January 2012 Wedding Planner by Independent Record

Coloring the Wedding Plus

engagement photo tips origins of bridal customs

Cuisine: Create a Wedding to remember First Dance song Ideas

January 2012

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�� 6 The Wedding Day Countdown 8 Engagement Photo Tips 10 Coloring The Wedding 12 Using Cuisine To Create A Wedding To Remember 14 Tips For Trying On Wedding Gowns 16 First Dance Song Ideas 18 Floral Terms To Know 20 Origins Of Bridal Customs 22 Wedding Themes 24 Seating Your Guests 26 Feed On These Wedding Favor Ideas 28 Wedding Budget Planner 29 Honeymoon How To 30 Wedding Glossary

Cover Photo by Treehouse 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 ©2012 Capital City Publishing Group.

January 2012

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Countdown The Wedding Day

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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.

January 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 RSVP’d. 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.

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.

Engagement photo tips Newly engaged

Engagement photos may be part of a package negotiated with the photographer who will be covering the wedding day. Some couples enlist the help of a friend or a budding photographer to capture an engagement shot. The average cost of engagement photos can range from $200 to $500. Some couples opt to use a photographer who might specialize in other areas (i.e. fashion models) but may want to break into the wedding biz because of how lucrative it can be. Costs may be negotiated as a result. When shopping around for a photographer, there are certain things couples should keep in mind. The first and most important is selecting a photographer you can relate to. If you don't feel a

Natale NewtonPhotography

couples choose to capture the occasion in photos that they can cherish. Often, one of these photos is used as an announcement to family and friends and might even be published in the newspaper.

connection with the photographer, he or she will have trouble coaxing the shots that will produce the best results. He or she should also be a professional and have some experience working with posing couples. This way the photos don't look stiff or contrived. Here are some other tips that can lead to great photos.

â&#x2013; Find a photographer who fits your style. If you're a quirky couple, go with a quirky photographer. If you're reserved and a follow-the-book type of couple, then select a more traditional photographer. Some photographers out there forget that this is your moment and want to impart their idea of what you want. Make sure he or she takes your ideas into consideration.

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moments as a couple. By choosing a place that offers a personal connection, there's a good chance you'll appreciate the photos in the long run.Also, be open to the fact that unplanned stops may offer a great background for the image. Be open to the unexpected.

■ Try random poses and some candid shots.

■ Select a photographer who is open to different shoot locations and brainstorming. Some of the best photos occur in natural settings, where things aren't entirely planned. If a photographer simply works out of a studio, you may want to select one who has more free reign with different locales.

■ Choose your location wisely. Certain locations will stand out in your minds because they are visually stunning or are special places where you have spent

January 2012

Natale NewtonPhotography

Engagement photos don't have to be posed portraits. Experiment with looks that fit your personalities for memorable photos.

Although you might have a vision of the perfect photo in your mind, experimenting with different ideas can sometimes lead to a great photo you really love. Expect to take your share of kissing, nosetouching and portrait shots. But some fun poses, such as running or jumping (or rolling around on a beach full of waves) can produce candid shots that are truly masterpieces. Remember, sometimes photographers will pose you in positions that seem a bit awkward, but this is to get the best lines of the body and flattering images.

■ Choose clothing that fits the mood. If time and budget allows, have several different wardrobe changes so that you can see which outfits work and which ones don't. A formal outfit, comfortable street clothes, something beachy or clothing that fits with your interests (such as polo or baseball) can make for interesting engagement photos.Avoid clothing that is too trendy or busy, which may take away from the actual images in the long run. Plus, you don't want to look back at these photos in the future and say, "What was I thinking?" Avoid matchy - matchy, though. If you are dressed alike, you may appear to be trying too hard. It's the individual personalities you want to shine through.

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Coloring the wedding

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. Choosing a gown that flatters bridesmaids is a significant responsibility for prospective brides planning their big day.

Choosing a hue for the bridesmaid gowns

BY MetroCreative Connection

n 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 for a wedding. Some have said that brides intentionally choose ugly gowns

for their bridesmaids to ensure they’re not outshined come the wedding day. Although this may be the case for some, most brides aspire 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 jewel-colored gowns, including silver, gold, purple and salmon.Very pale colors may be daring and conspicuous.

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 Those with a slight yellow tone evergreen or deep blue may seem wintry during a summer to their skin will look good in many colors, including red, navy, wedding. Similarly, russet or brown may work for the peach, and fuchsia. However, autumn but not for a spring avoid colors in light yellow, aqua, gray, taupe, or mint, which wedding. Many brides gravitate toward mid-level blues, greens, may make the bridesmaid look pinks and purples for their washed out. weddings, simply because those colors transcend the seasons. Ladies with pale skin will benefit from After colors are worked out, the richly colored gowns in jewel style of the gown deserves tones. Pastels may work, but be consideration. Because not careful about those depending every bridesmaid has the same on hair color. Pink or red-hued physical attributes, many brides gowns may clash with someone are now open to selecting a

Asian and oliveskinned women:

Fair skin:

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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 achieve this.

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Making the effort to choose a gown color and style that is flattering to all in the bridal party will help them feel they are truly a special part of the wedding.

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Using

to create a wedding to remember

By Metro Creative Connection

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 more attention to selecting their reception menus. Although certain foods are wedding 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 over having certain foods simply because they are trendy. 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 of them being fancy. Here are some other tips.

Helena Independent Record

Eliza Wiley

cuisine

You want foods to be filling but not so much so that guests have to waddle to the dance floor. If you're planning on several courses, keep portion sizes small to offer a taste of the different items offered.

Classic foods can work well as wedding fare. Roasts, barbecued meats and favorite pasta dishes can make guests feel like they're dining at someone's home and not at a wedding.

Choose items people have heard of. Instead of tornadoes of beef, select a hearty prime rib. Just because a dish sounds fancy doesn't make it taste better. If a guest doesn't know what he or she is eating, it can be uncomfortable. Now is not the time to experiment with exotic foods, either. Otherwise, some picky eaters may be left hungry.

Think about the foods you love and see if they can be incorporated at the wedding. Although a breakfast bar at an evening event may seem funny, waffles and omelets may appeal to a greater number of guests than a gourmet fish creation.

Don't make vegetarians an afterthought. Too often, vegetarians must eat whatever the kitchen can pull together, which is usually a compilation of the vegetable garnishes from the meat dishes. Make an effort to have a true vegetarian dish that is intricate and delicious.

Mashed potatoes are a crowd pleaser. Serve little portions of mashed potatoes in cocktail glasses and enable guests to top as they see fit with bacon bits, cheese or chives.

No idea is silly, and serving any type of food in a hors d'oeuvre style can make it acceptable at a formal affair, whether that food is pizza or caviar-topped crackers.

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, milk and cookies service, or vegetable bar are options that go against the standard cheese and pasta stations. 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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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.

trying Tips for on wedding gowns

BY MetroCreative Connection

■ 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. Wandering Albatross Photography

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If Michael Buble or Nat King Cole arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t on your playlists, chances are you may be looking for a first-dance song thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little less traditional for your wedding reception.

First Dance

Song Ideas BY MetroCreative Connection

Couples considering a song that's a little different and speaks to them but won't necessarily offend the wedding purists in attendance, might want to consider the following tunes: "All I Want is You" (U2) "Amazing" (Aerosmith) "Crash" (Dave Matthews Band) "Crazy for You" (Adele) "Faster" (Matt Nathanson) "For You I Will"(Monica) "Here Without You" (3 Doors Down) "Kiss Me" (Sixpence None the Richer) "I'll Stand by You" (The Pretenders) "Love Song" (The Cure) "No One" (Alicia Keys) "Nothing Compares to You" (Sinead O'Connor) "Suga Suga" (Baby Bash) "Without You" (Rent Soundtrack) "You Want to Make a Memory" (Bon Jovi)

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F loral terms to know BY MetroCreative Connection

Before discussing table settings for their weddings, many couples find it helpful to brush up on some floral terminology before visiting florists. It can make you appear more knowledgeable and prepared if you understand what will be discussed and are able to choose what you want. It also helps to ensure your money is being spent in the best way possible. Here are some common and some lesser known florist terms that can be advantageous to know.

BIEDERMEIER: A nosegay arranged tightly with concentric circles of differently colored flowers. The flowers are wired into a holder with only one type of flower in each ring. BOUQUET: A dense bunch of blooms that are kept together in a bouquet holder, wired or tied with ribbon.

POSIES: Smaller than nosegays but similar in design. PRESENTATION: A bunch of long-stemmed flowers cradled in the bride's arms. It's sometimes known as a pageant bouquet. TOPIARY: Flowers trimmed into geometric shapes.

CRESCENT: One full flower and a flowering stem wired together to form a slender handle that is held in one hand.

TOSSING: A smaller copy of the bride's bouquet to use in the bouquet toss.

GARDEN: A centerpiece featuring wildflowers.

TUSSY MUSSY: A small, metallic holder to carry a posy.

NOSEGAY: Small, round bouquets composed of densely packed round flowers and fill. OASIS: Specialized foam that is used in bouquet holders and centerpieces to retain water and keep blooms fresh. POMANDER: A flower-covered ball that is suspended from a ribbon. It is often carried by child attendants.

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January 2011

Origins of

Treehouse Photography

bridal customs

A wedding cake once symbolized fertility for the happy couple.

BY MetroCreative Connection

Chances are those who have attended a wedding have witnessed some popular traditions take place. 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.

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.

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 the bride to confuse the spirits or maybe help deter them to leave the bride be. Wedding rings: 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 finger 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 piece of wedding cake under their pillows in the hopes of finding their own husbands. Father accompanying the bride: 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. Helena Independent Record

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Bouquet: 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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Wedding

themes can add up to extra fun

Every couple wants their wedding to be memorable. The goal of planning a wedding is to create an experience that everyone will remember for years to come. For some couples, a theme wedding is the best way to accomplish just that. BY MetroCreative Connection

Natale NewtonPhotography

A Fairytale theme might be an entertaining theme for a couple's nuptials.

When it comes time to select a theme, the day the wedding takes place may dictate the theme. For example, if the wedding takes place on Halloween, the ideas for the theme are easy. Many other couples choose a theme that highlights a specific interest or hobby or something that is dear to them.

Here Are Some Popular Wedding Themes. Holiday: The Christmas season lends itself well to wedding planning. The colors (red, green, gold) are already established, and most churches and buildings are already decked out in holiday finery, cutting down on the amount of flowers and embellishments couples need. Because the holiday season is so busy and a popular time for socializing, couples who want to tie the knot during this time of year should send save-the-date cards well in advance.Another option is to have a "Christmas in July" wedding, featuring the same holiday themes but without the hectic nature of the holiday season.

Vegas: Couples who want to tie the knot in Las Vegas but want to ensure all their loved ones can attend can recreate the magic of Vegas wherever they may be. Casino-inspired games and big buffet meals can make guests feel like they have stepped into a casino on the famed Vegas strip. In addition, an Elvis impersonator is essential to a Vegas wedding.

TV show: Some couples elevate certain television shows to cult status. Whether it's "Friends" or "Star Trek," popular television shows have been transformed into festive wedding themes.Whether the idea is to go daring and exchange vows in costume or simply name reception tables according to characters or show locations, couples can include a little television fun into the event.

Fairytale: Many men and women envision a fairytale wedding complete with horse-drawn carriage and the "happily ever after." This is what makes Disney properties as well as the various castles around the world popular backdrops for wedding events.Those planning a fairytale wedding need only look to favorite stories or movies for their inspiration. Interest or passion: Love to climb mountains? Avid about scuba diving? Couples who share a particular interest can include elements of this sport or hobby into their wedding. Invitations and decor can hint at the theme, and then special activities can further enhance it. Fish bowls as centerpieces may call to mind underwater adventures, while surfboardshaped invites may set the scene for a beachside party. Theme weddings can add an extra spice to the festivities and incorporate couples' interests into the event -- making it even more special.

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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. 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 is why seating arrangements are so important. Many couples can use a little advice when seating guests, while others would love another person to handle the seating arrangements for them. Here are some guidelines for setting up reception seating arrangements. ■ 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. Grandparents may also be seated at this table, depending on the number of people each table can accommodate.

Place yourselves,

The parents’ table.

Seating your wedding guests

■ Children under the age of 7 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.

■ Combine bride and groom’s family

instead of separating the families 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.

Common interests.

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By Metro Creative Connection

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.

■ Consider 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

Guests seat themselves.

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Feed on these

Wedding Favor Ideas

BY MetroCreative Connection

Do you have a shelf or cabinet that's filled to the brim with wedding favors such as engraved ice cream scoop, cake servers, cheese spreaders or tea light 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 fixture 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 find 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 ÂŹÂŹcovered apples, chocolate coins, and other similar creations. Chocolate molded designs (much like those chocolate Easter bunnies) are another idea.

Cookies Sweet cookies also make good edible favors. Butter cookies are 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.

Candies 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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Honeymoon how-to

After the thrill of wedding festivities dies down, couples often jet off to a honeymoon retreat and begin an entirely different adventure.

The honeymoon may create mixed feelings, some concerning the chance to spend time alone after months of planning and a few feelings of anxiety over spending the first night together as a married couple. For many couples, the honeymoon wedding night is the first time they are intimate together or it holds a special meaning of being intimate for the first time after being married. Such

BY MetroCreative Connection

significance can put pressure on a happy and natural experience. Wedding jitters are normal, as are honeymoon and wedding night jitters. But just as wedding trends have changed through the years, so, too, have beliefs about the wedding night. Knowing about shifting trends can alleviate some of the nervousness.

Origins of the term“honeymoon”

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 an intimate 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

January 2012

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 one-month 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.

According to a recent survey from Brides magazine, one in three brides plan to get into bed on the wedding night and ... sleep. After all of the hoopla of planning and enjoying the wedding, most people are exhausted. Others say they plan to stay up and relive moments of the day. Only about half of all couples think they will consummate the marriage on their wedding night.T aking the pressure off of the wedding night means that the rest of the honeymoon may be filled with opportunities to be amorous. But couples may still be filled with expectations for the perfect romantic retreat.

Here are some things to think about. ■ Accept the fact that some wedding nights and honeymoons aren't exactly what's pictured in the movies. Don't try to live up to a Hollywood-inspired ideal or you may be let down when things don't go your way. In other words, it may rain on your beach side liaison. ■ A wedding requires a lot of work. Many people find themselves to be physically exhausted afterward. Others find they are so wound up that they cannot relax.When the mind or body is on adrenaline overload or completely wiped out, it's not the ideal situation for romantic endeavors. ■ Try to make the honeymoon stand apart from other nights by packing nice lingerie or nighttime attire so that the memories will be special.There will be plenty of other times down the road when you're an old, married couple to hop between the sheets in a ratty college T-shirt. ■ Pack some candles and mood music, or ask the resort to handle these details for you.These items can help set the scene. ■ Make sure your packing list includes special toiletries and birth control methods if you're not ready to start a family so soon after being married. The brands you prefer may be hard to acquire while at some honeymoon locations.

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. – MetroCreativeConnection

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