2012 Fall Bridal

Uptown Salon: The Perfect Start to your Most Important Day page 3 The Haversham House ‌ for Memories of a Lifetime page 7

Fall Bridal

Sunday, October 28, 2012

contents Fall-ing in Love: Tips for Autumn Wedding Bliss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

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The Perfect Start to your Most Important Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Wedding Ready: How to Look and Feel Your Best for the Big Day . . . . . . . 4 Safeguard the Big Day: How to Protect the Wedding of your Dreams . . . . . . . 6 Memories of a Lifetime Begin at The Haversham House . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Tips for Autumn Wedding Bliss

Top Wedding Trends for Brides on a Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Fun, Formal and Beyond: What the Groom Wears . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Toast of the Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Best Destinations for Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Sunday, October 28, 2012 JOHN LAYTON, Advertising NANCY YOUNG, Editor/Designer

Shoe-Selection Tips to Help Brides Avoid Wedding Day Foot Pain . . . . . 12 Cost-Control Tips for Bridesmaids-to-be . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Financial Bliss After “I Do” . . . . . . . . . . 14 Wedding Processional Alternatives . . . . 15

Bridal Sets • Engagement Rings Anniversary Rings Gentlemen’s Diamond Bands

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(NewsUSA) - Caterers, event halls and wedding planners are gearing up for fall wedding season, one of the busiest times of the year for hopeful couples. Fall guarantees exquisite photo opportunities without the heat of summer — and the wealth of inseason decorations are beautiful and affordable.

In fact, September and October are the most popular and third most popular months for weddings, respectively.

If you’re planning a fall wedding this season, read on for some helpful tips: 1. Keep warm. Since outdoor fall weddings have the potential to get chilly, keeping your guests warm is a must. Offer hot cocoa and homey baskets of soft blankets or cozy shawls. Set up fire pits or outdoor heating stations where guests can shake off the chill.

2. Location, location, location. Select a locale that is known for its fall scenery.

New England is celebrated for its brilliant autumnal hues and stunning landscapes — and many local venues are right in the ONE LOW PRICE

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middle of lush, beautiful foliage along with gorgeous water views.

3. Incorporate fall colors into the wedding party wardrobe. Chocolate brown compliments a variety of fall color schemes, and it’s flattering for most women. But if brown doesn’t suit the plans, burgundy is another great fall shade that makes the bridal white pop.

4. Select in-season flowers and decorations.

Unless the bride has her heart set on lily of the valley or orchids, there are beautiful inseason flowers to choose from. Dahlias, chrysanthemums, asters, roses, zinnias and sunflowers all create elegant bouquets and floral displays with a lovely hint of fall.

Add some crab apples for a playful, nonfloral element.

5. Mix and match gourds, pumpkins and squash. Pumpkins can be tacky or a little too reminiscent of Halloween, so class them up by serving pumpkin soup, pumpkin cocktails or tiers of mini pumpkins.

Gourds also make eye-catching vases, and all three can be arranged as charming centerpieces.

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Fall Bridal

Sunday, October 28, 2012

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to your Most Important Day

BY HARVEY M. BLANCHETTE Special to The Sun It’s a day of which dreams are made. The white dress. The happy couple. The families coming together to form something amazing and new. Your wedding day will be a singularly joyous day in your life, with memories to cherish for years to come. But it can be a lot of work too. And work can mean stress. That is where Uptown Salon and Spa comes in, ready to give you the perfect start to your most important day.

Two of the most important parts of making sure your wedding day is everything you dreamed it to be is that you are happy with how you look and that you feel relaxed and able to enjoy the whole experience. Besides being Rhode Island’s premier salon and spa, only minutes from Misquamicut, Weekapaug, Watch Hill, Foxwoods, and The Mohegan Sun, Uptown Salon and Spa is uniquely equipped to guarantee that you will look and feel your best as you walk down the aisle.

Hair Stylist: Heather Schmitt Makeup: Kristal Francese Models: Jennifer Keilty, Maria DeSantis, Jacob Mortrude Dresses by Melissa Ashley Bridal, downtown Westerly Tux by Toscano’s, downtown Westerly Photos: Craig Rogers

Part of what makes Uptown Salon and Spa special is its size and number of talented and well-trained staff. There are 25 members of the Uptown family, all with different skills and different personalities to meet your every beautification and relaxation need. Downstairs in the styling salon where you can take your time and get settled before your haircut, makeup, manicure, pedicure or facial.

For wedding parties, Uptown likes to make you feel at home, so there are always pastries, fruit and beverages (including mimosas!) available. The stylists attend regular seminars and training courses to

stay ahead of all the latest trends in updos and fashion so you will be sure to be able to get that look you have been dreaming of.

While the downstairs is fun and fashion, the upstairs transports you to a retreat of privacy and relaxation. You can experience personalized aromatherapy to customize your sensory journey to your own unique sensibilities.

Several showers, massage rooms and a private pedicure studio will cater to your entire wedding party’s needs in the deceptively large upstairs of Uptown Salon and Spa. The only trouble you might have is deciding which massage treatment to enjoy. Whether it is chakra balancing, reflexology or hot stones, the talented staff of Uptown Salon and Spa is there ready to help you find the right experience for you.

And don’t think the Groom and his Groomsman have to be left out of the fun.

Every aspect of Uptown Salon and Spa is ready in anticipation for the gentlemen in waiting. As a man who works outside, a manicure wasn’t a luxury for my wedding day, it was a necessity and a massage was just the thing I needed to get the kinks out of my shoulders so I could let loose with some serious dancing.

smearing and just enjoy your day! Uptown also has Mink Vixen Lashes, the world’s finest, hand-made, 100% mink fur eyelashes. The real mink fur gives the wearer's lashes a lush, “velvet-like” appearance that the synthetic strip lashes cannot duplicate. Also if you and you bridesmaids are looking for a little something extra for you all to wear, Alex and Ani’s lightweight beautiful bangles and JoJo of Boston’s adorable and delicate vintage swarovski crystal stud earrings are both ready and available for your perusal.

There’s a lot to do to get ready for your wedding and Uptown Salon and Spa is ready to help, not just because they have the best facilities and staff in the area, but because they love weddings and love helping make a special time even more magical. Why not let the talented and welcoming staff of Uptown Salon and Spa help you have a fun and relaxing start to your most important day.

Don’t forget the extras too! Uptown Salon and Spa features TempuPro, the amazing airbrush make-up application. Forget worrying about your make-up fading or

31 Post Rd, Westerly, RI | 401.596.9100 | Uptown Salon and Spa Facebook | Email: welcome@uptownsalonspa.com

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Fall Bridal

Sunday, October 28, 2012

jxww|Çz extwçM How to Look and Feel your Best for the Big Day (ARA) - As a bride-to-be, you invest huge amounts of time, energy and money to make your big day unforgettable.

Unfortunately, all of the stress associated with planning a wedding can take its toll, and you may neglect your own well-being in the chaos. Inadequate sleep, poor diet and high levels of stress can leave you feeling and looking less than fabulous, but with a few healthy and sustainable adjustments, you can look forward to your walk down the aisle.

GORGEOUS GREENS Pressure to look perfect in your wedding photos may lead you to fad diets that can leave you starving and irritable, not to

mention pallid and worn down. Instead of restrictive dieting, celebrity nutritionist and author Kimberly Snyder says eating the right foods will result in weight loss, as well as improve the look of skin, hair and nails.

In “The Beauty Detox Solution,” Snyder encourages a plant-based diet that draws beautifying nutrients from completely natural sources. Green smoothies are a great way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables on the go, Snyder says, and she encourages all her clients to drink them.

“Green smoothies are absolutely one of the easiest ways to get the nutrition your body needs to be healthy and beautiful,” Snyder says. “For my Glowing Green Smoothie, just toss the whole food ingredients into a

Vitamix machine — it’s the only blender I use — and in seconds you have a nutrientpacked drink that will keep you energized and glowing. Busy brides-to-be will appreciate how quick and easy these are to make, and they’ll love how green smoothies make them look and feel.”

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From venue visits to cake tastings to bridal showers, it might seem like there isn’t enough time to get all your wedding planning done. However, skimping on sleep can have serious physical and mental consequences. Getting enough rest so that you can get through your seemingly never-ending list can be difficult, but it’s vital to help you look and feel your best. For better, more restful sleep, try to stick to a bedtime routine at the same time every night. Try not to eat or drink within an hour of going to sleep, and avoid electronic screens for 30 minutes before bed. You might enjoy a light activity — such as reading a book —

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directly before going to sleep to help clear your mind. Lastly, ensure that you continue to make sleep a priority, even as the special day nears.

POST-WORKOUT GLOW A wedding is a great motivator when it comes to working out, and perhaps you have already joined a gym or invested in a personal trainer to get in shape for the occasion. Even if you aren’t worried about losing weight, exercise can do great things for busy brides-to-be. Snyder, an experienced yogi who has practiced around the world, encourages her clients and readers to explore yoga for better mental and physical health.

“Exercise releases stress-fighting hormones, and yoga in particular can be a rejuvenating escape from the day’s hectic happenings, no matter how new you are to the practice,” Snyder says. “By combining strength-building poses and attention to inner self, you can both tone your muscles

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Fall Bridal

Sunday, October 28, 2012

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Kimberly Snyder’s Glowing Green Smoothie Ingredients •1-1/2 cups water •1 head organic romaine lettuce, chopped •3-4 stalks organic celery •1/2 head of a large bunch, or 3/4 of a small bunch of spinach •1 organic apple, cored and chopped •1 organic pear, cored and chopped •1 organic banana •Juice of 1/2 fresh organic lemon

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Directions Add the water and chopped head of romaine to the blender. Starting the blender at low speed, mix until smooth. Gradually moving to higher speeds, add the celery, apple and pear. Add the cilantro and parsley, if you are choosing to add them. Add the banana and lemon juice last.

The fruit and lemon cut right though the grass taste. Feel free to mix and match different greens and fruits, as these two specific food groups combine well.

mate the power of the senses: lighting stress-relief aromatherapy candles, soaking in a warm bath, and even treating yourself to a massage can help you relax as the wedding day approaches.

and achieve mental bliss. Yoga is a great way to get fit and stay focused so you can walk down the aisle looking serene and stunning.”

RADIANTLY RELAXED Unbridled mental stress can quickly lead to physical consequences, and you don’t want to look haggard or tired on your special day. Physical activity, whether it’s a long run, exercise class, or short jog around the block, releases hormones that will boost your mood for hours. And don’t underesti-

As you plan every detail of your wedding, remember to spend time on your own health and happiness. By paying attention to your physical and mental well-being throughout the planning process, you’re sure to be ready and radiant for your big day.

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Fall Bridal

Sunday, October 28, 2012

ftyxzâtÜw à{x u|z wtçM How to Protect the Wedding of Your Dreams (ARA) - Planning a wedding has many important components, with decisions to make on everything from finding the perfect flowers to choosing the right location. For brides- and grooms-to-be, one important choice that shouldn’t be overlooked is the idea of purchasing wedding insurance. Because no matter how carefully a couple plans the big day, something can always go awry.

damaged gown to natural disasters. A recent report from TheKnot.com showed that the average wedding costs more than $25,000 — as much as a new car or a down payment on a home. Having that investment at risk, with potential for it to increase if something goes wrong (losing or having wedding gifts stolen, misplacing a wedding ring, or damaging an important dress), may not be the best way to start off married life.

It’s the last thing anyone wants to think about when planning the big day. But with so many elements of a wedding that have been carefully thought out, it would be a shame to have something happen that casts a shadow on the wedding day. The good news is that there is peace of mind available with wedding event cancellation and liability insurance.

Until recently, there wasn’t an option to insure your wedding expenditures — if something went wrong it was rare that reimbursement was an option. While event insurance isn’t new, wedding-specific policies have been created in the past decade, partially as a response to the increase in wedding spending. Covering multiple aspects of the big day, wedding insurance policies were created to specifically cover losses (cancellation insurance) as well as coverage for accidents that happen during the wedding or reception (liability insurance).

Protecting you from unforeseen disasters, wedding insurance safeguards your investment in the big day against circumstances beyond your control. Wedding cancellation and liability insurance, available from companies like Markel American, can cover anything from a

See SAFEGUARD, page 15

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Elegant, Charming, Distinctive The Haversham House excludes country charm. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, a fieldstone waterfall and serene koi pond, you and your guests will feel transported to another world.

Step inside and discover an elegant, glass-enclosed reception room with rich mahogany walls, glowing chandeliers, three stone fireplaces and seating for up to 150 guests. Our outdoor stone patio and beautiful hilltop gazebo make the perfect setting for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and beautiful wedding photographs.

Whether your wedding is formal or casual, small and intimate or a grand formal affair, our Event Coordinators will help you create your dream wedding. With over 20 years of event planning experience, proprietor Jay Beausoleil invites you to schedule a visit and see how we can make our house, The Haversham House, your home for the perfect wedding. contact our Events Coordinators 401.322.1717 or email Havcaters@gmail.com

Fall Bridal

Sunday, October 28, 2012

`xÅÉÜ|xá Éy t _|yxà|Åx Begin at The Haversham House When you Choose our Romantic Venue for Your Special Day. Tucked just off Route 1 in Westerly, The Haversham House exudes country charm with its park-like grounds. Surrounded by colorful and beautifully landscaped gardens, a fieldstone waterfall and serene koi pond, you and your guests will feel transported to another world.

Step inside and discover an elegant, glassenclosed reception room with glowing chandeliers, three stone fireplaces and seating for up to 200 guests.

Enjoy pre-reception cocktails on our lovely outdoor patio or indoor lounge with full-service bar. Our beautiful hilltop gazebo makes the perfect setting for your ceremony and wedding photographs.

Whether your wedding is formal or casual, small and intimate or a grand formal affair, our event coordinators will help you create your dream wedding. Let Haversham House’s talented chefs prepare a delicious menu for your guests or choose your own caterer. Our friendly, professional staff ensures that you and your guests will enjoy personalized attention down to every detail.

We can also help you coordinate all the little extras for your special day, including: • Photographers • Florists • Limousine services • Guest accommodations • Tuxedo rentals • Musicians and DJs • Justice of the Peace

Before or after your wedding, guests are invited to spend time at Haversham Tavern, located just up the walkway from Haversham House. Built in the 19th century, the casual tavern offers tasty pub fare, full bar service and multiple big-screen televisions.

Haversham House is also available for other special occasions from birthday and anniversary parties to reunions, christenings and retirement events.

Photos: Jill Connor and Haversham House

With over 20 years of event planning experience, proprietor Jay Beausoleil invites you to schedule a visit and see how we can make our house, The Haversham House, your home for the perfect wedding.

The Haversham House 336 Post Road Westerly, Rhode Island 02891 Contact Information: Banquet Manager Jack (401) 782-7711 jay@thehaversham.com www.thehaversham.com

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Fall Bridal

Sunday, October 28, 2012

gÉÑ jxww|Çz gÜxÇwá for Brides on a Budget (ARA) - For brides-to-be, the big day seems like it comes with a big price tag — but it doesn’t have to. The season’s top wedding trends pair elegance and affordability with options to make an event that is uniquely “you.”

To stay within your budget, follow these wedding trends.

• OUTDOOR WEDDINGS OFFER ROMANCE AT A REASONABLE PRICE

Perhaps no other setting is more romantic than the outdoors. Mother Nature provides the best backdrop for your special occasion.

Outdoor weddings can be more affordable as parks or gardens typically offer rental areas at a reasonable rate. Know a relative with a beautiful yard? Ask them if you can host your wedding there. Then all you have to do is rent the supplies, such as chairs, tents and archways from your local

American Rental Association rental store.

The reception is often the largest cost of hosting a wedding. Budget-wise brides are choosing locations where you can provide your own food and drinks. Food stations, rather than a typical buffet, can be set up around the reception room offering different types of food, such as salad bar, pasta and desserts. You can rent everything you need to keep food fresh and serve it in style so you don’t have to worry. Visit www.rentalhq.com to learn more, and find an ARA member rental store in your area.

expense. Get a beautiful look with plenty of personality, without breaking the bank. Start with a simple gown and accessorize it to suit your tastes. Add a splash of color with a bright sash or flashy shoes. Hair accessories provide a fashionable option at little cost.

Shorter veils are very popular and cost much less than longer options.

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FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

Once you add up the bouquets, centerpieces, boutonnieres and more, your floral expense can be shocking. Brides are choosing to take a personal approach by gathering friends and family to create the flower pieces.

Get together and create the masterpieces for the big day while enjoying food, drink and each other’s company. It’s a great way to bond and save money, while creating something beautiful and meaningful.

• FORGO THE EXPENSIVE WEDDING PLANNER

Brides are choosing to rent versus buy supplies for food service, decor, entertainment and more to save money. Renting has never been more stylish, with a variety of

options to make any bride’s vision come true. Some ARA member rental businesses have Certified Event Rental Professionals (CERPs) on site. These professionals can share their knowledge and experience, from pre-wedding set-up all the way through the day of the event, helping to relieve the stress of planning a wedding.

Look for the gold CERP icon when searching for your wedding needs.

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Fall Bridal

Sunday, October 28, 2012

YâÇ? YÉÜÅtÄ tÇw UxçÉÇwM What the Groom Wears (ARA) - When you think of a wedding, you probably think of the bride’s dress, the flower arrangements, the food and the music. But what about the groom? More specifically, what about the groom’s attire?

It’s his special day, too. So it’s time to devote some attention to him.

Think back to all the weddings of decades past. What was the groom wearing as he watched his bride walk down the aisle?

Most weddings were formal occasions and the tuxedo ruled the day.

But other factors also come into play.

“Now people are much more creative, with destination weddings and dude ranch weddings, which are popular here in Arizona, and the attire matches the location,” says Elizabeth Heuisler, academic director for Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing at The Art Institute of Tucson. She advises that grooms still lay out some cash for a new pair of jeans if they wind up saying

Cyndy McCoy, a Fashion Retail Management instructor at The Art Institute of Fort Worth, a campus of South University adds, “A nice light colored shirt with linen pants and sandals or even barefoot works very well for the groom at a beach wedding.”

And even if you are taking a more traditional route and planning a formal evening wedding, you don’t necessarily need a tux.

“Nothing dictates that you have to wear a tux,” says McCoy. “A nice black suit works quite well.” Hall advises that even if you don’t necessarily plan on wearing a tux, a formalwear store is a good place to go for ideas and advice about current trends.

Hall says the recent royal wedding in Britain reminds us that classic looks are always in style. McCoy echoes, “You can never go wrong with the classics.”

But according to Hall, when all is said and done, the special day is still about the bride. “In my opinion, the groom should dress in the same way that a museum frames a beautiful painting, so as not to detract from the bride.”

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But times have changed. One of the reasons for this shift could be the economy says Jane Carlton Hall, Fashion Design instructor at The Art Institute of Houston.

“When it’s time to find a place to cut costs when planning your wedding in this economy, a formal tux is one place couples start,” she says. Hall points out that even if the groom springs for a new suit, it’ll be something he can wear again and again.

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Fall Bridal

Sunday, October 28, 2012

gÉtáà Éy à{x gÉãÇ Toasting Tips for Best Men and Maids of Honor Wedding days are typically steeped in tradition. Whether it’s the hours before the wedding or the bride’s attire or the first dance, it seems no aspect of a couple’s big day isn’t accompanied by some ages-old tradition.

One of the more enjoyable wedding day traditions is the toast. Once the reception has begun, the maid of honor and the best man are trusted to toast the new bride and groom. Such toasts are typically heartfelt and humorous, but there are also a few guidelines to follow to ensure the toast is

memorable for all the right reasons.

• Stand up! Stand up when delivering a wedding toast. Sitting down won’t command the guests’ attention, and your voice likely won’t carry as well if you’re sitting down.

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A successful wedding toast should be brief, genuine and appropriate for guests of all ages.

• Don’t go too long. A good wedding toast shouldn’t stretch beyond five minutes.

Long-winded toasts could come off as rambling and incoherent, and the guests will likely tune out if the toast goes longer than five minutes.

• Introduce yourself. Just because you’re a maid of honor or a best man doesn’t mean all of the guests know your relationship with the bride or groom. Make it brief, but provide an explanation of your relationship.

• Keep the toast appropriate. Many adults who have been to a wedding or two in their day have a story about a wedding toast gone awry. While these stories are humorous, no best man or maid of honor wants to have similar stories told about his

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or her toasts. Make the toast appropriate, keeping in mind there might be some younger guests in attendance. In addition, avoid references to past relationships. Such references are awkward and uncomfortable.

• Don’t make it an “inside” joke. Maids of honor or best men are typically close friends or siblings of the bride and groom.

Such a close relationship makes it easy to tell an inside joke only a few guests will understand. Avoid such inside jokes, as one of the goals of the toast should be to illustrate your love and appreciation of the bride or groom in a way all guests can understand.

• Make it personal. A personal anecdote is a nice touch. Such anecdotes can be about See TOAST, page 15

Fall Bridal

Sunday, October 28, 2012

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Uxáà Wxáà|Çtà|ÉÇá for Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties (ARA) - The countdown to the big day is on, but before the wedding vows are exchanged, one last party must take place.

Here are a few destinations to help the bride- and groom-to-be say “so long” to their bachelorette and bachelorhood days.

NEW YORK CITY When planning a bachelorette or bachelor party, don’t settle for just any big city when you can go to the big city: New York, N.Y. With so many things to do, it takes very little planning to have a blast in the Big Apple. Away.com, a travel inspiration and advice website, notes that guys can start by fueling up at one of the Grade-A steakhouses before taking on the VIP section of a club (reservations usually required). Or they can buy tickets to see one of the city’s many sports teams for some real malebonding time. Ladies can head down 5th Avenue with their department store itineraries and confirm why women make the majority of household purchasing decisions.

VANCOUVER, CANADA Vancouver is a hip and active town just under three hours north of Seattle. If the Olympic committee thought it was a cool enough place for the 2010 Winter Olympics, then it is probably awesome enough for a bachelor or bachelorette party. The summers are warm and perfect for outdoor activities, such as kayaking, hiking, or mountain biking. The winters are, of course, great for a ski adventure, and downtown Vancouver has a plenty of

world-class restaurants and a nightlife that will satisfy.

TUCSON, ARIZONA Girls (and sometimes guys) love to be pampered. Gentlemen (and sometimes ladies) love to play golf. And in Tucson, Ariz., you’ll find both. A spa and wellness weekend at a spa resort, such as Canyon Ranch, will leave the bridal party feeling relaxed and renewed by the end of their stay. For a weekend of competition and fun, gather up the guys, the clubs and maybe a flask or two, then tee off at one of the area’s desert or links-style courses designed by Jack Nicklaus or Robert Trent Jones, Jr.

beverages are high on your list of musthaves, you might just find yourselves standing on the deck of a cruise ship waving the coastline goodbye. Cruises are an easy and relatively cheap way to escape with the guys or gals. You can book with a

cruise line or even charter your own yacht in the Caribbean. Entertainment, food and sometimes drinks are all included, and your party can choose to do as much or as little as they like.

,

NEW ORLEANS New Orleans is one of the best options for a bachelor or bachelorette party because a trip here is easy to plan. Just reserve rooms in the French Quarter, show up, and step outside — the Big Easy will take care of the rest. Look at the calendar and up the ante by planning to go during Mardi Gras, Jazzfest, or even Halloween ... but don’t worry, the good times roll all year round.

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360 N. Anguilla Rd., Pawcatuck, CT 860-599-4241 www.adamsgardenofeden.com email: adamsgarden5@aol.com

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12

Fall Bridal

Sunday, October 28, 2012

f{Éx@fxÄxvà|ÉÇ g|Ñá (ARA) - The man of your dreams, a stunning dress and the most darling shoes to go with it — you have everything you need to ensure your wedding is perfect in every way.

But at the end of your big day, will you be left with something less welcome than beautiful memories? Will you be sporting sore — or possibly even injured — feet?

“Brides may think that aching feet at the end of their wedding day is just something

to Help Brides Avoid Wedding Day Foot Pain

they’ll have to put up with,” says Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, a doctor of podiatric medicine and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “But while dancing the night away at the reception can tire their feet, brides shouldn’t end their big day with sore feet. The right shoe choice can help protect them from foot pain.”

Most women consider comfort over style or price when selecting a shoe, according to an APMA survey. Yet brides may be tempted to put looks over comfort, thinking they’ll wear their wedding shoes so briefly a little discomfort won’t make a difference. Wearing shoes that irritate your feet can cause longterm injury, however, and make existing problems, like bunions or hammer toes, worse.

When you’re picking out wedding shoes, keep these tips from APMA in mind: • Lower heels are better. You may love how your legs look in those 5-inch stilettos, but very high heels can put a lot of pressure on your feet and even cause misalignment of the spine. If you know you’ll be on your feet for hours (and what bride isn’t?), consider choosing a lower heel of no more than 2 inches.

• Can’t go without your very high heels?

Consider keeping a second, lower-heeled shoe on hand to slip on during down times. Wear your hot high heels for the ceremony and photos, and switch to the more comfortable, practical (but still pretty) lower heels for the reception.

• Shoes with wide, rounded toes tend to be more comfortable. Pointed or tight shoes pinch the toes into unnatural positions, and can cause or contribute to a number of foot problems. A good rule of thumb — if you can’t wiggle your toes in your shoes, they’re too tight.

• Opt for materials that have some “give.”

White patent leather pumps may look great, but those satin shoes may actually be better for your feet if they have a bit of stretch. Never wear plastic or vinyl shoes, which don’t allow feet to breathe.

• Don’t buy a gorgeous but uncomfortable pair of shoes thinking you’ll “break them in.” Any shoe you buy should be comfortable immediately, and you probably won’t want to wear them before the wedding day and risk getting them scuffed or dirty. If it rubs or chafes in the store, time and wear will not improve how the shoe feels.

• Everyone’s foot expands throughout the day, so go shoe shopping in the afternoon when your feet are at their largest. Even if you plan a sunrise wedding, choosing your wedding shoe based on your end-of-day size will help ensure you get the best fit.

• Flip-flops are a hot trend for brides, especially if you’re marrying during warm months. Flip-flops can be very comfortable; just be sure to choose the right style. Flipflops with soles that bend freely and twist easily offer no support or stability. Look for a style that bends only at the ball of the foot, and that provides arch support, cushioning the foot and providing stability. The thong part of the shoe should be made of high-quality, soft leather to help avoid blisters.

“Sore feet should be the last thing on your mind on the biggest day of your life,” Sutera says. “Some wise choices in footwear can help brides ensure their feet feel as great as they look on their wedding day.”

• Whatever shoe material you choose, the shoe itself should have a flexible sole that allows your toes to bend naturally when you walk, and have a rigid, cushioned heel counter to keep your foot from slipping around inside the shoe. Consider purchasing inserts for your shoes to help cushion the heels, arches, and balls of your feet.

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Fall Bridal

Sunday, October 28, 2012

for BridesmaidsTo-Be

VÉáà@VÉÇàÜÉÄ g|Ñá (ARA) - Standing up for your friend as her maid of honor or bridesmaid is a special experience you’ll both remember all your lives. Yet your happiness for your friend, and your joy at participating in her wedding, can be tempered by concerns about the costs associated with being a member of the wedding party.

Just like the bride and groom, attendants often need to use credit to fund their wedding experience, including the cost of a dress, gift for the happy couple, the bachelorette party and perhaps traveling to the wedding location. Still, if you rely too much on credit, you could end up with debt — which is a lot worse than a dress you’ll never wear again.

If you know credit will be a big part of your wedding party budget, monitoring your credit for a few months may help you manage your finances. Membership in a product like CreditReport.com offers members valuable tools to help them monitor their credit for a monthly fee.

WHEN IT’S TIME TO SAY “YES” Once you have an idea of how you can budget, it’s time to have a candid discussion with the bride and groom. Let them know what you’re comfortable with, and what will be beyond your budget.

Determine what their expectations are for the costs you’ll bear, and what they’ll pay for.

Careful planning and an honest discussion with the bride and groom about cost control can help ensure no one overspends on the big day.

If you find that your financial abilities and their expectations are too far apart, give them the opportunity to reconsider their invitation for you to be in the wedding.

BEFORE YOU AGREE

Ironing out money matters at the beginning of the wedding planning process will help ensure you don’t have to distract the bride and groom with the discussion as their big day approaches — and their stress levels go up.

The first question you should ask yourself is: “Can I afford to be in this wedding?”

If the person asking for your participation is your best friend in the world, and saying “no” will harm your relationship, you’ll have to find a way to fund your bridesmaid duties without breaking the bank. But if the invitation comes from a friend you’re not particularly close to, it may be appropriate to decline, especially if the associated costs will be a financial hardship.

When the answer has to be “yes,” your next move should be to assess your finances. How much cash can you reasonably set aside between now and the time the bills start to arrive? How much of your participation will need to be funded through credit?

13

ent retail store. If you’ll be traveling to the wedding in another state — or even another country — shop for the best airline deal, and explore the possibility of using reward

Melissa Ashley BRIDES LTD.

Once you’ve said yes and agreed on expenses, it’s time to put your plan into action. Begin setting aside money right away, even if the wedding is a year away.

The longer you have to save cash, the less you’ll need to rely on credit as the wedding approaches.

In Beautiful Downtown Westerly

Your Perfect Gown ...we have it

Look for ways that you can cut expenses without impacting the wedding itself. For example, if the bridesmaid’s dress must come from a pricey boutique, perhaps you can find matching shoes for less at a differ-

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14

Fall Bridal

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Y|ÇtÇv|tÄ UÄ|áá

After “I Do”

(ARA) - Wedding season is here. It’s estimated that more than 2 million couples will be married in the United States this year. As couples young and old unite their hearts and lives, they will also face the challenging task of uniting their finances.

ship, including a couple’s financial priorities. Once each partner understands the values of his or her mate, it becomes easier to set shared short- and long-term goals. At a minimum, it helps couples understand what drives the other’s thinking.

The truth of the matter is, financial bliss is only partially connected to the size of one’s bank account. Especially for newlyweds, financial satisfaction and contentment is often found in the uniting of partners’ financial values and goals.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans provides these 10 basic steps that newlyweds can take to launch their new financial lives:

These values, or life priorities if you prefer, can range from security, to service, to status. Alternatively, they might encompass areas such as independence, financial wealth, meaningful work, faith, family or excellence, among others.

1. Identify your core values.

2. Establish your shared needs and shortand long-term goals.

3. Create a budget.

4. Reduce and eliminate consumer debt or other loans.

5. Start or increase an emergency fund.

Once newlyweds have identified their top values — and have seen the values identified by their mate — they can use this knowledge to create shared goals.

6. Insure your health, property, income and life through appropriate insurance.

What if he values money and she values friendship? Is conflict sure to follow?

8. Educate yourself about financial issues.

There is “give and take” in every relation-

7. Save for your retirement.

9. Meet with a financial professional to help you stay on task.

a time without distractions from television, phone calls or friends. This is truly “your time” to study and learn about your finances as a couple.

10. Talk regularly about your financial goals and performance.

Following the steps above will not address the “who, what and how” related to paying bills or balancing checkbooks. Frankly, there is no one right formula for determining who does what. Newlyweds will need to invest time, conversation and experimentation into finding the right fit for their unique circumstances and personalities.

After “I do,” the work of establishing your new life together begins. By giving regular attention to your values and financial goals, you can enhance the likelihood of living “happily ever after” from a financial viewpoint.

Establishing a regular “money date,” where you set aside uninterrupted time to discuss your finances and measure them against your goals can be a fun way of addressing something otherwise considered “work.”

This date need not be costly or even away from home, but it must be

COST, from page 13 let you wear your favorite little black dress, rather than drop a few hundred on something new that you’ll never wear again, make it up to her by helping out in some other way. Perhaps you’re a skilled crafter who can make one-of-a-kind favors for the reception. Maybe your graphic design skills could help her save money on customdesigned invitations. Or perhaps you can

Southern Rhode Island & Southeastern Connecticut’s Wedding Specialists

use your flower-arranging skills to help her save money on centerpieces, boutonnieres and bouquets.

With some advanced planning and loving honesty, you can help ensure your friend’s big day is as perfect as possible-and that the only thing you’re left with afterward are happy memories.

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Fall Bridal

Sunday, October 28, 2012

jxww|Çz cÜÉvxáá|ÉÇtÄ TÄàxÜÇtà|äxá Not every bride-to-be has visions of walking down the aisle to Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus.” Some prefer other songs that are romantic or dramatic. There may be a particular song dear to a bride’s heart or one she just fell in love with.

For those looking for something that more accurately reflects the tone of individual weddings, here are some selections, courtesy of The Knot, that can make the wedding even more special.

CONTEMPORARY 1. “Sunrise, Sunset” (Hamick & Bock) 2. “The Look of Love” (Burt Bacharach) 3. “The Vow” (Lubbock) 4. “Wedding Processional” (Rodgers & Hammerstein) Here are some other contemporary songs that can be used with lyrics or in instrumental versions as wedding processionals or first dances.

1. “Take Me As I Am” (Love Theme from “Jekyll & Hyde”)

TRADITIONAL 1. “Air” (Handel)

2. “Marry Me” (Train)

2. “Canon in D” (Pachelbel)

3. “Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars)

3. “Procession of Joy” (Hopson)

4. “That’s All I Ask of You” (Love Theme from “Phantom of the Opera”)

4. “Te Deum” (Charpentier)

6. “Canzon V” (Gabrieli)

6. “Con Te Partiro” (Andrea Bocelli)

7. “Romeo & Juliet Love Theme” (Tchaikovsky)

7. “My Heart Will Go On” (Love Theme from “Titanic”)

8. “Winter” (Vivaldi)

SAFEGUARD, from page 6 “Many people aren’t even aware that it’s possible to buy event insurance to give themselves peace of mind on their big day — but it’s possible and affordable,” says Ted Wentzel, director of marketing for Markel American. “With the costs of weddings skyrocketing, it’s becoming increasingly smarter to make sure that you’re covered financially, in case of something going wrong.”

While wedding insurance won’t cover things like cold feet or rain on your outdoor ceremony, it will cover multiple important aspects of the wedding. If the ring bearer drops the wedding rings in the sink, that’s covered by event cancellation insurance. Perhaps the caterer went out of business a month before the ceremony. The additional expense of booking a replacement caterer and getting the original deposit back would be covered by the insurance policy.

Additionally, most wedding venues now require couples to have insurance coverage, and event liability insurance meets that requirement. If something goes wrong at the wedding or reception venue, event liability insurance means that brides and grooms will be defended against assuming responsibility for damage dealt. This safe-

5. “The Wind Beneath My Wings” (Bette Midler)

5. “Wedding March” (Mozart)

8. “You Raise Me Up” (Josh Groban)

15

guards against the well-meaning maid of honor who accidentally hung the bride’s dress from an unstable light fixture and pulled it from the wall, or the best man whose exuberant toast led to an unfortunate smashing of many expensive pieces of glassware.

“My wife and I knew anything could happen during a wedding, so purchasing insurance was a no-brainer for us,” says Brandon Bernos, a former Markel American customer. “And that ’anything’ did — the day of our engagement photo shoot, we were unable to contact our photographer. We found out that he had been in a car accident weeks prior and didn’t survive. When we contacted Markel, they immediately refunded our security deposit and we were able to find another photographer. Now, we tell anyone who is planning their wedding to get wedding insurance.”

For couples involved in wedding planning, purchasing wedding insurance can be an important factor in making sure that the big day goes smoothly. And just like picking the cake, caterer or photographer, there are plenty of options to create a custom insurance policy that’s just right for the happy couple-to-be.

428739

TOAST, from page 10 anything, whether it’s the first time you met your friend’s now-spouse or, if you’re not related to the bride or groom, how you met.

• Steer clear of the bar before the toast.

Many a well-intentioned wedding toast has gone horribly wrong thanks to alcohol.

Maids of honor and best men should abstain from alcohol before their toasts to avoid embarrassing themselves and the bride and groom. If you’re especially nervous, maybe a drink can help calm your nerves. But if you’re going to drink before

the toast, be sure to drink only in moderation.

• Practice beforehand. Very few people can survive “winging” a wedding toast. Practice the toast beforehand so you’re comfortable with what you’re going to say before the moment arrives.

• Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

Weddings are typically laid back and fun affairs, so don’t stress about giving the perfect toast. If the toast comes off as genuine and stays appropriate, it’s a good toast.

It’s Your Day… For that Special Day, every bride should be radiant. Let Haircraft Designs take care of you and your bridal party by selecting the ideal makeup and hair design.

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16

Fall Bridal

Prepare you and your wedding party for the big day!

Customize manicures, pedicures, massage and facial services to a package that fits your needs and budget.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Pre-Wedding Day Packages for Bride & Bridesmaids UPTOWN COUTURE BRIDAL PACKAGE Includes upkeep facial, 30 min body massage, Shellac French manicure and (day of wedding) bridal updo for $195

UPTOWN COUTURE DELUXE BRIDAL PACKAGE Includes pre-wedding day: 60 min elemental nature facial, 60 min elemental nature body massage, Shellac French manicure, Weekapaug pedicure, and trial updo. On day of wedding Bridal updo and mineral makeup application for $245

HAPPY COUPLE PACKAGE Relax together before your big day. Couples package includes: Manicures and Weekapaug pedicures, followed by upkeep facials and a 30 min body massage to refresh and relax you and your groom to be for $310 ($155 per person) TEMPTU Airbrush makeup applications are available. Innovative cosmetics have been developed to ensure wear-ability and durability even in the most difficult conditions. Customized packages are available as well as discounts for two or more people.

EYELASH EXTENSION Individual eyelash applications and Mink strip lash applications available for a long lasting dramatic eye.

GREAT BRIDESMAID GIFT IDEAS! Alex and Ani bangles, Ficarre headbands and hairpieces, and JoJo of Boston’s, Swarovski crystal stud earrings.

We offer all natural vita liberata spray tanning applications.

To inquire about bridal and wedding services contact Talia Mortrude, Uptown Salon’s Wedding Coordinator, at 401-596-9100 or e-mail info@uptownsalonspa.com

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31 POST ROAD, WESTERLY 401-596-9100 www.uptownsalonspa.com