Wedding Planner

Wedding Planner Plan a great honeymoon page 2

Save on your wedding by rethinking a few little things

Trends in wedding cuisine

page 5

page 3

Choosing a wedding photography package

Groom’s cakes make a comeback

page 11

page 6

A SPECIAL SECTION OF THE DENISON BULLETIN AND DENISON REVIEW | Friday, February 13, 2015

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Wedding Planner

February 13, 2015

A Valentine’s Day wedding Plan a great honeymoon might be right for you Valentine’s Day evokes strong emotions in so many people. On the official day of all things love, many eagerly anticipate the chance to spend time with their sweethearts.

Couples who already have hearts in their eyes and are enamored with all things Valentine’s Day may want to tie the knot on this special holiday, and few can argue when a couple decides to become husband and wife on this day devoted to love and affection.

Valentine’s Day is a popular day to tie the knot, as more than two million people in the United States choose February 14 to walk down the aisle.

Valentine’s Day is an easy day to remember, meaning it will be hard for husbands and wives to forget their wedding anniversaries.

Another benefit to getting married on Valentine’s Day is the ambiance may already be taken care of by various establishments in the community. Reception halls may be embellished with flowers, balloons and

other dÊcor, while businesses may already be displaying hearts in their windows and twinkling pink, red and white lights for Valentine’s-focused customers.

Couples who may not know which colors to choose for their wedding parties and table linens can just go with the colors and themes of Valentine’s Day if they decide to tie the knot on February 14.

Chocolate brown, red, lavender, and pink are primary hues for the season, and any combination will complement the festivities and

ceremony, whether they’re the color of the napkins or making up the bouquet.

Valentine’s Day treats and trinkets make for great wedding favors. Guests can take home individual boxes of chocolates or crystal candle votives, while buffet dessert tables can be embellished with vases filled with chocolate kisses or candied hearts.

Couples looking for a special day to tie the knot need not look any further than Valentine’s Day, a day devoted to couples and the affection they share for each other.

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A couple’s honeymoon is their first real chance to relax and unwind after the hustle and bustle of wedding planning. Couples who want to make sure their first getaway as husband and wife goes off without a hitch might want to heed the following advice.

Start saving early.

Honeymoons are expensive, so to afford the vacation of your dreams, it’s wise to begin saving for the honeymoon as early as possible. It may be well worth it to compromise and make sacrifices in other areas to ensure you have enough funds for your dream honeymoon getaway. Do not expect cash gifts at your wedding to pay for your trip. If you do, you may be sorely disappointed when the time comes to take off.

Read online reviews.

Online reviews can paint an accurate picture of a potential honeymoon destination. Look at vacationer-supplied photographs to see how the accommodations match up to the resort’s own marketing materials. You don’t want too many surprises, such as service fees, dirty rooms or a lack of beach amenities,

to ruin your trip.

Plan at least one exciting outing.

While on your honeymoon, be sure to go on at least one adventure. Try an activity you have never done before, such as snorkeling, traveling a zip line or swimming with stingrays.

Pack early.

After a long wedding day and reception spent dancing into the wee hours of the morning, you probably do not want to spend time packing. Pack your suitcases and travel essentials in advance of your wedding day so you have more time to sleep in before you depart for the airport. Also, remember not to over-pack. You

want to have room for the souvenirs you purchase along the way.

Enjoy your surroundings.

Put down the smartphone or tablet enough to truly enjoy your surroundings. A honeymoon is an opportunity to relax, and that may not be possible if you’re tied to your devices.

Friends at home can wait for your status updates and wedding pictures.

Splurge on something expensive. Whether it’s an ultra-fancy dinner or an exotic souvenir, indulge.

Leave your itinerary open.

After scores of wedding appointments and watching the clock, it’s nice to fly by the seat of your pants.

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February 13, 2015

Wedding Planner

Page 3

Trends in wedding cuisine Once a couple has officially tied the knot, the newly recognized man and wife and all their guests will retire to a party room where they can mingle, dance and enjoy a good meal.

In the past, standard fare like prime rib and roasted chicken dominated wedding menus. But today’s weddings cater to people of various culinary tastes, and couples and their guests can expect more upscale and creative cuisine to be rolled out for wedding receptions. The following are a handful of the more popular trends with regard to wedding cuisine.

Miniature bites.

Many people say good things come in small packages, and when it comes to miniature versions of favorite foods, they may be right. Instead of large meals that fill guests up fast, they can munch on smaller bites of their favorite dishes. How about a piece of meatloaf topped with whipped mashed potatoes? A cherry tomato with a small piece of mozzarella cheese makes a

mini caprese salad. Turning favorite foods into bite-sized adventures can add a touch of whimsy to the reception.

Breakfast for dinner.

Some couples are circumventing high price tags for their weddings by choosing to conduct the festivities at less expensive times of day. Brunchthemed weddings are a big hit with those who would much rather dine on a stack of pancakes than a dish of pasta. Omelet stations, croissants and a bevy of other breakfast table fare can be enjoyed any time of the day.

Dim sum.

Dim sum allows guests to sample different foods without filling up. Carts of dumplings and other small plates of appetizers can be wheeled around so everyone can choose what they want and what they want to avoid.

Gourmet comfort food.

People love familiar comfort foods, but now gourmet comfort foods are shaking up wedding receptions. Mac-and-cheese with gouda and brie or chicken pot pie with a

puff-pastry crust are a few offerings that can add glamour to down-home cooking.

Food with a show.

Instead of passed foods or buffet stations, couples are opting to make food an experience for guests.

An oyster bar with a chef serving fresh seafood or a dessert master whipping up flambé is a feast for the eyes and mouth.

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tions. A bountiful display of artisanal cheeses, fruits and breads will be a cheese lover’s dream. These stations also can be appetizing focal points around the room and ensure all guests get a bite of what they like best.

Family style.

Rustic and informal weddings have grown in popularity. Rather than food being brought to the guests or participants lining up in buffet lines, family-style dining allows guests to share conver-

sation and pass the peas at the same time. Larger, rectangular tables allow more guests to sit with one another and serve themselves food from community plates located in the center of the tables.

Food and beverage pairings.

Food-forward wedding couples are offering guests mouthwatering appetizers matched with a cocktail. A slider and a craft beer or a dumpling and a shot of saki are examples of this trend.

Nontraditional ‘fake’ cakes.

Instead of a multi-tiered cake or the cupcake fad, couples are now opting for something new. Desserts that mimic the look of cake, but aren’t quite that combination of sponge and frosting are trending.

Crepes, pies, cookies and doughnuts are acceptable and can add a creative spark to the cake-cutting ceremony. When offered along with dessert stations, guests can certainly get their fill of sweet delights.

Vegan and gluten-free options.

Chances are one or more people attending the reception will be on a restricted diet. Rather than relegate these guests to dining on side dishes and patchwork meals, certain couples are building entire offerings around vegan and glutenfree foods.

Couples are getting creative with their food and beverage offerings at their weddings. Guests never know which culinary wonders they will encounter as they gather to wish the newlyweds well.

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Wedding Planner

February 13, 2015

Wedding invitations and postage Whether a couple is planning a lavish wedding or a more low-key affair, the wedding invitations are an essential part of keeping guests informed about the big day.

While couples can now share details of their wedding through email or even digital invitations, many still prefer to go the traditional route and send paper invitations.

In addition to the cost of the invitations themselves, couples need to factor postage into their wedding budgets.

It may not seem like much, but the cost of postage can add up quickly.

The following are a few postage pointers for couples about to tie the knot.

Choose envelopes wisely.

The size of your envelopes contributes to the cost of the postage necessary to mail your invitations. Postal services have specific size and shape parameters that govern postage.

Envelopes that are oddly shaped or fall outside of these strict measurements are usually susceptible to

additional postage charges. That’s because the envelope cannot run through standard sorting machinery and must be handprocessed.

Consider the weight.

Mailings that exceed one ounce will require additional postage, even if they are in standard envelopes.

Invitations, with their various components and thick card stock, typically weigh more than one ounce.

Never purchase postage in advance, as you will not know the completed invitation cost prior to mailing. Always weigh the invitation with all inserts included to get an accurate estimate of postage. Then purchase stamps accordingly.

Get to know your local postal employees.

Many postal employees, especially those who work at the smaller branches, grow accustomed to seeing the same customers over and over.

They can be very helpful and good resources when it comes to saving money on postage. Strike up a conversation with the

person behind the counter and ask advice on the best way to mail invitations and ensure they arrive looking beautiful.

Choose an off-peak time so the postal employee can give you his or her full attention and will not feel

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rushed by a line forming behind you. The employee may suggest hand-canceling envelopes, which means the invitation will be processed by hand rather than run through machinery to avoid damage.

Stamp the return envelope. Invitations typically include response cards that guests will send back to confirm if they will be attending the festivities.

To facilitate the RSVP process, stamp the response card.

Prep invitations six to eight weeks in advance.

Invitations should be mailed nearly two months prior to the wedding.

This allows guests to plan and respond accordingly.

Double-check envelopes before sending.

Ensure that postage is sticking well and that envelopes are well-sealed. In addition, verify that you have the most current addresses for recipients.

If invitations are returned to sender, more time and money will be needed to resolve any issues.

Consider custom postage. The post office should carry several attractive options for wedding invitation stamps.

However, you also may be able to go online and purchase custom postage that features a graphic

or an uploaded image to make the invitations even more special.

Do a test run. You may want to send a complete invitation to yourself just to see how it arrives in the mail. This way you can check the level of damage and have an opportunity to make changes, such as adding a piece of vellum to prevent ink from smudging or to place bows or adornments in another area.

Give your mail carrier a heads-up. Let your assigned mail carrier know that response cards will be on the way. They tend to be small and can get lost among other letters and mail.

A small token of gratitude, such as a gift card, for your mail carrier may ensure all of your response cards arrive.

A wedding just isn’t the same without the guests.

Make sure friends and family are well informed about the wedding by sending out invitations in advance and ensuring the proper postage will get those invites where they need to go.

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February 13, 2015

Wedding Planner

Page 5

Save on your wedding by rethinking a few little things

Brides look for “something blue” and more in jewelry As weddings become more and more personalized to the bride’s own tastes, blue and other colors have been making their way into the bridal picture, both in decor and in jewelry.

While color is making news in bridal circles, pearls will always play a lead role in the world of bridal jewelry. Classic styles like single and double row chokers, often mixed with crystal, are classic and always appropriate for brides. But many modern twists are available, both in design and in ways brides choose to wear pearls.

Modern brides often personalize their pearls by wearing bolder, longer styles, by mixing and layering different millimeters

and by twisting, tying or knotting them. The variations are endless with a 72-inch white pearl rope, a staple for any bride, as well as any post-wedding wardrobe.

Crystal styles - teardrop earrings and necklaces, delicate Y necklaces, chokers and bracelets in floral designs - are also beautiful and popular choices among brides. They, too, can be layered, mixed and matched with pearls.

The bottom line is that brides are expressing their personal style more than ever in every aspect of their weddings. Jewelry selection is a wonderful way to do this because it is a focal point that frames the face and will live forever in glorious photos of the memorable day.

Couples planning a wedding often find themselves overwhelmed by the cost.

The average wedding is as expensive as a new car or a down payment on a new house, so it’s no surprise many couples experience sticker shock when they first begin to negotiate with vendors.

But as shocking as the cost of saying “I do” in front of family and friends can be, some tried-andtrue ways can be used to drastically reduce the cost without making ceremony and reception any less special.

Guests Many couples save the most money by reducing the number of people they invite to their wedding.

Couples who come from large families may not be able to cut family members from their guest lists without causing a significant stir, so such men and women can look for other areas to trim. Professional colleagues and old acquaintances who you no longer keep in touch with are unlikely to be offended if they don’t make the cut, and removing them from the guest list can save couples substantial amounts of money.

Venue Perhaps no element of wedding planning is more open to negotiation than

the venue where the reception will take place.

Many couples now choose venues that can host both the wedding and the reception, and that can save couples the cost of booking two separate locations and transporting out-of-town guests from one location to another. Venues are typically open to negotiation with regard to the price per person for the reception, and few will not have some wiggle room built into their initial quote. If young children and teenagers will be attending the wedding, negotiate lower rates for their meals, as they won’t be drinking alcohol and therefore won’t cost the venue as much as adult guests.

Location Where a couple decides to tie the knot will have a significant impact on their bottom line. Certain locales, such as large cities, are more expensive than others. Couples who come from small towns may benefit from tying the knot close to home, as vendors tend to charge less the further they are from large metropolises. Waterfront venues, regardless of which city they happen to be in, also tend to be more expensive than venues with less impressive surroundings. Couples willing to sacrifice city lights and breathtaking views of the water are likely to find more affordable venues for ceremonies and recep-

tions.

Timing The timing of a wedding also affects a couple’s bottom line. Couples who hope to get married when wedding season hits its peaks, generally considered the months of May and June and also late-September into October, can expect to pay substantially more than couples willing to get married at other times of the year. Couples also can save money by choosing to get married on Friday or Sunday nights or Saturday afternoon, when many venues charge considerably less per person than they do on Saturday night, which remains the most popular night of the week to get married.

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Wedding Planner

February 13, 2015

Groom’s cakes make a comeback

Transportation tips Transportation can be easily overlooked when couples plan their weddings. Couples may have to hire a car or limousine to get them to their ceremonies and then their receptions, but what happens when the limousine calls it a night?

While some couples immediately depart for their honeymoons after saying good-bye to their wedding guests, many build a day in between the wedding and honeymoon, giving them a chance to rest, take stock of their wedding gifts and finish packing.

That leaves the question of how a couple will return home from the reception or get to the airport.

The best man may offer to drive the bride and groom where they need to go. But if the best man is from out of town, he may not have a chariot waiting to escort the newly christened husband and wife to the airport.

As a result, all members of the wedding party should discuss their postwedding travel plans in advance. Any person who will be arriving in a hired car will need to make arrangements to have their own vehicle available at the end of the wedding or be able to call a taxi or car service to get a safe ride home. Some wedding party members may decide to park a car at the reception site or a hotel the day prior to the wedding so they will have a return ride. It’s also a good idea to ask friends or family members who are not in the bridal party for a ride home.

Safety is of utmost concern after the wedding.

Even if wedding party members have a car available, no one should drive when intoxicated. Couples may want to include the phone number of a local taxi service in their hotel gift bags just to be safe.

Guests and well-wishers expect to see at least one cake at wedding receptions. But wedding guests should not be surprised if they attend a wedding and notice two cakes sharing the spotlight on the dessert table.

Groom’s cakes have existed for generations but have fallen out of favor in many parts of North America since the 1970s.

Now groom’s cakes are experiencing a resurgence in popularity.

A groom’s cake traditionally represents something masculine, providing a contrast to the often feminine features, such as floral bouquets and frilly gowns, that dominate many weddings. Groom’s cake designs often reflect a particular hobby or interest of the groom’s.

Historically, groom’s cakes are chocolate, a sharp contrast to traditional wedding cakes, which tend to be vanilla and white. Tradition once called for single women at the wedding to take home a slice of the groom’s cake to sleep with under their pillows. It was believed the cake would help them have sweet dreams of the man they would eventually marry.

Women today are likely no longer snuggling up to fondant and mousse cake slices at night, and wedding cakes are no longer relegated to vanilla cake

with vanilla icing, which may account for the waning popularity of groom’s cakes. Yet with wedding cake bakers showing off their creative prowess on television or through their own artistic bakery displays, it’s no wonder that couples looking for something unique are once again embracing the tradition of groom’s cakes.

Couples who are mulling whether or not to add a groom’s cake to their menus should consider the following tips.

Make sure it is highly personal.

Groom’s cakes typically reference hobbies, affiliations or interests of the groom. Some men may want their cake to showcase the logo of their favorite professional sports team, while others may want a cake inspired by a favorite superhero.

Involve the groom in the process.

Despite the name, groom’s cakes may not always involve the groom.

A cake may be designed or selected by the groom’s bride-to-be or his mother.

Some forward-thinking brides may want to encourage their groomsto-be to select their own cakes and offer input on their designs.

Find a bakery that has experience in whimsical cakes.

Groom’s cakes are very often intricate struc-

tures and sculptures. The groom’s cake may be more labor-intensive than the traditional wedding cake, so couples may want to shop around for a cake chef with the experience to pull off the design they desire.

Experiment with flavor combinations.

Because the groom’s cake is all about that special guy, the flavor of the cake should be centered around what he would enjoy. The sky is the limit on flavors and can include traditional chocolate, candy bar-inspired flavors, coffee, coconut, or even a bacon-infused

cake.

Consider serving the groom’s cake at the rehearsal.

Some couples prefer to serve the groom’s cake at the rehearsal dinner rather than having two cakes at the wedding. Guests may not be able to fit two slices of cake after a large wedding meal, so serving the groom’s cake at the rehearsal dinner may be the best of both worlds.

The bride, and her cake, typically steal the show at the average wedding, but a groom’s cake can be a special touch that allows the groom to bask in his own wedding-day spotlight.

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February 13, 2015

Wedding Planner

Page 7

Cake-cutting etiquette After-party The presentation of the wedding cake marks the culmination of the day’s festivities and a final symbol of a happy couple’s new partnership. Many people eagerly await the cake as much as they may anticipate catching a glimpse of the bride in her beautiful gown. While the cake in all its finery can be a beautiful sight to behold, a cake can only last so long before its fate as a delicious dessert is sealed.

As is the case with many wedding traditions, cutting and serving the cake has an established etiquette. If you plan on putting your cake on display, be sure it is made with a frosting and filling that can endure room temperature. Certain creams may sour if not refrigerated, and you do not want anyone becoming ill.

If you have your heart set on perishable fillings, keep the cake refrigerated and then have the big reveal right before it is cut.

The cake cutting usually comes near the end of the wedding reception.

Schedule the cutting so that older guests or young children can leave without feeling as if they would be offending anyone. The emcee of the evening typically announces the cake cutting, and the band or deejay may play a quirky tune or revisit the wedding song while the first slice is being cut.

A bride should hold the

cake knife with her right hand, while the groom places his right hand over hers before they proceed to slice down together. If the cake has a foam or cardboard support, be careful not to cut through it. Use a cake server to grab the first piece.

Traditionally, the newly betrothed will feed each other a bite of the cake to symbolize their first meal as a couple. Couples can feed each other a small amount, taking care not to spill any. Many couples no longer embrace the once-popular tradition of smashing cake in each other’s faces, but whether or not couples follow this tradition is up to them.

Some couples like to serve their parents a piece of cake. Traditionally the bride should serve the groom’s parents and the groom the bride’s parents.

If there is a groom’s cake, guests may prefer a slice of both cakes.

Guests may also want to take home a slice of the groom’s cake.

Tradition states that a piece of the groom’s cake should be presented to an unmarried woman attending the wedding. The woman is not expected to eat the cake, but rather to put it under her pillow.

Superstition held that this tradition would help an unmarried woman find a husband. Make arrangements for proper packag-

planning pointers

ing of the groom’s cake, so guests can take home a slice if they so desire.

The wait staff typically handles the slicing of the cake. The uppermost tier is reserved for the couple to save, and the remainder of the cake will be served.

Recognize that not all guests like cake, but it’s better to err on the side of caution and have a

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cake that will feed all of the guests. You also may want to offer a dessert bar for guests who prefer another type of sweet treat.

However, this is a luxury, not a necessity.

The cake-cutting ritual at weddings has withstood the test of time, and many couples still prefer to present the cake with fanfare and excitement.

Many wedding guests are not ready to call it a night after the deejay plays the last dance at the reception.

After-parties have grown increasingly popular, but planning an after-party is not necessarily as simple as pointing guests to a nearby watering hole.

An after-party can be anything a couple wants it to be, from a bunch of friends toasting marshmallows over a fire pit to a night of dancing at a club. But it pays for couples to heed a few after-party pointers.

Choose a place within walking distance or close to the reception hall or hotel.

Guests have likely been indulging in alcohol during the wedding, and safety should always be a priority. If only a few people are going out, you may be able to pile into a cab, but if your affair will be attended by more than a handful of guests, choose a venue close by so it’s easy for guests to get there and get home.

Limit the food and drink choices.

Ask servers to bring a few pitchers of beer or sangria and finger foods. This will help avoid disagree-

ments over trying to tally up and split the bill afterward.

Go comfortably.

If you’re ready to get out of wedding finery, by all means change into something more comfortable.

You probably will enjoy yourself more at the afterparty if you can mingle in more comfortable attire.

Take advantage of hotel services.

Many hotels have conference rooms or attached bars and restaurants that make perfect gathering places for an after-party. Make arrangements with the hotel concierge or the front desk in advance.

Delegate responsibilities.

A busy bride and groom may not have the time or the inclination to plan another party. If guests want to continue celebrating, put the task in the hands of a third party or volunteer.

Leave whenever you want.

Partygoers will eventually need some sleep. Feel free to leave the after-party whenever you want. Usually once a few people begin to disperse, the rest of the group will call it a night.

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Page 8

Wedding Planner

February 13, 2015

A guide to choosing groomsmen Grooms-to-be face many decisions regarding their pending nuptials, but few may prove as delicate as choosing the groomsmen for the big day. Friends who expect to be groomsmen may be disappointed if they are not ultimately chosen, while brothers may feel left out if they are not asked to walk a bridesmaid up the aisle.

Choosing groomsmen should not be taken lightly.

Grooms-to-be who are facing some difficult choices with regard to that decision can follow a few pointers to ensure they make the right call.

Pick a number.

Before you even consider who you want your groomsmen to be, speak to your fiancée about how many bridesmaids she hopes to have. The number of groomsmen and bridesmaids typically matches, so your fiancée’s intentions may make your decision a lot easier. For example, if you have two brothers and several friends you’re

considering, but your fiancée only intends to have a maid of honor and one bridesmaid, then you can just ask both of your brothers to serve as groomsmen.

Friends are unlikely be offended if family members get the nod ahead of them, so discuss numbers with your fiancée before you begin trimming your list of candidates. If you already have an idea of who you want to be your groomsmen but your choices outnumber your fiancée’s, see if she has anyone else she can add to her party so no one is left out.

Choose the best man for the job.

Many grooms pick a brother to serve as their best man, and while that’s a nice sentiment, it’s important that grooms recognize that being a best man carries with it some responsibility. A best man will organize the bachelor party, give a toast at the wedding and handle any post-wedding duties, such as returning the tuxes or

arranging for the newlyweds’ transportation to the airport. If your brother is already incredibly busy or if you doubt he is up to the task of being a best man, then you might be better off asking him to be a groomsman and finding another best man who’s more capable of juggling the numerous responsibilities that come with being best man.

Don’t forget your fiancée’s family.

While you should not feel pressured to pick anyone in particular as your best man, if your fiancée has any brothers, ask her if she had her heart set on including any of them in the bridal party. Some brides want their brothers to be groomsmen, so discuss this with your fiancée before asking anyone to line up beside you.

This discussion can go both ways as well, as you can ask your bride-to-be to include a favorite sister in her bridal party if you so desire.

Confirm their availability.

When asking friends or family members to be groomsmen, it’s best to ensure they can actually make it to the ceremony. This is a concern for grooms who are planning a destination wedding or those getting married in their fiancée’s hometown and not their own, as some guests, including potential groomsmen, may not be able to afford to attend an overseas or faraway ceremony. When asking, explain the situation to them, and let them know you fully understand if they cannot commit to being a groomsmen due to travel or financial concerns. Confirm their availability as soon as possible, as you don’t want to be down one groomsman on your big day. For those who you want to be a groomsmen but are unable to attend, a nice gesture would be to buy them a groomsmen gift as a token of your appreciation for their friendship.

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February 13, 2015

Wedding Planner

Page 9

How to merge finances Getting married means accepting change and combining two lives into one. After tying the knot, certain decisions and discussions are easier than others. Conversations about money may be one of the hardest topics for newly married couples to navigate.

Couples are heading to the alter later than they did in generations past. In the United States, the average age of a first marriage is now 27 for women and 29 for men. That means couples are bringing several years of life experiences to their marriage and individuals are possibly leaving behind entirely autonomous lives. Many people have had a few years in the workforce and may have accumulated savings

or, conversely, debt. Upon getting married, couples may have some questions as to how to handle financial issues, particularly if one person is contributing more to the household account than the other.

There’s no one-size-fitsall scenario that works for all couples when it comes to money management.

Similarly, what worked for parents or grandparents may not necessarily be the right fit for couples today. It may take some time and trial and error for newlyweds or cohabitating couples to find a system that appeals to them. The following are a few ways for couples to approach their finances.

Some couples opt to continue on just as they had before they got married.

That means maintaining separate banking accounts and pooling resources toward bills and other expenses. As long as the bills are getting paid, then maintaining separate accounts can work for some, particularly those who do not want to account for every purchase and want to maintain some financial freedom. This scenario can become problematic when couples are saving toward a larger goal, such as a vacation, home or car. Each person may have different ideas on how to save and contribute toward the goal.

If you decide to pool your resources, there are still a handful of ways to can go about it. One way is to pool all of your assets and pay for everything out of a joint account. Another

option is to maintain separate accounts but create a joint account for those larger, shared expenses.

For example, you may open a house account, out of which your housing and childcare expenses are paid, but maintain separate individual accounts for personal expenses.

This situation may work but only if the ground rules are established right away. Decisions on how much money to put into the shared account can be stressful. Does each person contribute equally or are contributions contingent on salary? Which purchases will be shared jointly, and which ones will individuals take care of on their own? Lots of questions arise, and it may not make money manage-

ment any easier.

Combined accounts used to be the norm for married couples. The “what’s mine is yours” approach may not be so easy to adopt, especially if couples spent much time independent-

ly before the marriage.

Couples who pool their resources should learn to accept each other’s spending habits.

According to past census data, 32 percent of wives in 1960 were in the labor force, so combined accounts were common and very often managed by husbands. But today the majority of homes are twoincome households, so making all purchases out of a single joint account may not make as much sense as it did in decades past.

Decisions about money turn up as relationships take new turns. Newlyweds and established couples may need to modify their spending and saving habits as their relationships change.

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Page 10

Wedding Planner

February 13, 2015

Dress shopping tips for plus-sized brides-to-be Weddings are special days for couples tying the knot. But even the most carefully planned wedding requires some patience and perseverance.

For brides-to-be, finding the right gown is one element of wedding planning that calls for patience and persistence.

Trial and error is often part of the process as women look for the perfect wedding gown.

Brides-to-be who have a specific style in mind may find that their dream gown doesn’t always live up to expectations, while another style of dress they never imagined wearing turns out to be a stunner.

Another challenge many women face when gown shopping is that many

wedding gowns are styled and geared toward women with slender figures, making the process of selecting a gown for a curvier bride a bit more difficult.

But any bride, regardless of size or figure, can find the ideal dress, especially when she employs the following tips.

Sample sizes fit a select few.

Bridal shops carry a range of dresses but may only stock one or two sample dresses. For economy, these samples are a median size that are intended to fit as many shoppers as possible.

Such gowns are usually in the neighborhood of a size 10. Most women, whether petite or plus-size, will not fit into the sample,

so do not get discouraged.

Visit large retail chains.

Popular wedding dress chains, such as David’s Bridal, may have a wider selection of sample dresses in larger sizes.

Department stores as well as designers who specialize in plus-size gowns also make good resources.

Call bridal stores in advance to schedule your visits.

Your time is precious, so call bridal shops prior to visiting and explain to them your size and what you are looking for in a gown.

This will ensure you aren’t wasting your time driving to stores that can’t provide what you want.

Select the right fabrics.

Heavier fabrics like taf-

feta, silk dupioni and satin may conceal better than others and can be ruched to camouflage areas you want to minimize.

Use salespeople as a resource.

The right salesperson can make wedding shopping much easier and far more pleasant.

Don’t rest until you find someone who is excited to work with you and will give you his or her honest opinion and recommendations.

Dresses can be altered.

Every bride needs some alterations made to her dress to achieve the perfect fit. Plus-sized brides may need a few extras.

A dress is unlikely to meet all of your needs right off the rack, so find a good

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to be labeled with couture sizes, which are much smaller than street sizes.

A good salesperson should have a reasonable conversion chart or will choose sizes based on your measurements alone.

Ignore the size on the tag and go for the gown that fits.

Never settle for less.

Whether it’s a gown that’s not flattering or a salesperson who is rude or chastises you for not being the ideal size, do not settle for anything less than a great gown and attentive service.

Bridal stores compete for business, so if a given shop does not meet your expectations, don’t hesitate to work with a rival store.

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seamstress who can alter your dress to meet your needs.

Sleeves can be put on, dresses can be shortened, support can be added, and many customizations can be done to a gown postproduction.

Find a flattering shape.

Choose a gown with a fullskirt or an A-line skirt with an empire or a droppedwaist seam that will elongate your midriff and flow away from your hips.

Curvier brides typically avoid strapless gowns, as such dresses have a tendency to make a woman’s shoulders and arms look wider.

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February 13, 2015

Wedding Planner

Popular and modern first dance songs A couple’s first dance as man and wife is a cherished wedding tradition.

While the first dance can help set a positive tone for the reception, it also can negatively impact the festivities if a poor song is chosen.

Couples may feel pressure to choose the perfect song.

Yes, this is a song that the couple has selected to represent their love for each other, but it also should be one that will speak to the masses and can be thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Couples want to avoid a song that does not seem to fit with the festivities.

For those couples who need a little musical inspiration, turn to many of the modern hits you’re bound to hear on the radio which may help you to shine in that first dance.

“A Thousand Years”

by Christina Perri “Twi-hard” fans enjoyed this romantic song during the pivotal wedding scene between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen in the popular “Twilight” movie “Breaking Dawn.”

Couples looking to rec-

reate the magic of these star-crossed lovers can embrace Perri’s delicate tone and tender lyrics.

“All of Me” by John Legend It’s been hard to escape this popular love song by R&B artist John Legend.

An ode Legend wrote to his wife, this song has quickly become a popular choice for a couple’s first dance.

“I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles This peppy song by singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles is a good choice for couples who prefer being nontraditional. It’s faster paced and less sentimental than many other wedding songs.

Choosing a wedding photography package

“Better Together” by Jack Johnson Johnson is known primarily for his soft rock and acoustic guitar work blended with catchy lyrics.

Johnson’s work is enjoyed by many but may be especially prized by couples who want to their reception to be a laid back affair full of fun and whimsy.

“I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz Another acoustic ditty, this song has a country influence and talks about not giving up and staying in a relationship for the long haul.

“I Don’t Dance” by Lee Brice Speaking of country influences, couples who want a little twang in their first dance can choose Brice’s breakthrough hit.

Romantic lyrics about spinning his partner around in circles despite not liking to dance illustrates what one partner will do for the other when in love.

Couples can make that first moment on the dance floor a special experience by choosing modern classics for their first dances.

Couples must make a host of important decisions when planning their weddings. Some decisions, such as choosing a venue to host the reception, require more effort and research on the part of couples than others.

One decision that couples must make carefully concerns the photography package they choose for their ceremonies and receptions. Wedding photographers play a big role on a couple’s big day, and it’s important that men and women about to tie the knot consider a host of factors before choosing the men or women they will ultimately task with visually documenting their wedding days.

Engagement photos Couples who want to do an engagement photoshoot may want to negotiate such a shoot into their photography package. Some agencies include engagement shoots in their packages while others do not. If the engagement photoshoot is on your list of needs, then look for an agency that provides such services as part of its packages or agencies willing to include the engagement photoshoot for

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ask how much travel is included in the package. This is important for couples whose ceremonies are in a separate location from their receptions. If the distance between the ceremony site and the reception venue is considerable, you may have to pay extra for the photographer to travel between both sites. While a reasonable amount of travel is typically included in a photography package, it’s best that you confirm this prior to signing an agreement.

Videography Many photography agencies also offer videography services in some of their wedding packages. Videography can be a great way for couples to document their wedding days, and it can be fun for couples to watch their wedding videos with their families down the road.

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Page 11

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Page 12

Wedding Planner

February 13, 2015

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