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Brides & Weddings 2014 7
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What’s inside . . . Choosing a date wisely
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Explore unique cake flavors
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Approaching wedding music
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How to stay energized on your big day
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Is a wedding planner right for me? Wedding showers break from norm New times, new traditions A more eco-friendly wedding Choosing stunning invitations The right favors
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Bridal Guide 2014
Choosing a wedding date wisely Many couples find themselves bombarded with questions the moment they become engaged, and perhaps no questions is more common than, “When is the wedding?” Although a number of couples would prefer to bask in the excitement of their engagement, some couples feel pressured to rush into picking a wedding date. Choosing a wedding date without giving it much consideration may make things more difficult down the road. Rather than jumping head first into any decisions, couples should give thought to any and all dates and decide if there are certain times of the year they want to tie the knot or avoid.
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lights? Think about the season when you feel most happy and then determine if that time of year is doable.
Month
Season When thinking about potential wedding dates, it helps to have a place to start. Some couples find it helpful to start with a particular season and then narrow it down from there. Decide if you prefer the lush greenery of summer or the amazing color spectrum of an autumn afternoon. Perhaps you envision arriving at the ceremony with a snow-packed landscape amid twinkling holiday
Certain months may seem perfect, but not for busy professionals or those with limited vacation time at their disposal. For example, early spring may not be good for accountants tallying year-end numbers. Teachers may feel most comfortable tying the knot in the summer when they already have days off. If you run a pool business or a lawn maintenance company, then the summer might not be so good. Keep these factors in mind.
Holidays Some people would like to tie their wedding day to a particular holiday. Valentine’s Day is popular for weddings thanks to the romantic sentiments synonymous with the holiday, while some couples prefer Halloween or Christmas weddings. Holiday weddings can be exciting,
See Date, Page 18
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Explore unique cake flavor combinations A wedding cake is the piece de resistance of the wedding ceremony. Guests anxiously await the unveiling of the cake near the end of the festivities. Modern cakes are showpieces grander in scale than in years past. As bakers and confectioners hone their skills with fondant, buttercream and gum paste even further, the results are often impressive, awe-inspiring cake designs. While the look of a wedding cake is certainly important, cakes should not only look good, but taste good as well. Vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream frosting was once the gold standard. But today’s couples are being more adventurous with their wedding cakes and
winning rave reviews from guests along the way. The vast scope of wedding cake flavor choices available to brides and grooms is astonishing. Options may range from the traditional to something adventurous and
daring. Keeping in mind that couples will need to please the masses, finding a compromise between plain vanilla and a mochachile-coconut surprise is essential. Otherwise, they risk an unpopular flavor and a lot of wasted, expen-
sive cake. Some couples shy away from more adventurous cakes because they fear something chocolatey or not white in color will not be well suited to a wedding reception. Such couples should keep in mind that any flavor of cake can be hidden beneath layers of pearly white fondant or royal icing. Therefore, the sky is the limit with regard to flavor combinations. Those who might want to veer from tradition can consider these clever cake combinations. • Lemon cake with vanilla buttercream: Lemons are tart, juicy and refreshing, helping to cleanse the palate after a rich meal. Lemon cake,
See Cake, Page 22
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How to approach music on your wedding day
Music often plays an important role on festive occasions, and wedding days are no exception. The right music can make a wedding day that much more meaningful, while the wrong music can make a couple’s big event memorable for all the wrong reasons. Though music selection might seem like one of the easier decisions couples must make, those about to tie the knot typically must make a host of music-related decisions regarding their wedding day, including whether to choose a live band or a deejay to perform at their wedding receptions. While the reception is when music might be most on display, couples planning their weddings must think beyond the reception when setting the musical tones for their weddings.
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The ceremony itself often sets the tone for a couple’s wedding day. A beach wedding, for example, often creates a laid back atmosphere, while a ceremony held in a large church or temple often sets a more formal tone. Music played during the ceremony also goes a long way toward setting the tone couples hope to establish. When choosing music for the ceremony, couples should first consider the venue where they are tying the knot. Some, such as houses of worship, may have rules pertaining to what can and cannot be played inside the venue. Classical, hymnal or processional music often makes the best fit when weddings are taking place in more formal venues. Outdoor weddings tend to give couples more leeway. But in general couples don’t want to choose any music that’s too loud or over-the-top for their ceremonies. Keep in mind that while the music played during the ceremony can set the tone for the day, this music can vary significantly from the music played during the reception. A favorite performer may not be appropriate during the ceremony, but that doesn’t mean the couple can’t dance to that artist’s music during the reception.
See Music, Page 22
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How to stay energized throughout your wedding day A couple’s wedding day is the culmination of months and months of planning. For most, it is one of the most memorable, magical days of their lives, filled with fond moments of time spent with close friends and family. As enjoyable as a wedding can be, most brides and grooms who have already tied the knot can attest that a wedding is a long, often tiring day. It is very easy for energy levels to wane. To ensure you have enough energy to last through to the final good-bye of the evening, follow these suggestions to remain energized. • Recognize your wedding day is a very long day. It’s possible to rise quite early in the morning to begin prepping with makeup, hair styles, wardrobe and more. If the party is an evening reception, it could last until the wee hours of the night. You may find yourself up for nearly 24 hours, when the cameras will be flashing and the video rolling throughout. Naturally, you’ll want to
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look your best throughout. • Get a good night’s sleep the night before. Get to bed early the night before so you will get ample sleep and look rested. It is understandable that nerves and excite-
ment may get the best of you and make it difficult to fall asleep. If you often grow anxious and struggle to fall asleep before big events, talk to
See Energy, Page 11
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Continued from Page 10 your doctor prior to the wedding to ask if you can be prescribed a one-timeonly sleeping pill that will ensure you get to sleep promptly. Do not take this medication with alcohol, and be sure to take it only if you can get a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Otherwise you may experience medicine hangover. • Enjoy a hearty breakfast. At breakfast on the morning of your wedding, consume a combination of carbohydrates and protein. The carbs will provide the initial burst of energy you need to get going, and the protein will keep you feeling full. A combination of whole wheat toast, fresh fruit and Greek yogurt
Arrange to have snacks stowed in the limousine or another mode of transportation so that you can refuel on the way to the ceremony or in transit to the reception. • Don’t overdo it with caffeine. It may be tempting to lean on an energy drink or a super-size cup of coffee to give you the boost you need. But caffeine is only a temporary fix. After the effects of the caffeine wear off, you could find yourself more tired than before and crash at an inopportune time during the day. Instead, a brisk walk outdoors may recharge your batteries. Afterward, time spent on the dance floor enjoying the reception will likely stimulate some adrenaline to keep you going. • Eat dinner. When family is beckoning and
the photographer needs to get yet another pose, it is easy to skip dinner. Be firm with your decision to enjoy your meal. After all, you paid for it and it should not go to waste. Besides, sitting down to dinner enables you to rest and absorb the atmosphere of the wedding. • Continue to drink plenty of water throughout the night. Alcoholic beverages may be flowing, but too many spirits can compromise your energy levels. Be sure to balance the booze with hydrating fluids, such as water or juice. Weddings take up the entire day, and it can be easy to succumb to a lack of energy as the day progresses. But by heeding a few tips, it’s possible to remain in top form throughout the entire wedding.
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Energy
makes for a filling start to the day. • Stay hydrated. Although drinking a lot of water can result in more frequent trips to the bathroom — which can be cumbersome for brides wearing their gowns — it is essential to stay hydrated. Dehydration can result in headaches, weakness and dizziness and may make you feel cranky. Be sure to consume water throughout the day. • Pack some snacks. The time between breakfast and the cocktail hour of a wedding may be significant. In your wedding “survival” kit, be sure to pack some easy snacks to eat. Trail mix can be nibbled for a boost of energy, and a banana can take the edge off of hunger pangs. Avoid anything messy that can drip onto clothing or get stuck in your teeth.
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Is a wedding planner right for me? BY KIM BREEDLOVE SPECIAL TO BRIDAL
Every little girl dreams of their wedding day. The right dress, venue, cake . . . but how do we get those things? We all have everyday life issues to deal with, and trying to plan a wedding for some is a great struggle. That’s where a wedding planner comes in. Planners take the stress
out of those big decisions. They guide you through making the right decisions for you and your fiancé, giving you the questions to ask vendors you may never have even thought about. But even still, wedding planners always hear “I don’t need a wedding planner,” “my family and friends will help me,” “the venue has their own wedding planner.” Let’s go through just some misconceptions that you
might have heard about planners: • I just want a “day-of coordinator”: Truthfully, the day-of coordinator is really the “month-of” coordinator. Most day-of or month-of coordinators will put in more than 40-plus hours of work just for your special day. It’s always best to ask specifically what a “day-of” or “month-of” coordinator does. • Wedding planners are too expensive: Ah, the budget. A good wedding planner is worth their weight in gold. Most times they have already researched what you need and how to help you save money for your special day, or how to better be able to afford different options. Wedding planners keep you on track with your budget and offer advice. • A wedding planner will make it her day with her ideas: Wedding planners are supposed to hear and visualize your ideas, then make them come alive. An experienced wedding planner should be there for guidance, advice and assistance — never to take full control, unless you want them to. Always communicate with
See Planner, Page 15
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Wedding showers continue to break from the norm
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Rain showers on a wedding day may bring good luck, but they are seldom coveted. However, a different type of shower altogether is often highly anticipated and can help couples feel like they’re one in a million. Wedding showers are gift-giving parties held for couples about to get married. The custom began in the nineteenth century and continues to present day, primarily in North America and Australia. Guests traditionally “shower” the bride-to-be with all the necessities (and some fun extras) that she will need after she ties the knot. These gifts will help the soon-to-be-married couple establish a home together. Bridal showers are steeped in tradition, but today’s bridal showers continue to veer off the beaten path. Nowadays, bridal showers feature fun and games much like a party having nothing to do with a wedding. TheKnot.com, a website that aims to help couples plan their weddings and all events leading up to the big day, identifies these key trends in modern bridal showers.
Couples’ showers Modern couples who like to be all-inclusive are now planning bridal showers that cater to mixed audiences. Dubbed a “couple shower,” these parties include female and male friends and relatives. Gifts are still the main focus of the event, but they’re varied and include guyfriendly items within the mix of household goods.
Power showers Many are familiar with the terms “man cave” and “bromance,” but few may know that there are now wedding showers geared entirely around the groom. Known as “power showers,” these events focus on the groom-tobe, who is showered with a bevy of gadgets and power tools that are certain to stock his future garage. The parties are decidedly more testosterone-friendly and can include golf outings, poker nights or action movie flicks as possible themes. 1917807
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Destination/activity showers
your planner and let them know what you are envisioning. Let them know if something is wrong. • My venue has wedding coordinator: While venue coordinators are great, they will not necessarily help you with the “details” of your wedding. Some venue coordinators will not care if the DJ has not shown up, the flowers are the wrong color or help the photographer stay on schedule so you’re not late for your own reception. Do not expect the venue to handle those things (or your family, for that matter — remember they are guests at your wedding). Always read the fine print of the contract and ask those important questions. • My budget is too tight; I cannot afford a wedding planner. If you see one you like, go ahead and still contact them. You might find they can offer suggestions on how to afford their services or have a package just for you. Some wedding planners also offer payment plans and discounts for certain items and packages. A wedding planner will be your hub of communication, and all your hired wedding professionals will go through your planner. Remember that, on your special day, you want to feel as relaxed and stress-free as possible – and your planner can help make sure that happens. Happy planning! Kim Breedlove, an accredited bridal consultant, is the owner of Breedlove Events, LLC.
Rather than having guests hang around a restaurant watching gift after gift get unwrapped, some bridal parties opt to throw an activity shower. These showers are focused around a particular activity. For example, ladies may be treated to a day at the spa. Other ideas include horseback riding at a stable or a day at the ballpark. Because hosting an activity shower for dozens of people may get expensive, these types of showers may be reserved for only your closest friends and family members.
Bride-involved showers The idea of walking into a room and being surprised by friends and family members is appealing to some brides-to-be but not everyone. Some brides prefer not to be surprised by a shower and actually would like to have a role in the planning of the party. However, this is delicate ground on which to tread, considering there may be differences over where the party is held and even the overall experience of the party. These type of showers should be discussed before any plans are made, and tasks should be delegated in accordance with those plans.
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Wedding budget worksheet Total wedding budget: $ _______________ Ceremony Location fee: _______________ Officiant fee: _______________ Marriage license: _______________ Rings: _______________ Pillow: _______________ Total ceremony: _______________
Reception Reception Site: _______________ Food: _______________ Drinks: _______________ Rentals: _______________ Cake: _______________ Favors: _______________ Total reception: _______________
Attire Gown: _______________ Headpiece/veil: _______________ Undergarments/hosiery: _______________ Shoes: _______________ Accessories: _______________ Jewelry: _______________ Makeup: _______________ Hair: _______________ Tuxedo: _______________ Shoes: _______________ Cuff links: _______________ Men’s grooming: _______________ Total attire: _______________
Music Ceremony musicians: _______________ Band/DJ: _______________ Total music: _______________
Flowers Ceremony decor: _______________ Bride’s bouquet: _______________ Bridesmaids’ bouquets: _______________ Corsages and boutonnieres: _______________ Reception centerpieces: _______________ Flower girl basket: _______________ Total flowers: _______________
Photography/videography Photographer’s fees: _______________ Videographer’s fees: _______________ Total photography: _______________
Transportation Limousines: _______________ Buses/transport for guests: _______________ Total transportation: _______________
Stationery Save-the-dates: _______________________ Invitations: __________________________ Postage: _____________________________ Thank-you cards: ______________________ Total stationery: _______________
Gifts Wedding party: _______________ Parents: ______________________ Other: _______________________ Total gifts: ____________________
Honeymoon Airfare: _______________ Accommodations: _______________ Food: _______________ Total honeymoon: _______________
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New times, new traditions Modern wedding trends — from stock-the-bar parties to social networking sites October is the new June. More and more, weddings are taking place in the height of fall foliage, heart of winter and prime holiday season, including the ever-popular New Year’s Eve ceremony to ring in the new year. But it’s not just the wedding season that has drastically evolved over the past decade, it’s everything from roles and responsibilities to gift-giving. As you gear up to celebrate the union of your beloved family or friends -— or even your own — know what to expect from the changing tides of weddings. Lizzie Post, coauthor of “Emily Post’s Etiquette, 18th edition” and great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post, helps couples navigate the new traditions of weddings. The Post name has been synonymous with proper etiquette and manners for the past 80 years. As decades pass, so will traditions, but proper etiquette is timeless. Be prepared for the next wedding you attend and know what to expect from changes in the wedding landscape with these important pieces of advice:
Pay it forward Finding the right gift for the newlyweds can be difficult. While registries help to point guests in the right direction, many couples are getting married
later in life and already have all the household items that are common wedding gifts. To provide the couple with a small nest egg to use however they wish, a check is always a great and safe gift idea. Several financial institutions, like Bank of America, offer mobile check deposit through their banking app, allowing the couple the flexibility to deposit checks on-the-go to help cover outstanding vendor payments or use on their honeymoon. Another new-age trend is contributing to a couple’s honeymoon fund.
Temper tech use Even weddings are going hi-tech. There are numerous websites available that can help the couple to organize the process, communicate with guests and share photos after the ceremony. But a few things — like a handwritten “thank you” note — should steer clear of the hi-tech lure. In a gadget-driven society, everyone is carrying a smartphone. Couples can post a tasteful notice at the entrance of the ceremony location or in the program to remind guests to turn off their cell phone ringers and refrain from use during the ceremony. Some couples may actually encourage guests to take photos and share images via social media, but guests should respect their wishes and use phones only as a camera and upload images after the ceremony.
Respect personalization Couples want their special day to
reflect who they are and what is important to them. While previous generations traditionally wed in places of worship, many modern couples choose to tie the knot at a sentimental location, like where they had their first date. The decor, music and even the food and drink served at a wedding may have a personal story behind it. No matter how nontraditional the element may be, guests should eagerly partake in the festivities, acknowledging and respecting the couple’s individualization.
Be all-inclusive In the past, bridal showers were strictly for the bride and bachelor parties were a men-only affair. Nowadays, these festivities are no longer genderspecific. Showers can be thrown for the couple in unison and include creative themes like “stock the bar.” Bachelor and bachelorette parties can also be combined to involve the entire bridal party in a destination event. As trends and expectations shift, so will the way major life milestones are celebrated. It is important to celebrate these moments in life with grace and support for the happy couple — after all, it’s their day — and it should be as unique as they are. For further etiquette advice on navigating 21st century weddings, visit www.emilypost.com. Brandpoint
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Date Continued from Page 5 but they also produce significant obstacles that couples who choose to get married during other times of year don’t have to worry about. Guests may not want to travel or spend time away from their families to attend a holiday wedding. Having a wedding during a holiday may mean competing for vendors and reception spaces. Prices on everything from food to flowers to airline tickets could be higher as vendors cash in on customer demand.
Carter, Marson engaged Mr. and Mrs. Clifton S. Carter Sr. of La Plata and Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Marson Jr. of Brandywine are pleased to announce the engagement of their children, Jennifer Suzanne Carter and E. Jonathon Marson. They were high school sweethearts, graduating from St. Mary’s Ryken High School in 2005. Both attended Salisbury University, receiving their degrees in business management in 2009. The bride-to-be is employed as the store manager of Target. The groom-to-be is employed in his family’s business as a landscape foreman. A June 7, 2014, wedding is planned at the groom’s parents’ estate in Brandywine. They will be residing in Brandywine.
Hileman, Butler to wed Todd and Melinda Hileman of Mechanicsville and Patrick and Julie Butler of Mechanicsville are pleased to announce the engagement of their children, Melanie Hileman and Jeffrey Butler. The bride-to-be is a 2007 graduate of Chopticon High School and a 2012 graduate of Prince George’s Community College, where she received a degree in radiological science. She is employed as a radiology technologist at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. The groom-to-be is a 2008 graduate of Chopticon High School and a 2012 graduate of the University of Maryland, where he received a degree in kinesiology. He is employed as operations manager at Jerry Lewis Roofing. A fall wedding is planned.
Day of the week It’s less expensive for couples to get married on Fridays and Sundays than Saturday afternoons or evenings. Couples may think that the money saved will be well worth it, but they also should think about how this decision may affect their guests. A Friday wedding requires people to take off from work or school. Sunday weddings may be slightly more convenient, but those who have to get back to work on Monday may be tired from late-night festivities. Couples should anticipate some guests not making it to their weddings when those weddings are not on Saturdays.
Religious constraints Couples having religious ceremonies should consult with their houses of worship as to which dates are acceptable. Some will not have weddings on days of religious observation. It is wise to consult with a church, synagogue or mosque before booking any other components of the wedding so that you are certain your chosen day is acceptable.
Any available dates Your wedding date may be dictated by your caterer or wedding hall. If you have a particular venue in mind, you may be limited by their availability. This is a concession you will need to make if your heart is set on this particular location.
The 2014 Bridal Guide is published as a special section in The Enterprise, 23125 Camden Way, California, Md. 20619 Telephone: 301-866-6403 www.somdnews.com
Karen Acton, CEO and Publisher
Al Dailey,
Associate Publisher
Megan Johnson,
Special Sections Editor
Cover design by Sandy Ondrejcak
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Make your wedding more eco-friendly Couples about to tie the knot may be preoccupied with finding the right color palettes for their wedding days. While is has long been a favorite wedding day color, many couples are now looking for ways to go green at their weddings, as more and more couples want to make their ceremonies as ecofriendly as possible. While it might once have been difficult to make weddings environmentally friendly affairs, today’s couples have many eco-friendly options at their disposal. From hotels that use solar power to reception halls that rely on locally sourced foods, there are plenty of ways to turn weddings into entertaining and eco-friendly affairs. • Reduce reliance on stationery. Couples hoping to be more eco-conscious can cut back on the amount of paper they at their weddings and throughout the planning process. Invitations can be printed on recycled stock, and couples can avoid using the envelope within an envelope that is often used when mailing wedding invitations. Furthermore, reduce what you place inside the invitation, including direction cards. Have guests visit a website to learn about hotel accommodations and respond to the wedding invite. • Choose earth-friendly fabrics. When selecting gowns and other attire, lean toward natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool, hemp, or linen, each of which are eco-friendly fabrics. • Pick flowers that are in-season. Much like produce, certain flowers are grown out of season with the use of pesticides and herbicides. Imported flowers have high carbon footprints due to the distance they have to travel. Cut down on how far flowers have to travel and the use of
potentially harmful chemicals by buying locally grown, in-season flowers. • Encourage guests to carpool to the wedding. You may want to make a flashy entrance at the ceremony, but you can curb emissions by having as many people travel together as possible. Ditch the sedan or limousine and rent a party bus that can fit many of your guests. • Rethink wedding favors. Instead of trinkets that are produced overseas and likely to end up in the trash, opt for edible favors, seeds or plants or even donations to charitable organizations. • Cut down on waste. Do you really need four courses at the reception and a complete dessert display? Food that goes uneaten will likely end up in the garbage. If you cannot arrange to have food delivered to a soup kitchen or another charitable group, scale back on how much is served. Chances are guests will not even miss the extra food. • Recycle your gold or silver. Wedding bands symbolize are customary at wedding ceremonies. Rather than buying new rings, trans-
form old jewelry into rings by having the metal melted down and formed. • Style your hair naturally. Although many hair products have reduced or eliminated their use of CFCs, which can enter the atmosphere and damage the ozone layer, harmful chemicals are still used in many products. Brides can skip the elaborate up-do that requires a lot of hair spray for a more natural, freeflowing look. • Rent or borrow whenever possible. Rented items are reused over and over, while items couples buy specifically for their weddings are liable to be used once and then discarded. Opt for rentals when possible. • Light beeswax candles. Candles are an eco-friendly way to provide romantic lighting at the wedding. Opt for non-toxic beeswax candles rather than paraffin candles. When couples put their minds to it, they can find many ways to have an eco-friendly wedding without compromising on style and fun.
Bridal Guide 2014
Choosing stunning, informative, beautiful wedding invitations Wedding invitations often provide guests with a first glimpse of a wedding’s style. Invitations also may serve as the means by which distant friends and relatives find out about a couple’s pending nuptials if a formal announcement was not made. Amid the flourishes of calligraphy and impressive paper stock is information that speaks to the importance of the day when two people will be joining their lives together. Guests will learn not only the time and the place of the wedding from the invitation, but also the formality of the event and the scope of the party that will follow. Couples should keep certain things in mind as they begin to design their wedding invitations. • Have a good idea of your potential guest list. Before shopping for wedding invitations, it is key to have a strong idea of just how big the wedding will be and how many guests will be invited. This way you will know how many invitations you will need. Invitations vary in price, so cost may be a consideration if your guest list is extensive. • Decide on the formality of the wedding. Will you be hosting a black tie affair, or will it be a casual gathering at the shore? Guests infer many things
about the wedding from the invitations, which should match the formality of the event in style and the sentiments expressed. An ornate invitation written with classic wording suggests a more formal affair, while a whimsical invitation with less formal wording could indicate a more laid-back event. • Dare to be different by playing with invitation sizes and shapes. Rectangular cards are standard for wedding invitations, but you can explore your creativity by choosing more modern, artsy invitations. Circular invites or scalloped edges can add some whimsy to the wedding mood. Invitations that fold out or are embellished with ribbon or other decorations can be appealing. Just keep in mind that cards that are not the standard shape and size could be more costly to send. Always have the entire wedding invitation weighed and priced at the post office so you will know what the postage will cost. • Choose a legible font and text color. Your invitation may look beautiful, but it may prove ineffective if it is difficult to read. Do not risk guests misinterpreting the date or the location because they cannot read the writing on the invitation. Steer clear of pastel or yellow text colors, and remember to have
a high contrast between the color of the invitation and the text you are using for easy reading. • Keep the invitation simple. It may be tempting to load the invitation with lots of information, but all you really need are the key pieces of information, such as the “who,” “what,” “where,” and “when.” Crowding the card will take away from its aesthetic appeal. Most stationers will suggest a separate, smaller insert in the wedding invitation for the reception information and response card. Never put information such as where you are registered or “no kids allowed.” This is material better reserved for word of mouth or on a wedding website. • Do some math. It is important to know your dates so you can receive the invitations on time, mail them out, and give guests enough time to respond. A good rule of thumb is to mail out the invitations at least two months before the wedding. Have an RSVP date of no more than three to four weeks before the wedding, giving ample time to
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the caterers and accommodating anyone who procrastinates in sending in a response. You will need the final headcount in order to confirm seating arrangements and plan for centerpieces and favors. • Handwrite the envelopes. Your invitation will look more impressive if you address them by hand, rather than printing them off of a computer. If your handwriting is not very neat, consider hiring a professional calligrapher to write out your envelopes. • Make it easy for guests to respond. Be sure to place a stamp on the response card envelope and have that envelope already addressed with your home address so that guests will have no excuses not to mail a response back promptly. • Always order extra. Mistakes happen, and you may need to send out a few extra invitations that you hadn’t originally counted. Always order extra invitations just to be on the safe side. And don’t forget you will probably want to keep one as a keepsake for yourself.
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Bridal Guide 2014
Music Continued from Page 8 Live musicians can add a more elegant feel to the ceremony, but such performers also can be costly. Playing prerecorded music may not be as elegant as having a live performer, but it can cost a lot less and still make for an enjoyable day and evening.
Reception Many couples prefer deejays to live bands for their wedding receptions. Deejays can play favorite songs as couples and their guests know them, while bands can only play their own renditions of those songs. Another thing to consider when choosing between a deejay or live band for the reception is the venue itself. Some ven-
ues are smaller and unable to accommodate a full band, while others may not have ideal acoustics, making it difficult for a live band to sound as good as they might in a more music-friendly environment. The formality of the event should also come into consideration when choosing between a live
Cake Continued from Page 7 with its summery feel, is tailor-made for summer weddings. The flavor is popular enough to appeal to many, but just a little different to add an unexpected zip of flavor. • Chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and mocha filling: True chocoholics will be hard-pressed to resist such a decadent flavor profile. Chocolate can be sweet and satisfying and a welcome change from the vanilla cakes commonly served. For traditionalists, the cake can be covered with a white chocolate ganache. Or couples can ask that the cake be adorned with white sugar roses for an eye-appealing contrast. Chocolate cakes covered with autumn hued flowers go over well at fall weddings. • Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting: Red velvet cake was once a regionally specific staple, but
band or a deejay for the reception. Deejays spinning the latest top 40 hits may stick out like sore thumbs at especially formal weddings, while a classical orchestra likely won’t fit into the laid back theme of a beach or destination wedding. Couples tying the knot outdoors may need to consider equipment when choosing bands or deejays to play their weddings. For example, some venues do not provide equipment, such as microphones and speaker systems, to couples for their ceremonies. Renting such equipment can be costly, but couples can often skirt such charges by hiring deejays or bands who lend couples their equipment during the ceremony. Deejays or bands who will loan and set up the necessary sound equipment for outdoor ceremonies merit extra
now has grown steadily in popularity across the country. Red velvet has quickly become the new classic, as its vibrant red coloring offers a shock of something different, while the flavor is mild for those who are not comfortable taking risks. The richness and creaminess of cream cheese is irresistible. • White cake with chocolate mousse: Couples who want a bit of chocolate but do not want to be overwhelmed can select a white cake that is filled with light and rich chocolate mousse. It’s the perfect blend of vanilla and chocolate for guests who enjoy both. • Variety tiers: Those who cannot settle on just one flavor can have different flavors on each tier of their cakes. This gives guest some flavorful variety and enables them to pick their favorite flavor combination. Brides- and grooms-to-be who have specific flavors in mind can ask their bakers to include two cupcakes with the wedding cake. Then the
consideration. When discussing music to be played during the reception, couples must consider their own musical tastes as well as those of their guests. A wide range of popular music tends to go best at wedding receptions, as guests are more likely to dance to songs they recognize. Avoid any music that has the potential to offend guests, opting for lighter, happier tunes instead. Whether hiring a band or deejay, couples should make a list of no-play songs or artists and make sure that such lists are included in their contracts. Music plays an important role on couples’ wedding days. Though choosing music for the ceremony and the reception is often fun, couples must take such decisions seriously.
couple can enjoy their own mini cakes while the rest of the guests enjoy a more classic cake. In addition, an assortment of cupcakes in lieu of one cake can give guests the opportunity to sample several different flavors. Cakes are a part of many special events, but few cakes are fawned over as much as wedding cakes. Couples can spice things up by choosing a nontraditional flavor combination.
The right favors Planning a perfect wedding is no small undertaking. From scheduling venues and hiring vendors to tasting menus, lots of decisions must be made when planning a wedding. But when the pieces fall into place, the entire day can be magical. One of the final components of weddings are the favors guests will take home with them as mementos of the festivities. Though favors don’t require immediate attention, that does not mean couples should wait until the last minute to made decisions regarding their wedding favors. Brides- and grooms-to-be should not underestimate the importance of handing out wedding favors, a tradition with a rich history. A wedding favor is considered a symbol of good will to guests, and there are many different wedding favors on the market. Finding the right one can take a little work. It is usually a good idea to find something that suits the theme of the wedding and is both long-lasting and practical. Try to avoid anything that is too kitschy. A couple’s budget should be considered when choosing wedding favors. A couple may want to give their guests lavish gifts but should only do so if their budget allows. It may be challenging for couples to find favors that fit the theme of their wedding, as well as their own personalities and budgets. But it can be done. The following are some favor-finding guidelines.
Be creative Wedding favors can be just about anything, so there’s no need to stick to Jordan almonds or wine bottle stoppers. The more creative couples are, the more receptive their guests will likely be. For example, for an autumntheme wedding, fill mason jars with the ingredients for a spiced cake and give the recipe directions on a tag. For a summer wedding, gift guests with a sun and surf survival bag, full of sunblock, a beach towel and sunglasses.
Go traditional Couples who opt for universally appealing favors can lean toward some popular options, such as silver cake servers, candlestick holders, decorative photo frames, or engraved keepsake boxes. Aim for favors that have utility. Otherwise, favors may end up collecting dust on someone’s shelf.
Food and beverage gifts are fun Food favors mean guests can enjoy their gifts and not have to worry about finding space inside their homes to display trinkets. Food favors can be lavishly decorated cookies, fine chocolates, petit fours, small bottles of champagne or cupcakes decorated like the wedding cake.
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Amoss, St. Clair to wed Bertie Amoss of Sykesville announces the engagement of her daughter, Melanie Carol Amoss, to Eugene Nelson St. Clair II, son of Jacqueline and Eugene St. Clair of Compton. The bride-to-be, also the daughter of the late Michael Amoss Sr., graduated from Marymount University with a bachelor of arts degree in fashion merchandising. She is co-owner of Smitten Boutique Salon in Arlington, Va. The groom-to-be received a bachelor of science degree in human factors psychology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is the chief executive officer and owner of Intuitive Design Solutions LLC. A February 2014 wedding is planned, and the couple will live in Arlington.
Tsaur, Keller engaged Kerming and Jenny Tsaur of Rockville are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter, Nancy Joy Tsaur, to Christopher Aaron Keller, son of Robert and Donna Keller of Hollywood. The couple met at their alma mater, the University of Maryland in College Park. The bride-to-be received her bachelor of science degree in chemistry and works for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. After serving seven years in the U.S. Navy, the groom-to-be received his bachelor’s and master of science degrees in biochemistry. He is currently working for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. An April 2014 wedding is planned on the Chesapeake Bay in Rose Haven. The couple will reside in Derwood.
Bridal Guide 2014
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