The Perfect Wedding Band
N
ow that you have your engagement ring and settled on your venue and dress, it’s time to pick out the perfect band to accompany your lefthand sparkler.
There are many factors to consider. Cost, comfort and overall style are a few of the most important ones.
SET YOUR BUDGET
Ironically, wedding bands are one of the most overlooked costs of planning a wedding — and they can be expensive. However, you can find beautiful rings in every budget. It is important to balance what you can afford with what you want to see on your hand for the rest of your life. Be sure to account for bands for both you and your significant other. Materials (gold, platinum or titanium) and gemstones will factor into the final price.
MATCHING YOUR RING VERSUS MATCHING YOUR PARTNER’S
Answering this question will help you narrow down your choices a lot. If you want your wedding bands to match, then you need to discuss elements that both of you do (and perhaps more importantly don’t) want. Or perhaps there is a wedding
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band that matches your engagement ring. Be sure to discuss your options with your partner before hitting up a jewelry store.
TRY ‘EM ON
Nothing will help you make a decision faster than seeing
potential bands sitting next to your engagement ring. After you’ve set your budget and discussed your options with your significant other, it’s time to try on some rings. If you have the opportunity and the time, visit as many local jewelry stores as possi-
ble. You never know where you are going to find a deal and a truly breathtaking band. Plus, there is not much that beats spending a casual hour in a jewelry shop while associates bring you band after band to slip on your finger.
THROW OUT RULE BOOK
There are no hard-and-fast rules to what type of wedding band you should choose, including choosing none at all. Stay true to your own style and budget and you will end up with a ring you are eternally happy with.
The Regent Is A Perfect Venue For Your Wedding And Other Celebrations By Kathy L. Collins
Every bride addition of three wants their spefabulous chandecial day to be a liers that were memorable one. recently installed The perfect by Borrell venue will add to Electric. The the lasting memochandeliers were ries for both the two years in the bride and groom making. Juteau and all who said, "The chanattend the big The Regent is a beauti- deliers are our day. The Regent, ful venue that is perfect biggest up for either a small and located in upgrade." Juteau elegant affair, a medium Riverview, is one size event and a large added, "Borrell of largest venues celebration for up to 500 Electric was wonpeople. in the area, but it derful to work can also be a with in installing the chandeliers. We small, intimate had to stop because of Hurricane Irma and stylish one. as The Regent is a Special Needs A bride can Shelter." opt to have both the ceremony and The Regent has several exclusive reception at The Regent or just the caterers that they have vetted over the reception. The Regent offers an attrac- years. In addition, all liquor and bar tive outdoor courtyard complete with a services are handled exclusively sweeping staircase and three ballthrough The Regent. Other vendors rooms that can be combined to hold that have worked at The Regent are up to 500 people. optional, but Juteau can vouch for Julie Juteau is the Executive them. Juteau said, "We use a lot of Director for The Regent. Juteau, along local vendors. The Regent was built by with Christina Smith the Event this community so we like to give back Manager, can provide as much or as to local vendors." little advice and counsel as the bride In addition to weddings, The wants or requires. Juteau said, "We Regent is a perfect venue for corpoare an a la cart venue. We work with rate events, celebration of life events brides who do everything themselves and even charitable fundraising events all the way to ones who use a wedding for non-profits. Juteau said, "We offer planner." special discounts for non-profits to The Regent is a beautiful blank hold their events at The Regent." palette. The beautiful wood floors and For information, visit neutral colors will match any decor the www.ExperienceTheRegent.com, or bride desires. The beauty of The call 571-2494 or email info@experiRegent has been enhanced with the encetgeregent.com.
Honeymoon Packing 101 Y
our wedding will be beautiful and something you will remember for you entire life, but there is a small part of you that will be relieved to have the stress of planning such a major event behind you and looking forward to some well-earned relaxation. Honeymoon Packing 101
Your wedding will be beautiful and something you will remember for you entire life, but there is a small part of you that will be relieved to have the stress of planning such a major event behind you and looking forward to some wellearned relaxation. No matter if you’ve planned a relaxing week on the beach, adventure in the mountains or a quick city getaway, you want to make sure you bring everything you could possibly need. C
Make A List
Making a list is the first step to ensuring nothing important gets left behind. The key is not to make your list in one sitting or just a few days before departure. You need time to come back to it. Choose things that mix and match well, and that perhaps you can get more than one use out of if you will be gone for several days.
Consider Going Carry-On Only
Not having to check any luggage makes traveling so much easier and saves you precious time! Think about it. Would you rather be pacing around
a luggage carousel or be that much closer to sipping mai tais at the beachside bar? Try packing versatile pieces for your trip, or visit a local luggage store for things like pack-flat toiletry kits and packing cubes that can save serious room in your suitcase.
Checking A Bag
No matter how inconvenient, there are some bags you just need to check. Maybe your honeymoon is an extended trip or you will be hitting several destinations in varying climates. Whatever the reason, checking at least one bag might be your best bet. If this is the situation, planning your carry-on actually becomes more important in case your checked bag doesn’t arrive with you. Consider adding travel insurance to make sure you’re covered. Always pack at least one spare outfit, comfortable flats, a swimsuit and another spare outfit appropriate for dinner. This should get you through the first few days without your checked luggage before it is either found and delivered to you, or give you enough time to purchase replacements of essential items at your destination.
Your Wedding & Event Specialists • • • • •
Full Service Custom Wedding Packages Specialists in Turning Your Inspirations Into Your Wedding Day Personalized Wedding & Floral Design Servers, Bartenders and Buffet Service Off-Site Catering, Event Rentals, Linens, Flowers and Full Coordination Available
We look forward to providing you the wedding of your dreams with detailed coordination, chic décor design, an exciting menu and professional service that creates a lasting impression!
M cAuley Fine Jewelry
Mention this ad for
$500 OFF Wedding Packages
Open Tuesday-Friday 10-6 • Saturday 10-4
813-689-8124 Oakfield Drive, Brandon (Located in the Atlantic Village Plaza, Kings Avenue & Oakfield Drive)
330 Pauls Dr., Brandon • 813-919-9001
www.allinonecateringandevents.com
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O
Wedding Party Rentals
ne of the most commonly told fibs about bridesmaids’ dresses is that you can wear them again. If you have ever been in a wedding, you know this is decidedly untrue for the most part.
Why is it that groomsmen can rent tuxes for a small fee and return them after the party while bridesmaids are left to pay hundreds of dollars on gowns they may only wear once? According to the the BRIDES American Wedding Study 2016, the average bridesmaids dress costs $133, and the majority of brides (66 percent) pick a color and allow their bridesmaids to choose the dress style while only 33 percent match both
color and style. This much freedom for today’s bridesmaid means you shouldn’t be afraid to exercise your right to rent rather than buy your dress.
RENTAL OPTIONS
Many local shops offer discount rental pricing based on dress style and number of people in your wedding party. Ask around prior to settling on your dress company to find the best deals for your bridesmaids. They will appre-
NEW BRIDAL BOUTIQUE IN TOWN
ciate both the discounted pricing and your effort in trying to ensure it. If you have enough in your budget, offer to pay for extra jewelry or accessories to show your bridesmaids you care. You may save enough on a rental deal to allow you to do so.
BRIDESMAID QUESTIONS TO ASK
While searching for fashion rental options, be sure to ask the following questions:
• What is your damage and incidentals policy? • How long can I rent the dress for? • If I like the dress, can I have the option to buy it? Let the answers to these questions guide your final decision. As the bride, remember to include your bridesmaids in the decision-making process. This will help keep everyone on the same page and ensure your friends’ enthusiasm on your special day.
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Gift Cards Available
Boulevard 813.571.5800
Saying "YES" to the dress was never so easy.
Flora’s is a new bridal boutique conveniently located in Brandon and offers gorgeous made to order, designer and exclusive private label wedding gowns, accessories, bridesmaid and special event gowns for everybody and every budget. OPEN TUESDAY-SUNDAY
@florasbrides 768 W. Lumsden Rd. • Brandon 33511
813-684-0644 WWW.FLORASBRIDES.COM
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All In One At The Winthrop Barn Makes For The Perfect Wedding By Michelle Colesanti
The Barn At Winthrop Special Events Hall
big event at The Winthrop Barn, which is located at 11349 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview. Call 6842276.
The perfect wedding day! What does that mean? To different people it means different things, but the one thing All In One that is certain is Catering & The Barn at Winthrop offers the perfect indoor that holding your and outdoor venues for your wedding. Events wedding at The All in One Catering & Events Barn at Winthrop Special Events offers you full service custom wedHall, you will have the perfect venue ding packages to choose from. whether you are looking for indoor or Specialists will help make this day as outdoor space. stress free as posThere is an indoor sible by helping Reception Hall, you personalize the Ceremony Garden and wedding. They will Tuscan Courtyard so help with floral there are plenty of designs and prochoices for the setting vide servers, barof your ceremony. tenders and Experienced staff is event/party rentals. on-hand to help you Off-site caterevery step of the way. ing is available as well as event A Bridal Suite is available to give rentals, linens, flowers and full coorto you and your bridal party to get of the details. dination ready for the main event. The staff at All in One Catering & Of course no wedding is comEvents looks forward to providing you plete without all of the details that the wedding of your dreams with make it a one-of-a-kind special day. coordination, chic décor detailed House furniture is included as well as design, an exciting menu and profeslighting décor for both indoor and sional service which will create a outdoor spaces and column draping. lasting impression. It can hold from 200-350 people All in One Catering and Events is depending on the set-up, and pricing located at 330 Pauls Dr. in Brandon. varies for weekdays and weekend To find out about packages and events. rentals, call 919-9001 or visit Visit www.winthropbarntheatre.com www.allinonecateringandevents.com. to find out more about holding your
Summer Wedding Details There are many advantages to getting married in the summer. For starters, It’s easier for people to take off work and the weather is more consistent. Make your wedding stand out by incorporating some of the following details. 1. A self-serve ice cream bar or snow cone cart. Both whimsical and refreshing, a snow cone cart or ice cream bar puts a new twist on wedding desserts. They also keep guests cool as a cucumber on a sultry summer day. Check with party rental companies to see what options they can offer. 2. Signature cocktails. You can have a signature cocktail no matter the season of your wedding. But a crisp cocktail in a bright color screams summer — not to mention many fruits and veggies are in season and at their height of flavor. Work with a local bartender to find out what’s in season to craft the best drink to reflect your tastes. 3. Lawn games. The summer wedding season brings many an outdoor affair. Let guests make their own fun by offering a selection of lawn games, such as, croquet and lawn dice, which work well with
players sporting formal wear. 4. Sparklers. When things get late and it’s time to take your leave, do it in style by handing out sparklers for guests to light and line your path. 5. A seaside locale. Nothing says summertime more than a beach wedding or a lawn wedding by the sea. 6. Bright bouquets. Summer was made for bold colors — and Mother Nature agrees! Choose flowers in vivid colors like red, pink or yellow. Pick large blooms like peonies, hydrangeas or sunflowers. No matter what you decide to incorporate into your summer wedding, remember to always get quotes from as many local vendors as possible. Doing so will save money and uncover unique ideas that may help your special day stand out from the summer wedding crowd.
NEW TO THE MARKET Call “The Tracy Team”
PATRICIA TRACY Realtor
(813) 748-9364
Where your experience is our priority!
The Perfect Place For Your Wedding INDOOR / OUTDOOR VENUE in Riverview, FL • Indoor Reception Hall • Ceremony Garden • Tuscan Courtyard • Bridal Suite • House Furniture Included
• Decor Lighting (indoor & out) • Column Draping • Experienced Staff • Numerous Photo Settings
FULL SERVICE PACKAGES INCLUDE: Catering ~ Decor ~ Floral ~ Linens ~ Coordination A La Carte Venue Rental and Bar Services Also Available
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10% OFF Venue Rental 11349 Bloomingdale Ave | Riverview, FL (Conveniently located just east of Tampa and minutes away from I-75, I-4 & the Crosstown)
813-684-2276 WWW.WINTHROPBARNTHEATRE.COM
Beautifully restored Victorian
3 bds / 1 1/2 baths on 1 +/- acres. Master Bedroom & bath on 1st floor with 2 bedrooms & 1/2 bath upstaris. Extensive period woodwork. The Chimney & 2 cozy fireplaces in the parlor & guest bedroom have been professionally rebuilt by Master Stone Mason, Horst Kugel. New 50 yr. galvalume, metal roof 2001. Refinished pine floors & new red oak flooring throughout. Detached garden shed & gazebo. This unique property is on the county’s historic inventory. A must see property. Call ahead for private showing. $289,500
Call today for a private showing!
FREE Home Value Estimates!
Selling the Neighborhood We Live, Work & Play Over 25 years Experience