Bridal 2015

bridal SPR I NG 2 015

A DVERTISI N G SU PPLE M EN T

br i da l | G U E s t s

C

bridal Party Checklist

hoosing four or five friends to fill out your bridesmaid and groomsmen positions is difficult enough. but what if you have other family members and friends you would like to involve without expanding the bridal party to an awkwardly large number?

the art of choosing a bridal party is one that requires skill and grace as you fill out your roster while trying not to hurt feelings of those who may be left on the sideline. see our checklist below to get ideas for wedding roles that may help you incorporate more people into your bridal party.

 Maid-of-honor (unmarried) or matron-of-honor (married).  Bridesmaids.  Junior Bridesmaid.  Flower Girl (age 3-7 years old).  Best man.  Groomsmen.  Ushers (chupa holders at Jewish weddings).  Ring bearer (age 3-7 years old).  Readers.  candle lighters.

Gift Bearers.

Program attendants.

Guest book attendants.

Reception site liaison. singers/soloist.

Musicians. ceremony greeter. someone to say Grace before the meal at your reception.  someone in charge of out-of-town guests.  train bearers.        

It’s her big day. Isn’t she beautiful?

So are you, Mom!

Smoother, younger looking skin can be yours with non-invasive procedures.

Crow’s feet, frown lines, red and brown spots, acne scarring and other skin imperfections can now be reduced or even eliminated.

Dr. Deborah Farrell, specializes in Botox®, Restylane®, ® treatments, and more.

Juvederm ` DEBORAH

Call today to schedule your private appointment with Dr. Deborah Farrell and get the skin you’ve always LASER & COSMETIC MEDICINE SPECIALIST wanted for the big day!

Farrell Plastic Surgery & Laser Center Fredricksen Outpatient Center, Suite 204, 2025 Technology Parkway, Mechanicsburg 717-732-9000 • www.farrellmd.net

Financing inancing Available

br i da l | P R E P E R At I o N

Wedding Project Planning

W

ith all that is going on with getting ready for your big day, it can be overwhelming to take on the planning responsibilities, as well. but some of us don’t have a choice.

We’re on a budget and a strict time deadline, or we know exactly what we want and how we want it done.

Enlisting the help of your friends and family members will help take off some of the stress, especially if you’re planning on coordinating the vendors, food and venue by yourself. It also helps to be prepared. staying organized can save you money and valuable time when it comes to pulling off your dream wedding.

Make a list Even if you’re only handling a few DIY items – invitations, for example – it helps to have a list. Write out all of the projects you would like to complete for your wedding, along with a starting date and deadline for each task. the amount of time you have before your wedding day will determine how much you will actually be able to accomplish. the ultra-organized bride-to-be can take her list to the next level by creating a detailed timeline with graphics, sketches and reminder notes. You can also create a working list within one of the many wedding planning apps available for your smartphone or tablet.

Find instructions Unless you have already completed a similar project for a past event, you may need to find instructions for each DIY project. the Internet is a terrific source for this, as many brides and wedding planners post such information to their blogs or social media accounts.

Learn the techniques required for each project, and remember that practice makes perfect. It may take you a couple of tries to hammer out that perfect DIY save-thedate card or unique table centerpiece, but you’ll be an expert by the time the finished product rolls out of your DIY workshop.

Help! cost, time and labor are all real needs you will need to weigh for each DIY project. If you’re short on any of those three resources, you may consider calling in the troops.

Asking your family and friends for assistance is not a sign of weakness.

Approach your fiancé, bridesmaids, groomsmen, siblings or parents for a helping hand. Even if you don’t necessarily need support with the project execution, they can give you feedback on your project, come up with space for storage or throw out their own DIY ideas.

br i da l | Lo c At I o N

Multi-Functional Venues

S

pring can be the perfect time of year for an outdoor wedding. Unless it is rainy outside. Or snowy.

Or cold.

Come to think of it, the spring can be a downright perplexing season to throw a seamless wedding celebration! Fortunately, you’re smart enough to be prepared for any climate curveballs that may be thrown your way.

The temperamental inconsistencies of Mother Nature come springtime make multi-functional venues the perfect choice for a bride-to-be.

Especially in traditionally colder regions, it may be the best option to find such a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces.

Weather benefits The obvious benefit of having both an indoor or outdoor venue option is in the case of a forecasted rain or snow storm. By keeping an eye on the weather starting a couple of weeks before your big day, you can make an informed decision on which portion of the venue you will decorate and for what purpose.

Many wedding planners suggest starting your plans with an outdoor ceremony before moving inside for the reception. Your guests will be happy to sit through chilled temperatures or a light drizzle to watch you get married, but may

With this Ring

I Thee Wed

not stick around in such conditions for a latenight party.

Cost While the benefits are many for choosing a multi-functional venue for your wedding day, cost may not be one of them. Renting out both a facility and an outdoor area can in some cases double your venue price tag.

Be sure to compare all options when making your venue list. You may be able to find a company or organization that offers discounted costs for renting multiple facets of its facilities. If the more expensive venue still tops your list after some research, you may be able to find other areas in your budget that are more flexible.

A Perfect Home to start your New Life 1, 2 or 3 Bedroom Apartments Available

One (1) Month FREE RENT • Elevators • Large Rooms • Ample Storage • Swimming Pool

200 S. Spring garden St. CarliSle 249-4888 • jameslinejewelers.com

Our Amenities • Security • Fitness Center • Community Center

• Washer/Dryer in every unit • Mini Blinds • Pet Friendly

100 Deerfield Commons Shippensburg, PA 17257 www.deerfield-commons.com

br i da l | P L A N N I N G

Spring Wedding Fairs

i

magine a place with unlimited and free expertise that can help you build your dream wedding. Now imagine that such a resource is right in your back yard.

Odds are, you’re in luck! Many bridal associations and local tourism organizations partner on an annual basis to bring spring wedding fairs to their areas. The fairs are filled with vendors and consultants ready to give you great resources and connections for building the perfect wedding.

Check in with your local tourism group to find out when and where the closest bridal show is scheduled. Then make a list of questions and potential ideas for your celebration.

Attending a bridal fair is a unique experience because of the energy and enthusiasm in the room, as many potential brides buzz through the venue with questions and excitement.

Not getting married anytime soon? That’s OK. Even if a wedding for you, a friend or family member is not in the immediate future, your local wedding fair can still be a fun experience filled with games, food and drinks.

Face-to-Face interactions The greatest benefits of attending a spring bridal fair involves the face-to-face interaction you will be able to experience. Caterers, cake designers, photographers, DJs and floral designers fill the rooms at bridal fairs, ready to offer ideas, pricing plans and samples of their work.

You will be able to interface with these professionals to build relationships, helping you decide if you can see yourself working with them on something as large as your wedding.

Open Houses Some of the most creative – and marketing-effective – spring bridal fairs take place at popular wedding venues. Included with their fair activities is a behindthe-scenes tour of the facilities and amenities offered.

Getting such an exclusive look into what has made the venue such a popular hotspot can help you narrow down your options. You will also gain information on pricing or availability that may influence your decision.

br i da l | t R AV E L

destination Weddings: Where & Who?

W

ith families spread throughout the country and the allure of a fairytale wedding, destination weddings are becoming a must-have experience for couples.

More than 350,000 destination weddings occur every year, according to the XO Group, which pulled together statistics from its two leading websites, TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com for its recent wedding destination study.

The group captured detailed data from more than 3,000 United States couples who planned and executed destination weddings over the past few

years. Check out the findings below to help spark your interest and increase your knowledge of one of the fastest growing trends of the wedding industry.

• Destination weddings make up 24% of all weddings.

• The average destination bride is 30 years old.

• Destination weddings have an average of 86 guests.

• 70% of destination weddings take place in the continental U.S. • Florida, California and Nevada are the top three destination wedding locations in the continental U.S. • The Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii are the most popular wedding locations outside the continental U.S. • 51% of destination wedding couples use a wedding planner.

• 69% of destination weddings take place outdoors.

• 86% of couples still plan to take a honeymoon after their destination wedding.

Catering is our

Specialty!

Catering experience at a wide variety of venues both near and far Receptions • ReheaRsal DinneRs showeRs • Day-afteR BRunch

fRee consultations!

No party toolarge or toosmall...

Anytime,Anywhere!

891 west KinG stReet, shippensBuRG

477-8300 • KathysDeliOnline.com Monday-friday 6-7 • saturday 7-4 • closed sunday

br i da l | F o o D

all about the Food: Choosing the right Caterer

E

trying to coordinate different vendors to fulfill What is your price range and ven though their these needs. can i get a quote on paper? methods for do you only cater one event per day?

Making sure you have an on-paper quote will help catering may be resolve any confusion come payment time.

You want to make sure you have the full attention pretty similar, every of the organization and its staff during your How many weddings have you restaurant is not the same wedding. catered for in the past couple of years? when it comes to handling are you easy to get a hold of if This answer may be one of the most important, your wedding. i have questions throughout the as you want to make sure the company is

There are numerous factors that come into play, ranging from cooking specialties to availability of resources.

experienced and up to the challenge.

are you specialized in a certain cooking style or methodology?

Before deciding on your final choice for caterer, make sure to ask the below questions – along with any others specific to your wedding – to make sure you find the one most aligned with your nuptial needs.

This is crucial if you’re looking for a specific type of food for your reception, like French cuisine or seafood.

do you have a license?

Will you be providing chairs, silverware, linens and equipment?

Get this one out of the way quickly because some venues will not allow an unlicensed food operation on their sites.

A ‘no’ answer to any of these questions could lead in higher costs for you and more stress in

meal-planning process?

Every caterer will surely answer ‘yes.’ A good follow-up question is for a list of references just to make sure you can conduct a little follow-up research.

do you also do wedding cakes?

Having the same party handle snacks, dinner and the cake means one less vendor for you to find during the planning stages.

br i da l | c Lo t H E s

Finding the right dress

i

f you’ve been dreaming about your wedding since your childhood, you probably have sketched out the perfect dress a million times if you're female.

The first step toward turning the dream dress into realty is meeting with a bridal consultant at your local dress shop. Depending on your comfort level, you may want to schedule your initial consultation on your own, without the company of friends and family.

That first meeting can be the lengthiest as you work through design ideas and all of the different elements of the dress. You can bring your bridal party back on your second trip to try on a few options once you feel more comfortable with the process.

Remember that the experience is supposed to be a fun one, so follow our tips below to make sure your first trip to the bridal shop is as productive as it is fun.

bring ideas

Magazine cutouts, sketches and notes – whatever details you can bring on paper will help your bridal expert gain a clear vision of your dress wants and needs. Organize your documents into a bridal folder beforehand so you can explain your goals in a concise, organized way.

bring Honesty If you have certain styles or budgets that you just won’t consider, be up front with your consultant. Maybe you’re intimidated and nervous about the experience as a whole. The more information and feelings you can share early in the process, the better help your consultant can be.

bring an Open Mind Trust your bridal expert. This is likely not the consultant's first time guiding a bride-to-be through the dress decision. Be open to various recommendations as you work through the process. You just may end up going with a style you hadn’t previously envisioned.

bring Shoes If you plan to try on a few dresses in your initial visit, bring a pair of high heels that are similar in height to what you’ll wear on your wedding day. This will help your consultant with measurements, especially for the train aspect of your dress.

The Catering Barn Casual, Comfortable & Fun!

Experience the ambiance of a 175 year old converted Bank Barn!

Weddings & Special Event Catering Heated & Air-Conditioned Convenient Parking•Handicap Accessible Capacity to 160 people Modern & Convenient Bathrooms

729 Williams Grove Road • Mechanicsburg, PA

(717) 697-2824 www.strocksmeats.com

br i da l | t H E B I G DAY

Hair Tips & Tricks

T

he springtime has a way of awakening and unleashing the natural beauty around us.

Unfortunately, it can have the same impact on your hair.

Humidity and warmer weather can send your hair into a frizzy tizzy – the last thing you want to worry about on the day of your wedding. No one knows your hair better than you, so being prepared for potential issues can help save you a hair headache.

The key to applying the right product or employing the most effective treatment method is trying them out weeks or months ahead of your wedding day. Be patient if you’re forced to try many different options and products. Your hard work and persistence will be rewarded with the perfect hair day on your special day.

apply the right Product With a bevy of options on the market, staying local can be your best choice when it comes to purchasing the right antifrizz solution. Your local beauty supply store will have many choices in stock and its professionals can walk you through the various treatments.

Another benefit of actually seeing the product in person before you buy it is an opportunity to try it, which many local shops will allow to build customer loyalty. Dish out any details that may help your hair consultant make an informed recommendation for overcoming your biggest challenges.

Follow all manufacturers’ directions for applications. The last thing you want is a dampened hair mess distracting from your beautiful smile and dress as you walk down the aisle.

Know Your Hair No matter what you’re working with, it’s important to understand how your hair reacts in springtime situations.

Curly and straight hair react differently to humidity, so know what to expect if you’re planning on changing up your usual hair style for your wedding day.

In most cases, frizz is caused by hair trying to soak in the moisture from the air. The coarser and dryer your hair, the worse the frizz buildup can be. That’s why using a moisture-infusing product can make such a big difference in fighting fly-aways.

br i da l | A F t E R t H E W E D D I N G

The Gown: after the Wedding

a

h, the wedding dress.

So many careful hours of research, fitting and re-fitting for only a few hours of glory.

But once your special day comes and goes, deciding what to do with the gown can be a difficult choice for many brides. Should you keep it stored away as a memento of your wedding day or let it go?

Another option for your gown after your wedding is selling it to make back some of your own costs. This may be a great option if the dress is very valuable and if the company you bought it from has a flexible buy-back program.

Garment professionals recommend you properly clean and store your gown for optimal life span. Simply shutting it away and forgetting about it can lead to a ragged, faded garment after even a short period of time.

There are also a variety of online options for selling your gown. Many companies buy and sell pre-owned wedding dresses – just don’t expect to get top-dollar out of these bargain services.

Raku Ceramics

special day

Check in with your local charitable organizations or consignment shops to see if there is a need for donated dresses in your area.

When deciding to keep your gown, it’s important to determine why. Are you hoping to one day hand over your dress to your daughter? If so, then keeping the gown in a basement, attic or back of the closet may not be an ideal storage option.

Functional Ceramics

for your

Organizations like Brides Against Breast Cancer use donated dresses to put on their Nationwide Tour of Gowns effort, which it raises funds to contribute to programs for cancer patients and their families.

Sell it

by American Artisans

Jewelry desiGned

If you have no future plans to give away your dress to a family member or friend, why not donate it to charity?

Keep it

Wedding gifts Accessories creAted

Fused Glass

donate it

custom order sets

to fit your Taste!

Gift reGistry

Happily Ever After Takes Smart Financial Planning Start out on the right foot together.

Contact us to arrange a complementary consultation with an experienced financial advisor.

Available

35 E. High St., Carlisle, PA 17013 103 W. Main St. Palmyra, PA 17078

american artisan Gallery

35 north hAnover street ∙ cArlisle, PA 717-254-6136 AmericanArtisangallery.com

717-838-2682

www.sniegockiweaverfinancialservices.com *Securities offered through H.D. Vest Investment Services SM Member SIPC Advisory Services offered through H.D. Vest Investment Services SM 6333 North State Highway 161, Fourth Floor, Irving, TX 75038 (972) 870-6000 Sniegocki Weaver Financial Services is not a registered broker/dealer or independent investment advisory firm.

br i da l | A F t E R t H E W E D D I N G

T

best Spring Honeymoons

he planning is over and the big day has come to an end. it’s time to reward your efforts with a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

TChoosing where your honeymoon will take place can be a challenge – but try to make it a fun one. If you’re not sure of where to spend your post-wedding experience, consult with a wedding planner or travel guide. They will have many options across different locations and price points.

Stay Closer to Home You may think beaches and warm weather when trying to figure out the perfect honeymoon spot. Don’t forget that we have both right here at home! Many brides and grooms are ditching the idea of international travel for an old-fashioned road trip, which can make for great conversation, stops in historic locations and intimate stays in luxurious hotels across the country.

You can start with the west coast if looking for the sandy stuff, as springtime climate in California is much warmer than the national average. And with natural attractions like downtown Los Angeles and the Santa Monica Pier, you can be in honeymoon heaven without even hopping on a plane.

A trip out east can be just as beautiful along the historic highways that connect our country’s most illustrious cities. Opt for an all-inclusive stay in one of the many elegant tourist towns of South Carolina to make your honeymoon extra special.

Go Global With temperatures in the low 80s and hurricane season months away, the spring is the perfect time for a trek to the Caribbean. From casinos and restaurants to sailing and water festivals, the Caribbean is loaded with opportunities for exciting honeymoon fun.

If you don’t mind a bit chillier conditions, Europe can be your best bet. You may actually experience a warm spell if you decide to check out Ireland or Italy, but odds are you won’t be spending much time soaking in the sun.

Choosing a location for your honeymoon is all about your personal preferences. So make a list of what you’ve always wanted to see and experience, and then work with your soon-tobe spouse to decide on the best option.

br i da l | t H E P R o F E s s I o N

Join an association

a

re you an up-and-coming wedding planner looking to make your mark?

Maybe you’re a bride-to-be hoping to find a certified, highly trained planner to make your wedding dreams come true.

For ALL your Wedding Floral needs...

From Start to Finish...

The wedding industry is ripe with professional associations that boast highly qualified rosters of experts ready to help guide both junior planners and pending brides through the planning process.

Down to the last Boutonnière...

For the Planner If quality training from a panel of experts is what you’re after, then you should consider joining a professional association. Organizations like the Association of Bridal Consultants have launched careers in wedding industry for decades and can help grow your expertise of the field, too.

The ABC fields more than 4,000 members across 50 states and 27 countries.

Other associations exist throughout the nation, giving you plenty of options to choose from when trying to get your career off the ground.

We even Deliver for your convenience...

For the bride

Garden n Bo Bouquet

Experience, experience and experience – this is what a bridal consultant has to offer a bride-to-be who may be confused or overwhelmed at the thought of throwing an amazing wedding.

Consultants have been there and done that multiple times over and are ready to help put your worries to rest. Certified wedding planners have undergone professional training and have also had their hands in many successful celebrations.

106 West Simpson Street Mechanicsburg

717-697-9291 thegardenbouquet.com

Key Partners Bridal associations are generally linked up with key vendors who are proven to enhance and support a great wedding. Musicians, catering operations and floral businesses are all on the list of your bridal association, which will be able to point you toward quality options.

Other partnerships often held by professional associations are ones with honeymoon or travel agencies. You can save time and costs by utilizing your local association for ideas on your dream experience. Consultants will also be able to give you ideas for great trips and the most popular locations for an unforgettable honeymoon.

1 Dozen Roses $20

Plus Tax • For Pick-Up Only • Not Valid with other offers

Short Stem with Baby’s Breath & Gift Wrapped

Garden Bouquet 106 West Simpson Street Mechanicsburg

717-697-9291

Open Daily 9-5:30 · Saturdayy 9-3 THE SENTINEL

thegardenbouquet.com

br i da l | co s t

Expensive Celebrity Weddings

T

he average cost of a wedding in the United States was just shy of $30,000 in 2013, according to a CNNMoney report. That price tag may seem a bit hefty to some, and maybe not so much to others.

In the case of the following five couples, $30,000 might have been enough to cover invitations. The numbers, compiled by romancestruck.com and Forbes, have been adjusted for inflation.

No. #1

No. #4

Prince Charles and Lady Diana:

Wayne Rooney and Coleen McLoughlin:

The actual cost of the memorable 1981 royal wedding came in at $48 million and was broadcast to a global TV audience of 750 million viewers.

The British hits keep coming with this wedding, featuring a chartered flight for 65 guests to the masked ball on a $120 million yacht for the Manchester United soccer star and his bride.

$110 million

No. #2

$8 million

No. #5

Vanisha Mittal and Amit Bhatia:

$66 million

Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky:

Invitations mailed in silver boxes and five days of festivities helped drive wedding’s price tag to $60 million in 2005.

No. #3

$5 million

The childhood friends married in the attendance of Oprah Winfrey and 500 other guests who enjoyed the $600,000 air-conditioned tents and got a slice of the $11,000 cake.

Prince William and Kate Middleton:

$34 million

Forbes reports that this wedding featured $800,000 in flowers and an $80,000 wedding cake to rack up a monumental total bill. Security also was an expensive priority for the royal wedding.

A Perfect Backdrop for your Special Day! Weddings & Receptions

features tures & a amenities 28 Person Capacity for Overnight Stays 150 Occupancy (100 Inside) 175 Parking Spaces ADA-Compliant Bathrooms Fire Pit & Picnic Tables Chairs / Tables Commercial Kitchen Facilities

Call today to make reservations!

717-486-4108

ironmasterspinegrove@gmail.com

IronMaster’s Mansion Pine Grove Furnace State Park • IronMastersMansion.com

br i da l | t E c H N o Lo G Y

live Tweet Your Ceremony

H

ow much is being the star of social media – if only for a night – worth to you? W Hotels is hoping your answer is $3,000. The brand has launched a social media service for its New York branches, meaning wedding parties can be the toast of Twitter, Facebook and instagram as they celebrate their big days.

If you don’t have that much to spend, you can duplicate some of the ideas on your own or with the help of friends and family. Here is what W Hotels includes in its innovative, yet expensive, social media

service: • Live-Tweeting of the ceremony and reception.

• Curating unique wedding hashtag (a searchable identifier that you can use to find certain topics or events on Twitter).

• Encouraging guests to utilize your hashtag and handles as they post to social media.

• Set up and maintenance of wedding blog both before and after the ceremony.

• Curating registry list and dream honeymoon ideas on Pinterest boards.

• Wedding social media recap for the couple with a Shutterfly book, complete with best photos and Tweets sent during the wedding.

diY Social Media Take a close look at the above list. Is there anything on it that you or one of your social media-savvy friends couldn’t pull off – for free? You will likely be too busy to worry about promoting the idea during the actual ceremony and reception, but you can do so on the front end by including your hashtag on wedding invitations.

Ask a friend to handle the rest, including encouraging guests to post frequently and coming up with a postceremony social media recap. If someone is running a wedding slideshow during your reception, ask them to include your hashtag on a few slides. Your DJ could also promote it throughout the night in between songs.

The drawbacks There is definitely potential for a few negatives associated with a social media concierge service. For starters, you may not actually know everyone at your own wedding. A friend may bring along a “plus one” you haven’t had the chance to meet, for example.

Without knowing their personality, do you really want them “live-Tweeting” their thoughts on your wedding?

The other drawback is the cost. W Hotels isn’t the only venue charging a pretty penny. If you don’t have anyone who can help you pull off the full social media experience, approach your wedding planner

Carlisle Country Club • Newly Renovated Amenities • Best Kept Secret in Carlisle with Convenient Location • Exceptional Culinary Expertise and Attention to Detail • Elegant Service Standards with Certified Staff • Menus Tailored to Fit Your Budget and Dietary Needs • Only One Wedding Reception Scheduled per Day carlislecountryclub.org 717.243.6100 1242 Harrisburg Pike Carlisle

High Peak Tent Rentals

Receptions Above the Greens

is a southcentral company that strives to meet your outdoor wedding needs. Whether your event is small or large, you will find quality products and services to accommodate your important day! We specialize in tents, tables and chairs, but also provide other specialty items such as dance floors, lighting and linens.

Please contact us for further assistance at 1-800-500-TENT (8368).

We also invite you to visit our website at www.highpeaktentrentals.com.

Catered to Your Dreams

a unique craft gallery

Tuxedo renTals and sales

Wedding&Shower Gifts Always be remembered by the gifts that you give!

Free Tux For groom

with 5 groomsmen rentals

Schedule your

Free Tux FiTTing parTy

today!

300 Bridge Street • New Cumberland, PA 717.770.2080

315 Bridge Street • New CumBerlaNd, Pa

www.TopShelfMenswear.com

717.774.1168

Tuesday - saTurday 10am - 5pm MADE IN THE USA

Creating a Celtic Wedding We can help you with everything you need to create a unique event

• Irish and Celtic Wedding Bands & Engagement Rings, Wedding Jewelry • Kilt Rentals and Sales • Bagpipers • Irish/Scottish Dancers • Unique Wedding Gifts • Catholic Merchandise eas • Imported Foods & Teas

Oxford Hall

233 Bridge Street, New Cumberland Pa 17070

www.oxfordhall.com