2014 Wedding Planner

Wedding

planner 2014 EDITION

• Get Creative with Antiques • Dresses Available for All Budgets • Tips for Your Bridesmaids

Published by Good Fortune Advertising LLC

COSHOCTON COUNTY BEACON WEDDING PLANNER

THE BEACON

FEBRUARY 19, 2014

Wedding Planner

2-B

Buying the perfect dress on a budget

BY BETH SCOTT

DRESSES Universe Bridal has recently opened a Prom and Bridal Outlet on

Highway 36 about half a mile from their original location. They offer new, never before worn gowns at 50 to 75 percent off. BEACON PHOTO BY BETH SCOTT

COSHOCTON – Are you planning your fairytale wedding but afraid you can’t afford the dress of your dreams? Universe Bridal located at The Unusual Junction on Highway 36 has just opened a new Prom and Bridal Outlet Store conveniently located about half a mile from their location.

The new outlet store caters to brides of all budgets. All gowns are new, never been worn, and most are one-of-a-kind and 50 to 75 percent off regular price.

“We’re able to offer our girls a lot more,” said Teri Misener, owner of Universe Bridal, “Girls always think they need to travel out of town to find a big selection, but these girls need to be educated that we have a big selection here in Coshocton County. Why else would these girls come from the Akron area, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and even Pennsylvania?”

These are all designer gowns of the latest fashion and brides of all sizes can find a dress that fits their body type. Alterations are also available for brides who may find a size 10 dress that they really like, but need a size six. Layaway is also available.

“So besides offering them a bargain, we’re able to work with them so that they can get their perfect dress,” said Misener.

Misener said the two stores are also great for tourism in Coshocton County as customers come from all over Ohio and some surrounding states to buy their dresses at Universe Bridal, whether it is for weddings or prom, and then visit local shops and restaurants before heading home.

“It’s like an indoor fashion show,” said Misener. “It’s fun because it makes the shopping more of an adventure and that’s what I want it to always be for these girls.”

Customer Index

Cantwell Creek Garden Center .......... 15 Home & Hearth Ltd. .......................... 11 Carton’s...............................................6 Jillian’s Salon ......................................9 Clary Gardens ................................... 15 Kiefer’s Florist .....................................8 Coshocton Village Inn & Suites ............3 Mega Music Professional DJ Service....2 Cruise Planners &

Nikko’s ............................................. 12

Happy Cat Travel ........................ 12 River Greens Banquet Facility ........... 14 Dean’s Jewelry ....................................7 Roscoe Hillside Cabins .........................8

Misener also warns new brides to stay away from online shopping for your bridal dress. While you can look online and get ideas, some sites may not deliver the dress as pictured on their site, or may not deliver it at all.

It’s better to go to an actual bridal location so you can try the dress on, see how the dress is made, and get a better feel of how it fits your body before purchasing it.

“I want every girl to walk in on her wedding day or prom and feel beautiful,” she said.

The new Bridal and Prom Outlet is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. They offer more than 1,500 prom dresses and a couple hundred bridal dresses. They were recently named the largest Ohio Prom and Bridal store.

BETH@COSHOCTONCOUNTYBEACON.COM

Designs by Michele LLC .................... 13 Schumaker Farms ............................. 13 Friendly Hills Camp Kitchen ............... 15 Sheree’s Salon & Spa ..........................7 G.A. Fisher Jewelers Inc. .................. 11 The Warehouse Steak-n-Stein ....... 5, 10

Wedding Receptions

Golden’s Women’s Apparel ...................6 Unique Videography .............................4

Mega Music offers the perfect package on an affordable budget. www.megamusicdjservice.com

Hershberger Country Store...................4 Universe Bridal.................................. 16

the

Beacon coshocton county

Positively Coshocton County

Published by Good Fortune Advertising, LLC 226 Main Street, Coshocton, Ohio 43812 Phone: 740-622-4237 • Fax: 740-623-9937 www.coshoctonbeacontoday.com

Office Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 5 pm Deadlines: Classified Advertising – Fri at 5 pm Display Advertising – Wed at 5 pm Located at 226 Main Street, Towne Centre, Coshocton, OH Disclaimer: The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising for any reason. The publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertising beyond the amount paid for space actually occupied by that portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred, whether such error is due to the negligence of the publisher’s employees or otherwise, and there shall be no liability for non-insertion of any advertisement beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. Classified refunds will be given only on mistakes reported during the first time the ad appears in The Coshocton County Beacon. Any reproduction without written consent of the publisher is prohibited. 2008 The Coshocton County Beacon

School Proms

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Wedding Planner

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3-B

4-B

Family is an important part of the big day for brides

FAMILY Family members are often a big part of the wedding for brides. Lindsey

Tobin Hackenbracht was thankful for all the help her sister gave her in planning her 2007 wedding. Pictured with Hackenbracht are her sister Lacee Tobin on the left and their mother Barb Tobin on the right. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE

BEACON most about my bridesmaids was that they were very easy to work with and were flexible. Having all family as my wedding party was very nice.”

When picking your bridesmaids, www.bridalguide.com suggests you limited the number to 12. It also suggests that girls’ ages 8 to 16 can be bridesmaids and flower girls can be between the ages of 4 and 8.

No matter how many people you pick to be in your wedding, Tammy Grace Hess suggests making sure they are people you can depend on. That is what she and her husband did for their June 28, 2003 wedding.

“It made the pre-wedding, fittings and rehearsal go smoothly,” she said. “The moral support on the big day and beyond is most appreciated.”

JOSIE@COSHOCTONCOUNTYBEACON.COM

COSHOCTON – Whether your wedding is big or small, having the help of bridesmaids who are close family or friends can make it go smoother and help create special memories.

Tyra Ross Hixon was married Jan. 27, 2006 and her wedding party consisted of family.

“They held our wedding reception and my sister made my wedding cake,” she said. “I appreciated all the time and effort she put into the cake and it turned out beautifully.”

Lindsey Tobin Hackenbracht also was thankful for the help of her sister who served as the maid of honor at her July 21, 2007 wedding.

“She helped out a ton,” Hackenbracht said. “I was my own wedding planner and she helped with everything from making sure all the bridesmaids had gotten their dresses, picking up the flowers the night before the ceremony (and helping make the bouquets), decorating tables at the reception the morning of the wedding, decorating the ceremony site and making sure my dress was always ‘fluffed out.’ Everything she did was much appreciative and such a great bonding experience!”

Family also stood by Danielle Erwin Ellis’ side during her March 23, 2013 wedding. She had four bridesmaids, her sister, sister-in-law, and two cousins.

“My sister was the maid of honor and she hosted my bachelorette party,” Ellis said. “That was greatly appreciated because she organized a fun time where I was able to spend time with a lot of my friends.”

Her sister-in-law took on the role of hosting a wedding shower.

“Again I was very appreciative for that because I was able to spend time with my husband’s family at the shower,” Ellis said. “What I appreciated

Wedding Videography & Photography

Coshocton Village Inn and Suites to host Bridal Show

BRIDAL SHOW The third annual Bridal Show will be at the Coshocton Village

Inn and Suites on Sunday, Feb. 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. A variety of local vendors who cater to brides will be there to answer all of your wedding questions. These vendors will include jewelers, party rentals, reception venues, catering, photographers, and much more. Universe Bridal will also be there showcasing their latest bridal gowns, and Dr. Erwin will be showing the latest in colored contact lenses for brides. Browse through the vendors while sampling appetizers and make sure to enter for door prizes. “I think it’s a nice local activity for brides-to-be,” said John Larson, event coordinator. “It’s a nice time to showcase local vendors.”.

BEACON FILE PHOTO

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COSHOCTON COUNTY BEACON WEDDING PLANNER

THE BEACON

FEBRUARY 19, 2014

Wedding Planner

BY JOSIE SELLERS

Open Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Sat. 7:30 – 5:00 Wed. & Fri. 7:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Bridesmaid’s Tips

BY BETH SCOTT

The 2014 Coshocton

Bridal Fair

Sunday, February 23rd•1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Coshocton Village Inn & Suites

115 N. Water Street • 740-622-9455

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FEBRUARY 19, 2014

• latest in wedding gowns & formalwear • 20+ vendors • food samples • plenty of giveaways and more!

THE BEACON

Brides to be, are you ready to have some fun?

Come to our Bridal Fair and find all the services and products you’ll need for your dream wedding.

COSHOCTON COUNTY BEACON WEDDING PLANNER

The Warehouse Steak n’ Stein, Oscar Rose Steak & Seafood House and Coshocton Village Inn & Suites proudly present

Wedding Planner

COSHOCTON – You’ve just been selected as one of your best friend’s bridesmaids. Here are a few tips from Teri Misener, owner of Universe Bridal, on what to do and not to do to help make the bride’s day go a little bit smoother.

“Be supportive of the bride,” said Misener. “It’s her day and it’s an honor to be in a wedding. If you don’t feel comfortable or can’t afford the dress, find a way to compromise with the bride. Nothing is worse than dropping out and making things more complicated for the bride.”

Your job as a bridesmaid is to be the bride’s support system. She should be able to come to you for help when needed and if any problems

should arise during the wedding planning, you need to step in where you can and help find a solution.

Although bridesmaid’s dresses are becoming more fashionable than they used to be, if you don’t like the dress the bride has chosen, be supportive and wear the dress.

“Take one for the team,” said Misener. “It’s just one day. Wear it and make her happy.”

If you have a situation with your dress or accessories, try not to include the bride in the problem. Take hold of the situation yourself and take responsibility for your own wedding attire.

Bridesmaids should also show support for not only the bride, but the groom and the families involved. Remember that they are carrying a lot of stress as well.

Help the bride stay on track as much as possible. Remember that she is juggling many tasks and often will need to delegate tasks to her bridesmaids. If the bride should have a melt down due to all the stress she is under, don’t blame her. Try to show her that you understand and help her solve any problems she may have if you can.

“I don’t like the word, ‘Bridezilla’,” said Misener. “The bride is allowed to have what they want. It’s their day. They’re allowed to have their dream wedding. I have never had a bride in my shop who’s a ‘bridezilla’. A bride is never a ‘bridezilla’. That’s more of reality shows and television.”

Most importantly, your job as a bridesmaid is to remind the bride why she is getting married and that if things don’t go exactly as planned, in the end, she’s still married to the one she loves.

“Have fun,” said Misener. “That day flies by. Savor, enjoy, and embrace every moment of that day. Remind her what it’s all about at the end of the day. The sacrament of marriage.”

BETH@COSHOCTONCOUNTYBEACON.COM

5-B

Put an antique twist on your wedding

BY JOSIE SELLERS

ANTIQUES With a little creativity, antique jewelry and purses can easily be in- ANTIQUE SHOPPING A little imagination can lead to great finds at antique

corporated into a wedding. These pieces are on display at the Coshocton Antique stores that can be worked into your wedding or reception. These items are part of the merchandise available at C & M Collectibles on Second Street. BEACON Mall. BEACON PHOTO BY JOSIE SELLERS

PHOTO BY JOSIE SELLERS

COSHOCTON – Do you want to put an antique twist on your wedding?

With a little creativity, antiques at stores like the Coshocton Antique Mall and C & M Collectibles can easily be incorporated into your wedding.

“We have loads of jewelry that people can use to do things like create a bridal bouquet,” said Jean Darr, owner of the Antique Mall.

The shop has several display cases of jewelry that feature a variety of items.

“It’s all reasonably priced,” Darr said.

Shoppers can find rings, earrings, watches, brooches, necklaces and even hat pins in all sorts of colors and styles.

If you would rather have something more unique for your something old, there also are dressy handkerchiefs, vintage compacts and antique purses in different styles to choose from.

The Antique Mall also has numerous old-fashioned hats that could be used to take the place of a veil.

“Unfortunately, we have very few wedding dresses,” Darr said. “We do have several beaded ones though.”

Your reception needs also can be met at the Antique Mall.

“We have plenty of glassware and china,” Darr said. “Milk Glass is good because its white but we have lots of other options that would help make a pretty wedding.”

Hand painted china and different styles of linen can also help dress up tables at a reception.

Martha Almack from C & M Collectibles has even seen people

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incorporate bird cages into their special day.

“They are using them as card boxes,” she said. “Every now and then people share with me what they are using things for.”

Like the Coshocton Antique Mall, C & M Collectibles also has a big selection of costume jewelry to look over, glass items like mason jars and old bottles that can be used as reception decorations and vintage dresses and handkerchiefs.

“I have 300 or more handkerchiefs and I think I also have a tiara or two stuck away,” Almack said. “I also have a basket full of gloves.”

Shoppers also will find jars and jars of marbles and Japanese fish floats that could be used as part of centerpieces.

“There is this and that lying around,” Almack said. “You just have to come in and check it out.”

Antique stores also can be great places to get bridal party gifts. You can find great deals on crystal pieces, frames, sports items, advertising art and books. C & M Collectibles also has a collection of Zippo Lighters, penknives and wristwatches that might be perfect gifts for groomsmen.

“With some imagination you can do a lot of different things with antiques,” Darr said.

The Coshocton Antique Mall is located at 315 Main St. and can be reached at 622-7792. C & M Collectibles is at 603 S. Second St. and Almack and her husband Charles can be contacted at 622-6776.

JOSIE@COSHOCTONCOUNTYBEACON.COM

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COSHOCTON COUNTY BEACON WEDDING PLANNER

THE BEACON

FEBRUARY 19, 2014

Wedding Planner

6-B

Get tips on picking songs for special dances

BY JOSIE SELLERS

meaning for the special dances at their reception.

THE BEACON

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO

SEE ‘DANCES’ ON PAGE 11

COSHOCTON – Are you not sure what songs to play for the special dances at your reception? Here are some tips from local disc jockeys to help with that problem.

“What I encourage is for the bride and groom’s first song to be special to them,” said Trevor Griffith, owner of Mega Music DJ Service. “This is what sets one reception apart from another. If you want an old jazz song played, go for it. It’s all about what is special to the couple because the main focus is right there on them.”

He sees a lot of variety in songs picked for the couple’s first dance, but many seem to lean toward the country music genre.

“A lot of country artists get picked, but the song, ‘I Won’t Give Up’ also is used quite a bit lately,” Griffith said. “I encourage brides to go to www.youtube.com and search Google for top wedding songs. The Internet can be their best friend.”

Rick Williamson from RD Promotions also says the song should have meaning.

“It should reference something in your life,” he said.

You are the fire that burns within me you are my passion for life.

The 0031_021914

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THE BEACON

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COSHOCTON COUNTY BEACON WEDDING PLANNER

Like, Griffith, Williamson doesn’t see a lot of trends in what people are picking for their special songs.

“They are all across the board,” Williamson said. “You even have young people picking older songs. I did a wedding in Zanesville where the bride was 23 or 24 and wanted Frank Sinatra.”

Couples also are encouraged to be creative when picking a song to dance to with their parents.

“I did a wedding years ago where the groom and his mom danced to ‘A Bicycle Built For Two’ because the mom sang it to the groom while he was growing up.”

Griffith also is starting to see bridal party dances be replaced with fun, choreographed numbers.

“One time the wedding party was announced and then they did a little line dance,” he said.

Couples also are encouraged to think outside the box when introducing their bridal party at the reception.

“Some people will do a little dance move as they come in and I’ve also had people announced like they were on WWE and each of them had their own theme song,” Griffith said. “You don’t have to use just one song.”

Williamson tells couples to let their hair down for the introductions.

“Have fun,” he said. “You are getting the party started.”

Fog machines and light shows also can be incorporated into the introduction of the bridal party and the bride and groom.

“You want to try to make a build up to the couple,” Griffith said.

Couples also can mix in other dances at the wedding. Griffith said

Wedding Planner

DANCE Local disc jockeys encourage brides and grooms to pick songs with

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Coshocton offers unique gift and favor ideas

COSHOCTON – There is no need to leave town to get great bridal party gifts or favors for your reception.

If you are looking for a personalized gift, try Designs By Michele.

“We’ve made t-shirts for bridesmaids before that have the bride and groom’s name and wedding date on the front and then the person’s name on the back,” said Michele Meek, who owns Designs By Michele. “Another nice thing we’ve done is embroidered handkerchiefs for the mothers.”

Glassware also can be personalized for groomsmen or to be used at the wedding. Meek also has engraved candle holders.

“It’s nice to have at least two weeks to work on orders, but if you want

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a bunch of something a month is better,” she said.

If you are at a loss for ideas, Meek also has catalogs with thousands of items that can be customized. She also can make signs and banners for your wedding and personalize items like blankets and towels to give as gifts.

“We will work with your budget,” Meek said. “We are very reasonable.”

Another unique place to get reception favors or bridal party gifts is Roscoe Village Sweets & Treats.

“We carry mints and are specializing in making colored ones to match the wedding colors,” said Teri Misener, who opened the store with her brother Bob McKenna. “We also are featuring decorated chocolate dipped strawberries that we drizzle with the wedding colors.”

The store also can help you place a personalized candy bar at every guests’ chair for reception favors.

“We can put a special label on them with the bride and groom’s name and wedding date,” Misener said.

Roscoe Village Sweets & Treats also features sugar free treats and a lot of childhood favorites that would be perfect for children who are part of the wedding celebration.

“We are expanding our gummy section,” Misener said. “It’s not just bears anymore. There are gummy soldiers, butterflies and lots of others.

We have about 20 some different gummy items.”

Store employees also can help you make up gift baskets or you could purchase gift certificates to give as presents.

“Everybody likes a little chocolate treat,” Misener said. “I like customizing and making something different that you just can’t go anywhere and get.”

Roscoe Village Sweets & Treats also has candy making supplies if you wanted to make your own favors or mints.

“It’s not difficult,” Misener said. “It’s very easy to do, but if you get stumped, we have enough connections with people that we can help you address a problem or get your questions answered.”

If you don’t see what you are looking for in the store, feel free to ask if it can be ordered.

“We are constantly evolving and growing and take requests,” Misener said. “Some of our best products have come from our customers coming in and saying they wished we carried something.”

Roscoe Village Sweets & Treats can be reached at 623-0262 and Designs By Michele can be contacted at 622-6528.

JOSIE@COSHOCTONCOUNTYBEACON.COM

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LOCATED BEHIND ROSCOE VILLAGE www.HILLSIDECABINS.net 740.622.2222 / 866.582.8146

381 Hill Street, Historic Roscoe Village 740-622-3993 www.kieferflorist.com

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Visit us in the heart of Roscoe Village!

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COSHOCTON COUNTY BEACON WEDDING PLANNER

THE BEACON

FEBRUARY 19, 2014

Wedding Planner

8-B

Wedding P’s And Q’s

1) What is not an appropriate way to recognize a deceased family member?

A) Reserving an empty seat at the ceremony B) Placing a single flower upon the altar C) Mentioning the deceased’s name in the invitation

3) How should thank-you cards be written?

A) Typed B) Handwritten C) Either is acceptable 4) What does the bride pay for?

A) Invitations B) Officiate’s fee C) Limousine

10) When should the wedding cake be cut?

A) Beginning of the reception B) After dinner C) Either is appropriate

6) What is considered to be a no-no on the gift list?

A) Money B) Appliances C) Furniture

11) What is not a responsibility of the maid of honor?

A) Holding the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony B) Making the travel arrangements to the ceremony C) Helping with the thank-you notes

7) What shouldn’t the bride wear on her wedding day?

A) Watch B) Earrings C) Necklace 8) Who should raise their glasses during the first toast?

A) Bride and groom B) Best man C) Maid of honor 9) What should be included with the invitations?

A) List of gift registries B) Directions to the ceremony and reception C) Note requesting that children remain at home

12) Who pays for the honeymoon?

A) Bride B) Bride’s parents C) Groom Answers: 1) C, 2) B, 3) B, 4) A, 5) C, 6) A, 7) A, 8) C, 9) B, 10) C, 11) B, 12) C How well did you do? Don’t worry if you missed some. These rules apply to how things are traditionally handled—none of them are set in stone. Many couples, in fact, choose to break with tradition, so go ahead and do things as you see fit.

COSHOCTON COUNTY BEACON WEDDING PLANNER

2) Who gives the first toast at the reception?

A) Bride’s father B) Best man C) Maid of honor

5) Who should not host the bridal shower?

A) Bride’s friend B) Maid of honor C) Bride’s sister

9-B

Wedding Planner

Have you recently become engaged and are looking forward to planning your wedding?

Whether you’re in the initial stages or nearly through, planning a wedding can be a lot of work. For many, etiquette is a must. How well do you know your way around the traditional wedding dos and don’ts? Take this quiz and find out.

CONTRIBUTED TO THE BEACON BY TRESA ERICKSON

THE BEACON FEBRUARY 19, 2014

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Strategies and tips for the perfect honeymoon

COSHOCTON – When planning your honeymoon be sure to consider these tips provided by Larene Hall, owner of Happy Cat Travel.

1. Set Your Priorities: First decide what your goals are for the trip and exactly what you can and can’t live without. Let’s say you have $1,000 for the honeymoon. If pampering is first on your list, book a long weekend in the suite of a nearby spa resort. If getting away from it all is most important, use that same amount of money to take a week-long camping trip complete with gourmet eats and treats.

2. Use a Travel Agent: For one-stop, stress-free trip planning, a travel agent can’t be beat. A travel agent will save you money and time. A good travel agent will do the leg work to help you narrow down a destination, based on your budget and personal wishes. They are already familiar with many destinations and know how to find the deals to get the most value out of your dollar. A honeymoon should be stress free. Leave it to the professional to plan it for you.

3. Use Frequent Flier Miles: If you’ve charged wedding expenses, your honeymoon is the perfect time to cash in all the bonus points you racked up on your credit card to help with airfare expenses.

4. Start a Honeymoon Registry: Set up a honeymoon registry and have guests pay for part (or even all) of your trip rather than traditional gifts.

5. Take Advantage of Shoulder Seasons: Every destination has a high and low season - during the high season there are crowds and high prices, while the low season is cheaper (usually because the weather isn’t great). Shoulder seasons, however, are right on the cusp of high and low, so the prices are more reasonable because there’s far less demand and the weather is still appealing. Shoulder season for the Caribbean starts right

CONTRIBUTED TO THE BEACON

after spring break. Mid-April to mid-June can be a fantastic time to hit the Caribbean. Should you wish to have a European Honeymoon, look into the late spring and early fall.

6. Plan Ahead: When traveling, it pays to plan ahead. Many resorts offer deep discounts for early bookings with little to no deposits. This guarantees that all the inexpensive rooms won’t be sold out. On cruises, which announce their itineraries 10 to 14 months in advance, it also means savings of up to 55 percent. On the flip side, if a ship is under booked, you may get lucky with a last-minute deal up to eight weeks before sailing (although you will have a limited choice of cabins).

7. Consider an All-Inclusive: One of the best reasons to honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort is that you have a clear idea of how much your trip will cost and budget accordingly. Most all-inclusive rates include room, all meals, drinks, activities, entertainment, tips, taxes, and airport transfers.

Find out exactly what you’re paying for and factor in a few excursions that might not be included and you will have a solid idea of how much you will spend.

8. Be Flexible When Flying: Getting to and from your destination can very easily be the bulk of your bill, but there are easy ways to save.

Flights are less expensive on certain days of the week. Typically, if you’re traveling domestic, fly on a Sunday to avoid business travelers. If you’re going abroad, you can often find a better deal by leaving on a Monday or Tuesday. Also, consider alternative airports. You may sacrifice convenience but gain huge savings.

9. Ask if Your Hotel Has a Shuttle Service: When you book a hotel, ask if they have a complimentary airport shuttle service. If a taxi is your only option, hail a cab in an area of the airport designated for transportation.

Don’t grab ride with some guy who walks up at baggage claim and offers a lift. That choice can be very costly!

10. Use Mass Transit: Unless you’re renting a car, use mass transit as much as possible. Cab rides, while convenient, can be pricey. Plan ahead before you travel, familiarize yourself with your honeymoon spot’s available transportation, be it trains, shuttles, or bus. Keep in mind, in congested cities, the train is very often the quickest way across town.

11. To Get a Room Without a View or Splurge on Accommodations: When you spend most of your time on the beach, you’ll hardly notice whether your room has a view of the ocean or a garden, and the savings can be significant. But if you already know you will want to spend a significant amount of time in your room or cabin, this is not a place to cut corners.

This is something to discuss ahead of time and prioritize accordingly.

12. Check Out Packages: Check to see if the hotel offers a honeymoon package. If the offer is six nights for the price of five, that’s worthwhile. If the package is an evening rose petal turndown service plus champagne for an added $200, it’s cheaper to book at the normal room rate.

13. Mention You’re Newlyweds: Sometimes this can mean special (and

SEE ‘HONEYMOON’ ON PAGE 11

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he’s seen stepparents dance with their new stepchildren and even done grandparent dances. He’s also done anniversary dances where all married couples are welcomed to the dance floor and the one married the longest is honored.

Williamson also has done family dances at receptions.

“If the wedding creates a new family this is a great way to bring them together,” he said.

When it comes to selecting music for the rest of the reception, Williamson suggests the couple keeps their guests in mind.

“You have a wide variety of ages out there that you are trying to entertain,” he said. “Keep them in mind and play a wide selection of music. You also want to keep it clean.”

JOSIE@COSHOCTONCOUNTYBEACON.COM

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a minimum deposit with final payment, usually due 60 days prior to departure. Ask your travel agent about payment plans should you need one. Airlines dictate the rules for the payment of airline tickets. Most require full payment at the time of making the reservation.

18. Will I Need a Passport, Do I Need Vaccinations?: Some destinations do require Passports your travel professional will be able to advise you of that requirement and assist in obtaining them. Also important is what type of passport you are traveling under, as many countries now require passports valid six months after entering country. If you’re traveling to an exotic destination, it’s best to confirm with your doctor if they suggest vaccinations for travel in those regions.

19. You Need Insurance: There are hundreds of circumstances that could cause you to cancel your trip, return home early or force you to seek emergency medical treatment while traveling. Travel Insurance provides protection for your travel investment in case an unfortunate situation arises, such as sickness, lost luggage, bad weather, or civil unrest at your planned destination. Many health plans offer little or no medical coverage outside the United States. When you are investing in something as important as your honeymoon the little added expense of trip protection is well worth it for peace of mind.

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Wedding Planner

free) treatment. While there are no guarantees the hotel will do anything, it’s worth telling the receptionist you’ll be spending your first days of married life with them. I’ve heard of couples getting complimentary room upgrades. Never hurts to tell the bartenders and servers as well.

14. Eat Away From the Hotel: We all love great food, but the costs of eating out can really add up. Maximize your money. Ask the locals for dining suggestions, you’ll find the local hang outs and eateries that may serve the best meals of your entire trip. A hotel’s restaurant is convenient but often comes with a huge price tag. Consult a local guide book for some other options. Preparing a few meals on your own can be very cost effective as well. Go to the local grocery store and stock up on sandwich ingredients, fruit, and other picnic goodies. Visit a secluded spot and enjoy a private lunch. You’ll save money while making fond memories.

15. Cruise: Cruising can be a very cost effective way of travel. Many cruise lines offer early booking discounts, with low deposits, on board credit and include most of your expenses in the booking fare. Just as an all-inclusive resort you will have a clear idea of how much your trip will cost and budget accordingly. Find out exactly what you’re paying for and factor in a few drinks, specialty dining, and excursions that might not be included. You will have a solid idea of how much you will spend.

16. Choose An Off-Season Location: Assuming your departure date is fixed (you’re taking a honeymoon immediately after your wedding), choose a destination or cruise itinerary whose off- or shoulder-season (the period right before and after high season) coincides with your travel dates for drastic price breaks and less crowds. Best of all: Off-season does not mean bad weather. For example, many islands in the Caribbean have ideal temperatures year-round, but rates skyrocket from January to April due to high demand from winter travelers.

17. Determine the Deposit: When is final payment due? When do I need to pay? Most tour companies that travel agents utilize only require

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Some good advice for your wedding day

COSHOCTON – Getting married is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make in your lifetime. Whether you are planning a big, fancy wedding or a small event with family and close friends, getting everything ready for the wedding can be stressful. But the important thing is to relax, take a deep breath, and remember that this is your day and your moment.

Andrea Keirns married on Dec. 14, 2013 and had a small Christmas wedding. She walked down the aisle in a red dress and kept it casual for the groomsmen who wore button-down shirts. And who says the ringbearer has to be human? Keirns used her four-legged friend to present the rings.

Her colors were black, red, and silver.

While it’s okay to get helpful advice from family and friends, Keirns warns against letting others influence the most important day of your life.

“I let other people’s decisions influence my decisions,” said Keirns. “I wish I wouldn’t have done that.”

It’s true that your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, but try to be budget-friendly when planning your wedding and don’t spend more than you can afford.

“I know this sounds bad, but I don’t think it’s worth it to spend all the money that people spend on their wedding,” said Keirns. “Don’t let the ‘ooh’s and ahh’s’ get you carried away.”

Above all, Keirns stresses the importance of spending time with your guests at your reception and enjoying your day.

“Just make sure you have fun and do what you want to do,” she said.

“Ultimately, it’s your day, so don’t worry about what other people think.”

When it comes to getting married, no two weddings are alike. The same can be said about the night you finally ask the one you love to marry

BY BETH SCOTT

you.

Lauren Fox became engaged on Dec. 12, 2013. Her engagement was a little different than the traditional engagement, but it was no less meaningful. It had been a joke between the two that she would be the one to have to buy a ring, get on her knee, and propose to him. And that’s exactly what she did.

Fox and her sister-in-law collaborated on the engagement surprise.

Since her sister-in-law is a professional photographer, Fox told her boyfriend that they needed to pose for her so that she could try out her camera. Just before they were supposed to have dinner with his parents, the three went to a hotel for the photo shoot. Her boyfriend turned his back on her for only a moment, and when he faced her again, he saw her on one knee holding a ring in her hand. He didn’t know what to say as Fox said her prepared speech and asked him to marry her. Finally, he said yes. The two announced their engagement at the dinner with his parents later that evening.

Fox and her fiancé are having a small wedding, but have not yet set a date. They plan on having a bigger wedding in a couple of years when they are more financially secure. She said that getting everything together for the wedding has been the most stressful so far.

“It’s so stressful trying to get everything together,” she said. “And none of my bridesmaids live in Ohio, so I didn’t know what to do.”

But that’s all irrelevant when it comes to the end result.

“I’m definitely looking forward to spending the rest of my life with my best friend,” she said.

She encourages brides-to-be to include their groom in decisionmaking as much as possible.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for his opinion,” she said. “A lot of brides tend to want to do things themselves, but ask for his opinion too.”

Above all, enjoy not only your wedding day, but also the planning process. It may seem overwhelming at times, but it goes by so quickly and one day, you’ll look back with nothing but good memories of your wedding day.

BETH@COSHOCTONCOUNTYBEACON.COM

Hot Wedding Trends What is the current hottest trend in bridal footwear?

Answer: Cowboy Boots Are veils or headpieces more fashionable in weddings right now?

Answer: Headpieces

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FEBRUARY 19, 2014

Wedding Planner

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Bridal Shows: What To Do?

CONTRIBUTED TO THE BEACON

If The Shoe Fits

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heel. If the length of your dress is just right, look for low heels or flats. If your dress is so long that no one will ever get a glimpse of your footwear, then by all means, go for comfort and choose a pair of tennis shoes.

Whatever way you go, don’t choose a pair of shoes that you will have trouble walking in. Few women, for example, can handle stiletto heels. To walk down the aisle and dance with the groom gracefully, you will need a pair of shoes that you can walk in with ease.

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Ah, you have finally set a date for your wedding. Now on to the planning.

One of the first tasks on your to-do list is to find attire. When it comes to choosing formalwear, brides are concerned most with their wedding dress and veil. Shoes don’t receive as much attention and are sometimes picked hastily at the last minute. Yet, it is the shoes, not the dress, that the bride walks in all day long. The right pair can make all the difference between a bride who happily dances the night away and one who stumbles around in pain because her feet are covered in blisters. To keep your feet healthy and ready to go on your wedding day, make sure you shop for shoes early and find the right pair.

Start the search for shoes as soon as you have picked out your wedding dress. Try to go shopping mid-day when your feet are somewhat swollen.

Keep in mind that you will be doing a lot of walking on your wedding day, so look for shoes that are comfortable and fit well. If you try on a pair that feels tight or rubs your heels, return them to the shelf and move on. You do not want blisters on your wedding day.

Look for shoes that will match the color and style of your wedding dress. If you are planning to wear a modern ivory-colored dress, for example, don’t go for stark white, chunky heels. Try thin, ivory heels instead. While white and ivory satin heels are traditional choices, that doesn’t mean that you can’t go for something else. If you are wearing a white Western style dress, white cowboy boots would be ideal.

Shop for shoes that will accentuate the length of your wedding dress.

If you need a bit of lift to pull up a long dress, find a pair of shoes with a

COSHOCTON COUNTY BEACON WEDDING PLANNER

something you like, write it down. Be detailed in your description. If you don’t, chances are you won’t remember what you were talking about when you read the list later. Bring along a bag, too, for all of the stuff that you will find at the vendor’s booths. Grab everything you can-you can sort it out later.

Meet only with the vendors needed. If you already have a photographer lined up for your wedding, skip the photography booths. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you know about a vendor, the easier you will be able to tell if they are right for you. Should a vendor be too busy at the moment to speak with you, set up a time to meet with them later at the show. If you come upon a vendor that you are seriously interested in, jot down their name and make an appointment with them for another time.

Do not sign up for their services on the spot. You need time to comparison shop.

These are just some of the tips you should follow to make your bridal show experience valuable. Small or large, bridal shows can be very informative and a lot of fun. Get out there and attend a few. You’ll come home with more ideas than you know what to do with.

Wedding Planner

Congratulations on your recent engagement. Along with setting a date, you will probably want to start collecting ideas for your wedding. One of the best ways to do this is to go to a bridal show.

Bridal shows are held throughout the year in cities across the country.

While some are huge, others are quite small. No matter what scale of bridal show you attend, make sure you get the most from it by following these tips.

First, register before the show, if at all possible. In many cases, doing so will get you free admission. Some vendors may also send you moneysaving offers for bridal products and services.

Create preprinted labels on your computer to use on forms for vendor giveaways. Include your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address and wedding date on the labels. By using these, you will save time filling out forms and enable vendors to read your forms with ease. Before you slap a label on every entry form you see, however, make sure that you understand the terms involved in the giveaway. In some cases, you may have to sign up for the vendor’s services or do something else to receive the prize.

Come to the bridal show prepared. Bring a pad and pen, and if you see

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Courthouse I Do’s

CONTRIBUTED TO THE BEACON

Some brides have been dreaming of their wedding day since they were little girls and only a big to-do at their church or a resort will suffice.

Others opt for smaller affairs with fewer guests at a local venue. Some abandon with tradition altogether and exchange vows at the courthouse.

While simple, courthouse weddings offer some major benefits. They cost substantially less than a traditional wedding, require a lot less planning and involve less time and hassle all around. In most cases, all you have to do is go to the courthouse, apply for a marriage license and set up a time to exchange vows. You don’t have to find an officiant, you don’t have to

COSHOCTON – Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when picking out your wedding cake.

According to Stefani Bush, who has been making wedding cakes for 17 years, one of the more unique cakes she has created was a western-themed cake. One side was completely white while the other had handkerchiefs and boots on top.

On average, it takes Stefani 10 to 15 hours to bake, decorate, and deliver a cake.

“My favorite cake was a black and white wedding cake,” she said.

“The middle layer was black with white accents. It was really beautiful.”

BETH@COSHOCTONCOUNTYBEACON.COM

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find a venue, and most importantly, you don’t have to shell out big bucks.

You can zip in and out and be married in less than 20 minutes.

Although brief, there are ways you can make the ceremony special: • Dress up. You don’t have to go all out and spend thousands of dollars on formalwear. You can rent a wedding dress and tuxedo, or you can opt for something less formal, like a nice dress and suit.

• Get some flowers. Pick up some bouquets and boutonnieres for the occasion. It is your big day after all, and the arrangements won’t cost a lot.

You can even make them yourself from fresh or artificial flowers.

• Observe some traditions. Wear something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Wear your hair up or a strand of pearls around your neck if that is the tradition in your family.

• Invite loved ones. Choose a best man and a maid of honor to stand beside you and witness your vows. Bring your kids, parents and grandparents. Fill up what pews are available with family and friends.

• Capture the memories. Hire a photographer/videographer or ask someone you know to serve as photographer/videographer. Just because you’re not having a big ceremony doesn’t mean you shouldn’t capture it on film or video. Have some shots taken before and after the event, too.

• Celebrate afterwards. Go out to eat, have a little party at home or gather everyone together for a formal reception. A celebration will cost, but again, you don’t have to go all out. A simple meal with friends and family will cap off your big day nicely.

Courthouse weddings may be quick, but that doesn’t mean they have to be uneventful. Do what you can to make yours special. And if you can swing it, consider getting away for a honeymoon, even if it is just a night away at a local hotel.

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COSHOCTON COUNTY BEACON WEDDING PLANNER

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FEBRUARY 19, 2014

Wedding Planner

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- Full Menu Available - Holds up to 100 people -

Register locally for your wedding gifts

BY JOSIE SELLERS 15-B

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to figure out where everything is,” Vance said. “Here we will walk around with you and show you.”

At Roma’s couples can put dishes, good silverware, yard items, clocks, wall decorations, stands, lamps, crystal vases and a variety of other merchandise on their lists.

“It benefits you to register local because a lot of people like to see and feel what they are buying,” Vance said.

JOSIE@COSHOCTONCOUNTYBEACON.COM

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Finally, try to find shoes that will complement the groom’s height. If you are taller than the groom, don’t choose a pair of high heels. They will only add to your height and emphasize how much taller you are than the groom.

Go for flats or low heels instead. If, on the other hand, you are several inches shorter than the groom, you may want to go with higher heels to decrease the height difference.

There is a lot entailed in the search for shoes. Don’t get caught unaware. Take the time to shop for shoes and choose a pair that fits well and complements your attire and your groom’s height. Depending upon your plans, you may even want to purchase a separate, more comfortable pair of shoes for the reception. Once you have found the perfect shoes for your wedding, take time to break them in. Walk around the house in them for several hours each day. If slippage seems to be a problem, scuff up the bottoms with some fine sandpaper.

With some time and effort, you can find your own glass slippers and be the belle of the ball at your wedding. Enjoy shopping!

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COSHOCTON – When it comes time to register for your wedding gifts skip the big box stores and stay local.

“It just makes it easier on people,” said Roma Vance, from Roma’s on Main Street. “A lot of people especially the older ones don’t want to drive out of town.”

Sometimes you even get extra benefits when you shop local.

“We offer free gift wrap and our wedding cards are only $.65,” Vance said. “It’s convenient for local people.”

She suggests filling out your wedding gift registry at least a month before your wedding shower.

“At the big box stores you have to go print out the registry and then try

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

Wedding Planner

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