Wedding Planner January 2016

2016 Vol. 1

Wedding Planner This supplemental guide is full of useful tips and information to make your special day an event to remember for a lifetime

From the editors of

Josephine magazine

WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016 1

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Wedding Planner 2016

From the editors of

Josephine magazine

Index

5 Catering....................... 8 Celebration spaces... 10 Flowers..................... 13 Gowns...................... 16 Honeymoons............. 18 Bridal beauty...............

High school sweethearts

20 Photography.............. 24 Ring trends............... 26 Transportation........... 28 Wedding checklist......31 wed in fall ceremony...

Laura Benitz Photography

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Bridal beauty

A beautiful bride

Hair, makeup and nails key to your look

By CHELSIE KORMEIER Josephine magazine

Most women treasure their wedding pictures and proudly display them throughout their home because it’s the day they felt the most beautiful. What bride doesn’t want to show off her look?

Choosing the right makeup, hairstyle and nails all matter. All of these details are captured and noticed in every photograph. These

three things might seem small compared to every other aspect that a bride has to do to make her big day happen, but far too many brides don’t plan enough to pamper themselves because of the stress of everything else. This shouldn’t be the case.

Hair, makeup and nails are the fun part. Every bride deserves to be pampered and enjoy her special day, so don’t wait until the last minute — plan ahead to spoil yourself. After all, your big day only comes around once. Here are some helpful tips and popular trends to get you started.

Makeup

Finding the right makeup artist can be difficult. There already are enough horror makeup artist stories

to scare brides away from having a professional do theirs. But it’s not impossible to find a makeup artist who knows what she is doing. Candis Sanborn, a cosmetologist at Riviera Tan and Beauty and freelance makeup artist, spends nearly every weekend doing hair and makeup for weddings. Sanborn says that it’s all about finding out what the bride really wants.

Some brides prefer to do their own makeup, but they want to be taught how to do it properly, so she sets up appointments with them to help them choose the right color palettes.

Typically after a practice appointment, the bride walks away feeling confident about her choices.

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Hair, makeup and nails key to bride’s look CONTINUED FROM Page 5 However, some brides and their wedding parties will come in on the big day and have their makeup professionally done, but more and more brides are going for top-of-the-line makeup with just enough training to do it themselves.

“A bride always wants one of two things: to play up their eyes or go for a bold lip color,” Sanborn says. “For the bride who chooses to play up their eyes, dark smoky eyes will always be in. It’s classic, and adding metallics to the mix is gaining in popularity.

“The bride who wants a bold lip wants to make a statement,” she says. “A bright red or a deep wine color is a popular choice. In such cases, these brides highlight their eyes with more natural, earthy tones.”

Hair

Women tend to change up their hair regularly, but when it comes to your wedding, don’t experiment or make dramatic choices close to your big day. Make sure you pick a color choice you are familiar with. It’s recommended that you cut and color your hair three to four weeks before your wedding day. Hands down, more and more brides are going for a more natural look.

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“Every girl has different texture of hair, and instead of changing it to something it’s not made to be, brides are embracing their natural textures and working with what they have,” Sanborn says.

Curling hair is losing its popularity. Hairstylists are doing a lot more creative things involving braids and different twists. When you forget the curling iron, the options are endless.

Meg McQuinn is a local hairstylist.

She knows how to satisfy her clients by creating a special and unique look for each woman.

Both McQuinn and Sanborn are seeing women want more natural colors than ever before. When it comes to your hair, don’t hate your natural curls or your thin, straight

An

hair, but instead embrace the textures of your hair and learn to love what you already have.

When it comes to your wedding day there is one thing that every bride wants: big hair.

“Regardless of preference, girls always want big hair,” Sanborn says.

So keep root lifter and the hairspray nearby.”

Nails

Brides typically don’t stress about their nails because it is quick and easy to get them done anywhere at any time. Acrylic nail sets are often a bride’s favorite, but gel nails are growing more and more popular. Gel nails are thicker and last longer then the normal nail polish, and they are tough

enough to last through your big day.

As far as color choices, brides are normally one extreme or the next.

The classic French manicure will always be a bride’s favorite, but with many themed weddings, brides are choosing bold, rich colors for their nails. This adds a fun pop of color.

While with hair you want to make sure you color it in advance, nails are the opposite. Don’t go too early.

Most bridal parties go as a group a couple days before the wedding as you want you nails to stay fresh.

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Catering

Eat, drink and be merry Serving up the perfect wedding food

By CHELSIE KORMEIER Josephine magazine

W

ho doesn’t love food?

As Americans, we take what we eat very seriously. We love a good burger or a fancy seafood dinner, and we can’t forget our addiction to sugar. We all have a sweet tooth.

We all have favorite meals we just can’t get enough of, and the same goes for wedding couples. Choosing the right catering for your wedding reception matters, and it can be difficult to pinpoint what foods to select. Does the bride choose a fullcourse catered meal, or does she pick appetizers? What drinks keep the party alive? And the most important question: What about the dessert?

The food, drinks and dessert at each wedding often set the tone for how 8 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016

long your reception will be. Before you choose a caterer, here are a few trending food styles to look for and things to consider.

As it comes time to select a wedding caterer, the bride and groom will be asked two simple, yet important, questions: 1. What’s your budget?

2. What time is your wedding?

Every reception starts with a filling dish. Whether you decide on a full-course meal or you choose appetizers, the reception kicks off with its main course. Pamela Sanders, owner of Terrace Catering in Edgerton, Missouri, explains that timing is everything.

“If a wedding party is at the reception at 6 p.m., they serve a full dinner,” she says. “However if they don’t arrive until 7 p.m., they almost always do appetizers.”

You wouldn’t think one hour would make such a difference, but

when you are planning for a fun night of celebrating, timing is everything. Jason Thomas, owner of Wabash Catering, notes that the venue you select often depends on the style of catering.

“If it’s a large venue, the bridal party always requests a formal dinner,” Thomas says.

A dinner celebration

The folks at Wabash Catering find that the top entree choices are prime rib or a chicken dinner. Often you will see the wedding party select half prime rib and half chicken. Terrace Catering sees an equal amount of chicken dinners, but also a large portion of their clients request a pasta dinner.

“If it’s a fancy black-tie reception, then that bridal party hands down wants some sort of beef,” Sanders says.

Brides who select a dinner reception typically love to socialize. They want to take their time through the reception and enjoy the celebration from the moment the party begins.

An appetizer celebration

Wabash Catering stays busy catering weddings nearly every weekend.

“I am finding that more brides are going for a ‘bar’ themed reception,” Thomas says.

“Brides are getting creative, wanting appetizer bars, fruit bars, Chex mix bars, candy bars — honestly, the options are endless.”

Brides are drawn to catering services that are flexible. Every bride wants to make her special day one of a kind. Appetizers provide an elegant look presented on fancy platters that makes any food table stand out.

A top trending appetizer for both Terrace and Wabash catering is bruschetta.

“Everybody loves a good bruschetta!”

Thomas says.

Other popular appetizers range from spinach and artichoke dip to Swedish meatballs and mini sandwiches.

Drinks and dessert choices remain the same among every wedding, regardless of whether it’s a dinner or appetizer celebration. Popular drink choices depend on the time of year.

Drinks can be fun for the bride to pick out.

Consider choosing fun drinks for the fall or winter months — apple cider and hot chocolate are among the trending favorites.

For spring or summer, a traditional punch is still popular among brides. For the warmest months, the bride often chooses to create a lemonade bar.

“When it comes to alcoholic drinks, I see cash bars off to the side of most weddings here in St. Joe, whereas a wedding that takes place in the country or smaller town will often have an open bar,” Thomas says.

Dessert

Every guest’s favorite part of the party is the dessert. Many traditional weddings do a large cake. Out of the whole catering experience, desserts have shifted more than any other aspect.

“I see more mini desserts than I do one big cake,” Sanders says. “The bride is loving this option because she can choose three, four or five different dessert flavors.”

All quality bakeries or catering services still make a great deal of large cakes, but the trend is continuing to move toward cupcakes or mini-desserts. Many brides are doing away with a traditional wedding cake and switching to all cupcakes, cookies and fun candy bars of all their favorite sweet treats.

No matter what type of food, drink, or dessert you choose, no foods have gone out of style. At the end of the day, food is food and a bride should feel relief at getting to choose a scrumptious dish that satisfies her cravings after a long day.

WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016 9

Celebration spaces

The perfect place Options abound when choosing wedding, reception venues

By CHELSIE KORMEIER Josephine magazine

F

or many couples, choosing the ceremony location is an easy decision, especially for those who desire to get married in a church.

Many get married in the church they are currently active in or the one they grew up in. This creates a simple, intimate environment for the ceremony.

However more and more brides are looking for a space that fits their personality best. Some fall in love with historic buildings, and others look for mansions to create an elegant, sophisticated look. Yet, many brides can’t get enough of nature’s beauty, so they long for a rustic or country area. Among those are three types outdoor wedding. of trending venues: nondenominaRegardless of your preference or style, before choosing the location of tional spaces, churches and outside facilities. your celebration space it’s helpful to ask yourself a few basic questions.

Nondenominational spaces Once you and your partner make Ballrooms, halls and historical these plans, set it in place and stick spaces are popular choices for those to it. wanting a larger wedding outside of a church. However, these types of Start with a list of spaces also work well for receptions questions: after a church wedding. ❯❯ How big is your wedding?

Brad Worthan, manager of the ❯❯ Do you want an outside or inside Grand Ballroom located in Downvenue? town St. Joseph, says his space has been used as an all-around wedding ❯❯ Will the wedding and reception be in venue, but most couples use the balltwo different places? room for their reception only. ❯❯ What is your budget?

“The Grand Ballroom has a Great Gatsby look and is from the early Asking yourself these questions 1900s,” he says. “This is a historic will help you eliminate options building with one really big ballthat don’t meet your needs. There room.” are many different types of venues If you’re looking for a historic located throughout the St. Joseph 10 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016

space, museums, bed and breakfast venues and large homes are places to consider. In many cases, these venues can do all the work for you, including catering, or you can bring your own supplies.

Churches

Every church is different, and every single one of those churches has radically different policies and procedures. If you’re planning to get married in a church, make sure to check in early to reserve your desired date as well as make sure you understand what the requirements for getting married there are. Some churches require premarital counseling, which can take some time.

Many churches also have facilities that can hold a reception after the wedding, but not all do, so this is something couples will want to consider as well. If your church doesn’t have a reception space, you’ll have to take the party elsewhere, meaning additional logistics will be required.

Outside venues

A rustic style or a modern vintage look is growing and consistently becoming more and more of a favorite for brides-to-be. With this trend, an outside facility just makes sense. This makes it easy to pull off the look you are going for when you desire a rustic feel.

The Green Acres building offers both a ballroom and a courtyard.

The outside facility is tucked away in the back of the building behind a gate to create a sweet and intimate outside wedding. The courtyard seats up to 250 people.

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Options abound when choosing venues CONTINUED FROM Page 10 day,” Event Coordinator Ashely Cowan says. “We provide them with lists of information and caterers to help them make their decisions a little easier. We set up the courtyard for them and provide all the chairs and tables needed.”

There also are a growing number of venues near the city that offer a country setting. Barns can make great venues for those wanting a relaxed and romantic atmosphere.

These spaces can be dressed up or dressed down, depending on the look each bride wants to create. Some of these facilities even allow you to bring horses and leashed dogs.

Donovan Diaz, an owner of Red Barn Farm, says his facility, like many other outdoor venues, has a backup plan in case of weather issues.

“Brides want an outdoors wedding, but there is always that fear of the weather turning sour,” he says.

“We have two wedding spaces available. Brides will set up their wedding

for outdoors and if something unfortunate happens, the bride has two backup plans they may choose from.

“The first option is to rent a large outside tent, but the most common option

is to take the ceremony into the barn where the reception is set up,” he says.

Diaz says natural beauty is a key reason brides opt for an outdoor wedding.

“Our brides love the natural prairie grass look,” he says. “It makes for fantastic pictures and looks beautiful with any theme.”

He also said long spreads of greenery down the tables is another trend in outdoor weddings.

“Brides are no longer wanting clear or glass vases,” he says. “We see bride after bride going for silver vases with books stacked and box cedar pine decor.”

Whichever type of venue you choose, once you set a wedding date, don’t hesitate to book your space.

Many facilities fill up six months to a year in advance, especially for summer weddings.

Once your location has been booked and decided, everything else will start falling into place.

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Flowers

Trends in bloom

Flowers add color, style to weddings

By CHELSIE KORMEIER Josephine magazine

F

or centuries, flowers have a way of bringing life. Luther Burbank, an American botanist born in 1849, had it right when he said, “Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine to the soul.” This is especially true when it comes to weddings.

Flowers are a traditional trademark for weddings, something that will never grow old or lose luster.

According to Teresa Bally, manager and wedding coordinator at Butchart Flowers, floral trends haven’t changed much in the last few years.

“Some flowers

are just always around,” she says, adding “hydrangea, peonies, calla lilies, and always, aways roses,” remain popular.

Another local florist has a little bit of a different spin on the popular trends she is seeing more and more.

“Our brides will often show us a picture they have fallen in love with, and we work with what they bring us so we can help meet the expectation they have of the picture,” says Dawn Marti, owner at Sansone Floral.

“Our most popular floral favorites are dahlias, peonies, gerber daises and, as always, roses.”

Marti says a new trend that she has seen the most above any other is succulents.

“These, along with berries, pods and interesting foliage, give the flowers a fresh, yet modern feel for weddings,” she says.

Brides almost always do fresh

flowers. Silk flowers have nearly died out of all popular trends. The season you choose to get married makes a very big difference on which flowers the bride will choose.

During the fall or winter months, often a bride will pick deep, jeweled tones for flowers, and when spring and summer roll around, many will choose bright or pastel floral options.

The artsy bride

It’s not uncommon for a bride to walk into a florist shop and not know the types of flowers she is looking for. With the technology-driven society we live in, it’s common to see a bride pulling up a Pinterest page on a smartphone to show the florist what she is wanting. And with the ever-changing trends, most brides go for a look, or a style, more than pursuing a particular flower.

Brides want to be creative with their floral choices. For example, when it comes to the bridesmaids, the most common go-to bouquet is a mismatch look.

Please see FLOWERS/ Page 14

WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016 13

Flowers add style and color

CONTINUED FROM Page 13

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Brides don’t want every bouquet the same; they want each floral arrangement to have its own special twist.

Bally from Butchart Flowers is seeing a growing style among bridal choices: the jeweled or broach bouquet.

“Girls come in and want to create something completely new and different,” she says. “Vintage is the biggest trend I see, and so often brides create flower arrangements that create a vintage jeweled theme.”

Vintage might be the most popular and loved style for women right now, but a rustic trend follows close behind. Marti at Sansone Floral works a lot with brides who want a

burlap-wrapped bouquet.

“The handheld bouquet is still what brides want in their floral arrangements, just with an added twist to make it feel more country or rustic,” she says.

Both Sansone and Butchart see

an equal amount of baby’s breath.

This old-school look is an easy go-to for many brides who want a vintage or rustic feel. They incorporate it in their bouquets, boutonnières and even in Mason jars for reception decor.

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The DIY bride

When a bride-to-be plans her big day, that doesn’t just mean a wedding ceremony, it also means a reception to feast on and celebrate with friends and family. Not very many occasions happen in life where you have to throw two special events — the ceremony and reception — in one day.

However when it comes to a wedding, brides have both to plan for.

They will spend months and endless hours working on every aspect for their big day. More and more, brides are wanting their day to be filled with detailed decorating to portray a theme at the ceremony and reception. Thanks to Pinterest, brides are able to get DIY savvy and save money for all their added floral decor. Floral shops all over are seeing a continued moving trend for the DIY bride. It is common for the DIY bride to do her reception all on her own.

At Butchart Flowers, they are more than happy to help brides learn new floral techniques.

“It’s the most common for floral shops to create all of the bride’s flowers for the ceremony, but when it comes to the reception, brides tend to decorate it themselves,” Bally says.

“I love to teach brides basic DIY flower tips, but I often caution the bride to make sure she knows what she’s getting herself into. Oftentimes brides get overwhelmed planning their big day.”

So, brides to be, it is highly recommended that you do your research and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Creating an artsy-DIY themed wedding is a trend that is ever increasing.

Floral arrangements of any kind truly are the best way to bring extra joy and added decor for your special day.

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Gowns

Dress to impress Custom-made or off-the-rack, find your perfect gown

By CHELSIE KORMEIER Josephine magazine

A

t some point, every little girl dreams about her wedding (some more than others), but time gives way and our childhood dreams become reality. The day every girl dreams about is suddenly here, and it’s actually time to say yes to the dress!

Finding the right gown that meets all your wildest dreams can take a lot of time. Every married woman knows that once you find the dress, a sensational joy overcomes you and you feel like a little girl in a fairytale world.

Tayne Fast had been dreaming of the day she would get to say “I do.”

When the time finally came for Fast to wed, she couldn’t find the gown she had always dreamed of. After much searching, she found Shannon Renee’s Formal Wear and Accessories, which helps brides custom design their own wedding dresses.

Owner Shannon Beemer opened the store in 2012 because she wanted to work with happy people.

“I love making my job about making people happy,” she says. “I want to see customers smile and light up, so I thought, ‘Brides are full of joy.’ It just made sense to open up a bridal boutique.”

When Fast found Shannon Renee’s, she felt a sense of relief after not finding any dress that fulfilled her dreams.

16 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016

“I had a picture in my head of what I wanted, but I couldn’t find anything similar that was reasonably priced,” she says.

Want to custom design your dress?

Allow yourself eight to 12 months for a custom-made dress. This process includes brides writing a specification, a sketch artist and a couple of consultations. The bride also is able to try on different dresses that have similarities to what she is wanting to ensure she likes the fit or material she orders. The design is then sent off, made and shipped back in plenty of time to ensure it fits properly.

“It is a fun process getting to see the bride filled with joy, but the most important thing in ordering a custom-made dress is that the bride is confident in her decisions,” Beemer says.

If you’d rather go off the rack, both Shannon Renee’s and Bridal Boutique in St. Joseph offer plenty of options.

Even though there are constant changes with the never-ending trends in bridal gowns, there are always a few that gain much popularity and attention. Lace, chiffon and sleeves are three statement pieces that are extremely popular.

“This year you will continue you see a lot of lace with more detail and beading on illusion backs,” says Leigh Anne Swarts, owner of Bridal Boutique. “Sheath slip dresses are still popular, but I would say the only change with that style would be that they are starting to have more fullness in the skirts.

“The trend toward a sleeve of some sort is continuing, but instead of being a long sleeve, like I thought we

really didn’t think that trend would ever come back, but we’ll see how it is received this spring.”

White is still the traditional wedding gown color, but Beemer sees more ivory than white gowns. And every bride wants a little bit of bling to her dress, but many are going for just a little bit of beading or sparkle.

Big ball gowns, excessive tulle and large jewel embellishments are losing their excitement.

Bridesmaid dresses

would see, we are continuing to see a lot of the tank strap. Almost every dress that is strapless is available with the option of a cap sleeve, or keyhole-back-type strap option.”

Beemer says she’s seeing some similar trends.

“Brides are wanting a combination of lace, straps and sleeves in their wedding gowns,” Beemer says. “(Brides also like) a tighter-fit dress with a lighter material to make it more comfortable. It might seem simple, but the details on these dresses are breathtaking.”

Swarts says there is an unexpected trend is coming back.

“I have seen the addition of capes and detachable trains coming back.

We haven’t seen this in bridal since the ’90s, at least not in the same extravagant fashion,” she says. “I remember them from when I was younger working in the store. I

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For a bride, bridesmaids dresses are nearly as important for the big day. Bridesmaid dresses typically are the bride’s favorite color, and she will want to put a lot of thought into what her best friends will wear.

“Long bridesmaids dresses are growing in popularity. Short bridesmaid dresses are still in, but they aren’t as popular as the long bridesmaid dresses,” Beemer says. “However, shimmer dresses are making their way into the bridesmaid world very quickly.”

Swarts says bridesmaids dresses have improved over years past.

“There is a lot of lace, detailed beadwork, sequins and tulle. The bridesmaids are more formal and overall, the styles are much more likely to be something that a maid could wear again,” she says. “Also, pastels are overall the most popular colors. I’ve had additions to every company’s swatch card that includes more pastel colors, and they have discontinued some of the more bold colors.”

Brides also are loving chiffon material for bridesmaid dresses. The light, soft material has a classy look to it.

WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016 17

Honeymoons

Trip tips How to budget for and save on honeymoons

By MARGARET SLAYTON Josephine magazine

T

houghtful planning is key for a perfect honeymoon getaway after the rush of organizing the wedding ceremony.

Chad Cotter of Cotter Travel in St. Joseph says the secret to getting the most bang for your honeymoon buck is to determine the budget prior to planning. After a destination is selected, he recommends couples shop around for the best deals and book rates ahead of time.

He says the most common honeymoon locations selected by cus18 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016

tomers are Mexico, Colorado and Hawaii.

For one-stop, stress-free trip planning, a travel agent can aid in saving money while scheduling travel packages after couples have determined what priorities they want met during the trip. Travel agents have relationships with hotels that will offer upgrades or travel perks, and they can have access to rooms even when the website says they’re full. Due to their experience booking trips, many may be aware of extra charges that often can be overlooked, such as resort fees that are added to the standard room rate along with costs like car rental parking.

Here are seven money-saving tips to help plan a dream honeymoon at a discount:

1. Book the trip early

Cotter says this reduces the likelihood that inexpensive hotel rooms or airplane tickets will be sold out. In the case of cruises, which typically

announce itineraries 10 to 14 months in advance, this also can mean savings off the booking price.

For those planning to head to a foreign destination, time also may need to be allotted to acquire a passport.

2. Choose an off-season location

He says if the departure date is fixed, choose a destination whose off-the-shoulder-season (the period right before and after the high-traffic season) coincides with your travel dates for drastic price breaks and fewer crowds.

The off season is not always synonymous with bad weather. For example, the islands in the Caribbean have ideal temperatures year-round, but rates increase from January to April due to more travelers.

However, travelers should be cautious since the off season can mean weather conditions that result in tourism activities closing down until more comfortable weather returns.

He also says flights mid-week on Tuesday or Wednesday can be the least expensive days to travel.

“Most of the time, honeymooners leave right after they get married, but if they’re able to be flexible and leave two or three days later, it’ll help on price too,” Cotter says.

3. Create a honeymoon or bridal registry

Online registry services allow couples to collect, track and apply financial contributions from their wedding guests toward their honeymoon expenses. This feature also allows guests to “sponsor” specific activities such as a cruise, scuba trip or a meal at a restaurant.

4. Consider an all-inclusive tour or trip

Teri Berry, travel agent for AAA, says most all-inclusive rates cover all aspects of the trip and leave no surprises to how much the trip will cost.

She says the deals include hotel rooms, all meals, tips, activities, enter-

tainment and airport transfers. The only aspect of the trip not included in advance is souvenirs or gift purchases.

Berry says this prevents couples from going over budget, allows them to plan in advance and lets them know what to expect.

5. Consider honeymoon trip packages

For locations where all-inclusive rates aren’t available, purchasing trip packages can be the best option.

Berry says tour companies often offer discounts if the airplane, hotel and car rentals are purchased together.

When booking a package, the couple is required to pay a deposit but can create a monthly payment plan before the departure.

6. Bring the marriage license for a discount

When inquiring about a rate or making a reservation, let the person know it’s for a honeymoon.

Hotels, restaurants and other businesses may offer perks or added bonuses if a couple tells them they’re

recently married and bring the certificate as proof.

7. Use mass transit instead of renting a vehicle

Depending on the location of the honeymoon, using hop-on and hopoff day passes on the mass transit may be the most cost effective mode of transportation.

Cotter says couples should compare mass transit rates with renting a vehicle because the savings varies according to the location selected.

“There are also cases when I get honeymooners that want to go to Colorado and go skiing,” Cotter says. “When they fly into Denver, the bus transfer from the airport to the ski resorts in the mountains is usually more expensive than renting a car. It really depends on where you’re going for the trip.”

In European countries, the cost of a city pass for transit also may include access to well-known museums and tourist hot spots. In the case of Hawaii, visitors to Honolulu may not need a car, but a rental could be necessary on the other islands.

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WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016 19

Rustic DIY charm High school sweethearts wed in fall ceremony

By JENA SAUBER Josephine magazine

Wedding vows were a long time coming for high school sweethearts Angelina and Jordan Meyer.

Together almost seven years, the couple tied the knot at the Riverwood Winery in Weston, Missouri, this fall at a rustic, DIY wedding and reception.

“I remember how happy we felt just seeing all our friends and family around us just celebrating,” Angelina says. “We have a lot of people we know, so seeing all those people all together and bonding, it was awesome. I was so happy with all of it.”

The Oct. 3, 2015, wedding, attended by 120 guests, included many do-it-yourself touches and personal additions, including an exit processional to an instrumental version of the “Jurassic Park” theme song and personal love letters.

Please see HIGH/Page 22

Angelina and Jordan Meyer of St. Joseph were married at the Riverwood Winery in Weston, Missouri, in early October. Their rustic country-themed wedding ceremony took place outdoors, with an indoor reception following.

Laura Benitz Photography

High school sweethearts wed in rustic fall ceremony CONTINUED FROM Page 20

High school sweethearts

Jordan and Angelina, both 23, met while working at a Burger King in Blue Springs, Missouri, while in high school.

They moved to St. Joseph in 2012 and both attended Missouri Western State University. Jordan proposed the day before his birthday in May 2012.

“I sat on the couch and asked her repeatedly if I could open a gift early.

Finally she said ‘OK, which one do you want to open up, the big one or the medium one?’” Jordan says. “I said ‘How about this one?’ and I had a ring box. It took her completely by surprise, which is good considering she knew it was coming.”

The couple slated their wedding for fall 2015, following Jordan’s college graduation. They waited until about a year before the wedding date to begin planning, Angelina says.

“I started by looking at things on Pinterest to build ideas,” she says. “I had been looking at venues and had one in mind that I wanted. The venue was the first thing we set in stone.”

The couple selected the Riverwood Winery for the outdoor ceremony and barn reception. They’d originally planned on Sept. 5, Angelina’s grandma’s birthday, but had to reschedule when another couple reserved the venue first.

“I always knew I wanted an outdoor ceremony. I’ve always just been drawn to the old barn kind of look,” Angelina says. “Our venue is kind of out in the middle of nowhere.

It’s spectacular. As soon as we went there to look at it, I was blown away.”

She did many of the decorations herself, including wrapping wine and beer bottles in twine for the table centerpieces, which was time-consuming, Angelina says.

“Don’t do it all yourself,” she says.

“I’m not one to ask for help. I don’t like to burden people, so I took on a lot of things, especially making everything and making sure everything was planned. But as I got busier, it got harder.”

She utilized Facebook wedding groups and attended multiple bridal shows, which helped her win half 22 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016

Laura Benitz Photography

Angelina Meyer knew she wanted an outdoor ceremony. off her photography package and a special deal on the tuxedos, Angelina says.

Staying within their budget was important, the couple says.

“I asked her to pick three things she couldn’t compromise on,” Jordan, who handled most of the budgeting, says. “Once we had those things, everything else we could compromise on to try to find something within our budget.”

The couple chose not to compromise on the wedding dress, the venue and the photographer. Angelina originally had considered wearing her grandmother’s dress, but it was too damaged and short to wear. Instead, she wrapped lace and pearl buttons from the dress around her bouquet and carried a memory charm in honor of her grandmother, who passed away in April 2013.

Eventually, she found her dress at The Gown Gallery in Kansas City, Missouri.

“It was perfect,” Angelina says.

“It had all the things I wanted — a sweetheart neckline, a keyhole back, a little sash around the middle and it was lace. I wanted it to be lace.”

Their family and friends did most of the setup at the venue which helped greatly, the couple says.

“A lot of family and friends helped with setup, tear down and with the food during the wedding,” Angelina

Laura Benitz Photography

The couple had a first dance to ‘Close Enough to Miss’ by The Center State, a St. Joseph folk band.

The couple moved to St. Joseph in 2012. says. “Jordan’s parents did so much and made sure all the little details were perfect. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

The big day

The 30-minute ceremony, officiated by a friend of Jordan’s, was held outdoors at the winery. Angelina was walked down the aisle by her grandfather, who has played a large role in her life, before meeting her dad in the last row.

During the ceremony, the couple sealed loved letters in a box with a bottle of Riverwood Winery wine.

“We are going to open it on our fifth wedding anniversary,” Angelina says. “But if times get rough and we face hardship in our marriage that is hard to overcome, then we will open the box early and drink the wine together and read the love letters to help remind us why we chose to spend our lives together.”

The ceremony music, selected by Angelina, included pieces from The Piano Guys, an American music group. As a surprise, Jordan selected the piano version of the “Jurassic Park” theme song for the exit song.

“We had a lot of people remarking afterward when we were shaking

Laura Benitz Photography

Laura Benitz Photography

The couple’s reception included a meal of brisket, coleslaw and potato salad. They also served cake and wine from the Riverwood Winery, where the wedding was held. The meal was ‘catered’ by family to help cut costs, the couple says. hands, “‘Jurassic Park?” Really?’”

Jordan says laughing. “Other people were going ‘Of course!’”

The reception was held at the barn on the winery property. The couple decided to forgo a professional caterer and DJ to stay within their budget, Jordan says.

“For the meal, my parents got everything in bulk and had slow roasters, and we had brisket and coleslaw and potato salad,” he says.

“It was kind of backyard picnic type food, but we had a lot of it. It was really good, too.”

Instead of hiring a DJ, he assem-

Angelina Meyer found many of her items at Hobby Lobby and utilized online wedding groups and bridal shows to find good deals.

Making and sticking to a budget is bled a playlist ahead of time and had also important, the couple says. Utia friend manage the entertainment lizing online resources, bridal shows during the reception, Jordan says. and coupons helped keep costs down, “Included in our RSVPs was ‘I promise to dance if you play _____,’” he says. Angelina says.

“You can afford a much bigger “Most of the reception was on a playlist, wedding than you were expecting which was nice. I get picky about the if you can just budget accordingly,” music. I nitpick the DJ all the time.”

Jordan says.

Newlywed advice Now, the couple is adjusting to Even though something almost married life in St. Joseph after a always goes awry during a wedding, honeymoon in Cancun. Angelina there isn’t anything they would works as a physical therapy assischange, the couple says. To other tant, and Jordan works as a biologcouples planning a wedding, Jordan ical science technician at Squaw would recommend getting a wedding Creek National Wildlife Refuge and planner if possible, he says. at Best Buy as a member of the Geek “If you have the money, I’d utilize Squad. a wedding planner,” he says. “It was “It’s good. With us being together mostly Angelina coming up with the as long as we have, it doesn’t feel too concepts and my parents doing the different,” Jordan says. “We are just logistical parts of getting it done. I wish overall happier. We are still soaking we could have taken the load off them.” it all in.”

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WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016 23

Photography

Picture perfect

Getting the best photos of your big day

By MARGARET SLAYTON Josephine magazine

S

ince wedding photographers create a recording of the memories of the biggest day in a couple’s life, detail should be given to selecting the perfect shutterbug to document the special day.

When deciding on a wedding photographer, start the search by reading reviews from past weddings and view the websites and blogs of the businesses to check out photos of other brides and grooms they’ve taken, which will give an idea of the photographer’s style.

Here are six tips to consider when selecting a wedding photographer:

1. Set up interviews

Lura Landis from Lura Landis Photography in St. Joseph recommends couples meet their potential photographer in person to better assess whether their personalities mesh. She says photographers prefer to do an engagement session prior to the day of the wedding to get to know the couple.

During the first meeting, she asks questions ranging from how the couple met and what their hobbies are to how they got engaged. For the wedding day, she asks about the size of the venue, wedding style and what the couple envisions for their photos.

“The more you get to know the bride and groom, the better your images are going to be,” Landis says. “All those questions give me an insight into how the couple reacts to each other and what they love about one another.”

24 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016

She says the best photos are taken when couples are willing to collaborate on ideas.

“The photographer is somebody that is going to be recording the most important images of your lifetime,” Landis says. “You want to be able to click with their personality and have a good rapport with them and feel at ease.”

2. Select a setting

Landis says couples will need to decide what type of photography style they prefer, as that will help determine which kind of photographer they’ll want shooting the wedding.

She says the trend for wedding photos is recording candid moments of the couple and guests before, during and after the ceremony.

In order to achieve the natural feel in the photos, she suggests couples spend time getting to know the photographer and figuring out how to work together to bring detail to the images.

“What a lot of people need to remember when they’re choosing a

photographer is that a lot of those candid moments are not necessarily truly candid or spontaneous,” Landis says. “You might get lucky and get a few shots without having to orchestrate anything, but it has been my experience that you usually get a great look by orchestrating it more or less.”

She says photographers can do a blend of different style shots for the wedding or engagement photos and can do a mix of black-and-white and color images.

3. Create a contract

Landis says to make sure everything is in writing and confirmed, such as the arrival time (leave extra time in case plans change) and the addresses for the wedding and reception.

In addition, she says to consider the rights to the photos. Most contracts stipulate that the photographer owns the rights to all photos taken at the wedding. In other words, the photographer can use

them promotionally online or place them in advertisements. However, she says a couple can sign a separate release barring the photos from being used for advertisement.

Landis says to also make sure the photographer has liability insurance before signing the contract.

4. Confirm your photographer

Danielle Manning from Worth A 1,000 Words Photography in St. Joseph says to specify in the contract the number of photographers that are planned for the wedding day and their names.

Since every professional has a different style, technique and personality, it secures that the one you interview will be the same one who works during the wedding.

In addition, she recommends having two photographers to better capture the event from all angles.

She says the main benefit to having two shooters is that the couple gets twice as much coverage. For example, during the formal photo session, one photographer can capture the formal photos, while the second one can get the behind-the-scenes photos, like the guests mingling.

Manning says designing a backup plan in case the photographer is unable to attend unexpectedly can reduce stress the day of the wedding.

5. Compare packages

Manning says photographers offer an array of options for packages ranging from the number of photos a couple can buy to the design of the wedding album. In addition, specialty items can be purchased, such as thank-you cards or photo canvases.

She says they can develop all pho-

tos in their studio or provide a CD of the photos to allow the bride and groom to print them at a later date.

In particular, decide exactly how many hours of coverage will be needed for the day. Ideally, the photographer will be there from when the bride and groom start getting ready until after they exit from the reception. While packages vary, most expect about six to 12 hours to cover everything. In many cases, it’s better to pay for more coverage in advance because overtime is usually charged at a higher hourly rate.

6. Get the post-production details shooting large, raw files that are Manning says it usually takes four to six weeks to get photo proofs back from the ceremony. She says she takes an average of 1,500 photos during a wedding, and the couple is able to choose their favorites to include in their packages.

The longer wait to retrieve the images is due to the photographer

M AKE

YOUR

bigger than a typical JPG. Shooting raw files gives the photographer a greater ability to correct or retouch the photo, but it also takes a longer time to process. Couples can ask their photographer what options are available for special effects, which can range from simple white balancing to super-saturated colors.

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WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016 25

Ring trends

A nice ring to it Self-designed pieces, newer materials popular in wedding jewelry

By MARGARET SLAYTON Josephine magazine

C

ouples are concentrating on the style, not just the carats, when selecting wedding rings.

When planning to buy a diamond for the bride-to-be, jewelers recommend considering the four Cs that play into quality, which are color, clarity, carat and cut. Jewelers can provide a report on the ring from the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) that sets the standards for diamond grading.

Pam Shroyer, sales associate for Niche of Time Jewelry, says the current trend is couples requesting one-of-a-kind rings that are different from traditional styles.

“What people want to do is make their ring personal and make it their own,” Shroyer says. “They want that ring that nobody else has, so what we offer is customization.

They can choose a mounting and then choose a center for it. The days where every bride got a round center are over. We have brides saying they may like a pear-shaped center or they may like a marquise center set on its side.”

She says couples are selecting rings that match their personality and are specialized to fit their lifestyle.

“Another trend is stackable rings that the bride adds to the solitaire or one central diamond,” Shroyer 26 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016

says. “That way they can wear the stackable ring either by itself to do an activity like exercise or they will put it with their solitaire to change things up. For certain anniversaries, you can add another stackable band.

This has become popular because people like to have a lot of options.”

Shroyer says changes in technology also have been reflected in ring trends. Couples often are doing their ring design planning online and then asking jewelers to create that piece.

In addition, the development of laser technology allows for changes to be made to the prongs which used to be used merely as a function to keep the stone in place. Now, instead of hiding the hooks and metals that keep the stone steady, the setting becomes an important part of the design of the ring.

For the groom, wedding bands provide more room for details to be engraved.

“We have had people engrave the GPS coordinates of where they first met or engrave a fingerprint or

favorite song,” Shroyer says. “We’ve had a groom set birthstones around the diamond. It’s really limited only by their imagination.”

Within the last six months, there’s been a rise in the trend of hand-hammered bands that create a rough finish, and grooms are choosing between a square band and a round band.

Jewelers also offer outdoor-themed rings including those that are camo-colored by the brand Mossy Oak or those made of exotic hardwoods such as orange wood, rosewood or cocobolo.

“Our new wedding piece is called Elysium, which is a ring that is black in color and is made

of millions of crystals of lab-grown diamonds,” Stroyer says. “That is brand-new technology that makes the ring durable since the diamond is the hardest substance on Earth. We can also add a blue diamond to it or some other color if customers want.”

She says jewelers also have seen an increase in sales of inlays of meteorite rings that combine space-age technology with metal from outer space.

“Each ring is unique,” Shroyer says. “There’s not one that is the same. They are a very cool style.”

Tim Creviston, co-owner of Creviston & Son, says his business also refurbishes family heirloom rings and stones into a modern fashion.

“We do specially made pieces where someone is given something from a relative to use it for an engagement ring and we’ll work something around it,” Creviston says. “They can take the gems out of it and then can remount it. They also can use that stone with diamond accents along the side such as an emerald, ruby or sapphire. It just depends on what the person wants and what they think works well together.”

Creviston says most wedding rings are made with a comfort-fit style that is made of a band that is round on the inside as well as the outside for easier removal.

It is no longer expected for grooms to purchase a matching ring to the bride’s.

He says most grooms are purchasing gold rings at his shop, but metal options like tungsten, ceramic and titanium have continued to increase in popularity due to their durability. However, re-sizing the rings becomes more intricate and expensive.

He says the vintage and rustic-style engagement rings from last year still are common. This style elevates the cut of diamond in a halo setting for the engagement ring.

“We’re seeing a lot of the two-tone styles coming out,” said Creviston. “Since everything has been white for so long, you see that yellow is becoming popular or your rose gold that ties in with the vintage look that is popular.”

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WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016 27

Transportation

Arrive in style Limos, carriages make entrances and exits special

By MARGARET SLAYTON Josephine magazine

W

edding transportation companies in Northwest Missouri have a long history of helping couples arrive to their wedding venue in style.

28 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016

For the past 16 years, Shelia Yates of Yates Limousine Service in St. Joseph says the company has offered customers different, colored stretch limos and party vans that can include delivering guests to the wedding venue or they can choose a Lincoln Town Car for just the bride and groom.

Wayne Duncan of Duncan Carriages in Savannah, Missouri, says he keeps between 20 and 30 carriages that are pulled by Percheron horses designed for weddings that can be rented. For the last 26 years, he also has brought couples to their wedding ceremony in a trolley that he built.

Local businesses recommend couples consider the following points

when choosing a transportation service:

1. Plan on the perks

Yates offers more than just the wheels to the wedding and will pull out the royal stops for the bride and groom. Her company offers the “red-carpet treatment” where the driver rolls out a red carpet from the vehicle to the door. The limousines have a built-in TV, radio and USB portal for music as part of the car’s entertainment center. As an added bonus, the wedding party can bring snacks, and the company will stock soda pop and water for the ride.

In addition, many companies allow couples to deck out the vehicle with

decorations.

Duncan says he supplies “Just Married” signs, but couples are free to place streamers or ribbons on the trolley or carriage.

“There are so many different ideas the brides have that there’s no way I can begin to have all the materials they would want, but they can individually decorate the carriages the way they want,” Duncan says.

2. Consider a one-trip wonder

There’s no rulebook that requires the bride and groom to use the same vehicle to and from locations.

Yates says if you’re using the vehicle to make an entrance, couples can rent one car for the arrival and then drive a different set of wheels home.

In turn, the bride and groom can stipulate to only be picked up from the reception location.

Couples also can choose to mix things up if they can’t decide between the stretch limo or a Lincoln Town Car. This allows couples to pick one for the way to the wedding and one for the way home.

3. Include the wedding party

Yates says it’s becoming more common for couples to rent a 10-passenger wedding shuttle for transportation of guests to or from the reception. She says this offering is particularly beneficial for wedding venues that don’t have room for a lot of parked cars, such as museums.

4. Be aware of peak dates

The sooner you can reserve the transportation services, the better.

The availability of most companies for the wedding is based on a first-

Rehearsal Dinners Weddings

come, first-serve basis.

Duncan says December is the busiest time of the year for the carriage company because the business offers Christmas rides in addition to winter wedding services.

Yates says her company requires a certain number of hours to rent on most weekends in April because the month fills up with reservations during the prom season. Contacting the business early with the wedding date allows couples to deposit $50 with the guarantee the car will be on hold for the special day.

5. Review and sign a contract Depending on the business, it

Receptions Engagement Parties

may also be less expensive to sign up for an hourly rate, rather than an entire evening. This allows the couple to pay for the car and the time of the driver only when the vehicle is being used and not when it’s sitting idle in the parking lot of the reception.

Duncan says he asks potential clients to view the various options for the carriages and trolleys before settling on a style and signing a contract. This provides the couple the ability to verify that they’re comfortable with their selection and are able to plan decorations.

Please see LIMOS/ Page 30

Personalized Menus Cateringg available for small parties of 10+ to large events of 1000 or more WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016 29

Limos, carriages make entrances and exits special CONTINUED FROM Page 29 He says he prices each wedding individually depending on the needs of the couple, but he has a minimum charge based on the location of the wedding.

“I don’t charge differently per carriage because it doesn’t change the fact that my work is all involved in getting there and doing the job,” Duncan says.

“It doesn’t matter to me which carriage I use because it takes me the same amount of work and time to take the bride and groom as it would members of the wedding party.”

Yates says to put all information from the transportation vendor in writing to avoid confusion and to ensure the plans go smoothly.

Within the contract, she says to plan for additional time in case plans take longer than expected.

“Some wedding parties say they want an hour and they think they

1.874 pt

can get everything done within the hour, but of course it ends up taking longer once things start moving, so that’s why we require two hours,” Yates says.

Other information that should be in a contact includes the color, model and license-plate number of the vehicle along with the gratuity and any special requests.

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30 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016

Wedding planner checklist Bride’s to-do timeline 6 to 12 months before the wedding

[ ] Determine budget. [ ] Decide type of wedding: formal, semi-formal or informal. [ ] Choose ceremony location. [ ] Discuss dates with clergy or officiant. [ ] Choose attendants. [ ] Select gown style. [ ] Select veil style.

[ ] Select attendants’ apparel. [ ] Compile bride’s and groom’s invitation list. [ ] Select reception site. [ ] Select caterer. [ ] Select wedding planner. [ ] 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 32

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WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016 31

Bride’s to-do timeline continued from page 31 4 to 6 months before wedding

[ ] Select men’s formalwear 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, lines, etc. [ ] Arrange rehearsal dinner. [ ] Shop for trousseau and apparel for honeymoon and prenuptial parties. [ ] Reserve limousine, carriage, trolley or coach transportation. [ ] Review florist’s arrangements and finalize order.

32 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016

[ ] Buy attendants’ gifts. [ ] Experiment with hairstyle 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 stores of your choice. [ ] 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, table

favors, etc. [ ] Select ceremony accessories: unity candle, ring pillow, guest book, etc. [ ] 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’ lunch or brunch. [ ] 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 florist, specifying time and place of delivery. [ ] Finalize transportation arrangements. [ ] Make sure all clothes for bridesmaids, groomsmen and ushers will be ready on time and that they have the appropriate accessories.

2 weeks before wedding [ ] Invite guests to rehearsal dinner. [ ] Move your belongings into new home. [ ] Review reception seating and 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. [ ] 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 for men in the wedding party. [ ] Prepare envelopes with payments for the officiant, reception hall, musicians, disc jockey, 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 rehearsal, present attendants with gifts. [ ] Men have final fitting two to three days before the wedding and pick up formalwear 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.

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Call for a free Consultation.

We will create a customized menu to meet your needs.

Day of the wedding [ ] Give payment envelopes to the best man, who will deliver them after the ceremony and at 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 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 and any other personal items 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. [ ] Relax and enjoy your big day.

614 Francis St. | Saint Joseph, MO 64501 (816) 259-5098 75060171

[ ] Apply for marriage license. [ ] Formally inform employer of leave of absence.

Hours: Tue-Sat 11am-2pm | Thur-Sat 5-8:30pm

Ground Round

119th South 6th St., St. Joseph, MO 816-671-1906

A

cozy venue with a panoramic view of Historic Downtown St. Joseph. Perfect for weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners and more. Cash bar optional. Buffet or party platters available. Can accommodate up to 200. Call for details

75015198

WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016 33

Make plans to budget for your big day CATEGORY/ITEM BUDGET COST CEREMONY Site fee Officiant fee Ceremony music

WEDDING ATTIRE Bridal gown Headpiece and veil Undergarments, garter Accessories Alterations Hair/makeup Groom’s tux

RECEPTION

CATEGORY/ITEM BUDGET COST PRINTING Invitations 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

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

GIFTS Bride/groom Bridesmaids Groomsmen Ushers Parents

Site rental Caterer/food Liquor/beverages Cake/sweets table Gratuities/taxes Rentals Band/disc jockey

Rehearsal dinner Bridesmaids’ lunch

Marriage license Hotel rooms Wedding consultant Other

SUB TOTALS

SUB TOTALS

SUB TOTALS

TOTAL BUDGET

Add all amounts from budget column 34 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016

PARTIES

MISCELLANEOUS

TOTAL COST

Add all amounts from budget column

Wedding checklist BRIDAL REGISTRY TABLESERVICE/LINENS

[ ] China [ ] Crystal glassware [ ] Silver service [ ] Silverware chest [ ] Dinnerware [ ] Glassware/barware [ ] Stainless service [ ] Formal cloth [ ] Casual cloth [ ] Formal napkins [ ] Casual napkins [ ] Placements 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 attire TOILETRIES

[ ] Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash [ ] Comb, brush [ ] Curling iron, hair dryer [ ] Shampoo, conditioner [ ] Deodorant [ ] Soap [ ] Shaving cream, razors [ ] Unbreakable mirror [ ] Cosmetics [ ] Contact lenses/glasses [ ] Vitamins, medications Please see/ Page 36

Pony Express National Museum

Birthdays, Anniversaries, Reunions, Weddings & Receptions • Available 7 days a week • Single or double room • Seating for 30-185 • Separate Room for buffet • Kitchen • Separate Entrance • TV • Ample Parking • Bar Area Available

914 Penn Street, St. Joseph, MO (816) 279-5059 Call for pricing and availability 1-800-530-5930 75060248

WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016 35

Wedding checklist continued from page 35

EXTRAS [ ] Alarm clock [ ] Camera and batteries [ ] Cell phone and charger [ ] Insect repellent [ ] Sunblock [ ] Pain reliever [ ] Maps, guidebooks [ ] Cash/foreign currancy [ ] Credit, debit cards [ ] Passport [ ] Drivers’ license [ ] Insurance information RECEPTION [ ] Private room [ ] Staff [ ] Catering service [ ] Head table [ ] Guest tables [ ] Linens [ ] China [ ] Stemware [ ] Glassware 36 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016

[ ] Flowers [ ] Cake [ ] Cake knife [ ] Cake table [ ] Guest book table [ ] Gift table [ ] Stage [ ] Sound system [ ] Piano [ ] Bar [ ] Bartender [ ] Decorations [ ] Clean-up [ ] Champagne [ ] Parking [ ] Taxes/gratuity [ ] Receiving line area

CLOTHING BRIDE

[ ] Gown [ ] Headpiece/veil [ ] Shoes [ ] Accessories

BRIDEMAIDS [ ] Dresses [ ] Shoes [ ] Accessories Groom/ groomsmen [ ] Formalwear [ ] Shoes [ ] Accessories OTHERS [ ] Flower girls’ dresses [ ] Ring bearer’s suit [ ] Mothers’ dresses

PRINTING

[ ] Invitations [ ] Save-the-date cards [ ] Thank-you cards [ ] Stationary [ ] Wedding programs [ ] Napkins [ ] RSVP cards [ ] Wedding favors [ ] Place cards [ ] Directions

Wedding checklist continued FLORAL

[ ] Bride’s bouquet [ ] Bride’s tossing bouquet [ ] Bridemaids’ bouquets [ ] Flower girls’ baskets [ ] Floral headpieces [ ] Hostess’ flowers [ ] Mothers’ and grandmothers’ corsages [ ] Groom’s boutonniere [ ] Fathers’ and grandfathers’ boutonnieres [ ] Groomsmen’s and 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 decor [ ] Miscellaneous (aisle runner, candles, etc)

[ ] Groom with parents [ ] Groom with mother and father separately [ ] Groom with sisters and brothers [ ] Groom with best man [ ] Groom with groomsmen [ ] Parents being seated [ ] Bridesmaids walking down aisle [ ] Flower girl, ring bearer walking down aisle [ ] Bride and father walking down aisle [ ] Father giving bride’s hand to groom [ ] Exchanging of vows [ ] Ring ceremony [ ] The kiss [ ] Recessional [ ] Formal bride and groom together

[ ] Newlyweds and parents [ ] Newlyweds and entire bridal party [ ] Newlyweds with officiant [ ] Close up of rings [ ] Wedding cake [ ] Couple cutting/eating cake [ ] Best man toasting couple [ ] Newlyweds’ toast [ ] Couple’s first dance [ ] Father’s dance with daughter [ ] Wedding party dancing [ ] Decorating of couple’s car [ ] Bride tossing bouquet [ ] Groom removing/tossing garter [ ] Guests throwing rice/ blowing bubbles [ ] Newlyweds getting in car [ ] Post-reception party

PHOTOGRAPHY

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

WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016 37

Attendants’ checklist BRIDESMAIDS AND GROOMSMEN

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

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 ceremony and seat them accordingly. [ ] Bride’s family and friends sit on the left side of the aisle, and groom’s guests sit on the right. [ ] All all guests are seated, unroll aisle carpet (usually after bride’s mother is seated). [ ] Responsible for rolling the aisle runner back up after ceremony. [ ] Check wedding venue for any items left behind. [ ] Transport gifts from wedding site to reception.

MAID OR MATRON OF HONOR

[ ] Responsible for her own gown and accessories. Pay for her own wedding attire. [ ] Organize bridesmaids’ fittings and details.

38 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016

[ ] Attend all pre-wedding parties. [ ] Help arrange/host bridal shower. [ ] Arrange bridal bachelorette party or lunch. [ ] Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. [ ] Keep record of shower and wedding gifts. [ ] Take charge of groom’s ring 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 in changing from wedding dress to going-away attire. [ ] Deliver bride’s gown to designated place after

the wedding.

BEST MAN

[ ] Responsible for his tuxedo.

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

75060088

WEDDING PLANNER | January 2016 39

Your

Reception Headquarters

KITCHEN

WINE, SPIRITS & BEER

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@ STJOSEPHHYVEE and become a fan on

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at facebook.com/stjoehyvee

75038582

201 N. Belt St. Joseph, MO 816-232-9750