The Bride-to-Be Book by Helix Creative, LLC

The

Perfect Day

Bride: Zori Taylor Curd, Murray, Kentucky Groom: Jeremy Curd, Murray, Kentucky Married on July 19, 2014

Walking down the aisle to my best friend was beyond perfection. No amount of words can describe how truly blessed we are. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve dreamed of my wedding day since I was a little girl, but my dreams come nothing close to the reality. Having an outdoor wedding was beyond stressful, but after many answered prayers, our day was perfect. To top it all off, we got to share this magical day with so many special people. I truly hope every bride has the magical day that they deserve!

Photo by: Bailey & B Photography

Welcome to the Wedding...............................4 Kathleen Burnham

Best Kept Secret ............................................8 Akex Dycus

What’s Your Bride-Q? .................................12 Kathleen Burnham

...on the Way to the Altar............................14 Kathleen Burnham

Say “I Do” to the Venue...............................16 Paige Graves

Nuptials by the Number .............................20 Kathleen Burnham

The Dress .....................................................22 Allison Borthwick

Let Them Eat Cake......................................28 Kathleen Burnham

The Plan-It-Yourself Bride..........................32 Tiffany Whitfill

Brides & Budgets ........................................36 Diana Thomason

A Toss-Worthy Bouquet ..............................40 Kathleen Burnham

Home Sweet Home ......................................42 Kalli Bubb

Gift Advice for the Groom ..........................44 Kenny Darnell

To learn more about our Advertisers, visit www.BrideToBeBook.com The Bride-to-Be Book is published annually for the Murray area. All contents copyright 2015 by TAE Marketing. Reproduction or use of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Comments written in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ownership or management of The Bride-to-Be Book. All advertising inquiries should be directed to the Managing Editor at: PO Box 894, or by calling 270-761-4549. This magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. All submissions may be edited for length, clarity and style. Additonal Photography By: © Syda Productions / Dollar Photo Club (page 44) | © andròmina / Dollar Photo Club (page 32-34) | © eblue / Dollar Photo Club (page 32) © Maksym Yemelyanov / Dollar Photo Club (page 9) | © manifeesto / Dollar Photo Club (page 14) | © karandaev / Dollar Photo Club (page 20) © kuleczka / Dollar Photo Club (page 29, 30) | © Leyasw / Dollar Photo Club (page 29) | © 3532studio / Dollar Photo Club (page 36)) | © godfer / Dollar Photo Club (page 42)

 The Bride-to-Be Book  2015 Edition

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Welcome to the Wedding Weddings can happen at any time. Sometimes they are spontaneous, and Las Vegas and Niagara Falls can accommodate you. Other weddings take months of planning, usually due to a “Type A” bride or an indecisive Mom. Planned or not, however, the bells will ring.

suspense of “What if?” and “Wouldn’t it be nice?” Thanks to our contributors, who range from those who are looking forward to their own wedding to a grizzled ol’ duck hunter with good advice for the unsuspecting groom — and, sister, they are indeed “unsuspecting.”

June is traditional, and the summer months seem to lead the calendar as choices for both ceremony and honeymoon. However, there is no law that says a beautiful autumn day is out of line, nor that the green and liberating spring cannot play host to the happy event.

Clothes and menus are fun (and sometimes frustrating), but we hope you will take a break from the tough decisions to look at fact-filled calendars and play an informative game of trivia. You don’t have to plan “by the book” — your wedding could be so far “outside the box” that you will need clowns and trained elephants. After the honeymoon, you will probably become the Chief Financial Office of a new household, and we’ve got some tips on how to handle that new job, as well.

What makes the time so special is the love; the bringing together of families as well as the hearts of two people; the excitement of reunion and the shared joy of happiness. And, of course, the anticipation. We are very pleased to join you in that delicious anticipation of a wonderful day here in the Four Rivers region of America. There are plans to make and things to consider, and this magazine will serve as a reminder and a guide on the path to that first day of a new family. From food to fashion, and from finance to frivolity, here’s your gateway to the happy Article by: Kathleen Burnham Photography by: Bailey & B Photography

 The Bride-to-Be Book  2015 Edition

It’s going to be a big day at the start of a new world. It starts an exciting journey, and whether you’re the guest of honor, a fellow traveler, or waving happily from the shore, here’s your travel guide. Bon Voyage!

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 The Bride-to-Be Book  2015 Edition

The

Perfect Day

Bride: Meagan Renee Pember, Murray, Kentucky Groom: Fulton Kendall Hart, Murray, Kentucky Married on May 31, 2014

Without question, our favorite thing about our wedding day was being able to celebrate with all of our friends and family. We were fortunate to be able to celebrate the coming together of our two families with the people who helped get us to that special day. We had friends and family from all around the United States who came in to celebrate with us. It truly meant the world to us to have everyone here!

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Best Kept Secret Article by: Alex Dycus

our big day has finally come. For weeks and months you have poured through magazines and websites. You’ve tried dozens of cake flavors and found the perfect caterer for your wedding. Everything is perfect…well almost. You’re missing that wow factor to pull everything together. This is where lighting design comes into play. Lighting is often something we take for granted. When done well, you may not even notice it. Lighting is used to draw attention to the things that you have been picking out for months; the cake, the flower arrangements, the decorations. Above all, lighting is there to highlight the real reason everyone is there, you and your wedding party. You have spent hundreds, even thousands of dollars to make sure everything looks amazing. What an awful waste it would be if you and your guests weren’t able to properly enjoy it because of poor lighting! Lighting is one of the most important yet overlooked aspects of a wedding simply because its function is to make everything in the room look great. Lighting can be tricky because to it is not something people can easily picture when they are picking out venues and decorations. One of my favorite quotes from Jonathan Swift, the acclaimed author of Gulliver’s Travels, is

 The Bride-to-Be Book  2015 Edition

Having

Good Lighting can turn an ordinary wedding into an

Extraordinary Night to Remember.

“Vision is the art of seeing the invisible.” That is precisely what a lighting designer does when he is inspecting a venue for an upcoming wedding. While having good lighting can turn an ordinary wedding into an extraordinary night to remember, it takes a professional with a well thought out design to be properly executed. Here are a few things to look for when seeking out and working with lighting professionals.

A DJ is not a Lighting Designer, typically I have the upmost respect for quality DJ’s and their craft, but event lighting is a totally different animal. Many times I’ve met with brides and their response to lighting is “Our DJ is bringing his own lighting”. The majority of his time is going to be spent on lighting for the dance floor. It is important to seek out a lighting professional who can focus all his time and energy on the aesthetics of the room and ensure that your day is beautiful and memorable.

Good Communication between your Lighting Designer, DJ, Photographer & Decorator Lighting is rarely put in its own category. Most of the time it falls within the DJ or Decorator ’s responsibility. When you do have a lighting professional it is important for them to know exactly what is going to be happening in the room. A Lighting Designer (LD) will need to communicate with your decorator to find out what arrangements to spot or what the general theme of the wedding is. It’s also important that your LD be able to communicate with your DJ. Monograms and wall patterns are strategically placed by your LD to not only look good to your guests but additionally so your photographer can capture these displays in their best light.

Be Different! It’s easy to shine some lights on the walls or point one at a cake, and while those things are good, there needs to be a lot more thought put into it than that. Find an LD who is ready to see your vision come to life, and who isn’t going to do the same thing for you as they did last weekend. For a true LD there is no “go to” set up. Every bride is different and deserves a wedding that is completely tailor made for them. As the Lighting Designer and Production Manager for Illumination Productions, I have had the opportunity to work with countless brides in many different venues. It’s always a pleasure to see a new wife in the right light. The image will last forever. www.BrideToBeBook.com  The Bride-to-Be Book 

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What’s Your Bride-Q? Article by: Kathleen Burnham Photography by: Bailey & B Photography

f you’re a bride-to-be, you’re not very far from having to know almost everything about everything. Welcome to married life! Before you start, you can at least take a shot at discovering how much you know about the big event that is about to change your life. What is your “Bridal I.Q?”

1. The most popular day of the week for weddings is:

5. Why do brides traditionally wear veils?

a) Wednesday b) Thursday c) Friday d) Saturday

a) Because weddings were traditionally arranged, the bride’s looks were hidden until after the wedding, so that her appearance would not affect the decision of the groom’s family, which made its decisions based on mercenary criteria. b) The veil is meant to protect the bride from mosquitos. c) In ancient Greece and Rome, brides began wearing veils to protect their identities from evil spirits, and veils have been worn ever since. d) The veil was worn so that the lifting of it would represent rebirth into the family of her husband.

2. Wedding rings are traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because: a) the forth finger on the left hand is believed to be the cleanest digit. b) it is the unlucky finger, which the wedding ring purifies. c) it is the most comfortable finger to wear a ring on for right-handed people. d) it was once believed to contain a vein that lead directly to the heart. 3. How many tons of gold are made into wedding rings in the U.S. every year? a) 17 b) 34 c) 100 4. The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress in the Western world originated how? a) It was a tradition imposed by the Church to symbolize the importance of chastity. b) White dresses were instituted to set the bride apart from every other woman in the room during the ceremony. c) Queen Victoria started the trend in 1840—before then, women simply wore their best dress.

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6. Why do brides carry “something old” on their wedding day? a) It is meant to represent continuity with the tradition. b) It represents the bride’s mother. c) It is a good luck charm that is meant to ward off new evils. d) It is a good luck charm that is meant to enhance fertility. 7. Where does the tradition of the wedding cake come from? a) The cake was originally soup that the bride and groom were supposed to spoon to each other to represent their new dependence upon each other. b) It originated with the Greeks and Romans when a loaf of bread was broken over the bride’s head for the sake of fertility. c) Wedding cake originated at the turn of the century as a marketing scheme to get people buy more boxed cake mixes.

8. Why are June weddings really so popular, traditionally? a) The weather is warmer in summer months, and June is statistically more popular than the later summer months for reasons unknown. b) The Roman goddess Juno ruled over marriage, the hearth, and childbirth, hence the popularity of June weddings. c) More people have scheduled June weddings because they want their first child to be born in March or April, in springtime. 9. On average, how many couples marry every day in the U.S.? a) 500 b) 800 c) 7,000 d) 2,100 10. How did the tradition of the bridal shower begin? a) It began when poorer families wanted their daughter to marry into a higher class, but could not afford a large enough dowry, they could turn to the community to assist them in raising the required amount of financial security. b) Traditionally, a bridal shower would be held when the father of the bride disapproved of the marriage and withheld the dowry in an attempt to dissuade the couple from marrying. c) Bridal showers were originally begun in ancient Rome, when once a year, a young bride would be sacrificed to the gods, along with many other material tributes, in order to obtain financial security and fertility for the community. d) Bridal showers were originally only given to young women who had been raised motherless. Answers on page 31

A Funny Thing Happened

On the Way to the Altar Article by: Kathleen Burnham

 The Bride-to-Be Book  2015 Edition

I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life. —Rita Rudner

Moral of the story: Always discuss financial matters with your spouse.

  What if . . .

  A man is talking to the family doctor, "Doc, I think my wife’s going deaf." The doctor answers, "Well, here’s something you can try on her to test her hearing. Stand some distance away from her and ask her a question. If she doesn’t answer, move a little closer and ask again. Keep repeating this until she answers. Then you’ll be able to tell just how hard of hearing she really is." The man goes home and tries it out. He walks in the door and says, "Honey, what’s for dinner?" He doesn’t hear an answer, so he moves closer to her. "Honey, what’s for dinner?" Still no answer. He repeats this several times, until he’s standing just a few feet away from her. Finally, she answers, "For the eleventh time, I said we’re having MEATLOAF!"

  Married men live longer than single men. But married men are a lot more willing to die. —Johnny Carson

  A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbor. Before she says a word, Bob says, "I’ll give you $800 to drop that towel." After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob. After a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, "Who was that?" "It was Bob the next door neighbor," she replies. "Great," the husband says, "did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?"

If Dolly Parton married Salvador Dali, she'd be Dolly Dali. If Bo Derek married Don Ho, she'd be Bo Ho. If Oprah Winfrey married Depak Chopra, she'd be Oprah Chopra. If Olivia Newton-John married Wayne Newton, then divorced him to marry Elton John, she'd be Olivia Newton-John Newton John. If Sondra Locke married Elliott Ness, then divorced him to marry Herman Munster, she'd become Sondra Locke Ness Munster.

  For marriage to be a success, every woman and every man should have her and his own bathroom. The end. —Catherine Zeta-Jones

  A man is driving with his wife at his side and his mother-in-law in the backseat. The women just won’t leave him alone. His mother-in-law says, "You’re driving too fast!" His wife says, "Stay more to the left." After ten mixed orders, the man turns to his wife and asks, "Who’s driving this car – you or your mother?”

  Why are blond jokes so short? So men can remember them.

  A woman has the last word in any argument. Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument. —Unknown

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“I Do”

Say

to the

Article by: Paige Graves

Venue

Wedlock on the Water Kentucky Lake is more than just the largest geographic feature of the region: it also has several locations that provide a beautiful setting for your ceremony as well as lodging and dining for your guests. Your first step is to decide upon the park that interests you most. Beach-side and boat ceremonies aren't out of reach for the bride and groom hoping to have a destination wedding, because the area offers both scenarios land-locked couples usually have to travel for. Sure: Cancun or Tahiti would be memorable, but so is the down payment on your first house, which would be spent on travel and lodging to those exotic locales. Remember, too, that the beauty and romance of an outdoor wedding can be ruined by capricious turns of weather. Both Kentucky and Tennessee State Resort Parks can provide alternative indoor options only a few

Photo by: Bailey & B Photography

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Resort Receptions When deciding on your menu, keep in mind that most commercial venues (like State Resort Parks) permit only food prepared by the park in the facilities or at outdoor receptions planned by the park. In the lakes region, there's no need to have the reception in a recreation center or a gym. Here, there's the option to have a rehearsal dinner with large windows that let the afternoon sun illuminate the banquet room. Whether it’s Kenlake, Barkley, Kentucky Dam Village or Paris Landing, the facilities are lovely – and air conditioned, too. And don’t forget that the convenience lodges and cottages may add to the enjoyment of friends and family who have come from afar. After the bride and groom zoom off to the honeymoon destination, guests may take an extra week to enjoy the recreational bounty of the Lakes Region – or just sleep in for a day or two with a handy restaurant and the luxury of maid service. Whether you're hoping for an outdoor wedding or just a change of scenery, the lakes region offers the experience and the memories in one great place. Visit parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks and tn.gov/environment/parks.

In the Heart of Jackson’s Purchase . . . Couples have also been known to hold their wedding ceremonies at the Murray State University Arboretum. Here, the happy couple and their guests can enjoy the

 The Bride-to-Be Book  2015 Edition

distinct areas of the Arboretum, including the open woodlands, the Oak and Hickory Forest, Savanna, as well as the display and community gardens. Some guests to the Arboretum even have the option of renting a tent, tables and chairs, which eliminates going to an outside source. This is a venue best suited for smaller wedding ceremonies to minimize the human impact in nature. Located on Pullen Farm at the University, the gardens hold more than two miles of pathways for guests to enjoy – and, perhaps, to serve as a site for your wedding ceremony itself. Not too far away, the University campus provides more opportunities for weddings in historical buildings. Lovett Auditorium has become a favorite for Murray State students who couldn't imagine getting married anywhere else but where they met their significant other. The classic theatre in Lovett, built as one of the four original buildings on campus, holds rows of theatre-style seating and a stage perfect for the vow exchange. Historic Wrather West Kentucky Museum has also housed ceremonies in the past, as it provides the same sort of setting as Lovett. Wrather is a bit smaller and older, as it was the very first building erected on campus, but the vintage feel is just the same. There are several components to a wedding. What will the guests eat, what music do we play and who will do the photography? If you've gotten as far as actually finding a suitable candidate for your bride or groom, that in itself is half the battle. A venue can, in fact, be a large part of determining the rest of these questions. So, if you're still wondering where your wedding will take place don't be afraid to explore your options and make a blissful memory

Photo by: Bailey & B Photography

Find Out More! Parks & Resorts Kenlake State Resort Park Tammy Nanney Telephone: 270-474-2211 Robert O. Miller Conference Center

Kentucky Dam Village Karen Faughn Telephone: 270-362-4271

Lake Barkley State Resort Park Kerry Allen Telephone: 270-924-1131

Paris Landing State Park Telephone: 731-641-4465

Murray State University View of the Lakes

MSU Arboretum Heather Blankenship Telephone: 270-767-0467

Lovett Auditorium Matt Parker mparker@murraystate.edu

Wrather Museum 270-809-4771

Reception Locations MSU Arboretum

The Maple Center Karen Welch Telephone: 270-978-0905 maplecenter@murray-ky.net

Robert O. Miller Conference Center Stephanie Butler Telephone: 270-759-2199

Lovett Auditorium

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 The Bride-to-Be Book  2015 Edition

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The

Dress

Article by: Allison Borthwick Photography by: Bailey & B Photography

ll eyes swing toward the door the moment "Here Comes the Bride" starts reverberating through the venue. The guests, the groom and groomsmen seek that first glimpse and, while we all want to bask in the glory that is the bride, we can't lie: we really are looking at the dress. The dress that has been on the bride's mind since she could first imagine her wedding; the dress that has to surpass all other dresses; the dress that will leave everyone breathless. That's a lot of pressure to place on one single dress — and the woman wearing it. So, where does one start when trying to find this magnificent gown? Our suggestion is to start with the foundation, which is the silhouette. Each dress had a different style and finding the silhouette that best fits your body is the easiest way to start the process of selecting the gown.

The Empire Silhouette

Empire silhouettes have a high waistline gathered just underneath the chest. These dresses tend to flatter slim or petite brides looking to draw the eye towards the neckline and bust while seeking an elongated figure.

The Mermaid/Trumpet Silhouette

Mermaid silhouettes create drama by hugging the waistline and then flaring out at or near the knees. This style works for hourglass shapes and brides who are looking to accent a curvy figure.

The Column Silhouette

The column silhouette is defined by its name. It runs simply and narrowly from the shoulders all the way down to the floor. This style is perfect for brides looking to distract from the hip area and for petite brides looking to give the appearance of height.

The Ball Gown Silhouette

The traditional ball gown provides the most romantic look by acting as a “Cinderella” wedding dress. It flairs out from the hips all the way down to the floor, usually paired with a pleated or gathered skirt. This style usually flatters full-figured brides with hourglass shapes.

The A-Line/Princess Silhouette

This all-around traditional silhouette flatters most brides by its flowing texture, clean lines and its ability to hide the belly area. It sits narrowly at the top and gradually flares at the bottom hem for the “A” shape. A-line dresses are ideal for drawing attention away from the hips.

With that information under your belt, half the battle of finding a perfect wedding dress is over! Now, here are some tried-and-true tips for wearing adjusting and learning to live with your very own wedding dress. After you have an idea of what silhouette you are interested in and find your dress, there are a couple extra steps that you need to consider such as alternations. Here are a few tips to follow when purchasing the gown and situations that will happen after. 24

 The Bride-to-Be Book  2015 Edition

The Very Fine Print When making your final dress purchase, be aware of your bridal salon’s terms and conditions. Their policies for purchases, returns, shipping, exchanges and alterations are very different from most retail policies. Read and understand everything about their policies before signing any contracts.

You Can’t Rush Perfection

First Imagine Her Wedding.

Change Doesn’t Just Happen Alterations may change more than you think. If you have a fantastic seamstress, you needn’t worry. But you should be aware that if you take in too much fabric or let too much out, it may significantly change the appearance from the image of the gown when you first tried it on. For a quick fix for this issue, discuss your concerns with your tailor beforehand you order alterations. You should also know that wearing certain undergarments can save your look. A few inches or a cup size can make all the difference.

Your New Help The dress may not look the same every time you try it on. Your wedding dress consultants are experts in making every gown look beautiful with accessorizing and creating a perfect bustle. Make sure your maid of honor or wedding attendant knows how to match the look your consultant made for you so your gown can look as good on your wedding day as it did that day in the shop when you fell in love with it.

It takes longer than you think to put your dress on or take it off. To ensure your timing is on track for your wedding day, have your maid of honor or bridesmaids in the dressing room with you to help. Don’t get discouraged; changing in and out of wedding dresses always takes additional hands. Don’t be afraid to practice and always have some help when you do so.

The Dress has been on the Bride’s Mind since she could

Walk: Don’t Run You move differently in your wedding dress. Sitting, standing, dancing, walking — prepare yourself for a new set of habits when you move in your dress. Depending on the style, it may restrict your movement in certain situations. Our advice is to practice a bit and get used to the fabric. And above all else, your comfort is top priority, but don’t ask the dress to do the impossible. As important as it is for most brides, the dress is not worth losing sleep, losing your temper or losing friends. Be calm; millions of brides have gone through the whole process of turning the dream into a reality, and you can, too. While the dress is a huge part of your wedding day, remember that it’s still all about you and you will be making the dress even more spectacular than it is just hanging on the hanger. For more information on all things wedding-related, check out IndyBride2B.com! Despite it being an Indianapolis-based website, the invaluable advice and tips apply to weddings of every kind and regional preference.

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Let Them Eat Cake Article by: Kathleen Burnham

he wedding cake, as it is known today, is a far cry from what it used to be in ancient times. Then, the Greeks and Romans would break a loaf of bread or small sweet cakes of barley over the head of the bride to ensure that she would be a fertile wife. Now, the Wedding cake is an art form, often hardly edible, and sometimes more expensive than the wedding The first wedding cake recipe recorded in history was the Bride’s Pye, penned in Robert May’s The Accomplisht Cook in 1685. It was not really a cake, but rather a pie with an ornately decorated crust and filled with spices, sweetbreads, mutton, oysters, and pine kernels. The bride pie was an essential part of wedding celebrations in England. The pies often contained bizarre ingredients, such as pheasants filled with eggs, fruits, nuts, and mincemeat. The tradition required each guest to have a small piece of the pie to ensure good luck and a successful marriage to the bride and groom, and sometimes a ring was hidden in the pie for unmarried ladies to hunt for as a good luck charm in their search for a husband.

In France, the wedding cake was referred to as the “croquembouche,” and consisted of a towering pile of sweet rolls over which the bride and groom attempted to kiss without knocking the tower over. This was believed to ensure good fortune, and the French continue to use these towers of cream-filled pastries as their traditional wedding cakes today. Eventually, in England, bride pie developed into bride cake, since simple, sweet cakes and fruit traditionally represent fertility and good fortune. One tradition required that a small bride cake be given to the bride when she first entered her husband’s house. She was supposed to take a small bite and then throw the cake away over her head to ensure prosperity in her marriage. In like turn, the groom would throw a plate over his head, and if it broke, it meant that their future was guaranteed. In the seventeenth century, bride’s cake was accompanied by a groom’s cake, and the tradition holds today—some couples will have two cakes, where the wedding cake is the most decorative and difficult to cut into and eat, while the groom’s cake is more simple and intended to be completely devoured.

Photography Photo by: Bailey & B

Photo by: Bailey & B Photog raphy 28

 The Bride-to-Be Book  2015 Edition

Traditionally, it was the groom’s cake that guests took home with them to place under their pillows to dream of their future partners. One of the earliest recipes for an iced bride’s cake appeared in Hannah Glasse’s The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Simple, and it consisted of “four pounds of flour, thirty-two eggs, six pounds of dried fruit, and half a pint of brandy” for the cake itself. The icing called for egg whites, musk, amber-grease, double refined sugar, and orange-flower water. The icing was beaten for over two hours before it was spread over the cake and put back into the oven to dry and harden. Whew! While you might think that white icing on a wedding cake was chosen traditionally to

represent purity and virginity, the truth is that icing was white because sugar was white and cakes were expensive to make. A wedding cake iced with pure, white sugar was a “status symbol.” It was in America and France that the soft icings and creamed and fruit fillings became popular; where cake was meant to be more than decorative and symbolic, it was meant to be eaten. Whether you want your “gâteau de mariage" to make a statement, taste good, or flame with fireworks in a grand spectacle, know that it is a time-honored tradition that has been cherished for centuries and has made millions of married couples happy to say of their guests, “Let them eat cake!”

The Icing on the Cake A word of experienced-based advice—fondant icing looks impeccable, but the taste and texture are as smooth and flat as it looks. Ganache, buttercream, and cream cheese icings are the way to go if you want to seduce your taste buds and those of your guests. Fondant is only used to make a cake look pretty, not to be eaten, although it is “edible.” Did you know that the most expensive wedding cake on record set the bar at $52.7 million, and it was a fondant cake? Of course, it was encrusted with 4,000 diamonds to make the nasty icing more

The Groom’s Cake Whether it's a football helmet, a tractor, or even an armadillo, the groom's cake is anything but average. Tradition holds that the wedding cake is often decorated in white and adorned with flowers and pearls. The groom's cake takes on a very different feel. It's an opportunity to have fun, to be unique and to show your wilder side. Originally, the groom's cake was a British tradition. Often richer than the bride's, since the addition of chocolate, fruit and especially alcohol were better served to "the stronger sex" with the stronger stomach, the groom's cake eventually made its way to the United States. Its popularity has endured, especially in the South. Many brides find the groom's cake appealing because it's a way to give the groom special recognition on a day when most of the attention undoubtedly centers on the bride. Legend has it that if an unmarried woman sleeps with a slice of the groom's cake under her pillow, she will dream of her future husband. So grab a slice of armadillo cake, nestle into bed and have sweet dreams, ladies!

 The Bride-to-Be Book  2015 Edition

y& Photo by: Baile

B Photography

Trivia Answers from page 12

1. d) Saturday. Fewer work schedule conflicts, time to travel, and a good party night. 2. d) True, but the tradition doesn’t say whose heart. 3.. a) Have you ever seen a ton of gold? It’s almost as big as the reception bill. 4. c) All good answers, but everyone love the Queen. 5. c) Don’t feel bad; we all picked “a,” too. 6. a) Sometimes the obvious answer is right. 7. b) Hope it was a soft crust! 8. b) We though it was because school is out so the flower girl could practice rose throwing. 9. c) Almost 5 wedding per minute! No wonder there’s a rice shortage! 10. b) Women have to stick together or men with think they have a voice in things.

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The

Plan-It-Yourself Bride by: Tiffany Whitfill

very little girl who puts on a white dress and gathers a bright mix of dandelions and white clover has dreamt of her wedding day. Getting to that day, however, is often far short of a sweet dream. Fortunately, for those who have dreamt for years and made at least one wedding board on Pinterest, planning a wedding may be easier than they have heard. The personal touch expressed in many wedding masterpieces is easy to achieve. The following list helps the plan-it-yourself bride design her perfect wedding, avoiding those bridezilla moments.

If You’ve Got the Money, Honey . . . Before setting the date, select the price tag. Budget is crucial during planning. According to a survey of 13,000 brides and grooms conducted by wedding website TheKnot.com, the average cost of a wedding in 2013 reached nearly $30,000. Although the list of payments is long, adding a small amount of money to a miscellaneous area should be the final touch. Every great event, including your wedding day, has setbacks and improvements. Allotting extra money for these things will be a lifesaver.

Pick a Date/Pick a Venue With the Dixie Cups repeating in her mind, the bride-to-be can’t go to the chapel before reserving it first, and venues tend to reserve quickly. The Washington Post reported popular venues may book more than a year in advance. When choosing, anticipate the size of the guest list, special accommodations, and homemade decorations. This is also the time to ask about entertainment. Contact multiple venues to collect rates, service terms, and discuss the pros and cons of each venue. When you make the best choice, the ceremonial date will also be finalized. Now you can inform friends and family, but be aware of just how many you can accommodate. 32

 The Bride-to-Be Book  2015 Edition

Socially Acceptable With social media connecting you to more people than you have ever met, sharing your wedding invitation is a step to take with caution. The size of the guest list impacts every aspect of the ceremony. More guests mean more mouths to feed, chairs to place, and favors to hand out. The cost suddenly increases while the budget refuses to expand, so invite only as many guests as your budget allows. Family and friends add up, so be sure to establish how many guests the bride and groom need to invite personally. Keep a list of names, addresses and phone numbers in an Exceltm spreadsheet for easy access and organization. The next stage of planning is where personal touches appear.

Match “Maid” in Heaven Your friends have experienced all of life’s ups and downs with you. It is only fitting to have the ladies, with whom you have shared secrets and clothes for years, be a part of your special day. Selecting the prestigious list of bridesmaids should be one of the first stages of wedding planning. Not only will it help for task organization, but having four to five bridesmaids (average based on TheKnot.com survey) equals eight to ten hands helping create decorations and added perspective.

Say “Yes” to the Dress After many difficult choices, brides will say “yes” a second time — to an important part of the dream. The wedding dress, typically white, is a staple and can produce the theme for the wedding and initiate tears during the ceremony. Fox Business says the average bride will spend about $1,100 on her attire. However, for the budget-savvy bride, consider these tips for money-saving success. Buying a floor

model sample dress often greatly reduces the cost. Another tip is to buy a gown that is “delightfully aged.” According to wedding expert DiProperzio, “buying from last season can save you up to 30%.” Most wedding dresses take about six months to order, alter and receive, so schedule a visit to dress hunt at least six to nine months in advance.

Capture the Bridal Glow A picture is worth a thousand words. Cherish the day vividly with incredible photos from multiple artistic angles. According to costofwedding.com, the average bride will spend about $1,950 on wedding photography and videography. Like venues, time slots may be filled in extreme advance. Book your photographer and research a backup around seven to nine months before the ceremony. Brides who wish to save money can hire a small work photographer and ask guests to snap their own photos. Some wedding websites and apps allow users to create a collection of photos by event, like WedPics and Instagram, where users can hashtag a phrase that will group photos together.

Let Them Eat One of the most extravagant wedding preparations happens the day the bouquet is tossed. Food preparation and catering can be one of the toughest and costliest wedding decisions. Weddingsforaliving.com provides several ideas for dining. The first option introduced is buffet style, which may cost a little more, depending on the variety of foods served, but the majority of guests should be able to find something palatable. The second option is sit-down, providing around three different entrée options in a four course format.

The Personal Touch in many Wedding Masterpieces is

Easy to Achieve. Menu options are fewer but can be catered to a specific wedding theme. The last option is food stations, where couples select their favorite entrées and side items to scatter throughout the reception area. This would be the most expensive choice, but highlights each of the bride and groom’s favorite dishes. If a bride desires an inexpensive personal flair to the food, a potluck meal, with each guest bringing a dish, may be a smart choice and meaningful to the bride with a small guest list consisting mostly of family.

You are cordially invited… All major planning complete, smaller details are now vital to check off the to-do list. Around eight months in advance, “save the date” announcements should be sent out, as this allows guests to plan accordingly. To tie in the intricate details of the wedding, use the theme, pictures and colors to fashion a special “save the date” announcement. An

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A great way to save for the honeymoon is to have a “dollar dance” at your wedding. During this dance, the bride and groom compete to see who can earn the most money by slow dancing with their guests. This is often sentimental, fun for all parties, and is an easy way to pay for any extra fees or airfare.

Tie the “Windsor” Knot

Photo by: Bailey & B Photography easy way to save money on invitations is to send “save the dates” to every guest and formal invitations only to out of town guests and close family members/friends. Creating an event page on Facebook can also help add guests to your list at virtually no cost. This would be a great way to collect addresses for sending thank you cards after the bridal shower and ceremony.

Yours, Mine and Ours After exchanging vows to share their lives, the bride and groom will also share a home, time, and possessions. Creating a wedding registry is the most efficient way for guests to select a gift fitting for the couple’s new lifestyle. Before sending final invitations and “save the dates,” you should register for your home needs. There are many things one doesn’t realize one needs until making mashed potatoes and missing mom’s KitchenAid. Create a “need” list for each room of the house. Organizing lists by room minimizes interruption as other household essentials enter your mind. If the wedding is local and so are most guests, select a nearby store so they have a convenient way to shop. Registering at two to three stores provides enough variety so guests may choose to shop where they buy their own household necessities.

Aruba, Jamaica, Oh I want to Take Ya

Now that everyone is prepared for the big day and guests are RSVP’ing, the groom and groomsmen should reserve their tuxedos. Fortunately for men, tuxedos often can be rented out from six to eight weeks prior to the wedding day. Bring a swatch of color matching or complementing the wedding’s theme or colors chosen for the ceremony to design the tuxedos. These may be picked up the week of the wedding.

Bound by Law The phrase recited in many weddings, “I take you to be my lawfully wedded husband/wife,” is a vow of unconditional love. Lawfully, the distinct word that binds marriage together judicially, must first be applied for. About one month before the wedding bells chime, a marriage license must be applied for. In Calloway County, the license is valid for thirty days, so be sure to schedule the application within that time frame. There is also a phrase stating that “behind every great man stands a great woman.” It is because of this phrase future grooms will pledge to spend their lives with their brides. Planning your own wedding, although stressful at times, is a great way to share the sentimental details of a couple’s relationship with guests. Personal flair can highlight the bride and groom’s best qualities and create a whimsical wedding worth years of memories and renewed promises. Planning a wedding may seem like a nightmare, but with a little help from the special people in your life, your wedding day will be a dream come true.

Speaking of newlyweds, around three to six months before the wedding, the couple should begin planning the honeymoon vacation. Honeymoons can be expensive, and not everyone chooses to take one immediately; however, if doing so, there are a few things to consider. Some hotels offer all-inclusive packages, which cover the hotel fee, activities on site, food, and other amenities. This can be beneficial for those not wanting to keep up with any loose change. According to a selection by brides.com, the top three honeymoon destinations are French Polynesia, Italy and Hawaii. Wherever the destination, funding the vacation may be difficult. Photo by: Bailey & B Photography 34

 The Bride-to-Be Book  2015 Edition

The

Perfect Day Bride: Melinda Henderson, Murray, Kentucky Groom: Tim Clark, Gilbertsville, Kentucky Married on March 29, 2014

I never let the wedding planning stress me out. I can say everything turned out perfectly that day. I wanted a small, but very nice wedding. It was a cold and windy day, but Shawna with Bailey & B Photography did a wonderful job with the pictures and you can't even tell I was freezing!

Photo by: Bailey & B Photography

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Brides & Budgets Article by: Diana Thomason, Financial Consultant/Investment Advisor

eddings. Whether you're planning your own through Pinterest or browsing stacks of bridal magazines, there are many facets to what some have called, “the most important day of your life.” While weddings have traditionally been held in churches, this region provides a variety of different venues to make your wedding even more special. You’ve been planning your dream wedding since you were ten years old. You knew how tall your husband would be, and what color hair he’d have. Heck: you even knew how many kids you’d have, and already had names picked out for them. All you needed was to find the man to fit the plan, and then you’d be set. Admit it. We all did that. What we didn’t plan for was the stuff of real life. Jobs. Taxes. Insurance. Budgets. Retirement. Ick. Well, now is the time to start planning the rest of your life with as much gusto as you planned this one day.

 The Bride-to-Be Book  2015 Edition

. . . In Sickness, Health & Honesty . . . You and your husband should talk about money. Be open and honest about your feelings toward money. Did you come from greatly different backgrounds? What was the financial atmosphere in your house when you were growing up? We all know that money (and our differences in how we handle it) can be a stumbling block for many couples, young and old. Do you have credit card debt? Now is the time to be discussing that debt with your spouse. The hardest part about embarking on your own adventure as a couple is deciding together what you can and can’t afford right now. Young couples often get caught up in the trap of comparison. They may not be living on the golf course, but they still feel they have to spend a certain amount in order to earn the respect of their peers. Let me tell you a dirty little secret: Just because someone can make a payment on a new car,

doesn’t mean they can really afford it. Many people live beyond their means, barely making their payments, and they are slaves to worry and doubt. This is not the kind of energy you want during your first years of marriage. It is more important Many to invest in your relationship than to keep up with the Joneses.

are spending, and it will help you make that decision to pay it off faster.

Plan for Now; Plan for Later

people

Right now, retirement seems like it is a lifetime away, but time is on your side! If you start saving for retirement now, and save consistently over the 40 Boring, but Basic years until you retire, you can barely making their know that you will have a nice payments, and they are Budgeting isn’t sexy, but it nest egg. If your employer makes good sense. Sit down offers a retirement plan that has with your spouse and take a an employer match on your look at the numbers. Consider salary deferral, take advantage your combined incomes, and of it! Once you put that money set some realistic guidelines in your retirement account, that you both can live with. plan on leaving it there until Needs are at the top of the list: retirement. The IRS charges food, clothing, shelter. Other items that should be very penalties on early withdrawal of retirement funds – and the penalties can be a good incentive to let that high on the list are debt reduction and retirement money grow. A consistent $237 per month investment savings. Build an emergency fund. Discretionary at an average of 9% over 40 years could grow to spending (the fun stuff) should come last. And set $1,000,000. If you are receiving an employer match on some mutual guidelines about what each of you can top of that, your savings are even higher. You? A spend without checking with the other. Is it alright to millionaire? You can be, if you start early enough, save spend $100 or less without checking? What’s your consistently, and put your money to work for you. number?

Live Beyond their Means,

Slaves to Worry & Doubt.

When you are developing your budget, consider living on one salary and try to save the other. Put the extra salary into an emergency fund. Why? Because life happens. Some things we expect to happen, some we don’t. We can expect kids to come along, and perhaps one of you will decide to stay home with them. Perhaps one of you will lose a job and you have to live on one salary for a few months. You can survive it if you are prepared.

Insurance might seem like a lot of money out the door with nothing to show for it. It can certainly feel that way at times, but you can’t really afford NOT to have insurance. Homeowners insurance is probably required if you are financing your home. Health insurance is now mandated by the government. Life insurance can become critical if you have substantial debts to cover and the primary breadwinner dies unexpectedly.

Be Cautious of the Cards!

Planning is Part of Life

Be wary of credit card debt. You know that credit cards can have ridiculously high rates of interest, but you may not be aware of what it is really costing you. Interest is typically compounded daily, which greatly increases the amount that you will pay over time. I don’t want to bore you with the math here, but look at the facts. A card with only $2,000 of debt at 26% interest, might have a minimum payment calculated on the interest due plus 1% of the principal. The first payment would be $63, and would be recalculated monthly. At this rate, it would take you 198 months (16 years) and $3,640 in additional interest (on top of the original $2,000) to pay off this card. Find a credit card calculator online and play around with it using your own numbers. You will be surprised at how much you

Building your life together with your new husband is an exciting time – and it should be! Just remember to put as much energy into planning for the next forty years as you did for your wedding day. If thinking about your finances has given you a headache, and you don’t know where to start, get help. Financial professionals help people of all ages develop a strategy that can help them be successful in life. Everyone wishes you joy, happiness, security and the wonder that is a loving relationship. In the end, however, you’re the one who will have to take the steps necessary to create that joy, security and happiness. After you say, “I do,” say to yourself, “I will,” and start building your tomorrows, today. www.BrideToBeBook.com  The Bride-to-Be Book 

The

Perfect Day

Bride: Hanna Oliver Gilland, Cadiz, Kentucky Groom: Joe Gilland, Benton, Kentucky Married on April 26, 2014

My wedding day couldn't have gone better in my dreams. I checked the weather every day because I was adamant that we didn't need a Plan B. After many rainy days in April, my wedding day came, the sun was shining bright and 80 degrees! I look back on my wedding day and often think "I hope every girl feels as loved and special as I did on my wedding day."

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Photo by: Bailey & B Photography

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Toss-Worthy Bouquet

Article by: Kathleen Burnham Photography by: Bailey & B Photography

lowers are for funerals, for birthdays, for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, baptisms, and all sorts of occasions, but above all, flowers are for weddings. Blossoms have been a solid feature of the nuptial festivities as far back as we can remember. Why? Everyone seems to take those center pieces and corsages and bouquets for granted, but the fact is that they say a lot about you and your wedding. Here are some stunning flowers to incorporate into your floral arrangements on the wedding day, and most importantly, into the bouquet that you will throw over your head to the expectant throng of bachelorettes dying to get their hands on the floral good juju. Amaryllis: Traditionally associated with holidays, amaryllis have bold blooms, often fiery orange and red. They symbolize “pride, radiant beauty, and determination.” They are certainly a statement flower, and are relatively easy to procure from florists. Anemone: This flower has smaller blossoms, but has a rich purple hue that is soothing and enchanting. They represent anticipation and are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil. Blue/purple flowers in general “represent peace, tranquility, faithfulness, and loyalty.” Carnation: Carnations have always been popular at weddings. Depending on the color, they can represent pure love (white), fascination (pink), good luck (white), admiration (red), motherly love (light pink), deep love (dark red), and affection (red), say the experts at Teleflora.com. There are many other colors, and some florists dye the flowers to create imaginative arrangements. Did you know that carnations used to have the fragrance of cloves? The scent has been bred out of the flower in favor of enhancing the color varieties and sizes of the blooms. Chrysanthemum: The symbolism of this flower is ancient, representing optimism and joy. It is associated astrologically as the patron flower of Scorpios and the 13th anniversary flower. Originally yellow in hue, the

blossoms range from white, to pink, to purple and red, but some florists dye these flowers, as well. Cyclamen: Cyclamen have very uniquely-shaped blooms that create the effect of a bouquet of brightly-colored and folded tissue paper. These flowers have a less-romantic symbolism, however, representing resignation and goodbyes, according to livingartoriginals.com. Perhaps you can incorporate them into your arrangements to represent saying a fond farewell to your single life in favor of marital joy.

fortune and happy marriages according to the florists at Teleflora.com. With their lush, full blossoms, it is no wonder that these flowers have captivated hearts for centuries. Poppy: Yes, we know that poppies are often associated with narcotics and sleep, but they also represent pleasure (red), imagination (white), and wealth and success (yellow). These flowers are very outstanding in any arrangement, adding warmth and visual intrigue. Check out thelanguageofflowers.com for a quick reference to many flower meanings.

Daffodil/Narcissus: Daffodils, says Teleflora.com, unsurprisingly represent joy, springtime, good fortune, rebirth, and new beginnings. While not the most seductive or ethereal flower on the list, the blossoms add light and joy to any arrangement, which is sure to make guests, brides, and grooms smile.

Rose: Roses, without a doubt, are the quintessential flower for any occasion. They say anything and everything with their simple-yet-complex beauty. Red roses are for lovers and enduring passion. White blossoms represent humility and innocence. Yellow roses represent Forget-Me-Not: These small, blue friendship and joy. Purple roses flowers are wonderful accents in represent enchantment and love at bouquets, representing truest love first sight. Orange is for desire; Pink and devotion. for admiration. Did you know that the number of stems in a rose without a doubt, are the Geranium: Don’t let the floral bouquet is significant? As meaning behind this lovely flower Teleflora.com will tell you, a single deter you. Indicating stupidity or rose in a bouquet represents love at folly according to first sight. Two roses stands for canadianflowedelivery.com, we mutual love and respect. Three can hardly imagine how this roses represents the bride, the for any occasion. flower garnered such a symbolic groom, and their love. Six roses reputation. One only has to see a indicates infatuation. Nine roses geranium to think it must indicates that your relationship will represent beauty and strength. last forever. Ten roses represents perfection, and twelve roses represents engagement. Fifty roses means that one’s Hyacinth: These flowers are exquisitely fragrant and love is undying and limitless -- and pretty wealthy, too. represent constancy and sincerity. The blooms are blue and purple and can be incorporated into a bouquet as Sunflower: As bright and outstanding as daffodils or your “something blue.” lilies, sunflowers represent warmth, happiness, adoration, and longevity. The larger varieties of sunflower Lily: Always a popular choice, lilies come in a large tend to dominate a bouquet, so many brides have chosen variety of colors and hybrids, and many are very fragrant. to have only sunflowers in their bridal arrangement. Depending on the variety and color chosen, lilies represent chastity and virtue (white), friendship and Sweet Pea: Representing “blissful pleasure,” these small, devotion (pink/yellow), wealth and prosperity (pink fragrant flowers are lovely in centerpieces or stargazers), and humility and devotion (white lilies of the boutonnieres. They are not a showpiece, but they add valley). simple beauty to smaller table arrangements.

Roses,

Quentessential Flower

Orchid: Possibly one of the most costly of flowers in your floral designs, orchids represent “love, luxury, beauty, strength, virility, and pure affection.” The wide variety of color combinations achieved with orchids is truly fantastic, and for the price, they can make any arrangement truly stand out and shine. Peony: Pink peonies represent romance, while white represent prosperity. All peonies are omens of good

These are just a few of the many thousands of flowers to choose from so don’t end your research into the language and possibilities of flowers here. Google yourself into as state of floral ecstasy, or chat with your local florist or nursery folks as you discover all the possibilities for creating the bouquet you will toss at your wedding. There are flowers for every mood, every occasion, and every day of the year. What will your hand-picked bouquet say about you and your special day? www.BrideToBeBook.com  The Bride-to-Be Book 

Home

Sweet Home Article by: Kalli Bubb

“First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes . . . a new home.”

fter the wedding and after the honeymoon there's one more thing that newlyweds seem eager to experience: home buying. It's an enormous and expensive decision to make together. Such a colossal decision should be approached with care to ensure that all the right steps are made in preparation for searching for your first home together. Here are some things to bear in mind as your embark on your first home buying adventure.

Want versus Need The first step in purchasing your home is to determine your priorities. You want to decide the size and design of a home with expectations for what the future holds. If you plan on having a big family down the road then you might want a large multi-family home. But wait: children don’t just move in overnight. You might have time to grow. If you don't expect kids in the future, then a single family home could suit you. Keep in mind the location of the home you are looking at. Some people look at neighborhoods with short commutes to jobs; some are looking for an area with low property taxes and some may be looking for neighborhood that has something special to offer.

Give a little freedom; get a little freedom Home ownership ties you to a structure. If opportunities call you to a new city, you will be bound to your home until you can sell it. At the same time, the home can be a valuable asset later on, and frees you from the restrictions on storage, hobbies, pets and other limitations common to rental agreements. How much house? The rule of thumb is this: the house should cost no more than twice your annual income. That is, if you earn $40,000 a year, you can “afford” an $80,000 home. It doesn’t matter who will lend more; generally, you should invest not more than one-quarter of your

monthly income in housing. You still have to eat, be clothed, have medical care, pay for utilities, fuel the car (and pay for it) and still have some money left for recreation and leisure. Don’t worry: if you take good care of your house and your budget, you can move into the house of your dreams later on.

Let's Talk Money

automatic decision. Work with an experienced agent to assess your risk and select the kind of protection you need. While you’re at it, consider income disability insurance (mortgage payments don’t take a break because you’re recovering from an illness) and, of course, life insurance. A life policy at least equal to the amount of the existing mortgage is a minimum expectation and can be purchased for low monthly payments. If you prepare for the worst, you’ll be ready for the best possible outcome.

One of the most important things when purchasing your first home together is money. You usually have two choices when When You’re Finally Alone . . . purchasing a home: purchasing the home outright Homes don’t just take care of or obtaining a loan. When you themselves. You should make do decide to purchase a home a monthly inspection of If you prepare for the it's helpful to be “preheating and air conditioning approved” for loans. That way filters, the heat exchanger for you are able to estimate how the AC (is the fan grill clear of much you would be able to obstacles?), and other critical you’ll be ready for the borrow. If you can't purchase equipment and machinery. An the home with cash, you need annual inspection and to consider a mortgage and the cleaning of central heating necessary down payment. units is a must, and many Typically a twenty percent service companies offer down payment of the cost of special pricing during the the home is what most lenders slower spring and fall recommend, but there are cases where a home buyer months. Cleaning the gutters every 90 days will not with good credit can slide by with a much lower only reduce the risk of damage, but can extend the down payment. However, the higher the down life of guttering and rooflines. Asphalt driveways or payment the more likely a lender will deal with you. parking areas should be “sealed” every 2 to 3 years, Don’t be afraid to rent until you can, as a couple, put and you can probably do that yourself. There are together the cash you will need to buy responsibly. several inspections and maintenance jobs you can do that will prevent damage and breakdowns while extending your housing budget. A Superhero: The Real Estate Agent

Worst,

Best Possible Outcome.

Even though you can find homes on the internet, you should enlist help of a good real estate agent when buying your first home. These professionals know how to get information about properties and help guide you to the right direction. They also may have knowledge about the area that you don’t — specifically information that allows them to negotiate a fair — but lower — price. With real estate agents you are more likely to discover legal burdens such as tax liens that could further complicate the purchase of a new home. Real estate agents can stand between you and the seller, taking the pressure off and explaining the implication of each change in the offer. One of the greatest advantages of bringing on a real estate agent is their ability to handle the paperwork — and there is a ton it it — necessary for a safe, secure purchase of your first home.

Protecting the Family Home A solid package of insurance, from fire and flood insurance to earthquake and theft, should be an

Save for the Day After Tomorrow You never know what the future will bring, but for most of us it’s nothing terrible. Still, if you have to borrow money to replace a water heater or a lawnmower, you’re going to be paying more than you should. Keep at least 3 to 4 months of normal household expenses in a short-term savings account and, when it gets “too big,” shift some money into your investment funds. The ability to write a check for quick repairs or replacements will make your life easier and will make life more pleasant in the long run. Relax; you told the minister and all your families that you’re in this for the long run. It looks pretty complex, but you’ll have family and friends to help you through. Some day, not too far into the future, you’ll be giving advice to your own daughter as you help her prepare as a bride to be. Try not to cry; she’ll need you experience as well as your love. www.BrideToBeBook.com  The Bride-to-Be Book 

Gift Advice for the Groom by: Kenny Darnell

en are at home in the wild. Their brains have been hard-wired by the Almighty to “go forth and conquer.” They will swoop down on a Cabela’s store or Bass Pro Shops with a fine eye tuned to the nuances of fishing and hunting equipment or camping supplies. They will drive a hard bargain and won’t be fooled by knock-off items or fakes. They will pour over countless catalogs and sale fliers to save the last cent on a tackle box or a good pair of binoculars. But put the “man’s man” anywhere near a mall and he will become immediately uncertain within himself. That’s why Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops have separate entrances to the mall, otherwise their male clientele would be too fraught with anxiety to make an informed purchase of the simplest piece of gear. Gift shopping for your bride? Look at it as a journey into the unknown; imagine yourself as Sam and Frodo headed for Mount Doom. Years of being the rugged outdoors type have probably not been kind to your outward appearance so go ahead and lace up your best work or hiking boots, put on a pair of clean Levi’s

 The Bride-to-Be Book  2015 Edition

(even if you have to go buy a clean pair), add a rugged Eddie Bauer shirt. Leave the Copenhagen at home. Now, this is important: do not for one moment consider surprising your intended with any article of clothing, period! You do not know her taste in clothes but, more importantly, you do not know her size. Come home with something too big and she will scream that you think she looks bigger than she really is. Buy something too small and she will throw heavy objects at you for making her look fat. Weddings are exciting enough; leave the clothes alone.

Rule No. 1 You cannot go wrong with gold. Well, hardly. There are three things to remember here: Women love gold; there is no such thing as “white” gold; and anything less than solid 14 carat stuff will lead to serious injury. Go to a real jewelry store. The name on the box or the bag means almost as much as the gold. “Bud’s Bail Bonds and Gold Exchange” won’t get the job done. And real gold is usually sold by the ounce, not by the foot. As a general rule, buying gold chain off a roll at a flea market is not a good idea.

Rule No. 2 You can quadruple the value of gold with an appropriate diamond. Now, here’s the thing about diamonds – they come in “carats” and the more carats the better. You might get by with a fraction of a carat such as one-half, or threequarter, but if the diamond is measured in “points” you might as well buy her a Snap-on tool. Just remember, if you cannot see the diamond, she won’t see the diamond; and more importantly, her friends won’t be able to see the diamond and you’ll be sleeping with the dog.

Rule No. 3 Diamonds and Gold are a safe bet. But if you have an adventurous side, buy her perfume. Here are things to keep in mind: Never, ever buy her perfume from Sam’s Club even if you get a good deal on a quart jar of the “Sam’s Choice” Fragrance of the Month. Thumb through some women’s magazines or watch “Days of Our Lives” and look for the perfume commercial that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever to you. Buy that brand. Here’s the absolute, hands down, litmus test for buying perfume: if you think the price is reasonable, you are shopping in the wrong store. So there you have it fellows: Add up what you’ve spent on lawnmowers, fancy guns, fishing tackle, and NASCAR memorabilia in the past year. If you want to continue your “man’s man” lifestyle in the manner you are accustomed to, then review the rules and head down to the mall. Just to be on the safe side, don’t enter the mall through the Bass Pro Shops entrance, either.

 The Bride-to-Be Book  2015 Edition