Wedding Planner 2012

Page 1

2012

Wedding Planner from the editors of

Josephine magazine

Prepping for your big day Don’t fret if everything doesn’t go as planned

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DRESS

The right style and fabric can make all the difference

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Wedding Planner 2012 3

Wedding Planner

2012

from the editors of

4 Wedding Planner 2012

Josephine magazine

Cover photo by Juliane Sykes of J.Sykes Studio

inside Bridal beauty Look for a wedding salon in advance

5

Cakes and catering Food is key to a great reception

8

Celebration spaces Ask the right questions to find the perfect venues for wedding, reception

11

Flowers and decor Decor and artistic touches should reflect the couple

14

Gowns and tuxes Fresh trends at all price points

17

Honeymoons Make your getaway everything you want it to be

20

The best-laid plans The big day doesn’t have to go flawlessly to be perfect

22

Invitations and wedding party gifts Invitations and gifts for your supporters shouldn’t be afterthoughts

26

Jewelry What to consider when selecting an engagement ring or wedding band

29

Photography and videography Questions you should keep in mind when meeting a wedding photographer

32

Wedding planner Everything you need to keep track of all those details

35

[ Bridal beauty ]

Beautiful from head to toe Look for a wedding salon six months in advance experts say

B

By JENNIFER GORDON Josephine magazine

efore the to-do list causes her to pull it out, brides-to-be should solidify their hair plans. Salons usually request two to three months notice on basic bridal party packages. If it’s a bigger bridal party, salons might ask for six months advance in case schedules need to be cleared. The last thing a bride wants is to be looking for a salon a few days out, a call Sherri Please see Page 7 Wedding Planner 2012 5

[ Bridal beauty ]

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[ Bridal beauty ] CONTINUED FROM Page 5 Jackson of Images of You has fielded before. “I have had people calling at the last minute because their place is not going to do it,” the owner and stylist of the St. Joseph salon says. “Oh my gosh, devastation.” Brides don’t have to be settled on a hairstyle when they set up the appointment, but they should be starting to narrow down what they want. Whether it’s an elegant updo or a sleek bun depends on the style of the bridesmaids’ gowns, wedding dress and accessories, says Kari Harper, a stylist at Serenity Salon & Spa in Downtown St. Joseph. The more elaborate the dress, the more simple the hairstyle should be, she says. Strapless dresses, for example, work well with hair-down styles — like trendy loose waves and braids — because then there’s no concern that the hair will cover up parts of the dress.

Drop necklaces or V-necks in the front of the dress work well with shoulder ’dos, Ms. Jackson adds. About a month out, salons recommend brides come in for a trial run. The appointment might change what the bride thought she wanted her hair to look like. “You just eliminate and create with somebody’s head,” Ms. Harper says. “You can’t look through a book and say, ‘I want that picture right there on my head,’ because their hair type is going to be different, the texture, the density. You’re going to want to work with their hair.” It also might be a good time to get a facial. Though spa treatments like massages can be a nice relaxation directly before the ceremony, Ms. Harper recommends brides and bridesmaids put some time between a facial and the big day. Facials can cause skin to get red and to break out from the impurities the procedure unleashed. When it comes to fingers and toes, the standard French tip is still the

most popular for brides and their bridal party. “Even if their colors are pea green and black polka dots, French tips are still going to match. It’s very elegant,” Ms. Harper says. Salons also offer make-up specialists as part of many of the packages. As with day-to-day make-up, the time of the ceremony will impact what brides want for their looks, Ms. Jackson says. For evening weddings, she recommends more of a smoky eye, for daytime, more of a natural look. Sephora in J.C. Penney’s offers how-to sessions for brides and bridal parties who choose a DIY approach to makeup. Rosy cheeks with contouring around the cheekbones is popular for wedding days, Megan Dobbs, a beauty consultant at Sephora says. But the look should ultimately depend on the individual. “Anymore you want to pick the best tones for your skin tone so it doesn’t have to go with the dress,” Ms. Dobbs recommends.

Wedding Planner 2012 7

[ Cakes and catering ]

8 Wedding Planner 2012

[ Cakes and catering ]

The icing on the cake Great food is key to a great reception

W

By SYLVIA ANDERSON Josephine magazine

ithout question, the cake is the star of a wedding reception. Although the classic tiered, round, white version is always proper, any number of flavors and forms are acceptable these days, from tiers of cupcakes to dessert bars offering multiple flavors of cake. Valerie Galbraith of Cakes by Valerie in Rea, Mo., has been baking cakes for 50 years and books weddings a year in advance. The most popular flavor by far is her signature made-from-scratch white chocolate cake topped with a white chocolate buttercream icing and chocolate curls. Please see Page 10

Wedding Planner 2012 9

[ Cakes and catering ] CONTINUED FROM Page 9 Some brides may think they want a rolled fondant icing, she says, because of its popularity in magazines and on TV shows, but she doesn’t recommend it. “To be honest, it’s not that good. It’s like a bubble gum you have to peel off,� Mrs. Galbraith says. “I can make it as smooth as fondant, but it will be made with buttercream, and it will taste a lot better.� And though cupcakes and sheet cakes may be less expensive, she feels they can’t compete in moistness and flavor with a layered cake. Square wedding cakes are the most popular now, Mrs. Galbraith says, topped with fresh flowers or silver initials. The plastic bride and groom topper are history. When deciding on a baker, Mrs. Galbraith suggests to look at photos of cakes they have made and check references. Usually wedding cakes are priced per serving (Mrs. Galbraith charges $3) and should include delivery and set-up of the cake. If the cake is the star of the wedding, food and drink would be the supporting cast. When well done, it makes the whole show outstanding. At the Holiday Inn in St. Joseph, a popular venue for weddings, the trend is a buffet of “heavy hors d’oeuvres� instead of dinner. “We still do buffet dinners, but the

appetizers have really taken off in the last year,� says Rachel Hildebrand, Holiday Inn catering manager. Typically, the bride will choose five or seven items, which usually includes cheese and crackers, a veggie display with dips and a few hot appetizers such as meatballs, stuffed mushroom caps, small sandwiches, hot chicken fingers or mozzarella sticks. For an evening reception, the

appetizers would be served from around 6 to 8 p.m. Appetizers also are less expensive than a meal. At the Holiday Inn, they charge $12.99 per person for the appetizers. One dinner entree is around $15, and two entrees are $16.50 per person. “It’s not a huge difference, but when you have 300 guests, every little bit can help,� Mrs. Hildebrand says. The trend also is away from unlimited drinks for the evening, with most couples choosing to offer complimentary beer and wine and a cash bar for cocktails or no cocktails at all. The tricky part is figuring out how much to order. “We say if you send out 300 RSVPs, you would have anywhere from 200 to 225 in attendance, depending on how many guests are from out of town.� At the Holiday Inn, the final total must be turned in 72 hours before the wedding. When figuring your calculations into your wedding budget, make sure to allow for the service charge, which is typically 18 to 22 percent. It is added on to your total, much like a tip or tax. Finally, secure your caterer and venue as soon as possible. The most popular wedding months of June, September and October get booked up a year in advance.

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[ Celebration spaces ]

Right place Ask the right questions to find the perfect venue for your wedding and reception

P

By KEVIN KRAUSKOPF Josephine magazine

lanning a wedding can pit a bride-to-be’s vision for her big day against practicality faster than she can say, “Let’s just get this thing done at the courthouse.” So when you’re searching for a venue to hold the wedding and reception, it’s important to get a head start, know what you want your day to be like and ask Please see Page 12

Wedding Planner 2012 11

[ Celebration spaces ] CONTINUED FROM Page 11 the right questions. Chief among those questions is how much you’re willing to spend. “You start going over budget on one thing and you’re going to end up going over budget on a lot of things,” says Debbie Young, manager of Twin Spires in St. Joseph, “and before you know it you’re going to have a huge bill that you haven’t planned for.” Set your budget and, just as importantly, stick to it, she advises. But that’s just the starting point. You’ll also want to ask, does the venue set the tone — romantic, relaxed, elegant — you’re looking for? Will it be suitable for the time of year you’re getting married? And let’s face it, weddings are expensive. They’re also stressful, so don’t put off looking for a venue until the months leading up to the wedding. Not only would that just add to your stress, but it’s very likely the location you want won’t be available if you don’t start looking well in advance. According to Young and Annie Eaton, events coordinator at Stoney Creek Inn, another popular wedding and reception destination in St. Joseph, you should book a venue no less than a year before your wedding date. “If you have a definite date in mind ... you should plan a year to a year and a half in advance,” Eaton says. If your wedding date is flexible, Eaton says she’s planned weddings with as little as two months notice. But that, she says, is far from

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12 Wedding Planner 2012

[ Celebration spaces ] ideal. At Twin Spires, Young says June and July, the most popular months for weddings, have nearly been booked solid since last August. Fall and spring months also are becoming more popular, making it increasingly important to begin your search as soon as you’ve set a date. Before you commit to a venue, however, make sure it can accommodate everything you’ve planned for. First, you’ll have to decide if the wedding and reception will be held in separate locations. You also need to know how many guests to expect and make sure there’s space for them all. For the wedding itself, look for a venue whose decor will match your color scheme. Also, consider how much more you’d have to spend to decorate it the way you’ve envisioned. Then for the reception, could the venue accommodate the meal you plan to serve? Will it allow, if you desire, for alcohol to be served? Is there space for a band or DJ? Is the dance floor large enough? Will you have to spend additional money to rent tables, chairs or other needed equipment? Also, Eaton and Young say, consider the value all the amenities and services a venue provides and the cost it charges for them. Stoney Creek Inn and Twin Spires, for example, will take care of all the setup and clean-up, giving the bride, groom and their families that much less to worry about come wedding day. Eaton and Young both say such services are often worth the money — unless your family and friends enjoy cleaning into the wee hours of the morning. While venues’ rates can very significantly, both say it’s important to consider your total cost — not just the up-front fee. Be sure to include the expense of any additional equipment rentals or services that would be required in your budget calculations, they recommend. Wedding Planner 2012 13

[ Flowers and decor ]

14 Wedding Planner 2012

[ Flowers and decor ]

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ruise ship themes to peacock feathers, camouflage to St. Patrick’s Day green ... on everything. Marie McDaniel and Rhonda Turpin, wedding consultants at the Atchison Heritage Conference Center, have seen all types of weddings for all types of couples. “It just goes by the bride’s personality,� Ms. McDaniel says. The conference center in Atchison, Kan., has hosted cowboy-themed weddings with ropes and horseshoe decorations and super simple ceremonies with a whiteon-white color scheme. Fall weddings make for easy decorations, Ms. McDaniel says, because brides can use pumpkins, gourds and colorful foliage as part of their centerpieces. Wedding consultants often can showcase what other weddings have done, but most of the creative touches come from the bride, Ms. McDaniel says. One bride gathered sticks to put in clear vases in the middle of the table for her reception, then the day of the wedding she ordered orchids and glued one orchid bud on Please see Page 16

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[ Flowers and decor ] CONTINUED FROM Page 15 each stick in the reception hall. Chair covers can make for a nice aesthetic touch, too, when it comes to the reception or wedding ceremony. Joyce Walter, owner of Simple and Elegant Chair Rentals in St. Joseph, sets up ballrooms for receptions with chairs and centerpieces in the area and marvels at the transformation the fabric makes. “With the overall appearance, before and after, it makes a huge difference. It’s kind of romantic in a way. It changes the environment, especially with candles and flowers,” she says. Decorations don’t have to be costly or overly complicated. Frugal brides can look for vases or other decor at garage sales or from a recently married friend with decorations to spare. One bride Ms. McDaniel worked with even clipped flowers from a neighbor’s yard to use for her ceremony. Another ordered flowers off the Internet. If brides choose to use a florist for the ceremony and reception, Teresa Bally of Butchart Flowers Inc. & Greenhouse in St. Joseph recommends they contact a business at least six months, if not a full year, in advance. As Butchart’s wedding consultant, Ms. Bally will work not only with the bride, but also with her wedding consultant and her venues as she installs decorations. Flower displays on sites like the knot.com can be overwhelming, Ms. Bally says, so she starts her decoration suggestions with what the bride has in mind. Once the bridal bouquet is set, Ms. Bally then works with the bridesmaids’ bouquets and the wedding colors. She’ll incorporate similar themes into the flowers on trellises, jewels and ribbons mixed into bouquets and flowers on the cake. For weddings with severe pollen allergies, Butchart also offers silk arrangements and suggests less pollen-heavy options like roses. Though fresh flowers can seem a little price heavy, Ms. Bally tells her brides not to worry too much about the budget when first outlining what they want. “I don’t have a package deal, but I usually tell the bride to dream big because there are always places to scale back,” Ms. Bally says. 16 Wedding Planner 2012

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[ Gowns and tuxes ]

What’s new in wedding wear Boutiques see fresh trends at all price points

I

By ERIN WISDOM Josephine magazine

t may not be financially savvy to spend more on a dress you’ll wear once than you’d ordinarily spend on a year’s worth of new clothes. And while being a bride does allow for this kind of out-of-the-ordinary extravagance, options also exist for wedding wear that’s more cost-effective — both for the bride and her wedding party. This is just one of several trends that Leigh Ann Swarts, who works at Bridal Boutique in St. Joseph, has noticed in recent Please see Page 18

Wedding Planner 2012 17

[ Gowns and tuxes ]

CONTINUED FROM Page 17 months, and it’s one that’s evident in the increase in less formal bridesmaid dresses among the store’s offerings. “The biggest trend is that bridesmaid dresses are less matronly, more wear-again,” Ms. Swarts notes. She adds that a defining characteristic that makes them wearable beyond the wedding day is being shorter in length, hitting approximately at the knee rather than falling all the way to the floor. It’s become more common for bridesmaids to dress in black, as well, which also creates more bang for their buck in that they’re

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[ Gowns and tuxes ] more likely to re-wear a black dress than, say, an electric blue one. But that’s not to say color is out. Rather, designers are offering gowns in just as many — if not more — colors. Most lines can be ordered in 40 to 60 different hues, and it’s not only bridesmaid dresses that get the colorful treatment. “We have had lime green, purple, navy wedding dresses,” Ms. Swarts says. “You can do anything you want in a wedding. There are no rules anymore.” That lack of rules can come in handy for brides on a tight budget in that it makes buying a bridesmaid gown in lieu of a bridal gown a viable option — and often, if the dress is ordered in a shade of white, wedding guests won’t know the difference. “It’s just a little more economical, because it’s labeled a bridesmaid dress,” Ms. Swarts adds,

also noting that brides planning destination weddings sometimes lean toward this. “If people come in with a low budget and want something simple, that’s something I suggest they consider.” Of course, plenty of options also exist for shoppers who want an actual wedding gown and don’t mind a steeper price tag. And for the first time in a few years, new wedding dress designs are showing up in stores, Ms. Swarts says. Some trends these display: a lot of layering of different textures and materials; lots of lace and ruffles, ruching and swirling; and prominent details such as large flowers formed in the folds of a skirt. In other words, couture has become a look that’s now more available off the runway. Also rising in popularity among those with larger budgets are belts meant for pairing with wedding gowns. The lower end of the price

range for these is approximately $100 to $400, Ms. Swarts says. She adds, though, that for anyone wanting a similar effect at a lower price, a bridesmaid sash is a good option. As for the male members of the bridal party, including the groom, wedding wear largely remains business as usual, Ms. Swarts says. One change she does note, however, is an increase in the number of grooms and groomsmen who are going with tuxes in brown or gray rather than the traditional black. Also altering their look are mothers of brides and grooms, who more and more are opting against dresses paired with traditional jackets in favor of boleros — smaller, more fitted jackets that sometimes are made of a sheer material — or even bare arms. “I think mothers may be younger, or just more fashionable, than they used to be,” Ms. Swarts says.

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[ The honeymoon ]

Romantic getaway

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By KEVIN KRAUSKOPF Josephine magazine

alk down the aisle? Done. Say ‘I do’? Did that. Cut the cake? Like a pro. Now, it’s time to get away. But don’t let your honeymoon become just another source of wedding-induced stress. That’s where travel agencies like Cotter Travel in St. Joseph come in. “We can, of course, book the whole thing for you,” says Chad Cotter of Cotter Travel. That includes airfare, hotel accommodations and everything else you need to escape on your romantic getaway.

20 Wedding Planner 2012

[ The honeymoon ] Among other services, Cotter Travel can help plan destination weddings and set up an online bridal registry so wedding guests can contribute to honeymoon expenses as well, Cotter says. Mexico and Jamaica, Cotter says, are the two most popular honeymoon destinations, followed closely by Hawaii. (Don’t forget to secure passports well in advance if you plan to travel outside the country. According to the U.S. Department of State website, http://travel.state.gov, passport applications routinely take four to six weeks to be processed.) The reason those locales are in high demand is pretty obvious. “A lot of (couples) like to go to a beach somewhere and just relax,� Cotter says. “We’ve got a lot of them who will actually go down there and get married, too.� All-inclusive trips often provide newlywed couples the best value. These packages include everything

from travel and lodging to meals, drinks and gratuities, but they’re more readily available for trips outside the country. Cotter advises to plan your honeymoon well in advance. Contacting an agency eight to nine months before your desired travel date will help ensure the destination you desire is available. While good lastminute deals are sometimes available, you don’t want to wait around too long. “You don’t want to take the chance of it selling out,� Cotter says. When you contact a travel agency, be sure to know what your budget is and the exact dates you’d like to travel. Rates can vary widely, even for the same resort, based on what time of year it is, so setting your travel parameters allows the agency to get you the best deal for your money, Cotter says. Some couples, like Josh Swindler and Leah Voltmer of St. Joseph, choose to stay a little closer to home

for their honeymoon. Swindler and Voltmer, both students at Missouri Western State University, are getting married in June and will then drive to Colorado and stay in a cabin there for two weeks. Their honeymoon decision was made only partly due to budget considerations, though Voltmer sees an upside to spending a little less on the trip. “It will be rustic, but he and I both like that type of stuff,� Voltmer says. “... And if we have more to live on after the honeymoon, that’s great, too.� Their low-key plans, she expects, will save them a lot of time and hassle. “Simpler is best,� she says. No matter your travel plans, Cotter says he tells couples to carry a minimal amount of cash and plan to pay for expenses that might come up with credit cards or traveler’s checks.

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The best-laid plans Area bride finds preparing for a wedding can be stressful, but the big day doesn’t have to go flawlessly to be perfect Kayla (Kuschell) Vrab and her husband, Michal Vrab, were married Nov. 11, 2011. TODD WEDDLE/Josephine magazine

22 Wedding Planner 2012

Wedding Planner 2012 23

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P Josephine magazine

lanning a wedding while going to school full-time and holding down a job would be a daunting task for anyone. On top of this, Kayla (Kuschell) Vrab had never even been to a wedding before her own, which took place Nov. 11, 2011. “I think I started panicking as early as January,� notes the St. Joseph native, whose husband, Michal Vrab, proposed on Dec. 18, 2010. Despite having close to a year to prepare for the big day, the task was definitely overwhelming at times. But now having the benefit of hindsight, Kayla has some advice to offer other brides- and grooms-to-be for making the planning more manageable. At the top of her list? Delegate and don’t feel bad about it. “Don’t be afraid to ask people for help,� says Kayla, who now lives in Kansas City and is studying to be a cosmetologist. “I think a lot of people were honored to be a part of the wedding.� Among those she enlisted was her aunt in North Carolina, who helped plan out centerpieces and other decorations and collected all of the materials for putting them together — including branches from her front yard spray-painted silver and adorned with faux crystals, vases with clear marbles to hold the branches and antique lanterns sprayed to look frosted and dressed up with purple bows. Another major player in the planning, appropriately, was Michal, who chose purple, black and silver as the wedding colors. He also picked the ceremony site: Twin Spires Cathedral in St. Joseph. “Since he grew up in Europe, he really liked the architecture of the cathedral,� Kayla says of her husband, who lived in the Czech Republic before moving to Kansas City when he was 12. Another piece of advice Kayla offers: Don’t despair when things

don’t go exactly as planned. Unexpected aspects of her wedding required rolling with the punches; The pastor officiating the ceremony was late, for example. Also at the ceremony, her 13-yearold brother had to step in to run sound when no one else was available. And then, too, there had been the crisis point that came nine days before the nuptials in which Kayla learned that due to a miscommunication, her reception site had been double-booked. She’d chosen to go with Moila Shrine Temple in St. Joseph because she’d found it beautiful when her prom had been held there. Fortunately, what originally seemed a disaster worked out in her favor in that the smaller ballroom she was given for her reception after learning the main one was unavailable turned out to be a better, cozier space for her event than the larger one she’d originally booked. This wasn’t the only challenge Kayla ran into that worked out. A similar — albeit less panic-inducing — situation arose when she found a cake she loved but couldn’t afford. She solved the problem by drawing the cake design as best she could and taking it to the South Belt Walmart, which reproduced it at a significantly lower cost than the other bakery. Of course, there’s no guarantee that wedding details that don’t go according to plan will always lead to a favorable outcome. But even these don’t have to ruin the day. “Just remember that whatever mistakes happen, others won’t notice them like you do,� Kayla says. And while the aspects of her wedding day that didn’t go quite according to plan did stand out to her, so did the ones that were perfect, like seeing Michal for the first time that day, as she walked down the aisle. Like the bouquet she carried of white daisies — her favorite flower — and purple carnations. And like the feeling of all her planning coming together, finally, in a day she’ll always remember. “I wish I had not stressed so much and just enjoyed it, because it is a lot of fun,� Kayla says. With a laugh, she adds, “There’s definitely a little letdown when it’s over.�

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[ Invitations and wedding party gifts ]

26 Wedding Planner 2012

Details, details Invitations and gifts for the wedding party shouldn’t be afterthoughts

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Josephine magazine

For the guests, your wedding begins with the invitation. It not only announces the who, what, where and when of the event, but it sets the tone for what’s to come. Magealyn Carmichael, owner of Shirley’s Cake Decorating in St. Joseph, has been helping brides for many years order invitations for the big day, and she says there is no longer a strict standard to follow. “It’s all over the place with style,” she says. According to Storkie Express, an online stationary company specializing in custom printing, bejeweled invitations are the hottest item for 2012, featuring rhinestone decal embellishments. Every color of the rainbow continues to be popular as well, but classic, white wedding invitations are back in style, too. And brides are Please see Page 28

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Wedding Planner 2012 27

[ Invitations and wedding party gifts ] CONTINUED FROM Page 27 choosing interesting textures and unique materials to make a statement, such as delicate-looking lasercut patterns, foil and flocking detail. One standard that has gone by the wayside is the tissue paper customarily inserted in formal invitations, Carmichael says. “The explanation is the inks they use now don’t smear and dry quicker. So you don’t need them,” she says. “That was the reason for the tissues, to keep the ink from smearing.” The minimum time to allow for ordering your invitations would be two weeks ahead, she says, but in case there are delays or complications, more time would be better. When to send them depends on how much advance notice your guests will need. Less time would be needed if everyone lives in the area. “Some people say three months, some people say six weeks ahead according to etiquette,” Carmichael says. “They really can do whichever they want.” An additional “Save the Date” invitation can be sent five months to a year in advance for destination weddings or events during peak vacation seasons. These often are sent as cards, magnets or videos and allow guests time to make travel reservations.

Also consider ordering thank-you cards and gifts for the wedding party at this time. According to Tammy O’Meara, owner of Too Trendy in St. Joseph, personalized necklaces are very popular for ladies in the wedding party. They can have the woman’s name or initials, wedding colors and background banner with the date of the wedding. Other options would be mini and larger crowns for the bridesmaids. And for a gift that can be used at the wedding and after, try a mini Miche

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bag. It’s a small purse to carry keys, lipstick and a phone with a removable shell. Get black or the color of the wedding, then the bridesmaids can get other shell colors for later uses. For the flower girls, O’Meara suggests a flower charm, and for the groomsmen, a personalized flask or cuff links. The most important thing is to let your guests and bridal party know that they are just as special to you as your wedding day.

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[ Jewelry ]

Ring it up

What you should consider when selecting an engagement ring or wedding band

C

By SHEA CONNER I St. Joseph News-Press Choosing a diamond engagement ring is one of the most important and emotional purchases many of us will ever make. It also can be one of the most nerve-wracking and overwhelming purchases most of us

will ever make. After all, diamonds hold high value, but few of us actually can consider ourselves diamond experts. Whether you’re in a couple shopping for the engagement ring Please see Page 30 Wedding Planner 2012 29

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[ Jewelry ] CONTINUED FROM Page 29 together or you’re a prospective groom brave enough to pick one out on your own, Kristen Hovey, owner of Kristen’s Coin and Jewelry in St. Joseph, says those in the market for a diamond engagement ring should keep the “five C’s� in mind: cut, clarity, color, carat weight and cost. Many young buyers mistakenly over-estimate a diamond’s carat weight. Bigger is better, they think, because larger diamonds are more rare than smaller diamonds. But Hovey says that clarity, color and especially cut remain just as important to consider. “If you have a badly cut diamond, it’s not going to sparkle. It’ll look dead,� Hovey says. “If it’s a really good cut, you won’t notice the flaws as much. You can literally be looking at a 1-karat diamond that looks the same size as a 3/4-karat diamond because the smaller diamond has a better quality cut and it’ll look like a better size.� When looking at cuts, Ideal, Excellent and Very Good diamonds possess the most brilliance. In regards to a diamond’s color, colorless diamonds are most highly valued and are the most expensive. Color is ranked on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). Bill Pearlman, owner of the Michiganbased Pearlman’s Jewelry chain and former winner of National Jewelers Magazine’s “America’s Best Jeweler� award, highly recommends choosing a diamond with a color rated D through H, or D through I if the stone will be placed in a yellow gold band. He also has a firm recommendation in the category of clarity, which is defined by the inclusions within a stone. An inclusion is a naturally occurring flaw (a feather, fracture, fissure, carbon spot or cloud) within a diamond. Obviously, diamonds free from internal flaws or inclusions are the most expensive. Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds top the clarity scale. Very Very Slightly Included (VVS), Very Slightly Included (VS), Slightly Included

(SI) and Included (I) round out the scale. While high-end shoppers seek out diamonds with an IF rating, Pearlman says most can get by with a ring in the SI range because they don’t have flaws that are readily visible. “The best value in diamond clarity is a diamond with no inclusions visible to the unaided eye,� Pearlman says. Now that you know a little more about the first four C’s, don’t ignore the most important one. Every brideto-be would love a big, colorless, flawless, ideal cut diamond, but few can pony up the dough to buy one. While many jewelry salesmen will tell you not to pass up the “perfect� ring, Hovey says young couples should stick to their budgets. “Don’t go into debt. That’s the most important thing I can tell couples,� Hovey says. “You can always upgrade later.� Most engaged couples select a bridal set that includes an engagement ring and matching wedding bands, but there are still many who opt to buy their wedding rings separately. Although many couples stand by the plain gold band to seal their marital commitment, most modern brides and grooms want to wear something fashionable as well as functional. That’s why platinum has become extremely popular as a bridal metal, according to Diamonds International. The allure of platinum is its unparalleled strength, durability and purity. Many wedding rings also combine the warmth of yellow gold with the cool white of platinum, providing a contemporary twist to a traditional classic. For those who like the look of platinum but can’t afford it, white gold is also an option. White gold, which is pure gold that has been mixed with an alloy to whiten it, costs considerably less than platinum but is also less durable. Diamonds International also recommends that athletic/outdoor types or people who work frequently with their hands avoid high karatage gold bands (18 karat or higher). They scratch much easier than 10-karat or

[ Jewelry ] 14-karat bands. However, Hovey says that’s not a big issue. “A yellow or white gold band will last forever. Even if you beat it up, you can polish it to look new,� she says. “It just depends how often you want to get it polished.� Hovey says that those seeking a durable band on a budget should consider tungsten. Tungsten bands can be purchased for about $75 and hold up forever because they’re made of steel. While tungsten bands can’t be re-sized, they continue to grow more and more popular for good reason. “I like the tungsten a lot,� Hovey says. “It’s not only really durable, but it’s also stylish.� Diamonds International also recommends that buyers consider their existing jewelry when purchasing wedding bands. Look at the kind of jewelry and watches you already wear, and consider how your wedding band will look next to them. A bride-to-be also needs to consider whether she’ll wear her wedding band and engagement ring on the same finger, or whether she will move her engagement ring to her right hand and just wear the band on her left. If she plans to wear them together, she’ll need to choose a wedding band that matches the engagement ring and sits comfortably against it.

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32 Wedding Planner 2012

[ Photography and videography ]

Ask away

Questions you should keep in mind when meeting a wedding photographer

A

By SHEA CONNER Josephine magazine

A bride can control the look of just about everything on her wedding day — her dress, her headwear, her jewelry, her bridesmaids’ dresses, the wedding colors, the venue decor, the table centerpieces and even the silverware at the reception. One thing she can’t change is how her pictures are going to look. She has to hope her photographer snaps shots of what she wants the way she wants it. That requires a great deal of trust as well as intuition. It also calls for a great deal of interrogation.

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“The best thing for a photographer is to get to know who your client is personally — get to know their personality,” says Melissa Cox, owner of Lifeshots Photography in St. Joseph. “But it’s just as important for them to get to know me and what I’m offering.” Cox says the first thing that most brides want to know is what they’ll get for their money, so they often review packages and prices first. The important details that you had never before considered can come back to haunt you later, so make sure to ask these questions about the photographer’s packages and services: Please see Page 34

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[ Photography and videography ] g What would you plan to do at my wedding that would make my wedding phog What are the costs of the various styles tographs unique and personal to me? of coverage? Are there different degrees g Considering my facial features and of coverage? What’s included in each? physical attributes, what angles would g May I purchase the rights to the photos you consider to be better than others? and proofs, so I can print them at my g Is there anything you can do to make own discretion? me or members of my family look the g How much would extras or duplicates way we want to look? cost? g Have you noticed any expressions or g What styles of albums do you offer? mannerisms of mine that you might want to try to capture or avoid? g What’s your payment policy? g What can I do to help you perform your g Do you give any guarantees on your duties to the best of your ability? services and photographs? g How can people who live out of town be Once you know you’ve found the accommodated with ordering, paying photographer for you, move on to the next step: nailing down the wedding and delivery? g What kind of time frame are you looking timeline. Cox says that this step is the one brides most often forget. at for preparing the pictures for my “Just have it in your mind,� she selection? says. “It’s not necessary to have g How much time do I have to make up everything pinned down to the final my mind about which pictures I want detail, but you should have an idea of and how many? where you want me to be and when CONTINUED FROM Page 33

If you find a fair price and package that you like, you should take a look at some of the photographer’s previous work. This is where you also should find out about his or her background and approach to wedding photography. You may desire a photographer who will arrange more grouped family shots before your wedding, but someone who takes more of a photojournalistic stance and doesn’t have much experience working with families may not be the best choice for you. If you desire candid shots, however, you may not like the work of someone who specializes in portraits. “I know that when I got married, I was more worried about group shots and then there were one or two creative shots of me and my husband,� Cox laughs. “That’s why it’s important to ask.� Try these questions on for size:

g What are your qualifications for taking professional wedding pictures? g What kind of educational background do you have in regards to photography? g Do you have any particular philosophy about your approach to photographing weddings? 34 Wedding Planner 2012

you want me to be there.� Ideally, you would know the wedding venue, the reception venue and at what time each would start. If you’d like to arrange group shots before the wedding or take photos of the groomsmen getting dressed, let the photographer know.

g How long do you expect to be with us on the day of the wedding? Beginning at what time? Until when? g Is there an extra charge if the wedding runs a little over? g If you’re late, do I get a refund for the time you weren’t there to take photos? g Can I tell you who I want in my pictures? g Is there anything you’d be opposed to shooting? If everything still sounds peachy after three rounds of questions, book the photographer. And do it quick. Cox says her summer schedule is often completely full by February, and it’s often the same for many other photographers. “As far as booking, I’d recommend people book their photographer and venue immediately after they get engaged. Even if it’s two years away, put it on the book.�

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[ Bride’s to-do timeline ]

6 to 12 months before wedding [ ] Determine budget. [ ] Decide type of wedding: formal, semi-formal or informal. [ ] Choose ceremony location. [ ] Discuss alternative dates with clergy or officiant. [ ] Choose attendants. [ ] Select gown style. [ ] Select veil style. [ ] Select attendants’ apparel. [ ] Compile bride’s and groom’s invitations list. [ ] Select reception site. [ ] Select caterer/wedding consultant.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [

] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Plan details of reception. Select photographer. Have engagement photos taken. Select music for reception. Select videographer. Select florist. Discuss gown colors and styles with mothers of bride and groom. [ ] If composing own vows, inform officiant.

Please see Page 36

Wedding Planner 2012 35

[ Bride’s to-do timeline continued ] 4 to 6 months before wedding [ ] Select men’s formal wear and arrange for final fitting a few days before wedding. [ ] Select ceremony musicians and music. [ ] Make honeymoon plans. [ ] Print map to include with invitations. [ ] Reserve hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. [ ] Have physical exams and update immunizations. [ ] Buy wedding rings and order engraving. [ ] Finalize invitation list with families. [ ] Visit hairdresser and manicurist; make wedding-day appointments for bridal party. [ ] Order all printed items, including invitations, thank-you notes, programs and napkins. [ ] Order needed utensils, which may include engraved cake knife, personalized champagne glasses and a box for monetary gifts.

2 to 4 months before wedding [ ] Reserve rental items: candelabra, arches, canopy, linens, etc. [ ] Arrange rehearsal dinner. [ ] Shop for trousseau and apparel for honeymoon, prenuptial parties.

36 Wedding Planner 2012

[ ] Reserve limousine, carriage, trolley or coach transportation. [ ] Review florist’s arrangements and finalize order. [ ] Buy attendants’ gifts. [ ] Experiment with hairstyles and makeup changes. [ ] Buy bride’s and attendants’ shoes; send to be dyed. [ ] Order wedding and groom’s cakes. [ ] Plan the ceremony and select music for the service. [ ] You should receive your invitations at least three months before the wedding; send them out immediately. Don’t forget to request a reply date of at least five weeks before the wedding. [ ] Register for wedding gifts at the store(s) of your choice. They will help you set up your bridal registry. [ ] Decide on reception menu and select beverage options; decide if there will be an open bar.

1 to 2 months before wedding [ [ [ [

] ] ] ]

Final bridal fitting. Final attendants’ fittings. Confirm honeymoon reservations. Select reception decorations: balloons, candles, flowers, table favors, etc. [ ] Select ceremony accessories: unity candle, ring pillow, guest book, etc.

[ Bride’s to-do timeline continued ] [ ] Select personal accessories: handbag, garter, engraved goblets, guest mementos, etc. [ ] Finalize arrangements with officiant. [ ] Finalize arrangements with musicians taking part in the ceremony. [ ] Arrange bridesmaids’ brunch or luncheon. [ ] Finalize arrangements with photographer and videographer. Discuss any special shots you want. [ ] Finalize arrangements with musicians, disc jockey and master of ceremonies for the reception. [ ] Finalize arrangements with the florist, specifying time and place of delivery. [ ] Finalize transportation arrangements. [ ] Make sure all the clothes for the bridesmaids and ushers will be ready on time and that they have the appropriate accessories. [ ] Apply for the marriage license.

2 weeks before wedding [ [ [ [ [

] ] ] ] ]

[ ] [ ] [ ] [ [ [ [

] ] ] ]

[ ] [ ]

Invite wedding party and guests to rehearsal dinner. Move your mutual belongings to new home. Review reception seating and order place cards. Confirm lodging for out-of-town guests. Record gifts as you receive them and write thank-you notes. Arrange for gown cleaning and bouquet preservation after the wedding. Formally inform employer of leave of absence. Finalize arrangements with hall and caterer, confirming final number of guests (preferably in writing). Finalize arrangements with baker regarding cake. Pick up wedding dress and bridesmaids’ dresses. Groom or best man arranges final fittings. Prepare envelopes with payments for the officiant, reception hall, musicians, disc jockey, master of ceremonies, etc. Ask officiant when he/she would like to receive your marriage license. Begin packing for honeymoon.

1 week before wedding [ ] Pick up wedding rings and check engravings and sizes. [ ] Final consultations with florist, musicians, photographer, videographer, etc. [ ] If you are having a wedding rehearsal, it may be and ideal time to present your gifts to the wedding party. [ ] Men have a final fitting two to three days before wedding and pick up formal wear and shoes. [ ] Make a wedding-day schedule and give everyone copies at the rehearsal dinner. [ ] Relax the day before; keep personal appointments; finish honeymoon packing.

Day of wedding [ ] Give payment envelopes to the best man, who will deliver them after the ceremony and the reception. [ ] Go to hairdresser, makeup artist and manicurist. [ ] Make sure the car keys, wedding rings, marriage license, keys to the new house, airplane tickets, hotel confirmations and the honeymoon spending money are all assembled. [ ] Arrange for your car, your going-away outfits and your luggage to be delivered to the reception hall. [ ] Arrange for someone to bring tissues/lipstick to the reception. [ ] Be dressed and ready for the picture-taking two hours before the ceremony or according to the arrangements made with your photographer. [ ] Transfer engagement ring to right hand. [ ] Relax and enjoy your big day. Wedding Planner 2012 37

[ Budget for your big day ]

CATEGORY/ITEM

BUDGET CEREMONY

COST

CATEGORY/ITEM

BUDGET PRINTING

Site fee Officiant fee CEREMONY MUSIC Wedding attire Bridal gown Headpiece and veil Undergarments, garter Accessories Alterations Hair/makeup Groom’s tux RECEPTION Site rental Caterer/food Liquor/beverages Cake/sweets table Gratuities/taxes Rentals Band/disc jockey

Invitation Save-the-date cards RSVP cards Wedding programs Wedding favors Napkins Announcements Place cards Thank-you notes PHOTOGRAPHY Engagements Formal portraits Wedding day Wedding album Extra prints Videography PARTIES Rehearsal dinner Bridesmaids’ lunch

Sub totals

Sub totals TOTAL BUDGET

Add all amounts from budget column

38 Wedding Planner 2012

g

COST

CATEGORY/ITEM BUDGET COST FLOWERS/DECORATIONS Ceremony site Bridal bouquet Attendants Boutonnieres Reception site

Bride/groom Bridesmaids Groomsmen Ushers Parents

GIFTS

MISCELLANEOUS Marriage license Hotel rooms Wedding consultant Other

Sub totals

f

TOTAL COST

Add all amounts from cost column

[ Wedding checklist ] BRIDAL REGISTRY

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [

] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

[ [ [ [ [ [

] ] ] ] ] ]

[ [ [ [ [ [

] ] ] ] ] ]

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [

] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [

] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

TABLE SERVICE/LINENS China Crystal glassware Silver service Silverware chest Dinnerware Glassware/barware Stainless service Formal cloth Casual cloth Formal napkins Casual napkins Placemats APPLIANCES Toaster Mixer Coffee maker Blender Food processor Iron OTHER Master bed linens Master bath linens Guest bed linens Guest bath linens Cookware Carving knives HONEYMOON CLOTHING Pants/shorts Swimsuit Parka or coat Shirts/sweaters Undergarments/socks Pajamas Shoes, dress and casual Belt Evening wear TOILETRIES Toothbrush, toothpaste Comb, brush Curling iron/hair dyer Shampoo, conditioner Deodorant Soap Unbreakable mirror Cosmetics Contact lenses/glasses Mouthwash Vitamins, medications Please see Page 40

Wedding Planner 2012 39

[ Wedding checklist continued ]

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [

] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

HONEYMOON CONT. EXTRAS Alarm clock Camera and batteries Insect repellent Sunblock Pain reliever Maps, guidebooks Cash/foreign currency Credit/bank cards Travelers’ checks Passport Driver’s license Insurance information

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [

] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Private room Staff Catering service Head table Guest tables Linens China Stemware Glassware Flowers Cake Cake knife Cake table Guest book table Gift table Stage Sound system Piano Bar Bartender Decorations Clean-up Champagne Corkage charge Valet parking Taxes/gratuity Receiving line area Reception hosts

RECEPTION

CLOTHING

[ [ [ [

] ] ] ]

BRIDE: Gown Headpiece/veil Shoes Accessories

40 Wedding Planner 2012

BRIDESMAIDS: [ ] Dresses [ ] Shoes [ ] Accessories GROOM: [ ] Formal wear [ ] Shoes [ ] Accessories OTHER: [ ] Flower girls’ dresses [ ] Ring bearer’s suit [ ] Mother’s dresses

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [

] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

PRINTING

Invitations Save-the-date cards Thank-you cards Stationery Wedding programs Napkins RSVP cards Wedding favors Place cards Directions

[ [ [ [ [ [ [

] ] ] ] ] ] ]

[ ] [ ] [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [

] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

FLORAL

Bride’s bouquet Bride’s tossing bouquet Bridesmaids’ bouquets Flower girls’ baskets Floral headpieces Hostess’ flowers Mothers’ and grandmothers’ corsages Groom’s boutonniere Fathers’ and grandfathers’ boutonnieres Best man’s boutonniere Ushers’ boutonnieres Ring bearer’s pillow Altar or chuppah flowers Aisle/pew decorations Reception room flowers Head table centerpiece Guest table centerpieces Cake and buffet table décor Miscellaneous (aisle runner, candles, etc.)

[ Wedding checklist continued ] PHOTOGRAPHY [ ] Bride dressing for ceremony

[ ] Parents being seated

[ ] Close up of rings

[ ] Bride, full-length solo

[ ] Bridesmaids walking down aisle

[ ] Wedding cake

[ ] Bride with parents

[ ] Flower girl, ring bearer walking down aisle

[ ] Couple cutting/eating wedding cake

[ ] Bride and father walking down aisle

[ ] Groom cutting groom’s cake

[ ] Bride with mother and father separately [ ] Bride with sisters and brothers [ ] Bride with maid of honor [ ] Bride with bridesmaids [ ] Bride with ring bearer, flower girl [ ] Garter belt being put on [ ] Groom dressing for ceremony [ ] Groom, full-length solo [ ] Groom with parents [ ] Groom with mother and father separately [ ] Groom with sisters and brothers

[ ] Father giving bride’s hand to groom

[ ] Best man toasting newlyweds [ ] Newlyweds’ toast

[ ] Exchanging of vows

[ ] Couple’s first dance

[ ] Ring ceremony

[ ] Father’s dance with daughter

[ ] The kiss

[ ] Wedding party dancing

[ ] Recessional [ ] Formal bride and groom together [ ] Newlyweds and parents [ ] Newlyweds and children/stepchildren

[ ] Groom with best man

[ ] Newlyweds and entire bridal party

[ ] Groom with groomsmen

[ ] Newlyweds with officiant

[ ] Decorating of couple’s car [ ] Bride tossing bouquet [ ] Groom removing/tossing garter [ ] Guests throwing rice/blowing bubbles [ ] Newlyweds getting in car [ ] Post-reception party

Wedding Planner 2012 41

[ Attendants’ checklist ]

BRIDESMAIDS AND GROOMSMEN [ ] Complete fittings of gowns or suits. Pay for own attire. [ ] Assist in all pre-wedding festivities. [ ] Attend pre-wedding parties. [ ] Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. [ ] Perform tasks as assigned by bride or groom. [ ] Fill cups with confetti, rice or rose petals to throw for the getaway. [ ] Decorate the cars.

MAID OR MATRON OF HONOR [ ] Responsible for her own gown and accessories. Pay for own wedding attire. [ ] Organize bridesmaids’ fittings and details. [ ] Attend all pre-wedding parties. [ ] Help arrange/host bridal shower. [ ] Arrange bridal bachelorette party or luncheon. [ ] Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. [ ] Keep record of shower and wedding gifts. [ ] Take charge of groom’s ring 42 Wedding Planner 2012

during ceremony. [ ] Act as official witness and sign wedding certificate. [ ] Help bridesmaids on wedding day. [ ] Rearrange train before recessional. [ ] Hold bride’s bouquet and gloves during ceremony. [ ] Care for bride’s things at ceremony and reception. [ ] Assist bride when changing from her wedding gown to her going-away apparel. [ ] Deliver bride’s gown to designated place after wedding.

USHERS/ATTENDANTS [ ] Pay for own wedding attire. [ ] Involved in all ceremony festivities. [ ] Make sure principals have flowers before being seated. [ ] Distribute wedding programs. [ ] Greet guests at the ceremony and seat them accordingly. Bride’s family and friends sit on the left of the aisle and the groom’s on the right. [ ] After all guests are seated, unroll aisle carpet. (Usually after the bride’s mother is seated.)

[ ] Responsible for rolling the aisle runner back up after the ceremony. [ ] Check wedding venue for any items left behind. [ ] Transport gifts from ceremony site to the reception.

BEST MAN [ ] Responsible for his tuxedo. Pay for own attire. [ ] Arrange groom’s bachelor party. [ ] In charge of groom’s arrival at church. [ ] Supervise the groomsmen, regarding their dress and duties at ceremony. [ ] See that ushers’ duties run smoothly. [ ] Sign and witnesses the marriage certificate. [ ] Give first toast and special speeches at ceremony and reception. [ ] Keep rings, license and honeymoon tickets in a safe place. [ ] Act as toastmaster at the bridal table. [ ] Plan for transportation from reception. [ ] Return groom’s tuxedo to rental shop.

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