Forever Bridal 2023

YourPlanningWedding YourPlanningWedding

BY ANNE CAMPSEY

Wedding planning is almost always stressful. It can be hard to make decisions when there are countless things to decide. On top of this, it can be extremely upsetting when you discover how expensive everything is. Budgeting can be one of the biggest barriers for couples planning a wedding. Here are five things to avoid when making decisions that affect your wedding budget.

FIVE BUDGETING MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN

Buying an Overly Expensive Cake

Your wedding cake is very important. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t be spending $800 for a wedding cake for 75 people. One popular way couples can keep the price of cake down is by getting two cakes. Get a fancier one that is big enough for both of you (and perhaps the wedding party). Then, get a sheet cake or cupcakes for all the other guests. It doesn’t need to be elaborate. If it’s too pricey to get a sheet cake from a bakery, consider a grocery store. Have the sheet cake served directly from the kitchen — your guests won’t think twice about where the cake is from. Guests are there to celebrate your marriage, not to determine whether your cake meets a certain standard.

Getting Individual Meals for the Reception

Many caterers give the option of individual meals for your reception. While this can be appealing because you know the exact amount of people the food will feed, it may be double the price. Buffets are back to stay! you could be paying for food. Instead, look at getting larger pans of food from restaurants. Lots of restaurants offer reasonable prices for pans of pasta, barbecue, etc. Appetizers are also a great option. If you have your reception at 3 p.m., serve light appetizers and desserts instead of an entire meal. This has the potential to save hundreds of dollars.

Buying Everything New

It can be tempting to buy absolutely everything brand new. While this may save some time and stress, it can be helpful to find some used decorations or other things when it comes to saving money. Start by deciding what you would prefer to be new and what can be used. Most people only use their wedding decor once and are eager to get rid of it. You may be able to find cute centerpieces, signs and tableware for less than half the price than they would be in the store.

Overpay for Flowers

While some people may have hundreds, or even thousands, to spend on flowers, the average person cringes when they hear how ridiculously expensive they are. Consider less expensive options. Faux, dried and wood flowers are all great replacements that can save a lot of money — and they still look great! Keep in mind this may involve some DIY on your part, but if you’re up for the challenge, go for it.

Choosing a Venue

It’s crucial to shop around for venues, but make sure to take a close look at the price tag. It may say it’s only $1,000; however, many venues require you to use their catering or choose from their list of (potentially expensive) approved caterers. Decorating can be another culprit when it comes to extra venue expenses. Hidden fees can come out of nowhere so make sure to do your research and clarify any confusing costs before signing paperwork.

Music

Music

Is What MAKES an Event!

BY REBECCA TALLY

When planning a wedding, or any other special event, the host has a specific goal in mind. For many, it is for their guests to fully enjoy the night. What better way to accomplish this than to have a guest leave the event saying they had a wonderful time AND they could not believe how quickly the night came to an end.

While planning an event, music is, and should be, a crucial part in making it memorable. By hiring a “band,” the host is limiting the “styles” of music and creating many other unforeseen problems.

Many bands only feel comfortable playing certain genres of music. Perhaps the bride and groom have invited guests from other parts of the country, or even other parts of the world. With a DJ (disc jockey), the wedding planner is able to request general or specific songs to allow all the guests a moment to share with the celebrated party on the dance floor.

The mother of a young lady who celebrated her sweet sixteenth birthday, complained that the fa ther/daughter dance was ruined because the band did not have the proper device to play the track. Even more horrible was a complaint that a band did not remember the lyrics to a very special, pre-selected, “first dance” song at a wedding.

Guests are the ones who will provide the most honest feedback. Some complain that a band plays their music too loudly, that the microphones are not thoroughly checked and that the mood dies when the band decides to take a break. Often the crowd is discouraged by such a drastic change to a song once it is sung by a new person, rather than the original artist they grow to love.

If a host is planning an intimate event and is limited to the amount of space for a dance floor, a DJ is by far the better option, since not much space is needed for the equipment. This also does not take away from the celebrated party’s main table or beautiful cake on display for all the guests to enjoy.

Special events are meant to be remembered throughout one’s lifetime. Why not make a lasting impression and keep event jitters that much more at ease?

A Cake in a Cup A Cake in a Cup

A CHILD MAY WONDER AT THE GENIUS OF A CAKE THAT FITS IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND, BUT LATELY EVEN ADULTS HAVE BECOME MORE APPRECIATIVE OF THIS TASTY LITTLE TREAT.

BY AYESHA AMED

The cupcake somehow manages to consummate sophistication in baked goods, but still remains relatively inexpensive. In the past decade, the popularity of cupcakes has grown exponentially, even invading the high-class club of wedding cake options. The cupcake has not accomplished this feat by accident; it has many features admirable in a pastry. A cupcake has the convenience of a candy bar with its small size, but provides the satisfaction of a small slice of cake. Perhaps the allure of the cupcake is in its cuteness, or that it must be unwrapped like a gift. Whatever the case, cupcake shops may soon replace trendy coffee shops, becoming the master destination for short excursions by the middle class.

Wedding cupcakes became ideal as couples began to find more ways to save money on a wedding without eliminating elegance. Traditionally less expensive, wedding cupcakes can appear just as beautiful as a wedding cake, and even come with all the flavors. They are often favored because they are easily distributable, and couples do not have to waste extra time or money trying to cut equal slices for everyone. If couples prefer, they can even have the cupcakes elaborately iced, like a wedding cake. With absolutely no downside, replacing wedding cakes with cupcakes is becoming the new norm.

Raise the bar! Surround your traditional wedding cake with beautifully decorated sweets. Create a wedding cake bar, complete with wedding cake, cupcakes and macaroons too! Have your cake and cupcakes too!

More recently, the king of pastries, which cupcakes were created to imitate, have ironically been altered to imitate cupcakes in return. The Big Top Cupcake is a baking pan used to bake cupcake shaped cakes. With a simple non-stick baking pan, this giant cupcake maker allows the baker the option to fill and decorate the giant cupcake with ease. An embarrassing blow for cakes everywhere, the Big Top Cupcake is a favorite for kids who love recognizing their beloved cupcake in an extravagant size. No pastry has replaced its predecessor with such style.

Although the economic recession has affected many industries, cupcake shops are still sprouting up all over the nation. With newly gained popularity and customers appreciative of an inexpensive fancy treat, the forgotten favorite is asserting its position as the best sweet of America. Basking in the jealousy of cakes and muffins everywhere, cupcake shops have just one thing to say: look out Starbucks!

How To Choose The Right Wedding Photographer

BY AMIN RUSSELL

CHOOSING THE RIGHT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION, SINCE THE PHOTOGRAPHS OF YOUR WEDDING WILL BE A LASTING MEMORY OF YOUR SPECIAL DAY. HERE ARE SOME FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER.

STYLE: Look at the photographer’s portfolio and determine whether their style matches your vision for your wedding. Some photographers specialize in a documentary or photojournalistic style, while others prefer a more traditional approach. Make sure you are happy with the photographer’s style and that it matches your preferences.

There are many types of wedding photography styles, each with its own unique approach and aesthetic. Some common styles of wedding photography include:

TRADITIONAL WEDDING

PHOTOGRAPHY: This style involves capturing formal, posed shots of the couple, family members, and wedding party.

PHOTOJOURNALISTIC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY: This style focuses on capturing candid, spontaneous moments throughout the wedding day, telling the story of the day as it unfolds.

FINE ART WEDDING

PHOTOGRAPHY: This style emphasizes creating artistic, creative, and dramatic shots that are often heavily edited for a unique, artistic effect.

NATURAL WEDDING

PHOTOGRAPHY: This style focuses on capturing the couple and their guests in a relaxed, natural way, without a lot of posing or direction.

VINTAGE WEDDING

PHOTOGRAPHY: This style aims to create a nostalgic and romantic feel by using vintage cameras, film, and processing techniques to create a classic, timeless look.

DRAMATIC WEDDING

PHOTOGRAPHY: This style uses dramatic lighting and poses to create visually striking and impactful images.

DESTINATION WEDDING

PHOTOGRAPHY: This style focuses on capturing the unique culture and environment of the wedding location, often incorporating scenic landscapes or iconic landmarks.

It’s important to note that many photographers incorporate elements from different styles into their work, creating a unique style that is tailored to each couple’s preferences and vision for their wedding day.

EXPERIENCE: Choose a photographer who has experience shooting weddings. They should be able to handle the fast pace of the day, work well under pressure, and capture all the important moments. Experienced photographers will also be able to offer suggestions and advice based on their past work.

PERSONALITY: You’ll be spending a lot of time with your photographer on your wedding day, so it’s important to choose someone whose personality meshes well with yours. Schedule a meeting or engagement shoot to get a feel for their personality and communication style.

PRICE: Wedding photography can be expensive, but it’s important to remember that you’re paying for the photographer’s time, talent, and equipment. Set a budget for photography and choose a photographer who offers packages

REVIEWS: Look for reviews from past clients to get an idea of the photographer’s quality of work and professionalism. You can find reviews on the photographer’s website, social media, and thirdparty review sites.

AVAILABILITY: Once you've found a photographer you like, check their availability for your wedding date. Popular photographers can book up quickly, so it’s important to check their availability early. Overall, take your time to choose the right wedding photographer, as the memories captured will last a lifetime.

Amin Russell, Creative Director

Amin Russell Photography

www.aminrussell.com

Shoes

TO WEAR FOR YOUR SUMMER WEDDING

BY HONORA JAMES

Abride plans a summer wedding envisioning a picturesque scene of blue skies, flowers in full bloom and afterwards a beach locale honey moon. But summer is also the time of year when temperatures can reach triple digits in some regions, and the wise bride will choose a bridal shoe that has a “cool factor.”

1.HOT BRIDAL SHOES THAT KEEP FEET COOL

Wedding footwear that keep the bride’s feet cool depends on the shoe material and the shoe style. Unlike man-made or synthetic shoe materials that are inflexible and con stricting, shoes made of leather, silk or satin are pliable and allow air to pass through.

Shoe styles that best fit the “cool fac tor” category are sandals, or peep toed. The heels for both styles can vary from flat, medium, high-heeled or wedged.

2.COMFORT AND STYLE ALWAYS A GOOD MATCH

A bride who wants both comfort and style is not setting herself up for heartbreak; it can be done. A shoe that is easy to wear begins with know ing the right size. Shoe sizes can vary from company to company, therefore to eliminate any guesswork have feet measured, preferably in the afternoon when feet are prone to swell.

Once the question of shoe size is settled, try on the best selling styles and walk around in them taking note of how they respond on different floor types. Among summer’s most comfortable and popular shoe styles are embellished ballerina flats, wedge sandals and the perennial favorite pumps.

3.SUMMER’S DELICIOUS BRIDAL SHOE COLOR CHOICES

Cool pastel shades of cream, pink, blue, green or the neutral colors of white, silver and gold provide lightness to a balmy summer wedding day. Pastel and neutral colored flats or T-strap

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Yes, all brides are beautiful, but like everyone else, brides have physical attributes they want to draw the eye to, and away from. A petite or voluptuous bride should not wear ankle strap shoes or sandals with a short wedding dress. Ankle straps shorten the legs making a petite bride appear even shorter and large legs appear bigger. Conversely, a pointed toe shoe elongates the legs.

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From head to toe, the bride that is true to herself reveals her personality by what she wears on her wedding day.

AZAZIE, HAS LAUNCHED THEIR LITTLE WHITE DRESS COLLECTION, WITH LOOKS DESIGNED FOR ELOPEMENTS, BRIDAL SHOWERS, BACHELORETTE PARTIES, REHEARSAL DINNERS AND ENGAGEMENT PARTIES.

This collection was inspired by their most popular bridal fashion category “Modern Sleek,” and was expertly designed to be both high quality and made exclusively for you, while utilizing lightweight and stretch fabric, with a large range of silhouettes and sizes. The styles provided were also created to be easy to transport when being packed for destination weddings or a couple’s honeymoon, but also be dressed up or down depending on the event.

As every bride has their own vision and dream of what they want to look like on their wedding day, Azazie’s Lead Designer Geavanna Nuñez says, “This new collection was designed to expand our existing assortment of ‘Little White Dresses’ while

The WhiteLittleDress

BY AZAZIE

providing our brides with ‘exclusively made for you’ designs perfect for all the wedding events in her life: engagement, bridal shower, bachelorette, rehearsal dinner and elopement.”

Nuñez also added, “We’re thrilled that Azazie is able to fulfill the promise of not only providing unique and affordable dresses, but that each one will fit every bride’s specific taste and be expertly tailored to their body type. We feel grateful to be a bridal-wear destination where brides can feel beautiful and confident on one of the most special days of their lives.”

About Azazie: With 200+ bridal gowns and 400+ bridal party dresses in over 80 colors, Azazie is committed to body-positive fashion, offering all dresses from size 0-30, cut and sewn to order like expensive bespoke designs. To purchase visit the website at www.azazie.com.

Deadlines & Details

12 months +

 Select date, time and place. Then reserve venues!

 Decide on wedding size and style.

 Hire wedding consultant (if applicable) and create wedding website.

 Shop for gown.

 Begin guest list.

9-12 months

 Research honeymoon destinations.

 Book musicians, DJ, florist, photographer, videographer and limousines.

 Order invitations.

 Purchase gown and begin alterations.

 Ask friends to be in wedding party and order bridesmaid dresses.

6-9 months

 Finalize guest list and send save-the-date cards.

 Book appointments for hair, nails and makeup.

 Reserve attire for groom and groomsmen.

 Order cake(s).

 Purchase rings.

3-6 months

 Secure bridal accessories (such as shoes, jewelry, garter and mementos).

 Give musicians a list of songs you want them to play (or to avoid).

 Make food choices with venue.

THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN PLANNING A WEDDING. TO ENSURE SUCCESS — AND YOUR SANITY — THE KEY IS ORGANIZATION.

WE’VE COMPILED A DETAILED CHECKLIST THAT PAYS SPECIAL ATTENTION TO TIME-SENSITIVE DEADLINES, SO YOU CAN CREATE A FOOLPROOF CALENDAR AND TO-DO LIST.

2 months

 Mail invitations.

1 month

 Give photographer a list of pictures you want taken.

1 week

 Give final head count to reception venue.

The day before

 Hold rehearsal ceremony and dinner.

 Deliver everything to site and work out any kinks.

 Give marriage license to officiant.

 Present gifts to wedding party, parents and any other honored guests.

The day of

 Give rings and officiant’s fee to best man.

 Designate liaison for photographer to ensure all necessary pictures are taken.

 EXHALE!