Her Impressions | Fall 2018

Save-the-dates & Invitations

Websites, Registries & Apps

WEDDING WARDROBE

color palette Choosing a

Fall 2018 Leader-Telegram Magazine

A new trend is taking hold both in North America and on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Cakes are being pared down so that frosting and fondant coverings are now nearly absent from the confections.

They’re called “naked cakes,” and these simplified desserts showcase the texture of the cakes and their fillings.

According to culinary experts, the idea for the naked cake came from Christina Tosi, owner of Momofuku Milk Bar. It’s an award-winning bakery with locations across the United States and Canada.

Now many other pastry chefs and bakers are hopping on the naked cake bandwagon, with the trend being highlighted by the likes of Martha Stewart and the respected wedding resource The Knot.

Just because these cakes may be short on exterior buttercream doesn’t mean they fall flat on flavor or visual appeal. Cakes can be embellished with fresh blooms, gum paste-molded flowers, edible pearls and gems, fresh berries, and much more. The Knot notes many naked cakes are garnished with flavors that are included in the cake, such as chocolate chips, crumbs, cookie dough, or candy sprinkles.

Couples who are stripping down their weddings to include more basics and natural effects may be drawn to these naked cakes.

They’re also an option for those who find frosting, buttercream and fondant too sweet for the palate. Naked cakes enable the interior flavors to really shine.

Let’s getfrosting-free Naked! cakes 2 Leader-Telegram Fall 2018 Her impressions

contents Local • Vibrant • You!

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Save-the-dates & Invitations p.

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Websites, Registries & Apps

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Choosing a Color p.

Palette

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Wedding Wardrobe

Editor, Design & Layout Angela Rediess Magazine Coordinator Edie Litzkow edie.litzkow@ecpc.com 715-833-9239

Copyright 2018. All rights reserved.

Her Impressions is published three times a year by the Leader-Telegram Advertising Department.

Next issue: January 2019 See it online @ leadertelegram.com/magazines Cover art from 123rf.com

24 Bridal Directory

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Leader-Telegram Fall 2018 Her impressions 3

Wedding invitations once followed a relatively standard format that did not necessarily require much thought on the part of the grooms- and brides-to-be. But many couples now take more creative approaches to their wedding invitations, using them to evoke a certain theme or to establish if the wedding will be formal or casual.

Save-the-dates & Invitations While wedding invitation designs might have become more flexible over the years, couples should still make sure to include certain information in their invitations to avoid being overwhelmed with questions from guests excited to attend the festivities.

Date & time:

Reply cards:

It may seem simple, but don’t forget to include the date and time of both the wedding and reception in the invitation. If there will be a considerable amount of time between the ceremony and the reception, you may want to include a handful of local dining suggestions so guests can grab a quick bite to eat before the cocktail hour.

Reply cards are included so guests can easily reply to let couples know if they will or will not be attending.

Couples with wedding websites can even include a link to their sites on the reply cards, letting guests know they can reply via the website if they so choose.

Venue information: Guests will need to know where couples are tying the knot, so be sure to include the address of the ceremony site as well as a link to its website. The address will help guests find the venue, while the website can prove an invaluable source of information about the venue for guests.

Reception hall information: Couples whose receptions will be in a different location than their ceremonies should include the same information about the reception hall that they did about the ceremony site. Reception hall information is often listed on reception cards, which can include information on the front and back to save paper and money on postage.

Hotel information: Many couples arrange special room rates with nearby hotels for their wedding guests. Include the names of these hotels, directions to the hotel from all directions, directions from the hotel to the ceremony and reception sites and the various rates for rooms (single room, double room, etc.). If possible, include a link to each hotel’s reservation form as well.

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Reception menu: Many reception halls ask that couples give them a ballpark figure as to how many of their guests will prefer each type of entrée available at the reception. Include menu options within your invitation package, ideally on your reply card, so you can easily provide this information for your vendor.

Wedding website information: If you did not already include a link to your wedding website on your save-the-date cards, include that information within your invitation package. Wedding websites will answer many of your guests’ questions for you, so don’t forget to make this valuable tool a part of your wedding planning.

TIPS & TRICKS Number the back of RSVP cards and correspond the numbers to the guest list. If one or more responses is illegible, refer to the number to figure it out.

Include postcard response cards in wedding invites. The postage is less and you don’t have to spend money on an extra envelope.

Use labels. Once the guest list is finalized, create a database of guests’ addresses.

Print out two sets of labels: One for addressing the invitations and the other to address the thank-you cards Create an email address. To have all of the weddingrelated details in one place, create a separate email address exclusively for wedding correspondence.

Master the save-the-date Weddings can take more than a year to plan, giving guests advance notice can ensure as many loved ones as possible attend the ceremony. Save-the-date cards allow you to announce wedding plans well in advance.

• Mail save-the-date cards even if some wedding day details are still up in the air. Guests really only need to know the date and location of the wedding.

• Use the save-the-date card to direct invitees to wedding websites.

• RSVP information does not need to be included on the save-the-date card.

• Save-the-date cards are less formal than invitations, so have fun with them. Showcase your clever personality or funny quirks.

• Keep in mind it is in poor taste to mention gifts or registries on save-the-date cards. There will be plenty of time to direct guests to registries later on.

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Websites, Registries & Apps Technology continues to infiltrate all areas of life.

So it should come as no surprise that apps and digital organization play a prominent role in many couples’ weddings. Couples may now feel it is necessary to design a wedding website to keep their guests up-todate.

Though they’re useful when planning a wedding, websites are not a must-have, according to bridal etiquette experts. However, those who choose to delve into the world of wedding websites can keep these pointers in mind when navigating.

Wedding websites need not feature all the bells and whistles of more permanent sites. But couples should be mindful to share certain information to ensure their guests stay in the know about the pending nuptials.

Information to include on your wedding website:

The participants

Wedding websites can be used to inform guests about the couple getting married as well as the various participants, such as the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Extended families of the bride- and groom-to-be may not know much about their loved one’s betrothed, and the wedding website can help guests get to know both people getting married. Include information about the bridal party as well. A brief story about each bridal party member’s relationship to the bride and/or groom can be a great way to illustrate just how much each person in the party means to the couple tying the knot.

The big day

Invitations were once the go-to source for information about wedding ceremonies and receptions. But unlike invitations, websites won’t get lost around the house or in the mail, making them more reliable resources for guests. Include all the pertinent details about the big day on your website, including the time and location of both the ceremony and the reception.

Include directions to and from the venue (both the ceremony and reception venues if they will be held at separate locations), and include a Google maps feature if possible.

RSVP info

Save guests the trouble of returning RSVP cards by including an RSVP section on your website. Establish an email address solely for RSVPs, and check it regularly so you can update who is and who is not attending your wedding. Couples can save the expense of postage by requesting that guests RSVP exclusively through their websites. Just be sure to include that request with the invitations if you still plan to mail more traditional invites.

Accommodations

Many couples arrange for discounted hotel rooms for their out-of-town wedding guests. Include this information on your wedding website, and aim to include at least two hotels where guests can register under your party and receive discounted lodging. In addition to the hotels you arrange a deal with, include some extra information about other lodging options in the area.

Out-of-town guests will appreciate having as many options as possible, and couples providing that information save guests the trouble of researching certain neighborhoods to determine if they are safe or close to the ceremony and reception sites.

Registry

Wedding websites also provide a great way for couples to share registry information. Include links that take guests directly to your online registries.

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Website dos & don’ts: DO use the wedding website as a central hub for putting pertinent information about the wedding.

DON’T ignore the potential for identity theft and

privacy. Wedding websites can put quite a deal of personal information out for public consumption. Not only will the website advertise when the wedding takes place (when your home and the homes of all your guests will be empty), but could also include birthdays, maiden names, and other information that would normally be more difficult to track down.

DO use a wedding website provider that gives you the

option to password protect your website. Urge guests not to share this protected information with others.

DON’T caption engagement photos, bachelorette party photos and more with dates and names on the website or other social media.

DO skip the wedding website if you are strongly opposed to it. When properly composed, wedding invitations convey all the pertinent details.

DON’T forget to link to gift registries.

Appy Couple: This app and website helps couples manage their budgets, timelines, wedding parties, and seating charts, while also allowing them to share photos.

There is a free version and basic packages that allow access to more features. iWedding Deluxe: In addition to managing timelines, to-do lists and vendors, this app offers inspiration ideas for gowns, manages and tracks gifts, and offers first dance suggestions from iTunes. However, it is only available to iPhone users.

AllSeated: This tool can help couples figure out seating arrangements by creating 3D floor plans of the event. Couples can pull contacts from email and social networks to establish a guest list. If floor plans are unavailable in their database, they can be drawn.

The Knot’s Marketplace: With the click of a button, couples can search for wedding vendors in different categories, read reviews, and directly connect with those businesses.

HitchSwitch: Brides or grooms who may be changing their names can do so in one convenient place. Three different packages cater to various name-changing needs.

DO use the wedding website to collect responses and make seating arrangements online.

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Wedding apps: The internet makes vetting vendors and reading reviews easier, but wedding-related apps can also simplify wedding planning. The following are some top picks as culled by Wedding Shoppe, Inc., The Knot and Lifehacker.

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Wedding LookBook: This app enables couples to browse thousands of dresses, accessories, jewelry, and more. The app helps customers find products in their area.

Shutterfly: This photo, invitation and image-sharing tool can be an inexpensive place to create save-the-date stationery, invitations, and photo memory books.

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Leader-Telegram Fall 2018 Her impressions 7

Build a

registry to relish Registries are a wedding tradition, not unlike a couple’s first dance or the best man/maid of honor toast. But as practical as wedding registries are, many couples approach their registries with a degree of hesitation, fearful that they might appear presumptuous or simply uncertain about what to include on their lists. The following tips can help engaged couples build a registry to relish and utilize for years to come.

Establish an online registry. Whereas guests

once had to visit a couple’s favorite retailer(s) and ask what remained on their registry, online registries now allow well-meaning family members and friends to peruse potential gifts from the comforts of home and ship gifts directly to the couple. Online registries even indicate which items have already been purchased, saving couples the trouble of returning duplicates while reassuring buyers that their gifts are fulfilling a need or want.

Share your registry information on your wedding website and stationery. Guests need to know where you are registered, so share that information on your wedding website and include it on your invitations.

Register with multiple retailers. By registering

with more than one retailer, couples can give their guests more options to choose from. Try to include one

brick-and-mortar store, ideally one with a national presence, so guests who prefer to shop in-person won’t be forced to buy online.

Don’t be afraid to list expensive items.

While few guests will break the bank to buy wedding gifts, that does not mean couples should avoid including expensive items on their registries. Some couples might feel it’s inappropriate, but it can actually prove practical. Many stores offer couples steep discounts on items they listed on their registries that ultimately were not purchased. If you have your eye on an especially expensive item, include it on your list without worrying about how it may look to your guests, as they will understand when you explain the postwedding discount you’re eligible for.

Don’t limit your registry to expensive items. While it’s perfectly

acceptable to include expensive items on your registry, remember that

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variety is the spice of life when adding items to your registry. Include items at a range of price points for guests working with various budgets. Don’t hesitate to include low-cost items, as some guests may enjoy building a wedding gift basket with various affordable items from your registry.

Remember that no gift is too obscure. Thanks to the Internet, just about any item can now be tracked down by ambitious gift givers. If you want to include items that might not be available at run-ofthe-mill retailers, choose an online retailer such as Amazon to host one of your registries. Such sites are great places to find specialty items or more obscure offerings that might be out of stock at more traditional retailers.

Encourage donations.

If you are truly hesitant to ask for gifts or you’re tying the knot later in life and already have everything you need, encourage guests to donate to a favorite charity in lieu of making a donation.

A wedding registry provides a practical way for well-meaning wedding guests to show their love for brides- and grooms-to-be.

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LIFE-A-THON

Wait, what? Choose your media disruptors? YES!

Flipping the multitasking button to OFF mode is a conscious decision amid the 21st century. With unmeasured results of disruptive technology inserted into our daily lives, it is relevant to question the value of multi-tasking in both our personal lives as well as the workplace. Often listed as a necessary skill towards achieving both personal and career success, multi-tasking has become synonymous with the term efficiency.

Digital Snacking

Efficiency in the 21st century has become a relative term when the average person consumes 12 hours and 7 minutes of media per day (e-marketer May 2017). Since the adoption of the mobile phone our attention has migrated to a wide variety of mobile devices. While tech adopters may research on their desktops, mobile devices are used as a digital snack during our breaks from daily grind. Digital consumers are continuing to define their niche programming via podcasts. In 2018, 26% of the U.S. population listen to podcasts monthly. This audience percentage skews both male and those between the ages of 12-54. Those whom listen regularly log onto their favorite podcasts 7 days per week. According to an e-marketer survey, the top 3 podcast subscriptions by audience are: 1. NPR 2. WNYC Studios and 3. PRX (e-marketer 2018). See the references below for a list.

By location these podcasts were typically consumed 1. In the car 2. At Home 3. In the Gym. (e-marketer 2018) All common places to insert multi-tasking mobile media.

Tech Abstinence is Not a Requirement!

Multi-tasking splits the brain into a ‘divide and conquer mode’ -with the prefrontal cortex as the key player.

Technological advancements have altered both the speed and efficiency of our daily work allowing for flexible mobile usage, yet its impact has left us unable to get away or completely switch to OFF mode. Case in point, how many

of us can operate a normal day feeling secure without our technological devices (including our televisions and radios)?

Checking your pulse rate at this moment is a true indicator of your dependence on technology.

If not total abstinence, filtering the amount of technology we allow to control our perception of well-being begins with personal identity. What you do each day and how it is spent creates a feeling of fulfillment or lack.

Define Your Life-Pace

A lifetime of well-being begins with creating short-term incentives that are consistent with long-term objectives.

Momentary choices have effects on long-term goals.

Our choices have the power to work for us or against us.

Consistently aligning our daily choices with long-term goals results in behavioral changes that follow in tandem.

Our societal idea of 21st century efficiency neither equates to a balanced life nor supports it. The recipe for a wellbalanced life is a diverse as there are people on the planet.

Discovering what is personally worthwhile is part of defining one’s own Life-a-thon. Filtering technology choices begins with creating the mindful moment. Choose to thrive by becoming aware of disruptive tech habits. Digital technology, when utilized best, is meant to enhance our daily lives. This is not a virtual life, it’s about living life! So, what’s your life-pace?

Contact Nichole from Leader Telegram’s Pixel Ink Creative Group for more information: office #715-830-5823 email: Nichole.cerrillo@ecpc.com References: e-marketer May 2017 https://www.emarketer.com/Article/US-Adults-Now-Spend-12-Hours-7Minutes-Day-Consuming-Media/1015775 e-marketer February 2018 https://www.emarketer.com/content/podcasts-who-s-listening-andwhat-it-means-for-marketers Tom Rath, Jim Harter Well Being: The Five Essential Elements Gallop Press 2010.

Popular Podcasts links: NPR https://www.npr.org/podcasts/ WNYC Studios https://www.wnyc.org/shows/ PRX https://www.prx.org

Leader-Telegram Fall 2018 Her impressions 9

How couples can benefit from hiring local wedding vendors Local vendors have intimate knowledge of the areas they serve, and that can make for a more personalized, eco-friendly wedding.

Local vendors are often a go-to choice when couples are planning their wedding ceremonies and receptions. As the “shop local” movement grows in popularity, weddings present a prime opportunity to embrace this movement.

along bulky dresses, decorative items, flowers, and much more. Plus, couples needn’t pay to transport and house vendors brought along from back home.

Couples may have different ideas regarding where to tie the knot, but local vendors can be hired regardless of geography. Brides magazine says the biggest factor influencing wedding location is the size of the guest list and the number of people who wouldn’t be able to attend if the wedding was in a particular locale. Hometowns might be the traditional choice regarding wedding location, but the XO Group says one in four couples now host destination weddings.

Individuals who take great strides to conserve resources by reducing their energy consumption and protecting the environment often find that shopping local is beneficial. Local vendors are more likely to source their materials from other local businesses, reducing their carbon footprints along the way. For example, local caterers may rely on local farmers for their foods, affording couples the chance to host eco-friendly or even farm-totable weddings.

Once couples choose a town or city to host their weddings, they can begin exploring the benefits of working with locally-based vendors.

Familiarity

Local vendors will be familiar with the area and possibly even the location where the wedding will be held. That can help couples avoid having to give directions, discuss venue protocols, and handle other tasks that must be worked out with non-local vendors.

For example, local photographers familiar with a particular venue will know all of the best places to get shots, and some vendors may have preexisting relationships with venue representatives that could ensure wedding day operations go smoothly.

Proximity

Local vendors can meet with brides and grooms more readily throughout the planning process, making things less stressful on the happy couple.

This also makes it easier to drop off deposits, attend meetings, make fitting appointments, or attend styling sessions.

Savings

Couples who travel for their weddings and employ local vendors will not have to pack as much. Using local vendors eliminates the need to bring

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Environment

Customization

Working with local vendors often translates into getting more personalized service and attention than mass retailers or merchants can provide.

Going local when choosing wedding vendors is an increasingly popular choice among couples about to tie the knot.

Living centerpieces set receptions apart

Weddings are special occasions for all involved. Guests may look forward to the ceremony and festivities to follow, and couples who are hosting do not want to disappoint. Brides and grooms often look for new and innovative ideas to set their weddings apart from ones they may have attended in the past.

Centerpieces are one aspect of the reception where couples can get creative without breaking the bank. Flowers are popular centerpieces at weddings. But even with cost-cutting measures, such as choosing in-season blooms, bumping up the filler-to-flower ratio and opting for low-profile centerpieces instead of towering alternatives, couples can expect to pay around $2,000 on wedding flowers, offers The Knot, a go-to resource for wedding planning. But opting for the following clever living centerpiece alternatives might not only impress guests, but also do so on budget.

Choose potted plants. Potted plants can serve as both favors and reception centerpieces. Live plants also can be an eco-conscious decision for couples who are interested in incorporating “green� elements into their weddings.

Couples tying the knot in the autumn can place mums

inside of a hollowed pumpkin or gourd. Spring and summer weddings can be enhanced by miniature rose bushes. Winter weddings may be dressed up with small evergreen trees or potted holly.

Marine life draws attention. Couples can opt for inexpensive freshwater fish to add ambiance and a focal point for the reception tables.

Small goldfish bowls can be decorated with gravel that matches the color of the wedding theme.

One lucky guest at each table can take home the miniature aquarium after the festivities.

Butterflies are whimsical. Some cultures or religions view butterflies as a symbol of endurance, change, hope, and vitality. Incorporating butterflies into reception centerpieces can make guests feel like they are stepping into a living garden. Small, mesh-lined cages filled with foliage and butterflies might add that special touch.

Living centerpieces offer something different from floral centerpieces. However, because live plants and animals may be part of the display, couples need to account for their welfare. This means ensuring they will be cared for after the wedding, or in the event of butterflies, released into the evening sky.

204563 9-16-18

While budget often determines what couples can and can’t do at their wedding receptions, brides- and groomsto-be can prioritize certain components if they are looking to impress.

Leader-Telegram Fall 2018 Her impressions 11

CHOOSING WEDDING COLOR PALETTES Some brides may feel beholden to the color white on their wedding days, at least in regard to their gowns. Those who do often showcase their personal styles and set the mood for their nuptials by embracing various colors throughout their ceremonies and receptions.

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A critical component when establishing the ambiance for a wedding, color can evoke certain moods and set the tone for the day. Some colors work better together than others, so while choosing a color scheme may seem like an easy undertaking, couples may find it requires more careful consideration than first imagined.

According to the bridal guide ‘A Practical Wedding,’ wedding colors can give couples a starting point for all of the other wedding details. This ensures a cohesive look. Colors need not necessarily match, but borrowing on similar hues can make it easier to plan wedding party wardrobes, flowers, table linens, and much more.

Colors can come from anywhere, but many couples try to coordinate their color schemes with the season in which

the wedding takes place. In fact, couples who are finding it difficult to decide on a palette can look to seasonal colors for inspiration. For example, pastels and blooming flowers can set the scene for spring weddings, while jewel tones and rich reds and greens may be fitting for winter ceremonies.

Some couples opt for more loosely defined color palettes, such as neutral and natural colors. Country and garden weddings can borrow ideas from the landscape, with natural linens paired with wildflowers.

Using whites, grays and beiges enables couples to add a pop of color without overwhelming the setting.

Brides magazine suggests that couples avoid choosing too many colors. A maximum of three with one metallic can ensure that things look cohesive without being over-the-top. Also, brides cont. on pg 16

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cont. from pg 13

and grooms needn’t feel pressured by the “hot� colors of the moment. As with clothing and hairstyles, trends change. It is better to select colors that will stand the test of time and look good for years to come.

Couples may have to incorporate colors already at their wedding venues into their style. Fortunately many reception sites are outfitted in neutral tones to enable customization.

The wedding resource The Knot also says having a basic knowledge of the color wheel can help. Typically, colors that pair well together are those that are opposites on the color wheel. Also, colors that share proximity on the color wheel will have similar tones and play well together. Examples of opposite colors include purples and yellows, reds and greens, and oranges and blues.

Couples should not be afraid to take some chances with their color palettes, especially if they want to make a bold and modern statement.

16 Leader-Telegram Fall 2018 Her impressions

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Selecting a comfortable wedding gown

Before you say to the dress

yes

Many brides-to-be visit bridal shops with specific goals in mind regarding the style of their wedding gowns. Much consideration is given to wedding gowns. The cost and silhouette of the dress may garner the bulk of that consideration, but brides might want to spend more time considering comfort.

Depending on the time of day a weddings takes place, brides can spend 12 hours or more in their dresses. However, when shopping, brides may prioritize beauty over comfort, even though it’s entirely possible to find a gown that’s both stunning and comfortable. To make sure brides look flawless and elegant but are still comfortable in their wedding gowns, consider the following tips.

Know what to highlight and what to cover up.

No two body types are the same, and many women feel certain parts of their bodies are their best assets while they want to downplay others. Try on gowns that play up your best features. If you have shapely legs, consider a dramatic gown with a slit to show them off. Certain gowns can enhance the decollete or show off an hourglass shape.

Remember, many gowns can be modified so that you feel secure and confident. Sleeves can be added or fabric placed to cover up any perceived flaws. Confidence and pride are important parts of the comfort factor.

Get sized correctly. Bridal gown sizes do not coincide with street sizes. Depending on the manufacturer, brides may have to select gowns that are several sizes larger than they would normally wear. This should not be a cause for alarm. Brides should go by their measurements.

Attempting to squeeze into a dress that is too small will only lead to discomfort on the wedding day.

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Purchase the right undergarments. Improperly fitting bras, shapewear and other undergarments can lead to discomfort as well. Some seamstresses can sew in supportive cups to remove the need for separate bras.

Brides can explore various options to reduce the visibility of certain accoutrements.

Move around in the gown. Brides should not just stand in front of the mirror and smile when trying on gowns. Put them through their paces. Try sitting, bending and even a little dancing. Make sure the dress is comfortable to move around in.

Try different options. The gown brides have in mind may not be the one they ultimately go home with. Explore different styles and materials.

Wedding gowns can be both beautiful and comfortable for those who know how to shop.

what should you wear?

Determining wedding day dress codes

Even though wedding invitations rarely offer specific information regarding attire, chances are the wording will provide clues that can help guests interpret the desired dress code.

Casual If the invitation mentions casual attire, it’s important to

realize that everyday casual is different from wedding casual. Jeans, shorts and tank tops are unacceptable unless otherwise noted. Err on the side of caution and go with business casual, which includes chinos, slacks, a polo shirt or button-down shirt for men. Women can wear a sundress or slacks or a skirt and an attractive blouse. If the invitation mentions beach casual, shorts and even sandals are likely acceptable.

Semi-formal Semiformal dresswear, sometimes referred to as “dressy

casual,” is a step up from casual clothing. Cocktail dresses or a more elegant skirt and top are the norms. Gentleman generally wear a suit and tie. Coordinate the colors of clothing to the time of day. Fabrics should represent the season. For example, a linen suit will not pass at a winter wedding. cont. on pg 21

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altered state

Say ‘sew long’ to ill-fitting wedding attire Seamstresses and tailors are sometimes the unsung heroes of weddings. These individuals often work tirelessly under pressure to ensure that tuxes are taken in at the right places and that gowns are hemmed to perfection. People may underestimate the importance of good wedding ensemble alterations, but having someone whose skilled with a needle and thread is essential to looking your best on such a momentous day.

Proper fit can be as important as the gown or suit. Although some couples will spend thousands of dollars on wedding attire, many will not research the person to handle any necessary alterations. Few, if any, wedding ensembles can be purchased right off the rack and worn without custom tailoring. The scope of the alterations will depend on the desired changes and how well the clothing initially fits. Timing is crucial, and these guidelines can facilitate the process of wedding alterations.

Length of time

It’s difficult to say how long alterations will take, as it depends on the extent of the work and how busy the seamstress or tailor is. And until the alterations have begun, seamstresses and tailors may not know how long the job will take. The bridal resource The Knot advises allowing between two and three months from a first fitting to the last as an ideal timeline to make all of the alterations. For complicated gowns, brides or bridal party members may need three or four fittings, with the last occurring a few weeks before the wedding.

Alteration costs

Cost alone should not dictate where to go for alterations. The costs can include many factors, including which fabrics are used in the gown or suit, which types of alterations are requested (minor tweaks or a major overhaul), proximity to the wedding date, and even geographical location.

Brides also can add straps, beading, lace, or other detailing, but it will affect the cost.

Whom to choose

Many bridal salons and formalwear retailers will have someone on staff who can handle alterations.

20 Leader-Telegram Fall 2018 Her impressions

If a store doesn’t have a tailor or seamstress, or if this person isn’t able to provide what is needed, take clothing to a professional who specializes in wedding wear.

Gowns can be complex, with wedding gowns featuring bustles, intricate hems, boning, beading, and much more, so try to work with experienced professionals who have seen it all. Ask friends and family for recommendations, or find out if wedding planners or retailers who sold you the dress recommend anyone.

When attending a fitting, bring along the shoes and undergarments that will be worn on the wedding day so the fit can be matched accordingly. Also take one friend or family member who can offer an extra opinion on how the clothing falls and fits. Brides may want to bring a maid-(matron)of-honor if she needs to learn how to bustle a gown.

Skilled tailors or seamstresses help couples look their best on their wedding days, and finding reliable professionals should be part of wedding planning.

cont. from pg 19

Formal Formal attire is the default dress code for the majority of

weddings. When the invitation does not specify a dress code, it is safe to assume formal attire is expected. Men can choose among a dark suit and tie or a tuxedo. Women can opt for a formal cocktail-length dress, a classic suit or a long dress.

Select among tones that are gray, black or brown.

Black tie Black tie events also require formal attire. Black tie typically

goes hand-in-hand with an evening wedding. Black tie is more rigid for male guests, who should wear a tuxedo, black bow tie, cummerbund, and patent leather shoes. Women have a little more leeway with their attire at such gatherings. A long evening gown might be preferable. However, a chic cocktail dress also can be acceptable, and darker, neutral colors are most appropriate. Some invitations may reference “Black Tie Preferred.� While men may opt for a tuxedo, a black suit also can be worn.

White Tie The most formal of occasions will request white tie attire. Ball gowns and tuxedoes with tails are the norm, as are dramatic jewelry and hairstyles. White tie attire is akin to what one might see worn to awards shows.

When attending a wedding, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. Guests can consult with fellow guests or the bride and groom if they are unsure of the dress code.

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Leader-Telegram Fall 2018 Her impressions 21

The Money Merge Newly married couples should make every effort to be on the same page with regard to handling their finances. While planning a wedding requires lots of hard work, couples may also want to give some thought to life beyond their wedding day.

One of the more important matters couples must consider is how to manage their finances once they tie the knot. Discussing money can be a tricky issue, particularly when couples have long been accustomed to handling their own accounts and being responsible for their own income and expenditures. Bringing another party into the equation can complicate matters, particularly when one spouse may not have the full picture of the other’s spending and saving habits. In fact, the financial resource Bankrate.com says some of the most common financial problems newly married couples encounter include overspending and managing debt.

When deciding how to merge their finances, couples can experiment to see what works best for them. It may take some trial and error before couples find a solution that works for them, but it’s important that couples keep the lines of communication open and express a willingness to compromise with regard to managing money. The following are some additional tips for couples who want to make the transition to sharing finances go as smoothly as possible.

22 Leader-Telegram Fall 2018 Her impressions

START THE CONVERSATION EARLY

According to a recent poll by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, more than two-thirds of engaged couples had negative attitudes about discussing money with their soon-to-be spouses, with 5 percent saying even having the conversation would cause them to call off the wedding. If money is causing this type of issue before the wedding, delaying the conversation until after tying the knot can be a big mistake. It’s better for couples to begin financial discussions and start brainstorming long-term goals and plans as soon as they get engaged. Don’t hide negative financial information from a prospective spouse. Being open and honest — even though it can be challenging — is the best way to proceed.

DEAL WITH DEBT

Hiding debt is a big mistake. Discuss debt early on and come up with a way to pay it off together. The experts say, like it or not, once you’re married, your spouse’s debts become your problem. His or her credit score can impact your ability to get credit as a couple. It’s best to handle debt efficiently regardless of who is responsible for the debt.

DECIDE WHO IS THE MONEY MANAGER

One person may be better or more organized when it comes to paying bills. Whether you keep separate accounts or combine them, it is easier for one person to take the lead and manage the finances from month to month. Money can funnel into a joint account specifically established to pay bills.

DEVELOP A JOINT BUDGET

Not only do finances need to be merged, but so, too, do lifestyles.

Couples must be on the same page regarding their spending habits and keep luxury or personal expenditures in check. Work out a budget and savings plan together.

Managing finances is a conversation that newlyweds need to have as soon as possible.

Changing your last name While many brides opt to take their husbands’ surnames upon tying the knot, over the years the popularity of such a decision has ebbed and flowed. Recent years have suggested the practice is once again gaining steam. A 2011 study published in Names: A Journal of Onomastics indicates that younger brides are more likely to embrace the tradition of taking their husbands’ names in marriage. According to the study, women who married between the ages of 35 and 39 were 6.4 times more likely to keep their maiden names than those who married between the ages of 20 and 24.

Many brides view taking their spouse’s name as the natural transition from being a singleton to being a married woman. Other brides prefer they share the same last name as their future children, making the choice to take their husband’s name a logical decision. Some brides feel having the same last name as their husbands helps them feel more like a family.

Changing one’s name also may make it easier to deal with various issues. Finances, travel and even parenting concerns may be easier when women take their husbands’ last names than when they don’t.

But some brides still prefer to keep their maiden names or hyphenate those names with their husbands’ surnames.

Some may view changing their names as sacrificing their personal identities, while others may want to hold on to a

family name they are proud of. Interesting names also can be hard to give up. Brides who find taking their husband’s name would be a tongue-twister may prefer to forego this tradition.

Very often women who occupy positions of prominence in their professions keep their maiden names, feeling that taking their husbands’ names will affect the cache they have built up thus far. Women uncertain of what to do in such situations can keep their maiden names professionally and still change their names legally.

heals

Changing one’s last name is a personal preference and a decision that couples should discuss together. Discuss the decision well in advance of the wedding so that both parties are aware of each other’s feelings on the subject before tying the knot.

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Her impressions 27

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Leader-Telegram Fall 2018

Her impressions 29

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Her impressions 31

Making sure on your special day, you’re close to home.

From your routine appointments to your delivery date, you deserve the convenience of local pregnancy care. That’s why Prevea Women’s Care offers personalized care and childbirth at a location near you. From a team who understands it’s all about you, we’re committed to making sure on your special day, you’re close to home.

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