Winter 2020 Dream Weddings Magazine by Dream Weddings

Cindy Frey Photography

DREAM WEDDINGS

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717-871-1806 Juliana Tomlinson Photography

WINTER 2020

717.290.7800

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Visit DreamWeddings.co to view past magazine issues and episodes of the Dream Weddings TV show, read wedding planning advice, get inspired, and learn about the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bridal professionals who can make your wedding dreams come true!

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Karlo Gesner Photography

melhornmanor.com (717) 373-1613

Bridal Suite

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Tabacco Barn

Courtyard

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angiesvarietyshop.com

717-295-4830

Specializing in sizes 16-34

bridesoftoday.com

(717) 786-0190

THE NEXT GENERATION IS HERE

RENT OR BUY NOW OFFERING MENSWEAR

Appointments Preferred 3

One North Broad Street is a historic city wedding venue located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is based inside the Masonic Temple, offering breathtaking ancient architecture adorned with details of yesteryear. Between the majestic grand staircases, opulent marble and brilliant stained glass windows, this classic wedding venue is ideal for luxurious celebrations with vintage flair and unparalleled elegance. 215-988-1936 onenorthbroad.com 4

tiffanysbridalboutique.com 717-419-2119

lindseymareephotography.com lindseymareephoto@gmail.com 570-495-3610

Wedding, elopement, and engagement photography for adventurous + laid-back souls. Authentic. Creative. Invested. Lindsey + Jason,

Husband + Wife Team.

ETchair .com

Luxury Chair Cover Rentals (717) 808-9245 info@etchairs.com

couple’s planning guide

A wedding can be the most exciting time in a couple’s relationship but it can also become overwhelming rather quickly! With so much to accomplish before your dream day, it’s easy to panic over everything on your to-do list. Whether you’re planning your wedding in one month or over two years, let us help take the stress out of the planning process. Follow this step-bystep guide and you’ll easily be able to enjoy your Dream Wedding! Now take a deep breath and let your anxiety melt away.

STEP ONE _ Determine your budget _ Choose more than one possible

wedding date _ Based on your budget, determine your guest count _ Pick and view several ceremony

and reception venues that align with your theme (keep your guest count in mind and make sure the venues can accommodate) _ Set your wedding date STEP TWO _ Select the members of your bridal party _ Choose a bridal gown to go with

your theme and season _ Begin conceptualizing groom and wedding party attire _ Establish a wedding registry _ Send out save-the-dates

STEP THREE _ Hire your Dream Team (see next page) _ Arrange consultations with your Dream Teamers _ Schedule food and cake tastings _ Reserve a block of rooms at a local hotel for your out-of-town guests _ Send out invitations _ Book rehearsal dinner venue STEP FOUR _ Obtain a marriage license (Important!) _ Complete reception seating chart _ Schedule a final fitting for your Dream gown _ Finalize preparations for the rehearsal dinner _ Pack for your honeymoon (Don’t forget a passport if you’re traveling internationally!)

wedding checklist

Venue? √ Gown? √ Panic? √ There are so many little details that go into planning a Dream Wedding and it can become overwhelming rather quickly. This checklist will ensure your Dream Team is complete. They can worry about all the pesky little details so you can simply enjoy your special day. Worry free wedding? √

DREAM TEAM

_ Beauty Treatments _ Bridal Gown & Accessories _ Groom’s Attire & Accessories _ Alterations & Design _ Cakery _ Caterer (including rehearsal dinner, cocktail hour & reception) _ Cosmetic Dentistry _ Dance Lessons (for the first

dance!) _ Décor, Linens & Lighting _ Favors & Attendant Gifts _ Fitness & Weight Loss _ Florist (ceremony & reception) _ Hair & Makeup (for you & your

bridal party) _ Hotel Accommodations _ Jeweler (bride, bridesmaids, wedding bands, groom, groomsmen, parents, etc.) _ Music (ceremony & reception) _ Officiant _ Paper (invitations, save-the-date cards, programs, menus, seating cards, thank you notes, etc.)

_ Photo Booth _ Photographer _ Rental Accessories _ Transportation (to & from reception for you and your guests) _ Venue (ceremony & reception) _ Videographer _ Wedding Stylist & Planner (A must!)

FOR THE BRIDE _ Gown _ Reception Gown (if applicable) _ Veil or Headpiece _ Shoes (think comfort for the

reception) _ Handbag _ Jewelry _ Makeup _ Bouquet _ Something Old, New, Borrowed

FOR THE GROOM _ Attire _ Shoes & Socks _ Accessories (watch, cuff links, etc.) _ Boutonniere WEDDING PARTY _ Bridesmaid Dresses, Accessories & Shoes (think comfort for the reception!) _ Hair & Makeup _ Bouquets _ Groomsmen Attire, Accessories & Shoes _ Boutonniere _ Flower Girl / Ring Bearer Attire, Accessories & Shoes _ Wedding Party Gifts

& Blue _ Garter (2) _ Lingerie _ Bridal Emergency Kit

Illiustrations by Megan Hamilton

WEDDING DRESS STYLES

Your wedding gown is the most memorable fashion statement you will ever make! We want to help you consider which silhouettes and necklines will best convey your style and flatter your figure.

The gown follows the torso and then gracefully angles out at the waist. While this shape can complement any figure, it’s especially good for petite (the unbroken lines can make you appear taller) and full- figured (hips become less noticeable) brides.

A marriage (no pun intended!) of Mermaid & A-Line, it hugs the torso and flows outward at mid-thigh (making it less restrictive than the Mermaid). It’s a fantastic style for those with hourglass figures.

If you have an hourglass figure, this is the style that will accent your features the most! The fit hugs the body from the chest to the knee and then dramatically flares out. The only drawback is that this style can be a bit restrictive while dancing.

The clean lines of this classic shape lend themselves to weddings of every style. It’s the finishing touches (lace, bling, ruching, etc.) that make it traditional, formal, retro or modern. It’s a good choice for tall, slender or petite brides.

Cinderella defines this fairy-tale look that begins with a fitted bodice/waistline and ends with a full skirt. The style complements nearly every shape; the only exception is the petite bride, whose stature may be overwhelmed by the full skirt.

The updated version of empire styling is perfect for more casual affairs (a beach wedding, perhaps). The preferred fabric, chiffon, flows from under the bustline to provide an ethereal look. This style is a good choice for tall, slender or petite brides.

NECKLINES

In addition to the style of dress you choose, the proper neckline can accent your best features and help you feel secure in your gown. Use our guide so you know what necklines to try and how to ask for them at the bridal salon.

The Sweetheart dips in the middle, creating a heart-shaped design that’s especially complementary to brides with fuller busts.

Simple and clean, this neckline is commonly seen on strapless gowns and complements brides with small chests & shoulders.

It covers the shoulders but takes a Sweetheart shape over the bust. A good choice for brides with fuller chests.

This flattering neckline (good for B or C cups) can be as demure or daring as you’d like! It’s also a style that lends itself to sleeves.

This classic, U-shaped neckline flatters brides with all types of figures and bust sizes. It also pairs well with a variety of necklaces.

make it official!

When you go to file for your marriage license, be sure you have all of the facts!

• Different counties have different requirements, so check online to see what they need from you. • Most counties charge around $60 for a marriage license, and require that it be paid for with cash. • Marriage licenses are only valid for 60 days, so plan to file for yours within this window of time. • While some counties allow you to apply for a license online, you will both still have to appear at the courthouse or office. •

Baltimore County (MD) 401 Bosley Avenue, Towson, Maryland 21204 (410) 887-2614 baltimorecountymd.gov

Lancaster County 50 N. Duke St, Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 299-8000 co.lancaster.pa.us

Bucks County 55 East Court Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 (215) 348-6265 buckscounty.org

Lebanon County 400 South 8th Street, Lebanon, PA 17042 (717) 228-4415 lebcounty.org

Cumberland County 1 Courthouse Square, Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 240-6100 ccpa.net

Lehigh County 455 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101 (610) 782-3173 lccpa.org

Dauphin County 101 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 780-6506 dauphincounty.org Delaware County 201 W. Front St, Media, PA 19063 (610) 891-4403 co.delaware.pa.us Franklin County 157 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717) 261-3805 franklincounty.org

Montgomery County 425 Swede Street, Norristown, PA 19401 (610) 278-3400 montcopa.org New Castle County (DE) 800 N. French St, Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 395-7780 nccde.org Northampton County 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042 (610) 829-6489 northamptoncounty.org

Frederick County (MD) 100 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701 (301) 600-1976 courts.state.md.us

Philadelphia Room 415 City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 686-2233 phila.gov

Harford County (MD) 7 West Courtland Street, Bel Air, MD 21014 (410) 838-4952 mdcourts.gov

Washington County (MD) 24 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740 (301) 733-8660 courts.state.md.us

Howard County (MD) 9250 Bendix Road, Columbia, Maryland 21045 (410) 313-5850 courts.state.md.us

York County 45 North George Street, York, PA 17401 (717) 771-9615 yorkcountypa.gov

Your Wedding Budget, mastered! of their wedding purchases. By the time they figure out that they’ve used too much in one area to have enough for everything, it's too late and they aren’t left with the ability to really style their celebration and make it a unique affair. Nothing makes me more

Katy Trefry Photography

People view budgets in one of two ways. They either think they’re extremely restrictive or extremely freeing. I personally love budgets because they allow me to relax, knowing what funds I have to work with for whatever I’m budgeting. In this edition of Tips, I’m going to dissect some common wedding budget issues and tell you how to avoid budget blunders! The average cost of a wedding in the United States in 2018 was $35k Philadelphia ($56k) Maryland ($45k) and New York City ($88k). Regardless of the amount, there is a proper way to approach how you use your wedding funds. Too often, I talk with couples who forget to consider the big picture before making one or more

Expect to pay between $4k and $9.5k for all your flowers.

sad than when a couple tells me that they used half of their budget to book their venue and that particular one is basically 4 walls…no food, beverage, linens, lighting, flowers or anything! This is totally fine if you are still left with ENOUGH funds to book the average 15 remaining vendors for your Dream Wedding. I can’t tell you what your budget should be or what percentage of your overall funds you should allocate for each category. What I can do is educate you about the average cost of essential wedding vendors so that you’re not surprised when you begin reaching out for pricing and YOU are empowered to effectively manage your wedding budget.

1 2

Bring It Together

Get an idea of your total guest count.

In summary, follow these four simple steps before you use any part of your wedding budget:

Decide on your total budget amount, based on the number of people you'll have attending and what type of venues accommodate parties your size. Also, consider that you may have funds coming from different sources: yourselves, parents, grandparents, etc.

Decide which vendors you need to have for your Dream Wedding and prioritize by importance from your own perspective.

Katy Trefry Photography

Based on your guest count, allocate funds to each vendor or category you need to book. Use the list of average prices per vendor to get a feel for what you can afford. Also remember, the more elaborate your theme, the more expensive it will be to style it! Be realistic and don't forget...you get what you pay for!

$ Wedding Vendor Average Costs There are ranges for everything. It's just like buying a car: The better the quality and more accessories, the more the car will cost. CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE (Not including catering/beverage) $3,000 - $11,000 CATERING & BEVERAGE $40 - $300 per person PLANNER / DESIGNER $1,500 - $5,000 PHOTOGRAPHER $4,500 - $9,000 VIDEOGRAPHER $3,000 - $7,500 DRESS & ACCESSORIES $1,500 - $5,200 GROOM'S ATTIRE & ACCESSORIES $350 (Rental) $1,200 (Custom) WEDDING RINGS $400 - $2,500 (bands only) FLOWERS $4,000 - $9,500 DESIGN ELEMENTS & RENTALS $3,000 - $9,000 MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT $1,750 - $3,500 CAKES & DESSERTS $7 - $17 per person PAPER SUITE (Invitations, etc.) $400 - $900 HAIR & MAKEUP $400 - $700 TRANSPORTATION $250 - $800 OFFICIANT $250.00 - $500 FAVORS & GIFTS $400 - $850 Again, all of these are averages. There will be vendors in each category that fall outside of these ranges, either way.

Careful budgeting will bring your vision to life.

DIRECTORY

BARTENDERS Good Spirits Lancaster (717) 371-4849 goodspiritslancaster.com Lancaster

BRIDAL SHOWS Best Wedding Showcase (717) 733-5683 bestweddingshowcase.com Ephrata BEAUTY & SKINCARE Vicky Papageorgiou Skincare & Lashes (717) 487-6402 York CAKES Colebrook Bakery (717) 664-0108 cwbakery.com Manheim Custom Cakes by Jen (717) 792-3182 customcakesbyjen.net York House of Clarendon (717) 290-7800 houseofclarendon.com Lancaster Providence Divine Cakes (717) 741-0120 providencedivinecakes andpastries.com York CATERERS Festive Board (717) 854-2420 festive-board.com York

COSMETIC TREATMENTS Center for Cosmetic Dermatology (717) 741-5512 centerforcosmeticdermatology.com York Dentistry for Life (717) 569-3911 dentistryforlife.com Lancaster CUSTOM WEDDING ILLUSTRATIONS Megan Hamilton Weddings (516) 993-6734 meganhamiltonweddings.com Yardley

Barnes Handcrafted Farmhouse Tables (717) 586-3170 barnesfarmtables.com Seven Valleys E.T. Chairs (717) 808-9245 etchairs.com Marietta Rental World (717) 397-3663 rentalworldpa.com Lancaster Special Occasions & Queen Street Linens (717) 299-4642 specialo.com Lancaster

DANCE LESSONS Ballroom on the Square (717) 799-9416 ballroomonthesquare.com Lancaster

Weir Event Rentals & Sales (717) 975-7089 weireventrentals.com Hershey

DJS HD Entertainment (717) 850-0460 hdentertainmentdj.com East Berlin

FAVORS & GIFTS Brown’s Orchards & Farm Market (717) 428-2036 brownsorchards.com Loganville

EVENT DESIGN Angie’s Variety Shop (717) 295-4830 angiesvarietyshop.com Lancaster

Megan Hamilton Weddings (516) 993-6734 etsy.com/shop/MeganHamilton Yardley

MX2 Event Design (717) 254-5100 mx2eventdesign.com Harrisburg

FLORIST Bixler Blooms (717) 572-3763 bixlerblooms.com Marietta

EVENT RENTALS Ace the Party Place (717) 393-1707 acethepartyplace.com Lancaster

Butera the Florist (717) 846-4283 buteratheflorist.com York

Florals of Mount Joy (717) 653-1950 floraldesignsofmountjoy.com Mount Joy Petals With Style (717) 392-4000 petalswithstyle.com Lancaster Rosemary & Rust (717) 942-2429 rosemaryandrust.com Shrewsbury Tulips & Twine (717) 278-5186 tulipsandtwine.com Lancaster HAIR & MAKE-UP Anna Cecchi Smith (717) 826-0354 annacecchismith.com Lancaster Blink Beauty Lash Lounge (717) 824-4325 blinkbeautylashlounge.com Lancaster Collado Cosmetic Lab Colladocosmeticlab.org Hanover HONEYMOON Making Magical Vacations Travel makingmagicalvacationstravel .vpweb.com (717) 847-7654 Lancaster INVITATIONS Carpenter Invitations & Design (717) 842-0231 carpenterinvitationsanddesign. com Wrightsville

ASHLEY GERRITY PHOTOGRAPHY

Vendor

We present you with the Dream Weddings Vendor Directory, an amazing resource filled with highly talented professionals that will make your wedding day dreams a reality. Use our directory as a checklist to search through and select your Dream Team. Also, don’t forget to visit our online Vendor Guide at www.DreamWeddings.co/vendors. Happy Planning!

Don’t delay! Remember to book all of your vendors six months to one year ahead of time.

Persnickety Invitation Studio (717) 741-2324 persnicketyinc.com York JEWELERS Finch Jewelers (717) 293-3333 finchjewelers.com Lancaster Koser Jewelers (717) 653-4941 koserjewelers.com Mt. Joy Warren Jewellers (717) 299-3088 warrenjewellers.com Lancaster

PHOTOGRAPHY April & Bryan Photography (717) 925-0525 aprilandbryan.com Lancaster Ashley Gerrity Photography (717) 496-7043 ashleygerrityphotography.com Philadelphia Garnet Dahlia (717) 383-2420 garnetdahlia.com Lebanon Katy Trefry Photography (717) 487-6182 katytrefryphotography.com Wrightsville Lovefusion Photography (717) 779-6935 lovefusionphoto.com

MEN’S WEAR Central PA Tuxedo (717) 295-2550 centralpatuxedo.com Lancaster

Lindsey Maree Photography (570) 495-3610 Lindseymareephotography. com Liverpool

Cocoa Couture (717) 533-3323 cocoacoutureonline.com Hershey

REHEARSAL DINNERS, BRIDAL SHOWERS & PARTIES

OFFICIANT Rev. Kelly Jo Singleton (717) 471-3599 revkellyjosingleton.com Lancaster PHOTO BOOTH Katy Trefry Photography (717) 487-6182 katytrefryphotography.com Wrightsville Shining Star (717) 472-1897 shiningstarphotobooth.com Dover

Heritage Hills Resort (717) 755-0123 heritagehillsresort.com York Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square (717) 239-1600 marriott.com/hotels/travel/ lnsmc-lancaster-marriott-atpenn-square/ Lancaster Melhorn Manor (717) 373-1613 melhornmanor.com Mount Joy The Mill at Manor Falls (717) 871-1806 themillatmanorfalls.com Millersville White Chimneys (717) 442-1037 whitechimneys.com Gap VIDEOGRAPHY Bamboo Shoots (717) 715-5054 www.bambooshoots.net Lancaster

Amorette (717) 947-7710 amorette.com Lancaster

Cinematic Love Stories (717) 619-9877 www.cinematiclovestories.com Lancaster

SIGNS Eddie Belle’s Studio (410) 570-6789 eddiebellesstudio.wordpress. com York

Kevin Rist Productions (240) 529-2514 kevinristproductions.com Chambersburg

VENUES Chestnut Hill Villa (717) 898-2926 chestnuthillvilla.com Lancaster

WEDDING DRESSES Blush Bridal (717) 367-4446 blushbridalpa.com Lancaster Brides of Today (717) 786-0190 bridesoftoday.com Quarryville Cocoa Couture (717) 533-3323 cocoacoutureonline.com Hershey Irina’s Tailor Shop (717) 683-7246 irinatailoryork.com York Tiffany’s Bridal Boutique (717) 419-2119 tiffanysbridalboutique.com Stevens WEDDING PLANNERS MX2 Event Design (717) 254-5100 mx2eventdesign.com Harrisburg Taryn Blake Events tarynblakeevents.com York

Lavon Films (717) 393-4256 lavonfilmsweddings.com Lancaster

JOE KELLY PHOTO

The Paper Lab thepaperlab.co Lancaster

B E A U T Y LASH LOUNGE MAKEUP

LASHES

BLINKBEAUTYLASHLOUNGE.COM 717-824-4325

Ashley Gerrity Photography

Contents

14 VENDOR DIRECTORY Use our directory to select your dream team 18 MARTINE’S MUSINGS Letter from the Editor 19 HOW TO PLAN AN UNFORGETTABLE RECEPTION Tips for planning a fun & exciting reception 20 DESIGN INSPIRATION organic ethereal and classic romantic inspiration 24 UNIQUE WEDDING FAVORS Fun favors guests will love

8 PLANNING GUIDE & CHECKLIST Letter from the Editor

25 MARTINE”S TIPS Tips for finding the perfect cake

11 WEDDING DRESS STYLES Helpful hints for creating your bridal ensemble

26 REAL WEDDINGS Allow these real weddings to inspire your dreams

12 MAKE IT OFFICIAL Places to file for your marriage license

32 Wedding Party Advice How to keep your wedding party happy

13 YOUR WEDDING BUDGET MASTERED Mastering your budget

34 CLUE PHOTOSHOOT Find fun inspiration from the Clue inspired shoot

Mar ine's Ashley Gerrity Photography

M US I N GS

HAPPY 2020 NEW YEAR! Maybe you got engaged during the holiday season. Congratulations! What are your resolutions? What are some of your goals? Let me tell you what they should be... planning your wedding! Now that you’re going to be stuck inside for the winter season, you can cuddle up with a blanket, hot cocoa, and comfy pajamas. You’ll have ample time to relax and begin the strategizing process. Check out the planning guide on pages 8 & 9 for further assistance. This is the season for you to attend every single wedding showcase (also called a bridal show) out there. It’s truly a fantastic opportunity to meet your wedding professionals faceto-face. The average amount of vendors to hire for your special day is approximately 15. Do not feel overwhelmed at these shows. The pros are here to assist and educate you!

This issue features tablescape inspiration from our friend, Ashley Gerrity from Ashley Gerrity Photography. Guess what—the mason jars and burlap trends are coming to a close. Now it’s all about stylishly eclectic décor. This includes industrial, urban contemporary feels with a touch of elegance. Traditionally glamorous elements can be utilized with any venues to create a marriage of rustic and sophisticated décor. You’re free to “borrow” these original, authentic ideas, should they strike your fancy!

Now let’s chat about this spectacular feature shot in Philadelphia at the stunning Tyler Gardens. Our friends in Philadelphia styled this jewel toned, rich colored feature that could be used during any season. But the cool thing about this feature is they incorporated the board game Clue. So if you and your significant other have a favorite game (or any hobby) that you truly love together, don’t be afraid to turn it into a wedding theme! Still need vendors? Don’t forget to visit pages 14 & 15 for our Vendor Directory! My recommendation is to book your vendors at least a year ahead of time to hold the price and date.

Always remember to be inspired, and be creative. Stay true to you! Visit dreamweddings.co and our Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for inspiration and ideas. Happy Planning, Dreamers!

owner and editor-in-chief MARTINE CAJAS marketing & creative director TAYLOR ZOOK writer REBECCA BEDENBAUGH feature photographer ASHLEY GERRITY

up a dart art or huge color by numbers canvas. This is out there, but if you want something unique and different, and it matches your theme, consider having carnival booths, bounce houses, or mechanical bulls! Create a quirky vibe with antique pinball machines, piñatas or old circus games such as a “high striker” complete with an oversized hammer. Keep guests entertained with gobs of yard games such as corn hole, giant checkers or jenga.

How to Plan an

Unforgettable Reception! Photograph & photo booth courtesy of Shining Star Photo Booth

Let’s be honest, the reception is the party we all look forward to after the heartfelt ceremony! What makes a great reception is often what makes a great celebration! Good food, great music and fun! An open bar never hurts either! The best receptions are filled with family and friends that are delighted by personal touches and engaged with their environment through fun activities! Some of these ideas may not fit your theme, but let this article inspire you! Get Everyone in the Spirit! Let your wedding party be creative and plan an entrance into the reception. You may find they plan a

choreographed dance entrance, or a unique entrance that is full of personal touches. In South America they have something called “Crazy Hour” right before the reception that kicks off the dancing! This hour of excitement includes performers in costume, such as stilt walkers, fire breathers, and silk acrobatics entertaining the crowd. If this speaks to you, reach out to local performance artists to plan your own crazy hour! This might be too crazy for your wedding, so instead consider having a more unique cocktail hour to prime your guests! This could mean offering face painting, and handing out feather boas and silly hats. Entertainment Give your guests something to do! Handing out amusing favors communicates to your guests that this reception is a party! Give out items such as props, noise makers or magician kits for the kids. Have artistic friends? Set

Music Don’t discount the power of an amazing DJ or band! An engaging band or DJ can turn a crowd of nervous nellies into a bunch of party animals! The biggest worry we hear from couples is that people won’t dance. We have found that recruiting the outgoing members on your guest list to start the dancing is a surefire way to get the party started. It’s best to give these guests a heads up on their job so they can plan their opening songs with the DJ or band. Discuss a do not play list, as well as a playlist with DJs. If you plan to have a band, cultivate an upbeat playlist so that party doesn’t die when the band takes a break. Be sure to play music everyone can dance to, mix in a few of your favorites, but don’t leave out the past and present hits! Geofilters Create a Custom Snap Geofilter! If you use Snapchat, you’ve probably noticed that new filters are available to you that are specific to a place or event. These are Geofilters, and you can create a special one for your wedding! Pricing is determined by the size of the area. Typically you can get one for less than $50 for a small area such as a wedding venue. Your social media savvy guests, will be snapping away and taking advantage of that custom filter in no time! Pairing this with face painting, or a dress up photo booth can lead to hilarity! Setting the stage. Creating the feeling that this is a party can be relatively easy with the help of lighting, and decorations. Plan a fun surprise like a balloon or paper confetti drop! Create a party ambiance with beach balls, glow in the dark sticks, and sparklers, sometimes these are provided by your DJ. Really want to wow the crowd? Plan a firework send off or Chinese paper lantern release. This will depend on the venues policy. Remember, this is your party! Consider changing into a second dress to have more freedom to dance. Have fun with the theme, and make sure you take the time to enjoy it as well! 19

styled INSPIRATION

reception design

photographer Ashley Gerrity Photography event styling & planning Open Aire Affairs venue Tyler Gardens floral design Leigh Florist stationary Chick Invitations cake House of Clarendon rentals Vintage Kissed Rentals

reception design

photographer Ashley Gerrity Photography event styling & planning Jenna Tracy Events venue Michener Art Museum floral design Garnish stationary Calligraphilly cake Butter Sugar Flour rentals Party Rental Ltd.

styled INSPIRATION

Brown’s Orchard’s & Farm Market

Cookies or Chocolate Edible place cards? Yes please! A more sustainable yet delicious way to place your guests at the proper seats. These can be decorated to match your wedding decor, and be stamped with a special message on the back!

Personalized Wooden Coasters or Geode Slices Wooden coasters can match many wedding styles and will look amazing on your guests coffee tables at home! Agate geode slices with your guest’s names handwritten in calligraphy that will look beautiful on your table and can be a cute little decoration for them!

Unique Wedding Favors Lovefusion Photography

Plants, Seed Packets or Flower Bombs A natural and colourful alternative that keeps growing! These are fun for guests as well as a beautiful symbol of growth and prosperity! Seed packets can be printed to fit your theme, while flower bombs can fitted with ribbons and names.

Tip: Talk to your local invitation designer about adding a personalized touch with the guest’s name and table number for these wedding favors to double as place cards. 24

Honey, Jam or Herbed Oils Holding your wedding on a farm, or in a region known for its agriculture? Celebrate the location by giving out tasty treats that won’t go to waste and will remind guests of your wedding for days to come!

Mar ine's TIPS

...finding THE wedding cake

Even though your wedding day is truly about the union between you and your new spouse, there’s a third party, which steals part of the show. The cake. Cutting the cake is a heartwarming tradition that newlyweds get to share with their guests, and eating that first slice of cake is one of the most photographed moments of the entire day. It’s not surprising that wedding cakes are getting more unique and beautiful every year!

Timing Timing out your consultations and meetings with vendors is one of the more difficult parts of planning a wedding, so we’re going to help you plan your intricate schedule of consultations with these vendors! We suggest that you schedule your cake consultation 9 months to a year prior to the wedding. This gives cake decorators ample time to specially craft the decorations that will be incorporated into the cake design, but also helps ease the process for the couple. Getting a head start on meeting with your designer will ensure that they can accommodate your requests! Keep in mind, many bakeries can only handle one or two cakes per weekend, so you’ll need a head start if you want to ensure a spot and hold the current price with your favorite designer! How to Prepare Think about your venue and décor when dreaming of your cake! Try to make it cohesive with the overall look of your reception décor. You’ve likely been stalking Pinterest for cake inspiration. If it helps keep you organized, start a private “cakes” board that you can pull up when you meet with your designer. You can also look at the bakery’s social media

profiles. Bakers will be able to incorporate the elements you like, but also be open to hearing their suggestions on design. After all, you are paying them to design! They are the experts, so you may find that they have some design suggestions that you never even considered! Pricing and Cake Options There’s more than one way to feed a crowd! Some couples get a cake large enough to feed the entire reception, while others prefer to get a small cake and supplement with a sheet cake for guests. Some bakeries don’t offer sheet cakes, so be sure to discuss this before you schedule your consultation. Cupcakes are a great way to ensure that everyone gets a flavor they enjoy, but can be more expensive if guests take more than one. Dessert tables are also a popular and cute way to provide sweets to your guests. There are several options for providing cake for your guests. It all comes down to the budget and overall aesthetic that works for the couple. Pricing changes from one bakery to another, but generally, pricing is perslice. In addition to the price of cake and icing, bakeries typically charge additionally for intricate décor such as fresh fruit, fondant, or incorporating flowers or large amounts of chocolate. Things to Consider It’s expensive to be a wedding guest. Between travel, attire, accommodations, babysitting, and a gift, it can be very costly ($250-400 per guest). So when you’re making decisions about cake, don’t skimp out. A cake is a very important part of

a wedding for many guests, so they’ll feel cheated if they only get a donut from a donut wall. If you’re set on having a donut wall, you still can! Just make sure that your guests also get their traditional slice of cake. You may find that it’s a good idea to serve small snacks (desserts, pies, donuts, pretzels, or cookies) toward the end of your reception as a favor, or simply as a snack before the drive home. Keep in mind that these guests have been dancing ever since they ate dinner, so they’re pretty hungry! Be sure to cut the cake at a time that makes sense! If you do the cake cutting ceremony early on in the reception, this gives ample time for the kitchen staff to slice the cake and distribute it to guests. We suggest you do so directly after the first dance, while all eyes are still on you! This ensures that everyone has the opportunity to eat their cake, and you aren’t left with a bunch of extra cake that you don’t need. Your wedding can be whatever you want, so make decisions that match your ideas and budget! Image by Lindsey Maree Photography

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photographer April & Bryan Photography | venue Historic Shady Lane | catering & cake Premier Caterers | make-up Laura Ashley Creations | dress Allure Bridals | florist Butera the Florist | officiant Officiant Services by Colleen and Kari For more inspiration like this, visit us at www.DreamWeddings.co/blogs

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Wedding Party Advice As a former bride and member of several wedding parties, I feel it is important that couples know the basics of organizing a cheerful wedding party. I spoke with over 20 former wedding party members to find out what led to or hindered, a cohesive and jolly wedding party. A happy wedding party makes for a happy couple! Choosing your wedding party wisely I know it’s easy to simply choose the people closest to you (or the people your family expects you to choose) but you want to consider your relationship with each person, as well as the blend of personalities you choose to assemble. Your selections can create harmony or stress. You will benefit greatly if you choose at least one party member that is organized or comfortable in a leadership role. Your best friend may be great fun at a party, but possibly not the best person to actually plan the party. Lastly, keep in mind that not everyone has the resources or time to be in a wedding party. I chose against having my sister as my maid of honor because she just had her first child. We had an honest conversation about her limited time and energy as a new mother, and she was very happy to be a bridesmaid with little responsibility. It’s best to have a conversation with your potential wedding party members. If they have any uncertainty about their ability to fully participate, work with them to see how they can still be part of your big day 32

in whatever way suits them. Organization Creating timelines, clear expectations and a day of itinerary for each event (bridal shower, bachelorette party, bachelor party, rehearsal dinner) will save you from answering a million texts and make your party feel first class. Organization may not be your strong suit. Having someone on your wedding party that enjoys organizing is best. Assign team leaders to plan events, and let everyone know this is the person you have chosen. Much group confusion often comes from lack of leadership and communication. By assigning a wedding party member that is organized, or in a career that involves leadership or project management, you can rest assured that any task will be handled with no drama or confusion. If you find no one fits this role, hiring a wedding planner is well worth the investment. Most wedding planners offer tiered packages, from planning the entire wedding, down to simply being there the day of as a coordinator. Reach out to local planners and ask questions to see which is the best fit for you. Communication is Key We know, we know, it’s corny, but it’s a cliche phrase for a reason! You are in a relationship with all the members of your wedding party and that means communication is paramount. For a happy wedding party, save

yourself and your wedding party some stress and consider these tips: Project management apps will make your communication much easier. Email and text can be useful tools but the long threads, massive group texts, and multiple conversations make managing information difficult. Not to mention a bit annoying for wedding party members that are bombarded with texts that don’t relate to them. With free project management apps like Trello or Slack, you can easily keep addresses, links, images (such as the color palette you want your wedding party to dress in), documents (agendas) and to do lists all in one place within threads organized by topic, and only invite the members that need to be included on certain projects (such as planning a bachelorette). Set budgets Be realistic about the actual cost of that bachelorette party you are envisioning. Know that not all members of your wedding party have the same amount of disposable income. It may feel odd asking party members to help fund such excursions as bachelorette parties, but know they are excited to celebrate with you. Have an open conversation with everyone about what they are comfortable spending, so you can decide if you should splurge on that gorgeous AirBnB you had your eye on, or to keep your bachelorette local to save on traveling costs. Decide what aspects of this event are most important to everyone having a good time, and put more of the budget there. Be Flexible This will make your wedding party feel heard and create a happier group! Consider pulling together a few options for the items you are asking your wedding party to spend money on. Offer a few options for locations to hold wedding related events, and consider how far people will have to travel, or if they will have to take off work. Last Tip and Universal Truth: You can’t please everyone. If you follow these tips and accommodate realistic requests, then you can rest assured that you did your best.