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The Perfect Wedding WEDDING ETIQUETTE: WHO PAYS / TRADITIONS / PERFECT WEDDING VENUE SPECIAL ADDITIONS: WEDDING CHECKLIST / BUDGET WORKSHEET / PERSONALIZE YOUR FAVORS Photo by Troy Grover Photographers ©

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FLOWER POWER

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CAKE

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BRIDESMAIDS SHINE WHEN THEY LOOK THEIR BEST!

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WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY CAPTURES MEMORIES

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KEEPING IT ALL ORGANIZED

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WHO PAYS FOR WHAT?

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THE WEDDING BUDGET

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FINDING THE PERFECT WEDDING FAVOR

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SETTING THE MOOD: BAND OR DJ?

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Ryan Zarichnak Photography ©

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOOKING GOOD AND WOW! Heirloom dress or sparkling new, find the right look for you.

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LOOKING YOUR BEST Look fabulous and fashionable without going over your budget.

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SELECTING THE PERFECT PLACE FOR YOUR WEDDING The sky is the limit when choosing the right venue for your wedding.

Bri Johnson Photography ©

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TRADITIONS ARE PART OF WEDDING MAGIC Something old, new, borrowed and blue.

HONEYMOON DELIGHT PLANNING YOUR FIRST DAYS AS NEWLYWEDS

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B r i d e ’ s

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CREDITS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

6.5" x 4"

Bri Johnson Photography www.brijohnson.com/weddings brijohnsonphotography@yahoo.com Jersey City, NJ 585.739.2668

Troy Grover Photographers www.troygrover.com contact@troygrover.com Costa Mesa, CA 714.404.5563

Becca Borge Photography www.beccaborge.com becca@beccaborge.com Davie, FL 954.557.0424

Sunglow Photography www.sunglowphotography.com dustin@sunglowphotography.com Lakeland, FL 863.949.0450

Ryan Zarichnak Photography www. ryanzarichnak.com rzarichnak@ryanzarichnak.com Butler, PA 412.973.3224

Katelyn James Photography www.katelynjamesblog.com katelyn@katelynjames.com Henrico, VA 804.514.5876

©2015 Jumpstart Publishing, LLC. • PO Box 6986, Metairie, LA 70009 • All rights reserved. • info@foxprintservices.com

Editor & Manager SUZANNE P. FOX Marketing Director JENNIFER CABALLERO Production Manager DEBBIE WELDON

Creative Director AMANDA QUBTY Art Director TRA PHAM Web/Digital Design VICTOR BETANCOURT

Sales Team CHARLOTTE V. MORRIS VIVIAN DUGAS LAUREN CALVE’ KELLY SMITH

Writers PATRICIA DANFLOUS MICHELLE FOUCHI ESNEAULT

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TRADITIONS ARE

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RADITIONS ARE A PART OF EVERY WEDDING. HOW MANY OF THESE WILL YOU DO?

Troy Grover Photographers ©

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, a Sixpence in your Shoe.

This Old English rhyme set the foundation for one of the most popular wedding traditions among brides. Something old represents continuity, something new optimism for the future, something borrowed is borrowing happiness, something blue represents purity, love and fidelity, and the sixpence is for prosperity. Some brides combine objects, such as a borrowed, blue ribbon tied around her leg and dimes are often substituted for sixpence. A White Wedding Dress This is a fairly new tradition. Brides once wore their best dress, no matter what the color. Diverse colors went in and out of fashion. In 1840, Queen Victoria wore a white dress, not to represent purity and wealth as commonly thought, but because it was the cheapest fabric available - it didn’t need to be dyed. That did it! White and ivory dresses continue to be the most popular wedding dress colors in America today.

The Wedding Ring The wedding band is a traditional symbol of marriage. Wedding rings are mentioned in writings from ancient Egypt and early Roman times.The band is worn on the third finger of the left hand because both ancient Romans and Egyptians believed that a vein named vena amoris (love vein), ran directly from that finger into the heart. Bridesmaids & Groomsmen Every bride and groom wants their best friends and family members to be present when they say “I do.” These days your attendants are there to support you and wish you well, but in Roman times, the bridesmaids dressed exactly like the bride to confuse evil spirits or enemies from kidnapping the bride. The groomsmen were on hand to abduct an unwilling Bride and drag her to the ceremony. The Wedding Kiss The phrase “you may now kiss the bride” typically signifies the couple is officially married and the ceremony is over. This tradition originated in Roman times when legal contracts were sealed with a kiss. Throwing Rice This tradition also goes back to Roman days when coins or seeds were tossed out to wish the newly married

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couple good fortune. Today, guests are more likely to blow bubbles or throw birdseed as the couple leaves the official ceremony. Lighting a Unity Candle Another recent tradition is the unity candle. It symbolizes two people coming together to form one family. This tradition can be customized to fit the setting, such as pouring sand into a vase for a beach wedding. In many second marriages, the couple may decide to include their children in the unity ceremony. The Bridal Bouquet A bouquet of flowers is a wedding accessory that complements the bride’s dress and wedding decorations. The bouquet may be an elaborate arrangement to a single stem. Originally the bride carried flowers or a spray of herbs to ward off bad spirits Becca Borge Photography©

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and mask odors. Eventually the tradition expanded with unmarried ladies invited to try to catch the bouquet, signifying that they would be the next to get married. The Garter Toss Much like throwing the bouquet, the single man who catches the bride’s garter is believed to be the next to marry. This activity originated in the 14th century when it was considered a sign of good luck to have a piece of the newly wedded couple’s clothing. Wedding Cake Thank the Romans again. The wedding cake is a sweet ending to the wedding dinner or reception today, but the tradition began years ago when a small cake was broken over the bride’s head to encourage fertility. Guests picked up the crumbs and kept them for good luck.

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The Difference Between Looking Good &

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HETHER YOU ORDER YOUR WEDDING FINERY MONTHS IN ADVANCE FROM A BRIDAL SHOP OR YOU DECIDE TO WEAR AN HEIRLOOM DRESS, YOU CAN GET A CUSTOMIZED FIT BY HAVING IT PROPERLY TAILORED. FEW PEOPLE LOOK PERFECT IN CLOTHING RIGHT OFF THE HANGER SO PLAN ENOUGH TIME BEFORE THE EVENT TO GET YOUR CLOTHES CUSTOM FITTED TO YOUR BODY SPECIFICATIONS. YOU’LL BE SURE TO LOOK YOUR VERY BEST! It is much easier to take your dress in than to let it out. Buy your outfit close to your size, but if in doubt, go up a size. Even if you are planning to lose weight, don’t take a chance. If you go up much more than one size, the tailor may have to take apart the entire garment and remake it, which will add considerably to the price.

Tailoring is especially important if

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you are a special size. Perhaps your top is bigger than your bottom, or you are generously proportioned, but short in stature. An expert tailor can make the alterations you need to get the perfect fit.

To alter the look of a gently used or heirloom dress or customize an inexpensive retail dress, consult the best alteration specialist you can find.

With care, patience and experience, she can take off sleeves, shorten trains, add embellishments and do

other alterations that will make your dress one of a kind.

A talented tailor can alter any garment to give you a customized look that flatters your body. Just remember that expert alterations are not inexpensive and you will get what you pay for. The lowest price you can find is probably not a bargain.

Choose a tailor that’s right for you.

When you look beautiful, you’ll feel beautiful too!

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L O O K I N G YO U R B E S T

WITHOUT BLOWING THE BUDGET MANY BRIDES EXPERIENCE STICKER SHOCK WHEN THEY GO DRESS SHOPPING FOR THE FIRST TIME. HOW CAN A DRESS YOU’LL ONLY WEAR ONCE COST SO MUCH? FORTUNATELY, YOU CAN LOOK FABULOUS AND FASHIONABLE WITHOUT GOING OVER YOUR BUDGET. • Look for resell shops. Thrift stores, consignment stores and local classified ads are excellent places to shop for a wedding dress. Check carefully for stains, rips and other damage before buying.

• Bridal store bargains. Check out the clearance rack or opt for a white or ivory bridesmaid dress, which can be much less expensive. Research bridal outlet stores in your area.

• Borrow a dress. A friend or family member may know of a “heirloom” dress available for you to use.

• Make your dress. If you sew, make your dress for little more than the price of the material.

In all cases, a tailor can alter or customize your gown or add an accessory. A bow or sash around the waist, a new veil or a jacket can create an entirely new look. Use your creativity! With a little ingenuity, that sensibly priced gown can become your heirloom dress for the ages.

Katelyn James Photography ©

• Find deals online. Look for overstock or consignment web sites. Ebay and Craigslist both have wedding sections and there are other sites dedicated to reselling wedding dresses. Caution: Before you buy, check the return policy in case the dress doesn’t meet your expectations.

• Think inside the big box. Many retailers carry inexpensive formal dresses in white or ivory. You may be lucky enough to find one on sale. No one has to know that your beautiful dress isn’t a “wedding” dress.

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PERFECT PLACE FOR YOUR WEDDING

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Bri Johnson Photography ©

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EDDINGS TAKE PLACE EVERYWHERE THESE DAYS. WINERIES, BEACHES, PARKS, HISTORIC HOMES, RESTAURANTS, HOTELS, GARDENS, MUSEUMS AND RESORTS ARE JUST A FEW LOCATIONS BRIDES CHOOSE.

place of worship, hotels or museums.

Casual weddings would do well on the beach or in a park. If exotic is what you are thinking of, perhaps a destination wedding would be just your style. Visit your chosen venue at the same time you are planning the wedding. You’ll see what the venue looks like at that time of day and season. If you choose to have your event in a public space, check to see if there are fees, permits San Franciscans may choose a and scheduling requirements. trolley venue. In New Orleans, don’t How much can you spend? Your be surprised to see a wedding party budget will play a big part in your rumble by on a historic streetcar. Many wedding venue decision. If the location brides wouldn’t think of getting married of your dreams is more expensive than anyplace but her place of worship. you planned, negotiate the price or Regardless of where you decide to tie reduce other expenses. Sometimes just the knot, these ideas will help you plan changing your day or date will reflect a and budget. significant savings.

Does your wedding have a theme?

How many guests will you invite?

If you have your heart set on a formal Your guest list is critical in selecting wedding and reception, consider your a venue. If you are planning to have

an event for 300, don’t book the romantic, adorable chapel that only fits 50. The first question most venue representatives will ask you is “How many guests are you planning to invite?”

Who is going to coordinate the event? The last thing you need on your wedding day is to worry about the details. Traditional wedding locations may supply an on-site event coordinator to keep track of everything and coordinate deliveries and services.

If you choose an untraditional site or decide on a destination wedding, you may want to hire a wedding planner to provide these services.

Does the location have all the amenities? Do you want a dance floor? Does the venue allow liquor and provide a bar? Is catering available and if not, is there a kitchen for outside caterers to use? Do you need to bring in already cooked food? Is there a

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Determine what is important to you and which details are deal breakers. Keep track of the pros and cons of each venue you visit with a spreadsheet. preferred baker or do you provide your own wedding cake? Is there enough parking and is it easy to access? If you are having an outside event, what is the backup plan in case of inclement weather? Will the venue provide chairs, tables and linens, serving dishes, plates and flatware or will you need to rent these items? Decide what is important to you and which details are deal breakers. Keep track of the pros and cons of each venue you visit with a spreadsheet or notebook.

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When you find a venue that meets your requirements, get an itemized list of costs with detailed information about what is included before you make a deposit. Get the cancellation policy in writing.

The more popular sites book up quickly so act as early as you can.

With a little patience and a lot of questions, you will say “I do” in the location of your dreams.

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WHAT’S A WEDDING WITHOUT FLOWERS? WHETHER A CEREMONY IN YOUR BACKYARD OR A LAVISH ITALIAN CATHEDRAL, FLOWERS ARE A BEAUTIFUL TRADITION WELL WORTH INCLUDING IN YOUR PLANS AND BUDGET.

Budgeting is a good place to start when considering flower arrangements for the church, reception, attendants and of course, the bridal bouquet. Just as other aspects of your wedding ceremony complement the day’s theme, colors and style, flowers are not the exception.

Consider your venue before making a final decision about flowers as decorations. If your backyard wedding is in a garden filled with roses or daisies, you already have a

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Ryan Zarichnak Photography ©

r e w o l F Power

floral décor. Rented palms would do well for a beach wedding, framing the wedding party. The ambiance of churches, chapels and some hotel settings may also be appropriate with no extra flowers or only a few arrangements near the altar area. Remember, as you walk down the aisle all eyes are on the bride – not the flowers lining that aisle.

A single rose or lily, a bunch of daisies, a poinsettia bouquet in the winter, a mixture of flowers of similar or different colors… the choices for bridal and bridesmaid bouquets are limitless. Choose flowers you like, that have special meaning for your and your groom. Start with one or two of the colors that complement wedding party attire and your dress. Be

Ryan Zarichnak Photography ©

guided by the advice of your florist or gardener. If you insist on unseasonal flowers, for example, there is a good chance your budget will take a hard hit. An experienced florist will work within your financial framework and bring creativity and imagination to your floral wishes.

If your ceremony and reception are in different places, make arrangements to have the ceremonial flowers brought to the reception. Table flowers are always a nice touch, but keep them simple. Allow your guests to easily see one another and you as they gather around their tables.

What’s the best flower advice? Consider budget, venue, theme, and color. Then choose what you like!

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It’s All About the PSST! WHAT TO KNOW THE BEST KEPT WEDDING SECRET? NEXT TO THE HONEYMOON, CHOOSING YOUR CAKE IS THE BEST PART! THERE IS ONLY ONE RULE: INDULGE!

 Taste Don’t limit your taste testing to just one baker. You will be pleasantly surprised to find that the strawberry filling at one bakery is quite different than the one across town. Ask about the variety of fillings available. More and more choices – healthy choices, too — are popular these days. If you decide on multi-layers with different fillings, make sure that the transition from one layer to the next will not overpower the taste buds.

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Forget about your wedding diet and fitting into a form-fitting dress. Worry about that tomorrow. Have fun and enjoy sampling flavors for cake, filling, icing and edible decor while you decide on style.

Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when shopping for a wedding cake.

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 Style You can’t go wrong with the traditional tiered whiteiced cake which reflects the theme of the wedding in decoration and accent colors. If you want something unique or that demonstrates your personality, go for it. It’s easier to choose a style if you have something in mind, but browsing through your baker’s view book will help you confirm a decision on style, shape and size.

 Specialty Cakes for Special Diets Yes, gluten-free wedding cakes that look and taste good are available. Be sure to taste a sample and trust the advice of your baker. Remember that gluten-free may affect the type of cake design. For alternatives to the traditional high-calorie, rich tasting cake and to provide your guests with an healthier option, consider flourless chocolate cake for the groom’s cake.

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 Size and Budget Wedding cakes can be a significant part of the wedding budget. Keep cost in mind when you decide on the style, shape and size. Rely on the experience of your baker to help you choose the right size for your guest list. One of the first questions a wedding cake specialist will ask is, “How many guests are you planning to serve?”

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Becca Borge Photography©

WHEN THEY LOOK THEIR BEST

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HE BIG DAY IS ON THE CALENDAR. YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY HAVE AGREED TO BE YOUR BRIDESMAIDS. WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP? The dresses of course! Though all eyes will be on the Bride, your Bridesmaids have an important supporting role and you want them to dress the part. Deciding which of the many colors and styles to choose will be challenging; your Bridesmaids will be various sizes and body types, and they will all have their own opinions of what will look good.

 DECIDE ON YOUR COLOR SCHEME. Your Bridesmaids’ dresses should match or complement your overall color scheme. Perhaps you love midnight blue, or prefer a pastel palette. Deciding your overall color in advance will narrow down your dress choices greatly. Consider your bridesmaid’s coloring, too. A light pastel on a pale blonde might fade into the background. You can’t go wrong with deep, rich colors – they complement the majority of skin colors.

Tip: Don’t pick colors that will clash with your surroundings or make your Bridesmaids look ill.  WHAT STYLE DO YOU PREFER? While they shouldn’t match perfectly, generally the style of your Bridesmaids’ dresses will match the style of your wedding dress. For example, if you go long and formal, your bridesmaid dresses should match the formality and length of your dress.

Take the season in consideration.

Lightweight fabrics are perfect for spring and summer while heavier fabrics are more appropriate for fall and winter.

Tip: Don’t make your Bridesmaids

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Here are ideas to make the task easier:

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Deciding your overall color in advance will narrow down your dress choices greatly wear something you wouldn’t wear. Leave the prom looks and costume wear for a more appropriate event.  AGREE ON A BUDGET. Usually your Bridesmaids will pay for their own dress. Discuss the budget before you go shopping. There are dresses in every price range, so you should have plenty to choose from. If the dress you love is more than everyone agreed on, consider making up the difference.

Tip: Most Bridesmaid dresses rarely do double duty. Don’t use the excuse “You’ll wear it again” to justify a higher cost.  MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH TIME. If ordering from a bridal shop, remember it takes four to five months

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to order and alter a Bridesmaid dress.

You don’t want to have your first fitting the week before the big day! If you’re having your dresses made, schedule your tailor leaving time for alterations and multiple fittings..

Tip: If your attendants are in different cities, ordering from an exclusive local shop might not be the way to go. Pick a bridal shop that is part of a national chain. They can make sure the fabric comes from the same dye lot and that all dresses deliver at the same time.

The bride has the final say on what her Bridesmaids wear. But a true friend will want everyone to look fabulous and feel comfortable. Your Bridesmaids will thank you for your thoughtfulness with genuine smiles on your special day!

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n your twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, you might not vividly remember the shocking fuchsia dress Aunt Edna wore or how adorable your ring bearer looked when he took the flower girl’s hand walking up the aisle. With the right photographer, however, those memories will come back every time you review your wedding album The best photographers not only capture the main event, but also record the little things that make your day unique. Consider these points when choosing your wedding photographer.  ASK TO SEE OTHER WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS. Professional photographers have portfolios of their work to show perspective clients. Leaf through several weddings to get a sense of how the photographer works and what the final outcome will be. Consider her style, presentation, how she edits the photos and how you feel when you view them.

If you have your heart set on location photos, don’t pick a photographer who specializes in studio portraits and vice-versa. This is also a good time to see if you and the photographer “click.” She will be spending a lot of time with you, so you want to find someone you’re comfortable with.  CHECK REFERENCES. Once you find examples you love, ask for references.

Former clients can tell you how easy the photographer was to work with, if they got the pictures they wanted and

if their photos were delivered timely.  COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS. Be very clear on what you expect. You might be lucky enough to hire the best photographer in the city, but even the best can’t read your mind. Make a written list of all the shots that you want taken. Explain the different groupings in the family photos.

It might be helpful to ask a relative on each side to corral the family members you would like to be in the photos since they will be unfamiliar to the photographer. If there are family “issues,” such as divorced parents or siblings who no longer speak to each other, decide how you will handle these photos ahead of time – don’t be afraid to make your photographer the bad guy in setting up the shots.  DISCUSS YOUR BUDGET AND GET IT IN WRITING. Get a written proposal from the photographer that details his pricing and what you will receive. Are you paying for just the photography, or are prints included? Will they be put into an album, and if so, what kind? Have a signed, itemized contract in place before any work is done.

Resist the urge to save money by having a friend or family member take the pictures unless they are a professional photographer. There are no take-twos on a wedding and this is one area you don’t want any disappointments.

Put more than a little thought into choosing who will be taking the images of your wedding. Today’s photos are tomorrow’s heirlooms.

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Keeping it All Organized WEDDING DRESS

WEDDING PARTY Maid/Matron of Honor Bridesmaids

Flower Girl Best Man

MEASUREMENTS Dress size Height Bust Waist Hips Inseam Neck Across Shoulders Neck to Waist Waist to Floor (without shoes) Arm Length (shoulder to wrist) Upper arm circumfrence Hat Size (or circumfreernece of head):

FINAL CHOICE Designer/Style number Description Store Contact Cost

Shoe Size: Style preference

Usher/Groomsman

Ring Bearer

RINGS

Styles we like

Style/design Store Cost

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Groom's ring size

FINAL CHOICE

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Bride's ring size

PHOTOGRAPHY

FLOWERS

PREWEDDING

CEREMONY

Wedding rehearsal

MUSIC Prior to ceremony

Pew decorations

Rehearsal dinner Alter/chuppah WEDDING DAY Bride and groom getting ready

Beginning of ceremony Brides bouquet

Bride and groom with parents Ceremony site and exterior Bride's arrival

Bridesmaids bouquet

Grooms' arrival

Alter/chuppah/other

Conclusion of ceremony Flower girl

Processional Parts of ceremony

Grooms boutonniere

Departure of bride and groom

Reception Ushers boutonieres

FORMAL Closeup of bride and groom

Ring bearer boutoniquer

Wedding party Brides family

Reception centerpeices

Grooms family Bride and groom with both sets of

Bride & grooms reception table

parents

Musician/band contact info

Bride and groom with attendants

Other reception arrangments

PRERECEPTION Candid shots between events

CAKE

RECEPTION Arrival of wedding aprty Couples first dance

Top 5 Destinations Cake type / style

Bride's dance with father Grooms dance with mother Cuutting of the cake Garter toss Throwing the bouquet Best man's toast Guests

Candid party shots

HONEYMOON

Bakery conact information

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2.

3.

Filling & Frosting

Cost

4.

5.

Travel agent info:

Order date

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Who Pays B FOR WHAT?

ACK WHEN DOWRIES WERE IN VOGUE, THE BRIDE’S FAMILY WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENTIRE COST OF THE WEDDING CEREMONY -- COMPLETE WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS - THAT BLENDED TWO FAMILIES INTO ONE. THESE DAYS, THE RULES FOR WEDDINGS ARE MORE FLEXIBLE. MODERN COUPLES COMMONLY PAY FOR ALL, OR AT LEAST SOME, OF THE EXPENSES OF THEIR SPECIAL DAY, ESPECIALLY IF THEY ARE OLDER AND WELL ESTABLISHED. IT’S ALSO APPROPRIATE FOR FAMILIES TO SPLIT THE EXPENSES DOWN THE MIDDLE, OR THREE WAYS WITH THE ENGAGED COUPLE. Once the date is set, sit down with those who would like to contribute and develop a budget that will realistically pay for the day of your dreams without breaking the bank. With the modern view of wedding finances in mind, here’s the traditional breakdown of who pays for what, but remember, rules are made to be broken!

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RINGS: • The bride and her family pay for the groom’s wedding ring.

• The groom and his family pay for the bride’s engagement and wedding rings.

PRE-WEDDING PARTIES: • Either the bride or the groom’s family may host the engagement party.

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• The maid or matron of honor and bridesmaids host showers. If it is a co-ed shower, the Best Man and Groomsmen may co-host.

• Friends may throw additional engagement parties or showers.

• The Bride hosts the bridesmaid’s brunch or lunch.

• The Groom hosts the bachelor’s dinner.

• The Maid or Matron of Honor hosts the bachelorette party.

• The Best Man and Groomsmen host the bachelor party.

INVITES AND STATIONERY: • The Bride and her family pay for invitations, reply cards, announcements, note cards, stationery, and programs as well as the associated postage. Reply cards should have postage attached.

FAVORS, WEDDING DAY ACCESSORIES AND GIFTS: • The Bride pays for gifts for her attendants and her Groom.

• The Groom pays for gifts for his attendants, ushers and his Bride.

• The Bride and her family pay for

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the wedding favors, sign in book, monogrammed cake server and toasting glasses and any printed items such as napkins or matches.

CLOTHING AND GROOMING: • The Bride and her family pay for the Bride’s dress and accessories as well as any clothes needed for the reception and honeymoon.

• The Bride pays for her hair and makeup.

• The Groom and his family pay for his clothing.

• The Attendants pay for their own clothing.

FLOWERS: • The Bride and her family pay for the ceremony venue arrangements as well as the reception. They also are responsible for the bouquets for the female attendants.

• The Groom and his family pay for the Bride’s bouquet and going away corsage, boutonnieres for the groomsmen, fathers and grandfathers and other male attendants as well

as the corsages for the mothers and grandmothers.

PHOTOGRAPHY: • The Bride and her family pay for the wedding photos and video.

REHEARSAL DINNER: • The Groom and his family pay for the rehearsal dinner including food, invitations, decorations and music.

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TRAVEL EXPENSES: • Each side pays for their own travel expenses including transportation and hotel.

HONEYMOON: • The Groom and his family pay for all honeymoon expenses except for the Bride’s clothing.

CEREMONY: • The Bride and her family pay for the venue, any rentals, music, and transportation to and from the reception and ceremony.

• The Groom and his family pays for the marriage license, any necessary tips for transportation and/or escorts and the fee for the officiate.

RECEPTION: • The Bride and her family pay for catering, Wedding Cake, bar, décor, any rentals, and music.

• The Groom and his family pay for the Groom’s cake.

Becca Borge Photography©

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The

g n i d d e W get Bud Invitations & Stationery Save the Date cards Invitations, Reply Cards Postage Programs Menu Cards Place Cards Thank You Cards Calligraphy Miscellaneous TOTAL Bridal Attire & Beauty Gown Veil / Headpiece Alterations Shoes Lingerie Accessories Jewelry Makeup Hair Nails Miscellaneous TOTAL Groom’s Attire Tuxedo / Suit Shoes Cuff Links Grooming Accessories Miscellaneous TOTAL

Ceremony Location fee Officiant fee Marriage License Rings Music Miscellaneous TOTAL Reception Location fee Food Drink Rentals Wedding Cake Groom’s Cake Favors Music Security Gratuities Miscellaneous

TOTAL Flowers Ceremony Reception Decorations Bridal Bouquet Attendant Bouquets Boutonnieres Flower Girl Parents & Grandparents Miscellaneous

TOTAL

Photography Photography Videography Albums Miscellaneous

TOTAL Transportation Limousine(s) Miscellaneous TOTAL Gifts Wedding Party Parents Bride & Groom Miscellaneous

TOTAL Honeymoon Airline tickets Accommodations Car Rentals Food Entertainment Excursions Souvenirs Passports Clothing Miscellaneous TOTAL Miscellaneous Wedding Consultant Gown Preservation TOTAL TOTAL BUDGET:

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F g n avor i d d e W Finding the Perfect

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IVEN IN APPRECIATION FOR SHARING THE BRIDE AND GROOM’S SPECIAL DAY, WEDDING FAVORS RANGE FROM THE SIMPLEST OF TOKENS TO THE MOST EXTRAVAGANT OF GESTURES. WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE, YOUR GUESTS WILL APPRECIATE YOUR THOUGHTFULNESS.

Are you known for something in particular? Give a favor that represents you as a couple. A small book of poems from the book lovers,

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a customized spice blend from the gourmands, a package of seeds from the gardeners or a small action figure from the couple who bonded over a Star Wars movie. Wrap it up with a bow and add a “thank you” card for the perfect finishing touch. Your guests will take one look and smile because it is so “you.”

Something personalized with your names and the date of your ceremony is always a lovely thank you.

Picture frames, key chains, corkscrews, hand lotion, pens and candle holders are all popular and useful items that will remind guests of your wedding.

Destination weddings open up a whole category of fabulous favors. A ticket to a local event in a beautiful envelope, a t-shirt commemorating your wedding in a bag matching your wedding colors, a handful of picture postcards with a personalized pen, or a yummy local product gussied up with a ribbon are wonderful keepsakes.

You could record a CD of favorite songs that remind your guests of you every time they listen to it. CD labels with your engagement picture and wedding date will add a personal touch.

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Troy Grover Photographers ©

Katelyn James Photography ©

Your guests will take one look at it and smile because it is so “you.”

Something personalized with the date of your ceremony will be a lovely thank you.

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BAND OR DJ ?

Becca Borge Photography©

Setting the Mood GOOD MUSIC WILL SET THE MOOD YOU WANT AT YOUR WEDDING WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO BOOK A BAND OR HIRE A DJ. THERE ARE PROS AND CONS FOR EACH, AND NO MATTER WHICH YOU CHOOSE, TAKE THE TIME TO LISTEN TO THEIR WORK TO MAKE SURE THE PERFORMANCE WILL MEET ALL OF YOUR EXPECTATIONS ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY.

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Js are less expensive to hire and use less room than a band.They are able to provide a variety of music and styles and are more likely to accommodate any last minute requests. A good DJ can gauge the mood of your guests and pick music accordingly, going back and forth between background music and dance hits.They also can play for longer periods and are able to schedule music even when they take their break.

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A DJ can be just as charismatic as a band but the performance vibe just isn’t the same. Also, some genres, such as big band, really do sound better when there are live musicians playing.

If you love live performances or a particular type of music, a band will be a better choice. Band members can interact with your guests and put on a fabulous show in addition to providing great music.You also have the flexibility of asking them to update an older song or to play a song in a different style.

On the flip side, bands tend to be more expensive and don’t have as long a playing period. During breaks, you won’t have any music at all unless you provide it. You are limited to the songs the band knows and if you have a special request not in their repertoire, it may cost extra for them to learn it. Smaller venues may have a hard time finding space for a band and you could wind up with a crowded dance floor and reception area.

The earlier you start your search the better; talented bands and DJs book far in advance. With a little persistence and a sense of what you want, you’ll find the perfect music to dance the night away!

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Honeymoon t h g i l e D PLANNING YOUR FIRST DAYS AS NEWLYWEDS THE PARTY’S OVER. YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE ARE HEADING OUT THE DOOR FOR THE LONG-AWAITED HONEYMOON TO ______? WHERE WILL YOU CELEBRATE THE START OF YOUR LIFE TOGETHER AS HUSBAND AND WIFE?

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reaming about your honeymoon is magical.

Choosing a destination and planning the trip will add to the joy.

Here is an opportunity for the two of you to experience an enchanted vacation you will remember a lifetime.

Before you narrow down your honeymoon choices, consider the type of destination you are looking for – traditional and relaxing with couple massages and candlelight meals, adventurous with days of skiing or rock climbing, a cruise to the Caribbean for scuba diving, or a journey to a far-away city that you both want to visit for the first time.

If you are planning a destination wedding, you are probably where you want to be already – just make sure that your guests head home so you can have time by yourselves.

It’s a good idea to consult a travel

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agent for suggestions and travel packages that will save you money.

You will also benefit from the agent’s experience and knowledge of the best hotels, the dining places, side excursions, and transportation there and back home safely. Search out travel agents who specialize in honeymoons. Every detail will be planned for you. You won’t have to worry about anything except each other.

Package honeymoons, such as an all-inclusive cruise or a stay at a honeymoon resort can save you time and money. These choices may offer extras such as breakfast in bed, dinner on the beach or a free round of golf on a PGA course. Some resorts also offer significant savings if you travel back to celebrate anniversaries.

If you live near a port city, a cruise may be your most economical choice. Just about everything is paid for in your cruise fee and if you are close by, you won’t have to budget for other travel costs.

Some couples may wish to include a honeymoon registry with their wedding registry. Wedding guests, usually your relatives, may be inspired to gift you an airline ticket, hotel room for a night or two, or

Troy Grover Photographers ©

a gourmet dinner. Check with your travel agent, cruise line or resort concierge for additional information on establishing a honeymoon registry.

If you decide to go it alone in planning the honeymoon, keep these guidelines in mind: • Create a budget • Define the get away you want • Consider transportation, climate, and political situations.

• Will you need a passport?

• Vaccinations?

• Consider travel insurance As you pack for your honeymoon remember medications that may help you overcome airsickness, motion sickness, or allergies caused by climate changes. Downloading Apps on your smartphone focusing on money conversion, translation programs, and city guides may also be beneficial.

Know where you want to go and make sure your destination has everything you need for a romantic start to your new life. Enjoy making lasting memories on this special occasion.

Sunglow PhotographyŠ

Remember – know where you want to go and make sure your destination has everything you desire for a romantic start to your new life. Most importantly, enjoy making memories that will last long after the newlywed days are over.

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