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Fall 2015 September • October • November
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WITH THIS RING ASK THE EXPERTS BRIDAL BEAUTY COUNTDOWN PICTURE PERFECT PLANNING YOUR WEDDING AND A SUGGESTED DAY-OF SCHEDULE CALENDAR OF EVENTS THE FIRST LOOK THINGS TO DO MEMBERS OF THE WEDDING WEDDING WEAR BEAUTIFUL BRIDES
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With This Ring A wedding ring is an endless circle that traditionally represents the love that you, the bride and groom, have for each other. It is wise to make a careful selection of these immortal tokens of love.
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ince you are unique, your wedding rings should portray your uniqueness. Choosing or designing your rings can be one of the most pleasurable experiences of your engagement. The variety of styles is endless. Many couples prefer to visit the jeweler together to learn about each others’ style preferences. Your jeweler can advise you on the style and design most becoming to your lifestyle and tastes. Decide if you prefer a single wedding band, a wedding ring with a matching engagement ring, or an engagement ring with guard rings. Other decisions that will need to be made are what type, size and shape of gem you prefer; whether or not you would like smaller diamonds on your band to accentuate your main stone; and if you would like your fiancé’s ring to match. After you have searched for the ultimate rings and have found them, congratulations! If you cannot find the perfect rings for you, then commission your jeweler to custom-design and create an original set of wedding rings for you. A custom jeweler can create magic by simply learning your preferences and designing your rings according to your liking. The jeweler will then hand-carve and create your perfect rings. Diamonds are an important part of engagement and wedding rings. You need to know a few basic facts and standards for diamonds. The most widely accepted diamond-grading standards were established by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and the basic concepts can be mastered by you with the help of your jeweler. Diamond grading is divided into the Four C’s: Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color. Carat refers to the weight of a diamond. One carat weight is divided into 100 points
Bella halo setting in platinum and rose gold Love Affair Diamonds collection www.LoveAffairDiamonds.com
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of weight. A 25-point diamond can be referred to as a stone that weighs 0.25 carats. Size is determined by the weight and is also a factor in the price of a diamond because the larger the diamond, and the heavier it is, the more rare the stone, and the more valuable it becomes. Cut refers to the make and shape of your diamond. The make is the faceting or cutting of the diamond surface. Most round diamonds have 58 facets. A good cut, or make, allows for the maximum light reflection throughout the diamond. Some diamonds are cut shallow, some deep, while the superbly cut diamond achieves the most brilliance. The shape of the diamond is also a part of the cut. The most common shapes include the round brilliant, marquis, pear, oval, heart, emerald, and baguette. Diamond shapes are not limited to these. Diamonds have been cut in the design of stars, flowers, trees, and even the state of Texas.
poor cut. The more informed you are about diamond basics, the better you can intelligently choose your diamond. ALTERNATIVES TO THE DIAMOND Another idea to consider when discussing your rings is the use of alternative stones instead of a diamond. The main reason that diamonds are the choice of most couples can be attributed to the fact that diamonds are the hardest stone known to man, thus they are better able to withstand the stress of daily wear. A myth exists about diamonds that they cannot be chipped nor can they break. But beware ... it is a myth. A diamond, like all gemstones, must be properly cared for by you. On a regular basis, preferably at least once every six months, ask your jeweler to clean and inspect your rings and stones so that you can maintain their glowing beauty. In between your visits to your jeweler, it does help to clean your wedding rings as often as you wish. Your jeweler can advise you as to the best way to clean your rings at home. The cleaner your rings are, the more they sparkle. Colored gemstones, such as ruby and sapphire, have also been used throughout history as a wedding ring center stone or as an enhancement to the center diamond. For example, you may choose an intense blue sapphire as your center stone and encircle it with smaller diamonds. After you receive your rings from your jeweler, you should check with your insurance agent as to how to insure your rings on your insurance policy. Inquire about an all-risk policy to fully insure your rings. Your insurance agent can give explanations and sug
A good cut allows for the maximum light reflection throughout the diamond. Some diamonds are cut shallow, some deep, while the superbly cut diamond achieves the most brilliance. Clarity refers to the ability to see through a diamond, which is affected by internal identifying characteristics of flaws formed in nature in the diamond. The fewer and less visible the flaws, known as inclusions, the better and more valuable the diamond becomes. Diamonds are graded on 10X magnification under a microscope or jeweler’s loupe, with good lighting. It is important to examine your major diamond purchase under a microscope so that you can see the flaws, their sizes, and locations. Overall, the fewer the inclusions, the more brilliant and valuable the diamond. Color as a grading defines diamond color very critically. The closer a diamond appears to colorless, the better the color grade. Color grading is done by comparing the diamond to a color test kit with stones graded by GIA. The lights used in this process are highly specialized. All of the Four C’s affect the price of a diamond. For example, a diamond that weighs 1 carat, is VS1 clarity, G color and good cut will cost more than a diamond that weighs 1 carat, is SI1 clarity, K color and
gestions as to the best protection for you. OTHER WEDDING JEWELRY Your jeweler can assist you with other wedding jewelry, such as cultured pearls. This is a traditional wedding gift given by the groom to the bride to wear with her wedding gown. Pearls are an elegant jewelry gift and may be enjoyed for many occasions. The bride may appropriately choose a set of cufflinks or button covers as her gift to her groom to wear with his formal attire at the wedding and for future occasions. Your jeweler can guide you in making your choices. Check with your jeweler for bridesmaids’ and groomsmen’s gift ideas and give a gift that will remind them of the special day they will share with you. Choosing your wedding and engagement rings can be fun and exciting! With the professional guidance of your jeweler, your wedding rings will become cherished reminders of the love you share. •
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Ask the Experts WHAT IS FIRST THING I SHOULD DO AFTER MY ENGAGEMENT? You should consider the time of year that you plan to marry. Once you have decided upon your date, the planning process can begin. At least 12 months is preferred for planning a wedding. PHOTO BY JIM RODE PHOTOGRAPHER
Lynda Jones-Owings Essences of Design Event Planning 469.348.4790 www.essencesofdesign-texas.com
Chase Day Photography by Chase Day 903.328.8481 www.chaseday.photography
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WHAT CHARACTER TRAITS SHOULD YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER POSSESS? You will spend more time with your photographer than with any other vendor. This is why it is extremely important for you to feel confident about the photographer you choose. Here are some character traits I suggest looking for: 1. Your photographer should be personable! People should feel like they are being approached by a friend when taking pictures, for more natural-looking photos. 2. Although honesty may be difficult to identify during your search, it’s an important characteristic every photographer should possess. An honest photographer can provide you with better guidance when shooting. Their priority is getting the best photo possible, after all. 3. Vision is such an important trait for wedding photographers to have! When looking at portfolios, look for shots that show the photographer thinks outside of the box. Creativity goes hand-in-hand with vision. Lean towards the photographers that give you more “oooh’s and aaah’s.” 4. Look for a photographer that is passionate about what they do every day. Their passion should be reflected in their work, and in the way they refer to their profession. If you find a wedding photographer with these characteristics, you will be one step closer to having a more enjoyable and memorable wedding day, as well as photos that will last forever!
Got a question? Hear what the experts have to say! HOW CAN I BE SURE THERE WILL BE SMOOTH TRANSITIONS BETWEEN MUSIC SELECTIONS DURING THE FORMAL SEATINGS AT MY WEDDING? The most important thing is to make sure that the wedding coordinator communicates with the string quartet. If the coordinator gives a clear cue to the musicians when it is time to start the seatings, then sends each group down the aisle to the correct music selection, the quartet can easily time selections to end after the last person in each group has been seated.
Stradivarius String Quartet 972.949.4111 www.stradivariusmusic.com
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIRING A WEDDING PLANNER AND USING THE ON-SITE COORDINATOR AT A VENUE? The difference between a wedding planner and an on-site coordinator is like the difference between an interior designer and a real estate broker. The on-site coordinator‘s responsibility is to ensure the correct food is served, venue staff are performing their duties, the facility is set up according to the agreed-upon floor plan, and that other specifications on the banquet event order are fulfilled. The wedding planner is responsible for checking that vendors deliver what’s specified in the contracts, overseeing décor, managing the wedding timeline, responding to emergencies, ensuring that key people don’t miss important events and keeping the mom and the bride from working so they can enjoy their guests and the celebration.
Danielle Hasting One Fine Day Weddings & Events 817.717.5478 www.onefinedaytx.com
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Bridal Beauty Countdown By Jeannine Morris Getting engaged is one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life! But as much fun as wedding planning is, it can also be stressful. Hello, to-do lists! From finding the perfect dress to booking the most romantic venue, there’s tons of planning to do. Just as important is your beauty timeline. Beauty expert, Jeannine Morris, breaks down your “get gorgeous” plan, focusing on skin, smile, and hair. Check it out!
Jeannine Morris is a beauty expert who founded BeautySweetSpot.com and contributes to many publications, has appeared on the Emmy red carpet for the E! Channel and on the Today Show. She was named one of the top beauty and style bloggers in the world by Glamour magazine.
SKIN 1 Year: “Brides-to-be come to me wanting that perfect glow, cleared-up acne, and an even skin tone,” explains Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz. When it comes to skincare, it’s best to begin addressing any concerns when you first get engaged so your dermatologist can put you on a plan. I like patients to be on a routine specific to their skin type for at least two months, so they can clear up as much as possible, and then we can use some office-based procedures in conjunction.” 6 Months: Plan on experimenting with injectables? Now’s the time to start. “Sometimes first-time Botox users feel differently in the first few weeks after treatment, but in my experience, it rarely happens with subsequent treatments,” says Dr. Lefkowicz. Whether you’re interested in Botox or trying to plump out deep folds with fillers, it’s always a good idea to try them out in advance and get touch-ups before your wedding. 3 Months: Continue to see your dermatologist to address your skincare concerns and adjust your plan as needed. 1 Month: Visit your dermatologist for Botox and filler touch-ups. Now’s also a good time to try a peel to help you achieve that wedding-day glow. To top it off, schedule a trial spray tan. You want to make sure you like your results, so you don’t end up with a wedding-day disaster!
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1 Week: Stick with your skincare regimen and stay out of the sun! To get a great sun-kissed glow, schedule a spray-tanning appointment two days before your wedding.
3 Months: Let your dentist know that you want to whiten your teeth before the big day. It may affect how your dentist proceeds with treatment.
SMILE 1 Year: If you’re looking to get any dental work done beyond whitening, now’s the time to go see your dentist or orthodontist. “When women get engaged, they’re motivated to look their best for their wedding, and just like women wanting to get into shape, a lot of women want to straighten their teeth,” says Dr. Joseph Hung, a NYC-based orthodontist. He recommends Invisalign, because the clear aligners effectively straighten teeth without impeding your social life.
1 Month: In anticipation of your new smile, which will be captured in hundreds of wedding photographs, think about locations, poses and ways to show off your new straight teeth.
6 Months: At this point in the teethstraightening process, you will be amazed with the progress and able to visualize the end result. “With Invisalign, you would likely start to see results after just three months,” says Dr. Hung.
1 Week: Dr. Hung recommends scheduling a bleaching appointment for the beginning of the week. Your pearly whites may be a bit sensitive at first, but after a day they should calm down and sparkle just in time. HAIR 1 Year: Hairy legs, underarms, bikini line? This is the time to consult with a dermatologist or licensed technician about laser hair-removal services. 6 Months: Begin laser hair-removal sessions. It takes four to six sessions
spaced a month apart to see 70 to 80 percent reduction in hair growth. 3 Months: By now you’ve picked out your dress, which definitely influences your hairstyle! So visit your stylist to refresh your cut and color. “Always bring a picture of yourself in your gown,” says celebrity stylist Ted Gibson. “It will help you and your stylist have a clear picture of how you want your complete look to flow on the big day.” 1 Month: It’s time for your hair trial! “You should try two or three different styles,” says Gibson. “Also, try a couple of stylists, because you always want to have the right energy surrounding you on your big day.” 1 Week: This is the time to get your eyebrows waxed, since redness can last for a couple of days. Depending on how fast your hair grows back, the treatment can last a week to several weeks. •
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Picture Perfect A tender moment, captured in a silver frame on an office desk. A special home movie to pop in the DVD player on a snuggly winter night. Wedding images keep the memories alive. Long after the wedding dress is packed away, the caterer is on to the next wedding, and the thank-you notes are mailed—the photographs and DVDs remain. The documentation of the beginning of your new family will be cherished for future generations.
idly improving the image detail and color. There are other benefits to digital versus film cameras. Not only can a photographer see immediately what the image will look like, he or she can correct the shot on-site as opposed to during the film-developing process. Brides will appreciate the speed and efficiency of digital cameras since they’ll be able to see their wedding proofs quicker. This digital process can give you an idea of what your wedding album will look like when complete. Choose a photographer with whom you are compatible and who puts you at ease. If there is a personality conflict between you and the photographer, you may end up with photos of your best sneer instead of your best smile!
PHOTOGRAPHY Book your photographer at least six months in advance to ensure availability for your wedding date. When choosing a photographer, there are several important things to remember. Select a photographer who works for a living, not as a part-time or weekend job. Do not entrust this blessed event to an amateur or friend. You don’t want to risk losing the recording of this once-in-alifetime occasion. Protect your wedding memories by using a professional. And make sure your photographer has extra cameras, lenses and lighting equipment on hand as backups in case of emergency. Most photographers now prefer to use digital cameras for wedding photography. Of course, no matter what style camera is used, make sure your photographer will also have an appropriate backup strategy to preserve the images from your precious day. Advances in digital cameras are rap-
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VIDEOGRAPHY Once a mere stepchild of photography, videography has quickly become an exciting, essential part of the wedding celebration. The guidelines for selecting a videographer parallel those for choosing a photographer. The number one rule—use a professional! Don’t be tempted to take advantage of your Uncle Joe’s camcorder. There are no “second takes.’’ Hire a professional with professional equipment, so your memories are safe. Make sure your videographer has top-notch audio-visual cameras and editing equipment. Your videographer must be experienced and well trained on the equipment. Different audio techniques include the use of wireless remote microphones, a feed from the church’s sound system, a shotgun microphone and ambient sound,
Select a photographer who works for a living, not as a part-time or weekend job. Do not entrust this blessed event to an amateur or friend.
PHOTO BY RYAN O’DOWD PHOTOGRAPHY
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come prepared with pertinent information regarding your wedding. It’s also helpful if the photographer knows the style, color and setting of the wedding so that the mood and the moment can be captured. Let your photographer know the size of your wedding party and with whom you would like to be photographed. It’s helpful to designate a friend or relative to point out those special friends and relatives you want photographed during the reception.
Look for a photographer whose judgment and opinions you trust. Remember, you’ll be spending a lot of time with the “camera person” on your wedding day, relying on that person to capture those special moments. When you meet with a photographer, view sample wedding albums to obtain a clear impression of the overall style in which the photographer covers a wedding. Look for color, sharpness and detail of the photographs. Determine the type of photographs you prefer—a formal posed look, candids, or a combination of both formats. Communicate clearly with your photographer to ensure the best results. Make sure your photographer knows exactly what you want—you only get one chance to make things right. Obtain information on package sizes and prices, deposits, retouching charges, travel expenses and any other costs. Wedding packages can range from several hundred dollars to well into the thousands. Make sure everything you need is included in your package—formal portrait, black-and-white print for the newspaper, wedding album, and anything else you are looking for. Find out the cost of additional prints and “mini-albums” for parents and close friends. Finally, be sure everything you’ve agreed to is written in a contract. Other details that should be in writing include: when the photographer will arrive at the wedding and leave the reception, how the photographer will be dressed, and the number of images that will be provided. When you meet with your photographer,
and a separate recording dubbed in during editing. Determine with your videographer the technique best suited to your wedding location. Ask to view DVDs of actual weddings that were shot and produced within the past year. By watching these samples, you’ll see first-hand the videographer’s level of talent and professionalism. Look for sharp images, adequate lighting and clear sound. The video should flow smoothly from scene to scene, with highlights fully covered to tell the whole wedding story. Look for special effects, such as fades, wipes, dissolves, multiple images, freeze-frames and background music. The videographer should dress appropriately, and be able to comfortably mingle with your guests. Wedding videography prices range from several hundred dollars to the thousands. Find out what’s included in the package deals, and if items such as duplicate DVDs, adding music and titles, special effects, overtime and second cameras are additional. Obtain a contract including date, time, location, cost, equipment used, editing time, deposits and delivery date. It’s so important to choose professionals to record your wedding celebration. The expense is well worth the future returns. Preserving the memories of your nuptials is too important to leave to chance. Take care to ensure that your photographs and DVDs are of the quality you’ll be proud to share with your family and friends. You’ll enjoy your memories for many years to come.•
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Planning Your Wedding and a Suggested Day-of Schedule with your wedding photographer and talk about what is most important to you on your wedding day. This should actually be talked about BEFORE you decide to book your photographer, but it also needs to happen again so you can map out the details for your wedding day. We (photographers) like to know what is important to both the bride and groom so we can schedule the day in a way that makes the most logistical sense. For example, if the bride decides to do a “first look” with her father, then I would suggest you do that first, ahead of the bridesmaids’ and groomsmen’s pictures.
At this point you have booked most of your wedding services and you’re ready to start planning out your wedding day. But where do you begin? What should go first? Maybe, you find yourself wondering if there is a right or wrong way of laying out the details for your big day. All these questions and concerns would be handled by a wedding planner if you decide to hire one of those. However, for those couples who don’t choose that route, here is a suggested wedding day timeline from a photographer’s perspective. First, you need to sit down
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PHOTO: PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHASE DAY
by Chase Day Photography by Chase Day e-mail: info@chaseday.photography www.chaseday.photography
This is a very intimate time for both the bride and the father, but it’s also a very stressful time for the bride. If you shoot this event first, then you can follow it up with the bridesmaids’ pictures. It will lighten the mood for the bride and provide a fun shoot that follows up behind the emotional shoot. If you choose to do a bride and groom “first look,” then you could do that one right after father/daughter. Then, proceed with your bridal party pictures before the ceremony starts. This is just one of the ways you can start your schedule. But, if I could have it my way, the schedule would go like this:
Sample Wedding Day Timeline 4:00 pm: Photographers arrive 4:30 pm: Photographers start first look with father/daughter 4:45 pm: Photographers start first look with bride/groom 5:00 pm: Lead photographer starts bride’s pictures with her bridesmaids
5:30 pm: Photographers start bridal party with bride/groom pictures 6:00 pm: Ceremony starts 6:15 pm: Ceremony ends and family pictures start * Guests head towards the reception hall for cocktail hour with the DJ or band 6:45 – 7:00 pm: Family pictures end (depending on number in both families)
PHOTO: PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHASE DAY
5:00 pm: Second photographer starts groom’s pictures with his groomsmen
7:15 pm: Bridal party introduction, followed by first dance 7:30 pm: Dinner until 8:15 pm (for approx. 125 guests, buffet style) 8:15 – 8:45 pm: Bride and groom walk around to greet tables 8:45 pm: Father/daughter dance, mother/son dance
9:15 pm: Toasts * I prefer toasts after the cake cutting, to allow the caterer time to cut the cake for your guests while toasts are taking place. This avoids guests waiting in line for cake and nobody paying attention to toasts 9:30 pm: Activity by DJ/band (Anniversary dance, group dance, etc.) followed by open dance floor 10:00 pm: Garter toss/bouquet toss (if applicable) 10:15 – 10:45 pm: Open dance floor for guests and DJ/band
PHOTO: PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHASE DAY
9:00 pm: Cake cutting, followed by toasts * If you are providing champagne, be sure to have your DJ or coordinator let the caterer know to start pouring the champagne before the toasts take place
10:55 pm: Private last dance, just bride and groom with photographer * I suggest a private last dance because it’s more intimate, a great way to end the night, and your pictures won’t have some random guests’ heads in the background of every shot 11:00 pm: Bride and groom exit 11:15 pm: Vendors pack up to leave
PHOTO: PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHASE DAY
10:50 pm: Last dance with guests, then guests get ready for bride and groom to exit
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More than $6,000 in Giveaways (DJ, Photographer, Lighting Package, Video Package, Photo booth) Meet with local award-winning vendors Food trucks Complimentary valet Groom’s lounge with the NFL games playing $100 cash prize selfie contest All donations go to Kidd’s Kids Organization
Waxahachie Civic Center Presents: Bridal Extravaganza
972.713.9920 Allen Event Center, Allen, TX September 27, 2015 Noon – 5:00 p.m. Irving Convention Center, Las Colinas, TX January 10, 2016 Noon – 5:00 p.m. Dallas Market Hall, Dallas, TX January 30 – 31, 2016 and July 30 – 31, 2016 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, TX March 6, 2016 Noon – 5:00 p.m. Plano Centre, Plano, TX March 13, 2016 Noon – 5:00 p.m. Times and dates are subject to change or cancellation. We recommend you check with the host of each event to confirm. Bride & Groom is not responsible for inaccuracies.
www.WaxahachieCivicCenter.org Waxahachie Civic Center, Waxahachie, TX September 20, 2015 Noon – 4:00 p.m. 12th Annual Bridal Extravaganza, Featuring trunk show and sale!
Use offer code B&GMAG for any Bridal Shows, Inc. show and receive $1 OFF ADMISSION, for all adult tickets, courtesy of Bride & Groom Magazine. Tickets must be bought online: www.bridalshowsinc.com www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw
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PHOTO BY ALLEN TSAI PHOTOGRAPHY
The First Look
By Marsha Ballard French Co-Owner, StarDust Celebrations 972.781.1619
Have you ever wondered why some photos of a bride and groom on their wedding day turn out really fabulous? The couple seems so happy and relaxed, looking like they’re having a wonderfully fun time? In many cases, this is because the bride and groom chose to participate in a “First Look” photography session.
The wedding weekend is often full of activities, with brides and grooms moving from one event to the next on a schedule full of to-do’s. It’s nice when a couple takes time to remember that the whole whirlwind is really about the two of them uniting their lives as one. A First Look photo session before the ceremony is the perfect
A “first look” photo is the perfect way to share a special moment with your groom on your wedding day. PHOTO BY ABSOLUTE PHOTOGRAPHY
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way for them to pause and do this. The session, typically taking place about an hour before the ceremony, is usually staged in a garden, the ceremony space or anywhere where the bride’s gown will not be dirtied and the couple will have some privacy. The First Look location is cleared of everyone but the groom. His back is turned to where the bride will enter. She walks toward him and either tells him to turn around or taps him on the shoulder. The photographer(s) discreetly capture this one amazing instant in time when the groom sees his stunning bride for the very first time, without the added pressure of him standing at the front with all the guests watching. The resulting photos are extraordinary, beautiful and meaningful, and give the couple precious images to help remember that moment forever. After about 10–15 minutes of alone time, the photographer calls in
other family members and the wedding party to complete all of the photos. Once finished, the bride and groom, their families and wedding party retreat to their designated waiting areas until all of their guests are seated and it’s time for the ceremony to begin. Around 30 percent of couples chose to do a First Look, but the numbers are growing. Several reasons brides and grooms are choosing this fun alternative include: • A First Look drastically cuts down on or eliminates photo time after the ceremony. The reception isn’t delayed, the wedding party doesn’t miss out on cocktail hour and guests aren’t wait-
ing forever for the couple to arrive and start the party. • Some couples believe they will be really emotional seeing each other for the first time and prefer to keep the moment private. • Some brides know they are criers and do not want their mascara to run. • Photographers love the First Look because they have a full hour with the family unit and wedding party without having to rush. They can also get more creative with the location of shots and often have better lighting to work with before the ceremony rather than after. • Couples who do this get GREAT photos! In case you were won-
dering if this is right for you, thinking it’s blasphemy in the face of wedding tradition, you should know that the ancient superstition of the bride and groom not seeing each other before the ceremony is based on an old wives’ tale. In Europe and most other countries around the world, the bride and groom are almost always together before the actual ceremony! If you think you want to consider it, consult with your photographer, wedding planner and ceremony contact. They are the ones who will help you make it happen. Whether or not to do a First Look is completely the bride and groom’s decision, but we highly recommend it!•
Taking “first look” photos before your ceremony means more time to party at your reception! PHOTO BY ABSOLUTE PHOTOGRAPHY
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Gown by Isabelle Armstrong Available at Neiman Marcus 24 www.brideandgroom.com
Courtyard by Marriott 817.251.9095 DFW Airport North, Grapevine, Texas www.marriottgrapevine.com
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Things To Do Use this handy checklist as a general information and scheduling guide, and tailor it to fit the specific needs of your own wedding.
The Bride
The Groom
6 Months Or Longer
6 Months Or Longer • Prepare a budget for your share of the wedding and honeymoon expenses. • Purchase the bride’s wedding ring. • Begin interviewing travel agents to arrange your honeymoon. • Begin your guest list—ask the bride’s family the number of guests you can invite. • Ask your attendants to be in the wedding.
• Prepare a budget for the wedding and reception. • Begin your guest list. • Select the time and place for the wedding and reception. • Ask your attendants to be in your wedding. • Schedule consultation for selecting the color and style of wedding gown and attendants’ attire for a picture-perfect wedding. • Order your wedding gown and bridal accessories. • Interview florists, caterers, photographers, videographers, bakers and reception entertainers.
3 To 6 Months Before • Arrange lodging for attendants and close family members coming from out of town. • Ask the bride’s family to determine your share of the florist bill. • Reserve the restaurant or other facility for the rehearsal dinner; consider a limousine service for transportation. • You may want to go with your bride to register for china, crystal, and other items. • Make an appointment for you and your bride to visit your clergyman.
3 To 6 Months Before • Register for your china, crystal and other items. • Order bridesmaids’ dresses and accessories. • Order invitations and other stationery, including informals and map cards. • Meet with your clergyman and obtain a copy of the church’s wedding policies, if you plan to have your ceremony in a church. • Purchase the groom’s wedding ring. • Make your final decisions on your florist, caterer, photographer, videographer, bakery and entertainment. • Make arrangements for accommodations for your out-of-town guests.
10 To 12 Weeks Before • You and your attendants must be measured for the tuxedos. • Inform the wedding party where and when the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner will take place.
10 To 12 Weeks Before • Arrange transportation to the wedding and reception for your attendants and out-of-town guests. • Choose your house party, such as friends and family to hand out programs, attend the guest book, and greet guests. • Meet with your music director. • Finalize the reception menu. • Begin fittings for your gown and the bridesmaids’ dresses. • Coordinate showers with gift-registry sources. • Have your bridal portrait taken. • Address invitations and announcements. • Arrange a time and place for your bridesmaids’ luncheon. • Select gifts for your attendants. • Double-check arrangements with your florist, caterer, photographer, videographer, bakery and entertainment. • Schedule appointment with professionals for makeup and hair styling.
4 To 10 Weeks Before
4 To 10 Weeks Before
Day Of The Wedding
• Mail invitations, weighing them for proper postage. • Send your wedding picture and announcement to the newspaper. • Finalize your fittings.
• Give the clergyman’s check to the best man to handle. • Arrive at the wedding site, along with your attendants, 1.5 hours before the ceremony. •
• Finalize arrangements with your clergyman and music director. • Inform the wedding party and close family members of the time and place of the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. • Apply for your marriage license with your groom. • Change your name on your social security card, driver’s license, credit cards and bank accounts, and file change-of-address cards with post office and correspondents. • Go over special seating arrangements for the wedding. • Finalize arrangements with the florist, caterer, photographer, videographer, bakery, entertainers and gift registries. • Arrange for the pressing of your wedding gown and bridesmaids’ dresses. • Arrange for someone to take your dress to be heirloomed or preserved after the wedding. • Arrange for someone to take your bouquet to be preserved or dried after the wedding, if you choose to do so.
Week Of The Wedding • Give the final guest count to your caterer 72 hours before the reception. • Finalize direction of the rehearsal and wedding with your wedding consultant.
Day Of The Wedding • Mail wedding announcements (if you are planning to). • Arrive at the wedding site two hours before the ceremony.
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2 To 4 Weeks Before • Apply for your marriage license with your bride. • Ask your best man to prepare a toast to give you and your bride at the reception.
Week Of The Wedding • Give the final guest count to the caterer for the rehearsal dinner; confirm bridal party transportation. • Take your marriage license to the rehearsal. • Reconfirm honeymoon plans.
PHOTO BY MEMORY MAKERS PHOTOGRAPHY
2 To 4 Weeks Before
• Select gifts for your attendants. • Reconfirm honeymoon plans. • Book limousine service.
PHOTO BY DIABE SALE
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Members of the Wedding Each member of the wedding party plays a part in the success of your event. Read on to find out the responsibilities of everyone involved! BRIDE AND GROOM
BRIDESMAID
• Decide wedding plans and budget with parents if they are footing the bill. • Choose wedding party attendants. The bride helps her attendants in dress selection and the groom discusses appropriate attire with his groomsmen. • Purchase small gifts for their attendants. • Acknowledge receipt of wedding gifts with a personal note of appreciation.
• A bridesmaid has no particular pre-wedding responsibilities, but might offer to help the bride in any way she can, such as throwing her an engagement party or bridal shower, or helping stuff invitations. • Pays for and assembles her wedding outfit. • Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Walks in the processional and recessional. • May stand in the receiving line.
BRIDE • Discusses budget with fiancé and parents. • Sets date, time and place of wedding and reception. • Selects wedding dress and accessories, allowing at least three months for delivery. • Books caterer, wedding and reception entertainment, florist, photographers, videographer, and bakery. • Helps compile the guest list; chooses her attendants. • Orders invitations, thank-you notes and personal stationery. • Shops for trousseau. • Buys groom’s wedding band and arranges for engraving if desired.
GROOM • Discusses budget with fiancée and parents. • Buys bride’s wedding band and arranges for engraving if desired. • Gets the marriage license (with the bride) and obtains any other necessary legal documents. • Arranges and pays for honeymoon. Checks on available hotels for out-oftown guests. • Pays for bride’s bouquet and flowers or corsages for both mothers and close female relatives on both sides. • Supplies boutonnieres for himself and male attendants.
JUNIOR BRIDESMAID • Wears a dress similar to that of a bridesmaid, but in an age-appropriate style. • Participates in the processional (recessional participation is optional).
USHER/GROOMSMAN • Pays for his own wedding attire (boutonnieres provided by the groom). • Seats guests at the church as they arrive — offers his right arm to each woman. Asks if they are friends of the bride or groom and seats them accordingly. Bride’s guests are seated to the left, the groom’s to the right; order is reversed in Jewish services. When one side has more guests than the other, the usher may begin seating guests on the side with fewer people. • Decorates the couple’s going-away car.
FLOWER GIRL Usually a young girl between 3 and 10 years old. • Carries a basket of flowers, tiny nosegay or a basket of loose rose petals to strew in the bride’s path, if the ceremony venue allows.
MAID/MATRON OF HONOR
RING BEARER
Usually someone very close to the bride, such as her sister or a dear friend or relative.
Usually a young boy between 3 and 10 years old.
• Assists the bride in any way she can: helping plan the wedding, shopping, addressing invitations, taking charge of recording and displaying wedding gifts. • Lends the bride moral support. • Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. • Pays for her own gown and accessories (not including flowers). • Helps bridesmaids prepare for their wedding-day duties and organizes their fittings if necessary. Makes sure they arrive at the ceremony on time; confirms transportation arrangements. • Helps bride get ready before the ceremony and before departure from the reception. • Holds the groom’s ring during the ceremony until time to pass it to the bride. • Holds bride’s bouquet and arranges bridal veil and dress during the ceremony. • Is usually one of the two witnesses signing the marriage certificate. • Stands to the left of the groom in the receiving line; sits to the left of the groom at the honor table, if there is one.
BEST MAN Usually the groom’s best friend, brother, father or other close relative. • Assists the groom in any way he can. • Pays for his own wedding attire. • Attends rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. • Holds bride’s wedding ring, producing it at the proper time in the ceremony. • Makes sure ceremony officiant is paid. • Sits to the right of the bride at the honor table; offers the first toast to the newlyweds. • Helps newlyweds prepare for the honeymoon departure. Takes care of luggage, makes sure car is ready to go — hands over keys to groom or makes sure limousine is ready and sees that the groom has travel documents in order. • Makes sure that all men’s rental clothes are returned the first business day after the wedding.
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• During the ceremony, carries a white satin pillow with two fake rings tied or sewn on. After the ceremony, the pillow is turned upside down so the dummy ring won’t show. The real rings can also be used if he is old enough.
CANDLELIGHTER Young boys or girls, usually between 9 and 14 years old. • Light the candles at the altar just before the bride’s mother is seated. Children should attend rehearsal to practice their parts, although it is optional for them to attend pre-wedding parties. After walking down the aisle, they might quietly slip into their parents’ pew to avoid disrupting the ceremony with fidgeting. They need not participate in the recessional.
MOTHER OF THE BRIDE • Usually acts as hostess of the reception. • Helps the bride compile the guest list, arrange details of the ceremony and reception, and may help her select her wedding gown. • Is accorded special honor at the wedding service and is seated last, just a few minutes before the wedding begins. • Greets guests at the head of the reception line. Sits in place of honor at parents’ table. • Makes sure guests are having a good time and is on hand to bid them goodbye.
FATHER OF THE BRIDE • Rides to the ceremony with the bride; chauffeured transportation suggested. • Escorts the bride down the aisle, then joins his wife on the front row. • Acts as official host of the reception. • Keeps an eye on the bar and champagne supply. • Makes a short toast at the reception. • Is the last person to leave the reception; says goodbye to the guests. • Traditionally pays for the majority of the wedding. It is now appropriate for other financial arrangements to be made. •
PHOTO BY DIABE SALE
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Wedding Wear You’ve dreamt of how you would look and now it’s time to make the dream come true. Let your wedding dress and your bridal party’s attire make a statement of your personality and dreams.
Y
PHOTO BY MEMORY MAKERS PHOTOGRAPHY
ou may already have a mental picture of the look you want on your wedding day. It’s your job to choose the gown that makes fantasy a reality. But with all the styles, colors and fabrics around, finding the perfect dress may seem like “mission impossible!” Don’t despair. By following a few basic guidelines, you’ll find the look that suits your unique style. You’ll need to order your gown and veil six to nine months before the wedding. Make an appointment with a reputable bridal salon, and let the consultant know what type of wedding you’re planning before you arrive. Take along a friend or relative whose honesty and good taste you can count on — you’ll need an objective opinion. Bring your checkbook — a 50% deposit is customary when placing an order. Choose a gown that makes the most of your figure. Princess or A-
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line styles are slimming and create the illusion of height. A full skirt hides heavy legs and hips. Dropped waist styles flatter most figure types. A decorative bodice highlights the upper body, while a simpler style minimizes a heavy bust. There are many fabrics and shades to choose from — find the textures and hues that flatter your complexion. Choose a veil that’s appropriate to the style of your wedding. And remember, your back gets lots of attention during the ceremony — your dress, veil and train should look elegant from that angle. Check out store policy on alterations, and make sure there’s a good seamstress on hand. Examine the workmanship on the dress itself — all buttons and trim should be hand sewn, not glued. At dress fittings, wear the same heel height and type of undergar-
ments you’ll wear on your wedding day. When shopping for veils and headpieces, style your hair as you’ll wear it at the ceremony. Every detail is important to the creation of a stunning package! ATTENDANTS’ ATTIRE Now that you’re taken care of, it’s time to dress the rest of your bridal party. • Ask for help. Enlist the aid of your maid of honor or another friend, and choose styles and colors that flatter the face and figure of each attendant. As bridesmaids usually pay for their own dresses, shop conservatively. Carefully coordinate shoes and accessories to achieve a balanced look. • Be selective. Be just as careful in selecting attire for the groom and his attendants. Men’s wedding clothing is usually rented — place your order six to eight weeks before the wedding. • Tux tips. The groom may dress differently from his attendants, or wear the same tux as the other men. He might consider wearing a bow tie and cummerbund in a contrasting color or pattern from the others. The men’s attire should complement the bridal gown. Choose tuxedos appropriate to the style of your wedding. • Proper fit. Men have different builds, so shop accordingly. Your formal wear professional can offer great advice on which styles are appropriate, and properly fit the tuxedo you choose. Attention to detail is a must if you want a perfect wedding. Look around a lot, get some expert advice, and enjoy this shopping adventure. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience! •
PHOTO BY DIABE SALE
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Beautiful Brides Look your best! Feel your best! It’s the most important day for your looks. Learn how to “wow” not only your groom, but all of your guests on the happiest day of your life! come away with having to resort to pencil lines.
Gown by Isabelle Armstrong, Available at Neiman Marcus
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n the morning of the day of your wedding, you’ll wake up knowing that the cake will be delivered on time, that the reception venue will be completely decorated and waiting for your arrival, and that your dress will fit you perfectly. And you’ll be confident that you’ll look radiant and feel wonderful because professional makeup and hair artists will spend the time to soothe your nerves by accentuating all of your best features. Several types of makeup artists and hair stylists are out there, and to be sure you choose the right types for you, you’ll need to know a bit about them first. MAKEUP ARTISTRY Professional makeup artists have experience with all skin types and colorings, face shapes, and hair shapes. A licensed esthetician is one who has studied skin and skin care, has hours of training, is skilled in the sterilization process (to eliminate cross-contamination from tools), and has much practice and work experience with actual people. These exceptional artists have the talent and training to camouflage any scars or blemishes and to bring out your best facial features. You may wonder why you need
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a professional to do something for you that you do for yourself almost every day. After all, you can do your makeup just fine for everyday wear, and sometimes even for special occasions. But consider this: what will you remember the most — how you know you looked on your wedding day, or how you looked in your photographs from
Trained makeup artists know how to make you look good, not only in person, but for photographs as well. your wedding day? Trained makeup artists know how to make you look good, not only in person, but for photographs as well. Makeup for photography is a learned skill and one most women don’t have. In planning what you want to look like, don’t forget your eyebrows! They can make all the difference in a polished look. If your brows look good and are shaped to complement your eyes, your whole face will look more finished. Have a professional do this, as often women tweeze too many hairs out of their brows and
HAIR ARTISTRY Many, many things can go wrong when people try to not only style their own hair, but also use harsh chemicals at home. A trained colorist has the chemistry knowledge to change the color of your hair slightly or altogether differently, while still making it look natural. Some eager people even try perming or straightening their own hair at home, and some of these people have horror stories to tell. Rather than becoming a casualty, hire a professional to design the look that’s right for you and your hair. If you’re one of the lucky women who has long, healthy hair, there are countless ways your hair can be styled. Be sure the hair artist in which you are interested has experience with long hair, whether you just want it styled or want a chemical process. It behaves nothing like short hair, and if you mess it up at home, it just takes that much longer to grow it back out to the same length again. SCHEDULING About six months before your wedding you’ll want to start a skincare program designed especially for you — and stick with it! During stressful times your skin can do all sorts of panicking on its own, so if you start being good to it you shouldn’t have as many problems when that special day arrives. Licensed estheticians can help devise such a regimen with you and can lead the way to healthy skin. If you are considering changing the look of your hair, whether it be the cut, style, color or texture, now is the time to book those appointments, too, so the person working on your hair can have the time to perfect your new look before the last minute. It is wise to choose your hair and makeup artists early so that you’ll be working with the same people throughout the whole process; not only because they will become familiar with your skin and hair, but be-
Pampering Packages cause when you look back at the photographs, you will be looking at your wedding as an event, rather than something occurring over a few months, and you’ll want to have the same look in all of them. Be sure to make all the necessary appointments to lead up to your wedding day. And don’t forget to include the appointments for that day, too! Some artists work only in their own studios; others will go on-location and meet you where you need to be. Make sure you confirm all of your plans with everyone involved. Once it gets closer to your wedding date, about three to four months prior to your wedding or when your tailored gown arrives, you’ll be having your bridal portrait taken. Make sure you confirm how long it will take for hair and makeup so you won’t be rushed trying to make the photographer’s appointment. Another good tip is to book a “trial run” appointment with both the makeup and hair people before your portrait day so they can decide how to make you look your best without your trying to race out the door. Be sure to bring your veil, tiara, or other accessories to all appointments so they can work around each one. About a month before the big day is the time to have any processes done to your hair that you are needing. You may think that this is too early, but in actuality, it is the prime time to have these processes done, so your hair will have a chance to get reconditioned and healthier afterward. Have all of your hair touch-ups done about a week before the wedding. When that day finally arrives and you wake up in the morning, you can be assured that absolutely everything has been taken care of for you, and there isn’t anything for you to worry about. Your skin and hair will be planned for, just as you planned everything else. Good skin care, makeup applied by a professional, and hair styled to perfection will not only help you look your very best, but will help ease that last-minute stress. After all, a relaxed bride is a beautiful bride. So enjoy a nice breakfast and get ready for the time of your life! •
Now that you have planned your hair and makeup for your big day, you need to turn your attention inside. All the stress of planning your wedding can leave you feeling depleted. A day of spa pampering is the antidote to stress and will leave you feeling like the most beautiful woman in the world. The number of men and women indulging in the spa experience is growing. From the day spas to destination spas to resort spas, those on the cutting edge are having to specialize in services to attract loyal clients. That means you will have no trouble finding a spa to meet your needs. Many spas offer “packages.” These are groups of treatments and pampering techniques. They include full-body massages, sugar scrubs, facials, waxing and body peels, to name a few. Prices can range from less than a hundred dollars to several hundred dollars, depending on the package. A day at the spa makes a great wedding gift for your bridal party—including the men! The treatments are designed to soothe you and help you escape the chaos of wedding planning. So take a deep, relaxing breath and enjoy! Arrive at your appointment 10 – 15 minutes ahead of time. Firsttimers will be asked to fill out minor but important health questions to determine the best treatments. Not all treatments are appropriate for heart patients, diabetics or people with other health considerations. This information also gives your therapist an idea of what your needs are. Some spas include warm, soothing showers after which you will be provided with a robe and slippers and escorted into a private room for your treatment. MASSAGE There are several styles of massage with varying intensity, so try a variety to learn how your body reacts to each. A massage helps loosen sore muscles and soft tissue. It can be targeted to certain body parts or lavished over the entire body. Aromatherapy by use of essential oils enhances the massage and deepens the sense of relaxation. Expect soothing, soft music to provide a nice backdrop to your experience.
SKIN CARE Facials can treat a myriad of imperfections, including acne, rosacea and dry skin. It is usually one hour, and includes cleansing, sloughing and moisturizing that you won’t soon forget. Creams, masks, peels and lotions are gently applied and massaged over the entire face and neck to maximize rejuvenation and relaxation. Essential oils, exfoliating cleansers, and TLC are combined in body peels and wraps to treat the rest of your body. This gentle pampering stimulates blood circulation, leaving behind a glowing you! Some salons also offer body waxing and permanent makeup. SCHEDULE It is recommended you start your facials at least two months prior to your wedding day. Hydrating body wraps should be started six months prior to your wedding. Massages should be started one month out. Make sure you schedule a massage for yourself one week before and then the day before your big day. Most importantly, drink plenty of water the entire time you are receiving treatments. Water helps get rid of toxins released during treatments and it also helps improve your mood. BEFORE YOU GO Many spas will offer special rates for bridal parties. Compare them, noting what spa services are included and what scheduling is necessary. Ask if gratuities are included in that price. Some packages include a gratuity. If not, use your discretion. Check to see if there is a cancellation or change policy. Some spas will charge up to 100% of the scheduled services if you miss your appointment. Certain spas offer lunch with gourmet dining. Find out what’s on the menu to make sure everyone in your party can enjoy a fun bite to eat while sharing their spa experience. Don’t forget—it’s all about you. The more you take care of yourself before your wedding, the better you will look and feel on the most important day of your life. •
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Financial Matters Dreaming about the perfect wedding is one thing—actually paying for it is another. Establish a realistic budget up front, and you’ll be able to create an affordable fantasy. You are in love—it’s the real thing. Now that you’ve found your partner in life, you want to share your happiness with everyone. You want your wedding celebration to be the talk of the town—the biggest and best ever. Before your fantasies get ahead of your checkbook, ask yourself: who’s paying for this wedding, and how much can you afford to spend? Traditionally, the bride’s parents paid the majority of the wedding costs. Back in the old days, the groom assumed full financial responsibility for his bride after they rode off into the sunset. He didn’t have to chip in much for the wedding—he paid his share later. It’s a different story now. Both partners in a modern marriage tend to go back to work after the honeymoon, and these newlyweds have a bit more financial independence. It seems only natural for both families to contribute to the wedding celebration. Decide the kind of wedding you’d like. Discuss your plans with those contributing to the cost, and determine a budget. Make everyone’s financial limitations clear at this point—it will prevent hard feelings later. Nowadays, the average wedding costs around $27,000. Remember, there are always places you can cut costs to save money if you are wanting to spend less. As a rule, the more guests you invite and the more expensive the venues you choose, the more your costs will increase. Most brides also find that their costs go over their actual budget, so try to plan accordingly. The largest single expense you’re faced with is the reception. Festivities at private clubs and four-star restaurants are pricier than those held in the church fellowship hall. Check rates at several types of reception sites so that you can find one within your budget. Many facilities offer excellent package deals. You’ll find everything completely organized, from tea and
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sandwiches at the church to a formal sit-down dinner complete with orchestra. Purchasing services separately is a lot of work! Many couples opt for at least a partial package—it saves time and energy. Costs for the reception room itself vary. Prices range from free to several hundred dollars per hour. Professional planners suggest the reception last from three to four-and-a-half hours. Any shorter, and people who have traveled from afar may feel cheated. Any longer, and guests tend to start leaving before it is over. Deciding whether or not to serve a meal depends on your finances and what is expected in your community. Many ethnic and religious cultures traditionally celebrate with a hearty meal. If many of your guests have traveled a long distance, it’s hospitable to feed them. If you plan your wedding during mealtimes, you are expected to provide sustenance. If this creates a fiscal panic, change your reception style, or invite fewer guests. One workable option—plan a large reception with light refreshments, then ask close family, friends and out-of-town guests to your parents’ house for a buffet dinner. Food and beverage costs vary greatly. Depending on whether you serve a buffet of hot appetizers, a complete buffet differ, or a multi-course seated dinner, prices can range from $10 to more than $100 per person. Caterers’ estimates usually include the cost of beverages, but do make sure. Some caterers include champagne, beer and wine, but charge extra for mixed drinks at an open bar. You may pay for drinks individually, or include the libations in the caterer’s package. Most professionals offer reasonable prices—they get it wholesale. With careful planning and a lot of investigating, you and your family can host the wedding you’ve always wanted—without ruining your budget. And you can go on dreaming about how special your wedding day will be. •
Tipping Tips • Caterer, hotel or club banquet manager, bridal consultant. 15 – 20% if not covered in fee. Reception hosts pay bill on receipt. Add any special tip to payment after reception. • Waiters, waitresses, bartenders, table servers. 15 – 20% of bill—given to the captain or maitre d’ of hotel to distribute to rest of staff. If included, reception hosts pay tips with bill. If not, right after the reception. • Powder room, coat room attendants in hotels or clubs. 50¢ – $1 per guest, or arrange a flat fee with hotel or club management. If a flat fee, reception hosts pay tips with bill. If not, right after the reception. • Florist, photographer, baker, musicians you hire, limousine driver. 15% for driver, others tipped only for extra special service, up to 15%. Ceremony hosts tip driver at reception site. Add other tips to bill payments. • Civil ceremony officials. Usually a flat fee. (Some judges cannot accept money; ask when you apply.) Groom gives fee to best man, who pays the official after ceremony. • Clergy members who perform the ceremony. Groom gives donation to best man who pays after ceremony. • Ceremony assistants. Sometimes covered by church fee—ask clergy member what’s customary. Ceremony hosts pay church fee when billed; separate fees and tips after service. • Custodians or kitchen help if reception is in church. Ask church secretary. Ceremony hosts pay when billed or after service.
The Wedding Budget ITEM Clothing Bride’s Attire Groom’s Attire Ceremony Clergy Fees Church Rental Reception Caterer/Food Wedding Cake Bar/Liquor Site Rental Waiters’ Tips Decorations, Centerpieces, Napkins, etc. Stationery Invitations Announcements Thank-You Notes Flowers Ceremony Bride’s Bouquet Bridesmaids’ Bouquets Groom’s Boutonniere Groomsmen’s Boutonnieres Mothers’ Corsages Reception Arrangements Music Wedding Reception Instrument Rentals Other Photography Formal Portraits Candids Videographer Extra Prints Other Transportation Limousines Travel For Out-Of-Town Guests Other Gifts Wedding Rings Bride’s Gift Groom’s Gift Bridal Attendants’ Gifts Groomsmen’s Gifts Other Rehearsal Dinner Flowers Attire Food Liquor Music Other Honeymoon Travel Accommodations Wardrobe Other Miscellaneous Marriage License Bridal Consultant Hotel Accommodations For Out-Of-Town Guests TOTAL
BUDGETED COST
ACTUAL COST
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Outdoor Event Planning . . . Russian Roulette or Not? By Travis-Lee Moore, CPCE, CTA. Creative Services Manager, Hello! Destination Management
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hoosing to add the variable of nature’s elements to your event planning thoughts is certainly challenging, but the reward of a carefully orchestrated set of plans A and B can be well worth the effort! Some of the most amazing projects we’ve been privileged enough to produce have been on sunny beaches or in the Texas Hill Country, under the stars. And it almost seems like having gone to the effort of having a contingency plan changes the odds in favor of great event karma! LOCATIONS There are many hotels and golf courses that have beautiful outdoor areas that would be suitable for a wedding, such as gardens, grassy knolls, and groves of trees. A great trick is to tent the tennis courts, if they’re available—you don’t know the value of level, dry flooring until you don’t have it! These types of facilities will also have indoor venues that you can take advantage of. Instead of hosting the entire wedding out-
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doors, you could just have the ceremony and photographs outside, then move indoors to the banquet hall for the dinner and reception. This will ensure an immediate solution if the weather is poor. After deciding on your perfect, preferred facility, scope out alternate locations that can be used if the weather doesn’t cooperate. There may be an alternate space at the hotel or resort you’ve booked, or it may be another hall, church, or facility in the same vicinity. Once you have found a suitable location, work out a plan to move the wedding to the second site on a moment’s notice. This could mean having to call all of your guests to notify them of the change a day or two before the wedding or having someone direct guests to the new location the day of the wedding. Some outdoor locations already have the option of overhead protection. A pavilion can easily be dressed up and, depending on its size, used for both the ceremony and reception if it needs to be. PLAN A AND PLAN B If you are having an outdoor function, you definitely need to have an inclement weather plan: your plan B. Either be prepared to install a tent, or have an alternate indoor location. Also, keep in mind that it takes some amount of time to move an entire ceremony and/or reception setting. Make sure to take into consideration how elaborate your altar, aisle, and celebration are, and put a “drop-dead” time on your itinerary to make the call for plan A or B.
MAKING THE CALL Make sure that you and your event team have agreed as to when to make the call, and be prepared to make a decision. A wedding and/or reception can require a substantial amount of time to reconfigure. Stages, flowers, bands, bars, and guest tables have to be given ample consideration so that you will not lose the impact of the money you’ve invested. These are not small checks you’ve written and you sure don’t want to stand on a porch somewhere watching the heavens open on what was a gorgeous dinner party under the stars OR be responsible for the cost of a harp or a full set of strings. TENTING AND EQUIPMENT Tenting is an obvious and great option. It offers great flexibility with regard to location and style AND is a great blank slate from the design perspective—you can take it any direction you like. Clear tops keep the stars visible. Sides can be great projection surfaces for lighting and added or taken away depending on the situation. Flooring is often necessary to create a level or nonporous surface and is a regularly overlooked design element. Just about any floor treatment that you can think of can be used—luxurious carpeting, beautifully hand-painted surfaces, glossy tile or linoleum. Umbrellas should be available and are a great chance for event branding. You can incorporate a logo or a monogram, and they are great gifts for guests. THE GUESTS Ensure that guests are made aware, in the event’s invitation
verbiage, that you’re having a garden party or outdoor reception. This allows them to plan accordingly, especially ladies who may be planning bare shoulders and/or heels. TRANSPORTATION Transportation is another thing that can be affected by a surprise rainstorm. Valet service that takes guests right up to the shelter is ideal and a great amenity to offer. If guests are self-parking, you may need to offer transportation from the parking location to the event site. This can also become a great upgrade if you do it right. Offering cocktails to guests as they climb onto a vintage touring bus or horse-drawn carriage will certainly be remembered!
a part of your team about their insurance status to ensure that everyone is working “with a net.” Oftentimes it is as simple as your event producer supplying the coverage and then naming others as “additionally insured.” There are also additional coverages available to you, such as “Protect My Wedding,” “Wedsure,” “Wedsafe,” and “The Event Helper.”
It is rare that we ever have to put plan B into action, but the peace of mind you’ll grant yourself by having made adequate plans is invaluable. It is a given that something will not go exactly as planned. A truly great event professional will ensure that the reaction is swift and that your guests’ experience will be nonethe-less spectacular. •
Photo courtesy of Abby Larson’s book: Style Me Pretty Weddings: Inspiration and Ideas for an Unforgettable Celebration
THE EVENT TEAM Clearly, we think that everyone should have an event producer. Having a skilled, experienced, well-connected expert as the leader of your team is never more important than when ensuring that adequate thought has been given to every conceivable event scenario. Do your homework and ensure that you have engaged a creative, nimble, energetic producer who will head up a team of like-minded professionals prepared to respond to the good, the bad and maybe even the ugly. We did a gorgeous rehearsal dinner at Green Pastures in Austin (for one of our favorite couples— Julia and Jon). There was a fire in the kitchen during the service and guests had to be evacuated to the front lawn. So what did we do? Pass cocktails and get the photographer to take pictures of the bridal party and guests in front of the truck with the firefighters. The images are priceless and the firefighters made sure that all was well and we were back inside for dinner in no time! INSURANCE It is not unreasonable to ask each partner that you invite to be www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw
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Wedding Venues
Find the perfect ceremony site!
Wedding
Venues Will it be a religious or civil ceremony? Whatever your wish, the Dallas/Fort Worth area offers a splendid selection from over-the-top lavish to simple sophistication.
COURTYARD & TOWNEPLACE SUITES BY MARRIOTT Plan your special day at the new and uniquely dual-branded Courtyard and TownePlace Suites by Marriott DFW Airport North/Grapevine, a stunning combination of comfort and connectivity in a contemporary design. They can help you make your dream wedding a reality. With their certiďŹ ed wedding planners and state-of-the-art facilities, including the Silverlake Ballroom with more than 10,000 square feet of space, nothing could be easier than hosting your event at Courtyard by Marriott Grapevine. Courtyard and TownePlace Suites Grapevine is conveniently located between Dallas and Fort Worth at 2200 Bass Pro Court in Grapevine, TX, just three miles north of DFW International Airport. For more information, contact Peggy Gutierrez, Senior Catering Sales Manager, at 817.251.9095, e-mail catering@marriottgrapevine.com, or visit www.marriottgrapevine.com. Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Grapevine
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Wedding Venues HIDDEN CREEK Hidden Creek is a gorgeous, spectacular venue, located 30 minutes east of Downtown Dallas in Heath, Texas, and could be just the right setting for you to host your wedding ceremony and reception. Many couples envision their wedding as memorable and beautiful, but making that a reality can be stressful, without the perfect venue and support. At Hidden Creek, you can choose from several different ceremony sites: a beautiful, intimate setting, or a large, open area where you can take in the stunning views. After the ceremony, all of your guests can make their way to the 8,000-square-foot premier reception facility to continue the celebration. The spectacular ballroom boasts soaring ceilings, plenty of natural light, beautiful wrought-iron chandeliers, and warm candlelight, which create an unforgettable atmosphere. The beautiful grand staircase would be the perfect place to enter the room as you are introduced as “Mr. and Mrs.” for the first time. Hidden Creek is the premier destination for your special occasion, and the only thing missing is YOU! Learn more by calling 1-800-706-4421, e-mailing info@hiddencreekevents.com, or visiting www.hiddencreekevents.com.
Hidden Creek, Heath
HILTON GARDEN INN DALLAS/DUNCANVILLE Whether planning rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies and receptions, or even honeymoon stays, in-the-know brides have learned that at Hilton Garden Inn, they can have the same on-site banquet halls, delicious food, and attentive service for a greater value. You can count on them to make your event a success. Their in-house catering offers menu options designed to help you create a delicious and memorable event in your personal style. And the meal is just one of the many ways they’re committed to make your event just right. Take advantage of their online planning tips and tools to create a personalized web page for your event, get great rates on rooms with group discounts and more. For more information, visit www.dallasduncanville.hgi.com or call 972.283.9777. Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville
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Wedding Venues HILTON GARDEN INN LAS COLINAS
Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas, Las Colinas
Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas is located close to great shopping and excellent restaurants, in the midst of Irving/Las Colinas and minutes from the DFW airport. You are sure to have a rewarding experience at this beautiful hotel, with more than 3,000 square feet of event space. Let the Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas host your next intimate wedding, rehearsal dinner, or family reunion along with a small gathering. They have all the extras that will make your stay or event the talk of the town. Enjoy a full American breakfast buffet with cooked-to-order waffles, pancakes, omelets, and French toast. There is complimentary parking, and internet is provided throughout the hotel and in all guest rooms. When booking 10 or more rooms, receive a room discount and a complimentary king suite for two. The hotel has an American Grill Restaurant with room service and a great bar, and an outdoor patio with a two-sided fireplace. For more information, visit www.lascolinas. stayhgi.com or call 972.444.8434.
THE HYATT PLACE DALLAS/GARLAND/RICHARDSON AND FIREWHEEL CONFERENCE CENTER
PHOTO BY STATIC SIXX PHOTOGRAPHY
The Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland
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The Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/Richardson and the Firewheel Conference Center is conveniently located in the Dallas northeast suburb of Garland on the President George Bush Highway, easily accessible from both DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport. They are located in the prestigious Firewheel area, and the hotel is minutes from the world-class shopping, golf, and family fun of Firewheel Town Center Mall, the 63-hole Firewheel Golf Club, and the Hawaiian Falls Water Park. Your wedding guests will enjoy 42” flat-panel HDTV, the Hyatt Grand Bed™, complimentary Wi-Fi, and continental breakfast. They offer more than 15,000 square feet of flexible event space, including a 7,632-square-foot ballroom. Their staff is always available to ensure everything goes exactly the way you want. Because when it does, great happens. The Hyatt Place is located at 5101 North President George Bush Highway, Garland, TX 75040. Call 972.414.3500 to book your event, or visit www.HyattPlaceDallasGarland.com.
Wedding Venues MAPLE MANOR HOTEL
PHOTO BY WWW.COBURNPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Built in 1898, this turn-of-the-century Victorian hotel is located in the vibrant Dallas Arts District. Maple Manor is the most desirable setting for your rehearsal dinner or your wedding ceremony and reception. Available to you is a full-scale formal dining room with wood-coffered ceilings, hardwood floors, and a baby grand piano. A stone-walled garden boasts three waterfalls, two streams, flowers and fountains, and landscape lighting. Adjacent to the garden is a climate-controlled atrium complete with dramatic architectural lighting, arched ceilings, a full service bar and a large dance floor. All catering is provided by The Old Warsaw, so you can rest easy knowing that your guests will enjoy cuisine prepared by the most established restaurant in Dallas. The Maple Manor Hotel is located at 2616 Maple Avenue in Uptown Dallas between McKinney Avenue and Cedar Springs Road. To schedule your site visit, please contact our event’s coordinator at 214.871.0032. For more information visit www.TheMapleManorHotel.com or e-mail maplemanorhotel@yahoo.com.
Maple Manor Hotel, Dallas
MIDLOTHIAN CONFERENCE CENTER The Midlothian Conference Center offers small-town hospitality in a spacious, state-of-the-art facility designed just for your event. Within the 39,000-square-foot facility, they combine the best of technology with outstanding personal service by their experienced staff. The meeting spaces can accommodate groups from as small as a handful, to more than 1,000. Weddings are a dream come true in Midlothian. Along with providing beautiful spaces, the Midlothian Conference Center offers a wide variety of decorations, dance floors, table linens, locations for photographs, and more. They partner with the best in the area for all of your heart’s desires. Whether it is a wedding planner, florist, caterer, DJ, band, photographer, or baker, the center has several preferred partners that are ready to assist in assuring your wedding is a complete success. For more information, call 972.723.7919 or visit www.midlothiancenter.com. Also, check out the new Courtyard by Marriott, directly adjacent to the Midlothian Conference Center, opening in January 2016. Currently under construction.
Midlothian Conference Center, Midlothian www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw
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Wedding Venues PLANO CENTRE With 122,500 square feet of event space, Plano Centre offers a flexible layout for your dream wedding. From the bridal shower to the reception, Plano Centre can host it all! The beautifully landscaped courtyard is a magnificent setting for your wedding ceremony, and 17 additional rooms can be configured to meet any size or style. For large receptions, Collinwood Hall can provide seating for up to 1,400 guests. More intimate receptions can take place in the Windhaven Ballroom, for 200 guests, which has a view out into the gorgeous courtyard. Their professional event coordinators can assist you in all of your planning needs, from room set-up to catering and beverage services. Located at 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano Centre is just two blocks east of highway 75 and is close to a variety of Plano hotels. You can find a sense of ease when planning your wedding and reception at Plano Centre, as they have packages to fit every bride’s budget. Call 972.941.5840 and let them be at your service. For more information, visit www.planocentre.com. Plano Centre, Plano
WAXAHACHIE CIVIC CENTER
Waxahachie Civic Center, Waxahachie
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Make your wedding day memorable at the Waxahachie Civic Center. Conveniently located at the intersection of I-35E and Highway 287, the center is within 25 minutes of the DFW Metroplex. The Waxahachie Civic Center has a 20,000-square-foot sub-dividing ballroom that seats up to 1,000 guests. The Crape Myrtle Room, showcased by elegant floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the room will be the highlight of your event. This opportune location makes the Waxahachie Civic Center the picture-perfect place for your event. From the wedding to the reception, our staff will work closely with each client to create a custom-tailored event that will exceed your expectations and leave you looking forward to planning your next event with us. Whether a small private wedding or a large reception, the Waxahachie Civic Center truly makes every event a special event. The Waxahachie Civic Center is located at 2000 Civic Center Lane in Waxahachie, Texas. For more information call 469.309.4040 or visit www.waxahachieciviccenter.org.
Wedding Venues
Insider’s Guide to Choosing a Limo Written by: First Class Limousine Service LLC, www.limo1stclassnj.com Imagine on your special day, the limo is running about an hour late. Yikes! And when it finally shows, you wish you could poke your head in the ground like an ostrich amidst your guests, hoping they don’t notice the baseball-sized dent on the left side and the multiple key scratches all along the other side of the old 1996 limo. Finding the right limo company sure can be daunting. Do a simple Google search or flip through the good oldfashioned Yellow Pages, and you will be swimming in an ocean of limo companies. Fair warning: Not all are created equal! As an insider in the limo business for six years, we have composed this guide to walk you step by step through the process, to ensure a worry-free experience. 1. Go Local. Like fruits and vegetables, go local. The more local the company, the better their rates will probably be. Look for a real physical address. Be aware that some limo companies try to post multiple listings in various cities to promote their listing.
2. Raves and Reviews. Life is not long enough to learn only from your mistakes, so learn from others. Turn to social media. Look for their Facebook page or their blog to size up their authenticity and popularity. The bigger their fan base, the more legit the company probably is. Be sure to skim over their general reviews and star ratings, which you can find on Yahoo Local. 3. A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words. Look for authentic photos. If you browse long enough, you will start seeing the exact same photo of an immaculate stretch Hummer on multiple limo websites. Some companies post photos of their customers on their Facebook page with the limo as the backdrop. A natural photo is much more representative of the limo that will be arriving, not the stock photos that are merely copied and pasted onto a site. 4. Southern Hospitality. Call up a few companies and see who has the time and courtesy to answer your questions and walk you through the process. In
addition, you need a reliable company that always answers the phone, not one that goes to a personal mailbox. 5. Over-rated. When comparing rates, compare final totals. Some limo companies quote only base rates and tack on charges and hidden fees like no tomorrow after you reserve. Gratuity, STC surcharge, fuel charge, credit card processing fee, travel time or garage to garage are a few add-ons that can easily double the original figure. 6. Tricky Terms. Make sure you read their Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policy carefully before signing anything. Most importantly, you want to make sure you have time to cancel, if needed, without losing a deposit. 7. Get it in Writing. Most limo companies have caught up with technology and can e-mail you a confirmation where important trip and payment information are clearly communicated. Double-check the dates, times, and addresses carefully to ensure your event goes as smoothly as planned. •
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Wedding Venues
Bridal gown: David Tutera for Mon Cheri Available at The Bridal Shoppe, Wylie 44 www.brideandgroom.com
Wedding Venues
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Wedding Venues
PHOTO BY DIABE SALE
Gown by Binzario Couture
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Wedding Venues
Wedding Insurance By Jack Brown Independent, licensed, insurance counselor with more than 35 years experience Contact him at jackbrownins@aol.com It is every girl’s dream to have a fairytale wedding—a very special day to remember for life. However, when things go wrong, it can be the worst of the worst of times. You have spent a lot of money to make sure that special day is very special. As an insurance agent, I have learned one very important fact. “Risk never takes a break.” You could have a vendor or venue already going out of business and at the same time taking your money. So many problems can pop up without notice. Someone in your wedding party can become ill or you could get transferred to another state for your job. A vendor may not show, or the weather turns for the worse the day of the wedding, and no one can get to the venue. To solve this problem, you need wedding insurance. Or as we say in the business, “transfer the risk.” Wedding insurance can cover: • Lost deposits • Photographs and video • Wedding gifts lost or stolen • Cancellation/postponement • No shows • Unexpected illness or accident • Loss of the wedding ring • Travel costs • Many other costs associated with the wedding
Liability Insurance. This will protect you in a situation of injury to an attendee or property damage caused by your wedding party. Most venues will require this coverage. Liquor Liability. This will protect you and your family against alcoholrelated accidents. Most venues will require this coverage. Ask each vendor and venue if they carry a third-party fidelity bond. The bond will guarantee your money if they go broke. This is a must for an all-inclusive wedding facility. Make sure that each vendor and venue gives you a written contract. You will need this to file an insurance claim to prove that you did in fact pay the vendor or venue. Ask for a statement of understanding. This will spell out what is expected of you and the vendor or venue. Make sure that you and the vendor or venue sign everything, even agreed-upon notes and e-mails. A wedding insurance policy will cost around $300 and can be purchased as far as 24 months before the wedding. Companies that sell wedding insurance: • TravelersInsurance.com • Wedsure.com • Wedsafe.com • Texianinsurance.com
Brides: something to think about. Do you think your venue could ever be under water, or have a destructive fire? What about your venue, or a vendor’s doors being locked due to non-payment, or go out of business within weeks of enticing you to pay in cash as an incentive for a big discount? Sadly, all of these things have occurred in the DFW area. Each has caused extreme emotional turmoil and financial hardship for both brides and their families. Remember that it is a good idea to pay with a credit card, not cash, so you have some recourse to get your money back. The decision to buy wedding insurance is up to you.
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Inside our doorway awaits a romantic journey back to the elegant Victorian style of 1898…outside our doorway is the vibrant Dallas Arts District, offering you the best of both worlds and the opportunity to treasure the most exclusive day of your life. Maple Manor is the most desirable setting for your wedding ceremony and reception or your rehearsal dinner. Available to you is a full-scale formal dining room with wood coffered ceilings, hardwood floors, and a Baby Grand piano. A stone-walled garden boasts three waterfalls, two streams, and fountains, with landscape lighting. Adjacent to the garden is a climatecontrolled atrium complete with dramatic architectural lighting and arched ceilings with a oversized dance floor. All catering is provided by The Old Warsaw, so you can rest easy knowing that your guests will enjoy cuisine prepared by the most established restaurant in Dallas. The staff at Maple Manor is ready to host your event from beginning to end and ensure that it will be a day to treasure for eternity. Come enjoy the Maple Manor Hotel.
Above Photos by Helmut Walker Photography
MAPLE MANOR HOTEL 2616 Maple Avenue Dallas, Texas 75201 214.871.0032 www.themaplemanorhotel.com
Photo by Helmut Walker Photography
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Photo by Tracy Autem Photography
Find the perfect place to celebrate!
Reception & Rehearsal Dinner Sites No matter how informal the party, there’s more to planning your reception and rehearsal dinner than just the menu. Plan an event they won’t soon forget. As you flip through these pages, you will be inspired by the many venues the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex has to offer to complement your special day!
PHOTO BY SHARI HUNT PHOTOGRAPHY
Maple Manor 2616 Maple Avenue, Dallas 214.871.0032
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our wedding reception can seem overwhelming, but never fear. Start with the basic guidelines, and let your creative juices flow. Your reception could include a formal sit-down dinner or an authentic Texas bar-be-que. Have the party at a first-class hotel, or take your guests on a riverboat cruise. Hire a disc jockey or a 30-piece orchestra for your dancing pleasure. The choices are unlimited — you can fashion the festivities to fit your personal-
ity and your budget. Popular locations for receptions include hotels, restaurants, and private clubs. These party places can often provide the complete facilities and food services you require. Other options to consider: private homes, church halls, fraternal organizations, park pavilions, and art galleries. If your reception site doesn’t offer all the services you need, find a competent wedding consultant, caterer or party rental store that can provide food, equipment,
and staffing. It’s important to be well-informed when you plan your reception. In order to negotiate with caterers, hoteliers, entertainers, and the like, you’ll need to provide them with some basic information. Essential data includes the date of the event, how many guests you expect, your budget range, and the reception style you’re planning. After you’ve told your story, find out what you need to know.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: • • •
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• • • • • Courtyard and TownePlace Suites by Marriott 2200 Bass Pro Court, Grapevine, TX 817.251.9095
• PHOTO BY ABSOLUTE PHOTOGRAPHY
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What is the facility rental fee? What is included in the cost? How many guests can the space accommodate (including table and chair availability)? How long does the fee reserve the space for and what are the overtime charges? What time can setup begin? What time must the space be vacated? Who’s responsible for cleanup? How far in advance must reservations be made? Are parking, rest room and changing room facilities adequate? Are air, heating and electrical (outlets) systems adequate? Is the dance floor adequate? Can you review staging, lighting, audio and video needs? Is there a public address system or microphone available? Is it necessary to use in-house catering: if so, will beverages and hors d’oeuvres be served before dinner? Are security guards, coat check, parking attendants, bartenders and similar services provided? How much is the deposit; when is it due; and when is the remainder due? What is the cancellation policy and is their liability insurance adequate? Is there a security deposit; if so when will it be refunded? Are there special rules and regulations that may affect the party?
It’s important to plan at least nine months in advance. Book your reception site as soon as you set the big date. If your location is in demand, you may have to set the wedding date around its availability. If an outdoor wedding and reception is on your agenda, consider the possibility of inclement weather. Rent a tent or arrange for a back-up inside site — you don’t want your party called off because of rain! Now that you know how to book your reception, you may have questions about what goes on at this once-in-a-lifetime event. Read on for details about the order of activities at the reception, and other guidelines to follow when planning your festivities.
Early Morning: Breakfast gathering at local restaurant. It’s unnecessary to serve alcoholic beverages at this early hour. Afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.): Afternoon tea; serve coffee, tea or punch with light hors d’oeuvres. Late Afternoon (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.): Cocktail party; feature 11 to 12 varieties of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres. Alcoholic beverages are served — an open bar is usually provided.
FLOWERS BY LIZZIE BEE’S FLOWER SHOPPE; PHOTO BY KELLY ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY
RECEPTION STYLES The time and formality of your wedding determines what kind of reception will follow.
Hidden Creek 215 Chris Cuny Pkwy, Heath, TX 972.846.4862
Evening: Serve a full meal; a cocktail hour often precedes dinner. Anything from a buffet to a sit-down meal is appropriate. RECEPTION TIMETABLE Here is a basic guide to the timeframe of a typical wedding reception. Upon Arrival At Reception Site Bridal party forms the receiving line, if you choose to have one. Guests pass through into the reception area where drinks and hors d’oeuvres are waiting. www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw
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After One Hour Buffet or dinner is served; the best man starts the toasting by offering the first good wishes to the bride and groom. After One-and-a-Half Hours The first course is cleared from the head table; the first dance begins. Guests then join in the dancing. After Two Hours Tables are cleared of food; it’s time to cut the cake!
PHOTO BY ABSOLUTE PHOTOGRAPHY
Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville 800 N. Main Street, Duncanville 972.283.9777
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The Last Half Hour The bouquet and garter are thrown; the grand march (optional) takes place. The bride and groom bid farewell to their guests. RECEIVING LINE The receiving line allows parents and principals to greet guests and receive their good wishes. The line usually begins just inside the reception site; it may also be held at the church immediately following the wedding ceremony, if you choose. A church reception line is appropriate when not all guests are invited to the reception. An alternative way to greet guests at the church: the bride and groom re-enter after the recessional, greeting guests as they file out. This method is appropriate if the gathering is not too large, and eliminates awkwardness if parents are divorced or don’t wish to participate in a formal receiving line. In a traditional receiving line, the mother of the bride, as hostess, is first to greet guests. Following her are the groom’s mother, the bride, the groom, and maid of honor. Fathers of the bride and groom, the best man, bridesmaids and groomsmen may also be included. Children in the wedding party do not stand in the receiving line. Make sure guests sign your guest book before they enter the receiving line. Place an attendant near the book to remind them to sign. Guests should move quickly down the line, saving conversation for later at the reception.
SEATING ARRANGEMENTS Place cards should be set by the caterer at the head table and honor tables to avoid confusion and embarrassment. At the rest of the tables, feel free to allow guests to choose their own seats. The head table showcases the bride and groom, who sit in full view, facing the guests. The best man flanks the bride, while the maid of honor is seated next to the groom. Bridesmaids and groomsmen are seated, alternating males and females. At a small wedding, the parents of the bride and groom may sit at the head table, as well as the officiating clergy and spouses of married attendants. Otherwise, there is a separate honors table, with the bride’s parents at opposite ends. The groom’s father sits to the right of the bride’s mother; the wedding officiant to her left. The groom’s mother sits to the right of the bride’s father, the wedding officiant’s spouse to his left. You may also arrange two parents’ tables, with the bride’s parents at one, while the groom’s mother and father head the other. In this arrangement, more friends and relatives may be given a seat of honor at these tables. Divorced parents should be seated at separate tables, among their own friends and family. The bride and groom should divide their time between their families. CUTTING THE CAKE The cutting of the wedding cake is a charming ritual, and the highlight of the reception. Guests are signaled by the best man tapping his glass, or by an announcement from the band. Using a special knife, the bride and groom cut the first slice. He offers her a bite, and she presents a piece for him to sample, symbolizing their willingness to share their lives. The rest of the cake is sliced by an at-
tendant and served as dessert. It’s an extra treat to have a groom’s cake—usually a chocolate cake—contrasting with the bride’s cake, which is usually white, although it comes in all colors and flavors nowadays. The groom’s cake may also be served for dessert, or packed in small boxes for guests to take home as a memento. WEDDING CAKES: A SLICE OF LIFE The wedding cake has long served as a symbol of fertility and good luck. The first piece is shared by the bride and groom as they cut the cake. Guests then partake of this tasty good luck charm, joining in the couple’s happiness. Start shopping for your cake about four months before the wedding if you can. Look at pictures or models of cakes, and compare quality and workmanship. Many bakers allow potential customers to sample cakes before ordering. What a delicious way to shop! Wedding cakes are traditionally composed of white or yellow layers, filled with custard or jam, then frosted in white. Current fashion allows for more unusual flavors, even a different flavor in every tier. Chocolate, banana, cherry, even carrot cake, are popular options. Liqueur-laced fillings add extra zip. A multi-colored cake is an elegant favorite—some cakes are even four, five, or more tiers! A modern wedding is not molded by tradition—flowers, ribbons, seashells and other imaginative shapes are often seen at receptions. Traditional cake-toppers include a bride and groom, but today’s toppers may include fresh flowers or the couple’s monogram. In addition to the wedding cake, you can have a groom’s cake. This cake sits on a separate table, and can be chocolate or the groom’s favorite flavor. The theme may depict his favorite hobby. Wedding folklore holds that an unmarried person who sleeps with a sliver of the groom’s cake under their pillow will dream of his or her future mate. Give your cake a place in the
spotlight, on its own table—perhaps in the center of the dance floor during the cutting ceremony. Guests love to watch the newlyweds cut it and take the first bite. It’s long been customary to freeze the top layer of the cake for your first wedding anniversary. Your bakery can give you tips on how to best wrap it for keeping. Or, many bakeries now offer to recreate a miniature version of the original cake for your oneyear celebration.
PHOTO BY TUCKER IMAGES
After all guests have arrived, the line disperses. The bridal couple takes their place at the head table, if they have chosen to have one. Some couples elect to eliminate the receiving line, circulating with their guests throughout the reception instead.
DANCING If a reception features a buffet, the bride and groom may dance their first dance as soon as they’ve recovered from the rigors of the receiving line, or, if they are not having a receiving line, when they first enter. When a full meal is served, dancing usually begins after the last course is cleared. After the newlyweds begin the first dance, others may join in as follows: Second Couple The bride’s father cuts in and dances with his daughter. Third Couple The groom asks the mother of the bride to dance. Fourth Couple The groom’s father dances with the bride. Fifth Couple The father of the bride cuts in on the groom and dances with the bride’s mother. Sixth Couple The groom dances with his mother.
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None of the first couples must dance a full dance. After a few minutes, other guests are invited to join in the dancing. Ethnic dancing may be featured, or a grand march may also be formed well into the reception. As the activities end, a second receiving line is sometimes formed beside a small table filled with cake boxes, favors, or a last drink for the guests as they depart. This gives guests a chance to say goodbye to the newlyweds, who then have a last dance and prepare to depart the reception.
PHOTO BY KYLE COBURN PHOTOGRAPHY
TOSSING THE BOUQUET AND GARTER The bouquet and garter are usually tossed just before the end of the reception. All of the single men and women gather in a semi-circle. The bride tosses the bouquet over her shoulder—the lucky girl who catches it is supposedly the next to be married. The groom tosses the bride’s garter into the crowd of bachelors; the recipient, according to the myth, will become the next groom.
PHOTO BY MEMORY MAKERS PHOTOGRAPHY
The Old Warsaw Restaurant 2610 Maple Avenue, Dallas 214.528.0032
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LEAVING THE RECEPTION After the bouquet and garter ceremony, the bride and groom can opt to change clothes, or remain in their wedding attire. In a shower of rose petals, birdseed, sparklers, or anything else you can imagine, the happy couple heads for their car or limo, which has often been decorated by the groomsmen and ushers. The newlyweds leave the reception for a local hotel, or for their honeymoon, ready to start their new life together. CATERING CONNECTION: FOOD FOR THOUGHT Wining and dining your wedding guests takes the largest bite out of your wedding budget. A well-planned reception is crucial to the success of your marriage celebration. Choose your caterer with care—a talented, well-organized culinary artist can create a fabulous feast you’ll never forget. If you’ve chosen a hotel or restaurant for your reception site, they’ll probably provide their own food and beverage services. If you’ve chosen a different type of facility— such as a church hall or park pavilion— you’ll need to arrange for catering. Book catering services well in advance; six to nine months before the wedding is ide-
I’LL DRINK TO THAT: THE TRADITION OF TOASTS No matter how informal the party may be—it’s traditional to toast the bride and groom at their wedding reception. The festive air that toasting lends to pre- or postwedding celebrations creates a feeling of shared good will for everyone present. Toasts are a tribute to the bridal couple and the wedding party. Champagne is usually used for toasting—the bubbly brew is synonymous with romance and gaiety. If alcohol is not a part of this party, well-wishers can toast with sparkling cider or ginger ale. Toasting can begin after the receiving line breaks up, and can be made all throughout the reception. At a less formal function,
PHOTO: PHOTOGRAPHY BY EILEEN BLUMENTHAL
al. Give your caterer the pertinent data—date, time, place, reception style, budget, and the number of guests attending. For food service, most caterers charge a flat fee per person; liquor costs are usually by the bottle or per drink. Waiters may be paid by the hour or be included in the package. Your caterer can help you determine the kind of food to serve, and provide china, glasses, and everything else you need. He or she can usually arrange for servers, bartenders and valet parking services as well. Be sure charges for these services are included in your cost estimate. Check to see if gratuities are automatically added to the final bill. Your contract should specify the food and beverages to be served and the guest count. Look into postponement and cancellation policies before you sign. A deposit is usually required when you sign the contract. By all means, comparison shop—it’s important to get the most for your money. Just make sure the caterer you choose has a reputation for quality and service—the success of your reception depends on it!
toasts are presented just before the cutting of the cake. The best man acts as master of ceremonies, offering the first toast. This toast may be just for the bride, or aimed at both newlyweds. The best man gets everyone’s attention by clinking on his glass. He may introduce himself and others in the wedding party, and explain his relationship to the newlyweds. At this time he may tell an amusing anecdote about the bridal couple, making a wish for their future happiness. The toast may be in the form of a poem, quotation or the like—it should be brief and sincere. Those offering toasts should plan what they wish to say ahead of time. It’s important to speak loudly and clearly when making the toast— everyone wants to hear this! After the best man’s tribute, the groom usually responds with toasts honoring his wife, parents and new in-laws. The bride may then rise to offer toasts to her husband, the couple’s families, attendants and guests. (A special thank-you is expressed particularly well in the form of a toast.) The fathers of the bride and groom may propose toasts to their new
son and daughter, and other members of the wedding party may then offer their own toasts. When you’re the object of a toast, remain seated, and don’t sip from your glass—you’re allowed to imbibe between toasts. Smile and nod at who¬ever is offering the toast. The tradition of toasting is one to treasure—long after your wedding day, you’ll look back and smile when you think of those special words: the funny stories the best man told about you; the love your parents expressed as they welcomed your spouse into the family. Above all, remember the tide of good wishes from all those present as they raised their glasses and drank to your happiness during every toast that was made. TOASTS WITH THE MOST Best Man To Couple “And now, ladies and gentlemen, I shall ask you to rise.” Give guests adequate time to respond. If they are already standing, say: “I now ask you to raise your glasses.” Turning to the couple, say: “May your
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wedding day be the threshold of a wonderful future of sharing as you walk together through life, hand in hand. To Jane and John.” Groom To Bride “Here’s to the prettiest, here’s to the wittiest, here’s to the truest one of all who are true, here’s to the neatest one, here’s to the sweetest one, here’s to them all in one—here’s to you.” Bride To Groom “I wonder if you realize how much you mean to me, how wonderful you’ve been, how dear you’ll always be. You’ve brought such love and happiness into my life. No wonder I’m so thankful and so proud to be your wife. To John!” Bride’s Father To Couple “To Jane and John. May your lives be full of the kind of happiness we are enjoying here today.” Bride To Parents “To my new family, with thanks for raising such a loving and supportive person, and to my parents, for all the love and strength they’ve given me. May we all have many more memorable days together.” THE REHEARSAL DINNER: A TIME TO RELAX WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
The groom’s family or a close relative or friend usually hosts the rehearsal dinner. The dinner is usually given after the wedding rehearsal, an evening or two before the actual ceremony. Rehearsal dinners are sometimes two-part affairs. A cocktail party may be held before the rehearsal and dinner. This is especially helpful in introducing the two families, who may not live in the same town. The cocktail party acts as an icebreaker for all mem-
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bers of the wedding — it can help the rehearsal proceed smoothly. Invitations to the traditional dinner should be sent about two weeks in advance. The guest list includes all members of the wedding party, both sets of parents and immediate family, and officiating church members. Spouses and dates of these guests should also be invited. Another thoughtful gesture—invite those guests who have traveled from out-oftown. Since the rehearsal dinner is not ruled by convention, it can be very casual or ultra-formal. You can plan a picnic, buffet, or a sit-down dinner. If the occasion warrants, consider putting place cards at each seat. The bridal couple usually sits together at the head table, with hosts of the opposite sex seated at either side. Parents and grandparents of the bride and groom complete the table. The host, or the best man, offers the first toast to the bridal couple. Other guests may then follow with their own toasts. To achieve the best results, prepare toasts before dinner. Add a special touch to the festivities— have guests bring pictures of the bridal couple when they were younger, and make a collage for the newlyweds. Or have the rehearsal dinner videotaped. To make the occasion especially memorable, hand out notecards on which guests may write good wishes directed to the bride and groom. Each note should be sealed by the author, and kept safe by the hostess for presentation to the bridal couple on their first anniversary. The rehearsal dinner also presents an opportunity for the bride and groom to give presents to their attendants, and thank everyone for their participation in the wedding ceremony. •
Wedding Emergency Kit • Non-allergenic makeup remover • Makeup/eye shadow/mascara • Hair products: gel, hair spray, combs, pins • Tampons/pads/painkillers • Facial tissue/bandaids • Cold/allergy tablets • Travel-size sewing kit (including an assortment of safety pins) • Nail glue/polish/remover/file • Earring backs • Toothpaste/mouthwash/breath mints • Cotton balls/swabs • Antacid tablets • Deodorant/body powder • Cologne/after-shave/body lotion • Extra car keys!
Minimergency Kits for Brides, from Pinch Provisions www.pinchprovisions.com
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Booking Guest Rooms
Guest
Accommodations Keeping your guests comfortable makes that special weekend extra pleasant for everyone involved. Show your hospitality by making guest room arrangements for them.
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Ask the hotel if they provide invitation inserts with hotel name and phone numbers for your “out-of-town” guest list only. Or make them yourself!
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Try to minimize the number of hotels that you select for your guests. You usually get the best rates if you have more rooms blocked off.
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Decide whether you are looking for a full-service hotel or a limited-service hotel for your guests. Do you need a hotel with a restaurant, bar, or banquet facilities? Are you looking for upscale, economy, or mid-level hotels?
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Encourage your guests to book at the hotel of your choice and to book EARLY. It is easier to cancel a reservation at the last minute than to try to get a room at the last minute.
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Hotels will have “cut-off dates.” This is the last date that special rates and availability are guaranteed for your event.
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If you want to ensure your guests’ requests for specific room types (king/double/non-smoking or rooms all on the same floor, etc.), make the reservations at one time. Have each person’s special request listed and the credit card information for payment of room all at the time of making the reservation.
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Remember that hotels are NOT in the transportation business. If you want to ensure that your guests arrive to and leave from your ceremony/reception at a designated time, hire a professional transportation company.
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Ask the hotel to keep you informed as to how many guest rooms are reserved in your block. They can run a report.
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Encourage your family and friends to ONLY book under your block of rooms to get the negotiated rate.
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Ask the hotel if it provides a special reservation code that you can give the guests to put into their reservations if they want to book through the hotel’s direct web site. This code ensures they get the negotiated rate and they are assigned to your block of rooms.
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Ask the hotel if it offers the negotiated rate if someone needs to check in one or two days prior to the original block or if they want to stay a day or two later. Rates can vary greatly if this is not discussed at the time of the booking.
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Ask what you have are not penalty? •
Y
ou’ve got it all under control, right? Your invitations have been ordered and you were thoughtful enough to include maps to your ceremony and reception sites to avoid confusion and lost friends and relatives. Think you’ve got your bases covered? Where are your outof-town guests going to stay? Streets that may look familiar to those friends and relatives who live nearby may look confusing, and even imposing, to those unfamiliar with the area. Having all of your guests stay at one appointed hotel can help calm the nerves of those people so close to you who live so far away. Fortunately, there are several different types of hotels from which to choose. Because all hotels offer different amenities, consider those things you think your guests may find important. The last thing by which you’d want your guests to remember your wedding would be that they had an unpleasant stay in an unfamiliar town.
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happens if all the rooms asked the hotel to block reserved. What is the
Some things to consider when making arrangements for your guests: • •
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How convenient is the location to your ceremony and reception sites? Does your wedding date coincide with any conventions that may be booking all of the choice rooms? Is there a shuttle to and from the airport and/or around town? Does the location offer rooms and/or suites? How much are the rooms? They may offer a group rate, depending on how many rooms you need. If you need just a few rooms, do they have special weekend rates? Can you reserve a wedding block of Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights? Do they offer a hospitality room where all of your guests can meet to pick up anything left specifically for them, or for just spending time together? Do they have smoking and non-smoking rooms? Do they provide irons/hair dryers/an in-room safe? Is there cable TV with movie channels? Is there a coffee bar/small refrigerator/ freezer/microwave in the rooms? Do they have free local calls/internet access/voice mail? Is a complimentary continental or buffet breakfast offered? Happy hour? Do they have an on-site swimming pool/hot tub/exercise facilities? Do they have a guest laundry or valet service? Is there a charge for additional services, such as for delivering gift baskets?
Estimate how many rooms you may need and remember to reserve a block of rooms three to six months prior to your wedding date to avoid any confusion. Forward the room information to your out-of-town guests as soon as possible so that they may confirm the room at least two weeks prior to the wedding. Your guests will truly appreciate knowing in advance that you have taken their stay into consideration. Adding guest accommodations to your list of things to do is small in comparison to making your guests feel as important as you know they are! •
Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Duncanville Duncanville, 972.283.9777
Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott Grapevine, 817.251.9095
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Flower Power A bountiful array of beautiful blossoms creates an atmosphere of romance! On your wonderful wedding day, pretty posies tell the world how you feel about each other! FLOWERS BY LIZZIE BEE’S FLOWER SHOPPE; PHOTO BY KELLY ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY
BRIDE’S FLOWERS: BRIDAL BOUQUET You’ll want to carry a bouquet that complements your wedding gown and is scaled to your proportions. Traditional bouquets are composed of all white and ivory blooms—roses, orchids, stephanotis, lilies of the valley and gardenias are commonly used. Today, brides often carry bouquets in colors taken from their wedding palette. One currently popular style is the natural-look bouquet—an airy arrangement which may include wildflowers with stems showing. This type of bouquet can be held in front or draped over the bride’s arm. Other favorite arrangements include a round or crescent-shaped bouquet, a nosegay, a single flower or a flower-covered prayer book.
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lowers speak a language all their own—we use them to say so many things: “I love you,” “I’m sorry,” or “Get better soon.” Every flower holds meaning all its own—take the time to choose the kinds and colors that express your personal sentiments. Flowers play a major role at your wedding; arrangements may be as simple or elaborate as you desire. A professional florist’s advice is invaluable—working together, you can achieve the perfect ambiance for your wedding. Choose your florist three to six months before the big day if possible. He or she may wish to visit the wedding and reception sites to view the layout. Provide photos and fabric swatches if possible from your wedding gown and attendants’ dresses if you can. Details on the groom’s and mothers’ attire are helpful in planning your wedding decorations. Decide if you wish to use fresh or silk flowers. Fresh flowers add fragrance and a more natural look to the ceremony, while silk flowers hold up better in hot weather and are available in any color. Descriptions of floral arrangements should be written into your contract. Total cost should also be included—make sure the document is complete before you sign. Take care to choose a reputable, talented florist—one who can express your deepest feelings through the language of flowers.
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BRIDE’S THROWAWAY BOUQUET Although some brides may toss their actual bridal bouquet, most prefer to keep that arrangement. At the bouquettossing ceremony, a detachable section or another small bouquet may be thrown. BRIDAL ATTENDANTS Bridesmaids and maid of honor usually carry similar arrangements; the maid of honor’s may be more elaborate. Attendants may carry traditional bouquets, or alternative arrangements: baskets of blooms, long-stemmed flowers over one arm, or a single, perfect rose. If the bride wears a floral headpiece, attendants may wear a single bloom, spray or wreath of the same blossoms. GROOM AND MALE ATTENDANTS The groom and each male member of the wedding party, including fathers, customarily wear a boutonniere in the left lapel. Traditionally, the bloom was a white rose or carnation, but as bridal bouquets have become more colorful, so have boutonnieres. The groom’s boutonniere should differ from the others—he might consider wearing a flower from the bride’s bouquet. YOUNG ATTENDANTS Flower girls traditionally carry baskets of loose petals to be strewn in the bride’s path, but may also carry a miniature bouquet in a basket or a small nosegay. They also might wear a single flower, or a wreath of flowers, in their hair. The ringbearer should wear a bouton-
niere just like the groom. You may wish to decorate the ringbearer’s cushion with a sprig of flowers. MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS & OTHER VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE It is customary to present the mothers and grandmothers of the bridal couple with flowers to wear at the wedding. These arrangements may be made up of flowers that coordinate with their dresses; personal preferences should also be considered. If grandfathers are present, they, too, would receive boutonnieres. A corsage or boutonniere is a perfect way to honor others who contribute to your wedding. The guest book and gift table attendants are examples of special helpers to thank. CEREMONY SITE Flowers at the ceremony vary considerably depending on location and style of the wedding. If the marriage takes place in a church, at least one arrangement should decorate each side of the altar. Adorn the ends of pews with flowers and ribbons if you choose. If your ceremony is held at a private home, club, hotel or other secular location, flowers and greenery are especially important. The arrangements serve as a romantic backdrop, taking the place of the church altar, and can be used to mark aisles. RECEPTION SITES Some brides may wish to use the altar arrangements from the wedding to decorate the reception area; this is perfectly acceptable. Others feel ceremony and reception flowers should be considered separately. Remember you may want to keep your ceremony flowers in place for photos with your wedding party, while guests go on to the reception, which would mean you would need separate arrangements. Church flowers should relate to the ceremony, arranged in a more serene, subtle fashion, while reception flowers would promote an unrestrained air of celebration. This is strictly a matter of personal preference. As more time is spent at the reception than at the ceremony itself, many brides elect to concentrate the majority of their decorating efforts on the party facility.•
Through the ages, flowers have become symbolic of the qualities we value in ourselves and others. Flowers at your wedding symbolize the beauty of the ceremony and a union growing in love and devotion. Combining different blooms and their meanings expresses the unique feelings of the bridal couple, sending a message of special significance to everyone present at the wedding.
FLOWERS BY LIZZIE BEE’S FLOWER SHOPPE; PHOTO BY KELLY ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY
The Language of Flowers
Apple Blossom GOOD FORTUNE
Holly DOMESTIC HAPPINESS
Orange Blossom FERTILITY, HAPPINESS
Bluebell CONSTANCY
Honeysuckle FAITHFUL AFFECTION
Orchid BEAUTY
Buttercup RICHES
Ivy FIDELITY
Red Rose I LOVE YOU
Camellia GRATITUDE
Jasmine GRACE, ELEGANCE
Carnation PURE, DEEP LOVE
Jonquil AFFECTION RETURNED
Daisy SHARE YOUR FEELINGS
Purple Lilac FIRST LOVE
Forget-me-not TRUE LOVE
Lily PURITY
Gardenia JOY
Lily of the Valley HAPPINESS
White Rose YOU ARE HEAVENLY Red & White Roses Together UNITY Violet FAITHFULNESS Water Lily A PURE HEART
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County Clerks’ Offices COLLIN COUNTY
MCKINNEY COLLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE 200 SOUTH MCDONALD STREET, #120 972.424.1460 X 4185
Wedding Papers The big announcement! Here’s how to get your big news in the papers and get that all-important document—your marriage license!
PLANO COLLIN COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER 900 EAST PARK, SUITE 140 PLANO, TEXAS 75074 972.424.1460 X 3025
DALLAS COUNTY
DOWNTOWN DALLAS RECORDS BUILDING 509 MAIN STREET, SUITE 120 214.653.7559 EAST DALLAS EAST DALLAS GOVERNMENT CENTER 3443 ST. FRANCIS AVENUE 214.321.3182 NORTH DALLAS COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER 10056 MARSH LANE, SUITE 137 214.904.3032
DENTON COUNTY
1029 W. ROSEMEADE PKWY. CARROLLTON, TX 75007-6251 972.434.7170 1400 FM 424 CROSS ROADS, TX 76227-7284 940.349.4400
PARKER COUNTY
1112 SANTA FE DRIVE WEATHERFORD, TX 76086 817.594.7461
ROCKWALL COUNTY
1101 RIDGE ROAD ROCKWALL, TX 75087 972.722.1855
TARRANT COUNTY ARLINGTON 724 EAST BORDER 817.548.3928
DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH 100 WEST WEATHERFORD, ROOM 180 817.884.1195 HURST 645 GRAPEVINE HIGHWAY 817.581.3625
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Placing wedding and engagement announcements is a piece of cake. Simply contact the paper(s) of your choice and request an announcement form, e-mail them, fill it out online, or stop by in person. Complete the form and return it with a photograph (some papers print the bride’s picture only). Most newspapers prefer black-and-white glossies or high-resolution photos e-mailed to them. Engagement announcements are usually short, listing only the names of the prospective bride and groom, their parents’ names and the wedding date. Pictures are sometimes published with engagement announcements. Wedding announcements go into more detail, featuring the couple’s names, parents’ names and their city and state if they’re from out of town. Also listed are the church, wedding date and members of the wedding party. A photograph may be included at this time. Information deadlines vary by publication. Engagement information may be required up to seven weeks in advance, while wedding announcements might be accepted up to a month or two after the celebration. The dailies have more rigid deadlines. Contact each newspaper for specific deadlines. THE MARRIAGE LICENSE: YOU CAN’T BE WED WITHOUT IT! The hard part is almost over—the
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bridal gown has been bought, the invitations are in the mail, and the caterer is cooking. Getting your marriage license is one of the last tasks before you can say, “I do.” The procedure for obtaining your license is basically the same all over Texas. Together, the prospective bride and groom must visit the office of the county clerk. Bring a valid form of identification—a driver’s license, certified copy of your original birth certificate, U.S. passport, or military ID. Also be sure to bring your Social Security Card. Cost for the license: $71, cash. They don’t take checks. However, there is a new premarital education program sponsored by the state of Texas called “Twogether in Texas” that is only $50. Take the class, and receive a $60 discount on your marriage license. Visit www.BeTheChampion.org, call 214.426.0900, or e-mail parer@anthemstrongfamilies.com for more information. There’s one important detail you must not forget: a 72-hour waiting period is required after the license is issued. Your license is good 30 days from that date. Good news—blood tests are not required in the tri-county area. Most county clerks’ offices are open Monday through Friday. In downtown Dallas, hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The other Dallas, Collin and Tarrant County offices are open longer, until 4:30 p.m. Some sub-courts in Tarrant County may close for lunch. Call ahead to make sure they’re open before you make the trip. •
Event planners and wedding coordinators will be a big help in generating ideas, making contacts and setting up reservations for those trendy dinner and entertainment spots for the bachelor and bachelorette parties. Ask them to contact your maid of honor and best man to coordinate your parties. Then sit back and be surprised. A day at the races or attending a professional football, basketball or baseball game is a natural for a men’s outing. If the man in your life is more of a doer than a watcher, a day at the golf course might be in order. Friends might meet for breakfast, head for the golf course, and enjoy lunch and a party at the “19th” hole. They might arrange for the golf pro to play with them, helping everyone with their game. This could tie in with the ladies spending an afternoon of pampering at a sauna or salon following their own golf game, or on the tennis court. A more mature groom might enjoy a gentlemen’s night at a wonderful restaurant. A “tasting” of scotch, wines, or cordials might be arranged with the maitre d’. Some restaurants have a private room, allowing for cigars, preselected by the groom for each of his guests. Perhaps friends and other members of the wedding party might meet to finish the evening with dancing and a nightcap. For the ultimate “bachelor” gettogether, a weekend spent at a cabin for fishing, card playing, and reminiscing about the “good ol’ college days” is hard to beat. The boys might have so much fun that it could become the traditional party each year, even after everyone is married! An outing (prearranged with instruction) at a skeet range provides an opportunity for camaraderie and, later, greatly exaggerated stories of shooting prowess, even if no one has ever shot before. If the bachelor party takes place the day before the wedding, it might start with a trip to the tuxedo shop where any last-minute alterations could be made while there’s still time before the big day. After ensuring their fit, the men are off to the golf course while the store manager arranges for the tuxedos to be delivered directly to the hotel or the groom’s home. Your bridesmaids will enjoy a day at the spa for some long-overdue pampering. Cap it off with a light lunch or early dinner at your favorite food spot. For the more active ladies, plan a
PHOTO BY MEMORY MAKERS PHOTOGRAPHY
Party Time!
Finally! The details have all been taken care of. Now, it's time to relax and have some fun. Bachelor and bachelorette parties are designed to send off the bride and groom into their new lives with one last outing. Get your wedding party to plan the time of your life with creative outings and entertainment.
golf outing, a day of shopping at an outlet mall, or tickets to a live theatre show or comedy club. Make it extra special by hiring a limousine to deliver your party in a safe manner. The worst time for a bachelor or bachelorette party is the night before the wedding. Everyone needs to be at their best for the big day, without worrying about headaches, lack of sleep or a queasy stomach. Plan the parties several days or weeks ahead. If all the participants live in the same city, the weekend before is a perfect time. If travel plans preclude “getting that old gang together” until the day before, all the more reason for an afternoon outing that leaves everyone ready for the rehearsal and dinner to follow. The bachelor/bachelorette party
has long been regarded as the last great fling before the fun is over forever. Today’s couples don’t regard marriage and family as the end of freedom, but the beginning of a relationship that is its own fulfillment. Relationships of commitment change one’s perspective on many facets of life. A bachelor or bachelorette party that everyone feels comfortable discussing and participating in, is a part of that commitment. Throughout marriage there will be many times that couples see things differently—even vehemently differently. Use this as an opportunity to find a compromise that is mutually acceptable and that sets a pattern for discussion instead of arguing.•
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Musical Notes Set your wedding-day memories with your wedding music and relive those special moments every time you hear “your song.”
At
countless wedding ceremonies, Clarke’s “Prince of Denmark’s March” or Wagner’s “The Bridal Chorus’’ (“Here Comes The Bride’’) is the processional song of choice. Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream or Handel’s “Hornpipe in D” from Water Music Suite is often played during the recessional. It’s tradition, right? Not always. The type of music played at your wedding is a matter of personal choice. While there may be some restrictions due to religious considerations, there is an abundance of music appropriate to any style of ceremony. Enlist the aid of your church orPHOTO BY ABSOLUTE PHOTOGRAPHY
64
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ganist, clergy, choir director or bridal coordinator in making musical decisions. Your ceremony might feature an organist, pianist, harpist, string or woodwind quartet, or vocal performers. The musical program should begin 15 to 30 minutes before the ceremony, as guests arrive. At the rehearsal, you may want to spend a little time practicing walking to the music you have chosen. Wedding music is highly emotional, and many brides have cried their way to the altar because of the sudden effect the music has had on them. It might also be a good idea to tell your
father you need practice walking on his arm to the music, giving him a chance to get used to it, too. Elaborate wedding walks are unpopular today, but a lovely bride will want to have an aura of confidence about her ability to float down the aisle to the music she has chosen. Select a processional march that’s joyous, yet dignified. Your recessional music should be livelier in tempo—after all, you’ve just been married! RECEPTION CONSIDERATIONS Music sets the mood for your reception—consider your selections carefully. You might have
PHOTO BY ROBIN SHERMAN
Stradivarius String Quartet 972.949.4111 www.stradivariusmusic.com Comprised of full-time professional musicians from the area’s major symphony orchestras, Stradivarius String Quartet offers artistry and commitment to quality, as well as a well-rounded repertoire from Bach to blues. The timbre of this string quartet will add a classic elegance to your special day. a DJ spinning discs, or a jazz musician tickling the ivories. A 30piece orchestra or a rowdy rock band might play “your song.” Just remember to feature a variety of music—slow romantic numbers as well as rousing dance tunes. Music should entertain both younger and older guests. Plan some selections for dancing, others just for listening. The band shouldn’t be so loud as to hinder conversation. At a small wedding, a pianist or jazz trio is a good choice. A “wedding band” is a popular choice— they’re trained to play to all different age groups. When interviewing musicians, find out the size of the group, instruments played, and whether or not they feature vocalists. Ask to see a current song list. You’ll want to have a large variety of music to choose from, including selections from the following categories: Top 40, showtunes, ballads, rock & roll, and country. If possible, catch the band in a live situation for a sneak preview of their performance style.
Make sure the group can accommodate your personal preferences. Indicate songs you’d like played during special moments. You might request one of the groom’s favorite tunes as the wedding party sits down to dinner. Music is also played during the cake cutting, when the bride’s bouquet and garter are tossed, and to signal that it’s time for the bride and groom to leave. You should expect a professional attitude and appearance in the musicians you hire. Ask if one of the band members can act as master of ceremonies, if you need one. Determine how long the band plays and learn how many breaks they will take. Make sure they can provide recorded music during breaks. From setting up the musical equipment to tearing it back down, the band will spend four to six hours at your reception, and they will get hungry. It’s customary to provide them with refreshments—sandwiches and nonalcoholic beverages, or a plate from the buffet. A happy band
contributes greatly to the festive mood of your party. Inform the band manager whom to contact at the reception site so they can check out the facilities ahead of time for acoustics, lighting arrangements, etc. If you’re planning an outdoor reception, decide where the party will move in case of rain. Don’t leave any of the details to chance or memory—write them down in a contract. Your contract with the band should include the date, time, location, set-up time, number and length of sets, payment, overtime fees, cancellation and postponement policies, musicians’ attire, and any special considerations. If live entertainment doesn’t fit into your reception plans, consider hiring a professional disc jockey. These entertainers can provide a great variety of music, from rock & roll to waltzes, usually at a lower cost than a live band. Many disc jockeys can also provide lighting effects and act as a master of ceremonies.•
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65
Intriguing Invitations A wedding invitation peeking out of the mailbox is always a pleasant sight. Make sure your message expresses the warmth and happiness you wish to share with your guests.
A
s with every aspect of planning a wedding, traditional guidelines exist for wording, paper and engraving of wedding invitations and announcements. Many couples, however, come up with informal and creative variations. A very formal wedding still commands the use of very proper wording engraved on thick, creamy paper. A less formal celebration might call for pastel ink on parchment. THE GUEST LIST After you’ve decided on a budget and the number of guests to invite, ask your fiancé and his family to make up their list. Let them know how many you hope they’ll invite. Normally, each family invites half the guests. Another option: divide the guest list into
three sections. The groom’s family, the bride’s family and the bridal couple each invite a third. As a rule of thumb, expect about three-fourths of those invited to attend. Invitations should be sent to your wedding officiant and spouse, your fiancé’s immediate family, and members of your wedding party and their parents. You are not obligated to invite companions for single friends on your list. If you do wish to invite the friend or fiancé of a single guest, ask for that person’s name and address and send a separate invitation. If the couple lives together, mail a joint invitation, as you would for a married couple. While drawing up your invitation list, put together your announcement list, if you are planning to send an-
nouncements. This list should include acquaintances not invited to the wedding with whom you wish to share the good news. Neither an invitation nor announcement requires a gift—feel free to send them to everyone. Order about 50 extra envelopes to allow for addressing mistakes. PAPER AND PRINTING While handwritten invitations are appropriate for a small ceremony—50 guests or less—for a larger wedding, you’ll want printed invitations. A classic formal invitation is printed or engraved on the top page of a folded sheet of white or off-white paper. A small inner envelope, ungummed and unsealed, encloses the invitation or announcement. This is placed inside a larger envelope which is addressed and stamped. Add a personal touch to your invitations using translucent or shiny paper, colored ink or a special border. If you select colored ink, use the same shade to address the envelopes. Select someone with beautiful handwriting, perhaps a professional calligrapher, to address envelopes or write invitations. Order invitations and announcements at least three months before the wedding to allow time for printing, addressing and mailing. Engraving may take longer. Have the envelopes delivered early for addressing ahead of time.
PHOTO BY TERESA GARDNER
Invitation: CW Designs by Carol Wilmot-Sullivan
66
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ADDRESSING Compose a master list on index cards; make sure all names and titles are spelled correctly. Address all invitations by hand, in blue or black ink; never use a computer. The only abbreviations used are Mr., Mrs., Ms. and Jr. Most elected officials are addressed as The Honorable; the clergy as The Reverend Father, Pastor or Rabbi; and high-ranking military personnel as Commander, Colonel, etc. A single woman, even a child, is addressed as Miss or Ms. Young boys are addressed as Master. Try to avoid nicknames or initials. Spell out streets, cities and states in full, and don’t forget zip codes.
Thank-You Notes PHOTO BY JUSTIN YODER STUDIOS
Invitation: CW Designs by Carol Wilmot-Sullivan If several members of a family are invited, avoid using the phrase “and family.” You want each person to feel the invitation is meant especially for them. On the inner envelope, include the name of each child invited: Mr. and Mrs. Smith Harper, Charlotte, and Stella Adult members of a family should receive separate invitations, whether or not they live with their parents. Send one joint invitation to two brothers or two sisters living at the same address. Invitations should be mailed four to six weeks before the ceremony. Two months is courteous if you plan to marry during the holidays. Allow people time to consider your invitation and word their replies. Depending upon the formality of your invitation, they’ll respond with formal written acceptances or regrets, informal notes, phone calls or response cards. If you haven’t had a response from a guest two weeks before the wedding, call and check. When each invitation is accounted for, tell your caterer how many guests to expect. Formal announcements, created in the style of your invitation, should be mailed the day of the wedding or immediately afterward if you plan to send them. Ask a bridesmaid or family member to do this if you don’t have time. KEEPING TRACK As soon as your invitations are sent, you’ll begin receiving calls and notes from guests, saying they can hardly wait. Promptly record who’s coming, and who won’t be able to attend. Allow space in your filing system to describe gifts received, and make a notation when a thank-you note is sent.
SPECIAL ENCLOSURES Enclosures are printed in the same style as the invitation itself. At-home cards may be enclosed with formal invitations, but are usually sent with announcements. These are small cards informing everyone of your new address and the date you’ll be ready to receive mail and visitors there. Ceremony cards are sent if there’s a chance that uninvited persons may try to attend, or if the wedding is held in a public or historic place. Engraved cards may be enclosed with the invitations, to be presented at the door for admittance. For other types of enclosures you may wish to ask your printer, stationer or wedding consultant.
So many people will make your wedding-day dreams come true: your family, friends, co-workers and wedding professionals. What better way to single them out for their hard work than to send a heart-felt “thank you.” Choose formal thank-you notes for both of you, since your groom will be writing thank-you cards as well. Your note paper may be engraved with your new address, in which case you could use it after the wedding. City and state names are printed out in full with
WEDDING PROGRAMS A program is extremely helpful in guiding your guests through the ceremony and is a wonderful memento of your wedding. It provides vital information and might be an elaborate booklet, a calligraphy-inscribed scroll, or a preprinted wedding bulletin with your wedding service photocopied inside. ANNOUNCEMENTS Normally, announcements are not mailed to anyone who has been invited to the wedding. But they may go out after an intimate ceremony for family only, after an elopement, or a wedding so far away that many people could not attend. Business associates with whom the couple work day-to-day might also receive announcements. (Remember, no one receiving an announcement need feel obligated to send a gift.) Printing and paper for the announcements are the same as for invitations. Announcements should be addressed like invitations and, whenever possible, mailed out immediately after the ceremony.•
no abbreviation. A street number may be spelled out or shown in numerals.
Stationery
imprinted
with your married name or initials is never used until after the wedding. One final, important reminder to help your wedding run smoothly: make sure each piece mailed has sufficient postage. It would be terribly embarrassing if your invitations and thank-you notes were returned by the post office! •
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Wedding Shop
PHOTO BY DIABE SALE
Gown by Binzario Couture
68
www.brideandgroom.com
The Wedding Shop
Wedding Shop
Your comprehensive guide to merchants in the wedding world.
Bridal Shows
the third largest bridal show
Bridal
BRIDAL SHOWS, INC.
in the U.S., the Dallas Bridal
place on March 13, 2016,
Show™ will help every bride
and September 11, 2016,
qual-
plan her perfect wedding
at the Plano Centre, with
ity bridal shows since 1988,
with more than 350 quality
more than 100 quality wed-
helping the bride to plan
wedding businesses, and
ding businesses.
her complete wedding in
during these two days will
one location in one week-
give the bride time to make
shows! Lots of incredible
end. Upcoming shows pro-
buying decisions, includ-
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duced by Bridal Shows,
ing photographers, gowns,
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Bridal Shows, Inc. has been
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The 2nd annual Allen
musicians,
vid-
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See
For
will
stunning
bridal
more
take
fashion
events,
information
Bridal Show will take place
eographers,
on September 27, 2015, at
invitations, limos, wedding
about the shows, call Bridal
Allen Event Center, with
planners
designers,
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photobooths, formal bead-
or visit them online at www.
ding businesses.
ed attire, travel and cruises,
bridalshowsinc.com. Adult
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tickets can be purchased
nas Bridal Show is coming
registries, jewelry, cosmet-
online at www.bridalshows-
up on January 10, 2016, at
ics, nails, balloons, rentals,
inc.com. Also view “Tips For
the new Irving Convention
china, gifts, bridal publica-
The Bride—What To Do At A
Center, with more than 100
tions, and much more!
Bridal Show” on their web-
quality wedding businesses.
The
DJs,
and
19th
florists,
annual
Fort
Every bride will want to
Worth Bridal Show™ will
attend the 27th annual Dal-
take place on March 6,
las Bridal Show™ on Janu-
2016, at the Fort Worth Con-
ary 30–31, 2016, and July
vention Center, with more
30–31, 2016, at Dallas Mar-
than 100 quality wedding
ket Hall! Known as the most
businesses.
beautiful bridal show and
site. Visit bridalshowsinc on Facebook. See ad on page 20 and editorial on page 21.
IT’S ME TD BRIDAL SHOW Come check out the
The 27th annual Plano
It’s Me TD Bridal Show on
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69
Wedding Shop November 15, 2015 at NO-
ding, you’ll want to use only
selecting the perfect mu-
AH’S Event Venue, 5280
the highest quality experi-
sic and the perfect musi-
Town Square Drive, Plano,
enced professionals, and
cians for your ceremony
Texas 75024. Register on-
your musical needs are
or reception. For more in-
line at www.TDBridalShows.
no exception.
Stradivari-
formation on the group
com. Some show highlights
us String Quartet has per-
as well as a quote of their
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formed hundreds of wed-
competitive rates, please
dings and receptions in a
call 972.949.4111 or visit
variety of settings with a va-
www.stradivariusmusic.
riety of music.
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• More than $6,000 in Grand
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lighting
Comprised
of
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age, photo booth)
the area’s major Sympho-
See editorial on pages 13 and 65.
• Food trucks
ny Orchestras, Stradivarius
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String Quartet offers artistry
TAYLOR’S RENTALS
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Fort Worth. Their showroom
to blues. The timbre of the
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string quartet, considered
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items: fountains, silverware,
to be the highest form of
glassware, arches, linens,
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musical expression, will add
candelabras,
www.TDBridalShows.com
a classic elegance to your
cribs for your out-of-town
or call 972.955.6654.
special day.
guests.
contest • All to
donations Kidd’s
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choose
Planning a wedding has
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lor’s has everything you
Entertainment
if you would like to comple-
need to put together a
STRADIVARIUS STRING
ment the group with other
complete wedding and re-
QUARTET
instruments or singers, al-
ception without the hassle
low them to assist you in
of store-to-store shopping.
See ad on page 9 and editorial on page 21.
As you plan for your wed-
70
www.brideandgroom.com
Whether
you
Wedding Shop The dedicated and friendly staff will assist you with all your rental needs. Taylor’s offers pickup and delivery of equipment to your location. Whether your function is indoors or outdoors, they have the items you’re looking for at a price you can afford. Taylor’s is located near the Arts District of Fort Worth at 220 University Drive. Call 817.332.5258 or visit www. trectx.net for more information. See editorial on page 2.
Photography PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHASE DAY
Gown by Isabelle Armstrong, Spring 2016 Collection Available at Neiman Marcus
Shoot, capture, treasure. Your wedding day is one of
so you can treasure these
paying close attention to
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details. He brings his pas-
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erything he shoots. Chase
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Wedding Shop is no other vendor who
Plan your special day at
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For more information, call
nothing could be easier
International Airport. For
or text 903.328.8481, or visit
than hosting your event
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riott Grapevine.
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See ad on pages 10–11,
The conference center
at 817.251.9095, e-mail ca-
and editorial on pages 12
offers 20,000 square feet of
tering@marriottgrapevine.
and 18–19.
flexible event space that
com, or visit www.marriot-
includes the magnificent
tgrapevine.com.
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Rehearsal Dinner Sites
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with a chandelier made
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with 974,000 sparkling crys-
MARRIOTT DFW AIRPORT
tals, and is the perfect
HILTON GARDEN INN
NORTH/GRAPEVINE
setting for your rehearsal
DALLAS/DUNCANVILLE
Ballroom,
Silver-
See ad on page 75 and
crowned
editorial on pages 25, 38,
The perfect beginning
dinner, wedding, and wed-
to “happily ever after…”
ding reception. Their ex-
72
www.brideandgroom.com
50, and 59.
Whether
planning
re-
hearsal dinners, wedding
Wedding Shop ceremonies
and
recep-
tions, or even honeymoon stays,
in-the-know
brides
have learned that at Hilton Garden Inn, they can have the same on-site banquet halls, delicious food, and attentive service for a greater value. You can count on them to make your event a success. Their in-house catering offers menu options designed to help you create a delicious and memorable event in your personal style. And the meal is just one of the many ways theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re committed to make your event just right. Take advantage of their online planning tips and tools to create a personalized web page for your event, get great rates on rooms with group discounts,
editorial on pages 39, 52,
Colinas is located close to
and more. For more infor-
and 59.
great shopping and excel-
mation, visit www.dallas-
lent restaurants, in the midst
duncanville.hgi.com or call
HILTON GARDEN INN
of Irving/Las Colinas and
972.283.9777.
LAS COLINAS
minutes from the DFW air-
See ad on page 77 and
Hilton Garden Inn Las
port. You are sure to have
www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw
73
Wedding Shop a
rewarding
experience
at this beautiful hotel, with
offer
972.444.8434. See editorial on page 40.
more
than
15,000
square feet of flexible event space, including a 7,632-
more than 3,000 square feet of event space. Let the
THE HYATT PLACE
square-foot ballroom. Their
Hilton Garden Inn Las Coli-
DALLAS/GARLAND/RICH-
staff is always available to
nas host your next intimate
ARDSON
ensure everything goes ex-
wedding,
rehearsal
din-
The Hyatt Place Dallas/
actly the way you want. Be-
ner, or family reunion along
Garland/Richardson
and
cause when it does, great
with a small gathering. They
the Firewheel Conference
things happen. The Hyatt
have all the extras that will
Center
Place is located at 5101
make your stay or event
located in the Dallas north-
North
the talk of the town. Enjoy a
east suburb of Garland on
Bush Highway, Garland, TX
full American breakfast buf-
the President George Bush
75040.
fet with cooked-to-order
Highway,
acces-
to book your event, or visit
waffles, pancakes, omelets,
sible from both DFW Inter-
HyattPlaceDallasGarland.
and French toast. There is
national Airport and Dallas
com.
complimentary
parking,
Love Field Airport. They are
and internet is provided
located in the prestigious
throughout the hotel and
Firewheel area, and the
in all guest rooms. When
hotel is minutes from the
Built in 1898, this turn-of-
booking 10 or more rooms,
world-class shopping, golf,
the-century Victorian hotel
receive a room discount
and family fun of Firewheel
is located in the heart of
and a complimentary king
Town Center Mall, the 63-
downtown Dallas. The re-
suite for two. The hotel
hole Firewheel Golf Club,
cently added climate-con-
has an American Grill Res-
and the Hawaiian Falls Wa-
trolled pavilion with dra-
taurant with room service
ter Park.
matic architectural lighting
are
conveniently
easily
President
Call
George
972.414.3500
See editorial on page 40.
MAPLE MANOR HOTEL
and a great bar, and an
Your wedding guests will
and arched ceilings makes
outdoor patio with a two-
enjoy 42” flat-panel HDTV,
a wonderful spot for your
sided fireplace. For more
the Hyatt Grand Bed™,
wedding ceremony and
information, visit www.las-
complimentary Wi-Fi, and
reception. This area will
colinas.stayhgi.com or call
continental breakfast. They
accommodate up to 150
74
www.brideandgroom.com
Wedding Shop guests for a seated dinner. The pavilion is furnished with audio and video equipment. A private, stone-walled garden boasts three wa-
THE PERFECT BEGINNING
to Happily Ever After
terfalls, two streams, ďŹ&#x201A;owers and fountains. It creates an elegant site for photo-
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graphs and your intimate ceremony or smaller reception. In the original dining room area of the hotel, you may
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utilize the winding staircase for your grand entrance. This area seats 120 of your and
is
wheel-
THE OLD WARSAW
guests. French doors lead
service
to a glassed-in conservato-
chair-accessible. It is lo-
ry. Catering is provided by
cated at 2616 Maple Av-
The Old Warsaw.
enue in Dallas. Please call
world
The Maple Manor Hotel
214.871.0032. Visit them at
made it a favorite for wed-
has six suites that are deco-
www.themaplemanorhotel
ding celebrations. With ďŹ ve
rated in the late 1800â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mo-
.com or e-mail them at
private areas, the entire fa-
tif, reďŹ&#x201A;ecting French, Ameri-
maplemanorhotel@yahoo.
cility seats approximately
can and Italian themes.
com.
300 people. The nearby
RESTAURANT Since 1948, its rich, oldatmosphere
has
Their wedding packages in-
See ad on page 1 and
garden is also available for
clude one complimentary
editorial on pages 41, 48,
outside wedding ceremo-
night in a bridal suite.
and 49.
nies. Complimentary trans-
The Maple Manor Hotel
assures
personalized
portation is available for your guests staying in area www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw
75
Wedding Shop your dream wedding. From the bridal shower to the reception, Plano Centre can host it all! The scaped
beautifully courtyard
landis
a
magnificent setting for your wedding ceremony, and 17 additional rooms can be configured to meet any size or style. For large receptions, Collinwood Hall can provide seating for up to 1,400 guests. More intimate receptions can take place in the Windhaven Ballroom, for 200 guests, which has a view out into the gorgeous courtyard. Their professional event coordinators can PHOTO BY DIABE SALE
assist you in all of your planning needs, from room setup to catering and beverGown by Binzario Couture
hotels. For more information, please call 214.528.0032 or visit
www.theoldwarsaw.
Uptown Dallas. See editorial on pages 48 and 54.
Located at 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano Centre is just two blocks east of highway 75 and is close to a
com. The Old Warsaw Restau-
age services.
PLANO CENTRE
variety of Plano hotels. You
rant is located at 2610 Ma-
With 122,500 square feet
can find a sense of ease
ple Avenue, next to Maple
of event space, Plano Cen-
when planning your wed-
Manor Hotel in the heart of
tre offers a flexible layout for
ding and reception at Plano
76
www.brideandgroom.com
Wedding Shop Centre, as they have packages to fit every bride’s budget. Call 972.941.5840 and let them be at your service. For more information, visit www.planocentre.com. See editorial on page 20, 21, and 42.
WAXAHACHIE CIVIC CENTER Make your wedding day memorable at the Waxahachie Civic Center. Conveniently located at the intersection of I-35E and Highway 287, the center
wedding to the reception,
in
Waxahachie,
is within 25 minutes of the
our staff will work closely
For
DFW Metroplex. The Waxa-
with each client to create a
call 469.309.4040 or visit
hachie Civic Center has a
custom-tailored event that
www.waxahachiecivic-
20,000-square-foot
sub-di-
will exceed your expecta-
center.org.
viding ballroom that seats
tions and leave you looking
See ad on page 73, and
up to 1,000 guests. The
forward to planning your
editorial on pages 21 and
Crape Myrtle Room, show-
next event with us. Whether
42.
cased by elegant floor-to-
a small private wedding or
ceiling windows throughout
a large reception, the Wax-
Wedding Venues
the room will be the high-
ahachie Civic Center truly
HIDDEN CREEK
light of your event. This op-
makes every event a spe-
Hidden Creek is a gor-
portune location makes the
cial event.
geous, spectacular venue,
more
Texas.
information
Civ-
located 30 minutes east of
the picture-perfect place
ic Center is located at
Downtown Dallas in Heath,
for your event. From the
2000 Civic Center Lane
Texas, and could be just the
Waxahachie Civic Center
The
Waxahachie
www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw
77
Wedding Shop right setting for you to host
make their way to the 8,000-
is the premier destination
your wedding ceremony
square-foot premier recep-
for your special occasion,
and reception. Many cou-
tion facility to continue the
and the only thing missing is
ples envision their wedding
celebration. The spectacu-
YOU! Learn more by calling
as memorable and beauti-
lar ballroom boasts soaring
1-800-706-4421,
ful, but making that a real-
ceilings, plenty of natural
info@hiddencreekevents.
ity can be stressful, without
light, beautiful wrought-iron
com, or visiting www.hid-
the perfect venue and sup-
chandeliers,
and
dencreekevents.com.
port. At Hidden Creek, you
candlelight,
which
cre-
See ad on page 5, and
can choose from several
ate an unforgettable at-
editorial on pages 39 and
different ceremony sites: a
mosphere.
51.
beautiful, intimate setting,
grand staircase would be
or a large, open area where
the perfect place to enter
MIDLOTHIAN CONFERENCE
you can take in the stun-
the room as you are intro-
CENTER
ning views. After the cere-
duced as “Mr. and Mrs.” for
The Midlothian Confer-
mony, all of your guests can
the first time. Hidden Creek
ence Center offers small-
78
www.brideandgroom.com
The
warm
beautiful
e-mailing
Wedding Shop PHOTO BY ABSOLUTE PHOTOGRAPHY
town hospitality in a spa-
viding
spaces,
assist in assuring your wed-
cious, state-of-the-art facility
the Midlothian Conference
ding is a complete suc-
designed just for your event.
Center offers a wide vari-
cess. For more information,
Within the 39,000-square-
ety of decorations, dance
call 972.723.7919 or visit
foot facility, they combine
floors, table linens, locations
www.midlothiancenter.
the best of technology with
for photographs, and more.
com.
outstanding personal ser-
They partner with the best
Also, check out the new
vice by their experienced
in the area for all of your
Courtyard by Marriott, di-
staff. The meeting spaces
heart’s desires. Whether it is
rectly adjacent to the Mid-
can accommodate groups
a wedding planner, florist,
lothian Conference Center,
from as small as a handful, to
caterer, DJ, band, photog-
opening in January 2016.
more than 1,000. Weddings
rapher, or baker, the cen-
Currently under construc-
are a dream come true in
ter has several preferred
tion.
Midlothian. Along with pro-
partners that are ready to
beautiful
See editorial on page 41.
www.facebook.com/brideandgroomdfw
79
Wedding Shop
Directory of Online Advertisers For more information on these wedding professionals, visit www.brideandgroom.com! ACCESSORIES
You Deserve It! Vacations: 972.830.2040, ext. 1
Dr. J’s Shoes, Bridal Shoes & Accessories: 972.496.4396 INVITATION SERVICES & CALLIGRAPHY ALL-INCLUSIVE WEDDINGS
Calligraphy by Angela: 214.957.2155
MK Travel, Inc: 972.256.3879 Special Moments Travel: 817.821.2344
OFFICIANTS & PREMARITAL COUNSELING
You Deserve It! Vacations: 972.830.2040, ext. 1
4Romantic Weddings.com: 214.282.5354
BABYSITTING
PHOTOGRAPHY & GREEN SCREEN PHOTOS
Black-Tie Babysitting: 214.450.1245
Memory Makers Photography: 940.391.3494 Triana Studios: 214.369.3375
BEAUTY/SPA Carol Short, Independent Mary Kay Sales Director: 214.693.3473
QUINCEAÑERAS, BAR & BAT MITZVAHS
Dr. J’s Shoes, Bridal Shoes & Accessories: 972.496.4396
Grand Hall at North Richland Hills Centre: 817.427.6642 Nuvo Room: 972.744.0660
BRIDAL SALONS & TUXEDOS, BRIDAL ALTERATIONS
One Fine Day Wedding & Events: 817.717.5478
Dr. J’s Shoes, Bridal Shoes & Accessories: 972.496.4396
Paragon Event Center: 972.370.8439
Providence Place Bridal Boutique at The Harbor: 214.435.8962
Skycreek Ranch Golf Club: 817.498.1414
BRIDAL SHOWERS & LUNCHEONS
RECEPTION & REHEARSAL DINNER SITES
1899 Farmhouse: 469.212.6975
1899 Farmhouse: 469.212.6975
Frisco Heritage Center: 214.718.4668
Frisco Heritage Center: 214.718.4668
Grand Hall at North Richland Hills Centre: 817.427.6642
Grand Hall at North Richland Hills Centre: 817.427.6642
Nuvo Room: 972.744.0660
Nuvo Room: 972.744.0660
Paragon Event Center: 972.370.8439
Occasions at Stone River: 214.674.0818
Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club: 817.498.1414
Paragon Event Center: 972.370.8439
Walters Wedding Estates (Chapel at Ana Villa,
Skycreek Ranch Golf Club: 817.498.1414
Northeast Wedding Chapel, and Wildwood Inn):
Walters Wedding Estates (Chapel at Ana Villa,
info@waltersweddingestates.com
Northeast Wedding Chapel, and Wildwood Inn): info@waltersweddingestates.com
BRIDAL SHOWS Soiree Bridal Shows: www.soireeboutiquebridalshows.com
WEDDING & EVENT PLANNING Essences of Design Event Planning: 469.348.4790
CATERING
One Fine Day Wedding & Events: 817.717.5478
Culinary Art Catering: 972.744.0660 WEDDING VENUES & OUTDOOR WEDDINGS ENTERTAINMENT
1899 Farmhouse: 469.212.6975
4HarpMusic.com: 214.282.5354
Frisco Heritage Center: 214.718.4668
Carol Marks Music Entertainment Agency: 972.231.4091
Grand Hall at North Richland Hills Centre: 817.427.6642 MK Travel, Inc: 972.256.3879
GUEST LODGING
Nuvo Room: 972.744.0660
Hampton Inn Dallas/Las Colinas: 972.753.1232
Occasions at Stone River: 214.674.0818
Walters Wedding Estates (Chapel at Ana Villa,
Paragon Event Center: 972.370.8439
Northeast Wedding Chapel, and Wildwood Inn):
Skycreek Ranch Golf Club: 817.498.1414
info@waltersweddingestates.com
Special Moments Travel: 817.821.2344 You Deserve It! Vacations: 972.830.2040, ext. 1
HONEYMOONS & DESTINATION WEDDINGS
Walters Wedding Estates (Chapel at Ana Villa,
MK Travel, Inc: 972.256.3879
Northeast Wedding Chapel, and Wildwood Inn):
Special Moments Travel: 817.821.2344
info@waltersweddingestates.com
80
www.brideandgroom.com
Directory of Wedding Professionals Tell all your wedding specialists you saw them here in Bride & Groom Magazine! BRIDAL SHOWERS & BRIDAL LUNCHEONS Hidden Creek 972.846.4862; Heath Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie BRIDAL SHOWS Bridal Shows, Inc. 972.713.9920; DFW Great Bridal Expo 800.422.3976; DFW It’s Me TD Bridal Show 972.955.6654; Plano ENTERTAINMENT Stradivarius String Quartet 972.949.4111; DFW GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott 817.251.9095; Grapevine Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/ Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas 972.444.8434; Las Colinas Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/ Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland Maple Manor Hotel 214.871.0032; Dallas PARTY RENTALS Taylor’s Rentals 817.332.5258; Fort Worth
PHOTOGRAPHY Photography by Chase Day 903.328.8481; DFW
Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/ Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland
QUINCEAÑERAS, BAR & BAT MITZVAHS Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott 817.251.9095; Grapevine
Maple Manor Hotel 214.871.0032; Dallas
Hidden Creek 972.846.4862; Heath
Old Warsaw Restaurant 214.528.0032; Dallas
Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/ Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville
Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano
Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas 972.444.8434; Las Colinas Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/ Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano Taylor’s Rentals 817.332.5258; Fort Worth Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie RECEPTION & REHEARSAL DINNER SITES Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott 817.251.9095; Grapevine
Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian
Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie WEDDING VENUES/ OUTDOOR WEDDINGS Courtyard & TownePlace Suites by Marriott 817.251.9095; Grapevine Hidden Creek 972.846.4862; Heath Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/ Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas 972.444.8434; Las Colinas Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland/ Richardson 972.414.3500; Garland Maple Manor Hotel 214.871.0032; Dallas
Hidden Creek 972.846.4862; Heath
Midlothian Conference Center 972.723.7919; Midlothian
Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/ Duncanville 972.283.9777; Duncanville
Plano Centre 972.941.5840; Plano
Hilton Garden Inn Las Colinas 972.444.8434; Las Colinas
Waxahachie Civic Center 469.309.4040; Waxahachie
Gown by Isabelle Armstrong Spring 2016 Collection Available at Neiman Marcus