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Creating An Eco-friendly Wedding
brides choose classic jewelry Wear A white smile on your wedding day smart ways to slim down before your wedding
f a l l ’1 2 SEPTEMBER 2012
SEPTEMBER 2012
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Eliza Wiley
NatalieNewtonPhotography(3)
Eliza Wiley
6 Brides Choose Classic Jewelry 8 The Wedding Day Countdown 10 Responsibilities of the Groomsmen 12 Choosing Floral Arrangements 14 Wear a White Smile On Your Wedding Day 16 Entertaining With Ease 18 Safe Ways To Slim Down Before Your Wedding 20 Eco-Friendly Weddings 22 Seating Your Wedding Guests 24 Cash Registry 26 Overnight Accommodations for Wedding Guests 28 Wedding Budget Planner 29 Wedding Glossary
Cover Photo by Natalie Newton Designs & Photography Wedding Planner is published by The Independent Record, a division of Capital City Publishing Group, 317 Cruse Avenue, Helena, MT 59601 (406) 447-4003 ©2011 Capital City Publishing Group.
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Helena Independent Record
SEPTEMBER 2012
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BridesChooseClassicJewelry Throughout 2011 and 2012,
Ever since
brides from Kate Middleton to
Kate Middleton
Hollywood celebrities chose very
walkeddownthe
classic styling for their jewelry.
aisle at
Here are some tips for brides who want to look royal — British or
Westminster
American style:
Abbey in her fabulous fitted
• Choose crystal and pearl styles
gownandcrystal
that are distinctive yet not
teardrop
overwhelming in scale
earrings, brides everywherehave
earrings and necklace. If your
been emulating
earrings and necklace “match,”
her classic,
keep them close in size with each other. Or if you choose major chandelier earrings, scale down your necklace or don’t
NatalieNewtonPhotography
• Balance the proportions of your
elegant style.
wear one and make the wrist a focal point. • Bracelets are an important bridal accessory, and they look great worn in multiples — stacks of crystal bangles, mixes crystal links, or a combination of bangles and links.
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Eliza Wiley
of decorative floral pearl and
Helena Independent Record
Eliza Wiley
SEPTEMBER 2012
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Countdown
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Eliza Wiley
The Wedding Day
10–12
MONTHS BEFORE If you haven’t done it already, this is a good time to announce your engagement and introduce your respective families. Since most reception halls and churches have busy wedding schedules, it is also important to book both as early as possible, preferably at least a year in advance of your wedding day. It’s also a good idea to start putting together a guest list around this time and ask your parents whom they’d like to invite as well. Also, since your budget will determine just about every aspect of your wedding, sitting down and determining what you can spend, and developing a savings plan should be first and foremost.
6–9
MONTHS BEFORE This is the time when you want to start booking some services, such as a florist, caterer, a DJ/band, and a photographer. However, some of the more experienced DJs and bands as well as photographers might have their schedules booked a year in advance, so this might be something you’ll want to consider doing shortly after you get engaged and choose a date. Also, this is a good time to inform any guests who will be traveling significant distances of the date of your wedding. The earlier your guests can book a flight, the less expensive that flight will be. This is also a good time to order gowns for both the bride and bridesmaids, as some manufacturers require a few months to ship to bridal shops. You might want to ask someone such as your priest or rabbi to be the officiant of your wedding. And much like out-of-town guests will save travel dollars the earlier they learn of your wedding date, you will likely save money, too, if you book your honeymoon around this time.
SEPTEMBER 2012
4–5
MONTHS BEFORE This is a good time to decide on wedding invitations, of which there are many styles to choose from. Also, now is ideal to start hunting for a wedding cake by sampling a number of different bakeries and their style of cakes before ultimately making a decision. Just to be sure, confirm that all of the bridesmaids have ordered their gowns and start looking for a tuxedo for the groom as well as the groomsmen. If you haven’t done so already, purchase your wedding rings and let any other people you’d like to participate in your wedding (ushers, readers during the ceremony, etc.) know of your intentions.
2–3
MONTHS BEFORE Finalize your guest list and mail out your invitations. If your guest list includes a considerable amount of people who are spread out geographically, mail the invitations as close to 12 weeks in advance as possible. This is also a good time to finalize your menu choices for your guests, and find all your wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, candles, etc. Also, since it is tradition to provide gifts for those in the wedding party as well as the parents of the bride and groom, this is a good time to decide on and purchase those gifts. Just to be safe, confirm that all groomsmen have ordered their tuxedos and finalize all transportation, both to and from the wedding and to the airport for your honeymoon.
1–2
MONTHS BEFORE Schedule the first bridal-gown fitting. Also finalize the readings you’d prefer during the ceremony and mail them out to anyone who has agreed to do a reading. If your
family prefers to host a small gathering for close family and friends after the wedding rehearsal, the night before the wedding, this is a good time to order any food or drinks you might want to serve that night, or make a restaurant reservation.
3–4
WEEKS BEFORE Confirm your honeymoon arrangements and see if your wedding rings are ready. This is also when you should get your marriage license and check the guest list to see who has and hasn’t R.S.V.P.. For those who have yet to RSVP, you might want to contact them so you can get a closer idea of what the head count will be. You should also prepare and order your wedding program around this time.
1–2
WEEKS BEFORE Get a final attendance count and submit it to the caterer as soon as you know of it, while also providing a final seating chart. Pick up the wedding gown and tuxedo. Make sure the wedding party picks up their attire. Also, finalize your vows and confirm all wedding-day details such as transportation, photo schedules, and addresses. And don’t forget to pack for your honeymoon.
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DAY BEFORE This is mainly when you rehearse for the ceremony and make any final confirmations you might have to make. Also, make sure to get some sleep so you’ll look good in all of your wedding-day photos.
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Responsibilities of the Groomsmen
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Happy couples choose friends and family members to serve as attendants in their weddings. Bridesmaids and groomsmen each have different responsibilities in the wedding. Today's groomsmen serve as assistants to the groom and help plan the bachelor party. They also usher guests down the aisle at the ceremony. They also may have a few other responsibilities, depending on what the couple wants of their assistants.
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Eliza Wiley
In ancient times, groomsmen essentially served as the groom's bodyguards, ensuring that he made it safely to the altar and to his future wife. Today, the groomsmen's roles are not based on saving life and limb. By Metro Creative Connection
couple is doing the decorating the ■ Help pick out the tuxedos and show up wedding themselves. ■ Pay for their travel expenses and for fittings. accommodation during the ■ Help plan and share the cost of the celebration. bachelor party. ■ Return formal wear for themselves ■ Attend rehearsals for the ceremony and the groom. and appear at the rehearsal dinner. ■ Provide transportation for the couple ■ Pay for their own wedding attire or to the airport or honeymoon formal wear rentals. destination if the best man is ■ Help unload cars with supplies if the unavailable.
Before the Wedding
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During the Ceremony ■ Greet and seat guests at the ceremony in the appropriate rows or pews. ■ Stand near the groom during the ceremony. ■ Serve as escorts for the bridesmaids at the ceremony. ■ Cater to anyone's needs and mingle with the guests afterward.
Party Time
Eliza Wiley
NatalieNewtonPhotography
■ Ensure that the groom does not get too intoxicated. ■ Sit at the table of honor beside the rest of the bridal party. ■ Mingle with the guests. ■ Participate in all photos if asked. ■ Dance with their bridesmaid counterpart. ■ Help load the wedding gifts into the car afterward.
SEPTEMBER 2012
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Helpfulhintswhen
NatalieNewtonPhotography(3)
choosingfloralarrangements
C
Couples must make many decisions when planning their wedding, not the least of which is choosing floral arrangements. Some couples have never had to make choices regarding floral arrangements, so it’s understandable if they need some help before making a decision that will likely make a significant impact on the appearance of their weddings.
By Metro Creative Connection
Stayin-seasonwhenpossible.
When choosing a floral arrangement, it’s important to consider when you’ll be getting married and which flowers will be in-season. It’s possible to find most floral varieties all year, but if you choose seasonal flowers, you’ll likely pay less and such flowers will be more readily available and durable.
Go with your own style. Don’t go it alone. Couples should not feel pressured to go with a more traditional style if that’s not something that suits them. Instead, choose a style that most appeals to you, be it neutral or bold colors, formal or more casual arrangements, and so on. Your style might also reveal a preference for something other than roses, which is perfectly alright. It’s your wedding.
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The wedding day is going to be busy enough without brides and grooms having to worry about arranging the bouquets. A professional florist, ideally one who has come highly recommended, should be able to work within your budget and produce a visually stunning end product.
Considercandlesto save money. Many
couples hope for a floral centerpiece at each table, but that can prove costly. If the floral budget is somewhat limited, supplement the centerpieces with candles to save some money. The centerpieces likely won’t be as grandiose, but smaller floral arrangements coupled with candles can create a romantic feel.
Stick to the budget.
Couples will find it’s very easy to go over budget quickly with regard to floral arrangements. But a good florist should be able to work within your budget and produce an arrangement that’s visually impressive without costing a fortune.
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NatalieNewtonPhotography
SEPTEMBER 2012
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with a brightsmile
In the past, tooth whitening was something left to the professionals at the dentist's office. Over the years, in-office whitening procedures have evolved to include laser activation of a whitening gel. While effective, the process can be very expensive — something that may not fit into a couple’s wedding day budget. Most people interested in brightening their smiles can find success with at-home whitening solutions. In addition to relying on at-home and in-office tooth whitening solutions, there are other ways that the soon-to-be bride and groom and their bridal party can achieve a whiter smile in time for their wedding day.
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Get routine dentalcheckups andcleanings.
A professional cleaning at the dentist can remove unsightly tartar and buff the teeth clean. You may see a noticeable difference in the appearance of your teeth after a routine dental cleaning.
Eat raw fruits andvegetables Chewing raw fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, grapes, carrots and spinach is a good way to reduce tooth staining. NatalieNewtonPhotography
A
A soon-to-be bride and groom have a long list of things to complete prior to their wedding day. Though much thought is given to music, transportation, gowns and tuxedoes, it’s important not to overlook a white smile, which will ultimately be the lasting memory of the special day in photo albums for years to come. A white smile can make all the difference and is the finishing touch to every look.
Wear white on your wedding day
By Metro Creative Connection
Dress chosen; check. Flowers ordered; check. Photographer booked; check. Bright smiles for the big day; hmmm, not so much....
Brushandfloss An at-home oral hygiene routine is essential for good oral health and appearance. Use a toothpaste that removes up to 90 percent of surface stains in just 5 days.
Taking steps toward a beautiful, white smile is something every soon-to-be bride, groom and bridal party member can do. Those who are making their wedding day to-do list should include easy tooth-whitening solutions as a ‘must’ for their special day.
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Brides and groomsto-be hope and pray their wedding day will go off without a hitch.
natalienewton photography find us on facebook!
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Packanemergency
weddingdaykit ByMetroCreativeConnection
After a year or more of planning and writing checks for so many things, couples hope that it all comes together in the end. For most it does. Others may need a little help keeping things on track. Although the idea is to hope for the best, being prepared for a few obstacles along the way can ensure the day goes smoothly. Many couples find it wise to pack an emergency kit, stocked with items to make repairs or handle tie ups with ease. Brides and grooms can use this checklist to compile a wedding day kit that meets their needs and customize with any speciality items.
• needle and thread in white, black and the color of bridesmaid gowns • extra pairs of panty-hose • pain reliever pills • antacid • quick-clean detergent stick • bandages • powder • deodorant • double-sided tape • black buttons • sanitary pads • mints/gum • makeup for touch-ups • extra cash • slippers or a change of shoes SEPTEMBER 2012
• umbrellas • hairspray • hair pins • names and phone numbers of all wedding vendors • static cling spray • hair dryer • contact lens solution/eye drops • nail file • nail clipper • straws (to sip drinks without ruining lipstick) • safety pins • black socks • earring backs
nndphotography@gmail.com | 406.865.0909 natalienewtondesignsandphotography.com
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CreatingaDeliciousPartyTogether—TipstoNewlywedson
EntertainingWithEase
P
Part of the fun of getting married and establishing a home together is sharing your new life — and showing off all your exciting wedding presents — with friends and family. Hosting parties and get-togethers is part of a typical rite of passage for newlyweds, and like any new venture, can lead to some anxiety. Janice Rassin, National Bridal Director at Meyer Corporation, U.S., the largest cookware company in America, offers numerous creative ways for newlyweds to entertain with confidence and ease.
Ease Into Your Entertaining Groove with Brunch: Inviting guests over for a weekend brunch is a smart way to begin honing your entertaining skills. The food is comforting and familiar, and most of the set-up, such as brewing coffee, squeezing fresh orange juice and baking muffins, can be done in advance. Pull out your new cookware to prepare a simple and irresistible menu of scrambled eggs with fresh chives and lox, or classic blueberry pancakes. A high performance nonstick skillet or griddle is essential to ensure your eggs and flapjacks, which are both prone to sticking, will release effortlessly every time. If you'd rather serve dishes that can be made ahead of time, consider a savory egg strata with layers of grated cheese, potatoes and sliced ham, or a scrumptious oven-baked version of praline French toast. Either Southernstyle recipe can be prepared and served in au gratins or casseroles.
Host a Friendly Couples Cooking Competition: Surprise and delight one or two other couples by “challenging”them to a cooking competition in your kitchen. You can set the game rules and theme for your
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ByMetroCreativeConnection
friendly contest with your guests’ input in advance, and share the task of bringing key ingredients and kitchen equipment that will be needed to cook together for a spirited evening of food fun. Your theme could be as simple as who can make the best meatloaf, or who can beat the clock preparing the best-tasting chicken pasta dish in under 30 minutes. To really ignite some sparks and laughs, once guests have gathered for the cooking, reveal a “surprise ingredient”that everyone will need to incorporate in their dish. Everyone has a fighting chance to make a superb meal when using finely crafted gourmet cookware.
Choose Color as Your Party Theme Inspiration: Creating an inviting ambiance for a dinner or cocktail party can be as easy as focusing on a favorite color and letting this be your guide and inspiration. You can integrate color into your invite, develop a signature color drink, use one kind of flower for centerpieces, and serve foods from vessels that play up the color theme as well. If red is your passion, start by welcoming guests with a tray of pomegranate martinis and finish the evening with cherry or cranberry tarts for dessert. Bring your food straight from the oven to the table using stylish cookware.
Choose a Favorite Ingredient as Your Party Theme Inspiration: Another fun way to plan a
theme for your get-together is to spotlight a favorite ingredient. If you’re a chocoholic, for example, there are plenty of ways to incorporate this warm and indulgent treat into your evening. Unsweetened cocoa is a chef’s secret weapon to adding complexity and depth
to hearty stews and chili, and dessert options for chocolate are practically endless.
Take the Party Outdoors: In climates and seasons that are conducive to spending time outside, invite your guests to dine al fresco on your deck, patio or garden. Guests enjoy the informality of being outdoors, and the fresh air stimulates both conversation and appetites. Highlight the“outdoorsy” venue of your soiree by setting a table inspired by nature. Choose natural fibers for linens and placemats, and pluck fresh garden herbs, such as rosemary and basil to create simple, botanical centerpieces.
Embrace the Power of Potlucks: Potluck-style parties, whereby guests bring a prepared dish to share, is very much back in vogue -- and a boon to time-strapped and budget-conscious hosts.You can modify a traditional potluck dinner by taking the lead in recommending dishes that will create a cohesive menu of complementary recipes. For a dash more creativity, consider giving your potluck a special theme, such as dishes from a favorite vacation locale (perhaps even where you went for your honeymoon), or favorite dishes from a beloved cuisine, such as Italian or Asian. You'll want your own recipes for the potluck to be generously sized for entertaining, and prepared in attractive pots that can be brought straight from the range or oven to the table. Helena Independent Record
Honoring Traditions with Casual Flair: Annual celebrations, such as Passover and Easter, reunite families at the table with time-honored traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. Honoring your heritage and cherished traditions does not mean you need to break out the fine silver, crystal and china. It’s easier than ever to create an elegant holiday table using casual, dishwasher- and microwave oven-safe tabletop made from durable porcelain and stoneware.
Offbeat Holidays are Cause for Celebration:
Score One for Your Team: Invite friends over for a laid back Sunday afternoon of communal cheering for your favorite team on TV. Recreate the fun of a tailgate party by setting a hearty spread of Buffalo chicken wings, sliders, sandwiches, spicy dips, and other favorite finger foods on a game table or coffee table in your living room or den. Underscore the sporty and animated tone of your game party with vibrant and bold serving pieces.
Let Them Eat Cake: Calling all baking enthusiasts, let your inner pastry chef shine by welcoming guests to a tempting dessert buffet, paired with coffee or tea. To encourage sampling of a variety of your treats, thinly slice layered cakes and pies, and cut brownies, bars and loaf breads into bite-size morsels. To keep cookies reasonably small rather than jumbo size, use a spring-loaded melon ball scoop to dole out small amounts of cookie dough onto baking pans. Set up your buffet before guests arrive by stacking dessert plates (you can use 8-inch salad plates) and coffee mugs next to trays laden with your treats on the kitchen counter or dining room table. For a stylish buffet setting that won't upstage your stellar desserts, use solid colored plates with either a modern or traditional look.
Eliza Wiley
Typical holidays, such as the Fourth of July, are perennial favorites for entertaining, but you can sway from the norm and celebrate an offbeat occasion. Love wine? Host a wine tasting party to kick off the annual release of Beaujolais wines. Are you famous for baking the best lasagna? Invite friends and family to share your dish in honor of National Lasagna Day —yes, this holiday really does exist! Mardi Gras in February, also known as Fat Tuesday, provides the perfect excuse to throw a brunch-style pancake extravaganza with multiple variations on the traditional flapjack. And, lovers of Mexican food can celebrate Cinco de Mayo in May with a simple buffet of make-your-own tacos, paired with pitchers of Margaritas. Plan ahead for a successful party by taking inventory of your cooking equipment to be sure you have the
right pans and tools for your menu. Heavy gauge nonstick cookware from is a good place to start.
SEPTEMBER 2012
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Safe and smart ways to
slim down before your wedding
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ByMetroCreativeConnection
Many brides-to-be, and even some grooms-to-be, express concern about their weight in the weeks and months leading up to their wedding. Losing weight is a goal for many engaged couples, but it’s important that couples who want to shed a few extra pounds don’t sacrifice safety for the sake of slimming down. According to a Cornell University study of 273 women with a wedding day approaching, 70 percent wanted to lose more than 20 pounds before their weddings. However, reality indicates that a weight loss of 5 to 10 pounds is more attainable -- more so if the weight loss regimen is spread out over several weeks. The term “brideorexia” has entered the vernacular, and it is associated with brides who are taking extreme measures to lose weight. Taking laxatives, engaging in fluid-only diets and even using tobacco or drugs to serve as appetite suppressants are just some of the measures some brides have taken to shed weight before their wedding days.
NatalieNewtonPhotography
There is no magic formula to shed pounds, but there are certain ways to jump-start and maintain the process of healthy weight loss so brides can look slimmer and healthy for their big day.
■ Eat.
Although initial calorie curbing can help shed weight, eventually your body may adapt to your new eating habits or go into “survival mode,” which means conserving fat reserves. Researchers at Penn State University found that fasting signals to your body that it is being starved, triggering a lower metabolic rate. Brides-to-be should never cut out food entirely. Eating anything less than 1,200 calories a day will encourage the body to try to conserve energy by lowering its metabolism. Severe calorie restriction is not an effective way to lose weight.
■Stepupyourexerciseregimen.Reducingfood intake alone will not help you lose weight quickly. The goal is to burn more calories than you consume. Therefore, adding more cardiovascular activity to your routine can help burn calories more efficiently. According to a clinical study from researchers at Italy’s University of Padua published in the 2011 International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, eating a light meal before exercising helps you burn more fat and keeps your body burning fat even 24 hours after the exercise.
■ Reduce sodium intake. Sodium doesn’t 18
Concernaboutfittingintotheirgownsdrivesmany brides to crash diet in an effort to lose weight. necessarily lead to weight gain, but it can make it appear so. Sodium contributes to water retention in the body, which may make you appear heavier or bloated. Cut back on foods that are high in sodium, especially as the wedding draws close, to reduce water retention.
■Identifysourcesofemptycalories.Fruitjuices, soda and other beverages are often the culprits with regards to unnecessary calorie consumption. Therefore, choose your beverages wisely and limit them to water, teas and unsweetened drinks. If you want to drink fruit juice, consider diluting it. In addition, most alcoholic beverages have 100 calories or more. While it may be tempting to celebrate with wine, champagne and mixed drinks during
Helena Independent Record
your engagement period, your waistline may ultimately pay the price for such indulgences.
■Hireagoodphotographer.Acameraallegedly
■Eatsmallerportions.Oftentimes,itsnotamatterof what you are eating but how much. Most portion sizes served in restaurants or even at home are double or triple the amount that you should be eating. When in doubt, cut everything in half.
■Filluponfiberorprotein.Insteadofresortingto pills to suppress an appetite, simply eat foods that will fill you up naturally. High-fiber foods will bulk up in the stomach and keep you feeling satiated longer. The same can be said for lean proteins, which take longer to digest, thus fending off hunger pangs.
NatalieNewtonPhotography
While losing weight for a wedding is many couples’ ultimate goal, the best way to tackle this task is in a healthy, responsible manner.
SEPTEMBER 2012
Tips for tryingon wedding gowns Eliza Wiley
adds 10 pounds, a reason many couples panic about their wedding day. A photo is a 2D image of a 3D object. Therefore, the photo reduces depth perception and flattens an image, which may make some items look like they have more bulk. A professional photographer will know how to manipulate lighting and angles of the camera to ensure a more flattering shot.
Many brides-to-be look forward to the day when they visit a bridal salon and are able to try on gowns for the first time. There are certain tips that can make the day go much more smoothly and potentially reduce the amount of time it may take to find the perfect gown. • Wear a supportive, well constructed strapless bra or corset in your correct size. If you will be wearing a petticoat, also have the right size available. • Go without face makeup when trying on gowns so they remain clean. • Try to wear your hair similar to the style you have in mind for your wedding. • Note that the size of the wedding gown you will wear is typically one to two sizes larger than your day-to-day clothes. Proper measurements can be matched to designers’ size charts. • It’s best to limit the number of people with whom you shop to 1 or 2 trusted friends or family members. An entourage can be confusing. • It’s always better to order a slightly larger gown and leave room for alterations if you are between sizes.
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Howtohavean
Start with the jewelry.
A couple’s journey to their wedding day typically begins with the marriage proposal, and that often includes an engagement ring. Even this time-honored tradition can be done in an eco-friendly way. Shop for jewelers who use recycled stones and metals, which can be used to create beautiful and unique items.
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Couples commonly look for ways to set their wedding apart from those of their friends and families. Doing so helps create unique memories for the bride- and groom-to-be, while ensuring guests have a good time as well. By Metro Creative Connection
Another way jewelry can be green is to purchase vintage or antique items, which are obviously reusable and sustainable. Couples can also use family heirlooms, both for the engagement ring and the wedding rings.
Address your attire.
Brides hoping to take an ecofriendly walk down the aisle can shop for a gown that’s stylish and sustainable. A family gown can be re-fitted to fit the bride-to-be, or brides can take advantage of the growing popularity of environmentally conscious attire and choose a gown made from sustainable materials. Many of the top designers now make gowns produced from such materials, so finding these gowns is no longer akin to searching for a needle in a haystack.
NatalieNewtonPhotography
O
One of the ways couples can distinguish their nuptials from those of friends and family is to make their big day an eco-friendly affair. Going green for your wedding is a wonderful way for eco-conscious couples to keep the environment in mind on one of the most memorable days of their lives. The following are a few ways to plan and host a green wedding.
Eliza Wiley
Eliza Wiley
eco-friendly wedding
Couples can make their wedding even more special by planning and hosting an eco-friendly ceremony.
Go green with the invitations.
One of the easiest ways to go green at your wedding involves the wedding invitations. Couples have myriad options at their disposal when it comes to ecofriendly invitations, whether it’s post consumer-waste paper, tree-free paper or digital invitations sent via the Internet. Each of these options reduces your wedding’s carbon footprint without sacrificing quality or lessening the significance of the big day. Another way to create more
eco-friendly invitations is to use a Web site such as TheKnot.com, where couples can create their own wedding page and include information regarding the ceremony as well as directions, hotels and other information that would otherwise be disseminated with the paper invitations. Having all of this information available on your personal wedding Web site reduces your paper consumption and makes it easier for guests to find all the pertinent information regarding your big day.
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Get beautified in an environmentally friendly way. Women often spend hours on their wedding day with hairdressers and makeup artists, and even this tradition can be done in an eco-friendly way. Choose all-natural beauty products instead of using conventional cosmetics, many of which contain toxic chemicals. When shopping for a salon to visit the morning of your wedding day, look for one that’s ecofriendly. Such salons are growing in popularity, so they should not be too difficult to find.
Don’t forget the flowers.
NatalieNewtonPhotography
NatalieNewtonPhotography
Flowers add significant aesthetic appeal to a wedding, and couples can make them even more appealing by choosing local flowers that are in-season. Local and seasonal flowers won’t need to be transported as far as their exotic and out-of-season counterparts, cutting down on a floral arrangement’s carbon footprint. Also, when shopping for a florist, look for one who specializes in organic flowers, which are never sprayed with potentially harmful pesticides or fungicides. Couples about to tie the knot can make their weddings even more special by making the festivities environmentally friendly.
Wedding Decor
• Lattice Arches • Candelabra • Flower Baskets • Centerpieces • Cake Tops & Accessories
Reception Decor
• Disposable Tableware • Balloons • Table Coverings/Skirting • Wedding Invitations • Imprinted Napkins
Wedding Rentals We have everything you need to make your wedding a success.
Outdoor Weddings
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HOURS: Sunday 8:30 - 1:00
Rent the restaurant for your rehearsal dinner!
We’ll create your custom menu. Full catering available.
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Mon-Sat: Lunch 11-3 Wed-Sat: Dinner 5:30 - Close
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Seating
YourWeddingGuests
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Weddings are filled with many emotions: happiness, excitement and anticipation, to name a few. With all of the positive emotions a wedding may drum up, in the mix there may be a few negative ones, including feelings of being overwhelmed at all the details that need to be completed on a deadline.
Eliza Wiley
ByMetroCreativeConnection
important. Many couples can use a little advice when seating guests, while others would love another person to handle the seating arrangements for them.
One aspect of wedding planning that tends to send people into panic is wedding reception seating arrangements. The thought of having 200 friends and family members together under one roof — and then attempting to seat them next to an acceptable group of people — can cause some couples to hyperventilate.
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Eliza Wiley
Every family has its ups and downs, and there are certain people who get along well and a few who clash. Ensuring that a wedding is memorable for all the right reasons (and not for the brawl at table 3) is why seating arrangements are so
Helena Independent Record
HERE ARE SOME GUIDELINES FOR SETTING UP RECEPTION SEATING ARRANGEMENTS. ■ Place yourselves, as well as the bridal party, at a separate table that is in a prime location in the room. Be sure to allow the spouses or dates of bridal party members at the same table so couples remain together. ■ Some couples choose to seat both sets of parents at one table together — the parents’ table. Grandparents may also be seated at this table, depending on the number of people each table can accommodate.
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■ If children under the age of 7 are invited, they should be seated with their parents. Children between ages 7 and 14 can be seated at a separate kids’ table. ■ Be mindful of guests with disabilities or mobility issues. Seat them close to the door, bathrooms or food station. ■ Instead of separating the bride’s and the groom’s family to separate sides, intermingle the tables to promote conversation. ■ Consider arranging guests by common interests at each table, seating business associates or parents’ friends together. ■ Take into consideration people who have relationship rifts and try to seat them separately. But don’t stress about this too much because it won't be possible to accommodate everyone. You’ll have to hope that at your wedding a certain level of decorum will preside. ■ It’s not unheard of to let guests seat themselves. This takes the pressure of finding a seat for everyone off of you as a couple and enables you to think about the other tasks at hand. This can take place at a buffet wedding or a smaller affair.
SEPTEMBER 2012
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Cash registry: It does exist
ByMetroCreativeConnection
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It is sometimes difficult to ask for what you truly want as a gift. After all, you don't want to seem like you are picky, overly choosy or ungrateful when receiving gifts. So for holidays and birthdays you may make do with keeping mum and being thankful for those sweaters or knickknacks you don't need. But what about when it comes to your wedding? Industry experts say that more and more couples are coming into the marriage with their household already established. Whether they’ve chosen to live together during their engagement or have already accumulated their own housewares, there’s a good chance that a new toaster or set of towels is not high on their priority lists. What many couples need and can use is cold, hard cash. But it’s not so easy to ask for cash in a tactful way. That’s where specialized gift registries come into play. With the services of a cash or other type of gift registry, couples can create a customized registry and website and ask guests to help build their dreams one dollar at a time.
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Instead of shower or wedding guests showing up with a gift box or bag in tow, they simply deposit money toward an item the couple is saving for. This may be a new set of cabinets for their newly purchased home or a tool to place in the garage. With a brief description and a price attached to the registry item, guests can help fulfill the dollar amount needed for the couple to later purchase things they truly need. Couples can use the registry as a savings account and watch the dollar amount grow. Later on they can go out and purchase the items they need or use the money for another purpose. There’s no need to worry about duplicate blenders or engraved flatware that may never be put to use. Also, precious time doesn’t need to be spent before the wedding sorting, storing and exchanging items that were gifted. There are also advantages for the people doing the gifting. With the ease of a few mouse clicks, they’re able to deposit money into the registry account. That means no fussing with
stores or gift wrap, and certainly no lugging large gifts to a remote bridal shower location — a task not easily done in heels. A website will charge a minimum service fee to oversee the bank account where the funds are being stored and for credit card and other processing charges. The fee can be paid by the person establishing the registry or the gift-givers. The money is held in an FDIC-backed bank account and can be withdrawn whenever you choose to cash out the account and the method of payment. Cash registries provide a polite way of asking friends and relatives for the items you can really use to start your new lives together as a married couple. Furthermore, the same registry concept can be applied to any major events in life moving forward, from the birth of children to birthdays to holidays.
Helena Independent Record
SEPTEMBER 2012
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NatalieNewtonPhotography
With the prevalence of people traveling for weddings today, couples choose to
overnight accommodations
for wedding guests
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When your parents or grandparents got married, there was a good chance that their closest relatives and friends lived nearby — in the neighborhood. Attending the wedding was easy, and everyone headed home afterward. This scenario is not too common nowadays. Many families have spread out across the country, or even the world, making travel a significant component of modern weddings. As a result, couples must take accommodations into consideration when planning their nuptials.
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have hotel rooms available if overnight stays are required. ByMetroCreativeConnection
Couples cannot expect relatives to travel to their wedding, party into the wee hours of the morning and then be responsible for finding a place to stay. It is common courtesy for hotel rooms to be made available to out-oftown guests. Although most couples reserve a block of rooms for guests, a bride and groom really looking to go above and beyond will choose to cover the cost of these rooms as a gift.
Helena Independent Record
To ensure there will be available rooms for guests, it is important to contact an area hotel (or hotels) well in advance of your wedding. To start, find out if the reception site you will be using has an agreement or relationship with an area hotel. In some cases, nearby businesses will offer a courtesy discount to facilitate foot traffic. A wedding consultant should know about packages that may include discounts on lodging. If there is no package deal, start cold-calling hotels. If you have a discount program or frequency rewards card with a particular hotel chain, start with them first. Most hotels require a minium of 10 rooms be reserved to secure a “block.” There's a good chance the greater the number of rooms reserved, the more competitive the nightly rate will be. Find out about cancellation policies or when guests need to make a reservation in order to secure the discounted rate.
guests who may have imbibed too much during the party do not need to worry about transportation to the hotel. However, they will have to make arrangements to retrieve their cars the following day. It may pay to have your wedding on a Sunday so guests are entitled to the free breakfast many hotels offer to business customers during the week. Otherwise, find out if there will be a meal available to guests the following day and offer to pay for it. The more pleasantries you can provide to your guests, the more they will feel pampered and believe the decision to travel for your wedding was the right one.
You can include information about hotel reservations right in your wedding invitation, including a code or number to mention to get the wedding discount. If you’re tech-savvy, you may have a link to the hotel’s booking Web site or information on your wedding Web page. Either way, be sure there is ample time for guests to make a decision concerning their hotel reservations. As an added courtesy to guests, you can arrange shuttle bus service between the reception site and the hotel. This way
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Wedding Budget Planner
gallatin gateway inn
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Helena Independent Record
Glossary Wedding
Planning a wedding? There are certain terms that every bride and groom should learn so they can be more informed in the process.
Cutaway Jacket : Jacket which tapers from the front waist button to a long, wide back tail; accessories include a wing-collar shirt with an ascot and a coordinating vest.
Ganache : Rich chocolate filling or topping made from chocolate and heavy cream.
Ascot : A wide, formal tie generally reserved for formal daytime
Garland : Flowers and /or green leaves that are draped over
weddings.
railings.
Blusher: A short veil that covers the brides' face before the
Girdle : The outer edge or the widest part of the diamond forming a band around the stone.
Bodice : Close, upper-fitting part of the dress. Boutonniere : Flower or flowers that are worn by the men in
Illusion : Fine netting used for veils, headpieces, and on the sleeves and necklines of dresses.
ceremony.
the wedding party. The boutonniere always should be affixed to the left side of the jacket.
Buttercream : Most common icing used on wedding cakes. Cathedral train : Train, or long piece of fabric that extends
6-1/2 to 7-1/2 feet from the waist.
Cornelli : Decorative form of icing that resembles lacework on
wedding cakes.
Inclusion : An internal imperfection on a diamond. Nosegay: Small bouquet featuring posies. Tea Length : Length of dress or skirt that falls several inches above the ankles.
Topiary: Flowers or foliage trained and trimmed into geometric shapes, often resembling miniature trees or animals.
Tussy Mussy: Silver cone-shaped holder for a bouquet.
Eliza Wiley
– Metro Creative Connection
SEPTEMBER 2012
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NatalieNewtonPhotography
fall ’12
NatalieNewtonPhotography(2)
4R Ranch and Cattle Co........................................11 A1 Party Plus & Rental..........................................21 American Federal Savings Bank...........................25 Benny’s Bistro.......................................................21 Best Western Great Northern Hotel.......................26 Chili O’Brien’s Catering...........................................5 Comfort Suites, Helena...........................................5 Elkhorn Mountain Inn............................................32 Fairmont Hot Springs Resort...................................3 Feather & Fin Vacations........................................27 First Community Bank.........................................25 Floral Cottage........................................................13 Holiday Inn Conference Center.............................31 Kleffner Ranch.........................................................5 Knox Flowers & Gifts.............................................13 Montana City Grill & Saloon..................................32 Mountain West Bank.............................................25 Natalie Newton Designs & Photography...............15 Phaedra’s Photography.........................................27 Real Food Market & Deli.......................................17 Red Lion Colonial Hotel...........................................7 Saunders Jewelry...................................................7 Van’s Thriftway......................................................31 Wandering Albatross Photography.........................2
Eliza Wiley
ADVERTISER index
SERVICES INDEX BUDGETING & FINANCE American Federal Savings Bank.............................25 First Community Bank...........................................25 Mountain West Bank...............................................25 DECORATIONS and RENTALS A1 Party Plus & Rentals..........................................21 FLOWERS Floral Cottage..........................................................13 Knox Flowers & Gifts...............................................13 FOOD & BEVERAGE Benny’s Bistro.........................................................21 Chili O’Brien’s Catering.............................................5 Montana City Grill & Saloon....................................32 Real Food Market & Deli.........................................17 Van’s Thriftway........................................................31
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GIFTS & GIFT REGISTRY Knox Flowers & GIfts...............................................13 Saunders Jewelry.....................................................7 Invitations/Thank You, etc. A1 Party Plus & Rentals..........................................21 Natalie Newton Designs & Photography................15 Honeymoon & Travel Feather & Fin Vacations..........................................27 JEWELRY Saunders Jewelry.....................................................7 PHOTOGRAPHY Natalie Newton Designs & Photography................15 Phaedra’s Photography...........................................27 Wandering Albatross Photography...........................2
REHEARSAL, CEREMONY, RECEPTION, LODGING 4R Ranch and Cattle Co..........................................11 Benny’s Bistro.........................................................21 Best Western Great Northern Hotel........................ 26 Comfort Suites, Helena.............................................5 Elkhorn Mountain Inn..............................................32 Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.....................................3 Holiday Inn Conference Center...............................31 Kleffner Ranch..........................................................5 Montana City Grill & Saloon....................................32 Red Lion Colonial Hotel.............................................7 WEDDING CAKES Real Food Market & Deli.........................................17 Van’s Thriftway........................................................31
Helena Independent Record
SEPTEMBER 2012
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Helena Independent Record