wedding 08

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Your Capital City

Wedding A complete guide for Central Illinois brides and grooms

A guide to historic wedding sites p7 Please Mr. D.J. p24 Honeymoons close to home p31 Step-by-step wedding timeline p38

A publication of Illinois Times 2008 Edition

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Your Capital City Wedding Start your wedding off smart 4 Manage your money 5 Pick the time and place 6 Opt for a historic location 7 Skip the history, go for space 10 Practice your prettiest look 12 Buy the bling 14 Choose the dress 16 Dress the groom 19 Cooking up the menu 20 Let them eat cake 22 Just choose the music and dance 24 Picture perfect wedding 26 Flower power 28 The right invite 30 Have a happy honeymoon 31 A wedding planning timeline 35 Other resources to tell you more 38 Our advertiser directory 38

Your Capital City Wedding 2008 edition is published by Illinois Times Publisher Sharon Whalen swhalen@illinoistimes.com x137 Editor Corrine Frisch cfrisch@insightbb.com Contributing writers Corrine Frisch, Timothy Schulte, Kate Sullivan, Darcel Rockett Editorial and advertising design Joe Copley jcopley@illinoistimes.com, x125 Dave Janes djanes@illinoistimes.com, x124 Advertising sales Beth Irwin birwin@illinoistimes.com, x131 Tia Schoen tschoen@illinoistimes.com, x128 Jessy McCabe jmcabe@illinoistimes.com, x130 Lisa Bauer lbauer@illinoistimes.com, x139 Tauna King tking@illinoistimes.com, x129 Bryan Allen Copyright 2008. This publication is available in interactive form at www.illinoistimes.com and downloadable at www.capitalcitywedding.com. No portion of this publication can be reproduced without the express written permission of the publisher.

For additional copies or for advertising information contact Illinois Times 1320 South State Street Springfield IL 62704 • 217 / 753-2226 www.illinoistimes.com Your Capital City Wedding | 2008

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The perfect plan for the

perfect day CONGRATULATIONS! You and your loved one are embarking on a beautiful new life together. You couldn’t be happier, and we couldn’t be happier for you. It’s time to start planning that special day you, your family and friends never will forget.

To make your day as memorable and meaningful as can be, do all you can to infuse your personal style in your wedding. You’ll want your wedding to be an expression of the special love you share.

First things first, you’ll want to sit down to discuss priorities and budget. Some couples foot the bill themselves, some get help from their parents. Deciding on what type of wedding you want and whether or not you can afford it is vital. If your celebration can’t take place without taking on some debt The Springfield Trolley offers Michelle Goulet and Tyler that may take years to pay off, it Sharp a colorful way to begin the ride of their lives. may be time to rethink your plans. It’s easy to overspend; a lot of couples do it. Be smart about what you want and what you can do.

If you and your groom want to take control of your nuptials and are thinking of a smaller cereThis is your mony, take the reins and get to planning. If your wedding. wedding is going to be more elaborate in a notso-easy-to-manage location, it may be wiser to Make it hire a planner to help you with the details. Many memorable offer different levels of packages and even a la and meaningful carte services, so you can get the “just right” as you start amount of help. your new life Either way, think about what’s most importogether. tant to you and what will show off your personal style as you go about planning your wedding.

You may want a little splash of color on your gown, mini cheeseburgers for the cocktail hour or maybe have your dog be the ring bearer. Whatever your style, don’t be shy about letting it shine.

Remember, this is your wedding. You can’t go wrong making it memorable and meaningful as you start your new life together.

-CF

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SAY YOUR FIRST ‘I DOS’– TO A BUDGET

The average Springfield area wedding falls well below the national average, ringing in at $11,967.

Forget about the “average” wedding. This is your wedding.

And while it’s certainly possible – breathtakingly easy, in fact – to ante up the average cost of the nuptials you read about in magazines, couples can plan an event that costs far less. The important word? Plan. Long before standing up at the altar, couples must sit down and agree on a budget.

Parents may be footing a large part of the bill, or the two of you may be sharing the expenses. In either case, figure out how much money you will need to make your dream day happen – then modify your dream based on how much money you will actually have.

Wedding expenses are going anywhere but down. According to the Conde Nast Bridal Group, the cost of nearly every-

Dollars & Sense thing wedding-related has increased more than 20 percent since 2002. Wedding attire – 30 percent. Wedding bands – 60 percent. You get the point.

With x-amount of dollars, putting the most money into the things you really want makes a lot of sense.

In 2006 the average tab for tying the knot, according to www.costofwedding.com, was hovering near $30,000. In the Springfield area that average, is just under $12,000. In all cases, the biggest ticket item – you guessed it – the reception.

We do love a party. You will, however, need an extra piggy bank because, believe it or not, these figures do not include the honeymoon.

If you want a big blowout reception, focus your finances on the entertainment. If you want to wow your guests at the dinner table, then by all means, caviar and champagne all around. But if you’ve always dreamed of that honeymoon in Paris, perhaps you want to have a short, drinks and hors d’oeuvres reception. A good budget will insure that your money is spent making your special day the kind you will have fond memories of for years to come.

Suze says: ‘Til debt do you part’ ‘M’ just doesn’t stand for marriage, says personal finance expert Suze Orman, it also stands for money.Your wedding will be your first expense in a long life of shared finances, so you want to make sure that as a couple you’re on the same ledger page. Orman, author of “Women and Money” (Spiegel & Grau,2007),points out five money issues

each couple should discuss before taking the plunge.

1. Decide up front how bills will be split – 50/50 or will they be skewed to reflect the percentages of income?

2. Do you have the same financial goals?You may have differing opinions on dinners out, vacations, etc.Are you savers or spenders?

3.“You should both check all three of your FICO scores together,”says Orman of the major credit-reporting agencies:Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. If there’s anything

below the 700 area – scores run from 300 to 850 – you should look into what’s going on.

One person’s bad credit may hurt the couple’s financial future.

4.Be clear on your own personal financial goals,whatever they may be.

5.If you bring money into the marriage,such as an inheritance,“keep it separate with nobody’s name but your own,” says Orman.

“You never know what the future will hold.

Even though you say it’s till death do you part, it’s really till debt do you part.” – T.S.

How to marry without mortgaging your future If it seems like your wedding budget is more pauper than princess, a few money-wise tips can help you make your dollar go a little further.

Finance expert Suze Orman offers these suggestions: • If your nuptials are taking place in a low season (winter, for example), you probably will be able to save money on all your vendors – entertainment, catering, photography, location – as they’ll be less booked.

Requirements, such as a minimum number of guests, may be lifted for a non-primetime wedding.

• Limiting the hours of the bar by an hour – from 5 hours to 4, for example – will save a tremendous sum of money, says Orman, Also, going beerand-wine-only or having a signature cocktail rather than a full bar will make a serious cut in costs.

• If your wedding is taking place at a house of worship, use the same flowers from the ceremony for the reception.

• Try to keep the headcount to a minimum. Children often are counted the same as adults, despite not eating or drinking the same, so don’t be scared to bypass the bambinos. Also, chicken dishes usually are less expensive than beef or fish. – T.S.

“Planning for a wedding is high on people’s list of financial priorities,” says Gary Durcholz, a Certified Financial Planner at Springfield’s Warren-Boynton Financial Center. “It falls fourth after saving for retirement, education, and buying a home.”

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Photo courtesies of Documentary Associates

Your dream wedding:

When & where

Which comes first: The venue of your dreams or the day of the year that suits your fancy? There’s no right or wrong answer – it just depends on your priorities. Before circling a square on the calendar in ink, however, it’s worthwhile investing time in a bit of research.

‘The smart way would be to find your venue first if you’re dead-set on a place,’ says Carrie Zack, a Los Angeles-based wedding planner. Zack says most clients she works with choose to have the wedding and reception at the same location.

Says Chicago planner Ali Phillips, “If you want to get married in a house of worship, that sometimes takes precedence because churches are hard to get into and book in advance.”

into planning a wedding. The more breathing room you have, the better. And there’s nothing wrong with some extra prenuptial time with your spouse-to-be.

Keep time in mind when selecting a wedding date, too. Don’t pick the time of year when work is most-demanding for you and your spouse-to-be. (Note to accountants: Tax season might not be the best time to get married.) If the wedding will take place in a big city, consider any high-traffic events that might be scheduled around that time, too. In some locations, summer tourists can make reservations harder to book. If you plan to invite a number of out-of-town guests, be sure that you will be able to secure a block of hotel rooms.

Take your time

Going to the chapel

Just like the Rolling Stones said, time is on your side. While there’s no required length of time for an engagement, twelve months makes sense for a number of reasons. Many places are booked well in advance, so this gives you more flexibility with locking down a location. In addition, there are just a lot of details that go

Religious or family traditions may influence where your wedding takes place, but the choice is up to you. You may be married at a childhood church, a local landmark or even in someone’s backyard. Or you may wish to take advantage of any alumni or country club memberships which give members first consideration.

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The most important thing is to be sure the place is meaningful to both of you.

If your reception space is separate from your wedding location, keep in mind the number of guests. Some places may not accommodate a large number. A large venue may make a small wedding party feel spread out. Like Goldilocks, you’ll want to find the place that’s “just right.” Be sure your location is in sync with your style and the theme of the

Dollars & Sense

Friday night lights?

Call it Saturday Night Fever, because that’s when most weddings take place. However, sidestepping around Saturday and opting for a Friday or Sunday not only means you’ll have a better chance of booking the location you want, you’ll likely be able to save a few bucks by not booking during a prime time. – T.S.

Photo by Jennifer Domenick

wedding. Visit locations at the same time of day your reception will take place. If the décor or overall feeling of a place doesn’t feel right, move on.

An at-home wedding or reception requires great attention to detail.

Everything for the reception – tables, chairs, etc. – must be rented, which means costs will quickly rise.

Seasons of change Keep your personal style in mind when deciding your wedding date, too. If you want a classic summer wedding, go for it.

If the rebirth of the earth seems like the right time to celebrate your new life, opt for a springtime wedding. Or if you’ve always been drawn toward the end-ofthe-year holidays, celebrate with a winter wedding bash.

Both falling snow or flowers in bloom can provide perfect backdrops for the day of your nuptials. You won’t be able to choose the weather for the day, but if your other choices are made wisely, you will always remember your wedding season fondly.

-Timothy R. Schulte

Make wedding history:

Say “I Do� at a local landmark

The Lincoln Park Pavilion is available for weekend weddings

More than 50% of the weddings in our area are held in churches. If a church is not part of your plans, consider one of the following historic locations. Full of character and comfort, these eclectic spots offer accommodations for large and small, traditional and informal weddings.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum 212 N. 6th St., Springfield, IL Combining scholarship and showmanship, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in downtown Springfield, Illinois communicates the amazing life and times of Abraham Lincoln in unforgettable ways. It also offers locations within the Library and Museum for receptions. For more information on renting the facility contact Facilities Rental Manager, Britta Brackney, at 217/558-8873 or visit www.alplm.org/facility_rental/home.html Allerton Park and Retreat Center 515 Old Timber Road, Monticello, IL Located 60 miles east of Springfield, Allerton has long been a popular location for weddings in the formal gardens of the estate. Now Allerton is offering couples the second option of holding an Allerton wedding inside the Georgian mansion

itself. From April to October, popular wedding sites at Allerton Park include the Sunken Garden, the Brick Walled Garden, and the Fu Dog Garden. Up to 500 guests can be accommodated, and full catering, liquor, and reception services are available. For couples looking for a more intimate, indoor wedding, consider Allerton House, with a capacity of up to 125 people for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners.

Contact: Cassie Fifer-Yoder, (217) 333-3287 or Visit www.continuinged.uiuc.edu/allerton Artisans Building Illinois State Fairgrounds The Artisans Building was constructed in 1898 and is complete with hardwood floors, restrooms, and an open floor plan.

This flexible facility is an excellent location for wedding and/or receptions. This facility is the second oldest building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. It underwent major renovation in 1988. Make your reservations today through the Office of Non-Fair Events located on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. They can be contacted at: P.O. Box 19281, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9281 (217) 782-1698 or toll free (866) 807-7918. continued on page 8 Your Capital City Wedding | 2008

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Local landmarks continued from page 7

Brinkerhoff Home 1500 North 5th St., Springfield, IL 523-1666 George Brinkerhoff, a successful businessman and political associate of Abraham Lincoln, built the home for his wife and six children in 1869. Each room has been beautifully furnished with period furniture in keeping with the time of the home. The home has been placed on both the National and Illinois Registers of Historic Places and provides elegant ambience for weddings. If you are interested in renting the home for a wedding, reception, shower, dinner party, etc., please contact Nancy Nolan at 528-5087.

Edwards Place 700 N. 4th St., Springfield, IL 523-2631 Edwards Place historic home now occupied by the Springfield Art Association may be rented for private functions.

Built in 1833, this beautifully preserved mansion was the center of Springfield’s social and political life for many years.

The historic home can accommodate up to 50 persons for a seated dinner and up to 100 persons for a cocktail reception.

The Gallery of Art is also available for rental dependent upon availability.

Edwards Place is also the perfect backdrop for an outdoor wedding ceremony. For more information about rental policies and pricing information, contact Amanda Gleason at (217) 523-2631 ext. 205 or email at collections@springfieldart.org.

Elijah Iles House 628 S. 7th Street, Springfield, IL The Elijah Iles House is the oldest surviving home in Springfield, Illinois. Built in 1827 by a city founder, Charles Matheny, the home was occupied by Elijah Iles (1796-1883), who was Springfield’s first merchant. He was a friend of Abraham Lincoln. This Greek Revival home contains furnishings from the mid-1800s.

The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its lower level is equipped with a modern kitchen and meeting space for up to 50 people. There is also a small outdoor patio and a large, grand front porch. 217-492-5929 Fraase Farm 782 S Farmingdale Rd., New Berlin, IL Primarily known as an area caterer, Carol Jean Fraase also hosts special events at her farm. A covered bridge entrance, country gardens and tented outdoor dining pro-

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Built in 1869, The Brinkerhoff Home at 1500 N. 5th St. is on the National Historic Register

vide a an incredible backdrop for photographs and a romantic setting for your wedding and/or reception. There is ample parking and the farm is just minutes from Springfield. 217-546-3091 Henry Mischler House 803 E. Edwards, Springfield, IL This historic inn, located just a block from Abraham Lincoln’s home, is available for private parties, weddings, and receptions with accommodations for groups up to 20. It offers a private back patio surrounded by plants, trees, flowers and water fountains. Choose one of their beautiful suites for your wedding night.

Contact: Jane Murphy, 217-525-2660 or toll-free 800-525-2660 Hill Prairie Winery Route 97 Oakford, IL Hill Prairie Winery is located about halfway between Springfield and Havana.

To recognize the heritage of the Illinois prairies, the owners decided to honor the

past by naming their winery after the landscape from which it was born. As you look around the renovated barn, you are standing in the original building constructed in 1911. The winery is available for weddings and receptions and they have affiliations wih four caterers who regularly serve in the facility. Most couples are married on the grounds outdoors.

Contact: Connie at 217-635-9900 The Inn at 835 835 South Second Street, Springfield, IL The Inn was designed in the early 1900s during the Arts and Crafts Movement by one of the area’s leading architects, George Helmle. Today, this stylish, Classical Revival structure has been fully renovated to afford you every modern convenience without detracting from its sense of luxury. Weddings and receptions can be held in the graciously decorated parlors (up to 150 people) or in the openness of the Conservatory’s new banquet

room which accommodates up to 300.

217-523-4466 Lake Beach House and Recreation Room Center Park, Springfield, IL The Beach House is located in Center Park, just north of Lindsay Bridge at Lake Springfield. It consists of two large rooms connected by a central foyer. The facility accommodates up to 200 people. There is a kitchen with stove/oven, large refrigerator, ice machine, serving counter, numerous tables and chairs and two working, wood-burning fireplaces. It is available from 9 a.m. to midnight from midAugust through late-May of each year, and from 6 p.m. to midnight during the swimming season. A rental fee and security deposit are required. 217- 757-8660, ext. 1011.

Lincoln Memorial Garden 2301 East Lake Drive, Springfield, IL Weddings are becoming more popular at this lakeside garden retreat founded in 1936 as a living memorial to Abraham Lincoln.

All the plants found at the Garden are native to the three states Lincoln lived in Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois and was designed by one of the country’s foremost landscape architects, Jens Jensen. Couples are free to be married anywhere on the grounds. Many choose Council Ring #4. It is the largest of the rings, and has a lovely view of the lake under a canopy of trees.

Rental fees depend upon the number of guests. There are no reception facilities and couples are encouraged to have a Plan B in case of bad weather. 217-529-1111

Color Your Wedding Green

Tips for the eco-friendly - Use recycled paper for your invitations. Keep them simple and ask if your printer offers vegetable or soy-based inks.

Elkhart Hill (the highest point between Chicago and St. Louis). Still owned by the descendents of John Dean Gillett, who built the original house and barns in 1870, this beautiful farm encompasses 700 acres of lawns, gardens, woodlands and open fields. In addition to the main house, a 3-bedroom guesthouse and chapel are available for private bookings.

Overnight accommodations, special events, weddings and tours are arranged on an individual basis. Contact: Lisa Pasquesi, 217-947-2346 Pasfield House 525 S. Pasfield Street, Springfield, IL Designated a Springfield Landmark, the 1896 Georgian-style residence is a remarkably preserved architectural treasure that has a most distinctive antebellum flair, and is within easy walking distance of the State Capitol and downtown Springfield. Pasfield House hosts many engagement parties, showers and rehearsal dinners along with small weddings and receptions. It can accommodate 50 seated guests at a dinner in its largest room or up to 100 guests for a cocktail buffet dinner.

The house is also a bed and breakfast with six suites for bride and groom or out-oftown guests. 217-525-3663

- Have an outdoor wedding, or book the local arboretum. See whether your favorite not-forprofit organization has space you can rent.

Springfield Parks

- Reuse decorations from the ceremony at your reception.

Lincoln Park Pavilion

- Park the limo and wave goodby from a more fuel-efficient vehicle – say a bicycle built for two.

- Buy your flowers from a local nursery. Better yet, grow them yourself!

- Use potted flowers as table décor. Ask your guests to take them home and plant them.

- Bridesmaids can opt to carry a small, keepsake purse rather than flowers.

- Skip the jetliner. Honeymoon close to home.

Washington Park Gazebo The Roman Cultural Garden in Washington Park

The Inn at 835 can accommodate up to 300 guests

The Oaks Bed & Breakfast 510 West Sheridan Rd, Petersburg, IL Standing high atop a bluff overlooking Petersburg and the Sangamon River Valley, The Oaks is an elegant and romantic 19th century Victorian mansion situated on five and one half park-like acres, adorned with magnificent stands of oak trees and delightful gardens. A beautiful setting for a small wedding and reception, or a honeymoon getaway close to home, the Inn offers catering as well as amenities such as roses, champagne, and truffles.

217- 632-5444 or 888-724-6257.

Old Gillette Farm P.O. Box 80, Elkhart, IL Located 20 minutes North of Springfield, Illinois just off I-55 this historic seventh generation family farm is located on

Washington Park Pavilion The Douglas Park Bandshell Wedding reservations can be made for use of various park facilities. Washington Park Gazebo and Douglas Park Bandshell are reserved by the administration office in Bunn Park at 544-1751.

The Lincoln and Washington Park Pavilions provide a beautiful setting for wedding receptions. The pavilions are available for rent on weekends throughout the year. The Lincoln Pavilion will accommodate up to 150 people, while the Washington Pavilion will accommodate up to 85 people. For detailed information call 544-1751.

The Roman Cultural Garden in Washington Park is reserved by the Botanical Garden office at 753-6228.

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Sometimes you need less history and

a lot

BIGGER room

When the ceremony is over, it’s time to party! The following Springfield area locations offer large spaces with a full range of catering and entertainment options. Most recommend you reserve your reception site early in the planning process. If you’re looking for a more intimate space with historic roots refer to “Make Wedding History”on pages 7-9 of this edition.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy., Springfield, IL Designed and decorated with the gracious charm of a fine European hotel.

288 guest rooms, including 14 designer suites make this location ideal if you have a lot of out-of-town guests.

Situated directly off of Interstate 55, the hotel puts you guests close to popular Springfield historic sites.

800-589-2769 or 217-529-7777 Firefighter’s Postal Club West Lake Drive, Springfield This club on Lake Springfield has a banquet hall that seats up to 310. For more information visit http://firefighterspostal.tripod.com or call Hall Rental Chairman Dan Kerhlikar or Deb McCarrel at 217-622-0099

Hilton Springfield 700 East Adams Street, Springfield, IL The Hilton Springfield hotel, located in historic downtown Springfield, is very close to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. It offers 45,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space and a wide variety of options. 217-789-1530 Hoogland Center for the Arts 420 S. Sixth Street, Springfield, IL The Hoogland Center for the Arts offers several options for wedding and reception in a somewhat theatrical setting.

Catering is provided by Arena Food Services. For more information, call 523-2787 or e-mail info@scfta.org.

Tom and Angela Speedic share a special moment during their wedding at the Beach House, Lake Springfield.

Photo courtesy of Courtney Matevey Photography

Northfield Inn, Suites & Conference Center 3280 Northfield Drive, Springfield, IL In a quiet park like setting 8 minutes from the downtown, Northfield Center offers a complete sales staff to handle your wedding planning for groups up to 800. Full catering is available.

Phone: (217) 523-7900 Panther Creek Country Club 3001 Panther Creek Dr., Springfield, Photo courtesy of Secret Recipes Reception Center

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A Spacious 3600-sq-ft. Banquet Room is excellent for wedding receptions. This room is located on the lower level of the Clubhouse. There is a built-in 526-sq.ft. dance floor located in the center of the room. An additional 1500-sq.-ft. landscaped outdoor patio is directly accessible from the banquet room.

Contact: Jennifer Matliot, 546-4431 ext. 3003

A spacious banquet and convention center has over 6,000 square feet to accommodate your wedding and reception with room for up to 320 guests.

The hotel displays nostalgic Route 66 memorabilia and will develop a group package for those with many out of town guests. The hotel has 114 guest rooms including Jacuzzi suites. Marc Evans, (217) 529-6626 x604

President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center 701 East Adams Street Springfield, IL In the heart of historic downtown Springfield, “The President” is also within walking distance of the state capitol complex and provides special packages with sightseers in mind.

Creative catering capabilities enhance weddings, and skilled planners are available to personalize and coordinate every event from start to finish. Phone: 217544-8800

Sangamon Prairie Reception Center 201 S. Main, Chatham, IL 62629 This reception center can host events from 20 to 450 people. Their event planner will assist with planning your theme, arranging for catering and other special services 217-483-7999

The Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center 625 E. Saint Joseph, Springfield, IL

Secret Recipes Reception Center 3086 Normandy Rd., Springfield, IL This large banquet facility will accommodate up to 400 people. Full catering service is available as well as bar services and bartenders. Their chocolate fountain is a popular feature to make your reception especially sweet.

217-483-9500

The 29th floor of downtown’s Hilton Springfield provides a dramatic backdrop for this couple Photo courtesy of Hilton Springfield

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Going for the

GLOW Beauty regimen for the bride-to-be Every woman glows on her wedding day, but some may seek a bit of help in the radiance department. For many brides-to-be, a march down the aisle would be unthinkable without an earlier march to the spa.

These days, a bride’s personal beauty plan may go far beyond basic facials and massages.

Put the ‘I’ in wedding When a bride walks down the aisle, her entire body is on display. With photo sessions looming, a bride-to-be most often seeks clear, photogenic skin, with a special focus on the face and, for those wearing a strapless gown, a smooth, glowing back.

When it comes to arranging a pre-wedding beauty plan, “make prioritizing your needs your first step,” says Patricia Tortolani, senior editor for Allure Magazine. “If you have problematic skin, booking appointments with your dermatologist should be first on your list. If your skin is under control but you are a naturally tense person, your masseuse will be your best friend in the coming months.” Tortolani recommends scheduling your appointments six months before the wedding day. Having appointments on the calendar will relieve stress and make you more apt to keep them.

The back story Most wedding dresses expose the back and shoulders. Two treatments target this hardto-reach skin. Making waves in body news is the back facial. Denise O’Donoghue, beauty director for Brides Magazine, sees

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many skincare salons offering special attention to this area – cleansing, toning and calming problem skin. If this is you, book a series of appointments three to six months before the wedding day. Not looking for serious treatment but still in need of some skin sloughing? Exfoliation is your answer.

Tortolani loves Bliss hot salt scrub and recommends this treatment one week before

Treat your bridesmaids to a day at a salon

the wedding. The process leaves skin feeling fresh and soft with a noticeable glow.

Your best face forward While facials revitalize, even the freshest faces need a boost. For a flawless complexion, O’Donoghue suggests Airbrush Foundation. A secret kept to the television and print world for years, today many fullservice salons and spas have this airbrush sprayer that mists foundation onto the face,

resulting in the smoothest coverage of foundation possible. For O’Donoghue, this smudge-free and long-lasting look is a must for all brides and is as light on the wallet as it is on the skin. “It works great for every skin shade and type,” she says.

The must-do A relaxing massage is a smart choice for both a first-timer or a spa regular, no matter how Zen and calm a bride-to-be thinks she’ll be. Choose wisely. “Stay away from deep-tissue rubs, like a Swedish massage, to avoid being sore on the dance floor,” warns

Tortolani. Instead, she suggests the massage of the moment: the hot stone massage. “It’s effective, relaxing and calming.” Whatever treatment you choose, the most important spa advice is to let the aesthetician know what you are comfortable with and what you are not comfortable with. “Tell them you are a bride-to-be and that now is not the best time to try something new,” says Tortolani.

Communication is the key to your spa success story. Your wedding day calls for a natural look, but even nature needs a nudge sometimes. The spa holds the secret.

– Kate Sullivan

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With this BLING I thee wed Chances are an engagement ring accompanied your proposal. If not, you don’t want to wait too long before getting your engagement ring and wedding bands. Keep in mind that you’re going to be wearing these rings for the rest of your life. Take the time to find rings you’ll love as much years from now as you do today.

Dollars & Sense

Paving the price

Hello,Yellow: For engagement rings, color is hot.

One carat is becoming the standard size for diamond engagement rings.

For some, that means sacrificing elsewhere on the stone – cut, clarity, etc. – in order to plop a bigger piece of ice in the middle. However, adding pavé diamonds around the ring can eliminate the conundrum.

The little diamonds help add a lot of sparkle to the ring, so even if your center stone isn’t colossal, it’s effect will be maximized. – T.S.

Today, it’s quite common for couples to shop for engagement rings together, says Amanda Gizzi, public relations manager for the Jewelry Information Center, New York. “It’s becoming more socially acceptable for couples to know they’re going to be getting engaged,” she says, adding that couples may narrow down the choice together, but at the end of the day the man is going into the store alone to make the final choice.

Men also are stepping up in the wedding-ring department. Brides often go for a band that will match her engagement ring, says Gizzi, but men are looking for something that fits their unique sense of style. Whether it’s wide bands, carved or hammered textures or even diamonds that go around the band, men are taking more of an interest.

As with other wedding related purchases, you need to keep budget in mind. You can have some leeway, says Gizzi, but if you know how much you have to spend, you’ll be able to get the best ring for your money. Whatever ring you choose, big or small, make sure your personal style is shining though.

– Timothy R. Schulte

Metal Awareness Which setting is best for you? Amanda Gizzi of the Jewelry Information Center shares a little Metal 101.

Yellow Gold Most rings are 14-18 karats – 24-kt gold is too soft for everyday wear. For yellow gold, the price comes down versus platinum.

Fair-skinned people may not like how yellow gold looks on them, says Gizzi, but the colorful gold looks fantastic on olive- or darker-toned skin.

Platinum Platinum is the heaviest of the precious metals – twice the weight of gold – and extremely

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pure; most platinum rings are 90 to 95 percent platinum. This, along with its rarity, also makes it the most expensive. Its icy-white color lends itself very well to diamonds and colored stones.

Another plus: Platinum is hypoallergenic.

White Gold White gold gets its color from alloys (nickel, silver) that are added for strength. It’s beautiful for every skin tone, says Gizzi, but the white can dull over time and

may need to be re-plated.

There’s no difference in cost between white and yellow gold.

Rose Gold In addition to yellow and white, rose gold is an increasingly popular color. “It’s a really gorgeous color,” says Gizzi. “Beautiful for every skin tone.”

Macho Metals Some men are opting for metals that more often than not would be found in their golf bag, not on

Gold standards: White, yellow and rose gold bands.

their finger. For an altogether different look, think Titanium. It’s dark and durable, but options are limited. Durable and hypoallergenic, you’ll find more stainless steel options than you will titanium. It has a more industrial look and won’t scratch or dent, so it’s great for guys who work with their hands. Palladium, a relative of titanium, is a strong metal similar in appearance to platinum but lighter and more affordable. – T.S.

A rainbow of rings If anything is hot right now in rings, it’s color. “[Brides] definitely don’t want the same ring that their best friend has,” says Amanda Gizzi of the Jewelry Information Center. Color helps them capture their unique sense of style. Sapphires score a 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness (diamonds are a 10), so the blue, pink and yellow gems are a durable choice for adding color. Women love birthstones, says Gizzi, so don’t be surprised to see passionate stones like emeralds and rubies. They don’t always have to be on center stage, either. Accent or pavé gemstones are a great complement for a diamond engagement ring. - T.S.

Sturdy sapphires: Sapphires are almost as hard – and popular – as diamonds.

Your Capital City Wedding | 2008

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After the bride, the gown is the star of the day

luxurious

A look for your

special day MANY BOUTIQUE owners often tell bridesto-be the same thing: The more shops you visit and the more dresses you try on, the more they begin to look the same.

Your best option may be to just focus one or two days on finding a dress.

Like every other aspect of your wedding, keep your budget in mind. There’s no sense in trying on $3,000 dresses if your budget is $1,000. Looking at dresses out of your price range may create confusion and is a waste of your time. Focus on dresses you can afford. When you find that one you fall in love with, you’ll know you can have it. Price is dependent upon intricacy. The more lace, beading and embroidery a dress has, the pricier it will be.

Today’s trends are gearing toward clean lines and minimal but dramatically placed details; ornaments, mainly crystal and embroidery, are concentrated on bodices and hems. Trust your instincts.

Don’t second-guess yourself if you didn’t try on every single dress out there.

Don’t be misguided by the models in the magazines, either. What looks good on another woman might not be the best look for you. This is the time to play up your strengths! Love your upper half but not so much your hips? Skip the clingy sheath and go for a great strapless gown with a full skirt.

Consider these fabrics: Charmeuse: A lightweight fabric usually made from silk or polyester. It’s smooth, soft and drapes beautifully.

Chiffon: A plain, sheer woven fabric with a soft drape. It can be made from silk, polyester or rayon.

Dupioni: A plain weave using yarns to create a fabric with surface slubs. In silk, it has a distinctive rustic and sleek luster.

Georgette: A lightweight fabric usually made from silk or polyester that’s heavier and less transparent than chiffon. The fabric’s fibers are twisted, which gives it a springy quality.

Peau de Soie: Made from silk or polyester, this fabric is medium to heavy. Its dull luster is more flatPhoto by Alfred Angelo

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tering to curvier women than high-luster satins. Polyester peau de soie also doesn’t water-spot as easily as silk.

Some shops require appointments, so be sure to schedule your shopping extravaganza.

FYI, “closed shops” keep the dresses in a storage area offlimits to shoppers; a sales associate brings the gowns to you in a private fitting area.

“Open shops” display the dresses on the sales floor.

Dress shopping is exciting, but it shouldn’t be an activity for the whole bridal party.

Bring your mom, best friend, or both – just don’t have too many people extolling opinions on your choices.

Off white: Going for a gown with a little bit of color – or one that’s all color – isn’t uncommon these days and lets you infuse your personal touch into the ceremony. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with classic white.

Keep time in mind Don’t schedule the delivery of your dress too close to the wedding date. You’ll need to allot for alterations and fittings, of course, but if your gown is being made overseas, you’ll want to factor in time in case there’s a shipping problem.

Picture perfect You want to look glamorous on your special day – perfect hair, perfect makeup, perfect everything. But you also want to be able to recognize the person in the pictures.

If you’re wearing new makeup on your wedding day, be sure to buy it well in advance and give it a couple test-drives in advance to be

Photo by Joseph Kohn

sure you don’t have any reactions to it. Visit a department store for a makeover and pick up some new products to try out.

You and your stylist should decide on a hairstyle well in advance of your wedding. Have your hair styled in the way you’ll wear it on your wedding day to detect any problems. You’ll find out whether up or down is the best way for you to go. Any major hair event – cut, color, perm – should be done about two weeks before the big day.

Wedding-day extras Besides the bride, the gown is

Dollars & Sense

Go for it You’re on a budget, so you have a certain amount that you can spend on a dress. Don’t be shy about using all of your gown budget. This is the dress you’ve dreamed of all your life, your one day to shine. Go ahead and splurge for your wedding.

Dropping an entire paycheck on a pair of Christian Louboutins ... that’s a whole other story.

the star of the day. To make it really stand out, consider these details: Veil: Generally, the simpler the better. If you have an ornate gown, go for a simple veil. If your gown is simple, don’t be scared to add a little detail to the veil. If it’s going to have a blusher, make sure it’s long enough to flip up and over for the big “You may kiss the bride” moment.

Of course, if you don’t want to wear one, don’t.

Jewelry: Don’t go overboard, especially if you have a detailed gown. A necklace will be the most-noticed piece; leave the watches at home.

Shoes: Cover them with plastic bags and walk around the house to break them in. Your wedding day is not the time to break in stiff new shoes.

Garter: “Something blue” is traditional, but as more brides are skipping the garterstripping portion, only you and your new husband may know it’s there.

Photo by Alfred Angelo

Your Capital City Wedding | 2008

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Be kind to the bridesmaids If you’re about to be a bride, chances are good you’ve already been a bridesmaid.

And you probably have at least one hideous dress to prove it. Follow Elvis’ advice: Don’t be cruel.

Your maids aren’t cookiecutter Barbies, so really try to find a dress that’ll look good on everyone, no matter their height or weight. The simpler the dress, the more likely your bridesmaid will be to re-wear

it. These dresses aren’t cheap either, so let them wear real shoes rather than dyed satin pumps. If you pick a color everyone will look good in and then let each attendant pick the dress style, you’ll have friends for life. This works for all types of weddings. All you need to do is pick a manufacturer, color and fabric, and then let your friends’ personal style take care of the rest.

Take two?

What if this isn’t your first wedding? Should you wear a traditional white dress? For a myriad of good ideas on this and other subjects regarding second (or third . . .) weddings, visit idotaketwo.com, an online guide to second weddings, second marriages and vow renewals.

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Photo: Jennifer Domenick

The well-prepared, well-dressed groom Popping the question and then just showing up to the wedding doesn’t cut it anymore. Your bride-to-be has been thinking of this day all her life, and she’s going to need your help making it happen. Take an active role in the planning, and don’t be shy about offering help.

The one area where you can take control, though, is in your wedding-day duds. This is your chance to put your personal spin on the wedding. If your wedding is a formal affair, go the classic route with a tuxedo. If your wedding is taking place during prime wedding time (June-September), get measured for your tux and get it ordered at least three months before your wedding. The same goes for your groomsmen.

The tux doesn’t have totalitarian control over the wedding, though. If a tux isn’t your thing – and if your wed-

ding has a more casual feel – opt for a suit. And your groomsmen can follow suit, too. Pair like-colored suits with like-colored shirts and ties (optional) for an across-the-board, uniform look.

Just make sure they’re pressed. And, please, show up on time.

The boys’ club

Your group of guys helps put a bit of masculinity in the wedding, but it’s also a tribute to the friends and family who helped get you here. Your brothers and buddies have always been there for you, so this is your way of saying thanks and showing them how much they mean to you. Of course, one of them will get picked to be the best man, but they’re all the best in their own right. This is male bonding at its finest, so make sure you take time to enjoy it. – TS

Dollars & Sense

Looking good, shopping smart If your quest for the perfect tux is troublesome, and the suits you see at the clothier are catching your eye, go for one.

Whether you purchase a new one off the rack or have one tailor-made, you’re investing in something you’re going to enjoy (and look sharp in) on more than one occasion. Over the long haul, it’s worth the extra money. – T.S.

Your Capital City Wedding | 2008

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Designs by Joyce Scardina Becker, Events of Distinction

Cater to your stomach’s desire WE REMEMBER that which stimulates our senses: things that smell, look and taste like nothing before. It may sound basic, but it’s true. How else can one explain the details of a wedding, if not through what it looked like and what was served? That’s why choosing the right caterer for your wedding is a top priority. Finding a fantastic professional entails asking questions like: Do you have liability insurance? Do you have a license to serve alcohol? What is the ratio of servers to guests? What are the cake-cutting, bartending and cleanup fees?

If you’re going with a traditional reception site, most have on-site caterers or work with an established few. If your reception is going to be in a facility that does not provide food, you will need to hire a caterer that will be responsible for

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preparing, cooking, decorating and serving the food for the wedding.

Ask your wedding caterer for references and look at photos from previous parties so you know how the food will be presented; better yet, visit an event they are catering. The execution of your plan will be remembered by many, so work within a budget. Divide your food budget by the approximate number of guests to figure out how much you have to spend per head.

The food fare should reflect you and your intended’s personalities and take on a feel akin to the reception atmosphere. A low-key wedding should have food and drink that is less formal and more fun, like a mac-and-cheese course made with truffle sauce and spices instead of the usual pasta course.

“Many couples are choosing to

Dollars & Sense

Wow palates without wilting your wallet It doesn’t take a lot of fancy ingredients – or money – to impress your guests. Here’s a few tips on how to present money-wise, memorable wedding cuisine.

• Sub in a personal, family recipe in lieu of a pricier off-the-list item. One couple celebrated the groom’s Irish heritage by giving the caterer some of his mom’s recipes for the cocktail hour fare: shots of potato leek soup and mini cornedbeef-and-cabbage sandwiches.

Wendy Maclaurin Richardson photo

theme their events with décor and food to bring out their ethnic backgrounds or highlight their favorite vacation spots,” says Susan Southerland, president and founder of Just Marry!, an Orlando, Fla.-based wedding-planning company.

“Big cocktail hours are popular; rather than doing very fancy items that guests are not accustomed to eating, couples

• Arrange colorful foods and sauces in an artistic way to add a lot of panache to the presentation without a lot of cost.

• Go sentimental.Whether it’s your firstdate meal or your favorite dish to prepare together, pairing the food with a printed meaning of the dish on a menu card will leave a lasting impression.

Your guests will know how important it is to you as a couple, no matter how mighty or meager. – D.R.

ingly. Steer clear of foods that might cool too quickly or become soggy while waiting to be served.

Your caterer should offer a contract that lists the details of your day. Make sure it’s explicit. The document will be a starting point for paring back expenses down the road, if necessary.

Favorable fare

Image courtesy Glen Johnson

are offering miniature hamburgers and hot dogs, or miniature grilled-cheese sandwiches with a demitasse of tomato soup.”

With food comes taste-tests, and caterers should be showcasing not only the food or one specialty dish but the overall presentation, as well. Pay attention to their focus on detail, and consider if what they’re presenting is in line with what you envision for your big day.

Sharon Naylor, author of “1000 Best Secrets For Your Perfect Wedding” (Sourcebooks, 2004) suggests a couple hire a caterer who has lots of experience with the style of food they want, someone who masters any special or ethnic food you have in mind but also excels at the basics.

“Know that you’re an equal partner with the chef when it comes time to create your menu,” Naylor says. “Don’t be

intimidated by a pre-printed list of options; you can ask for special dishes to be made, or tweaks to be made to tasting dishes. Define your style and make your choices together.”

Be mindful of numbers

If you’re planning a sit-down dinner for a large number of people, be mindful of the time it will take to plate food for hundreds of people, and choose accord-

Just as seasons bring in new fashions, so they do with foods for receptions.

Cheese courses are popping up, particularly wine-cheese pairings to add an air of sophistication to affairs. In the way of appetizers, artichokes with dipping sauces, pork skewers with pomegranate sauces, and brown rice sushi with crab, cucumber, salmon and tuna are making rounds on wedding plates.

“For entrees, brides and grooms want something unique, such as an Australian lamb instead of chicken,” Naylor says.

“Combination platters with a few grilled shrimp with a ginger teriyaki sauce paired with a starch, like mini stuffed potatoes, and a steamed vegetable, like spaghetti squash, is not unheard of.”

– Darcel Rockett

Your Capital City Wedding | 2008

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Slicing up tradition

Design by Joyce Scardina Becker, Events of Distinction

The most common flavors are carrot, chocolate, rum, white and lemon. You can also consider having tiers with different flavors.

Dollars & Sense

Cut the cake wisely Labor is the biggest cost-driving factor when it comes to cakes. Because custom cakes require so much work, servings can run anywhere from $4 to $12.

To keep your cake full of panache without tugging on purse strings, have smaller slices cut or don’t decorate as elaborately as you originally planned.

The choice is smart for you and still leaves your cake looking and tasting great. – D.R.

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THE RELATIONSHIP with your baker is as vital as the connection to your dressmaker when it comes to your wedding. In both instances, all eyes should be on you and the vision you helped create. And to make the wedding cake stand out, it’s important to delve into the minds behind the batter to see what their hands and your imagination can conjure up.

To do this, couples should review a portfolio of the bakers’ cakes to help decide whether their expectations can be met.

“A lot of that can be done online.

Once you see a cake designer you like, make an appointment to meet and taste their cake (made from scratch),” says Elisa Strauss, author of “The Confetti Cakes Cookbook” (Little, Brown and Co., 2007) and owner of Confetti Cakes, New York.

“Wedding cakes are pure architecture; just because someone is a great baker doesn’t mean they can make a cake stand up straight.”

Discuss pricing, deposits and due dates, as well as flavors and filling choices for the cake before placing an order. Also make sure guests are not allergic to any nuts and fruits that will be in the cake. Cakes that are gluten-free and those for lactose intolerant guests are available via flourless and torte alternatives. You

can even go figure-friendly with a rice cake with mandarin orange buttercream frosting.

By the time the venue, approximate guest list, colors and florist are arranged, you should be ready to contact a baker and arm him or her with as much of the wedding information as possible. Bring in fabric swatches or samples of the lace used in the gown to convey the colors and patterns that you may want replicated on your cake, says Strauss. The cake is

Sweet escape Cake may be the mainstay when it comes to wedding dessert, but it’s not the only thing. Couples have the option of choosing any unique food item for their guests.

“Desserts can consist of anything,” says Joy Wallace of Limelight Catering, Chicago. “It’s nice if the bride and groom have different nationalities, so they can add pastries from their country and represent both ethnicities.”

Here’s a taste of something different: Wendy Maclaurin Richardson photo

a part of the décor, so it has to pop on the table. To make the interior stand out as much as the exterior, couples are choosing flavors like banana, red velvet and coconut.

The cost of your cake will be determined by size, type of frosting and decoration. For example, freehand decoration, an edible image and a generic-themed cake all are priced differently. “Some couples include sayings or symbols that mean something to them as far as the decoration,” she says. “Cakes today are mostly traditional with a twist – different shapes, round, square and hexagonal, on different tiers, with pastel backgrounds and sugar flowers.”

With the details worked out, a bride and groom just need to wait for their big day and the arrival of their unique cake. Strauss says bakers often deliver the masterpiece without any interaction with the bride or groom.

That means the baker will need not just the date and location to make the drop, but the name and number of the catering manager and/or wedding planner to coordinate a time for the cake to be brought in. Either person should have a handle on which table the cake will sit and that the setup is properly executed.

– Darcel Rockett

Heard of the cupcake tree? Now there’s the mini fruit parfait tree, stacked on cake stands in the shape of a wedding cake.

Smaller wedding? Have a chef make bananas foster in front of guests.

Chocolate-covered exotic fruit, such as starfruit and mango, with fresh whipped cream.

Pies, like lemon meringue, and crepes with fruit sauces.

Childhood favorites like s’mores stations and ice cream treats like Good Humor eclair bars and Creamsicles.

Sweets tables: A buffet of iced cookies, brownies, slivers of cheesecake in triangular boxes and chocolates (mints or covered berries). –D.R.

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Dance to the Music Tips from a Springfield’s top DJ on how to keep your wedding beat lively Brad Schroeder has 23 years experience keeping weddings fun with music. He estimates that he and his team have been spinning the platters, or should we say burning the CDs for some 900 wedding parties. Here are his top suggestions to keep your guests on their feet and having fun.

• Begin with 50s and 60s tunes to cater to your older guests. (They may be the first ones to leave, so let them have their fun first.)

• Keep up the pace (and all generations interested) by going through the eras – can you say disco and classic rock?

• As the night wears on, pick up the pace by adding in more Top 40 dance music for the younger crowd. (They’ve had the stamina to stay, and they’re ready to party.)

• Caution, boredom ahead. If you plan to do a dollar dance, keep it short by moving the line along. Others don’t want to wait an hour to get out on the floor.

• Karaoke can be fun, but use it sparingly. This is your wedding reception, not Friday night at the local pub.

• Remember that sit-down dinners take longer than buffets. By the time table twenty sits down with their food, table one has been ready to dance for half an hour. Plan your musical timing accordingly.

• Meet with your DJ in person early in the process. Come prepared with a list of songs you really love ... or really hate.

You should also think ahead about which song you would like for a father/daughter dance. Two favorites: Unforgettable and It’s a Wonderful World.

• Brad also feels that it’s important for your DJ to dress approptiately for the occasion. A tux or suit is always his choice.

For more info visit: www.schroedersdjservice.com

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Photo by Jean Chung/MCT

Shall we dance?

THE CEREMONY is the most beautiful part of a wedding, but everybody knows the party starts with the dance. In both cases, music plays an important role. Whether it’s traditional, ethnic or contemporary, you and your intended need to figure out which music best suits both of you on your special day.

Leading the way If you’re taking the classic route down the aisle, simply follow the lead of brides before you. A traditional tune like Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus”(aka, “Here Comes the Bride”) can set the perfect tone for a classical wedding (although Wagner’s hit is not welcome in some religious services). You certainly can walk to a different

beat, too. If the wedding takes place in a house of worship, be sure to check with the officiant about approved music, because some may not allow secular works.

The walk down the aisle isn’t the only musical interlude. There’s plenty of music to orchestrate throughout the day, from the ceremony to the reception.

For the ceremony, consider music for: The Prelude: the arrival of guests as they’re ushered to their seats.

The Processional: the bridal party’s entrance.

The Bridal March: the moment of your dreams.

The Recessional: the walk up the aisle with your new spouse.

Dollars & Sense

Sound and vision Live music helps transform a party into a special event.To keep costs under control, be crafty about scheduling music interludes. Book a cocktail-hour performer for one hour instead of two. Hire the DJ for four hours rather than five.Take a strict look at your schedule and decide the best way to plan live entertainment on your budget. – T.S.

LOCAL MUSCIANS FOR YOUR WEDDING Mikey & Jim’s Partytime DJ Service Specializing in party/dance music from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, & 90’s since 1992 including 10 yrs radio DJ experience 217-971-6110 Mikeyqlz@hotmail.com

Bornn too Boogiee DJJ & Karaokee Service We create a fun atmosphere for private parties, weddings, anniversaries, school dances and corporate events. No venue is too big or too small.

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The Postlude: the departure of guests.

Sound options

Band or DJ? It’s one of life’s tough questions and can lead to great debate. Some couples sidestep a confrontation by saying yes to both. That’s the trend Chicago wedding planner Ali Phillips is seeing.

“A good way to do it would be just live music for dinner and cocktails, and then a DJ later,”she says. “It’s a nice way to have live music.”Another trend she’s witnessing is a band taking center stage during the reception with a DJ filling in during breaks.

Whichever way you go, it’s important to meet with the DJ or band leader more than once. This person will be the emcee

that orchestrates the pace of entertainment and must be able to follow a detailed timeline. They should be able and willing to adapt to time changes, and your personalities should mesh.

Stay alert: The person you hire should listen to what you want, not dictate want he thinks you want. The best band leaders and DJs come armed with great ideas but always defer to your wishes. Provide them with a list of music you want played and any music you do not want to hear. If you don’t want to hear the “Cha Cha Slide”at your wedding, speak up – and write it down.

For the reception, consider music for: Cocktail hour (if necessary) Bridal party entrance Dinner music First dance Other notable dances: father/daughter, mother/son, bridal party Special events: Cake cutting, bouquet toss, garter toss

C-notes

A general rule is that 10 percent of your wedding budget will go toward music. If you decide to go with a 10-piece string quartet for the ceremony or perhaps a steel drum band for the cocktail hour, you can expect that percentage to rise. As with all vendor-related costs, an off-season booking may result in a lower price.

Make sure the contract you sign includes these details: the date, arrival time (or times, if performing at more than one location), the location and address.

– Timothy R. Schulte Photo by Jill Johnson

DJ

The Fun Factory Music

Service

Thee Funn Factoryy Musicc DJJ Service Making Parties Fun Since 1988. We tailor your event to your specifications featuring light shows, game shows, music videos and karaoke. Emergency Service Available.

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Lincolnn Quintet Professional Brass Quintet providing everything from brilliant fanfares to intimate chambermusic to enrich your indoor or outdoor celebration!

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Don Smith’s Musical Enterprises Wedding – String groups, violins, harps, woodwinds and vocalists.

Reception Band – Live musicians playing swing, rock-n-roll, jazz & ballads. Cocktail & dinner music options.

Contact: Don Smith 217-529-1452 19 Cottage Grove Springfield, IL 62712 Your Capital City Wedding | 2008

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A

picture perfect wedding Finding a photographer

Rose petals greet just married Lisa Hendricks and Conk Buckley outside Springfield’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Photo John Woods

Dollars & Sense

Four tips for perfect post-ceremony shots San Francisco-based photographer Joseph Kohn offers these suggestions for taking fun, memorable shots on the way to the reception.

1. Talk to your photographer before your wedding day. The three of you should select one or two locations on the way to or nearby the reception where you want to pose. Expect to spend an hour getting pictures, as your guests will be enjoying the cocktail hour in your absence.

2. Choose locations that have a change in

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background. Architectural elements on a college campus or at a museum with columns can create some fascinating pictures as you move around.

3. Remember great photos happen when interaction occurs. Having the photographer in the limo with you and the bridal party on the way to the reception can yield some great shots that will reside in between the portrait shots in the album.

4. If you have the option of urban landscape or nature shots, go urban. “It’s not about one good shot, it’s about variety,” he says. “The more elements you have available at your disposal, the more interesting the shots.” – D.R.

Pictures capture and freeze moments in time and are passed on from generation to generation. It’s no small feat to find the right person to take those timeless images for posterity, but it can be done if you know what you are looking for in a wedding photographer.

Be mindful of style. Anyone can take a picture, but a wedding photographer should have a signature look or style that separates him from others in his profession. Be wary of photographers that say they can do any style of wedding photography. Every photographer has one style they do best. Some might take a traditional approach, with more posed and arranged shots, while others might lean more toward photojournalism, with photos that are shot as events unfold with no manipulation or interfering by the photographer. Looking through best-of books may help you decide what look you’re going for in your pictures, but don’t solely rely on the portfolios as your basis for judgment.

You want to see the way a photographer shoots a wedding from start to finish, not selected shots from several events, according to Glen Johnson, a Eugene, Ore.-based wedding photographer. “Anyone can get a good shot at a wedding, and books don’t tell the whole range of what a photographer can do,” he says. “Go into the galleries on their Web site and see hundreds of photos from one wedding; the difference between a good

and great photographer is that the great one produces numerous high-quality shots consistently.”

Consider the personality of the photographer, as well. You will be spending a lot of time with him on your important day (anywhere from eight to 10 hours), so you want to make sure your personalities work well together. A Type-A personality may be more controlling and handle the event like a second wedding coordinator, while another may be laid back and let the wedding unfold naturally. Depending on your nature, one may be better than the other.

Make a list, check it twice.

Since weddings typically are uncharted territory for most couples, it may prove beneficial to have a list of things that you are looking for when interviewing prospective cameramen. Price will be an issue, but don’t make it the sole one, says Johnson.

Everything from the number of albums you want to the type of equipment factors into the decision. Digital now has become the standard for wedding photography, replacing film. With digital, photographers can instantly see shots and capture a larger number of them. But film is still more foolproof, as images can’t accidentally be overwritten or erased.

“I can capture 1,200 images in digital and see what I have, whereas with film I may get 400 images and hope the shot worked,” says Johnson. “Digital also lets you go black-and-white and color, but film can’t

Reel video advice

Photo courtesy of Springfield Carriage Company

let you revert once you’ve gone black-andwhite. You just can’t take as many chances with film as you can with digital.”

Details up front make all the difference.

Even tearing out specific styles of photographs that you like can help a photographer understand the feeling you are hoping to achieve with your wedding pictures.

“Pictures convey more than words do.

When someone says they are looking for something that is clean and simple, my version of clean and simple may be something different,” Johnson says. “An image does help with the translation.”

Be sure to tell the photographer what your primary focus is for the wedding. If you are going to have a videographer and photographer, one will be the primary and the other the secondary. Tell the photographer what is more important, which will spell out what roles the two play in working around each other.

Be mindful of the contract details, too.

Spell out everything you expect; this will eliminate or reduce the misunderstandings down the road. Some photographers include a pre-wedding photo session weeks before the big event to give the couple a chance to get comfortable with the camera.

This could be of benefit, as you may be more at ease on your wedding. Telling the photographer you want to do your own poses will help make the photo shoot more meaningful and memorable.

Cost of capturing memories The average U.S. couple spends $2,500 on wedding packages; high-end packages start at $4,000, says Johnson. “That could be at least 10 to 20 percent of your wedding budget, and most couples underestimate the cost. But keep in mind; it all depends on your personal taste. If you’re not much of a photo person, you can spend $500 and be fine. If you really care, you can spend thousands.” - DR

After months of planning, the actual wedding day may seem to go by in the blink of an eye. With a video of the momentous event, you can replay the day at any time and remain a bride – as long as the batteries stay charged.

Videography is similar to photography when it comes to styles – journalistic, cinematic and traditional. Journalistic is more documentary-esque, produced as the wedding day goes along. Cinematic is more dramatic, with special effects and music incorporated into the editing, capturing the “fairy tale” quality of the day. A traditional video is long – two to three hours that showcases the whole day as it happened. As a couple, you may hear other terms when interviewing a potential videographer, such as “stills” (photos placed in the video) and “scenic shoot,” referring to a landscaped area outside of the church and reception hall. Keep the terms in mind, as well as others, as they might factor into your final video.

Before choosing a videographer, view a complete wedding video from start to finish, not a clip-reel of highlights. Also, inquire about the length of time the videographer has been in business, if he or she charges for travel and how many cameras will be used to shoot the wedding. More cameras mean more coverage, but the price will increase with each additional camera. A videographer with two cameras is good, as long as another person is manning the other camera. Two-camera shoots allow you to capture both the main event, as well as reaction shots.

If you have a favorite song or meaningful location you’d like to incorporate in the final presentation, like the first place you kissed or the site where you got engaged, tell your videographer about it before the ceremony. He may want to stage a scene to coincide with the music or record the location prior to the wedding. A list of people you want on your video the day of the wedding can help a videographer round out your perfect wedding video. If there is no list, make sure the wedding coordinator or someone close to you knows who and what should be recorded so she/he can relay the needs to the videographer.

“What you are paying in a professional videographer is for better sound, editing and an unbiased eye while taping,” says Van Newell, owner of VaMels, a Chicagobased wedding photography and videography studio.

– Darcel Rockett

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need. Then, narrow your options to a few based on who you think understands your ideas, and arrange an inperson meeting. Make sure to tell them basic information about the wedding location, which can entail the flow or movement of guests from one space to another, table sizes and shapes and decorative focal points, such as dramatic staircases and fireplaces. The basics will help convey your overall vision and ensure an accurate budget quote.

Request detailed proposals with labor and delivery costs from at least two or three florists so that you can compare prices, and so you don’t encounter hidden charges later on.

Choose your blooms

A wedding’s flower power Image courtesy Joseph Kohn

When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other. ~Chinese Proverb

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You’ve chosen the perfect place, and been fitted for your gown. Now it’s time to pay attention to the smaller details – all those accessories that complete the picture. Flowers fall into the necessary accessory category.

Family members or friends who have recently planned a wedding can be great. You may want to talk to a wedding planner or photographer for suggestions.

Armed with the names of potentials florists, call with a list of what you

According to Karen Bussen, a New York-based floral designer and author of “Simple Stunning Wedding Flowers” (Stewart, Tabori and Chang, 2006) your wedding flowers should enhance the mood of your event.

“The overall effect is more significant than the exact type of flower,” she says.

“For example, if you envision an English garden, but peonies are too expensive, there are many other varieties that will give the same feeling.”

Bussen suggests going through design magazines and pulling out photographs of situations that present a mood you find appealing – be it a room in a house or an actual floral arrangement, before talking to your florist. Pulling out pictures of things you don’t like also can help your florist eliminate dozens of options and focus their ideas about what to present to you. Remember that it’s less about botany and more about feel, so it’s not important that you know every possible type of flower. If they suggest a flower you don’t know, simply ask to see a picture. You can plan to spend 5 to 25 percent of your budget on all things floral, depending on your decorative choices. Consider your priorities and needs, and be as specific as possible.

“Just make sure your flowers match the tone you have set with your choice of dress and location,” says Bussen.

But remember rules are made to be broken, on this of all days. So, if your dress is simple and you want to carry a lavish bouquet, just do it.

Meaningful accents Bridal bouquets can be hand-tied, cascading and on-the-arm (for bigger flowers or those with longer stems), but regardless of what you opt for, the presentation can be much more meaningful if you add a creative accent to your handheld flora.

• Tie a handkerchief that belongs to your mother or someone special in your life around the stems, which comes in hand for tears and nervous palms.

• Wire beads or crystals on the hand held part of the bouquet. After the wedding, have them strung on a bracelet or pendant for a keepsake.

• Make a wish bouquet, where each bridesmaid writes a wish for you on a small piece of paper, folds it into a ribbon-like strip, then pins or ties the wishes into your bouquet for good luck.

After the ceremony, save them for your scrapbook. – DR

Dollars & Sense

Figuring in flowers You’ll want to carry beautiful flowers on your wedding day, but if your flower budget isn’t all you wish it could be, utilize these tips to do more with less: • Choose flowers that will be in season when your wedding day arrives.

Blooms that are grown locally will be fresher more affordable.

• Put the bulk of your budget toward flowers for the reception site. Create something dramatic in a few key spots rather than placing numerous smaller items here and there. Entrances and passageways work well, as do any area where your eye naturally travels, like architectural elements.

• Consider using masses of inexpensive flowers like white carnations or chrysanthemums instead of roses.

• Arrange small-bud vases with just one or two flowers and cluster them together. Arrangements like these can be divided taken home by guests at the end of the night. – D.R.

Courtney and Ian Wick ride away from their Washington Park wedding. Courtney chose traditional pink roses for her special bouquet.

Flowers are all in the family Susan Burgett-Daily, owner of Springfield’s Enchanted Florist, estimates that she plans, arranges, and delivers flowers for at least one wedding a week, nearly half her business. In 2007, she has special memories of two particular weddings – those of her daughters Haley and Courtney.

Haley and new husband Gabe chose an informal, backyard “Bubble-Que” (Champagne and Grilled Chicken).

More than 100 people attended the early evening ceremony held on the summer solstice. To go with the less traditional wedding, mother and daughter chose yellow and white daisies with lime green accents. Bridesmaids wore simple, sleeveless yellow gowns matched by the groomsmen’s’ yellow vests.

Daughter Courtney and husband Ian were married in the fall at a more traditional ceremony held in the Roman Gardens at Washington Park. Courtney chose rum pink accented with brown and ivory as her colors. She carried pink and white roses with stargazer lilies and orchids.

Susan reports that some of the more popular flowers these days include: calla lilies, Gerber daisies, lilies, orchids, and

Bridesmaids carrying simple bouquets of daisies surround Gabe, daughter Haley’s new husband.

of course, roses. For those who want a lovely scented bouquet, stephanotis, a small white flower imported from Hawaii, are available. Hand-tied cluster bouquets are in demand more so than the more traditional cascade. -CF Your Capital City Wedding | 2008

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Calling all guests:

The right invites

When it comes to choosing the style of invitation to announce your big day your choices are almost endless. Here are some helpful hints.

guest count, so you can add people to your list or cover mistakes.

Note to self

Type-casting Is your wedding formal, contemporary or informal? The formal wedding invitation is white, soft cream or ivory, with raised black lettering. Its contemporary equal is generally far more personal and makes a statement about the bride and groom’s style. Informal invitations are typically printed on the front of a single, heavyweight card and may even be handwritten.

Invitations can be engraved (formal and expensive), use thermography (provides raised letter but faster and less expensive) or feature offset printing (available from a print shop or even done on your home computer.)

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You’ll want to choose a paper that matches the tone of your wedding. Be careful to choose an invitation size that won’t require extra postage unless money is no object. We’d suggest you order 20 percent more than your actual

Sometimes an invitation is a single piece of paper placed in an envelope. But if you’re planning for a more formal affair plan all the other components before you make final decisions on style and price. You might well want enclosures, a wedding program, place cards, announcements and thankyou notes. For the most cohesive theme, have all the printed elements designed and printed at the same time, including invitations to the rehearsal dinner. It will probably take two weeks to address them and generally you’ll want to mail them four to six weeks before the wedding.

– Darcel Rockett

Dollars & Sense The right way to register Your wedding is the one time when people will go to great lengths to get you exactly what you need – and want you want. Here’s a smart way to go about registering for gifts.

• Get organized. Know what you need and what you want. A binder or expanding file will keep ideas organized.

• Theme it up. If you’re not a china-andcrystal person, register around a theme.

Maybe you love luxurious bedding or the latest electronics. Don’t be shy about going for what you want.

• Start early. Register seven to nine months before your wedding.

• Spread the word. If you’re having a shower, let guests know in the invitation where you are registered. No shower? No worries.

Make sure your family and friends know where you’ve registered.

• Don’t forget the groom. These days both bride and groom should feel free to invite men and women to a shower. After all, he’s getting married, too.

Consider bringing along a disposable underwater camera as well so that you can bring it when you try out snorkeling or even just swimming.

Debt-free

destinations Image courtesy Unforgettable Honeymoons

Telling your travel agent and hotel that you are newlyweds (and bringing proof that you are) may lead to free upgrades and amenities.

It’s official. The wedding is over, the two of you have become one, and now you are about to embark on your first trip as husband and wife.

Giddiness abounds, as it should, since the honeymoon is a relaxing reprieve from all the stress that went into making your dream day happen. There’s even more reason to smile, if you go about planning your trip like you did the ceremony: uniquely you and monetarily realistic.

Escape to fond memories

Choose a destination that has numerous amenities and attractions, says Renee Duane-Meyer owner of Unforgettable Honeymoons in Portland, Ore. “A honeymoon is an investment in memories,” she says. “The more options you have when you get there, the better. If you focus on just one thing you must have, like a plunge pool, it can disappoint when you get there.”

You each should list three must-haves, three dream destinations and three activities you want to do or try on your honeymoon – all while envisioning your ideal budget. Share this information, and then pare down to your ideal destination based on what categories and locales will allow your money to go further. Keep an open mind on what it takes continued on page 32

Dollars & Sense

Four hot domestic destinations You don’t need to travel abroad to have a great honeymoon. Renee Duane-Meyer, proprietor of Unforgettable Honeymoons, Portland, Ore., offers up her Top 5 locations for a fabulous close-tohome honeymoon.

2. Sedona, Ariz. Cool trips abound in Arizona with the Grand Canyon and cliff dwellings nearby. And when you get back from your adventures, luxury cottages and resorts await near water, where you can indulge in spa treatments.

1. Prince William Sound, Anchorage, Alaska. For the same price of a honeymoon on a cruise ship with thousands of people, a cruise on a yacht in this destination is more comfortable with just a dozen couples. The cruise includes meals and drinks, as well as excursions on glaciers with an educational guide.

3. Hawaii can be done on a budget and high-end. Just make sure to book your luaus up to two weeks prior to your arrival. They fill up quickly during Christmas and spring breaks.

4. Puerto Rico. Crescent, white beaches give way to cultural sites that have a lot of history, like Old San Juan. –D.R.

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Debt-free destinations

Honeymoon hints to spare you stress

continued from page 31

to make your dream destination a reality.

“People are looking for places with nightlife and nature, even if they don’t do it all when they’re there,” says Duane-Meyer. “Don’t spend all your money on a hotel in Bora Bora so you don’t have enough money to do anything on the island. Set a budget first and go from there.”

If you’re too into the details of your trip, you may end up paying for tours and excursions that you may not even want when you arrive.

“A schedule with too many activities may have you feeling like you need a vacation from your honeymoon, trying to do it all,” says Duane-Meyer. “Don’t restrict yourselves so much that you overlook what the purpose of the trip is – each other. Focus on each other with as little stress as possible.”

If traveling abroad to bond with your new spouse, consider cashing in frequentflier miles for upgrades to business/first class, to get some rest. You’ll arrive at your destination relaxed and ready to

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partake of the first day of your honeymoon instead of being beaten by jetlag.

Taking a day or two after the big day before venturing to your destination might be better. When you’re rested, your honeymoon will be more memorable because you will remember more of it.

Destination Details

In buying the honeymoon package, don’t overlook the fine print that spells out how much the hotel is charging you for your honeymoon hiatus. Never assume anything. Before you get there, you should know if it charges a rate per per-

son/night/package and what is included in quoted costs. Ask about hotel packages to see what perks are available for honeymooners (theater tickets or spa services). Remind your travel agent and hotel that you are newlyweds (and bringing proof that you are). It could lead to free upgrades and honeymoon amenities.

Duane-Meyer says, “All-inclusive resorts offer one price to cover the cost of your room, food and drinks. Don’t book an all-inclusive if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing. You might be less inclined to explore if you’re missing all the food, drink, and activities back at the hotel.”

If entering a new country is on your itinerary for a memorable ‘moon, verify what forms of identification you’ll need to enter that country and have that documentation in hand two weeks before departure. (If a passport is required start the process now. New rules about when a passport is needed have slowed the processing time dramatically.) You’ll more than likely need to head to the bank to acquire some cash, but while there, you should exchange some currency for that of your destination country – it’s a timesaver and costs less than doing it in an airport. The exchange rate will be more favorable through your bank than if you visit a currency exchange abroad.

Remember to take one or two credit cards, travelers’ checks, health insurance cards, driver’s license, passport and any relevant numbers for hotels, airlines, carrental agencies and travel offices. Make extra copies for you, the hotel safe and a friend or family member, in case of an emergency.

– Darcel Rockett

A stainless-steel bridge designed by architect Frank Gehry joins Millennium Park to the lakefront in Chicago, Illinois

Photo by Tom Uhlenbrock/MCT

Honeymoons closer For some newlyweds there’s no time to see the world, or the budget just doesn’t allow for two weeks in paradise. The beauty of living in Central Illinois is that you’re just a few hours from a number of interesting and romantic getaway spots.

Here are just a few we thought of.

The windy city One of the world’s greatest cities lies just 200 miles to our north. Chicago offers and affordable, close to home destination for your dream honeymoon. Like to shop? Book a small boutique hotel along the windy city’s Magnificent Mile. Are museums more to your taste? Plan a stay in the south loop closer to the Art Institute, the Field Museum, the

Museum of Science and Industry, the Shed Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. Sports fans can catch a Cubs or White Sox Game in the summer, or cheer on the Bulls and Bears in cooler weather. Nobody diets on their honeymoon and Chicago cuisine is among the country’s finest. Satisfaction is guaranteed whether you’re dining at Trattoria No. 10 or Pizzeria Uno. Chicago is a very walkable city so consider leaving the car at home and hopping the Amtrak. Local travel agents can assist you with honeymoon packages, many of which are available online.

Go Mo – St. Louis Even closer than Chicago, St. Louis is a mere 90 miles south. Like Chicago, St. Louis boasts a myriad of cultural and entertainment venues. The city’s Forest

to home

Park includes the St. Louis Zoo, The St. Louis Art Museum, the History Museum, Science Center and the Muni Opera. Close by is the breathtaking Missouri Botanical Garden. The Cardinals have a new baseball stadium; football fans can watch the Rams, and the St. Louis Blues perform daring feats on ice. Laclede’s Landing, a nine – block, once industrial area, features some of the most unique restaurants and sidewalk cafes in St. Louis. Visitors to Laclede’s Landing can experience the charm of cobblestone streets and century old brick and cast iron facade buildings as they browse through specialty gift shops. At night, horse drawn carriages and live music add to the atmosphere of one of the premier entertainment areas in St. Louis. Nearby, sightseeing excursions and gaming boats offer additional choices for

fun. The diverse historic community of Soulard, located just south of downtown St. Louis, is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, with an outdoor market and several B&Bs.

Cape Girardeau Missouri “Escape to Cape.” Spectacular natural vistas, and an historic past (the first French settlement west of the Mississippi river) offer a perfect spot to relax. Hotels, bed and breakfast inns, specialty shops and restaurants are abundant. www.capechamber.com

Galena, Illinois From the thrill of top-rated skiing to the serenity of a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow, Galena and Jo Daviess County offer so many ways to experience continued on page 34 Your Capital City Wedding | 2008

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The meeting of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers is symbolized in "Meeting of the Waters" in St. Louis, Missouri. The city has more attractions than just the arch.

Photo by Jerry LaMartina/MCT

Closer to home continued from page 33

the wonders of winter. Choose one of many romantic getaways to spend quality time with the special person in your life.

Warm up in front of a cozy fire after a day out enjoying the dramatic winter scenery. Select from a wide range of lodging, including bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels and resorts or vacation rental homes. In the summer stroll through dozens of antique shops, golf, or stroll the county’s lush gardens. www.galena.org

Giant City State Park, Carbondale, IL With its breathtaking natural beauty and unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation, a trip to Giant City State Park could make for a memorable honeymoon. From camping and horseback riding to fishing and rappelling, it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise. Visitors will marvel at the many wilderness trails, and a sure treat awaits anyone hiking the Giant City Nature Trail, home of the “Giant City Streets” formed 12,000 years ago by huge bluffs of sandstone. A beautiful lodge provides great food; modern cabins are available, some featuring fireplaces. http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PA RKS/R5/GC.HTM

Hannibal, Missouri For everyone visiting Hannibal, the Adventure of Mark Twain’s day is alive and well. Start with a tour of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, then continue in his footsteps as you explore the Mark Twain Cave Complex, find out where he got his pen name as

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you take a cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat, then get ready for a night of entertainment at one of Hannibal’s live theaters or take in a classic movie at the Star Theatre. All of this along with historic homes, like the childhood home of the Titanic’s Molly Brown, and Rockcliffe Mansion awaits you in historic Hannibal Missouri. Hannibal has grown into a thriving haven for artisans. Included in the famed, 50 Miles of Art, Hannibal is home to numerous worldclass artists and craftsmen. www.visithannibal.com

Hermann, Missouri’s Rhine Village Nestled in the Heart of Missouri Wine Country, Hermann is a picture book 19th century village where visitors can partake of an Old World Charm.

Indulge yourself in wineries, Bed & Breakfasts, restaurants, historic architecture, specialty shops, Katy Trail, golf course or just picnic at Riverfront Park and watch the Missouri River lazily roll past. www.hermannmo.info

New Harmony Indiana New Harmony, Indiana is situated on the banks of the meandering Wabash River. Nearly two hundred years ago, New Harmony was known as a religious settlement and then as a haven for more secular educational and cultural pursuits.

Today, tourists seek the slower pace of a town with dining, shopping, many art galleries. The architecture pays tribute to a blend of the past and future. New Harmony is known for its many gardens and public spaces designed for quiet contemplation and spiritual renewal. www.newharmony.biz -CF

Countdown to your

PERFECT WEDDING

florists, photographers, videographers and bakers. Get written estimates of their costs. Keep track of discussions and bids in a notebook or with wedding-planning software.

6 months before your wedding Choose your caterer. Remember to get a written contract.

Choose your musician(s) and/or DJ.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help keep the stars in your eyes, your feet on the ground and your wedding plans on track

Book your photographer and/or videographer.

Select your baker and order the cake.

Choose your florist.

Shop for wedding rings with your fiancé.

Decide on your honeymoon destination. Work with a travel agent to book your travel and accommodations.

Select your wedding invitations.

Don’t forget to purchase personal stationery for the thank-you notes you’ll need to write.

4 months before your wedding Wedding Day Tip: Leave your brush at home, especially if you've had your hair done. This step will eliminate any temptation to drastically change your coiffed and sprayed hair.

9-12 months before your wedding Choose your wedding date. If you plan to be married in a church, temple, mosque or in a religious service at home, clear the date and time with your clergy.

Announce your engagement in local newspapers.

Set your budget. Take time for a heart-to-heart talk with your fiancé about the budget and style of your wedding, reception and weddingrelated parties, and who pays for what.

Enlist help. Consider hiring a bridal consultant. If your budget won’t stretch that far, ask relatives and close friends to assist you in specific tasks – selecting a dress, interviewing caterers, locating a reception site –

especially in areas where you feel you need support.

Compose your guest list. Let out-of-town guests know your wedding is in the works so they can make travel plans.

Reserve your reception site.

Choose your wedding attendants.

Select your wedding gown, shoes and accessories.

Decide on your color scheme.

Select bridesmaids’ dresses, groom’s & groomsmen’ attire Determine the theme or mood you’d like to establish with the food, table settings, flowers and entertainment at your reception.

Interview caterers, musicians,

Register for gifts at one or more bridal-gift registries.

Help both mothers to coordinate and shop for their wedding-day attire.

Select music for your ceremony and reception.

Choose readings for your wedding and write your vows.

Plan the rehearsal dinner for members of your wedding party, your family and out-of-town guests.

Reserve the location.

Arrange hotel accommodations for members of the wedding party who live out of town. Reserve a block of rooms for other out-of-town guests, and let them know the rooms are available. Remember to ask for any group discounts or special packages.

continued on page 36 Your Capital City Wedding | 2008

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Wedding countdown continued from page 35

Reserve your wedding-day transportation and any other weddingday rental needs.

Make appointments for gown fittings.

Check the requirements for a marriage license.

Make sure contracts and arrangements are complete with all of your service providers.

3 months before your wedding Carefully prepare directions, including simply drawn maps, if necessary, to help guide guests to the wedding and reception, and to hotels. For guests who will travel a long distance to your wedding, con sider assembling an information package on fun things to do and see in your area.

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Begin addressing invitations and announcements. Select a special stamp at the post office. Invitations should go in the mail six to eight weeks before your big day.

Give the caterer or other food suppliers a close idea of the number of guests you expect.

Make sure all reservations are in place for honeymoon travel.

Check with bridesmaids to make sure they have their gowns and are getting them adjusted.

Shop for gifts for your bridesmaids.

Offer to help your fiancé select gifts for his attendants.

Select your “going away” outfit and special items for your trousseau.

Make a date with your photographer for any formal portraits you desire.

Make an appointment to have your hair done just before your portrait session and again the day or so before your wedding. Consider

including your bridesmaids in a “spa day” before your wedding, with manicures/pedicures, hair styling, massages and makeup sessions.

2 months before your wedding Mail out your wedding invitations and announcements.

Have wedding portraits taken.

Send bridal portrait and wedding announcement to newspapers for publication.

Finalize the music that will be played during your wedding ceremony.

Meet with musicians who will provide entertainment during your reception and orchestrate precisely what you want and when you want it played. Don’t be shy to voice your preferences, down to the volume, favorite songs you’d like to hear or even songs you don’t want played.

Dollars & Sense Wedding day life savers White chalk - Include a small piece of white chalk in your kit. The chalk is great for touching up anything white( like a white shirt) with a minor stain.

Stain remover - Shout wipes, or other stain remover, is very handy. One of my bridesmaids got lipstick on her dress 10 minutes before the ceremony.

Nylons make deodorant stains disappear - If you, or someone in your wedding party, is wearing a deodorant that rubs off on the clothing (leaving that ugly white mark), take a nylon stocking and rub it on the deodorant mark, it will come right off.

Makup bag - Add a travel-size toothbrush and tube of toothpaste to your makeup bag so you can give your teeth a quick brush after dinner. Also include blush or bronzer, as well as deodorant, feminine protection, perfume, nail polish for touchups and any hairpins or extra combs you might need.

Plan your rehearsal dinner and a brunch or fun activity for out-of-town guests to enjoy on the day following your wedding.

Purchase special accessories for your wedding-day attire.

Plan a luncheon for your bridesmaids.

Make appointments for a hairdresser, makeup artist and manicurist.

Finalize honeymoon plans. If you’re traveling overseas, check again that your passports are current and that you have any necessary visas.

Gather necessary birth or baptismal certificates you may need for your wedding license.

1 month before your wedding Get your wedding license.

Have a final fitting of your gown and make sure your attendants have theirs.

Check that your menu selections and service plans are in place with the caterer.

Purchase a special book to keep track of wedding gifts as they arrive.

Keep writing those thank-you notes on a daily basis!

If you plan a formal dinner for your reception, it’s time to draw up a seating plan and make up place cards.

Check with your florist to confirm dates and times of flower deliveries.

Review your wedding-day transportation plans and make sure drivers are clear about addresses, times and number of passengers.

Make name or address changes official on documents, including driver’s license, Social Security forms and financial accounts. Fill out change-ofaddress forms at the post office.

Meet with your photographer to specify the formal shots you want taken of the bridal party, as well as specific, candid shots you’d like taken during the reception.

Review the video plans with your videographer.

2 weeks before your wedding Pick up your wedding rings. Make sure any special engraving appears precisely as you wished.

Begin packing for honeymoon.

1 week before your wedding Make final checks with all your vendors: officiate, musicians, florist, photographer, videographer, limousine or other transportation provider, caterers and baker.

Ask a friend or family member to arrange for gifts that may be brought to your reception to be delivered to your home or an arranged spot.

Wrap gifts for bridal attendants and have them ready for the rehearsal dinner.

Purchase travelers’ checks and reconfirm honeymoon travel and hotel plans.

See that checks are written and ready to be handed out to vendors at the agreed-upon time.

Inform your caterer of the final number of guests. Confirm that outof-town guests are set with hotel accommodations, transportation and wedding-day directions.

The day before your wedding Traditionally, this is the day for your rehearsal ceremony and rehearsal dinner. Have fun!

Turn in early for a good night’s sleep.

Your wedding day Allow plenty of time for dressing, makeup and hair styling.

If you plan on photography before the ceremony, allow ample time so you’re not rushed.

Relax, and remember: This is your special day, the result of all your careful planning. Now it’s time to enjoy. Take a deep breath. Refuse to let any glitch get to you. Savor every moment and let your joy and happiness shine through. Best wishes!

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Your Capital City Wedding

Advice for the “altar bound” Books and websites to help you along the way

ADVERTISER DIRECTORY August Evenings Catering . . . . . . . . 21 Amber Jack Alehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Ball Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Ball DJ Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Born To Boogie DJ & Karaoke . . . . 25 Brinkerhoff Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Candice’s Bridal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Captured Moments Photography . . 34 Cardinal Fitness of Springfield . . . . . 2 CEFCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Celebrity Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Creative Candids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Crowne Plaza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Get Married Without a Hitch: Planning the Perfect Wedding While Keeping Your Budget, Emotions and Relatives From Spiraling Out of Control by Lisa Helmanis (Perigee Trade, 2007) $15.95

Somebody is Going to Die If Lilly Beth Doesn’t Catch That Bouquet: The Official Southern Ladies’ Guide to Hosting the Perfect Wedding by Gayden Metcalfe & Charlotte Hays (Hyperion, 2007) $19.95

David Cumpston, Photographer . . . . 9 Dental Group of Springfield . . . . . . 23 Don Smith Musical Enterprises . . . . 25 First Christian Church . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Florascape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Gallery North Photography . . . . . . .27 Giganti & Giganti Fine Jewelry . . . . 40 Heartland Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . 3 Hill Prairie Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Incredibly Delicious . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Inn at 835 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Island Bridal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 It’s a Wrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Lancome at Bergner's . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Lincoln Quintet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Staying Sane When You’re Planning Your Wedding by Pam Brodowsky & Evelyn Fazio (Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2007) $12.95

Plan a Great Wedding in Three Months or Less: Everything You Need for a Bride on a Tight Schedule by Judy Allen (Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2007) $16.95

Maldaner's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . .19 Mariah’s Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Mikey and Jim's Partyime DJ Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Nelson’s Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

www.theknot.com Vast amounts of information and products can be found here, as well as “my knot,” a place to track your personal planning.

Ron & Paulas'a Ballroom Dancing . 13 Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Chat live with a wedding consultant on this interactive planning site.

Sachi Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Set up a gift registry and see the latest wedding “news” including celebrity weddings.

Schroeder's DJ Service . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Secret Recipes Reception Center . . . 36 Springfield Art Association . . . . . . . 30 Stevens DJ Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

www.weddingchannel.com

Studio West Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

TV has caught on to the wedding industry. This site links to the wedding channel. It has an excellent section on invitations.

The Fun Factory Music DJ Service . 25

www.bestweddingsites.com

Tuscany Italian Restaurant . . . . . . . 32

You may not want a wacky wedding, but if you do there’s a link here to ideas for one. Also offers various contests to win wedding related prizes.

2008 | www.capitalcitywedding.com

Pasfield House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

www.ourwedding.com www.weddingsolutions.com

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Pampered Chef - Liz Sinclair . . . . . . 15

Treetop Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Winch Floral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Your Capital City Wedding . . . . . . 38

Your Capital City Wedding | 2008

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