PHOTOGRAPHY | PICTURING YOUR NEW LIFE TOGETHER
Five great reasons to take engagement photos Couples spend time together and learn more about each other, and the photographer METRO NEWS SERVICE
During their engagements, couples will make many decisions in regard to their weddings. Wedding planning can sometimes seem like a runaway train of appointments, schedules and deadlines. As a result, some couples do not take the time to enjoy being engaged, which is a special and unique time in their lives. Engagement photo shoots can be a unique way for couples to commemorate and enjoy the months preceding their weddings. Engagement photos memorialize the engagement and provide many additional benefits as well. 1. Engagement photo shoots give couples a chance to connect with their photographers. Booking an engagement photo shoot provides helpful information to both the couple and the photographer. The photographer gets to see how the couple interacts in front of the lens and can determine any insecurities or strengths and weaknesses couples may have. These lessons can be filed away and help make wedding day photos look better. Similarly, spending time with the photographer gives the couple an opportunity to develop a rapport with their photographer. If couples and their photographer don’t click, scheduling an engagement shoot well in advance of the wedding gives couples a chance to find someone else to take their photos. 2. An engagement photo shoot gives couples time to spend together. An engagement photo shoot is an ideal time to spend an afternoon in a special location focusing on each other without wedding planning taking up your time. 3. Photo shoots provide a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera. Professional photographs taken before the wedding enables couples to view how they will appear in pictures. Seeing these photos might help couples grow more comfortable in front
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Engagement photos memorialize the engagement and provide many additional benefits as well. Engagement photo shoots can be a unique way for couples to commemorate and enjoy the months preceding their weddings. of the camera. This practice can help couples temper their anxieties prior to the wedding. An engagement shoot also can be a great time for couples to speak with their photographers about angles or styles they prefer or dislike. 4. The bride and groom have save-the-date or social media photos. Engagement photographs can be used for save-the-date cards or social media postings (check with the photographer for licensing agree-
ments). This can be a great way to spread excitement about the upcoming nuptials. 5. Photo shoots provide a chance to experiment with vivid backdrops. Engagement photography gives couples plenty of opportunities to experiment with different locales, which may not be possible come the wedding day. Engagement photography can be a worthwhile inclusion in pre-wedding celebrations.
WEDDING DAY | GETTING THERE
Numerous options for wedding transportation Shuttles, buses, limos, even vintage cars and watercraft METRO NEWS SERVICE
Couples planning their weddings routinely rely on professional transportation to bring them to and from the ceremony and reception. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, roughly half of all engaged couples will hire a transportation service such as a limousine or party bus for their weddings. Wedding transportation options abound, and some are more popular than others. The following are some of the ways couples are getting to the altar on time. • Shuttles and buses: Investing in the guest experience means couples are seeking ways to provide comfort and convenience for their guests and wedding party members. Rather than asking guests to get themselves to and fro, couples may employ buses or shuttles stocked with amenities to transport a greater number of people. The Real Weddings Study indicates this type of transport has grown considerably more popular in the last six years. • Exotic limousines: The chauffeur-driven limousine continues to be one of the most pop-
ular methods of transportation. However, to set their weddings apart, couples are trending away from traditional stretch limousines and renting something more trendy, such as limos built upon sports cars. SUV-based limos are still popular, with Hummers, Escalades and Navigators offering the wow factor. • Vintage cars: For that A-list look right out of a classic movie, stepping out of a vintage vehicle creates red-carpet moments. Dream cars for this type of glamorous arrival and departure include Rolls Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin and others. Many private companies rent classic vehicles. Couples also may contract with those who attend classic car shows. • Water transport: Couples celebrating by the ocean, a lake or a river can make a grand entrance aboard a vessel. Water taxis, pontoon boats and even sleek speedboats may be the transportation of choice. The Knot says that couples spend more than six months researching their wedding day transportation options and will make their decision and a reservation five months before their weddings. The more exotic the transportation option, the earlier couples should make their decisions to ensure they can book their first choice.
Metro News Service
Wedding transportation options abound, and some are more popular than others. According to a survey, roughly half of all engaged couples will hire a transportation service such as a limousine or party bus for their weddings.
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ENGAGEMENT | GETTING THE RIGHT RING
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Diamonds are the stone of choice for engagement rings and wedding jewelry. Diamonds are durable and remain a timeless way to complement every style. Anyone who is about to purchase a diamond is encouraged to do their research about selecting quality diamonds. At the heart of the diamond grading process are the 4 Cs of diamond quality. The Cs refer to carat weight, color grade, clarity grade, and cut grade. The Gemological Institute of America helped to create the Diamond 4 Cs and the International Diamond Grading System. These benchmarks are used to classify all diamonds. The following is the GIA’s explanation of each component of the system. • Carat: Diamond carat weight is the measurement of how much the diamond weighs and is equivalent to 200 milligrams per carat. Each carat is subdivided into 100 points. Therefore, a one-carat diamond is 1.00, or 100 points, while a 25-point
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Anyone who is about to purchase a diamond is encouraged to do their research about selecting quality diamonds. At the heart of the diamond grading process are the four C’s of diamond quality. diamond is .25 carats. Naturally, larger diamonds can be more rare and desirable. • Color: A white diamond is more
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valuable the less color it contains. GIA uses a D-to-Z grading system to deter mine a diamond’s color value. D would be a colorless dia-
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mond and Z the most saturated with color. • Clarity: Diamonds are formed by carbon exposed to heat and pressure. Natural internal characteristics known as inclusions and external components called blemishes are the norm. The closer the gem comes to being perfectly pure without inclusions or blemishes, the greater the value. • Cut: To transmit light and sparkle, diamonds have to be cut precisely and with great artistry. A diamond will be further graded based on symmetry and proportions, as well as how the stone returns light. Brightness, which is the internal and external white light reflected; fire, or the scattering of white light into rainbow colors; and scintillation, or the sparkle the diamond produces, are factored into how the cut is valued. Diamonds are a major investment. Consumers who do their research and verify diamond grading can get the best value for their money.
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The 4 C’s of diamonds: Carat, color, clarity, cut
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WEDDING DAY | VOICES OF EXPERIENCE
Seven wedding tricks to make the big day easier METRO NEWS SERVICE
Wedding planning is no small task. From sending out engagement announcements to gifting guests with take-home favors, a couple will pour over scores of details as they plan their weddings. As if selecting a photographer or choosing the right passed appetizers isn’t challenging enough, some unknown variables are sure to pop up on the big day as well. Couples can take their cues from others who have walked the aisle before them with these tricks of the trade, which may help couples’ wedding days go smoothly. 1. Host everything at a single location. Couples who want to simplify their wedding day can select a site that can host the ceremony and reception and also house guests. The cost of such facilities may be more affordable than couples think, as transportation costs will be minimal and the venue may offer discounts on group packages. 2. Think about a day coordinator. Couples who cannot afford a wedding planner to handle all of the details often find that a day-of-service provider is within their budget. This person can handle all of the details of the wedding day so brides and grooms can fully immerse themselves in the festivities. 3. Bring extra cash. Unexpected expenses may pop up. Couples may have to feed an extra
member of the band or a guest who was able to get a babysitter at the last minute. Brides and grooms may want to offer a bigger tip than anticipated to the waitstaff or deejay who went above and beyond. 4. Learn how to bustle. Walking around with a free-flowing train all day can become tiring for brides. Brides should make sure that one person practices how to bustle the train and will step in to do so for the reception. Also, it may not be the height of fashion, but having a garbage bag on hand can keep the train clean during inclement weather, or if the bride has to trek across grass or soil for photo opportunities. 5. Give an outgoing person a job. Enlist a boisterous friend or family member to wrangle guests for photo opportunities. He or she can be the photographer’s helper and give the happy couple one less thing to do. 6. Stock the bathroom. Some venues will have courtesy items for their guests, but couples also should bring their own necessities, such as breath mints, toothpaste, extra pantyhose, hairspray, lip gloss, and/or sanitary pads. 7. Be all smiles. Couples can’t predict everything that will happen on their wedding day, but they can help create the mood. Smiling couples can make things better for everyone, even when zippers break or someone gets the chicken instead of the salmon.
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Some unknown variables are sure to pop up on the big day. Couples can take their cues from others who have walked the aisle before them with these tricks of the trade, which may help couples’ wedding days go smoothly.
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For more details: Shoemake Event Center at the Bureau County Metro Center 837 Park Avenue West, Princeton, IL 815-872-0840 SM-PR1589973
Shoemake Event Center At the Bureau County Metro Center 837 Park Avenue West Princeton, IL 61356 815-872-0840
NEWLYWEDS | DEALING WITH MONEY
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Happy couples experience various changes after tying the knot. One of those changes concerns couples’ finances. According to an analysis of data from the National Survey of Families and Households, arguments about money are a frequent concern with married couples. Furthermore, there is a higher correlation between the risk of divorce and the prevalence of financial disagreements. While fights about money do not necessarily cause divorce, they can create rifts in relationships. Even couples who have plenty of money may have disagreements about their finances. Arguments may stem from couples not understanding how their partner views money or the disparities in spending habits among partners. Couples who make early efforts to get on the same page concerning finances may have smoother waters ahead than those who delay such discussions. • Establish goals together. Couples should define their financial goals together. Is it a goal to save for early retirement? Is a house in the imme-
diate future? Is frequent travel a desire? Are we planning to contribute much to future children’s educations? These questions and more need to be addressed early on. By creating a financial plan together, couples can more clearly map out their financial futures. • Combining accounts may be easier. Some couples want to maintain their full financial independence. But combining accounts can help couples avoid arguments about secrecy and concerns about partner spending. Combining accounts also affords couples a clearer picture of their spending and saving habits. • Assess debts as a team. One person may be bringing more debt to the marriage than another. It’s important for all cards to be on the table and to work together to eradicate debt. If a person will be coming to the marriage with poor credit, it may be worth it to keep things separate until a spouse works on remedying his or her finances, according to Credit.com. • Decide how to split expenses. One partner may make more money than
Speaking about finances in advance of the wedding and working together to form a financial strategy can set a steady course for a couple’s financial security.
Metro News Service the other, and one may spend more time handling household needs or future childcare responsibilities. Couples need to agree whether one person pays for certain bills exclusively, whether they spend from one salary and save the other, or com-
bine finances completely and spend equally, offers NerdWallet. Engaged couples who develop a post-wedding financial plan may find their transition to being married much easier than those who delay such discussions.
The Cider Mill is our beautiful country setting for an outdoor wedding venue and banquet facility.
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We have expanded our banquet facility to accommodate up to 400 guests and added an indoor wedding venue with a rustic barn door and barn wood as a back drop for your wedding. Our engaged couples will now be able to have their wedding and reception at the same venue during the winter months. The Cider Mill is a beautiful setting for your wedding, reception, gathering, meeting or luncheon.
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WEDDING DAY | SELECTING THE RIGHT PLACE
Factors to consider before choosing a venue with regard to their venue options. Some venues may be booked for as much as a year or more in advance during peak wedding season. The Real Weddings Study found that the most popular months to get married were October and September. Couples who hope to follow suit may need to book their wedding venues well in advance. Those who can be more flexible regarding their wedding dates may find it easier to book their dream venues.
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Once couples become engaged and share the good news with their friends and families, the next step is to begin planning their weddings. While couples must make myriad decisions during the wedding planning process, perhaps none is more significant than where to tie the knot. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding for couples who married in 2016 was $35,329. That’s a sizable amount, and a big portion of that was spent on the wedding venue. The Real Weddings Study found that couples spent an average of $16,107 on their wedding venues. That figure easily dwarfs the next biggest expense ($6,163 for the engagement ring) for couples tying the knot. Because the wedding venue comes with such a potentially high sticker price, couples should give ample consideration to a host of factors before choosing where to get married.
Insurance Ask about the venue’s insurance policies, including the policies the venue has to protect itself. In addition, ask if the venue requires couples to have their own wedding liability insurance for protection in the event of injury, property damage or incidents related to alcohol. Couples may also want to make the investment in cancellation/postponement insurance, and some venues may even require it.
Financials
Size Until they can agree on a guest list, couples might want to delay even looking for venues. However, some couples might want to first look at some venues so they can determine just how many guests they can afford to invite. Whether they’re hosting small affairs or large parties, couples should choose venues that can comfortably accommodate all of their guests. If possible, look for venues with multiple reception areas, which might allow for some wiggle room if the guest list grows or dwindles during the planning process.
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While couples must make myriad decisions during the wedding planning process, perhaps none is more significant than where to tie the knot.
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It’s easy for couples to be focused on the bottom line when choosing wedding venues, but it’s also important that they get a complete g rasp of the financials before choosing a wedding venue. Ask about the amount of the initial deposit and if that deposit is refundable. In addition, ask when the deposit is due and when each subsequent payment is due until the balance is paid in full. This can make budgeting easier and planning less stressful. Couples should have fun choosing their wedding venues while recognizing that certain factors must be given ample consideration before signing any contracts.
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WEDDING FINANCES
METRO NEWS SERVICE Newly engaged couples may experience an array of emotions when they sit down to plan their weddings. Some couples cannot wait to jump into planning and want to catalog every aspect of the process, while others may proceed with caution because they don’t know what to expect — particularly in regard to cost. Many couples find it difficult to create their wedding budgets because they have no previous experience to draw on. The wedding planning adviser CostofWedding. com indicates the average wedding cost in the United States is $26,720, with most people spending between $20,000 and $34,000. Such costs can vary g reatly depending on couples’ preferences, including where they hope to tie the knot. By breaking down wedding expenses, couples can get a clearer picture of how much they may need to pay for their weddings and where they may need to cut costs. • Reception site: According to The Knot, a premiere wedding plan-
Many couples find it difficult to create their wedding budgets because they have no previous experience to draw on. By breaking down wedding expenses, couples can get a clearer picture of how much they may need to pay for their weddings and where they may need to cut costs. Metro News Service ning resource, couples can expect their receptions to eat up the largest chunk of their wedding budgets. Wedding reception venues may cost between $10,000 and $15,000. The average price for catering per person is roughly $70. Bar service may be around $2,000 for a threeto four-hour party. Some reception sites combine the room cost with the food and beverage costs, while others have à la carte fees.
• Cake: Wedding cakes tend to be multitiered intricate designs, so they will cost more than birthday cakes. According to Statistics Brain, wedding dessert will come in around $390. • Music: The Knot says wedding bands cost around $3,500, which is more than twice as much as hiring a deejay ($1,200). Soloists or ceremony musicians may cost around $650.
• Wedding planner: Many couples employ wedding planners to make planning their weddings easier. Wedding planners cost an average of $1,300, says Thumbtack, a company that matches professionals with people who require their services. • Transportation: Limousines and other transportation prices vary depending on the vehicle(s) couples choose. The Knot notes that budgeting between $400 and $500 for transportation might be wise. • Wedding gown: Brides-to-be should expect their gowns to cost about $1,100 and the veil or headpiece to be about $120, according to the Association of Bridal Consultants. • Photography and Video: Preserving wedding day memories costs around $2,800 for video and photography services, based on data from Statistics Brain. The smaller details, such as accessories, gifts, officiant fees, stationery, spa services, and favors can quickly add up as well. Couples should be sure to leave some wiggle room in their budgets for incidental expenses that may pop up.
ONLINE TECHNOLOGY AND WEDDINGS
Planning a wedding website? Here are some dos and don’ts METRO NEWS SERVICE
Technology continues to infiltrate all areas of life. So it should come as no surprise that apps and digital organization play a prominent role in many couples’ weddings. Couples may now feel it is necessary to design a wedding website to keep their guests up-to-date. Though they’re useful when planning a wedding, websites are not a must-have, according to bridal etiquette experts. However, those who choose to delve into the world of wedding websites can keep these pointers in mind when navigating. • DO use the wedding website as a central hub for putting pertinent information about the wedding that may not be covered on invitations or save-the-date cards. • DON’T ignore the potential for identity theft and privacy. Wedding websites can put quite a deal of personal information out for public consumption. Not only will the website advertise when the wedding takes place (when your home and
the homes of all your guests will be empty), but also it could include birthdays, maiden names, and other information that would normally be more difficult to track down. • DO use a wedding website provider that gives you the option to password protect your website. Urge guests not to share this protected information with others. • DON’T caption engagement photos, bachelorette party photos and more with dates and names on the wedding website and on other social media. • DO skip the wedding website if you are strongly opposed to it. When properly composed, a wedding invitation will convey all the pertinent details. A group email or phone calls can alert guests to any changes after the fact. • DON’T forget to link to gift registries. • DO use the wedding website to collect responses and then make a table seating arrangement online. This will help you stay more organized and streamlined.
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AFTER THE WEDDING
Tips on choosing a honeymoon destination to water sports, and even airport pickup and dropoff. Such packages can save couples substantial amounts of money, which can help those who might have spent more on their weddings than they initially intended.
METRO NEWS SERVICE
Engaged couples spend lots of time and money planning their weddings. The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study found that the average couple who married in 2017 spent more than $33,000 on their weddings. If that figure raises eyebrows, couples may be even more surprised to learn it does not include the cost of a honeymoon. Honeymoons often mark couples’ first trip together after tying the knot. The 2017 Real Weddings Study found that the average engagement length in 2017 was 14 months, and many couples are no doubt ready for a getaway after spending more than a year planning their weddings. Whether couples are working with shoestring budgets or have some financial flexibility, it’s wise to consider various factors before choosing a honeymoon destination.
Distance A remote, exotic island might sound like the perfect place for couples to visit on their honeymoons. However, couples who spent more than a year planning their weddings may prefer somewhere less remote than an exotic isle that requires multiple flight transfers and possibly even days of travel to get to. Couples should discuss how much travel they’re willing to endure during their honey-
Recreation Couples also may want to consider the accessibility of local recreational activities before choosing a honeymoon destination. Some couples may just want to spend the duration of their honeymoons unwinding on a beach, while others may want to mix relaxation with exploration. All-inclusive resort packages may or may not include off-site resort activities. Couples who want to do some exploring away from their resorts should investigate both the accessibility and safety of doing so. Metro News Service
Couples should consider a host of factors before choosing a honeymoon destination. moons, and then find somewhere that both partners are excited about.
Amenities Many resorts offer honeymoon packages that include a host of amenities, including all-inclusive food and beverage, spa access, access
Budget If budgets were stretched for the wedding, couples should not discount the benefits of planning a post-wedding weekend getaway and then saving some money for a more traditional honeymoon down the road. This option still affords couples a chance to spend a few post-wedding days away from home and can help them save for a honeymoon trip they will never forget. Couples should consider a host of factors before choosing a honeymoon destination.
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