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Put more you into your wedding day

How to create a better wedding registry

Tips to enhance your wedding decor

Wedding favors are your way of saying thank you

2024

Weddings are fi lled with traditions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put your own touches on the day for a special event fi lled with memories that are uniquely your own.

Put more you into your wedding day

Music, food and favors can be personalized to reflect more about your life together

BY FAMILY FEATURES editor@familyfeatures.com

A wedding day is filled with symbolic tradition, from varied religious customs to the never-ending circle reflected in the rings and the types of flowers accentuating the celebration. Even with all the traditional rituals to consider, nearly every bride and groom can find ways to give their special day some unique touches that reflect their

personality and love.

Where to get married? The selection of a venue should be meaningful to the bridal couple. Whether it’s a public park, church, backyard or beach, it should be a place that reflects the personality of the soon-to-be husband and wife. It’s important to book your venue as early as possible because some sites are popular and reservations for specific dates go quickly.

Music sets the mood for every wedding, and it’s an easy place to put your own spin on the celebration. Whether you forgo the traditional bridal march entirely or simply look for an arrangement that gives an updated twist to the classic version, let guests know this isn’t your average wedding by setting the festivities against a soundtrack that lets your true character shine.

The wedding party is intended to be a collection of those nearest and dearest to the bride and groom, who help ensure the day goes off without a hitch and who lead fellow revelers in celebrating the start of the new couple’s life together. That being said, there’s no reason this group must be limited to women on her side and guys on his, or even that it’s limited to humans — a beloved pooch can make for an adorable ring-bearer, after all.

Photography is an essential element of your big day, but think beyond the images you’ll capture throughout the wedding and reception. Photos lend a personal touch, no matter what your color scheme or theme. Integrate photos of the two of you at various

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stages of life, together as a couple and with loved ones (perhaps even some you’re honoring in memoriam). You can display these at a table with the guest book, as part of the table centerpieces, or even on the gift table. Or take things digital and load all your images into a slide show set to music.

Another way to commemorate your wedding is with an original painting. It’s a trend now to have an artist paint a scene from your wedding. It could be the ceremony, reception or the first dance. It’s definitely a keepsake that can hang in your home for years to come.

Make favors meaningful. Forgo more common items like bubbles and chocolate, and instead send a little of yourself home with your guests. Maybe it’s a memento from a place with special meaning to you both, or a bottle opener shaped like a bicycle to represent the way you met. Just think about the moments and things that define you as a couple and do some research. You’ll probably be surprised by how quickly the options pile up.

Serve up a menu that shows guests more about your life together. Your loved ones can order basic beef or chicken anywhere. Instead, give them a glimpse into you. Make your main course the same food you enjoyed on your first date or during another monumental moment in your courtship. Or plan the entire menu around a region that you hold close to your heart.

Interestingly enough, wine and cheese may have long been staples at weddings, but cheese is now having its own moment.

Wedding celebrations are now including everything from upscale charcuterie and cheesecake options to comfort foods like macaroni and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches. Here’s how to join this growing trend:

BOARDS AND WINES

Charcuterie is a French word that originally referred to preparing meats, particularly pork, and then presenting them in a variety of ways. Today, the selection and variety of ingredients have wildly expanded. Ham, sausages, bacon or confit can be paired with complementary cheeses, jams, fruits or nuts of your choosing. Create your own unique charcuterie boards or enticing spreads on a main table, or smaller versions at individual seating areas, so everyone can join in the cheesy fun. They’re attractive and often cost-efficient.

Consider hiring a sommelier, or wine expert, if the budget allows. They’ll know just which libation matches with the

Rather than displaying a photograph from your wedding, a new trend is to hire a painter to capture the experience.

unique flavor combinations you’ve created on these charcuterie boards. Ideally, there will be a variety of choices in both whites and reds, so everyone can enjoy the evening. Some couples also choose to pair all of this with craft beer, to add a modern twist.

COMFORT FOODS

Grilled cheese sandwiches and macaroni and cheese aren’t just easy home-cooked meals anymore. Caterers are increasingly

including these warm, cheesy delights are part of their wedding reception offerings, but with more polished culinary twists, of course. Nutty Gruyere, gooey fontina and sharp cheddar jazz up mini-bite sandwiches, which are made using inventive breads and spreads. Macaroni and cheese is also being elevated, with inviting new cheese choices and fun pasta shapes. Try cavatappi, penne or rotini. Then dive into Swiss, blue cheese, creamy Alfredo or Gruyere-based sauces. Top it all off with pancetta or crispy bacon, diced tomatoes, fresh broccoli or chopped herbs.

AFTER DINNER

The multi-tiered wedding cake still rules in all of its confectionery glory. But cheese is elbowing its way to the table too in the form of exciting cheesecake options or cheeses matched with sweets like fresh fruit.

Cheese and fruit are a great alternative if the spouses-to-be or guests are going lowcarb or gluten-free.

Weddings are filled with traditions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put your own touches on the day for a special event filled with memories that are uniquely your own.

Find more advice for life’s special moments at elivingtoday.com.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Surround yourself with loved ones on your wedding day. The bride is pictured with her maids of honor. Wedding parties are breaking tradition to include fourlegged friends, men standing with the bride, while women friends and relatives are standing with the groom.

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While it’s customary to gift the bride and groom, not everyone can afford an extravagant gift, especially if they’ve spent money on travel and attire to attend. While it’s a good idea to offer modest options, don’t shy away from bigger ticket items that a small group might chip in on together.

HOW TO CREATE a better wedding registry

Make it easy for your shower and wedding guests to get the things you’ll like and need

BY FAMILY FEATURES editor@familyfeatures.com

For some couples, the idea of registering for wedding gifts is an exciting way to start planning for the home they’ll be sharing as newlyweds. For others, the registry is just one more chore to check

off the wedding to-do list.

Regardless of where you fall on the love-it-or-hate-it spectrum, most experts agree a registry is a good idea, especially for couples who will be setting up a home together for the first time. Keep these tips and etiquette guidelines in mind to get the most out of your registry.

Take inventory of what you have and what you need. For couples who’ve lived alone or together, the registry may be a way to fill in gaps for necessities neither of you already have. It’s also a good way to begin upgrading the less expensive kitchen items and furnishings you had as college students or singles. Make a

list of your needs and wants so you don’t forget any essentials. If you’re still in doubt, request a checklist from the store where you’ll be registering so you can do some planning.

Register for things at a wide range of price points. The whole purpose of a registry is to make it easy for your guests to get you things you’ll like and need. Part of making it easy is recognizing your guests have diverse financial situations. While it’s customary to gift the bride and groom, not everyone can afford an extravagant gift, especially if they’ve spent money on travel and attire to attend. While it’s a good idea to offer

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Create a cozy home with a stack of blanket throws. They’re wonderful to cuddle up with while watching TV or reading a book. The good news is they come in every color of the rainbow, range in price points and are available in a variety of sizes.

modest options, don’t shy away from bigger ticket items that a small group might chip in on together.

Keep access in mind when you choose where to register. Avoid stores that are local or regional if you have many guests who live out of the area. Also avoid the temptation to choose online-only options, as some guests will prefer to see what they’re buying. Aim for a mix of large national stores and online retailers.

Plan to block off at least a few hours for an in-person registry. It will take time to get everything set up. Traveling through the store, debating options and making your selections could take longer than expected. Also be sure to ask how you can add to or edit your registry after your initial visit.

Get your partner involved. There are bound to be some parts of the registry your partner may not care about, but asking for input and making decisions together lets you both share in the excitement. Focus on things you’ll each find useful as you settle into your new home. For example, the person who will be responsible for taking out the trash should get to pick the new kitchen trash can.

REGISTRY ITEM TRENDS

The first bridal registry was said to have been created in 1924 at Marshall Field’s in Chicago. The idea, then as now, was to provide a list of things like china, silverware and crystal to make wedding

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A robot vacuum is a hot item on many wedding registries. It’s something several folks can go together and buy.

gift buying easier for friends and family. Back then, a registry was created in person and kept in a special notebook. Today, much of this is handled online.

But that’s not the only way that the bridal registry has changed. The latest trends include some very high-tech items.

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If you’ve got a case of wanderlust, add a set of luggage to your wedding registry.

SMART CHOICES

Perhaps the hottest recent trend involves smart appliances. Coffee pots, refrigerators, vacuums and even toasters are now outfitted with technology that allows them to connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to your phone. This allows you to

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Decorating for your wedding can be as simple or as complex as you wish. The best advice: Keep it simple because it will create less stress on the big day.

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TIPS TO ENHANCE your wedding decor

Whether you’re on a tight budget or picky, these decorating suggestions can help add more flair to your big day

BY FAMILY FEATURES editor@familyfeatures.com

Wedding days are meant to be filled with love and celebration, and what better way to ring in the new stage of life as newlyweds than with a well-decorated venue to match the joyous occasion. Whether a couple is

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Ooh, la, la! The bridal couple can choose table settings that range from simple and quiet to bold and beautiful. The choice is theirs.

TIPS

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on a tight budget or picky when it comes to theme ideas, these decorating tips can help add more flair for the big day.

Use a natural venue. Many couples choose wedding venues that require immense amounts of decorations, but a venue with organic scenery or a beautiful view can help alleviate the stress. Consider having the ceremony near a garden or beach with enough natural surroundings to keep guests in awe.

Make the cake a centerpiece. Wedding cakes are almost guaranteed to be filled with flavor, but they can also serve as a decorative centerpiece for the reception. Choosing a cake topped with flowers, highlighting bright colors and placing it in a prominent spot at the reception can grab guests’ attention while also keeping them eager for a bite.

Choose table accessories that pop. Leave guests in amazement as they make their way to their seats for the reception with beautifully decorated tables. Table accessories can be anything ranging from patterned table runners to flowers in full-bloom placed in simple, elegant vases. If you are not having a formal sit-down reception, try using paper lanterns or hanging flowers from the ceiling to create an eye-catching atmosphere to remember.

Add classic lighting. At times, finding the right lighting to match the mood of a wedding venue can be tricky. In this case, less may actually be more. Try opting for a classic candlelit ceremony or reception to create a more romantic setting. This can save both money and countless hours spent attempting to configure elaborate light fixtures, and also provide a timeless feel.

Place engagement photos around the venue. With any wedding, you want the day to feel personal and intimate for the couple and guests alike. Consider decorating the venue with engagement photos of the soonto-be spouses as they popped the question. This can allow the newlyweds to reminisce while guests view those cherished moments and revel in the occasion.

For more tips to prepare for life’s special moments like marital bliss, visit elivingtoday.com.

Make your wedding cake the centerpiece of your decorating theme. While many couples opt for a traditional wedding cake, many are choosing other sweets including cupcakes, cookies and doughnuts.

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Let your wedding guests know how much you appreciate them with the gift of a party favor.

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Wedding favors with pizazz

Wedding favors are your way of saying thank you to everyone who was a part of your special day

The average cost of wedding favors, according to The Knot wedding website, is several hundred dollars. That cost, of course, depends on what you are giving. Why give a favor? Because they let guests know that you care, while providing them with a small special memory of their own from the big day. Here are a few gift ideas:

GO GREEN

Giving plants as a wedding favor is hip and eco-friendly, and they’re especially attractive if your wedding is being held in an outdoor setting. Match with local flora or

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Green plants make stylish wedding favors. Pictured are a variety of options including cactus, dieffenbachia, asparagus, epipremnum, calathea, dracaena, ivy, palm and sansevieria.

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fauna, and you’re literally allowing your friends and family to take a piece of your wedding home with them. Once it’s home, their plant will become a living memory. Succulents are on trend, and also easy to care for. Stop by a local nursery to ask for specifics, keeping in mind that some native plants may not transfer well when brought back home.

GET GOING

Destination weddings offer a great opportunity to match the event with a travel theme. Pick fun items like luggage tags, maps and travel snacks, then arrange them in attractive totes. Or go hyper-local, giving your guests things that are only found in the area where you’re getting married. That might be a special food, handmade good, or art object. Having a beach wedding? Don’t forget the sunscreen!

TIME TO INDULGE

Trendy items this year include coffee mugs and miniature candles. For the more offbeat, consider heart-shaped tea bags or mini-pizza cutters. Edible wedding favors like small chocolates, jars of honey or

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Share your love of travel with your wedding guests. Ideas range from maps, foreign money and luggage tags to food, an art object or a tote.

cupcakes can both surprise and delight. If you’re already indulging in plenty of flowers, add floral-inspired lollipops in flavors like champagne and roses, lemon and thyme, and rosemary and mint. One memorable offering even has seeds infused into the sticks, so they can be planted afterward.

FUN AND GAMES

Add flair with personalized items like napkins, plastic cups, shot glasses, wine glass charms and miniature bottles of liquor, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages with your names and the wedding date. Other personalized options include koozies, match-

Pamper your guests with candles, heart-shaped tea bags, small boxes of chocolates and other treats.

boxes, playing cards and mugs, which can be made with messages, names, dates or even pictures. Everyone can enjoy them right away at the reception, or bring things home as a special memento from your nuptials.

The sky is the limit when it comes to favors. Let your creativity and wedding theme guide you in your choices.

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The long tradition of rice

Ever wonder where the idea of throwing rice at a wedding came from?

We’ve seen it time and time again: Spouses kiss and are presented as a couple, then exit toward a waiting vehicle as guests throw celebratory rice in the air. But why?

Here’s a look at the long tradition of rice in weddings — and some newer alternative practices:

HOW IT BEGAN

Rice was originally chosen because it symbolizes prosperity and fertility, according to Brides magazine. It’s tossed as a sign of well wishes for the future. The tradition dates back at least to ancient Celts, who threw rice and other grains both as a newlywed blessing and to appease various gods, according to Brides.

Not everyone followed along, however. Ancient Romans were said to toss wheat, Moroccans threw figs or dried dates, and Indians celebrated with flower petals.

GETTING READY

Make or buy small packages of rice for your guests before the ceremony. Ushers can distribute the packets, or you can attach them to chairs or the wedding program. Ask ushers and other helpers to let guests know when the time is right. You might also consider listing the proper time to throw rice in the program. Most couples choose the moment they initially walk out of the venue, but others may want to do it during a special photo.

MODERN CONTROVERSY

More recently, fears have arisen that leftover grains might cause harm to wildlife long after the ceremony is over. Some government officials have even banned the practice.

Brides magazine reported, however,

that subsequent testing has shown no immediate danger to animals. Rice can pose a slip hazard, however, so someone should be on hand to sweep up once the happy couple has left the venue.

INSTEAD OF RICE

There are plenty of reasons beyond worries over wildlife to opt for something else instead of rice. Some people are looking for greener options, while others are planning to have children and therefore feel uncomfortable about rice’s age-old symbolism of fertility. Then there are the inherent safety issues. Some options to consider go back to alternative traditions from places around the world like flower petals. Others now use birdseed, herbs, or biodegradable confetti. Some choose not to throw anything at all. Opting instead to ring small bells or wave colorful ribbons.

It’s your wedding, so the choice is yours.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Rice has been traditionally tossed as a sign of well wishes for the new bride and groom.

When it comes to weddings, hiring professionals is good advice. It’s the best way to get the most for your money.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Hiring a professional

When it comes to planning a wedding, it’s best to hire professionals

There’s a lot more to nuptials than saying “I do.” In fact, there are so many moving parts that it might make sense for you to hire someone to help out — or several someones.

Here’s a look at some of the available professional services to help take some of the stress out of planning and putting on a wedding. Why not simply enjoy your day?

PLANNING SERVICES

Wedding planners are hired to look at the big picture, making sure everything works in concert as your wedding day unfolds. In some cases, you may be able to break apart their responsibilities,

but others don’t offer a la carte options. They want to make sure it all unfolds flawlessly. During your initial consultation meeting, you’ll discuss personal expectations, their available packages, and information on coordinating during your actual wedding day.

Don’t worry about a venue if you hire a wedding planner. They will listen carefully to your explanation and then select a series of possible facilities to meet your criteria.

Once your big day arrives, the wedding planner will then take control of every aspect of the wedding event. They’ll hire and manage vendors, as needed, while providing directions to guests and your wedding party.

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

You’re going to want lots of documentation from this special event. Don’t rely on friends and family to get the best photos. Make sure a professional photographer is on hand to capture the quality images

you’ll keep with you for a lifetime. Ask for referrals before hiring someone, ask people in your circle about their experiences, and look over examples of their previous wedding assignments. Then create a detailed plan based on how the event will unfold, and what you are looking for from the pre-wedding activities and reception.

THE FLORIST

You want to get the most out of the flowers and greenery, so splurge on an expert in floral arrangements. A florist will help create centerpieces, fun accents and your bouquets, adding pops of color and intrigue. When you meet, explain your expectations and color palette in as much detail as possible. This is a particularly important hire if you have booked a destination wedding, since you’re likely unfamiliar with the local varieties and when they are at their peak.

By adding professionals to your wedding team, it allows you to enjoy your special day.

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control them remotely and to set certain scheduled actions. Turn the air-conditioning or heat on before you arrive, or off while you are away. Have a hot cup of joe waiting when you wake up. There’s even a toaster with more than 60 settings, following intelligent algorithms to heat things to your precise desires.

GOING PLACES

You’ll probably start dreaming of the next getaway not long after returning from your honeymoon. Arrive in style with all-new luggage that fits the modern lifestyle and aesthetic. Hard-sided bags now have built-in phone chargers, for instance. New compartmentalization options make organizing and packing a breeze. If you’re more adventurous or love to camp, be sure to mark down backpacks and duffel bags in the registry.

AT HOME

Maybe you’re more of a homebody. Gift registries can help you quickly build a warm and inviting atmosphere for one another. Registry standbys like sheets and towels make timeless gifts, the more comfy the better. The latest trend is high-tech fabrics that are both sustainable and longer lasting than the products of yesteryear. Just remember to make pattern and color choices that will fit into your life on a longer-term basis. Neutrals are always in fashion.

OTHER IDEAS

Round out your registry with items that will make your first years together more carefree. Soundbars help bring your home theater to life. Convection toaster ovens bring the food to your table in the blink of an eye. Espresso machines will make getting out of bed something to look forward to.

Find more inspiration for planning your way to wedded bliss at eLivingtoday.com.

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