2013 Wedding Planner by Morning Star Publications

W edding 2013

planner & keepsake

2013 Morning Star Publications, Inc.

Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

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Wedding contents

planner & keepsake

Tips for planning an eco-friendly wedding

Save-the-date card etiquette

How to find the right banquet hall

Budget printing for your wedding

Tips for writing your own wedding vows

Have a fabulous wedding for less

How to help guests save on travel

Delicious ways to personalize your wedding

Heritage Shores receives honor

Say ‘I Don’t’ to wedding stress

The Father Daughter Dance

Wedding trends for 2013

Cover photo taken by kam photography at Heritage Shores Club in Bridgeville. Published by Morning Star Publications Inc. P.O. Box 1000, 951 Norman Eskridge Hwy. Seaford, DE 19973 (302) 629-9788 | editor@mspublications.com | sales@mspublications.com ©2013 Morning Star Publications, Inc.

Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

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Tips for planning an eco-friendly wedding By Mary Daisey Shockley

or weddings, it’s usually all about white. But an increased number of brides are making their weddings all about green. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re walking down the aisle in a green wedding dress, it means that they are making their weddings more environmentally friendly. Going green is a practice that can be applied to many different situations and with weddings, there’s plenty of opportunities to reduce a bride’s carbon footprint, or better, carbon heel print.

Favors

Wedding favors are a fun aspect of the wedding planning process. The options are endless and there’s something for every price point. These little tokens are a way the bride and groom thank their guests for sharing in their special day. When selecting your favors, think of something that the guests would actually use. Giving plants is not only green, but it’s also a very useful take-away. Guests can then add it to their own gardens and enjoy it for years to come. Small, potted succulents are pretty, compact and guest can place them on their window sills after the wedding. Other plant ideas could be tree saplings or flower seed packets. Many seed packet companies can customize to include a special message or add photos.

Decor

When selecting weddings colors or a theme, consider bringing the outside in. Mother Nature offers

Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

plenty of inspiration and a rainbow of colors. Be sure to keep in mind the time of year of the wedding, though. A walk through a local forest or beach is a great opportunity to not only gather inspiration but also a chance to harvest some materials… for free! Natural objects like seashells, pine cones, sea glass or branches are perfect to use for centerpieces. To add a pop of color to these items, all it takes is a little spray paint. When it comes to signage, brides may sometimes want to display sweet messages like arrows pointing to the ceremony or reception area or where the guestbook is. Using scrap wood is perfect. It’s a way to repurpose the item by cleaning it and painting it with the desired verbiage. n

Invitations

Brides can set the tone for their green wedding from the very beginning by eliminating the paper invitations. Say “I do” to using an e-invite online service that will send out a decorative email invitation to the guests. They can RSVP digitally, plus the websites often offer a digital tally of the guest count. If online may not be the right option shop around for invitations made from recycled products. Weddings are a very special day, make sure to celebrate it in a conscious way. Mary Shockley is the Venue Manager at The Cordrey Center, a wedding and event venue located in Millsboro, De. Located on the grounds of East Coast Garden Center, the center is known as the garden wedding destination. For more information visit, www.thecordreycenter.com.

Save-the-date card etiquette

ore and more couples planning to walk down the aisle are embracing save-the-date cards to give guests adequate notice that there is a party on the horizon. Save-the-date cards do more than let guests know when you're getting hitched. The cards are a preliminary way to keep guests informed and let them know they are, in fact, on the guest list. These cards haven't always been so popular, but have risen in popularity due to longer engagement periods, a growing number of destination weddings and the growing number of couples with guests from all over the country, if not the world. Considering people often plan business trips, vacations and other excursions several months in advance, savethe-date cards help secure a greater number of attendees at

your wedding. Save-the-date announcements can vary in many ways. They may be postcards or magnets that can be attached to a refrigerator door. If you desire a cohesive theme to your wedding stationery, select the save-the-date cards at the same time you choose your wedding invitations. This way you can ensure that either the patterns, fonts, colors, or style of the cards will match. It will also help convey the tone of the wedding. Guests often take their cues regarding the level of formality of the wedding from the type of stationery couples choose. When to send out the save-thedate announcements is important as well. As a general rule of thumb, it is wise to mail out the cards 6 months in advance for a standard wedding. If the wedding requires travel or extended over-

Beach APril 7

night accommodations, you may want to mail them out 8 months to a year in advance to give guests the time to investigate flight costs and hotel arrangements. A wedding also may necessitate planning a vacation or personal time off from work. Therefore, ample advanced notice is advisable. Be sure to make your guest list in advance of sending out savethe-date cards. Everyone who receives a card should also be sent an invitation prior to the wedding. Remember to include any members of your planned wedding party in the list of recipients. Just because a person has verbally confirmed attendance at your wedding doesn't mean they should be excluded from subsequent announcements. Guests may talk to one another and it is best to avoid hurt feelings and

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Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

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any added drama before the wedding by treating everyone equally. Be sure to include the wedding date, your names and the location of the wedding on the save-the-date cards. You do not need to offer RSVP information or detailed specifics at this time. You may want to include a Web site URL on the card so guests can check it frequently for updates on wedding information. Be sure to also include that a formal invitation will follow at a later date. You do not want to cause confusion by having guests think that the save-the-date card is the actual invitation. Also, make sure you address the save-the-date cards correctly to show your intentions with respect to guest invites. For example, be clear about whether children will be invited and whether a boyfriend/girlfriend or another guest can tag along.

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Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

How to find the right banquet hall for your big day

lanning a wedding is no small feat, as couples are faced with many decisions seemingly from the moment they get engaged right up until they walk down the aisle as man and wife. One of the biggest decisions a couple will make is where to host the reception. Couples must consider a variety of factors when looking for the right banquet hall to host their reception. The wedding is a celebration, and the banquet hall is where the couple and their guests will let their hair down and hopefully enjoy a festive and memorable night. Because the reception is typically the most lengthy portion of a couple's wedding day, it's important to find a place where everyone can be comfortable and enjoy themselves. The following are a few tips for couples looking to find the ideal banquet hall to host their wedding reception.

• Ask around. Word-of-mouth is a great way to find the right banquet hall. Ask friends or family members who got hitched in the same town where your ceremony will be if they can recommend a reception site. These friends or family members can provide a behind-the-scenes look at a reception hall, from how accommodating the staff was to how flexible the banquet hall was with regard to pricing to how open the staff was to suggestions. Wedding planning isn't easy, so if friends, family members or coworkers recommend a hassle-free banquet hall, that recommendation can remove a lot of the stress from planning a wedding. • Consider the size of the facility. Some couples prefer an intimate affair with relatively few guests, while others will desire a large wedding party with lots of guests. Couples can find a banquet hall that's capable of catering to small or large wedding parties, but find one that fits your party specifically. If your wedding party is small, then avoid a larger facility that will appear empty. If the party is large, make sure there's adequate room so guests won't feel like they're sitting on top of one another during dinner and dessert. • Don't downplay decor. A banquet hall with an attractive decor is not only aesthetically appealing but can appeal to a couple's finances as well. Such a hall likely won't need any additional decorations, while a banquet hall that's unadorned and lacks embellishments will, and those decorations can dip into a couple's overall wedding budget. Compare the costs of the more decorated banquet hall with the one that's more plain in appearance, factoring in the cost to decorate the latter, and you might just realize the one with more aesthetic appeal is more affordable in the long run. • Prioritize privacy. Few couples would be open to strangers having easy access to their wedding reception. When shopping for a banquet hall, look for one that gives you and your guests all the privacy you need. Many couples have taken to hosting the entire ceremony at a hotel, which may handle the bulk of the planning and remove the hassle of transportation for out-of-town guests. However, couples considering a hotel should look for one that can promise privacy from other guests at the hotel who aren't there for the wedding. The reception room should be secluded from the rest of the hotel so other guests walking by aren't tempted to walk in on the festivities.

Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

Wedding day details to remember n Provide

bottled water for your wedding party. To ensure no one gets over-heated, hide water near your bridal party during the ceremony for emergencies.

n Choose

meaningful gifts for your wedding party. Necklaces, earrings or bracelets are great for bridesmaids; cufflinks are perfect for groomsmen.

n Create

individual envelopes for tipping drivers, caterers, musicians, etc. Separate envelopes will help ensure you don’t forget anyone.

n Plan

for weather: In case of rain - Order a tent or choose a venue with indoor space for last-minute protection from the elements. Offer extra umbrellas to usher people from their vehicles to the venue. In case of heat - Place fans throughout the venue and provide plenty of water for guests. In case of cold - Space heaters can be placed throughout the space to warm up the room in advance of the event.

n Over-estimate

the amount of parking needed for guests.

Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

Budget printing for your wedding

here are so many detailed decisions to make when you’re planning your wedding. In the first few weeks after the engagement, the big decisions like choosing a venue, finding the perfect dress and planning the honeymoon tend to take up all of your time. Printing invitations and response cards, save the date postcards, table tents and wedding programs gets lost in the shuffle — and if you wait too long, you’ll pay too much. There are several shortcuts you can take that make the printing process easy, affordable and hassle free. First, to save money, it’s a

By Laura Rogers

great idea to go to a card outlet or craft store like Hobby Lobby or Michael’s and shop for blank invitations. Find a paper with a design that fits your theme and take it to a local printer. This way, you’re not paying a custom printer to design and print your invitations at a custom price. Once you have the paper you want, you can design your own pieces. Hobby Lobby has dozens of stylish templates for invitations, place cards and reply cards. Templates for everything down to the stickers for your favors are available on their web site free of charge. If you’re not very computer savvy, you can skip all the

design work and ask your printer to design the pieces for you (usually for an hourly charge). Either way, you’re saving a bundle over the custom printing companies that have traditionally printed wedding materials. For more information about affordable, worry free printing call Laura Rogers at The UPS Store in Seaford, at 302-6298771.

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Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

Tips for writing your own wedding vows

f you are considering personalized wedding vows, first realize that it may not be a simple task. You want the message conveyed to be dear to your heart, and that can be challenging when faced with the pressures and planning of the rest of the wedding. That isn't to say that writing your own vows is impossible. Here are some guidelines for personalizing your ceremony with your own sentiments. • Schedule time for writing. Amid the bustle of dress fittings and interviews with photographers, it can be easy to put off the important task of writing vows for another day. But as any great writer can attest, it takes writing - and rewriting - to achieve a finished product you can be proud of. Give the task of writing your vows your undivided attention. Mark it on your calendar or set a reminder on your computer just as you would any other appointment. • Be aware of ceremony guidelines. It is best to check with your officiant and confirm that personalized wedding vows are allowed. During civil ceremonies it's often acceptable to customize vows as you see fit. However, during religious ceremonies there may be lines of scripture that need to be read or certain passages required. Before you spend hours working on the task, be sure that it is allowed and that your spouse and you are on the same page. • Jot down your feelings. Answer some questions about what marriage means to you and how you feel about your spouse. Try to avoid trite sayings and think from your heart and personal experiences. Think about what is the most important thing you want to promise to your future partner. These notes can serve as the starting points for the actual vows. • Read inspirational writings. Perhaps there is an author or a poet who inspires you? You can quote certain writers in your vows or let the tone of their works help shape the words of your vows. There also are suggested wedding readings and other quotes about marriage readily available at the library or with a quick search online. • Decide on a tone. Although the day is based on love and affection, you may not feel comfortable spouting words of adoration in front of friends and family. Feel free to tap into your unique personality. Humor can be used if it aligns with the way you normally express your affections. Be sure to weave this tone into more traditional passages to create a cohesive expression of your feelings.

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Brides on a Budget How to have a fabulous wedding for less

Family Features

he average wedding in America costs around $29,000, according to The Wedding Report, Inc., a wedding industry research company. Not surprisingly, couples are looking for ways to save money on their special day. Here are some ideas to help you have a wonderful wedding on a budget.

n The Date. Having a wedding on off-peak months and days can be a bargain. November through April are slower months for weddings, so many halls, caterers and other service providers give discounts because they have fewer bookings. Some will also have discounts for weddings held on any day other than Saturday. n The Venue. If you know anyone with a beautiful home or a large garden, consider having the wedding there. Be sure to factor in the cost of renting tables and chairs. Holding the reception at a private place lets you buy your own alcohol and hire your own bartenders, both of which can save you money. Another option is to negotiate a package deal on an all-inclusive venue such as a hotel. The wedding and reception are all in one place, and out of town guests won't have far to go when the party's over. (Negotiate a good deal on a block of rooms for guests.) n Invitations. Keep them simple. High-end paper, custom-colored inks, decorative linings and multiple enclosures all cost more. Do online research to find the best deal - or print them yourself. You can find plenty of affordable options at craft, hobby or office supply stores. To keep postage costs down, don't use oversized or heavy paper. n The Dress. It's possible to save big on your dress by choosing poly satin instead of silk fabric. Another option is to buy a discontinued design, rather than the latest one. These are usually less expensive and can be found at smaller dress shops or consignment shops.

Flowers. Do you really need fresh flowers blanketing everything? Many couples opt for fresh flowers for the bridal party and silk arrangements as decoration for the ceremony and reception. Look into candles, ribbons, shells and decorative stones as alternatives. n

Stacey Baker married Mario Street at Grace United Methodist Church in Millsboro on April 28, 2012. Photo by Ginger Springer Photography. n Food. Save serious money by planning the reception for a time when guests will not need a full, seated meal. If your ceremony is between one and three in the afternoon, you can have a tea reception. Serve tea, finger sandwiches, scones and mini pastries. For a reception starting at four or five p.m., have a cocktail reception. Drinks and hors d'oeuvres are all you need. Make it clear on your invitation - "Tea (or cocktail) reception to follow." n Decorations and Favors. Take inventory of what you already have - and what friends and family have. Borrowing is cheaper than buying or renting, so ask around. Do-it-yourself favors are a great way to personalize your wedding for less. If you do need to buy supplies in large quantities, don't be afraid to talk to the store manager about a bulk discount. n You can have a fabulous wedding for less with some planning and elbow grease. But the best advice for saving money is to make a budget and stick to it. You'll be tempted to upgrade just a little here and there - but pretty soon your bargain wedding is no bargain at all.

Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

How to help guests save on travel

eddings are typically expensive affairs. Couples may be willing to go the extra mile and stretch their finances for their big day, but what about their guests?

Couples ask much of their outof-town wedding guests, who must arrange for travel and lodging and possibly even childcare if they are bringing young children. Because traveling to a wedding can be such a costly expenditure, many couples look for ways to alleviate some of the financial pressure that this travel places on their guests. The following are a few ways couples can do just that. â&#x20AC;˘ Find an airport-friendly wedding destination. Couples who can get married within a short distance of a major airport can save their

guests a significant amount of money. A major airport has more flights, and that can translate to more options and more affordable flights for your guests. In addition, a wedding destination that is close to an airport reduces the chance that guests will have to pay for rental cars. A cab ride to the hotel might be less expensive than a rental car, which guests may not need aside from getting to and from the airport. â&#x20AC;˘ Inquire about group airline rates. Couples know to negotiate group hotel rates for their wedding guests, but few may know it's possible to negotiate group airline rates as well. If a large number of your wedding guests will be traveling from the same city, contact the major airlines to see if they

offer group travel discounts. Many airlines do, so comparison shop to find your guests the best deal. â&#x20AC;˘ Consider a longer engagement. A longer engagement can save your guests money on travel. Couples who choose to have a longer engagement and send savethe-date cards out early are giving their guests more time to book flights and find deals. Flights tend to be less expensive when booked well in advance, so a longer engagement gives guests more time to find a flight that's affordable. In addition, travelers who can book early often get the first crack at the best flight times, saving themselves the nuisance of taking a red-eye flight or traveling early in the morning.

Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

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Amanda Hudson and Ryan Meade Wed October 6, 2012 Ann-Camille Photography

Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

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Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

Delicious ways to personalize your wedding Family Features

Monogrammed Mini Chocolate Cakes

Uncommonly romantic. Special memories last a lifetime. From civil union ceremonies and receptions to elaborate weddings, the Virden Center offers everything you need to create that day to remember. We can accommodate an indoor or outdoor gathering with on-site catering, overnight lodging, plenty of free parking, and friendly professional planning assistance. Everyone will enjoy the beauty of the surrounding wetlands, sea breezes and sunsets – plus the ease of visiting the historic coastal town of Lewes and its’ beaches. Call us today to arrange a tour.

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1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine 1/2 cup water 3 tablespoons Hershey’s Cocoa 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 egg 1/3 cup dairy sour cream COCOA GLAZE (recipe follows) Decorating icing in tube, desired color

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line 13x9x2-inch baking pan with parchment paper or waxed paper. 2. Combine butter, water and cocoa in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils; remove from heat. Stir together flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Stir in hot cocoa mixture. Add egg and sour cream; beat on medium speed of mixer until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pan. 3. Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack; carefully remove parchment or waxed paper. Cool completely. 4. Cut cake into small pieces, each about 2x1-3/4 inches. (Cake will be easier to cut if frozen for several hours or up to several days.) Place on cooling rack. Prepare COCOA GLAZE. Spoon over top of each piece of cake, allowing glaze to run down sides. Allow glaze to set. Garnish with monogram, using decorating icing. Place in foil cup, if desired. About 24 mini cakes. COCOA GLAZE: Bring 1/2 cup water and 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter to boil in small saucepan. Stir in 1/2 cup Hershey’s Cocoa. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar, stirring with whisk until smooth. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. About 1-1/2 cups glaze.

Erin Sines married Tony Geppi on September 29, 2012. Photo by Ginger Springer Photography

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Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

Lisa Grim and Nate Leonard were married at the Lewes Ferry Terminal on September 22, 2012. Photos by Ginger Springer Photography

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Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

Heritage Shores receives industry honor as one of top wedding venues The Heritage Shores Club has been honored as a WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2013 winner for Wedding Venues in Delaware. The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. The Heritage Shores Club’s selection as a Bride’s Choice Award 2013 winner was selected based on the positive experiences expressed by clients on WeddingWire, the world’s largest wedding review site with over one million reviews. While many industry awards are given by the host organization, the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ winners are determined solely based on reviews from real newlyweds and their experiences working with the Heritage Shores Club. The WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2013 are given to the top local wedding vendors in more than 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on professional achievements from the previous year. Award-winning vendors are distinguished for the quality, quantity, consistency and timeliness of the reviews they have received from their past clients. “We are thrilled to have been awarded this distinguished honor, especially since it comes directly from the experience of our brides,” says Stefanie Barfield, Director of Sales, “Every event is special and unique and we pride ourselves on the ability to ensure every bride and guest is satisfied with the service, food and venue.” Heritage Shores Club features an impressive 28,000 square-foot Clubhouse providing an elegant and serene setting for hosting both indoor and outdoor weddings and special events. The main ballroom offers a soft palate of warm hues to create an inviting venue for hosting up to 350 family and friends while also offering smaller salons for more intimate celebrations. For more information please visit heritageshoresgolf.com or call 302.337.9926 x316. 24

Photo by kam photography

Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

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Genevieve Pipitone and Chris Lennox were married on August 11, 2012 at Heritage Shores in Bridgeville. Photo by Ginger Springer Photography

Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

Erin Sines married Tony Geppi on September 29, 2012. Photo by Ginger Springer Photography

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Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

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Say at the Beach

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Amber Heck and Scott Riniker were married January 2, 2012. Photo by Ginger Springer Photography

Say ‘I Don’t’ to wedding stress

aving to take care of endless details, manage vendors, handle family demands and meet the emotional needs of the groom – and fitting it all into an already busy schedule – can turn any sweet-natured woman into either a blubbering mess or the dreaded bridezilla. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. Wedding consultants and planning experts agree that there are some ways to manage the stress and make the planning process more enjoyable for everyone involved. • Expect stress. If you accept the fact that this is a stressful time, you can let go of guilt about it and take some precautionary measures to deal with it. Talk with your fiancé and a close friend about helping you chill out when things get too tense. Come up with a non-judgmental code word they can say to let you know it’s time for a break. When you hear the code word, stop, take a deep breath and then set the planning aside for a while

and do something non-wedding related. • Be realistic. A lot of brides set their expectations so high that they drive themselves (and everyone around them) crazy trying to meet them. But unless you have unlimited access to money, you’re going to have to adjust some of your plans. There are a lot of resources (Web sites, books, magazines, friends) that can help you pull off a lovely wedding on whatever budget you have. • Don’t try to please everyone. It’s just not possible. Nor is it reasonable to try. The wedding is about the bride and groom. You two need to decide what is meaningful to you and what will express who you are. If his mother wants Cousin Jennie to play her bagpipe as you march down the aisle and you don’t care for the idea, it’s ok to say no. Feelings may get bruised, but ultimately it’s your day and it only has to please you and your fiancé.

Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

• Delegate, delegate, delegate. No matter how capable you are, no matter how nifty your organizer is, you can’t do everything by yourself. Nor should you, so stop feeling guilty. It’s ok to ask friends, family and the groom for help – as long as you do it nicely. Some churches or reception halls have a wedding coordinator available to help with details. They’ve done this hundreds of times – you haven’t. Use them! • Keep things in perspective. The most important thing to remember is that the wedding is only a one-day event. It’s just a party to celebrate the beginning of a life together. Too many brides feel enormous pressure to make the wedding perfect and they forget about building a solid marriage. Don’t lose yourself in the details of this one day. You have a lifetime of new memories to create, this is only one of them.

YES

Say to Our Dress! w Wedding gowns w Prom Gowns w Wedding Party w Bridal Accessories w Mother of the Bride/Groom w Tuxedos

From this day forward...

Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 11 am to 6 pm Fri. - Sat. 11 am to 5 pm We’ve Moved! Closed Sunday NoW eveN More Other hours coNveNieNtly located at: by appointment 111 West loockerman St. 302-744-9111 dover, de 19901

www.amorebridalde.com

downtown dover

CHARDON LTD. 302.856.7202 www.chardonjewelers.com

30 The Circle • GeORGeTOwN 10-6 M-F • 10-4 Sat.

Mark Ryan, dances with his daughter, Jade Ryan McClure

Susan’s Boutique Make an unforgettable impression in the dress of your dreams. We carry a variety of styles, from classic to contemporary, by today’s most popular designers.

elegant arrangements for your

wedding day

nhance your special day with the breathtaking beauty of our fresh floral designs. We offer an unlimited array of flower choices in all the colors and bouquet styles to complement your wedding day look.

Stop in today and let us help you find the perfect gown for your big day.

Wedding Packages Available Your full-service wedding florist.

Formal Wear For Weddings

Let us handle all of your needs down to the smallest details.

XV anos, Proms BaPtism, etc. tuXedo rentals 110 North Race St., Suite 104 Georgetown, DE 19947 302

855-0869

Mon-Fri 10 - 6:30 Sunday 10 - 5

Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

Wedding Accessories Available For Rent

LAUREL, DE

SALISBURY, MD • OCEAN PINES, MD 302

875-7600

Toll Free 800-252-8897

WWW.KITTYSFLOWERS.COM

Delivery & Set Up Available

The Father Daughter Dance By Yvonne M. Cimone The Father-Daughter Dance is a long standing custom. Traditionally, this dance came first in the celebration. The father danced with the bride then presented her to the groom to dance to the steps of a new life. It was a beautiful way to express the tender relationship and transitions of the bride and the two most important men in her life These days, the traditions are reversed. The bride and groom’s ‘First Dance’ opens the celebration and the Father-Daughter Dance is second. It can be moving and emotional for the two dancing and for those watching. Even strong guys will shed a tear as the realization of the little girl growing up and starting a new life. With a little thought, practice, and planning... you can help make this dance all that you wish it to be and a ‘moment to cherish.'

Group lessons make learning fun and a ‘family affair'

Stephen Fennell dances with daughter, Sarah Fennell Kinney

Take a chance & learn to dance

Ask about our wedding dance workshops. See us at the Central Sussex Bridal Show on March 3 in Millsboro and enter for your chance to win a $100 gift certificate towards private dance lessons for your big day.

Dance Lessons will make this tradition so much easier and, maybe even downright fun. The very best part of my job, and I mean this, is meeting people. This past year, I had a chance to work with some very wonderful ‘Dads’ for the ever important ‘FatherDaughter’ Dance. They were a bit nervous, proud of their lovely daughters, and always a little bashful regarding this upcoming public display of affection and of their dance skills. My goal is always to put them at ease, and build their confidence. Within one lesson everyone is more self-assured and relaxed. When a family makes the time to get together and includes the mother of the bride and the others who are in the wedding party-it offers everyone a chance to brush up on dance skills. This pays off in many ways. The mother of the bride gets to practice with Dad and the groom gets a chance to dance with mom - everyone is prepared.

Music choices & choice moves

Several of the brides chose songs to dance to that their fathers had sung to them as children. Watching one dad dance and sing, “Goodnight Sweetheart Well I have to Go"...priceless! So lovely, so sweet - all I did was give them the steps and techniques that made it all look elegant and effortless. If you don’t have a favorite song memory, then make one. Choice of music can be serious and touching, lighthearted and fun, classic or contemporary. One father-daughter duo danced to ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ and another to “Rainbow Connection.” A great instructor can help you choose the music and the moves. Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

Wedding trends for 2013 Family Features

pringtime ushers in the glitz and glamour of wedding season, which lasts into late fall. This year, economizing is foremost on everyone’s minds, but betrothed couples want their weddings and the events leading up to them to be as special as ever. These wedding trends are how brides and grooms are turning bridal showers, couples’ showers and, of course, the wedding itself into priceless yet affordable experiences for everyone involved. n Revisiting

food classics that are guaranteed to please the palate but don’t break the bank, like the Sizzling Mini-Sliders featured. n Choosing fresh and flavorful wines that present incredible value for the price but don’t compromise a smidge on quality. n Serving food in smaller portions, a restaurant trend, is a hit for guests and a boon for the budget. n Conserving resources with 3L Premium Wine Casks, a convenient, no-waste way to serve a crowd. Here are some stylish, budgetfriendly food and wine options that allow happy couples to have their cupcakes and eat them too.

Bridal Shower To create an elegant and festive party atmosphere, decorate the event space with fresh flowers and set aside a table where gifts can be presented. A buffet table lets guests serve themselves and also provides a tableau for food and wine selections to be artfully displayed. 32

Arrange an inviting layout of fresh seasonal salads and bite-sized desserts, with a delectable angel hair pasta dish as the centerpiece. Pair with the delicious Angel Juice Pinot Grigio, quintessentially Californian with delicate peach notes and a refreshing finish.

Mini-burgers, or gourmet sliders, have universal appeal and offer up a new twist on an old favorite. Paired with the vibrant Big House Red, a California blend bursting with ripe red fruits that costs less than $10 a bottle, they will easily satisfy guests.

Couples’ Shower

Wedding Reception

A couples’ shower is the ideal way to informally celebrate the upcoming marriage. Commonly known as a Jack and Jill party, the event can be a luncheon, a laidback barbeque or a party at a local park. A couples’ shower is a prime opportunity for everyone to take a break and enjoy spending time together.

As an alternative to the traditional wedding cake, a cupcake wedding tree is a sophisticated way to end the momentous occasion on the sweetest of notes. Paired with the luscious, foodfriendly Cupcake Chardonnay from the prized Central Coast winegrowing region, this spectacular dessert and the creamy, fruit-forward wine are a match made in heaven.

Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

Angel Hair Pasta With Shrimp & Rosemary Serves 6 Prep time: 30 minutes 16 ounces dried angel hair pasta 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 3/4 cup chopped onion (about 1/2 onion) 4 teaspoons minced garlic 3 teaspoons seeded and minced serrano chile (about 1 chile) 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary and sprigs for garnish 2 cups Angel Juice Pinot Grigio 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, about 1 lemon 24 large shrimp, peeled and deveined 4 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until lightly browned Salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions. Set large saucepan over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté onions, garlic, chiles and rosemary about 4 minutes or until soft.

Add wine and lemon juice, raise heat to high and boil until liquid is reduced by half. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes. Remove pan from heat, stir in butter and pine nuts, and toss with drained pasta. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Sizzling Mini-Sliders Serves 4 Prep time: 30 minutes

1 teaspoon onion powder 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1/2 cup Big House Red 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 12 3-inch dinner rolls Condiments Caramelized onions (sauté in olive oil, very slowly, about 20 minutes) 1/2 cup loosely packed watercress 1/2 cup thinly shredded radicchio

In medium bowl, combine onion powder, garlic, wine, beef, salt and pepper. Shape into twelve 1/2-inch-thick patties. Grill until browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Grill dinner rolls until slightly toasted. On bottom of each roll, place caramelized onions, patty, watercress and radicchio. Top with roll top.

Fresh Floral Styles to Complement You and Your Wedding

Seaford Florist, Inc. Teleflora

20 N. Market St., Blades, DE 19973 302-629-6661 • 800-877-2859

seaforddeflorist.com

Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

Brides 2 Be by Hope Mitchell

Bridal Shop in the Spotlight! Delmarva has voted

Brides 2 Be by Hope Mitchell Best Bridal Shop in Delaware Hope of Brides 2 Be by Hope Mitchell has been helping many of us get dressed for our special day for over 30 years. She managed a men’s store in Lewes back in the 80’s. Then she co-owned a Bridal Shop in Millsboro from 1990-2010. On Jan. 1, 2011, Hope opened her very own Bridal Shop just outside of Historic Lewes, between Rt. 1 and Rt. 9. Her boutique is gorgeous, well organized & filled with breathtaking gowns from wonderful designers. Hope’s staff is knowledgeable and friendly. She has a full alteration department on premises. Hope offers Tuxedos from toddlers to grandfathers, for rental or purchase. Stop in or call for an appointment and see for yourself what brides, grooms, moms and prom girls are so excited about. 7 Days a Week ~ www.brides2bebyhope.com

A beautiful Shopping Experience

302-645-2485

Exceptional

Receptions

We have an in-house catering service that can customize your menu within your budget. From simple to elegant, appetizer to full course meal, your dining experience will be one to remember.

Make your ial occasion spec l fu ti with a beau . ice sculpture to Eight designs akes m , choose from ary an extraordin display.

Our elegant banquet room can accommodate up to 350 guests. We have a large selection of rental options: Linens, tables, archways, lighted trees, centerpieces, and much more.

Othat ur banquet hall offers everything you need to create a beautiful reception you’ll remember for a lifetime. From our professional trained staff providing excellent customer service to a full service facility.

Harrington Fire Co., Inc. Call Bill Bonniwell • Hall Rental Chairman

398-8931 or 632-7093

20 Clark Street • Harrington, DE

Mother-in-Law

Approved P

Ideal for Your Outdoor Wedding!

Scan to Take a Video Tour

* Clean * Climate Controlled * Sinks With Running Water * Ladies Room With 2 Stalls * Delivered & Set-Up At Your Location * Mother-In-Law Inspected & Approved Morning Star Publications 2013 Wedding Planner

302-629-3001 PenConstruction.com