The WhiteLittleDress
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22.
BRIDAL GOWN SILHOUETTES
The Little White Dress
By Azazie
26. GUESTS
Planning a Wedding? Remember Guest Care
28.
DEADLINES & DETAILS
Planning Ensures Wedding Success
30. BRIDAL SHOWER
Tips For Planning a Bridal Shower When the Bride Prefers Simplicity
32. WEDDING DECOR Selecting Wedding Favors
34. BRIDAL ATTIRE
The Best Shoes to Wear for Your Summer Wedding
36.
WEDDING BUDGET
What Will It Cost?
06. FINANCES
Five Budgeting Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Wedding
14. WEDDING PHOTOS
How to Choose the Right Photographer
10. MUSIC Is What Makes an Event!
18. CAKE A Cake in a Cup
The Bride’s Resource
Managing Editor
Suzanne Fox
Production
Suzanne Fox
Claire Thomas
Copy Editor
Christian Dischler
Design
Claire Thomas
Contributing Writers
Ayesha Ahmed
Anne Campsey
Wanda Gibson
Honora James
Victoria Nahley
Amin Russell
Rebecca Tally
©2023 Jumpstart Publishing, LLC
Hammond, LA
All rights reserved
info@igofox.com www.igofox.com
Issue 11
FIVE BUDGETING MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN
YourPlanningWedding YourPlanningWedding
BY ANNE CAMPSEYWedding planning is almost always stressful. It can be hard to make decisions when there are countless things to decide. On top of this, it can be extremely upsetting when you discover how expensive everything is. Budgeting can be one of the biggest barriers for couples planning a wedding. Here are five things to avoid when making decisions that affect your wedding budget.
Overpay for Flowers
While some people may have hundreds, or even thousands, to spend on flowers, the average person cringes when they hear how ridiculously expensive they are. Consider less expensive options. Faux, dried and wood flowers are all great replacements that can save a lot of money–and they still look great! Keep in mind this may involve some DIY on your part, but if you're up for the challenge, go for it.
Choosing a Venue
It's crucial to shop around for venues, but make sure to take a close look at the price tag. It may say it's only $1,000; however, many venues require you to use their catering or choose from their list of (potentially expensive) approved caterers. Decorating can be another culprit when it comes to extra venue expenses. Hidden fees can come out of nowhere so make sure to do your research and clarify any confusing costs before signing paperwork.
Buying an Overly Expensive Cake
Your wedding cake is very important. Nonetheless, you shouldn't be spending $800 for a wedding cake for 75 people. One popular way couples can keep the price of cake down is by getting two cakes. Get a fancier one that is big enough for both of you (and perhaps the wedding party). Then, get a sheet cake or cupcakes for all the other guests. It doesn't need to be elaborate. If it's too pricey to get a sheet cake from a bakery, consider a grocery store. Have the sheet cake served directly from the kitchen—your guests won't think twice about where the cake is from. Guests are there to celebrate your marriage, not to determine whether your cake meets a certain standard.
Buying Everything New
It can be tempting to buy absolutely everything brand new. While this may save some time and stress, it can be helpful to find some used decorations or other things when it comes to saving money. Start by deciding what you would prefer to be new and what can be used. Most people only use their wedding decor once and are eager to get rid of it. You may be able to find cute centerpieces, signs and tableware for less than half the price than they would be in the store.
Getting Individual Meals for the Reception
Many caterers give the option of individual meals for your reception. While this can be appealing because you know the exact amount of people the food will feed, it may be double the price. Buffets are back to stay! you could be paying for food. Instead, look at getting larger pans of food from restaurants. Lots of restaurants offer reasonable prices for pans of pasta, barbecue, etc. Appetizers are also a great option. If you have your reception at 3 p.m., serve light appetizers and desserts instead of an entire meal. This has the potential to save hundreds of dollars.
Wedding planning is complicated and expensive. It can be difficult to stick to a budget when the decisions are endless and you feel like you are at the end of your rope. Don't forego your entire budget, though. Remember to avoid overpaying for things and take time to do your research to save money. Your dream wedding can happen while spending hundreds, even thousands, less than you planned.
Music
Is What MAKES an Event! Music
BY REBECCA TALLY
While planning an event, music is, and should be, a crucial part in making it memorable. By hiring a “band,” the host is limiting the “styles” of music and creating many other unforeseen problems.
Many bands only feel comfortable playing certain genres of music. Perhaps the bride and groom have invited guests from other parts of the country, or even other parts of the world. With a DJ (disc jockey), the wedding planner is able to request general or specific songs to allow all the guests a moment to share with the celebrated party on the dance floor.
When planning a wedding, or any other special event, the host has a specific goal in mind. For many, it is for their guests to fully enjoy the night. What better way to accomplish this than to have a guest leave the event saying they had a wonderful time AND they could not believe how quickly the night came to an end.
The mother of a young lady who celebrated her sweet sixteenth birthday, complained that the father/daughter dance was ruined because the band did not have the proper device to play the track. Even more horrible was a complaint that a band did not remember the lyrics to a very special, pre-selected, “first dance” song at a wedding. Guests are the ones who will provide the most honest feedback. Some complain that a band plays their music too loudly, that the microphones are not thoroughly checked and that the mood dies when the band decides to take a break. Often the crowd is discouraged by such a drastic change to a song once it is sung by a new person, rather than the original artist they grow to love. If a host is planning an intimate event and is limited to the amount of space for a dance floor, a DJ is by far the better option, since not much space is needed for the equipment. This also does not take away from the celebrated party’s main table or beautiful cake on display for all the guests to enjoy.
Special events are meant to be remembered throughout one’s lifetime. Why not make a lasting impression and keep event jitters that much more at ease?
How To Choose The Right Wedding Photographer
BY AMIN RUSSELL
CHOOSING THE RIGHT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION, SINCE THE PHOTOGRAPHS OF YOUR WEDDING WILL BE A LASTING MEMORY OF YOUR SPECIAL DAY. HERE ARE SOME FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER.
STYLE: Look at the photographer's portfolio and determine whether their style matches your vision for your wedding. Some photographers specialize in a documentary or photojournalistic style, while others prefer a more traditional approach. Make sure you are happy with the photographer's style and that it matches your preferences.
There are many types of wedding photography styles, each with its own unique approach and aesthetic. Some common styles of wedding photography include:
TRADITIONAL WEDDING
PHOTOGRAPHY: This style involves capturing formal, posed shots of the couple, family members, and wedding party.
PHOTOJOURNALISTIC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY: This style focuses on capturing candid, spontaneous moments throughout the wedding day, telling the story of the day as it unfolds.
FINE ART WEDDING
PHOTOGRAPHY: This style emphasizes creating artistic, creative, and dramatic shots that are often heavily edited for a unique, artistic effect.
NATURAL WEDDING
PHOTOGRAPHY: This style focuses on capturing the couple and their guests in a relaxed, natural way, without a lot of posing or direction.
VINTAGE WEDDING
PHOTOGRAPHY: This style aims to create a nostalgic and romantic feel by using vintage cameras, film, and processing techniques to create a classic, timeless look.
DRAMATIC WEDDING
PHOTOGRAPHY: This style uses dramatic lighting and poses to create visually striking and impactful images.
DESTINATION WEDDING
PHOTOGRAPHY: This style focuses on capturing the unique culture and environment of the wedding location, often incorporating scenic landscapes or iconic landmarks.
It's important to note that many photographers incorporate elements from different styles into their work, creating a unique style that is tailored to each couple's preferences and vision for their wedding day.
EXPERIENCE: Choose a photographer who has experience shooting weddings. They should be able to handle the fast pace of the day, work well under pressure, and capture all the important moments. Experienced photographers will also be able to offer suggestions and advice based on their past work.
PERSONALITY: You'll be spending a lot of time with your photographer on your wedding day, so it's important to choose someone whose personality meshes well with yours. Schedule a meeting or engagement shoot to get a feel for their personality and communication style.
PRICE: Wedding photography can be expensive, but it's important to remember that you're paying for the photographer's time, talent, and equipment. Set a budget for photography and choose a photographer who offers packages that fit within your budget.
REVIEWS: Look for reviews from past clients to get an idea of the photographer's quality of work and professionalism. You can find reviews on the photographer's website, social media, and thirdparty review sites.
AVAILABILITY: Once you've found a photographer you like, check their availability for your wedding date. Popular photographers can book up quickly, so it's important to check their availability early.
Overall, take your time to choose the right wedding photographer, as the memories captured will last a lifetime.
Amin Russell, Creative Director Amin Russell Photography www.aminrussell.comAD
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BY AYESHA AMEDA Cake in a Cup A Cake in a Cup
A CHILD MAY WONDER AT THE GENIUS OF A CAKE THAT FITS IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND, BUT LATELY EVEN ADULTS HAVE BECOME MORE APPRECIATIVE OF THIS TASTY LITTLE TREAT.
The cupcake somehow manages to consummate sophistication in baked goods, but still remains relatively inexpensive. In the past decade, the popularity of cupcakes has grown exponentially, even invading the high-class club of wedding cake options. The cupcake has not accomplished this feat by accident; it has many features admirable in a pastry. A cupcake has the convenience of a candy bar with its small size, but provides the satisfaction of a small slice of cake. Perhaps the allure of the cupcake is in its cuteness, or that it must be unwrapped like a gift. Whatever the case, cupcake shops may soon replace trendy coffee shops, becoming the master destination for short excursions by the middle class.
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Wedding cupcakes became ideal as couples began to find more ways to save money on a wedding without eliminating elegance. Traditionally less expensive, wedding cupcakes can appear just as beautiful as a wedding cake, and even come with all the flavors. They are often favored because they are easily distributable, and couples do not have to waste extra time or money trying to cut equal slices for everyone. If couples prefer, they can even have the cupcakes elaborately iced, like a wedding cake. With absolutely no downside, replacing wedding cakes with cupcakes is becoming the new norm.
Raise the bar! Surround your traditional wedding cake with beautifully decorated sweets. Create a wedding cake bar, complete with wedding cake, cupcakes and macaroons too! Have your cake and cupcakes too!
More recently, the king of pastries, which cupcakes were created to imitate, have ironically been altered to imitate cupcakes in return. The Big Top Cupcake is a baking pan used to bake cupcake shaped cakes. With a simple non-stick baking pan, this giant cupcake maker allows the baker the option to fill and decorate the giant cupcake with ease. An embarrassing blow for cakes everywhere, the Big Top Cupcake is a favorite for kids who love recognizing their beloved cupcake in an extravagant size. No pastry has replaced its predecessor with such style.
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Although the economic recession has affected many industries, cupcake shops are still sprouting up all over the nation. With newly gained popularity and customers appreciative of an inexpensive fancy treat, the forgotten favorite is asserting its position as the best sweet of America. Basking in the jealousy of cakes and muffins everywhere, cupcake shops have just one thing to say: look out Starbucks!
AZAZIE, HAS LAUNCHED THEIR LITTLE WHITE DRESS COLLECTION, WITH LOOKS DESIGNED FOR ELOPEMENTS, BRIDAL SHOWERS, BACHELORETTE PARTIES, REHEARSAL DINNERS AND ENGAGEMENT PARTIES.
This collection was inspired by their most popular bridal fashion category “Modern Sleek,” and was expertly designed to be both high quality and made exclusively for you, while utilizing lightweight and stretch fabric, with a large range of silhouettes and sizes. The styles provided were also created to be easy to transport when being packed for destination weddings or a couple’s honeymoon, but also be dressed up or down depending on the event.
As every bride has their own vision and dream of what they want to look like on their wedding day, Azazie’s Lead Designer Geavanna Nuñez says, “This new collection was designed to expand our existing assortment of
The WhiteLittleDress
BY AZAZIEAD
'Little White Dresses' while providing our brides with 'exclusively made for you' designs perfect for all the wedding events in her life: engagement, bridal shower, bachelorette, rehearsal dinner and elopement.”
Nuñez also added, “We’re thrilled that Azazie is able to fulfill the promise of not only providing unique and affordable dresses, but that each one will fit every bride’s specific taste and be expertly tailored to their body type. We feel grateful to be a bridal-wear destination where brides can feel beautiful and confident on one of the most special days of their lives.”
About Azazie: With 200+ bridal gowns and 400+ bridal party dresses in over 80 colors, Azazie is committed to body-positive fashion, offering all dresses from size 0-30, cut and sewn to order like expensive bespoke designs. To purchase visit the website at www.azazie.com.
Planning a Wedding?
Remember Guest Care
BY REBECCA TALLYIf you're planning your wedding, you're sure to be aiming for a beautiful and romantic event and quite right, too. But don't lose sight of the basic essentials while dreaming up your perfect day. Your guests will enjoy your wedding all the more if they're comfortable and relaxed, so be sure to have all the basic creature comforts firmly in place. Here's a checklist of the key ones, to factor in at each stage of your planning:
Venue Directions
When choosing your venue, consider how easily your guests will be able to locate and reach it. If the journey is likely to involve substantial expense, time, or practical difficulties for your guests, think twice before going ahead. While some may have no difficulties, others may be considerably inconvenienced or financially embarrassed, with stress and anxiety. You may need to cover costs yourselves in these circumstances if proceeding with the venue.
An obscure wedding venue may also be hard to find, in which case your guests will need comprehensive directions and warnings of any potential confusion along the way. Remote settings do not always show up on
electronic maps, and roads which are steep, twisty, or narrow will be tricky for some drivers. All in all, a standard, local venue could win out over an exotic one, for the sake of ease of access.
Mobility and Seating Provision
Wedding venues come in all shapes and sizes these days, but whatever kind you choose, make sure it's one where guests can sit and rest throughout the celebrations. Some people may be glad to sit or perch while group photos are taking place, for instance, and during mingling times between events. Older or infirm attendees may need support when walking from one area to another, and access may be required for wheel chairs and strollers.
If your outdoor wedding is on a lawn, inform your guests so they can wear the proper shoes–for example–wedges are better for the lawn than spiked heals, which would be hard to walk in.
Bathroom Facilities
Guests will need and expect suitable restroom facilities throughout the day. Ensure that there are sufficient toilet and washing provisions made, and that they include the essential accessories of paper, soap, hand towels and waste bins with lids for personal hygiene needs. An otherwise wonderful wedding could be marred by a lack or shortage of such facilities, but they're normally easy to arrange.
Sometimes, problems in this department can arise during the day, with issues such as toilet jamming, paper running out and bins over-filling, so ask your venue staff or personal helpers to keep a check on restroom conditions throughout the event.
Dietary Needs
When planning your wedding breakfast and other refreshments for the day, it's important to allow for different dietary preferences, including standard carnivore, vegetarian and vegan choices. Some guests may also have aller-
gies and special dietary needs, calling for specific provisions. Many people are allergic to gluten, dairy products, or nuts, for instance, and some are allergic to all these and more.
Such dietary details may seem tedious and unromantic, but they'll make a world of difference to your guests, and could be of vital importance for some. If everyone can tuck into their food with pleasure and confidence, the ambiance will be fantastic.
If your celebrations are set to continue over several hours, guests will need replenishments at intervals, with the same dietary needs factored in each time. If in doubt about any guest needs, don't be afraid to check back with the person concerned. They will be sure to be grateful.
Request that quests inform you of dietary restriction on the reception response card.
Safety
Check that your venue is safe for the elderly, the young, and the infirm. The last thing you want on your wedding day is an accident. Besides the distress and
disruption of having an injured member of your party, you would have the added concern of being responsible for the incident. Check for any slippery or uneven floors, steep steps and other potential dangers, and do what you can to protect yourselves and your guests accordingly.
Extreme weather conditions could also pose health and safety issues, especially with an outdoor wedding. Alert your guests to any possible risks that you're not able to resolve completely. If you're getting married on a clifftop, say, or at the sea, it might be advisable to send out your alert both in writing beforehand and in announcements on the day, for good measure.
With all these practicalities in place, you can relax and enjoy your dream day to the fullest. Your wedding will be all the more wonderful for the seamless flow of events and the radiant smiles all around.
Deadlines & Details
Deadlines & Details
THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN PLANNING A WEDDING. TO ENSURE SUCCESS—AND YOUR SANITY— THE KEY IS ORGANIZATION. WE’VE COMPILED A DETAILED CHECKLIST THAT PAYS SPECIAL ATTENTION TO TIME-SENSITIVE DEADLINES, SO YOU CAN CREATE A FOOLPROOF CALENDAR AND TO-DO LIST.
12 months +
Select date, time and place.Then reserve venues!
Decide on wedding size and style.
Hire wedding consultant (if applicable) and create wedding website.
Shop for gown.
Begin guest list.
9-12 months
Research honeymoon destinations.
Book musicians, DJ, florist, photographer, videographer and limousines.
Order invitations.
Purchase gown and begin alterations.
Ask friends to be in wedding party and order bridesmaid dresses.
6-9 months
Finalize guest list and send save-the-date cards.
Book appointments for hair, nails and makeup.
Reserve attire for groom and groomsmen.
Order cake(s).
Purchase rings.
3-6 months
Secure bridal accessories (such as shoes, jewelry, garter and mementos).
Give musicians a list of songs you want them to play (or to avoid).
Make food choices with venue.
2 months
Mail invitations.
1 month
Give photographer a list of pictures you want taken.
1 week
Give final head count to reception venue.
The day before
Hold rehearsal ceremony and dinner.
Deliver everything to site and work out any kinks.
Give marriage license to officiant.
Present gifts to wedding party, parents and any other honored guests.
The day of
Give rings and officiant’s fee to best man.
Designate liaison for photographer to ensure all necessary pictures are taken.
EXHALE!
NOTE: Larger cities have long waiting lists for wedding vendors so you may need to act sooner!
TIPS FOR PLANnING A BRIDAL SHOWER WHEN THE BRIDE PREFERS SIMPLICITY
BY VICTORIA NAHLEY
A BRIDAL SHOWER IS A TIME TO CELEBRATE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. MANY BRIDES, HOWEVER, MAY NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH THE IDEA OF A LAVISH SHOWER. INSTEAD, THEY MAY PREFER A SMALL GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS. HERE ARE THREE WAYS TO PLAN A BRIDAL SHOWER THAT IS SIMPLE BUT MEMORABLE.
LIMIT THE GUEST LIST
The purpose of a wedding shower is to give friends and family a chance to celebrate the upcoming wedding. However, the celebration can be as big or small as you like. If the bride prefers simplicity, she might want to limit her guest list to the people she considers most important.
Limiting the number of guests keeps the gathering intimate. The bride will have the opportunity to relax and mingle with each guest.
CHOOSE A QUAINT LOCATION
Once you have made a guest list, you must choose a venue for the event. The venue will set the mood for the day, so choose wisely. If the bride wants something simple, choose a relaxed, intimate location. You could rent a party room at a quaint restaurant, for instance.
An alternative that's more affordable is to host the shower in someone's home. A large basement or an outdoor area is perfect. The right décor can transform your space into one that your guests will enjoy.
DON'T GO OVERBOARD
Often, a bride who appreciates simplicity will not want you to go overboard with décor. Still, you can make the space look nice by adding some personal touches. Think quality over quantity when it comes to decorations. Decorating the space with framed photos of the couple and vases of flowers is often enough.
Bridal showers don't have to be extravagant to be memorable. If you are planning a shower for a bride who appreciates simplicity, don't be afraid to ask for input. Ultimately, the shower is meant to make the bride feel loved and special.
Selecting Wedding Favors
BY WANDA GIBSON
Brides are often very selective in their choice of wedding favors. From personalized candy wrappers to seed packets to wedding place card holders, the choices are many. What kind of wedding favor is right for you?
Selecting wedding favors is usually one of the most enjoyable aspects of planning a wedding, since the bride gets to tie the favors in with the theme of her wedding while choosing items that she personally finds appealing. Personalized candy wrappers, seed packets and wedding place card holders are three of the most popular favor selections since they are often more affordable than other types of wedding favors.
Wedding place card holders come in an attractive assortment that ranges from the whimsical to the practical. Place card holders often feature some type of theme such as a beach, winter, or romantic theme. From mini picture frames to decorative holders that do little more than look nice while holding place cards, this type of wedding favor offers an exciting opportunity to blend their appearance with the wedding theme, wedding colors, or the bride’s personality.
Personalized candy wrappers provide the perfect expression of happiness and joy that the newly married couple is beginning in their new life together. With the sweetness of chocolaty candy and the attractiveness of a decorated wrapper portraying a pretty design, the wedding date and the bride and groom’s names, personalized candy wrappers provide a wonderful touch that is appreciated by most wedding guests.
Wedding seed packets are becoming more popular these days as favors for the guests. Seed packets are excellent ideas since the guests can toss the seeds to send the bride and groom off in style. One of the nicest features of seed packets is that they are totally environmentally friendly. Today’s seed packets are often purchased with the intention that guests will plant the seeds in memory of the bride and groom.
WEDDINGShoes BEST
TO WEAR FOR YOUR SUMMER
BY HONORA JAMES
Abride plans a summer wedding envisioning a picturesque scene of blue skies, flowers in full bloom and afterwards a beach locale honeymoon. But summer is also the time of year when temperatures can reach triple digits in some regions, and the wise bride will choose a bridal shoe that has a “cool factor.”
1.HOT BRIDAL SHOES THAT KEEP FEET COOL
Wedding footwear that keep the bride’s feet cool depends on the shoe material and the shoe style. Unlike man-made or synthetic shoe materials that are inflexible and constricting, shoes made of leather, silk or satin are pliable and allow air to pass through.
Shoe styles that best fit the “cool factor” category are sandals, or peep toed. The heels for both styles can vary from flat, medium, high-heeled or wedged.
2.COMFORT AND STYLE ALWAYS A GOOD MATCH
A bride who wants both comfort and style is not setting herself up for heartbreak; it can be done. A shoe that is easy to wear begins with knowing the right size. Shoe sizes can vary from company to company, therefore to eliminate any guesswork have feet measured, preferably in the afternoon when feet are prone to swell.
Once the question of shoe size is settled, try on the best selling styles and walk around in them taking note of how they respond on different floor types. Among summer’s most comfortable and popular shoe styles are embellished ballerina flats, wedge sandals and the perennial favorite pumps.
3.SUMMER’S DELICIOUS BRIDAL SHOE COLOR CHOICES
Cool pastel shades of cream, pink, blue, green or the neutral colors of white, silver and gold provide lightness to a balmy summer wedding day. Pastel and neutral colored flats or T-strap sandals are perfect compliments to a short or tea-length wedding dress.
4.KEEP WEDDING VENUE IN MIND WHEN CHOOSING A SUMMER BRIDAL SHOE
Summer wedding venues can range from a traditional church, romantic beach, relaxed backyard or lush country club setting. An outdoor wedding shoe pick has to provide the bride with stability and support on uneven walking surfaces, like grass or sand.
An ankle strap, crystal studded high-heel sandal, when paired with a charmeuse sheath wedding gown completes an elegant head-to-toe look, and works well for both indoor and formal outdoor ceremonies.
BRIDAL SHOES “DOS AND DON’TS” FOR ANY SEASON
Yes, all brides are beautiful, but like everyone else, brides have physical attributes they want to draw the eye to, and away from. A petite or voluptuous bride should not wear ankle strap shoes or sandals with a short wedding dress. Ankle straps shorten the legs making a petite bride appear even shorter and large legs appear bigger. Conversely, a pointed toe shoe elongates the legs.
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From head to toe, the bride that is true to herself reveals her personality by what she wears on her wedding day.
Wedding Budget
Wedding Budget
