2010
Wedding Planner
Photo by
Hilltop Studio
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morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner
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morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner
Wedding Planner
contents
Getting engaged is just the beginning To Do List Planning the honeymoon Just who does what and when Selecting the dress Tips for a toast to remember Have a fabulous wedding for less Eliminating wedding stress 10 questions for your caterer Creating the perfect soundtrack Creating a custom wedding
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About the cover photo - Christina Garrett was married to Kit Seningen at Atlanta Road Alliance Church on July 2, 2009. Reception was held at The Fountains in Salisbury, MD. Photo by Hilltop Studio of Seaford, 6294396. Visit their website at Hilltopphotography.com.
(302) 227-RENT(7368) (800) 628-6253 RENTGRS.COM Rehoboth Beach, DE
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Jodi Minor married Shane LeBeau at Avenue Methodist Church in Milford. Photo by C.M. Baker Photography
Getting engaged is just the beginning
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re you one of the thousands of couples who got engaged over the holidays? This is the time for you and your soon-to-be to get everything you ever wanted -the time to start from scratch, to upgrade, expand and replace. To turn a whole bunch of mismatched mine and yours into a lifetime of ours. Here are some tips to make wedding planning a breeze:
sonal preferences beforehand. It's also important to consider your future. Consider things like how often you'll entertain and how much you will be cooking.
Plan Ahead: Start a bridal registry as soon as you say "yes." This way you will be prepared for your engagement party and bridal shower, as well as your wedding. Periodically update your registry by adding more products if you need to, even after the wedding. Be kind to procrastinators.
Do the math: Experts advise registering for 2-3 items times the number of guests you plan to have. Close friends and family will rely on your registry for special events leading up to the wedding -- such as engagement parties, bridal showers and holidays! Your guests will appreciate having lots of choices when they shop for you. Be sure to refresh your list regularly as gifts get purchased.
Don't be shy: Register for gifts in a range of prices and categories. This will give guests and group givers lots of options to choose from. Look back and Plan Ahead! Discuss your background and per-
Visit a store: It's in your best interest to visit a store and schedule an appointment with an expert consultant. Touch the towels, heft the flatware, see everything in person!
Register Now, Because You Won't Buy it Later: You may think you will ... but you won't. Now is the time to let others get you the stuff you'd
never buy yourself. Your friends and family might even get together to purchase a higher priced "group gift." Remember the Rule of Three: When it comes to setting your table, if you choose bold patterns for your china and flatware, pick a more simple style of glassware. Prefer intricate stemware? Pair it with simpler patterns of china and flatware. So, it's bold/bold/simple or simple/simple/bold. Once you've set up your bridal registry, take advantage of Bed Bath & Beyond's Bridal Toolkit(R), the complimentary wedding planning tools available at bedbathandbeyond. com, including your own personal wedding Web site, budgeter, task manager, guest list manager, gift tracker, and even a seating arranger. This way, all of your information can be stored in one convenient place. Congratulations and best wishes on your engagement. Now get registering and let the gift-giving begin.
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morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner
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morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner
TO-DO LIST
Here’s a time frame to ensure that your wedding goes off smoothly:
10 to 12 Months Before Announce your engagement and introduce your respective families. Since most reception halls and churches have busy wedding schedules, it is important to book both as early as possible. It’s also a good idea to start putting together a guest list. Prepare a budget. Sitting down and determining what you can spend, and developing a savings plan should be first and foremost. 6 to 9 Months Before This is the time when you want to start booking some services, such as a florist, caterer, a DJ/band, and a photographer. However, some of the more experienced DJs and bands as well as photographers might have their schedules booked a year in advance, so this might be something you’ll want to consider doing shortly after you get engaged and choose a date. Also, this is a good time to inform any guests who will be traveling significant distances of the date of your wedding. The earlier your guests can book a flight, the less expensive. This is also a good time to order gowns for both the bride and bridesmaids, as some manufacturers require a few months to ship to bridal shops. You might want to ask someone such as your priest or rabbi to be the officiant of your wedding. And much like out-of-town guests will save travel dollars the earlier they learn of your wedding date, you will likely save money, too, if you book your honeymoon around this time.
Heather Dwyer and CJ Preston were married August 8, 2009 at Asbury United Methodist Church in Salisbury, MD. Photo by A+ Video
Alison Leigh Willey and Frank Edward Dubinski were married January 23, 2010 at Crossroad Community Church in Georgetown. Reception followed at the Heritage Shores Clubhouse in Bridgeville. Photo by Karen Cherrix
4 to 5 Months Before This is a good time to decide on wedding invitations, of which there are many styles to choose from. Also, now is ideal to start hunting for a wedding cake by sampling a number of different bakeries and their style of cakes. Just to be sure, confirm that all of the bridesmaids have ordered their gowns and start looking for a tuxedo for the groom as well as the groomsmen. If you haven’t done so, purchase your wedding rings and let any other people you’d like to participate in your wedding know of your intentions. 2 to 3 Months Before Finalize your guest list and mail out your invitations. If your guest list includes a considerable amount of people who are
Ruth Stephenson married David Auspurger on March 21, 2009 at the Mt. Olivet Methodist Church in Seaford. Photo by Hilltop Studios
morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner
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spread out geographically, mail the invitations as close to 12 weeks in advance as possible. This is also a good time to finalize your menu choices and find all your wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, candles, etc. Also, since it is tradition to provide gifts for those in the wedding party as well as the parents of the bride and groom, this is a good time to purchase those gifts. Confirm that all groomsmen have ordered their tuxedos and finalize all transportation, to and from the wedding and for your honeymoon. 1 to 2 Months Before Schedule the first bridal-gown fitting. Also finalize the readings you’d prefer during the ceremony and mail them out to anyone who has agreed to do a reading. If your family prefers to host a small gathering for close family and friends after the wedding rehearsal, the night before the wedding, this is a good time to order food or drinks or make a restaurant reservation. 3 to 4 Weeks Before Confirm your honeymoon arrangements and see if your wedding rings are ready. Get your marriage license and check the guest list to see who has and hasn’t RSVP’d. For those who have yet to RSVP, you might want to contact them so you can get a closer idea of what the head count will be. Prepare and order your wedding program.
Heather Dotson married Steve Scafeddi May 9, 2009 at Baywood Greens Country Club. Photo by C.M Baker Photography
1 to 2 Weeks Before Get a final attendance count and submit it to the caterer. Provide a final seating chart. Pick up the wedding gown and tuxedo. Make sure the wedding party picks up their attire. Also, finalize your vows and confirm all wedding-day details such as transportation, photo schedules, and addresses. The Day Before This is mainly when you rehearse for the ceremony and make any final confirmations you might have to make.
Alice Moore married Nickolas Pacitti at the Henlopen Hotel in Rehoboth Beach on September 12, 2009. Photo by A+ Video
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Planning the honeymoon of your dreams
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fter months of planning and saving for a wedding, a honeymoon offers one-on-one time for the couple to have fun, develop a deeper relationship, and enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation. Among couples who enjoy a traditional wedding, statistics say that 99 percent take a honeymoon. The average honeymoon costs approximately $5,000. Since a honeymoon will account for at least 14 percent of the total wedding budget, couples want to ensure that theirs is money well spent -- especially in an economy where every penny counts. Preparation is the key to honeymoon success.
Here are some tips to make your honeymoon the stuff dreams are made of.
Enjoy clear skies or bottomless blue water Timing plays a large role in honeymoon travel. It’s important to research the average weather conditions for prospective honeymoon locales during the month you'll be traveling as well as any events that may take place at that time. This way you book your honeymoon during an optimal time for the best conditions, both in regards to weather and the local culture.
Save money Putting honeymoon plans into the hands of an expert could add up to considerable savings. “Travel agents have relationships with tour and package providers that they can leverage in ways the average consumer cannot,” offers Ellingboe. Turn to a honeymoon expert for honeymoon planning needs so your honeymoon can truly be a trip of a lifetime. Honeymoon registry Not just for budget-conscious brides- and grooms-to-be, consider creating a honeymoon registry to give your wedding guests an alternative to
Left - Debbie Kennedy married Greg Denson on September 19, 2009; Top right - David Auspurger; Bottom right Ruth Stephenson. Photos by Hilltop Studios
morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner
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crock pots, toasters and blenders. Wedding guests can improve your honeymoon experience by gifting the activities, excursions and dining experiences that make the trip memorable. Pack a variety of clothing options Bring a few different outfits of varying levels of formality so that you'll have options on your trip. Depending upon the resort or ship, there may be specific dress codes at certain restaurants or meal times; you don't want to be caught off-guard. Make sure your research includes destination clothing requirements since what is acceptable culturally varies widely across the globe. Read reviews There's a reason review sites are so popular -- they help people make better, more informed decisions. Advertising gives you one perspective, reviews give you another. Make sure that you read reviews of the places you are considering for your honeymoon so that you get a variety of viewpoints.
John and Priscilla Henriksen were married September 26, 2009 at Lewis Yacht County Club. Photo by Lloydlee Heite
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The Bridal Party for John and Priscilla Henriksen’s wedding were jumping for joy on the Lewes beach. John and Priscilla Henriksen were married on September 26, 2009 at Lewis Yacht County Club. Photo by Lloydlee Heite
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Just who does what & when?
wedding can be a wonderful and memorable experience for all of those involved. That’s why you ask friends or relatives to share in the event and serve in your wedding party. Your offer is a wonderful honor, one that goes with it varying degrees of responsibility depending on the role each person will be playing. To help you decide who to ask to be in your wedding party, here is a list of titles and responsibilities for each participant’s role.
Maid of Honor The maid of honor is a role typically filled by a sister or a very close friend. It is the equivalent of the groom’s best man. The maid of honor’s role, therefore, is typically very involved. Among her many responsibilities, the maid of honor accompanies the bride on shopping trips for her wedding dress while also planning the bridal shower, bachelorette party and
coordinating the bridal party gift for the bride. Also, the maid of honor helps the bride get dressed on her wedding day, holds the groom’s wedding ring during the wedding and may also help in the writing of invitations. If the woman you’re asking is married, her title will be matron of honor.
Best Man Perhaps the most well-known responsibilities of the best man are organizing the bachelor party and giving the toast at the reception. But the best man, who is typically a brother or best friend of the groom, also has a slew of other responsibilities. In addition to helping the groom choose his tuxedo and get dressed before the wedding, the best man coordinates the couple’s gift from the groomsmen and takes care of the newlyweds’ transportation to the airport after the reception or the next morning.
Bridesmaids Along with walking in the wedding procession, bridesmaids attend the shower and contribute to the bridal gifts. Bridesmaids, who are typically sisters or friends of the bride or groom, also dance with the groomsmen during the reception. Flower Girl If the bride has a sister who is especially young, that sister typically fills the role of flower girl. Since most flower girls are very young, their responsibilities are generally limited to carrying a basket of flowers during the processional and, depending on the bride’s preference, tossing flower petals on the ground to mark the bride’s special entrance.
Groomsmen Groomsmen are the male equivalent of the bridesmaids, typically having nearly identical responsibilities. Sometimes, groomsmen can act as ushers for guests arriving at the
morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner
Don and Tara Megee of Georgetown, were married on May 23, 2009. Photo by Lloydlee Heite
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morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner
Left - Heather Dwyer and CJ Preston were married August 8, 2009 at Asbury United Methodist Church in Salisbury, MD. Right Candice Pearce married Timothy Hudson on July 25, 2009 at Deerfield Golf and Country Club in Newark, DE. Photos by A+ Video
ceremony. Groomsmen walk in the wedding processional and attend and help organize the bachelor party as well.
Ring Bearer Like the flower girl, the ring bearer is a very young member of the family, only the ring bearer is a male. The ring bearer’s role is to carry a pillow with the rings sewn on it during the processional. Parents of the Groom The groom’s parents should host a rehearsal dinner prior to the wedding. They may also choose to contribute to the wedding if they desire. Traditionally, the groom’s mother confers with the bride’s mother on what color gown she is wearing, so as not to go with the same shade on the wedding day.
Ashley Truitt was married on October 17, 2009 at Grace Methodist Church in Millsboro, DE. Photo by Hilltop Studios
Parents of the Bride The bride’s parents may be responsible for hosting the wedding, if they will be completely financially responsible for the event. In some cases, the father of the bride escorts his daughter down the aisle alone, but in other instances or in religious ceremonies, both parents may accompany the bride down the aisle. The mother of the bride may help fund or contribute to the planning of the bridal shower if the Maid of Honor needs assistance. These parents may also foot the cost of an engagement party or dinner when they will meet the groom’s family.
morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner
Jodi Minor and Shane LeBeau held their reception at Heritage Shores Country Club in Bridgeville. Photo by C.M. Baker Photography
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morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner
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morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner
Selecting the dress
or most brides-to-be, the choice of a dress is among the first and most important decisions in planning a wedding. With thousands of choices in every price range, finding the perfect wedding dress can be a difficult and time-consuming process. But by making some decisions before setting foot in a store, the search will be both easier and a whole lot more enjoyable.
First things first Start by knowing your limits. To avoid disappointment down the line, determine the maximum amount that you can spend on a dress -- and don't forget to include all the little extras, such as undergarments, shoes, jewelry, veil, and/or hair ornaments. Next, take an inventory of your personal style. If you know that you're not comfortable in strapless or sleeveless dresses, for example, you can immediately eliminate these options. The trick is to rule out a few style options before hitting the magazines or stores and then be open to all other options. Firm yet flexible There will be no shortage of opinions -from mothers, sisters, friends, and store personnel -- about your choice of a wedding dress, but the decision, ultimately, is the bride's alone. A great strategy is to be open to suggestions about dresses to try on, but reserve the right to choose the look that feels right to you. With so many potential options, you might want to consider bringing along a camera and taking photos of yourself in the dresses that could be "contenders."
Heather Dotson married Steve Scafeddi on May 9, 2009 at Baywood Greens Country Club. Photo by C.M. Baker Photography
Go for a flattering fit Remember: Your goal is to find a dress that flatters your body and expresses your personal style -- not to fit into a particular size. If you look ghostly in white, feel free to choose a creamier shade or a dress that has decorative accents of a different color near your neck, shoulders and face. Similarly, there's no rule that a wedding dress has to be floor-length. If you're planning a daytime or more casual wedding, you might want to consider a tea-length dress (one that falls a few inches above the ankle) or go even shorter.
Comfort is key Style and fit may be the two most important factors in choosing a wedding dress, but comfort should be a close third. Ask yourself if you will be comfortable in a particular dress given the setting in which your wedding will take place. For instance, if you've always dreamed of an outdoor wedding, you may want forego a dress with a long, trailing train that could trip you up on your walk to or down the aisle. Even if you're planning an indoor event, having a dress and shoes that are as comfortable as they are beautiful will greatly increase your odds of enjoying your special day to the fullest.
morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner
Kristen and James Hammerer were married at Suicide Bridge Restaurant, on September 27th 2009. Photo by Lloydlee Heite
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morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner Candice Pearce and Timothy Hudson. Photos by A+ Video
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Tips for a toast to remember
wedding day toast is a tradition that has long been a part of wedding celebrations. Toasts are a personal way of commemorating the good fortune of the newly betrothed and looking forward
to future happiness. The best man traditionally gives the main toast at the wedding. At different occasions on the road to the wedding there may be other opportunities for toasts from the maid
of honor or even the parents of the bride and groom. While some people are natural orators and have no trouble speaking in front of large crowds of people, the majority of toasters approach the
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morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner
toast with a bit of trepidation. Apart from the anxiety of speaking in front of a group of friends and relatives, it can be nervewracking to come up with sentiments for the toast, which can mean the difference between a memorable or an embarrassing wedding day experience. While there are no toasting guarantees, following a few tips can help nervous toasters do a bang-up job. • Be prepared: Individuals who try to "wing it" the day of the wedding may find their nerves get the best of them. It's best to write out your thoughts in advance of the wedding and fine tune your sentiments many times. Think about whether you want to go funny or sentimental. Consider your relationship with the bride and groom and try to personalize the speech as much as possible. Practice the toast in front of others and get some unbiased opinions before the wedding.
• Time it right: If the thought of spending the entire reception waiting to give the toast has you on edge, ask the prospective couple if you can give the toast early on in the night. This way you can relax afterward and enjoy the party.
• Keep it short: Aim for a two- or three-minute speech. Something long-winded won't hold the attention of wedding guests who are looking to get on with the fun of the wedding reception.
• Jot down notes: If you think your nerves will get the best of you, bring some index cards with key phrases of the toast. You could write out the entire speech, but if you simply read it, the toast could seem stiff and impersonal.
• Speak slowly and clearly: Articulate and speak loud enough so everyone can hear the speech. You will likely be handed a microphone. If you get nervous and trip up, simply make a quick joke and get back to it. Others will understand if you are tense.
• Hold off on cocktails: While it's generally fine to have one or two drinks prior to the toast to loosen up, it's not recommended to be intoxicated. Alcohol and public speaking often do not mix. You don't want to say something you will regret later on or make a mockery of the wedding.
• Don't be afraid of getting emotional: “Wedding guests would rather see real feelings than a beauty-pageant speech,” says Sharon Naylor, author of Your Special Wedding Toasts. So if you get choked-up, don’t worry.
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How to have a fabulous wedding for less
Alice Moore and Nickolas Pacitti. Photo by A+ Video
Family Features
The 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.
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.
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To keep postage costs down, don't use oversized or heavy paper.
The Venue - If you know any-
one 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.)
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.
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.
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
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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."
Decorations & 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. 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.
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Left - Alice Moore and Nickolas Pacitti. Right - Candice Pearce and Timothy Hudson. Photos by A+ Video
Eliminating wedding stress Family Features
Stomach aches, headaches, sleep problems, poor concentration, moodiness, irritability, racing thoughts... Getting married is supposed to be a happy time, right? So why are so many brides-to-be completely stressed out? Having 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 fiancĂŠ 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. Come up with a polite response such as, "Thanks for your suggestion, but we're going in a different direction with the plans." Feelings may get bruised, but ultimately it's your day and it only has to please you and your fiancĂˆ. 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! Take care of yourself. It's always important to eat right, get enough sleep and exercise, but it's especially important during times of stress. You'll feel more energized, you'll be able to think more clearly and make better decisions. Besides, who wants to see a bride with dark circles under her eyes drag herself down the aisle? 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.
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morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner
Erin Courtney married Danny MacGleish on September 19, 2009 at Dewey Beach near Cullen St.
Kaitlyn Sutor married Joseph Costello on April 14, 2009 at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino. Photos by C.M. Baker Photography
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morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner
Jennifer and Jason Zeroles were married at Pizzadili Winery, in Felton, Delaware this past year. Photo by Lloydlee Heite
10 questions for your wedding caterer Family Features
May I have references?
A great caterer will do more than just make good food. He or she will pay great attention to details, making sure the presentation is just right, the food and wine are served at the right temperature, the servers are wellgroomed and attentive and that clean-up is efficient and thorough. So how do you make sure the caterer you hire is a great one? By asking the right questions.
Most caterers get their business from word of mouth. Ask for at least 10 former clients and call as many as you can. Ask questions such as Was the caterer easy to work with? Was the service efficient and nonintrusive? Was the food delicious, and did it arrive hot? Were there any problems that
came up and how did the caterer deal with them? Do you have a business license and liability insurance? Caterers should be licensed by the state. Usually licenses are displayed in the office, but if you're not positive, then ask to see it. Make sure you see proof of liability insurance as well. Can we sample from a typical
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wedding menu? Catering can be a large part of your wedding budget. Make sure you know what it is you'll be getting for your money. Take your spouse-to-be and a friend with you to the tasting so that you can get varied opinions. Some caterers will charge a tasting fee, but it's worth it. May I see photographs of your table displays? Some caterers who provide buffets or food stations include floral arrangements and other decorations. It's also a good idea to discuss your color theme so that decorations and floral arrangements coordinate What does the price per person include? Is the cost strictly for food, or does it cover tables, chairs, linens, tableware, punch service, table displays, etc.? What other fees do you charge? Are tips and taxes included in the price? Some caterers will charge a cake-cutting fee or corking fee for wines. Make sure you get all fees in writing up front. Do you handle special menu requests? You may have guests with special menu needs, such as food allergies, vegan or kosher requirements. Make sure your caterer will accommodate these needs. Some couples want to have a special family recipe at the reception grandma's meatballs or foods from the family's ethnic traditions. Find out if your caterer will personalize your menu with these kinds of items. Do you offer cakes? Ask if your caterer offers wedding and groom's cakes, and find out if they are included in the price. Will you pack us a "doggie bag" for after the reception? Sometimes the wedding couple is so busy at the reception that they have very little time to eat anything. Attentive caterers will prepare small boxes of food for the couple to enjoy when they are finally alone. What are the payment arrangements? You need to find out how much of a deposit is required, and if it's refundable or not. Ask when the final
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Jennifer and Jason Zeroles are shown here dancing. Photo by A+ Video
payment is due and what the caterer's preferred form of payment is. When you finally settle on a caterer, make sure you have a written contract to sign. This guarantees that they will provide the food, timelines and details you discussed. Asking these 10 questions will help you choose the right caterer to help make your wedding a truly special celebration.
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morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner Erin Courtney married Danny MacGleish on September 19, 2009 at Dewey Beach near Cullen St. Photos by C.M. Baker Photography
Creating the perfect soundtrack If you’ve figured out by now that music is the key to a great wedding, you’re right: it’s the secret ingredient of every great wedding. The right song at the right time can evoke strong feelings and help solidify memories of the day long after the last dance. Unfortunately, many couples don’t focus as much attention on their musical program as they do on picking out a reception hall, or florist. Think about weddings you’ve attended. How did you measure their success? Probably by whether you had a good time…or not. Top wedding coordinators know that music is the ‘good-time-factor’ of a wedding. People have a good time when they can participate, and feel connected to it all. It’s a good sign when guests get up to dance frequently and when they’re sharing in the emotions of sentimental moments like father/ daughter, mother/son dances, etc. When the music is dull or con-
stantly intrusive, and there’s little involvement and interaction among the guests, chances are they’re waiting for the right time to say goodbye. Here are some tips for a memorable event:
Ceremony & Reception Create a Plan: Visualize your wedding as a film, and think about the songs that would coordinate best with the scenes that unfold. For example, imagine the processional, the unity candle ceremony, the father/daughter dance, the mother/son dance, or even a special tribute to an important person in your life as you listen to sound clips of songs written especially for those moments. Stay Organized: Keep a notebook and jot down songs you’ve heard or ideas you’ve gathered. Then, when you finalize your choices and discuss them in detail with your band
or DJ you can consider their suggestions without feeling pressured. Book Your DJ or Band: Once you know your date, book as soon as possible. Bands can provide live sound and make any occasion seem elegant. Keep Your Guests in Mind: Consider the tastes of your guests. Make sure singles and older guests can enjoy the music as well. Include timeless standards and music of different eras that all guests will enjoy.
Unique Touches In addition to the music that is played on your special day, songs and sentiments can be sent in advance of your wedding and afterward as well. You can ‘send more than a card … you can send a song’ with the unique musical ideas that Sklerov and Rothstein offer with their
morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner
Ruth Stephenson and David Auspurger. Photos by Hilltop Studios
Personalized CD Singles line: • “Save the Date” CDs — featuring the classic “Chapel of Love” and your save-the-date information imprinted directly on the CD. Send them to your guests in lieu of the standard savethe-date card. • Personalized Gift CD Singles — a selection of songs for mom, dad or even bridesmaids and maids of honor. You can express personal sentiments for your parents and friends with a special song they’ll love. • CD Thank You ‘Notes’ — The wedding thank you song, “Thank You For Your Gift Of Love” with your names imprinted on each CD is an original ‘musical’ way to say ‘thank you’ instead of sending an ordinary thank you card.
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Creating a custom wedding More so than ever before, soonto-be-wed couples are establishing their own traditions by looking for ways to impart a custom feel to their weddings — without breaking the bank. Weddings have a tendency to be contagious, and chances are you’ve already been invited to a number of them this year. After a while the same traditions can become tedious and routine. If you are planning your own wedding, you may be competing with others you know for unique ideas. Did you know that according to the latest findings, 2.4 million weddings occur annually? That’s a lot of bouquet tossing and wedding band renditions of “The Wind Beneath my Wings” to sit through. It’s no wonder most brides want their ceremony and reception to be different. So apart from choosing personal wedding songs and outlandish bridesmaids’ gowns, what can you do to be unique? Plenty. 1. On Location: Change the setting of the wedding. Think beyond the local reception hall. Investigate a park, theater, museum or even a building rooftop. You may be able to get these venues for a steal. Also, destination weddings are growing in popularity. According to the American Wedding Study conducted by the Conde Nast Bridal Group in 2006, about 16 percent of all couples have a destination wedding, a 400 percent increase in the past 10 years. Your destination can be a Caribbean island, the San Francisco Bay or a European castle. 2. Break the rules: Okay, so there really aren’t hard-set rules in wed-
Jodi Minor and Shane LeBeau held their reception at Heritage Shores Country Club in Bridgeville. Photo by C.M. Baker Photography
dings, except for those that your house of worship may require. Still, people become accustomed to certain traditions. Go against the norm. If the groom wants a female “best man” that’s his prerogative. If the bride wants to ditch the white gown and wear a drop-dead-gorgeous red dress, she certainly has the right. The first dance at the
reception doesn’t have to be a sappy love song. Choose an up-tempo number or your favorite rock hit. It’s a celebration after all. Some guests’ jaws may drop initially, but soon they’ll understand you’re just expressing creative license. 3. Personalize stationery: Couples can show their personalities
morning star publications 2010 Wedding Planner
through the stationery they choose — from quirky save-the-date fridge magnets to thank you notes that all form a cohesive theme. A welldesigned invitation set not only establishes the mood of the event, it also informs guests of what to do and when. But traditionally stationery doesn’t offer many opportunities for personalization, especially if you’re planning a wedding that has unique communication needs, such as a destination wedding.
Heather Dwyer and CJ Preston. Photo by A+ Video
4. Take the cake: Instead of a tiered wedding cake go for a custom creation. If you’ve ever tuned into the Food Network you know that cakes can be designed in all shapes and sizes. Or maybe you prefer something even more unique? Whether a series of individual cupcakes, gourmet brownies or your favorite pie, allow your preferences to set the scene instead of feeling the need to conform.
favor boxes, you can calm stress with some weddingthemed origami and present something truly unique that won’t be a budget-breaker. Think unique and whimsical for your wedding and definitely stand out from the crowd. It’s your special day so make the most of it and enjoy and remember the day forever.
5. Free DIY favors: Guests look forward to taking home a memento from the wedding. But usually it’s just something that ends up collecting dust on a shelf. Who likes those Jordon almonds anyway? For intimate weddings, such as destination wedding affairs where the guest list may be considerably smaller, you can personalize favors for each couple that attends the event. Offer a sweet sentiment and words of thanks for their attendance. Blue Moon has a series of matching wedding favors that you can print out for free on a home computer and assemble yourself at www.checkernet.com/favors. From playing card packages, to CD holders, to flower
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Jennifer and Jason Zeroles are shown outside at Pizzadili Winery. Photo by A+ Video
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Photographers Bridal Shows 21 Delaware Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-656-1809 4 Bridal Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-947-2108 Catering 23 Marilyn’s Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-629-7645 Dentists 13 Lynch & Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-629-7115 Disc Jockey/Bands 28 Reedy’s DJ Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-629-0984 27 Douglas Seth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 941-518-1640
25 Hilltop Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-629-4396 11 C.M. Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .302-674-8118 15 Lloydlee Heite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-337-8545
Rentals 4 Grand Rental Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-628-6253
Videographers 29 A+ Video Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-422-7398
Florists 22 John’s Four Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302-629-2644 Wedding Receptions Hair Salons 27 Healthy Hair Clinique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Grace's Hair Fashions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Glam Salon & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Styles By Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Maxine's Hair Happenings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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