Wedding Planner 2016 by AIM Media Indiana

2016 published by The Republic Wedding Guide 2016

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Wedding Guide 2016

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Wedding Guide 2016

Contents 2016 The Republic Wedding Guide

Finding the dress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Ring choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Things to avoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Guest list perils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Sharing the cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Delayed honeymoons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Unusual bouquets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Roles of wedding party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Countdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Wedding Budget Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Comments should be sent to Doug Showalter, The Republic, 333 Second St., Columbus, IN 47201 or call 812-379-5625 or dshowalter@therepublic.com. Advertising information: Call 812-379-5652. ÂŠ2016 by AIM Media Indiana. All rights reserved. Reproduction of stories, photographs and advertisements without permission is prohibited. Stock images provided by ÂŠ iStock.

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Wedding Guide 2016

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Getting to ‘yes’ for the dress More color and comfortable styles add to appeal of gowns

By Jennifer Willhite

or 2016, brides are taking the idea of traditional wedding attire and making it their own. Trends in bridal wear are leaning away from the traditional white to embrace subtle shades of white, such as ivory, which don’t make the bride look washed out, says Terry Kutsko of That Special Touch in Columbus. “Ivory looks better on a lot of people,” Kutsko says. “It complements their skin tone more so than white.” Another thing to consider is that traditions associated with a white wedding dress are not as steadfast as they used to be, Kutsko says. Many of today’s brides are adding muted pops of color to their gowns. In the past, a bride may have gone for something bold, like a navy, burgundy or black sash or belt, but in recent years many are adding a champagne, light pink or light gold overlay to their ivory gowns, Kutsko says.

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Wedding Guide 2016

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Some brides even opt for pink overall. “They call it blush pink,” says Veronica Schneider of Prestigious Affairs in Seymour. “You really can’t tell it is pink until you’re right up on it.” Gown styles, for both the bride and her bridesmaids, are shying away from the traditional ball gown reminiscent of Cinderella and moving toward those with a modern flair. Oftentimes, the bridesmaids’ dresses will complement the bride’s gown in style and color. “Strapless bridesmaid gowns are still in and will continue to stay in for a while,” says Traci DeBord of That Special Touch. “One shoulder strap is a huge trend right now, as well as cap sleeves, tiered bodices and skirts, and open backs.” Additionally, sweetheart and modest necklines are the go-to style for many brides, she says. DeBord and Kutsko agree that long dresses are still popular, but not so much those with a cathedral length train. Dresses with more manageable trains, which are easier to walk in, are gaining in popularity, they say. Schneider says she’s found that many brides bypass long trains for styles that are simple, straight and flowy. The mermaid, a style that is fitted and flares out below the knee, is also gaining in popularity. Kutsko and DeBord agree that body type shouldn’t play much of a role in the style of dress a bride chooses. It’s all about what she is comfortable in. However, if you are truly concerned about how you may look in your gown, you can’t go wrong with a dress that has an empire waist, Schneider says. “Anything that is tight in the bust and flows out beneath it is always a great dress no matter what your figure is,” she says. “Because it is always at the hips where people say, ‘I want to cover this up.’” Where simplistic, single color chiffon used to be the go-to fabric for gowns, today’s brides are mixing things up by adding lace and/or satin to the chiffon, Schneider says. Although traditional white gowns may be less popular, the idea of something borrowed and something blue is still huge. Especially when the elements are added in remembrance of a loved one who has died, Schneider says. It is not uncommon for a bride who has lost her father to incorporate a part of his clothing into her dress. “If they’ve had a grandfather or dad pass away, for something blue they will have a heart — cut from the fabric of an old shirt he wore that was or had blue in it — stitched on the inside of the dress where no one sees it but her.” Similarly, brides may add their late grandmother or mother’s broach or string of pearls to the bouquet they carry, which is not only a tribute but serves as something borrowed. For many brides-to-be, budget can play a big role in finding the perfect gown. However, you shouldn’t let that dissuade you from finding the dress of your dreams. Simply shop around and remember you have options. If you find traditional gowns a bit pricey, bridesmaid dresses can offer the same elegance and style you would

Wedding Guide 2016

find with a traditional bridal gown. “There are some pretty bridesmaid dresses that are lace or have lace on them,” Kutsko says. “We’ve done those quite a few times for bridal gowns, and it works out really well.” So what about dresses for your bridesmaids? Schneider advises that you get your dress first, then start looking for your bridesmaids’ attire. “They don’t have to look like your dress,” she says. “It’s whatever you think looks nice and what you want your ladies to wear.” Navy blue, coral, hot pink and royal colors are most popular for bridesmaid dresses right now, she says. To avoid unnecessary drama and disagreements, take your bridesmaids in two by two to look at the possibilities, Schneider recommends. Once everyone in the bridal party has had the opportunity to look at dresses, go with the consensus and pick a dress that is a compromise. The main thing overall is to start shopping early. You don’t want to be rushed and have to settle for something less than what you’ve envisioned. You may have an idea of the perfect dress in mind, but try to keep an open mind when shopping around. Just because you believe that dress you found on Pinterest may be the one, it doesn’t hurt to be open to similar styles, DeBord says.

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putting a

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Personal touches becoming more common By Jennifer Willhite

s we start the New Year, wedding jewelry is personalized and all that glitters isn’t just gold. White gold tops the list of the most-sought-after metal in engagement and wedding jewelry, but it has some competitors that are not far behind, experts say. Jennifer Demmary, director of merchandising for Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, says that although white gold leads the pack, more people are interested in rose and yellow gold. And if you can’t settle on just one, no worries. “More people are interested in having some accents,” she says. “Some may get a white gold ring with a rose gold accent.” Regardless of the metal chosen, the halo setting is one of the most requested, she says. The setting is designed so that the center stone is completely surrounded by smaller diamonds, giving it a halo effect, hence its name. Although round is still the most popular diamond shape, oval and cushion-cut diamonds are competing for second place, Demmary says. A diamond that is cushioncut is rectangular in shape but has soft, rounded edges. Tina Burton, co-owner of Columbus Gold and Diamond Outlet in Columbus, says many young couples are looking for larger stones than couples did in years past. Whereas they used to seek out one-half carat diamonds, today they’re buying one carat or larger. And some aren’t looking for your typical white diamond. Demmary says a big topic of conversation in the diamond industry currently involves fancier colored diamonds, rough-cut diamonds and black diamonds. And although it sounds cool and different in theory, the actual interest in and purchase of these rare diamonds is minimal. continued on page 12

Wedding Guide 2016

continued from page 10

If anything, engagement and wedding rings are becoming more of a reflection of the bride-to-be’s style. “What we have found is a lot of customers want to make it their own,” she says. “In reality, when they come in much of the ring ends up being the same, but there are touches of personalization so it’s not something everyone else has.” When it comes to trends in men’s bands, there’s a big surge afoot. Many men are shunning the traditional white gold band for something a bit different. “You’re seeing a lot of cobalt, titanium and tungsten,” Demmary says. “They cost less than traditional metals.” Muted and more masculine in appearance, the bands may also be mixed with carbon fiber or wood to give them an even more one-of-a-kind look. Some of the metals, such as tungsten, are more durable than a traditional gold band, but they can’t be sized as easily, so in many instances must be special ordered. Burton says that women still like to add a little additional shimmer to their bands with diamonds. They may be prong or channel set, depending on preference. While wraps were once the go-to enhancer for any solitaire, they’ve faded in popularity in recent years, Burton says. But that may not be for long. “There’s a bit of a turn with them coming back,” she

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says. “But right now it’s mainly just the engagement ring and band the ladies are wanting.” In lieu of a wrap, accent stones are a great way to add a touch of color and personalization to any engagement ring and wedding set. Adding accent stones to the mounting either to the side or beneath the center stone is a common request, Demmary says. When it comes to the bridal party, personalization is again a big trend. At the top of the list of most popular gifts are personalized bar necklaces and pearl bracelets, Demmary says. And these aren’t your grandmother’s white pearls. Today’s bridesmaids are sporting pearl bracelets to match the wedding party’s colors. “Again, it’s all about personalization,” Demmary says. “The bride may also choose a particular charm to put on a necklace for the bridesmaids.” The main thing to keep in mind when shopping for engagement and wedding jewelry is to start early. Not only does it save hassle down the road, but it also makes it easier on those who are designing and crafting your rings, she says. “There’s nothing more heartbreaking than to know what the customer wants, but be unable to do it because there’s not enough time,” she says. “I hate to see people rushed and have to make quick decisions.”

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Wedding Guide 2016

Here comes the cringe Experts share the wedding moments they dread By Alison Bowen n Chicago Tribune (TNS)

l Cake cutting: Jennifer Harrup of Jennifer Laura Design ( www.jenniferlauradesign.com ) in Houston says some of the brides she works with nix things like a big, showy cake cutting, not wanting another moment of all eyes on them. “Private cake cuttings have become pretty normal with my clients,” she said. “They do an intimate cake cutting with the photographer but don’t announce it to the entire room.” We won’t even get into that part where the bride and groom smash cake into each other’s faces.

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ue the urge to leave a wedding; bathroom break anyone? These moments are ones brides, grooms, guests and wedding planners all told us they encounter with a roll of their eyes. Among their most dreaded ceremony or reception moments:

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l Reception speeches: “Too many speeches and toasts can be disruptive to the overall flow of the evening, as guests end up spending more time in their seats than on the dance floor,” said Jess Levin, founder of Carats & Cake ( www.caratsandcake.com ), an online source for hiring local wedding vendors. l Bad toasts: Omaha, Nebraska, photographer Phil Jarrett ( www.phelixphoto.com ) on toasts: “Hands down, the single greatest source of dread for me as a guest and as a regular hired hand at weddings is the toasts. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve heard best men bring up ex-girlfriends, fathers wax poetic about the importance of outdated gender roles and bridesmaids mention that they Googled how to give a toast.” l Clinking glasses for a kiss: Of course, you’ll want to kiss your brand-new spouse, but “no one really enjoys being put on the spot,” said Kellee Khalil, founder of wedding planning site www.Lover.ly. l Why aren’t you married? Male and female guests alike, if they’re unmarried, can expect to hear this at least once, Khalil said: “So when will this be you?” continued on page 16

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l Bouquet toss: Many single women dread the moment they’re called to line up and attempt to catch flying flowers. Deborah Simmons, wedding planner at event organizer Signature Occasions ( www.signatureoccasions. com ) in Ridgeland, Mississippi, said brides often scratch the bouquet toss. Instead, she said, “some casually toss the bouquet as they are getting in the car.” l Garter toss: Harrup said the garter toss is awkward. “If you think about it, it really is strange that the groom is sticking his hands up the bride’s dress in front of her grandmother.” l Hours between ceremony and reception: Some weddings include lag time between the ceremony and the reception. Many might use this time to catch up with friends, but other guests say it’s a huge drag and stalls festivities. l Being asked if you’ve eaten anything: Khalil added that brides dread being asked, “Have you eaten anything today?” “Chances are she hasn’t had time, and having other people bring attention to that fact can make her full-on ‘hangry.’”

l Cash bar: Arriving at a reception to find you’ll have to pay for your drink can be added to the list of wedding bummers, many guests told us. l Dollar dance: This tradition, in which guests give cash to dance with the bride or groom, strikes some as a little uncomfortable. Kayla Henson, planning her wedding in St. Louis, said she and her fiance decided against it. It seemed like another excuse to ask for more money and gifts.

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Wedding Guide 2016

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l DJ calling everyone to the dance floor: No one likes being forced to dance; that’s why it always looks awkward. So the DJ asking all the “single ladies” to come up might not work. “I’ve been at weddings that were so coupled up that when the song came on, only two girls went up to dance,” Khalil said. l Hours of photos: The bride, groom, family and wedding party often spend hours away from the fun, being snapped.

l Presentation of the bride: Some brides don’t want the spotlight or the pressure of a huge, must-beperfect moment at the beginning of the day. Washington, D.C., bride Hannah Romero opted to be present instead with her husband to mingle with guests as they arrived for their wedding. “There is so much pressure on the entire day already, and so much weight in what the wedding stands for, that I did not need the extra pressure of everyone gasping at me when I appear,” she said. l Receiving line: What if you’re the plus-one who doesn’t know anyone at the wedding? “Being that guest who’s obliged to congratulate total strangers can be supernerve-wracking,” Khalil said. l Small talk: On the flip side of knowing no one, having to force conversation with someone you haven’t seen in years or — worse — didn’t get along with in high school is never fun, Khalil pointed out. l Line up and dance! Chicago bride Christina Collison Burns was determined to avoid songs like the group-dancing slides, whether the cha-cha or electric version. Her husband picked every song played at the reception. “We banned all line-type dances,” she said.

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Wedding guest list perils By Leslie Mann n Chicago Tribune (TNS) Wedding planner Joyce Scardina Becker has a simple system for compiling wedding guest lists. Divide people into three categories: yes, maybe and no. “‘Yes’ includes parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, plus friends you see often,” said Becker, president of Events of Distinction in California. “‘Maybe’ means relatives you see occasionally, new friends, neighbors and co-workers. ‘No’ includes distant relatives and old friends you rarely see.” Your budget and venue will dictate whether you get beyond the yeses or maybes, she said. Her rule of thumb is a good starting point, but emotions create complications. Following are some do’s and don’ts.

Invite true friends, not people you feel obligated to invite. Compile the guest list together. “This is a reflection of you as a couple,” said Elaine Swann, an etiquette coach based in San Diego.

Discuss the list with both sets of parents if they’re paying for the wedding. “If you’re paying for your wedding, you have complete control of your list,” Swann said. Start early to allow for changes. Overinvite. Wedding venues suggest you invite 10 percent more guests than you can accommodate to allow for no’s. The exception is the very small wedding, where an exact head count matters. “We invited 240 and 200 came,” said Melinda (Mel) Parrish, of Alexandria, Va., who married in 2014. “The 40 (who declined) included some far-flung relatives.” Allow single guests 18 or older to bring a date. Say “adults only” on the invitation if you do not want children at your wedding. “Then don’t make exceptions,” Swann said. If your partner has a large family, accept his larger list. “You’re marrying a family, not just one person,” she said. Handle each guest list faux pas individually. If you can, ask a close relative to handle the calls. “Even though ours was adults only, a few people replied that they would bring their kids,” Parrish said. “My mom handled it.” Be forthright with those you haven’t invited, notes

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Wedding Guide 2016

TheKnot.com wedding website. If someone you did not invite says, “I can’t wait to come to your wedding,” reply with, “We’d love to invite everyone, but, with our venue and budget, we cannot.” Then, change the subject. Apply the same rules for second weddings. “It gets easier,” said Simone Vega, a New York City wedding planner. “You’re older. You’re not as likely to make decisions out of guilt.”

Don’t

Create A and B lists. “Thanks to social media, the B people will quickly learn they received their invitations much later than other people did,” Swann said. Let your parents bully you, warns TheKnot.com, particularly if you are paying for the wedding. Equate your guest list with a gift solicitation list by including people you know won’t come. “That’s gauche,” Swann said. Refuse to invite a parent’s new partner because you don’t like him or her. Invite people to the wedding but not the reception. “Imagine being the guest in the parking lot who realizes everyone else is headed to the party, but you’re not invited,” Swann said. Send online invitations. Share your list on social media. It may be seen by

uninvited acquaintances, and it may hurt feelings. Assume a guest is a “yes” or “no.” “Be prepared for them to come, no matter the circumstances,” Parrish said. Bottom line: “It comes down to respect and consideration of your guests,” Swann said. “With each decision you make, think about how they will feel.”

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Steve Martin and Kimberly Williams-Paisley in a scene from the 1991 film “Father of the Bride,” which poked fun at the escalating costs of a wedding and the family that had to pay for it. | Touchstone Pictures

Bride’s parents bearing less of the wedding cost burden

By Ingrid Holmquist n Chicago Tribune (TNS)

n the 1990s comedy “Father of the Bride,” Steve Martin, as George Banks, bursts into a grocery store on a rampage. After ripping into a package of hot dog buns and removing four he doesn’t need in the hopes of saving money, Banks yells at a store clerk, “I’m not paying for one more thing I don’t need. George Banks is saying NO!” “Who’s George Banks?” asks the worker. George’s 1990s tux might date him, but his predicament? Maybe not. Financially strapped parents of brides are still out there, which is no surprise, since the average U.S. wedding costs $31,213, according to The Knot wedding website — and tradition has long held that the bride’s family foots most of the bill. But the good news is that parents of brides may be

Wedding Guide 2016

seeing more financial relief. The Knot’s 2014 Real Wedding Survey reported that, on average, the bride’s parents contribute 43 percent of the total cost of a wedding; the bride and groom contribute another 43 percent; the groom’s parents spend 12 percent; and the remaining 2 percent of the budget is paid for by family members or friends. American couples marrying later are spurring the change, said Deborah Moody, executive director of the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants. Moody said the average age of a bride in the U.S. is now 28 years old and the average age of the groom is 31. “They’ve already established themselves (financially),” Moody said. “The good thing about them paying for it themselves is that, typically, when parents are paying, there are more parents’ guests coming in. A lot of couples

are more interested in their friends (attending). It’s all about having (their) signature on it.” Nikki Roseberry married Jason Keiser in October in Lincoln, Neb. While planning the wedding, they created a budget and brought it to their parents. The couple paid for most of the wedding, but each side of the family contributed $2,000. “I think the tradition (of the bride’s family paying for the wedding) is very outdated and sets up an unrealistic and unfair expectation,” Roseberry said. “I am 26, and (Jason) is 30; our parents don’t owe us anything except their love and support. I am so grateful to my parents for their (financial) contribution, but it was a gift, not an expectation.” Still, that gap between what the average bride’s family pays versus the groom’s family is significant. The tradition dates to the days when a bride’s family supplied a dowry, Moody said. And although dowries are a thing of the past, paying for a daughter’s wedding is “so rooted in tradition that a lot of parents want to throw this for their children, and they don’t look at it as a burden; they look at it as something they’d love to do for their kids,” said Kristen Maxwell Cooper, deputy editor of The Knot. Still, some parents of the groom are paying for more than the traditional expectations of rehearsal dinner and, perhaps, the flowers. Sarah David, whose son is getting married in Seattle, said she is as financially involved as the family of the bride. “We feel that it is fair for both families to share the

cost,” David said. “We consider this a partnership between the two families, (and) we plan on being connected to them for the rest of our lives — we will share our children and hopefully grandchildren — (and) for us it makes sense. We are not really involved in the planning, so it is not about control; it is about supporting them.” Yet what happens when a bride’s parents — or the groom’s, for that matter — are worried they can’t afford to pay for their child’s wedding? The Knot’s Maxwell Cooper said that the best way to avoid financial stress is to discuss finances at the start. “You don’t want your marriage or family to be in debt because of a wedding,” Moody added. After a dollar figure is set, create a budget. “It’s on the couple to be sensitive,” Maxwell Cooper said. “Most of them have a general idea about their parents’ financial situation. Don’t let parents overspend themselves.” As a wedding planner, Moody encourages her clients to stick with their budget. (The Knot’s survey found that, in 2014, 45 percent of weddings went over budget.) She figures out how much money the couple has to spend and helps them prioritize the most important elements of their wedding. Maxwell Cooper also emphasized that contributing to a wedding isn’t always about money. “Support is the biggest thing,” she said. “It’s a very overwhelming time, so being there for their children and helping them through their decisions (is contributing).”

Wedding Guide 2016

The Later-Moon Many couples find the honeymoon can wait By ALICIA RANCILIO n Associated Press “Where are you going on your honeymoon?” It’s one of the most common questions asked of a couple engaged to marry. Another appropriate question these days: “When are you taking your honeymoon?” For a variety of reasons, many couples now put off their post-wedding trip. Weddings are expensive, so shelling out more for a vacation right away may be too much. Some couples want more time to map out a trip that lives up to the honeymoon hype. Or there might be work demands, school or other obligations that get in the way. Heather Hurley of Arlington, Virginia, and her husband, Jason, bought their first home shortly before their wedding. They didn’t have the time or energy to think about a honeymoon then. “Since we weren’t in any rush and we didn’t have any

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wedding of your dreams — I think those factors go into why people would postpone their honeymoon,” says Sara Margulis, founder of Honeyfund.com, a wedding-gift registry company that helps couples raise money from friends and relatives for their honeymoon. “Two jobs, having to coordinate the time off, where people are in their careers when they get married — a lot of times it’s harder to take the time off that you would want to take,” she said. Tiffany and Bryan Marchand of Montgomery, Alabama, were married in March 2014. Bryan had recently started a new job and didn’t have vacation time. They waited until last February to go to Disneyworld and Universal Studios in Florida. “Taking a delayed honeymoon was a blessing in disguise,” said Tiffany, since it gave her more time to plan both the wedding and the trip. Kelly Hills says that after she married Nick Evans in April 2014, staying home together was more exciting than taking a trip together. The couple met on Twitter and had a trans-continental courtship: Nick lived in Australia and Kelly was in the U.S. “Just being in the same time zone was so novel,” recalled Hills. They’re heading to Barbados in May for their delayed honeymoon.

Heather and Jason Hurley delayed their honeymoon for a year and took a first anniversary trip to Iceland. | Associated Press photo

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Wedding Guide 2016

Succulents lend rustic, elegant chic to modern weddings By SARAH WOLFE n Associated Press Succulents are showing up everywhere in the world of weddings, from bouquets and boutonnieres to centerpieces and even take-home favors. They’re dainty yet hardy, and come in a surprising array of colors and textures. Best of all, they’re eco-friendly and can be replanted at home after your nuptials as a reminder of the special day. “Succulents add a modern look,” says Viva Max Kaley, a New York-based wedding planner. “Instead of pretty petals, it’s a cool geometric use of lines. My clients tend to gravitate toward that aesthetic, so it’s been a really popular choice.” Robbin Watson, a 27-year-old living in Boston who is getting married in Connecticut next July, is using succulents to add a pop of dusty blue and mint green to her cream-colored bridal and bridesmaid bouquets. But while she loves their aesthetic, succulents are more of a sentimental choice for her. “I lived on the West Coast for a few years with my fiancé, where succulents are very prevalent. Not so much in the New England region, where I live now,” Watson says. “To bring a little West Coast into my wedding ceremony, I thought succulents would be a great way to incorporate my memories of living in San Diego.”

A tea cup wedding favor.

Wedding Guide 2016

A succulent bridal bouquet. | AP Photos Bridal bouquets Bouquets like Watson’s are the most obvious and popular way to use succulents in weddings. Debra Prinzing, Seattle-based author and founder of the eco-conscious floral directory site SlowFlowers.com, says the trend has been popular among California brides for years but has really taken off thanks to social media sites like Pinterest and Instagram. Demand for drought-hardy succulents in the gardening world has also made these once hard-to-find plants readily available year-round across the U.S. and at a cheaper price than more traditional wedding flowers, like roses and peonies. Taylor Cassard, a 27-year-old nursing student in Montana, used a variety of light green rosette-shaped succulents from the Echeveria family in her bouquet for a rustic yet modern look when she got married at a guest ranch in Big Sky this summer. “They were absolutely gorgeous and mixed so nicely with the other flowers to create a soft natural look,” says Cassard, who planted some of the succulents post-ceremony in metal buckets used by her flower children. Many wedding florists recommend sprinkling succulents among traditional flowers rather than creating an all-succulent bouquet, which can get heavy and bulkylooking. The plants’ vibrant green and sometimes purple colors pair especially well with jewel tones, burgundy and apricot shades. According to Prinzing, succulents are a particularly nice complement to dahlias, hydrangeas, lilies, orchids, roses and spring bulb flowers. Boutonnieres and centerpieces Succulents can feel like a more “masculine” floral accent and have become a popular choice for boutonnieres as a result, says Anastasia Stevenson, a wedding planner and founder of the website How to DIY Wedding.

They’re sturdy and can stand up to the rigors of being pinned to a jacket that’s tossed about all day. Succulents make good corsages for the same reason. Cassard used a mix of small, rosette-shaped succulents and wild grasses for rustic-yet-elegant boutonnieres, sprinkling the plants throughout her reception area that night as table centerpieces and cake accents. Rosette-shaped Echeverias like those Cassard used work well as centerpieces because they can grow up to a foot in diameter, according to Prinzing.

Radiant on your

ECIAL DAY! A bridal bouquet with roses and various succulents.

Other uses How about succulents as jewelry? Wiring and flower glue are keys to this recent bridal trend, which includes items from rings and necklaces to bracelets and headpieces, says Prinzing. Other couples have said their vows before a wall of succulents or used them as eco-friendly wedding favors — a parting gift that’s “unlikely to be tossed in the trash when the guests arrive home,” says New York-based wedding-trends expert and editor Anne Chertoff. And succulents aren’t just for people. “I know of one creative designer who offers floral dog collars for her wedding parties,” Prinzing says. “Succulents are ideal for this situation because they withstand canine activities that are probably more lively than a groom or bride’s movements during a ceremony.”

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Roles of wedding party

Participants Maid of Honor Story by Metro Creative

A wedding can be a wonderful and memorable experience for all of those involved. That’s why you ask friends or relatives to share in the event and serve in your wedding party. Your offer is a wonderful honor, one that carries with it varying degrees of responsibility depending on the role each person will be playing. To help you decide who to ask to be in your wedding party, here is a list of titles and responsibilities for each participant’s role.

Wedding Guide 2016

The maid of honor is a role typically filled by a sister or a very close friend. It is the equivalent of the groom’s best man. The maid of honor’s role, therefore, is typically very involved. Among her many responsibilities, the maid of honor accompanies the bride on shopping trips for her wedding dress while also planning the bridal shower, bachelorette party and coordinating the bridal party gift for the bride. Also, the maid of honor helps the bride get dressed on her wedding day, holds the groom’s wedding ring during the wedding and may also help in the writing of invitations. The maid of honor will also typically act as a witness to the wedding and dance with the best man at the reception. If the woman you’re asking is married, her title will be matron of honor.

Best Man

Perhaps the most well-known responsibilities of the best man are organizing the bachelor party and giving the toast at the reception. But the best man, who is typically a brother or best friend of the groom, also has a slew of other responsibilities. In addition to helping the groom choose his tuxedo and get dressed before the wedding, the best man coordinates the couple’s gift from the groomsmen and takes care of the newlyweds’ transportation to the airport after the reception or the next morning. The best man may also hold onto any payment that’s due to the reception site or the donation for the house of worship, and take care of any final financial details. He also holds the bride’s wedding ring during the ceremony.

Parents of the Groom

The groom’s parents should host a rehearsal dinner prior to the wedding. They may also choose to contribute to the wedding if they desire. In most cases, the groom’s parents have limited responsibilities, but can be involved as much as the wedding couple would like. Traditionally, the groom’s mother confers with the bride’s mother on what color gown she is wearing, so as not to go with the same shade. The groom’s parents may walk down the aisle in advance of the rest of the wedding processional and take their seats.

Flower Girl

If the bride has a sister who is especially young, that sister typically fills the role of flower girl. Since most flower girls are very young, their responsibilities are generally limited to carrying a basket of flowers during the processional and, depending on the bride’s preference, tossing flower petals on the ground to mark the bride’s entrance.

Parents of the Bride

Ring Bearer

Like the flower girl, the ring bearer is a very young member of the family, only the ring bearer is a male. The ring bearer’s role is to carry a pillow with the rings sewn on it during the processional. Some couples choose to have the ring bearer and the flower girl walk next to one another during the processional.

The bride’s parents may be responsible for hosting the wedding, if they will be completely financially responsible for the event. In some cases, the father of the bride escorts his daughter down the aisle alone, but in other instances or in religious ceremonies, both parents may accompany the bride. In all cases, it’s her preference. The mother of the bride may help fund or contribute to the planning of the bridal shower if the maid of honor needs assistance. These parents may also foot the cost of an engagement party or dinner to meet the groom’s family.

Groomsmen

Groomsmen are the male equivalent of the bridesmaids, typically having nearly identical responsibilities. Sometimes, groomsmen can act as ushers for guests arriving at the ceremony. Groomsmen walk in the wedding processional and attend and help organize the bachelor party, as well.

Bridesmaids

Along with walking in the wedding procession, bridesmaids attend the shower and contribute to the bridal gifts. Bridesmaids, who are typically sisters or friends of the bride or groom, also dance with the groomsmen during the reception. To be further involved, each can be given specific roles, like reading a religious passage at the ceremony, providing assistance with choosing wedding vendors or helping to address wedding invitations.

Wedding Guide 2016

Countdown to the Big Day

Story by Metro Creative

To help you get a better understanding of how to plan a wedding and when you should be making certain decisions, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a time frame you can follow that should ensure that your wedding goes off as smoothly as possible.

10 to 12 Months Before

If you haven't done it already, this is a good time to announce your engagement and introduce your respective families. Since most reception halls and churches have busy wedding schedules, it is also important to book both as early as possible, preferably at least a year in advance of your wedding day. It's also a good idea to start putting together a guest list around this time and ask your parents whom they'd like to invite as well. Also, since your budget will determine just about every aspect of your wedding, sitting down and determining what you can spend and developing a savings plan should be first and foremost.

6 to 9 Months Before

This is the time when you want to start booking some services, such as a florist, caterer, a DJ/band and a photographer. However, some of the more experienced DJs and bands, as

Wedding Guide 2016

well as photographers, might have their schedules booked a year in advance, so this might be something you'll want to consider doing shortly after you get engaged and choose a date. Also, this is a good time to inform any guests who will be traveling significant distances of the date of your wedding. The earlier your guests can book a flight, the less expensive that flight will be. This is also a good time to order gowns for both the bride and bridesmaids, as some manufacturers require a few months to ship to bridal shops. You might want to ask someone, such as your priest or rabbi, to be the officiant of your wedding. And much like out-of-town guests will save travel dollars the earlier they learn of your wedding date, you will likely save money, too, if you book your honeymoon around this time.

4 to 5 Months Before

This is a good time to decide on wedding invitations, of which there are many styles to choose from. Also, now is ideal to start hunting for a wedding cake by sampling a number of different bakeriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cakes before ultimately making a decision. Just to be sure, confirm that all of the bridesmaids have ordered their gowns and start looking for a tuxedo for the groom as well as the groomsmen. If you haven't done so already, purchase your wedding rings and let any other people you'd like to participate in your wedding (ushers,

readers during the ceremony, etc.) know of your intentions.

2 to 3 Months Before

Finalize your guest list and mail out your invitations. If your guest list includes a considerable amount of people who are spread out geographically, mail the invitations as close to 12 weeks in advance as possible. This is also a good time to finalize your menu choices for your guests, and find all your wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, candles, etc. Also, since it is tradition to provide gifts for those in the wedding party as well as the parents of the bride and groom, this is a good time to decide on and purchase those gifts. Just to be safe, confirm that all groomsmen have ordered their tuxedos and finalize all transportation, both to and from the wedding and to the airport for your honeymoon.

1 to 2 Months Before

1 to 2 Weeks Before

3 to 4 Weeks Before

The Day Before

Schedule the first bridal-gown fitting. Also finalize the readings you'd prefer during the ceremony and mail them out to anyone who has agreed to do a reading. If your family prefers to host a small gathering for close family and friends after the wedding rehearsal, the night before the wedding, this is a good time to order any food or drinks you might want to serve that night, or make a restaurant reservation.

Confirm your honeymoon arrangements and see if your wedding rings are ready. This is also when you should get your marriage license and check the guest list to see who has and hasn't RSVP'd. For those who have yet to RSVP, you might want to contact them so you can get a closer idea of what the head count will be. You should also prepare and order your wedding program around this time.

Get a final attendance count and submit it to the caterer as soon as you know of it, while also providing a final seating chart. Pick up the wedding gown and tuxedo. Make sure the wedding party picks up their attire. Also, finalize your vows and confirm all wedding-day details such as transportation, photo schedules and addresses. And don't forget to pack for your honeymoon.

This is mainly when you rehearse for the ceremony and make any final confirmations you might have to make. Also, make sure to get some sleep so you'll look good in all of your wedding-day photos.

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Wedding Budget Worksheet Ceremony

Location fee Officiant fee Marriage license Rings Pillow Total Ceremony

Reception

Reception site Food Drinks Rentals Cake Favors Total Reception

Attire

Gown Headpiece/veil Undergarments/hosiery Shoes Accessories Jewelry Makeup Hair Tuxedo Shoes Cuff links Men’s grooming Total attire

Music

Ceremony musicians Band/DJ Extra musicians Total music 30

Wedding Guide 2016

Total Wedding Budget

Flowers

Ceremony Bride’s bouquet Bridesmaids’ bouquets Corsages & boutonnieres Reception centerpieces Flower girl basket Bathroom arrangements Total flowers

Photography

Photographer’s fees Videographer’s fees Total photography

Transportation

Limousines Buses/transport for guests Total transportation

Stationery

Invitations Calligraphy Postage Thank-you cards Total stationery

Gifts

Wedding party Parents Other Total gifts

Honeymoon

Accommodations Food Total honeymoon

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Wedding Guide 2016

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Wedding Guide 2016