2
6
Are you looking to have a unique wedding or at least like none other you’ve ever attended? Don’t be afraid to try something new and something that screams “out of the box”. The first step is to define who you are as a couple. Figure out your likes and dislikes. Ask yourselves: What are our hobbies? Which is our favorite season? Favorite school, movies, and music? Once you’ve unveiled your personal style, you’re ready to take the second step and start developing a wedding-day theme.
FIND THE RIGHT WEDDING VENUE
Locating the right venue to host your special day is your greatest challenge. Having the wedding in a hotel ballroom will lend a very different tone than having it in an outdoor gazebo. Locate a distinctive venue -- scout out old buildings, movie theaters, old cottages, hip restaurants, art galleries, or historic mansions. Transform the space you choose into something different by setting up pipe & drape to create different environments for dinner and dancing. You can even change the mood from one area to the next with the lighting: one room might feature chandeliers hanging from the ceiling while the next may be outfitted with candles in crystal vases on all of your reception tables.
PICK AN UNFORGETTABLE GUEST BOOK IDEA
Have a photo booth set up at the site so that your friends and family can take their own pictures or group shots. Compiled into a visual wedding-day guest book, these are photographs that will be treasured by brides and grooms for years to come.
MAKE IT INTIMATE
If you’ve chosen a huge reception space, make it more intimate by adding lounge furniture. If you can’t bring in couches and plush chairs to create a sitting area, try seating only four people to a table instead of eight to ten.
HAVE A DESSERT BUFFET
Bring in various different sweets like chocolate-covered strawberries, cake balls, mini pies, fancy cupcakes and creme brulee. Talk to your caterer for clever ways to decorate tables and present mini desserts. A dessert buffet encourages conversation and ensures getting people off their seats and closer to the dance floor.
DRINK IT UP
Create your own custom signature drink and give it a jazzy name. If you get it just right your guests are sure to leave wanting your secret recipe. Try an espresso bar, they are hot and a good addition to dessert. These bars also provide a good jolt toward the end of the night as the party winds down and the yawns start pouring in; plus, lattes and cappuccinos served on dainty china can be very chic drinks.
THE SEND OFF
Give guests a lasting impression with a fabulous send-off. Have a fireworks display or have one final dance song with everyone on the floor! 7
8
10
Cathedral Oaks in Belton, Texas was the host venue for the Bride Guide’s first Extreme Bridal Show. Chris from Confetti Rentals transformed the room with shades of green decor. Creative Innovations displayed towering large arrangements in urns. The David Tutera Gowns by Coccinella Bridal had the crowd breathless.
12
Updos including feather extensions from Le Spa and makeup by The Apothecary highlighted the models beauty. The Range in Salado provided hors d’ oeuvres. Maggie Moos Ice Cream and Simply Sweet Bakery satisfied every sweet tooth. Photographs by: Kay’s Photography
Photo by: Butch Irish
13
Leighton Cromwell and Eddie King’s love has been two decades in the making. Eddie caught his first glance of Leighton in their childhood passing each other on the aisles at St. Alban’s Church. Even through their confirmation classes a few years later, a mere glance would have been all that was shared. “I can remember thinking about this girl even as a kid. How mysterious and unique she was. I was way too shy and awkward back then, so there was no chance we were going to talk” Eddie said. It wasn’t until years later when Eddie and Leighton officially met. In 1999 Eddie was off to college and soon enough he arrived to TCU with his surprise so would the same girl who haunted him from across the church years before. With Eddie not knowing a soul; his grandmother insisted that he meet her friend’s daughter. “I remembered her from church and I was immediately smitten. I fumbled my cool façade and went right back to shy and awkward. She could see right though me. I was hers from that moment on. I professed my love for her and chased her persistently. She was way to cool for my lame pursuit. However, she saw something there and we were destined to be best friends. I was on call, if she ever wanted me she knew the offer was still there”, he said. If only Eddie knew then Leighton would take him up on his offer only 10 years later. Eddie would take every chance he could to see her. Whether it was to frat parties, concerts or weddings that were across the country, no distance was too far. 14
After years of Eddie’s persistent pursuit it paid off! For Leighton and Eddie, the payoff was a walk down the aisle with a couple of “I do’s”, and a promise of forever. As the old saying goes “Timing is everything”. Timing played an important role in the couple’s wedding, too: They tied the knot on Eddie’s Birthday, studded with crystals and dripping with silver accents, their winter wonderland wedding was simply elegant. Well okay, Bud Lights aren’t necessarily glamorous, but when there on the top of a surprise birthday cake for the groom, it’s still completely appropriate. Not to mention, just plain fun!
After almost two decades, the couple heralded their ceremony at St. Alban’s Church where the two had met. The Bride glowing in a silver Maggie Sottero gown from Georgio’s Bridal and the groom in a Squires tux. The Bride and Bridesmaids used makeup artist Kim Cutler from Formela to enhance their beauty for the big day. As well as Penny Ficker from Salon Bellezza for their elegant updo’s. Leighton had to be in tip top shape for her long awaited wedding day and with much thanks to her amazing trainer Jenny Higginbotham at Posture Perfect Fitness helped her do just that!
16
After the wedding ceremony the evening continued at The Phoenix Ballroom. Flowers by Design provided luscious floral arrangements for the centerpieces. The room, radiating in silver and blue tones with crystals and jewels, displayed the perfect winter wonderland setting. All of which was designed perfectly by Pendley Party Productions and the couples creative wedding and design coordinator Karmen Wood. After enjoying a delicious dinner catered by Bestyett Catering, the guests danced the night away with The Wonders Band. The bride’s beautiful seven-tier wedding cake was a Dulce de Leche cake and the groom’s cake was a chocolate indulgence. Let’s not forget that unqiue Budlight TCU Cooler Birthday cake.
The magnificent ice sculptures that were displayed throughout the wedding reception made for a great eye catcher. Not only were they beautiful but one even served as a shot fountain - which was a real treat for guests! The couple will have their memories for years to come thanks to Ashley Munn Photography and Wink and Smile Cinematography. “I didn’t know how to describe what I wanted for my dream wedding, but my mom, Jole, knew exactly how to show me what it was.She made our day perfect and we could not have asked for anything more. Thank you so much, Tornado!” What a modern day fairytale! 17
20
(512) 997-8375 | CateringWithaTwist@yahoo.com FOR FULL MENU AND MORE, VISIT: www.CateringWithaTwist.com
22
23
24
MULTIPLE ARRANGEMENTS
Sometimes the simplest flowers can look amazing in multiples. Cluster three glass tumblers full of flowers, you can even use pint-sized jars or antique bottles if the setting is outdoors or vintage.
BLOOMS FOR THE GROOM
These days, grooms and groomsmen are showing off more of their stylish sides with mini calla lilies, mini sunflowers, and even feathers! Exotic boutonnieres are bold and sexy and will refresh any tuxedo.Choose something special for the groom and accent it with a ribbon that matches his personality- plaid for preppy; stripes for chic; or even camo!
PETAL POWER
For a visually stunning send-off from your ceremony to reception, furnish guests with pretty paper cones or teeny baskets filled with rose petals to throw instead of rice or confetti (which can be dangerous for birds, not to mention uncomfortable if some falls down your dress!).
SHOW SOME STEM
Show a little stem. Unstructured, ribbon-tied bouquets are all the rage. Wrap bouquets with colorful ribbons in beautiful fabrics such as satin, velvet, or organza. Check out flea markets and antique stores for fine vintage lace, or check out fabric and craft stores for unique fabrics and ribbons.
ADD MORE ARRANGEMENTS
For the reception , consider decorating freestanding tables (bar, cake table, buffet, or guest book table) with different arrangements - low bowls filled with orchids with tall, cylindrical vases wrapped with filo leaves and filled with half a dozen calla lilies. The variety will add visual interest to your reception space.
GO BOLD AND BRIGHT
Brightly colored napkins and table linens are being used to play up even brighter floral arrangements. Though you might think that fuchsia flowers wouldn’t need any help at all standing out against a white tablecloth, this daring combination of bright-on-bright creates a stunning, eye-catching contrast. Hot jewel tones like magenta, persimmon, peacock blue or royal purple will give you a rich, luxurious look, especially when teamed with bold blooms like orange dahlias, yellow gerbera daisies and purple orchids.
NAPKIN TREATMENTS
Add visual oomph to every guest’s place setting by dressing up each napkin with its own floral treatment. If you decide to go with a single bloom, make sure that you pick something with a bit of staying power, like an orchid, dahlia or gerbera daisy. Another way to go is to combine a flower with a favor or place card: Put a tiny bud vase with a single bloom in it in front of each charger (if you need to save money, do one per couple). Either way, it adds another layer of style to your table.
Patrick Zeigler & Jessica Hansen
Royal Wedding Style
An estimated 2 billion people tuned in to the live broadcast in what may have been the most-viewed event in history. Designers and Wedding professionals took notes on each detail from the dress to the decorations that will impact wedding style for the next few years. We have listed trends emerging according to local Wedding professionals some brides will embrace and some will leave to the Royals.
The Gown Photos by: Getty Images
Hand-cut English lace and French Chantilly lace has been used throughout the bodice and skirt, and has been used for the underskirt trim. The dress is
made with ivory and white silk and satin gazar. The train measures about 9 feet. The ivory satin bodice, which is narrowed at the waist and padded at the hips, draws on the Victorian tradition of corsetry and is a hallmark of Sarah Burton at Alexander Mcqueen’s designs. The back is finished with 58 gazar and organza covered buttons fastened by Rouleau loops. The underskirt is made of silk tulle trimmed with lace. Belva Harvey owner of Georgio’s in Waco predicts Brides will be choosing more lace. “Definately, lace sleeves and necklines . Whether long or cap sleeves. We saw the trend beginning last year. The fuller dresses and elegant satin gowns are very popular.”
White bridesmaid dresses Kate Middleton’s maid of honor and younger sister, Pippa, wore white for the royal wedding. Were you as confused as us? Isn’t wearing white at someone else’s wedding a total fashion faux pas? An old superstition says that bridesmaids and groomsmen should dress similarly to the bride and groom to ward off evil spirits. It is important for bridesmaids dresses to not take away from the Bride but compliment. White is something new to consider to blend most of the wedding party however local wedding gown specialist Belva Harvey of Goergios said,”There will be a few girls that may follow the European trend but must brides will choose colors. We have ordered and will have the Pippa inspired dress in our store. It may also be a great choice for a wedding dress. “
Hats The question on everyone’s mind is “what are those?” They are Fascinators and are headpieces. Usually attached with a comb, clip, hairpins or on headbands. The term had fallen almost into disuse by the 1970s but has reentered on the fashion scene with a passion! Brides may choose to wear them as an alternative to a bridal veil or hat, particularly if their gowns are non-traditional.
Small Flower Bouquets Ginney from Creative Innovations appreciated the symbolism of the bouquet’s flowers. Kate’s bouquet was described as simple elegance, which included Sweet William, Myrtle, Lily-Of-The-Valley and Hyacinth; was later placed on small pillow on the grave of the unknown warrior. The first World War soldier who has come to symbolise the nation’s war dead.
The Cake Let them eat cake! The confectionery fruit cake masterpiece covered in cream and white icing and decorated with up to 900 delicate sugar-paste flowers was centre-stage at the Buckingham Palace reception held in the picture gallery. Prince William’s cake was his favorite biscuit cake from his childhood.
Selecting a wedding photographer to document your day of days is possibly the most important decision you’ll make. Although photos are a must, video captures things that photos cannot, like your father’s speech, your first dance, saying your vows and your maid of honor’s toast. So, throw out the idea that a wedding videographer means lights-camera-action in your face all night. A videographer combines the skills of a documentary filmmaker with the eyes of a movie director, and options abound when it comes to capturing the spirit or shaping the story of your wedding day. Here are a few things you should consider to get the video you envision.
MAKE YOUR VIDEO HAVE FEELING
The first question you have to ask yourselves is how do you want the video to “feel”? Would you prefer it to be a movie telling the story of your wedding day or more like a documentary? This choice between a movie and documentary style will be the filter through which you make all other decisions, from who you hire to how the day is filmed and the footage edited. But don’t feel like you have to commit to one or the other many videographers these days use a combination of both styles in the finished product.
CHOOSING THE MUSIC
Music sets the ambience for your video. You’ll choose different songs or pieces to accompany each section -- getting ready, during the ceremony, etc. which help mark the progression of your day. Within each section, music adds texture to conversation or ambient noise and takes a backseat during
guest interviews and the ceremony. A common question is whether footage is edited to music, or music to footage. There are two schools of thought: Some videographers like to know the couple’s general choice of music; rock, jazz, classical, country for different parts of the day ahead of time so that they can shoot accordingly.
WHAT GOES IN THE VIDEO
What mix of content goes into your video is up to you. You can also include home video or snapshots of you two growing up, pre-wedding activities (a day of dress fitting and lunching with bridesmaids, wedding weekend activities with guests, the rehearsal dinner, getting ready), behind-the-scene glimpses, and post-wedding events such as the morning-after brunch and even honeymoon footage and snaps (that you provide, of course). Videographers charge a flat fee or by the hour for these extra appearances, or you may be able to apply a couple of hours from what’s allotted in the package you choose. Don’t try to do too much: The final product should be no longer than two hours long, and often half that.
WHY IS VIDEO IMPORTANT
A wedding video like a “time machine”. It lets you relive your wedding day as often as you like, anytime you like. It is also a significant and important “living” document for your families, your children, and grandchildren. Some couples don’t realize just how important their wedding video will become until they experience the loss of a loved one that attended their wedding.
“There are many moments in life that are unforgettable. When I was twenty-two a dear family friend, Sheena Fisher, asked me if I was praying for my husband. From that moment on, every day I prayed for God to bring me a man that was after His heart. Seven years later my prayers were answered when I met Dustin King. Our values and interests were so similar I could not imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone but him.” Cristina said. Dustin and Cristina were engaged in Madrid, Spain in the summer of 2010. They were in the private gardens of the monarch. Their walk had taken them to a beautiful statue overlooking a lake in the gardens. Cristina was speechless when Dustin took to one knee and asked for her hand in marriage. She could only say “Yes!” Their journey to become husband and wife had officially begun. When they returned home, wedding planning was set in high gear. Since both families had made Killeen their home, it was an easy decision to have the wedding take place in the town they had grown to love as well. The First United Methodist Church had married both of their parents. It was significant to wed in the church that built so many memories for both of their families. The mood of the wedding was set by the selection of my dress. Cristina had a vision of a formal yet traditional wedding. The design of the beaded bodice accented her waistline. The formal length gown was gathered and tucked to create her perfect silhouette. Keeping with early Christian tradition the couple was married under a Huppah and signed a Ketubah with Pastor Skip Blancett officiating. The Huppah symbolized the home they were building together and the Ketubah outlined the responsibilities of one another throughout their marriage. 32
The flowers that decorated the church were found mostly in an impactful statement. Since the couple had a Huppah built of raw materials, the bride chose fall colors in fresh flowers and grapevine to cover the four legs of the structure. Two grand pedestal arrangements were also created by Christell’s Flowers that would be used later at the reception. Dustin and Cristina chose to have their wedding reception at Stonetree Golf Club in Killeen, Texas. Dustin is an avid golfer so the setting was perfect. They decided to have three different tents to create three different venues for entertainment purposes. The guests enjoyed finger foods while the wedding party had photographs taken by Doug Spiller Photography. When the wedding party arrived at the Golf Course everyone retreated to the dinner tent. Beautifully set tables of chocolate satin cloths overlaid with ivory embroidered organza were accented with
ivory hydrangea centerpieces. Food was served family style so that everyone could enjoy their level of contentment. After the traditional speeches were given, all the guests and wedding party transitioned to the courtyard of the clubhouse to dance the night away. The four layer wedding cake created by Simon Lee Bakery from Round Rock Texas was a masterpiece of fresh flowers and consisted of Red Velvet, Chocolate with Chocolate Mouse, and White cake with fresh strawberries marinated in Grand Marnier. The courtyard was designed to feel like a night club. Complete with a cigar bar and comfy sofas the guests were surprised by the colors of burnet orange, maroon and brown. The dĂŠcor consisted of arrangements of gel lights, branches with tea lights, and up lighting of the existing live oak trees. Dustin and Cristina departed in a sea of sparklers by golf cart and traveled to the awaiting car decorated by the wedding party.
33
Ashley never knew that one blind date her freshman year would turn into happily ever after. “Aaron would always message me on AOL with a screen name of bubbaaaron. I would ignore his messages because I didn’t want to talk to a Bubba from West-J Then I saw a picture of “Bubba” and decided it was worth a shot. Haha Then we soon went on our first date.” A mutual friend introduced Ashley to Aaron when they were only 14 years old. “The first time I saw Ashley she had this gorgeous tan. My first thought was that I had me a hot latin girl, I thought wrong.” Their first date was to a Midway High School basketball game and from that day on they were inseparable. The following years were filled with dinner and movie dates, baseball tournaments, trips to the zoo, football games and proms. “Aaron gained the respect from my dad and the love of my mother; you can’t get any better than that.” After 7 years, Aaron proposed in their home on a quiet night together. Of course, Ashley went crazy immediately with planning the wedding of her dreams. Ashley always knew she wanted a big extravagant wedding in the cool months of Texas. February was soon decided on and the hectic schedule began. Ashley always knew she wanted a big extravagant wedding in the cool months of Texas. February was soon decided on and the hectic schedule began. “ After spending many hours with Father Ed through marriage classes, he helped us see different sides of ourselves and brought us even closer to each other. Something we never knew was possible,” Ashley said.
36
The Ceremony was held at St. Mary’s Of The Assumption in West, Texas and was officiated by Father Ed. The Bride wore an elegant, strapless Rosa Clara dress with a beautiful birdcage veil. The Bride used makeup artist Kimberly Cutler from Formela to help her look radiant for her big day. She carried a bouquet of luscious crimson red roses and peonies wrapped in ivory satin which was accented with
crystal and pearl brooches. The Bridesmaids carried crimson roses, orange roses, purple freesia and gloriosa lilies accented with kiwi vine and hypericum berries, designed by Floral Artists from The Rosetree. Following the ceremony, the celebration continued at The Roosevelt Ballroom, which was adorned with crystals, pearls, candlelight with red and purple linens, a look that emulated modern timeless elegance. The couple had a special cocktail named “The Rieger” to bring a little personalized touch to the drink menu. It was a special mixture a family member had created. “ I always knew my life with Ashley would be fun; she’s a great person and I honestly couldn’t wait to marry her.” The Bride’s three-tier wedding cake was complete with layers of delicious strawberry cake with fresh strawberries and raspberry amaretto with raspberry cream filling. The groom’s English bulldog cake was German Chocolate and Swiss Chocolate layerd with coconut and pecan filling. The day was simply magical, and they could not have asked for anything more. Photography by: Keith Evans Photography
38
Specializing in assisting you the weekend of your wedding.
Looking faboulous and coordinating with your wedding style is not just for the bridesmaids and groomsmen. For many Brides, choosing the outfit for the flower girl, ring bearer, and even the mother’s outfits are a must to make sure every look fits in with their wedding style. Here are some key tips for dressing the rest of the bridal party.
Look for a tiny tux if you’re having a black tie affair. If your style is more casual, there are tons of cute options for these little men; a lightweight cotton or linen suit, shortalls in a matching hue, or a sailor suit would all work well.
FLOWER GIRL
This is a big day for moms too (his and hers), as they probably haven’t shopped for a dress this important since their own weddings.
Most little girls look for any excuse to dress like a princess, so being a flower girl can be a dream come true. Her parents traditionally pay for the flower girl’s attire, so unless you’re planning on making a gift of it, be sure to be up-front about this when you ask their permission to include her in your wedding. There are generally two options when it comes to dressing the flower girl: “She should match the bride” or “She should match the bridesmaids.” Another option is to meet in the middle, and choose a white dress with an embellishment or a sash that matches the bridesmaids. No matter how racy your maids might be, flower girl dresses are nearly always high-necked and tea- or floor-length.
RING BEARER
Little boys in velvet shorts are pretty much a thing of the past. In fact, we’ve seen girls as ring bearers and even puppies. Same deal as the flower girl when you ask his parents if he can be in the party, you’re also working from the assumption that they’ll pay, so bring it up at the beginning.
THE MOMS
Each mom should choose and pay for her own attire, but it doesn’t hurt to give some guidelines. Ultimately, it really does need to be her choice: Comfort is key since both moms will be circulating through the party and posing for countless pictures throughout the day. Their outfits shouldn’t clash with the wedding colors, but the dresses don’t have to match those of the bridesmaids. Instead, suggest a hue for each that complements her coloring but falls within the palette of your wedding party. And steer the moms clear of whites, creams, and ivories; no one but the bride should wear those shades.
THE DADS
If the guys wear tuxedos, dads should too. That said, dads can wear tuxes on their children’s wedding day even if the guys aren’t wearing black tie. However, any formalwear should be in the same style as the groom’s, so encourage the pops to get fitted for a modern cut; chances are, their waistlines (and perhaps their fashion sense) have grown since they last bought one.
David and Alicia met while visiting Dallas for the holidays. It was love at first sight. David is an avid baseball fan; therefore they spent their first date at a Texas Rangers game, “I only saw two plays through the entire game”, David said. As they were entrenched in such deep conversation and admiration for one another. “It was as if I had known him for years. We knew there must be something spectacular that was happening as I flew back to Chicago a few days following our first date”, Alicia said. The two stayed in touch for the first two months long distance. Their first encounter reuniting, they took a romantic getaway
weekend to the Vineyards of Florence staying in the Da Vinci Villa that is encapsulated with robust beautiful trees and wildflowers. Dave remarks this is where they first truly fell in love. They spoke of a future together, and by God’s plan within their lives, David’s job brought him to Chicago. David chose their wedding date to be the one year anniversary of meeting each other. They decided to choose The Vineyards at Florence to truly capture the essence of where they began.
“Creative Innovations was the person whom made the wedding the true fairytale. She was the one person who helped me with the vision of the wedding layout. From the flow of the ceremony to the reception into the décor and theme with my colors chosen. Also the countless emails from Shawna Platt from The Vineyard at Florence who was such a wonderful part of making sure everything came together. Confetti Rentals displayed such an enchanting setting for the ceremony and reception. As for our ceremony, David and I chose to recite our own vows, his were said through tears, as his words were filled with such genuine love. I was radiating a permanent smile upon my face throughout the entire day. The wedding started as the true fairytale where I was brought into the ceremony on a white horse drawn carriage with my father by my side, and at the end of the night we were wisped away through a trail of sparklers into the moonlight on the carriage to start our new life as husband and wife. It felt as if the journey of life took me to that exact day when everything just fell into place perfectly.”
45
46
47
Hello Brides to be! After reading many emails about crazy brides the one that caught my eye was not an actual wedding that has already happened. But one that is about to happen. If the Bride can actually make it there without having her entire wedding party quit! Below is the message we recieved from no not a Bridesmaid, but her future mother in law: “ My future daughter-in-law is beyond off of her rocker. I love her to death, but I am now wondering if my son should marry her. Where do I begin? Well first off she expects her parents to pay over $80 a plate for the reception dinner. Her father is on disablity and her mother is on a fixed income. You would think she would have more common sense. She is NEVER happy, every time my daughter and I try to help her she is yelling or cussing. She keeps insisting that no one wants to help and that she might as well call off the wedding. I do not think I have not seen her upset or yelling for the past 4 months. My niece and the bride are/were bestfriends until she kicked her out of the wedding because about a month ago she found out she was pregnant. My niece has been trying to get pregnant now for over a year and a half and has been
50
on fertility drugs. Knowing this has been a hard and tough time for her instead of being happy and congratulating her she yells and tells her that she can not be in the wedding looking like a “chunk munk” in her wedding photos. She even went as far as telling her she could be in her house party, which basically means she can do all the left over work that needed to be done because she was not good enough to be IN the wedding. When her mother and I went with her to do her registry, the least expensive item on the entire list was $40. In the end the entire total was over $12,400 with all 7 registries. I was in mere shock! The list consisted of $800 bedding set, crystal, a new computer, even a kitchen dining set! My son wants to invite his frat brothers to the wedding but she is determined to control the wedding list - she asks “are they going to bring a gift”? If not, she does not put them on the list. All of her girlfriends that she went to school with that are single mothers or that did not go to college she does not want to invite them to “ruin her image” to our other relatives. This wedding sure is bringing out her true colors and let me tell you what, I’m NOT IMPRESSED!”
DO NOT CAUSE YOUR PARENTS TO GO BANKRUPT
Of course you want the very best of everything for your wedding. However, if your parents are on a fixed income and you’re not helping pay don’t make your parents spend over $80 per-person. You can have a great wedding without forcing your parents to take out a second mortgage. Just scale it back a little. So you’ll have heavy hors d’oeuvres instead of a five-course meal.
YOUR ANGRY ALL THE TIME
Before you started planning your wedding, you got along with everyone. But your friends and family all seem to have spontaneously transformed into lazy jerks since you got engaged. We’ve got a bit of bad news: It’s you, not them.
PICTURE PERFECT
Most brides hire a professional photographer to capture every moment of their wedding day. You’ll still be pulling out those pictures when you’re old and gray, so it’s understandable that you’ll want members of the wedding party to look their best. But we draw the line at firing a bridesmaid because she revealed she’s pregnant and you don’t want her to look “fat” in your photos!
HIGHMAINTENANCE REGISTRY
Have you already started thinking about where you’re going to put your new flat screen? Who do you think is going to shell out for that new computer or kitchen set? Unless your last name is Trump, and your daddy’s first name is Donald the only thing a registry filled with $100-plus items is going to get you is a bunch of gift cards. Sure, your families will probably splurge on something nice, but the rest of your guests aren’t looking to spoil you with high-tech gadgets and expensive gifts. If they do, great, but be sure to sprinkle your registry with a few less expensive items, like coffee makers, towels and home decor, for the rest of us, OK?
LET GO OF THAT LIST
After all the money you spent on your wedding dress, surely you want people there to see you walk down the aisle. Yes, it’s your day, but you have to keep in mind everyone else who wants to watch you and your fiancé exchange vows. Not every guest has to be hand-selected by you to fit your criteria of the perfect guest. Why not include your fiancé’s rowdy fraternity brothers? A party’s not much of a party with only 10 people. Take a break, and let someone else help you put together your guest list. After all, if you let go of that a little now, you’ll still have friends to invite to your eventual baby shower.