Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin Premier Bride

PHOTO CREDIT: THE KEEL COLLECTIVE, @THEKEELCOLLECTIVE

Wedding Skincare Ready

At Illume Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa, we provide the full spectrum of beauty services, including injectables, skincare treatments, weight loss management, and more. From your engagement pictures to your wedding day, we’ll help you establish a wedding beauty regimen throughout your entire wedding season.

Call or text 414-439-3000 or contact us at illumemke.com to schedule your complimentary bridal medspa consultation today!

MILWAUKEE AND SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN

Publisher NICOLE BLAZER

Operations Manager CARRIE FISHER

Art Director JENNIFER ERDMAN jennifererdman.com

Contributing Writer KELSEY LAWLER

CEARA MILLIGAN

Coordinator PREMIER BRIDE MKE

Venue THE FITZGERALD Planner AMBROSIA EVENTS

Photographer WILD ELEGANCE LLC

Florist AMBROSIA EVENTS

Invitations/Signage PAPERWHITES

Cake/Sweets SIMMA’S BAKERY

Beverages THE FITZGERALD Linens/Tables/Chairs AMBROSIA EVENTS

Rentals RELICS RENTALS

Floor Graphic MANDEL GROUP

Puppy Concierge PICCOLA PUPS

Makeup/Hair WIDE EYED BRIDE

Jewelry MIRAJO JEWELRY

Fragrance PURE LOVE ESSENCES

Fine Jewelry CRAIG HUSAR FINE DIAMONDS & JEWELRY DESIGNS

Bridal Gowns BLISS BRIDAL

Bridesmaids Gowns MISS RUBY BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

Menswear DUBOIS FORMALWEAR

Models THE ROCK AGENCY

ADVERTISING OR INTERNET INFORMATION: P.O. Box 549

Oconomowoc, WI 53066 414-416-8368

PremierBrideMKE.com

nicole@premierbride.com

PUBLISHER'SNote

Congratulations on your engagement! Premier Bride is thrilled to help you as you plan this next chapter of your life. We are your Greater Milwaukee Area wedding guide filled with all the goodness that comes along with a wedding. Gorgeous venues, knowledgeable wedding vendors, stunning trends, tips and tricks to make your day perfect and special to you...plus so much more!

When I became the publisher of Premier Bride, I was stunned at how much talent we have in our own backyard of South-East Wisconsin. So many small, locally owned businesses, just like us! We are all committed to working with and promoting local wedding businesses to help make your wedding day unforgettable!

We know planning a wedding isn’t easy. It can be difficult to navigate. We aim to cut through the noise and give you clear, sensible and reliable information from local experts who love weddings.

We want Premier Bride to be entertaining, informative and inspiring, but above all useful. Be sure to visit our website (premierbridemke.com) and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for an indepth look at area wedding vendors, local wedding shows, fun polls and quizzes, and the chance to win amazing prizes.

We hope you enjoy this issue. Now let’s plan your wedding...

Cheers,Nicole

30 Years never looked so good! Proudly helping local Milwaukee & South-East Wisconsin couples plan their dream weddings since 1993!

rings

THE CIRCLE OF LOVE

It’s amazing that a piece of jewelry can convey such powerful meaning. Engagement rings and wedding bands represent the never-ending love you have for each other and let the whole world know you are married! Besides the exquisite beauty of wedding rings, there is a lot to know about metals, diamonds, and the care involved.

IS YOUR RING INSURED? As soon as you bring your engagement ring home, make sure that your insurance policy is updated to offer adequate protection in the event of a loss or theft.

RING TRENDS

Newer Trends include the vintage inspired halo ring (a setting that encircles a center gemstone in a collection of smaller stones) to fashion-forward two-stone rings (two central gemstones either the same or mixed). Colorful diamonds or gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, and rubies are very popular. Choose a shade and setting that speaks to your personal style because the choices are endless.

We’re seeing bold standalone bands as well as matching bands. Diamond-encrusted, luxe signet rings and sparkly eternity or infinity bands (with its endless circle of stones) that symbolizes never-ending love. If you can’t decide between an elaborate band or engagement ring with a center stone, we love the idea of both, wearing your engagement ring and wedding band for different occasions. Consider including meaningful details, like a favorite quote or your wedding date engraved into the band.

KNOW YOUR METALS

14-karat yellow gold is classic, popular, durable enough for daily wear, and can be polished easily. Rose gold is gaining popularity. White gold is made by mixing pure gold with other white metals such as nickel, palladium, or zinc, and can be a less-expensive alternative to platinum. Extremely popular in the last decade or so, platinum is a very white, heavy, and durable metal, ideal for engraving. A sister metal to platinum, palladium is a naturally white metal (whiter than white gold), and like platinum, it is strong, non-tarnishing, and hypoallergenic. It’s also less expensive than platinum, making it a good metal to consider if you like the white metal look. Titanium and tungsten carbide have become popular for men’s wedding bands,

and both metals are 100% hypoallergenic and relatively inexpensive. Tungsten carbide is a great metal for active men.

KNOW YOUR DIAMOND

You will quickly be introduced to the “Four Cs” - cut, color, clarity, and carat. All four make a dramatic impact on quality and price of a diamond.

CUT. Cut really refers to the proportions of a diamond and its facets, as opposed to its shape, which includes round (brilliant), oval, pear, marquise, emerald, square (princess or radiant), heart, and triangle. Regardless of shape, a diamond gets its brilliancy from the cutting and maximizing the reflection of light.

COLOR. Color refers to the lack of color in a diamond. White diamonds are graded on a D–Z scale, D being the most colorless and Z having a distinct body color.

CLARITY. Clarity is defined by the number, color, nature, size, and position of natural marks (called inclusions) contained in the gem. Inclusions occur naturally during the process of crystallization, when minute traces of minerals are trapped in the diamond. Excellent clarity means light can pass unimpeded through the stone, increasing its value. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) judges’ clarity based on a standard 11-point scale from “Flawless” through “Imperfect 3” (see clarity scale below).

CARAT. Diamonds are weighed in carats, which may also be expressed as “points,” where one carat equals 100 points. A diamond of 50 points, for example, equals .5 carat. Diamonds of more than one carat are extremely rare (one in a thousand), and therefore very valuable. But remember that carat weight is only one factor in determining value. Two diamonds of the same

RINGS

size can vary considerably in value depending on the other three factors – cut, color, and clarity.

APPRAISE IT

Request a written estimate of the value of your jewelry, which should include specific indications of the four Cs. Immediately after purchase, photograph your jewelry for insurance purposes, and make sure your current policy has adequate coverage, including “mysterious disappearance.”

TAKE GOOD CARE

Although diamonds are the hardest natural substance known to man, a hard blow could still chip one, so don’t wear your ring when doing rough work. You should also avoid direct contact with chlorine bleach and chlorinated pool water, which could pit and discolor the mounting. Have your rings checked annually by your jeweler for loose prongs or settings. Just one broken prong could cause you to lose your stone. These precautions and gentle care will pay you back with years of enjoyment and pride in this precious symbol of your union.

DIAMOND CLARITY SCALE

• FL & IF: Flawless and Internally Flawless (inclusions not visible under 10x magnification)

• VVS1 & VVS2: Very, Very Slight Inclusions (extremely difficult to see under 10x)

• VS1 & VS2: Very Slight Inclusions (difficult to see under 10x)

• SI1 & SI2: Small Inclusions (noticeable under 10x)

• I1, I2 & I3: Imperfect (flaws visible to the unaided eye)

MICRO WEDDINGS

Intimate & Unforgettable

Whether you’ve always dreamed of an intimate wedding or have come around to the idea due to the state of the world, micro weddings are a trend that seems poised to stand the test of time. So what is a micro wedding? It’s every bit as significant and special as a traditional wedding, but the guest count only ranges from about 5 to 50 people.

If you have a set budget, consider if you spent it on a party of 200 vs. a party of 50. The smaller party allows you to allocate more budget to doing every inch to the nines, giving those 50 lucky people an experience they’ll never forget.

The elements of a micro wedding will differ from couple to couple. There’s always a smaller guest list, but like we said, the price may vary — and so, too, may the experiences and vendors involved. Although a reception is optional, micro weddings will always need an officiant, witnesses, and a location for the ceremony. This could be someone’s backyard, the courthouse, a park or garden — the list goes on. Almost always, micro-wedding couples still spring for a photographer.

Micro weddings are popular for a number of reasons. On the heels of COVID, a smaller wedding may be a necessity for some. For others, a micro wedding may mean less spotlight and attention. It can also mean less stress, as planning an event for fewer people inevitably means less to keep track of and worry about.

Budget also comes into play, as some brides and grooms would rather not spend their dollars on a big wedding. Opting for a courthouse ceremony followed by a meal at home or at their favorite restaurant with just those nearest and dearest greatly lowers the cost.

On the flip side, some couples opt for a micro wedding so they can go all-out. Think about it:

There are even vendors taking the micro wedding and really running with it. Some venues offer packages for a set price that include use of their space, an officiant, a photographer, seasonal floral, and more. The idea with these micro wedding packages is to keep it simple. The vendors have done the legwork of coordinating a beautiful little wedding — all the couple has to do is show up!

In the end, one of the best things about a micro wedding is the intimacy. With fewer people to make small talk with, you’re able to get actual quality time with your guests. After all, these are the people that mean the most and the ones you can’t imagine your wedding day without. At a micro wedding, you can enjoy their company — and your new spouse’s company! — without the sense of distraction that can sometimes come with a traditional wedding. Sound pretty heavenly? We think so too. 

ATTENDANT’S RESPONSIBILITY

the best man

• Assists groom with wedding details such as accommodations for out-of-town groomsmen and ushers.

• Sees that the groom is properly attired and at the church or synagogue on time. Ties bowties, provides drinks, if applicable and otherwise supports the To-Be-Wed.

• Gives the minister a sealed envelope with payment (from the groom) immediately following the ceremony.

• Signs the marriage license as a witness.

• Holds the bride’s ring during the ceremony.

• Coordinates the ushers and makes sure they are properly dressed and understand where to seat the guests.

• Helps the groom change into going-away attire.

• Sits to the bride’s right at the reception providing charming conversation throughout.

• May dance with the maid/matron of honor during the first dance.

• Proposes the first toast to the newlyweds.

• Holds luggage under lock and key until the bride and groom depart.

• Escorts the bride and groom to their limousine or drives them to the hotel or airport.

• Returns all formalwear rentals on time, and to the correct formalwear shop.

• Assists maid of honor in transporting gifts to the bride and groom’s home.

ATTENDANT’S RESPONSIBILITY

the maid/matron of honor

• Assists the bride with pre-wedding tasks including smiling while making tiny favors out of birdseed, because that’s what she really wanted.

• Assists bride in setting a date to have bridesmaid’s dresses fitted and coordinates other bridesmaids to ensure they get to the proper location on time.

• Attends all pre-wedding parties and hosts a bridal shower with other bridesmaids.

• Arranges the bride’s veil and train before the grand walk down the aisle

• Holds the bride’s bouquet during the ring exchange.

• Helps the bride bustle her train, remove her headpiece and change into going-away outfit.

• Holds the groom’s ring during the ceremony.

• Stands next to the groom in the receiving line and sits to his left at the head table.

• Signs the marriage certificate as a witness.

• May dance with the best man during the first dance.

• Attends to the bride throughout the day such as running errands and tying up loose ends, calming nerves and otherwise ensuring the success of the wedding celebration.

• May assume responsibility for transporting the bride’s gown home or to the cleaners.

• May assist the best man with transporting gifts to the bride and groom’s home.

– Accommodates up to 300 guests

– Large paved parking lot (350+ stalls)

ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

Get ready to work the camera!

Engagement photos are a natural step in the wedding-planning process. In fact, many photographers include them in their standard packages. But this is more than just a nice perk. Beyond gorgeous images, an engagement photo shoot is a chance to get to know your photographer, and for them to get to know you!

WHY ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS?

Now’s your chance to warm up in front of the camera. It’s also an opportunity to see your photographer in action. You can work with them to establish which poses are winners and which angles you do or don’t like. Your photographer will learn just how much or how little direction you and your fiancé need so they can be prepared with how to best capture you on your big day.

The beauty of engagement photos is they are more casual and laid-back than your wedding day will be. This is a chance to photograph life as you live it, perhaps together at home or out at a favorite local haunt.

Use your engagement photos to populate your wedding website or pick the best photo to put on your save-the-date. If you live in a climate with four seasons, plan your engagement session during a time of year that’s different from your wedding. A winter shoot might give you the perfect cover for next year’s holiday card!

DRESS TO IMPRESS

An engagement shoot should feel like everyday life, elevated for the camera. Be conscious of what you’re wearing and make sure you and your fiancé coordinate. Think of it this way: You want to look like you’re both going to the same party. One shouldn’t dress for a ball game while

the other dresses for New Year’s Eve. Avoid logos, wild patterns, and head-to-toe monochrome.

Choose colors that flatter your skin tone. Not sure? Ask your most fashionable friend for advice! Avoid pieces that are overly trendy: that funky hat might be fun today, but you might regret it in five years. Finally, be sure to dial in the details. Steam your ensembles and be conscious of clean socks, shoes, and nail polish. To take it up a notch, treat yourself to professional hair and makeup! This is a fun excuse to splurge and really look your best.

LOOSEN UP

One of the perks of an engagement shoot is it should, in theory, help you feel more at ease in front of the camera more quickly on your wedding day. Take your time and don’t rush this photo session. Pick a place you and your fiancé feel connected to and comfortable in: your home, a favorite coffee shop, an antique store, outside of a local movie theater, or playing a sport. The more creative you get, the more creative your photographer can get, too!

Some tips for acting naturally: Pull out your inside jokes to make each other laugh. Listen to music you both love to help you get out of your head and into the moment. Bring any props that make you feel at ease, whether it’s your bikes, your favorite drinks, or your sweet dog.

MAKE IT A DATE

The best way to approach your shoot is to make a date of it. End your session with a favorite outing, like dinner or drinks, a movie, or a trip to the museum. It’s something to look forward to throughout the photo shoot and a chance to end the experience on a high note. 

FRIDAY/SUNDAY WEDDINGS

the advantages of weekend weddings

If you decide to have your wedding on a Friday or a Sunday, you’ll reap several rewards: both financial and otherwise. You’ll save time, you’ll probably save a significant amount of money, and you’ll find that your guests may appreciate having a Saturday free to spend time with you and the other guests they know.

the ceremony is followed immediately by dinner. This means that you will avoid the extra cost and hassle of a one-to-two-hour interim reception or cocktail party. Having the ceremony and reception back to back may ensure more people at the church ceremony.

Additionally, a Friday/Sunday wedding frees up at least one day of the weekend making your family, friends and guests more appreciative of the extra time, especially if they are traveling.

SAVE THE DATE

Planning for a Friday or a Sunday wedding makes it much more likely that you will be able to reserve the church, hall, music and other services on the date of your choice. Choosing a Friday or Sunday date allows you to avoid making several calls to numerous vendors, only to hear, “Sorry, we’re booked on that date.”

MAXIMIZE YOUR DOLLAR

For Friday or Sunday weddings, the majority of banquet facilities, photographers, video producers, musicians/entertainers and limousine services are much more willing to negotiate in order to reach a price that suits your budget. Vendors tend to see Friday and Sunday as bonus days, a time when they can earn income. Savings on these services can really add up making this option a great way to save money without having to sacrifice the quality of your wedding.

SAVE TIME

On a Friday, you’ll probably have your wedding in the evening, which means, that

REHEARSAL IS EASY

Restaurants are usually thrilled to have rehearsal dinners booked on Thursdays or other evenings during the week since those are typically their slower business days. You will find a more relaxed atmosphere and the staff will be more attentive to your party’s needs.

In selecting a Friday or Sunday date for your event, you’ll help both your budget and your odds of getting exactly the wedding you want while also allowing for more time dedicated to finalizing last minute details. You can use the extra day to catch your breath, and use the extra money to purchase something special.

EXTRAORDINARY WEDDINGS

Whether you want to celebrate your memorable day with 20 or 600 people, Bartolotta Catering & Events offers the perfect space. Beautiful and unique venues throughout the greater Milwaukee area with incredible views of Lake Park, Lake Michigan, or the city’s skyline offer an excellent opportunity for:

trends

ULTIMATE CELEBRATION

The beautiful thing about today’s wedding trends? Just about anything goes! Couples are leaning into what makes them unique: favorite colors, flowers, food and drink, and sentiments. They’re putting their time and money into the aspects that mean most to them, making each wedding as singular as every couple’s love story.

GIVE YOURSELF AMPLE TIME. Experts predict a wedding boom in 2023. Book vendors early and give yourself plenty of time for items that need to be shipped, including wedding attire and invitations.

CURRENT TRENDS STYLE: ANYTHING GOES

In bridal fashion, nothing is off limits. Brides are embracing maximalism with showstopping fairytale ball gowns, dramatic silhouettes dripping with glamor, or punchy pops of color. While dress shopping, you may see fuller skirts, higher slits, and sheer fabrics. Necklines range from off-theshoulder to mock-neck. And it’s not only gowns; mini party dresses and gorgeous suiting are also in style. Brides are also putting their “something blue” front and center, choosing gowns in blue hues.

Just as brides are embracing color, so are the grooms. Accessorizing with patterned shirts, ties, pocket squares, and socks lets the groom and groomsmen have some fun with their fashion, too.

Bridesmaid dresses range from less-formal looks to the opulence of luxury fabrics to statement-making patterns. The goal is often to

Where love stories become weddings.

work in various coordinating cuts, colors, fabric types, and designs to let the personality and beauty of each bridesmaid shine through.

THEMES: GO BIG IN YOUR OWN WAY

Couples are pushing the boundaries and pulling out all the stops for their wedding decor. Expect to see elaborate floral design, unique rental furniture, and a highly-personalized guest experience. Artistic accents like balloon arches, greenery walls, neon signs, marquee letters, twinkle-light ceilings, and floral installations offer a picture-perfect Instagram moment.

FLOWERS: A STATEMENT + DETAILS

For wedding flower trends, we’re seeing everything from oversized installations to small blooms in thoughtful places. You may see a hanging

CURRENT TRENDS

installation or wall of flowers primed for a photo op, or a sprig of greenery to complete each place setting. Flowers are used to frame the vows, too.

When it comes to the flowers themselves, some couples are turning to exotic blooms, while others work with their floral designer for bouquets full of locally-gathered foliage. Color stories range from saturated brights to soft hues, depending on a wedding’s style or season.

Dried flowers are also finding their way into both statement-making decor and bridal attire. Brides can purchase hair combs trimmed with dried blooms, or even carry bouquets made of already-dried flowers.

FOOD & DRINK: TASTY FAVORITES

The traditional sit-down, three- or fivecourse meal is enjoying a sort of revolution.

While you’ll still see these formal dinners, many couples are turning dinner into something more relaxed and social, with some showstopping moments. Consider a wall of drinks or a sprawling display of charcuterie.

Couples want their food and drinks to not only impress, but have meaning. They’ll work with caterers to create custom meals and craft cocktails that feature some of their favorite things. Dinners that feature sustainable catering with locally-grown and in-season ingredients are also highly sought after.

When it comes to desserts, some couples choose to have both a classic wedding cake alongside new favorites, like donuts, ice cream, or candy. The cake itself becomes an extension of your wedding theme, acting as a work of art as much as a delicious treat. 

DATE NIGHTS

(that won’t break the wedding budget!)

Volunteer Together

Visit a local shelter or charity and serve someone. Not only are you having fun with your fiancé, it’s a great way to give back to your community.

Explore a Local Park

Sometimes the best adventures are right outside your door!

Have a Game Night

Ask your friends over and play some good ole fashioned board games. You don’t realize how competitive your friends are until Monopoly comes into the picture!

DIY Day

You know all those pins you’ve saved on Pinterest and never tried? Now is the time to get crafty! You can probably find most of the items around your house.

Check out Open Houses Near You

Who doesn’t want to be Joanna Gaines? Why yes, we’ll take the $1,000 house without walls. We can shiplap that. (JK, please don’t do that!)

Watch the Worst Movies on Netflix

Ask your friends for ideas. Sometimes all you need is a good laugh with the person you love to have a great night. Don’t forget the popcorn.

Grab a Disposable Camera

Walk around and take pictures of each other with this oldie but goodie. After you’ve used all 28 of your pics, get them developed. The cloud may fail you, but prints last (almost) forever.

Exercise

Encouraging each other to be healthy can be a fun way to stay in shape.

Making Your Event Memorable

PB TIPS FOR USING PINTEREST

using pinterest for wedding planning

HOW IT WORKS

If you’re planning a wedding, you already know the Internet is a great resource. Pinterest is an easy way to organize your wedding inspiration and ideas. On pinterest.com, you can grab photos from around the web and pin them onto virtual inspiration boards named with categories of your choosing.

You can also browse other users’ boards, and there are seemingly endless weddingthemed boards to choose from! The photos are often accompanied with comments, and can include tips or instructions on how to create the look that was captured in the picture. Like wedding forums, you can interact with friends or strangers to get suggestions and ideas for your special day, but this time, it’s all centered around pictures of your choosing.

PIN DOWN THE DETAILS

Pinterest certainly displays boards for all the biggies like the gown, décor, and food. But the site’s real strength is in highlighting the details. It’s here that you’ll find inspiration for handmade place cards, fun photography poses, or ideas for “something blue.” Those seemingly insignificant details will make your day truly unique.

But like many online wedding hotspots, Pinterest runs the risk of being overwhelming. To get the most out of the site, make sure to be specific when you’re scoping out ideas. In the search box in the top left hand corner of the page, use as many details as possible such

USING PINTEREST

as “fall DIY wedding décor” or “cream wedding pumps.”

You can also find lots of photos from real weddings. Try searching for keywords such as: whimsical, woodsy, DIY, rustic, vintage, elegant, chic, romantic, and couture. These are all popular words on Pinterest’s wedding pins, and even if you think those adjectives wouldn’t apply to your big day, type them in and browse. You might be pleasantly surprised!

If you’re serious about using suggestions from Pinterest, then do your homework. Each picture can be traced back to its original blog or website, so when you find something you like and think you could apply it to your wedding, click through and take notes or bookmark the page.

REALITY CHECK

While Pinterest offers a gorgeous visual array of picture-perfection to all brides with a dream, this new Pinterest culture can cause some problems in the real world. Brides pin things like extravagant flower arrangements that far exceed their budget. They show their photographers images of a bride with her veil caught perfectly in a breeze - a lucky shot that surely can’t be recreated.

Pinterest can be a recipe for disappointed hopes if taken at face value. Always remember that only perfect, surprising, and unique images make the cut on Pinterest and most of what you see just isn’t realistic. Pinterest should only be used to ignite ideas and to capture the overall look and feel you’d like to aim for at your wedding. In the end, know that while Pinterestinspired touches are pretty for a day, saying “I do” to someone you love lasts a lifetime! 

UNPLUGGED WEDDINGS

The what and why of going unplugged

At an unplugged wedding, the couple kindly asks that everyone present turn off cell phones, cameras, and other digital distractions during the ceremony and/or reception. A bride and groom might do this because they want their guests to be fully present, to avoid social media spoilers, and to eliminate competition on behalf of the professional photographer.

BEING FULLY PRESENT

In our technology-crazed world, it’s become a habit to check our phones every few minutes, to post a constant stream of status updates to Twitter and Facebook, and to document any and everything on Instagram. In all this online connectedness, we’re viewing the world through

our phone screens and camera lenses and missing out on true human connections. But people are starting to wake up and realize just how immersed we all are in our phones and tablets, and there’s a movement to change all that.

This movement has reached the wedding industry. Brides and grooms want to have faceto-face connections with their guests — especially during the ceremony — instead of staring out into a sea of electronics. If guests are experiencing your big day from behind a screen, are they truly experiencing it? Your wedding is comprised of some of the most important moments of your life; making it unplugged encourages guests to live in the moment with you. Simply put: it encourages your loved ones to be here now.

The Best Place to make lasting memories.

UNPLUGGED WEDDINGS

SOCIAL MEDIA SPOILERS

Imagine: You haven’t seen the groom all day and can’t wait for that “first look” moment. While you’re getting ready, the Maid of Honor snaps a photo of you in your dress and veil. She has a few minutes of down time, so she posts the photo on Instagram. The groom, also with a few minutes to spare, checks for Instagram updates out of habit — and the first look is spoiled. A first look via social media isn’t exactly the stuff of dreams! Brides and grooms are avoiding such spoilers altogether by declaring their wedding “unplugged.”

LEAVE IT TO THE PROFESSIONALS

There are few things that annoy a professional photographer more than an amateur trying to do his/her job. Overly zealous uncles who jump in the aisle and cousins who stand on

church pews can, at best, be an eyesore in your professional photos and can, at worst, completely ruin once-in-a-lifetime moments. Imagine your “kiss the bride” moment blocked by an uncle who stepped into the aisle to snap a photo. The professional photographer didn’t see it coming and his or her hands are tied. Nothing can bring that moment back — it’s lost to a grainy photo on Uncle Al’s smart phone.

Another issue is wandering eyes. When your professional photographer stages a group shot of your newly combined families and Uncle Al decides to take the photo too, eyes will wander, not knowing which camera to look at first. This makes the final professional photo just look silly! One way to avoid all of these problems is to have an unplugged wedding, or at least an unplugged ceremony.

Celebrate your big day in the former corporate headquarters of the Pabst Brewing Co.

This awardwinning venue in Milwaukee is perfect for your fun and unique wedding!

The Great Hall & Speakeasy up to 250 guests

Blue Ribbon Hall & Captain’s Courtyard up to 150 guests

BACKDROPS

FRONT & CENTER subtle and show-stopping ideas

Whether you’re framing the moment you say “I do,” giving guests a pretty spot to snap a photo, or sprucing up your reception space with something that’s more your style, backdrops might come into play at any number of times throughout your wedding day. Here are some ideas for backdrops both subtle and show-stopping.

BOTANICAL BEAUTIES – From black tie to boho, flowers and greenery go with any style of wedding. If your flower budget allows, incorporating lush botanicals into your wedding backdrop ensures a stunner. Consider a literal wall of flowers or a sculpted, sky-high hedge of greenery—the kind you’d find in a perfectly-manicured English garden. For slightly less all-over wall coverage, a simple frame lined with vertically-hanging garland can be striking. Have a rustic wooden wall? See if you can attach strategically-placed planters for some leafy flair and dimension.

SHAPELY FRAMES – Metal or wooden, curved or squared-off, airy archways and on-trend hoops are more of a frame than a full-on backdrop. Yet they serve the same purpose: lending style and calling attention to special moments on your wedding day. Shapely frames are bestsuited to ceremony vows and reception photo ops. Usually, they’re adorned with foliage and/or draped fabric. The nice thing about these frames: they allow you to save money on full-coverage flourishes, while still bringing a photogenic accent to the scene.

BACKDROPS

CRAFTY CREATIONS – Feeling crafty? Create a wall of paper flowers in various sizes and colors. Try your hand at weaving decorative macramé to hang from a plain wood frame. Enlist a professional to hand-letter your last name or a favorite phrase on a canvas, wooden, or chalkboard backdrop. These personal, handmade touches make for a wedding backdrop that’s truly one of a kind.

ILLUMINATED LOVELIES – Let there be light! A curtain of airy fabric looks ethereal and enchanting when mixed with strings of warm white fairy lights. Hanging marquee letters or a custom neon sign bring some boldness and electric edge. Having an outdoor wedding? Commandeer a tall tree and suspend bulbs from the branches for a romantic, natural photo op. You really can’t go wrong with a little bit of light.

WONDROUS WALLS – Look around. Does your ceremony or reception venue have a blank wall you could adorn, a spot with exposed brick, a fireplace and mantle you could decorate, or a special nook with gorgeous wallpaper or stained glass? Though this backdrop isn’t portable, it can still make for a marvelous kind of photo booth—one that you don’t even have to pay extra for.

PRETTY PROPS – Take stock of what you, your friends, and family have at home that could create a photo-worthy scene. A painted room divider, a series of reclaimed doors or windows, or a gorgeous tapestry are all imaginative ways to create an eye-catching backdrop for your big day. You might also create a photoworthy vignette with furniture, lighting, and accessories that suit the style of your wedding. Dare to think outside the box for a backdrop worthy of being front and center. 

divorced parents and mixed families

Weddings can be tricky when the bride or groom’s parents are divorced or the extended family is mixed. If you or your fiancé have divorced parents who are on good terms, count your blessings. If their relationship is bitter or merely polite, then correct handling of delicate matters on your wedding day can help avoid unwanted tension. Toss out the traditional wedding rulebook and, above all else, be sensitive to the situation.

Start by considering wedding traditions and anticipate ways to prevent any hurt feelings by keeping the lines of communication open with both parents right from the get-go. For instance, it’s tradition for the parent with whom you’ve lived the longest to issue the wedding invitations. This may not sit well if your parents are divorced so try to include both parent’s names on the invites.

Then there’s the escort question: Who will walk the bride down the aisle? When dealing with mixed families, the lines sometimes blur between the biological father and step-dad and the biological mother and step-mom. Again, throw tradition out the window and ask yourself, “Who deserves to walk me down the aisle?” It might be your dad, mom, both parents, a step-parent, two dads, two moms – that’s for you to decide. What matters in the end is that you choose the person or pair of people who have earned the honor of being your escort. Do your best to avoid hurting anyone by, again, keeping the lines of communication open. This same logic holds true for the traditional father/daughter and mother/son dance at the reception.

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MODERN FAMILIES

While following your heart to create the wedding of your dreams (and possibly shirking tradition in the process), stay sensitive to your family’s feelings and recognize when to be the bigger person. In an ideal world, you’d be able to explain your decisions to your divorced parents and each would be entirely supportive – but that’s not always the case. Remember that it might be within your power to ease tensions and keep everyone happy. Perhaps you’ll have to compromise on whose names appear on the invitation or who walks you down the aisle, but those are small sacrifices to make to keep your wedding day running smoothly.

Similarly, think about how the choices you make on this one day might affect the family dynamic for years to come. Your wedding day could result in tensions flaring up, or it could be a chance for forgiveness and healing. Talk to your divorced parents about what this day symbolizes to you: the creation of a new family. Remind your parents and step-parents of this especially if there are any major points of contention between family members. Appeal to their rational side and encourage everyone to set aside their differences for this one day in celebration of this new family.

A few more practical ways to avoid any awkwardness: If one of your parents is remarried and the other is single, encourage the single parent to bring a guest to the wedding. Brief your wedding professionals on the family dynamics so they know who not to push together for a photo or special dance. You’ll also want to determine the ceremony and reception seating ahead of time. In the end, for every decision that affects you and your divorced parents or mixed family, ask yourself, “What’s right for me and my family?” and do just that. 

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BE A GRACIOUS BRIDE making it a great day for everyone

You may have heard the expression “it’s your day, do it your way,” as you’ve been planning your wedding. And this is true! It’s a time to express your true self, be authentic, and drown out the expectations of others. On the other hand, it’s easy to take this concept too far. A recent “Dear Abby” letter described a bride at a wedding who preferred to dance on an empty stomach, so she had guests wait five hours for their dinner, and had the dancing first! That’s a great example of taking it too far…

Here are a few tips about being a gracious bride: Understand your guests’ perspective. How does the day’s schedule look, from your guests’ viewpoint? Awkward gaps of time between the ceremony and reception are difficult for guests, and asking them to drive more than 30 minutes between locations is

usually too much. Try, as much as possible, to craft your day’s schedule with the guests in mind.

Jump on those thank you notes. Guests are excited to get you something wonderful in honor of your marriage, and they can’t wait to hear if you not only received it, but liked it! Write a conversational, personalized note and respond as quickly as possible. Give others grace. Just know that weddings are an emotional time for your close relatives, especially parents, siblings and close friends. In addition to the joy, there can also be this strange sense of “loss,” that they’re losing you, and this can bring up unexpected emotions. As much as possible, when people around you are driving you crazy, give them grace and, maybe, a warm hug. Best wishes to you, gracious bride!

BE A GREAT GROOM

4 tips to pulling it off

Get involved. Maybe discussing floral arrangements and seating charts makes your eyes glaze over… That’s fine! Figure out what DOES interest you, and get involved. The entertainment, the food, the cake, the transportation, the honeymoon… Pick your areas, own them, make them happen. Keep the bride in the loop and be open to her input – she’ll love knowing she’s not doing this wedding thing all by herself.

Speak up. Be an active team member by sharing your opinion, voicing your support, and offering words of encouragement and appreciation. It’s also important that you be the primary contact with your family. These are important skills not only during the wedding planning, but forever!

No bashing. It’s quite likely that your stressed out bride-to-be will complain bitterly at moments

about her dear family and close friends… It happens to the best of us. Listen to her, be empathetic to her distress, but do NOT join in on the complaining. She’ll get over her stress, but she may remember, and feel bad about, your negative comments. Again, for best relationship results, remember this tip always.

Show your romantic side. Share your deepest, loving feelings – she wants to hear them! Here are a few ideas: write her a letter that she can open the morning of the wedding. Have her favorite flowers delivered the week before the wedding along with a supportive note. Plan a special, relaxing evening for the two of you in the weeks before the wedding, where she can escape for awhile from the wedding planning stress. Ahhhh…. Sigh.

YOUR WEDDING IS A WORK OF ART

It’s a reflection of your creative vision. It has all your signature touches. It’s beautiful in the moment, and it will be forever.

Create your wedding at

Love is love celebrate in extra-special ways

As an LGBTQ+ couple, not everything about a traditional wedding translates well. At the end of the day, it’s about creating a ceremony and celebration that reflect you and your love story. So forget what you think a wedding should be, and go and make it your own!

That said, there are many ways to take traditional elements and update them. Some of these updates aren’t even unique to LGBTQ+ weddings — they’re relevant to anyone. Let’s start with who’s paying. While this traditionally fell to the bride’s family, it’s now much more about who can afford it.

What to wear? Whatever your heart desires!

Don a couple of killer suits or stunning gowns — or one of each. As long as you feel like a million bucks, anything goes. When it’s time to walk down the aisle, you can do so together, or escorted by a parent, dear friend, or mentor. Infuse the ceremony with gender-neutral language and choose readings that speak to your relationship.

When picking your wedding party, go ahead and mix it up. Include anyone who has supported you, regardless of gender. In finding your vendors, look for LGBTQ+ -friendly businesses, like the ones featured in Premier Bride. Keep an eye out for diversity as you view vendor portfolios. Choosing vendors who share your vision of weddings and the world will ensure a celebration that exceeds your wildest dreams. With the right people by your side, a little imagination, and the confidence to show up as your truest selves, your day is sure to be an unforgettable one. 

BEAUTIFUL IDEAS BY THE SEASON

making even the dreariest days beautiful

Most people think of sunshine when they picture a wedding day, but not every day fits that mold. Luckily, something as joyful as a wedding can be sunny even on the dreariest of days. As long as you take advantage of what your season has to offer, all four can provide beautiful accents to your big day.

the spread in picnic baskets or garden-party style! Mini picnic baskets or personalized blankets could then be given as a favor. Also, if you want to use bright, bold colors in your flowers or decorations, summer is the best time to do it.

A fall wedding has a more rustic feeling to it. Warm reds, oranges and yellows are best for decorations, and don’t be afraid to ditch some of the flowers for tasteful wheat stalks or gourds among the arrangements. A fun favor could be making homemade cider or jams with your initials on the jar for your guests to enjoy.

Spring weddings are always popular, in part because of the parallels between new life blooming in the gardens and the new life of a married couple. Using flower bulbs instead of full-grown flowers also add to that feeling. For a spring-themed centerpiece that doubles as a favor, have multiple small, pastel-colored vases and encourage your guests to bring one home. Seeds and tiny monogrammed flowerpots are also a fun favor!

You could also try bringing a little Easter to your reception by having lilies as centerpieces or hiding wedding favors, especially if there will be children present.

For summer weddings, try a slightly more informal approach to your meal by offering

Many couples shy away from winter weddings, but it can actually be one of the most intimate seasons for a wedding because it provides such respite from the bitter cold. Deep purples, forest greens and ruby reds are perfect to set a cozy tone, while icy blues and silver show off winter’s sparkle. Cinnamonscented pinecones with some holly or giant poinsettias make tasteful centerpieces.

Instead of bubbling champagne for the toast, why not embrace winter and raise a mug of hot chocolate or egg nog? It’s delicious and comforting in the cold.

If there will be kids at the reception, set up a table to make their own sparkling snowflakes to sprinkle on tables as decoration or as a souvenir for the kids! As for their parents, send them home with coffee mugs, spiced tea, or wintry-scented candles.

It doesn’t have to be 70 and sunny for the perfect wedding as long as you use Mother Nature to your advantage! 

CATASTROPHE?

we’ll tell you how to avoid it

When thinking about your big day, insurance doesn’t cross your mind. However, there is A LOT of money, time and effort being invested in your wedding. If something goes wrong, would you be fine with completely losing that investment? You want your wedding to be perfect. You don’t want to worry about what you would do if the unthinkable happened.

Wedding insurance covers a wide range of damage and mishaps. If the bride’s dress or groom’s tuxedo is damaged or lost, or if the rings disappear, you can get repair or replacement cost for them. If severe weather forces you to postpone your wedding you can get reimbursement for non-recoverable expenses. If your wedding photographs are damaged or lost, insurance can cover the cost to have the photographs retaken. Damaged gifts can be repaired or replaced. This is just a small list of what you can be protected against. Wedding insurance not only protects, it is also extremely affordable. It can cost as little as $160.

After the big day, the gifts your guests gave you to start your journey can be insured with Renter’s Insurance. And let’s not forget about the first home you purchase to raise your family. Not only will you want to protect the home itself with a Homeowner’s policy, but you’ll also want to make sure that you will be able to pay your mortgage in the event of the unforeseen. Life Insurance and savings plans can give you and your future children some security for your future.

Contact a local independent agent to find out more so that you can rest easy for this day and all the days to follow. 

Hannah Toldt Photography Paper

how to pick out your wedding party

If you’re like most brides-to-be, you’ve probably had your bridesmaids picked out for a while. The daydream typically includes mimosas and all your best girlfriends in fluffy white robes. But once you’re engaged, the decisions get real and sometime’s there more than just your daydreams to consider. There are sisters, future sisters-inlaw, college friends, childhood friends, and other important ladies in your life - how do you narrow it down? Here are some things to ponder as you go about choosing your bridesmaids.

SIZING UP. You can have as many or as few bridesmaids as you like, but it’s not uncommon to see large wedding parties at larger weddings and smaller parties at more intimate affairs. Still, there’s no rule, so do what works for you. Also consider cost and coordination when deciding

on the number of bridesmaids in your party. It’s much easier to coordinate bridesmaid dress shopping and fittings with three girls, as opposed to ten.

FAMILY FIRST. Once you determine the number, start with the obvious candidates: Family. How many siblings do you have? And your fiancée? If you each have one or two siblings (and an equal number of ladies and gents), it can be easy to fit them into the wedding party. If you’re outnumbered (say, the groom has five siblings and you have none), you might want to go a different route. Remember that you can always ask siblings to be ushers or readers - a part of the wedding, if not officially in the party.

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND. Once you’ve figured out how to include close family members in your

CHOOSING BRIDESMAIDS

bridal party, it’s time to move on to friends. This seems like a no-brainer - just pick your best girlfriends! But it’s not always that simple. First, think about the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen you and your fiancée settled on. If you have seven best friends and he has two, you might have to pick the best of the best and forego the rest to keep things even.

Also, consider where your ladies are at in life: Are any pregnant? Raising a toddler? Living across the country? Traveling a ton for work? Though they love you and want to celebrate with you, don’t assume everyone you ask will jump at the chance to be in your wedding. Should any of your potential bridesmaids voice hesitation, be understanding of that decision and have a backup in mind.

Just as with family members, if you have a close friend you’d like to include in the wedding but don’t

have enough space for her as a bridesmaid, think about giving her a different part to play. Beyond readers and ushers, many brides ask a friend to be their Personal Attendant: a fancy phrase for the person who does the bride’s bidding. But it’s not all giving orders - the right friend for the job would delight in being close to you on your wedding day and helping out any way she can.

CHOOSE WISELY. A lot goes into being a bridesmaid. There are dress fittings, alterations, parties, showers, the rehearsal dinner, photos, and so much more. You’ll have to count on these ladies to be there for you, maintain a positive attitude, and be a worthy reflection of you on one of the most important days of your life. Choose wisely. Choose women who will build you up, go the extra mile, and do all in their power to make your wedding day one for the ages.

WEDDING SHOES for comfort and style

F R O M C U S T O M

T O S P A R K L E T O

M A T C H I N G ; T H E

O P T I O N S A R E

E N D L E S S I N

C R E A T I N G Y O U R

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P h o t o C r e d i t s : R I G H T P A G E

c l o c k w i s e s t a r t i n g a t t o p l e f t

( C h e l s e a M a t s o n P h o t o g r a p h y |

K a t i e S c h u b e r t P h o t o g r a p h y |

S m o k e P h o t o g r a p h y

( W i t h

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atmosphere! PB Tip

INTIMATE VENUES, REHEARSAL DINNERS & CEREMONIES

With the main event just around the corner, here are some terrific guidelines for a smooth ceremony rehearsal. After that, most couples choose to spend some quality time with close family and friends during the rehearsal dinner. The details of how you do this - who, what, when, where - are up to you. We offer steps to help you pull it all fabulously together.

PICKING A LOCATION. Host your engagement party at a restaurant that caters to celebrations and ask whether they might give you a discount on catering, etc., if you also book your shower or rehearsal dinner with them at the same time.

groom’s EMERGENCY KIT

1. HEALTH & WELLNESS

pain killers

antacid

band-aids

eye drops

allergy meds

toothbrush

toothpaste

mouthwash

2. GROOMING

brush/comb

lip balm

hairspray

lotion

cologne

tweezers

nail clipper

tissue

deodorant

stress ball

q-tips

sunscreen

hand sanitizer

dental floss

baby powder

CEREMONY / REHEARSAL

What’s the point of rehearsing your marriage ceremony the night before the wedding? There’s so much more to a wedding ceremony than just taking a walk down the aisle. A rehearsal for the entire bridal party and anyone involved in the ceremony is a chance to set the stage and work out any bugs, and to bring your closest friends and relatives together in anticipation of the big day.

nail file

lint brush

shoe polish

shave gel

aftershave

shoe horn

extra socks

3. JUST IN CASE

sewing kit

safety pins

boutonniere pins

hem tape

copy of vows

playing cards

stain remover

static-cling spray

phone charger

portable battery

4. FOOD & BEVERAGE

water

drink straws

energy drinks

protein snacks

BECAUSE

nuts & chews

candy

gum/mints

alcohol

A rehearsal also allows you and your bridal party to get comfortable in the ceremony space. You’ll find out where you can all get ready the next day, which entrances to use, and where the bathrooms are — things that are often taken for granted. You’ll also learn any venue rules and get answers to pressing questions, such as, are music and mimosas allowed in the church bridal room? Yes, if you’re getting married in a church, then there are sure to be a few rules. There’s also a lot of symbolism in a religious ceremony, and the rehearsal is an opportunity for the officiant to walk you all through the various traditions and explain their meaning.

PRE-REHEARSAL PREP

Before your rehearsal and ceremony, there are obvious things to think about such as who will walk the bride down the aisle. But you also have to think about who is escorting the mothers-of, pairing the bridesmaids and groomsman, and the order the couples will proceed down the aisle. The order will vary depending on if you have junior bridesmaids and flower girls and whether you want the groomsmen to escort the bridesmaids down the full length of the aisle or to meet them halfway. And in today’s wedding world, it’s not uncommon to see the bride and groom walking

IT’S BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

U s e t h e c o d e L O V E P M a n d g e t 1 5 % o f f o u r p a c k a g e s !

F o r a f u l l l i s t o f o u r s e r v i c e s a n d p a c k a g e s , e m a i l e v e n t s @ f s t r e e t g r o u p . c o m . p i z z a m a n w i . c o m

CEREMONY / REHEARSAL

down the aisle together – a nice touch if you’re game to shake up tradition.

Once you have the procession order all set, there are still plenty of other details to hammer out. For example: will you need microphones during the ceremony? Is your venue wheelchairaccessible? Depending on your venue, these are the kinds of details that a site manager or a priest will help you consider ahead of time.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Rehearsals are quick, not comprehensive, and are meant to act as an overview so that everyone knows what happens when. Once the rehearsal starts, you won’t be reading through every word of the ceremony. Rather, you’ll be blocking out the words and actions: when the bouquet is handed off and taken back, when

you sit and when you stand, etc. The bride and groom are usually asked to say a few lines just to work out the pace and volume of their vows. If there are any readings, the reader will also rehearse a few lines.

If not all of your key players can be present at the rehearsal, it’s okay. In fact, it is standard practice for the musicians to be absent; if you’ve hired professional musicians or if the church provides a pianist or organist, they already know what to do. It’s also possible that the officiant might not be present at your rehearsal. If this happens, make sure they offer stage directions beforehand, or if the venue has another on-site coordinator, then that person might be able to step in and help. If members of the bridal party can’t make it to the rehearsal, don’t stress! Just

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CEREMONY / REHEARSAL

designate another member of the party to fill them in on all the details the next morning.

THREE SECRETS TO SUCCESS

Be on time and organized. Most rehearsals are allotted just one hour and sometimes a venue has more than one rehearsal on a given night. Remember that everyone’s time is valuable and the rehearsal can’t start until everyone is present.

Practice patience and respect. Don’t get flustered or anxious if there are bugs to work out — after all, that’s why you’re having a rehearsal in the first place. Be sure to respect the venue, especially if it’s a religious establishment.

As you’re going through the stages of the ceremony, ask questions if you don’t know

what to do or if there’s something you don’t understand. Bottom line, don’t be afraid to ask!

REHEARSAL DINNER

After finishing up the ceremony rehearsal, it’s customary for the bride and groom and/or their parents to host a dinner for all involved. This is a fun pre-wedding event that kicks off the festive spirit and can be as simple or extravagant as you like. You could rent a party room at a nearby restaurant or just invite everyone back to your parents’ house for homemade eats. It’s up to you! Just have fun with it and keep it within your budget. After all, everyone has your fabulous wedding to look forward to the very next day! 

uppy love!

Including your dog on your wedding day!

Dogs are a big part of our families and let’s be honest, sometimes they are the center! So, you want to include them in your big day but you aren’t sure how. Here are some ideas about how you can incorporate your fur baby in your big day.

AT THE CEREMONY

The location is key. An intimate backyard wedding is probably the perfect setting to include your dog front and center at the wedding party. At home in their own back yard, it’s most comfortable for them, even with a large group of guests. A county or state park that rents space may also a good choice, you know your pet and you are the best judge of how they will interact and react to a busy day with lots of strangers who are all going to want to pet them!

AT THE RECEPTION IN SPIRIT

There are plenty of ideas to include Fido in your wedding reception! Here are a few fun places to sneak your pup-star into your reception:

On top of the wedding cake: There are so many cute options out there online and in party stores. From personalized silhouettes to custom dog figurines that stand on top or peek out under a ruffle of frosting.

Signage: Include your pet on the bar menu, table numbers, welcome signs as an illustration or image.

Other Ideas: Doggy bag favors, set up a donation table to your favorite animal rescue, large cutout of fido’s face to include as a photo booth prop.

PHOTOS SAY IT ALL

Whether you include them in your engagement photo, your save the date announcement, table numbers or your wedding portraits, all are great opportunities to capture your beloved friend in your wedding celebration memories.

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PHOTO: ABIGAILTRAVERPHOTO.COM

FOR REHEARSALS, WEDDINGS, SHOWERS & CEREMONIES

ATTENDANT GIFTS remembering the day

They’re the friends you have known for years or perhaps soon-to-be in-laws who you admire and cherish for their special words of love and laughter. Wedding attendants play a large part in weddings and it’s no surprise that brides often languish and toil over the perfect wedding attendant gift.

It’s no wonder that you want to give these special women (and sometimes men) a gift and long-term memory of how important they are in your life. If some of your attendants are traveling in from out of town, then how about holding a luncheon for them the day before the wedding? Local attendants can also be treated to a nice lunch, however in this case you can do it several weeks before your big day.

In regards to the luncheon you might also want to include your mother, the groom’s mother and a few of the other participants who are helping to round out your day. This could include singers, organists, attendants at your reception and even parents of important people who have helped your day come together in such a unique way.

A special gift is also in order and you might even want to present it to the attendants at the luncheon if you desire. More than anything the gift is a thank you for all their hard work. Many times gifts are engraved and can range from a jewelry box to a key chain to a toasting flute. Whatever you decide make sure it reflects the fact that these special attendants are truly appreciated for their time and efforts spent on your behalf.

scan me!

reception

TIME TO CELEBRATE!

You’ve said the “I do’s,” kissed the bride, and now it’s time to party!

You want your reception to be unforgettable. The venue itself, the food, the ambiance, and the overall guest experience determines just how your reception will be remembered for years to come. Where to host your reception is a huge, day-defining decision.

There’s so much to consider. Luckily, we’re here to help!

SET THE MOOD. For a sensuous pause before a high-energy party, have a small jazz quartet set the tone with a wine and micro-beer tasting served with cheese selections.

bride’s

EMERGENCY KIT

1. HEALTH & WELLNESS

pain killers

antacid

band-aids

eye drops

allergy meds

toothbrush

toothpaste

mouthwash

2. GROOMING

brush/comb

lip balm/gloss

hairspray

lotion

perfume

tweezers

earring backs

clear nail polish

colored nail polish

tissue

tampons/pads

deodorant

q-tips

sunscreen

hand sanitizer

dental floss

baby powder

RECEPTION

Before you can determine the type of venue, consider the style and budget.

• RUSTIC STYLE: Barns, farms, country inns, and ranches.

• TRADITIONAL/CLASSIC STYLE: Ballrooms, banquet halls, hotels, country clubs, or community centers.

• NATURAL/OPEN AIR STYLE: Waterfront, forest, vineyard, city park, or other locations where Mother Nature’s beauty shines. Also consider a Plan B for inclement weather.

• NON-TRADITIONAL STYLE: Museums, zoos, planetariums, and antique stores.

• URBAN/INDUSTRIAL STYLE: Downtown lofts, art galleries, and warehouses.

nail polish remover

nail clipper

nail file

mirror

eyelash glue

lint brush

cotton balls

pencil sharpener

fan

3. JUST IN CASE

sewing kit

double stick tape

anti-blister spray

anti-slip-shoe pads

safety pins

boutonniere pins

blotting paper

superglue

scissors

hem tape

stain remover

static-cling spray

phone charger

comfy flats

4. FOOD & BEVERAGE

water

drink straws

energy drinks

protein snacks

nuts & chews

candy gum/mints

alcohol

• INTIMATE STYLE: Historic homes, a small party room at your favorite restaurant, or a tent in your parents’ backyard.

3 FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Once you’ve settled on your reception’s aesthetic and the type of spaces you wish to explore, it’s time to get to work.

GUEST COUNT AND BUDGET. You can only afford to host the number of people that your budget allows; therefore, your budget will determine your wedding’s headcount. Finalizing these will quickly eliminate any outlying reception venues.

WEDDING DATE. Committed to a particular wedding date? If a reception site doesn’t have your date available, move on. If it does, know that nothing is final until you’ve signed a contract and made a deposit.

ON-SITE VS. OFF-SITE. Most on-site locations provide most of the goods and services you’ll need. Off-site locations offer the use of the reception space only. You’re responsible for supplying the caterer, furnishings, and everything in between. There are pros and cons

BECAUSE IT’S BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

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to both on- and off-site venues - what matters is what’s right for you and your wedding!

IT’S NITTY-GRITTY TIME.

Below are seven details to consider as you visit and evaluate reception venues.

LOCATION. If the distance to your reception is lengthy or if the place is difficult to find, you should provide transportation for your guests.

SIZE AND LAYOUT. Will the entire reception take place in one room, or will there be a separate space for cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing? Is there enough space for all the tables, dance floor, DJ, etc.?

PRIVACY. If your venue has multiple event spaces (such as a hotel with several ballrooms), find out if there will be another party going on at the same time as yours.

PARKING. Confirm that there is ample, welllighted, and convenient parking for your guests. If there isn’t, find out if a valet or shuttle service is available.

TECHNICAL DETAILS. Ask about possible restrictions on the type, volume, or duration of music. Confirm that there’s adequate power and electrical outlets for speakers, mixers, and amplifiers, and consider the acoustics of the space.

ROOM DÉCOR. Most sites are rather neutral, but it still pays to take note of the permanent decorations in an event space. Do the flooring, wall color, window treatments, and artwork suit the style and season of your wedding?

SERVICES OFFERED. Bear in mind that what’s included in the price greatly impacts whether or not a reception site fits within your budget. An affordable venue that doesn’t include any furnishings, for instance, might not be so affordable in the end.

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE! Are you incorporating this long-standing tradition into your wedding? A great new trend is to take elements of your mom’s wedding dress and create a custom robe for when you’re getting ready. A beautiful accent for photos and something special to hold onto and remind you of a woman that means so much to you!

At the wedding, the head table is where the bride & groom sit. Depending on the arrangement, some or all attendants & parents may join them. It is usually distinguished from the other tables with a floral arrangement or distinct centerpiece.

PLEASE BE SEATED

simple and hassle free seating charts

Assigned vs. unassigned seating at the wedding reception – opinions vary among today’s brides. Open seating allows guests to choose their seat which works well with informal type and cocktail party type receptions. With assigned seating, guests can be assigned a seat or just a table where they choose their seat at that table. A few guidelines will help the process of assigned seating.

A table for just the bride & groom at the focal point of the room. Traditionally, the groom sits to the right of the bride.

party TABLE family TABLE

Begin working on the table layout and seating chart a few weeks prior to the wedding to allow for changes. Include those you believe will attend but have not yet responded.

Determine if you need just a seating chart or if you also need place cards at each seat. Some brides are finding creative ways to combine the two such as a table with glass Coke bottles that have a tag hung around the neck stating the guest’s name and table number. Guests pick up their bottle as they enter the reception and place it at their seat. Place cards can help guests to remember each other’s names.

Traditionally, close family and friends sit nearest to the bride and groom. Those generally seated together are families, work friends, people of the same age (teenagers or the elderly), and groups of friends. For interest, mix the bride’s and groom’s friends at one table. Do not sit together divorced couples and/or feuding families.

Planning a seating chart should not be a stressful part of wedding planning. Ask for help from the mothers of the bride and groom and begin early to make the process simple and hassle-free.

A rectangular table at the focal point of the room for the bride, groom, maid of honor, & best man.

This arrangement honors the couple’s parents by sitting them at the head table along with the maid of honor and best man.

GROOM BRIDE

Lake Country’s Gathering Place

Intimate or extravagant, indoors or out, The Ingleside Hotel sets the stage for a truly memorable event. With beautiful accommodations for up to 500 guests, we can assist with ceremonies, receptions, showers, gift openings, and more.

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2810 Golf Road, Pewaukee, WI 53072

Table Seating Guide

48” round TABLE

Recommended Seats: 6

Space per Person: Approx. 28”

Tablecloth Size:

90” Round (21” drop)

108” Round (to the floor)

60” round TABLE

Recommended Seats: 8

Space per Person:

Approx. 25.5”

Tablecloth Size:

90” Round (15” drop)

120” Round (to the floor)

72” round TABLE

Recommended Seats: 10

Space per Person:

Approx. 25.2”

Tablecloth Size:

108” Round (18” drop)

132” Round (to the floor)

6’ rectangular TABLE

Recommended Seats: 8

Space per Person:

Approx. 25.5”

Tablecloth Size:

60” x 102” (15” drop)

90” x 132” (to the floor)

8’ rectangular TABLE

Recommended Seats: 10

Space per Person:

Approx. 25.2”

Tablecloth Size:

60” x 102” (15” drop)

90” x 132” (to the floor)

LATE NIGHTS & AFTER PARTIES

When you and your guests just can’t get enough

With a little luck and a killer song list, your friends and family are sure to be dancing the night away at your wedding reception. Serving up a late-night snack is more than just a scrumptious treat—it’s party fuel! With a little creativity, you can make your late night eats something incredibly memorable. Have a group that’s prone to party until dawn? Planning a post-reception after party takes the late-night festivities to a whole new level.

BEFORE-MIDNIGHT SNACKS

Toward the end of your wedding reception, a late-night snack can serve to keep spirits up and the party going strong. Some folks might need a break from boogying, while others could use a little edible energy boost to sustain their dancefloor frenzy. Either way, a late-night snack is a delicious way to top off your wedding menu, not to mention a nice way to promote a bit of extra mingling among wedding guests.

It’s a good idea to serve your late-night snack around 11pm, bearing in mind that whatever you choose should be able to be eaten quickly and easily, with little mess and without the hassle of proper plates and utensils. Typical late-night fare tends toward pizza, other comfort foods, childhood favorites with a twist, and bite-sized goodies like sliders, tacos, or popcorn.

ELEVATED EATS

With late-night snacks now being nearly as ubiquitous as cocktail hour appetizers, brides and grooms are looking for ways to take their choice in catering up a notch. Sometimes

LATE NIGHTS & AFTER PARTIES

this can mean going for gourmet or playing up the presentation. For instance, you could serve your favorite fried rice in Asian take-out containers, pair warm cookies with a perfectlysized shot of milk, or pour frothy mini espressos in adorable little glasses.

Still, late-night snacks don’t have to be fancy or doled out on a silver platter in order to be unforgettable. A nacho, poutine, hot dog, or baked potato bar with toppings galore would be yummy and interactive. You might also look to your favorite fast foods for inspiration, or ask your caterer to recreate that crazy-delicious State Fair treat you crave.

When in doubt, make your late-night snack a reflection of you as a couple. Friends and family are sure to love it, and laugh, if your late-night snack is something like His and Hers favorite homemade sandwiches or bowls of breakfast cereal. Have fun with it!

FOOD TRUCK FRENZY

Want to go really big for your late-night snack? Try asking your favorite food truck to park in front of your venue as a way to highlight some casual hometown cuisine. If you’re getting married on a warm day, it won’t be an issue to have guests step outside to place their orders. The food truck could even create a limited menu of just one or two items to keep the line moving swiftly.

Saying “I do” in a colder climate? You may want to bring the food truck feast indoors. Perhaps a local truck could still cater, or you might consider a smaller food stand rather than a full-on truck. Bottom line, if you have a favorite food truck in town, your latenight snack is the perfect way to work their scrumptious eats into the day.

AFTER THE PARTY

Want to keep the night going beyond a midnight snack? An after party gives you the chance to spend quality time with close friends who may be keen to let loose in a less formal environment. The easiest way to throw an after party is to pick a local bar for everyone to meet at. You might pick a place with some local flavor or a spot that holds meaning to you as a couple.

A fun way to approach the after party destination is choosing a scene that’s entirely different from your wedding reception. For instance, if you’re hosting a black tie reception, consider a nearby dive bar complete with pitchers of beer and dancing until dawn. Or say your winter wedding was the height of sophistication—you might take a trip to a tiki bar for a bit of tropical flavor.

If you want to take your after party to the next level, consider reserving a smaller private room at your reception venue or at a new location. You could even hire entertainment, charter a party barge, host a bonfire at your home, or scope out establishments with latenight bowling, karaoke, live music, or arcade games. Depending on your tastes, an after party can be as extravagant or easygoing as you like.

Wherever you choose to host your after party, make sure it’s a convenient distance from your reception venue. Tell folks via word of mouth or post the information to your wedding website. Even if you’re hoping for a small group of best friends, make sure all guests feel welcome. This way, your friends and family will end the evening with delicious food in their bellies and the chance to keep your wedding night alive a little longer. 

8 WEDDING

PRE-PARTY IDEAS

celebrate along the way

When you get engaged, it’s easy to go full-steam ahead into wedding planning. Let’s face it: your wedding is the ultimate party to plan! But are you snatching up the opportunity to celebrate along the way? Here are 8 ideas for pre-wedding parties, gatherings, and celebrations you won’t want to miss out on.

ENGAGEMENT PARTY

If it’s not too late, consider looping an engagement party into your proposal. After the asking, relocate to a surprise party that gathers together all of your nearest and dearest family and friends. You might host this at a local bar, restaurant, or someone’s home—somewhere festive. Already proposed? You can still kick off the engagement with a party! This is an opportunity to bask in the moment as a newly-engaged couple, before diving into the stress of wedding planning.

DRESS SHOPPING DAY

One of the first things on a bride’s to-do list? Find the dress. Odds are you’ll want to bring along some of the key people in your life—your mom, sisters, best friends, and so on. Turn the shopping adventure into a little party, complete with brunch, a blowout or nail appointment, a spa day, or whatever speaks to you. A fun day of pampering pairs perfectly with a day of dress shopping.

BRIDAL SHOWER

A bridal shower opens the celebration to a wider array of family and friends. Typically, bridal showers are daytime affairs that take place either at someone’s home or perhaps at a local restaurant. Be sure to prep your wedding registry

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So you Can Enjoy your Day

PRE-PARTY IDEAS

well ahead of your bridal shower as gifts are the main thing that set this party apart from the rest. Traditionally, your loved ones will use your bridal shower as an opportunity to—as the name suggests—shower you with gifts. This is their way of sharing in your excitement to be starting a new life with the person you love.

BACHELORETTE PARTY

Call your girlfriends—it’s time for everyone’s favorite pre-wedding party! While bachelorette parties are often a local, one-night affair, they are becoming increasingly extravagant in the best way. Groups of friends use the bachelorette party as an “excuse” to plan weekends away and once-in-a-lifetime trips, girls only. When planning a group trip, be sure to make reservations well in advance. You might even

plan your attire so that your entire group looks cohesive.

BACHELOR PARTY

Much like the bachelorette party, the bachelor party gives the groom and his guys a reason to go all out, whether for a night on the town or a weekend away. In our experience, the fellas seem to be more laid-back as far as activities and attire— but there are no rules here. When it comes to bachelor and bachelorette parties, anything goes.

WEDDING PARTY MEET & MINGLE

Does everyone in your wedding party know each other? It’s so much more fun if they do! That way the entire group will be comfortable together and primed to have a great time on your wedding day. Plus, true camaraderie will shine through in all your

PRE-PARTY IDEAS

group photos. For these reasons, it’s always nice to bring the bridesmaids and groomsmen together for a little meet and mingle before the big day.

REHEARSAL DINNER

A rehearsal dinner traditionally follows the rehearsal of the wedding ceremony, so it’s not all fun and games. It’s also held on the eve of the wedding, which puts some limits on the night’s festivities. Your rehearsal dinner should also include everyone in the bride and groom’s immediate families as well as the wedding party. It’s up to you if you want to also invite extended family and/or out-of-town guests.

PRE-WEDDING COCKTAILS

Following your more-intimate rehearsal dinner, you may want to host cocktails for any

out-of-town guests. Typically, you can invite all out-of-towners to a local bar or restaurant. There’s no obligation to cover the cost of drinks if you don’t want to—this is more so an opportunity to see faraway friends and family who have traveled a distance to celebrate your wedding.

BONUS: POST-WEDDING BRUNCH

Extend the wedding festivities beyond the big day itself. You might do a brunch and gift opening the day after your wedding, inviting close family, the bridal party, and any out of town guests. If you aren't keen to open gifts in front of other people, keep the focus on family and simply gather together. This is a great way to squeeze in as much time together as possible with the people you love.

CELEBRATE LIFE’S MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS

COLOR SELECTION

finding the right hue

First, think about when you will have your wedding. Certain seasons suggest certain colors. For example, you don’t wear dark colors in the spring, and light colors in the fall, it just doesn’t work. Wearing bright colors in the spring and summer is typically the norm.

Next, think about where you will be getting married and about the colors that surround the area. Make sure that you aren’t clashing with the red carpet on the floor.

What are your favorite colors? Are you going for a more modern or vintage theme for your wedding? If your favorites are magenta and navy, then they are a perfect combination and work very well. If your colors don’t work well together, then consider getting some paint swatches or fabric samples to help you decide.

Think of the season and what flowers are going to be easily accessible. For example, if you know that gerbera daisies are in season, and they happen to be your favorite flower, then use them! If you love lilies of the valley, then make sure that you have them and incorporate those colors into your wedding color palette.

Finding inspiration can be easy. Think of your favorite china pattern, or even a printed dress you love. Your wedding colors will fall into place. Consider having your maid of honor in a printed dress while your other ladies in waiting are in a solid complimenting color. This creates contrast, and shows that your maid of honor is special! Also, create the same complimenting colors within your bouquets and florals around the wedding. This will make your wedding fragrant and beautiful!

Christi Elizabeth Photography

Photo courtesy of Front Room Studios.

6 GREAT WEDDING GUEST BOOK IDEAS

Planning little details comes with the territory of getting married, from what your dress will look like to what you eat. But, one of the biggest decisions to make is who do you all want to include on your wedding day. A big guest list or a small one, whichever you choose, there is a special reason you chose each and every person. Creating the perfect guest book is a great way to remember the night and everyone who attended. Long gone are the traditional books of just having the couple write their name, now you are able to create something that is special and fitting to your and your spouses’ personalities. From having guests sign a painting to display in your house to leaving you verbal messages, the possibilities are endless. Read on to get inspired by these guest book ideas.

1. Location, Location!

What makes up your day more than the place you got married and the people who attended? Create a beautiful photo or painting of your wedding venue for guests to sign and hang in your home to reminisce on forever.

2. Polaroid Guest Book

Have your guests snap a photo and write a special message in a beautiful journal. A great addition for the coffee table to open ad remember how the guests looked on your special night along with their meaningful wishes.

3. Tree of Life

Are you and your sweetie more on the outdoorsy side? Have your guests sign the branches of a tree representing who all helped you grow in life.

4. Leave Us a Message!

These may be the only voicemails you’ll be excited to listen to. A fun new trend where guests are able to leave audio messages and wishes for the happy couple.

5. Make it Rustic

Is the rustic vibe a little more your style? Create a beautiful wood sign with your name and wedding date!

6. Choose a Meaningful Connection

Do you have a favorite movie? The guest book is a great way to incorporate something special that bonds you and your spouse.

Place Settings!LET’S TALK

Make it count

If you don’t have the budget to turn every guest’s place setting into a work of art, don’t hesitate to upgrade where it counts. Simplify your place settings for the majority of tables, but do your sweetheart table or king’s table up to the nines. After all, your table is the focus of not only your guests’ attention, but the vast majority of your photos. Don’t hesitate to go the extra mile for yourselves. After all the work you put into making this wedding a beautiful one, you deserve to dine at the table of your dreams.

Add a pop of color.

Colored chargers are a great place to start. Chargers are larger plates not intended for food, rather the dinner plates sit on top of the chargers. Their main purpose is to add to the visual effect of the table. Two other easy ways to give your place setting a boost are napkins and glassware. Consider choosing a napkin color that reflects your wedding palette. Or, if you have the budget, swapping plain glasses for colorful vintage goblets is an easy way to bring some lovely life to your place settings.

First, what is a place setting? It’s the table-top set of plates, cutlery, glasses, napkin, and more provided to a guest at a meal. Why are place settings important? For starters, they hint at what’s to come. A salad plate indicates that greens are imminent, and a champagne glass lets guests know complimentary bubbles are on the menu.

Place settings also make a table look lush and elegant, especially when crafted with thoughtful consideration. There are lots of layers that can go into a place setting. It might be bare bones with just the necessary plates, forks, and glassware. Or you might take it to an artful level by mixing in paper goods and three-dimensional flourishes. Here are some ways to approach place settings for your wedding.

Make the most of your basics. Your caterer will have an inherent need for certain types of plates, cutlery, and glassware. These may be provided by your venue or by the caterer themselves. Ask to see a sample of the plates and glasses in question. If you’re not loving the style, ask about alternatives. It’s possible you could upgrade. Bring this same critical eye to your table cloths, since choosing a patterned or textured cloth can make a big difference.

Go for extra oomph

Once you’ve curated all the basics of your place setting, it’s time to think about any extra-special touches. Things like sprigs of greenery, fresh blooms, or dried slices of citrus may not add anything functional to your place settings, but they add a dash of elegance and eye-catching beauty. You can also consider how your centerpieces mingle with your place settings, as floral arrangements, candles, and table numbers all add to the aesthetic of a table.

Layer items thoughtfully

First, consider the basics: plates, napkins, and cutlery. You can display these items the traditional way with the napkin, fork, and knife to the right of the dinner plate, or you can get creative with it. You might tie the napkin into a pleasing shape and place it on top of the plate. If you have seating cards, you might place these on the plates as well for added visual depth. If you’re sharing other paper goods with your guests, such as printed menus, consider the placement of these as well.

FLOWER POWER

Statement-Making Florals & Foliage

FLORAL FRAMING

For both a beautiful photo op and a functional way to draw your guests eyes to the pivotal moments of the day, flowers are a fabulous way to accentuate the scene. At the ceremony, a traditional or rounded archway is a pictureperfect spot for saying “I do,” especially if your event is being held outdoors. Your archway could be anything from a simple wooden frame adorned with a few floral flourishes, or an entire arbor lush with leafy greenery and a bounty of blooms.

Living walls and full-floral backdrops also look lovely at the ceremony and can double as a stunning open-air photo booth for guests at the reception. Can’t commit to an entire archway or wall of foliage? Consider a pair of

statement-making arrangements to frame your altar. These showstoppers can then be moved to your reception location and strategically placed among the rest of the décor.

SUSPENDED BLOOMS

When it comes to wedding reception centerpieces, there has been a recent surge of suspended floral pieces. For practical reasons, it’s nice to get the flowers off the table and allow more room for easy chatting and dinners served family style. If gorgeous impact is your goal, a hanging flower arrangement is tough to top. Chandeliers draped with greens and flower boxes that run the length of reception tables pack an unforgettable punch.

Wedding Venue

1 What is the capacity for the space?

• Find out if table set-up affects capacity

• Ask about your layout options

2 What are your deposit and cancellation policies?

• Ask when deposit and balance are due

• Find out how late you can cancel and still get a refund

3 Will I have access to spaces besides the event room?

• Ask about bridal suites and places to take pictures

• Determine if there are enough parking spaces and restrooms on-site

4 Is your catering menu flexible?

• Browse the selections for variety

• Find out if you can design your own menu

5 What on-site coordination services do you offer?

• Find out who will be in charge of the event on the day

• Ask if there will be a host or hostess onhand for guest needs

6 Does your staff have health and safety training?

• Verify if staff is trained in CPR and First Aid

• Ask about T.A.M. training (Techniques of Alcohol Management)

7 What is your bar policy?

• Ask if you can have an open bar

• Look for variety, including frozen and non-alcoholic drinks

8 What special amenities do you offer?

• Ask about secondary food services

• Find out if complimentary mints and coffee services are provided

At an intimate wedding, one super-long table set under a bloom-filled wooden pergola, woven with lights, is nothing short of magical. Don’t have the budget for such an elaborate scene? You might work with your florist to craft a series of hanging geometric pieces trimmed with greenery. These could be large wooden frames wrapped in budding vines, or a cluster of hoops strung together and festooned with flowers. Embrace this “less is more” aesthetic for all the impact at a fraction of the cost.

WEARABLE WONDERS

Until lately, the most popular wearable wedding blooms were flower crowns. Now, brides are branching out in their floral fashions. A close cousin to the flower crown, floral tiaras are having their moment. These are a little less

bulky than the traditional crown, perhaps being tied with a ribbon at the back of the head, rather than an abundant wreath of flowers. Cuffs of flowers are also on the rise for both brides and bridesmaids, as well as the occasional statement necklace made of greenery. When it comes to the groom and his groomsmen, however, you may notice that simplicity is where its at; no lapel gardens, rather simple, unfussy boutonnieres.

WHAT’S ON TREND

Popular blooms range from exotic protea and anthuriums to old fashioned dahlias and chrysanthemums, lauded for their remarkable range of color. Some brides are all about the tropics, while others turn to their own backyard, incorporating branches, leaves, and wildflowers found in local plant-life for a field-to-vase vibe.

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SELECTING A SITE FOR YOUR

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS!

• May I see photographs of other receptions held here?

• Where will we have access? Are there restrictions?

• Is there ample parking for guests?

• Do you provide a sound system, AV or PA system?

• Are there any restrictions on decor, photography, videography, smoking or bar service?

• Will you provide valet, coat check, restroom, bar and door attendants?

• Is there an onsite caterer? Are we required to use him/her?

• Are there adequate restrooms that are handicap accessible?

• Are there adequate electrical outlets for the entertainer?

• Could other events be scheduled the same day?

• Is there a certain time when we must leave?

• How far in advance must I book your services?

• What is your cancellation policy?

• Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?

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catering A MEMORABLE MENU PB Tip

Last year’s trends haven’t gone away; they’re just pitched toward health & social responsibility. Luckily, catering services have raised the bar on every aspect of wedding cuisine creating personal, memorable, and delicious meals.

BUDGET WISELY. Don’t forget to include taxes and gratuities in your budget! It can be a large chunk of your food and beverage costs.

FEASTS WITH FLAIR

As couples get more adventurous with their cuisines, caterers are offering more bold flavors, meaningful meals, and interactive experiences. From grazing tables to lite bits to gourmet tacos, there are so many options for creativity and personalization

Ethnic cuisine is a great way to bring a little flavor to your reception. Take your guests around the world with a variety of food stations. Think about hosting each of your favorite meals. The more you embrace what makes you unique, the more memorable your wedding will be. Food trucks are another popular way to up the fun factor, and latenight snacks like popcorn, pizza, or grilled cheese sliders are a huge hit.

Add Mocktails to the Menu. Planners are seeing a trend that attendees are cutting back on

cocktails. Serving zero-proof drinks that have the same fizz, color and flavor lets your guests still feel like they’re drinking something festive and can reduce the risk of intoxication.

In recent years, there’s also been an emphasis not only on unique meals, but locally sourced, quality ingredients. Couples like to support local purveyors in their community, as well as enjoy the freshness of a farm-to-table feast.

7 STEPS TO HIRING A CATERER Step 1: Start the search

Once you secure a reception site, your catering search can begin. Some reception locations require that you use their in-house caterer or banquet services, which makes your choice simple. This usually applies to venues like hotels and country clubs. If your reception location allows you to bring

CreatingMemories

A MEMORABLE MENU

in an independent caterer, you still might have to choose from a pre-approved list.

As you call caterers, make sure to have as much information as possible - your wedding date, time, approximate number of guests, and whether you’d like a sit-down, family style, food stations or buffetstyle meal. If you already have some ideas for your menu or any specific limitations (think vegetarian or gluten free), let the caterer know. Ask to see sample wedding menus and references.

Step 2: Decide on your style

Now it’s time to factor in your wedding’s style and degree of formality. Think about the vibe your wedding — is it a classic ballroom affair or a rustic outdoor bash? Do you want the food to be posh or playful? Such details will help a caterer determine what they can offer that falls in line with your

vision. Don’t be afraid to disclose your wedding budget as it will make the process easier.

Step 3: Schedule a tasting

When you finally narrow down your list of prospective caterers, it’s time for the fun part — tastings! Speak up during your tastings and don’t be afraid to ask if they can tweak something to your tastes. This is your day and your meal, and any good caterer will be pleased to work with your wishes as much as they can.

Step 4: Finalize the menu

Gather inspiration from magazines and websites, think about weddings you’ve attended, and ask friends for favorites and failures. Consult your caterer and trust them. They’ve seen lots of weddings and know what works best for the

Photo by Front Room Photography

NARROWING YOUR GUEST LIST IN 30 SECONDS or less

Not sure who to invite? Use this quick guide to help you in that process!

Are they family?

number of people, time of day, and location, so take their professional advice to heart.

Step 5: Calculate the cost

Facilities with in-house catering departments may have a minimum charge or set-up fee, while an independent caterer will usually work within any reasonable budget. Keep in mind that buffets are usually priced higher, since they’ll have to account for a little more per person.

Are they the immediate family or the spouse of your immediate family?

(aunts & uncles, grandparents, etc)

Do you like them?

Have you talked in the past 5 years?

Have you talked in the past 6 months? Coworker?

Caterers usually require your final guest count one week before the wedding. Include meals for wedding-related personnel, such as the DJ and photographer. If cost is an issue, ask your caterer about more casual meals for vendors.

Finally, make sure to ask what extras are included in the catering cost. Find out if your caterer will provide table linens, plates, glasses, crystal, silverware, and serving pieces.

Step 6: Hire the servers

Have you talked to them in the past 5 years?

Would you be upset if they didn’t invite you to their wedding?

Do you spend time together outside of the office? Ex?

you imagine your big day without them?

Your caterer will give you their expert opinion, but a safe bet is one server for every 10 to 12 guests for a sit-down dinner, and two servers for every 50 guests for a buffet-style dinner. If you’re having a full open bar, that will require more help — one bartender for every 60 guests.

Step 7: Get it in writing

Sign a contract with your caterer only after you have all the details spelled out: date, time, address of site, food items by course, beverages and bar guidelines, number of guests covered, provisions for special meals, time of cocktail hour, time meal is served, contact people, number of wait staff and bartenders, linens, terms of payment, and liability insurance. There will probably be an advance deposit when you sign the contract — and don’t forget to check the cancellation policy.

WEDDING DAY STYLE

quirky, elegant and unforgettable

You’ve found the guy and the dress, but you want your bridal look to scream YOU! Consider adding one or all of the following to your look.

PERSONALIZE IT: Have a patch made, or even a piece of the gown embroidered with your custom monogram with your new initials and wedding day on it. Make the embroidery blue, so that you have the “something blue” covered. You can also add an image if you would like, instead of a monogram, like a heart or other picture that is special to you. Have the patch or other insignia added to the inside of your gown. This will be something that only you will see. Wearing a veil? Consider having the bottom of the veil embroidered with white or ivory thread. It is simply unforgettable.

HAVE A SURPRISE!: You might want to think about adding a fun layer of fabric under your gown. Have the fabric sewn on the inside of the gown, and get ready for a photo op! If your gown isn’t full enough, then you might consider having a crinoline dyed to your favorite color.

YOUR SHOES: Gone are the days of plain ivory heels, and enter a whole new world of shoes for your wedding day! From cowboy boots to bridal sandals, brides are finding shoes that appeal to them and that express their personality. Have fun with this one!

NOT JUST WHITE: You might be in love with the color pink so why don’t you wear a pink wedding gown? Color is very in-style right now, and you might consider wearing a dress in your favorite color.

tips FOR TIPPING

catering, banquet manager: $100-$300 waiters + kitchen staff: $20-$30 each bartenders: $20-$25 each chef: $50-$100

Remember, being appreciative and a personal thank you note go a long way, too!

You’re busy. You work. Your fiancé works. A wedding consultant can save you both time and money, and reduce the stress of planning.

Experienced consultants have access to hundreds of wedding professionals and specialty services. By utilizing these contacts, they can provide creative and unique recommendations tailored to suit both your style and your budget.

Their expertise will ensure that you get what you want in terms of quality, quantity and service. Vendors usually give consultants the best possible price considerations in hopes of repeat business.

Many reception locations, caterers and entertainment companies offer coordinating services as part of their full-service packages. While these services can be very useful, they can also be

limited to a small list of vendors. A professional wedding consultant will give you individualized attention and provide unbiased opinions on protocol and style.

You can hire a consultant to assist you in planning your entire wedding, or to simply help orchestrate a rehearsal and wedding day. Fees may be charged hourly at a flat rate or on a commission basis depending on the consultant and the services you require. Most consultants offer a variety of packages and a la carte services.

Although friends and relatives can certainly assist with wedding plans, leave the details to a professional who can anticipate mishaps, troubleshoot when necessary and provide you the affordable luxury of a stress-free wedding.

PARTY RENTALS every last detail

Depending on where you choose to hold your reception, you may find yourself in need of certain items not provided by your reception facility. The term “party rentals” covers a variety of rental items including linens, chair covers, tables and chairs, tents, dance floors, fountains, plants, props and theme decorations.

If you are holding your reception in a hotel, then of the items listed above may be included in the overall cost. The need for various rental items increases when the event is held outdoors or at an event facility where you are required to provide your own caterer.

Before contacting a rental company it is recommended that you have the following information available.

• Exactly what items are provided by the caterer: glass, flatware, china, buffet linens, and so on.

• Any items provided by the facility: tables, chairs, portable bar, and so on.

• Your event date, time and location

• The number of guests attending

• Any special requirements or themes

Find out in advance what the delivery, set-up, pick-up and payment policies are. Be sure to coordinate with the facility manager to ensure the location will open when your rental company drops off your order.

From the proper tent size for an outdoor wedding, to the portable dance floor complete with tables and chairs, a good rental company will work closely with you to determine exactly what and how many rental items will be needed to make your guests comfortable and your special occasion a complete success. 

Bartenders on the Go

HIRE A PRO BARTENDER

take wedding spirits to the next level

You’ve hired professional photographers, caterers, musicians, and videographers to make your wedding day an unforgettable one. Don’t overlook everyone’s favorite pro: the bartender!

Not only can you count on knowledgeable, speedy drink service for your guests, but a professional bartender will handle the nitty gritty, like the bar’s inventory and shopping list. You won’t have to trouble yourself with glassware, ice, mixers, or garnishes — just sit back, relax, and enjoy your professionallypoured cocktail.

But it’s more than meticulous drink mixing: Like other wedding pros, bartenders are artists. Drinks are garnished just-so, and they’re able to craft cocktails based on individual guest’s preferences. You can also work with your bartender to create one or more signature drinks for your wedding.

Before hiring a professional bartender for your wedding, do your research. First, inquire with your venue and caterer. Some have restrictions on who’s allowed to serve alcohol on site. Others require that the venue or caterer provide the alcohol, as opposed to purchasing it off site.

How many bartenders do you need? Check your guest count. A general rule is 75 people per bartender. When budgeting, figure two to three drinks per person during cocktail hour and one drink per person, per hour, for the rest of the night.

To determine whether or not a professional bartender is the right fit for your wedding, meet with a professional near you! 

ocktail

1 Bottle = 8 Servings

1 Bottle = 18 Drinks

1 Bottle = 5 Servings

FULL BAR

Typically serves a mix of 50% wine, 30% liquor and 20% beer.

Bottle Count:

Liquor: 10 • Wine: 75 • Beer: 120 / 1 Keg

1 Bottle = 1 Serving

BEER/WINE BAR

Typically serves 75% wine and 25% beer.

Bottle Count: Wine: 112 • Beer: 150 / 1 Keg

Calculations assume an average of 1 drink per hour for 100 guests with the bar open for 6 hours.

consultants

MASTER THE DETAILS PB

The best gift a bride and groom can give each other is a professional wedding coordinator. Today, planning a wedding is more complicated than ever. Most couples have high expectations for their special day, but are novices at planning such a big event.

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MASTER THE DETAILS

There are lots of titles used to describe one of a bride’s most-indispensable vendors. Whether a wedding coordinator, planner, consultant, or designer, these professionals are here to make your day a seamless success. After all, many brides say that planning a wedding celebration feels like a full-time job. And the day itself? It’s a lot of work. Our advice is to hire someone whose job is to exclusively manage some, even all, of the planning.

PLANNER VS. COORDINATOR

Wedding planners are with you from the onset. They can handle all logistics like referring

A wedding coordinator, on the other hand, will typically step in much closer to the wedding, perhaps a month or so before the big day. This person will take care of any day-of or last-minute needs, keeping your wedding day and everyone involved on schedule and stepping in if there’s an emergency. If for any reason you don’t work with a wedding coordinator, put someone else in charge of fielding day-of issues. Trust us—as the bride, your only responsibility should be to delight in the day.

DO YOU NEED A WEDDING PLANNER?

You may want to hire a wedding planner or coordinator if you don’t have time to devote to planning yourself. Planning can take about 5 hours per week, some estimate. If you’re unsure about what’s all involved in a wedding, a wedding

QUESTIONS!

SELECTING A WEDDING

Consultant

• What packages do you offer? What do they include?

• Are your fees based on total cost of wedding or an hourly or flat rate?

• Have you done weddings similar to mine?

• What cultures and traditions are you familiar with?

• Do you offer “day of the wedding” assistance?

• Will you be willing to work with the coordinator at my reception location?

• Can you provide me with special rates when working with various vendors?

• How far in advance must I book your services?

• What is your cancellation policy?

• Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?

MASTER THE DETAILS

planner will ensure nothing gets missed. If you have a short engagement or are planning a destination wedding, a planner is invaluable.

HIRING THE RIGHT PERSON

Wedding planners and coordinators should be detail-oriented, organized, and reliable. They should stay on top of their field and be in touch with trends and new offerings within the wedding industry. Many coordinators and planners belong to consultant groups or associations, and networking with local wedding vendors is crucial. This allows your planner to make recommendations, and shows you can trust them to work well with others.

Here’s a handy checklist when looking for a wedding planner or coordinator:

1. Ask around for recommendations.

2. Read any reviews and look at photos of other weddings they have planned.

3. Meet in person and make sure your personalities click.

4. Confirm all the items your planner will handle. Ask about what happens in case of emergency. Ask for some references.

MONEY MATTERS

THE

OF HIRING AN event planner

budgeting

your go-to ADVANTAGES

less stress details vendors local expert

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Interior Design

Event trends tend to follow interior design trends. For 2023 the colors are trending towards muted taupe with sea mist and sahara blush accents.

Bold and Beautiful

Gone are the days of being afraid of color for your big day. Bold accents are a stunning way to incorporate some of your personality; such as fuchsia, emerald and purple.

Dusty Blue

Blue is the color! Create a beautiful table scape with dusty blue as the featured color, accented with sage tones and textured white linens.

Gold Accents

While boho is sticking around for the coming year, it is trending towards a more elevated vibe. Adding gold accents throughout your décor gives it that next level feel.

Lindsey Cole Photography

Renee Breana

Autumn Silva Photography

*Photos, Trends and Linen Information Provided by Windy City Linen

Front Room Photography

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decor + rentals

PERSONALIZED STYLE

As you start wedding planning, you might be surprised to learn that tables and chairs, eclectic decor, and even the dance floor aren’t typically stored in your venue’s basement. Whether it’s a glamorous reception hall or a tent in your own backyard, it’s extremely common to rent both necessities and fashion-forward extras for your wedding. Here are some of the basics to help you navigate the world of wedding rentals and event design.

BOOK THE BASICS. Don’t wait to secure your rentals. Book the basics right away — you can always add more items later.

PERSONALIZED STYLE

Whether it’s a glamorous reception hall or a tent in your own backyard, it’s common to rent both necessities and fashion-forward extras for your wedding.

CHOOSING A RENTAL COMPANY

The coordinator at your venue should be able to recommend a preferred rental company. There are many different styles of rentals these days: traditional, rustic, vintage, modern, eclectic. Whichever you consider, visit their showroom so you can compare quality as well as price.

WHAT TO RENT

Your venue might include all the basics, or you may be looking to rent a 200-person tent and everything that goes inside it. In general, the main furnishings you’ll need are tables, chairs,

linens, plates, flatware, serving pieces, utensils, and glassware. Other large rentals might be a dance floor or a free-standing bar. Also consider any heating or cooling needs, depending on your venue and time of year.

TABLES, CHAIRS & LINENS

At most weddings, you’ll see round tables, long family-style tables, or a mix. You may also need buffet tables, taller cocktail tables, and tables for things like cake and the guest book.

If you’re not planning to show off the tables themselves, tablecloths are a must — cloth napkins, too. Hosting a breezy outdoor reception? Make sure you have table weights.

You’ll need seating not just for dinner, but possibly the ceremony and cocktail hour, too. Have high chairs or booster seats for any

PERSONALIZED STYLE

little ones. Chair covers add color and texture to the space.

PLATES, GLASSWARE & UTENSILS

You’ll need plates for cocktail hour, salad, dinner, and dessert. Always order about a dozen extra place settings in case a plate drops or shows up chipped. For glassware, you might need champagne flutes, glasses for water, beer, wine, cocktails, and cups for coffee or tea. To keep the clean glasses coming, hire a dishwasher or find a workaround.

TIPS & TRICKS

If you have to place your rental order before your final guest count is confirmed, it’s best to round up. Thoroughly read your rental agreement and make sure the amounts and times of drop-

off and pick-up are all correct. Note the state in which goods are to be returned. Do dishes have to be washed? Chairs folded? Also be aware of added fees, such as a delivery charge or tip. Ask for the company’s direct contact information for the day of your wedding.

FUN & DECORATIVE RENTALS

Consider antiques, chandeliers, a disco ball, marquee lighting, or gilded mirrors. Want fun on a bigger scale? Bring in fabulous furniture to act as both a lounge area and a backdrop for photos. Up the playfulness with popcorn machines, cotton candy makers, lawn games, or outdoor fire pits. These are just some of the ways to add an unforgettable touch to your wedding day — and they’re all available to rent.

A wide variety of tents, lighting, tables, chairs, bars, dance floors, flooring, linens, china, glassware, audio visual equipment, food service and entertaining equipment.

Rentals

• What items are available for rent?

• What is the rental fee? Do you have a price list?

• Have you worked at my reception location before?

• Do you provide delivery, set-up and pick-up? Is this included in the cost?

• When will the items be delivered and picked up?

• Will you move decorations from the ceremony to the reception site if needed?

• If tents are needed, do you recommend one large tent, or multiple smaller tents at my reception location?

• What is your policy on damaged or missing items?

• Who will be my contact on the day of the wedding?

• How far in advance must I book your services?

• What is your cancellation policy?

• Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?

Dance Floor Wraps Custom

DRINK UP

give wedding day spirits a special touch

“Cheers! Salud! Prost!” We all have a preferred way of drinking to the health of family and friends. What better time to toast life and love than at a wedding? Let’s look at beverage ideas, large and small, adult and kidfriendly, to bolster a day brimming with drink infused merriment.

At the reception, lead with refreshments. During cocktail hour, greet guests with personalized drink glasses doubling as place cards. Try attaching a miniature nametag to paper straws or scrawl names on chalkboardstyle stickers and stick them on rustic mason jars. Another way to individualize the drinking experience: tiny bottles of champagne waiting at each table. Wedding favors for each guest might also be drinkable. If you’re a coffeeloving couple, gift a small bag of coffee grounds labeled “the perfect blend” or “love is brewing.”

To give potables even more personality, ask the bartender to create a signature drink for the bride and groom. Be sure to call the drink something clever, like “Marry Me Martini,” “Something Blue Punch,” or, a play on the couple’s last name. For a bride and groom who don’t agree on beverages, go for His and Her drinks…perhaps pink sangria (“Blushing Bride”) and a blue margarita (“Blue-eyed Groom”). If you’re connoisseurs of a particular type of alcohol, then create an entire focal table dedicated to your spirits of choice. Add a fun touch to the table with handmade signs: “Whiskey for the boys!” or “Eat, drink, and be married!” And if you want things to get really personal (and your venue allows bringing in alcohol), be your own

bartender. Pre-mix drinks in mason jars and keep them on ice. Or, if brewing is your thing, brew your own beer. It doesn’t get much more unique than that!

Beyond booze, incorporate nonalcoholic refreshments so that there’s a little something for everyone. Kegs of root beer are fun for the

kids. Large jugs of lemonade are not only thirst quenching at a summertime wedding, but they also make for a very pretty picture. When it’s time for dessert or a late night second wind, consider a coffee bar complete with flavor shots and donut pops as stirring straws. In the winter months, a hot cacao bar with all the marshmallow trimmings and peppermint stick trappings leaves a warm, lasting impression.

Want an even more unique-factor? Try soaking fruit in spirits! Popular combinations include champagne soaked berries and tequila-soaked watermelon wedges. Aside from fruit, any gummy candy can also soak up spirits for a yummy treat your guests are sure to be buzzing about long after the boozy gummy-bear buzz has worn off.

degrootfilmco.com

PRE-WEDDING JITTERS avoid going mad before the big day

Every girl always imagines their wedding as a beautiful peaceful and serene day. In fact, most brides end up going crazy just before the wedding wondering a thousand different things and hoping all goes as planned. Questions such as “Will the caterer show up? Will my groom still be drunk from his bachelor party last night? Am I really ready for this? Does my dress look ok? Did I pay the florist?” tend to plague a bride’s mind all at once.

How can we avoid going mad in the midst of it all? The answer is this, it’s different for everyone. Vague, yes but it’s the truth! Here are some simple suggestions to try to ease your mind.

1. Talk to your groom!

Most pre-wedding jitters come from a lack of communication. Your man is about to marry you; I promise he’s not going to shatter you to pieces by asking him a few questions especially if he has already made this commitment to you. Talk to him about any and everything. This will not only bring the two of you closer together, but it will also make you more relaxed and ready to step into marriage hand in hand, heart to heart.

2. Have a girls day out

Hit the town with your ladies and do all the things you used to enjoy when it was just you and your girls. Go shopping, have a mani-pedi, get your hair done, lounge around and watch your favorite movies with a big tub of popcorn, and finish the day off with a fabulous meal and a few drinks!

3. Pamper yourself

This may coincide with your girls day out but here are a few of my favorite things to do. Getting

Unique, custom designed necklaces, bracelets, earrings, hair jewelry, hairpieces and tiaras. Sterling Silver or 14 karat gold, pearls, gemstones or Swarovski crystals.

Restored, restrung or renovated familial jewelry

PRE-WEDDING JITTERS

a massage is heavenly! The soothing music and relaxing rub your therapist is giving your aching head and shoulders should send you to your happy place. Next on the pampering list is to get a facial. Many massage therapists can do facials in addition to massages. If not, facials are usually offered at salons.

4. Go home

Being with your family usually offers people a strange sense of comfort and regularity in their lives. Family is that constant rock that can make your hectic life and schedule tolerable. Having a few days or a week at home can be that cleansing sense of normality that you have been searching for. So put away those planning books, brochures, and fliers and go bake a casserole with your mom, sister and/or grandma or go

watch hockey with your dad, brother and/or grandpa.

5. Do nothing at all

The easiest and cheapest thing a bride can do to get away from it all is in her own home. Set your phone to silent, put away the bridal regalia, and listen to enya. If enya is a little too mellow for you, then try your favorite relaxing or happy tunes. Put on your favorite robe and comfy slippers, get out that book you’ve been meaning to read, make yourself a hot cup of honeyed tea, light some candles, and draw a bath. This little bit of time taken for yourself can make you feel like a new woman!

Hopefully some of these suggestions sound like a plan and can help you feel like yourself again! Best wishes! 

Special Thanks

to all the outstanding Premier Bride professionals that used their creative talents and services to make this possible.

Coordinator Premier Bride MKE

Venue

The Fitzgerald Planner

Ambrosia Events

Photographer Wild Elegance LLC

Florist

Ambrosia Events

Invitations/Signage

Paperwhites

Cake/Sweets

Simma’s Bakery

Beverages

The Fitzgerald

Linens/Tables/Chairs

Ambrosia Events

Rentals

Relics Rentals

Floor Graphic

Mandel Group

Puppy Concierge

Piccola Pups

Makeup/Hair

Wide Eyed Bride

Jewelry

Mirajo Jewelry

Fragrance

Pure Love Essences

Fine Jewelry

CRAIG HUSAR Fine Diamonds & Jewelry Designs

Bridal Gowns

Bliss Bridal

Bridesmaids Gowns

Miss Ruby Bridal Boutique

Menswear

DuBois Formalwear

Models

The Rock Agency

Garden Romance AT

Gown: SamiraAbella

Gown: Cecilia - Willowby

Gown: Paloma - WT00

Gown: Zuma - Abella

Gown: Sorvete - Willowby

Gown: Jenny Yoo Nova

Gown: Johnny - Madison James

Gown: SamiraAbella

Gown: SorveteWillowby

Gown: Watters by Meringue

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photo/video

CAPTURE THE MOOD

After months of fittings, tastings, and planning down to the very last detail, the day you’ve always dreamed of will seem to come and go in a blur. That’s why quality photography is a must! You want to be able to preserve the day and look back on everything that happened. Through pictures captured in a style that speaks to you, you can remember, relive, and cherish each moment for the rest of your lives.

DO A DRY RUN. Test a photographer for your engagement photos ensures you know and like their style before the busy wedding day.

CAPTURE THE MOOD

DEFINE YOUR STYLE

The right wedding photographer for you will not only document the day, but also capture the spirit of you as a couple. Determining a photography style that speaks to you is the first order of business.

DOCUMENTARY: Candid, spontaneous, not styled or posed. Capturing moments as they happen; shots of decorative details, action, and people. This style is currently trending, as couples gravitate toward the effortless, unforced feel of documentary-style photos.

PORTRAIT: Classic and posed. Poses can be staged with traditional backdrops, such as a church alter, or more creative, holding hands in front of a vibrant city mural. Portrait doesn’t mean dull or dated, it just means the scenery and composition are thoughtfully arranged.

FINE ART OR EDGY & BOLD: Dramatic and dreamlike, with interesting angles and framing. Might use more muted tones for a filmlike effect. These photos will represent the photographer’s vision, so if you love an artist’s unique style, fine art photography could be a great fit.

Many photographers can do a blend of these styles. In the end, worry less about what a photographer calls their style and more about whether or not their work makes you happy.

SHOP AROUND

Once you’ve established your target style, it’s time to shop around. Collect referrals from friends, review local wedding magazines and websites, and check out bridal shows near you. Browsing local photographers’ websites,

CAPTURE THE MOOD

blogs, Facebook pages, and Instagram feeds is the quickest way to get a feel for the talent in your area.

Beware of amateur photographers with limited real-world experience. Just because someone takes pretty photos, launches a website, and has a business card, that doesn’t make them a professional photographer. Choose someone with a strong portfolio of quality work, testimonials from happy clients, the right gear, well-thought-out contingency plans, and a professional attitude.

MEET IN PERSON

Don’t underestimate your meetings with photographers! Even if your artistic visions align, it’s just as important that your personalities click. Remember, this person is

shadowing you on your wedding day. They should be professional, respectful, and know when to hang back, while also being bold enough to go after great shots and draw natural expressions from your guests.

QUESTION & EVALUATE

First and foremost: Only meet with photographers within your budget. It’s disappointing to fall in love with a photographer’s work only to later discover their rates exceed your spending allowance.

At these meetings, ask to see a complete album of a wedding shot in a similar venue or with a style similar to yours. If you’re only gauging a photographer’s work off their online portfolio, you might be seeing a highlight reel; it’s best to get the whole picture.

CAPTURE THE MOOD

GET IT IN WRITING

Photography packages vary from one professional to the next, so it’s critical to find out what’s included, as well as the cost of any add-ons. A photography package may or may not include the following: second shooters, additional hours, high-res jpgs, photo albums, or engagement sessions. Some photographers offer such services a-la-carte, so you can choose only what’s of value to you.

Speaking of files, ask any potential photographers how they back up your photos; if their answer doesn’t come swiftly and confidently, that can indicate a lack of professionalism. Also ask about their typical timeline for delivering proofs and final photos. Bear in mind that faster isn’t always better. Some professionals shoot weddings nonstop during the high season, then spend the next six months of the low season processing photos flawlessly.

When you finally make your decision, get everything in writing. When is payment due? Will there be a backup camera? What’s the contingency plan should your photographer fall ill or have a family emergency? When will proofs be ready to view? Answering all of these questions up front will ease your mind and manage your expectations.

CAPTURE MOMENTS THAT MATTER

If there are friends and family that you want to be sure to snap a photo with or a particular time in the ceremony or reception that you want captured, it helps to put that in writing as well to help keep you and your photographer on track. Download our Ultimate Planner at premierbride. com where you’ll find a list of questions to ask your photographer and a checklist of can’t-miss moments.

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS!

• Will you be taking the pictures? If not, can I meet him/her?

• How long have you been a wedding photographer?

• What packages do you offer? What do they include?

• What type of photography do you specialize in?

• Have you photographed at my ceremony or reception location before?

• How many other weddings do you have this night? How long can you stay?

• Do you offer online ordering for my guests?

• Can we purchase all of our images on disk?

• Can we order additional prints later?

• What happens if you are sick or have an emergency on my wedding day?

• How far in advance must I book your services?

• What is your cancellation policy?

• Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?

creating your WEDDING ALBUM

@smokephotographyy

BOUDOIR FOR BRIDES

6 things you need to know

As a bride-to-be, this might be the best time to try boudoir photography. Whether you’re still flirting with the idea, or ready to go for it, here are six things you should know that makes this session a little different than your family pictures.

ONCE IN A LIFETIME. For many women, this is a one-time event, so make the most of it. Plan your outfits and accessories well in advance. It’s a good idea to schedule a hair appointment too.

GET TO KNOW YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER. It’s okay to ask questions about your session and your photographer. Find out where the photo shoot will take place, and ask to speak to or meet your photographer. This will help you relax during the session.

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT. Are you looking for image files? A photo album? Most women don’t choose to display the images on the wall so there are less

options; check with your photographer to see what they offer.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT OUTFITS. There’s no right and wrong here; choose outfits that have the most meaning to you and your husband-to-be. Consider wearing his work clothes or incorporating hobbies. Pairing sexy and sporty gives you a great combination.

ACCESSORIZE. This is the fun part. Bring hats, scarves, shawls, jewelry, sunglasses, feathers, umbrellas or even his power tools! The options are endless, but choose items you enjoy most.

IT’S ALSO FOR YOU. Yes, this will be the best wedding gift ever (and you might have a hard time topping it in the future), but a boudoir session is also for you. Pick outfits you enjoy and are comfortable in, and remember to relax and enjoy your session.

C R E A T I N G A L A Y F L A T

w e d d i n g i n v i t a t i o n s a n d m o r e

!

W h a t t o r e m e m b e r o n y o u r w e d d i n g

d a y t o h e l p y o u r p h o t o g r a p h e r c r e a t e

t h e p e r f e c t l a y f l a t !

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FIRST IMPRESSION

Invitations seem like such a basic item but there’s a lot that goes into them and a lot that comes out of them! Invitations set the stage and build excitement, offering guests a peek at your wedding’s style. With creativity and proper etiquette, your invites will give a great first impression.

PB Tip

IS YOUR VENUE LIMITED FOR SPACE? Create an A-list and B-list. Send out the A-list eight to ten weeks in advance and use the B-list as alternates for those from the A-list that decline.

It’s best to find a qualified local professional to act as your go-to person for all paper goods and etiquette questions. If you choose to purchase online, give yourself some extra time in case there are any problems that require shipping back and forth.

Before you choose a style of invitation, it’s crucial to know some of the broad themes of your wedding: casual vs. formal, bold colors vs. soft hues, etc. Knowing these key details will help you find or create invitations to reflect the style of your day.

If possible, order invitations and other wedding stationery six or more months before the big day to give yourself plenty of time for proofreading, printing, addressing and envelope stuffing. Formal invitations should be sent six to eight weeks before the wedding with save-the-dates going out months in advance. Save-the-date cards, or even an in-formal conversation with your guests, are especially important for outof-town guests. Plenty of advance notice gives traveling guests enough time to book flights and lodging with some flexibility.

CREATIVE THINKING

While formal invitations, complete with calligraphy and foil-lined envelopes are never out of style, the breadth of invite design options has grown immensely. The use of watercolor and illustrated elements is also growing to such an extent that many stationery companies now have a resident artist to accommodate those personalized, handmade touches. Beyond formal calligraphy, you might choose whimsical handlettering or even white ink on dark envelopes. Dress up your invites with a belt or sash wrapped around the middle. Hand-drawn embellishments, a chalkboard look, and vintage-inspired designs

are also lovely if they work with the style of your wedding.

PAPER PARTS & PIECES

Wedding invitation suites typically consist of several parts: a ceremony card with the details of the ceremony (traditionally with a layer of tissue paper on top), a reception card explaining reception details, a response card with its stamped/addressed envelope (yes, it’s proper etiquette to provide return postage), a map or some other card with directions to the ceremony/ reception and hotel information for out-of-town guests, and an inner and outer envelope. The rules aren’t hard and fast, however, you can combine information on a single card, omit the tissue paper, or really think outside the box with your design if that suits the style of your wedding day. For example, your response card might be a simple postcard.

INVITATION WORDING

Traditionally, whoever is hosting (read: paying for) the wedding will be listed first on the invitation. But it’s best to work this out on a caseby-case basis with open communication between the couple, the bride’s parents, and the groom’s parents. Some couples today who are paying for the majority of their wedding say “Mary Bride and John Groom, together with their families, request the honor of your presence at their marriage.” An experienced professional will be able to assist you more with wording.

ADDRESSING ADVICE

To address the envelopes, you can run them through your printer in a beautiful font, handwrite them yourself, or hire a hand-letterer to do the job for you. Hand lettering gives a beautiful

Invitations

• May I see samples of your work?

• What packages do you offer? What do they include?

• What kinds of products do you offer?

• How long will it take to have each order processed?

• Will we see a proof before the invites are printed?

• Do you offer discounts if we order other items at the same time such as thank you notes?

• Do you offer custom designs?

• Do you offer labels?

• Can you create a program for the ceremony?

• How far in advance must I book your services?

• What is your cancellation policy?

• Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?

• Are you able to fill future orders such as monogrammed stationery or additional thank you notes?

first impression and can even act as a sort of frameable gift to your guests. Avoid using labels at all costs, even clear ones as they just don’t convey an elegance or special-ness that a wedding deserves.

If you want to keep things formal/classic, here are some tips for the etiquette of addresses. Street names, cities, and states should be written out completely (no abbreviations). To address a married couple, use “Mr. and Mrs. Tom Smith.” For an unmarried couple living together, use “Mr. Tom Smith and Miss Judy Jones.” If every member of the family is invited, use “Mr. and Mrs. Tom Smith & Family.” If you don’t want young children at your reception, then politely say “adults only” somewhere in the invite.

Include your return address on the back of the envelope. Placing it on the back is less crowded and

leaves room for the guest’s address to shine on the front. You can handwrite your return address, or in this case, printed labels are an acceptable shortcut. You’ll also want to make sure that the return address matches the primary host. Is it Mary Bride and John Groom, or Mary’s parents?

STAMP STUFF

One last critical tip: before you send all of your invites, take one to the post office. Have it weighed to confirm the postage cost in case it weighs more than the normal envelope or is an odd shape. The last thing you want is for all of your invitations to be returned as “insufficient postage!” So stop at the post office, make absolutely sure all is right with your stamps, pop those gorgeous invitations in the mail, and take a deep breath. Your wedding is officially underway!

WEDDING invite TIMELINE

These are not hard and fast rules (except for the thank you cards!), but they serve as a starting point.

Destination Weddings (D) Timeline is on the top, and Local Weddings (L) are on the bottom.

SAVE-THE-DATES

(D) 8-12 MONTHS

(L) 6-8 MONTHS

Save-the-dates give your guests a friendly headsup. They are not always necessary, but are never a bad idea. Your guests may decide to turn your destination wedding into a getaway trip, so those save-the-dates can be sent up to a year in advance.

INVITATIONS

(D) 3-4 MONTHS

(L) 4-8 WEEKS

There is such a thing as too early! Send invitations so that your guests’ maximum anticipation lines up with your big day. Invitations for destination weddings should be sent far enough in advance for your guests to make their travel plans.

RSVP DEADLINE

(D) 3-5 WEEKS

(L) 2-3 WEEKS

Your RSVP Deadline will depend on how much lead time your wedding professionals need. The first one to consider is your caterer’s meal count. Check with each vendor to determine when they need a final number, and set the RSVP return date for a week before that.

THANK YOUS

(D) IMMEDIATELY

(L) IMMEDIATELY

Believe it or not, you’ll start receiving gifts even before you walk down the aisle. Send thank you cards immediately. Once you’re back from your honeymoon, kick it into high gear to get them out no later than six weeks after the wedding.

scan me!

DEFINING YOUR DAY PB Tip

Through decades of evolving wedding traditions and styles, certain things remain constant like a bride’s white dress and gorgeous flowers to adorn the day. Though we think of flowers as an accent, they’re so much more at a wedding. Flowers help define a wedding’s colors, theme, and mood.

FLOWER PRESERVATION. After your wedding, look into ways to preserve your flowers via drying, pressing, painting, or resin.

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS!flowers

DEFINING YOUR DAY

If possible, you should book a florist 8 to 10 months before your wedding. You can find potential candidates in a print publication like this one, at a bridal show, online, or by asking friends and family for recommendations. Your goal is to find someone who is organized, professional, and whose style and personality meshes with your own. To start, create a flowers-only Pinterest board to gather images that you love, and maybe some that you don’t. It helps to have lots to show your potential florist. Have a budget in mind.

At your florist meetings, you should know your wedding colors and ceremony and reception locations. If you have a picture of your wedding dress and any fabric swatches from the bridesmaid dresses, bring those along as well. The right florist for you will take all of these elements (your style, venue, and budget) and create something special just for you. Florists know which flowers will and won’t wilt in the sun, which are best for indoors, and which will work better in a centerpiece than in a bouquet.

• What packages do you offer? What do they include?

• How can we make the most of our floral budget?

• Do you deliver the flowers? Is there a charge?

• Do you provide any other kinds of decorating?

• Do you rent or provide decorations and props?

• Will you come to the ceremony and reception site to plan out the decor?

• Do you set up at the ceremony and reception sites?

• Can you move the flowers from the ceremony to reception?

• Can you provide fresh flowers for the cake?

• How far in advance must I book your services?

• What is your cancellation policy?

FOR YOU AND YOUR WEDDING PARTY

You’ll first want to determine the look of your bridal bouquet. All other floral pieces will take their cue from this piece. This is the perfect opportunity to bring your style and personality to the forefront. Full, rounded bouquets are gorgeous, as are cascading bouquets which are a classic choice making a modern comeback. Today’s cascades are a loose, more natural style of bouquet. Also on trend are dried floral elements combined with fresh blooms for gorgeous texture and dimension.

Then there’s the wedding party flowers: Just as bridesmaids might mix-and-match dresses,

DEFINING YOUR DAY

you can also mix-and-match bouquets and boutonnieres. Remember to also consider corsages and boutonnieres for parents, grandparents, and other important people. These miniature arrangements have been updated in recent years. Corsages often take shape on metal cuff bracelets, while a spray of small flowers makes an easy pocket boutonniere.

FOR THE CEREMONY

If you’re having your ceremony in a place of worship, check with your officiant for any restrictions before finalizing the flowers. Consider aisle adornments and arrangements — such as an arch, swag, or spray — to frame your vows. Oftentimes ceremony flowers can play double duty by adorning the ceremony as well as the reception hall.

FOR THE RECEPTION

There’s an endless array of options for floral reception centerpieces: elegant vases filled with cut flowers, footed pedestals brimming with blooms, glorious bunches of wildflowers, assorted small vases with single stems, natureinspired elements, and so much more. You may even think beyond the tabletops themselves in favor of hanging floral installations. Use your imagination to incorporate flowers into oneof-a-kind centerpieces and scene-setters that reflect your style and your wedding’s theme.

Keep in mind that the height of the arrangements shouldn’t get in the way of conversation. Florists can create centerpieces at a variety of heights: all high, all low, or half and half, usually with three different styles. The key is to either make the arrangements low enough to talk over or high enough to talk under. A riser or vase that is about 24 to

Georgia Lloyd Photography

FLOWERS DEFINING YOUR DAY

32 inches will elevate above the conversation as long as the vase is narrow enough to talk around.

If your bridal party bouquets are doubling as decoration at the reception, equally spacing the bouquets at the head table is a lovely way to go. Finish off the table with a garland of greenery laced with flowers for a gorgeous effect.

If your budget allows, consider adding floral flourishes throughout the reception hall to tie everything together. Thinking big, a gorgeous floral backdrop certainly makes for a fabulous photo-op. A ceremony arch could even double as a sort of floral photo booth during the reception. On a smaller scale, your florist might sprinkle flower petals on serving trays or trim the dessert table with an extra flourish. Simple greenery placed throughout the venue is also

a lovely way to bring the outdoors in. Run any and all ideas past your florist so they can help you refine your vision, stay within your budget, and create a beautiful, memorable ambiance.

FLOWERS IN ALL SEASONS

Seasonality plays an even bigger role when it comes to florals. One of the most important things for you and your florist to factor into your choice of flowers is the season in which your wedding falls. You’ll find flowers that bloom during the month of your wedding will be more affordable and will last longer than those that are out of season. Also keep in mind that around certain holidays, flowers will increase in price across the board. Let’s look at some popular flowers in each season to kickstart your search.

Uniquely Elegant Simpleor Chic...

Menomonee Falls: N88 W16723 Appleton Ave., 262-253-9111

Pewaukee: 346 Oakton Ave., 262-695-9911 bankofflowers.com

DEFINING YOUR DAY

• WINTER: Amaryllis, Casablanca Lily, Freesia, Gerbera Daisy, Heather Holly, Narcissus, Poinsettia, Rose, Stephanotis.

• SPRING: Peony, Sweet Pea, Lilac, Ranunculus, Hydrangea, Tulip, Calla Lily, Magnolia.

• SUMMER: Anemone, Azalea, Camellia, Daffodil, French Tulip, Hyacinth, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Mimosa, Pansy, Primrose, Violet.

• FALL: Celosia (Cockscomb), Chinese Lantern, Chrysanthemum, Crosnia, Dahlia, Statice.

• YEAR-ROUND: Baby’s Breath, Calla Lilies, Carnation, Cattleman, Chrysanthemum, Cymbidium Orchid, Daisy, Dendrobium, Orchid, Freesia, Gardenia, Gerbera Daisy, Gladiolus, Hydrangeas, Iris, Lily, Rose, September Aster, Snapdragon, Stephanotis, Tuberose.

KEEPING IT CLASSIC

No doubt roses are the most widely used flower in wedding arrangements. These timeless blooms are available in three grades: fancy, extra fancy, and select. Florists rarely deal with fancy roses as they tend to wilt rapidly (they are most commonly found in supermarkets). Roses that are of top quality will last the longest. Traditional bouquets are all white and can combine an array of blossoms that are unique in shape and size. It’s also possible to have a vibrantly colored bouquet that still reflects classic styles and shapes.

Whatever your wedding’s theme and style, by collaborating with a professional florist, you’re sure to have the flowers of your dreams. Work together, but always remember to trust your florist’s expertise. In doing so, your wedding flowers will be the envy of all.

TYPES OF ouquet

Your Bouquet should Complement your Dress Style

As possibly the single most important design detail of the ceremony, you don’t want to hide the specialness of your dress with the wrong bridal bouquet. A cascade bouquet could overwhelm a simple sheath dress, while a contemporary design won’t be a good match for a classically designed ball gown. Consider the size and style of flowers each type of bouquet calls for and ask your florist how it will work to compliment your dress.

ROUND BOUQUET

A larger version of the Posy, this bouquet traditionally contains one or two types of flowers arranged in a perfect dome shape. Roses and hydrangea are the perfect flower to keep this uniform and symmetrical.

FLOWERS: BELLEFIORIFLORIST.COM

PHOTO: CHRISTIELIZABETH.COM

POSY, NOSEGAY OR CLUTCH BOUQUET

A very small tight bouquet of flowers without a lot of extra greenery. This petite, round bouquet can usually be held in one hand and is perfect for bridesmaids, mothers; in lieu of a corsage or an informal bridal bouquet for an elopement or trip to the courthouse.

SINGLE STEM BOUQUET

Simplistic yet striking bouquet choice, a single stem. Make the most of this budget friendly option by choosing a large, full bloom, like a hydrangea or peony, especially for a large bridal party.

FLOWERS: SIMPLYFLORALSBYAMANDA.COM

PHOTO: ANGELFACEPHOTOGRAPHY.NET

CASCADE BOUQUET

Forward facing with a full top and narrowing vines that waterfall to the bottom. Can be more dramatic and highlights the overflow of beautiful blooms or a tiny handful fit for a royal princes. Perfect for a seasonal mix of garden flowers with beautiful greenery help to fill out this style of wedding bouquet.

FLOWERS: BELLEFIORIFLORIST.COM • PHOTO: DEGROOTFILMCO.COM

FREE-FORM, UNSTRUCTURED BOUQUET

This style is intentionally asymmetrical and predominately horizontal. On trend with a bo-ho vibe this bouquet often features all types of botanical elements; fresh flowers, foliage, dried grasses, pods and even fruit).

FLOWERS: BELLEFIORIFLORIST.COM

PHOTO: GEORGIA-LLOYD.COM

PHOTO: CANVA.COM

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cakes & desserts A

SWEET ENDING

There are few things we appreciate more than a gorgeous, visually stunning wedding cake or sweet table display. The hard part will be choosing from all the mouthwatering options available as choices. So why limit yourself to just one. Go ahead and indulge!

KEEP ‘EM DANCING. Hire a barista later in the evening for lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso drinks.

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS!

• Do you specialize in any certain styles or flavors?

• What do you recommend for an outdoor/seasonal reception?

• Can you customize a cake from a photo/idea?

• Can you match the cake colors to fabric swatches or flowers?

• Can you create individual cakes for wedding favors?

• Can you create specialized cakes for certain dietary needs?

• Do you offer a tasting?

• How long do you need to prepare the cake at the reception?

• Do you offer instruction on how to cut the cake?

• Will you supply a container to freeze the top of the cake?

• Will you charge for any supports or bases on the cake? May I return them for a refund?

• Do you provide a plateau or stand for the cake? If so, what is the charge? May I return it for a refund?

• How far in advance must I book your services?

• What is your cancellation policy?

• Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?

Wedding

www.sweetperfections.com

A SWEET ENDING DESSERT DECISIONS

@SweetPerfectionsBakery

Start by considering the rest of your wedding. The look and feel of your sweet treat should match your day, whether that’s classic elegance, rustic romance, whimsical fun, or megawatt glam. For a black-tie wedding, a traditional cake is probably the way to go. If your wedding is outdoors or in a rustic barn, a traditional cake, bunt cake or lattice-topped pies are a charming choice. A candy buffet, ice cream sundaes or everyone’s favorite boost, a coffee bar, are fitting additions to any celebration.

As you style your dessert, think about what speaks to you as a couple. Are you both big movie buffs? Work your love of cinema into the cake with fondant rolls of film and famous characters perched on each tier. Did the groom propose in Paris? Find a baker who can craft a veritable

Eiffel Tower of cupcakes, brimming with French romance. If you have a uniquely sweet idea, seek out a professional who can bring your vision to life.

TIERED STYLE

Tiered wedding cakes are timeless. Textural elements or ruffles make for a cake with lots of dimension. Metallic luster, edible sequins, and gold leafing bring the glam, while a vibrant cake can draw out the color story of your wedding. Watercolor, geode, and sculptural designs are modern showstoppers. Craving a classic look? Painted and fondant monogramming and lace details are always an elegant way to go.

DECORATIVE DISPLAYS

While a lone tiered cake can be a stunner, there are lots of ways to feature your dessert table as

Cakes, Sweets Tables, Gourmet Cupcakes... Our possibilities are simply endless!

Alexx B Photography

OpenBox Events

Phoenix & Rose Photography

A SWEET ENDING

décor. Instead of just one large wedding cake, consider three to five smaller tiered cakes displayed at staggered heights. Cupcakes are another way to expand your wedding cake’s presence: Try showcasing the central cake surrounded by towers of matching cupcakes. You can even place a small cake at the center of each dinner table so the dessert can double as a centerpiece.

A LITTLE VARIETY

Wedding dessert doesn’t have to stop at cake. In fact, many couples are embracing variety these days, to the delight of their guests. It’s not uncommon to see a traditional cake paired with other sweets like cookies, truffles, or whole tables chock full of candy. Candy also makes a great favor, as you can give each guest a cute bag for filling with candies of their choice.

You can even think further outside the box to make your dessert experience an exceptionally memorable one. Having an outdoor wedding? Invite guests to roast marshmallows and stack their own s’mores, or build their own sundaes, complete with a well-stocked toppings bar.

You could even serve your all-time favorite sweets. Do you share a donut or chocolate chip cookie obsession? A display brimming with deepfried confections or loads of cookies can be fun and whimsical. Or choose two desserts — one bride’s pick and one groom’s pick.

SWEETS TO SIP

Who says dessert must be merely edible — why not drinkable, too? For winter weddings, hot chocolate bars are a cozy way for guests to warm up. Have help-yourself hot cocoa dispensers

Cake SERVINGS GUIDE

A SWEET ENDING

with an array of toppings: marshmallows, fresh whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and peppermint stirring sticks. Consider hiring a barista for a portion of the evening to whip up lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso drinks to compliment pastries, biscotti, and specialty chocolates.

FINDING A BAKERY

Whatever you decide on, take advantage of all food tastings. That shouldn’t be hard to do when desserts on the tasting menu! Go with your gut and choose the dessert you deem the tastiest, but also factor in the bakery’s efficiency and professionalism. The baker should return your calls and emails in a timely manner, be flexible with your needs, have some familiarity with your reception venue, and guarantee on-time delivery, set-up, serving, and clean-up (if needed).

PRICING

Wedding cakes are typically priced by the slice, depending on the style, ingredients, size, and embellishments. Your reception site might also charge a plating fee, often per person, to cut and serve the cake. But ask about this; it might be negotiable.

THE FIRST BITE

If you’re planning on a traditional cake cutting, make sure you have a knife and lifter set to go; these might be engraved with your initials or decorated with ribbons in your wedding colors. Traditionally, the bride grasps the knife with her right hand and the groom covers her hand with his as they cut the cake together — and the crowd goes wild! 

Named one of America’s top 25 Bakeries

Intimate Moments

Front and Center Floral

Guest Books

Annie + Ryan

Makeup: Carissa Lutzow | Hair: Haute the Luxe Beauty House | Invitations: Premier Printing | Flowers: Rindfleisch Flowers

Rehearsal Dinner: The 615 Club | Ceremony, Reception, Catering, Bartending: The Beloit Club

Dessert: Custom Cake Creations By Michelle Barnhardt and The Beloit Club | Music: Good Vibrations

Photographer: Red Lips and Honey Photography | Video: Snap Creations | Gown: Naama Nevipur from Haute Bridal

Bridesmaid/Formalwear: Tulle Bridal Boutique | Rings: Bride: Busch Jewelers | Groom: Manly Bands:

VIEW MORE REAL WEDDINGS ONLINE

Erin + Pete BELOIT WEDDING

Consultant: Events to a T | Make-up/Hair: Arch Salon | Invitations: Hall Creative Co. | Ceremony: St. James 1868

Reception: The George & Madcap Lounge | Caterering, Bartending: Saz’s Catering | Cake: The Cake Lady

Flowers: Flowers for Dreams | Music: Blue Water Kings Band and Dream City Music | Photographer: Paper Antler

Video: Courtney Rae Jensen | Gown: Karen Willis Holmes from Gilded Rose Altelier | Formalwear: Icon Suit

VIEW MORE REAL WEDDINGS ONLINE

Chidera + Terrance

Reception: Ingleside Hotel | Catering: Bisi African Restaurant | Cake: Simma’s Bakery | Hair: Becky Teal Hair

Flowers: A Novel Arrangement by Amanda Leigh | Music: DJ Spike/ DJ Martinez White |

Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse

Transportation: Blackline Limousines | Gown: Allure Bridals from Amelishan Bridal | Consultant: Event Design by Be

Nigerian Wedding Attire: Etsy | Rings: Larson Jewelers / James Allen | Makeup: According to Larissa / FMA Beauty

Rentals: Sham Studios, Farid Khatib, Heavenly Creations Events | Photo/Video: Gee Q Photos | Bartending: Randy’s GFS

VIEW MORE REAL WEDDINGS ONLINE

LAKE GENEVA WEDDING

Sydney & Austin

Consultant: Graceful Events | Makeup: Embrace Your Face Artistry | Hair: Hair by Lucca | Invitations: Minted

Ceremony, Reception, Catering, Bartending, Transportation: Lake Lawn Resort |

Photo/Video: Matt Mason Photography

Cake: Poppy Cakes | Flowers: Willow Design | Music: DJ Felix Entertainment | Rings: Fontana Jeweler

Gown: All Who Wander from Bon Bon Belle | Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse | Rentals: Parker Drive Event Co.

VIEW

MORE REAL WEDDINGS ONLINE

Michelle + Greg

Consultant: Jane Himmel Weddings and Special Events | Makeup/Hair: The Bridal Beauty Team | Flowers: Jaimer’s Floral

Invitations: Erickson Design | Ceremony, Reception: Sanger House Gardens & The Grain Exchange | Cake: Simma’s Bakery

Catering, Bartending: Bartolotta Catering | Music: Front of House Band | Photographer: Gerber Scarpelli Weddings

Video: Salem Media Productions | Gown: Ines Di Santo from Ultimate Bride Chicago | Veil: Victoria Sdoukos Couture

Formalwear: Spier & Mackay | Rentals: Arena Rentals, Gertrude and Evelyn Vintage Rentals, David Charles Productions

VIEW MORE REAL WEDDINGS ONLINE

The bride, Jessie, has a keen eye for detail and wanted to include unique and personal details in every aspect of their wedding day. She was interested in a non-traditional approach with unique wedding flowers. Emily, owner and designer at Belle Fiori, suggested wearables and the design ideas took off from there! Each of the brides' attendants were given their own specific & intentional designed floral piece. These stunning works of art were created using Astrantia, Lisianthus, Butterfly Ranunculus, Stock, Spray Roses and Hypericum Berries.

Left Page, Clockwise:

DELUXE CORSAGE

FRESH FLOWER LAPEL

FLORAL ARM BAND

FRESH FLOWER EARRINGS

This Page, Top to Bottom: FLORAL TATTOO

ENTIRE BRIDAL PARTY

at VILLA TERRACE DECORATIVE ARTS MUSEUM

Photography by: Stephanie Bartman Photography Flowers by: Belle Fiori, Ltd.

A LAKESIDE WEDDING HAS A NICE RING TO IT

Tie the knot at the Lake Geneva area’s premier lakefront destination ceremony venue. Convenient to Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison, Lake Lawn Resort sits on two miles of Delavan Lake shoreline and features rolling lawns, charming courtyards, and sweeping views.

lake geneva

A GORGEOUS LAKE

People always ask me how do I get the most of a lake Geneva Wedding? I grew up in this town, I got married to my wonderful wife in this town and I have attended more than 500 weddings in this town. I have some experience with lake Geneva Weddings.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE BEAUTIFUL SCENERY. Search out terraces, bridges and walkways along the lakefront that will make beautiful backdrops for your photos.

PhotographyKristina Lorraine

A GORGEOUS LAKE

So here is my Answer. Start with the simple questions “WHY?” Why have you decided to have a Lake Geneva Wedding? There are a lot of great reasons to have a wedding in lake Geneva. Your reasons may vary but here are some good ones:

It’s Gorgeous. It is one of the most beautiful Lakes in North America. Geneva Lake is the second deepest lake in Wisconsin (5,500 acres, 152 feet deep, 21 miles around, 3 miles wide, and 9 miles long). An has many deep caves and is rumored to have a sea monster similar to Loch Ness living deep within.

It is the original Chicago destination and reminiscent of the roaring 20’s and GREAT events. It is and always has been one of the best party towns in the country… but comes with an eloquence that is extremely unique. Hugh Hefner chose Lake Geneva as the home for the nationally acclaimed Playboy Club & Resort, now the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.

If your into to a nautical theme, you can’t beat lake Geneva. The Geneva Lake area is the home of Buddy Melges, 1972 Olympic yachting gold medallist and helmsman of the winning America’s Cup team in 1992. There are several regatta’s throughout the summer.

It may be the best wedding your guests ever attend! Give them a vacation on the way to your wedding! Lake Geneva is hopping with boaters, swimmers, parasailers and paddleboarders. The shopping is incredible, the nightlife impeccable, and there are more resorts and Bed and Breakfasts than you could probably visit in a year. Lake Geneva’s unique 26 mi shore path along with Boat Tours, Skiing, Horseback riding, hunting, fishing and all kinds of other activities make this one of the best gifts you could give back to your guests.

Plan in ADVANCE

You just got engaged! Now what?

GATHER A TENTATIVE HEAD COUNT

a

SEND OUT save-the-date CARDS

For a detailed timeline, check out the planner in the back of the book

A GORGEOUS LAKE

But more importantly in regard planning a wedding, it offers some of the best wedding resorts in the Midwest often at a fraction of the cost of a Downtown Chicago Venue. Finally the local Lake Geneva Wedding vendors know their town like no other. From wedding planners, officiants, photographers, and florists and more you will find some of the best customer

service available and delivered with a smile and a warm welcoming handshake.

So how do you find the best? Well I think you have! Premiere Bride proudly displays the best Lake Geneva has to offer! So “why choose Lake Geneva?” There are so many great reasons to choose Lake Geneva, I think the better question is “why wouldn’t you choose Lake Geneva!”

6-18 MONTHS is typical for an engagement

PRE-WEDDING GETAWAY

when you need a break

With the stress of planning your wedding, you might feel as if you need a break which is exactly why couples are taking a pre-honeymoon!

What is a pre-honeymoon? It can be a weekend getaway or just an overnight stay at a bed and breakfast a couple hours away.

Why do I need a pre-honeymoon? You might feel stressed due to wedding planning, and this can ease that stress by getting away for a couple days to decompress and to come back with a fresh start. It also allows you to rekindle as a couple, rather than constantly planning your wedding.

Where should we go? You could go somewhere abroad, if money permits, or just somewhere a couple hours away. As long as you are together,

have a great stress free weekend! You could even just check into a nice hotel and get pampered for the night. This will keep your stress level down as you are relaxing!

You could also go somewhere that’s sentimental to you as a couple, including where he proposed, or where you went on your first date. The purpose of the pre-honeymoon is to unwind and connect as a couple, and taking a pre-honeymoon is just the ticket!

Travel deals can pop up at anytime, and there are many websites that you can use to find the best deal for your travel plans. You can also utilize the coupon applications for getaways with your special someone, and this is sometimes the cheapest way to travel! 

A Wedding is a Wonderful Story

CREATIVE DETAILS enhancing the guest experience

Give your guests a night they’ll never forget! Creative details really help to make a wedding celebration magical and memorable for your family and friends. We’ve rounded up some of the hottest trends for a wedding day wow factor.

FOR THE LITTLE ONES. If children are invited to the wedding and reception, then consider hiring a babysitter for part of the evening. The babysitter can be stationed in a room off of the main reception hall that’s fully equipped with kidfriendly movies, games, and food. This is a recipe for happy kids and happy parents!

FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES. By embracing whimsy and off-the-wall fun, you’re sure to enchant guests young and old. Set up lawn games like croquet, corn hole (bean bag toss), or horseshoes. Hire

magicians, living statues, walking food tables, face painters, or caricature artists.

FOR THE FOODIES. Dinner doesn’t just have to be “your choice of chicken or beef.” Play with your food! Try the build your- own trend with a gourmet burger or baked potato bar topped off with all the trimmings. Serve a Bride’s Menu and Groom’s Menu featuring each of your favorite foods, or offer ethnic cuisine to celebrate each family’s nationality. Serving a late night snack? You can’t go wrong with pizza.

FOR THOSE WITH A SWEET TOOTH. Be it donuts, cupcakes, or s’mores, there’s really nothing stopping you from turning your favorite sweet into your wedding day dessert. Love candy? Imagine an entire table chock full of pixie

Set against the stunning shoreline of Geneva Lake, The Cove of Lake Geneva is the ideal place to say "I Do" Plan a celebration that you will cherish forever.

Newly Renovated!

CREATIVE DETAILS

sticks, gummies, and rock candy- all in colors coordinated to match the décor. Have an ice cream obsession? Try make-your-own sundaes with toppings galore, or scoops of artisan Gelato for a more continental vibe. If you’re throwing an entirely elegant affair, then a chocolate fountain is always a classic way to wow.

FOR THE THIRSTY ONES. Infuse some personality into the beverages. Start with a bride and groom signature cocktail or His and Her drinks. Another trend is martini ice sculptures where guests pick their preferred martini flavor and watch as it glides through the sculpture, chilling along the way. In the spirit of “help yourself” dinner and dessert bars, try a whiskey table for the fellas, jugs of flavored lemonades, or kegs of root beer for the kids. For a late night treat, offer a coffee or hot cacao bar complete with all the fixings.

FOR THE DRAMATIC. Show your favorite movies during the reception. And don’t forget the popcorn, candy, fountain sodas, and red carpet photo un-booth! Are you and the groom known for throwing themed parties? Give your wedding a theme, and ask guests to dress in costume. Some ideas might be dressing all in black and white, dress from a certain era or from a fictional world. Don’t be afraid to play to your personalities and have fun with it. Your guests will have a blast, too!

FOR THE MORE TRADITIONAL. Set a table with photos of your parents, grandparents, and great grandparents on their respective wedding days. Be sure to include all of the must-have songs and activities during the dancing portion of the evening - everything from the Electric Slide to the garter and bouquet toss. A photo booth never hurts either! 

SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN Marriage Laws

OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK

• All Counties are by appointments only.

• Apply in County in which either is a resident. License may be used anywhere in the state.

• Both must apply in person. Certified birth certificate is required.

• Proof of residence is required. (drivers license, utility bill, etc.)

• Apply no later than 8 working days (Milwaukee County), 6 working days (Ozaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Waukesha Counties) prior to wedding date — two weeks prior is recommended.

• Non-residents (both out-of-state) must apply in the county they will be married. License will only be valid in that county.

• Each party must provide the Clerk’s office with their social security card.

• License is valid 30 days from date issued.

• Legal age is 18. If younger, you must bring a certified consent form (available at the Office of the County Clerk) from both parents or legal guardian.

• If divorced, copy of judgement of divorce, court annulment or death certificate. 6 month waiting period.

• Most counties require name, address and phone number of the person performing the ceremony. Location and date may also be required.

• Some counties require documents not in English be translated and notarized.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. It is important that you verify all information before making any wedding or travel plans.

COUNTY FEES

(CASH ONLY, NO REFUNDS)

JEFFERSON

Office of the Clerk Courthouse

311 S. Center Ave., Rm 109 Jefferson, WI 53549 (920) 674-7140 co.jefferson.wi.us

KENOSHA County Admin. Bldg. 1010 56th St. Kenosha, WI 53140 (262) 653-2552 co.kenosha.wi.us

MILWAUKEE Courthouse

901 N. 9th St., Rm 105 Milwaukee, WI 53233

(414) 278-4070

milwaukee.org

OZAUKEE Administration Bldg.

121 W. Main St., Rm 128

Port Washington, WI 53074

(262) 284-8110 co.ozaukee.wi.us

RACINE

Racine Courthouse

730 Wisconsin Ave., 1st Fl. Racine, WI 53403

(262) 636-3121

(800) 242-4202

co.racine.wi.us

WALWORTH

Office of the Clerk

Walworth Government Ctr. 100 W. Walworth St., Rm 101 Elkhorn, WI 53121

(262) 741-4241

co.walworth.wi.us

WASHINGTON

Office of the Clerk

432 E. Washington St., Rm 2027

West Bend, WI 53095

(262) 335-4301

(262) 335-4735

co.washington.wi.us

WAUKESHA

1320 Pewaukee Rd., Rm 120 Administration Bldg.

Waukesha, WI 53188

(262) 548-7010

waukeshacounty.gov

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO CONNECT WITH LOCAL VENDORS, SEE THEIR WORK, DOWNLOAD PLANNING GUIDES AND ACCESS MORE INFORMATION!

Your Wedding

Congratulations on your Engagement!

Wisconsin is one of best places to get married! The area offers so many different landscapes and backdrops to your big day. No matter what you are looking for, you can find it in Wisconsin!

Cake & Sweets

$500 TO $4,000+

Invitations

$3 -$20+ PER INVITE

Invitations have many different options and formats. Your invitation budget will depend on the quantity, number of pieces to the invitation, using a calligrapher and postage. Calligraphy can range from $2 to $8 per invitation depending on the number of pieces you address, the RSVP’s, style of font and ink. Also, keep in mind, some invitations are more than 2 oz which requires more than one stamp!

Catering

$20 TO $75+ PER PERSON

Factors that can affect the price; type of venue, choice of food, serving style, and number of servers. Alcohol is not included in price; this is figured on a per person basis too. Alcohol can be estimated at $20 to $50 per person depending on venue, length of open bar and alcohol choices.

Average number of weddings guests is between 75-125

Dresses

$99 TO $15,000+

Cakes are often priced “per slice” or how many people it will feed. They are also priced on the level of décor difficulty.

Photography

$1,800 TO $7,000+

Factors that can affect the price; number of hours the photographer shots, number of photographers shooting the event, number of prints and photo album.

Most brides select a dress between $800 and $3,000. Please budget for alterations which can start at $125 and go up depending on the amount of work. More if it’s not done at the location of purchase.

Average National Wedding in U.S. is around $29,000

Videography

$1,500 TO $6,000+

Factors that can affect the price; number of hours they film, number of videographers, length of wedding video, number of hours of editing

Limo buses or limos run on a hourly basis with a typical 4 hour minimum. Distance is also a factor. Minimum charges of $400 are typical and will increase based on size, time, and mileage.

Wedding Planning

$300 TO $15,000+

Flowers have so many variables and it is hard to give a range because it depends on the quantity of bouquets, center pieces and décor arrangements, the type of flowers, the season or time of year, and how many stems you use. Bridal bouquets could be $125 to $800+ and Bridesmaids from $60 to $250+ depending on what you pick! With flowers, talk to your florist about what you want and estimated budget to come up with a plan!

Décor & Rentals

There are so many elements to this! Chairs can rent for $2 to $20+ per chair not including delivery and set up. Tables can rent for $6 to $75+ depending on style, size not including delivery and set up. Linens can rent for $6 to $75+ depending on style of linen. China, glasses and flat wear can rent for $0.75 to $10+ per setting depending on what you pick!

Popular wedding months are

$600+ – $3,500+ Day of Coordination starting at $600+, Weekend or Month of starting at $1,500+ and FullService Planning starting at $3,500+. Factors that can affect the price are involvement in the wedding planning process, experience of the wedding coordinator, wedding budget, or number of wedding guests.

Wedding Officiant

$250 TO $500+

A wedding officiate costs vary based on time location and time.

September & October

Hair & Makeup

$50 TO $200+

Makeup can run $50 to $125 for a bridesmaid and $50 to $150+ for a bride. Hair can run $50 to $125 for a bridesmaid and $50 to $200+ for a brides’ hair style. Prices might not include hair extensions. There also might be a travel fee!

DJ’s & Musicians

$750 TO $10,000+

A professional wedding DJ company will start around $750 and go up to $3,000+ depending on time, date, and experience. Ceremony musicians will start around $100 to $250+ per hour, per musician depending on experience and travel time. Wedding bands could range from $1,000 to $10,000+ depending on how many members, time, and travel.

scan me!

reception music

YOUR SOUND TRACK

Imagine a wedding without music. From moving songs at the ceremony to classy cocktail hour tunes to the late-night dance jams, music does so much to set the tone at a wedding. After a serious wedding ceremony, your guests will be ready to let loose and celebrate at the reception with lively tunes that energize and give your party life.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. Rotate between a live band and DJ! This is a sure fire way to keep your guests on the dance floor all night!

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS!

Entertainment

• What packages do you offer? What do they include?

• May I see your references and a demo CD?

• May I see you perform at an event or bridal show?

• If I provide you with a list of songs, will you be able to play them?

• Can we control the volume of the music?

• How will you and other musicians be dressed?

• How long do you play with how many breaks?

• How long will you need to prepare or set up?

• Will you be able to act as master of ceremonies?

• When do you begin charging overtime?

• How far in advance must I book your services?

• What is your cancellation policy?

• Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?

YOUR WEDDING SOUNDTRACK

COCKTAILS AND DINNER MUSIC

Receptions normally begin with a cocktail hour to allow guests to mingle while awaiting the arrival of the guests of honor. Background music is a must for this but conversation is key during cocktails and dinner. The music should set the mood, but not intrude. You have three main options: use the musicians that played during your ceremony, use the band or DJ that will be playing at your reception, or hire entirely different musicians.

RECEPTION AND DANCING MUSIC

Once the cocktail hour has ended and dinner is done, the main celebration begins — it’s time to hit the dance floor! This is one critical decision that can make or break an entire wedding. Whether you hire a band or DJ, your selection of musicians will be a guaranteed success as long as you provide a wide variety of music.

CONSIDER THE VENUE

Your ceremony and reception site might impact your choice of music and entertainment. If your entertainment has never performed at your chosen ceremony or reception site before, ask the site manager when they can visit the venue to make sure it meets their needs in terms of space, electricity, and lighting.

WHAT AND WHEN

The first question to ask yourself is, live band or DJ? While there are pros and cons to each, it always comes down to personal taste and budget.

When hiring live music, the size of the group needed is generally determined by the number of guests. More guests, more musicians. DJ’s have the ability to play a wide variety of songs, often

BANDS

LIVE MUSIC DJS

YOUR WEDDING SOUNDTRACK

provide lighting and audio-visual services and are usually less expensive than live music.

The best musicians can be booked up to a year in advance, so reserve your entertainment as early as possible. This way, once you find someone you like, availability is less likely to be an issue

BANDS

For a large, formal dinner and dance reception, consider hiring a band. Live music gives the evening a festive energy and is a wonderful option if your budget allows. The key is finding a band that caters to weddings. These musicians offer versatility and will appeal to guests of all ages.

Bands are typically multi-member ensembles. To find a band, elicit the help of a booking agent who represents the kind of entertainment you’re looking for.

Keep in mind that any live entertainment will require breaks, so find a solution that ensures music is always playing. If the band is large enough, it’s possible the band members can stagger their breaks so that someone is always playing. They may assist, or you can always configure a portable music-streaming and speaker hook-up to play some of your favorites that the band might not attempt.

DJ’S

A DJ is usually more cost-effective and can offer an almost infinite variety of music. Additional services such as specially lighting, floor monograms, and audio-visual services can be added to a package but usually include additional cost. The added bonus with a DJ is - no breaks.

An important factor in selecting a DJ is personality. Are you looking for a crazy-fun, “put

Specialty Music

Thinking

How

YOUR WEDDING SOUNDTRACK

a ring on it” party animal or an upscale, keepit-classy entertainer? They will probably be your emcee as well, handling introductions, toasts and special dances. We recommend you watch a live performance to confirm you are on the same page. A quality DJ can read the crowd and ensure the dance floor stays full of dancing guests.

BEFORE AND AFTER THE DECISION IS MADE

Ask for and follow up on several references. Make sure that your musicians can play the song for your first dance, or that the DJ has a clean copy of the original recording. Communicate clearly and clarify what songs and events you do or do not wish to include. Make a “do not play” list of any songs you simply can’t stand and a “must play” list of songs you don’t want to miss.

Never book entertainment without hearing the music live first. It is equally important to find out the range of their band’s musical repertoires so there’s little something for everyone.

THE NITTY GRITTY

In terms of expense, a live band will almost always cost more than a DJ. Keep this rule in mind: if you can’t afford a good wedding band, hire a DJ.

As with other wedding vendors, make sure the ins and outs of your agreement with your musicians is very clear and in writing. This includes payment, start and end times, fees for playing overtime, alternate plans if a musician is sick the day of your wedding, etc. If any of your vendors don’t use a contract, put all the details into a document and send one to the vendor and keep one for your records. Confirm all the details with your musicians about two weeks prior to your celebration. 

MOST REQUESTED

Wedding Songs

FIRST DANCE

1 Luke Combs Better Together

2 Ed Sheeran Perfect

3 Elvis Presley Can’t Help Falling In Love

4 Etta James At Last

5 Luke Combs Forever After All

6 Chris Stapleton Tennessee Whiskey

7 Restless Road Growing Old With You

8 Luke Combs Beautiful Crazy

9 Earth, Wind & Fire September

FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE

1 Heartland I Loved Her First

2 Tim McGraw My Little Girl

3 Temptations My Girl

4 Rascal Flatts My Wish

5 Bob Carlisle Butterfly Kisses

6 Louis Armstrong What a Wonderful World

7 Stevie Wonder Isn’t She Lovely

8 Alan Jackson You’ll Always Be My Baby

9 Steven Curtis Chapman Cinderella

MOTHER SON DANCE

1 Rascal Flatts My Wish

2 Phil Collins You’ll Be in My Heart

3 Tim McGraw Humble and Kind

4 Boyz II Men A Song for Mama

5 Lynyrd Skynyrd Simple Man

6 Louis Armstrong What a Wonderful World

7 Lee Ann Womack I Hope You Dance

8 Van Morrison Days Like This

9 Fleetwood Mac Landslide

WEDDING PARTY DANCE

1 Walk the Moon Shut Up and Dance

2 Chris Brown Forever

3 Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling

4 Cupid Cupid Shuffle

5 AC/DC Thunderstruck

6 Steve Earle Copperhead Road

7 Neil Diamond Sweet Caroline

BOUQUET TOSS

1 Beyonce Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)

2 Shania Twain Man! I Feel Like a Woman

3 Meghan Trainor Dear Future Husband

4 Cyndi Lauper Girls Just Want to Have Fun

5 David Guetta Where Them Girls At

6 Spice Girls Wannabe

GARTER TOSS

1 Ginuwine Pony

2 Def Leppard Pour Some Sugar on Me

3 Nelly Hot in Herre

4 Marvin Gaye Let’s Get It On

5 Queen Another One Bites the Dust

CAKE CUTTING

1 James Taylor How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)

2 Maroon 5 Sugar

3 DNCE Cake By the Ocean

4 Archies Sugar, Sugar

5 Four Tops I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)

INTRODUCTIONS

1 T.I. Feat. Jay-Z Bring ‘Em Out

2 Chris Brown Forever

3 Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling

4 Daryl Hall & John Oates You Make My Dreams Come True

5 Beyonce Feat. Jay-Z Crazy in Love

LAST DANCE

1 Semisonic Closing Time

2 Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life

3 Journey Don’t Stop Believing

4 Neil Diamond Sweet Caroline

5 Donna Summer Last Dance

CEREMONY PROCESSIONAL

1 The Piano Guys A Thousand Years (Instrumental)

2 Haley Reinhart Can’t Help Falling in Love

3 Beatles Here Comes the Sun

4 Train Marry Me

5 Israel ‘Iz’ Kamakawiwo’ole Over the Rainbow

CEREMONY RECESSIONAL

1 Natalie Cole This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)

2 Steve Wonder Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours

CEREMONY

SONGS PROVIDED BY DJ INTELLIGENCE

photo booths

EXPLORE YOUR WILD SIDE

A wedding is just one day, so everyone knows photos are a great way of capturing the excitement and emotion for years to come. The professional photographer usually does a great job of snapping the couple, but pics of your friends and family members celebrating with you will be great mementos going forward.

PB Tip

MAKE A #HASHTAG FOR YOUR WEDDING. Make it easy for you and your guests to find and share all the images from your wedding on social media.

AN OUTDOOR WEDDING a unique atmosphere

Whether you prefer an elegant formal reception or a casual picnic, all can be easily arranged and coordinated with the assistance of a professional rental consultant.

A good rental agent will work with you to personalize every detail of your special day. Take advantage of their expertise! You and your consultant work together in determining the location and tent size your wedding will require as well as the size of the dance floor and the size or placement of tables. Consider an outdoor wedding since its beauty and atmosphere will truly make your wedding an affair you and your guests will always remember.

• What exactly is included in your package price? Props? Color choice? Personal message? Travel Charge?

• What does it look like, what are the space requirements and when should it be on?

• Will there be an attendant present the entire time?

• Do you use a high quality printer and photo paper?

• What are the payment and cancellation policies?

• Are there any current promotions or discounts available?

• When will you setup and breakdown?

• How many people can fit into the Photo Booth?

• Have you worked at my venue before? Do you provide references?

• Is there a limit on the number of pictures taken or printed?

• Is the Photo Booth handicap accessible?

• Do you offer any additional services or products such as a memory book/scrapbook?

Exciting and

DRINK, PEDAL, LAUGH - LAND OR WATER

• Great for Bachelor/ette parties

• Tours Walker’s Point & Downtown

• We provide the driver, you provide your own beer (canned only)

• Groups of 6-48 people

Things to Do in MKE

414-250-8768

Book Online at ThingsToDoInMKE.com

THE RIGHT BRA MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE!!

Accurate measurements and fit for maximum comfort and look. Voluptuous Secret’s has been accurately fitting women for 20 years.

• Bridal Corsettes

• Sizes 34B-50FF

• Everyday foundations

• Sexy or classic stylish lingerie & loungewear

It feels sooo good to be lifted!!

1740 N. Martin Luther King Dr. Milwaukee

VoluptuousSecrets.com • 414-264-7776

LET US BE YOUR DOG’S PLUS 1 AND DESIGNATED DRIVER!

The first of its kind in WI to offer a pet concierge service that brings your pup to you on your big day. piccolapups.com

Different!

HOST YOUR NEXT BRIDAL, BACHELORETTE OR BACHELOR PARTY WITH THE OPTIONS OF GUIDED WINE OR WHISKEY TASTING, WITH NO RENTAL FEE!

• Intimate setting for you to enjoy 16 options on our glass pour list plus over 300 wines on the shelf and a selection of liquor, beer, cider, seltzer & non-alcoholic options.

• Cozy but sophisticated atmosphere for groups up to 50 people.

• Guided tastings of WI cheeses, mini cupcakes or flavored popcorn.

• Catering options also available.

Historic Third Ward • 219 E. Erie St., Milw. 414-277-8466 • vinothirdward.com

MAKE MEMORIES OF A LIFETIME THROUGH THE POWER OF SCENT

You’ve covered all the essentials, but what about UNIQUE wedding day scents? A special wedding day perfume/cologne is an extraordinary way to honor & remember your special day through our most powerful sense. Our sense of smell is the only one linked with memory formation. Pure Love Essences would love to help you remember every detail of your wedding day {& honeymoon} for years to come.

Certified Clean | Cruelty-Free/Vegan | Made in the USA Woman-Owned | pureloveessences.com | 262-354-5659

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beauty PB Tip

HELLO GORGEOUS

On your wedding day, it’s all eyes on the bride. You’ll have that oncein-a-lifetime bridal glow, the groom’s jaw will drop, and swooning guests will whisper mid-ceremony, “Isn’t she lovely?” Combine your own unique sense of style with a few tricks of the beauty trade and you’ll be ready for adoring gazes and photos galore.

CONVENIENT BEAUTY. Hire makeup artists and hair stylists to come to you. It’s ideal for navigating any last-minute beauty emergencies.

INVITATION SUITE. Provide your photographer with all the pieces of your paper invitation suite to incorporate into your detail shots. See if you can provide this to them prior to your wedding. Consider including items that could enhance the image. Think ribbon, a runner or small swatch of fabric with your wedding colors. Lace from your mother’s dress. Your wedding shoes or ring box with rings could also be included.

From makeup to hair to nails, every blushing bride, mother-of-the bride/groom and bridesmaid wants to look their absolute best on the day of the wedding. We’ve got tips for the day itself and beautification plans to implement months before the big day.

BEAUTY 101

What’s the difference between a makeup artist, cosmetologist, and esthetician? A makeup artist is the person a bride turns to on the day of her wedding, enhancing her own natural beauty. Cosmetologists do makeup, as well as, sometimes, skincare, nail care, and hair styling. Manicures and facials fall in the realm of cosmetology. Estheticians take things one step further. They perform services such as skincare treatments and hair removal that makeup artists and cosmetologists may not be licensed to.

Each of these beauty professionals — whether in the weeks and months leading up to your wedding, or on the wedding day itself — can help you look your best. Not only is it their job to help you become the most polished version of yourself, but it’s also one simple way to shorten your list of weddingday worries! A cosmetologist or esthetician can recommend the best pre-wedding treatments for you, and a makeup artist will know trade secrets not only for fashioning a longer-lasting look, but also for accentuating your features.

When it comes to hair, a great hairstylist can help you create a look that complements your facial features, headpiece, and veil — and do so in a way designed to stay set through the last dance. When you go pro, the end result is a relaxed, picture-perfect bride.

GET GLOWING

A great time to focus on healthy, glowing skin is when your wedding is still months away. If you’re concerned about the health and appearance of your skin, consider a visit to a dermatologist, for bigger problems, or an esthetician, for minor issues. Depending on the severity of your skin problems, start six to 12 months before your wedding day so you have time to treat, heal, and achieve good results.

Facials are a must for all skin types. Facial treatments use deep cleansing, masks, and exfoliation to penetrate deep into the skin, killing blemish-causing bacteria, rebalancing the skin’s hormonal system, and stimulating circulation. Regular treatments result in refined pores, smoother facial lines, healed blemishes, and a more radiant complexion.

For full-body beautification, body waxing is a good place to start. This is one of the longest-lasting forms of hair removal. To take beautification to the next level, consider Botox, facial fillers, and face or body tightening. These treatments are designed to help you look and feel your best, without the pain and recovery time of surgical procedures.

If you’re of the opinion that a white gown’s best accessory is sun-kissed skin, you’re not alone. But before hitting the tanning beds or getting a spray-tan, consider that it’s so easy to come away from the tanning salon looking either beet red or pumpkin orange. You’d be better off embracing your skin’s natural coloring and dressing up your white gown with accessories in colors that flatter your complexion, such as jewel-toned earrings, a vibrant floral wreath, or a pretty pink lip to punch up the color.

HELLO GORGEOUS!

HAIR DO’S AND DON’TS

When choosing a hairstyle, consider your gown, the formality of your wedding, your personal style, your hair type and texture, and your face shape. Generally speaking, if your gown is elaborate, opt for a simpler hairstyle to avoid looking overdone.

An updo is a classic way to go and is ideal for showing off a dramatic neckline. If you’re a trendy girl, try braids, hair extensions, or a tousled bohemian look. Just be cautious of overly-trendy styles, as you risk looking back at your photos and saying “What was I thinking?!”

If you’re considering any drastic changes to your hairstyle, make the change at least a couple of months before the wedding. That way, if you don’t like it, you have plenty of time to make changes or figure out how to style it to your best advantage.

Consult your hair stylist four to six weeks before the wedding to find the right look for you, and be sure to show the stylist a photo of your gown. In the end, the most important thing is finding a hairstyle that stays true to you.

MAKEUP MUSTS

Whether you hire a pro to do your makeup, have a friend do it, or do it yourself, do a trial run before the wedding. In addition to looking in the mirror and getting feedback from close friends and family, take photos and evaluate. Now is the time to practice, not on the day of your wedding! Keep the makeup on throughout the trial day and see how it lasts. How does it look at two, five, and even eight hours later? Is it easy enough to touch up?

BEFORE YOU SAY “I do”…

YOUR MAKEUP STYLE IS AS IMPORTANT TO YOUR LOOK AS YOUR WEDDING DRESS.

IN-STUDIO & ON-LOCATION

Work with a professional makeup artist from our studio to design a look that is perfectly you, whether fresh and natural or runway glamorous. We will take the time to perfect what’s perfect for you and give a long lasting finish that will last from morning mimosas to the last dance!

Individually owned and operated for over 30 years by local businesswomen. Thank you for your support!

Please call or visit our websites for more information on pricing and availability.

HELLO GORGEOUS!

This is another time you want to be sure you look like you. Your partner fell in love with your beautiful face and would never want you to cover it up! But you can still have fun with it and pamper yourself. Define your eyebrows with a pencil and try fake eyelashes so that your eyes really pop in photos. Highlight key places, try a bold lip color, or use a primer under your foundation, lipstick, and eyeshadow so that it lasts longer. Whatever you do, wear waterproof mascara to fend off any streaks from tears of joy.

MAKEUP MUST-NOTS

Don’t go too light with your makeup as you’ll look pale and washed out in photos. Also don’t go too dark as it will be distracting, and you want your groom and guests to see you and not your caked-on makeup. Don’t overdo the blush. You’ll be emotional, happy, nervous, busy, and showing off your moves on the dance floor which is a recipe for your own natural color.

NAILS AND BROWS

Regular manicures in the one or two months before your wedding day will get your nails in perfect shape. As a rule, it’s best to avoid really trendy nail polish colors. Play it safe and go with a classic, neutral color.

Have your eyebrows professionally shaped at least two weeks before the wedding. Some people may experience a red, rash-like reaction, so doing this early enough gives you time to recover if it happens to you. You will probably need to clean up your brows a day or two before the wedding with a tweezers.

In the end, always remember that a bride’s best beauty secret is her smile! 

© 2022 Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc. Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios have been independently owned and operated since 1931.

Wedding Skincare Ready

At Illume Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa, we provide the full spectrum of beauty services, including injectables, skincare treatments, weight loss management, and more. From your engagement pictures to your wedding day, we’ll help you establish a wedding beauty regimen throughout your entire wedding season.

Call or text 414-439-3000 or contact us at illumemke.com to schedule your complimentary bridal medspa consultation today!

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groom

MOST HANDSOME MAN

Whether you are standing in front or walking down the aisle as the ceremony begins, all eyes are on you. You deserve to look your best dressed in the perfect suit and tie for the most perfect day.

PB Tip

MIX & MATCH. No one said your attendants have to match in height or age. Feel free to pair bridesmaids and groomsmen as you think they would feel most comfortable - also feel free to throw in a loaner!

MOST HANDSOME MAN

SELECTING HIS

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS!

formalwear

In warm weather, think lighter colors (tan, light grey, white). In all climates, darker colors (navy, charcoal, black) always look sharp. Ties and vests can match the wedding colors or compliment them with neutrals. Add some personality with colored socks and suspenders, or unique boutonnieres. Combining two suite accessories into one is the pocket boutonniere. This chic and modern cluster of florals adds a unique element to your wedding day look with the bonus of no pins. If the bride’s gown is ivory, the men should wear ivory shirts, not white, to compliment her.

Semiformal and formal wedding styles vary, so a groom should work with a formalwear consultant to get the right look for his wedding’s level of formality. The most formal look is “white tie,” calling for a traditional black tux with tails, a vest, a white winged-collar shirt, and bow tie.

ashsimmons.com

• What packages do you offer? What do they include?

• What formal wear is best with the time and style of my wedding?

• Are alterations, shoes, studs, vests and cuff links included in the rental fee?

• When should fitting appointments be made?

• Can tuxedos be tried on when they are picked up?

• When can the formal wear be returned?

• How can out-of-town guests send measurements?

• How far in advance must I book your services?

• What is your cancellation policy?

• Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?

When shopping for formalwear, bring color swatches of the bridesmaids’ dresses and pictures of formalwear styles he likes. Nowadays, rental suits come in various fits: classic, modern, and slim. But buying your formalwear promises custom tailoring and the best fit. Fit is key to looking your best.

Out-of-town groomsmen can get measured at any formalwear store or local tailors near them and send their measurements to the groom or to your formalwear store.

Someone should be designated to return all formalwear to the store on time in order to avoid late fees, which can get quite expensive adding up the per day, per outfit costs.

While there are etiquette guidelines for a groom’s attire, remember that men’s formalwear doesn’t have to be stuffy.

• Tuxedo and suit styles in black, white, gray, burgundy, tan, french blue and navy

• Wisconsin based business with personal service

• Vest & tie colors to match dress manufacturers

• Stylish slim and stretch fit styles so everyone looks their best

• Family-owned with over 65 years in business

• Unbeatable price!

TOP 25 WEDDING Do’s & Don’ts

DO take advantage of Internet technology. There are many sites dedicated to wedding planning that offer a wealth of information at your fingertips. Coordinate with vendors, make and confirm reservations, create a Pinterest account to save your favorite images and ideas. (Visit our website at PremierBrideMKE.com for trusted local vendors).

2

DO create a separate email address and use it for everything you sign up for during the planning process. You’ll enjoy getting special offers and information but can delete the address after your wedding date.

3

DON’T forget to pamper yourself. Treat your mom and maids the day before the wedding with an afternoon at the spa. You’ll have the time of your life enjoying facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. It will make you feel more relaxed and beautiful.

4

DO contact the location where you will perform your ceremony and ask about any rules or guidelines regarding music. Some churches require that you use their organist.

remember your guests with small children. Ask your reception site manager if there is a small room or play area near the festivities that you can rent. Hire a professional babysitting service to take care of the kids. Parents will appreciate your consideration and be able to relax and enjoy your reception knowing they are close to their children.

6

DO remember when purchasing a gown to be realistic about your expectations for losing weight. A gown can always be taken in, but rarely can it be let out without leaving stitch marks for all to see.

7

DON’T forget to involve stepparents in your ceremony in some way; perhaps a reading during your ceremony or an invocation before dinner.

8

DO consider table visits during your reception. It is a grand display of appreciation and respect when the bride and groom spend a few moments visiting their guests at each table.

9

DON’T seat older guests near the band or the speakers as it may be hard for them to hear anything else.

10

DO consider renting unique chairs such as chiavari, acrylic, colored or rustic style chairs. You’ll transform an ordinary room or site and completely change the look of your reception.

11

DON’T forget to discuss black and white images with your photographer. This classic style is dramatic and remains popular.

12

DO remember that the hour of the ceremony is an indicator of the formality of the reception.

13

DO consider having your entire wedding at a full-service venue. The convenience of having the ceremony, reception and guest lodging in one place is incomparable, especially for a complicated event.

14

To get your skin in shape for your wedding day, DON’T forget to start one year to six months prior to your wedding and practice make-up techniques.

15

When renting transportation, DO remember that the maximum capacity of the vehicle will be lower when the bride’s gown and train and the bridesmaid’s dresses are factored in to the equation.

16

DON’T forget that the best way to let people know where you are registered is to have family and friends spread the word. Although it’s impolite to mention the registry on wedding invitations, a hostess may do so on shower invitations.

17

DO remember to return rental items on time and undamaged.

18

DO select the ceremony and reception locations nine to 12 months before your wedding. If you’re getting married in popular months, select these locations as soon as possible.

19

DO make finding the right caterer and baker a priority. Great food is critical to the wedding celebration. Interviews and tastings are a must.

20

DON’T waste time getting to your reception. Have photos of the wedding party taken before the ceremony.

21

DO reserve your photographer nine to 12 months before your wedding. Decide which shots you definitely want and which ones you can live without.

22

DON’T forget to send an invitation to your officiant and to all of your wedding party.

23

DO pick up your invitation envelopes as soon as possible so that you can begin addressing them.

24

DO consider having two bouquets, one to keep and one to throw.

25

DO check with your ceremony venue about their policies, especially regarding alcohol.

Just a few minutes north of Milwaukee, Washington County a great alternative to the big city. Quaint downtowns with restaurants and shopping along with tremendous parks, trails and open green spaces galore.4

A TIMELESS PIECE

creative ways to capture the day

A new style of art is being seen at receptions called “live painting” where an artist will come to your wedding and paint your live event.

The paintings are original and are painted while the event is going on, which makes a great heirloom for the new couple. This can be given as a gift, or the couple can purchase this themselves.

This is a creative way to get some new artwork on the walls of the new home that you create together.

In addition to live painting, you can provide the artist with a photograph from the wedding, and he/she can create a painting out of your wedding pictures. This is a great keepsake, and will look great in your home!

Photo by Dave Hoefler on Unsplash

parents of the bride

In addition to offering their love and support, and perhaps a bit of the green stuff, your parents also play a big part in the celebration of your marriage. Their responsibilities are generally as follows, though you may want to customize this list for your personal situation.

• Parents formally announce your engagement in the newspaper in your hometown, your fiancé’s hometown and the town where you’ve chosen to make your home.

• Hosting the engagement party.

• Inviting the groom’s parents to their home.

• Assisting you with scheduling the rehearsal, ceremony and reception.

• Offering opinions and advice during the planning, but respecting your wishes.

• Preparing a list of restaurants should the groom’s parents ask for recommendations for the rehearsal dinner.

• Composing their portion of the guest list as early as possible. If needed, they may tactfully remind the groom’s mother that you need her list too.

• The mother of the bride should select a gown in a style and color that complements the bride’s gown, and inform the groom’s mother of her selection.

• Parents inform the groom’s family on a regular basis of all RSVPs from their list.

• The father of the bride should offer a toast to the newlyweds after the best man, groom and bride have shared their toasts. 

ASK THE RIGHT

QUESTIONS!

• Will you perform the ceremony at a non-religious site such as a hotel or club ballroom?

• Can we write our own vows, select music and readings or is there a standard format?

• Will premarital counseling be required, and if so, what will that entail?

• If we have been previously married or belong to different faiths, will you marry us?

• If it is an interfaith marriage, will both officiants participate together?

• Are there any special rules or restrictions for the ceremony?

• Is there a ceremony fee?

• How far in advance must I book your services?

• What is your cancellation policy?

scan me!

YOU HAVE ARRIVED!

From your home to the ceremony to photo locations to the reception and beyond, it’s fitting that the bride, groom, and bridal party travel in style. Some opt for limos and other luxury vehicles, others take a turn on the trolley, and some go by golf cart. There are lots of fun, fashionable ways to get from here to there on your wedding day. Here are some ideas.

PB Tip

HERE COMES THE RIDE! Consider setting up a personal event code through Uber or Lyft. Guests input the code when they order their ride, and the trip is charged to you. You only pay for the rides used!

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS!

SELECTING

transportation

• What types of transportation modes do you offer? What are their features and benefits?

• How many people does each option comfortably fit?

• What packages do you offer? What do they include?

• Are your charges based on time or distance?

• Do you have a minimum rental time? What are the charges after that time?

• What does your insurance cover?

• Can you guarantee a certain vehicle for the day of my wedding?

• How will the driver be dressed?

• Do you or can we do any decorating?

• How far in advance must I book your services?

• What is your cancellation policy?

• Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?

RECEPTION GAMES

Wedding reception games are a great way to keep your guests entertained while you are being photographed before the reception or as they wait for food! Some games are also a fun way for your guests to get to know you and your partner a little better!

Couple Mad Libs

Create a Mad Libs-style template for your guests to fill out at their tables for marriage and love advice. This is a wedding game guests can do alone, or the whole table can get in on the fun, sharing their tips on how to keep the romance alive, fun ideas for “married dates,” and other words of wisdom.

Bride and Groom Trivia

Create a list of trivia questions for each guest to fill out at the table. Have a member of the wedding party collect and read the cards to determine the winner. The guest with the most correct answers wins!

I SPY

Place a disposable camera on each guest table with a list of special moments to capture. Each group will have a different shot from their perspective. Some examples could be the first dance, “cheers,” table selfie, or just let them choose! You won’t know what you end up with until you take the cameras to be developed!

BACHELOR (ETTE) PARTIES take on a new look

If you think you know all about these traditional events, think again! Bachelor and bachelorette parties are about friends getting together, sharing old stories and, perhaps, creating some new memories. A weekend immersed in an outdoor adventure with plenty of time before and after for fine dining and visits to the local pubs is a great way to do just that!

Adventures include white water rafting, cattle drives, deep sea fishing, ATV desert rides, sky diving … well you get the idea. The adventure also can be adjusted to fit the skill level of the group.

The adventure bachelor parties give the best man, who didn’t take “Party Planning 101,” a chance to sign up the group and then relax. From the time the groomsmen arrive at the destination city until they depart, everything is

planned out, orchestrated and included in the modest pricing. Choosing a destination close to home, within driving distance, or at a mid point that is convenient to all members, is a plus. Too often out of town guys must make two costly trips to the wedding city. The same concepts and advantages apply for the gals.

The questions you or your fiancé need to be thinking about are:

1. How many people are involved and where are they coming from?

2. What type of adventure is appropriate?

3. What is our price range, considering all the members of the group?

4. How much time is there to schedule the event?

5. How do I learn more? 

of singlehood

Both the bachelor and bachelorette parties celebrate the end of singlehood and include the wedding party and same-sex friends of the bride or groom.

Renting a room in a restaurant or hotel allows guests to fully enjoy themselves. It also makes planning easy since an experienced staff handles most of the food arrangements and cleanup. Bridal showers and bachelorette parties can also be combined into one event, especially if the same group of friends will be attending both. If a night of barhopping is the choice, treat yourself to a limousine ride for both elegance and safety.

Consider having your bachelor(ette) party at a casino. A professional staff and dealers, gaming tables and equipment can even be brought to YOUR location. Casinos offer assistants to help plan your event. Professional staffs of waitresses, bartenders and anyone else you might need can even be provided.

A home party might feature diverse entertainment. For example, a comedy gram or some other entertainment is an option and it can be catered with prepared party trays. A bachelorette party can even take the form of a shower featuring lingerie, gag gifts or items to be used on the honeymoon.

Bachelor and bachelorette parties are best held a week before the wedding and not the night before. The most important thing is to be sure that the event suits the style of the guest of honor. Finally, remember to preserve the evening in pictures. You will want to have these memories long after the party is over.

honeymoon

FLY ME TO THE ‘MOON

With the whirlwind of planning and parties behind you, it’s time to get away! From the planning stages to the trip itself, here are some of our best honeymoon ideas and advice.

IT’S ALL IN THE NAME. If your last name will change, book tickets in your maiden name and make the change official after the honeymoon.

honeymoon CHECKLIST

carry on

Flight confirmation

Hotel Confirmation

ID (passport and driver's license)

Credit Cards

Cash Phone

for the bride

Bra/underwear/socks

Bathing suit

Shorts

Tops

Jeans

Nice dinner dress

Sundress

Lingerie

Pajamas

for the groom

Boxers/socks

Bathing suit

Shorts

Tops

Jeans

Nice shirt for dinner

toiletries

Body wash

Shampoo/conditioner

Toothpaste/toothbrush

Razors

Contacts/solution

Glasses

Vitamins/medication

ALTERNATIVES TO CHURCH ceremony options

Camera

Sunglasses

Lip balm

Gum/Snacks

Chargers

Headphones

Contrary to popular belief, not every couple gets married in a church. Nowadays, many couples are choosing to say their vows in the location where they hold the reception.

Light jacket or cardigan

Sandals

Sneakers

Heels

Tampons/pads

Makeup

Skincare

Jewelry

Hair tools

If you prefer to wed in a simple, yet religious atmosphere, a nondenominational chapel could be the answer. This is especially common if your religious backgrounds differ or if there are other complications such as annulment delays. The intimate setting of a chapel also allows for the freedom to add personal touches including unique music or personalized wedding vows.

Special services provided by the owners of such chapels can vary from tuxedo rental and decorations to photography and catering. Additionally, preserving a date at a chapel rather than at a church may be easier especially if you want to marry within a short time of the engagement.

Suit Belt Pajamas Flip Flops

Sneakers

Dress Shoes

Q-tips

Hair ties

Nail clippers/file

Brush

Deodorant

First aid kit

Sunscreen

The scene of a sentimental moment shared between the two of you can be turned into the place where you say, “I do.” Weddings are performed in parks, on cruise ships, under a temporary trellis in a backyard, or in the privacy of one’s home. Other options to explore are canopies, tents or gazebos set up outdoors or you can even exchange your marriage vows in the beauty of nature such as on a beach, in a field or in a forest.

Weather, shelter and the number of guests must obviously be taken into consideration, but many businesses cater to these unique circumstances and can assist you in planning your wild and wonderful outdoor event.

PLANNING YOUR destination wedding

Some of the world’s most beautiful wedding and reception venues, photo opportunities, and luxe accommodations can be found far from home, but destination weddings come with special planning challenges.

12 MONTHS BEFORE

• choose date & venue

• contact venue’s on-site wedding coordinator

• research airfare & room rates for your destination

• review legal marriage requirements

9 MONTHS BEFORE

• visit resort

• tour venue & guest rooms

• ask about group discounts

• send out save-the-dates & hotel info

6 MONTHS BEFORE

• reserve block of rooms

• book travel

• book officiant

• purchase travel & wedding insurance

• confirm cake, flowers, menu, & decor

3 MONTHS BEFORE

• send formal invitations

• create wedding day itinerary for your programs

1 MONTH BEFORE

• discuss final details with wedding coordinator

• finalize vows, music, & schedule

• release any extra rooms from your room blocks

• have programs printed & obtain additional wedding favors & ship to resort

DO I NEED A MAKEUP

look as good as you feel

You’ll want to look your absolute best on your wedding day, and this can be achieved with the use of a makeup artist. A good makeup artist will have a strong reputation with a long history. Consider doing a test run so that you both know what you are going for on your wedding day.

Take a look at his/her portfolio as this can tell a lot about their work. Ask for references or recommendations from past clients and ask them about the speed and accuracy of what they were looking for as opposed to what they received. Also interview the makeup artist and ask what types of makeup he/she will be using. Feel free to use your own makeup whether it’s new or from your personal makeup collection.

If you have any problem areas that you want your makeup artist to address, be sure to ask!

2 WEEKS BEFORE

• make sure you have proper documentation to obtain marriage license

• collect all insurance related documents

1 WEEK BEFORE

• create a photo shot list for your photographer

• share contact info with wedding party

• final check with coordinator

ARTIST?

If you have any tattoos that you might want covered up on your big day, let your makeup artist know ahead of time so that he/she can prepare for using a little more makeup than usual. Tattoo cover up can also involve a different type of makeup all together, and maybe even an airbrush.

If you cannot afford the use of a makeup artist, then go on line and look at some videos to assist you in proper makeup application. Also, go to your local department store, and have him/her show you precisely what products you need to be using and where. By the time you add up the cost of all these recommended products, you might save money by using a professional makeup artist. Sometimes artists will “sell” you the products they use. 

VIETNAM honeymoon

This popular, must-see travel destination has it all.

Couple enjoys trip through south east Asia with stunning view of Halong bay, Vietnam

This popular, must-see travel destination has it all. Known for its beaches, culture, outstanding food and friendly people, it’s also one of the most cost-effective locations for traveling. Everything from lodging, transportation and food, to custom clothing, is affordable. It is a communist country, but public opinion regarding the US is very favorable.

Shaped like a stretched-out letter S, Vietnam is long and offers different areas to explore. If choosing between regions of Vietnam, your lifestyle, interest and tastes will determine the location. Climate is also a consideration as Northern Vietnam is cooler, has damp winters and hot dry summers. As you head south, expect a more tropical climate.

Getting around Vietnam can be done comfortably and very inexpensively by bus and train with reclining seats and ample leg room.

CUISINE

The food in Vietnam is delicious and diverse. Don’t miss out on the street food that’s easy to enjoy on little plastic stools located on the sidewalks.

One of the cultural differences between the regions is food. In the north, expect ethnic Vietnamese. It bears many of Vietnam's

signature dishes (such as Phở and Bún chả). The cuisine is perceived as simplistic in flavors’ but complex in ingredients

Central Vietnamese cooking is distinct from the cuisines of both the Northern and Southern regions, using many small side dishes that are more complex and trend to be spicier with a flair for presentation.

Southern Vietnam cuisine has been influenced by the southern indigenous Cambodians and Chinese immigrants preferring more sweet and sour flavors in many dishes.

BEAUTY

Common in all regions of Vietnam is its natural beauty. Descriptions you’ll hear many times include stunning limestone mountains topped with rainforests rising from emerald waters. Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site” and

An Thoi, Phu Quoc, Vietnam - Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park

Famous Vietnamese cuisine

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, are just a couple great examples.

Included in those awe-inspiring views are caves. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is gorgeous and a must with over 500 caves to explore. The most popular are Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave, which are more accessible. Junker sails offer cruises around islands and caves. It’s worth the splurge and is truly a oncein-a-lifetime experience.

Now add the limestone karsts in the Trang An Grottoes area and the jaw-dropping rice fields with breathtaking landscapes and you begin to understand why it’s a nature lovers paradise.

For relaxation, head to the beaches. Con Dao Islands (Côn Đảo) is an archipelago of 16 islands. The must-visit beaches include Nhat Beach or Dam Trau Beach. Be sure to swim in the beautiful turquoise blue waters.

For a bit of adventure, enjoy sea kayak tours, scuba diving, rock climbing and hiking, particularly in mountainous Cát Bà National Park. Consider riding a motorbike along the Hai Van Pass through the windy roads from Danang or Hoi An to Hue. If you can’t drive a motorbike, join a motorbike tour or car tour for the experience.

HISTORY

Located in the Northern region, Hanoi offers a traditional culture and historical Vietnamese experience and shouldn’t be missed. The Old Quarter is a great place for visitors to stay. It’s an active area to wander around, eat street food, rest at a café and of course, shop. Ho Kiem Lake in the center of the city. Other cultural places include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh, the main proponent of Communism, is embalmed. Other cultural places to visit include Tran Quoc Pagoda, The Temple of Literature, and One Pillar Pagoda.

Da Nang is the central region hub for the area and Hue is an ideal city for the history buff. You’ll need at least a few hours to explore the UNESCO-recognized Imperial City. Then wander through the various palaces, the Thien Mu Pagoda and Khai Dinh Tomb.

Tour the temple ruin of the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO world heritage site

Aerial view of “ Ban Gioc “ waterfall in Cao Bang, one of the top 10 waterfalls in the world

Hoi An is another beautiful destination. The picturesque preservation of the Ancient Town, with its yellow buildings, cobblestone roads and colorful lanterns, make it easy to see why it received the UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition. Watch out for the cyclos (part bicycle-part carriage) passing by on the narrow roads. Cars and motorbikes are not allowed.

Stay into the night, as the streets illuminate with multi-colored silk lanterns around the walking area. Ride a boat along the Thu Bon River and release your own candle lantern in the waters for good luck.

The largest city in Southern Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and a fabulous place to spend a couple days. Even though it’s a bit crowded with people and motorbikes, there are so many good places to eat, shop, and also learn more about Vietnam history. French-

influenced architecture is visible everywhere and it has many iconic landmarks.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

The list could go on and on. From Tan Lap Floating Village, an eco-tourism site surrounded by the cajuput forest and mangroves, to the network of Cu Chi underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. Whether you’re into culture, history, landscape, beaches or food, Vietnam has it all. Add in affordability and it’s irresistible.

Aerial view of the Golden Bridge is lifted by two giant hands in the tourist resort on Ba Na Hill in Da Nang

Lights of Tran Quoc Pagoda reflected in lake by night, Hanoi

Adventure on azure water of Ha Long Bay

destination L

Imagine riding in a horse-drawn carriage through a vibrant autumn forest; snuggling in front of a cozy fire as snowflakes fall gently outside; discovering the first wildflowers of spring along a winding, wooded trail; or basking in the sun on a white sand beach as waves gently lap the shore. With over 300 miles of shoreline and its quiet, wooded landscape dotted with quaint harbor side villages and historic lighthouses; Door County provides an ideal backdrop for a romantic getaway.4

Sunrise at Baileys Harbor.

Photo courtesy Door County Visitor Bureau

DOOR COUNTY

The ten villages that make up Door County offer dozens of specialty shops, galleries and studios to browse through. Local restaurants feature everything from traditional Door County fish boils to candlelight gourmet dinners. Many newlyweds enjoy a winery tour or two at the five wineries in Door County. Others take in one of the many seasonal festivals or sample cultural offerings ranging from chamber music festivals and theater in the woods, to drive-in, double feature movies under the stars.

For couples who prefer to get away from it all, there are countless breathtaking views in Door County just waiting to be discovered. Cave Point, on Lake Michigan’s shore, is one popular spot for honeymooners, with its spectacular rock formations and pounding waves. And to many, nothing is more romantic than exploring the back roads on a bicycle built for two.

Some newlyweds enjoy Door County’s shoreline scenes from an elegant concert or dinner cruise, a snug little paddle-boat, a tranquil canoe, or even a picnic blanket on the shore. Others comb the waters of Lake Michigan in search of legendary shipwrecks. Even winter can’t put a damper on the romance in Door County, with its picturesque horse-drawn sleigh rides, serene cross-country skiing, snow-laden trees and cozy inns.

No matter what the season, budget or lifestyle, Door County is the perfect honeymoon destination. There is a magical lure to Door County that draws couples back again and again. Its closeness to home makes it ideal for romantic getaways long after the honeymoon is over, keeping the romantic spark alive for many years to come.

Contact the Door County Visitor Bureau at 800-527-3529 for personal assistance or visit DoorCounty.com.

Tricia Dewar Photography

DOOR COUNTY WEDDING

Ashley + Anthony

Photographer: Tandem Photography | Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist: Clipper’s Mate Salon ( Nicole)

Rehearsal Dinner, Ceremony & Reception: The Landmark Resort ( State Room-Taco Bar & Egg Harbor Room)

Cake Designer/Dessert: FlourGirl Patissier | Flowers: Maas Floral | Music/Entertainment: Music Masters Entertainment

Transportation: Door County Trolley | Bridal Boutique:

Experience a Landmark moment .

Minutes from the Village of Egg Harbor, the Landmark Resort is nestled within the natural forestry in the heart of Door County. With a panoramic view of the glistening bay below, celebrate your landmark moment with beauty and serenity.

scan me!

bridal shows

ALL UNDER ONE ROOF

Bridal shows can sometimes feel overwhelming but with a little planning, they can save you money, provide outstanding ideas and let you sample tasty treats. It can be a great one-stop-shopping experience if you go prepared. The vendors are local wedding professionals, and ready and willing to answer your questions.

DON’T GO TO A BRIDAL SHOW ALONE! You need others’ objective opinions and perhaps some physical help carrying around the many things you will inevitably pick up.

2023-24 BRIDAL SHOWS

Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin

(visit premierbridewisconsin.com/shows-events for most up-to-date listings)

2023

SEPTEMBER 17, 2023

BRIDAL EXPO MILWAUKEE

Brookfield Sheraton

Doors Open: 10:30am-3:00pm

For Free Tickets Call: 414-427-4325

bridalexpomilwaukee.com

SEE PG 17 & 251

NOVEMBER 5, 2023

BRIDAL EXPO MILWAUKEE

Brookfield Sheraton

Doors Open: 10:30am-3:00pm

For Free Tickets Call: 414-427-4325

bridalexpomilwaukee.com

SEE PG 17 & 251

NOVEMBER 26, 2023

BOUTIQUE WEDDING SHOWCASE

Red Circle Inn, N44W33013 Watertown

Plank Rd, Nashotah - 11am-2pm

262-367-4883

DECEMBER 6, 2023

WEDMKE: A UNIQUE ENGAGEMENT

Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee

Show Times: 4pm – 8pm wedmke.com

SEE PG 252

2024

JANUARY 6 & 7, 2024

56TH ANNUAL WONDERFUL WORLD OF WEDDINGS

Expo Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, Milwaukee

262-367-5500

WisconsinWeddingShow.com

SEE PG 26 & 248

JANUARY 11, 2024

PRITZLAFF WEDDING

OPEN HOUSE

Pritzlaff Events, Milwaukee

Show Times: 4:30pm-7:30pm

Pritzlaffevents.com

JANUARY 21, 2024

WINTER WEDDING SHOW

Fete of Wales, 500 E Summit Ave. Wales

Show Times: 10am-2:00pm 262-528-3383

JANUARY 28, 2024

WATERTOWN BRIDAL FAIRE

Turner Hall, 301 S 4th St., Watertown

Show Times: 10am-1:30pm 920-261-7770

Boutique Wedding Showcase

NOVEMBER 26TH, 2023 • 11AM – 2PM

Complimentary Admission Visit redcircleinn.com for details

N44W33013 Watertown Plank Rd • Nashotah, WI

FEBRUARY 4, 2024

TERRACE 167 WINTER

BRIDAL FAIR

Richfield - Show Times: 11am-2pm

262-623-6588

Terrace167.com

SEE PG 252

FEBRUARY 4, 2024

BRIDAL SHOWCASE

Rosewood WI

2484 County Rd. O, South Delavan

Show Times: 11am-2pm

262-725-7286

FEBRUARY 24, 2024

VETERAN’S TERRACE BRIDAL SHOW

Veteran’s Terrace, Burlington

Show Times: 11:00am-2:00pm

262-763-9400

veteransterrace.com

WINTER 2024

RACINE BRIDAL SHOWCASE

Fountain Banquet Hall

8505 Durand Ave., Sturtevant

Show Times: 11am-2pm

262-656-6209

WINTER 2024

GENEVA LAKE BRIDAL SHOWCASE

The Ridge Hotel

W4240 State Hwy 50, Lake Geneva

Show Times: 11am-2pm

262-656-6209

WINTER 2024

KENOSHA BRIDAL SHOWCASE

The Stella Hotel & Ballroom

5706 8th Ave., Kenosha Show Times: 11am-2pm

262-656-6209

WINTER 2024

WISDOM FROM THE WEDDING WHISPERS

414-807-2648

Ring Tunes – Redd

MARCH 3, 2024

BRIDAL EXPO MILWAUKEE

Milwaukee Marriott West, Waukesha

Doors Open: 10:30am-3:00pm

For Free Tickets Call: 414-427-4325

bridalexpomilwaukee.com

SEE PG 17 & 251

MARCH 6, 2024

THE CLUB AT LAC

LABELLE OPEN HOUSE

The Club at Lac LaBelle, 6996 Pennsylvania St., Oconomowoc

5-8pm - 262-714-4379

APRIL 7, 2024

WISCONSIN’S LARGEST WEDDING RUMMAGE SALE

Presented by Rustic Manor 1848

Waukesha County Expo Center

Show Times: 11am-2pm

262-224-0316

Rusticmanor1848.com

SPRING 2024

RISE -

BRIDAL FASHION SHOW

Presented by Miss Ruby 414-755-2900

missrubyboutique.com

SPRING 2024

LAKE COUNTRY

WEDDING SHOW

The Ingleside Hotel, Pewaukee

Show Times: 11am-3pm

262-547-0201

lakecountryweddingshow.com

2023-24 BRIDAL SHOWS (CONT.)

WINTER BRIDAL FAIR

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Show Times: 11am-2pm

Terrace 167 Hwy 167, Richfield 262-623-6588 • Terrace167.com

2023-24 BRIDAL SHOWS (CONT.)

SPRING 2024

18TH ANNUAL

WEDDING & QUINCEANERA EXPO

Serb Hall, Milwaukee

10am-5pm

414-383-1000

conquistadornews.com

conquistador@bizwi.rr.com

SPRING 2024

“LOVE AT THE MEMORIAL” BRIDAL EXPO

The War Memorial Center, MKE 414-273-5533 ext. 100

MAY 5, 2024

BRIDAL EXPO MILWAUKEE

Brookfield Sheraton

Doors Open: 10:30am-3:00pm

For Free Tickets Call: 414-427-4325

bridalexpomilwaukee.com

SEE PG 17 & 251

SEPTEMBER 22, 2024

BRIDAL EXPO MILWAUKEE

Brookfield Sheraton

Doors Open: 10:30am-3:00pm

For Free Tickets Call: 414-427-4325

bridalexpomilwaukee.com

SEE PG 17 & 251

SPENDING PRESSURE. Don’t spend more than your budget. There’s so much pressure in today’s social media and Pinterest world to have an over-the-top wedding. It’s just one day so stay within your budget, have peace of mind and no money regrets later.

DIRECTORY KEY

• ACCESSORIES

• ALTERATIONS/ CUSTOM DRESS DESIGNS

• BACHELOR(ETTE) PARTIES

• BANQUET, VENUES & REHEARSAL DINNERS

• BARTENDING SERVICES

• BEAUTY, SKIN & WEIGHT LOSS (Also See Makeup)

• BRIDAL SHOWS

Complete listing and information (See pg 247)

• CAKES, SWEETS & FAVORS

• CATERING

• COFFEE CART

• COSMETICS (See Makeup)

• DANCE INSTRUCTION

• DÉCOR (Also see Rentals)

• DESTINATION WEDDINGS (See Travel Agencies)

• DOOR COUNTY WEDDINGS

• DRY CLEANING / GOWN Preservation

• EXCITING & DIFFERENT

• FAVORS & GIFTS

• FIREWORKS

• FLORISTS (and Rental Items)

• FORMALWEAR

• GOWNS, CUSTOM (See full listing of bridal salons online at premierbrideMKE.com/ bridal-salons)

• HAIR (See Beauty)

• HONEYMOON (See Travel Agencies & Door County Weddings)

• HOTELS/CLUB SUITES (Also see Banquets & Venues)

• INVITATIONS

• JEWELRY (CUSTOM)

• LIMOUSINES (See Transportation)

• LINGERIE

• LIVE PAINTER

• MAKEUP (Also See Beauty)

• MASSAGE (See Spas)

• MEDSPA & SPA

• MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

• MUSIC, SPECIALTY/LIVE

• ONLINE VENDOR RESOURCE

• PERFUME

• PUPPY CONCIERGE

• PHOTOGRAPHY

• PHOTOGRAPHYBOUDOIR

• PHOTO BOOTHS

• PLANNERS/EVENT COORDINATORS

• REGISTRY

• REHEARSAL DINNER, CEREMONIES AND INTIMATE WEDDINGS

• RENTALS

• RESTROOMS (See Rentals)

• SIGNAGE

• TRANSPORTATION

• TRAVEL AGENCIES & HONEYMOONS

• VIDEOGRAPHY

Eclipse Center

3 Eclipse Center., Beloit eclipseeventcenter.net

608-368-7610

The Factory on Barclay 1120 South Barclay St., Milwaukee thefactoryonbarclay.com 414-481-3337

The Farm at Dover 26060 Washington Avenue, Dover thefarmatdover.com 773-802-6351

fête 500 E. Sumit Ave., Wales feteofwales.com

The Fitzgerald 1119 N. Marshall St., Milwaukee thefitzgeraldmke.com

The Florian N111 W18611 Mequon Rd., Germantown florianvenue.com

Foundry 45 9480 US-45, Kewaskum foundry-45.com

Allis thegagemke.com

The George & Madcap Lounge

Hotel Goodwin 500 Public Ave., Beloit hotelgoodwin.com and beloitweddings.com

608-466-5397

(See pg 71)

Hubbard Park Lodge, Riverclub & Beer Garden

3565 N. Morris Blvd., Milwaukee hubbardparklodge.com / escapetomilwaukee.com

414-332-4207

Hyatt Regency 333 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee hyattregencymilwaukee.com

414-276-1234

The Ingleside Hotel

2810 Golf Rd., Pewaukee theinglesidehotel.com

262-547-0201

The Iron Horse Hotel 500 W. Florida St, Milwaukee theironhorsehotel.com

414-831-4615

Golden Mast Inn on Okauchee Lake W349 N5253 Lacys Lane, Okauchee goldenmastinn.com

Hawk’s View Golf Club

7377 Krueger Rd., Lake Geneva hawksviewgolfclub.com

262-348-9900 (See pg 187)

The Hay Loft

W2765 East Gate Dr., Watertown hayloftbarn.com

414-333-8511 (See pg 31)

Hilton Milwaukee City Center

509 W. Wisc Ave., Milwaukee marcusweddings.com

414-390-3802

Historic Courthouse 1893

916 N. East Ave., Downtown Waukesha courthouse1893.com

(See pg 86)

262-574-9170 (See pg 21)

(See pg 28)

(See pg 73)

(See pg 67)

(See pg 83)

Ironworks Hotel 500 Pleasant St., Beloit ironworkshotelbeloit.com and beloitweddings.com

414-831-4615

Jan Serr Studio 2155 N. Prospect Avenue, Milwaukee janserrevents@sazs.com • sazs.com

414-256-8765

(See pg 71)

(See pg 90-91)

Lake Geneva Cruise Lines-Gage Marine Riviera Docks, 812 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva cruiselakegeneva.com/weddings

262-248-6206

Lake Lawn Resort 2400 E. Geneva St., Delavan lakelawnresort.com

262-725-9218

The Loft on Broadway 177 N. Broadway, Milwaukee theloftonbroadway.com

414-481-3337

Maison LaBelle

731 N. Lake Rd., Oconomowoc maisonlabelle.com

262-236-7292

Marcus Center for the Performing Arts

929 N. Water St., Milwaukee marcuscenter.org

414-276-2030

Marriott Milwaukee Downtown 625 N. Milwaukee St., Milwaukee marriottmilwaukee.com

414-847-3173

Meyers Restaurant and Bar

4260 South 76th St., Greenfield meyers.restaurant/banquets

414-321-4400 ext 1

(See pg 184)

(See pg 182)

(See pg 37)

(See pg 38)

(See pg 90-91)

(See pg 32)

(See pg 100)

DIRECTORY OF SERVICES

Milford Hills

W5670 French Rd, Johnson Creek milfordhills.com

920-699-2249

Milwaukee Art Museum

700 North Art Museum Dr., Milwaukee mam.org/wedding

414-224-3287 (event line)

Milwaukee County Zoo 10001 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee milwaukeezoo.org

414-256-5432

Oconomowoc Community Center

220 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Oconomowoc oconomowoc-wi.gov/communitycenter

262-569-2199

The Pfister Hotel

424 E Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee marcusweddings.com

414-390-3802

Pier 290

1 Liechty Dr., Williams Bay pier290.com

262-245-2100

Pizza Man - Milwaukee

2597 North Downer Ave., Milwaukee pizzamanwi.com

414-272-1745

Pizza Man - Wauwatosa

11500 West Burleigh St., Wauwatosa pizzamanwi.com

414-249-2000

The Polish Center of Wisconsin 6941 S 68th St, Franklin polishcenterofwisconsin.org

414-529-2140

(See pg 35)

Renaissance Milwaukee West 2300 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa renmilwaukee.com

414-771-2300

Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel

139 E Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee saintkatearts.com/weddings

(See pg 18)

(See pg 78)

414-276-8686

Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel

375 S. Moorland Rd., Brookfield marriott.com/mkesi

(See pg 42)

(See pg 69)

262-364-1100

Sonesta Milwaukee West 10499 W. Innovation Drive, Wauwatosa sonestamilwaukee.com

(See pg 72)

(See pg 76)

414-475-9500

South Second

838 S. 2nd St., Walker’s Point, Milwaukee southsecondmke.com and sazs.com

(See pg 34)

(See pg 86)

414-256-8765

Story Hill Firehouse

407 N. Hawley Rd., Milwaukee storyhillfirehouse.com

(See pg 184)

414-477-5813

Taj Palace 3665 E. Grange Ave., Cudahy tajpalacewisconsin.com

(See pg 55)

414-231-3647

Terrace 167

3210 Hwy 167, Richfield terrace167.com

(See pg 55)

262-623-6588

Timmer’s Resort

(See pg 90-91)

(See pg 15)

(See pg 30)

(See pg 223)

(See pg 31)

WEDDINGS CATERING ENTERTAINMENT DINING PAYSBIG.COM/WEDDINGS

Red Circle Inn

N44 W33013 Watertown Plank Rd.

Hwys 16 & C, Nashotah redcircleinn.com

262-367-4883

(See Inside Front Cover)

5151 Timmer Bay Rd., West Bend fstreethospitality.com

414-988-1554

Tripoli Shrine Center 3000 W Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee tripolishrinecenter.com

414-933-4700

Turner Hall Ballroom

1040 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., Milwaukee turnerhallballroomweddings.com

414-286-6164

Tuscan Hall Venue & Catering 409 Delafield St., Waukesha tuscanhallwi.com

262-292-1322

Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

2220 N. Terrace Ave., Milwaukee cavtmuseums.org

414-271-3656

War Memorial Center

750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee warmemorialcenter.org

414-273-5533

(See pg 88)

(See pg 48)

(See pg 12)

(See pg 47)

(See pg 87)

(See pg 49)

Watertown Country Club

1340 N Water St., Watertown watertowncc.com

920-261-5009

(See pg 30)

Illume Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa

2826 W. Rawson Ave., Franklin

6002 North Port Washington Rd., Milwaukee

N4W22370 Bluemound Rd., Waukesha illumemke.com

414-439-3000

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios

Brookfield Square

(See pg 1 & 215)

Weddings by Whirly Ball

185 S. Moorland Rd., Brookfield whirlyball.com/weddings

262-796-7777

West Bend Country Club

5858 Hwy Z, West Bend westbendcc.com

262-334-9541

Western Lakes Golf Club W287 N1963 Oakton Rd., Pewaukee sazs.com

262-691-9796

Westin Milwaukee

550 N. Van Buren St., Milwaukee westinmilwaukee.com

414-847-3173

(See pg 41)

(See pg 76)

(See pg 90-91)

(See pg 32)

BARTENDING SERVICES

Bar Stars Bartending barstarsbartending-mke.com

414-208-9500

Bartenders on the Go

Serving SE-WI bartendonthego.com

414-899-6151

La Piccola Corvina

Serving SE-WI corvinawinecompany.com

414-546-3407

BEAUTY, SKIN & WEIGHT LOSS

(Also See Makeup)

Beauty Unveiled by Tia

Serving SE-WI

1177 Quail Ct., #204, Pewaukee beautyunveiledbytia.com beautyunveiledbytia@gmail.com

(See pg 102)

(exterior entrance)

262-782-4406 mnsalonbrookfield.com

5300 S. 108th St., Hales Corners

414-421-3788 mnhalescorners.com

Neroli Salon & Spa

327 E St Paul Ave., Milwaukee

3885 N Brookfield Rd., Brookfield

200 W Silver Spring Dr., Glendale

1919 E Kenilworth Pl., Milwaukee

10902 N Port Washington Rd., Mequon, WI nerolisalonspa.com

414-227-2888

Pure Love Essences

Serving SE-WI pureloveessences.com

SknBar Rx

(See pg 214)

4005 N Downer Ave., Shorewood 145 W Wisconsin Ave., Pewaukee sknbarrx.com 414-488-7900 (See pg 213)

Wide Eyed Bride

Serving SE-Wisconsin wideeyedbride.com 414-377-0540

BRIDAL SHOWS

(See pg 210)

Complete listing and information (See pg 247)

CAKES, SWEETS & FAVORS

Happy Dough Lucky

6300 West Mequon Rd., Unit 7, Mequon happydoughlucky.com

262-236-9907

Poppy Cakes Patisserie

(See pg 101 & Back Cover)

526 South Wells St., Lake Geneva poppycakeslg.com

262-729-4023

Simma’s 817 N. 68th St., Wauwatosa simmasbakery.com

414-257-0998

(See pg 185)

(See pg 167)

Sweet Perfections Bake Shoppe 1501 Paramount Dr., Waukesha sweetperfections.com

262-446-2253

CATERING

Antigua Catering 6207 W. National Ave., West Allis weddingsbyantigua.com

414-321-5775

Boondocks BBQ

N67 W33525 County Rd K, Oconomowoc boondocksbbqs.com

262-727-7255

Chef David’s Catered Events 2301 63rd St., Kenosha chefdavids.com

(See pg 165)

(See pg 94)

(See pg 97)

262-925-8800 (See pg 99)

food.

5 Exclusive Venues.

50+ Preferred Vendor Locations. Sazama’s Fine Catering 201 W. Walker St., Milwaukee

Chef Jack’s 215 South St., Waukesha chefjacks.com

262-549-5558

Davians Catering & Conference Center

(See pg 95)

N56 W16300 Silver Spring Dr., Menomonee Falls davians.com

262-781-3333

First Choice Catering 4260 South 76th St., Greenfield firstchoicecater.com

414-349-6248

Noble Catering 1134 N. 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI noblecateringco.com

414-988-1554

North Village Coffee

Serving SE-WI

northvillagecoffee.com

608-302-5029

Papa Luigi’s 3475 E Layton Ave., Cudahy papluigiscudahy.com

COFFEE CART

North Village Coffee Serving SE-WI

(See pg 46)

(See pg 100)

COSMETICS

(See Makeup)

(See Back Cover)

DANCE INSTRUCTION

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Brookfield 15760 W Capitol Dr. fredastaire.com/wisconsin

(See pg 102)

Milwaukee County, Waukesha County, and Lake Country

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Madison West 2727 W. Beltline Highway, Madison fredastaire.com/Madison-west

608-467-3333

(See pg 139)

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Menomonee Falls

N87W17317 Main St. fredastaire.com/wisconsin

(262) 251-2000

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Mequon 10934 N Port Washington Rd. fredastaire.com/wisconsin

262-241-1221

DOOR COUNTY WEDDINGS

Landmark Resort

4929 Landmark Dr., Egg Harbor thelandmarkresort.com

(See pg 139)

920-868-3205

The Lodge at Leathem Smith

1640 Memorial Dr., Sturgeon Bay thelodgeatls.com

(See pg 245)

(See pg 139)

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Milwaukee 323 N Milwaukee St fredastaire.com/wisconsin

414-291-9999

(See pg 139)

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of New Berlin

15437 West National Avenue, New Berlin fredastaire.com/newberlin-wi

262-330-8685

(See pg 139)

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Oak Creek

2121 E Rawson Ave, Oak Creek fredastaire.com/wisconsin

414-304-8999

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Pewaukee 615 Ryan St, Suite 200 fredastaire.com/wisconsin

262-691-8181

(See pg 139)

920-743-5555

Stone Harbor, A Door County Resort & Conference Center

107 N. 1st Ave., Sturgeon Bay stoneharbor-resort.com

920-746-0700

(See pg 139)

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Pleasant Prairie 9000 76th St., Unit B fredastaire.com/wisconsin

262-577-5859

DÉCOR

(Also see Rentals)

Ambrosia Events

5110 W. Lincoln Ave., Milwaukee ambrosiaeventsmke.com

414-837-4925

Mandel Graphic Solutions

727 W Glendale Ave, Milwaukee mandelcompany.com 414-271-6970

DESTINATION WEDDINGS

(See Travel Agencies)

(See pg 139)

(See pg 243)

(See pg 243)

DRY CLEANING / GOWN PRESERVATION

Martinizing

The Specialist in Bridal Gowns - Free Pickup & Delivery mymartinizing.com

262-521-9710

Hartland 418 Merton Ave.

262-367-4508

Mequon 11106 N Port Washington Rd 262-241-3535

Oconomowoc

1300 Brown St.

262-560-9981

(See pg 212)

DIFFERENT

(See pg 105)

(See pg 114)

Voluptuous Secrets

1740 N. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee voluptuoussecrets.com

414-264-7776

FAVORS & GIFTS

Bead IT LLC

beadit-wi.com

262-366-5573

Mayhouse Collection

W359 N5002 Brown Street, Oconomowoc mayhousecollection.com

262-354-8100

Pure Love Essences

Serving SE-WI pureloveessences.com

jodi@pureloveessences.com

FIREWORKS

Wolverine Fireworks

Serving Wisconsin wolverinefireworks.com

262-968-4178

FLORISTS

(and Rental Items)

Ambrosia Events

5110 W. Lincoln Ave., Milwaukee ambrosiaeventsmke.com

414-837-4925

Bank of Flowers N88 W16723 Appleton Ave

Menomonee Falls

346 Oakton Ave

Pewaukee

bankofflowers.com

Belle Fiori

GOWNS, CUSTOM

(See pg 206)

(See full listing of bridal salons online at premierbrideMKE.com/bridal-salons)

HAIR

(See Beauty)

(See pg 118)

HONEYMOON

(See pg 158)

(See Travel Agencies & Door County Weddings)

HOTELS/CLUB SUITES

(See pg 207)

(Also see Banquets & Venues)

Homewood Suites by Hilton

1900 W. Creekside Crossing Circle, Oak Creek oakcreekmilwaukee.homewoodsuites.com

414-915-6660

(See pg 36)

Marriott Milwaukee Downtown

625 N. Milwaukee St., Milwaukee marriottmilwaukee.com

414-847-3173

Sybaris Pool Suites

10240 N. Cedarburg Rd., Mequon sybaris.com

888-805-7665

(See pg 105)

Westin Milwaukee

550 N. Van Buren St., Milwaukee westinmilwaukee.com

262-253-9111

262-695-9911

2014 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee bellefioriflorist.com

414-272-2234

(See pg 39)

(See pg 32)

(See pg 159)

414-847-3173

INVITATIONS

(See pg 157)

Magnolia Floral Market at Mayhouse Collection

W359 N5002 Brown Street, Oconomowoc

magnoliafloralshoppe.net

262-468-4255

FORMALWEAR

DuBois

1700 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield

(See pg 158)

262-754-9296

822 N. 8th St., Sheboygan 920-458-1412

duboisformalwear.com

Generation Tux

Serving Statewide generationtux.com

844-726-4889

(See pg 219)

Paperwhites

Hours by appointment

paperwhites-invitations.com

262-370-0465

(See pg 236)

(See pg 32)

(See pg 151)

JEWELRY (CUSTOM)

Bead IT LLC

beadit-wi.com

262-366-5573

LIMOUSINES

(See Transportation)

LINGERIE

Voluptuous Secrets

1740 N. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee

voluptuoussecrets.com

414-264-7776

LIVE PAINTER

Brad Geers – Live Wedding Painter

Serving SE-WI

brad.geers@yahoo.com

MAKEUP

(Also See Beauty)

Mary Kay Cosmetics

• Complimentary Makeovers

• Skin Care & Color Cosmetics

• Personalized Gift Service

262-781-4848 OFFICE

262-336-7920 CELL

Independent Beauty Consultants Tammy Ehrett, Independent Sales Director

marykay.com/tehrett

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios

Brookfield Square

(exterior entrance)

mnsalonbrookfield.com

5300 S. 108th St., Hales Corners

mnhalescorners.com

MASSAGE

(See Spas)

MEDSPA & SPA

Illume Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa

2826 W. Rawson Ave., Franklin

(See pg 118)

6002 North Port Washington Rd., Milwaukee

N4W22370 Bluemound Rd., Waukesha

illumecosmeticsurgery.com

414-439-3000

SknBar Rx

4005 N Downer Ave., Shorewood

145 W Wisconsin Ave., Pewaukee sknbarrx.com

414-488-7900

Neroli Salon & Spa

327 E St Paul Ave., Milwaukee

(See pg 206)

3885 N Brookfield Rd., Brookfield

200 W Silver Spring Dr., Glendale

1919 E Kenilworth Pl., Milwaukee

10902 N Port Washington Rd., Mequon, WI nerolisalonspa.com

(See pg 1 & 215)

(See pg 213)

262-782-4406

414-421-3788

(See pg 207)

414-227-2888

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

ACA Music & Entertainment

705 Larry Ct., Waukesha acaentertainment.com

262-790-0060

(See pg 200)

Big Sand Productions Serving SE-WI bigsandproductions.com 952-486-3196 (See pg 198)

Brad Geers – Live Wedding Painter Serving SE-WI brad.geers@yahoo.com (See pg 207)

Complete Weddings & Events of Milwaukee completemilwaukee.com

DJ Felix Entertainment djfelixentertainment.com 262-749-4367

(See pg 214)

(See pg 186 & 197)

Ring Tunes ringtunesdj.com 414-807-2648 (See pg 201)

The Wedding Djay

Serving Milwaukee and Most of Wisconsin theweddingdjay.com 800-901-1007 (See pg 199)

Wolverine Fireworks Serving Wisconsin wolverinefireworks.com 262-968-4178 (See pg 36)

MUSIC, SPECIALTY/LIVE

PHOTOGRAPHYBOUDOIR

PHOTO BOOTHS

PLANNERS/EVENT COORDINATORS

Timeless Events

Serving SE-WI timelesseventsllc.com

262-751-6355

REGISTRY

Mayhouse Collection

W359 N5002 Brown Street, Oconomowoc mayhousecollection.com

262-354-8100

(See pg 158)

REHEARSAL DINNER, CEREMONIES AND INTIMATE WEDDINGS

The Confetti Lounge

17700 W Capitol Dr., Brookfield theconfettilounge.com

414-552-3880

Eldr+Rime

2300 North Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa renmilwaukee.com

414-867-9158 (See pg 18)

Hi-Way Harry’s

710 Glovers Lane, Johnson Creek hi-wayharrys.com

920-699-9999

Hubbard Park Beer Garden

3565 North Morris Blvd., Shorewood hubbardparkbeergarden.com

414-332-4207

Maggiano’s

2500 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa maggianos.com/banquets

414-978-1000

Mason Street Grill

(See pg 57)

Pizza Man - Wauwatosa

11500 West Burleigh St., Wauwatosa pizzamanwi.com

414-249-2000

(See pg 55)

Riverwalk Boat Tours & Rentals at Pere Marquette Park (on Old World Third St, between State and Kilbourn) riverwalkboats.com

414-283-9999

Saz’s State House Restaurant

5539 W. State St., Milwaukee sazs.com

(See pg 231)

414-453-2410 (See pg 90-91)

Stella Van Buren 550 N. Van Buren St., Milwaukee stellavanburen.com 414-847-3173 (See pg 32)

RENTALS

All Star Rentals

S167 W16262 Loomis Dr, Muskego allstarrentals.net 414-427-9951

Ambrosia Events 5110 W. Lincoln Ave., Milwaukee ambrosiaeventsmke.com 414-837-4925 (office)

(See pg 28)

(See pg 56)

425 E. Mason St, Milwaukee (located at the Hilton) masonstreetgrill.com

414-298-3131

Meyers Restaurant and Bar

4260 South 76th St., Greenfield meyers.restaurant/banquets

414-349-6248

Milwaukee Chop House

633 North 5th St, Milwaukee chophouse411.com

414-226-2467

Pizza Man - Milwaukee

2597 North Downer Ave., Milwaukee pizzamanwi.com

414-272-1745

(See pg 100)

(See pg 55)

SAVING YOUR SANITY, ONE LIST AT A TIME

Twelve Month Wedding Timeline

Now that you’ve said “yes!” it’s time to get organized! Use our checklist as a guideline to help you through the wedding planning process.

TWELVE MONTHS

z Choose the date & time

z Plan the budget

z Reserve ceremony site

z Start your guest list

z Hire a wedding consultant

z Meet with officiant to discuss premarital counseling

z Visit reception sites & reserve one

z Choose your attendants

z Shop for gown and arrange alterations

NINE MONTHS

z Order wedding dress, veil & accessories

z Take engagement pictures

z Select dress for bridal attendants

z Decide wedding styleformal, casual, etc.

z Interview & book photographer, videographer, caterer, & florist

z Discuss honeymoon plans (get passport if needed)

z Choose reception music

z Send Save-the-Date cards

SIX MONTHS

z Reserve rental equipment

z Choose your baker & order your wedding cake & groom’s cake

z Finalize guest list

z Register for gifts

z Order invitations, stationery, & thank you cards

z Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests

z Finalize honeymoon plans

z Choose favors

FOUR MONTHS

z Choose ceremony music

z Order men’s formal wear

z Reserve rehearsal dinner location

z Book stylist or salon for bridal party hair, nails, & makeup

z Discuss menu with caterer

z Order wedding bands

z Meet with premarital counselor

z Purchase mothers’ dresses

TWO MONTHS

z Address & mail invitations

z Plan hair & makeup trial

z Confirm ceremony details

z Arrange rehearsal dinner plans

z Complete proper documents for changing your name

z Confirm delivery date of gown

z Announce engagement in your local newspaper

ONE MONTH

z Obtain marriage license

z Arrange final gown fittings

z Buy gifts for the wedding party

z Make reservations for bridesmaids’ luncheon

z Purchase wedding accessories (guest book, unity candle, cake knife)

TWO WEEKS

z Start reception seating chart & place cards

z Confirm rehearsal dinner plans

z Contact guests who didn’t RSVP

z Break in wedding shoes

z Write rehearsal dinner & wedding toasts

z Meet with photographer & videographer & submit a list of must-take shots

z Confirm honeymoon plans

ONE WEEK

z Pick up your gown

z Pack for honeymoon

z Confirm transportation details

z Give caterer final head count

z Review timetables & details with vendors

z Put fees in wedding day envelopes

DAY BEFORE

z Deliver gift baskets to hotels

z Host bridesmaids’ luncheon

z Have manicure and pedicure

z Attend ceremony rehearsal

z Hold rehearsal dinner & hand-out special gifts to wedding party

z Prepare tip envelopes & arrange for someone to distribute them

WEDDING DAY

z Eat breakfast

z Arrange to get checked in & have luggage delivered to your hotel

z Get hair & makeup done

z Relax! You’re getting married!!!

Wedding Day Checklist

A checklist of things every bride should have on hand for her wedding day. Be prepared! Check off items as you assemble your kit.

HONEYMOON CHECKLIST

z Airline tickets (note flight number & departure/ arrival time)

z Cruise tickets (note cabin number & departure/ arrival time)

z Resort/Hotel phone & confirmation number

z Passports/Visas

z Camera, SD cards & charger

z Credit cards

z Traveler’s checks

z Sewing kit

z Medicines/Prescriptions

z Extra contact lenses or glasses

z Toiletries

z Electrical plug adapters

z Hair dryer

UPDATING YOUR NAME

z Auto Registration

z Bank & Credit Card Accounts

z Car Insurance Policy

z Credit Reporting Agencies

z Deeds/Titles

z Driver’s License

z Employee Records

z Investment Accounts

z Life Insurance Policy

z Medical/Dental Records

z Memberships

z Passport

z Post Office Records

z Social Security Records

z Stock Certificates

z Tax Agency Records

z Voter Registration Records

z Wills/Trusts

WEDDING DAY EMERGENCY KIT

z Phone numbers for wedding party, wedding coordinator & vendors

z Sewing kit (thread, needle, safety pins & scissors)

z Personal emergency kit (including Shout wipes, tampons, & a small snack)

z Skin care (cleansers, moisturizers & lotion)

z Hair care (hair dryer, curling iron, curlers, brush, comb, hair spray, hair gel, bobby pins, hair elastics, barrettes)

z Nail polish, nail file & polish remover (in shade worn & clear to stop runs in nylons)

z Makeup & makeup remover

z Double stick tape

z Extra pair of nylons

z Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss & mouthwash

z Steamer or iron

z Hand mirror, tweezers & small grooming scissors

z Tissues & disposable wipes

z Anti-cling spray

z Deodorant, perfume & baby powder

z Cotton balls, cotton swabs

z Headband or clips for pulling hair back while applying makeup

z Small hand towel

z Lint brush

z Breath mints

z Cash

z Checks

z Something old, new, borrowed & blue

WEDDING ATTIRE

for her:

z Gown

z Headpiece & veil

z Lingerie (bra, bustier, slip)

z Hosiery & garter

z Shoes

z Jewelry & accessories

z Wrap/jacket

z Gloves for him:

z Coat, shirt, vest, trousers

z Cummerbund

z Neckwear

z Cufflinks

z Socks & shoes

z Rings & marriage license

z Ring bearer pillow

z Flower girl basket

z Wedding programs

z Cake knife & server

z Toasting flutes

z Favors

z Guest book & pen

z Unity candle, kiddush cup

z Pay officiant & vendors

z Assign person to collect gifts

Cakes Planner

CAKE STYLE

Type of Cake

Flavor of Filling

Flavor of Icing

Date to Taste Samples

Description

CAKE ACCESSORIES

Cake Topper

Cake Flowers

Cake Decorations

Cake Stands

Cake Boxes

Cake Knife & Server

Cake Napkins

GROOM'S CAKE

Type of Cake

Cake Theme

Flavor of Filling

Flavor of Icing

Cake Decorations

Description

Catering Planner

ENTRÉES

Beef

Chicken

Pork

Fish/Seafood

Lamb

Pasta

RENTAL ITEMS

Tables

Chairs & Chair Covers

Linens

China, Glassware, Silverware & Serving Dishes

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Wedding Cake Location

Groom's Cake Location

Cake Table Decorations

Part to Save

Person Responsible for Cake Top, Knife, & Server

Person to Save & Freeze Cake

SPECIAL

z Vegetarian

z Kosher

z Gluten Free

z Other

Flowers Planner

FLOWERS BY SEASON DESCRIPTION OF WEDDING FLOWERS

SPRING

Cherry Blossom

Daffodil

Dogwood

Forsythia

Hellebore

Hyacinth

Lilac

Lily of the Valley

Muscari

Peony

Quince

Rose

Sweet Pea

Tulip

Viburnum

SUMMER

Anemone

Astilbe

Azalea

Calla Lily

Camellia

Cosmos

Daffodil

Dahlia

Daisy

Delphinium

French Tulip

Hollyhock

Hyacinth

Hydrangea

Jasmine

Lady's Mantle

Larkspur

Lilac

Lily of the Valley

Marigold

Mimosa

Pansy

Peony

Primrose

Ranunculus

FALL

Autumn Leaves

Celosia (cockscomb)

Chinese Lantern

Chrysanthemum

Crosnia

Dahlia

Hydrangea

Seasonal Berries

Statice

Sunflower

Yarrow

WINTER

Amaryllis

Anemone

Casablanca Lily

Evergreen

Forced Bulbs

Freesia

Gerber Daisy

Heather

Narcissus

Holly (ilex)

Paper-white

Poinsettia

Rose

Stephanot

YEAR ‘ROUND

Baby’s Breath

Calla Lily

Carnation

Cattleman

Chrysanthemum

Daisy

Freesia

Gardenia

Gerber Daisy

Gladiolus

Iris Lily

Orchid

Protea

Ranunculus

Rose

September Aster

Snapdragon

Stephanotis

Tuberoses

HELPERS

Cake Cutting Attendant

Guest Book Attendant

Officiant

Soloists & Musicians

WEDDING PARTY

Bride’s Bouquet

Bride’s Toss Bouquet

Bride’s Attendants’

Bouquets

Flower Girl’s Headpiece / Basket

Groom’s Boutonnière

Groom’s Attendants’

Boutonnière

Ushers’ Boutonnière

Ring Bearer’s Boutonnière

Mothers’ & Grandmothers’ Corsages

Fathers’ & Grandfathers’ Boutonnières

Other

BOUTONNIERE | Single flower for men worn on lapel

CORSAGE | Single flower for women worn on wrist

CASCADE | Blossoms & greenery in teardrop shape

HAND TIED | Cut flowers tied with ribbon/fabric, carried

CEREMONY

Altar/Chuppah

Candles & Holders

Pew/Aisle Markers

Other

Other

RECEPTION

Entryway

Head Table Centerpiece

Parents’ Table

Centerpieces

Guest Table Centerpieces

Reception Room Flowers

Cake & Cake Table

Champagne/Punch Table

Gift Table

Guest Book Table

Restroom

Other

Other

NOSEGAY | Single flower or small bouquet, carried

POMANDER | Round bouquet on cord usually for flower girls

SPRAY | Small bunch of gathered flowers, carried

TOSS BOUQUET | Bouquet thrown to the single ladies

CEREMONY

$ Ceremony Site Fee

$ Officiant

$ Marriage License

$ Candles/Candelabra

FAVORS & ACCESSORIES

$ Cake Knife & Server

$ Cake Top

$ Favors

$ Flower Girl’s Basket

$ Guest Book & Pen

$ Ring Bearer’s Pillow

$ Toasting Glasses

$ Unity Candle, Kiddish Cup

$ Attendants Gifts

FLOWERS

$ Bride’s Bouquet

$ Attendants’ Bouquets & Boutonnière

$ Groom’s Boutonnière

$ Ceremony Flowers

$ Reception Flowers

$ Decorations

GIFTS

$ Maid/Matron of Honor

$ Bridesmaids

$ Best Man

$ Groomsmen

$ Ushers

$ Child Attendants

$ Bride & Groom

$ Bride’s Parents & Grandparents

$ Groom’s Parents & Grandparents

$ Pre-Wedding Party Hosts

$ Cake Cutting Attendant

$ Soloist/Musicians

$ Program Attendants

$ Other

MUSIC

$ Ceremony

$ Reception

OPTIONAL ITEMS

$ Wedding Coordinator

$ Attendant Accommodations

$ Bridesmaids’ Dresses & Shoes

$ Flower Girl’s Dress

$ Groomsmens’ Formal Wear

$ Ring Bearer’s Attire

$ Bridesmaid Luncheon

$ Host & Hostess Gift

$ Other

PHOTOGRAPHY

$ Photographer Fees

$ Engagement Session

$ Proofs

$ Wedding Album(s)

$ Disk of Images

RECEPTION

$ Reception Site Fees

$ Food & Service

$ Tax & Gratuity

Cake/Cake Cutting Fee

STATIONERY $ Save-the-Date Cards

Invitations & Envelopes

Calligrapher $ Postage

Ceremony Programs

Placecards

Other

Wedding Party

Guests

Parking

Videographer’s Fee

Additional Copies

$

Other RINGS

Groom’s Wedding Band

Accessories

Sharing the Cost

Willingness and ability should always be taken into account when negotiating who pays for each expense. Use these traditional guidelines for some basic guidance, but don’t be afraid to break the “rules!” Everyone should be comfortable with their share and nothing is ever set in stone.

BRIDE

z Groom’s Wedding Ring

z Wedding Gift for Groom

z Gifts for Bridesmaids

z Gift for Parents

z Gowns for Bridesmaids (optional)

z Accommodations for Out-ofTown Attendants (optional)

z Informal Stationery

BRIDE’S FAMILY

z Engagement Party

z Bride’s Wedding Attire

z Bride’s Parents’ Wedding Attire

z Wedding Gift for Newlyweds

z Invitations, Announcements, Thank You Notes, Postage

z Engagement & Wedding Photographs

z Wedding Ceremony Programs

z Wedding Reception

z Flowers for Ceremony & Reception

z Bridal Party Bouquets & Flowers for Flower Girl

z Transportation for Wedding Party to Ceremony & Reception

z Videographer

z Musicians/Vocalists

z Security & Insurance for Gifts

z Welcome Party for Out-of-Town Guests

GROOM

z Bride’s Engagement & Wedding Ring

z Bride’s Bouquet

z Mothers' Corsages

z Wedding Gift for Bride

z Gifts for Groomsmen & Ushers

z Gift for Parents (optional)

z Formal wear for Groomsmen (optional)

z Accommodations for Out-ofTown Attendants (optional)

z Marriage License

z Honeymoon

z Fee for Officiant

GROOM’S FAMILY

z Engagement Party (optional; following party by bride’s parents)

z Groom’s Wedding Attire

z Groom’s Parents’ Wedding Attire

z Wedding Gift for Newlyweds

z Rehearsal Dinner

z Shipment of Wedding Gifts to Couple’s Home

z Welcome Party for Out-of-Town Guests (optional)

WEDDING PARTY

z Bridal Shower for Bride

z Bachelor(ette) Party

z Accommodations for Self

z Wedding Attire & Shoes

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