Weddings The Wedding Send-Off
A supplement of the
CommunityAdvocate February 24, 2017
Traditions and modern spins for sending the couple off
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he send-off of the bridal couple can be one of the most exciting moments of a wedding. Friends and family members watch the newlyweds set off for their new life together. There are many traditional symbolic gestures for this moment, some of which were borne of practicality and patriarchy. Nowadays, many couples are choosing fun, festive, progressive ways for guests to wave goodbye. Throwing rice Tossing rice at the couple, sometimes called an “exit toss,” gets everyone involved in the wedding celebration. According to one article on the Martha Stewart Weddings website called “How Throwing Rice Became a Wedding Tradition,” in olden times, marriage meant expansion (of family, assets, etc). It said, “Rice (most likely chosen for its availability and low cost) symbolized both fertility and prosperity,
Sparklers are a clever way to say goodbye and are sure to be memorable for the bridal couple and guests alike.
and tossing it at couples implied best wishes and good luck - for newborns, good harvests and everything in between.” Nowadays, the tradition appears in many forms. Guests throw candy and sugared nuts in Italy (for sweetness), and guests in Morocco throw figs and raisins (for fruitfulness). In America, creative couples are offering guests things like rose petals and paper airplanes that are less messy and hazardous. No one wants guests to slip on candy and twist an ankle, or feel the sting of a grain of rice in the eye. Tying shoes to the couple’s vehicle The forerunner to tying cans onto the getaway car bumper was tying shoes. According to the BrideandGroom website, a “bride’s shoes were considered to be symbols of authority and possession.” They Wedding send-off page 2
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Weddings • Friday, February 24, 2017
The Wedding Send-Off Traditions and modern spins for sending the couple off Wedding send-off Continued from front page
were “taken from her when she was led to the wedding place, and given to the groom by her father, eff ecting the transfer of his authority to her husband and as a sign that the husband now had possession of her.” According to Mental Floss, however, this tradition started during the Tudor period in England. Guests would throw their shoes at the couple as they left because it was considered good luck to hit the vehicle. Today, however, “that would be considered a lawsuit, so we tie them to the car instead.” And Americans began using aluminum cans because “walking home from a wedding with only one shoe is no fun.”
Send the newlyweds off in style with paper party crackers, dazzling sparklers, streamers or confetti.
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Dove and butterfly releases For many, though the symbolism intended with a live animal release is that of love, devotion and inspiration, the act is often far from inspiring. Many animal rights groups argue that doves that are bred in captivity are often confused and vulnerable to predators upon release. In fact, the National Animal Protection Agency released an open letter to Pope Francis in 2014. He and two children released doves in St. Peter’s Square, and the doves were attacked by a seagull and a crow. Butterflies aren’t a better solution, as they often arrive dazed, crushed and cold, only to wilt sadly and die when released. Alternatives to these traditions are aplenty. Couples nowadays often have different considerations than before, such as social change, environmental sustainability and animal rights. And creative couples tie their choice in with their wedding theme. Balloons were once thought a better option than animals. To make them even more environmentally friendly, consider using biodegradable balloons filled with helium or vinegar and baking soda and tied with compostable string or ribbon. Send the newlyweds off in style with paper party crackers, dazzling sparklers, streamers or confetti. These favorites of New Year’s Eve celebrations will be a loud, vibrant, fun symbolic gesture of a new start. Another option is to move the tried and true unity candle ceremony to the end of the service and invite all adult guests to light candles. Provide bubbles for kids to blow. Brit + Co media company offers 24 nontraditional wedding send-offs, many of which are based on the theme of the wedding. For fall weddings, consider gathering beautifully colored leaves to throw. For a garden wedding, give guests dried lavender to toss instead. These clever ways to say goodbye are sure to be memorable for the bridal couple and guests alike.
Community Advocate • Weddings • Friday, February 24, 2017 • 3
Wedding menu trends Couples look for menus that reflect their interests
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xpect to be hungry on your wedding day! From tasty appetizers to divine dinners and delicious desserts, your wedding will be one yummy celebration. “A lot of couples we work with want their individualities and personalities to shine, so they look for menus that reflect their own interests,” said Joyce Malicse of PopKitch, a boutique catering and events company. Malicse finds that couples often choose “elevated versions of their favorite everyday foods,” like grilled cheese, barbecue and chicken and waffles.
plated meals and they want their guests to be able to taste food from the destinations they’re hosting in,” said event planner and designer Alison Laesser-Keck of VLD Events, who notes that family-style dining is also popular because it’s intimate and interactive. She says farm-to-table cuisine is also trendy as it showcases local food. Pairings are popular as well. “It’s no longer just about an appetizer spread but passed apps that have beverage pairings,” said Laesser-Keck, noting pairings may include sushi and sake or charcuterie displays served with wine from different regions.
Stylish service Plated dinners may be traditional, but these days, wedding food service isn’t predictable. “People want to switch it up. They are done with boring
Comfy cuisine Comfort foods are a big part of many wedding menus. Menu page 4
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Weddings • Friday, February 24, 2017
Wedding menu trends Couples look for menus that reflect their interests Menu Continued from page 3
“Couples are steering clear of the pricey, traditional feasts and opting for comfort, finger foods,” said Jessica Newton of Pechanga Resort & Casino, noting one of their couples served up Mexican food featuring tacos with made-toorder meats, fish and veggies wrapped inside mini corn tortillas. Menus are full of flair and flavor. “Our clients also try to incorporate the international flavors that were part of their childhood,” said Malicse, who’s dishing up global dishes including tandoori chicken skewers, Korean gochujang dumplings and tequila-marinated chicken sopes for traypassed appetizers. Other comfort foods in-
clude mac and cheese, cornbread, tater tots and candy snacks. Fair-ly fun Even fair snacks are taking center stage at receptions. “Carnival food such as Cracker Jack, funnel cakes and cotton candy are go-to carnival necessities and now they’re perfect for your formal affair,” said Kim Forrest, editor and trends expert at WeddingWire.com. You can dress up the carnival classics to make them a bit fancier or simply serve mini versions. Suspended snacks Make a statement by hanging wedding treats on the wall at the reception. Kerri Sholly at Four Seasons Hotel Austin said the hotel
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gets many requests to hang or “float” food. For example, doughnut walls are fashionable, where doughnuts can be suspended on shelves hanging from the ceiling. Additionally, guests can nibble snacks from “clotheslines” of candied bacon and late-night pretzels. Dietary choices It’s easier than ever if you or your guests have dietary concerns or allergies. Many caterers can serve up vegetation options, as well as nutfree and low-carb foods. Those with gluten intolerances have choices, too, especially when it comes to ordering a wedding cake.
“The best part is that their guests won’t ever know the difference,” said Nick Nikolopoulos, chef and owner of Gluten Free Gloriously, a bakery that ships nationally and serves the gluten-free and dairy-free communities. “When we create these high-end cakes, we use the highest quality products that make it difficult for anyone to detect that the cakes are gluten-free.” Cheers! Boozy ice pops are popping up at parties, too. The icy treats from FrutaPOP, for example, are available in a variety of flavors like
cranberry mojitos, strawberry mint julep, pina colada and coconut rose sangria. The company also offers coffee, fruit and juice pops. Another spirited option? Spoonable Spirits, boozy puddings and jellies, which are served in mini shots. Each contains 5 percent alcohol by volume. Flavors include spiked cake shake and cookies and cream. Kristen Castillo is a threetime Emmy Award-winning journalist. An editor and writer for wedding magazines, she’s written hundreds of wedding articles, as well as an e-book, “Weddings on a Dime.”
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Community Advocate • Weddings • Friday, February 24, 2017 • 5
A catered affair Consider a local ‘destination’ site for your special day By Geoff Kelly Catering Manager, Owner Sir Loin Catering
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hoosing a caterer is one of the most important decisions you have to make when planning your wedding reception.The right caterer can help set the tone for this special day, whether it is a formal event or a casual gathering of family and friends. For a truly unique wedding reception, think of choosing a local “destination” wedding. While most think of destination weddings as being in exotic locales such as the Caribbean, there are hundreds of local spots that can serve for truly beautiful, one of a kind reception sites. State parks, museums, lakes, beaches, wineries, a rustic barn, beautiful botanical gardens or even a friend’s beautiful yard are all possibilities. Just make sure if it’s a public spot, you check with town or city officials for any regulations. Along with couples choosing destination weddings, they are also finding comfort in creating personalized menus. Most venues allow the caterer to prepare and cook your special meal. Many caterers will be happy to accommodate your request for a destination wedding. When you are seeking a caterer ask to tour the facility where the food is prepared to inspect for cleanliness and professionalism. Taste testing ahead of time should be welcomed and will help to insure you and your guests will be happy on your big day. When speaking with the caterer, ask where they get their supplies from and if they can accommodate any special requests such as vegetarian or gluten-free options. Many caterers now feature Organic Farm to table menus. It’s a great way to have the best and freshest meats, fruits, vegetables, breads and desserts all locally sourced. Ask how many years they have been in business and if they have experience in destination weddings. Other questions to ask include how many staff members will be at the wedding and exactly what tasks will they
take care of that day. Ask your caterer if they provide or can help arrange things such as chairs and tables, linens, flatware, dishes, and glasses. And while destination weddings can be very special, we all know that sometimes Mother
Nature can be a most unwelcome guest. Be sure you and your caterer are in sync about a back up plan should bad weather flare up. This is the most special day of your life – so be sure that every last detail is accounted for
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Weddings • Friday, February 24, 2017
Nice day for a bright wedding Bridal gowns span the color spectrum
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ot every bride wants to wear a white gown on her wedding day. It has been, over the past several years, a rising trend for brides to choose nonwhite wedding gowns. According to Shane McMurray, lead researcher at the bridal industry statistics company The Wedding Report, here’s how the most popular colors of wedding gowns stack up in popularity: --Rose/pink/mauve: 14.3 percent. --Silver/gold/copper: 6.2 %. --Blush blue: 5.9 %. --Red: 2 %. --Blush yellow: 1.3 %. --Blush purple: 0.9 %. --Other shade: 4.2 %, which may include the trend of watercolor-painted gowns - an artistic option for the bride who is so inclined.
It has been, over the past several years, a rising trend for brides to choose nonwhite wedding gowns.
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Notice that those numbers don’t add up to 100 percent, as 65 percent of brides still prefer white gowns. But a number of brides are choosing tan or champagne-colored dresses, providing a more flattering dress for a bride’s skin tone than stark white while still appearing more traditional. Although not recorded in the survey, blush gray is making news as a popular and neutral bridal gown color, as it allows the bride’s shade of dress to complement bridesmaids’ gowns, which are now often in shades of gray and slate. Bright, patterned gowns may not have achieved widespread popularity, but there are always artistic brides out there who love the idea. Florals and other delicate motifs - such as cherries - adorn the dresses of brides who really want to depart from the traditional white dress. So, why have we witnessed this trend toward colorful and/ or patterned dresses in recent years? The bride’s reasons may include the following: --Wanting something different that’s more in tune with her alternative preferences. --Finding a gown that looks more flattering against her skin tone than white. --Preferring a gown for her second (or third or fourth) wedding that’s completely different than the white gown she dutifully wore for her first wedding. --Wanting to choose from the wide array of gorgeous gowns that today’s designers are presenting in blush, bold and
metallic choices. Jennette Kruszka, director of marketing and public relations for acclaimed gown shop Kleinfeld Bridal, said that each year, she sees gowns in color in the Bridal Fashion Week runway shows, with blush, metallic and blush-blue dresses leading the trend and high in demand. What else might be driving the trend for wedding dresses in color? For some brides, the bridesmaid-dress rack delivers less-expensive options in fabulous styles. With lovely, wispy fabrics and creatively twisted, one-shoulder sleeves, these gowns can fit a bride’s personal sense of style better than the collections of white gowns she has tried on at so many shops. This expansion of where brides can shop for budget-friendly dresses has played into the rise of gowns in color. We’re also seeing more brides wanting to wear their mothers’ or grandmothers’ wedding gowns as a family homage, but the original gowns may be faded or stained - something a great alterations company can solve by dyeing the dress a different color. The heirloom dress becomes wearable once more. And for the bride who wants a traditional white dress but would like to incorporate pops of color, other alterations are a great option: colorful handsewn beading, sequins, crystals and appliques add a unique touch. Accessories, jewelry and shoes can complement these shades for a colorful weddingday look.
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Community Advocate • Weddings • Friday, February 24, 2017 • 7
By your side How to determine the size of your wedding party
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fter the initial excitement of your engagement, everyone will have lots of questions. Did you choose a wedding date? And what’s your venue? Those are big questions, but you still have more decisions to make, including how many people to have in your wedding party. Big or small? Do you have to have an even number of attendants? What’s the etiquette? “There is no magic number to determine the size of your wedding party,” said wedding planner Lauren Chitwood, owner of Lauren Chitwood Events, who has been coordinating weddings for over a decade. “Bridal party selections mostly depend on relationships and the pace and feel that the clients want for their wedding day.” You need to discuss what
each of you has in mind for the number of attendants and make sure there are not hurt feelings. Size doesn’t matter Every wedding is different and there’s no formula for assembling your bridesmaids, groomsmen and other attendants. “What is best is what you and your fiance will enjoy,” said Viva Max Kaley, wedding planner and creator of Viva Max Weddings. “If you like having lots of friends around you, then a big party is right for you. If you prefer a more quiet morning or don’t want to involve too many people on your day, then keeping the numbers low might make more sense.”
Every wedding is different and there’s no formula for assembling your bridesmaids, groomsmen and other attendants.
By your side page 9
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Weddings • Friday, February 24, 2017
Dance the night away Traditional first dances
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eddings are incredibly personal events, as they are crafted around the personality of the couple. One place to really put an extra personal stamp on things is the first dance, as well as the mothers’ and fathers’ dances. Some couples might go all out and do the choreography to classics like the big dance number to “Time of Your Life” in “Dirty Dancing” lift and all! Others may start with a more traditional song then break out and do some fun moves to their favorite hip-hop or country song. Others might get creative and write their own songs to dance to with their new spouses. When Lynda Sterns married her husband, Michael, in March of 1969, their first
Brides and grooms, and even entire wedding parties, often make quite a show of first dances.
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dance was the first time they had ever danced together. He was in college and she was in high school when they got together, so they never attended a school dance together. Lynda had only ever danced with her peers and on dates at summer dances in junior high and high school. So her first dance with Michael - to The Beatles’ “Here, There, and Everywhere ” - was especiall y meaningful. “We were love birds when we got married, and we adored each other. I finally got to dance with my love.” Sterns said that led to them taking several dance lessons, like swing dancing and line dancing, together over the years. “The swing still serves us today because you can swing to rock, country or Duke Ellington. Somehow Michael gets this kind of beat.” Kristen Bollman married Bryan in November 2010. They danced to two songs together, from different genres, at different times in their ceremony. The first was “Come a Little Closer” by Dierks Bentley, and the second was “Faithfully” by Journey. “We just really liked both of them,” she said. When it came time for her to dance with her dad, Bollman said he surprised her a bit. “My dad didn’t want to dance with me, because he doesn’t like to dance or be the center of attention. He saw me starting to dance with my father-in-law and said, ‘Hey, wait a minute, I’ll dance with you,’ and cut in. Super sweet of my dad.” Sherry Engberg said a song she and her husband Bob loved listening to in college - Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong’s version of “Our Love Is Here to Stay” - ended up playing a role in their daughter Catherine’s wedding decades later. “Bob would play it in his dorm room as a freshman,” First dance page 9
Community Advocate • Weddings • Friday, February 24, 2017 • 9
Dance the night away: Traditional first dances First dance Continued from page 8
she said. “ W hen it came to the line ‘the Rockies may tumble, Gibraltar may crumble, they’re only made of clay ’ his roommate, a geology major, would interrupt and blurt out ‘igneous intrusions!’” Years later, Catherine got engaged to Tom, a geotechnical engineer. “ We knew what song
should be played for the father-daughter dance, ” Engberg said. Catherine and her dad danced to the song at her wedding. Maria Nieto Senour said she had a very moving first dance to one of John Lennon’s best songs with her son Carlos at his wedding a couple years ago. “Carlos took my hand and led me to the dance floor as
“Imagine” started playing. It surprised and moved me so much I both wept and laughed.” Senour said it was one of the best days of her life and she fondly recalled her new daughter-in-law beaming at the two of them on the dance floor, “knowing that a man who loves and respects his mother is a man who will know how to love and respect his wife.”
When a bride or groom has lost a parent, that first dance might be omitted altogether. One married couple - high school sweethearts who have been married for nearly two decades -said they skipped that part of the ceremony on purpose. “I know it sounds bad, but my dad and I are not that close and I didn’t want to fake anything at my wed-
ding,” said the bride. “And my husband’s mom passed away years before our wedding.” She said when it came to her first dance with her hubby, they selected a song that resonated with them both. “ We chose “Luna” by Smashing Pumpkins. The chorus is ‘I’m in love with you, so in love.’”
By your side: How to determine the size of your wedding party By your side Continued from page 7
*Cutting down It’s often stressful to choose wedding attendants, but it’s even more nerve-wracking if you have lots of close friends and family who want to be included in your wedding party. You think it’s tough cutting your guest list, but what do you do when you need to cut your wedding party? Who stays? Who goes? “Often when groups of friends balloon in size, and clients experience hesitations, I encourage my brides and grooms to keep it simple and just include siblings and family,” said Chitwood. “It’s an easy way to draw a line without hurting feelings.” *Even-steven? Wedding parties don’t necessarily need to be balanced, such as six groomsmen and six bridesmaids. Instead, couples are choosing to focus on including the people most important to them by their side. Whether the number of attendants is odd or even doesn’t matter and neither does gender. Co-ed wedding parties are gaining popularity. “If you want your closest friends and family by your side, choose the people who will be most helpful and bring you joy on your wedding day, no matter their gender,” said Kaley. “If you prefer the ladies on one side and the guys on the other, that is fine, too. Just know you should do what is right for you and your besties.” *Destination ‘I Do’ Your wedding party size will likely be significantly smaller if you get married on location. “We advise brides to limit to one or two members per
side to avoid have half of your attendees being members of the wedding party,” said Sara Locke of BookBetterTravel. com, explaining a typical destination wedding has an intimate guest list, often between 20 to 60 guests. *Bridal party budget Being a groomsman or bridesmaid is a fun and exciting honor, but it can also be expensive. Before you invite
people to be members of your wedding party, consider whether you can afford to have a large crew and whether each individual can afford it. Here’s why: The more members of your wedding party, the pricier it’ll be. You’ll have to buy boutonnieres and bouquets, and thank-you gifts, for each of them, along with covering their expenses for the rehearsal dinner. There’s financial strain on
S t a r t yo u r n e w b e g i n n i n g
the attendants, too, such as paying for specific wedding attire, hair and makeup, and travel expenses. “You can have your besties around without having them walk down the aisle,” said Kaley. If budget is a concern, invite your friends as guests and keep your wedding party small. “Your wedding should be a fun time for all, and not too
much of a financial stressor,” said Kaley. “Be realistic and respectful of your friends’ financial pressures and keep it in mind when finalizing your wedding party numbers.” Kristen Castillo is a threetime Emmy Award-winning journalist. An editor and writer for wedding magazines, she’s written hundreds of wedding articles, as well as an e-book, “Weddings on a Dime.”
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10 • Community Advocate •
Weddings • Friday, February 24, 2017
Band or DJ? What to groove to on the dance floor
E
veryone can agree that the best part of a wedding is all of the celebrating and partying that happens at the reception.These days, brides and grooms and even entire wedding parties often make quite a show of first dances. Whether it’s a slow waltz that speeds up into a hip-hop routine or a 10-minute dance-off between the groom and his groomsmen, there have been plenty of videos surfacing on the internet. What all of them have in common is music. What sounds better? The digitized beats of a DJ or the strumming of a real guitar from a live band? Make it live A live band can be a great addition to a wedding party. Bands carry an aura of exclusivity; the feeling of having your own private concert will make the day even more memorable. There
are plenty of bands that perform all types of musical genres, from ‘80s covers to reggae to rock and roll. Additionally, bands can perform cover songs at the request of the wedding attendees
or newly wedded couple. This can mix up the set list and provide some musical enjoyment for everyone. Unfortunately, hiring a band can be quite costly. In fact, according to The Knot
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and WeddingChannel.com’s annual Real Weddings Study, the average cost for a band at a wedding reception is $3,084. Therefore, choosing a live band to perform at your wedding may be a deal breaker when it comes to budgeting and costs. But this does not mean it is impossible! If you and your partner are open to the idea, check out local bands or ask friends and family if they know of a group interested in performing. You can hold an audition or see if they’re playing somewhere nearby, and if you like them, ask if they are willing to negotiate. Although this may take a bit more research and work, it could save on costs and you can have the live band you always dreamed of at your wedding. Go DJ, that’s my DJ One of the top choices for wedding reception entertain-
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ment is a DJ. If you choose the right one, they’ll know how to spice up the party with some amazing mixes. The best part is that you and your partner can submit a list of songs that you specifically want played at your wedding. Another plus to hiring a DJ for your wedding is the cost. Compared to the cost of a live band, hiring a DJ is extremely affordable. The Real Wedding Study reports that the average cost for a DJ is $988. Therefore, if you’re looking for entertainment that won’t break the bank, hiring a DJ is the perfect solution. Moreover, finding a DJ has never been easier. There are plenty of people, young and old, who perform at parties, nightclubs, restaurants and even gyms. Similar to choosing a live band, finding a DJ will require a bit of research. Many DJs have pages on websites like SoundCloud where they share their mixes and you can listen instantaneously. So if you like what you hear, you can make the decision right then and there. Whether you’re looking to play some Top 40, jazz, techno or hip-hop, a DJ will deliver and keep your guests dancing all night long. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can try to incorporate both a DJ and live band. However, having both will raise the price. Overall, the choice is entirely up to you and your partner. Whether you enjoy the sounds of live instruments or the digital sounds of a mixer board -- they both can bring the party to your special day.
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Community Advocate • Weddings • Friday, February 24, 2017 • 11
Prenuptial agreements Planning for forever but protecting yourself
N
o one wants to think about divorce but it can be a reality for many couples. So while you’re planning for forever, it’s still a wise decision to protect your interests. Getting a prenuptial agreement, a legal document outlining who gets what if a divorce happens, doesn’t sound romantic but it is practical. “We all know the statistics - nearly half of all marriages will end in divorce,� said New York attorney Ann Margaret Carrozza, creator of “The Love Contract.� “Having a prenup ensures that the couple dictates the terms of a split as opposed to some judge. A good prenup will ensure that both parties are treated fairly in the event of a divorce.� If a divorce does happen, a prenup is the foundation for who owes what. “A prenuptial agreement can provide for financial agreement between spouses, including property income, and spousal support,� said prenuptial agreement expert Dana Lowy, partner in Los Angeles-based Meyer, Olson, Lowy and Meyer. “It can protect against significant disputes on valuing and dividing a community property or separate property business in the event of divorce.� That means your prenup can outline who gets the house, the cars and your investments, like vacation properties and stocks. “Parties involved can make financial agreements on anything other than those related to children,� said Lowy, noting
Getting a prenuptial agreement doesn’t sound romantic but it is practical.
the husband and wife will have to make financial disclosures. *Agreements for the Wealthy? While it may seem that prenuptial agreements are only for high-profile business people, athletes and celebrities, the legal contracts can protect husbands and wives of all income levels. In a survey of 256 adults conducted by research company Survata, over 73 percent said prenuptial agreements are not just for the rich. And nearly 88 percent of respondents believed the groom should be the one to pay for the prenup. “Prenuptial agreements are not necessarily for every couple, but I am a fan of them as a financial adviser,� said Elle Kaplan, CEO and founder of LexION Capital, the only 100-percent female-owned asset management firm in the U.S. For example, Kaplan said some women with more successful careers than their spouses get prenups.
“They wanted to separate the emotional decision of marriage from any financial implications,� she said. “And it’s not that a prenup has to mean that one person gets nothing in the event of a separation. “Contracts are only as good as they are fair. Something like this
is effective when both parties feel protected.� Carrozza said it’s often more important for the less wealthy spouse to request the prenup, “to ensure that he or she is made whole in the event that the relationship doesn’t work out,� especially if that spouse is making sacrifices like putting education or a career on hold for the marriage. She suggests adding what she called “Love Contract� clauses into the prenup. These clauses can include financial goals and spending limits. “We typically include penalties for infractions,� said Carrozza. “These range from lighthearted sanctions such as household chores, to monetary penalties for violating one of the enumerated ‘deal breakers.’� *Postnuptial Agreements Couples who don’t get a prenup can still protect their
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interests after saying “I do� with postnuptial agreements. Postnups are legal documents between a husband and wife that divide assets in case of divorce or death. For example, Carrozza said, a postnup “can require the surviving spouse to enter into a prenup in a subsequent marriage,� which would guarantee that assets from the first marriage pass directly to the children of that marriage and not to the new spouse. “The postnup is often created in response to a bad behavior event,� said Carrozza, explaining a postnup, “can establish a financial penalty for a repeat slip-up,� such as cheating. Prenups and postnups can be as simple or as detailed as you and your spouse decide. While it’s best to never have to refer to the legal document, you’ll be grateful to have it if you need it.
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12 • Community Advocate •
Weddings • Friday, February 24, 2017
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