WHO PAYS FOR WHAT?

CASH CONTROL If the two of you are paying for your own wedding (which more and more couples are), you might want to head to your marriage counseling classes before you tackle this one. Setting a budget is easy, sticking to it is another matter altogether. Even if your families are going to assist with paying for your big day, you should be respectful of everyone’s budgetary limits.

Here is a list of the most common items you will need to pay for and a suggested percentage for each category. This is a flexible list and you may decide to spend more on one thing and less on another based on what is most important to you for your big day.

estimated budget acutal money spent $ $

RECEPTION CEREMONYATTIRE 50% 10% 12%

Venue fees, rentals (tables, chairs, linens, tents, dancefloors), catering, bar, cake, decorations, lighting, band/DJ Gown (don’t forget alterations), veil, bridal accessories, hair and makeup, groom’s tux, groom’s accessories (cuff links, studs, shoes, etc.), rings Site fee, officiant fee, bridal bouquet, bridesmaids bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, other floral/decoration (altar arrangements, candelabra, unity candle, pew markers, aisle runner), musicians.

PHOTOGRAPHY 10%

PLANNER 1%

STATIONERY 2% Save-the-date cards, invitations and reply cards, programs, thank you notes, postage.

TRANSPORTATION 1% Limo/for bride and groom, limo/for bridal party, transportation for out of town

guests, (Most limos only carry about 8 people and most stretch Hummers only carry 10 to 12). If you have a large party, you may want to consider a party bus or running a shuttle. There are economical options for both. Be sure to read the transportation service’s contract VERY closely because they are sticklers for overtime and you willl be charged.

OTHER Welcome gifts for out of town guests, favors for reception guests, bridal party gifts. 1%

FEELING NERVOUS OR HAVING STICKER SHOCK? Changing your perspective can help. If you consider what you spend on a night out for dinner, drinks and entertainment, your per person cost is either about the same or a little lower. And remember, YOU are in control of your spending and the easiest place to save money is to be ruthless with your guest list!

What to expect from yourmakeup

Photography by Kayce Stork Photography

pro

by Jackie Merlau | Jmerlaumakeup.com

You may have decided to hire someone to do your wedding makeup — but do you know what should be expected from a professional artist on the most important day of your life? Here’s some helpful advice: THE SEARCH

Find a makeup artist who is passionate about her work. I believe 85 percent of your makeup experience is based in the relationship you create with your artist. You are looking for someone who not only is talented at her craft, but also makes you feel relaxed, happy and beautiful. Spend time building this relationship. From the engagement photos to the wedding day, work with one artist who can get to know you and your makeup preferences.

THE PAPERWORK

Contracts are an important part of any business transaction. Having all the prices, a day-of schedule and location details written out is a great way to stay organized and avoid confusion. Be sure you both know what your expectations are of each other and have it in writing to keep everything in order and everyone on the same page. THE CONSULTATION

Every bride should meet with her makeup artist before the big day. This is a great time to see how your makeup will look, and an even better time to make changes or adjustments. This is the time to be picky and specific. The last thing you want is to worry how your makeup will turn out on the actual day. When you know what your artist is capable of, you can trust and rely on her.

LONGEVITY

Make sure your artist can create a look that not only photographs beautifully, but also remains intact. You will be dancing, crying, kissing, drinking and eating. You want to be sure your makeup will last all night, look flawless and stay photogenic. THE DAY OF

You want an artist who knows the wedding industry and will help make things flow for you. Choose a reliable artist who will arrive early to set up, start on time and stay on schedule. I like to help my brides put together the makeup appointment schedule prior to the date. Most importantly, make sure your artist brings a kit full of products needed for all skin types, tones and textures for everyone having makeup done.

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Top 5 dream destinations

After exchanging vows and celebrating with loved ones, most newlyweds are eager for a relaxing, romantic getaway. Couples have endless options for their honeymoon escape, whatever their budget. Erika Scicutella of Travel Studio Boutique tells us which destinations make her top-five list — and why they have enduring appeal. ST. LUCIA

With windswept beaches and moonlight-soaked seascapes, St. Lucia exudes romantic mystique. Amid some of the finest Caribbean destination wedding and honeymoon settings imaginable, your happily ever after truly will be. As an island named the “World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” nine times in the World Travel Awards, Saint Lucia is a refuge and an escape for lovers. The weddings, honeymoons and romantic getaways of dreams happen in Saint Lucia; the island’s luxurious accommodations will do justice to the occasion. You’re sure to cherish these memories for a lifetime. ANTIGUA

The world’s most romantic destination according to Brides magazine, Antigua is elegant and easy to reach. With the island’s 365 beaches, you can do it all — kite surfing, sailing or nothing at all. You can dine on the beach, and the spas are amazing. It’s an ideal combination of sophistication and romance. BARBADOS

A jewel of natural beauty, romance is all around Barbados — from gorgeous sunsets over the Caribbean Sea and the sound of the waves lapping gently on the shore to the rhythmic swaying of palm trees in the island breeze. Many who spend their honeymoon in Barbados love it so much that they return, some to celebrate special anniversaries and some nearly every year.

JAMAICA

Love is always in the air in Jamaica, an ideal destination for your first vacation as husband and wife. From warm evening sunsets to secluded waterfalls, Jamaica is known for providing intimate escapes. Not only will you discover beautiful places to visit, but also exciting activities sure to add spice to any vacation.

BORA BORA

Bora Bora embodies the perfect, idyllic honeymoon destination. This is a place to come for bright blue lagoons, charming bungalow accommodations, relaxing sandy beaches and brightly colored hibiscus flowers. Located in French Polynesia in the South Pacific, Bora Bora has been described as the most beautiful island in the world.

TREND Watch

Short and sweet mini-moons are here to stay. These post-wedding escapes are modern couples’ answer to maxedout vacation days and stretched-tight budgets. This may sound like an unfortunate compromise, but minimoons offer newlyweds the best of both worlds: a relaxing post-nuptial getaway and the promise of a longer, more elaborate honeymoon to come.

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