June Bridal Guide 2012 by I-75 Newspaper Group

June Bridal Guide 2012

A Special Publicatoon of the I-75 Newspaper Group Troy Daily News Sidney Daily News Piqua Daily Call

Because a wedding requires a tremendous amount of planning and organization, many people turn to an event planner to help them make their big day a glorious event. Delegating the planning to a professional allows the bride and groom to save their time for things that really count, such as staying relaxed as the wedding approaches.

Contrary to what you might think, a wedding planner can sometimes help you save money. Because of their business connections and ability to purchase services and goods in bulk, they are often able to obtain better prices from suppliers. You can hire a planner to organize both the wedding ceremony and the party afterwards or just the reception. These event planners take charge of reserving

More than half of young couples choose to rent a hall with a caterer for their wedding reception. That means there is probably a lot of competition for the reception room you’ve got your eye on! Depending on the season, many of the choicest wedding halls are reserved a long time in advance, usually several months or even years ahead of time. Planning a winter wedding might afford you some leeway in choice and availability, since the peak season occurs during the summer months. This means it’s important to decide on the kind of place you’d like as soon as possible and to start looking without delay. In order to avoid disappointment, start phoning halls and other suitable venues as soon as you become

engaged. Be sure to make an appointment to visit any places you think would be suitable. Bear in mind that it is wise to choose a place that is not too far from where family and friends live. Another factor to weigh is its proximity to your church or City Hall. While many halls are designed and staffed with wedding receptions in mind, there are several other options worth looking at: country restaurant, vineyard, social club, chalet, park, yours or a friend’s backyard, boat, or ballroom in a grand hotel. Just keep in mind that in addition to the beauty of the site, the comfort of your guests ought to be taken into account.

PHOTO: CREATAS / THINKSTOCK

Where to celebrate your wedding

The wedding planner

Choose the location for your wedding reception according to the atmosphere you want to create.

Sweet delights

the reception hall, the DJ, the caterer, and decorators. Some multitask wedding planners are even available to help a bride shop for a wedding gown or find a dancing teacher for her and her groom’s opening dance. They’ll take care of every little detail; nothing of importance will escape their notice, not even a crease in the wedding gown.

Whether it’s just to organize the reception or the entire wedding, it’s possible to find a professional to help you. Their organizational skills and eye for style will allow you a great peace of mind. They are used to working with brides-to-be and are meticulous in their work, always taking into account their client’s desires. They will develop a package deal that suits your needs and budget, and you’ll only have to write one cheque!

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you have a limited budget. The type of cake, the decorations, and the difficulty of its construction will also influence the price.

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can be coloured and cut into shapes and decorations. Butter cream icing is softer and is similar to the frosting normally found on cakes. The queen of all cake coverings is, without a doubt, marzipan, which adds a texture and flavour without compare. The cost of a cake is

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always calculated by the number of portions, so while a stunning sevenlayer cake can feed an army of guests, you’ll have to be reasonable if

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A wedding planner will take care of all the details of the ceremony, leaving you time to look after yourself, your loved one, and your guests. (Photo JLM Couture)

Whether small or grandiose, majestic or modest, every wedding reception needs a cake whose colours and flavours reflect the tastes and style of the bride and groom. There’s no obligation to choose a traditional layered cake, decorated with lace and bridal arches. While that convention is alive and well, many couples today choose a modern take on dessert, such as a selection of small cupcakes and pastries, a pyramid of chocolate éclairs, or even a variety of tarts and other sweets. At least two months before the big day, meet with your caterer or pastry cook to taste several flavour combinations. Choose the texture you want — perhaps a sponge cake, a tiramisu, or even a cheesecake. Next comes the choice of flavour and the filling. Imagine a chocolate, carrot, or vanilla cake embellished with a filling of cream, caramel, or a generous layer of ganache. For the icing, or just for decorations to adorn a plain cake, you might opt for a firm sugar paste that

JUNE BRIDAL GUIDE

June 22, 2012

ASK CARLY

Creating a decor that reflects who you are

The finesse of any wedding reception décor resides in the overall effect, which in turn comes from a great deal of attention to the details. Here are some tips for details that will make your wedding a comfortable and memorable event for your guests.

To add an elegant and majestic look to your reception room, draperies are worth considering. Beautiful, shiny fabrics judiciously arranged can create an atmosphere that is intimate, gracious, and festive. Shades of fuchsia, red, silver, and bronze are particularly fashionable this year and offer a more successful visual effect than white ribbons. Use filtered lighting to create a romantic ambiance that will still allow guests to see each other and what they’re eating.

Think about decorating all the areas where guests will circulate, including the washrooms. Add perfume samples, small bouquets, and even some ribbons. Add decorative items in the hallways as well, hiding door and window frames if they clash with your decor and camouflaging undesirable architectural details such as piping and ventilation ducts.

Tables should be welcoming but not overdone; your guests will spend a lot of time there, trying to talk to guests on the other side of the table. Choose tablecloths and table napkins in a saturated colour in order to create a warm atmosphere in the reception hall. Ask your caterers if they have pretty and original dishes, such as square or coloured plates. Insist on having the best stemware and cutlery that you can get on your budget.

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If you don’t have a big budget, plan on taking advantage of the abilities of those around you. Your best friend’s boyfriend is a pho-

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tographer? You have a cousin who’s a florist or an auntie who has an immense flower garden? Invite them to contribute their expertise and resources as a wedding gift.

Use a computer to design and print your own invitations. Be aware that winter weddings are generally less expensive, with the prices of reception halls often dropping by 20 to 40 percent between November and March. Church ladies’ committees are often in the business of catering, and church halls are sometimes available for wedding parties. If you opt for that, make sure you know their policies regarding music and dancing!

If it’s okay with the manager of the space you’re renting, consider recruiting extended family to cater the meal by contributing two or three dishes each; the approach is close in spirit to a pot-luck but with all the class of a catered buffet table. This, too, would make a valued wedding gift alternative. All you need is a bit of imagination and willing friends to make your wedding the special occasion it ought to be.

PHOTO: STOCKBYTE / THINKSTOCK

Scripps-Howard News want dramatic firstService dance photos, leave your train out until Q: When do you bus- afterward. No matter tle your dress? We're when you bustle, you having our first dance can easily slip away to after dinner, and I'm the bathroom or a not sure when to slip guest room. Just take away and bustle it. a bridesmaid or two with you. A: Most brides bustle before the first dance, Q: We're having an autumn wedding and most likely because they don't want to ruin want to use brown and green, with other their train -- or mess accents. If we use more up the dance steps than two colors, will it they worked so hard look unorganized? on! In your case, it really depends on how A: No way! We love comfortable you are the idea of using more with your dress. If than two colors. you're worried about Accents add depth stepping -- or worse, and texture to your tripping -- on it, just day so it's not overly bustle it before the reception starts. If you "matchy."

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Don’t forget to decorate all the areas where the guests will be circulating, including hallways and washrooms.

As you peruse the silver-covered magazines, it may seem hard to believe in the possibility of a simple but inspired wedding. But with a few ideas, a bit of initiative, and the cooperation of family and friends, you can arrange an inexpensive wedding that will delight bride, groom, and guests.

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A: Save-the-dates are definitely not required, especially if your wedding is in less than 12 weeks. But this means you have to mail out invitations ASAP. The whole purpose is to give guests ample time to plan their travel arrangements and block out that date. If you're not sending them, you still need to give some sort of notice.

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JUNE BRIDAL GUIDE

Glittering wedding rings

The white dress of your dreams

Having a traditional white wedding dress is part of the dream for many modern brides. This year, beautiful white gowns are to be found in many different shades and textures. The tradition of wearing a white dress is relatively recent. When Queen Victoria was married in a white dress in the nineteenth century, all the Western world followed suit. Before that, brides wore their most beautiful dress, no matter the colour. While the white dress came to represent the virginal purity of the bride, in North America today it is mostly a stylistic convention. Now most brides typically choose white dresses in a range of different shades and add creative touches with textures and accessories.

White gold is very popular again this year; they are the perfect setting for glittering diamonds. (Photo Pascal Duchesne)

Whatever type of wedding you’re planning, wedding rings are an essential part of the celebration. They are the ultimate symbol of the union between the bride and groom. This year the rings are grandiose and glittering but always in the image of the couple to be.

For weddings in 2011, everything has to glitter. Even though you can still find slender rings, today’s trend is more towards opulence. Available everywhere, wide bands are usually embellished with numerous diamonds. Some are also set with other stones, although it’s not often that coloured stones are preferred to the brilliance of diamonds. This brilliance is now more often set in white gold, where diamonds appear more dazzling than they do in yellow gold. Rings made of silver are not a viable substitute for while gold: silver will blacken and rust fairly quickly while white gold never deteriorates.

Indeed, a bride will allow her personality to shine through the hue of white she chooses: diamond-sparkly pure white, pearlescent white, whites tinted with pink, ivory, and antiqued yellow. Each of these shades offers a unique look that sets the tone for the celebration.

A fitted wedding gown must highlight the bride’s figure. The positioning of each bit of embroidery and each ornament on the gown must enhance the most beautiful features of the bride who wears it, while hiding any small imperfections. Everything should be designed to make her feel dazzling and glamorous.

Ideally, the gown should have a timeless elegance. The ultimate in sophistication, it will be conceived of the finest silks, satins, and organza. Whether it is decorated with lace in a corset style, or with delicate, luxurious buttons, the gown will be in harmony with the personality of its owner. Those with more classic tastes will choose little or no embroidery; those with a more extravagant flair will be wild for sequins and shiny pearls.

Other jewellery for your wedding day can include a necklace, bracelet, and earrings which are in harmony with the style of the gown. An intricate gown will call for few or no pieces of jewellery at all, perhaps only a pair of small pearl or diamond studs for the ears. A simple dress will harmonize well with a majestic, glittering necklace that compensates for the neutrality of the gown. More extravagant gowns, plunging necklines, or sleeveless dresses are perfect with sophisticated necklaces made with invisible thread and decorated with sequins, feathers, or other colourful details. And, of course, on the wedding day nothing is worn on the hands except the engagement ring.

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This year, there is a wonderful blending of the vintage dress with a modern look. Lace is used on gowns with tulip, empire, or A-line cuts. Straight-cut gowns embellished with satin ribbons or natural materials are also very popular. Many vintage style dresses are adorned with floral motifs that are created with fabrics, embroidery, or pearls. Fashion trends are also dictating both the combination of a simple cut with a large quantity of ornamentation or just the opposite. The key here is to find sumptuous fabrics and a perfect cut in order to create all the glamour a bride could want.

No matter the cut, the central effect will come from texture. Many are being explored by today’s dress designers, including embossed fabrics, which offer a dramatic look, as well as ruched fabrics (slightly puckered folds) that can be cut to hide any imperfections. Layered skirts can also add an enormous amount of personality to a bridal gown.

Traditional romantic gowns continue to score high in popularity ratings, even as they integrate touches of modern style. Short sleeves add a flash of skin, especially noticeable when worn with delicate short white gloves. While the traditional look typically includes heart-shaped necklines and a long train trimmed with embroidery and pearls, for an up-to-date look the gown can be embellished with appliqués or bows of ribbon carefully positioned to enhance the bride’s figure. For a princess style look, choose a skirt made of organza and tulle to add grandiose character to the outfit.

This year it’s important to play with textures and decorative elements, regardless of the shade of white you choose for your dress.

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June 22, 2012

I-75 NEWSPAPER GROUP

A bride’s guide to makeup

Finding a caterer: an all-important decision

Begin by inviting estimates for various menus from five or six different caterers. Be bold enough to play with the competitive factor between caterers to negotiate a better price per plate. You can then compare their services and prices. Don’t hesitate to question the caterer on different points: is he or she experienced in wedding banquets? How many other weddings will they be catering that weekend? Are they classic or creative? Can they offer references?

and the dishes they are proposing. Take advantage of this occasion to check the amount of food per serving.

If you are not able to taste the menus, check the references they have given you and ask former clients about quality of taste and service. If you still can’t make up your mind, base your decision on the style of your wedding, the time of year, or the place you have chosen for the reception.

SABRINA ROCCO Tampa Bay Times A bride's look on her wedding day lives forever in photo albums and memories. There's a lot of pressure to look incandescent without appearing excessive.

Check all the clauses of the estimate. It must include the total amount for all the services or separate prices for each of them, such as for the meal, drinks, corkage fee, gratuities, dishes, furniture, and serving equipment.

PHOTO: COMSTOCK / THINKSTOCK

The brochures spread out on the table in front of you are overwhelming: how to choose the best caterer for your wedding meal? There are several things to consider that will help you make your choice.

A delicious meal will be remembered by It is wise to make an appointment with your your guests, so do your homework before short-listed caterers to taste both the wine making your choice.

Making a moving speech

Speeches from the head table can make people cringe or cry. If you’re sitting alongside the bride and groom this year, take some time to prepare a speech that will touch the couple’s hearts and charm their guests. As you think about what to say, remember that this reception will already be charged with emotion and nerves. The couple and their families have likely spent months preparing for this day, seeing to every tiny detail. Take some time ahead of the big day to jot down a few ideas; you don’t want your speech to be the one regrettable contribution to the event.

There’s nothing worse than a neverending speech in the middle of a wedding A wedding speech is always filled with emotion.

meal. If you’re the father of the bride, limit your speech to a just a few pertinent memories and a hearty “Welcome to the family!” for your new son-in-law. If you’re the best man, it may tempt you to bring up some embarrassing references to the groom’s glory days, but do save the lurid bachelor party memories for the next guys’ night out.

This is the moment to take a risk and put your feelings into what you say. The bride and groom will be touched and grateful. If public speaking frightens you, practice your speech at home or refer to an indexcard where you’ve noted your main points.

Perhaps the most important speech of all: the newly married couple must thank their guests for sharing in their celebration as well as all those who helped them organize the wedding.

Lindsay MacConnell, a Tampa Bay-area makeup artist and owner of Lindsay Does Makeup, emphasizes two things brides need to ask themselves before choosing a look: 1) Will my fiance like it? 2) Will I be comfortable in it? When your groom meets you at the end of the aisle, you want him to recognize you, she says. Don't go with a makeup style that veils your natural beauty. Also, choose makeup that you're going to be comfortable in all day or night. For example, if false lashes bother you, don't use them. The last thing any bride needs is a wandering lash in the cake-cutting photos. MacConnell points to three styles she sees trending in wedding makeup: dramatic lips, a subtly elegant look and a simple do-it-yourself.

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JUNE BRIDAL GUIDE

I-75 NEWSPAPER GROUP

Choosing the perfect tuxedo

Today’s bride and groom are connected The bride and groom of 2011 are likely to be digitally connected, using social networks and Internet throughout their daily lives. And it’s not because their wedding day is fast approaching that they’ll shut down their computers!

Social networks such as Twitter and Facebook are now an integral part of everyday life for many young people. It is easy to combine these modern methods with more traditional wedding preparations.

Social network sites can be used to send invitations and reminders and also to express mood. For themed weddings especially, small “nibbles” of information can be sent, little hints to let guests know more about the ceremony. Steer them in the right direction about the dress code or ask them for music suggestions. Post photos and video clips featuring the bride and groom-to-be and let your friends and guests have a great time commenting on them. Your Many future couples create a blog, recounting the organization of their wedding from start to finish. For the uninitiated, a blog is like a private diary that is made public or opened to select friends on the Internet. In fact, many wedding blogs can be found online these days. They are useful for other future couples, as everyone shares advice on how to organize a successful wedding. Perhaps the most useful application of the Internet in wedding planning, brides-to-be can post their wedding gift lists online. This makes it easier for guests to know the needs and tastes of the couple. A new trend for many future couples is the use of social networks to let their guests know all about the wedding.

What is a civil wedding?

A marriage, whether religious or civil, is an official recognition by the state that two spouses are bound to one another in legal interdependence. A religious marriage ceremony is led by a member of the clergy, whereas a civil ceremony is usually conducted by a judge, justice of the peace, or a registrar. Civil and religious wedding ceremonies are not mutually exclusive. Religious weddings are, of course, legally viable and are still sometimes seen as a necessity, as much on a cultural level as for the validity of the marriage itself. In other cases, a civil wedding might be celebrated in the presence of religious representatives. According to Canada’s constitution, the federal government has the exclusive authority on questions of marriage and divorce; in this way, civil weddings

became an option in Canada in 1973. The provinces, however, have the power to introduce laws governing the organization of the marriage ceremony.

When two people wish to marry in a registry office, they must first choose an authorized celebrant. This is an essential condition for the validity of the marriage. Since 2002, couples have had the opportunity to officialize their commitment through a civil ceremony conducted by a lawyer or notary.

One of the advantages of a civil wedding is complete freedom of choice as to where the ceremony will take place. For example, the wedding could take place in a lawyer’s office, a private home, outside in a park or botanical garden, or in a restaurant, hotel, or rented hall. It is a perfect occasion to add a personal touch to a wedding ceremony.

If your ideal honeymoon involves a faraway place, there are many destinations off the beaten path worth considering.

A stay in South Africa can be envisaged at almost any time of the year. A visit to the western part of the country, including to the Cape and for safaris at reserves such as Shamwari, Tsitsikamma, and Ado, is best planned between September and May. For the eastern zone, including the area of Kruger National Park and neighbouring private reserves, the period from April to November is more suitable.

The Mexican Caribbean and Pacific coasts are ideal for winter, spring, and fall trips. The hurricane season is typically from August to mid-October, and June is the rainy season. One of the most popular tourist destinations is Cancun,

it's not a rehearsal dinner.

Q: We're having a small wedding — about 50 guests with a best man and a maid of honor, but no other attendants. We have hired a bus for the night before the wedding to take everyone who's in town to a local entertainment area (where there are restaurants, bars and shopping). Do we have to have a rehearsal dinner or pay for everyone's dinner and drinks that night?

The best way: Don't send an official invite; just let guests know through word of mouth or an email. Of course, it would be a nice gesture to buy a round of drinks or a few appetizers for the guests who come.

Tuxedo rental businesses supply tuxedos and matching accessories to give the finishing touches to your appearance. The classic tuxedo is black, but there is plenty of room for individual style. Create your own wedding-day look by carefully choosing a vest, shirt, cravat, shoes, hat, suspenders, cufflinks, scarf, and belt.

situated on an immense coral peninsula Take note that good savsurrounded by the turquoise waters of ings can be had on rental prices by taking advantage the Caribbean. Visit Tahiti from the middle of April to the middle of October, when trade winds are more active and the temperature is slightly more comfortable. Count on seeing spectacular beaches, where the water temperature hovers around 24 to 28 ˚C. It is even warmer in the lagoons and on the beaches sheltered by the barrier reefs. A trip to Brazil can be planned at any time of the year, although the Amazon and the Pantanal are best visited from June to September. Unless you’ve booked far in advance, try to avoid Rio de Janeiro during Carnival in January and February. The Brazilian summer vacation period can also make for over-crowded beaches.

Live your honeymoon dream to the fullest in celebration of your new life together.

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big day is fast approaching and you’re beginning to think about your tuxedo. Is it worthwhile to buy one or should you rent it instead? Is it possible to buy a previouslyworn tuxedo? If your head is buzzing with unanswered questions, keep reading.

Make an appointment to try on a tuxedo before you reserve it. The shop’s tailor will make the necessary adjustments at a later date. You can pick up your outfit one or two days before the wedding, depending on whether it takes place during the week or on a week-end. If you gain or lose weight you can return to the store for adjustments up to three weeks before the wedding date.

A civil wedding is an alternative to the more traditional religious ceremony for exchanging marriage vows.

Where to celebrate your honeymoon?

Scripps-Howard News Service

Friday, June 22, 2012

of “early-bird” promotions before the summer peakwedding season.

If you’ve decided to buy a tuxedo, look for end of season sales or shop around in second-hand clothing stores. Some men’s stores have tailors available if you would like to have a suit or shirt made to measure. Be sure that there are as many possibilities as there are personalities — from a modern cut to the classic tux, there is a suit and a price for everyone.

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A: There's no rule that says you have to have a rehearsal dinner. The purpose of the night-before-the-wedding dinner is to thank your bridal party and close friends and family for coming to the rehearsal. If you aren't having a run-through, there is no need to host a dinner.

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JUNE BRIDAL GUIDE

June 22, 2012

I-75 NEWSPAPER GROUP

A fantastic evening of dancing

Wedding candy: a must for any reception

Your evening of wedding festivities should be joyful and reflect Don’t forget to take note of the DJ’s cell phone number in case your personal style. Whether you want the dance floor to be hop- of last minute requirements, and remember that you are the deciping with old fashioned swing, swaying with easy-to-dance-to sion maker for this special day. classics, or swirling with Klezmer music, choosing the right DJ or band will make all the difference. Most likely, you will want a good mix of musical styles. If this is the case, a professional disk jockey might be your best bet. Choose a DJ whose work you are familiar with or whose music collection suits your style. He or she should suggest meeting with you ahead of the big day to consult you about your musical tastes. If it’s pertinent, give him precise information about your family’s cultural origins, your guests’ social inclinations, and the slow songs you’d like to slow dance to. The waltzes you choose for you and your new spouse and for the bride and her dad are special moments that you can orchestrate to be fun or sentimental. A professional DJ will give you a detailed program specifying the types of music to be played during the evening. For a successful evening of dancing, he should be prepared to bring along about 150 CDs. Give him or her clear instructions regarding impromptu requests from guests — it is your job to be precise about the type of entertainment you would like for the evening.

Keep your guests dancing all night long.

A touch of color In the last twenty years, more and more colour has been appearing in bridal gowns. At first, colour was added with discreet floral motifs, but now brides are more daring, adding brightly coloured accessories and even using plain or printed coloured fabrics.

the colour of joy and luck, red is worn for Chinese and Indian weddings, while lime green is worn by Korean brides. Green is also the colour preferred by Moroccans, who associate this natural colour with luck. In Morocco, a lot of yellow is also used in bridal gowns because it is believed to frighten demons away. In Japan, the bride and groom generally wear two colours: a white silk kimono embroidered with symbols or flowers in red. This colour symbolizes new beginnings. The Japanese often add accents of gold or silver during the ceremony.

In fact, blue was a traditional colour for Christian weddings until Queen Victoria wore white at her wedding in the nineteenth century. The popular saying, “Married in blue, you will always be true” spoke of how the colour was considered a mark of purity for young brides. In ancient Rome, the bride and groom used to wear blue, which What about black? In many other cultures, symbolized love and fidelity. black is not at all associated with death and darkness as it is in ours. In fact, many SpaElsewhere in the world, marital clothing is nish brides wear it as a sign of devotion to usually brightly coloured. Considered as their husbands. In a modern North American wedding, however, black would Inspired by world traditions, be most likely used as an elegant accent colour is taking a more important role in colour. the gowns of modern brides. (Photo Lazaro)

Candy has been a part of weddings for centuries. The traditional treat offered to guests is the sugared almond, a symbol of pleasure, happiness, and prosperity. Still a favourite at weddings today, sugared almonds are a wink to the past and are, at the same time, a sign of refinement and elegance.

Sugared nuts are known in French as dragées, the name North American bakers now give to the tiny, round silver candies used to decorate wedding cakes. If you’re a stickler for the real thing, though, handfuls of almonds delicately coated with smooth, glossy sugar are beautiful when scattered on tables or served in decorative bowls with cocktails.

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If you’re trying to keep your wedding budget to a minimum, you can make your own sugared almonds, although they will not be as refined as those made by a candy maker. They can be stored for over 18 months if they are protected from light and humidity and must never be stored in the refrigerator. Plan for a kilogram of sugared almonds for every 20 to 30 people. If you order your dragées from a candy maker, be sure to order them at least two or three months in advance of the wedding; the real thing takes about ten days to make!

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Although tradition calls for wedding candy to be given as gifts to all the guests, there are plenty of other options available. Aside from the classic sugared almond, you might offer instead sugared grilled almonds, chocolates, fruit, or nougat.

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Short is

Friday, June 22, 2012

Elegant accessories for the groom

When you dare to wear a short dress for your big day, not only will you be proving your love for the man in your life but you’ll also be following the latest trend of the great fashion houses. A few years ago, fashion designers decided to seduce brides with exceptional dresses and shorter hemlines. The first of these dresses to appear on the fashion runways were from Max Chaoul and Chanel but this year they can be found everywhere! Traditionally, it is said that 85% of brides prefer long dresses, lending them an air of the angelic princess... Yet, for a summer wedding or the celebration of a second marriage, traditions can be overturned and shorter hemlines worn for this most special of occasions. An immaculate gown worn above the knee must be truly feminine, composed of airy fabrics and perfect details. Boleros or sashes could be an option but even more should be considered in the case of the “little” wedding gown: a bodice embroidered with lace and feathers; a dress with fringes or adorned with flowers and sequins... The success of such a dress lies in the detail. No matter what your choice, never forget that you’ll be bending, sitting, getting up, dancing, hugging and being hugged... so it’s essential to feel comfortable. To be sure of this, never, under any circumstances, wear a mini version of the short dress with bare legs. A good compromise is to wear long white stockings for more elegance and comfort.

For men to look their best on important occasions, suits are indispensable. But for a wedding, accessories for the neck, the waist and the wrists make all the difference and should never be chosen at random. When talking about men’s accessories, we immediately think ties. In 2010 these are elegant, in clear acid tones or with vivid stripes. But there’s more than just colour involved, there’s also the question of the knot. On the day of his wedding, the groom could be daring and choose a bow-shaped cravat, sometimes called a lavaliere, or an ascot to give him the air of a dandy. This type of neckwear is worn with a wing collar dress shirt and a vest. Always made of silk, the ascot is attached to the back of the shirt collar and either tied under the chin or fastened with a pin. And, as grey is very much in fashion this year, shades from black through to white are the latest trend. At Marc Wallace, accessory trends for 2010 include wide silk belts and bow ties in tones of grey and anthracite. (Photo Marc Wallace)

For the ultimate in classy looks this season, the bow tie personifies the epitome of elegance. Designers such as Armani, Wallace or Mabille never cease updating the look. In satin or silk with a leafy pattern, this derivative of the tie is an all-important detail for the welldressed groom. Among other indispensable accessories for the groom is a shirt with musketeer style cuffs adorned with buttons for a perfect finishing touch with just a hint of fantasy. And a cummerbund gives an even more elegant look when matched with a bow tie.

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A corset style dress from the 60’s, uniting the modern with the romantic and embellished with a lace bolero. (Photo Sarah Houston)

Who has never dreamed of one day riding in an immaculate antique car: a Rolls Royce, a Bentley or a Cadillac from the 1950s? And wouldn’t the most beautiful day of your life be the ideal moment to realize this dream? No doubt about it: you would make quite the entrance!

An outdoor wedding Exchanging vows under the branches of a towering oak tree, with a brilliant blue sky as a backdrop, can only add to the romance of the most beautiful day of your life. When this avowal of love takes place in the fresh air, the ceremony somehow reflects the values of the couple: simplicity, harmony with nature and the art of living well.

ices of an officiant (most weddings held outside are not religious ceremonies).

Some rental agencies offer an extremely personalized service. For example, they can advise you on the model of car which would harmonize perfectly with the style or theme of your wedding. Want to be exclusive? Contact an antique car collector who, for a few hundred dollars, could drive you to the doors of the castle… in a Ford Mustang Fastback, an old Triumph TR3 or a gleaming Morgan.

Another advantage concerns the cocktails. As this part of the celebrations usually lasts about two hours, the time it takes for the photographs to be taken, the guests can make the most of their surroundings to walk around and relax in the sunshine. However, be sure to provide a few sunshades for older people and access to water, lemonade and iced tea so people don’t become too dehydrated from enjoying the punch and champagne.

Weather permitting, an outdoor wedding is ideal. Nature’s decor makes it unnecessary to spend huge amounts of money on monumental flower arrangements; a carpet of rose petals sprinkled on the lawn or paper lanterns hung from the surrounding trees are perfect. Some establishments offer complete packages for this type of wedding, from the decoration of the chairs to the serv-

Of course, the simplest way is to use a rental company. But before making an irreversible decision, find out about the year and model of the car you want and enquire as to when it was last inspected. If there is a last minute hitch, does the company have another car at its disposal which can be made available quickly? If a chauffeur is part of the deal, does the company have extra personnel in case of unforeseen circumstances? Finally, ensure that the chauffeur is familiar with the route he will have to drive. This will avoid short delays which could have repercussions on the rest of the day and on the success of this grand occasion. A last detail: it is always prudent to find out about the cancellation policy, thus protecting yourself against all eventualities which are outside your control.

Finally, being able to fall back on a plan B is a wise decision. A wedding tent or a barn close by would be a welcome addition in case of rain: being able to retreat to a sheltered area will allow the bride and groom to say “yes” without having to worry about their guests getting wet!

Nature’s decor makes it unnecessary to spend huge amounts of money on monumental flower arrangements.

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JUNE BRIDAL GUIDE

June 22, 2012

I-75 NEWSPAPER GROUP

ASK CARLY By Scripps Howard News Service

envelope just for the brunch, or include the info and an RSVP option Q: My bridesmaids and I on your website. have talked about havQ: How can I include my ing my bachelorette party in Vegas. Should I future sisters-in-law in offer to pay for my flights the wedding without having them in the bridal and hotel? party (it would be too A: Well, considering the big with them)? substantial costs A: If you're just worried involved (airfare, hotel rooms, food), I'd at least about size -- don't be. There's no rule that says offer to pitch in. It's a nice gesture, even if the sides have to be they don't end up taking equal. But there are also you up on it. plenty of other ways to include them. Ask each Q: One of my bridesof them to do a reading maids wants to wear her at the ceremony or give dress before the weda toast at the reception. Just don't put them on ding. I don't like the idea. Am I being a total program duty. bridezilla? Q: I got engaged a while A: First, good work on ago and asked five girls to be my bridesmaids choosing a dress your maids like enough that right away. Since then, they want to wear it right I've become very close away! In terms of etito the girlfriend of a groomsman. We're even quette, there's no rule about wearing the dress going on a joint vacation in a few months. Would before the big day, but it's fair to say that it was it be tacky to ask her to meant for your wedding be a bridesmaid so late and shouldn't be worn in the game? before then. Just tell her politely. A: It wouldn't be tacky, and she always has the Q: We're hosting a day- option of saying no if after brunch, and every- she feels uneasy for one's invited. Should we some reason. But chances are, she also list the brunch on our wedding RSVP cards, or recognizes how close you two have grown and include a separate RSVP card? will be honored by the invitation. A: Good question. The Take her out to lunch only time you need a head count is if your and start by explaining how happy you are that venue or caterer asks for one. Otherwise, you you've become such good friends and how can skip the RSVP requests. much you'd like her to be standing next to you If you need a count, on your wedding day. save paper (and cash) by including the RSVP If she says yes, catch her up on wedding on the same card as your wedding RSVP. deets, like bridesmaid Otherwise, slide another dresses and shower card into your invite plans.

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You can save money on your wedding by making your own wedding favors.

Make your own wedding favors CATHIE FILIAN Scripps Howard News Service Wedding season is here, and DIY brides are putting finishing touches on their big day. Small favors or token gifts are nice flourishes that will leave favorable impressions on wedding guests. From the incredibly edible, like chocolate hearts and other treats, to the extraordinarily imaginative, like a message in the bottle, custom porcelain ornaments or show-stopping wine stoppers, you have lots of options. Favors are easy to assemble and don’t have to cost a fortune. Your local craft or party store will have many of the supplies needed. Use your home printer to create custom labels, adding personalization. Use ribbons, gems

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and papers that coordinate with your wedding-color palette. Be sure to make a few more favors than there are guests expected. You can place the favors at each place setting or display them on a table with a tag suggesting that guests “Take One.” (Some guests, of course, might take more than one!) With all the details of the big wedding day, it is easy to overlook the idea of a favor. For some brides and grooms, it may seem like an extra cost on a tight budget. Favors should come from the heart and have a personal meaning to you, and they don’t have to break the bank. A favorite poem scrolled up and tied with a bow for each guest is a low-cost option that will let guests know how much you

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Look for tins in bulk at craft retailers. Bagged Cookies: Fill small cello or glassine baggies with homemade or store-bought cookies. Add a tag to the top or a ribbon bow. For extra personalization, add an embossed rubberstamped image. Message in a Bottle: Personalize small bottles with a label and ribbon. Fill with a scrolled poem, small shells and sand. Hot Cocoa To Go: Make individual baggies of hot cocoa for guests to have in their room or back at home. Personalize muslin baggies with an iron-on transfer design. Cathie Filian is a lifestyle expert, Emmynominated television host, author and designer. Learn more about Cathie by visiting her blog at www.cathiefilian.com.

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appreciate them sharing in your special day. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Charming Thanks: Add a charm to a personalized thank-you card. Inside the card, tuck a packet of native wildflower seeds or a handwritten thank-you note. Cork Stoppers: Transform plain corks by screwing a draw pull into the top of the cork. Add a scrapbooking letter for personalization. Porcelain Ornaments: Add an embossed rubberstamped image to an ornament. Base ornaments are about a buck each. You can also Mod Podge a design to the front. Candy Tins: Fill tins with small candy. Wrap the edge with ribbon and add a label to the top.

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