Exquisite Bridal 2015-01-03

Exquisite Bridal Guide

Table of Contents 6 Make your engagement photoshoot a success 9 Is a wedding loan for you?

10 Tips: Selecting wedding day flowers 12 Tips for trying on wedding gowns 15 Brides look for ‘something blue’ — and more in jewelry 18 Tips for writing your own wedding vows 20 Flavorful wedding cakes 24 How to handle guests who don’t RSVP

Let the countdown begin wedding planner

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34 Secrets to a long and happy marriage 38 Toasting tips for Best Men and Maids of Honor 42 Choosing the right wedding reception favors 46 Easy ways to trim costs on your wedding reception 49 Wedding day transportation options

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Cover photo by Aspiring Photography See ad on page 28

Denton Publications Inc 4 | Exquisite BridalCopyright Guide •2015 2015

Published by Denton Publications Inc.

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Photos by Aspiring Photography

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Make your engagement photoshoot a success

ngagement photos vary depending on the couple. Often reserved for save-the-date cards and now commonly used to spruce up wedding websites, engagement photos can range from formal shoots in which couples are dressed to the nines to more laid back shots featuring couples in more everyday attire.

When planning an engagement shoot, couples should give themselves carte blanche with regard to style, as the photoshoot need not follow many of the more accepted rules that the wedding itself will ultimately adhere to. Once couples have settled on a style for their photoshoot, there are additional ways to ensure the session is a success. · Find a photographer who shares your sensibilities. Photographers can vary greatly in style, and an engagement photoshoot will be most successful when couples find a photographer whose style matches the theme they are looking for with their photoshoot. You likely would not hire a nature photographer to photograph a basketball game, so don’t hire someone who specializes in posed shots if you want your photos to be more lively and spontaneous. Before you hire anyone, ask for samples of each photographer’s work to be certain you’re getting someone who has experiencing shooting the type of photos you want to take. · Solicit ideas from the photographer. Some couples already know exactly where they want their engagement photos to be shot and which poses they want to be arranged. However,

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many couples have little or no experience with professional photoshoots, and such couples should solicit ideas from each photographer they are considering hiring. A skilled and/or seasoned photographer should propose several ideas. Be wary of photographers who offer little input, as you may ultimately be dissatisfied with their work once the shoot has come and gone. · Avoid studio shots. Many couples prefer their engagement photos be taken somewhere they have a personal connection to, such as the sight of their first date or a park they frequently visit. Studio photoshoots might provide the best lighting, but couples have no connection to such spaces, and down the road they may regret not taking the photos in someplace that’s a little more meaningful. In addition, a photoshoot outside the studio affords couples and their photographer more opportunities to experiment and improvise, which can produce a wider array of shots than a studio photoshoot is likely to deliver. · Don’t forget candid shots. Candid shots make the photoshoot more fun and loosen couples up a little bit. Many engagement photos will never be seen by anyone other than the photographer and the couple he or she is shooting, so don’t be bashful during candid shots for fear of being embarrassed down the road. Have fun with the candid shots, and your other photos are likely to come out better as a result.

An engagement photoshoot should be fun and reflect the personalities of the couple. A few simple strategies can ensure couples’ shoots accomplish both of those things.

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Published by Denton Publications Inc.

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Is a wedding loan for you?

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ngaged couples about to take a trip down the aisle are increasingly choosing to pay for the wedding themselves. Where it used to be tradition for the bride’s parents to handle the bill for the occasion, today the responsibility for funding has largely fallen into the hands of the prospective bride and groom. To meet the financial demands of the modern wedding, some individuals turn to loans for financing a portion or all of the wedding.

You may question whether this is a good idea.

As with any situation, there are pros and cons. The same can be said about a wedding loan.

The following are some factors you will need to consider before taking out a loan.

One of the most important things to realize is that a wedding loan, like any loan, will need to be paid back and interest fees will be included.

What that means is that, by the end of the payback period, you will have spent several thousand dollars more on the loans than the original principal amount when interest is added in. If you’re taking out a loan because you’ve already gone above budget on wedding expenses, a loan may push that budget even further into the red.

That being said, there are some instances where a loan may be an option that works for a couple. For example, couples who anticipate

considerable monetary gifts from guests attending the wedding can offset the cost of the loan with those gifts.

Some couples might begin their professional careers after their wedding, which will increase their salary enough to repay the loan quickly.

Others may actually have the money for the wedding, but want to use a loan as a way to establish strong joint credit as a new couple.

However, many couples take out loans because they simply cannot afford their dream wedding. In a world where many people already live beyond their means -- financing cars, homes, retail purchases -- a wedding loan may just be another shovelful of soil on a financial grave. The consensus among financial experts is that it is better to scale back the wedding or postpone it until you can save money the old-fashioned way instead of taking out a loan.

But if a loan seems the only option, here are some tips.

• Shop around on a wedding loan, just as with any other loan. Find the best rates and terms before settling on a lender.

• Decide how much you can afford to pay back within 2 to 3 years and how much the monthly payment will be. Then take out the loan only in that amount.

Photos by Aspiring Photography

• Figure out which portions of the wedding can be scaled back to make the finances work.

• Personal loans, like wedding loans, generally have low annual percentage rates.It may be worth it to take out the loan rather than using a credit card for financing because the card’s rates could be double.

Although a wedding loan may enable you to have the wedding of your dreams, it comes with a steep cost -- starting out your new life together with a considerable amount of debt.

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TIPS:

Selecting wedding day flowers W

hat would a wedding day be without flowers? The beauty and the aroma of fresh-cut flowers can create a welcoming atmosphere and complement the beauty and the style of a wedding wardrobe. Flowers are often the first things that guests see upon arriving for the ceremony, and they may even be something guests take home at the end of the night. Flowers create an air of romance, and most couples want to make flowers -- whether fresh or silk -- an integral part of their wedding day.

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As with any decision when planning a wedding, choosing the right flowers requires some research and a basic knowledge of which flowers will convey the message and the theme of your wedding. The number of colors, textures and combinations that can be created are so numerous that couples may feel the decision on the floral arrangements is best left to the florist.

But it doesn’t take a lot of expertise to know what you want, and it is important for couples to convey their feelings to the florist. Consider these tips when choosing a florist and selecting flowers.

• Experts advise that a couple start looking for a florist at least six months before the wedding, especially if the wedding will take place during the peak season of May through September.

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• Because receptions tend to take place in the evening hours and are often indoor affairs, experts say that added lighting may be needed to put emphasis on the floral centerpieces and help present them in their best light. You may want to think about hiring a lighting designer to spotlight some areas of the room or at the very least incorporate candlelight into your centerpiece arrangements.

• Browse magazines to get ideas of what you like. You also may be able to find a florist through an advertisement or if he or she has been featured in publications. Keep a scrapbook of the colors, types of flowers and arrangements and any other ideas that attract you so you will be able to present this information to the florist.

• Establish your flower budget prior to sitting down with the florist. You should expect to pay at least 8 percent of the total wedding cost on flowers. Get an estimate on the floral arrangement and then tweak your needs according to your budget. Many florists can modify arrangements and find a middle ground with regard to cost.

Selecting flowers that are in-season will result in more affordable rates than if you desire exotic or out-ofseason blooms.

• Once you’ve hired the florist, you can come up with a wedding flower worksheet that establishes all of your needs. The florist may ask for specific information, such as photos of the bride’s gown as well as the colors and styles that the wedding party will be wearing.

A good florist knows that a bouquet should not overpower or detract from the beauty of the bride. The florist may want to mimic textures from the dress, such as beading, with smaller flowers or berries within the arrangement. The groom’s boutonniere is traditionally one of the flowers from the bride’s bouquet so that the look is cohesive.

Get recommendations from friends as to which florist they used or find out if your wedding planner or banquet hall manager recommends a particular florist. Some catering halls have agreements with florists, and they work together.

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• Ceremony flowers may be traditional, and some houses of worship have strict guidelines as to what can and cannot be used.

However, reception flowers can be where you show off your creativity and whimsy. After all, this is a party and it should be fun. You may want to give the florist more freedom of expression with regard to reception centerpieces and flowers that adorn other areas of the room.

• To give the impression that there are more flowers than there really are, use fragrance and filler as your tools. Fragrant flowers can fill up the room with a welcoming aroma. Look for frangipani, lilies, hyacinths, jasmine, and sweet peas for a big impact.

Florists know how to stretch arrangements by using greenery and other filler to lend bulk without too much extra cost. *Experienced florists will know how long it takes certain buds to open and show off their maximum beauty. Therefore, expect a florist to be working on your floral arrangements as much as a week before the wedding date -- purchasing containers, cleaning flowers and waiting for certain

ones to open fully. Minimize changes close to your wedding date as most things will already be started.

• It is possible to make your own centerpieces or bouquets if you so desire. Simplicity will work best for the novice. Think about grouping similar-hued calla lilies together for a bridal bouquet.

Hydrangea and peonies are larger flowers that can easily fill up a vessel on a table as a centerpiece. White flowers will coordinate with any color scheme and could be the easiest to mix and match. White blooms include sweet pea, rose, camellia, stephanotis, narcissus, gardenia, orchid, lily of the valley, jasmine, and gypsophila.

Flowers are one component of the wedding that will help achieve the magic and beautiful atmosphere couples desire.

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Tips for trying on

Many brides-to-be look forward to the day when they visit a bridal salon and are able to try on gowns for the first time. There are certain tips that can make the day go much more smoothly and potentially reduce the amount of time it may take to find the perfect gown.

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Wear a supportive, well constructed strapless bra or corset in your correct size. If you will be wearing a petticoat, also have the right size available.

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Go without face makeup when trying on gowns so they remain clean.

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Try to wear your hair similar to the style you have in mind for your wedding.

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Note that the size of the wedding gown you will wear is typically one to two sizes larger than your day- to-day clothes.

Proper measurements can be matched to designers’ size charts.

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It’s best to limit the number of people with whom you shop to 1 or 2 trusted friends or family members. An entourage can be confusing.

•

Photos by Semeraro Photography

wedding gowns

It’s always better to order a slightly larger gown and leave room for alterations if you are between sizes.

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Published by Denton Publications Inc.

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Brides look for

‘something blue’ — and more in jewelry As weddings become more and more personalized to the bride’s own tastes, blue and other colors have been making their way into the bridal picture, both in decor and in jewelry.

and rose gold metal is another color option that brides have gravitated to.

These trends also influence jewelry for bridesmaids and every member of the bridal party.

“In addition to our wide selection of pearl and crystal jewelry for brides, we have seen increased interest in sapphire and other colors like topaz for brides,” according to Jill Maier, Vice President of Design at CAROLEE.

While color is making news in bridal circles, pearls will always play a lead role in the world of bridal jewelry. Classic styles like single and double row chokers, often mixed with crystal, are truly classic and always appropriate for brides. But there are now many modern twists, both in design and in ways brides choose to wear pearls.

As the “jewelry destination for brides,” CAROLEE has for decades had its finger on the pulse of what brides want.

Sapphire blue stones are now a staple in their bridal collection, with stones set in silver and gold tone metal. Topaz stones set in gold have become popular,

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Modern brides often personalize their pearls by wearing bolder, longer styles, by mixing and layering different millimeters and by twisting, tying or knotting them.

The variations are endless with a 72” white pearl rope -- a staple for any bride -- as well as any post-wedding wardrobe.

Crystal styles -- teardrop earrings and necklaces, delicate Y necklaces, chokers and bracelets in floral designs -- are also beautiful and popular choices among brides. They, too, can be layered, mixed and matched with pearls.

The bottom line is that brides are more than ever expressing their personal style in every aspect of their weddings. Jewelry selection is a wonderful way to do this because it is a focal point that frames the face and will live forever in glorious photos of the memorable day.

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Photos by Aspiring Photography

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Published by Denton Publications Inc.

Published by Denton Publications Inc.

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your own wedding tips for writing

Writing your own vows can be a way to include personal expressions of love into a couple’s wedding day. Public speaking is seldom easy, nor is finding the perfect words to convey feelings about a future spouse. However, with some practice and inspiration, anyone can draft personalized vows.

vows

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wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event for many couples, so brides and grooms wish for the event to be momentous and memorable. As such, couples are increasingly integrating personal nuances into their ceremonies and receptions to tailor weddings to their unique visions. The desire to include personalized wedding vows continues to be a popular trend.

If you are considering personalized wedding vows, first realize that it may not be a simple task. That’s because you want the message conveyed to be dear to your heart, and that can be challenging when faced with the pressures and planning of the rest of the wedding. That isn’t to say that writing your own vows is impossible. Here are some guidelines for personalizing your ceremony with your own sentiments.

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• Jot down your feelings. Answer some questions about what marriage means to you and how you feel about your spouse.

Try to avoid trite sayings and think from your heart and personal experiences.

Think about what is the most important thing you want to promise to your future partner. These notes can serve as the starting points for the actual vows.

• Read inspirational writings. Perhaps there is an author or a poet who inspires you? You can quote certain writers in your vows or let the tone of their works help shape the words of your vows.

There also are suggested wedding readings and other quotes about marriage readily available at the library or

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with a quick search online.

• Decide on a tone. Although the day is based on love and affection, you may not feel comfortable spouting words of adoration in front of friends and family. Feel free to tap into your unique personality. Humor can be used if it aligns with the way you normally express your affections. Be sure to weave this tone into more traditional passages to create a cohesive expression of your feelings.

• Establish an outline. Put together all of the words and phrases you’ve jotted down into an outline to help you organize the flow of the vows, using these words as a blueprint for the vows and building

upon them. Make sure the vows will be concise. Aim for your entire speech to be around 1 minute in length to keep everyone engaged and the ceremony moving along.

• Put everything together. Draft your vows and then practice them by reading out loud. You want to avoid long sentences or anything that trips you up. Although large words may sound impressive, they could make the vows seem too academic and not necessarily heartfelt. Enlist the help of a friend or two to act as your audience to see if the vows sound good and are easily understandable.

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Photo by Greer Cicarelli Photography

Flavorful wedding cakes A

tiered wedding cake is often a fitting conclusion to a wedding reception. Today’s brides and grooms are experimenting with cake flavors and designs so their cake is a unique representation of their persona as a couple.

It’s no longer necessary to stick with a white cake with buttercream frosting for your wedding day. Think about exploring other flavor and filling combinations that will tempt the guests’ taste buds. For those who can’t settle on just one flavor, how about having a different flavor for each layer?

Couples getting married in the fall may want to think about a spice cake that evokes the feelings of sipping a mug of spiced cider.

Cream cheese frosting is often a pairing with spice cake, or think about a layer of caramel that will make it taste like you’re enjoying a candied Halloween apple.

A hummingbird cake may fit the bill for a spring wedding. This is made with mashed bananas, pineapples and chopped pecans.

This cake is perfect when paired with cream cheese frosting.

Yellow or white cake are universal favorites for weddings. Some pizzazz can be added through the use of creative fillings. Consider something citrusy and summery for a summer wedding. Raspberry preserves

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or lemon curd are tart and sweet. For a tropical flair, mangoes or passion fruit can be mixed with touches of coconut.

A winter wedding can be accented with rich flavors, like a decadent chocolate cake filled with chocolate ganache and black cherries -- in a black forest style.

Those toasting to the good life may want an almond cake enhanced with some fine liqueur and simple chocolate buttercream.

Couples should sit down with their baker and sample a number of flavor combinations to determine a recipe that works for them.

Pastry companies also may be able to develop a cake that encompasses a couple’s favorite flavors or symbolizes a special moment in their lives. A Boston Cream Pie-inspired cake may liven up the wedding of a couple who became engaged in Boston. Maybe a cannoli cream filled cake will usher in memories of a trip to Italy.

Kids at heart can enjoy candy confection cakes filled with gooey chocolate, nuts and marshmallows.

Whatever the case, couples can use their cake as a centerpiece that wows the senses of taste as well as vision. Consider displaying this culinary masterpiece on a table with the seating cards placed around it so that it can be enjoyed the entire night.

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Published by Denton Publications Inc.

Published by Denton Publications Inc.

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How to handle guests who don’t RSVP W

edding invitations are often a great source of information for guests. While wedding websites also provide a great opportunity for couples to get the word out about their weddings and share pertinent details like the date and location of the wedding, many people are still unfamiliar with the concept of a wedding website, and therefore they rely on invitations as their primary source of information about a wedding.

One of the most important bits of information couples must include on their wedding invitations is the RSVP date. The RSVP, which stands for “repondez s’il vous plait,” is a couple’s request for a response to their invitation. The RSVP is typically a specific date by which guests must let the couple tying the knot know whether or not they plan to attend the wedding.

There are no rules that govern how far in advance of the wedding couples should ask their guests to RSVP, but some venues might want a final headcount or at least a close estimate of the final countdown three to four weeks before the big day. As a result, it’s best to ask guests to RSVP at least three weeks before the wedding and preferably four to five weeks before the festivities commence.

When guests fail to respond on time, couples should maintain their composure and not take it as a sign of disrespect or indifference.

Guests might not be planning a wedding, but chances are they’re busy, too, and their failure to respond is likely just a mistake.

Before contacting those who failed to provide a timely response, wait a few extra days so responses that were mailed at the last minute can be counted among those that were received on time.

Once the deadline and subsequent extension has passed, couples can begin to contact those guests who have not responded to their invitations. If it’s a close friend or family member who hasn’t responded, simply call them on the telephone and politely ask if they plan on coming to the wedding. They

won’t need to mail the RSVP at this point, so just jot down their response and thank them before moving on to the next person.

When a person who hasn’t responded is less familiar to the bride and groom, such as a parent’s distant cousin or professional colleague, then it’s perfectly reasonable to ask for help. For example, if a parent’s neighbor has yet to reply, ask Mom or Dad to drop by their house or call them on the phone to determine if they plan to attend.

The majority of invitees, if not all of them, who fail to respond on time will understand when contacted directly and asked if they plan to attend, so couples need not be nervous or confrontational when making phone calls or writing emails. Keep things short and sweet and let guests know their attendance is appreciated or their absence will be felt if they cannot make it.

Photos by Aspiring Photography

If invitations are mailed two to three months prior to the wedding, that gives guests ample time to determine whether they can or cannot join in the celebration. While many guests will respond immediately or in plenty of time for couples to arrange seating and

notify their reception venue, nearly every bride and groom has been forced to deal with guests who simply failed to respond to their invitations, a potentially precarious position for couples to find themselves in as their wedding day quickly approaches.

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Let

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Countdown 26 | Exquisite Bridal Guide • 2015

Begin!

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To help you get a better understanding of how to plan a wedding and when you should be making certain decisions, throughout this edition is a timeframe you can follow that should ensure that your wedding goes off as smoothly as possible.

The parents of the groom should begin to arrange the Rehearsal Dinner, and reserve a restaurant or make other arrangements.

Arrange for transportation for the wedding.

Limousines, vans, etc.

12-9 Months Before Set an initial budget.

Select a wedding date and time.

Determine the type of wedding you want. (day/night, indoor/outdoor, formal/casual)

Research availability of reception locations.

Select and book your reception location, or get a tent if that is what you decided upon.

Find a caterer if not already provided by the reception facility.

Research availability of ceremony locations, if not included with your reception site.

Select and book your ceremony location.

Determine who will officiate at the ceremony, if not provided with the ceremony location.

Determine how many guests you wish to invite.

Set aside blocks of hotel/ motel rooms for out-of-town guests.

Get a band or DJ, get one early because they can get booked quickly.

Decide if you want a bridal party, and if so, then how large.

Start to research your bridal gowns.

Start to research the grooms/groomsmen formal wear/tuxedo.

Start to research bridesmaids’ dresses.

Compare and find a photographer/ videographer.

Find local florists and set appointments to look at their work.

Create a bridal registry, and/or an engagement registry.

Announce your engagement in the newspaper.

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9-6 Months Before Start compiling the guest list. (inform your families to do the same)

Select the attendants for your wedding party.

Purchase the bride’s gown.

Purchase the groom’s tuxedo.

Purchase bridesmaids’ dresses.

Start planning for honeymoon, research your destinations. Will it be a Caribbean Island, the South Pacific, Hawaii, a cruise, or a trip through Europe.

Whatever, you decide research thoroughly.

6-4 Months Before Check requirements for blood test and marriage license.

Shop for wedding rings.

Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-of-town guests.

Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place.

Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.

8-6 Weeks Before Mail invitations and announcements.

Make sure all the men’s attire has been ordered.

Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait.

Decide where to live after the wedding.

Complete the guest lists.

Begin shopping for trousseau.

Inform mothers to select their dresses.

Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.

4-2 Months Before

Shop for the wedding dress, headpiece, veil, and other accessories.

Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.

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Finalize the florist details, photographer, videographer, musicians, etc.

Prepare a portrait for the newspaper.

Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state.

Choose and reserve your florist.

Determine resources for designing and printing the program for the ceremony.

Select and order the invitations and stationery.

Arrange for your groomsmen to be measured and reserve the tuxedos.

Order the wedding cake, if not provided by the caterer or reception hall.

Plan the bridesmaids’ luncheon and any other parties.

Select your wedding rings.

Buy a wedding guest book.

Set the dates and times with the officiant for the rehearsal.

Select gifts for all your attendants.

Set appointments with any hairdressers and/or makeup artists.

Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding.

6-4 Weeks Before Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception.

Estimate the expected number of guests.

Buy a gift for the groom.

Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it is ready for your formal bridal portrait.

Pick up your wedding rings.

Purchase (borrow) all wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, garter belt, etc.

Confirm florist details and delivery times.

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2 Weeks Before Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home.

Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc.

Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper.

Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready.

Get your marriage license

1 Week Before

Finish all the place cards for the reception.

Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc.

Give a final head count to the caterer.

Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists.

Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day.

Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements or other plans.

1 Day Before Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself.

Review any seating details with the ushers.

Stay with your family the night before and sleep early.

Make sure all wedding attire fits.

Review and rehearse all the details of your participants.

Finalize the seating arrangements.

Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations.

Ensure you have necessary plane tickets.

Call any guests who have not responded.

Wrap and present the wedding party gifts.

Start packing for your honeymoon.

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The Big Day! Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate.

Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed.

Be sure to eat properly.

Photos by Aspiring Photography

Start writing placement cards.

Prepare for your hairdresser and makeup appointments.

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O

ne of the most pivotal moments in a woman’s life is her wedding day. It is that second when she walks into the room and is introuduced as “Mrs.” instead of Miss, surrounded by the people closest to her heart, and hand in hand with her soul mate. This event is something we dream about until we meet “the one.” A bride will forever cherish these memories ; she will live in a fairy tale for an entire day, seeing her dreams come to life right before her eyes.

Planning this day, these moments, takes hard work.

Creativity, attention to detail, and determination are key in creating a reception that fits your vision.

Picking a space that can be transformed into everything you have imagined isn’t an easy task, but when you find that perfect venue you’ve checked the most important thing off your list. With weddings, location is everything, and Allison Kaupelis, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Best Western Plus in Ticonderoga, knows exactly what it takes to make your dream a reality. She sat down with us to explain the Best Western’s planning process and how she can mold the space to fit any bride’s wishes.

Kaupelis juggles several tasks at the hotel, and one of them is in-house wedding planner. The good news for brides? It comes with the venue! The guidance is free of charge and lends brides a helping hand in the planning process. The Best Western has wedding receptions down to a science and have truly thought of everything to make this day as stress free and beautiful as possible.

Kaupelis listed several examples of what the venue has been transformed into in the past, and from what she told us, it sounds like the Best Western’s space has no limits. The spacious ballroom, equipped with a dancefloor and breathtaking chandeliers, is truly a blank canvas.

The room has held a “baseball theme” wedding complete with peanuts, popcorn, pretzels, and hotdogs. Fall weddings are also very popular, said Kaupelis, and menus have consisted of roast pork and apple chutney, and Kaupelis remembered you could “taste and feel the experience.”

A “travel around the world theme” has also been hosted in the space, where blue uplighting and suitcases set the tone and the flow allowed guests to travel from one area to the next. Next year, the hotel will hold a “time themed” event with several different appetizer stations.

“You want to be able to walk into the space and envision what you can do,” said Kaupelis. “You have to be able to picture how that space can fit your wedding.”

The chameleon of a room has seen weddings as small as 40 guests and as big as 225. The space can be cut in half with a divider to cater to more intimate events or it can remain open and flowing to fit weddings with

larger guest lists. Other areas in the hotel, like the lobby, are sometimes decorated and used for larger weddings as a buffet area; Kaupelis is willing to do whatever it takes to meet the needs of the bride on her special day.

It might sound like the Best Western can’t get any better, but somehow it does. Perhaps the biggest selling point is the hotel’s room rates and space to get ready for the big event.

“We offer really good all inclusive weddings,” said Kaupelis.

“Catering, room packages, a beautiful banquet space, chandeliers that illuminate the room. We have the ability to turn it into anything you can imagineit’s very classy and well put together.”

Kaupelis noted that many brides choose to set aside room blocks after viewing the hotel and their various options.

Standard Rooms, King, and Queen suites are available and if the room block contract is large enough, the VIP King Suite is offered at a reduced price. Many brides also opt to get ready in one of the suites before the nuptials, creating a private and special setting for her and her

bridesmaids to enjoy.

“We have worked with different vendors locally that turn the suite into a place to get ready. Vanity Hair came and got the girls ready and Libby’s Bakery brought breakfast boxes. It is very private and blocked off from the rest of the hotel,” said Kaupelis.

When day dreaming about your wedding, scribbling your signature with a new last name, and envisioning just what it will feel like, what do you picture?

An all inclusive space that is waiting to be transformed? Inhouse catering that essentially allows you to create your own menu? An intimate space for you and your girls to get ready? A venue that provides your friends and family with a place to stay?

A FREE wedding planner? It sounds like you might just be picturing the Best Western Plus in Ticonderoga.

“Everyone has a dream of when they were little and we do our best to make them memories in real life,” said Kaupelis. “I love to see when the bride is introduced with the groom, the doors open and it is their first chance o see the reception and walk in as husband and wife, and that is magical.”

Photos by Aspiring Photography

“We walk through the venue and go through items like table arrangements, buffet vs. plated dinners, space, guests, colors, centerpieces, and how the room will flow,” said Kaupelis.

“We look at the menus-do you want a full sit down dinner or an app party? What do you like or dislike? We take the price point

and try to match what we can do with the goals they have, we work very hard to meet them.”

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S

ome might say a long celebrity marriage is one that endures the duration of the newly betrothed’s trip down the aisle. We’ve seen Britney Spears dissolve a marriage after 55 hours and Kim Kardashian call it quits after 72 days.

It seems even money can’t buy matrimonial happiness.

But some couples have been together for 50, 60 years and say they’re still as much in love as they were the day they spoke their “I dos.” What do they know that others do not?

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Couples can realize that there are some thorns that come with the roses of marriage, and staying happy together does take work for it to all be worth it.

Secrets to a long and happy marriage According to clinical psychologist and relationship guru Dr. Phil McGraw, “We all need to be flexible and to compromise in marriage, but you’ve got to be true to your core traits and characteristics, what I call your authentic self.” Some couples enter a relationship projecting a persona they believe the other person wants -- one that really isn’t what they’re all about. This could be a woman trying to fill the role of her husband’s nurturing mom or a guy playing the protector to his wife.

In reality, marriage is more of a partnership, and truth and trust are often at the basis of good marriages.

There are many other “secrets” that marriage experts will offer to couples seeking the magic formula. Whether you’re pondering marriage or have already tied the knot, consider the following advice to make a marriage endure for the long haul. * There’s no such thing as the perfect marriage.

Some couples create an image of what they think marriage is supposed to be, and that image that often goes “poof” once reality sets

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in. Even soulmates are bound to frustrate or irritate one another from time to time.

• Couples should express their frustrations.

Bottling up frustrations can eat at a person and eventually destroy a marriage. Talking about the things that are bothering you with your partner opens up a discussion and can help you work through things.

• Divorce should not be seen as a viable option. Couples who want to bail on the marriage at every turn could be directing their energy toward divorce as the only solution instead of discovering ways to remove the cause of strife. Divorce can sometimes be the easy way out when you think about the work that goes into keeping a marriage working. Experts say that there are a few issues, like adultery, abuse and drug/alcohol addiction, that may be reasonable catalysts for divorce if personal safety and sanity is being compromised.

• Make time for romance. It’s easily said but not so easily done. Too often married couples

forget what it was like to date when all of their attention was spent on each other instead of the house, kids, work, etc. Today there seems to be even more distractions, from e-mails to texts to pressure and obligations at the office.

Happy couples find the time to spend quality time with their spouses -- even if that’s only 10 minutes of alone time a day.

• Put “we” first. Many people operate on a “me” mentality. When you’re part of a couple, give more to your spouse than you take. If he or she is doing the same, you’re working collectively for the benefit of the marriage instead of yourselves.

• Respect each other. Often couples having troubles realize they treat strangers better than they treat each other. Would use the insults or unflattering terms that you sometimes throw at your spouse with a complete stranger?

Probably not. Good marriages are based on a foundation of respect and love. It’s easy to lose feelings of love if the respect is gone.

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2015 • Exquisite Bridal Guide | 37

Toasting tips for Best Men and Maids of Honor

O

ne of the more enjoyable wedding day traditions is the toast.

Once the reception has begun, the maid of honor and the best man are trusted to toast the new bride and groom.

Such toasts are typically heartfelt and humorous, but there are also a few guidelines to follow to ensure the toast is memorable for all the right reasons.

In addition, avoid references to past relationships. Such references are awkward and uncomfortable.

• Stand up! Stand up when delivering a wedding toast.

Sitting down won’t command the guests’ attention, and your voice likely won’t carry as well if you’re sitting down.

• Don’t make it an “inside” joke. Maids of honor or best men are typically close friends or siblings of the bride and groom. Such a close relationship makes it easy to tell an inside joke only a few guests will understand.

Avoid such inside jokes, as one of the goals of the toast should be to illustrate your love and appreciation of the bride or groom in a way all guests can understand.

• Don’t go too long. A good wedding toast shouldn’t stretch beyond five minutes.

Long-winded toasts could come off as rambling and incoherent, and the guests will likely tune out if the toast goes longer than five minutes.

• Make it personal. A personal anecdote is a nice touch. Such anecdotes can be about anything, whether it’s the first time you met your friend’s now-spouse or, if you’re not related to the bride or groom, how you met.

• Introduce yourself. Just because you’re a maid of honor or a best man doesn’t mean all of the guests know your relationship with the bride or groom. Make it brief, but provide an explanation of your relationship.

• Steer clear of the bar before the toast. Many a wellintentioned wedding toast has gone horribly wrong thanks to alcohol. Maids of honor and best men should abstain from alcohol before their toasts to avoid embarrassing themselves and the bride and groom. If you’re especially nervous, maybe a drink can help calm your nerves. But if you’re going to drink before the toast, be sure to drink only in moderation.

• Keep the toast appropriate.

Many adults who have been to a wedding or two in their day have a story about a wedding toast gone awry. While these stories are humorous, no best man or maid of honor wants to have similar stories told about his or her toasts. Make the toast appropriate, keeping in mind there might be some younger guests in attendance.

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• Practice beforehand. Very few people can survive “winging” a wedding toast.

Practice the toast beforehand so you’re comfortable with what you’re going to say before

the moment arrives.

• Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Weddings are typically laid back and fun affairs, so don’t stress about

giving the perfect toast. If the toast comes off as genuine and stays appropriate, it’s a good toast.

Wedding days are typically steeped in tradition. Whether it’s the hours before the wedding or the bride’s attire or the first dance, it seems no aspect of a couple’s big day isn’t accompanied by some ages-old tradition.

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Photos by Semeraro Photography

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2015 • Exquisite Bridal Guide | 41

P

lanning a perfect wedding is no small undertaking. From scheduling venues and hiring vendors to tasting menus, lots of decisions must be made when planning a wedding. But when the pieces fall into place, the entire day can be magical.

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Choosing the right wedding reception favors One of the final components of weddings are the favors guests will take home with them as mementos of the festivities.

Though favors don’t require immediate attention, that does not mean couples should wait until the last minute to made decisions regarding their wedding favors.

Brides- and grooms-to-be should not underestimate the importance of handing out wedding favors, a tradition with a rich history. A wedding favor is considered a symbol of good will to guests, and there are many different wedding favors on the market. Finding the right one can take a little work. It is usually a good idea to find something that suits the theme of the wedding and is both long-lasting and practical. Try to avoid anything that is too kitschy.

A couple’s budget should be considered when choosing wedding favors. A couple may want to give their guests lavish gifts but should only do so if their budget allows. It may be challenging for couples to find favors that fit the theme of their wedding, as well as their own personalities and budgets. But it can be done. The following are some favor-finding guidelines.

Be creative Wedding favors can be just about anything, so there’s no need to stick to Jordan almonds or wine bottle stoppers. The more creative couples are, the more receptive their guests will likely be. For example, for an autumn-theme wedding, fill mason jars with the ingredients for a spiced cake and give the recipe directions on a tag. For a summer wedding, gift guests with a sun and surf survival bag, full of sunblock, a beach towel and sunglasses.

Complete the theme Some weddings follow a particular theme from start to finish, and wedding favors should stick with that theme. Couples who will showcase their love of travel on their wedding days may want to give guests keychains or purse holders that feature popular landmarks around the world.

Those who are admitted beach bums may want to present a small fishbowl with sand and a goldfish inside, reminiscent of days at the seashore.

Go traditional Couples who opt for universally appealing favors can lean toward some popular options, such as silver cake servers, candlestick holders, decorative photo frames, or engraved keepsake boxes.

Aim for favors that have utility. Otherwise, favors may end up collecting dust on someone’s shelf.

Food and beverage gifts are fun Food favors mean guests can enjoy their gifts and not have to worry about finding space inside their homes to display trinkets. Food favors can be lavishly decorated cookies, fine chocolates, petit fours, small bottles of champagne or cupcakes decorated like the wedding cake.

Favors are often integral to wedding celebrations. Selecting a favor that will be appreciated and fit with the wedding is often a fun and stress-free part of planning a wedding.

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Photos by Lauren Smith Photography

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Easy Ways to

Trim Costs On Your Wedding Reception

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W

eddings can be expensive, and the reception can account for a substantial percentage of a couple’s expenses. Unlike the days of yesteryear when the bride’s parents were responsible for financing the wedding, nowadays many couples pay for their own weddings, and some find themselves cash-strapped and looking for ways to save.

Trimming reception costs is one of the best ways couples can save money, and there are many ways to do just that and still ensure guests have a great time into the night.

• Limit the guest list. Receptions are more expensive the more guests a couple invites, so limiting the guest list is perhaps the best way to avoid breaking the bank to pay for the reception. Caterers and banquet halls typically charge per-person, so trimming the guest list by as few as 20 people can lead to substantial savings.

Before sending out your save-the-date cards, peruse the guest list to determine

if any guests can be removed. It might be nice to invite professional acquaintances, but if they aren’t people you know socially then they aren’t likely to be offended if they’re not invited to the wedding.

• Choose a buffet instead of a sit-down meal. Choosing a buffet-style reception is another way to save money on the reception. Sit-down meals in which guests are brought their own plates can be significantly more expensive than buffet style. In addition, a buffet might have more options for guests, which benefits larger receptions with guests of various palates.

• Consider a package deal. Couples open to all-inclusive package deals, which typically include the cost of the wedding, reception and possibly even the honeymoon, can save money that way as well. These are most common for destination weddings, but couples might be able to find a package deal in their hometowns as well.

• Host the reception at a private residence.

Another way to reduce reception costs is to avoid banquet halls entirely and host the reception at a private residence, whether it’s your own home or that of a parent or other relative. This option will save you the cost of renting the banquet hall, but it might only be doable for couples having a smaller, more intimate wedding with relatively few guests.

• Hire a DJ instead of a band. Music presents another opportunity for costconscious couples to trim some of their reception costs. Some couples insist on live music, while others are fine hiring a DJ. If you’re among the latter, go with the DJ, as disc jockeys tends to be far less expensive than live bands. If you simply must go with a live band, look for a local band who might be more willing to give a hometown discount.

Cost-conscious couples about to tie the knot can save substantial amounts of money by making a few adjustments with regard to their wedding reception.

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Photo by Semeraro Photography

Photo by Semeraro Photography

A buffet might have more options for guests, which benefits larger receptions with guests of various palates.

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Wedding day transportation options

Couples about to tie the knot must make a host of decisions when planning their weddings. When and where to get married may be the most significant decisions a couple has to make, but such selections are only the tip of the iceberg for engaged couples.

One important decision couples must make is how to get their guests to and from the reception. Since alcoholic beverages are served at many wedding receptions, it’s a good idea for couples to have transportation available for their guests to ensure everyone safely gets from the reception hall to the hotel after the party has ended. The following are a handful of options couples can consider when arranging transportation for their wedding guests.

best suited for couples whose reception hall is only a short distance away from the hotel. That’s because some bus companies may rent couples a school bus that may not be the most comfortable method of travel. Couples who rent a school bus may want to ask the company if they can decorate the bus prior to their wedding day to give it a more festive feel.

• Private shuttle: Private shuttle companies are a popular option, especially among couples whose guest lists are extensive. Private shuttle companies typically have a vast fleet of vehicles of various sizes, from 10-passenger vans to small buses to larger buses capable of seating several dozen passengers. Private shuttle companies may run several shuttles to and from the reception and the hotel over the course of the night, and all guests need to do is gather in the lobby of the hotel or the reception hall at designated times to be taken to the party or back to the hotel. Shuttle information should be included in welcome packages provided for guests.

• Hotel shuttle: Many hotels provide airport shuttle service to and from the airport for their guests, and couples might be able to work out a deal with their wedding hotel manager to use such shuttles to get their guests to and from their receptions. Hotels do not often use their airport shuttle services at night, so it’s entirely possible the hotel manager might be amenable to such an arrangement. Renting the hotel shuttle service won’t be free, but couples might be able to negotiate a rate based on the number of guests registered to stay under their wedding party. The hotel may offer a discount for its shuttle service based on the number of wedding guests staying at the hotel, and couples should broach that subject during the negotiation process. If the hotel does not provide shuttle service, its manager or concierge might be able to recommend local shuttle companies to couples.

• School bus: Couples might be able to find a local school bus company to transport their guests to and from the hotel and the reception. This option may be

• Taxis: Some couples simply can’t afford to foot the bill for their guests’ transportation. That’s perfectly ac-

ceptable, but if no transportation will be provided, couples should arrange to have taxi cabs available outside the reception hall. The reception hall manager can help with such arrangements. When opting for taxis, arrange for some to get there as much as an hour before the reception is scheduled to end so guests who want to leave early don’t have to call or hail cabs on their own.

Arranging transportation for guests is a nice gesture for couples who want to ensure their family and friends have a fun and safe time at their wedding receptions

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Photos by Aspiring Photography

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Published by Denton Publications Inc.

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