WEDDING DETAILS by Gannett NEO

RODGERS T U D I O

The State Journal • February 13, 2012

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Since 2006, we have devoted ourselves to bringing innovative catering concepts to the Bluegrass Region for every type of budget and every type of event. We elevate food from something you merely eat to cuisine designed to exceed every expectation. 3 Peas is about dazzling and wowing your guests with unexpected presentations and a stellar staff, which allows us to create a party attitude unlike any other. We offer many customizable add-ons which include: � Couture Cupcakes & Cupcake Bars � � Chic Sweets: Candy & Handmade Dessert Buffets � � Mashtini & Mactini Bars � � Custom Linen Coordination � Your wedding day should be the most glorious occasion of your life. Whether you are planning an outdoor celebration for 400 or an intimate indoor gathering for 40, each detail must reflect the magic of the moment. We will be with you every step of the way in planning & designing your event. Not only do we show up with fabulous food and fantastic presentations, we deliver peace of mind. Our progressive and perfectionist attitude is what gives each event a signature style. We are the best at what we do … our goal is to prove it to you. ��

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contents

Make your own wedding invitations Helpful tips for engagement photos The why’s of wedding customs Coloring the wedding: Bridesmaids Making a dream honeymoon possible The full do-it-yourself wedding Unique touches for your reception Making wedding memories: Cuisine Feed on these wedding favor ideas Making wedding memories: Video Getting married during the holidays Have your cake and share it too 50 timeless ﬁrst dance classics DKY: On average, 7,000 couples marry each day in the U.S.

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4-5 6 7 8 10-11 12-13 14 15 16 17 18 19 back cover

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Make your own wedding invitations Cost-conscious couples today seek different ways they can reduce expenses on their weddings. Do-it-yourself weddings have grown in popularity, and creating personalized wedding invitations is one way to save money and dream up something special. Wedding invitations can range in prices depending on the service used. Many brickand-mortar printing compa-

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nies have gone by the wayside, and online printing sources have replaced them. The reduced overhead means that many online retailers can produce wedding invitations at a lower cost than in years past. That doesn’t mean they are cheap, however. Couples can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $500 on invitations depending on style and quantity, according to estimates from many printing company Web sites. Expect to pay around $90 (U.S.) for postage if mailing 100 standard invitations that do not require extra postage and include stamped response cards. In order to avoid overpaying for wedding invitations, or simply to create a personalized invitation, many couples are opting to go the do-it-yourself route. DIY invitations are even more common thanks to the popularity of scrapbooking

DIY: Mix and match pre-made with homemade

and papercrafting. Although people may have different standards in terms of quality

for their invitations, it’s important to realize the invitation is the ﬁrst thing guests often see

concerning the wedding, and they will help set the tone of the upcoming nuptials.

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Design it yourself, but hire a printer

Couples can visit websites that enable them to choose paper type, ink color, a certain template, wording, color scheme, embellishments, dye-cutting, and many other different options. Then the couple sits back and waits for the invites to come in the mail where they are put together before being sent out. These may be the most expensive, because a printer is still doing much of the work.

Mix and match components

Couples who want to be a little more hands-on can purchase card stock and envelopes separately and design their own invitations according to color scheme. Clip art included with some word processing or design software can embellish invites that are then printed on a home printer. Ribbon can be added by punching holes into the invite and threading the ribbon through.

Do it all yourself

The truly crafty couple can

make their invitations from scratch. This involves drawing out a template, cutting the card stock to ﬁt, selecting envelopes, creating and executing response cards, and decorating the invitations as they see ﬁt. This will require some tools, including scrapbooking or papercrafting supplies. A paper trimmer will help ensure straight cuts, and decorative-edged scissors can help hide any small mistakes in the edges. While this may be a cheaper option if couples get good prices, it also entails the most work and the greatest margin of error.

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Use wedding invitation kits

Many stationery shops, craft stores and ofﬁce supply retailers offer all-in-one kits that can be purchased. These feature a standard design with the accoutrements of that particular design. Most will come with envelopes and small response cards. The couple simply uses the template provided to create text on a personal computer and then the invite can be run through a home printer.

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Helpful tips for engagement photos BY HILLY DOBNER OWNER/PHOTOGRAPHER OF HILLY PHOTOGRAPHY

There are two crucial parts of planning a wedding: First, ﬁnding a wonderful spouse and second, choosing the per-

fect photographer. After your wedding, those are the only two decisions that you will be left with for a lifetime. Don’t be stingy on either! Though your photographer will be one of the most expen-

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sive purchases of your wedding, they are solely in charge of capturing lifelong memories of one of the most speTIP: cial days of Find and your life. When book your choosing a photographer photographer, look early through several different photographers’ websites or even ask former brides for their recommendations about local photographers. Facebook is an excellent place to start looking too. Check out their work and see if it is your style. The best wedding photographers are booked months and even years in advance. Once you have a date set, the photographer should be next on your list to call. Book them early. Some photographers are skilled at taking posed photos while others are better at documentary, candid photos. Pick which one you like best and make a meeting with that photographer. The photographer should show you a current portfolio and be able to talk with you about the details of your wedding. You tographer isn’t rushed, makcan point out different photos ing your photos look rushed. that you like best so the phoIn the end, you will want the tographer will have a better best quality. idea of what you are wanting. Ask about the photograMake sure your personpher’s speciﬁc experience ality is compatible with the with weddings. Shooting a photographer. You will be wedding is unlike any othspending a lot of time with er photography experience. them on your big day so you There are a lot of great phowill want to be comfortable tographers out there who just around them. The more comcan’t get the feel for shooting fortable you are with your a wedding and you only want photographer, the better your the best to shoot your big day. pictures will turn out. Give the photographer a In that same meeting, ask list of photos you can’t live the photographer what a norwithout. Be speciﬁc and let mal wedding day schedule them know who the key playwould be so that you can plan ers are in your wedding so ahead. Ask them how long it that they won’t miss a special will take to get group photos picture to you. It is impossible before and/or after the wedfor the photographer to know ding. Schedule plenty of time all of the people at your wedfor photos so that your phoding, so help them out, espe-

cially if you are planning a large wedding. Ask if the photographer will be coming with an assistant. A second shooter makes all the difference in getting shots from unique angles and can play a key role with your photography. They provide a second pair of eyes and another camera as a back up to the lead photographer. Most importantly, remember to have fun with the photographer. The process may take a while but be patient, it will be worth it. Relax and enjoy getting into large group shots with all of the people who care most about you on your special day. HILLY DOBNER IS THE OWNER AND PHOTOGRAPHER OF HILLY PHOTOGRAPHY IN FRANKFORT.

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The why’s of wedding customs Chances are, those who have attended a wedding have witnessed some popular traditions take place.

Wedding rings date back to ancient Egypt

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Throwing rice Today it has become de rigueur to blow bubbles, toss birdseed or release doves when the bride and groom leave the house of worship newly betrothed. That’s because savvy individuals found that raw rice can pose a hazard to birds pecking in the area. However, rice throwing is an old custom that dates back to the Middle Ages, when wheat or rice where thrown to symbolize fertility for the couple.

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Bridesmaids There may be arguments over dresses and how many bridesmaids to have in a wedding party now, but in ancient times it was “the more the merrier.” That’s because bridesmaids were another measure to keep the bride safe against evil spirits. Essentially the bridesmaids were decoys for the spirits – dressing like

wedding details

DYK:

The bride wears a veil, a court of wedding attendants accompanies the bride and groom, and birdseed, rice or ﬂower petals are tossed. But have you ever wondered why? The wedding customs are ripe with tradition and harken back to days when superstition and myth often ruled the day.

Nowadays, the bride carries a beautiful bouquet of ﬂowers. But the purpose of the bouquet held different meanings in the past. Saracen brides carried orange blossoms for fertility. Others carried a combination of herbs and ﬂowers to ward off evil spirits with their aroma. Bouquets of dill were often carried, again for fertility reasons, and after the ceremony, the dill was eaten to encourage lust.

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the bride to confuse the spirits or maybe help deter them to leave the bride be.

piece of wedding cake under their pillows in the hopes of ﬁnding their own husbands.

Wedding rings

Father of the bride

Wearing of wedding rings dates back to ancient Egypt. The round shape of a ring symbolizes eternal love. The ring is worn on the fourth ﬁnger of the left hand because it is believed this ﬁ nger has a blood vessel that goes directly to the heart.

Wedding cake

The traditional wedding cake evolved from Roman times when the cake was originally made from wheat. It was broken over the bride’s head to ensure fertility. All of the guests eat a piece for good luck. Single women used to place a

This tradition symbolizes that the bride’s father endorses the choice in husbands and is presenting his daughter as a pure bride to that man.

Kissing the bride In older times, a kiss symbolized a legal bond. Therefore, the bride and groom kissed to seal the deal on their betrothal. There are many traditions surrounding a wedding that people simply accept. But understanding their origins can make the ceremony more meaningful.

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Coloring the wedding: Bridesmaids Bridesmaids are an important part of the wedding party, and most brides opt to have a handful of close friends and family members play a special role in the wedding. Choosing a gown and a color that will ﬂatter all of the bridesmaids typically takes a little work. An overwhelming majority of couples choose to have a formal wedding. The average number of bridesmaids for these formal weddings is

four. Considering around two million weddings take place in North America every year, that’s a lot of bridesmaids for whom gowns and other attire must be planned. Many bridesmaids worry about the gowns they will wear come the big day. Horrible bridesmaid dresses have been the butt of jokes for years, and many people have their own stories of garish gowns they’ve been asked to don

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for a wedding. Some have TIP: sa id t hat Consider brides intentionalhow a color ly choose complements u g l y gowns for the season their bridesmaids to ensure they’re not outshined come the wedding day. Although this may be the case for some, most brides as-

pire to select gowns that will be flattering for all. And color scheme is integral in the choice of gown. Every well-planned wedding carries a color scheme throughout. This includes the color a bride selects for her bridesmaids to wear. But not every color accentuates everyone’s features. Therefore, some experimentation might be necessary to find a color that is ﬂattering to all and ﬁts with the color scheme. Depending on hair color and skin shade, there are many flattering hues available for gowns. When making this decision, consider bridesmaids’ ethnicity and skin tone.

African-American

Women with dark skin and hair may really shine in jewelcolored gowns, including silver, gold, purple and salmon. Very pale colors may be daring and conspicuous.

Asian and olive tones

Those with a slight yellow tone to their skin will look good in many colors, including red, navy, peach, and fuchsia. However, avoid colors in light yellow, aqua, gray, taupe, or mint, which may make the bridesmaid look washed out.

Fair skin

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Ladies with pale skin will benefit from richly colored gowns in jewel tones. Pastels may work, but be careful about those depending on

hair color. Pink or red-hued gowns may clash with someone with auburn hair. Yellow and green may not work with a fair brunette. Gray and silver may wash out someone who is pale and blonde. Once a color is chosen, brides also need to consider the season. Certain colors may look out of place depending on the season. For example, an evergreen or deep blue may seem wintry during a summer wedding. Similarly, russet or brown may work for the autumn but not for a spring wedding. Many brides gravitate toward mid-level blues, greens, pinks and purples for their weddings, simply because those colors transcend the seasons. After colors are worked out, the style of the gown deserves consideration. Because not every bridesmaid has the same physical attributes, many brides are now open to selecting a color and length and allowing the bridesmaid herself to choose the exact style. This way someone who is busty won’t feel uncomfortable in strapless, and someone who is thin won’t be overwhelmed by a lot of rufﬂes. The intent is to have bridesmaids feel beautiful and comfortable, and different styles can help. Making the effort to choose a gown color and style that is ﬂattering to all in the bridal party will help the ladies feel they are truly a special part of the wedding.

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Making a dream honeymoon possible BY MAUREEN HALSEY-WRIGHT WWW.MEMORABLETRAVELS.COM

Even with the down economy, you can still have your dream honeymoon. A qualified travel consultant can help you to fi nd the best value and plan a most romantic and memorable honeymoon within your budget. You can find all of this right here in Frankfort, from local travel agency, Memorable Travels. Here are some things to consider when planning your special trip:

Start planning early

Six to nine months is recommended and can offer you the best pricing and availability options. However, if you have less time, we can still help you get the best price possible. To save money, try to avoid travel during holidays.

Decide your wedding locale

Are you getting married here or do you want a destination wedding with a honeymoon all rolled into one package? Many Caribbean and Mexican resorts offer free destination weddings.

Where do you want to spend your honeymoon?

Do you want a warm tropical beach, a chalet in the mountains, an intimate setting or a party atmosphere? Do you want to travel to Europe or are you interested in a cruise? How about a honeymoon safari on the wild side in South Africa?

Set a ballpark budget

This helps us guide you to the choice that will give you the most for your money. Do you want an all-inclusive package, moderate or deluxe resort/ ship, etc?

Choose your length of stay

Other than the number of nights you want to be away, consider these things as well: If you go to Europe, your ﬁrst night is on the plane on the way over. If you go to Hawaii, your last night is on the plane on the way home. If you go to the Caribbean and Mexico, ﬂights are all on the same day each way.

Choose the type of lodging you want

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TIP: Planning 6-9 months ahead offers the best trip pricing

Do you want ocean view, garden view, a suite, perhaps a n over water bungalow or an inside, outside or balcony cruise cabin? What amenities are important to you? Remember, your choice will affect how many days will ﬁt into your budget.

Find a qualiﬁed travel consultant to help you

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Your consultant should have expertise in a variety of destinations, ﬂexibility by being available when needed, and take pride in providing one-on-one special attention with custom tailored itineraries that ﬁt perfectly into your dreams as well as your budget.

Consider a honeymoon registry

Do you have enough towels, sheets, toasters and blenders? What better gift than your perfect honeymoon getaway? Many couples receive gifts covering a signiﬁcant portion of their travel costs. Memorable Travels offers a free honeymoon registry to all couples. We do not charge you or your donors for this service. You might ask yourself if you could save money by doing all of this yourself. According to Maureen Halsey, owner and travel consultant with Frankfort travel agency Memorable Travels, a good travel consultant is your advocate and puts your interests ﬁrst. Rather than paying more for your honeymoon, you are likely to pay less and get more. A travel consultant brings you discounted hotel/cruise rates and airfares, all in one package deals, specials and promotions and does not charge for their services. When it comes to your wedding and honeymoon, some things are too im-

portant to take on yourself. Planning your perfect honeymoon takes time and energy, which are hard-to-comeby resources while you are also planning your wedding. This once in a life time event will create memories that last a lifetime, so it should not be left to chance. Your travel consultant is there for you before, during, and after your trip. And the bonus peace of mind

comes at no extra charge. A knowledgeable travel consultant will save you money and time. Here’s to a most romantic and memorable honeymoon. Photos here are of some of the most popular honeymoon destinations. To see photos from around the world, and also what our clients say about various destinations, visit www.memorabletravels.com

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Did you know? It has become tradition for married couples to jet off on a post-wedding vacation. This honeymoon is a way for the bride and groom to enjoy quiet time together and start off their married life together on a deeper, more inti-

mate level. Although the word “honeymoon” has happy connotations today, the original meanings of the word may not be so blissful. There are varying accounts of the evolution of the word “honeymoon,” but many believe it to be a Norse tradition

deriving from the word “hjunottsmanathr.” Northern European history describes women being abducted from their families and forced into marriage with a man from a neighboring village. This husband would take his new bride into hiding and

stay there for a while until it was certain the bride’s family had given up the hunt and retreated. It was also tradition for Scandinavian couples to drink a sweet, honey-infused wine known as mead for a month after getting married. This may be where the

“honey,” for the sweet drink, and the “moon,” for the onemonth period of time, originated. Others say “honeymoon” refers to a sarcastic quip that a marriage starts out sweet as honey, but then wanes much as the moon will each cycle.

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The full do-it-yourself wedding Those thinking about tying the knot in the months to come may be discouraged by how expensive weddings can be. But with a little ingenuity and a hands-on approach, couples can have a wedding that is inexpensive and memorable at the same time. According to Costof Wedding.com, on average, U.S. couples spend $26,542 for their weddings. Weddingbells magazine states that the average cost for a wedding in Canada is $23,330, up from $20,129 in 2010. These amounts do not include the cost for an engagement ring or wedding bands. With such a high price tag, some couples may wonder if

they can afford their dream wedding or if there are ways to cut costs. Having a backyard, DIY wedding can be the answer. Although some may envision a backyard wedding with picnic benches and Dad at the grill, it can be a much classier affair than that. Smart couples are realizing that the money they would normally spend on a big wedding at an outside venue can be put to better use, either through buying a new home or ﬁ xing up one they may already own. Furthermore, for couples who are picky about details, having a DIY event ensures that they can control the details and have them as personal as they would like.

Getting started

A DIY wedding is one that will take much more work than simply hiring vendors

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and leaving the details to them. But the money saved with sweat equity can be substantial. A well-planned wedding is the best start. Grab a notebook and start making lists of all the things you will need: • location • tables and chairs • linens • food • silverware and glassware • invitations • photography • music • ofﬁciant • music • centerpieces and other decor • cake or dessert • lighting • attire • ﬂowers

The average cost of a wedding is $26,542

Work in advance

Many items necessary for a wedding can be bought in advance. Some couples ﬁnd that purchasing low-cost items at discount stores turns out to be less expensive than renting. For example, inexpensive glasses and silverware can be bought at dollar stores or chains like Ikea. Later on these items can be kept, sold or even donated to shelters. Tablecloths don’t have to be the traditional kind. It may be less expensive to purchase

pieces of fabric from a fabric store and dressing them up oneself. Candles can be stockpiled relatively easy and provide a very affordable means of ambient light. Plan out

centerpiece ideas and ﬁgure out which components can be bought and stored. Then items can be assembled at leisure. Wedding stationery is one thing that will have to

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be bought well in advance so there will be time enough to printout save-the-dates, invitations and response cards, as well as mail them. An informal wedding may mean couples can get simple attire. Buying off the rack may mean a smaller price tag for gowns. Gentleman may be able to fare with sportcoats and slacks. Purchase wardrobe essentials several months in advance to be sure there will be time for alterations, if necessary. Enlist the help of family and friends to get many of the tasks completed. Upon asking, many couples ﬁ nd there are members of the family who have skills in certain areas, which can be tapped for the wedding. There may be a gourmet chef, a disc jockey, a photographer or even someone who can officiate the vows. Having these people on board means a great reduction in costs.

Readying the venue

Because couples will be doing the work themselves, it’s best to start several days in advance of the wedding (weather permitting). Be sure the grounds are well groomed

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and landscaped. Ensure there are no tripping hazards and that there is a sturdy surface for placing tables or creating a dance ﬂoor. It may pay to ask an electrician or someone who dabbles in electric work to help string some lights to better illuminate the area, especially for when the sun goes down. Set up the tables and chairs to ﬁnalize placement the day before. Figure out where the ceremony will take place. A small arbor can mark the area and make a nice photo backdrop. Dress the tables with linens and settings the morning of the wedding. One splurge couples may want to make is hiring a waitstaff to help set up food service areas, serve as bartenders and clear away dishes and other messes. This way the bride and groom can mingle with guests.

Other tips and tricks Here are some other ways to save money on DIY weddings. • Using fruit is less expensive than using flowers for centerpieces. • Include postcard response cards in wedding invites. The postage is less, and you don’t have to spend money on an

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extra envelope. • Be sure to check with your town if you need a permit or variance for having so many cars parked by the house in the event of a backyard wedding. Otherwise you could be facing a ﬁne. • Many different foods can

be cooked in advance and frozen instead of hiring a catering service. • Consider favors that also double as table centerpieces. • Bouquets can easily be made with store-bought ﬂowers, some ﬂoral tape and decorative ribbon.

• Restrict the bar to wine and beer, and you’ll save money on expensive liquors. A DIY wedding can be a fun, memorable event that costs a couple a fraction of what it would be to have it held at an expensive location.

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Unique touches for your reception Over the course of their lifetimes, many people will be wedding guests on several occasions. During the height of wedding season, weddings can run into one another, as the format and the festivities are similar at various ceremonies. Couples interested in setting their nuptials apart may want to enhance the wedding reception with a few unique ideas. Who hasn’t attended a wedding that seems formulaic? The couple enters, they do their spotlight dance, there’s food, a bouquet toss and then the cake cutting. Guests may actually be able to predict what’s coming next. While it is often customary and easy to follow tradition, that doesn’t mean you cannot buck with tradition and offer a few creative ideas to make your event stand out. Here are several ideas you can introduce into your wedding to add something special to the reception.

Skip the big entrance Those who were kind

enough to attend the ceremony have already been introduced to the newly minted TIP: happy couple. Instead Prevent a of spending predictable feel the cocktail hour in the by revamping isolation of 1 element. the wedding suite, mingle with your guests from start to fi nish. So much time is spent posing for pictures or being out of touch with guests, the cocktail hour can be a great time to sit and chat. Being with guests during the cocktail hour means you don’t have to make that big entrance from behind closed doors. Guests will have all eyes on you when you step on the dance floor for your first dance together.

Dance to an upbeat number

Guests are expecting a slow, sappy tune. What they may not expect is an upbeat song that shows you are willing to have a little fun. If you haven’t mas-

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tered the waltz but enjoy a little quick step now and again, feel free to choose a tune that shows your excitement and love for each other.

Encourage couples to dance together

It’s often customary for the bridal party to join the bride and groom on the dance ﬂoor midway through the ﬁrst dance. However, that leaves spouses or significant others waiting in the wings while their dates tango with groomsmen or bridesmaids. Instead, don’t have assigned partners. Rather, encourage your bridal party members to dance with whomever they choose.

Swap out the garter/bouquet toss

If you’re part of a couple who feels the garter and bouquet toss has become trite, there are other ways to create special moments in your celebration – ones that don’t single out the singletons who haven’t yet found their special someones. Use this time to present a small gift or token of your affection to someone on the guest list who has served as a

mentor or source of inspiration.

Leave guests with an extra goodie

Some couples feel the more they offer the better guests will view their wedding. Spending more money doesn’t necessarily mean guests will have a better time. If you want to go above and beyond the ordinary, ﬁ nd one thing that you absolutely love and offer that at the party. It could be a ﬂambe presentation, a chocolate or candy bar, a carving station with your all-time favorite food (even if that’s PB&J), or a carnival-inspired automatic photo booth.

Hire a live performer

Although it’s hard to beat the performance quality of your wedding song being performed by the original artist, unless you’re cousins with Celine Dion, chances are she won’t be available to sing “My Heart Will Go On” at your reception. However, a live band adds a certain level of excitement that a disk jockey may not be able to provide. Those who are adding a cultural or

ethnic component to their wedding may want to hire a dance troupe or another type of performer, like a bagpiper, as an added measure of entertainment for guests.

Let them eat ... cookies?

Some people just don’t like cake. Therefore, why should a couple have to cut a seventiered white confection? Towers of different types of treats can be created from just about anything and serve as the perfect backdrop for that classic cake-cutting photo. A pyramid of cream puffs, stacks of brownies, a cookie castle, or cereal-cake concoctions can work. Some bakeries will decorate a “dummy” styrofoam cake, and then you can serve apple pie a la mode.

Stage a costume switch

Let’s face it, dancing all night in a long gown takes some stamina. As the bride, have a more comfortable cocktail dress available to switch into for the latter part of the reception. It will also add some variety to your wedding photos.

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Making wedding memories: Cuisine Despite the months of planning and poring over every minute detail of a wedding, it has often been said that what people remember most about wedding receptions is the food and if they had fun. Therefore, instead of worrying about choosing Jordan almonds over chocolate truffles, or whether the cake should have an extra tier, couples may want to pay TIP: more attention to selecting their recepDon’t fill the tion menus. menu with Although certain foods are wedding exotic foods staples, it could pay for couples to think with their stomachs instead of their heads when selecting wedding day fare. Having a selection of foods that taste as good as they look is a wise idea. Whether you are cooking yourself, having a family member serve as chef or relying on the menu of the reception hall, think about foods that will please guests and select those items, regardless love and see if they can be inof them being fancy. Here are corporated at the wedding. some other tips. Although a breakfast bar at an You want foods to be fi llevening event may seem funing but not so much so that ny, waffles and omelets may guests have to waddle to the appeal to a greater number dance floor. If you’re planning of guests than a gourmet fish on several courses, keep porcreation. tion sizes small to offer a taste Don’t make vegetarians an of the different items offered. afterthought. Too often, vegClassic foods can work etarians must eat whatever well as wedding fare. Roasts, the kitchen can pull together, barbecued meats and favorwhich is usually a compilaite pasta dishes can make tion of the vegetable garnishes guests feel like they’re dining from the meat dishes. Make an at someone’s home and not at effort to have a true vegetarian a wedding. dish that is intricate and deliChoose items people have cious. heard of. Instead of tornaMashed potatoes are a does of beef, select a hearty crowd pleaser. Serve little prime rib. Just because a dish portions of mashed potatoes sounds fancy doesn’t make it in cocktail glasses and entaste better. If a guest doesn’t able guests to top as they see know what he or she is eating, fit with bacon bits, cheese or it can be uncomfortable. Now chives. is not the time to experiment No idea is silly, and servwith exotic foods, either. Othing any type of food in a hors erwise, some picky eaters may d’oeuvre style can make it acbe left hungry. ceptable at a formal affair, Think about the foods you whether that food is pizza or

caviar-topped crackers and if you have a favorite restaurant that serves delicious food, ﬁnd out if they will cater your wedding. Just because it isn’t on the menu doesn’t mean it cannot be prepared. Talk to the catering manager and let him

or her know your preferences. Provided you’re willing to pay a little more, there’s a good chance you can have items that aren’t on the standard catering menu. Think outside the box for your cocktail hour “bars.” A bread bar, a dipping station,

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milk and cookies service, or vegetable bar are options that go against the standard. Although it’s your wedding, ultimately the goal is to please the guests. By choosing foods they will love and rave about, you’re guaranteed positive remarks on your wedding.

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Feed on these wedding favor ideas Do you have a shelf or cabinet that’s filled to the brim with wedding favor s such as engravd ice cream scoopers, cake ser ver s, cheese spreaders or tealight candle holders? If you do, you’re not alone. As couples pore over guest favor options, many select trinkets or knickknacks that, while thoughtful, end up collecting dust in someone’s home. Edible gifts also can be thoughtful – and flavorful! Guests may look forward to an edible favor because it’s a memento of the special occasion and it won’t become a permanent fi xture in their

homes. There are many edible favors from which to choose. They can also be customized according to the theme of the wedding.

Chocolate It’s difficult to fi nd an edible favor more universally beloved than chocolate. Rich and inviting, chocolate has long been given as a symbol of love and devotion. Chocolate candies and baked goods can work well for wedding favors, provided the favors are refrigerated to avoid melting. Ideas for chocolate favors include individually packaged truffles, gourmet brownie bites, candy-covered chocolates with an inscription, chocolate covered apples, chocolate coins, and other similar creations. Chocolate molded designs

(much like those chocolate Easter bunnies) are another idea.

DIY:

S w e e t Let guests cookies also make good ﬁll and take edible fatheir own vors. Butter cookies are treat bags. a favorite because they are sturdy enough to cut into different shapes. Professionally iced, these cookies can be a masterpiece to behold. Some couples opt for customized fortune cookies that express personalized sentiments to guests.

Make-your-own

Sometimes it’s less expensive to give guests kits that they can take home to create their own edible treasures. Options abound and can include everything from personalized packets of hot chocolate to tea bags. Other couples choose among mixes for making cookies or cakes.

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It has become popular to have a self-serve candy bar at many weddings. Guests are invited to step up to the display and serve themselves from a series of different confections. Autumn weddings could have Halloween-inspired candies or those in fall hues. It’s easy to follow a color theme when you have a bevy of different candies at your disposal. Many discount stores sell inexpensive jars and candy dishes to house the candy. Designer Chinese takeout-type containers are available from craft stores and can be the perfect way for guests to make that candy portable.

Other edibles

From cupcakes to maple syrup to personalized bottles of barbecue sauce, couples have so many options for guest favors at their disposal.

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Making wedding memories: Video In a financial climate where most people are pinching pennies, it comes as no surprise that many engaged couples seek ways to cut costs with regard to their weddings. Some couples are undecided whether certain components of their wedding are necessary. The decision to hire a videograDYK: pher is one such Good area couples fret over. After videographers all, with a phooffer high-res, tographer snapping hundreds edited films. of pictures, having a video may seem like an unnecessary luxury. However, people often find that having a wedding video after the day has passed is worth the price. There are several advantages to hiring a professional videographer to capture the day. A professionally produced wedding video is not the same as Uncle Fred carrying around pher’s work. his archaic camcorder and A videographer will capcatching a few embarrassing ture the things you may have dance moves during the remissed during the busy day. ception. A professional video He or she can serve as the eyes will showcase all moments of and ears for the things you’re the wedding from perspecnot seeing and hearing. tives not easily captured by Although ours is an increasphotography. In addition to ingly digital world where peoshowcasing the images of the ple capture photos and videos wedding, the video will also on their smartphones and othshare the sounds and emoer devices on a regular basis, a tions of the day. wedding video can serve as a Choose a videographer family memento. What other who will work in conjunctime, apart from the holidays, tion with the wedding mood do you have all of your friends and parameters. You proband loved ones together? ably don’t want a videograAlthough no one wants to pher who uses bright lights think of a friend or relative that can be distracting. Nor do passing away while planning you want a videographer who their wedding, the fact repushes the camera in guests’ mains that after a few years faces for a less-than-candid some of the people who atinterview. Today’s professiontended your wedding may no als are inconspicuous. longer be around. Having a The videographer often wedding video may be the works in tandem with the only last moving image and photographer. Some photogsound of a special person who raphers have a videographer is no longer in your life. on staff. But it is fine to bring Sound is a portion of the in your own if you like the wedding that photos simply quality of the photographer’s cannot capture. To relive the photos but not the videogramusic and the words of the

day, a videographer is a necessity. Professionals who use wireless microphones will produce a video with the best sound quality. You can work with a good videographer so it’s not simply a video with close-up shots of your face or unflattering perspectives. Talk about your preferences and even fears about being fi lmed (some people just don’t like watching themselves on TV), and the videographer can no doubt fi nd solutions that will accommodate your needs. There are many things that you will not see at the wedding but may have liked to, such as the first gasps of wonder upon guests walking into the reception room, or the tears on the face of an aunt who was sitting too far back in the church pews. This is where a wedding video can prove invaluable. Modern videographers offer high-resolution, edited movies. These can be delivered via Blu Ray DVD and ensure the best quality for your package.

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Getting married during the holidays Although prime wedding season runs from May through October, many brides- and grooms-to-be choose to tie the knot during the winter, with the holidays providing a popular backdrop to the wedding festivities. Holiday weddings are often joyous affairs. People are jolly, decorations abound, and there’s a chance that some snowfall can make your picturesque photo dreams come true. And considering most churches and reception sites are already trimmed in seasonal decor to accommodate various holiday parties, chances are you can save a

little money on floral arrangements and extra accessories. Having a wedding during the holidays also makes it easier to plan out themes and color schemes. For those who have difficulty deciding on bubblegum pink bridesmaids gowns or teal table linens, working with the colors of the winter season makes planning simple. Choose among burgundy, berry red, forest green, gold, silver, cream, and light blue to set the mood of the event. Deep red gowns complement any skin tone, and bouquets full of green and white fi ll call to mind a light snow dusting evergreen boughs.

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When selecting wedding invitations, be sure to choose a design that will set the invitation apart from the holiday greetings already being delivered to wedding guests. You may want to forgo a folded card or any holiday inspired embellishments on the invitations altogether. Instead, go with a clasTIP: sic white or The holidays of f-wh ite card. A borare busy so der of snowbook vendors f lakes or a early mention of a holiday theme in the invitation wording will clue in guests to the wedding’s holiday theme. Because the holidays are already a busy time of the year, there are a few other considerations couples should heed when planning. Push up the dates you do all of your meetings with vendors. The season is awash in parties and other festive events; therefore, reception sites, caterers, ﬂorists, limousine services, and disc jockeys may book quickly. Try to secure as many vendors as possible as soon as you set your wedding date. Consult with a clergy member to discuss having a religious wedding during the holiday season. Certain dates may be restricted due to liturgical requirements or simply because of special church-related events. Wedding guests are likely to be busy themselves during the holiday season, so be plants with other more tradisure to send out save-the-date tional ﬂowers. cards to advertise your wedBe sure to factor weather ding well in advance of sendinto the planning. If gowns ing out the actual invitations. will not have sleeves, be sure to When invitations are mailed, select shrugs or capes that can do so about 3 months before be worn for warmth. Muffs or the wedding. full-arm gloves can be elegant Flowers may be more exand warming as well. pensive this time of the year, Get creative with wedding so spread a tight budget by cakes to tie into the theme. An including candles, greenery all-white cake can look like it’s (like evergreen branches or covered in snow. A cake can be holly) or simple poinsettia shaped into a wrapped gift or

a giant ornament. Also keep in mind that this is a busy travel season. Therefore you may want to wait until well after New Year’s before embarking on your honeymoon. Otherwise you could pay a premium for airline tickets. A wedding during the holiday season can be magical and something that adds even more sentimental value to an already joyous time of year.

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Have your cake and share it too! During a time when bridezillas are glamorized and over-thetop celebrity weddings are broadcast for the world, some couples are opting to do something more altruistic on their special day. With more than $125 billion spent annually on weddings, engaged couples are welcoming the opportunity to give back as part of their wedding day. Charitable weddings are in vogue, and, thanks to the Internet, it has never been easier to use your wedding as a vehicle to raise money for charity. The trend of charitable weddings – celebrations where couples incorporate their socially conscious values into their wedding planning – has exploded over the past few years. The I Do Foundation is a leading voice for charitable weddings, and more than 10 percent of engaged couples visit each year to learn how they can personalize their weddings by giving back to a charity of their choice. And now that the I Do Foundation has teamed up with JustGive.

org, there are even more opportunities for engaged couples to make a difference with charitable giving. DYK: “The I Do Foundation has Some vendors always env iwill donate sioned a world where charitarevenue to ble giving was charity. a more integral part of many life events,” stated Executive Director Grant La Rouche. “With our new home at JustGive, we are well positioned to build on our success with weddings for other areas of charitable giving.” The I Do Foundation has helped couples raise more than $20 million in charitaCouples can choose to supble donations. The foundaport one of the foundation’s tion’s highest earning wedpopular charities or a charity ding raised more than $50,000 that is near and dear to them. alone. Here’s how it works. The I Do Foundation has deIn place of traditional faveloped a list of more than vors, couples can make chari40 innovative nonproﬁts and table donations to honor their grouped them into six givguests. Couples can create ing areas. You can choose to gift registries with major resupport one or more of these tail partners that donate up groups, or you can direct your to eight percent of all revenue donations to a general focus from gifts. Wedding guests area, like social justice or the can choose to make donations environment. in lieu of giving gifts. Charitable weddings offer Participating vendors, inanother reason to celebrate a cluding those that sell stationery, honeymoons, jewelry, happy couple’s nuptials. More and more, help generate donainformation can be found at tions with every purchase. www.idofoundation.org.

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50 timeless ﬁrst dance classics 1. “At Last” (Etta James) 2. “As Time Goes By” (from Casablanca) 3. “Come Rain or Come Shine” (Ray Charles) 4. “Because You Loved Me” (Celine Dion) 5. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (Elton John) 6. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” (Elvis Presley) 7. “Chances Are” (Johnny Mathis) 8. “Close To You” (The Carpenters) 9. “Could I Have This Dance?” (Anne Murray) 10. “Dream A Little Dream” (Mamas & the Papas) 11. “Embraceable You” (Nat King Cole) 12. “Endless Love” (Diana Ross & Lionel Richie) 13. “Fascination” (Jane Morgan) 14. “Fever” (Peggy Lee) 15. “Forever and Ever, Amen” (Randy Travis) 16. “From This Moment” (Shania Twain & Brian White)

17. “Forever” (Kenny Loggins) 18. “Grow Old With Me” (Mary Chapin Carpenter) 19. “Here And Now” (Luther Vandross) 20. “I Finally Found Someone” (Barbra Streisand & Bryan Adams) 21. “I Only Have Eyes For You” (The Flamingos) 22. “I Will” (The Beatles) 23. “If I Loved You” (from Carousel) 24. “In My Life” (The Beatles) 25. “It Had To Be You” (Harry Connick, Jr.) 26. “Lady In Red” (Chris DeBurgh) 27. “Love Theme To Romeo & Juliet” (from Zefﬁrelli’s Romeo and Juliet) 28. “Marry Me” (Neil Diamond & Buffy Lawson) 29. “One Moment In Time” (Whitney Houston) 30. “Our Love Is Here To Stay” (Billie Holiday) 31. “So This Is Love” (James Ingram) 32. “Some Enchanted Evening” (from South Paciﬁc)

33. “Something” (The Beatles) 34. “Somewhere” (from West Side Story) 35. “The Best Is Yet To Come” (Frank Sinatra) 36. “The Rose” (Bette Midler) 37. “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” (Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson) 38. “True” (Spandau Ballet) 39. “Unforgettable” (Nat King Cole) 40. “Up Where We Belong” (Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warrens) 41. “Wedding Song (There Is Love)” (Captain & Tennille) 42. “Wedding Song (There is Love)” (Petula Clark) 43. “We’ve Got Tonight” (Bob Seger) 44. “We’ve Only Just Begun” (The Carpenters) 45. “When I Fall In Love” (Nat King Cole) 46. “Will You Marry Me?” (Vonda Shepard) 47. “Woman” (John Lennon) 48. “Wonderful World” (Louis Armstrong) 49. “You Are So Beautiful” (Joe Cocker) 50. “Your Song” (Elton John)

TIP: If the song is meaningful, don’t be afraid to go classic.