Southern Idaho Bride Magazine by Sid Vanderpool

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contents a wedding tale

food & drink

park weddings

ceremony music

cakes & cupcakes

the reception

seating everyone

rentals, themes etc

hiring the dj

the dress 18 photography 20 beyond decorating

tux & formalwear

videography 26 hotels & lodging

photobooths 30 trash the dress

candy bars 33 top trends 34 mountain weddings

sun valley weddings

travel 40 your planner

Special thanks to this years cover photographer, Richard Briggs of Briggs Photography and his wife Shawna Briggs, also from Briggs Photography in Northern California for providing such stunningly beautiful visuals that are displayed throughout the 22nd edition of our publication. Published by MME Event Group LLC P.O. Box 2552 • Twin Falls, Id. 83303-2552 • (208) 736-7268 www.MMEeventgroup.com Copyright © 2014 MME Event Group Southern Idaho Bride is published annually by MME Event Group LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner is strictly prohibited without expressed written permission of MME Event Group LLC. The information in this book is believed to be correct, however MME Event Group LLC cannot guarantee it’s accuracy. MME Event Group LLC cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers in this book.

| SouthernIdahoBride.com | 2013

Southern Idaho Bride : a wedding tale

a wedding tale

Mercedes & Ronnie September 6, 2013

Time changes people and life’s events don’t always turn out like you think they will. That person you met in passing during high school that was introduced to you by a friend, with the right twist of fate, could be the one you were meant to be with for the rest of your life. Mercedes, or Cede as she likes to be called, and Ronnie met while attending college at CSI. For some strange reason there was a familiarity about Cede, something that caught his eye. Their first encounter was not wonderful- Ronnie casually asked her out but she really was not interested. Not one to take “no” for an answer, Ronnie made sure he “ran into her” on campus a number of times that year. At first she found Ronnie’s pestering a little annoying, but decided to give him one chance. Ronnie had asked her to a movie. It was at this movie she saw a completely different side of Ronnie. Something intrigued her, but she could not place her finger on it. Busy with school, Ronnie became Cede’s way to turn loose. He was her confidant and best “guy” friend. In this day and age people throw the word “love” around like it has no meaning. When the stars align just right, that word is magical. One night when he was walking her back to her car while visiting his parents, Ronnie kissed her and said, “I love you.” That kiss changed things for the two friends and escalated their relationship to being a couple. Over the next year they had more fun times together. One thing that Cede discovered about Ronnie was that even though he was shy in public, he was a “goofball and so much fun to be around” when it was just the two of them. This brought the couple even closer.

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Unlike most fairytales where the prince sweeps the princess off her feet and asks her to marry him, the tale of this couple is a little more down to earth. Once again, Ronnie was walking Cede back to her car (what’s up with the walking to the car thing?) and he got down on one knee, with a ring in one hand and proposed. She immediately said, “Yes!” Unlike 80% of the brides out there that get engaged, Cede did not go into full wedding planning mode days after proposal, they wanted to lay down a foundation that would be rock solid first. Over the next year, the couple competed in the ultimate compatibility test, they built a house together. Having faced the hardships and difficulties of this monumental task, Cede and Ronnie grow closer than anyone could have ever imagined. Now the time was right to plan a wedding. Their first thoughts about the type of wedding they wanted brings us back to the whole prince and princess. You know, where Ronnie and Cede show up in a glass pumpkin being pulled by six white horses. You guessed it, a Disney wedding. Complete with all the trimmings. The bubble that this fantasy wedding was floating in was soon burst when they discovered that only a few of their friends and family would be able to attend. It was important to them to have their families there. Still wanting an out of the box memorable wedding, they searched for somewhere local that was not overused. Tucked in next to the Snake River just outside Burley, the Sunrise P River Ranch was known more to European visitors as a “dude ranch” than as a wedding destination. It had a rustic charm though that caught their eye.

Cede’s most favorite part of the planning was the dress. She tried on a few, but as much of a cliché as it may seem, “I found it right away in a dress magazine at Christa’s Dress Shoppe” and they ordered it in for her. Cede never thought she would be brought to tears by just trying on a dress, but this was no ordinary dress. This was the dress that she would wear down the aisle to be married to her best friend. This was “the” dress. September 6th was a bright sunny day and other than a few bugs, the Sunrise P River Ranch was setup for a wedding. Inside the barn, over a hundred friends and family sat patiently in the heat waiting for Cede to walk down the aisle. The groomsmen by his side, a very nervous Ronnie stood there waiting. This was a very public thing and something that Ronnie had difficulties with, but with the support of his family, friends, and his groomsmen having his back with pretzels, Pepto Bismol, and barf bags, he knew he would make it through it. You would think that the ceremony would have been the most memorable moment for Cede, but it wasn’t. The most memorable moment was when Ronnie led her to the dance floor and the dj from Music Magic Events played music for their first dance. “That was the one thing that I had never seen Ronnie do and that was dance... he was amazing.” Some of the moments that will stand the test of time and will be talked about for many years to come was when Ronnie’s uncle tried to catch the bouquet and how people gathered around the One Fun Photobooth for photos. “Mom and some of the other people at our wedding are using their photostrips in Christmas cards this year”! Once again, fate has a way of twisting things in a direction that no one can ever plan for. You see, back when Cede was attending Valley High School, a friend introduced her to a guy from Jerome High School and they could not stand each other. That guy was Ronnie Bushman, her soulmate, best friend, love of her life, and now husband.

Ceremony & Reception Site Sunrise P River Ranch sunrisep.com | 208-436-0534 Bride Christa’s Dress Shoppe christas.biz | 208-735-5177 Photographer Sudio K Portrait Gallery studiokportraitgallery.com | 208-431-7689 Flowers Rosebuds rosebudsflorist.com | 208-735-9876 Caterer Montana Steak House | 208-734-7476 Rentals & Decor Party Center partycentertwinfalls.com | 208-733-9337 DJ Entertainment: Music Magic Events musicmagicevents.com | 208-736-7268 Photobooth: One Fun Photobooth onefunphotobooth.com | 208-736-7268

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Southern Idaho Bride : food & drink

culinary notes

When planning your reception, choosing the right caterer is very important. Because catering is so important you should interview prospective caterers at least ten to twelve months in advance. The details of your reception including the menu should be reconfirmed three months before the date. The Food Rely on your caterers experienced advise when viewing different menus since the food served is usually determined by the time of day. Menus most always include such items as hours dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; oeuvres, and a variety of buffet and main dishes. Keep in mind those guests with special dietary or health concerns. All dishware, flatware, glasses, cups, saucers and table linens are generally supplied by the caterer. If not, chances are they work closely with a supplier of such items. Point out what services you will need. Can your caterer provide waiters, bartenders and food servers? Is there an extra charge or is their labor included? If included, does this cover cleanup also? Planning the Reception A caterer can be very helpful in planning your reception. Advice on seating arrangements, table setup, and placement of decorations may be suggested by your caterer. They know how things should be setup because they do weddings every weekend. What Are The Costs? Your catering costs will be determined by the food and services provided. The trend is to charge a flat rate or on an allinclusive per head basis. Before you sign anything, get in writing

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whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s included in their price quote. Your billing should display the number of people being served, the type of food being served and if there is or is not a bar included. Alcoholic Beverages The location of your reception and your values will determine the decisions you make about the liquor and service that will be provided for your guests. If your reception is being held in a venue, your own beer and liquor will not be allowed. You will either want a limited open bar during the cocktail hour, then a nohost bar, or provide your guests with a full hosted bar. If you are doing a full hosted bar, be sure and find out how the cost of drinks is determined and have the establishment provide an estimate based on the number of guest you expect to attend. Also, check on any rules governing the bar such as closing time, and minimum amounts of business needed to stay open. Plus, make sure your guests are safe by having the bar know they need to cut people off if they feel they have had too much and either have your limo or a taxi take them home or to their hotel. Alcohol Alternatives Not all of your guests will want to consume alcoholic beverages. Be sure to include a stock of sodas, juices, waters, coffee, cappuccinos and punch in your beverage lineup. Nonalcoholic versions of beer, wine, and champagne are all readily available. Cherry 7 UpÂŽ makes a great replacement for pink champagne!

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Southern Idaho Bride : park weddings

take a walk in the park

Even though the weather is so unpredictable in this area of the country, more and more brides are having their weddings in backyards, gardens, and parks. Parks With scenic canyon views and mountain streams, Idaho’s parks can be a beautiful place to hold your wedding and reception. In our immediate area we have Twin Falls Park, Shoshone Park, Bass Lake and Rock Creek Park. Most of which must be reserved ahead of time. Dates are everything when choosing to hold your event in a park. If you have your wedding on a holiday, be expecting huge crowds of people picnicking near by. Keep in mind that most parks are public places— they are open to anyone that wants to show up. If you hold your reception in a park, it will be hard to tell your guests from the picnickers. Expect some party crashers because it will happen. Numerous public places are available to hold weddings and receptions although some of them have strict rules you must abide by concerning alcohol, music, and times. At Home What better place than at home? If you have a relative or friend that has a grand backyard or garden, you might want to hold your wedding and reception there. Some of the most elegant weddings have been held in backyards such as Hollywood Stars and Royalty

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among others. When planning an outside event, it is advised that you have at least one tent or structure to protect you and your guests from the sun or rain. Also, do not water the lawn area where the chairs will be placed for at least two days. To decorate the area, you can rent backdrops or have custom arches made to order along with matching centerpieces. Give your wedding a traditional theme or dare to be different with a western style– arrive on horseback or in a coach/wagon and have a roast pig or barbecue. Most all of the area caters will cater food to outdoor weddings and have the facilities to feed large crowds of people. From a simple hors d’oeuvres layout to an all-out sit-down dinner or barbecue, they will be able to assist you. It is best to have food, cake, tables and entertainment all in the same area as you would if it were an indoor event. If you split up everything, guests will grow tired of walking back and forth, especially the women in heels. If you are planning on entertainment, you must have AC electrical outlets for them to plug into and a place for guests to dance. This place can be a patio or a portable dance floor. When placing your entertainment, remember to keep them in direct view of everything going on and not around the other side of a building or a place where your guests might not want to be (in direct sunlight). Also, if you are having a bar, that is where the dancing should be.

Different points to keep in mind: • Will the property owners mind strangers traipsing around in their house and using their facilities? • If not available, will you have to provide toilet and changing facilities for the guests? • Is the garden or yard large enough to accommodate everyone? • Do the property owners have a large covered area to handle everything if inclement weather sets in? • If your reception goes into the evening, have enough insect repellent ready for the guests.

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Southern Idaho Bride : ceremony music

music down the aisle

The music is an important aspect of your wedding. It sets the tone of the ceremony and expresses so much emotion. While your guests are being seated, the prelude music, beginning thirty minutes prior, should be playing. The processional march will introduce you and your attendants. The recessional will be joyous in expressing the celebration of your marriage. This music can range from organ to harp and anything in-between. Some churches require you to use their organist and have certain requirements concerning secular music. The ultimate decision of what selections are played, however, is up to you. One or more soloists are often hired to provide that special music. Be sure to contact the soloists you desire as early as possible to assure they have the date open. You might consider a string or wood wind quartet, harpist, or pianist. They can give just the right feeling of intimacy and formality. If you are marrying in a home, hall, or garden or park you might want to ask the disc jockey service you are using for your reception, if you hired one, to provide the music. Musicians and soloists performing in your wedding should be included in the rehearsal and invited to the rehearsal dinner. Remember to ask the amount of their fee. If you are using a close friend or relative, a gift is appropriate. Rather than leave the decision to the last minute, the music should be selected as soon as the location of your wedding has been determined. In case any problems arise, this will give you time to come up with alternatives. The time each selection is to be played should be set. During rehearsal, make sure the musicians and soloists know their cues.

the latest hits that say, ”I do!” • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Marry Me Train I Do Colbie Caillat 1,2,3,4 Plain White T’s Then Brad Paisley Just A Kiss Lady Antebellum I Got A Feeling Black Eyed Peas At Last Etta James Love Of My Life Sammy Kershaw Marry You Bruno Mars I’ll Be Edwin McCain It’s Your Love Tim McGraw & Faith Hill From This Moment Shania Twain When You Say Nothing... Allison Kraus Everything Michael Bublé Forever Ben Harper Truly Madly Deeply Savage Garden When I Look At You Miley Cyrus I Do It For You Bryan Adams Lucky Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat Amazed Lone Star True Companion Eric Cohn Stealing Cinderella Chuck Wicks She’s Everything Brad Paisley Lost In The Moment Big & Rich

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Southern Idaho Bride :cake &cupcakes

cut the cake

The number of guests will determine the amount of cake you will need. Your baker will help you decide how many tiers you will want to order. Be sure to get detailed instructions on how the cake should be cut and taken apart along with what decorative pieces the baker needs back after the wedding. New Trends Ever wonder why it was always so necessary for there to be a huge cake for a wedding? Well so all of the guests could have a piece was probably the first reason. They then began to get more elaborate and evolved into the wedding cakes we have today. Some new brides and grooms are trying to break the ice on a new trend, which in my opinion, is a great one! Cupcake wedding cakes! You may be picturing a massive cupcake, I know I did when I first heard of them. It is actually a congregation of many cupcakes shelved on tiers, much like a traditional wedding cake. You can also find these cakes with the top tier having an actual cake that the bride and groom can cut, per tradition. There’s something so whimsically childlike about unwrapping a cupcake. And that’s what people both love and hate about wedding cupcakes – are they fun and familiar or too casual and unsophisticated? Also something that “popped” up are cake pops. These mini balls of cake on a stick are dipped in a coating, usually chocolate and decorated. If you’re having a formal wedding, you may want to stick with a grand and formal wedding cake. If your wedding guests are traditional people, they might think cupcakes or cake pops are too casual, or worse, cheap. But if you’re having a relaxed reception where fun is the primary goal, tell everyone to be a kid again and grab a cupcake or pop. Once they’re up and having fun on the dance floor, they won’t have to sit again for dessert. They’ll just grab a cupcake and keep on groovin’.

No matter what size, style, or budget of a wedding, it is not complete without a wedding cake or some other baked confection. Your wedding cake is always the centerpiece for your reception. At least four months in advance, shop around for a quality baker. If you are getting married during peak wedding season, May through August, you should shop earlier. Check out their portfolios of past wedding cakes and compare prices. Don’t let tradition get in your way when deciding on your cake. Although yellow, chocolate, and white cakes are delicious, you can choose any flavor that appeals to you. Spice, lemon, rum, carrot, cheese and pound are just a few. You might try adding a custard, lemon, chocolate mousse, strawberry, or coconut filling. Now how do you want your cake to look? Tiered cakes are very popular because they are so easy to decorate. Streams of fresh flowers and greenery can be used, even fresh fruits will add a nice punch of color. Lately a popular choice has been clean lines that exude a subtle elegance. Fabric ribbons can be wrapped around each tier for a very sleek look. Fondant covered cakes and floral decorations made out of gum paste are quite popular as well. Don’t be afraid to mix up the patterns on separate cake tiers. Some simple dots, scroll work, even textures can add a simple twist to the traditional cake. Traditionally, a cake would have the bride and groom or a glass top, however you have many other options available. You could choose fresh flowers, a special ornament, or a bow. Many couples have also chosen to go with a monogram to top off the cake .

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The Reception A cake table should be set out just for the cake and maybe the punch. This table can be backdropped and decorated to your liking. Normally the entertainers announce to the guests when it’s time to cut the cake. After the spotlight is on you, have your groom put his right hand over yours and cut the first piece of cake from the bottom layer. Tradition says that cutting the first piece together ensures happiness. Then you will feed a small piece to each other. Ask the baker if a knife is included in the cake package. A family member, friend, or the catering staff should cut the rest of the cake leaving the top layer whole to be frozen for your first anniversary. Baker Questions When selecting a baker, ask these questions: • What types of wedding cakes do you make? • Do you specialize in any flavor or style? • May I have a taste test of the cake and frosting? • When will you deliver and set up the cake? • Do you supply the serving utensils? • What is the best way to cut and serve the cake? • When do we return the decorative pieces? • Do you have mints? • What are your payment terms? • How far in advance should I order my cake?

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Southern Idaho Bride :the reception

setting the scene

Let the celebration begin. You’re married now and it’s time to celebrate. The type of reception you choose to have should reflect the style of wedding you had. There are a few guidelines you should follow when planning it all out. Guidelines Always book ahead! When you set the date of your wedding, call and reserve the date for your reception site. Remember that you may have to change your wedding date if the site you have chosen is booked. Whenever possible, invite all the guests to both the ceremony and the reception. The reception should immediately follow the ceremony. Pick a Site Many times date availability will determine the site you choose for your reception along with the number of people you are inviting. In our area there are many locations from which to choose. The most common locations are private clubs, reception halls, and hotels. They normally have the facilities and catering available for the reception. Churches can also be used. However, many churches do not allow the serving of alcoholic beverages in their facilities. A local landmark is often a choice for both the ceremony and the reception. Always check if it is easily accessible by your guests and by the caterer and that there are adequate facilities such as electrical power and bathrooms. A backyard reception can be a very special one; but if you are planning an outside reception, be sure to have a site that will allow you to move inside if the weather does not cooperate. Your reception location may be the perfect choice not only for your reception but for other wedding activities–such as wedding

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showers and rehearsal dinners. Most facilities will discount a weeknight function, such as a shower, if you book your reception with them. Historical and public houses and parks are available in some places. There are many beautiful homes that have been refurbished that can be rented for your wedding ceremony or as a reception site. To find the right site, first phone and ask for a description of the facility and what type of services they provide–food, beverages, catering, waiters, waitresses, bartenders, cloakroom attendants. If it seems right for your wedding, make an appointment to tour the location. While touring, make sure that there will be enough room for your guests. Check for electrical outlets for the entertainment. If you are decorating, ask if there are any restrictions

During your initial meeting you should ask about the fee and: • How long may you use the hall? • Are you the only party using it that day? • Who is your contact person? • Can you setup the night before? • Will they cleanup after you? • Are tables and chairs provided? • Is a dance floor provided? • What is its capacity?

Take Your Seat Please Designing a seating chart for your wedding reception is difficult if you do not have a plan. Likewise, you need a straightforward understanding of tradition and how the rules of decorum impact your choices. It is difficult, but it is also valuable because a wedding meal often lasts for two or more hours. As a result, your wedding will have the greatest likelihood of success and the smallest potential for a disaster if you carefully consider your seating arrangement. Of course, the seating arrangement of the head table is your first and, quite possibly, your easiest decision. How do you want to seat your groomsmen and bridesmaids? Do you want to pair them? Do you want to have all the bridesmaids on the side of the bride and the groomsmen beside the groom just as they were in the ceremony? Do you want parents and grandparents at the head table? Or would you prefer to simply plan a romantic table for two like in a Parisian cafe. It could be just the two of you, or your whole bridal party could be at small tables around you. Or...? Do not hesitate to enjoy planning the seating chart for the head table. A little originality could go a long way toward making your wedding celebration unforgettable. Designing the seating plan for the rest of your guests is a bit more challenging, but with persistence you can find a practical arrangement. Here are some tips to assist you in achieving success. • Focus on what will make the most people happy. That is the goal after all, isn’t it? • Place close family and friends closest to the bride and groom. This protects against hurt feelings. • When assigning specific seats, be sure to use place cards. This can be done with ‘tent’ cards or if you choose you can develop the theme of your wedding decor by choosing place card holders. • When using round tables couples are traditionally seated next to each other and then seated in the same alternating male, female pattern. When using long tables, couples are customarily seated opposite each other and in an alternating male, female pattern. • Make sure that everybody is seated with someone they know well enough to be comfortable with. • Have fun seating singles together, but don’t be too obvious or they may be uncomfortable. Start work on designing your seating chart immediately after making your guest list up and finding out whether your guests will be seated at long tables or smaller round tables. You can do this simply by buying a bag of poker chips and write each guest’s name on a chip. Then you can set up a table with the layout visually and easily revise it as often as you need to. Another option is to use a spread sheet like Excel to lay out your seating arrangement. You can even find software to help you with the process of planning your wedding reception seating chart. However you do it, the key is that you take the time to start designing your seating chart now. The benefits will come in a smoother wedding reception celebrating your new marriage.

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Southern Idaho Bride : decorating

let yourself go

The days of just using flowers to decorate are over. It’s time to let yourself go! Creativity is the key to a unique wedding. Your Decorations The linens and other decorations at your reception should coordinate with the colors in your attendants’ dresses. This will provide continuity in your color scheme. Your reception site may need a few additional touches, such as floral arrangements on each table or maybe LED lighted flower vases for soft lighting. Fountains, ice sculptures and colored lighting can also help with your decorating ideas. Consult your caterer, planner, or hall manager for recommendations. In conjunction with certain times of the year and during holiday seasons, it is very inexpensive to decorate in festive flair. Theme Weddings The idea of a theme wedding was unheard of until recently. With the onset of a more party type atmosphere celebrating the union of two people, more and more brides are choosing themes for their weddings. The idea is to tie the wedding in with something that tells the guests about the personality of the newlywed couple. The popularity of western weddings in the Idaho area has grown by leaps and bounds. A bale of straw here, a picket fence there, and a lasso with a bow on it, mix in an old pair of boots and a cowboy hat and you have a very unique photo backdrop. The major components of this theme can be found at your uncle’s, dad’s, or friend’s farm. All the accents such as cowboy/cowgirl caketops, guest books, napkins, pen holders, and much more can be found in most party

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and wedding shops. If your choose an outdoor theme why not have a barbecue and serve the food out of an old wagon. Sage brush arches can be purchased locally. Also since most of the banquet facilities are planning on having huge amounts of Christmas parties during December, they usually decorate early. This means that November could be a good time to hold a Christmas Wedding. Talk to your caterer and ask if they can decorate for Christmas early; if the timing is off, ask if they can leave the decorations up after Christmas. A Christmas theme could be one of the most inexpensive ways to decorate for your wedding. Team their decorations with specialty lighting, an ice sculpture, and numerous other wintertime decorations for a memorable wedding. There are local party shops that are more than willing to help you find the perfect decorations for your special day. Equipment for Rent Why buy when you can rent! Many things including the type of ceremony and reception, your locations, your budget, and your needs will dictate what you will rent. Just checking into the rental items available will give you new wedding ideas. If an outdoor wedding is in your plans, a party canopy might solve your worries about heat and rain. All sizes of tents are available for a price. Some other rental items are: • Tables and chairs • Dance floors • Portable bars Equipment For Rent Questions • Flatware Ask these questions when selecting • Dishware rental equipment: • Fountains • Do you have a list of items for • Punch bowls rent? • Glasses • Is delivery available? • Tents, canopies • What time will the items be • Decorations picked up? Delivered? • Serving pieces • What time must they be • Aisle runner returned? Picked up? • Candelabras • What are your fees? • Linens • Does this include a deposit? • Coat racks To add a special touch, rent unique items like live plants and trees. For more ideas contact your local rental companies. Most are very helpful in making your day not only special but less expensive.

• When is the deposit due? When is the balance due? • How soon must the items be reserved?

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Southern Idaho Bride : choosing the disc jockey

hey mr. dj...

While food plays a role in your receptions success, only the entertainment can directly make or break this important celebration. Have you ever been to a party where the entertainment was terrible but someone said it was great just because of the food? Actually everything else can go wrong and the party can still be a huge success if you select the right DJ. The DJ sets the mood, establishes the flow, gets people involved and is the ONLY service that lasts the entire event/reception. Let’s get the latest music trend out of the way first. The “ipod®” wedding. If you think the ipod® is your way to go, then we can point you towards a website that might enlighten you as to the hidden and unforeseen issues involved with DYI (do it yourself) ipod® wedding music. Visit: www.partypros.com/ipodwed. pdf

Presumably, your guest list will consist of people from diverse age groups and you will want a DJ who is very accustomed to working wedding receptions and crowds of this nature. The ability of a professional DJ to help you select music that is appropriate to this diverse group all at the appropriate times is critical to the success of your event. A professional DJ/MC offers true versatility and understands how and when to incorporate the varying types of music needed. Whether it is big band, country, rock or ethnic a DJ can and should be able to accommodate all of these requests. Additionally, a professional DJ manages the event and has the ability to act as your Master of Ceremonies if you so desire making key announcements to alert your guests of such things as the first dance and cake cutting. When considering a DJ, be sure to only hire one that regularly performs at weddings. This insures they are familiar with the format, rituals, ceremonies, and flow along with the diversity of the guests that will be in attendance. Ask the DJ specifically for wedding references of past events along with references from other wedding professionals like photographers, videographers etc. (these individuals have experienced and heard many different wedding DJ’s).

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Nowdays with free music downloads and cheap equipment anyone can call themselves a DJ including a radio personality or “DJ”. Unfortunately these are no longer true DJ’s anymore. Radio stations have a “program director” that sets a playlist and the “DJ” records a voiceover or two. The radio DJ has no idea how to the program music and coordinate and in most cases is not capable of truly directing the flow of your reception. One of the biggest mistakes Brides make is hiring the cheapest DJ they can find believing all DJs are the same. This takes a special day and turns it into a disappointment for all. A part-time DJ’s loyalty is with their “real job” and when their full time job presents a last minute conflict, they either cancel or send just anyone they can get to sit there and “push the play button”. Hiring a full time company also insures you will have a DJ that is professionally attired, with a top quality sound system and most likely, has a higher overall level of professionalism. In a nut shell, do not risk the entire success of your wedding reception by selecting a DJ without significant wedding experience. When hiring a full time professional DJ company with qualified wedding experience you should expect to pay a higher rate, but this is money well spent considering the success of your reception can hinge on this decision. Remember the simple fact, a true professional DJ charges a professional price and provides the service and piece of mind that lets you relax on your special day. Also for the protection of both parties, a professional DJ will have contractual agreement that can be drawn up immediately upon making your decision to book them. Beware of gimmicks such as unlimited music and time. What if the DJ does not want to play unlimited and the music goes south in order to drive your guests out? Unlimited time means nothing if the music is not what you and your guests will dance to.

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Southern Idaho Bride : bridal attire

it’s perfect

The Headpiece Always when considering a headpiece or veil, have your hair styled in the same style your will wear the day of your wedding along with a dress of similar style. You can add lace, silk flowers, and beads to get the effect to want. Above all, your veil or headpiece should be in proportion to your gown and flattering to your face. Accessories Jewelry, if worn, should be delicate and simple. A pearl necklace and small earrings may be worn. Seek the assistance of a jewelry professional to match your style and the type of dress you choose to the jewelry that is right for you. Your engagement ring is worn on your right hand until after the ceremony, then it maybe moved back to the left. Lingerie should be as elaborate and delicate as the gown you have chosen. You will not only look beautiful on the outside but feel it on the inside. Petticoats should match the length of your gown and be white if your dress is white and nude if your dress is pastel. Your hose should be as fancy as you wish, with lace hose being a favorite. You should choose a shade of hose the color of your gown. The Attendants Once you have your gown selected, you must go in search of the dresses for your attendants. Their dresses should complement yours in style and formality. Once you have narrowed a small selection of dresses, have your attendants make the final decision, since they usually assume the costs involved. Make sure the dresses you select are of a simple style that will flatter a variety of figures. The backs of the dresses are very important due to the fact that during the ceremony that is the portion of the attendants the guests will see the most. Use bows, ribbons, and lace to “dress up” this part of the dresses. Accessories for your attendants should be subdued. A wisp of flowers in their hair or looks very becoming. The color and style of shoes and hose should match the dresses. Children in your wedding party perform better if they wear clothes that they are comfortable in. Little girls love to look like princesses. For the flower girls pairing up poofy “scrunchy” dress with cute shoes, white tights and pretty flowers is the new trend.

Bridal Gowns For most brides, shopping for the wedding gown is a favorite experience. Although there are numerous choices in colors, fabrics, and styles, there is one that is just right for you. This gown should suit your height, weight, body shape, and the theme of the wedding you are having. To narrow down the gowns that you like, try them on while shopping with someone whose opinion you trust. In our area, local merchants sponsor bridal shows every spring. Attending the shows can enlighten you to the current styles as well as the traditional styles. Many ideas for the right accessories can also be found to complement the dress you have chosen. While shopping, keep these few points in mind. First, shop at least eight months before your wedding if possible. This will give you time to choose the dress that is just right for you. Second, stay within your budget. A little extra money should be budgeted for possible alterations and undergarments. Finally, make sure that the style you choose matches the wedding you are planning: very formal, formal, semiformal, or casual. Temple or Special Ceremony Depending upon your religion, you may be required to participate in a ceremony that requires a gown that meets special standards. Since many churches change their policies in regards to special garments that are worn during these sacred ceremonies, you should consult with your temple, synagogue or church prior to purchasing your gown.

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When choosing your gown, ask these questions: • How much is the deposit? • When must the balance be paid? • What are the cancellation or exchange policies? • How long will it take to order my size? • When should I schedule an appointment for my final fitting? • Are there alteration fees? • Is there a cost for extra size and extra length? • Is there a charge if I bring back the dress for pressing? When selecting your attendants’ attire, ask these questions: • How much is the deposit and when is it due? • When should the order be placed? • What is the cost for extra size or length? • How much are alterations? • When should they schedule an appointment for their final fitting?

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Southern Idaho Bride : photographer

the art of capturing the

story

Everyone has a camera on their phone and everyone takes pictures at weddings, but capturing the beauty, excitement and special moments under the correct lighting, with the proper exposure while knowing the best angle to shoot from, is best left up to a professional photographer. A true professional understands the flow of the day, your reception, and how to capture the events, tender moments and action shots while not interfering with the day or the moment itself. You can take the picture that a guest took and a photo that a professional photographer took of the same moment, placing them side by side and the difference will be evident–professionals just plain know how to do it right. When interviewing photographers, carefully look at their entire wedding portfolio and not just certain shots. Make certain that you like the manner in which they capture the moment, their style and use of lighting, soft shots, and specialized filters and how their photos tell the story of the day. Once you have identified photographers that fit your style, then consider their personality. Do they make you feel at ease, are they comfortable to work with? Remember, you will spend considerable time with this individual over the course of the day. An increasingly important factor to also consider is the methods in which they “shoot” your day. Make sure to view a portfolio that was taken with the equipment the photographer intends to use that day. Also ask if they have a graphic artist that does digital retouching, enhancements,

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and can utilize programs to produce “creative concepts.” Ask to view the “before and after” versions of this work. Other factors to consider include finding a photographer that does not book multiple weddings/events. Booking multiple events often necessitates leaving some of the photography up to assistants (expect your photographer to be able to commit to a specific time frame and be there for the entire time allotment agreed upon). If they book multiple events, ask to see sample work from the actual photographer who will be there and not just the studios best overall photographs. One final factor to consider is proofs – how many actual shots do they take during the day, when and how do I get to view these, are they included with the package or are they extra. Remember to interview multiple photographers so as to be able to compare and select exactly what you are looking for. Also, one suggestion is to let the photographer give his “pitch” before asking any questions. Many questions are answered during their presentation and you may find out many other important factors about them and their service before you even begin asking questions.

Photographer Questions When choosing a photographer, ask these questions: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

How long have you been in business? Will you personally be shooting the wedding? How many weddings has the photographer actually shooting my event ever done? May I see a sample album from the photographer that will be at my event? What other processes (glossy, canvas, matte, pebble etc) do you use and may I see examples of this work? Do you do portraits in advance of the wedding day? What other photo services are available? Do you book more then 1 event in a day ? What packages are available? What is the pricing for additional shots, reprints, portraits and the entire proof set? Do you do digital enhancements? What methods do you offer to enhance or protect the final photography/portraits? What are the expected delivery dates for our proofs and for the entire package? What is the cost? How much is overtime? Is a deposit required? How soon should I book?

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Southern Idaho Bride : special decor options

spectacular decor

I am sure we are all guilty of watching at least one or two of the “Ultimate Wedding” type shows. These are the shows where the bride and groom obviously had an unlimited budget to use for the ceremony and reception. There are so many new ways to highlight your event without going completely over budget so you too can have your own “Ultimate Wedding”.

custom monogram. Place your two names in a heart or maybe just your initials. Your monogram provider should be able to create a few options for you to choose from after finding out a little about what you would prefer. Keep in mind that the stencils used will need to be ordered by your provider, so plan to choose your monogram at least two weeks prior to your wedding day.

Lighting Lighting is a huge underlying element in setting the atmosphere for your wedding. When well planned, it will make every component of your wedding look even more stunning. The proper use of lighting can transform your venue from normal to high end elegance in no time. When done correctly, you can add color and depth to any room. Colored beams of uplighting on the walls, a pinspot to highlight the cake and dynamic projection dance floor club lighting are some ways to create a special atmosphere. If your event will be held at night, make certain to visit the venue in the evening to get a feel for exactly what the room lighting will look like at your event. This will help you decide which lighting options may be needed to achieve the atmosphere you want.

Draping All it takes is a cultural hall or a gymnasium and the right draping to create a storybook wedding fit for a princess. Having a company drape these rooms in 16 foot high drapes and uplighting them in your colors becomes a more than reachable goal for your budget with the savings of not having to pay rent on a very nice venue.

When choosing the colors of the lighting, you want them to complement your theme, but avoid lots of green and blue, which can make people look pasty. Warm colors like amber and red not only complement skin tone, but work on almost any room décor. These colors can be projected onto the walls from floor to ceiling, a technique called uplighting, which is the most basic and economical way to light your event.

The drapes are usually in white and with the help of uplighting will hide the “uglies” and transform a room. Dancing On The Clouds or Under Stars The technology that was once reserved for Hollywood can now be seen at weddings. With the help of a low laying cloud machine you can literally be dancing on the clouds. This is not fog as seen with a fog machine and will not set off fire/smoke alarms like they do. It is a low lying cloud that is made of water vapor and usually lasts for your first dances.

Other lighting basics include pin spots, which are spotlights either hung from the ceiling or placed on a stand. Spot lights are used to highlight a particular area of the reception, such as the cake table, a special floral arrangement, or the buffet. Pin spots are typically done in white to enhance the colors of what is being spot lighted.

Using a starfield generator your dreams of dancing under the stars can come true. These units are expensive to own, but some vendors have them. Unfortunately with the advent of China copying this effect you will see people passing off crude and dangerous starfield effects for the real things. They are nothing more than laser lights that make dots. While the true starfield generator has a blue nebula and multi sized stars that slowly change and move like those in the nighttime sky. One is cheesy and the other is dreamy.

Lighted Monograms For a personal touch, look for lighted monograms. These special spotlights have an overlaid stencil that projects an image onto the wall or dance floor, such as roses, hearts or, better yet, your own

Be certain that when you choose a company to do these enhanced decor items, you choose one who has the proper equipment to do the job. You want to be certain that professional grade equipment will be used for the safety of you and your guests.

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Southern Idaho Bride : formal wear

here comes the groom

Sense of Style The groom, his groomsmen, ushers, and the fathers may or may not dress the same. The attire they choose should complement your gown and follow the formality of the wedding. The style and color of the formal wear will depend on a multitude of variables–his build, the bride’s and bridesmaids’ dress color and style, the season, the time of day, and the tastes of the bridal couple. When all the men are dressing identically, you may wish to have the groom wear a different tie and boutonniere to distinguish him from the rest of the party. A men’s formal wear professional can help you get an idea of what is available and appropriate. Their displays and brochures can reflect the different styles. Arrangements should be made to have the party measured. If you plan on having an out-of-town gentleman in your party, get his measurements taken by a

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men’s clothier in his town and give them to your rental specialist. Tuxedos should be reserved three to four months prior to the wedding. Formal wear that can be rented usually includes jackets, pants, vests, ties, suspenders, shirts, and ties. Be sure to rent the shoes in the same place for consistency in style. Always find out when the attire can be picked up and when it must be returned. Have the gentlemen that will be in formal wear try their tuxedos on a few days before just in case there are any lastminute alterations. What ever the style of outfit the groom and groomsmen agree on, they should feel comfortable wearing it. The coats should allow free movement of the arms and lie smoothly across the back. The sleeves should meet the curl of their fingers when their are straight at their side. The sleeves should also reveal a half inch of shirt cuff. The trousers should be hemmed even

with the top of the heel of the shoes in back and just resting on the shoes in front. Out-Of-Town Guys For those gentlemen that are from out of town and in need of formalwear the easiest way to acquire sizes is to have them go to their local formalwear shop and have their sizes taken. Professionally measured dimensions are always preferable and can only be acquired at a tuxedo shop or tailor. Experience has proven that the men in the wedding party should try on their complete outfit at least three days prior to the wedding. This allows for any last minute alterations and to make sure everything is there. Many a men have walked down the aisle without the proper studs or shirt, only because he didn’t try on the complete outfit or check the accessories beforehand.

Formal Wear Questions When selecting formal wear, ask these questions: • What formal wear styles best suit my style of wedding? • What is included in the rental? Shoes? Studs? • How soon should the tuxedos be reserved? • What times are open for appointments for fittings? • When should the formal wear be picked up? • When should the formal wear be returned? • Do you stock formal wear or must it be ordered?

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Southern Idaho Bride : videography

cinematic hi-def wedding STYLE

Wedding videos tend to fall into either the documentary or journalistic and what might be called the MTV style. Neither is better than the other; they’re just different. Unlike the still photographer, who carefully poses each picture, the documentary style videographer records things as they happen. The activities of the wedding day are captured candidly, and often include moments the bride and groom never see on their wedding day, being occupied elsewhere. Videographers who work in the documentary style shoot as much of the wedding day activities as they can, then select the footage that best creates the narrative of the wedding. Videographers who work in the MTV style are more likely to stage couples, like a movie director arranging a scene. The MTV style videographer is somewhat like the still photographer. Videographers who specialize in the MTV style are excellent choices for couples who want a “how we met” Love Story, and who do not mind having the natural flow of the wedding day interrupted from time to time by requests to pose or perform for the videographer. Both styles will have carefully edit footage to tell the wedding story. Again, it’s not a question of one way being better than another, but rather a matter of “style” and of personal taste. Be sure you’re comfortable with your videographer’s approach before you sign a contract.

Long Form or Short Form?

For many years, wedding videos have documented virtually all of the wedding day. Often from ninety minutes to two hours in length, so-called “long form” wedding videos faithfully record every moment of the wedding service, from the first bridesmaid as she starts down the aisle to the last guest leaving the church. At the reception, in addition to such traditional events as the first dances, the toasts, garter and bouquet toss and cake cutting ceremonies, a great deal of the dancing is recorded and made a part of the finished tape. Recently, brides have become enthusiastic about shorter finished wedding videos and DVDs that are perhaps 30 to 45 minutes in length. The focus of these “short form” productions are the emotional content of the wedding day.

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Instead of showing each bridesmaid walking the full length of the church aisle, for example, the short form video might have a single reference to the bridesmaids by showing them clustered around the bride in the dressing room, the camera lingering for a moment on each as she admires the bride in her gown and reflects on her own wedding. The exchange of vows and rings and lighting of the unity candle is shown in its entirety, but choral interludes, responsive readings and lengthy pastoral commentary is reduced to its essence. At the reception, the focus of the short form video is more narrowly on the bride and groom than on the food, the guests and perhaps the DJ. The same amount of video is shot for the short form as for the long form, but the shooting and editing approach is quite different. Videographers working in the short form emphasize those special moments which are the signature of the wedding day. The short form might be said to be poetic, while the long form is epic. Which form the bride chooses is a matter of personal taste. Discuss these forms with your wedding videographer. Decide what’s right for you.

What cost to expect

The location of the wedding, the length of coverage and the amount of editing involved, and the reputation of the videographer combine to determine wedding video pricing. Just like housing and food, wedding videography costs more in metropolitan areas such as New York City, Los Angeles and Seattle, than it does in Twin Falls or Burley. The length and nature of coverage plays an important role in price: how many cameras and camera operators will be at your wedding and reception, how long will they stay and how much editing does the videographer estimate will have to be done. The least expensive coverage typically provides one camera and operator recording the wedding and handing you the tape at the end of the ceremony. More expensive packages typically include two or more cameras and operators at the wedding and reception, with editing, titles and music. The advantage of multiple cameras and editing

is that the videographer is able to combine footage from each camera into a single visually interesting and exciting record of the ceremony and reception. This flexibility costs more, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth it! Expect to pay more to get the very best. A good rule of thumb is to be prepared to pay at least as much for your wedding videographer as you pay for your wedding photographer.

Digital Copies

Make sure your videographer is current with the latest trends in technology. Ask for your raw footage and the finished edited film in digital form. Both are nice to pass on to future generations especially the raw footage that contains those hilarious bloopers that never seem to make it to the final edit.

Online

Sharing wedding videos online has become a popular thing for couples to do. Your videographer may be able to provide you with digital clips that can be uploaded to websites such as Youtube, Facebook, and Vimeo so all your friends and family, even those that could not make it to your special day, can enjoy them.

Scan me with your phone to visit SouthernIdahoBride.com

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Hotel & Lodging Guide Lodging Facilities Red Lion Canyon Springs Hotel 1357 Blue Lakes Blvd N, Twin Falls (208) 734-5000

Number of Rooms

Check IN/OUT

Average Rate

Group Rate

Dining On Premises

Breakfast

Lodging Amenities

Yes

Hot American

Outdoor pool, wireless internet, lounge, wifi

112

2PM- 12PM $70-$99

126

2PM- 12PM

$80

Yes

101

3PM- 12PM

$99

Yes

Walking Distance

Full Breakfast

Indoor pool/spa, fitness center wifi

Hampton Inn 1658 Fillmore N, Twin Falls (208) 734-2233

3PM- 11AM

$99

Yes

Walking Distance

Deluxe Continental

Indoor pool/spa

Shilo Inn Suites 1472 Blue Lakes Blvd N, Twin Falls (208) 733-7545

180

3PM- 12PM

approx. $110

Yes

Walking Distance

Hot American

Indoor pool/spa, wireless internet

Fairfield Inn and Suites 230 W. 7th St. N., Burley (208) 677-5000

3PM- 12PM

$94

Deluxe Continental

Indoor pool/spa

103

3PM- 12PM $89- $159

Yes

Walking Distance

Hot American

Indoor pool/spa, exercise room

115

3PM- 12PM $79-89

Yes

Best Western Burley Inn 800 N. Overland Ave., Burley (208) 678-3501 La Quinta Inn 539 Poleline Rd. (208) 736-9600

Comfort In & Suites 379 Crossroads Point Blvd, Jerome (208) 644-1200 Hilton Garden Inn 1741 Harrison St., Twin Falls (208) 733-8500

Prices & amenities are subject to change. Call venue for current information

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Outdoor pool/spa

24hr Indoor pool/spa, fitness center wifi

Honeymoon Honeymoon Suite Suite Rate

Room Service

Honeymoon Suite Features

Yes

$120 -$150

Yes

2 Room Suite

Yes

$179

Yes

2 Floors, Jacuzzi, Living room, walk-in shower

Yes

$129

Whirlpool tub

Yes

$225

Yes

Romance Package/ Jacuzzi tub

No Yes No

No $159

No Yes

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2 Person Jacuzzi tub

Southern Idaho Bride : photobooths

a photobooth...

if you don’t have one your guests will wonder

What a great way for your guests to remember your special day. Photo strips from a photo booth will be kept for years to come, unlike those little bags of mints and almonds.

Timeless

Your parents will remember that old photo booth at the local drug store or Kmart. They probably have some photo strips of their younger years, maybe even a few which captured your grandparents in some unusual poses. Now when was the last time you stepped into a photo booth and had a picture taken? Perhaps as a teenager in the mall or at a theme park? Remember how fun it was to be silly and have your pictures taken with your closest friends? Now you can have that same experience at your wedding reception.

Decades Later

Photo booths have come a long way in the past few years. They have moved into the digital age and have done away with all those chemicals that were bad for the environment. Some are much more portable now and are able to be taken from one location to another, like wedding receptions and parties. These new photo booths allow guests at weddings to take photos that will be a keepsake for them and a lasting memory for the bride and groom to treasure for years to come.

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When deciding on a photo booth company, you need to compare your options carefully. Companies will offer different options, qualities, and have different pricing. Look at all of the information and decide which company will suit your needs the best.

Some options that you should look for include: • • • • • • • • • • •

Hosting of photos and reprints online An exterior video monitor so that guests can view a slide show of the photos A photo memory book so your guests can leave messages with their photos Personalized templates that are created to match your theme/colors Photo color choice—color, black & white Set-up and tear-down A photo booth assistant or technician Unlimited photos Instant double photo strips— a guest favor and keepsake for the bride and groom Posting of the photos on Facebook A thumb-drive of all photos for the bride and groom

Remember to take all of the information and options into account when choosing your booth, not just the price. If there is a large price difference, you can bet there is a reason for it.

16 Questions to ask when looking at photo booth companies: 1.

What does each package include?

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Do you offer samples of the photos? Are you insured and can the reception venue be added to the insurance rider? Do you charge mileage? Is your booth easy to use? Does your booth have professional photographic lighting? Do your photos print in seconds or minutes? Are your photos processed like real photos, not printed on an inkjet that fade and smear? Does your booth use chemicals or is it â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenâ&#x20AC;? and environmentally friendly? Can we see references? Can you set up outside? How many people can your booth hold? How large of an area and what type of power do you need? Do you include any props? Will you do overtime if needed?

What can a photo booth do for my Reception?

The photos are but one reason to choose a photo booth for your reception. They make great memories and your guests will love them as a favor to remember your special day. Also, a photo booth allows your guests to loosen up and let go. A smile or a goofy look always makes for great fun and it brings people together. Your guests will have a blast deciding what poses to do and what props they want to use. Photo booths bring more than smiles to your reception; they produce lasting memories for you and your guests.

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Southern Idaho Bride : after the wedding

trash the dress

There is a new trend that is taking the nation by storm. From coast to coast, north to south, brides are choosing to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trash the Dressâ&#x20AC;?. You may wonder what exactly does that mean. Trash the Dress is defined differently by each bride. Some women choose to go all out with no holds barred, others are a little more tamed down. There is even a Louisiana photographer with a blog dedicated to the phenomenon. Trash the dress, fearless bridal, and rock the frock refers to photography that contrasts elegant clothing with an environment in which it is completely out of place. It is generally shot in the style of glossy beauty and glamour photography. Some sources claim that the trend was originally started in 2001 by Las Vegas wedding photographer John Michael Cooper. However, the idea of destroying a wedding dress has been used in Hollywood symbolically since at least October 1998 when Meg Cummings of the show Sunset Beach ran into the ocean in her wedding dress after her wedding was badly interrupted. Completely destroying the dress is not what this is all about. They are simply trying to have some fun, informal photos of them frolicking in the waves and sand at the beach, but the possibilities are endless. City streets, rooftops, garbage dumps, fields, and abandoned buildings are only a few examples of trash the dress session locations. Many brides have decided that they are tired of all the perfectly posed wedding photographs and are simply ready to have fun after their wedding day. A few days, weeks, or even a few months after the wedding, as an additional shoot after the wedding, almost as a declaration that the wedding is done and the dress will not be used again. It is seen as an alternative to storing the dress away, never to be seen again.

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sweet treats

Sweet treats are in! It’s no longer chic to just do cake for weddings. The candy bar has crossed over from birthday parties and is making a splash with the normally mature crowd that frequents the bridal circuit, and we are not just talking Snickers. Picture if you will, a table decorated for your day filled with enough candy to give your dentist a sweet tooth. It all started with the sweet tooth being tempted by candy bars wrapped in homemade wrappers with cute poems and spoonfuls of Hershey Kisses. Then the flood gates opened with gushing chocolate from what appeared to be magical Willy Wonka fountains. Dipping Oreos and pretzels was fun, but once that big ol’ sugar bag was cracked open, it left guests wanting more. At weddings today you will find a who’s who of the theater candy isle. You have everything from Whoppers to Twizzlers and Red Hots to Gummy Bears, artfully displayed in glass candy holders. Off to the side of the candy you find either small plastic bags in colors that match the wedding or fancy boxes. Both allow guests to relive the candy store dreams of yesteryear. If you really want to get trendy, personalize your candy bar. From the wedding colors to the dress to the decorations, it’s your wedding, your style... it’s personalized. Your guests will be eating up one personalized idea that is relatively new to the scene. With MY M&M S Faces, you can now have your engagement photo on M&Ms Chocolate Candies. Available exclusively online at mymms.com, the company said that brides can upload their photos and combine the images with two to three custom messages on M&Ms to create a personalized treat for their wedding. You have personalized everything else, why not the candy itself? “With the launch of MY M&M S Faces, we’re taking the personalization trend a step further and making an even

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more meaningful connection with customers,” said Jim Cass, vice president and general manager, Mars Direct. “MY M&M S Faces, together with customized messages, gives consumers the opportunity to create truly unique, highly personable moments”. For more information, pricing and deadlines, visit the MYM&M’S Web site at MyMMs.com and click on the Weddings link under Celebrations.

top trends

What’s hot and what’s not for Southern Idaho Weddings? Here are the latest wedding trends for your big day.

seat menu Seating charts are one of the newest wedding trends. They offer a great first impression when your guests walk into your reception and it lasts for the entire night. If you have a theme for your wedding, it allows you a much larger place to showcase this theme than a placecard would. Depending on the number of guests, it can often be a more cost effective alternative to placecards.

lounge around “It’s a quiet space that people can sit comfortablly and chat.”, Jessica Simpson explains. They call it lounge furiture and it is becoming all the rage at weddings across the country. It can create a space seperate from the dining and dancing area or pair it up with draping and specialty lighting and it can transform a room into something other than a “hall”.

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Create an affordable stylish wedding by having your guests lounge on decadent sofas and lavish chairs adorned with accenting pillows that match your wedding colors.

hanging around An excellent gift for the bride in your family. A custom hanger. Custom bridal hangers are the best accessory for blushing brides on their big day. They add that little something extra to their gown and many brides say they “make their dress complete!” These hangers with the bride’s name are also a musthave for taking the perfect wedding dress photos! They frame it and add that “something special” to the photo to create a memory guaranteed to last your whole life.

chalk it up Creating unique signs is a great way to personalize your wedding, and also give guests the information they need about the food or where to find your ceremony! Krylon Chalkboard Spray Paint can help you upcycle all kinds of bad thrift store art into custom signs. Use Krylon Chalkboard paint to create whimsical readerboards, and afterwards, bring the chalkboards into your home and use them for jotting down love notes or doodles. The paint is durable enough that they will function beautifully long after the honeymoon is over.

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smile book Photobooths are hot at weddings and everyone is scrambling to have one. Don’t forget to ask your photobooth company if they can also do a photo guestbook. Guests say the darnedest things and leave comments that go beyond that of a regular guest book. Add photostrips to the written comments in the photo guestbook and you have faces to remind you who wrote such kind, weird and sometimes strange things. It gives you memories that will be enjoyed for a lifetime. Some companies offer custom books that rival what photographers sell with acid-free pages that will keep your photobooth memories safe for years to come.

Southern Idaho Bride : mountain weddings

mountain weddings

When Colleen Mauro, a Twin Falls speech therapist, decided to tie the knot, she and fiancé Paul Holle had just one wedding site on their radar: a mountain meadow outside Galena Lodge. Senate Meadows dovetails perfectly with their lifelong love of the mountains and wilderness that surround Sun Valley. What’s more, it’s a couple stone throws from the rustic Galena Lodge in case the weather turns threatening for their June wedding. “It’s just a beautiful spot with mountain wildflowers sprinkled all around and a view of Galena Peak,” said Ketchum florist Sue Bridgman. “We’ve built some beautiful archways out of flowers and aspen leaves for brides and grooms to walk through. And we hang little bouquets of flowers from the chairs the guests sit in.”

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There are hundreds of potential wedding venues in the Sun Valley area-from rustic barns near Bellevue to Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch to the lakeside at Redfish Lake, said Ketchum wedding planner Taylor Sturges. The Valley Club golf course and Knob Hill Inn offer “amazing venues” with staff that are experienced at handling weddings, she said. St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sun Valley offers a full-on view of Baldy through its windows, while the Church of the Big Wood looks out onto a beautiful view of the Big Wood River. And the tiny Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hailey attracts many out-of-town brides and grooms with its perfect acoustics and cozy intimate setting framed by historic stained glass windows. “My personal favorites include private homes that couples can rent,” said

Sturges. “They’re a blank slate upon which you can create the wedding of your choice using the caterers you want and decorating any way you want without answering to anyone.” Sun Valley offers a touch of informality that gives couples license to kick up their heels—even if that means wearing cowboy boots under their wedding gowns. One couple built a Western town façade on a Wood River Valley ranch for their wedding. And wedding planner Amanda Seaward was able to nab a local fire truck for one of her clients who wanted wedding pictures taken in front of the truck since the groom was a firefighter back home. Coordinators can arrange for chandeliers for tents, coffee tables and lounging sofas for the reception, dance floors to cover swimming pools

and chefs and bands from as far away as New Orleans. Winter weddings can often be among the most magical. “I don’t think people realize how simple it is to do and you get a completely different look,” says Sturges. “I hung two miles of ribbon from a clear tent at one wedding, giving the wedding guests an amazing view of the starry, starry winter sky.” “Winter weddings have the potential to be the most amazing,” echoes photographer Kirsten Shultz. “They’re very idyllic and, of course, the wedding party can add skiing and sledding to their itinerary.” Key to planning a Sun Valley wedding is having a wedding planner who can take care of everything so the bride and groom can relax. Local florists offer creative, cutting-edge wildflower and modern arrangements. And the photographers know how to tell a story with wedding pictures and capture memories for people who only get together on rare occasions. It’s important to use local planners instead of people from Los Angeles or Miami, especially in the event of something unexpected, such as fire restrictions, which can put the kibosh on outdoor barbecues in mountain meadows, said Shultz. “The people who are here handle dozens weddings a year and they know what permits you need for that special meadow,” she said. “They know where the electrical outlets are for that outdoor wedding. And they know where the sun will be for that special photo that you’ll treasure forever.”

Couture Wedding Films

thestoryistold.com

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Southern Idaho Bride : sun valley

sun valley weddings

When Peter Shanley proposed to Pauline Montupet on the ski slopes at Sun Valley, there was no question where they would get married. Sun Valley—a magic place which both had loved from childhood. The couple, who live in the Bay Area, decided to make it a destination wedding, immersing themselves and their guests in a week full of activities ranging from bike rides to hikes—even burgers at Grumpy’s, Ketchum’s iconic burger den with old ski signs on the wall and a long list of appearances on the Food Network. Pauline handed out baggies of Trail Mix emblazoned with “Happy Trails” for her guests to take on hikes. Peter gave groomsmen custom-made Nike sneakers sporting the wedding date. The couple gave guests aluminum water bottles inscribed with the bride and groom’s names. And Peter designed the program with a quote from Ernest Hemingway, who wrote “For Whom the Bell Tolls” in Room 206 of the Sun Valley Lodge. Photos from their Sun Valley wedding ended up as an eight-page spread in “Martha Stewart Weddings” magazine. And one picture of their wedding at Sun Valley’s rustic Trail Creek Cabin even made the cover. “I think the setting—Sun Valley— was a large part of the reason the magazine

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wanted it,” said Kirsten Shultz, who shot the spread. “The natural landscape of Sun Valley provides so much beauty. You can go over the top with decorations or you can do a wedding without a lot of additions and have a beautiful wedding either way.” The old jangle, “It Happened in Sun Valley,” has plenty of truth to it. Countless couples have met or proposed on Sun Valley’s ski slopes or in front of the fireplace at the Sun Valley Lodge. Many more have wed here. The office walls surrounding Sun Valley wedding coordinator Megan Gergen show why. There’s picture after glorious picture of smiling brides and grooms before such photogenic backdrops as Bald Mountain—Sun Valley’s premiere ski playground, the red Sun Valley barn and the storied Trail Creek Cabin where historic giants like Hemingway and Gary Cooper once hung out. The full-service resort can easily offer a week’s worth of activities, including whitewater rafting, golf, fly-fishing, clay shooting, mountain biking and ice skating. And Sun Valley’s chefs can cook up whatever the couple desires. “We recently did a Hindu-Christian wedding, which was amazing,” said Gergen. “The groom gave our chefs his family recipes and they adjusted them to feed a large crowd.

Lately, many couples have been adding late night food—fries, onion rings, grilled cheese and other comfort food—to their list.” Sun Valley has had its share of celebrity weddings, but most of those who select Sun Valley as the stage for one of the biggest events of their lives are simply Idahoans and out-of-state residents who visited Sun Valley on vacation and want to share how special it is with friends and family. “Sun Valley is cute. It’s quaint. It offers a wide variety of activities above and beyond the wedding. And the resort has vans to transport people from the airport or to different activities so the bride and groom don’t have to worry about anything,” said Gergen. Trail Creek, which can be strewn with flower petals by day and lit by lanterns at night, remains the most popular wedding site in Sun Valley. But more and more brides and grooms are taking advantage of a new site—Sun Valley’s historic Roundhouse Restaurant perched halfway up Bald Mountain. On one occasion, guests rode the gondola to the Roundhouse where they viewed the ceremony in a nearby meadow and followed it up with cocktails on the Roundhouse deck, which offers stupendous views of the Pioneer Mountains and the town below. They then took the gondola back down for a full

reception in the elegant River Run ski lodge where the candlelight flickered on the chandeliers. “I’d put Sun Valley on par with anything you see in “Dial Me Pretty,” said Gergen. “And that to me sets the bar in terms of bridal inspiration.” “People have a really romantic attachment to Sun Valley,” added Shultz. “It’s a destination. It’s an exciting place to go. It’s private. And it’s somewhat difficult to get to, which makes it all the more romantic.”

Tara Bella

Weddings & Floral Design

Tara Hoff Ooms P.O. Box 81 • Ketchum, ID 83340 • tel 208.788.4046 • www.tarabellaflowers.com

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Southern Idaho Bride : honeymoon & travel

the great escape Your Honeymoon

Your life together as a married couple begins with your honeymoon. This is a time to relax and enjoy each other’s company and dream about the rest of your lives together. Like your relationship, this is a time of sharing and should be planned together. There are hundreds of places to go and things to do so finding the place that is right for the two of you should not be that difficult.

Arrangements

Local travel agents are one of the best bargains around. Because there are so many complexities involved in going from one place to another, it is good to have an expert helping out. Your trip will be easier, smoother and possibly less expensive when you enlist the help of a qualified travel agent. They can give you information on many kinds of vacation packages, reduced airline fares and resort specials. Many vacation areas offer specials only travel agents can book. Also many airlines offer special rates from your area only your local agent knows about. As with other wedding professionals you will rely on, a travel agent should be selected carefully. The agent should be willing to work with your ideas and your budget. Good travel agents will also make suggestions and offer useful tips on clothing requirements, currency exchange, inoculations, passports, etc. With so much on your mind, a travel agent is the only way to go. They plan everything down to the last detail. Don’t be bashful... tell people you are newlyweds. Many hotels and airlines extend extra courtesies to you. Begin making arrangements at least six months ahead of time. This will relieve the worry as your wedding day approaches. Leave a copy of your itinerary and phone numbers with your parents or friends, and arrange for someone to check your home while you are gone. If driving, make sure your vehicle is in top shape and serviced. or some other form of auto towing plan is advisable.

Identification

Security is very strict for travel. A government-issued

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picture identification such as a driver’s license is required for airline check-in and boarding. Cruise lines, tour companies, and many hotels also require picture identification. For traveling outside of the United States, a passport or an official birth certificate is required. Your travel agent can advise you what is necessary for your honeymoon destination when you make your reservations. The bride’s name cannot be changed to her married name on a passport or driver’s license without an official marriage license. Therefore, it is advisable to make reservations in her maiden name and carry a copy of the marriage license on the honeymoon. Travel agents will help with travel advise on local foreign customs and events, currency exchange (may be able to order currency), weather, electricity conversion, U.S. Customs, inoculations, and much more to take the stress out of your honeymoon planning.

Currency Abroad

Most foreign countries have their own currency system as well. Your travel agent can exchanging U.S. currency to foreign currency for you. The rates of exchange (amount of U.S. money needed to purchase foreign money) can differ from day to day. Check with your travel agent in regards to foreign customs. Remember, you are a visitor in their country and you will want to ensure your stay is pleasant. If you or your groom use devises such as blow dryers, curlers, or electric shavers, make sure you can convert the electrical current to the same one these devices were designed for.

Free for the asking

Many travel agents can provide free brochures and pamphlets on the places you will be going to and the things you will be doing. These free offerings may also include a booklet on U.S. Customs explaining what you can and can’t bring back home with you. Also they might have information of places to avoid such as tourist traps and places that have a “bad” reputation for taking advantage of the honeymoon couples.

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Southern Idaho Bride : planning your wedding

a letter to our brides Some time back we were asked if we had ever thought of putting together a book geared to help a couple in planning the most important day in their lives. Well, we unveiled our first magazine in 1992. Through our travels and networking we have seen many books geared to help plan your wedding. We feel our book is a “best of the best” type wedding guide geared to the people in OUR area. Unlike national publications written by executives in New York hi-rises, Southern Idaho Bride is written locally by local people that know Idaho and how things are done here. As DJs and MCs we have entertained at thousands of successful weddings and seen a lot of mistakes, bloopers and “oops” take place. The best advice we can give is NO WEDDING GOES AS PLANNED! So expect a few problems and “quirks”. Think of it as one big play with you and your groom as the lead stars. If someone forgets his or her part, forget about it and cherish every moment of your special day. In this magazine you will find the names of the foremost wedding businesses in the Magic Valley and Sun Valley areas. We picked only the ones that were willing to help us make this book affordable to you at no charge. Although there may be other wedding businesses in the area, our advertisers are the ONLY such businesses we recommend due to the time, care and funding they have provided so you can plan the perfect wedding. We ask that you please patronize our advertisers and let them assist you with that once in a lifetime, storybook wedding you’ve always dreamt of having.

Musically Yours,

planning

Sid, Paige & Michael Vanderpool MME Event Group

Showers Bridal or wedding showers can be given by any close friend of the bride. They should not be given by a member of the bride’s immediate family. There is no set rule for the number of showers that can be held before a wedding, although only members of the wedding party are invited to more than one shower. Neither is there a hard-and-fast rule for the types of parties they should be; serving anything from coffee and cake to cocktails to a light supper is appropriate. Unless it is a surprise shower, the guest list is drawn up by the bride (or the bride and groom if both are to be present). The host for the party should set the limit on the number of guests. Guests invited to the shower should also be invited to the wedding, unless the wedding is to be very small. Everyone attending a shower is expected to bring a present, which is opened at the party. The host or another friend of the bride should keep a list of who gave what, so that thank-you notes can be sent later on. Bachelor Dinner Several days before the wedding, a bachelor dinner can be given for the groom. It is usually held in a private room of a restaurant and hosted by the best man or the ushers, although a groom may give his own bachelor dinner. Generally, the men drink and eat a great deal. At some point in the

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evening, the groom toasts his bride-to-be. It is rarely appropriate to break the glasses after such a toast, although this was once the custom. The only important rule regarding bachelor dinners is that they should not be held the night before the wedding, so that there is adequate time for the groom to recover from the festivities. Ceremony The wedding ceremony itself can be as formal or informal as the bride and groom wish it to be. Weddings are held in city halls, open fields, private homes, reception halls, restaurants, temples, churches and synagogues. For most weddings to which guests are invited, and especially church and synagogue weddings, a prescribed series of events will take place. First comes the processional. In Christian and Reform Jewish weddings, the ushers come down the aisle first, arranged in height order, followed by any junior ushers. They are followed by junior bridesmaids, then bridesmaids, in height order with the shortest first. Then comes the maid or matron of honor, the flower girls, the ring bearer, and finally the bride, holding the right arm of her father. The groom and the best man wait at the front of the room with the clergy. The guests stand during the processional and remain standing until the clergy has asked them to sit, usually after opening remarks or a prayer. Once at the front of the room, the bride’s father (or parents) step back or to one side and the groom steps forward to meet his bride. Bride and groom stand next to each other holding hands or with her hand on his arm, if they wish.

In Protestant ceremonies, the father of the bride gives her away before sitting down in the first pew. In Roman Catholic ceremonies, the father of the bride sits with his wife as soon as the bride is delivered to the groom. Orthodox and Conservative Jewish ceremonies require that the parents of the bride and groom remain at the front of the room; if there is space, they stand under the marriage canopy, known as a chuppah. The actual events of the wedding ceremony differ widely among various denominations. Most Christian services include a blessing of the ring or rings. (If the bride is wearing an engagement ring, she should put it on her right hand for the service, then place it outside the wedding band afterward.) Orthodox Jewish services are mostly in Hebrew, and two glasses of wine are shared by the couple before the ceremony. The recessional for Christian and Reform Jewish weddings is led by the bride and groom. They are followed by the flower girl, the best man and maid or matron of honor, and the ushers and bridesmaids; a line of bridesmaids follows the bride and a line of ushers follows the groom. Orthodox and Conservative Jewish recessionals are led by the bride and groom, followed by the bride’s parents, the groom’s parents, the maid of honor with the best man, the flower girl, and the rabbi and cantor. Bridesmaids and ushers bring up the rear. In Orthodox ceremonies, all the men are on one side and all the women on the other. In the LDS faith, when a sealing, or celestial marriage takes place, it is in the sealing room of the LDS temple. While in other ceremonies the idea is to have as many people invited as possible, it is not the same with a celestial marriage in the temple. The guest list is limited to very close family and temple members. After the initial ceremony, there is a separate celebration for a bigger crowd; friends, extended family, and general people wishing the couple well in their marriage. Division of Wedding Expenses Today, the groom and his family often offer to share some of the wedding expenses that traditionally have been borne by the bride’s family. This is a significant change of custom, as the costs of traditional weddings have become too prohibitive for many families to absorb. However, if the groom’s family does not offer to share expenses, the bride’s family should plan a wedding in accordance with their means. The traditional division of expenses is listed below. In addition to the change noted above, it should be kept in mind that there are numerous exceptions and variations depending on religion, ethnicity, or local custom. Many items may be omitted without diminishing the ceremony in any way. Expenses Paid by Bride’s Family • Bridal consultant, if needed • Invitations and announcements • Flowers for the church and receptions, bouquets for the bridesmaids, bouquet for bride (sometimes given by groom) • Music for the ceremony, including organist or choir fee • Transportation of bridal party to church and reception • Bride’s presents to her bridesmaids • Bride’s present to groom (optional) • Groom’s wedding ring • Sexton’s fee (church fee) • Accommodations for out-of-town bridesmaids • All expenses of reception, including music Expenses Paid by Groom’s Family

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• • • • • • • • • • •

Bride’s rings, both engagement and wedding Groom’s present to bride (optional) Groom’s presents to ushers and best man Groom’s boutonniere and boutonnieres for ushers Ties for the ushers Clergy member’s fee; tips to altar boys Corsages for immediate members of both families Accommodations for out-of-town ushers Bachelor dinner (optional, and often given by ushers) Rehearsal dinner (optional, but becoming more standard) Honeymoon

Expenses Paid by Bridesmaids • Dress and accessories • Transportation to and from town of wedding • Gift to the couple and contribution to a gift from all bridesmaids to the bride Expenses Paid by Ushers • Transportation to and from town of wedding • Rental of wedding attire • Gift to the couple and contribution to a gift from all ushers to the groom • Bachelor dinner (optional, and often given by groom) Expenses Paid by Out-of-Town Guests • Transportation and accommodations • Gift to the couple

Southern Idaho Bride : planning your wedding

the checklist

when and what needs to get done

Nine to Twelve Months Before

Determine the type of wedding you want, size, degree of formality, and setting. Select a wedding date and time. Notify your clergymember and reserve date and time for wedding and rehearsal. Set a tentative budget. Decide how expenses will be shared. Shop together for wedding rings. Determine the size of the guest list. Plan reception and book reception location. (Note: This should be booked as soon as the wedding date is set to assure availability.) Select and book caterer. Select and book photographer. Select and book videographer. Select and book disc jockey. Select and book photobooth. Select and book transportation for wedding day. Select florist and choose flower types. Compile names and addresses of your guests. Decide on your color scheme. Select wedding attendants Determine sizes for all attendants. Choose your dress and headpiece. Schedule fittings and delivery date. Choose bridesmaids’ dresses and accessories. Start planning for your honeymoon. Order passports if needed. Discuss where you will live after the wedding. Choose music for the ceremony.

Six to Nine Months Before

Announce your engagement in the newspaper. Register your preferences at the bridal registries of your choice. Begin shopping for men’s formalwear.

Four to Six Months Before

Start health and fitness program. Order invitations and other related stationery needs. Complete your guest list and include email addresses. Help both mothers coordinate and select their dresses. Ensure that all bridal attire has been ordered. Check blood test, marriage license requirements, state and local. Experiment with hair style and cut. Select baker and order wedding cake, groom’s cake, and mints.

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Two to Three Months Before

Choose the men’s wedding attire and reserve the right sizes. Start addressing invitations and announcements. Purchase accessories such as toasting goblets, ring pillow, garter, candles, etc. Confirm all details with your hired professionals. Confirm ceremony details with your officiant. Arrange rehearsal details. Plan rehearsal dinner. Choose responsible person to attend your guest book. Make appointment with your hairdresser. Arrange accommodations for out-oftown attendants and guests. Finalize honeymoon plans.

One Month Before

Finish addressing invitations and mail them four weeks before the wedding. Get blood test and marriage license. Have your final dress fitting. Have formal bridal portrait done. Have final fitting for wedding attendants. Purchase gifts for wedding participants. Purchase gift for fiancé. Have attendants’ parties. Purchase going-away outfit. Ensure that your accessories are in order toasting goblets, garter, candles, ring pillow, etc. Finalize rehearsal dinner details. Make a calendar of events for your wedding day. Email or text a map to direct guests to the ceremony and reception sites if necessary.

Two Weeks Before

Contact guests who have not responded via email. Pick up the wedding rings and make sure they fit properly & engraved inscriptions are correct. Meet with your photographer and give him a list of special pictures you want taken. Meet with videographer and give him a list of special events or people you want in the final edit. Meet with disc jockey for full consultation. Confirm custom design for your photobooth photostrips Continue writing thank-you notes for gifts received.

One Week Before

Provide the caterer with the total guest count and confirm all details. Provide your wedding party and out-oftown guests with timetables & maps, if necessary, for the rehearsal dinner, cer-

emony, & reception. Review details of last-minute arrangements and timetables with all service companies. Plan seating arrangements, if used. Confirm all honeymoon reservations and accommodations, pick up tickets and traveler’s checks. Assign tasks to be done on the wedding day to your wedding party. Practice applying makeup and styling your hair and determine the amount of time needed to do this on your wedding day. Make sure you have your marriage license. Pick up wedding attire and make sure everything fits properly. Keep writing thank-you notes for gifts received. Pack your suitcase for your honeymoon. Rehearse wedding ceremony with all participants in attendance. Attend rehearsal dinner. Give the best man the officiator’s fee & instruct him to deliver it on the day of the wedding. Get a good night’s sleep the night before your wedding day.

On the Wedding Day

Remain calm and try to relax. Don’t forget to bring your wedding rings and marriage license. Check with florist to ensure flowers will arrive on time. Apply makeup and style your hair slowly. Start dressing 1½ hours before the ceremony; the entire wedding party should be dressed and ready about two hours before the ceremony. Mail the wedding announcements. Have music start thirty minutes before the ceremony begins. Have guests seated as they arrive. Groom’s parents should be seated five minutes before the ceremony begins. The bride’s mother should be seated immediately before the processional and before the aisle runner is rolled out.

After the Wedding

Write and mail all thank-you notes as soon as possible. Take care of business & legal affairs. (Change name if necessary on records & legal documents.)

budget manager RECEPTION • Beverage/Bar/Corkage Fee • Cake/Cake Cutting Fee • Catering/Food/Tax/Gratuity • Facility Rental • Rental Items • Other MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT • Ceremony • Reception • Other CEREMONY • Aisle Runner • Facility Rental • Officiant • Marriage License • Other __ WEDDING APPAREL - BRIDE • Alterations • Bride’s Gown • Headpiece/Veil • Jewelry • Lingerie • Shoes • Other WEDDING APPAREL - GROOM • Groom’s Formalwear • Other PHOTOGRAPHER • Album • Engagement Portrait • Formal Wedding Portrait • Wedding Package Fee • Other __ VIDEOGRAPHER • Wedding Video • Copies • Other PHOTOBOOTH • Package FLOWERS • Attendant’s Bouquets • Boutonnieres/Corsages • Bride’s Bouquet

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Budget Actual

____________ _________ ____________ _________ ____________ _________

____________ • Decorations • Other ____________ STATIONERY ____________ • Invitations/Announcements • Postage ____________ • Thank-You Notes/Informal Stationery_________ • Wedding Programs ____________ • Other ____________ TRANSPORTATION • Guest Transportation ____________ • Limousine ____________ • Other ____________ ACCESSORIES ____________ • Cake Knife & Server • Cake Top ____________ • Favors ____________ • Flower Girl’s Basket ____________ • Guest Book & Pen ____________ • Ring Bearer’s Pillow ____________ • Toasting Glasses ____________ • Other ____________ GIFTS ____________ • Bride’s Attendants • Each Other ____________ • Groomsmen & Ushers ____________ • Parents ____________ • Other ____________ ADDITIONAL EXPENSES ____________ • Hair & Makeup • Manicure ____________ • Other ____________ OPTIONAL EXPENSES ____________ • Attendant Accommodations • Bridesmaid’s Dresses/Shoes ____________ • Flower Girl’s Dress ____________ • Groomsmen’s Formalwear ____________ • Ring Bearer’s Attire ____________ • Bridesmaids’ Luncheon ____________ • Wedding Coordinator ____________ • Other ____________

____________ _________

TOTALS

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____________ _________

Southern Idaho Bride : planning your wedding

2014 January S

February T

March W

April T

May S

June T

July S

August

September S

October

November T

December W

groom’s checklist Twelve Months or More Ahead o Select and purchase bride’s rings (if not yet selected). o Discuss division of financial obligations with fiance and parents. o Determine budget, date and number of guests with fiance. o Choose and secure reception location. o Choose and book officiant. Eight to Twelve Months Ahead o Choose your best man and ushers (one per every 50 guests). o Start planning your honeymoon. o Start compiling your guest list. Six to Eight Months Ahead o Check passports and visas. o Find a new place to live. o Make reservations for honeymoon: buy tickets. o Consult with fiance and arrange lodging for out-of-town guests and attendants. o Reserve limousine or special transportation for bridal party. o Reserve special transportation to ceremony and reception for out-of-town-guests. Four to Six Months Ahead o Select and order formalwear for yourself/wedding party. o Book room for wedding night. o Start planning rehearsal dinner with parents. Two to Four Months Ahead . o Confirm rehearsal dinner arrangements. o Select your gift for the bride and gifts for your groomsmen. o Review checklist items above to confirm completion of each detail. One to Two Months Ahead o Set a date with your fiance to get the marriage license; have lunch afterwards.

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o Confirm reservations for rehearsal dinner. o Pick up wedding rings and check engraving. o Help fiance with thank-you notes. o Shop for honeymoon clothes. Two Weeks Ahead o Confirm honeymoon details: tickets, reservations, passports and rentals. o Arrange to begin moving belongings to new home. o Give or attend bachelor party or dinner. o Schedule hair cut/styling appointment. o Arrange with best man for transportation from reception to airport or hotel. o Send change of address information to post office o Double check attire and confirm size reservations have been made for all groomsmen. One Week Ahead o Confirm time/place of rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and wedding with attendants. o Pack for honeymoon. o Purchase traveler’s checks. o Get your going away clothes ready so you can change right after the reception. Day Before Wedding o Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. o Present gifts to attendants. o Confirm pick up times with limousine and/or other transporta tion. o Explain special seating arrangements for family and guests to your head usher. Day of Wedding o Pick up formalwear. o Give best man the officiant’s fee in a envelope for delivery.

brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day of checklist Wedding Day Apparel........................ o Gown pick-up and pressing o Hosiery o Shoes o Jewelry o Bra o Garter o Slip

Wedding Day Accessories......................... o Guest book and pen o Cake knife and server o Ring pillow o Toasting flutes/goblets o Other_____________________ o Favors

Emergency Kit................................................................................................................................................................................... o A list of phone numbers for bridal party and vendors o Sewing kit: matching thread, safety pins and scissors o Something old, something new, something borrowed and

something blue o Makeup o Skin cleanser, moisturizer and makeup remover o Lotion o Deodorant o Toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash o Antacid o Breathmints

names & numbers Coordinator_______________________ ___________________ Church/Temple_ Clergy _____________ ___________________ Reception Facility__________________ ___________________ Bridal Salon_______________________ ___________________ Caterer__________________________ ___________________ Cake/Baker_______________________ ___________________ Rentals___________________________ ___________________ Florist___________________________ ___________________ Photographer_____________________ ___________________ Ceremony Sound/Music_____________ ___________________ Disc Jockey/Band __________________ ______________________ Videographer_____________________ ______________________ Limousine/Transportation___________ ______________________ Makeup Artist_____________________ ______________________ Hair Stylist________________________ ______________________ Formalwear Store__________________ ______________________ Maid/Matron-of-Honor_____________ ______________________ Best Man_________________________ ______________________ Other____________________________ ______________________

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o Fingernail polish: color to match nails,clear to stop nylon runs o Hair styling items: hair dryer, curlers, comb, brush, hand

mirror, hairspray, bobby pins

o Extra pairs of hosiery for bride and bridesmaids o Handi-wipes, Kleenex o Portable iron or steamer o Anti-cling spray o Tape o Extra cash, coins and bills o Camera with film o Marriage License o Groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ring

directory Audio & Visual Rentals MME Music Magic Events (pg. 21) ................................ 736-7268

Lighting Decor MME Music Magic Events (pg. 23 pg. 39)...................... 736-7268

Brides Attire Christa’s Dress Shoppe & Tuxedo (pg. 19)...................... 735-5177 Wedding & Rental Shop (pg. 15).................................... 733-8838

Lodging & Suites Black Swan Inn (pg. 9).................................................... 233-3051 Red Lion Hotel (pg. 28)................................................... 734-5000

Cakes & Cupcakes Trishes Weddings & More (pg. 11)................................. 312-3833

Lounge Furniture MME Music Magic Events (pg. 23 pg. 43)...................... 736-7268

Catering Food & Beverage Carino’s Italian Grill (Outside back cover)............. 877-PASTA-411 Cafe Rio (pg. 7)............................................................... 944-3333 Karen’s Catering (pg. 27)................................................ 280-0256 Soran Catering (Inside Back Cover)................................ 733-2417

Party & Wedding Supplies Zurchers Party & Wedding 1605 Blue Lakes Blvd N, Twin Falls................................. 734-5800

Ceremony Music MME Music Magic Events (pg.17) ................................. 736-7268 Chocolate Fountain Rentals Barbara’s Party Rentals (pg. 37)...................................... 726-3778 Trishes Weddings & More (pg. 11)................................. 312-3833 Party Center (Inside Front Cover)................................... 733-9337 Decorations & Rentals Barbara’s Party Rentals (pg. 37)...................................... 726-3778 Trishes Weddings & More (pg. 11)................................. 312-3833 Party Center (Inside Front Cover)................................... 733-9337 MME Music Magic Events (pg. 23 pg. 39)...................... 736-7268 Wedding & Rental Shop (pg. 15).................................... 733-8838 Disc Jockeys/ Entertainment MME Music Magic Events (pg 17) ................................. 736-7268 Drape & Uplighting MME Music Magic Events (pg. 23 pg. 39)...................... 736-7268 Flowers Canyon Floral (pg. 15)..................................................... 733-9292 Tara Bella (pg. 39)........................................................... 788-4046 Formal Wear (Tuxedos) Christa’s Dress Shoppe & Tuxedo (pg. 19)...................... 735-5177 Tuxedos Now (pg. 25)..................................................... 734-4055 Honeymoon Planning Black Swan Inn (pg. 9).................................................... 233-3051 Desert Sun Travel (pg. 31) .............................................. 734-9486 Invitations & Printing Blip Printers (pg. 43)....................................................... 734-2558 Jewelry Boyer Jewelry (pg. 33) ................................................... 733-4552 Limousine Services Big Diamond Limousine (pg. 29) .................................... 734-5466

48 | SouthernIdahoBride.com | 2013

Photobooths One Fun Photobooth (pg. 31)......................................... 736-7268 Photo Montages Carrie Miller Films (pg. 31)............................................. 316-7789 Sound Works (pg. 27)..................................................... 324-2593 The Story Is Told (pg. 37)......................................... 623-363-8024 Photographers Christine Olsen Photography (pg. 15)............................. 720-8809 Spin Design Photographics (pg. 21)................................ 948-9611 Portable Bar Services Soran Catering (Inside Back Cover)................................ 733-2417 Reception Sites Canyon Crest Event Center (pg. 5).................................. 733-9392 Elevations 486 (pg. 5)..................................................... 737-0486 Red Lion Hotel (pg. 28)................................................... 734-5000 The Historic Ballroom (pg. 11)........................................ 733-5313 The Stone House & Co (pg. 27)...................................... 736-0707 Turf Club (Inside Back Cover).......................................... 733-2417 Rehearsal Dinners Canyon Crest Event Center (pg. 5).................................. 733-9392 Carino’s Italian Grill (Outside Back Cover)............. 877-PASTA-411 Elevations 486 (pg. 5)..................................................... 737-0486 Karen’s Catering (pg. 27)................................................ 280-0256 Red Lion Hotel (pg. 28)................................................... 734-5000 Soran Catering (Inside Back Cover)................................ 733-2417 The Historic Ballroom (pg. 11)........................................ 733-5313 The Stone House & Co (pg. 27)...................................... 736-0707 Rentals (See Decorations & Rentals) Videographers Carrie Miller Films (pg. 31)............................................. 316-7789 Sound Works (pg. 27)..................................................... 324-2593 The Story Is Told (pg. 37)......................................... 623-363-8024

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