon Rest
ΟΟ Martini Glasses
ΟΟ Baster & Basting Brush
ΟΟ Decanters & Pitchers
ΟΟ Rolling Pin
ΟΟ Candlesticks
ΟΟ Cheese Grater
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COOKWARE
TABLE LINENS ΟΟ Table Cloth / Table Runner ΟΟ Place Mats ΟΟ Napkins & Rings
FLATWARE ΟΟ Knives, Forks, & Salad Forks ΟΟ Soup Spoons & Teaspoons ΟΟ Serving Spoons & Forks ΟΟ Butter Serving Knife ΟΟ Cake & Pie Server ΟΟ Gravy Ladle ΟΟ Serving Set
BAKE-WARE ΟΟ Cookie Sheets ΟΟ Muffin Pans ΟΟ Cake & Pie Pans ΟΟ Pizza Pans ΟΟ Bread Pans
ELECTRIC APPLIANCES
BEDROOM LINENS
ΟΟ Hand Mixer
ΟΟ Flat & Fitted Sheets
ΟΟ Waffle Iron
ΟΟ Pillow Cases & Shams
ΟΟ Bread Maker
ΟΟ Comforters & Bed Skirts
ΟΟ Rice Cooker / Vegetable
ΟΟ Blankets
ΟΟ Steamer
ΟΟ Mattress Pads
ΟΟ Toaster / Toaster Oven ΟΟ Food Processor ΟΟ Blender ΟΟ Electric Indoor Grill ΟΟ Coffee & Tea Makers ΟΟ Slow Cooker ΟΟ Air Fryer
HOME ELECTRONICS ΟΟ Television ΟΟ CD / MP3 Player ΟΟ Radio / Clock Radio ΟΟ Camera & Digital Camcorder ΟΟ Stereo Components ΟΟ DVD / Blu-Ray Player ΟΟ Computer
HOME CARE / PERSONAL ΟΟ Vacuum (upright & hand-held)
BATH LINENS ΟΟ Bath Sheets & Towels ΟΟ Hand Towels & Wash Cloths ΟΟ Bath Mat & Rug ΟΟ Shower Curtain & Rings ΟΟ Bath Accessories ΟΟ Hamper
KITCHEN LINENS ΟΟ Dish Towels ΟΟ Clothes ΟΟ Kitchen Rugs
DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES ΟΟ Picture Frames ΟΟ Lamps ΟΟ Vases
MISC.
ΟΟ Rug Cleaner
ΟΟ
ΟΟ Iron & Ironing Board
ΟΟ
ΟΟ Portable Steamer
ΟΟ
ΟΟ Broom, Dust Pan, & Mop
ΟΟ
BRIDAL SHOWER ETIQUETTE Whether your shower is being hosted by your Maid of Honor, your female (distant) relatives, or your future in-laws, bridal shower etiquette can never be overlooked.
LET TH E HO S TES S H OS T You have a say in EVERY aspect of your big day, but not your shower. Your shower is being hosted by someone who loves you, let them host. They may ask for a guest list, but beyond that, your input should be limited.
KEEP A LI S T Appoint someone with nice handwriting to keep the list of all your gifts and their givers. This will come in handy when writing your thank you notes.
TH AN K YO U’ S Along with your verbal thank you to all your guests and hosts the day of your shower, written thank you’s should be sent within the following week, NO EXCUSES!
LUGGAGE ΟΟ Upright Suitcases ΟΟ Garment Bags ΟΟ Duffel Bags / Tote Bags ΟΟ Accessory Bag
“WHO KNEW I COULD GET SO E XC IT E D A B O U T O P E N I N G TO W E L S ? ” - E V E RY B R I D E E V E R
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THE ARTof
Giving PHOTO CR EDI TS : LA CI J A NE P HOTO G RAPH Y
YOUR WEDDING IS NOT ONLY A TIME TO RECEIVE, IT IS A TIME TO GIVE. Think of all the time (and money) that others put into your big day! Your wedding day is a great time to thank those who were by your side since day 1. It IS your wedding, but is it “all about you”?! In many cases, events that are “all about you” are uncomfortable, awkward and can go wrong in so many ways. Besides, most of us get more joy making other people happy! Apply that to your wedding day. Your wedding party and guests are a big part of that dream come true scenario that you’ve been imagining for so long and you want them to know that their presence is an honor to you as a couple. There are some memorable ways to get that message across at your wedding.
HAVE LITTLE GIFT BAGS FOR THOSE IN YOUR WEDDING PARTY. They’re going to be spending the most time with and for you. Make it special with gift bags filled with: bottles of water and some flavor packets, snacks (some savory, some sweet), breath mints, kleenex, a little battery operated fan, compact mirrors, hand lotion, chapstick, hand sanitizer, etc. If you put their name on the outside, they can use it to store things or mark where their stuff is sitting in the changing room.
GET THINGS ROLLING ON TIME. This is a courtesy to everyone—wedding party and guests and those serving them.
HAVE PARTY FAVORS. This isn’t just an afterthought or advertisement for your wedding. This is a piece of you that you spent your time/money on to let your guests know you are grateful that they are part of your big day. Party favors can vary depending on budget and the type of
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wedding you have. You want something nice, that is personal. Customized plastic drink cups and coozies are always a hit, AND they can be reused afterwards! Treat bags, mints, and votive candles are also great gifts, to name a few. Keep it practical, and make sure it can fit each generation! Not that it’s a requirement, but the personal touch of homemade party favors can really tell your guests that you’re grateful for their presence on your special day.
HAVE PLENTY OF FOOD. This applies to pre-wedding, reception AND the after party or dance. Weddings tend to be quite long affairs, make sure everyone is fed and there will likely be less cranky (and tipsy) people to deal with. PRETEND YOU ARE THE GUEST. It’s the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Do you want to sit in the heat for an hour before the ceremony starts? Do you want to greet every single member of the wedding party in the lineup or just the bride/ groom and parents? Is it clear where you are to go when you arrive? How will you find your seat at the reception? Can you see the wedding party from every seat at the reception? Is the DJ appealing to many generations or just one. These are just a few ways that you can make your special day truly reflect your heart and be special for others as well!
GIFT CHECKLIST
FAVOR IDEAS
ΟΟ Each Other!
ΟΟ Personalized can coozies
ΟΟ Bridesmaids & Groomsmen
ΟΟ Tea mixes - (You being here is total-tea awesome)
ΟΟ Ushers
ΟΟ Trail mix - (Here’s to Happy Trails)
ΟΟ Flower Girl & Ring Bearer
ΟΟ Coffee blends - (We’re the perfect blend)
ΟΟ Parents / In-laws
ΟΟ Bottle of water with your own drink mix
ΟΟ Grandparents
ΟΟ Matchbooks (We finally met our match)
ΟΟ Personal Attendants
ΟΟ Popcorn bar (Thanks for popping in)
ΟΟ Host & Hostess
ΟΟ Personalized m&m’s
ΟΟ Greeters
ΟΟ Bottles of pop
ΟΟ Guest Book Attendants
ΟΟ Souvenirs for destination weddings
ΟΟ Flower Pinner
ΟΟ Cotton candy (What could be sweeter?)
ΟΟ Musicians & Vocalists
ΟΟ Hand lotions
ΟΟ Officiant
ΟΟ Chapstick for winter
ΟΟ Readers
ΟΟ Individually packed cupcakes
ΟΟ Punch Servers ΟΟ Cake Cutter & Servers
GIFT IDEAS PARENTS OF BRIDE AND GROOM- Consider a nice gift certificate or maybe another gift with sentimental value. Creativity counts! Be sure to include a sentimental card expressing gratitude for all they have done. BRIDAL PART Y- Etsy, Pinterest, and GonnaGetWed.com are great resources for bridal party gifts. For the bridesmaids, consider getting a clutch monogrammed, or maybe a new robe to get ready in on the day of ! For the men, a new tie clip or a fresh new pair of socks to pull off some stellar pictures! BRIDE AND GROOM- A nice gift with a note starts your wedding day off to a great start. For him, a nice watch (top it off with a note telling him to be on time!) For her, a new pair of earrings or a necklace.
BACHELORETTE PARTY It’s an age old tradition- the bachelorette party. For almost as long as men have anxiously gathered for bachelor parties, women have started their own gettogethers that range from mild to wild. The number one goal is to have as much fun as possible. The bachelorette party should reflect the bride’s interest. The last hurrah is a great way for friends and family to get to know each other. Here are a few ideas for a local bachelorette party.
LI M O / PART Y BU S
WINE TASTING
WINE AND CANVAS
Why limit your night to just one place? Take a fun night around the town on a limo or party bus! Stop at all of your favorite places! There are several different companies that could provide you and your closest friends with a memorable party!
Instead of hitting up a crowded bar, take the bride to be on a winery tour. Rent a limo, taste some wine, and end with a good old fashion slumber party.
This is more than a popular trend, it’s also fun and easy to do. A little wine, laughing, and some more wine sounds like the perfect girls’ night.
SIP-N-CYCLE
G O LFIN G This is a given- a day on the course can lead to a friendly game or bragging rights for the winner. A limo can drop you off and pick you up at the course.
Everyone knows the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. What better way to learn how to cook than cooking classes with your closest friends.
The mobile bar puts a new spin on how to enjoy a cold beverage. The cycle is built for 16 passengers to pedal or relax. They tour the city of Sioux Falls while stopping at local bars.
WILD WATER WEST The bridal party can float up to the swim-up bar next to the lazy river. You can’t go wrong with a good tan and a cold drink in this adult only pool!
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S PA DAY Pre-wedding pampering and relaxation before the big day is just what every bride needs. Companies like MobileSpa will provide the services without having to leave your house.
COOKING CLASS
ESCAPADES Escape rooms are sweeping the midwest! Grab your closest friends, and get your thinking caps on. You only have 60 minutes to escape one of four themed rooms!
ADVICE at a
Glance
PH OTO CRE D ITS : G RE G & L A RA E PH OTO G RA P HY
• Gifts for your bridesmaids may be presented at the bridesmaids’ luncheon, the rehearsal dinner, or before the wedding as everyone is getting ready. • The groom gives presents to his groomsmen at the bachelor party or rehearsal dinner. • Gifts for attendants may be the same or different. However, if they are all the same, you might want to consider personalizing them. • Gifts for child attendants are either taken care of by the bride or given by the bride and groom as a couple. These gifts can either be given before the ceremony or at the rehearsal dinner.
• Give your parents their gifts at a time when you are alone together so it is more personal and special. • If you and your groom wish to exchange gifts, you can do so the night before the wedding or on your wedding night. Consider doing this alone as it will feel more intimate. • The earlier you register, the better. Your close friends and family may want to purchase engagement gifts for you. Be sure to check your registry often for discontinued items. • Call before going to a store to register because some stores may require an appointment. • Give yourself plenty of time when registering because it can be timeconsuming.
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INVITES and STATIONERY
YOU’R E IN V IT ED! FIND WAYS TO HAV E YOUR INV ITATIO NS S PEAK TO YOUR G UEST S A B O U T THE TH EME OF YOUR W E DDING, WHEN TO SEND INV ITAT IONS , WHO TO I N V IT E, A ND MOR E!
PH OTO CRE D ITS : O H MY W O RD LU X U RY PAP ER IE
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YOU’RE INVITED I M P O RTA N T C O S T C O N S I D E R AT I O N S F O R Y O U R W E D D I N G S TAT I O N E R Y TIMING IS EVERY THING
CHOOSING YOUR DESIGN
You want to let the WORLD know that you’re engaged, but you haven’t a CLUE what kind of flowers, ties, or colors you want. To be quite honest, you have a fiance, and that’s all that matters right now. Don’t fear! A “Save the Date” does not necessarily need to match the rest of your invitation set. The idea is to just let the guests know the date that they need to save. As soon as you have a permanent date, send these babies out! We just recommend they go out AT LEAST six months to a year in advance.
Now I’m sure you have already created a “WEDDING INVITES I LUV” Pinterest board, but be sure to put some thought into choosing your design. The invitations are the guests’ first impression of what your wedding will be like. So, if it’s a no blue-jeans kind of event, convey that message in your invitation. Be conscious of the message that the font choice conveys on your invitation. See below! (or just let your stationer know the wedding theme)
Invitations should typically go out about 8 weeks before your wedding, leaving enough time for them to plan accordingly for accommodations & travel. Start searching for invitations options at least 5 months ahead of time so you aren’t scrambling to send these out at the last minute!
COST OF PRINTING paper size, paper weight, type of paper,
Before you discuss the invitations with your stationer, determine how many invites you need. Be sure to remember, the number of invitations is not the same number as you’re inviting! If you are inviting 300 people, that includes the couples. You will probably need about 5060% of invitations for the number of guests you’re inviting since many of the invites go to the same home. If you would like all of your designed papers to coordinate, remember your stationer can be utilized for more than just the invitations! Consider using him/her for other pieces of the invitations, ceremony programs, place cards, menu cards for each guest’s seat, labels for favors, or signage!
2-sided printing, and printing in full color or black and white are all factors that determine the cost of printing! Basically, pump the brakes, and get a quote before you decide to do gold foiling on the heaviest paper you can find!
POST OFFICE The Post Office can be quite the downer when it comes to that 6 piece invite you wanted to send in the mail. If you’re going for more of a nontraditional invitation, with ribbons, extra pieces, etc., the best advice would be to print a sample invitation and take it to the Post Office to determine how much postage would be! You may be surprised at how the tiniest bit of additional weight can increase the cost of postage!
CHOOSING A STATIONER You may want to search online at sites like Etsy or Pinterest for some examples, but being able to sit down with someone in person makes it easier to add your personal touch, even though you’re not the one making them. Research stationers online, look through local bridal publications (COUGH COUGH) and spend some time shopping around for different prices, look for free estimates, and ask friends who have been married what they did for their invitations! If the stationer is local, feel free to set up a time to meet over a cup of coffee, and bring some samples you like so they get a good feel for what they are creating for you!
PH O T O C RE D I T S: O H MY W O RD L U X U RY PAP ERIE
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STATIONERY TIMELINE W H E N T O S E N D S A V E T H E D AT E S , I N V I T AT I O N S , A N D M O R E
12 SEND ENGAGEMENT PART Y INVITES
ORDER ENGAGEMENT PART Y INVITATIONS
11 10
ORDER SAVE-THE-DATES
9 8 7 6 ORDER WEDDING INVITATIONS + REHEARSAL DINNER INVITATIONS
5 4
SEND SAVE-THE-DATES
THANK YOU’S Send thank you notes out no later than two weeks after the wedding! Some couples like to use an image of them from their wedding day for the thank you cards, so discuss with your photographer if s/he can send you a favorite image for you to use, rather than waiting months for all of your photos to be done.
3 ORDER MENU CARDS, ESCORT CARDS, WEDDING PROGRAMS, TH ANK YOU NOTES, AND OTHER SIGN AGE.
2
M AIL WEDDING INVITATIONS
1
THE BIG DAY
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WHAT NOT TO USE F O N T PA I R I N G S T O AV O I D W H E N M A K I N G Y O U R W E D D I N G I N V I TAT I O N S With so many typeface options, it is easy to get carried away when designing your wedding invites. Remember to always stick to readable fonts that have a lot of contrast and communicate your wedding theme and style.
Joshua & Suzie October 3, 2017
JOSHUA & SUZIE SATURDAY OCTOBER 3, 2017
FIRST REFORMED CHURCH
Joshua & Suzie October 3, 2017
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TWO SCRIPTS Script fonts work great to add a flourish of elegance to your invitation, but don’t get carried away. The same script font can be used multiple times in your invite, just make sure it is the only script you are using. Many script fonts are similar, so if you use multiple scripts there will not be enough contrast between the two to communicate your message.
TOO MANY It is easy to get carried away with using too many typefaces in your invitation. Stick to two or three versatile fonts that can carry your wedding theme across all of your stationery. Multiple fonts that are very similar just create confusion and draw attention away from the information.
TOO SIMILAR These two serif fonts may seem similar enough to look the same, but their lack of contrast and similarity make them too alike to communicate well. Always make sure that there is a clear difference in each of the typefaces you are using.
unique,
EVERY WEDDING IS
LET QUALITY PRINTING M A K E Y O U R S P E C I A L D AY
complete.
• SAVE THE DATE CARDS & MAGNETS • BRIDAL SHOWER INVITATIONS • WEDDING INVITATION PACKAGES • REHEARSAL SCHEDULE & DINNER INVITATION CARDS • CEREMONY PROGRAMS • EVENT SIGNAGE & BANNERS • WEDDING FAVORS • THANK YOU NOTES
An Exquisite Pair
& ohmycupcakes.com
ohmywordpaperie.com
sioux falls, sd
sioux falls, sd
605.310.6742
JUST MINUTES EAST OF SIOUX FALLS ON I-90.
605.310.8698
INVITATION WORDING Wording invitations can be very personal and should be approached with caution as every family situation is different! There may be situations that arise such as divorced or deceased parents. The first line of your invitation is the most important, mainly because it gives credit for whomever is paying for (or hosting) the wedding.
IF THE BRIDE’S PARENTS ARE HOSTING:
IF BOTH SETS OF PARENTS ARE HOSTING:
IF YOU AND YOUR FIANCÉ ARE HOSTING:
(P.S. your finance’s name is John now)
Mr. & Mrs. Smith, along with Mr. & Mrs. Brown request the honor of your presence at the marriage o their children
Jane Marie Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Smith request the honor of your presence as their daughter,
Jane Marie
Jane Marie and
John Joseph
on Saturday, the twentieth of October,
to
on Saturday, the twentieth of October, at half-past two in the afternoon.
John Joseph
at half past two in the afternoon.
and
John Joseph Brown request the honor of your presence at their marriage Saturday, the twentieth of October, at half past two in the afternoon.
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GUEST LISTED You want to share this occasion with friends and family, but where do you draw the line? Use this flow chart to help you decide whether you really need to invite your best friend from the second grade.
ARE THEY FAMILY?
YES
IMMEDIATE FAMILY?
YES
EXTENDED FAMILY? AUNTS, UNCLES, COUSINS
FRIEND?
HOW OFTEN DO YOU SPEAK TO THEM?
NO
ALL THE TIME!
YES
NO
YES
RARELY
TOUGH ONE! THIS DEPENDS ON
EHH...
CO-WORKER?
YES
NO
YOUR BUDGET, RELATIONSHIP, GRANDMA SHOULD MAKE THE CUT, BUT DON’T FEEL OBLIGATED TO INVITE GREAT AUNTS OR UNCLES YOU HAVEN’T SEEN SINCE YOU WERE THREE.
AND THE WEDDING LOCATON
EX-BOYFRIEND?
YES
NO
EVERYBODY ELSE
DEPENDING ON YOUR
INVITE P.
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DON’T INVITE
WEDDING SIZE, YOU MAY WANT TO LEAVE YOUR HAIR DRESSER AND YOGA INSRUCTOR OUT OF THIS SPECIAL DAY.
GUEST LIST
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PH OTO CRE D ITS : O H MY W O RD LU X U RY PAP ER IE
QUESTIONS TO ASK
WEDDING STATIONERS
• What are our options regarding the different pieces that make up the wedding invitation and how do they affect the cost? • Can you print additional pieces to include with the invitations, such as maps / direction cards and accommodation cards? • What are our printing and paper options, and how do they affect the cost? • Can we see samples of different printing techniques, paper styles, and type styles? • When do we need to place an order? • When would the invitations be ready? • Is there an extra fee for addressing envelopes?
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• Do we assemble the invitations and stuff envelopes ourselves? • What is the difference in cost, if any, between ordering extra invitations up front or after the initial order has been placed? • Will we be able to see a proof before any pieces are printed? Do you do calligraphy? If you don’t, do you work with someone who does? Does he / she give discounts to your customers? • If you do calligraphy: What are your fees? What do they include?
BRIDAL
FASHIONS HOWE VE R YO U DRE AM E D I T, I T’ S ABO UT TO CO M E TRUE . WE ’ RE N OT FAI RY G O DM OTHE RS , BUT I F YO U WAN T TO LO O K LIK E A PRIN CE S S IN J US T ABO UT AN Y G E N RE , YO U’ VE CO M E TO THE RI G HT PLACE .
PH OTO CRE D ITS : G RE G & L A RA E PH OTOGR AP HY
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JUST YOUR STYLE F I N D A D R E S S T H AT P E R F E C T LY C O M P L E M E N T S Y O U R F I G U R E
T R I A N G L E | Wider at the hips than at the bust + find a dress that de-emphasizes your lower half and brings width to your upper half. Look for a plain skirt with high waist line such as an empire waist. – avoid dresses that will call attention to your shape, such as the clingy sheath or mermaid styles, and necklines that cut inward such as halters. Also, steer clear of full skirts.
FULL-FIGURED | Fuller bust, hips, and waistline + look for dresses that create an elongating silhouette with a high waistline and skirt that will give the body movement with each step down the aisle and dance floor. A-lines with a heavy fabric and ball gowns with a natural waist should accent your shape beautifully! – avoid mermaid, sheath, and empire skirts. Pay attention to the material the skirt is made from. Lighter fabrics may be more clingy and unforgiving.
RECTANGLE | Proportional through the bust + look for dresses that will create curves for you! An A-Line skirt is a great option to accentuate a slender frame which will also give a gentle curve to your frame. A bateau neckline coupled with a ball gown skirt will also help create the illusion of an hourglass shape. – avoid dresses which don’t create curves for you. A trumpet or a mermaid style will not give you a curve defining shape.
INVERTED TRIANGLE | Full bust in relation to your hips + look for dresses that will give you the illusion of an hourglass. Ball gowns with either a natural or a drop waist, as well as mermaid and trumpet skirts will give your body a nice silhouette. – avoid dresses that don’t create definition for your lower half. An empire or sheath skirt will just hang without highlighting your curves along your hips and waistline.
HOURGLASS | Full bust & hips with small waist + look for styles which will accent your hourglass features. Mermaids, trumpets and ball gowns with a drop waist nicely accent your curves. – avoid skirts that don’t accentuate your curves! Avoid an empire waist line as well as embellishments which will draw attention to your neckline or hips.
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“Bringing You the Best Bridal Experience”
Hayley Paige gown
Under new ownership! Arriving Soon: Hayley Paige!
Call for an appointment 605.332.8841
Beakon Centre | 4819 S Louise Avenue, Sioux Falls | thefrenchdoorbridal.com
DEFINE YOUR BRIDAL STYLE W H AT S T Y L E W O R K S F O R Y O U ?
ASYMMETRIC
S T R A I G HT
V-N E CK
Also know as the oneshoulder or the grecian, the asymmetrical neckline flatters
The straight or horizontal neckline is also available with straps. The strapless straight line is great for petite frames.
Also called the off-the-shoulder, the v-neck is a classic wedding neckline style which sits just below the shoulder accenting the collarbone.
a fuller figure.
SWEETHEART
B AT E AU
Shaped like the top of a heart, the Sweetheart neckline is great for accenting a smaller bust and is very flattering for larger busts.
Bateau follows the curve of the collarbone to the very tips of the shoulders. This neckline is flattering for smaller busts.
DRESS STYLES
EMPIRE WAIST
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A-LINE
TRUMPET
BALL GOWN
Dresses & Decor
NEW AND PREOWNED
Wedding Gowns | Flower Girls Dresses | Decorations Veils and Belts
(605) 271-2905 | bridetobrideweddingconsignment@gmail.com
PHOTO P R OVI DED BY: T HE B R IDAL G ALLE RY
Be sure you pick the people who are coming with you wisely. Everyone is going to have his or her own opinion but remember, yours is the only one that matters!
photo provided by The French Door
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PH OTO S PR OVIDED BY: T H E BR IDAL G A L L E RY
It is important to understand that a wedding dress should not always be trendy. It should be timeless and make you feel gorgeous.
photos provided by The French Door
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PH OTO PROV I D E D BY: T H E BRI DAL GAL L ERY
Set a budget! Splurging on the dress is okay as long as you can afford it. Set a limit for the amount you’re willing to spend on your dress and stick to it.
photo provided by Infinity by Sisters Bridal
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P HOTO P R OVID E D BY T HE B R IDA L G A L L E RY
PH OTO PROV I D E D BY T H E BRI DA L GAL L ERY
PH OTO CRE D ITS : L ACI JA N E PH OTO GR AP HY
Your budget is not the only one that matters. When selecting a bridesmaid dress, if you are making your bridal party pay for their own, try to understand not everyone will want to purchase a $400 bridesmaid dress! P.S. Different styles of the same color is great for each bridesmaid’s unique style and figure!
photos provided by The French Door
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Be sure to start early when shopping for your dress. You want to give yourself enough time to look at all your options. Also, don’t be afraid to try on styles you’ve never really been fond of. You might be surprised how different styles look on you!
PH OTO PROV I D E D BY: T H E BRI DA L G AL L ERY
photo provided by The French Door
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PH OTO S PROV I D E D BY:T H E BRI DAL GAL L ERY
Don’t overwhelm yourself - Start with visiting at least 3 bridal shops and see how that goes. If you haven’t found anything you like, then try a few more. You don’t have to hit every shop in town!
photos provided by Infinity by Sisters Bridal
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Be honest with your bridal consultant. She is there to make sure you are confident on your wedding day. If you’re not a fan of something she is suggesting, say so.
PH OTO PROV I D E D BY: T H E BR IDAL GAL L ERY
photo provided by Infinity by Sisters Bridal
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PH OTO CRE D ITS : L ACI JA N E PH OTO G RA P HY
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN DECIDING ON THE
GROOM’S ATTIRE
MEN'S ATTIRE (IF RENTING) • How far in advance do I need to reserve the rentals? • What different styles do you offer? • How old is the formal wear you rent out? • Will I be able to examine the actual suit I will be wearing?
• Do you offer discounts for groomsmen if I rent my attire from your store? • When is the balance due?
MEN’S ATTIRE (IF BUYING) • How far in advance of the wedding do I need to place my order? • What is included in the price?
• What is included as part of the package?
• Are alterations extra?
• How much of a deposit is required? What is the
• How many fittings will there be?
cost? • How do fittings / alterations work? Are they included in the cost?
• Is there anything I need to bring to the fittings? • Do you sell shoes and accessories? If not, do you have discount relationships with stores that do?
• When can I pick up the ensemble?
• Do you offer rentals for groomsmen?
• What course of action do you take if the rentals are
• What is the cost of the tuxedo / suit I’m interested
not available for pickup on time or the wrong size is delivered? • Is the ensemble cleaned and pressed before pickup? • When is the ensemble due back and how do late fees work?
in? • When would the tuxedo / suit be ready? • How much deposit is required? • Will you press or steam the tuxedo / suit? If so, what is the cost?
• Will I incur extra charges if the tuxedo gets stained or do you assume there will be some amount of wear and tear?
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PH OTO CRE D ITS : L ACI JA N E PH OTO GR AP HY
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN DECIDING ON THE
BRIDE’S ATTIRE
WEDDING GOWN • Do I need an appointment to see and try on gowns? • What is the price range of the gowns? • How long does it take to order a gown? • Will I be assigned a sales associate or will I try on gowns alone? • Can I take pictures of the gowns I like? • Do I need to bring special undergarments and shoes to try on gowns or do you provide these? • Are some styles or fabrics better for certain seasons? • Can any of the designs be customized? • How much is the gown I’m interested in? • What does the gown price include? • How much deposit is required? • When is the balance due?
BRIDAL FASHIONS (ALTERATIONS) • How many fittings will there be? • How far in advance of the wedding will the gown be ready for the first fitting? • Does the alterations include bustles? If not what is the additional cost? • Do you deliver to the church on my wedding day? • Can I hire someone to bustle me after the ceremony? What is the fee?
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• Do you steam the gown after final alterations? • Do you handle care for the gown after the wedding? • Can you recommend a good wedding gown cleaner / preserver?
BRIDAL FASHIONS (BRIDESMAIDS) • Do you offer discounts for bridesmaids’ / flower girls’ dresses if I purchase my gown here? • What styles do you recommend for a group with different sizes/body types? • How do you handle dress orders and fittings for out-oftown bridesmaids? Can you ship your dresses? • How far in advance do we need to order the dresses? • How long after we place the order will the dresses arrive? • What is the price of the dress? • Do you offer alterations? If not, do you work with someone who offers your customers a discount? • If so, are alterations extra? If so, do you steam the gowns after final alterations? • Do you offer discounts on bridesmaid accessories such as shoes and jewelry with the purchase of their gowns? • How much deposit is required? • When is the balance due?
PHOTO BY GREG & LARAE PHOTOGRAPHY
JEWELRY IT ’S A SYMB OL OF YOUR EVERLASTI NG CONNECT ION AND YOU WANT I T TO REFLECT YOU AN D YOUR LOVE. WE C AN HELP WIT H THAT...
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WHICH CUT FITS YOU IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR DIAMOND
CUSHION
R OU N D
Cushion cuts are also known as pillow-cut diamonds. These stones are more squared with rounded edges. Pairing the cushion cut with a halo is a popular trend among 2018 engaged couples.
Round is a very popular engagement ring style for 2018. Adding a halo around the center stone is a way to make a smaller carat look more impressive!
M ARQUISE
Oval cut diamonds have a classic appearance with a modern twist! It is a popular cut in all types of jewelry, especially in engagement rings, making it easy to match with other jewelry. It has an incredible brilliance, similar to the round brilliant cut, but also has the advantage of accentuating long, slender fingers.
OVAL Marquise diamonds offer couples an opportunity to buy a smaller carat and have a more impressive looking ring. Because of the longer, oval shape, a one carat marquise may end up looking larger than a one carat round.
ACC E NTS & W E D D I NG B A N D S Brides and Grooms have been opting for a more symmetrical look with the Bride’s wedding band. Rather than buying one band, couples are buying two bands for either side of the ring or choosing a wrap or guard for the engagement ring. Very thin bands with diamonds may cause problems – the smaller the band, the less metal securing the diamonds in place.
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MAKING METAL MEMORIES GUNDERSON’S JEWELERS
PHOTO BY ALLY WURTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Do you remember the first time you said, “I love you”, how you met your husband or wife, or where you had your first kiss? Every love is unique with different chapters to every story. When choosing your engagement ring and wedding bands, they too can be unique just like your love, with a custom design from Gunderson’s. At Gunderson’s, we have been creating customized jewelry for over 70 years. We make creating your custom jewelry simple and easy. You will be involved in every step of the process from the first sketches, to the computer-aided design, to the finished piece. Our in-house jewelers provide the expertise and knowledge to hand create your designs. You expect a lot from your engagement ring and you want it to represent your vows and your style as well as stand the test of time. By custom designing your engagement
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JEWE LRY
ring, you can get everything you desire into one ring. Gunderson’s can take aspects of different designs and create one cohesive design for you. When Missy came to Gunderson’s, she wanted to create a unique engagement ring to fit her style and Gunderson’s helped her create her vision.
Designing and creating your wedding band with your future spouse can be a special time, inspired by your memories and love for each other. Customizing your bands with an engraving of your wedding date or initials can add even more sentimental value. When choosing what you want in your ring, your options are almost endless. Here at Gunderson’s, we have heard
“I had a wonderful experience creating my ring with Breanne at Gunderson’s. I love my beautiful ring and get so many compliments on it. The best quality diamonds, craftsmanship and customer service, I’d definitely do it again!”
–Missy
just about every request. Once a customer asked for a custom designed wedding band with jade all around. Yes, you read that right, jade. Our jeweler was up for the challenge. Gunderson’s created a custom wedding band with white gold and jade in the middle. The customer was thrilled with the end result. Another customer wanted to create a rose gold men’s wedding band with black as the central focus. After working closely together to design the perfect ring, our customer was ecstatic with the finished product!
Gunderson’s will work closely with you every step of the way to create your custom piece of jewelry. We understand the emotional and personal significance each piece holds to you. Your needs are what matter most to us and in the end you will have jewelry you can show off to the world. Create your custom piece of jewelry today with Gunderson’s.
There are stories that are told through jewelry—rings, watches, bracelets and necklaces. Heirloom pieces passed down from your grandmother or grandfather can be transformed into new designs. A customer once brought Gunderson’s three rings that had been passed down to her by her grandmother. She wanted three updated designs with the aesthetic of each still intact and she ended up with three new rings to honor her grandmother.
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K E E P YO U R R I N G C L E A N learn the fundamentals
KEEP it
Clean
PHOTO BY GREG & LARAE PHOTOGRAPHY
KNOWING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF RING CARE IS A GREAT WAY TO ENSURE EVER-LASTING BEAUTY. SPARKLING AND SHINY
SAFE AND SOUND
CLEAN AND POLISHED
Scheduling maintenance appointments with your jeweler at least once a year is important to ensure the prongs are tight, the diamond isn’t loose and there are no hairline cracks in the shank. There is also usually a professional “shine-up” included. In addition, always remove your ring when cleaning or touching harsh chemicals. Bleach or other cleaning agents can dull the finish of a ring – which means less sparkle for you!
Purchasing insurance is a necessity to protect your financial investment in the event that something gets lost, stolen, or damaged. You may also strongly consider getting your jewelry appraised every five years as the cost of diamonds and precious metals go up. If you were to lose a ring that was appraised 10 years ago, the insured value would be far less than the actual replacement cost. Also, follow the rule to not remove your ring in public. Since washing your hands in a public restroom is a must, you will need to resist the temptation to remove your ring while you’re lathering up so you don’t have to worry about leaving it at the sink or dropping it down the drain.
Make sure to handle your diamond sparingly since your fingers provide enough oil from your skin to alter the way your diamond looks. Always clean your diamond regularly. One simple way to clean your ring is to soak the diamond in an ammonia-based household cleaner overnight, once or twice weekly. In the morning, simply remove the diamond from the cleaner and brush it off with a soft, clean toothbrush to remove any leftover dirt. Finally, rinse the ring and diamond with water and wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth.
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Unique as his own
personality.
3501 W 57th St. | Sioux Falls, SD | Financing Available www.TheDiamondRoom.com | 605.362.0008
PH OTO CRE D ITS : L ACI JA N E PH OTO G R AP HY
ADVICE at a
Glance • Many couples choose to have their rings engraved on the inside with their initials, wedding date, a short phrase, or something else that is meaningful to them. • Machine engraving is cheaper than hand engraving; however, the person that does the hand engraving makes a deeper cut which makes a longer-lasting inscription. • Make sure to put in writing exactly what you want your inscription to say. Keep a copy for your records.
• Brides shouldn’t wear a lot of jewelry on their wedding day; less is often more! Items to choose from include bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and other rings. At most, pair only two of these items along with your wedding rings. • If you choose to wear a necklace, it should be small and discreet, no longer than 14-16 inches and never low enough to emphasize cleavage. In addition, pearls shouldn’t be larger than the largest pearl on the wedding dress.
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QUESTIONS TO ASK
JEWELERS
• How long does it take to order rings or do you have them ready to take home? • Can a ring be resized later or does the decoration on it prevent this? • Is there an additional charge to have a ring resized once it comes in? • Once we’ve decided what we want, will you show us sample arrangements? • What are the prices of the bands? Hers? His? • Do you have loose diamonds to choose from? • Do you engrave? • If so, what is the cost and how long does it take? • If not, can you recommend a jeweler who engraves? • How much do the item(s) we like cost?
PHOTO BY ALLY WURTS PHOTOGRAPHY
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CEREMONY
& RECEPTION
LO C AT I O N , LO C AT I O N , LO C AT I O N . . .
P I C K I N G E V E N T V E N U E S D O E S N ’ T H AV E TO B E E X A S P E R AT I N G , W E H AV E A L L K I N D S O F H E L P F U L H I N T S , T H I N G S TO T H I N K O F, Q U E S T I O N S TO A S K . . . P O U R A N OT H E R C U P O F CO F F E E A N D L E T ’ S DO THIS.
P H O T O B Y: L A C I J A N E P H O T O G R A P H Y
C E R E M O N Y & R E C E P T I O N | P. 8 7
Reception Facility
MOMENTS MADE HERE. wedding ceremony & reception venue dedicated event manager in-house catering
The perfect place to customize your dream wedding & reception ! Seats 225 Outside Catering Allowed
Outside Venue Area with Park-like Setting
2808 W 84th St N • Sioux Falls, SD 57107 605.359.8485 • www.northcountryhall.com
BROOKINGS, SD | 605-692-7539 | WWW.SWIFTELCENTER.COM |
Harrisburg EVENT CENTER
Located in the heart of Harrisburg. HARRISBURG EVENTS CENTER is able to accommodate all of your wedding needs. We have a spacious room able to seat over 350 people. Event hall features a large stage overlooking a beautiful dance floor area. Also equipped with a separate bar facility to keep the hard partiers at bay.
126 W Willow Ave Harrisburg, SD 57032 605-366-0863 ✤ HarrisburgEventCenter.com Contact@harrisburgeventcenter.com
GOOD AS GOLD
PH OTO S BY: L ACI JA N E PH OTOGR AP HY
photos by Studiofotografie
C E R E M O N Y & R E C E P T I O N | P. 8 9
HeyCinderella... happily ever after starts here! GREAT MENU AND FULL-SERVICE BAR
LARGE NEW DANCE FLOOR
UPSCALE GUEST ACCOMODATIONS & STELLAR SERVICE
SPACIOUS VENUE FOR UP TO 400 GUESTS
605-582-2901 · brandon-express.com BRANDON, SD (just 5 miles east of Sioux Falls on I-90) www.facebook.com/brandonsdexpress
WEDDED IN WONDERLAND
PH OTO S BY: G RE G & L A RA E PH OTOGR AP HY
photos by Studiofotografie
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Pe n n y T r ee
events
Pr i vat e
•
I nt i m at e
From extravagant occasions to small intimate ceremonies, everyone has their own dream and our specialists will help you organize every aspect of the day.
•
E xc lusi v e
visitpennytree.com 45618 278th Street Parker, SD 605-297-4868
WINTER BLISS
PH OTO S BY: G RE G & L A RA E PH OTOGR AP HY
C E R E M O N Y & R E C E P T I O N | P. 9 3
photo by:
Beyond Your Expectations Event Planning & Coordination | Wedding Reception & Ceremony Venues | Leonardo’s CafÊ Catering Want your special day to be stress-free? Let us take care of the details. Contact us to find out how! Please bring in a copy of this ad to receive 10% OFF* of your room rental rate.
Experience Your Washington Pavilion Contact one of our professional Event Coordinators at: 605.367.7397 ext. 2345 events@washingtonpavilion.org | washingtonpavilion.org | 301 S. Main Ave. Sioux Falls, SD *Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts
BOLD CHIC
PH OTO S BY: A L LY W U RTS PH OTO GR AP HY
photos by Studiofotografie
C E R E M O N Y & R E C E P T I O N | P. 9 5
Y O U R BEA U T IF U L S T O RY D ES E RV E S A
beautiful place
The Willows is a stunning place to begin your life together. Sitting just above picturesque Willow Run Golf Course, The Willows provides an intimate setting for your wedding ceremony, reception - or any other special day you’re celebrating.
E V E N T
R O O M
• Guest accommodations for up to 150 • Delicious catering options • Complete audio and visual services, slideshows and lighting effects • Experienced and dedicated people at your service
Close your eyes and picture your magical day at The Willows Event Room. Call David Ohayon at 335-5900 to book the date and start planning your wedding your way.
willowrungolfcourse.com
BEAUTIFUL VENUE, BEAUTIFUL WEDDING B Y D A V I D O H A Y O N , T H E W I L L O W S AT W I L L O W R U N Searching for a wedding venue is one of the first things to do when planning your wedding. Before choosing a date, you have to pick a place! The right venue can make your wedding day a dream come true…. The wrong venue can make it a nightmare. When working with a wedding reception venue, it is important for the engaged couple to find a location that offers beautiful scenery, onsite coordinators, and professional catering partners.
BEAUTIFUL SCENERY The venue setting is the most important aspect to consider when choosing a location for your reception. Does it offer the atmosphere you are looking for? Will you have to drive to another location to take pictures, or can you stay on the grounds to get all of those beautiful bride and groom poses you have been dreaming about since your engagement began? Everything about the setting should be picturesque – not just the decorations on the table. A venue that is well-maintained, offers a variety of locations for both bride and groom posed photos, and a welcoming environment to your guests, all factor in to the feel of your wedding.
EXPERIENCED CATERING
YOUR BEAUTIFUL DAY
Whether onsite or with exclusive trusted partners, a reception venue that provides a catering service allows you to enjoy your wedding day rather than worry about the details. Onsite caterers or trusted partners work with the venue regularly and know the best way to serve the food.
Your reception venue isn’t just a building. You have probably been thinking about your wedding longer than you have been engaged! Choose a venue that is beautiful, helps minimize the stress of planning, and has experienced catering professionals who know the location.
EVENT COORDINATION
David Ohayon – The Willows at Willow Run Golf Course
A resident event coordinator serves as your one point of contact through the wedding planning process as well as the day of the event. They will be there to meet the caterers, the cake delivery people, the entertainment, and all of your other hired professionals. There are a lot of moving parts in a wedding and you don’t need to be fielding phone calls and organizing all of the logistics. Depending on how you want the room decorated, event coordinators are often able to work through the details of centerpieces and decorations for you!
Contact Bride to Bride aaer the wedding to sell your wedding decor, flower girl dress, and wedding dress!
(605) 271-2905 | bridetobrideweddingconsignment@gmail.com C E R E M O N Y & R E C E P T I O N | P. 9 7
Tea Events Hall
You walk down the aisle towering trees. beneath
elegant
melodic
You hear bubbling fountains nearby.
romantic floral gardens.
You breathe in the
Where you say
“I do”
matters.
Our beautiful reception facility offers Seating up to 250 Custom Buffet Catering Full Service Hall
Stage Dance Floor Full Bar (Non-smoking)
We set up and clean up, you just have to decorate!
Book today! 605-688-6707 McCroryGardens.com
WE KNOW WHAT YOU WANT!
From small to large, casual to classy, we’ll help you plan your special day.
BOOK YOUR RECEPTION TODAY! - Complimentary suite for bride & groom - Seating up to 400 - Custom catering - Full-service hotel with swimming pool - Casino, bar area & lounge
605-997-5345
205 S Main Avenue Tea, South Dakota Jesse (Event Manager) 605.413.9105 teaeventshall.webs.com | teaeventshall@hotmail.com
IN LOVING MEMORY HERE ARE A FEW IDE A S F OR H ONOR I NG LOS T LOV E D ON E S ON YOU R W E D D I N G DAY At almost every wedding, there’s someone whom we wish could have joined in the celebration. Whether it’s a parent or grandparents, family or friends, there are some beautiful and heartfelt options of honoring the memory of loved ones who passed prior to your vows.
P H OTO D I S P L AY A photo display may be the easiest. Utilize some beautiful frames which compliment your theme and have them set up at both the reception and ceremony. Displaying pictures of your grandparents’ wedding, if you have them, is also a great way to honor family. Your extended family will love to see these old photos and there is something magical and timeless about wedding photos from previous generations! If you have the photos displayed at both the ceremony and reception, be sure to assign someone to deliver and set up the display between the ceremony and the reception!
JE W E LRY Wearing jewelry your grandmother gave you is another great way to honor the matriarchal women of your life. Pendants with family member’s photos or initials also photograph very well and may be a great memory for your wedding photo album for years to come!
CA N D LE S Lighting candles at the altar to remember loved ones is a very common and traditional way to honor loved ones. Just make sure someone remembers to light them prior to the ceremony starting.
CE R E MONY P R OG R A M A simple tribute in the ceremony program is a thoughtful way to acknowledge the loved ones lost in your life.
MOME NT OF S I LE NCE A moment of silence to remember loved ones is also a great way to incorporate their memory into your wedding, either during the ceremony or before the toasts at the reception.
S AV E T HE M A S E AT Setting aside a chair is also a way to acknowledge the love you have for the person missing.
P HOTO BY: G R E G & L AR AE P HOTO G R AP HY
When planning your tribute, be sure to consider the emotional impact it will have on you as well as your guests. If the loved one passing is very recent, emotions may still be sensitive to some of your guests. Be considerate – honor your loved ones, but remember this day is a celebration of your love and new life together!
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Hotel & Suites
Unique Reception Experience
Tiki Bar Waterpark Castaways Bar & Grill Group Rates Available Galley Ballroom
Ramada Hotel & Suites
605.275.2703 | 1301 W Russell Street siouxfallsramada.com
MAKING IT PERSONAL WRITING YOUR VOWS
PH OTO BY: A L LY W U RTS PH OTO G R AP HY
“Vow: a solemn promise or assertion; specifically : one by which a person is bound to an act, service, or condition. To make a solemn declaration of intent ‘she vowed to love him forever.’ Synonyms: covenant, pledge, swear, promise” (Merriam-Webster. com).
all of you—the good, bad and ugly, and loves you more because of it; a solid rock; a hero, etc. Why do you want to marry them…what was a defining moment in your relationship that solidified your decision to marry? What was your dream of marriage and how does this person fit it?
The heart of a wedding is not the dress, the ceremony, the decor, or the celebration. The heart of a wedding is the vow. In fact, that is what a wedding actually is—the ceremony and celebration that surrounds a binding promise (vow), attended by those will help you and your spouse keep that very promise in the future.
*Be careful that embarrassing information isn’t shared at this place. Not that you can’t be lighthearted, but remember you have a lot of people you will be facing again at some point in your lives and you want to maintain your dignity.
In light of that, what could your vows include? A declaration of your love.* Who is this person to you? What describes them and what they have been to you up until now… friend; support; the one who gives you unconditional acceptance and love, who sees
A promise for your future.* What does this marriage mean to you? What will you be to your spouse in their lifetime? What are you willing to do for their benefit? How will you compliment them in their weaknesses? What will you give to them that they need? What will you sacrifice for them? *Remember this is a solemn promise, don’t
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promise what you don’t believe you could ever keep. Your future spouse already loves you enough to spend the rest of their life with you regardless, but you do want to grow and evolve as a person and that takes effort. Optional: Scriptures or quotes, poetry or even song lyrics from your past that have shaped you or express your love and feelings for your future spouse. Write them early and practice them. Say them out loud. Consider the tone and the audience (your spouse) and shorten if needed. If there are vows that your particular religion dictates be sure to leave an opening for them. Like your wedding dress, you could try them out on your parents, maid of honor or best man, or even better—each other. Look for examples! There are plenty of sites that will help you take what you need and personalize it!
Rentals
Vintage Doors • Lanterns • Chalkboards • Wine Barrels Sequin & Lace Linens • Sheer Curtain Backdrops Crystal Globes • Dance Floors
Your Party Starts Here... 410 Main Avenue • Downtown Brookings 697.9333 • www.partydepotbrookings.com
INDOOR/OUTDOOR CEREMONIES AND RECEPTIONS CLASSY, PRIVATE CHALET ONSITE, PROFESSIONAL CATERING PICTURESQUE ROLLING HILLS AND GREEN SLOPES
Photos by C. Herrboldt Photography
PLENTY OF PARKING
Our onsite event coordinator will gladly work with you or your wedding planner to create an atmosphere that will compliment your special day and stay within your budget.
605-367-7317 | 5901 E Rice St., Sioux Falls | www.greatbearpark.com
PH OTO BY: KRI S T I S H A N KS PH OTOGR AP HY
QUESTIONS TO ASK
BEFORE RESERVING YOUR RECEPTION VENUE
• What dates and times do you have available?
• Where would the band or disc jockey be?
• What is the fee for site rental?
• Is there a dance floor?
• Is there a service charge on top of the bill? If so, how much?
• Is there food and beverage minimum?
• Do you have an event director present on my wedding day? • Will other parties be booked at the same time? How is that handled? • How many people can you comfortably serve for a dinner or cocktail reception? • Will anything affect the capacity of the space, ex: addition of a dance floor?
• Is there an on-site caterer? • Are there kitchen facilities and can I bring in an off-site caterer? • Where can cocktails be served? • Are there rules regarding alcohol? • Is there a full bar option or just beer / wine? • What’s the corkage fee if I bring my own wine?
• Do you provide tables, chairs, linens, china, and glassware?
• If outdoors: Is the ground even enough to set out chairs and tables for the cocktail hour and/or the reception?
• Can we visit the site during another event to see the space set up?
• If outdoors: Is there a backup plan for inclement weather?
• Does your facility have any decorations we can use?
• If outdoors: Is there room for portable toilets?
• Is there a place to set up a gift table?
• Could parking be an issue?
• Is there a place to change into going-away outfits?
• Are there any additional costs: cleaning fees, insurance-fee waivers, etc?
• Who is responsible for setting up and tearing down the decor? • How early can I get into the site to set up? • Are there rules about noise level or the hours during which music can be played? • Is there enough space for a band or DJ to set up?
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• Do you have liability insurance? • Can you provide a list of references who have had weddings here recently?
YO UR
Dream Wedding AT B UF FALO R I D G E www.buffaloridgeresort.com info@buffaloridgeresort.com 605.272.7777 1312 Coteau St, PO Box 190 Gary, SD 57237
PH OTO BY: A L LY W U RTS PH OTOGR AP HY
QUESTIONS TO ASK
BEFORE YOU DECIDE ON A LOCATION & OFFICIANT
C ER EM O NY LOCATIONS • What dates and times are available? • How many people does the space hold – seated and standing?
• Are there any requirements we must fulfill to get married here?
• If outdoors, is there an indoor backup plan for
inclement weather? If not, can we set up a tent?
• Is there a room in which my attendants and I can dress?
• Are there any restrictions regarding instruments or music selections?
• Are there ample electrical outlets to suit their needs? • What is the capacity of parking?
• Is throwing confetti, flower petals, or blowing bubbles allowed after the ceremony?
CE R E MONY OF F I CI A NT • What dates and times are you available? • Can you give us an overview of the service? • How long is your typical ceremony? • Can we write our own vows? If so, will you provide guidance?
• Can we assign family / friends for readings / prayers or songs?
• Will you perform the ceremony outside a house of worship?
• Will you give a sermon or speech? If so, can we see a copy before the wedding?
• Will we or any readers be heard easily without a
• Do you permit photography or videography during the
• Is there an organ or a piano? Can we hire an outside
• Do you have any restrictions regarding music?
microphone? Is one available if necessary? musician to play it?
• Is photography or videography permitted during the ceremony?
• Can we bring in our own flowers and decorations? • Do you have any decorations we can use? • If so, is there a charge? • Is someone on staff to help coordinate seating the guests, cue the processional, etc?
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ceremony?
• Do you have any restrictions on the bride's or bridesmaids' attire?
• Will you attend the rehearsal? • What is expected of us in terms of pre-marital classes? • How many pre-wedding meetings will we have with you?
• Is there a set fee, or is a donation acceptable?
CATERING,
CAKES & BEVERAGES WH E TH ER IT ' S 50 OR 500 P E OP L E , YOU WANT THEM ALL TO E AT, DRINK AND BE MERRY. TOTAL LY DO-ABLE!
P HOTO C R E D ITS: G R E G & L AR AE P HOTO G RA PHY
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WEDDING CAKE CHECKLIST DESIGN THE PERFECT CAKE FOR YOUR BIG DAY Not all cakes are created equal. They come in almost every size, shape, height, flavor, and color imaginable, so it’s important to have a general idea and theme when meeting with your baker for the first time. When sitting down with the baker, bring items that correlate
to the reception. An invitation, menu, location, or flower design will all help the baker plan a cake that’s perfect for your big day. Then it is important to get every detail squared away so there is no confusion or last minute contract change.
ΟΟ Cake flavor & fillings
ΟΟ Topper (who provides)
ΟΟ Number of servings
ΟΟ Cost of cake & number of slices (price per slice)
ΟΟ Tier shape(s) ΟΟ Number of tiers ΟΟ Icing type & color ΟΟ Decorations (flowers, fruit, sugar, flowers)
ΟΟ Sketch of cake ΟΟ Delivery & setup fees (how, when, and which entrance to use at reception site)
ΟΟ Delivered items (cake stand, server, knife, cost to rent?) ΟΟ Take-home boxes for leftover cake or top-tier preservation ΟΟ Total cost, including delivery ΟΟ Deposit amount ΟΟ Cancellation and refund policy
2225 West 50th Street Sioux Falls SD 57105
605.610.9604 thecakeladysf.com
Find us on: P.
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WEDDING CAKE GALLERY TOP TRENDS IN WEDDING CAKES, CUPCAKES, AND DESSERTS FROM THE CAKE LADY
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE CAKE LADY
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HOW MUCH CAKE SHOULD I ORDER? FOLLOW BELOW TO AVOID LEFTOVERS
6" 6"
8"
6"
8"
10"
8"
10"
12"
40 SERVINGS (26 WITHOUT TOP)
78 SERVINGS (64 WITHOUT TOP)
(120 WITHOUT TOP)
6"
HOW TO PRESERVE YOUR TOP TIER
8"
To achieve a tasty cake a year from now, you want to preserve it right – so we created a list of steps for you to follow.
10" 12" 14"
210 SERVINGS (196 WITHOUT TOP)
P.
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1 2 3
4 5
Remove any decorations or sugar flowers If you have soft icing, you will want to chill the cake so it hardens and will be easier to wrap Wrap the cake in layers of plastic wrap – not tin foil, as this can cause freezer burn Seal the cake in an air tight bag or in an air tight container – we recommend a container so it does not get smashed in the freezer Place in freezer
bakery
The perfect occasion starts with the perfect cake!
26th & Sycamore 605.334.4570
37th & Minnesota 605.334.7231
49th & Louise 605.361.0313
10th & Kiwanis 605.334.3321
10th & Cleveland 605.336.8947
57th & Cliff 605.271.7171
Find more Hy-Vee wedding ideas on
An Exquisite Pair
& ohmycupcakes.com
ohmywordpaperie.com
sioux falls, sd
sioux falls, sd
605.310.6742
605.310.8698
26th & Marion 605.361.3442
SWEET SUBSTITUTES THE ICING ON THE {CUP}CAKE Drip cakes, ombre cakes, colorful Mexican cakes, naked and seminaked cakes, rustic cakes, marble and geode cakes…there are so many traditional and trendy cakes to choose from. But what if you aren’t traditional OR trendy? What are some alternatives to wedding cake? Here are some ideas: CUPCAKES – Face it, they’re handy, the options for decorative displays are endless and there are so many pretty options. DESSERT SHOTS – Even restaurants are big into these petite options, a little can go a long way, and depending on the ingredients and toppings, they can be very pretty as well. TABLE CAKES – Especially in venues where dinner is plated simply due to space and moving around is likely only going to happen on the dance floor, this is a smart and special option. About as small as a top tier, these give so many options for decorating—rustic, naked, drip cake, glittery or ombre, you won’t have to choose just one.
at rustic and winery weddings. They look amazing and with a little wine, grapes, olives, tasty meats and crackers or bruschetta, and even Italian pasta salads can become part of a smorgasbord of savory treats. MACAROONS – These are dainty delights that look like little cookie cakes with a filling in the middle. They can be made without flour or leavening and in many colors. Most often arranged on tiers, they can be as beautiful as cake itself and yet are easily eaten finger foods, so no need for silverware or plates! SPECIALTY COFFEE “DESSERT” DRINKS – especially popular when it’s cold outside, these can be topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings or drizzled syrups and served in imprinted cups that double as a take-home party favor.
JARRED MOUSSE DESSERTS – For outdoor, barn weddings and those already using jarred elements for décor, this is a sweet alternative.
SMOOTHIES topped with fat free whipped cream and a cherry – like pina colada (virgin) smoothie or banana cream pie or strawberry daiquiri (virgin) smoothie – these would be a fun alternative for those with very active friends and family that typically avoid cakes and desserts but love sweet treats.
MINI PIES – Picture these in a fall wedding—apple, cherry, pumpkin—the toughest part for guests will be choosing which filling they love most.
Lastly, how about the best of all worlds? What about special plated and fancied cultural choices personalized to your own ethnic background like baklava, churros, lefse, rice pudding etc.
ICE CREAM – This is huge in at least 3 seasons and who doesn’t love ice cream?!
Whatever you choose, your cake or alternative should not only reflect your décor, but a blend of both of your unique personalities.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE CAKE LADY P.
CHEESE WHEEL CAKES – These are showing up more and more
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RECEPTION THROWDOWN PLATED MEALS VS. BUFFET LINE
PLATED MEALS
+
-
DĂŠcor, table service and venue should match the theme, this can drive up costs
Elegant Formal
Seating charts, placecards, escort cards, response cards, etc.
Organized
Requires more wait staff
Peaceful Helpful for time management & scheduling energy flow Food choices clear and costs controlled
Less guest interaction can pull down energy of event If you don’t have good emcee or DJ, it can be dull and feel controlled Costs also higher and picky eaters can drive costs up as well
BUFFET DINNER
+
-
Casual & more room for creativity
Lines & chaos
Cost Effective
Serving equipment costs can go up if renting, can overspend with multiple food choices
Less Serving Staff Variety of food options More guest interaction Provides more time between food & dance party
Not a personal touch and people have to juggle their own plates, purses, drinks etc. People tend to take more food & food can run too low or run out People who are super hungry can also get super HANGRY! Not schedule friendly and big gaps in time can also cause guests to get bored or tired and leave
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catering
...a perfect meal for your perfect day.
26th & Sycamore
49th & Louise
37th & Minnesota
10th & Kiwanis
605.334.4570
605.361.0313
605.334.7231
605.334.3321
57th & Cliff 605.271.7171
10th & Cleveland
26th & Marion 605.361.3442
605.336.8947
CATERING • CAKES • FLORAL • WINE & SPIRITS • PARTY TRAYS
WEDDING WINE 101 A WINE GUIDE TO PAIRINGS & QUANTITY
MO NTR AC HE T
S HI R AZ 2 GL A SSES
p er p er s o n fo r t h e fir s t h o u r
P I NOT G R I GI O
C H ANTI
ME R LOT
1 GL A SS
p er p er s o n fo r each h o u r aft er
P I NOT NO I R
# OF DRINKING GUESTS
BOT TLES NEEDED FOR A 3-HOUR RECEPTION
BOT TLES NEEDED FOR A 5 HOUR RECEPTION
50
40
60
100
80
120
150
120
180
200
160
240
AVERAGE WINE POUR 5 OZ POURS PER BOTTLE 5 GLASSES
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PROFESSIONAL BEVERAGE SERVICE
NOW BOOKING HOLIDAYS & 2018 EVENTS
SIOUX FALLS THE LOCAL BEST WINNER FOR 7 YEARS STRAIGHT!
605.357.9597 • SIOUXFALLSWINE.COM
PLANNING AROUND DIETARY RESTRICTIONS KEEP YOUR GUESTS HAPPY AND THEIR BELLIES FULL
It is very likely you will have guests attend your weddings that are children, vegetarians, or have dietary restrictions. The last thing you want to do is not have them feel welcome to eat at your reception. Here are some tips to help you plan your menu so everyone can enjoy your delicious dinner! Talk to your caterer about different meals they can provide for you at the beginning of the reception planning. Knowing what your options are, and the associated costs, can help you plan accordingly.
PROVIDE OPTIONS ON THE RSVP CARD. This is the first and best opportunity your guests have for making special requests at your reception. If you are already presenting them with an entrée option, make sure to also include a line for children. Also add a line for dietary restrictions. If they are dairy or gluten free, or if anyone has an allergy, your guests will be able to indicate that on the RSVP card. You can always call and follow up to make sure you know the extent of their restrictions.
EXCELLENCE ON THE PRAIRIE BECAUSE DETAILS MATTER!
WEDDINGS GROOM’S DINNERS REUNIONS OFFICE PARTIES 602 E. Main St. Luverne, MN 507-449-BLUE (2583) bluestemcatering@outlook.com the-bluestem.com
HAVE A SEPARATE SERVING STATION. If you are doing a buffet, have the gluten free or vegetarian buffet separate so no one mistakenly fills their plate from the wrong serving tray. Plan for extra as well – there will always be someone who didn’t indicate on their RSVP card they were gluten free who may prefer that option. If you are doing a plated dinner, make sure the servers have a copy of which tables need to receive the different meals.
DON’T LET IT GET TO YOU – if you have guests that choose not to eat, or have the servers bring them a meal different from one indicated on the RSVP card… just let it go. Don’t let this last minute change ruin your evening and fun! It is really hard to plan a meal for 50 – 350 people and have them all happy. Some people will love the food you choose – others won’t! Work with a caterer or venue that is prepared for the inevitable last minute menu changes.
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ob’s Foods B y z a Cr
MARKETPLACE Catering 20 years IN
CATERING WEDDINGS FOR OVER SOUTH DAKOTA, IOWA & MINNESOTA
ASK ABOUT HAVING YOUR RECEPTION AT BEAUTIFUL “LAKE OKOBOJI”
Professional • Affordable • Delicious With traditional “comfort” foods, smokehouse favorites and specialty meats we can compliment your theme.
Call, text, or email to schedule your complimentary tasting session and consultation.
712.753.2871 | 605.310.1258 | info@crazybobsfoods.com www.crazybobsfoods.com/marketplace-catering.html
SNACK ATTACK LATE NIGHT SNACK IDEAS FOR GUESTS MID-WEDDING DANCE! The reception is over and you are deep into the party time, the energy your guests consumed at dinner time has long worn out, and dancing is working up an appetite! Instead of delightful additions to the fun, the drinks are taking over and the party is heading for chaos….it’s SNACK TIME! Party snacks have gone from an option to a real must when it comes to late-night wedding parties. What should you serve? It’s up to you, but whatever you choose, make it as portable as possible and if you do decide to do a “bar” or “buffet style”, you may want to make sure someone is there serving or observing and maintaining. Here are a few of our favorites! COOKIES & MILK
ROOT BEER FLOATS
TACO BAR
CHURROS
COFFEE & DONUTS
LITTLE MAC & CHEESE CUPS
QUESADILLAS
MINI CHICKEN & WAFFLE SANDWICHES
GRILLED CHEESE DIPS & TOMATO SOUP SHOTS
CHIPS, GUACAMOLE AND SALSAS
MINI SLIDERS AND FRIES WITH CHOCOLATE SHAKE SHOOTERS
CHIPS AND DIPS
HOT DOGS
VEGGIE OR FRUIT TRAYS
MINI KEBABS
MEAT, CHEESE & CRACKER TRAYS
ICE CREAM SUNDAE BAR
MINI CORN DOGS
CEREAL BAR PIZZA
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ADVICE at a
Glance PH OTO CRE D ITS : A L LY W U RTS PH OTO G RA PHY
REMEMBER THESE TIPS WHEN HIRING YOUR CATERER OR CAKE DESIGNER! • If you plan to serve alcohol, make sure to offer non-
• It is smart to hire a caterer who carries liability
• If you are having a tasting, be sure that the food will
• If a caterer will not show you an operating license or
alcoholic beverages as well.
be prepared by the same chef who will cook on the day of your wedding.
• It is a common courtesy to offer meals to service
providers such as the officiant, musicians, the DJ, the photographer, and the videographer, as well as their assistants.
• It is important to make sure you have an adequate
amount of wait staff to serve your guests. If you are having a seated meal, it is best to have one server for every 8-10 person table. If you are having a buffet, it is best to have at least one server for every 25 people.
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insurance.
health permit, don’t hire him or her!
• If you are having an outdoor wedding in warm
weather, consult with your cake designer about what ingredients will be able to hold up in the heat.
• If your cake is going to be topped with fresh fruit, find
out when the fruit will be added. You want this to be done as close to the presentation time as possible for the cake to look its best.
• Remember that any flowers on or near the cake must be nonpoisonous and free from pesticides.
PH OTO CRE D ITS : G RE G & L A RA E PH OTO G RA PHY
QUESTIONS TO ASK CATERERS
CAKE DESIGNER
• Do you offer all types of service: seated, buffet station, and cocktails?
• Do you have a portfolio from which we can select a style?
• Who will be the chef on duty on our wedding day?
• Will you create a custom design based on our vision?
• Are there set menu packages or can one be custommade?
• If I want fresh flowers on my cake, do you provide them? Will you coordinate it with my florist or am I responsible to get those to you?
• Do you offer special meals (kosher, low-fat, vegetarian)? • Will you / the chef prepare special family recipes? • Do you offer tastings to help your clients select the menu? Is there an additional charge?
• Do you offer a cake tasting? • Is the cake prepared and then frozen or is it prepared fresh for the wedding day? • How are your cakes priced? By the slice?
• Would the tastings be prepared by the same person doing the food for our wedding?
• Do you have a list of cakes with their prices that I can have?
• Is champagne for a toast included? If not, what is the charge?
• Is delivery and setup included? If not, what is the additional cost?
• What happens if additional guests show up who didn't • Do you provide items like cake toppers, stands, RSVP? tiers,cake-cutters, etc? Do you rent them? What are the costs? • Can you explain the bar fee? • Will you create a smaller cake for display and prepare • Is there a corkage fee? a less expensive sheet cake for serving? • Do you offer children’s meals at a lower price? • Will you prepare a groom’s cake? If so, what are our • What is the server / guest ratio? choices and what is the fee? • Do you provide the tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware, serving pieces, etc?
• How far in advance do we need to place our order? Is your health department licensing up to date?
• How are the setup and cleanup handled?
• Can we see your permit?
• How are you licensed? • Can we see your health permit?
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MUSIC EVERY SPECIAL MOMENT SHOULD HAVE MUSIC TO GO WITH IT RIGHT?! HERE’S WHAT TO PLAN FOR!
PHOTO BY: ALLY WU RTS P HOTO G R AP HY
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PH OTO BY: KRI S T I S H A N KS PH OTOGR AP HY
PLAY THAT SONG TIPS TO PICKING CEREMONY MUSIC FOR YOUR WEDDING
Many brides are not even aware of all the different types of music needed for their wedding. Here’s a simple schedule to help. If you are having a religious ceremony, you’ll want to talk to your Pastor about the music ahead of time. Some churches have rules about what music can be played when. Either way, here’s the breakdown.
PRE-CEREMONY MUSIC. (Also called Prelude) It’s the background music that plays while guests enter and are seated. It usually starts about 30 minutes before the ceremony so you’ll want to pick enough songs to fill the time. You’ll want to have calm, peaceful, instrumental music that sets the tone for the sacred ceremony coming, especially if you’re in a church. Many churches have requirements for the music allowed during this time. Be sure to ask when booking.
WEDDING PARTY ENTRANCE MUSIC. (aka Processional) This is like intro music for the family, attendants and then finally the bride. They are usually 3 different musical pieces or 2 at the most just because sometimes they mix it up with the grandparents, parents and bridal party. The bride’s entrance should be grand!
EXIT MUSIC. (or Recessional & Postlude) This is the music played when the ceremony is over and everyone from the bridal party leaves with the bride and groom exiting last. Even churches usually leave this up to the bride and groom to pick, it’s your style, it’s your celebration music so to speak. You may want to pick some music to play after this as well, some background music as everyone is being dismissed. There are several different options for each of these special songs. The internet (obviously) is a great resource for these songs, but odds are, your pianist will have some great ideas of songs to play for your ceremony!
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Unforgettable Reception Entertainment
ENTERTAINING, INTERACTIVE DJ’S QUALITY SOUND & UPLIGHTING PHOTOGRAPHY & PHOTOBOOTHS P HOTO BY: ALLY WU RTS P HOTO G R AP HY
CHOREOGRAPHED DANCES AR E YO U UP FOR THE CH ALLENGE ? We have all seen them lately on social media and the web, mother and son, the couple, or the entire wedding party surprising the guests with a dance number! This trend has caught on because it is something out of the ordinary. A choreographed first dance between husband and wife can be ultra romantic! Or on the flip side, it can showcase their goofy side. That is just it! Dance can be an expression of their personalities and will create a cherished video they can replay for years to come. If you plan to include a choreographed dance at your wedding, do it right! Research videos online and decide what you want to do. Then setup times to get all those participating together to practice. If needed, call a local dance studio for assistance. The more you practice, the better the dance will turn out. Be sure to have one final practice following the rehearsal to make sure everyone is ready to dance. Biggest piece of advice, have fun with it.
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There is a difference
GARNER HANSEN | 605.331.1404 garner@dakotaentertainment.com 27119 SD Hwy 115 Harrisburg, SD 57032 dakotaentertainment.com
ADVICE at a
Glance P HOTO CR EDITS: ALLY WU RTS P HOTO G R APHY
• Be sure to purchase the sheet music for the ceremony and have them delivered to the vocalists / musicians in plenty of time before the ceremony to practice!
• Ask for a sample CD or videotape of the prospective entertainment prior to signing any contract. This way you know exactly what you’re getting.
• If you are having an outdoor wedding, be sure to place musicians in a shaded area!
• If you think your reception will last longer than the standard 4 hours, simply hire the band or DJ for another hour. If you decide at the last minute to have your entertainment stay late, you are bound to incur overtime fees, which are much more expensive.
• Have the musicians arrive to set up at least one hour before the ceremony begins! • Always have one or two rehearsals with live musicians! • Consider your reception locale, music can sound completely different when heard on the beach than in a grand ballroom. Make sure you take this into consideration when choosing a band or DJ.
• Plan ahead and equip the band / DJ with a do-not-play list, as well as all your favorite tracks.
• Contracts – You must have them! And they must be signed by both parties. This way everyone is on the same page and everyone is paid for their services.
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PH OTO BY: G RE G & L A RA E PH OTOGR AP HY
QUESTIONS TO ASK
YOUR DJ AND MUSICIANS
VOCALISTS/MUSICIANS • What instrument(s) do you and your co-performers play? • Will you learn new pieces? • • Can you suggest pieces that will fit our wedding styles?
DJ/BAND • Will you provide a song list to choose from? • Will you take requests from us of songs to play and not to play? • Will you take requests from guests?
• Do you know the religious songs we want played?
• What types of music do you usually play while the meal is being served and is it included in the fee?
• Have you performed at our site? If so, do you require any amplification?
• Will you be the master of ceremonies announcing the first dance, toasts, cake-cutting, etc.?
• If you’re not familiar with the site, will you visit to assess the acoustics?
• How many hours does this include? Of playing time? Of setting up and breaking down equipment?
• If you or one of your co-performers are ill on our wedding day, do you have a backup?
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• How many breaks and what length do you require?
FLOWERS REALLY IMPRES S YO U R FLO RIS T B Y S HOWING U P TO YO U R FIRS T APPO INTMENT WITH THE RIGHT TERMS FO R YO U R DREAM B O U Q U ET!
PHOTOS BY: ALLY WURTS PHOTOGRAPHY
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FLOWER GLOSSARY FIND THE PERFECT BOUQUET FOR YOUR WEDDING STYLE PHOTOS BY: GREG & LARAE PHOTOGRAPHY
NO S E GAY
CASCADE
ROUN D
A compact cluster of flowers where stems are wrapped tightly, often with organza or satin ribbon, and cut to one uniform length.
Cascade bouquets are becoming more and more popular. This is one of the latest trends in wedding flowers. The cascade bouquet is anchored in a hand-held base with the flowers and greenery spilling out in a waterfall of flowers.
Works well with all wedding dress styles. A simple, elegant and traditional bouquet designed either in a tight cluster or more loosely for an “airy” look.
H AND - T I E D
PAGEANT
POM AN DER
The hand-tied bouquet is ideal for an outdoor, rustic wedding. As the name implies, the flowers are gathered in “just-picked,” medium length stems. The stems are often wrapped with ribbon, lace, or burlap.
Also referred to as the “arm sheath” bouquet. Long stem foliage and flowers for the beautiful bride to cradle in her arm, and as elaborately designed as bride desires. A stunning alternative for a modern wedding.
In a pomander bouquet, flowers are typically all the same size, and touch or overlap in design. Great for flower girls or for ceremony décor!
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FLOWER GLOSSARY OT H E R F LO W E R S N E E D E D F O R YO U R B I G DAY PHOTOS BY: GREG & LARAE PHOTOGRAPHY
B O U TONNI È RE S
CORSAGE
The men usually wear boutonnières on their suit lapel. They typically follow the same flower design as the bride’s, but with one small bud.
A wrist corsage is a beautiful way for mothers and grandmothers to wear their flowers. They are usually larger than the boutonnières, incorporate more of the flowers found in the bride’s bouquet, but are smaller and fitted with a wrist band.
CH UPPAHS & TRELLISES These are larger canopies and frames lined with greenery and flowers. Chuppahs are integral in Jewish traditional ceremonies, and trellises are typical for outdoor weddings.
WHO NEED CORSAGES AND BOUTONNIÈRES? ΟΟ GROOM
ΟΟ GRANDPARENTS OF BRIDE
ΟΟ GIFT ATTENDANTS
ΟΟ GROOMSMEN
ΟΟ GRANDPARENTS OF GROOM
ΟΟ PUNCH POURERS
ΟΟ USHERS
ΟΟ PERSONAL ATTENDANTS
ΟΟ HOST & HOSTESS
ΟΟ PARENTS OF BRIDE
ΟΟ CANDLE LIGHTERS
ΟΟ RING BEARERS
ΟΟ PARENTS OF GROOM
ΟΟ GUESTBOOK ATTENDANTS
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FLOWER TRENDS BEAUTIFUL FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY
ADVICE at a
Glance • Check to see if any members of the bridal party have allergies to any particular flowers. If so, try to stay away from those types for bouquets, corsages, and boutonnières. • Don’t incorporate flowers that have a strong scent in your reception centerpieces.
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• Floral arrangements should be delivered as late as possible, or kept refrigerated for freshness. • Refrain from touching or allowing others to touch your flowers. Oils from your fingers will brown and sometimes crush delicate petals. • See how long specific flowers stay fresh. You don’t want your bouquets or arrangements to start to wilt or turn brown halfway through your day. • If the florist has more than one staff member working with you, make sure that they are all informed of the exact plans for your wedding day. • Bring pictures of types of flowers and arrangements that you like to your floral interviews. In addition, bring pictures of the ceremony and reception sites, and swatches of your dress and your bridesmaids’ dresses to find coordinating flowers.
floral . .p erfect arrangements for your perfect day
Find more Hy-Vee wedding ideas on
26th & Sycamore 605.334.4570
37th & Minnesota 605.334.7231
10th & Cleveland 605.336.8947
49th & Louise 605.361.0313
26th & Marion 605.361.3442
57th & Cliff 605.271.7171
10th & Kiwanis 605.334.3321
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PH OTO BY: G RE G & L A RA E PH OTO G RA PHY
QUESTIONS TO ASK
YOUR FLORIST
• Can we see photos of weddings you’ve done? • Do you have one particular style or will you work with us to create arrangements that match our vision? • Have you done any events at our site? • Once we’ve decided what we want, will you show us sample arrangements? • Are arrangements made the day of or before? How are they stored? • Will you be available on the wedding day to arrange and set up or will someone else be doing this? • Can you work with our cake designer if we want flowers on the cake? Are you familiar with the safety issues regarding edible flowers free from pesticides?
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• What are the costs for the different elements we are interested in? • Will the flowers we’re interested in be in season at the time of our wedding? If not, can you suggest some similar looking alternatives to save money? • How do you feel about transforming pew arrangements from the ceremony into centerpieces for the reception to help ease our budget? • Are there delivery and setup fees? • Will you be working on any other events on our wedding day? • What time would the flowers be delivered and when would you (and your team) arrive to set up?
PHOTOGRAPHY THERE’S DEF INITELY SOMETHIN G MAGIC AL A BOUT C A P TURING MO M EN T S IN TIME. BEING A BL E TO LO O K B ACK AT THESE MOMENTS MAK ES YOU FEEL L IKE YOU COUL D AC TUALLY BE EVERYW HERE AT O N C E. L IKE W E SA ID, MAG IC AL !
FLOWERS REALLY IMPRESS YOUR FLORIST BY SHOWING UP TO YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT WITH THE RIG H T TERMS FOR YOUR DREAM BO UQ UET!
PH OTO CRE D ITS : L ACI JA N E PH OTO GR AP HY PHOTOS BY: ALLY WURTS PHOTOGRAPHY
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POSE PERFECT GET TING YOU R E NG AG E ME NT P H OTOS R I G HT
Chances are you’re having your engagement photos professionally done. This is great because they will know how to pose you, style you, and the perfect settings to photograph you. Here are some tips for the poses you should definitely do, as well as some extra tips to make sure the moment is captured flawlessly.
F OR E HE A D K I S S
T HE L IFT
CR OP P E D
Channel your "Dirty Dancing" moves and have a shot of the soon to be husband lifting you off the ground. Don’t worry, it doesn’t need to be like the iconic dance move, even a foot off the ground gives a whimsical and fun feel to your shoot. Couples often make this shot fun and romantic, but no matter what, their personalities shine through.
If you want to take a little more artistic approach, try having the photographer crop out the top of your head right below your eyes. Whether it’s a close up or standing next to each other at a farther distance, leaving something out leaves something to the imagination when others look at them.
T HE GAZE This one can feel cheesy to do, but it’s a way to forget the camera is there. Sometimes staring at your photographer can feel uncomfortable, especially at first, but staring into the eyes of the person you want to spend the rest of your life with? Easy.
There is something so timeless about the signature “forehead kiss” picture. It really shows the love between the couple and your reactions always seem the least posed.
Some extra touches that will give your photos a variety: backlit photos give a glowing effect that is always beautiful. Having pictures taken in different seasons gives great variety. Also, shifting your weight and honoring the classic tip, “if it bends, then bend it.” Above all else, trust your photographer. They’re the professional, they do this all the time, and they know what looks good!
PH OTO CRE D ITS : L ACI JA N E PH OTOGR AP HY
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ENGAGEMENT FASHIONS A GUIDE TO WH AT TO W E A R A ND W H AT N OT TO W E A R A L LY W U RTS P H OTOG RA PHY
ALLY W URTS PH OTO GR APHY
GR E G & L A RA E P H OTOG RA P HY
TRY COMBIN ATIONS
CHOOSE CL ASSIC ST YLES
CONSIDER THE SEASON
Choose two or three different outfit combinations. When you set your shoot with your photographer, there may be time or location limitations. If you have the opportunity, change into another outfit half way through. Then you have more options in photos to print!
You don’t want to have to look back on your engagement pictures five years from now and think, “What was I thinking?” By choosing classic styles for your outfits, you will be ensuring the longevity of your photos.
This one’s easy. If you’re taking pictures in the fall, knee-high boots, sweaters, and warm colors will compliment your surroundings. Conversely, dresses in bright pastel colors look beautiful paired with wedge sandals in the spring time.
KR I S T I S H ANKS PH OTO GR A P HY
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K RILS AC TII SJA HA NNK E PSHOTOG P H OTOG RA P RA HY P HY
SIMPLE ACCESSORIES
CHOOSE SOLIDS
Besides your engagement ring, choose only one other accessory for each outfit. You don’t want any other accessory over-shadowing your ring!
By choosing to wear solid colors in your engagement pictures, you are ensuring the attention and camera focus will be on you and your fiancé the entire time.
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WEDDING PHOTOS CHECKLIST CHECK OUT THIS LI S T F OR S H OTS YOU CA N’ T MI S S ! P HOTO C R E D ITS : A L LY W U RTS PH OTO G RA PHY
GET TING READY
FO R M A L FA MI LY S HOTS
• dress hanging in window
• formal bride and groom photos
• makeup
• bride with immediate family
• bride and bridesmaids together
• bride with mother / step-mother
• bride and mother getting ready
• bride with father / step-father
• groomsmen getting ready
• bride with siblings • bride and groom with bride’s parents • bride and groom with bride’s family • bride with grandparents • bride and groom with grandparents • bride flower girls / ring bearers • bride with personal attendants • groom with immediate family
B R IDA L PART Y • the first look • bride and groom together • bride with bridesmaids • bride with groomsmen • groom with bridesmaids • groom with groomsmen • full wedding party
• groom with mother / step-mother • groom with father / step-father • groom with siblings • groom and bride with groom’s parents • groom and bride with groom’s family • groom with grandparents • groom and bride with grandparents • groom with attendants
CE R E MONY / R E C E P T IO N • walking down the aisle • unity ceremony • first kiss • first photo as husband/wife • leaving the ceremony • entering into reception • cake cutting • toasts • first dance • daughter / father dance • mother / son dance • bouquet toss • garter toss • leaving reception
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WHY YOU NEED A VIDEOGRAPHER JASON R J ON AS V I D E OG R A P HY - S I OU X FA LLS
How will you relive your wedding day? The incredible amount of work that goes into planning the biggest day of your life deserves not only to be remembered . . . but relived forever. This the main reason why you hire a fantastic photographer, to see those moments forever captured in print is priceless. But to feel the true love and emotion of the day is where we step in as videographers, to complement photographers and bring your wedding to life. “Jason and Nicole caught the memorable moments that go unnoticed during the wedding day. We have precious footage of
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our nieces and nephew that we didn’t get to witness on the wedding day, we get to re-live the emotion of the ceremony processional and watch the expressions on the faces of all of our guests who mean so much to us, and get to be taken back to the fun and laughter with family and friends at our reception.” Beyond videography, we are story tellers, that is what is truly behind hiring a videographer. You won’t be simply sitting and watching video clips from your wedding, anyone can capture footage. But to see your footage in a cinematic story will have you reliving your day from start to finish just as you were there.
Crafting a wedding story comes down to being mindfully present and living the wedding day with the couple. Being able to show and feel the anticipation of getting ready, the exhilaration of the first look, the raw emotions of the vows, the excitement of your guests as you are announced married, and the pure joy of celebrating your wedding day . . . those are the moments that can not be replaced, but moments that can forever be remembered in your wedding video. You live your wedding story for a day, we capture it so you can relive it forever.
“Early on in our engagement, my now husband, Ethan, and I discussed having a videographer at our wedding. We had heard from friends and family that as much as you try to take in every aspect of the day, with so much going on, it’s nearly impossible as the bride and groom. Furthermore, watching the footage set to music, adds an extra layer of incredible emotion. Jason and Nicole accurately recreated our wedding day down to every emotion felt. Our wedding day remains the most amazing day of Ethan’s and my life together, and what a blessing it is to have the ability to watch and re-live the joy of that day any time we want thanks to Jason and Nicole.” - Anne WATCH ANNE + ETHAN’S VIDEO HERE: www.jasonrjonas.com/videos/ethanandanne video stills provided by Jason R Jonas Videography
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AVOIDING THE GUEST PHOTOGRAPHER GO UNPLUGGED TO AVOI D A N U NE X P E CT E D P HOTO B OMB Here it is. The MONEY shot. The moment your photographer lives for. The dress is beautiful and the flowers are perfect, the bride is walking down the aisle to her new groom, the moment is perfect…until your Aunt Janice steps in the aisle and takes a picture instead. It may seem rude to tell your guests to put away their phones during the ceremony, but chances are you paid for a photographer to take the perfect pictures. There are no do-over’s during the ceremony and often photos (like walking down the aisle with your
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father) are ruined by guests stepping in front of the professional photographer, or flashes that white out the picture. To avoid these photo blunders and bombs, many brides and grooms are opting for an ‘unplugged wedding.’ By having your family and friends put away their phones and cameras during the wedding, the photographer you hired is able to get beautiful shots, and your guests are able to focus on the ceremony instead of their phones.
HOLDING ON TO YOUR MEMORIES D I S P L AY Y O U R P E R F E C T D AY F O R Y E A R S T O C O M E
After months or even years of planning the perfect wedding, the day itself often goes by so swiftly. All the precious details and keepsakes can easily be left behind or packed into boxes never to be seen again. If you want to hold onto those memories and save those mementos for the years ahead, why not display them for everyone to see! Shadow boxes are the perfect solution and can include the following items. • Wedding invitations, Save the Dates, menu cards etc. • Your favorite engagement photo & Wedding photo displayed as a before and after • That “something old, new, borrowed or blue” that you’ll never wear again but will always remind you of the person you got it from • One of the party favors or decorations that you so carefully and lovingly crafted or you and your girlfriends whipped together at the last minute • Your veil, floral pieces, cake servers, wine corks or bottles or even the stemware you took your first drink from as a married couple So consider saving the details of your wedding day in a custom made shadow box. You don’t have to be intimidated by framing! With creative framing and
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backgrounds that reflect your style, our framing designers can make it an easy and fun experience. At Rehfelds, we use 98% UV filtered glass, acid free matting and the largest frame selection in the Sioux Falls area! We offer conservation framing that will protect your photographs and mementos for years to come. -Rehfelds
ADVICE at a
Glance • Scout out your ceremony and reception sites with your photographer before your wedding day to choose the best settings for your formal photographs. • Consider taking formal portraits before the ceremony so you and the wedding party can enjoy the cocktail hour. If you are superstitious and don’t want to take shots with your groom before the ceremony, just take all the formal shots that don’t include him ahead of time. • Don’t forget to give the photographer and videographer any special instructions or restrictions by the officiant or the ceremony site ahead of time. • Have your photographer take candid pictures of your parents that you could possibly have framed as gifts for them.
PH OTO CRE D ITS : KRI S T I S H A N KS PH OTOGR AP HY
• Figure out before the wedding day if you want the videographer to interview your guests. • Make sure the photographer / videographer brings extra equipment in case something breaks or malfunctions so you're not left with important moments not photographed or recorded. • Without him knowing, say something special to the groom on tape so he is happily surprised when he sees it. Also consider a special 1 year anniversary message recorded separately for that special night. • The number of photos the photographer guarantees to shoot should be greater than the number you want to include in your album so you have the largest selection possible. • The photographer or videographer you hire should have experience shooting in conditions similar to yours. Be sure to view samples of work done in similar conditions. • The videographer should have a wireless microphone so guests won’t trip over cords.
• Ask your photographer for a sample album of an entire wedding he / she shot to get a realistic idea of their ability.
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QUESTIONS TO ASK
PHOTOGRAPHERS
• W ill y ou b e t h e p h o t o g r a p h e r t h e d a y o f my w ed d in g? *S o me l a r g e r s t u d i o s h a v e mult iple p h otogr ap h e r s t h a t m a y v a r y i n s t y l e a nd p e r s on a lity. * • H ow w ou ld y o u d e s c r i b e y o u r p h o t o g r a phy st y le ? • W ill you h ave a s e c o n d s h o o t e r ? • H ow lon g h a v e y o u b e e n sh o o t i n g we d dings? Ex p er ie n c e i s a l wa y s g o o d , b u t m o s t l y, t he ir e x p er ie n c e a n d p r i c e sh o u l d g o t o g e t h e r. • Do you ed it y o u r p h o t o s? I f y o u a re c o nc e r ne d w it h b lem is he s b e i n g re mo v e d o r a n y e dit ing, m ak e s u re t h e p h o t o g r a p h e r wo u l d b e w illing t o do s o. • W ill you p rov i d e a CD o f h i g h re s o l u t i o n ima ge s? N ot all p h oto g r a p h e r s g i v e o u t t h e c o p y r ight t o th e ir im ages o n a CD . T h e y a l l h a v e d i ffe re nt p a c k a ge s a n d s o me o ff e r p r i n t s i n st e a d. • W h at d o y ou d o i n c a se o f c a m e r a m a l f unc t ion or c a rd c or r u p t i o n ? Te c h n o l o g y i s g re a t , but is doe s fa il. M ak e s ure t h e p h o t o g r a p h e r h a s b ac k up p la n s . • C an I s e e yo u r wo r k f ro m a f u l l we d d i n g da y ? • W h at is you r r a t e p e r p a c k a g e ? • L a s t ly as k yo u r se l f , "d o I l i k e t h e m? " Your p h otogr ap h e r wi l l wo r k wi t h y o u c l o s e l y a ll da y. I t is c r u cial th a t y o u g e t a l o n g wi t h t h e m a nd e njoy th e ir p e r s on a l i t y • If ap p licab le , a sk i f t h e y l o v e p e t s :)
PH OTO CRE D ITS : G RE G & L A RA E PH OTO GR AP HY
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TRANSPORATION &
HOTELS WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING
FOR HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS, OR TRANSPORTATION FOR THE WEDDING PARTY TO THE RECEPTION, YOU WANT SOMETHING STRESS FREE AND EASY FOR YOUR GUESTS!
PHOTO BY:L A CI J A NE P HOTOG R A P HY
T R A N S P O R T AT I O N & H O T E L S |
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Complimentary Guest Room for Bride and Groom with 10 rooms reserved in Wedding Block
Complimentary Transportation to most Reception Venues
Complimentary Meeting Room for Gift Opening with 10 rooms reserved in Wedding Block *Based on Availability
TRANSPORTATION TIPS W H AT T O K N O W B E F O R E R E N T I N G A V E H I C L E Now that your wedding and reception is all planned, let’s talk about transportation! Here are some helpful tips and things you should know when planning your ride: • How much can you spend? You’re likely to be charged by the hour, which can run around $125-$200 an hour, depending on what you choose.
• Don’t leave too many vehicles behind. Making arrangements for those riding in the reserved vehicles, to get their vehicle to the reception ahead of time, is a great idea. In addition for parents and grandparents, you could ask other family members to drive their cars from the wedding to the reception.
• Who will be riding? You must consider the number of people you want to transport from the wedding to the reception site. Several vehicles may be needed. In this case, you might be able to negotiate a better price for multiple vehicles.
• Since you have the vehicle rented, why not see what it would cost to drive home your guests after the reception. This is a great way to ensure that your guests get home safely after the dance. If you arrange this, to cut down on costs, you could book the transportation company to come back for a 2-3 hour window at the end of the night. Then be sure to let your guests know ahead of time.
• Who should you ask to ride along? Really anyone you want. Arranging transportation for parents, grandparents etc. is a nice gesture.
• Finally don’t forget to ask about gratuity. If it is not included in your rental, be sure to tip your driver!
ce n e i r e exp the ine s u o m l ar li e t s f o
e c n ir llia
B
Whether accommodating a large bridal party, or just the bride and groom, Stellar Limousine can help you create special memories.
605.335.4041
www.StellarLimousine.com
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HELPING OUT OF TOWN GUESTS BY G R A N D S TAY H O T E L & S U I T E S | LU V E R N E , M N Your out of town guests happily want to be by your side celebrating your big day and willingly spend their time and money to attend. Here are a few ideas to help them enjoy their out of town visit and to make them feel extra special for their extra effort.
RESERVE A BLOCK OF ROOMS WITH A DISCOUNTED RATE A month before your wedding, contact your hotel and ask if they can provide a list of things to do in the area or events surrounding your wedding date. Email the information to your out of town wedding guests so they can plan any additional activities they might have time for during their stay.
KEEP YOUR GUESTS INFORMED Create a day by day wedding itinerary and have it available at your hotel’s front desk so your guests can receive it when they checkin. The itinerary should have scheduled events. Maps providing directions and phone numbers of friends who can help them if they get lost.
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GIFT BASKETS To really make your out of town guests feel special, have a gift basket delivered to each guest’s hotel room with fun items that reflect the couple’s personality or items that have a regional flare like a t-shirt with the city’s name on it or a food item from the area.
HOSPITALIT Y ROOM Check with your hotel to see if there is a hospitality room available that you can direct all of your out of town guests to rendezvous when they arrive. Stock it with beverages and treats and let them mingle and get the festivities started.
❍❁❒❒❉❏▼✿●❉❇❈▼✿❁❂❃❄❅❆❇❈❉❊❋●❍■❏❐❑❒▲▼◆❖◗❘❙❚❀✑✒✓✔✕✖✗✘✙✐✍✝✻✽✼✛✌✎✏ ✡✢✣✤✥✦✧★✩✪✫✬✭✮✯✰✱✲✳✴✵✶✷✸✹✺❞✁✠✃✄☎✾✆☛✈✉✿☞❛❝❜✚✜✔✞✟ ❈ 2 - Avenir_Next_Regular_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-= []�\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>?_åç郩˙î˚¬µñøœ®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«… æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ�ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ Â˜ØŒ‰Íˇ„˛Á¸`⁄¤‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿ '"�”‘’” 3 - Avenir_Next_UltraLt_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>?_åç 郩˙î˚¬µñøœ®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑà ÕÂÊÎÔÛ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ„˛Á¸`⁄¤‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿ ‘”�”‘’” 4 - Avenir_Next_Med_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>?_ åç郩˙î˚¬µñøœ®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏ ÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ„˛Á¸`⁄¤‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿ ‘” ”‘’” 5 - Avenir_Next_Demi_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-= []�\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>?_åç郩˙î˚¬µñøœ®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«… æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ�ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ Â˜ØŒ‰Íˇ„˛Á¸`⁄¤‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿ ‘”�”‘’” 6 - Avenir_Next_Bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-= []�\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>?_åç郩˙î˚¬µñøœ®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«… æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ�ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔ Ò˜،‰Íˇ„˛Á¸`⁄¤‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿ ‘”�”‘’” 7 - Futura_Book_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>?_åç郩˙î ˚¬µñøœ®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜ ŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ„˛Á¸`⁄¤‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿ ‘” ”‘’” 8 - Futura_Italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>?_åç郩˙î ˚¬µñøœ®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜ ŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ„˛Á¸`⁄¤‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿ ‘” ”‘’” 9 - Futura_Light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>?_åç郩˙î˚¬µñø œ®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ„˛Á¸`⁄¤‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿ ‘” ”‘’” 10 - Futura_Light_Italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>?_åç郩 ˙î˚¬µñøœ®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕ ÂÊÎÔÛ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ„˛Á¸`⁄¤‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿ ‘” ”‘’” 11 - Futura_Med_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>?_åç郩˙î˚¬µ ñøœ®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕ ÂÊÎÔÛ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ„˛Á¸`⁄¤‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿ ‘” ”‘’” 12 - Futura_Med_Italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>?_åçéƒ ©˙î˚¬µñøœ®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜ ŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ„˛Á¸`⁄¤‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿ ‘” ”‘’” 13 - Futura_Bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>?_åç郩˙î˚¬ µñøœ®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕ ÂÊÎÔÛ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ„˛Á¸`⁄¤‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿ ‘” ”‘’” 14 - Futura_Bold_Italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>?_åçé ƒ©˙î˚¬µñøœ®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜ ŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ„˛Á¸`⁄¤‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿ ‘” ”‘’”
Perfectly Grand
15 - Interstate_Regular_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-= []�\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>?_åç郩˙î˚¬µñøœ®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«… æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ�ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔ Ò˜،‰Íˇ„˛Á¸`⁄¤‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ ‘”�”‘’”
Every bride deserves a suite that's as
16 - Interstate_Light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>?_åçéƒ ©˙î˚¬µñøœ®ß†ü¥à¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷|ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏ ÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ„˛Á¸`⁄¤‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ ‘”�”‘’”
for Your Wedding Guests
• Spacious suites with full kitchens • Free Grand Start® Breakfast • Indoor pool and hot tub • FREE wired and wireless internet
big
as her day. 855.455.7829 • Front Desk: 507.449.4949
www.grandstayluverne.com
908 South Kniss Avenue • Luverne, MN 56156
Royalty!
JUST MINUTES EAST OF SIOUX FALLS ON I-90.
When your guests stay at Homewood Suites, everyone has lots of room to get ready for the big day. Plus be ready to go with a full, hot breakfast. So stay with us and Be at home. Homewood Suites by Hilton Sioux Falls 3620 West Avera Drive - I-229 and Louise Avenue - Sioux Falls, SD 605-338-8585 / 1-800-CALL HOME
©2014 Hilton Worldwide.
Let our professional chauffeurs treat you like...
33 g
Celebratin Years!
8 TO 56 PASSENGER
LIMOS COACHES SEDANS BUSES
QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT HOTEL & TRANSPORTATION HOTELS
TRANSPORTATION
• Do you offer a special rate for a block of rooms for
• What types of cars / limousines / vehicles are
• How many rooms can we hold in a block? Is there
• How many passengers can the vehicle(s)
• How many rooms at the special rate are available
• Is there a discount if we book more than one?
wedding guests? a minimum?
on the dates we need them?
• Do we incur any charges if not all of the rooms in the block are booked?
comfortably accommodate?
• What is the fee? Is the gratuity included? • What amenities does that rate include?
• What date must guests reserve rooms to receive
• What are the charges for any extra amenities
• Is there a honeymoon suite? If so, is it available on
• How do overtime charges work?
the special rate?
the date of our wedding?
• What are the check-in and check-out times? • Do you have a courtesy shuttle for guest
transportation? If so, to what locations?
• Will guests have the choice of single or double?
(champagne, TV, bar, etc.) that we might want?
• If an hourly rate: Does the clock start when the
driver leaves the base or when the passengers are picked up?
• If we book the vehicle for the duration of the
event, will the driver wait for us at our location during that entire period?
• Is there a minimum number of nights stay
• How old are the vehicles, and what kind of
• Can we get into rooms prior to our guests’ arrival
• Are each of these drivers familiar with the area?
required?
to leave welcome baskets? Can we leave them at the front desk for our guests at check in?
P.
available on my date?
1 5 6 | T R A N S P O R T AT I O N & H O T E L S
insurance do you have?
HONEYMOONS, AND
D E STI N AT I O N W E D D I N G S IT USED TO B E C A L L E D " E L O PI NG " , NOW I T ' S "L E T ' S EL OPE, BUT L E T ' S B RI NG O UR FA MI LY A ND F RI E ND S! " SOUNDS L I KE F UN, L E T' S D O TH I S! NOT A N O PT I O N ? W EL L , HERE ' S SO ME HE L P O N W H E R E TO G O A ND W H AT TO DO FO R T H E H O NE YMO O N!
PH OTO CRE D ITS : G RE G & L A RA E PH OTO GR AP HY
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all you need is
...AND A GOOD TRAVEL AGENT!
Your honeymoon plans are important. We’ll handle them as we would our own, with knowledge and care. We’ll attend to each and every wish – all for a sensible price. For cruises, tours, hotels, car rentals and airline reservations, look to the most trusted name in Travel...AAA Travel!
SIOUX FALLS 49th & Louise | 361.2107 | 800.514.8988 1300 Industrial Avenue | 336.3690 | 800.222.4545 Travel With Someone You Trust © P.
WWW.AAA.COM
BROOKINGS 692.5111 | 800.535.8399 YANKTON 665.7823 | 800.535.8402
MITCHELL 996.5551 | 800.222.2185
15 8 | HO N EYMOONS & DESTIN AT I ON W E D D I NG S
VOTED
#1
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DO YOU NEED TRIP INSURANCE? OUR FRIENDS AT ALL ABOUT TRAVEL, INC. TELL US ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF TRIP INSURANCE FOR HONEYMOONS AND DESTINATION WEDDINGS You’ve booked your destination wedding and planned the day from the music, to the dress, to the cake! Your travel agent has been beside you every step of the way, taking off the stress and hassle of little details to make sure your destination wedding is the dream trip you have always wanted it to be. And then he or she suggests trip insurance. Why would you want to take trip insurance for your destination wedding? • The weather doesn’t know you’ve been planning this day for years and could hold up your plans • The groom’s mother suddenly has a medical emergency and you need to reschedule your dates • You arrive safely in your destination, but your suitcase does not • While dancing at your reception, you (or a guest) falls and is hurt • Everything went perfectly until you got stuck overnight in Atlanta on your flight home
Your destination wedding/honeymoon is an investment and deserves to be protected from all the little things that could go wrong. Trip insurance gives you and your guests’ peace of mind to know that whatever comes up, your travel agent and your trip insurance policy will protect you! - All About Travel, Inc.
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Only Sandals® Resorts, designed exclusively for two people in love, allow you to indulge in all of your favorite things—from exquisite cuisine at up to 16 gourmet restaurants per resort, to premium spirits and Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wines, plus an array of land and water sports including golf* on awardwinning courses, and scuba diving** with PADI-certified instructors in acclaimed diving sites along the Caribbean’s best and most protected beaches. You can even take a journey of rejuvenation at the renowned Red Lane ® Spa with optional pampering treatments inspired by the Caribbean. Best of all, it’s all unlimited, all included, and all part of Sandals’ Luxury Included® Vacation.
All About Travel Inc. 3801 S. Western Ave., Ste 103 Sioux Falls, SD 57105 605-339-8911 • 1-800-390-6610 www.allabouttravel.org • www.facebook.com/AllAboutTravelInc JAMAICA • ANTIGUA • SAINT LUCIA • BAHAMAS • GRENADA • BARBADOS *Activities vary by resort. Greens fees may be additional at Sandals Emerald Bay. In Jamaica and Saint Lucia, caddies are mandatory but not included. **Unlimited scuba diving included for certified divers. PADI resort dive courses and night dives additional. Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.
P HOTO C R EDITS: G R E G & L AR AE P HOTO G R AP HY
GETTING MARRIED ABROAD GISELLE CHAPUT - DREAM GETAWAYS Every country has different legal requirements for marriage, and when you are planning your destination wedding, you want to do everything you can to make sure your dream ceremony meets the requirements, rather than just a really beautiful demonstration requiring a quick elopement upon returning home. Here is a quick list to help get you on the path but make sure to check with your experienced travel agent. They can help you plan every aspect of your destination wedding to ensure you are meeting legal requirements and having the wedding of your dreams!
MEXICO • Passports & tourist visas (you will need them upon your arrival to Mexico) • Blood test results (typically performed at your wedding location) • Passports & tourists cards/visas from four witnesses (could be relatives, families, friends) • Copy of birth certificates from bride and groom • Arrive four business days in advance, from Monday to Friday (arrival day, Saturday,
Sunday and holidays do not count) • Four witnesses must arrive four business days in advance, from Monday to Friday (arrival day, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays do not count).
ST. LUCIA & BAHAMAS • Original state-issued birth certificate** or a valid passport • Notarized documents are not accepted • Residency requirement of 72 hours, which must include 3 business days (day of arrival/weekends not included). Example: Friday arrivals can be married on Thursday. Monday arrivals can be married on Friday
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC • Birth certificate of the bride and groom • Document of single unmarried status (divorce or widow(er) certificate). Ten months must have elapsed since the date of the last divorce. • A photocopy of the passport of the bride and groom (or other document used to enter the Dominican Republic.
• Photocopies of the passports of the witnesses who are not family members. • Certificate of single status for each of the parties. • All documents must be authenticated by the couples’ nearest Dominican consulate before they arrive in the country. • All documents must be legally translated into Spanish in such consulate or by a legal interpreter in the Dominican Republic. If you are planning a destination wedding, it is because you WANT to get married at the destination – not elope when you get back home. For help planning your destination wedding and making sure you meet all of the legal requirements for that destination, your experienced travel agent can help you every step of the way! *If either the bride or groom was previously married, a divorce decree or death certificate will need to be provided as well. **Legal name changes or legal adoptions papers if applicable
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CELEBRATING 15 YEARS
Reaching your demographic and helping you grow your business!
TO ADVERTISE, CONTACT: Jared at 605.728.9118 Laura at 605.929.2480 SiouxFallsWoman.net
WHEN + WHERE THE BEST DESTINATIONS FOR THE SEASON
Just like your wedding, the honeymoon takes time and planning as well. The time of year, weather, cost, and activities you wish to do are all vital factors to take into consideration.
Tropical locations don’t experience winter like the Midwest , however they often experience a rainy season. Here is a list of honeymoon destinations by time of year they experience the best weather.
Also, consider hiring a travel agent. This will come in handy if you’re traveling to multiple areas; they know what’s best and can change arrangements faster, easier, and save the stress of doing so.
JANUARY – MARCH
APRIL – JUNE
JULY – SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER – DECEMBER
Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Brazil, Canada (ski resort), Caribbean, Central & South Africa, Chile, Costa Rica, Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, & the Florida Keys
Belize, Brazil, Canada, Central & South Africa, Italy In June try warmer places like Fiji, France, Greece, Hawaii, Spain, & Thailand
Bermuda, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Central & South Africa, Czech Republic, France, French Polynesia, Ireland, Madagascar, & Thailand
Australia, Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Central & South Africa, Hawaii, Morocco, Mexico, Florida Keys & New Zealand
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HONEYMOON & DESTINATION WEDDING PACKING LIST EVERYTHING YOU WILL NEED FOR YOUR TRIP OF A LIFETIME. THESE ARE OUR SUGGESTIONS, BUT REVIEW YOUR ITINERARY FOR OTHER ITEMS YOU MAY NEED FOR ACTIVITES!
HER CHECKED BAG ΟΟ Pair of Jeans / Khakis ΟΟ Casual Shirts (t-shirts, tank tops, etc.) ΟΟ Sun dress / Evening Dress ΟΟ Shorts ΟΟ Cardigan / Sweater for Cool Evenings ΟΟ Swimsuits / Swimsuit Cover-Up ΟΟ Evening Purse
ΟΟ Socks / Underwear
CARRY-ON ΟΟ Passports ΟΟ Driver’s Licenses ΟΟ Airline Tickets ΟΟ Hotel Reservation Confirmation
ΟΟ Lingerie
ΟΟ Money / Traveler’s Checks / Credit / Check Card
ΟΟ Socks / Underwear / Bras (strapless)
ΟΟ Calling Card
ΟΟ Jewelry / Accessories
ΟΟ Emergency Phone Numbers
ΟΟ Walking Shoes / Sandals
ΟΟ Prescription Medicine
ΟΟ Evening Shoes / Sandals
ΟΟ Contraception
HIS CHECKED BAG ΟΟ Pair of Jeans / Khakis ΟΟ Pair of Nice Slacks ΟΟ Casual Shirts (t-shirts, short sleeves, etc.) ΟΟ Light Jacket or Pullover ΟΟ Shorts ΟΟ Polo and/or Button Down Shirts ΟΟ Tie and Sports Jacket (for nicer restaurants) ΟΟ Swimsuits ΟΟ Walking Shoes / Sandals
P.
ΟΟ Dress Shoes
ΟΟ Aspirin ΟΟ Small Makeup Bag ΟΟ Toothbrush / Toothpaste ΟΟ Brush ΟΟ Valuable Jewelry ΟΟ Camera ΟΟ Headphones and MP3 Player ΟΟ Underwear / Change of Clothing ΟΟ Books / Magazines ΟΟ Light Sweater / Jacket ΟΟ Sunglasses
16 4 | HO N EYMOONS & DESTIN AT I ON W E D D I NG S
ΟΟ
BATHROOM ITEMS
ΟΟ Toothbrush / Toothpaste / Floss ΟΟ Deodorant ΟΟ Razor / Shaving Cream ΟΟ Body Lotion / Sunscreen / Aloe Vera ΟΟ Nail File / Clippers / Tweezer
ITEMS TO LEAVE WITH FAMILY ΟΟ Your itinerary with hotel information / numbers ΟΟ Photocopies of your passports, credit cards, traveler’s check receipts ΟΟ A sealed copy of your wills, life insurance-policy numbers, and important financial information
ΟΟ Cosmetics and Make-up Remover ΟΟ Lip Balm ΟΟ Brush / Comb ΟΟ Shampoo / Conditioner ΟΟ Hair Accessories (clips, headbands, etc.) ΟΟ Hairspray / Styling Products ΟΟ Hair Dryer / Curling Iron ΟΟ Feminine Hygiene Products ΟΟ Soap and Face Cleanser / Moisturizer ΟΟ Contact Lens Solution / Storage Case
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS ΟΟ Travel Alarm ΟΟ Antibacterial Wipes / Hand Sanitizer ΟΟ Bug Spray ΟΟ Earplugs ΟΟ Sewing Kit ΟΟ Work Out Clothes and Sneakers ΟΟ Chargers for Cell Phones, MP3, Players, Camera, ΟΟ Various Sizes of Resealable Plastic Bags ΟΟ Small First Aid Kit with the following: Antiitch Cream, Aspirin, Band-Aids, Antacid, Antihistamine, Motion Sickness / Diarrhea Medicine
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PHOTO CR EDITS: G R E G & L AR AE P HOTO G R AP HY
QUESTIONS TO ASK TRAVEL AGENCY
DESTINATION WEDDINGS
• Do you specialize in any specific type of vacation?
• What is the weather like in the destination we’re
• What do your services include? • How long has the agency been in business? • Can you make any recommendations as to where and when we should travel?
• Have you ever visited the destination we’re discussing?
• Have you sent many couples to a particular resort? • Do you have any photos / brochures of positional hotels (including pictures of rooms)?
• What is the cost of the trip we’re interested in and what is included? (Be sure to get costs for all elements, such as transportation to destination, hotel accommodations, car rentals, etc.)
• What type of travel insurance is offered? • What is the additional cost, if any? • How does payment work?
considering at the time we’ll be there?
• Do we need to be concerned about drinking the water, eating any foods, or any safety issues?
• Do we need a passport, a visa, or any other travel documents?
• Do we need any immunizations? • What is the airfare for the dates and times we want? • Can we get a nonstop or direct flight, or do we need to change planes?
• How do these options affect the cost? • Is there a limit to the amount of checked or carry-on luggage?
• Are meals and drinks included in the rate? • What is the payment policy? • What is the cancellation policy?
• What is the cancellation policy?
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16 6 | HO N EYMOONS & DESTIN AT I ON W E D D I NG S
AFTER the B I G DAY
YOU DID IT! YOU’RE DONE , F I NI SHE D !
O H WA IT...HATE TO BREA K I T TO YO U, B UT THERE IS MORE P L A NNI NG E VE N AF TER YOUR W EDDING, D O N’ T WO RRY. WE’RE HERE TO HEL P!
PH OTO CRE D ITS : KRI S T I S H A N KS PH OTOGR AP HY
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FLORAL PRESERVATION HOW TO PRESERVE YOUR SPECIAL DAY, BY CAPTURED MEMORIES Your wedding day will arrive quicker than you think. Like every bride-to-be, you are putting finishing touches on the wedding plans that will make your day memorable. You’ve picked the perfect dress, selected the right photographer and chosen a beautiful bridal bouquet. After the wedding, you’ll carefully store your dress and select pictures for your wedding album. But what will you do with your bouquet? Captured Memories has the solution, preserve this important part of your wedding as a unique, treasured work of art. “There are many meanings behind the bridal bouquet tradition,” explains Tina Schumacher, Captured Memories owner/founder. “The bouquet serves as a reminder of the outpouring of love and hope shared on your wedding day. The benefit of preserving the bouquet goes well beyond the cost in creating it. It is an emotional investment, a reminder of cherished memories surrounding the promise of love and hope.” Captured Memories has several keepsake options to choose from, including ornaments, glass domes, and the ever popular shadow box. The freeze-dry preservation process protects the bouquet and mementos from damaging ultraviolet light and dust so the beauty of your fabulous day will last a lifetime. Saving the entire bouquet may not be for everyone, however, and the bride may wish to have something more personal. Captured Memories introduced their PetalGems® Sterling Silver Jewelry to meet this desire. Schumacher explains, “Petals from the bouquet are crafted into a beautiful stone and set into our custom sterling silver jewelry collection. It is a jewelry piece destined to become a family heirloom. This jewelry also makes great gifts for mom, a new mother-in-law or bridesmaids.”
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16 8 | A FTER THE BIG DAY
Based in Bismarck, ND, Captured Memories has worked with brides nationwide. The experience has taught the company important lessons. “Our goal is to make the entire process as painless as possible. When a bride reserves her date with a $50 down-payment, we supply a quick ship-box with complete instructions on how to safely ship her bouquet. We pay all shipping and the down-payment is applied directly to her order.” Schumacher continues, “We work hard to ensure that our designs are affordable. We understand that weddings are expensive, so cost may be a factor when deciding to preserve the bouquet. That’s why we strive for personal consultation with each bride.” Learn more about Captured Memories at www.yourcapturedmemories.com or call 1(701)400-6162 for a free consultation. -Engelman Associates LLC Bismark, ND
Captured Memories Floral Preservation
Preserve
Your
Bouquet 701.400.6162 www.yourcapturedmemories.com
P HOTO C R EDITS: ALLY WU RTS P HOTO G R AP HY
FROM MS. TO MRS. TIPS TO MAKE CHANGING YOUR NAME AN EASY TRANSITION Whether you decide to take your husband’s last name or not is up to you. If you do, there are a lot of different places where you have to change it. This can be but not everything has to be done at once. Many of these organizations can change your name over the phone. Others, banks and credit unions for example, want to see a copy of the Marriage Certificate and your Driver's License before they will change the name on the account.
AC CO UNTS TO CH ANGE:
TO U P DAT E YOU R SOCI A L S E CU R IT Y CA R D:
TO CH A NG E YOU R D R I V E R ' S LI CE N S E :
These are the items you will need to bring with you to the social security administration offices – allow yourself plenty of time, it could be a long wait. Mondays and Fridays are usually the busiest.
• Birth Certificate
• Driver's license
• Pay stub with your name and address
• Marriage certificate
• New social security card
• Fill out name change form
• A piece of mail with your new address with your husband
• Driver's License
After all of your materials are submitted you should receive your card in the mail in a couple of weeks.
• Auto Registration
Local Offices:
• Credit Cards
• Sioux Falls Social Security office: 2400 W. 49th Street, Sioux Falls, SD
• Social Security Card
• Bank Accounts • Utilities • Medical Organizations • Legal Documents (Will, Power of Attorney, etc) • Billed Services (phone bill, insurance)
• Yankton Social Security office: 121 W. 3rd St., Yankton, SD • Aberdeen Social Security office: 115 4th Ave SE, Aberdeen, SD • Sioux City, IA Social Security office: 3555 Southern Hills Dr, Sioux City, IA
• Your current Driver's License or state issued ID • Your Marriage License
• Another piece of mail, a bill preferably, with your name and your new address.
The most important thing to remember here is this – it may be challenging and it may be annoying, but all of these companies have hoops for you to jump through when changing your name to protect you! They want to make sure you really are who you say you are so that no one can take your identity and ruin your credit, steal your money, making the first part of your new life together awful.
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BUYER’S GUIDE Buying a home is the biggest investment you and your new spouse will most likely ever make! Covering all the details and information needed to make such a huge decision could fill an entire book. So getting yourselves aligned with local real estate and mortgage professionals you can trust, and enrolling in some sort of first time home buying class will ensure you won’t miss a beat and eliminate some of the stresses other couples may face.
4 REASONS TO BUY A HOME SOONER THAN LATER!
5 REASONS HOMEOWNERSHIP IS A GOOD FINANCIAL INVESTMENT 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Homeownership can help you build equity over time. Your monthly payments will remain stable. You may have some tax benefits. You can take pride in ownership. Homeownership improves your community.
The Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances reports that a homeowner’s net worth is 36 times greater than that of a renter ($194,900 vs. $5,400).
1. Will Continue to Rise 2. Mortgage Interest Rates Are Projected to Increase 3. Either Way, You are Paying a Mortgage
2 MYTHS THAT MAY BE HOLDING YOU BACK FROM BUYING
4. It’s Time to Move on with Your Life If the right thing for you and your family is to purchase a home, buying sooner rather than later could lead to substantial savings. South Dakota home values are appreciating at a rate of 5.3%.
Myth #1: “I Need a 20% Down Payment” Many believe that they need at least 20% down to buy their dream home, but programs are available that allow buyers to put down as little as 3%...or less!
Buying A Home? Consider Cost, Not Just Price! See chart below.
Myth #2: “I need a 780 FICO® Score or Higher to Buy” Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Insight Report shows that 52.2 % of approved mortgages had a credit score of 600-749.
Mortgage
Interest Rate
Payment (P&I)**
Today
$250,000
3.86%
$1,173.45
Q3 2018
$263,000
4.40%
$1,317.00
Difference in Monthly Payment
$143.55
*Rates based on Freddie Mac’s prediction at time of print
P.
Monthly
Annually
Over 30 Years
$143.44
$1,722.60
$51,678
17 0 | A FTER THE BIG DAY
WHY PRE-APPROVAL SHOULD BE YOUR FIRST STEP
and identify the features you would like. Try categorizing as Must-haves, Should-Haves and Wish-List, Can Do Without. This will save you time and frustration while letting your agent know what is most important to you.
From Freddie Mac’s ‘My Home” section of their website: “It’s highly recommended that you work with your lender to get pre-approved before you begin house hunting. Pre-Approval will tell you how much home you can afford and can help you move faster, and with greater confidence, in competitive markets.” Freddie Mac describes the ‘4 Cs’ that help determine the amount you will be qualified to borrow:
HAVE YOU PUT ASIDE ENOUGH FOR CLOSING COSTS?
Home buying may cause you to have questions and concerns…so working with professionals will help you along the way to home ownership. Make sure buying a home makes sense socially and financially. If you are one of the many renters out there who would like to evaluate your ability to buy this year, you may save up to 33.1% over renters nationally. Even techsavvy generations prefer someone they can trust, someone who knows the neighborhoods in your area, and can lead them through the entire process. So get connected with someone you can trust! SARAH GROSS, Meritus Group Real Estate
Closing costs are typically between 2-5% of your purchase price.
STARTING TO LOOK FOR A HOME? KNOW WHAT YOU WANT VS. WHAT YOU NEED! Once you are armed with your pre-approval from the mortgage lender you can begin house hunting! List all the features of homes found in your area
JEREMY HUBER, Plains Commerce Bank 2017 South Dakota Housing Partnership Lender of the Year – Jeremy Huber 2015 South Dakota Housing Authority Lender of the Year – Jeremy Huber
Say Yes
HELPING BUYERS AND SELLERS
TO YOUR
Happy
Sarah Gross, Broker Associate 605-759-2982 sarah@goprostrollo.com www.sarahgrossrealestate.com
500
$
*
for any buyer or seller who closes a home sale or purchase with Sarah Gross.
*Sarah Gross, REALTOR® will give $500 cash upon closing to each household that closes a residential home sale or purchase with Sarah Gross, REALTOR® by 10/20/2018 and mentions promo code “GonnaGetWed”
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CAN YOU AFFORD A NEW HOME? USE THIS BUDGET SHEET TO FILL OUR YOUR INCOME AND EXPENSES
CU R R E NT Monthly Income:
$
$
Total Gross Pay #1
$
$
(+) Total Gross Pay #2
$
$
(+) Other Income / Child Support
$
$
(â&#x20AC;&#x201C;) Total Payroll Deductions
$
$
(=) TOTAL NET INCOME
$
$
Savings
$
$
Rent / Mortgage
$
$
$
$
$
$
Other Loan Payments / Credit Cards
$
$
Child Care Expenses
$
$
Child Support / Alimony
$
$
Insurance
$
$
Medical Bills / Prescriptions
$
$
UTILITIES Gas
$
$
UTILITIES Electricity
$
$
UTILITIES Phone / Cell Phone
$
$
Car Payment(s) Student Loan(s)
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W IT H HOME OW N E R S HI P
17 2 | A FTER THE BIG DAY
CU R R E NT
W IT H H OME OW NE R S H I P
UTILITIES Water
$
$
UTILITIES Garbage
$
$
Cable TV / Internet
$
$
Groceries / Household Supplies
$
$
Gasoline/Parking / Car Maintenance
$
$
Home Maintenance
$
$
Meals Out / Entertainment
$
$
Hobbies / Health Club / Sports
$
$
Gifts / Charities / Church
$
$
Clothing / Laundry / Dry Cleaning
$
$
Hair Cuts / Personal Care
$
$
Children’s Activities
$
$
Pets
$
$
TOTAL EXPENSES
$
$
TOTAL NET MONTHLY PAY
$
$
(–) TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES (=)
$
$
EXTRA MONEY or SHORTAGE
$
$
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SAYING “I DO” TO HOMEOWNERSHIP Engaged couples are bombarded by decisions – from color schemes to seating arrangements. While these decisions are key to making your wedding day perfect, there is a much larger decision that impacts couples after the wedding: homeownership. Whether one, neither or both of the partners have been homeowners before, going through the process with a spouse will be an entirely new experience. Here are five key points for making the home-buying process as happy as the honeymoon. 1. BE TRANSPARENT – You will soon say your vows and promise “for better and for worse.” Now is the time to be sure finances aren’t part of the “for worse.” Though many couples have the basic finance discussion, when it comes to buying a home, a whole new set of financial implications come into play. Talk openly with your spouse about your credit history, any financial “hiccups” in your past, and what you’re realistically able to spend on a home. These conversations are better had before the home search begins to avoid any roadblocks in the mortgage process. 2. START SAVING NOW – It may seem a daunting task to pay for a wedding and save for a house at the same time, but every dollar saved is a dollar earned (plus interest.) Though traditionally a 20% down payment was required, there are now a variety of programs that can assist couples in purchasing their new home. It’s never too early to visit with a mortgage loan officer about financing options to see what you may need to save. You may be surprised to find that saving while wedding planning might just be enough to purchase that dream home, so start today!
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17 4 | A FTER THE BIG DAY
CONGRATULATIONS You’re ready to start your new life together!
3. MAKE A PRIORITY LIST – One of the most common issues when house hunting is the lack of communication between partners on their priority “wish list” items. Before you even begin to look, visit about the things you believe make a house a home. What are you willing to be flexible on and what is non-negotiable? The house hunt can get emotional, and if you have this list on which to fall back, it can help be the “tiebreaker” in your search. 4. FIND A GREAT MORTGAGE LENDER – Remember that your mortgage loan officer will guide you through every step of the home-buying process. Your mortgage loan officer isn’t simply a “yes” or a “no” to a loan. The right mortgage loan officer will talk you through the financing options, help you understand PMO and interest rates, and be sure everything goes smoothly through closing and beyond. 5. TRACK YOUR HUNT – With your savings account building, your priority list in hand, and your preapproval from your mortgage loan officer, you’re ready to start looking for your dream home. Track each house as you go, writing down the details of what you did and didn’t like for each property. You may find your tastes shift or a property surprises you along the way. Keeping track of each house you see will help you make that final decision. Plus the notes are a fun memory to have once you are cozy in your new home. To talk with a mortgage loan officer about the first steps of home buying or to get a handy “Property Evaluation” for your home search, visit bankeasy.com/mortgage or contact Nichoelle Waldner at 605.782.8088 or Nichoelle.Waldner@bankeasy.com NMLS #: 658123 Bank #: 196045
Getting into the right home is easier with the right mortgage. The best place to start is with one of the market’s most experienced mortgage teams. You’ll be surprised at how fast and simple the loan process can be if it’s done right. Before you know it, you’ll have a mortgage that fits your lifestyle and a great new home to go with it. Give us a call. We’ll get it done! Nichoelle Waldner Mortgage Loan Officer 605.782.8088 office nichoelle.waldner@bankeasy.com NMLS #658123 Bank#196045
Alyssia Sturm Mortgage Loan Officer 605.782.8025 office alyssia.sturm@bankeasy.com NMLS #854118 Bank#196045
W W W . B A N K E A S Y . CO M
24
WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT
1. Pay your bills on time.
2. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bounce checks. 3. Think long term. 4. Start small. 5. Visit local lenders first. 6. Apply for a local department store charge or credit card.
15. After 6 months of working on your credit history, apply for another small loan or credit card. 16. Avoid switching employers. 17. Avoid moving from rental to rental. 18. Set up a savings and a checking account.
7. Apply for a secured card.
19. Have reputable credit references.
8. Apply for a small loan or a low-limit credit card guaranteed by a credit worthy co-signer.
20. Work hard to increase your income. 21. Work hard to decrease your debt.
9. Review your credit report at least once each year and correct inaccurate information.
22. Demonstrate that you are living within your budget.
10. Review your credit report 2-3 months before you apply for a car, mortgage, or home equity loan.
23. Avoid consigning and guaranteeing loans for others.
11. Avoid letting any account be turned over to a collection agency.
24. Avoid excessive inquiries into your credit report.
12. Avoid having judgments filed against you in court. 13. Bankruptcy is the LAST RESORT, rather than an easy way out.
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14. Any time you are denied credit, review your report to see what negative information is reported.
17 6 | A FTER THE BIG DAY
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4505 13th Ave S Fargo, ND 701.281.2337
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