wedding 2019
p l a n n e r A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT OF THE MESSENGER-INQUIRER
TABLE OF
CONTENTS WEDDING COSTS ............................................................ 3 DIAMOND ALTERNATIVES ........................................ 4 WEDDING INSURANCE ............................................... 5 EVENT RENTALS .......................................................... 6-7 FLOWERS ............................................................................... 8 CAKE ETIQUET TE.. ........................................................... 9 BRIDAL SHOWS ............................................................. 10 WEDDING REGISTRY . . ................................................ 11 12-MONTH PLANNER . . ..................................... 12-15 CATERING .. ......................................................................... 16 AREA FOOD TRUCKS.. ................................................ 17 DRESS-FIT TING GUIDE ............................................ 18 BEAUT Y ................................................................................ 19 GIFT GUIDE .............................................................. 20-23
Sunday, January 20, 2019, Messenger-Inquirer
wedding costs
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Wedding Planner 3
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Newly engaged couples may experience an array of emotions when they sit down to plan their weddings. Some couples cannot wait to jump into planning and want to catalog every aspect of the process, while others may proceed with caution because they don’t know what to expect — particularly in regard to cost. Many couples find it difficult to create their wedding budgets because they have no previous experience to draw on. The wedding planning adviser CostofWedding.com indicates the average wedding cost in the United States is $26,720, with most people spending between $20,000 and $34,000. Seventh Heaven Event Catering states that, in Canada, the average wedding costs around $30,000. Such costs can vary greatly depending on couples’ preferences, including where they hope to tie the knot. By breaking down wedding expenses, couples can get a clearer picture of how much they may need to pay for their weddings and where they may need to cut costs. The smaller details, such as accessories, gifts, officiant fees, stationery, spa services, and favors can quickly add up as well. Couples should be sure to leave some wiggle room in their budgets for incidental expenses that may pop up. RECEPTION SITE According to The Knot, the premiere online wedding planning resource, couples can expect their receptions to eat up the largest chunk of their wedding budgets. Wedding reception venues may cost between $10,000 and $15,000. The average price for catering per person is roughly $70. Bar service may be around $2,000 for a three- to four-hour party. Some reception sites combine the room cost with the food and beverage costs, while others have à la carte fees. CAKE Wedding cakes tend to be multitiered, intricate designs, so they will cost more than birthday cakes. According to Statistics Brain, wedding dessert will come in around $390. MUSIC The Knot says wedding bands cost around $3,500, which is more than twice as much as hiring a deejay ($1,200). Soloists or ceremony musicians may cost around $650. WEDDING PLANNER Many couples employ wedding planners to make planning their weddings easier. Wedding planners cost an average of $1,300, says Thumbtack, a company that matches professionals with people who require their services. T R A N S P O R TAT I O N Limousines and other transportation prices vary depending on the vehicle(s) couples choose. The Knot notes that budgeting between $400 and $500 for transportation might be wise. WEDDING GOWN Brides-to-be should expect their gowns to cost around $1,100 and the veil or headpiece to be roughly $120, according to the Association of Bridal Consultants. P H OTO G R A P HY A N D V I D E O Preserving wedding day memories costs around $2,800 for video and photography services, based on data from Statistics Brain.
4 Wedding Planner Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, January 20, 2019
alternatives
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Engagement rings are often sizable investments. Money magazine reports the average engagement ring costs around $5,800. An engagement ring symbolizes the start of a lifelong commitment and may even set the tone for a couple’s wedding day. Jewelry styles are personal, and significant others’ preferences should be carefully researched in terms of precious metals, colors and gemstones. Even though tradition holds that a diamond gemstone is classic for engagement rings, these precious stones are not the only options. In fact, before World War II, just 10 percent of proposals involved diamond engagement rings. That number jumped to 80 percent by 1990. However, many modern couples now lean toward other offerings not only for the uniqueness they provide, but also for the potential cost savings. Those seeking something unique can embrace these engagement ring options.
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A M E T HYS T This vibrant, lavender-hued stone can be breathtaking when cut the correct way. Purple shades have long been associated with royalty, making an amethyst fitting for such an occasion as special as an engagement. Because amethysts, which are less expensive than diamonds, are a seven on the Mohs scale for gemstone hardness, they can be very durable. K N OT R I N G S These rings do not have a center stone. Rather, they’re designed to be a tied knot or infinity symbol. These rings can be particularly sentimental as they represent true, unbroken love. O PA L Gemstones, like flowers, have been assigned certain meanings. Tying the engagement ring to one of them can infuse more symbolism into the relationship. Opal, for example, represents love, passion, creativity, spontaneity, and inspiration. Those traits seem tailor-made for surprise proposals. SAPPHIRE While sapphire stones often are blue, they can also be yellow, green, pink, and white. Sapphires are the third hardest mineral. A white sapphire can be the perfect diamond replacement. G A R N E T O R R U BY Red is the definitive color of love. A Valentine’s Day proposal can be made even more special by presenting an engagement ring with a red gemstone. MOISSANITE The jewelry source Brilliant Earth says moissanite is a gemstone first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan in a meteorite that fell to earth. It is remarkably similar to a diamond in appearance and strength. Moissanite also has heightened brilliance, with a refractive index higher than that of a diamond.
Sunday, January 20, 2019, Messenger-Inquirer
insurance
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For the amount of money poured into a wedding, insurance policies can help couples protect their wedding investment. Special event insurance provides coverage for various scenarios, including extreme weather, damaged gifts, lost jewelry, vendor cancellations or no-shows, venues closing before the wedding, and canceled weddings, according to Travelers Insurance. Insurance also may cover other unforseen scenarios, such as unexpected expenses from injuries during the wedding or spoiled food. Policies will pay directly for any damage or injuries that occur, or reimburse the couple if the wedding is postponed or canceled. If weddings occur at home, some people’s home insurance
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or umbrella policies may cover certain wedding liabilities. Most wedding venues carry their own liability insurance, so couples may not have to overlap there. However, for those who desire extra protection for vendor mishaps, it is wise to speak with an insurance professional about special wedding coverage. Speak with an insurance agent and read policies carefully before purchasing one. Noncovered issues typically include theft or loss of an engagement ring; rainy days that do not classify as extreme weather; switching vendors after a deposit is made; and entertainment that poses an increased risk, such as fireworks or live animals.
6 Wedding Planner Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, January 20, 2019
event rentals
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Once couples become engaged and share the good news with their friends and families, the next step is to begin planning their weddings. While couples must make a myriad of decisions during the wedding planning process, perhaps none is more significant than where to tie the knot. A Real Weddings Study by The Knot found that couples spend an average of $10,000-$15,000 on their wedding venues. That figure easily dwarfs the next biggest expense ($6,163 for the engagement ring) for couples tying the knot. Because the wedding venue comes with such a potentially high sticker price, couples should give ample consideration to a host of factors before choosing where to get married. SIZE Until they can agree on a guest list, couples might want to delay even looking
with the planning, it can also limit couples with regard to their venue options. Some venues may be booked for as much as a year or more in advance during peak wedding season. The Real Weddings Study found that the most popular months to get married in 2016 were October and September. Couples who hope to follow in the footsteps of many 2016 brides and grooms may need to book their wedding venues well in advance. Those who can be more flexible regarding their wedding dates may find it easier to book their dream venues. INSURANCE Ask about the venue's insurance policies, including the policies the venue has to protect itself. In addition, ask if the venue requires couples to have their own wedding liability insurance for protection in the event of injury, property damage or incidents related to alcohol. Couples
for venues. However, some couples might want to first look at some venues so they can determine just how many guests they can afford to invite. Whether they're hosting small affairs or large parties, couples should choose venues that can comfortably accommodate all of their guests. If possible, look for venues with multiple reception areas, which might allow for some wiggle room if the guest list grows or dwindles during the planning process. AVA I L A B I L I T Y Some couples might have an ideal time of year they hope to get married. Some even know the exact date they hope to get married. While that can help
may also want to make the investment in cancellation/postponement insurance, and some venues may even require it. FINANCIALS It's easy for couples to be focused on the bottom line when choosing wedding venues, but it's also important that they get a complete grasp of the financials before choosing a wedding venue. Ask about the amount of the initial deposit and if that deposit is refundable. In addition, ask when the deposit is due and when each subsequent payment is due until the balance is paid in full. This can make budgeting easier and planning less stressful.
Sunday, January 20, 2019, Messenger-Inquirer
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local venues s c e n e
A popular choice for lively wedding receptions, the R I V E R PA R K C E N T E R anchoring Owensboro’s riverfront will leave guests with stars in their eyes. Cannon Hall, the Jody Berry Theatre, the courtyard and the BB&T Plaza overlooking the Ohio River offer a range of choices to accommodate any event size. Seeking a venue that shows Kentucky at its finest? You’ll want the W H I T E C H AT E AU AT C E C I L FA R M S . Set among rolling hills on the longtime working farm, guests can enjoy vaulted ceilings, a floor-to-ceilling fireplace and walls of glass that open onto covered patios. A three-bedroom farmhouse can also be rented. At T H E S I LO E V E N T C E N T E R in
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Hopkinsville, a 35-foot-tall silo greets guests and makes for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The accompanying main event space has room for 500 guests and boasts vaulted ceilings, chandeliers and plenty of photo opportunities. T H E H I N E S C E N T E R in nearby Philpot offers a gorgeous landscape for an outdoor wedding. Inside, the ballroom has space to host your indoor wedding AND reception, with plenty of room carved out for a dance floor. And don’t miss out on the H O M E B U I L D E R ’S A S S O C I AT I O N ’s facility in Owensboro. Its two meeting rooms can host a range of receptions and rehearsal dinners and is handicap accessible.
INVITE A GORGEOUS VIEW TO YOUR WEDDING.
Contact Travel Smart for assistance for your destination wedding or dream honeymoon. 812-867-0022 • www.choosetravelsmart.com
Offer subject to change without notice; other restrictions may apply. Restrictions and government regulations apply to destination weddings. ©2015 MLT Vacations, LLC DV19696
FLORISTS 8 Wedding Planner Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, January 20, 2019
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One of the big decisions couples must make when planning their weddings concerns their floral arrangements. The right floral arrangements won’t break the bank but will add substantial aesthetic appeal to ceremonies and receptions. It can be difficult for couples to achieve that balance of cost and look on their own, so the following are a few helpful hints for couples when choosing their wedding day floral arrangements. W O R K W I T H A F LO R I S T YO U T R U S T A N D L I K E . All florists are not the same, so finding one you can trust and will enjoy working with can make all the difference. Many couples have little or no experience with floral arrangements prior to planning their weddings, so it can calm couples’ nerves to work with someone they trust in such situations. Florists with significant wedding experience will no doubt make a host of recommendations based on couples’ budgets and preferences, so couples might be more inclined to listen to that advice if they are working with someone they trust. Ask relatives, friends or coworkers if they can recommend any florists whose wedding work they are familiar with. C H O O S E I N - S E A S O N O R N AT I V E F LO W E R S . Couples working with tight budgets may want to choose in-season flowers or those native to the area where they will be tying the knot. In-season and native flowers won’t need to be ordered or shipped in from afar, which can be costly. In-season and native flowers tend to be more abundant as well, and the greater their availability the less couples are likely to pay for them. R E P U R P O S E F LO R A L A R R A N G E M E N T S . Another way to save on floral arrangements is to repurpose flowers throughout the day. Once bridesmaids no longer need their bouquets, use them to decorate gift tables or cocktail areas. Floral arrangements on display during the ceremony can be removed
a r r a n g e m e n t s once you have both said “I do” and moved into the reception area where they can be enjoyed through the night. Go over any repurposing you plan to do with your reception hall manager prior to your wedding day so he knows where and when to move the arrangements. G O B I G . Some flowers simply bloom larger than others, and choosing such flowers may help you save money since you won’t need to buy as many flowers as you would if you were to go with smaller blooms. Once you find a florist to work with, discuss your options with regard to doing more with less. Many florists embrace the challenge to be creative within a budget, so you might just be surprised and impressed by what they come up with.
LEAVE YOUR WEDDING IN STYLE, Limos By Knight style!
270-684-4688 877-836-5842
Owensboro’s Leading Limousine Company Since 1998
Sunday, January 20, 2019, Messenger-Inquirer
Wedding Planner 9
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As is the case with many wedding traditions, there is some established etiquette with regard to cutting and serving wedding cake. If you plan on putting your cake on display, be sure it is made with a frosting and filling that can endure room temperature. Certain creams may sour if not refrigerated, and you do not want anyone becoming ill. If you have your heart set on perishable fillings, keep the cake refrigerated and then have the big reveal right before it is cut. The cake cutting usually comes near the end of the wedding reception. Schedule the cutting so that older guests or young children can leave without feeling as if they would be offending anyone. The emcee of the evening typically announces the cake cutting, and the band may play a quirky tune or revisit the wedding song while the first slice is being cut. Traditionally the newly betrothed will feed each other a bite of the cake to symbolize their first meal as a couple. Couples can feed each other a small amount, taking care not to spill any. Many couples no longer embrace the once-popular tradition of smashing cake in each other’s faces, but whether or not couples follow this tradition is up to them. If there is a groom’s cake, guests may prefer a slice of both cakes. Guests may also want to take home a slice of the groom’s cake. Tradition states that a piece of the groom’s cake should be presented to an unmarried woman attending the wedding. The woman is not expected to eat the cake, but rather to put it under her pillow. Superstition held that this tradition would help an unmarried woman find a husband. Make arrangements for proper packaging of the groom’s cake, so guests can take home a slice if they so desire. The waitstaff typically handles the slicing of the cake. The uppermost tier is reserved for the couple to save, and the remainder of the cake will be served.
Weddings, BBirthdays,& SSpeciall OOccasions W
Give Us A Call For All Your Baked Goods 3152 Commonwealth Ct., Owensboro
(270) 684-1108
10 Wedding Planner Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, January 20, 2019
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bridal shows
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S TA R T S M A L L If the idea of large crowds is unappealing, attend the more intimate, boutique shows that are often held at local reception halls. S CO U T O U T V E N D O R S Check the bridal show’s website for lists of exhibitors and see if your desired vendors are on the list. But even if they’re not, keep an open mind and use the show as a chance to compare offerings. If an event map is available, marking off must-visit booths can help save time. PRE-REGISTER Pre-registering for bridal events saves time at check-in, and doing so may make you eligible for discounted tickets. CO M E P R E PA R E D Chances are each vendor is going to ask couples for information so that they can follow up with a phone call or email with more detailed offerings and estimates. Couples can expediate the process by coming equipped with labels that feature their names, contact information and wedding date. They can then stick the labels on sign-in sheets or use them like business cards.
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Recently engaged couples may be excited to get a jump on wedding planning. Bridal shows can be a great way for couples to meet and familiarize themselves with local wedding professionals, all the while introducing themselves to the terminology of wedding planning. Though they’re a great source of information, contacts and samples, bridal shows also can be a bit overwhelming. Learning how to maximize time spent at shows can help couples plan their weddings as efficiently as possible.
D R E S S CO M F O R TA B LY Bridal expos involve a lot of walking and roaming around. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Consider a backpack or hands-free bag so you are not weighed down when collecting the swag and other handouts throughout the day. ASK QUESTIONS When face-to-face with vendors, rely on their expertise but don’t hesitate to ask questions concerning themes, colors, recommendations for honeymoon locations, invitation paper suggestions, and much more. S TAY F O R T H E FA S H I O N S H O W Many shows will offer a runway experience to present the latest gown and tuxedo offerings. This can be an entertaining way for couples to formulate their wedding styles.
Start your story here. Book Your Event 8753 Mulligan Road, Owensboro, KY 42301 www.whitechateau.com
Sunday, January 20, 2019, Messenger-Inquirer
Wedding Planner 11
wedding registry
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Building a wedding registry is a task unlike any other couples may encounter during their lifetimes. Wedding registries are invaluable resources that provide engaged couples’ loved ones with gift suggestions. In spite of that value, couples may find it daunting and even a little uncomfortable to build their wedding registries. Building a wedding registry can feel like walking a tightrope. Couples likely won’t want to ask for too much or for gifts that are too expensive, but a poorly built registry can be a major inconvenience for guests. The following tips can help couples build adequate registries that benefit them without asking too much of their guests. R E G I S T E R W I T H M O R E T H A N O N E S TO R E It’s important to register with more than one store. Doing so makes things as convenient as possible for guests and increases the chances they will be able to shop at stores they’re familiar with. MAKE A LARGE LIST Some couples are hesitant to make large wedding registries, feeling that doing so gives the impression that they’re asking for too much. But large registries simply give guests more options to choose from. Many industry insiders advise registering for two to three gifts per guest. That might seem like a lot, but guests will appreciate having all of those options. D O N ’ T H E S I TAT E TO I N C LU D E E X P E N S I V E I T E M S O N YO U R R E G I S T RY Couples also may be hesitant to include especially expensive items on their wedding registries. However, the couples’ parents and other close relatives may be honored to purchase more expensive items, so couples should not feel embarrassed to include them on their lists. It’s also important to note that many retailers, after couples’ wedding days have come and gone, discount registry items that weren’t purchased. VA RY T H E P R I C E S O F I T E M S O N T H E L I S T Make sure to include moderately priced and inexpensive items. This gives guests more options and ensures guests who might be spending a lot to travel to and from the wedding can still purchase gifts without digging too much deeper into their pockets. P E R I O D I C A L LY U P D AT E T H E R E G I S T R I E S Update your registries to remove items you have already received and to add items if many of the less expensive ones have already been purchased. This also makes things more convenient for guests.
Your Wedding Destination Call today to find out how we can help you create an unforgettable event!
270-687-2770 | jday@riverparkcenter.org | RiverParkCenter.org
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WEDDING
PLANNER Use this handy guide to keep important notes as you decide the details of your event. Keep these notes for reference so no details are missed.
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months before wedding tables/chairs rental fee___________________ address ______________________________ china/linens rental fee____________________ contact/phone _________________________ parking_ _____________________________ setup date/time_________________________ handicap accessible?_ ____________________ reception time/length_ ___________________ total cost of venue______________________ minimum/maximum # guests________________ deposit amount__________ date due_ ________ size of tables_ _________________________ balance amount_ ________ date due_ ________ RECEPTION SITE
9-12 months before wedding THE GOWN total gown cost________________________ store________________________________ headpiece_____________________________ address______________________________ shoes________________________________ phone_ ______________________________ gloves_______________________________ contact______________________________ earrings______________________________ style________________________________ necklace_ ____________________________ train length___________________________ lingerie_ _____________________________ color_ ______________________________ slip_________________________________ size_________________________________ hosiery______________________________ order date____________________________ total accessory cost _____________________ expected date__________________________ deposit amount__________ date due_ ________ fitting dates___________________________ balance amount_ ________ date due_ ________ 9-12 months before wedding PHOTOGRAPHY wedding albums_ _______________________ photographer__________________________ additional prints________________________ address______________________________ engagement photo_______________________ phone_ ______________________________ wedding announcement photo_ _____________ contact______________________________ special requests_ _______________________ arrival time/place_______________________ who owns rights? DISC?_________________________ hours of work_ ________________________ total cost of photography_________________ photography cost_______________________ deposit amount__________ date due_ ________ developing cost_________________________ balance amount_ ________ date due_ ________ travel cost____________________________ date album will be ready__________________
9 months before wedding FOOD AND BEVERAGE _____________________________ contact/phone_________________________ price range of menu______________________ menu________________________________ price each_____________________________ child price_ ___________________________ punch and soft beverages__________________ alcohol______________________________ hors d’oeuvres_________________________ total cost of food ______________________ deposit amount__________ date due_ ________ balance amount_ ________ date due_ ________ caterer_
6 months before wedding WEDDING CAKES bakery_______________________________ contact/phone_________________________ setup date/time_________________________ cake flavor/shape_______________________ filling/icing_ __________________________ side/icing toppings_______________________ decoration/top_________________________ tiers/servings__________________________ groom’s cake flavor/shape_________________ servings______________________________ total cost of cakes_ _____________________ deposit amount__________ date due_ ________ balance amount_ ________ date due_ ________
9 months before wedding
6 months before wedding
FLORALS florist_______________________________ contact______________________________ address______________________________ phone_ ______________________________ flowers ______________________________ color scheme __________________________ deposit amount__________ date due_ ________ balance amount_ ________ date due_ ________
TRANSPORTATION limousine service ________________________
6 months before wedding
contact/phone_________________________ make/model___________________________
# of vehicles/passengers___________________ hours needed__________________________ total transportation cost_ ________________ deposit amount__________ date due_ ________ balance amount_ ________ date due_ ________
6 months before wedding PRINTING printer_______________________________
BRIDAL AT TENDANTS
address______________________________
store________________________________
phone_ ______________________________
dress________________________________
contact______________________________
style________________________________
invitation style_ ________________________
color(s)______________________________
enclosures___________ responses __________
sizes_
announcements_
_______________________________ headpiece_____________________________ shoes________________________________ sizes/colors___________________________ gloves_______________________________ jewelry_ _____________________________ order date____________________________ expected arrival_ _______________________ fitting dates___________________________ total attendant cost _ ___________________
______ envelopes __________
thank you cards______ stationery __________ pew cards_
__________ programs __________
change-of-address cards__________________ date ordered_
_________________________
date expected__________________________ total printing cost_
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deposit amount__________ date due_ ________ balance amount_ ________ date due_ ________ total postage cost _ _____________________
6 months before wedding MAIL SAVE THE DATES
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months before wedding WEDDING BANDS budget_______________________________ sizes ________________________________ pickup date____________________________ ring costs_
___________________________ warranty cost_ ________________________ total cost_ ___________________________
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months before wedding HONEYMOON travel agency__________________________ address______________________________ phone_ ______________________________ destination _ __________________________ passport or visa needed_ __________________ departure date & time _ ___________________ airline _______________________________ flight number__________ cost_____________ car rental company______ cost_____________ estimated taxi cost _ _____________________ hotel name _ __________________________ address ______________________________ phone _______________________________ meals included _________________________ spending money estimate _ _________________ total cost of honeymoon _ ________________ deposit amount__________ date due_ ________ balance amount_ ________ date due_ ________
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CEREMONY MUSIC recorded music_________________________ soloist/group__________________________ contact______________________________ address______________________________ phone_ ______________________________ time of arrival_ ________________________ song details___________________________ total cost of ceremony music_______________ deposit amount__________ date due_ ________ balance amount_ ________ date due_ ________
6 months before wedding GIFT REGISTRY
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registered at___________________________
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address______________________________
addr
phone_ ______________________________
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contact______________________________
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items registered _ _______________________
jacke
___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ registered at___________________________ address______________________________ phone_ ______________________________ contact______________________________ items registered _ _______________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ registered at___________________________ address______________________________ phone_ ______________________________ contact______________________________ items registered _ _______________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ registered at___________________________ address______________________________ phone_ ______________________________ contact______________________________ items registered _ _______________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________
shirt
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months before wedding RECEPTION MUSIC recorded music_________________________ band/dj______________________________ contact______________________________ address______________________________ phone_ ______________________________ time of arrival_
________________________ hours of play__________________________ total cost of ceremony music_______________ deposit amount__________ date due_ ________ balance amount_ ________ date due_ ________
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6 weeks before wedding HAIR AND MAKEUP
TUXEDOS store________________________________ address______________________________ phone_ ______________________________ contact______________________________ jacket style/color_______________________ shirt style/color________________________ cummerbund/vest style/color_______________ tie style/color_ ________________________ shoe style/color________________________ total tuxedo cost_______________________ deposit amount__________ date due_ ________ balance amount_ ________ date due_ ________
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months before wedding MISCELLANEOUS mail invitations_________________________ create a schedule for vendors_
_____________ finalize timeline for ceremony & reception_______
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weeks before wedding ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT contact the messenger-inquirer to announce your engagement
6
weeks before wedding CEREMONY delivery times__________________________ altar________________________________ pew markers___________________________ bridal bouquet_________________________ attendants’ bouquets_____________________ flower girl bouquet_
____________________
groom’s boutonniere_____________________ groom’s attendants’ boutonnieres____________ ring bearer boutonniere___________________ fathers’ and grandfathers’ boutonnieres________ mothers’ and grandmothers’ corsages_________ review ceremony detail with officiant__________
after wedding GOWN MAINTENANCE cleaning cost __________________________ storage cost___________________________
hairstylist_ ___________________________ makeup artist__________________________ address______________________________ phone_ ______________________________ appointment time________________________ total hair and makeup cost_________________
6 weeks before wedding REHEARSAL date & time ____________________________ address______________________________ mail rehearsal invites by _
_________________
6 weeks before wedding RECEPTION room/hall____________________________ head table_ ___________________________ guest tables/number_ ____________________ cake table_____________________________ beverage table__________________________ tossing bouquet_ _______________________ going-away corsage______________________ others_______________________________ total cost of flowers_
___________________
deposit amount__________ date due_ ________ balance amount_ ________ date due_ ________
1 month before wedding apply for marriage license_
________________
1-2 weeks before wedding MISCELLANEOUS follow up on unaccounted rsvp_ ____________ write wedding vows _ ____________________ set aside vendor payments _ ________________
after wedding WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT contact the messenger-inquirer to announce your wedding
CATERING FOOD 16 Wedding Planner Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, January 20, 2019
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especially at large receptions where lots of mouths must be fed, a couple who has a favorite food that’s symbolic of their relationship should not hesitate to offer it during the cocktail hour. For example, a couple who met in Thailand may want to offer a favorite Thai dish. • Offer an elaborate dessert: The last bite guests will take is dessert, so couples who want their guests to go home raving about the food may want to offer something special after the entrées have been taken away. Some guests may not indulge, but those who do might end their nights thinking about the delicious dessert they enjoyed as the festivities drew to a close. If the dessert is especially unique, offer something more traditional alongside it for more hesitant guests.
10% OFF BRIDAL CATERING
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Weddings are memorable for a host of reasons. While couples remember their weddings because they mark the day they officially tied the knot, guests may remember weddings for other reasons, including the food served at the reception. Some wedding venues are known for their stunning landscapes, while others build their reputations on unique interiors that provide unforgettable ambiance. But regardless of where weddings take place, guests are liable to discuss the food served at the reception. Guests might rave about the escargot or complain that the fish was flaky, but couples who choose reception menus wisely can go a long way toward ensuring there are more compliments than complaints. • Don’t zero in on specialties: According to The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, a survey of nearly 13,000 brides and grooms who tied the knot in 2017, the average wedding hosted 136 guests. While couples might be tempted by specialty dishes when choosing their wedding menus, couples who are hosting dozens, if not hundreds, of guests should keep things simple. • Consider potential allergies: In regard to entrées, make sure guests with food allergies can choose something that won’t make them sick. According to Food Allergy Research & Education®, an organization devoted to improving the quality of life of individuals with food allergies, some common foods cause the majority of allergic reactions. Peanuts, soy, sesame, and shellfish are among the most common food allergies, according to FARE®. FARE also notes that allergies to wheat, milk and eggs are common in children. While such foods can still be served at wedding receptions, make sure to also include foods that are unlikely to trigger allergic reactions. Couples can even ask guests to inform them of any food allergies. • Don’t hesitate to offer a favorite food: While specialty entrées might not be a great choice,
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Sunday, January 20, 2019, Messenger-Inquirer
Wedding Planner 17
area food trucks
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A TASTY BITE OF EUROPE serves up savory, German-style crepes stuffed with roast beef, ham, brie or black beans and delectable desserts such as tiramisu, flaky Austrian almond cake and rich German cheesecake. California-born TRI-R-TIPS HAWAIIAN BBQ offers mouthwatering baby back ribs, pulled pork sandwiches and several types of jerky. CURBSIDE KITCHENETTE specializes in melts, wraps, paninis and sandwiches, while REAL HACIENDA's food truck takes its much-loved burritos, quesadillas and arroz con pollo to the streets. Shaved ice fans are in for a treat: The Owensboro area is served by FROZEN TUNDRA, FREAKY TIKI and KONA shaved ice trucks. THE PIZZA REVOLUTION out of Evansville, with its famous double-decker London bus, cooks up tasty pies like the Fig n Pig, Spinachio and Buzz Killa that can be enjoyed from its second-level seating area. FRESH BY GENE'S, an offshoot of Gene's Health Food Supplies, offers fresh juices paired with the likes of smoked salmon tacos, brisket grilled cheese and burger wraps. And SHOGUN rolls its truck up to serve steak, chicken, vegetable or shrimp bowls, egg rolls and katsu burgers. Want your reception to offer a little bit of everything? You'd be hard pressed to find a truck with a more varied menu than J'S GOOD GRUB. Guests can feast on everything from wings, donut burgers and catfish sandwiches to loaded nachos and seafood straight from a boil.
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Want unique, customized catering? Make your reception mobile and offer your guests fare from a food truck. Whether it be Mexican street corn, pork nachos, margherita pizzas or coffee, Owensboro has a wide selection of food trucks to fill your wedding guests' appetites. *All food truck options are based in Owensboro unless otherwise noted.
18 Wedding Planner Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, January 20, 2019
wedding dress f i t t i n g
T RY O N S A M P L E G O W N S The first step is to make your rounds to various gown shops and try on the samples they have available. Most sample sizes will not be the size you wear every day, so expect them to be ill-fitting. Do not be discouraged. Once a gown is chosen, the dress shop will take your measurements and order the gown according to the manufacturer’s sizing guide. Again, this can be shocking, since the size will likely be larger than what you wear in street clothes. Some shops will also order a little larger to allow for adequate tailoring. SCHEDULE THE FIRST FITTING The first fitting should be anywhere from eight to 12 weeks before the wedding date, according to experts at WeddingWire, an online wedding information provider. This is the time it takes to complete most standard alterations. Complex customizations can take even longer. Brides should also budget a minimum of $500 for alterations, which may or may not be included in the price of the dress. BRING SHOES & UNDERGARMENTS Remember to bring along the exact shoes and undergarments you will wear with your gown. A change in shoes or bra/corset can result in the alterations fitting poorly. Bring these items along to all subsequent fittings. SPEAK UP Martha Stewart Weddings suggests speaking up at fittings if anything is uncomfortable or needs tweaking. Seamstresses are masters at their crafts. C H E C K T H E D E TA I L S The second fitting is designed to check that all issues from the first fitting have been addressed, the gown is comfortable and you can move freely. At the last fitting, ask the maid of honor to come along so that she understands how to bustle, handle complicated straps or closures.
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Because fashion preferences were once ornate and dependent on precise fits, ready-to-wear clothing really did not become widely available until the early 20th century. Such attire is now available in just about any retail store. Because ready-to-wear clothing is so readily available, the average person may be unfamiliar with custom-made or tailored items. In fact, a couples’ wedding may be the only instance in their lives when they require the services of a seamstress or tailor. Fittings are a part of wedding planning, and here’s how brides-to-be can navigate the process of finding and being fitted for a dress.
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Wedding Planner 19
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Wedding day beauty can be both an adventure and a minefield. All eyes are on the betrothed couple and their attendants, and the wedding party typically can feel the pressure to look perfect. But as tempting as it is to go over the top, you also still want to look like yourself. How do you balance? Test drive your choices. Following are some of the latest beauty trends to try out for your big day.
to bleach-based tooth strips and gels that sometimes create sensitivity issues for users.
S I M P L I S T I C , N AT U R A L S K I N Women who do not like a heavily made up look may be glad to learn natural features and skin tones are in style. To this end, many women skip heavy foundations in lieu of quality skin cleansers and moisturizers that let their natural skin shine. Combined with multitasking products like moisturizer with SPF, this means fewer products clogging up makeup cases and, more importantly, your face. A bonus: A natural-looking face is preferred by many photographers, who find it easier to add small bits of color in post-production than to tone down a heavily made-up bride.
FIND A PROFESSIONAL Need guidance? Put your look in the hands of a professional beautician. They are well-versed in the latest products and aesthetic services and can help you craft the perfect beauty style.
S A M P L E B OX E S Don’t know what look you’re going for or which products to buy? Beauty retailers have gotten increasingly innovative by packaging together sample-sized items that customers can purchase or have shipped to their homes regularly on subscription.
B O L D E YE S Another popular trend involves playing up the eyes. False or extended lashes provide a dramatic look without gobs of product applied. Aqua-tinted lashes and liner can offer a beachy, mermaid inspiration for summer. Intense kicks of color are typically balanced out with neutral features elsewhere. N AT U R A L TO OT H W H I T E N I N G If Amazon’s top-selling activated charcoal tooth whitener is any indication, more than 14,000 reviewers have touted the benefits of this natural material for getting their teeth pearly white again. Other manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon, offering alternatives
BEAUTIFULLY EVER AFTER Book your expert makeup service today.
2785 Veach Rd., C • (270) 685-2259 Owensboro, KY • Debbie Abney, Owner merlenorman.com Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios have been independently owned and operated since 1931. © 2018 Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc.
20 Wedding Planner Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, January 20, 2019
wedding gift guide
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BY LISA BONOS
THE WASHINGTON POST
Out of all wedding traditions, deciding how much to spend on the gift appears to be the biggest source of confusion for guests. According to a recent survey from the Knot, 47 percent of Americans reported needing help figuring out wedding gift etiquette. In an informal survey of my Facebook connections, responses ranged from spending as little as $40 (especially if travel was involved) to $300. The most common amount mentioned was $100, which is in line with the national average, according to surveys from the Knot and American Express. This all-over-the-map gifting is standard among millennials. According to a recent study from Bankrate.com, people ages 18 to 29 were both the most likely to go the inexpensive route — one in four spent less than $50 on a gift for a close friend of family member — and most likely to splurge and spend more than $200 on a gift for a close friend or family member. I spoke to wedding etiquette experts, financial planners, serial wedding guests and even a friendship expert and found six guidelines to buy by: T H E R E I S N O E S TA B L I S H E D A M O U N T A G U E S T I S E X P E C T E D TO S P E N D O N T H E H A P PY CO U P L E Rather, each guest should decide how much to spend based on their own budget, not the budget of the couple getting married. A wedding guest’s gift budget will likely fluctuate throughout their lifetime: Smaller gifts in their 20s, then perhaps more once they’re in their 30s and 40s. The size of a gift might also vary if you’re attending with a guest rather than solo. Your attendance is more important than what you give. According to a survey from the Knot, the average cost of hosting a wedding reached $35,329 in 2016. The average guest spent $888 to attend a wedding — $118 of that going to gifts. For someone in the bridal party, those averages climb to $1,154 and $177, respectively. Similarly, a recent survey from American Express says the average millennial guest spends $893 to attend a wedding, $928 to be a bridesmaid or groomsman, while members of other generations spend less. Really, experts say, being there is actually the biggest gift — and that’s not just a cheesy cliche. “Most of us feel more poverty in time than money,” says friendship expert Shasta Nelson, author of “Frientimacy: How to Deepen Friendships for Lifelong Health and Happiness.” Nelson, who is in her 40s, says
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Sunday, January 20, 2019, Messenger-Inquirer
Wedding Planner 21
that now that most of her friends have kids, she sees people feeling more stressed about not being able to make it to a wedding than they do about not being able to send a big gift. “If this person has mattered to you, it’s worth the sacrifice to be there,” Nelson says. “That’s the space where there’s a lot more conflict that I’ve heard about.” A N D I F A CO U P L E S AYS N O G I F T S ? P L E A S E, TA K E T H E M AT T H E I R W O R D. Jen Doll, freelance writer and author of “Save the Date: The Occasional Mortifications of a Serial Wedding Guest,” says she follows that guidance — or she’ll make the bride something personal to commemorate their friendship. T H E N OT I O N O F “ PAYI N G F O R YO U R P L AT E ” D O E S N ’ T A P P LY A NYM O R E . This idea, which is somewhat old-fashioned, came out of a generous thought: That weddings are expensive to throw, so the guests should give back. But Lizzie Post, the great-great-granddaughter of etiquette expert Emily Post, says this rule is long dead. Besides, as a guest, you shouldn’t know how much the hosts paid for the wedding! Rather, Post notes, by throwing a wedding, the host is saying: I’m having this monumental moment in my life. Please come celebrate with me. “The guests are going to want to say thank you for that party; that thank you can be in words,” Post says. The gift is not your thank you for being invited. “The gift is your way of saying: ‘Congratulations. You’re
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22 Wedding Planner Messenger-Inquirer
special to me.’ ” Even for a very modest wedding, guests don’t have to limit themselves to what the hosts might have paid for their plates, says Post, co-president of the Post Institute and co-host of the Awesome Etiquette podcast. “If you throw a potluck wedding, that doesn’t mean you’re relegated to a woodcarving gift,” Post adds. “Someone could still buy you a sterling silver tea set.” “I think we get confused because we want to do the right thing,” Doll adds. “But the right thing is not commoditized.”
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WEDDINGS • REHERSAL DINNERS MEETINGS • ANNIVERSARIES • PARTIES FUNDRAISERS • CORPORATE EVENTS PROMS • STATE OF THE ART FITNESS CENTER • AND MORE
S E T A R A N G E F O R W H AT YO U W I L L G I V E — W H I C H C A N VA RY B A S E D O N H O W C LO S E YO U A R E W I T H E AC H CO U P L E. Not all relationships are created equal, so not all gifts will be the same size, either. Friendship expert Nelson suggests asking yourself: “What would be the upper end of what you would spend for someone you really really loved” and then what would you spend on “someone you hardly know?” Her range for wedding gifts is $25 to $100, and the financial planners I spoke with also suggested organizing your gifting in this way. Also, look at how much you’ll be spending on weddings throughout the year, and then come up with a price point or a range that fits within your budget. I F B U YI N G O F F T H E R E G I S T RY, B U Y E A R LY. Andrew Damcevski, a single, 25-year-old financial planner in Cincinnati, suggests that cost-conscious guests buy their gifts when they get the “save the date” so they can find something on the registry in their price point rather than waiting until right before the big day, when there might not be anything left in your budget or “anything you’re
270-729-3030 One Wellness Dr. Philpot, KY thehinescenter.com
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not excited about,” Damcevski says. Single guests might also combine forces with other guests to buy something larger as a group. Friends have even bought luggage sets together and also looked for Cyber Monday deals or used their Bed, Bath
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help couples pay for their honeymoon, but prefers when the couple sets it up so that it’s “buyer’s choice.”“You always want to make sure that your gift registry or Honeyfund allows for guests to give varying amounts. I get so annoyed when it’s like:
& Beyond coupons to help bring the costs down.
‘We get to do this gift thing
B U T YO U D O N ’ T H AV E TO B U Y O F F T H E R E G I S T RY. Post “almost never” shops on the registry, preferring to give sentimental gifts over impersonal tea towels or an espresso maker. For her, that often means giving the couple a simple yet classic picture frame engraved with their wedding date — whether they’ve registered for that or not. Or she’ll give to a Honeyfund, which allows guests to
need items.’... It spirals out of
now and we’re going to control.” It’s also a good idea to go off-registry when everything on it is out of your price range. “It really depends on the couple,” Doll says. “If they’re 22 years old and they really need to set up a house, then they really need pots and pans.” But just because someone decided they want Hermes plates, Doll isn’t going to go along with it — she’s going to stick to her budget.
Reserve the Banquet Room for Receptions & Meetings Accommodates up to 150 people. 270.688.0353 www.hbao.com