Content 06
Report Trend
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Captivating Cakes
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Cutting The Cake
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Mocktails
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Get Creative
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Questions to Ask Your Caterer
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Food Around the World French Indian American Mexican Chinese
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Favors Full of Flavors
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Must have wvw
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Alternatives to the Traditional Wedding Meal
Ready, Set, Destination Wedding
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Pretty in Pantone
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Wedding Décor Mistakes
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Beware of these Foods
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To Food or not to Food
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Vows
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Keepin’ it White
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Stationary
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The Church
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Wedding Accessories
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10 Budget Friendly Tips
Executive Editor Pratia Jordan
Creative Direction Deja Terry
Editorial Team Sharaya Hill Blaine Hill Nicole Molter Karly Johnson Andrea Crowley
Sales Team
Amanda Tapp Andria Keelin Amber Fox
Design Team Leader Pamela Guardado
Website Design Ajeesh John
The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights in regards to copyright of their work. No part of this work covered by the copyright may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written consent of the publisher. All copyrighted work was reproduced with the permission of the owner.
Letter from the Editor Food: simultaneously the great divider and the great unifier. Many of us have spent the past few months gathering together around tables celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years and so many other holidays. If we could take a peek at dinner tables across the country we’d see foods both familiar and foreign to our own families: tamales and tacos, turkey and dressing, gumbo and greens. Celebrating with food, family and festivities is a tradition well-known to weddings. In our food edition we will explore the traditional wedding fare, new twists on classic tastes and fun food choices that will make your wedding unique. My family loves to eat! More than just your traditional American dishes, we enjoy cuisines from all around the world. So for this food edition grab a plate and delight yourself in the culinary journey we have prepared for you. Bon Appetit!
Pratia
TREND Report
Full Flowery Bouquets This wedding season is all about bouquets filled with full blooms that pop. It’s about the BIG flowers: peonies, hydrangeas, asters and sunflowers. The bigger the flower, the bigger the bouquet!
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Water Colors Brides this year are going nuts with water color accents, and who could blame them? Water color adds a beautiful look to all things wedding, from stationary to bridesmaids dresses to the cake. This is one trend that deserves to stay. (Photography by Alexandra Whitney )
Communal Dining Friends, family and loved ones attending weddings are able to fellowship easily when seated at long tables. Some brides are even shaking up communal dining by providing food at the center of each long table to be passed around. What better way to celebrate the closeness of marriage than by having everyone come together!
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Off-the-Shoulder Necklines A new trend has emerged in wedding dresses: off-the-shoulder necklines. This trend is better than most before it because it gives the dress a lust-worthy chic look.
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Cutting the Cake
Get with your e v i t a e r Menu C Already have your food picked out for your wedding? Great! Now, you need to choose how to display your menu. Here are some of our favorite ways brides are getting creative with their menu displays.
Paint on a pallet.
You can often find unwanted wooden pallets in businesses around town. Some will even post on Craigslist to get rid of them. Once you get a pallet, grab a paint brush or someone who can use one well, and put a food or two on each line.
Vintage windows.
Find a vintage window or two at a second-hand store or garage sale. If you think your handwriting is good enough, go ahead and write your menu down with a paint marker. Don’t think your handwriting is up to par? Find someone who can do a good job. Find a sturdy string to hang the window up on and you’re golden.
Decorative mirror.
Scour online resale sights, garage sales and thrift stores for decorative mirrors. Your menu can be written on the mirror with a paint marker. Your menu will be different, yet classy on a mirror!
Chalk board.
Chalk boards are a popular way to display wedding menus. You can find them almost anywhere, but if you can’t find one you like you can paint on anything with chalkboard paint. Chalkboard markers are now sold to make hand lettering on chalk boards easier. Make your menu fit your personality. Don’t settle for a plain paper one.
CAPTI VATING c kes Typically speaking, the wedding cake is often a focal point for the reception and reflects the overall theme of any wedding. Experimenting with a tasty filling or flavor of your cake is a great way to incorporate seasonality, and much like the dĂŠcor, you can decorate the cake with a wide variety of winter elements. Take for example a woodland theme or the classic snowflake and icicles.
In the past, it was popular to cut the cake after the celebrations had livened up, but stopping the dancing and having all the guests gather around to watch the bride and groom cut the cake can really put a cork in the wedding festivities. Sometimes the wedding can start to drag after the cake is cut because some guests see it as a cue to leave.
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Cutting the cake after the spotlight dances and toasts are over is a great way to avoid disrupting the fun of a wedding. Set the cake on your sweetheart table where you and your groom will enjoy the toasts. Announce the cake cutting directly after the “Cheers!� This will allow everyone to enjoy watching you and your husband stuffing each others faces with cake without making them feel like it is time to pack up and go.
Having a cake-cutting dilemma? Now it’s solved. The cake might be the most traditional aspect of every wedding. However, for the not so traditional bride, a grand cake may not be your desire. Whether you’re not a big fan of cake or you just want to do something new and unexpected for your wedding, there are many alternatives to pick from.
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A dessert bar would be a great choice if you can’t decide on just one option. You can either choose from your favorite desserts or choose something seasonal.
Another highly customizable wedding dessert is a candy table. Pack it full of your favorite candies from childhood for an especially meaningful wedding treat.
Cupcakes are a playful take on wedding desserts. There are so many flavors and toppings tochoose from. Select one kind or splurge and have a whole cupcake bar for guests to choose from. These are a fantastic option for less formal weddings where you want the focus tobeonthe fun.
Mocktails Your Taste
Buds Will
Love
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Want some drink alternatives? Here are four mocktail recipes so good, no one will miss the alcohol! Cheers!
Bring the bubbly This mock champagne recipe is guaranteed to please. Simply mix a two liter bottle of ginger ale with half a can of frozen white grape juice. Top it with some fresh raspberries. This drink is perfect for toasts. This recipe serve up to nine people and may need to be multiplied
Cranberry Cutie This drink will awaken your taste buds. Begin by mixing a gallon of cranberry juice with the juice of about 20 cutie tangerines and about seven limes. Add a two liter bottle of Sierra Mist soda. This recipe serves around 20. Multiply it accordingly if serving more people. To make this mocktail look official, serve in martini glasses with the rims dipped in sugar.
Rooty tooty, fresh and fruity! Refresh wedding guests with this fresh fruit mocktail. Put one peeled orange, two slices of pineapple, one kiwi and four strawberries into a blender with half a cup of water. Once everything is blended, pour a can of sprite on top and serve. Garnish glasses with a small slice of kiwi or strawberry. Serves 6.
Summer Sangria This cool drink is perfect for a warm summer day. Begin by cutting a plum and a peach into quarters and removing the pit. Then, peel two clementine tangerines and break apart. Remove the leaves from eight strawberries and cut in half. Once you have the fruit ready, put it all in the container that will be holding the drink. Cover the fruit with four cups of black cherry grape juice and chill for a couple of hours. When this drink is ready to serve, top it off with two cups of ginger ale. Serves 6.
Questions To Ask Your Caterer With so many caterers to chose from, finding the perfect one for your wedding tastes can take up a lot of your time. These quick questions can help you save time and energy by narrowing down your list so you can focus on your top picks.
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Is my date available? Knowing if they are available on your wedding date is the first question to ask. It’s a simple way to weed out some caterers. If they are available, then you can move on to questions that will help nail down how you want your reception to look.
Do you have a signature dish? Most caterers have a dish they are known for, so be sure to ask about it! Their signature dish may be just the meal you were looking for. Since its their standout dish, you know they’ll work hard to make it perfect.
Is the food prepared on site, or brought in? Food prepared on-site is usually fresher. However, the caterer may have the perfect way to keep food fresh as it travels. Ask to make sure, but don’t rule out a caterer because they don’t cook on-site.
Is this within my budget? They make an awesome crème brûlée, but can they make it within your price range? A budget is important for the success of your wedding. Ask about packages and other deals they may have. If you ask, they may be willing to work with you on the perfect price. A caterer who cooks the dish of your dreams well, and cooks it within your price is the perfect caterer for you! There is no need to stress about finding the right caterer. Asking these four questions is a beautiful start to getting the wedding of your dreams.
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Food Around The World
French The food served at French weddings is wildly different from the food served at American weddings. The French have had hundreds of years to perfect the art of making rich, delightful foods to garnish their wedding receptions. So sit back, relax and dream about the decadent foods of French weddings.
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French wedding receptions usually start out with hors d’houevres like quiche and escargot, and canapés. Canapés, which are small garnished finger foods, are usually shared around the table when hors d’houevres are served. The French also love to have fine cheese spread on French bread available during the hors d’houevres part of the reception. After the hors d’houevres are served, a salad is typically served. Following the salad, a sorbet given out to cleanse the pallet before the main course is served.
A French wedding cake is not your normal American wedding cake. Instead, it’s cream puffs, sometimes dipped in chocolate, stacked on top of each other to form a tower. The tower is usually drizzled in caramel to hold the all the pastries together. This impressive tower is called a croquembouche.
It’s traditional, to have a formal sit-down meal. Seats are assigned to guests for the large meal. Two dishes traditionally served as a main course are Beef Burgundy and Coq Au Vin. Most French entrees are cooked in red wine to create tasty sauces, tenderize meat, and create more interesting flavors.
French weddings are all about rich delicious
foods that leave you wanting for more. French weddings may be different from American receptions, but they have the same celebratory feeling.
INDIAN
>> INDIAN WEDDINGS
are known for their spectacular food. Weddings have always been a time to show off, and at Indian weddings they take that very seriously. These weddings are sure to include expensive dishes that don’t lack in butter, sugar or fried foods.
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Whether or not meat is served at the reception is an important decision usually based on region and religion. Vegetarian receptions are popular for Buddhists and Jains who practice Ahimsa, or non-harm of animals. Different sections of the country also have different trends in what they eat on their special day.
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│ MAINLY SOUTHERN INDIAN │ weddings have vegetarian receptions. They serve more than 100 dishes for the reception that is packed with Indian flavor. Most South Indian weddings have ricebased dishes with lemon rice, curd rice, and daal. Daal is a yellow split seed, similar to rice, that is cooked to perfection with curry. North Hindu weddings are usually not vegetarian, and they serve some kind of butter chicken or lamb curry with a decadent Mughlai spread. Mughlai spread has lots of paneer, creamy curries, tandoori meat, and buttery naans. You may want to wear lose clothing to a North Hindu wedding so you can enjoy all the lovely tastes of their culture. Being so close to the ocean, Costal Indian weddings often have fish and crab curries. They know how to bring an Indian zing into fresh seafood like no one else.
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│ MODERN INDIAN │ weddings often feature large tiered cakes for dessert along with Barfi. Barfi has been served in Indian homes for generations. It is a mixture of sugar and sweetened condensed milk that is reduced into solid form resembling packed snow. Multiple flavors of barfi usually end up on the plates of Indian weddings, creating a large selection of the traditional treat. Your pants are guaranteed to be a little tighter, and your smiles a little brighter, after you partake in all the delicious foods served at an Indian wedding.
AMERICAN The food truck craze is sweeping the nation, but what about a food truck at a wedding? These tasty treats on wheels are perfect for an outdoor reception, and they’re cost efficient. One great food truck for weddings is In-N-Out Burger. If your wedding is in the Dallas/Fort Worth area or in California, In-N-OutBurger is great for you, especially if you and your guests love burgers.
It’s important to remember the season when thinking of food trucks to hire. If the wedding is deep in the summer, think about finding a snow cone or an ice cream truck. However, adding a coffee truck to the mix is a great plan if the wedding could get chilly.
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To avoid having guests standing in a long line outside the food truck, it’s important to have at least one food truck for every 75 guests. This way, there’s a variety of food and guests aren’t frustrated.
To help the cooks, limit the menu to a few items for each truck. The lines will stay shorter and there will be less stress in the kitchen.
Don’t forget to have plenty of seating available for your guests to eat their tasty treats!
Food trucks are a tasty way to serve an interesting meal to your guests. So, what are you waiting for? Look up what food trucks are available near you and start booking!
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One sure thing about Mexican weddings is that the reception is centered on food more than most other places. Be prepared to enjoy a feast when at a Mexican wedding! The main dish at a typical Mexican wedding is made up of various types of marinated meat. Usually a whole cow and or sheep will be killed for the wedding meal. Chicken is often included as well. These delectable meats are marinated for days before they are slow cooked to perfection. Chicken or turkey in fragrant mole sauce is often served as well. This sauce is deliciously made with various chili peppers, spices such as cumin, garlic and sesame seeds, and is often greeted with a hint of unsweetened chocolate. Don’t forget the flour tortillas! Flour tortillas are served for guests to wrap their meat in. Rice and beans are often side dishes in Mexican weddings but not how Americans are used to having them! Mexican rice is often enhanced with saffron, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and peppers. Beans served at Mexican wedding receptions are called “frijoles charros.” They are enhanced with a variety of ingredients such as cilantro, tomatoes, pork rinds, bacon, hot dogs and sometimes salsa. These beans also tend to have lots of broth. Beans made this way are heavenly! Of course, a variety of salsas are available at Mexican weddings. They are often placed in bowls in the center of each table. Guests don’t have to get up to find the salsa, which is handy! A dessert that guests at Mexican weddings look forward to is the Mexican wedding cookie. Everyone should try these at least once in their lifetime! These cookies are made with creamy butter and delectable nuts—usually walnuts. Once they are baked, they are completely covered in powdered sugar. These cookies are the perfect mix of nutty and sweet! In Mexican weddings, the food is the star of the show, second only to the bride.
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CHINESE
The foods traditionally served at Chinese weddings are not only for enjoyment but are also symbolic of the desires for the future of the bride and grooms’ marriage. Add well wishes for your marriage with some of these dishes.
It is customary to serve eight courses at a Chinese wedding feast because eight is thought of as a lucky number. The courses don’t always go in a particular order, but they are often all the same. One course is a whole roasted suckling pig. The whole pig is used, rather than parts of it, to symbolize togetherness and prosperity. The pig itself, however, symbolizes the purity of the bride. Another course is often a fowl that mates for life such as a duck or a goose. Fish is commonly served as a course as well. Fish pronounced in Chinese is the same as “abundance.” Because of this, fish is served at the Chinese wedding feasts to highlight that he newlyweds will have wealth in their marriage.
shrimp. The phoenix and the dragon together in Chinese culture are the Ying and Yang elements. Serving the “phoenix” and the “dragon” together in a dish means the Yin and Yang elements in the family are balanced.
Chicken and lobster are often served together at Chinese weddings. Chicken also means phoenix in Chinese, while lobster is called dragon
enjoy the symbols as well!
Chinese wedding cakes are called “happiness cakes.” They are baked with the phoenix and dragon imprint on top to, again, symbolize the balance of the Yin and Yang in the family. However, the cake is often given the bride’s family by the groom’s family as a part of the proposal gift. Show what you wish on your marriage by using some of these symbolic foods. Explain the meanings to guests on the menu so that they can
Favors Full of Flavor Money is often spent on wedding favors guests just throw away.
Why not give your guests favors they will actually enjoy? Here are some flavorful favors to hand out at your wedding.
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S’more favors, please! Who doesn’t love s’mores? Buy small decorative bags and stick two halves of graham crackers, a square of chocolate and a marshmallow in. Make it super fun with flavored marshmallows. Tie the bags up with ribbon and a note that reads “We need s’more friends like you! Thank you.”
Spice it up with salsa. Buy or make your favorite salsa, and put it in jars of your choice. Make or buy large labels that say “Thanks for spicing up our special day!” Stick them on your jars and you’re good to go.
Donut forget the donuts. Everybody enjoys a donut now and then. Put a donut or two in a decorative bag or box. Place a tag on it that says, “Donut forget we are thankful you joined us on our special day.”
Make your favors POP! Put a cup of popcorn kernels in a small jar or decorative bag. Buy labels that read “Thanks for popping by!” Decorative ribbon is optional but would tie this favor up well.
Sweet Goodbye. Sweeten your goodbye gift with single serving cinnamon rolls! Mix ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon of flour, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of apple sauce, 2 tablespoons of milk, and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla in a mug. Microwave it for 1-1 ½ minutes. Top with icing and wrap with cellophane. Put a tag on the mugs saying, “Love is sweet.”
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Every wedding is different, but wedding foods often aren’t. If you’re a fan of going off the beaten path, try these meal ideas on for size!
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Breakfast, for dinner? You read correctly.
Be a rebel and serve bagels and croissants with an assortment of jams and jellies. Provide eggs, sausage and bacon to make breakfast sandwiches with as well. Pancakes and French toast are great options, too. Don’t be afraid to include your favorite breakfast juices.
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Dessert only, please. Satisfy yours and your
guests’ sweet tooths with a dessert reception. Pick an assortment of your favorite desserts for all to eat. A candy buffet is also a great addition to a dessert reception. A candy buffet done right adds a unique appeal. Feel free to also add in a chocolate fountain with an assortment of fruits. For drinks, try gourmet coffee.
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High-tea. Unleash your inner child with a
grown-up tea party. Many types of tea are available on store shelves. Pick a few out for your guests to sample at your reception. Typical high tea foods include finger sandwiches, scones and small cakes. A tip for high tea: try sandwiches that are out of the box such as pimento cheese sandwiches. Shake a wedding up with these less-used wedding meals.
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a
u o y ll need is
love
But a little
chocolate
now and then doesn’t hurt. Charles M. Schulz
Beware of these Foods One of the top complaints wedding guests have is about the food. Guests are happier when food is enjoyable! Here are some of the most common food-complaints guests have.
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Long noodles are the worst Spaghetti and fettuccini noodles are great to eat at home and seem like good food to serve at weddings. However, once sauce is poured onto these noodles they are too messy to eat. If pasta is a must-have wedding food for you, opt for smaller noodles such as bow ties or elbow macaroni.
Chicken breast is too dry
Millions of weddings take place all over the U.S. a year, and chicken is served at most of them. While this seems like a food to please all, many wedding guests complain that chicken served at weddings is too dry. Instead, serve a meat that holds moisture in like lamb or steak.
Great‌garlic breath.
In an effort to serve savory foods that guests will enjoy, onion and garlic tend to be added. While this gives foods better flavor, it also leads to strong breath. Wedding guests suggest limiting garlic and onion in foods served. Having garlic or onion breath during all of the socializing that takes place at a wedding is not desirable.
A party without a c ake a meeting t s u j is Julie Child
Keepin’ it White The dress is white. It’s going to be almost impossible to keep it perfectly white, but there are some tips to help keep it as new as possible. When you eat, take special care to not eat anything with a drippy sauce.
However, if you must, make sure to keep a napkin handy. Another helpful tip is to find a way to bustle your dress. This reduces the chance of someone with two left feet stepping on it on the dance floor. If you want to enjoy your wedding reception and don’t want to stand in the corner all night and wave at your guests, it is inevitable that your dress may get a little dirty. Even if you do get something on your dress, NEVERNEVER-NEVER get it dry-cleaned. Even the best dry cleaners can ruin a dress. It’s better not to risk getting the dress cleaned, especially before the wedding. Some places like David’s Bridal and Amazon offer a dress preservation service that is safer for your wedding dress than getting it dry-cleaned. The bottom line is to enjoy your special day and not stress about what color your dress is at the end of the night. The dress may get stepped or spilled on, but don’t let anything thing taint your memories of your special day.
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Wedding ACCESSORIES
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Head Pieces
If the Shoe fits...buy multiple pairs!
Just like a wedding cake, a bride needs the perfect topper, too. Wedding veils are classic bridal accessories, but you may decide you like an alternative better! Flowers can be made into a crown or pinned amidst your bridal curls. This is also a great way to add your wedding colors to your own ensemble.
...buy Multiple Pairs It’s a wonderful idea to have three different pairs of shoes for the wedding. The first necesary wedding shoe is a pair of comfortable slippers, for getting ready pre-wedding. The second is the fabulous wedding heels, or glamorous flats if you prefer. The last pair should be of comfortable flats you can dance the night away in at the reception; bonus tip: find ones that fold up and fit nicely in your to go bag! With these three different pairs of shoes, your feet will love you post-wedding. Finding the perfect wedding shoes gets you one step closer to walking down the aisle and saying, “I do!”
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s u M
e v a tH
Mac and Cheese Station
Everybody loves mac and cheese, so why not make a mac and cheese station at your wedding? Add some different flavor to the classic snack like provolone cheese, bacon or chicken macaroni. Serve the tasty pasta in martini glasses to spice up the presentation.
A crepe station is the perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth! Have some warm crepes on the table and let guests chose their favorite toppings like strawberries, chocolate chips, and whipped cream.
Having trouble deciding what food stations to have at your reception? That’s fine, because we have a few stations that are so tasty and new that they’ll leave your taste buds singing.
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pOPCORN BAR
c repe station
Melt in your mouth movie theater butter, crunchy caramel, sweet kettle, or classic regular popcorn – All of these popcorns are perfect for a wedding reception. Adding some toppings or seasoning salts for guests to sprinkle over their treat is the perfect way to kick your reception up a few notches.
taco bar
Adding a taco bar is a great way to spice up a reception. Serving a few different kinds of meats with rice and beans is a simple way to make a taco bar even more delicious. But, don’t forget to add some salsa, guacamole and sour cream to the table.
Milk and cookies is a classic snack, but with a few extra touches, this treat can be served beautifully at a wedding reception. Putting different flavors of milk in a fountain or drink dispensers can jazz up the station, and adding a few different flavors of cookies helps cater to all guests’ taste buds. Don’t forget about the classic chocolate chip cookie!
candy bar
milk and cookie bar
A Candy bar filled with all your favorite sweets is a great way to have a scrumptious treat at your wedding that guests can take home. To make a candy bar even better, use the same color pallet as your wedding! These delicious and interesting food stations are the perfect way make everyone at your wedding happy!
Pretty in Pantone PRETTY IN PANTONE A PERFECT THEME FOR EVERY COLOR PALETTE Inspiration for your big day can come from anything. You might be obsessed with a specific cake with real flowers, or a shoe with a bow on the back. The point is that smaller items can become the inspiration for your whole blissful day. We decided to do just that using these colors and designers as inspiration. For everything from a classic black elegance, to a gorgeous sunshine yellow, we have found the perfect pantone for your wedding day color palette. Which one will you favor?
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Photography by: Gray’s Studios Flowers, Décor, + Design: Parie Designs Stationary: Magnet Street Cakes: Belmar Bakery
SUNSHINE YELLOW
There is sunshine any day with this Kendra
Scott-
inspired look filled with sunflowers and yellow roses. A common theme in this design, from the invitations and tablecloth to the cake, is circles, which create a whimsical, light hearted tone for this setup. Everything about this table makes it the perfect choice for an outdoor, southern wedding in the summer or fall!
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PHILLIPE STARCK STARCK GREY
This Phillipe Starck-inspired
design utilizes a theme of circles and swirls to create this ultimate modern setup. The square tiers of the cake are touched with silver detail to mimic the stems in the surrounding vases making the square shape flattering against the circular theme, and every detail from the orange color in the flowers to the clear table and chair makes this tablescape anything but ordinary.
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BLACK TIE
Black Tie In this Coco Chanel
inspired table setting, we opted for clean lines and romantic accessories. This design creates the perfect sophisticated affair with its elegant china and white poppy flowers against a black tablecloth. Simple, solid lines for the menu, place card and invitation are perfect to set the tone for this table, and every little detail down to the script font on the invitations says classy
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POPPY RED
Go bold and red with this
Louboutin-inspired table! This is perfect for
a couple that is big, bold and loves dramatic effects. This theme revolves around embellishment and romance. The ornate, floral centerpiece is perfect for a large table, and the dramatic swirled patterns on the cake and invitations are sure to make a statement at any wedding event.
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HUNTER GREEN
We just cannot get enough of this woodsy, unique Ralph
Lauren-inspired
look. This look is clean and sophisticated and allows the nature of the decoration to shine with the use of simple square plates, place card holders, and touches of leather accessories. This inspiration utilizes the best of the outdoors and brings a natural feel to this unique tablescape. 58
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CLASSIC IVORY
The sweet simplicity of these
Vera Wang-inspired colors and textures are sure to stand out. The soft colors in the flowers and delicate lace overlay on the cake provide a neutral and elegant table that mimics the look of her wedding gown designs. Everything from the simplicity of the candle votive to the delicate gold detail on the invitations makes this look stylish and chic. Just look at those chiffon chair backs!
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ROYAL BLUE
This Versace-inspired table setting captures the iconic look with its daring royal blue and complementary yellow accents. This demonstrates a very unique design through a mixture of modern clean lines with a blend of textures as seen in the sequin tablecloth. From the spangled tablecloth to the large, tall vases of yellow blossoms, this is the perfect choice for an over-the-top evening wedding.
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To Food or
Not to Food? Do you have to serve food at your reception? The answer is
“No, not if you don’t want to.”
The best way to avoid serving food at
note on the invitation. Say something like; “Join us after the ceremony for drinks and great dancing!” That way, guests don’t show up with empty stomachs.
It’s dangerous to not serve food at nighttime weddings because nighttime weddings usually happen during meal times. A wedding at 2 or 3p.m. doesn’t necessarily have to have food because it’s after lunch.
Don’t worry about offending guests by not serving food. As long as you give warning, it is up to you how your wedding goes.
your reception is having the wedding at a time that isn’t during a major mealtime when guests, or guests’ bellies, are expecting to be filled.
To warn guests about the lack of food at a wedding, be sure to add a little
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Not serving food can give a little more wiggle room in a budget, so don’t be afraid to break some boundaries and not serve food!
t S
y r a n as tio top
AVOIDING invitation STICKER SHOCK Picking out your wedding invitations is an exciting but stressful process. It’s one of the first decisions a bride makes where she begins to see her vision, literally, on paper. Your invitations are the first thing guests will see, so it’s important to make a good impression. A common misconception about wedding invitations is what percentage of your budget you should spend. Many outdated resources allocate 3-4% of your budget toward wedding invitations. Brides should really spend 4-10% of their budget on stationery, which is a more realistic number when including all other paper goods like programs, save the dates or reception paper. The best advice is to know your budget before you get your heart set on a certain style of invitation and to talk to a professional stationer who can help you navigate this tricky process.
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WHAT SHOULD YOU SPEND? To find out what you should be spending, you’ll need you’ll need to know 3 things: number of guests invited, number of invitations you need and your overall paper budget. To calculate how many invitations you need, it’s usually about 50% of your total guest count. Remember to order 10 more than you need, just in case! To find out what to spend, you’ll need to play with the numbers a bit to get the amount you are comfortable with, so use these formulas to help point you in the right direction:
N U M B E R O F G U E S T S ÷ 2 = Q UA N T I T Y O F I N V I TAT I O N S TOTA L W E D D I N G B U D G E T X 4 - 1 0 % = TOTAL STATIONARY BUDGET
WHERE CAN YOU SAVE? There are so many factors that can affect the cost of your wedding invitations. So, before you fall in love with something you can’t afford, keep these cost saving tips in mind: POSTAGE Most wedding invitations will require a regular $.66 stamp. The Post Office charges for cards weighing over 1oz and for square cards, so if you are using layered cards, multiple enclosures, double envelopes or embellishments, be aware it may cost your more to mail. You can save by using a postcard reply card (make sure to include a stamp on any reply card!), which is a $.32 stamp and making sure your invitations are within the normal shape and weight regulations. PAPER + MATERIALS Quality paper is expensive and unfortunately, you cannot purchase quality card stock at your local office supply store. Specialty papers like metallic, linen or cotton paper are considered an upgrade. Layered cards require assembly and tape, which is also an upgrade. Embellishments like ribbon or rhinestones can also add additional cost. You can save by choosing a nice heavy card stock for your invitation and a lower weight for your enclosures or by including fewer enclosures so you aren’t sacrificing quality on your invitation. PRINTING TYPES Printing is expensive. The inks professional printers use are bleed proof, have true- to-life color, are fade resistant and long lasting. If you want your invitations to last a lifetime, you will need to have them professionally printed. Digital printing is the most economical printing method. Thermography or raised ink printing simulates the more expensive engraved printing, but keeps the price lower. Letterpress is also beautiful, but is usually the most expensive option, along with engraving. You can save here by choosing different types of printing throughout your suite like letterpress for your invitation and digital for your enclosures. Also, choosing to include a smaller card with your wedding website instead of a few different enclosures can save you on paper and printing costs.
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married later in life, oftentimes the couple foots the bill themselves. Youll want to get clear about the numbers and figures before you even take a meeting with a planner or a venue. Trust me, it will save you a lot of headaches and heartache in the long run. Once youve got that magical number figured out, the following tips will help you cut costs on different aspects of your big day!
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Friendly Tips
GO FOR A CHEAP DATE Did you know that not only certain months of the year but also different days of the week can save you thousands on your wedding? Peak wedding months are typically in the spring and summer, but fall is becoming increasingly popular. Choosing to get married in the winter and opting for a Friday or Sunday ceremony can really cut down on your costs. Be sure to check with your venue about seasonal discounts.
2 LOOK AT NON-TRADITIONAL VENUES You can find a cheap or even free venue by opting for something a little outside the box like a public library, a friends backyard, a local park, or even a restaurant. Many of these places, especially outdoors, would need minimal decorations, which could cut even more off your total spend.
3 After the initial excitement and celebration of your engagement dies down, its time to get down to the business of wedding planning. Sure, there are tons of fun to-dos on the list like dress shopping, cake tasting, registry picking, etc – but before you go hog wild with your florist, you need to take some time to figure out what exactly you can spend on this soirÊe. I recommend sitting down with your families to find out if they can or plan to contribute to your wedding day financially. With many couples getting
GET THE DRESS FOR LESS Got your eye on a designer gown but assume its impossible to fit into your budget? Be sure to check out sites like OnceWed. com or NearlyNewlywed.com to purchase previously worn gowns at a huge discount. You might just find your dream dress for 50% or more off the retail price. Now thats budget savvy!
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4 CUT THE GUEST LIST One of the best ways to cut your costs is to trim that guest list! Although its the easiest way to bring down the budget, it can also be very difficult to leave people out of your day. Remember that it is your big day; don’t invite anyone you don’t know personally like your parent’s former coworkers. Invite those who are truly important to you as a couple.
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USE THE “IT TAKES A VILLAGE” APPROACH Enlist the help or talents of your close friends and family. Perhaps you have a friend who is great at floral arranging, or maybe your cousin does graphic design and could create your wedding paper goods. Hiring friendors who donate services as a gift can really help to keep costs down. If your budget is really tiny, you could even turn your wedding into a casual chic potluck by having everyone bring a dish to share.
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KEEP CATERING LIGHT AND CASUAL Ways to save on the food for your wedding include keeping things light with a dessert only reception, doing light bites and finger foods, or keeping things casual by serving barbecue or something similarly inexpensive. Check with local restaurants about preparing a menu for your big day- more often than not their quotes are much less than traditional wedding caterers.
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NO OPEN BAR One of the biggest budget busters is alcohol. Feel free to skip the bar entirely or if you like to party, consider going with a signature cocktail or sticking to just beer and wine. Shop at discount liquor stores or stock up on cheap wine from Trader Joes or Costco.
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BE A SAVVY SHOPPER Save on décor for your wedding by shopping at Thrift stores or Goodwill. Do your research and price compare before purchasing, and always use coupon codes when shopping online! My favorite coupon site is RetailMeNot.com!
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FREE ENTERTAINMENT – THE IPOD DJ If youre really trying to cut costs, the DJ is one area you can skip. Create an iPod playlist and hook it up to some speakers for an easy entertainment solution.
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DO WHAT FEELS RIGHT TO YOU Everyone from your Great Aunt Sally to the big bridal magazines will have an opinion on how your wedding day should unfold. Remember that this is your day and you cannot please everyone. Don’t let pressure from outside sources convince you to spend more than you have. In the end, trust your gut, focus on what matters, and stick to your budget. It will make for a much happier day!
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Ready, Set,
Destination Wedding There are several factors to consider when planning a destination wedding. Here are just a few important basics:
• Timing – Plan when you know your friends and family can get away.
• Choosing to say Location –
Select a location that has a special meaning to you and your spouse. The setting will have an intimate touch if there’s a story about the place.
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• Setting the Date – Giving your guests enough time to plan, prepare, and save for plane tickets to attend a destination wedding is a good idea.
• Planning – With a destination wedding, not only
do you have to plan the ceremony and reception, but it is also customary to plan activities for your guests who have traveled to spend your special day with you. How about scuba diving off the coast or a photography class in the mountains?
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Not Hiring the “Pro’s” While it may definitely cost a lot less to enlist willing friends and family to help turn your reception dreams into reality, the truth is that your end product may not be what you wished for. When you only get one wedding day, it’s important to get what you truly want. Bakeries, Florists, Photographers, Linens, DJs-consider the list and decide where you might be willing to take a little risk and where you’re willing to pay for what you want. While DIY-ing centerpieces, party favors and appetizers may seem tempting on Pinterest, it is important to do your research. Some ideas cost more money or time than you will have to spend.
The wedding reception is where you and your guests will spend most of their time. Use this list to alleviate making some of these common mistakes.
Budget Having a budget can relieve stress when it comes to paying for everything. Going into the planning stages knowing how much you can spend is a great help to both you and your vendors.
Wedding
Décor
Mistakes
Don’t wait until the last minute If you wait until the last minute to book your venue, you may not get the date you want. If you wait to order table linens and chair covers they may not arrive on time. If you wait to book your florist the flowers you want may not be available on short notice. Ordering early will save you time, stress, and money.
Matching to the extreme Oftentimes brides will choose flowers or linens that match identically to the colors of their dress or their bridesmaids dresses. However, choosing colors that compliment each other can make all the difference. Pairing harmonious colors can reduce clashing too much matching. Floral arrangements, table linens, and chair covers at the reception should be coordinated with the overall wedding color scheme.
Table linens Remember, when ordering linens be sure to get the right size linens to cover the tables. Don’t leave your table legs exposed. You want to be sure your linens are floor length, exposing the legs of your table is a big no, no.
Chair covers Your chair covers will compliment the setting and finish off the room. Before ordering chair covers be sure to know the style and size of the chairs. Leaving your chairs uncovered is okay, as long as it doesn’t hurt the look you are trying to create If chair covers are not in your budget or the chair doesn’t need a full cover, try a sash to add a pop of color.
Having opulent centerpieces Your chair covers will compliment the setting and finish of the room. Before ordering chair covers be sure to know the style and size of the chairs. Leaving your chairs uncovered is okay, as long as it doesn’t hurt the look you are trying to create If chair covers are not in your budget or the chair doesn’t need a full cover, try a sash to add a pop of color.
Don’t be surprised Most of your vendors will have you sign a contract; be sure to read and understand it it thoroughly. Paying attention to details, like if your venue allows open flame if you plan on having candles and knowing how long before the start and stop times you have to set-up and clean-up, will make things run more smoothly. Contact all vendors 2-3 weeks before your date to ensure everyone is on the same page.
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Vows are a staple part of the wedding ceremony and are a special time between you and the love of your life. There is no right way to write your vows, because couples choose to share their feelings in different ways. Putting feelings into words gives them body and makes them everlasting. Be relaxed at the time you start writing down your thoughts. Grab a cup of hot tea, and put on your favorite sweat pants if you need to. Zero in on putting your love into words in the best way possible. Talk about the length of the vows. If yours are going to be about a page long, the other vows should probably be about the same length. You can talk about this while still keeping the content a surprise!
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Take your time writing and developing your ideas. It’s okay to take weeks even months to plan; this is a serious deal! You might wake up in the middle of the night and think of something you want to include or jot something down on your lunch break at work. Don’t fret about what your parents might want you to say or what would appeal to anyone else. Vows are meant for a couple to tune into each other and profess their love deeply from their hearts. Some couples best express themselves through humor.
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In the vows, share a funny memory or say something like, “I promise to eat a sandwich before I yell at you. I know I’m cranky when I get hungry.” Need some perspective? There are so many examples out there of vows, so take a look at a few of them to see what you enjoy and dislike to help you out.
If high school speech class made you nervous be sure to rehearse your vows before the big day to help ease any anxiety you might have. Decide if you’re going to memorize your vows or use your notes. Give a copy to your officiate, even if you decide to memorize them, just in case. With all the hard work you put into composing your vows, take them on your honeymoon to read to each other again or every anniversary as a reminder of how much loved each other on the day you said, “I do.”
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THE CHURCH While church weddings may be traditional each venue is unique so remember to ask these staple questions when planning your ceremony: • Is there a cost to rent the Church if I am a member? • Is there a venue package? If so, are catering, photography, floral arrangements, and music all-inclusive? • Are there added charges for using vendors outside of those that come with the venue package?
• Is alcohol allowed? If so, is it limited to certain areas? • Are there any restrictions on music selections for the ceremony or reception? • Are rentals like tables, chairs, linens included in the price? • Are there any classes to take or requirements we have to meet before we can use this venue?
• Is there a setup and cleanup fee? Does the Church handle clean up or am I supposed to do this? • What is the time limit on the space and extra charges for going over the time limit? • Can non-church personnel or clergy perform all or certain parts of the ceremony?
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• What are the tax rates and any other related fees for using this venue? • Is the child cost different than the adult rate? • When is my deposit due? • When is full payment due?
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