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P LANNER
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P LANN i n g C h e c k l i s t Use this as a general guideline for getting the biggest tasks taken care of before your big day. Have fun!
9-12 months before
Set a budget and determine how costs will be divided. Select a date and reserve venue(s). Start the guest list to get your best cost estimate. Find an officiant. Start a separate folder for receipts. Select your wedding party. Hire a planner or day-of coordinator.
6-9 months before
Find a caterer if the venue doesn’t offer one. Book a florist, photographer, and DJ or band. Choose bridesmaids’ attire. Register for gifts. Start planning your honeymoon. Select and order the bridal gown! Create a wedding website. Arrange transportation.
2015
4-6 months before
Finalize guest list. Send save-the-date announcements. Reserve any rental items needed for ceremony or reception. Shop for wedding invitations. Finalize a date, time, and location of rehearsal dinner. Choose ceremony readings and reach out to readers. Arrange room blocks at hotels for out-of-town guests. Meet with your officiant.
2-4 months before
Mail invitations. Shop for your wedding rings. Order wedding cake. Obtain marriage license after 90-day mark. Find your makeup artist and hairstylist and make your day-of and trial-run appointments. Purchase favors and gifts for welcome baskets.
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6-8 weeks before
Send rehearsal dinner invitations. Reserve tuxedos for groomsmen. Finalize the menu and the flowers. Meet with vendors to work out details.
2-6 weeks before
Print seating cards and programs. Create seating plan and wedding weekend time line. Have your final dress fitting. Write vows. Finalize all details and confirm with vendors.
1 week before
Expect lots of lastminute things to come up, so try not to save anything that could have been finished sooner. Confirm arrival times with vendors and wedding party. Set aside checks or tips to distribute to vendors. Delegate tasks to wedding party.
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edding Invitation Etiquette One invitation per:
The wedding invitation is a multi-purpose tool - conveying the bride and groom’s distinctive taste and officially communicating the important details of the event itself: when, where, what time, who is invited, who is hosting, formality and style.
Formal or Traditional
Less Formal or Casual
Mr. and Mrs. James Mason
We invite you to share in the joy at the marriage of our daughter
request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Heidi Marie to Mr. John Neil Lincoln
Heidi Marie to Mr. John Neil Lincoln Saturday, the twenty-third of July two thousand thirteen
Saturday, the twenty-third of July two thousand thirteen at 6 o’clock Grace Fellowship Church Minnetonka, Minnesota
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Parents Each attendant Clergy/Officiate and spouse Family with children under 18 Couple (married or living together) Generally, each child 18 or older (still living at home) Single guest Significant other of single guest— not living together
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at 6 o’clock Grace Fellowship Church Minnetonka, Minnesota
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Third person wording Be consistent with spelling: honour/ favour or honor/favor Dr. and military titles need to be spelled out: i.e. Doctor David Johnson Use Roman numerals in instead of second or 2nd
names
Punctuation is only used to separate city, state or day, date or Mr. Mrs. All days, dates and times are typically spelled out: Saturday, the twentythird of July, Two thousand and twelve at two o’clock Avoid abbreviations: spell out street, boulevard, avenue...
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Ways to Keep Your Budget on Track
By now you know how pricey a wedding can be -- and how easy it is to lose track of expenses! Stick with a budget you can afford and keep up with all those payments. 1. Get organized. Create a budget spreadsheet with a set dollar limit for each part of your budget (attire, reception, flowers, etc.). 2. Tell your vendors. Work with your vendors to come up with a budgetconscious plan. Be clear about your price-range so that there are no surprises when it’s time to sign the contract. 3. Take your budget with you. Create a pocket-sized version of your budget for when you’re out and about. 4. Make a list of no-nos. Whether your weakness is mochas or Manolos, be honest with yourself about where you can cut costs. Source: wedding.theknot.com
O’Leary’s Banquets The perfect spot for rehearsal dinners, showers, and smaller receptions.
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Colors
Top Wedding colors for 2015
Pantone
has released their top color picks for the spring season — their theme is “En Plein Air” (“in the open air”), and the soft, water hues are oh-so-refreshing! Get ready to see these colors everywhere in a few months.
Aquamarine
Cool and calming, ethereal Aquamarine is a shade with a wet and watery feel. Open and expansive, this restful blue also acts as a stress reducer.
Scuba Blue
Scuba Blue conveys a sense of carefree playfulness. Scuba Blue offers a feeling of escape as it is reminiscent of a tropical ocean. This stirring and energizing shade takes us off to an exotic paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.
Lucite Green
Generally not thought of as a fashion color, though it does come back from time to time, Lucite Green is a soothing green shade whose time has really come again. Fresh and clarifying, cool and refreshing, Lucite Green has a minty glow. Light in weight and also in tone, Lucite Green seems almost transparent.
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Classic Blue
Reliable and thoughtful, Classic Blue inspires calm, confidence and harmony. Serving as an anchor to the Spring/ Summer 2015 palette, Classic Blue is a shade that is strong and reliable. Just as with the sea, because of its waterborne qualities, this Classic Blue is perceived as thoughtful and introspective.
Toasted Almond
Bringing balance to the coolness of the Spring/Summer 2015 color range is Toasted Almond. A suntanned neutral, Toasted Almond offers comforting warmth and is indicative of a spontaneous spring, summer feeling. Timeless and versatile, Toasted Almond is an organic shade that speaks to authenticity and all that is natural.
Strawberry Ice
Custard
Lavender Herb
Marsala
Strawberry Ice is suggestive of a cooling and refreshing delicacy, yet its warmth as a color is quite appealing. Subtle and charming, Strawberry Ice is an ideal shade for Spring/Summer 2015.
Incorporate lavender florals into your rustic wedding, or opt for vintage details in this beautiful color.
Tangerine
Spontaneous and gregarious, Tangerine is a juicy orange shade that is energizing, yet not jarring to the eye. Good natured and friendly, but with a tangy edge, this funloving color invites a smile.
2015
Custard is a delicious and delectable yellow. Sweet and sunny, Custard is a cheering tone that brings thoughts of pleasant relaxation and comfort food.
Sensual and bold, delicious Marsala is a daringly inviting tone that nurtures; exuding confidence and stability while feeding the body, mind and soul. Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this robust shade incorporates the warmth and richness of a tastefully fulfilling meal, while its grounding redbrown roots point to a sophisticated, natural earthiness.
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Wedding D
o’s
& D ont’s
Do practice walking around in your shoes a few times before your wedding day. Even ballet flats can give you a nasty blister if they’re not broken in. Try doing a few chores around the house in your wedding footwear (when your fiancé isn’t home) to ensure you’ll be able to dance the night away! Do choose a hair and makeup style that is similar to your daily look, with a touch of upgraded glamour. Your fiancé is going to want to see you walking down the aisle, and you’ll be much happier looking back on your pictures in a few years.
Do be upfront with all of your vendors about what you do and don’t want at your wedding. For example, provide a “don’t play” list to your DJ or band and a “must take” list for your photographer so everything is exactly as you envisioned it. Do remember to send thank-you notes to those who made your special day perfect, but may not have been a guest at your wedding. Loved your officiant? Developed a great relationship with the coordinator at your venue? Let them know. Your kind words will be appreciated. I Dont’s Don’t spend the day on Facebook and Twitter! I know you’ve been waiting a long time to change your relationship status to “married,” but—please—save it for the next day. Turn away from social media and stay present in the moment and spend your wedding reception connecting face to face IRL (not virtually) with your loved ones and new husband. Don’t forget to eat throughout the day and at your reception. It can be easy to neglect to nibble with all the excitement, but a few glasses of champagne can be dangerous on an empty stomach. Don’t feel like you have to stick to either traditional wedding customs or current trends. If wearing a big white dress, tossing your bouquet and distributing tulle bags full of Jordan almonds just doesn’t feel like you, skip it! If you prefer white wine and red velvet cake to a specialty cocktail and candy bar, do it. It’s your day: you get to decide what happens!
Don’t sweat the small stuff! Be prepared for some things to go wrong. But remember that it won’t be a big deal when they do. Whatever it is, you’ll look back on it and laugh, so enjoy your day in spite of whatever didn’t go as planned.
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Vows
Tips for writing your own wedding vows
N
o doubt you’ve worked hard to stage a wedding reception with tons of individual style, so why should your ceremony be any different? Get personal, and consider writing your own vows. Don’t stress: It’s not as daunting as you might think. Here’s how it’s done.
What’s Your Style? Decide if you want to say separate vows (you write yours, he writes his), or if you’d rather each recite an identical, all-encompassing vow that you compose together. You can also combine these options: Take turns making personalized promises to each other, and then solemnize these statements by exchanging more formal, traditional vows (“I, Jason, take you, Kimberly, to be my lawful wife, to have and to hold…”) or a variation that you decide on together (“I, Stephanie, promise you, David, to always be your wife, your friend, your lover…”).
What Makes a Good Vow? Keep in mind that at the heart of every vow is the idea that you’re making a pact. The “agreement” should have these three features, in no particular order: a declaration of love (“Sam, my beloved, I fill my heart with you, to love you until the end of my days”); promises for your marriage (“I pledge to embrace both our similarities and our differences” or “I promise to start family traditions”); and personal touches (“Four years ago, I thought that men like you didn’t exist”). Before you both begin writing, decide on the tone you want to set. Your words may be different,but the
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What Should You Say? It depends on what you want to emphasize. Maybe it’s fidelity (“I promise to be faithful”); the notion of two people coming together, but maintaining their individuality (“I promise to have the courage to let you be yourself”); or the importance of family (“I promise to create a family with you and to take yours as my own”). Consider where you first met, the first time he kissed you…can you tie any of this in to what you want to pledge? You can be specific, even humorous, about the requirements you plan to fulfill throughout your lives together.
Consult a Pro Your officiant can guide you through the vow-writing process by directing you to resources and examples from clients. If you’re having a religious ceremony, he or she can help you write vows that pertain to your faith’s conventions, ideals and symbols.
The Big Performance Things to remember before going live: Practice , but don’t overdo it—speak naturally. And if you become a little emotional? It’s okay to cry!
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riters Block?
Need some inspiration? These vows appear in the Complete Book of Wedding Vows, by Diane Warner (Career Press): “You are a kind and gentle person, and it is with great joy that I take you as my husband/wife. May our love grow deeper every day of our marriage, and as the days grow to weeks, and the weeks to months and the months to years, may we never forget this joyous day and the vows of commitment we are pledging to each other. I will cherish you and be faithful to you for all eternity.”
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style should be more or less the same. A practical note: Be sure to keep vows one to three minutes long.
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Flowers
L
ush, soft, Exquisitely romantic, the flower of the year is the many petaled tree peony, says New York’s Ariella Chezar, whose work has been seen at the White House. Amber Gustafson of Los Angeles’s Amber Events picks a similar bloom, the sweet-smelling garden rose.
The ideal vessel for your centerpiece? Crystal and silver, says Ariella. “They feel elegant and retro at once.” Amber agrees: “The containers may be ultra-formal estate pieces, but the arrangements themselves are very touchable. Full, loose groupings of garden roses, anemones, poppies, lilac.”
Greens,
greens, greens. 2015 centerpiece will not be complete without peeks of unusual greens. Soft vines, geranium leaves and maidenhair fern all top the must-have lists, reports Amber.
The flower garland is back in a big way. Ariella loves citrus garlands for bars and over doorways—lemons, limes, oranges on the stem. “And fern garlands are really beautiful. I love them down the center of a long table.”
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Top Flowers 1. The Rose
Long considered a symbol of beauty and love, the rose figures into many myths and fairy tales. Romantic writers and poets have used the flower as a metaphor for emotion, beauty, passion, and true love throughout the ages.
2. The Tulip
Representing “consuming love” and “happy years,” the tulip can be a meaningful wedding choice. The flowers are grown in a wide range of colors, including white and cream; pastels like pink, yellow, and peach; and vibrant hues like magenta, red, and purple.
3. Calla Lily
This elegant, trumpet-shaped blossom symbolizes “magnificent beauty” in the language of flowers. Two types are commonly available: a large-headed variety with a long, smooth stem and a miniature version ideal for nosegays and boutonnieres. Creamy ivory is the most popular color, but calla lilies also come in yellow, orange, mauve-pink, and dark purple.
4. Lily of the Valley
With bell-shape florets dangling from a thin stem, the lily of the valley is sometimes called “the ladder to heaven”. The flower is linked to Ostara, the goddess of springtime, and while most plentiful during this season, it remains available -- and very expensive -- most of the year.
5. Hydrangeas
With its big bushy head and intense shades of pink, blue, burgundy, and purple, it’s no wonder that the hydrangea represented “vanity” in the Victorian language of flowers. A stem or two of this moderately priced, scentless shrub flower helps fill out arrangements and bouquets, and a few sprigs make a charming boutonniere.
6. The Peony
The peony has a large, full head, strong perfume, and bright color. A bouquet made solely of peonies can be gorgeous; the flower can also be used to create beautiful centerpieces and arrangements. Grown in single- and double-flower styles, this expensive bloom is seasonally available from late spring to early summer.
7. Ranunculus
Try the lush, multi-petaled ranunculus, a relative of the buttercup. A natural for the bridal bouquet or bridesmaid nosegays, the ranunculus also makes a whimsical boutonniere and is available in many colors including white, yellow, orange, and pink.
8. Stephanotis
The Victorian meaning for this flower is “marital happiness,” making the dainty white Stephanotis an obvious choice for weddings. The star-shape, waxy florets actually grow on a flowering vine; each must be individually wired or placed onto a special holder before it can be arranged.
9. Sweet Peas
The sweet pea, which signifies “lasting pleasure,” and the English have had a love affair with this delicate flower ever since. Its candy-like scent and ruffled blossoms make this an old-fashioned favorite in bouquets for the bride and her bridesmaids. The sweet pea’s many colors range from white to intense pinks and purples.
10. The Gardenia
Surrounded by dark green, waxy leaves, the exquisite gardenia exudes a sultry, heavy scent. Gardenias are lovely tucked into a bouquet or floating in a low bowl as a centerpiece, and a single gardenia makes a wonderful scented corsage.
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F ood& D rink W
elcome 2015, where it is definitely out with the old and in with the new! As I predicted in this article back in my 2012, the era of the shabby chic wedding is over and the age of elegance and luxury has been embraced. Out go jam jars, soft pastels, birdcages and bunting, in comes Gatsby and Downton Art Deco, with an abundance of silver and glassware dramatically punctuated by pops of rich, royal purple. Here are some further wedding food and drink related predictions of what will be popular in 2015…
Smart Suppers
The Classics
Weddings are more intimate with smaller numbers (averaging 120) and an emphasis on really looking after each and every one of your guests. Discreet, attentive and efficient service is key. Carson the butler would approve.
Classic canapés (rather than the trendy fusion or quirky options of late) are back in demand, such as Quail Eggs Royale and Confit Duck with Foie Gras Starter: Home Cured Gravadlax Main: English Duck Breasts with Blackcurrants Dessert: Gooseberry Fool with Elderflower Tart
Elegant, casual dining returns, meaning that every plate is served beautifully presented and ready to eat. This is the way forward in 2014, the end of the British gastro pub-esque carve at the table style that we saw a lot of in 2012 and 2013. I think we need to give this type of elegant casual dining a new name. How about “Smart Suppers”?
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I predict menus focusing on the traditional classics, some expected choices that exceed expectations by being done exceptionally well. Light yet filling options, and very pretty in presentation. For example:
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Gin and Fizz
Champagne is making a comeback, replacing Prosecco as the fizz of choice for celebrations Gin gin gin. Cocktails and spirits continue to be huge, but especially specialist G&T’s which have become very popular. Serve them in beautiful 1920’s inspired glasses for that added wow factor.
Seasonal Trends Spring
I think we will see far more classic, seasonal, English ingredients such as rhubarb, asparagus, Jersey Royals and peas… all my favourite things!
Autumn and Winter
The resurgence of game. Rabbit, venison and pheasant are all appearing on my menus this year.
And finally...
Evening food in 2014 passed amongst guests (rather than piled on a table) to keep the party going and the dance floor grooving! Rather than a cheese buffet, include a plated cheese course. If you don’t have evening guests, skip the evening buffet! Instead give your day guests a continuous flow of canapés, and four courses.
Summer
No more table buffets or self-carve... hurray! Guests stay seated and the deliciousness comes to them.
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Cakes
2015
presents many new flavors, unique ideas and nontraditional wedding cake arrangements. There are of course classic trends making a come back as well, so if you desire a more traditional cake there’s still plenty of styles for you to choose from. As we continue to pick up influences from other cultures, wedding cake styles continue to change. Many brides now crave a strong french influence for their big day serving up treats such as crepes, Croquembouches, and even macaroon. Not only are these treats being served at the weddings, but bridal showers, and engagement dinners as well. 2015 is truly the year to create and design the wedding cake of your dreams. Forget traditional styles and opt for your personal favorite special treat! Look below to see the top wedding cake styles for 2015.
Sequin Cakes
Gold, Rose Gold, & Silver
Ruffles
The perfect way to add a feminine touch. Choose a completely ruffled cake, or just add one tier of ruffles.
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Premier Catering has been dedicated to providing the finest quality service and dining experience for fifteen years. Each event is custom designed to create the perfect occasion for you.
Buttercream Cakes
Move over fondant, buttercream is making a comeback!
Metallics
“The Day is Exclusively Yours”
Cakes that showcase a metallic sheen.
French Influenced Treats
Macrons, Croquembouche
Mixed Shaped Tiers Cakes that feature mixed tiers such as round and square.
One Layered Cake Cakes featuring one layer.
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Songs
W
hat are the top first dance songs for wedding day, Best Songs to hit the dance floor on the Wedding Night: The wedding night is the time which is a collection of the unforgettable moments. The songs for that time are also something that remains there in the memory for ever. Dancing on the marriage night is something which makes a deep impact on the memory and that remains for ever with the videos of that night. Here is a list of the top 10 first dance wedding songs of 2015.
A glimpse into the list of Top 10 First Dance wedding songs The top first dance songs of 2015 for the dance in the wedding ceremony are must to listen songs, not only for the reason that they are among the top ten, but for the reason that the music composition and the blend of lyrics with them has made the songs best and most pleasant for the ears.
The first dance wedding songs in 2015 of the recent times are a perfect blend of lyrics, music and the vocalist qualities. The first dance of the couple will get a new feeling when at the back there is some awesome melodious first dance song is played. If your wedding day is about to approach then you can play the listed best first dance songs in your 2015 wedding to feel great.
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Top
Hickory Grove
Banquet & Conference Center
edding Songs
1127 N. 7th Street, Rochelle, IL 61068
815-562-5668 • hickorygrovebcc.com
1. At Last by Etta James
The song has been a famous one and is the most popular at recent times especially for the liking by the lovers in the marriage dance floor.
2. I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz
The song is a passionate one with beautiful musical notes in support to make a 2015 top first dance wedding song of recent times.
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3. You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne
The great composition and the most attracting lyrics of the song got its best exposure from the vocal excellence of Ray LaMontagne.
The song is about the confession of the groom to the bride and the lyrics is nicely rhymed in the context of the song.
5. Better Together by Jack Johnson
The beautiful song is like the dream of a new life as goes by the lyrics and the song is becoming a real hit.
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4. All of Me by John Legend
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6. A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
The promise to be with each other is the expression of the song and is a perfect one with the most lively music at background has made the song create a lightning effect.
7. Everything by Michael Bublé
The finely tuned and the lovely music supported dance song has been a great composition of the recent times.
8. First Day Of My Life by Bright Eyes
This is the song to express the new start of life from the marriage day and is having a fine lyric that deserves appreciation.
9. Then by Brad Paisley
10. Make You Feel My Love by Adele
The song has been a top first dance wedding song of recent times as the song had created a great fan following and the song is also been a liked one among the couples and the young mass.
2015
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The couples and the young dance lovers love the genre and have shown a great passion for the song.
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edding
Photographer
Photography is the cornerstone of your wedding’s memories. The right picture instantly takes you back to the happiest day of your life. Below are simple tips to hiring a wedding photographer who will provide you with memories you will treasure forever.
1. Start Searching Immediately
Hiring a wedding photographer is one of the first things you should do, because the best professional photographers book their schedules a year in advance. If you want outstanding pictures, start searching for your photographer when you have decided on the date.
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Full service catering from appetizers, salads & entrees to Unforgettable Desserts! s to Call u e a ul sched g! tastin
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2. Search Everywhere
Good wedding photographers have a reputation of success, and therefore are relatively well known. Start your search by asking for recommendations from friends and family who have held weddings prior to your event. Ask if they liked the photographer. Look at their wedding album.
3. Look at Wedding Photo Samples
If you have a list of photographers from which to choose, peruse their Web sites to begin eliminating candidates from your list. Determine which photographer will meet your budget as well as your needs. Consider how well they perform in different settings/environments. For example, if you are throwing a beach wedding, it makes sense to find a photographer who is stronger in filming outdoors.
4. Gauge Their Professionalism
During your initial interviews, find out how many weddings the photographer has shot. He/she may have been a professional photographer for 15 years, but only doing weddings for the past year. Remember, wedding photography is much different than any other type of photography.
5. Discuss Wedding Photography Equipment
For example, there are advantages to both digital and film that you may want to consider. Both produce high quality images, but some say film produces better pictures when enlarged. Others contend that digital pictures are easier to manipulate and produce. In the end, if the photographer uses a digital camera, make sure it takes images of at least 8 megapixels or larger. If film is the photographer’s preference, make sure they use professional grade film.
6. Determine Costs and Sign the Contract
While you want to make sure you book your photographer for the date of your wedding immediately, make sure you read over the legal details of exactly what you will get before signing the contract. First, negotiate price. Contrary to what you may have been told, everything is negotiable, including price, packages and wedding proofs. This means knowing exactly what type of service and what package of photographs you will be getting.
Then make sure that the photographer you want is the photographer you will get at your wedding.
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Wedding
N otes
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2015
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B
ridal Index
Cakes
Hy-Vee..........................................15 Sweet Dream Desserts................20
Catering
Country Store & Catering............20 Faranda’s .....................................24 Hy-Vee..........................................15 O’Leary’s........................................5 Premier Catering.........................17 Rosati’s Pizza of Sycamore...........11 Sweet Dream Desserts................17
How Much Do You Actually Need? Just like buying shoes, an apartment, or a pair of jeans, when it comes to financing a wedding, you should figure out how much you need to spend to get what you want. Set your expectations accordingly. Knot Note: The average cost for a 150-person wedding is about $25,000 (higher in urban areas). Here is a basic breakdown of what you can expect to pay: • Reception: 48%-50% • Ceremony: 2%-3% • Attire: 8%-10% • Flowers: 8%-10% • Entertainment/Music: 8%-10% • Photography/Videography: 10%-12% • Stationery: 2%-3% • Wedding Rings: 2%-3% • Parking/Transportation: 2%-3% • Gifts: 2%-3% • Miscellaneous: 8% • To avoid stress, allot about 5% of your budget for a “just-in-case” fund. If you’re paying for your honeymoon yourselves, remember to budget for that as well.
2015
D.J. Service
Pro Sound Productions..................2
Florist
Everything Floral............................8 Glidden Campus Florist..............19 Hy-Vee..........................................15
Formal Wear
Ducky’s Formal Wear...................17
Reception/Banquet Facility
Chapel in the Pines......................15 DeKalb Park District.......................2 Faranda’s .....................................24 Hickory Grove..............................19 O’Leary’s........................................5
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Faranda’s is DeKalb County’s Premier Choice • Weddings • Rehearsal Dinners
• Bridal & Baby Showers • Parties
• Seminars • Business Events • Off Site Catering
302 Grove Street • Downtown DeKalb (815) 981-3304 • farandas.com