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The Westerly Sun
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Save-the-date card etiquette . . . . . . . . 3 ‘Green’ ideas for winter-white weddings . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Save money with handmade invitations . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 How to make your proposal perfect . . . . 6 Save-the-date cards inform guests that a wedding is on the horizon, making it easier to arrange travel plans.
Tips for writing your own wedding vows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Roles of the best man and maid of honor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Simple ways to save on your wedding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Gray Goose Cookery ~ Wedding Registry Extraordinaire . . . 10 Variety is the spice of life with wedding cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Edible wedding favors make a fine choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Tradition behind tossing rice . . . . . . . . 13 Determining if a destination wedding is for you . . . . . 14 Packing pointers for destination weddings . . . . . . . . . 15 How to find the right banquet hall for your big day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Getting guests to and fro: Wedding day transportation tips . . . . 18 How to help guests save on travel . . . . 20 Find a gown they all will love . . . . . . . 21
Save-the-date card etiquette More and more couples planning to walk down the aisle are embracing save-the-date cards to give guests adequate notice that there is a party on the horizon. Save-the-date cards do more than let guests know when you’re getting hitched. The cards are a preliminary way to keep guests informed and let them know they are, in fact, on the guest list. These cards haven’t always been so popular, but have risen in popularity due to longer engagement periods, a growing number of destination weddings and the growing number of couples with guests from all over the country, if not the world. Considering people often plan business trips, vacations and other excursions several months in advance, save-the-date cards help secure a greater number of attendees at your wedding. Save-the-date announcements can vary in many ways. They may be postcards or magnets that can be attached to a refrigerator door. If you desire a cohesive theme to your wedding stationery, select the save-the-date cards at the same time you choose your wedding invitations. This way you can ensure that either the patterns, fonts, colors, or style of the cards will match. It will also help convey the tone of the wedding. Guests often
take their cues regarding the level of formality of the wedding from the type of stationery couples choose.
announcements. Guests may talk to one another and it is best to avoid hurt feelings and any added drama before the wedding by treating everyone equally.
When to send out the save-the-date Be sure to include the wedding date, your announcements is important as well. As a names and the location of the wedding on general rule of thumb, it is wise to mail the save-the-date cards. You do not out the cards 6 months in need to offer RSVP information or advance for a standard wedAs a general detailed specifics at this time. You ding. If the wedding requires rule of thumb, it may want to include a Web site travel or extended overnight URL on the card so guests can accommodations, you may is wise to mail out check it frequently for updates want to mail them out 8 the cards 6 months on wedding information. Be months to a year in in advance for a sure to also include that a formal advance to give guests the standard invitation will follow at a later time to investigate flight date. You do not want to cause costs and hotel arrangements. wedding. confusion by having guests think that A wedding also may necessitate the save-the-date card is the actual invitaplanning a vacation or personal time tion. Also, make sure you address the saveoff from work. Therefore, ample advanced the-date cards correctly to show your intennotice is advisable. tions with respect to guest invites. For examBe sure to make your guest list in advance of ple, be clear about whether children will be sending out save-the-date cards. Everyone invited and whether a boyfriend/girlfriend or who receives a card should also be sent an another guest can tag along. invitation prior to the wedding. Remember Although save-the-date cards are not a necesto include any members of your planned sity, they have become a popular part of wedwedding party in the list of recipients. Just ding planning to eliminate confusion about because a person has verbally confirmed invitations as well as help guests plan time off attendance at your wedding doesn’t mean for your wedding. ♥ they should be excluded from subsequent
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WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
The Westerly Sun
‘Green’ ideas for winter-white weddings (BPT) - You’re ready to say your “I do’s” in front of your family and friends. Planning a memorable celebration of your commitment to each other, however, doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your commitment to the environment. It’s possible to create the wedding of your dreams and stay “green,” even in the cold, white months of winter. December is the most popular month for proposals, and the second-most popular cool season month for weddings (after October). Environmentally correct weddings are a hot trend, according to TheKnot.com, a leading wedding-planning website. If your vision of the perfect wedding marries eco-friendly green with winter white, here are some tips and ideas to help you turn your vision into reality:
Friendly feasting Great food is an essential part of any wedding, whether you’re serving a sitdown dinner or just hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. When you’re planning your menu, however, keep in mind how the foods you choose may impact the environment. For example, is that fish entree net caught, line caught or farmed? A dish’s environmental impact depends on several factors, including how the product was raised and harvested, how it was transported and how far it had to travel from point of origin to plate. By choosing locally grown products or those grown and harvested using sustainable practices, you can reduce your wedding feast’s impact on the environment.
see GREEN, page 16
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Save money with handmade invitations Calligraphy, embossing, fonts, watermarks — these and other terms are finely engrained in the wedding stationery lexicon. While traditionalists may pore over carefully crafted invitations and other stationery products from commercial printers, couples looking to rein in wedding spending may choose to take a more hands-on approach to wedding invitations ... by printing the invites themselves. Before the advent of sophisticated home computer systems and affordable desktop printers, brides- and grooms-to-be had to rely on professional printers and engravers. The process of producing wedding invitations likely involved printing plates or some form of thermography and took place in a building replete with bulky equipment and the pungent aroma of ink. Though formal and often exquisitely executed, these wedding invitations can still prove quite expensive. The Bridal Association of America says that the average cost of professionally produced wedding invitations is $659. This refers to invitations that have printed envelopes, reply cards, and printer reply card envelopes. Changes in design or even the color of the text can impact prices further. It is not unheard of to spend as much as $2,000 for
high-quality engraved wedding invitations. Considering the invitation is held for a short period of time and then tossed away, some couples cannot imagine spending so much on invitations. In such instances, making your own invitations may be the most affordable option. As the evolution of home-based printing has broadened the possibilities of do-it-yourself printing, couples who hope to design and produce their own wedding invitations have many options at their disposal.
Pre-Made Kits A visit to a stationery store or even the local craft retailer should present shoppers with several different wedding invitation kits. These packages often include blank invitations, response cards, envelopes and other embellishments pertaining to the invitation design. Some can be quite elaborate, with the inclusion of vellum or card inserts, as well as die-cut designs. Couples who want control over the wording and printing but would rather leave the creative design to someone else can benefit from these invitation kits. They also see INVITATIONS, page 16
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WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
The Westerly Sun
How to make your proposal perfect (BPT) - You’ve picked the perfect ring. You’ve practiced the words you’ll use when you propose. But you know she would be livid if you asked her on the big screen at a sporting event.
help your engagement stick out. With so many engagements between Christmas and Valentine’s Day, here are some great ways to make your engagement be one of a kind.
Making an engagement truly memorable will win you points for a lifetime each time she retells your engagement story. These tips will
Take it personally You are proposing to the woman or man of
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your dreams. The one person you’ve chosen to spend the rest of your life with. The person who is the perfectly unique match to yourself. So, make the proposal just as personalized and special as that person. Yes, you may have chosen the perfect ring, but presentation is equally important.
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WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
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Tips for writing your own wedding vows A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event for many couples, so brides and grooms wish for the event to be momentous and memorable. As such, couples are increasingly integrating personal nuances into their ceremonies and receptions to tailor weddings to their unique visions.
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WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
The Westerly Sun
Roles of the best man and maid of honor Being chosen as a best man or a maid of honor is a significant and meaningful honor. Those roles have evolved over the years, but these special participants must still perform some of the traditional duties of the past, including serving as the official witnesses to the ceremony. The following is a rundown of the various duties maids of honor and best men are now expected to handle once they’re chosen for these distinguished honors.
Prior to the wedding Before the wedding takes place, the maid of honor will closely assist the bride-to-be with many of the important decisions related to the look and the feel of the wedding. She typically accompanies the bride to dress shops to select gowns for the bride and bridesmaids. Much in the same manner, the best man will assist the groom-to-be with choosing tuxedoes or suits and also with coordinating with the ushers to ensure they know when to go for fittings.
The maid of honor may be asked to delegate certain assignments, such as helping to find wedding vendors or addressing invitations. She may go with the bride for makeup and hairstyle trials. Together with the bridesmaids, she will plan a bridal shower party and a bachelorette excursion. She may select a wedding gift for the couple and present it on behalf of all the wedding attendants. The best man will coordinate the bachelor party and may be asked to assist the groom with selecting a honeymoon site or to come along to book the trip.
Wedding day On the day of the wedding, the maid of honor and the best man will act as a support system for the bride and groom. The maid of honor will help the bride get dressed and help iron out any mini-emergencies that should crop up. The best man will help ensure all of the ushers are dressed and get the groom to the wedding on time.
Although the best man will serve as a sounding board for the groom, traditionally the bride and her bridesmaids have taken on the majority of the wedding planning, so the maid of honor can expect to play a larger role than the best man.
During the ceremony, the maid of honor will hold the bride’s bouquet while she participates in the wedding. The best man will keep the rings safe until they are needed. The maid of see ROLES, page 22
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Sunday, January 27, 2013
WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
Simple ways to save on your wedding According to a 2012 report in Brides magazine, the average American couple spends just under $27,000 on their wedding, while their northern neighbors in Canada spend slightly more than $23,000 on average for their big day. Clearly couples, regardless of which side of the border they call home, can expect to invest a substantial amount of money for their weddings. While many couples find the cost of a wedding is well worth it, others would like to find ways to save so their big day isn’t a budget-buster. Such savings aren’t always easy to come by, especially for couples with a very distinctive picture in mind of what their wedding should be. However, even couples strongly committed to a certain wedding style might change their minds once they realize how much such a dream wedding will cost. For those couples as well as couples who simply want to save some money, the following are a few ideas to avoid busting your budget without venturing too far from your dream wedding. • TRIM THE GUEST LIST. The guest list is perhaps the easiest place to begin saving money. Many reception halls will charge by the head, so consider if you really need to invite 150 guests or if 100 will do. Such trimming can save you a substantial amount of money. For example, a banquet hall that charges $200 per guest will cost couples with a guest list of 150 $30,000 for the reception alone. Cutting that guest list to 100 reduces that cost by $10,000. When putting together the guest list, remove those candidates who would best be described as acquaintances. This can include coworkers with whom you don’t socialize, as well as old college friends to whom you rarely speak. Distant cousins you haven’t spoken to in years can also be cut from the list. • DON’T GO OVERBOARD ON THE GOWN. Styles are ever-changing, so there’s a strong chance brides won’t be passing down their wedding gowns to their own daughters someday. What’s popular now will likely seem outdated by the time your daughter walks down the aisle. Keep this in mind when shopping for a wedding dress, which can be made in the same design as the one you try on but with cheaper fabrics that are a fraction of the cost. The disparity between gown costs in the United States and Canada should paint a good picture of how easily brides can save money on their gowns. According to a survey of wedding trends conducted by Weddingbells, an online resource for Canadian brides, the average Canadian bride in 2011 spent just under $1,800 on her wedding gown, while the average American bride spends roughly $1,100 on her gown. Though the rea-
sons for that disparity are unclear, it’s safe to say there are savings to be had for brides who don’t want to break the bank paying for their wedding gowns.
Did you know? It’s well known that weddings can be expensive. But just how much money defines expensive? Although couples ultimately control how much they spend on their wedding, the average cost of the main ingredients to a wedding indicate that many couples prefer to splurge for their special day.
• GET HITCHED IN THE OFF-
Many couples prefer to get married sometime between the months of May through October. During these months, venues and vendors, including limousine services, caterers, photographers, musicians, and deejays, are more expensive. If you are willing to switch your wedding date to the off-season you can save a substantial amount of money. In addition, you likely won’t face as much competition for the best venues and vendors as you will during the peak wedding season.
SEASON.
Wedding: $26,951 Dress: $1,124 Music: $3,109 Photographer: $2,307 Florist: $1,971 Invitations: $367 Videographer: $1,518 Reception: $13,106 Cake: $591 Transportation: $658 Source: WeddingStats.org
A bride who’s willing to be flexible with respect to her wedding gown can save a substantial amount of money.
• TRIM YOUR BEVERAGE
The bar tab at the end of the reception can be considerable, but there are ways to save money while ensuring your guests can still toast you and yours with a few libations. Rather than offering a full bar, limit the choices to beer and wine, which will be perfectly acceptable to most guests anyway. In addition, rather than paying the caterer for the wine, buy your own and you’ll save a considerable amount of money. You may have to pay the caterer a fee to pour the wine, but that fee is negligible compared to what you’d pay the company to provide the wine.
BUDGET.
• CHOOSE A BUFFET-STYLE DINNER OVER Many guests will no doubt prefer a buffet-style dinner instead of waiter service, so take advantage of that and choose a more affordable buffet-style dinner that allows diners to choose their own entrees and side dishes.
WAITER SERVICE.
When it comes to trimming wedding costs, couples will have to make compromises. But those compromises don’t have to come at the cost of a beautiful and memorable event. ♥
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WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
The Westerly Sun
Gray Goose Cookery ~ Wedding Registry Extraordinaire
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BY TONY NUNES Special to The Sun
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Gray Goose Cookery Olde Mistick Village 27 Coogan Boulevard Building 19A Mystic, Connecticut 860-536-5306 Gray Goose, Too! Building 15E 860-536-4655
Weddings are all about new beginnings. Every choice and decision about the day is rich with meaning and forethought. A wedding after all, is the start of a new life. When it comes to setting up a wedding registry a similar sense of far-sightedness applies. Each choice is a building block for the future. Quality and timelessness are crucial in deciding what products best fit the life you’ve always wanted. When committing to a lifetime of love why shouldn’t you ask for gifts that can endure that lifetime? The kitchen is the best place to start. Cooking and dining supplies are used every day to create new memories and bring people together for the most cherished of moments. Kitchen and dining products run the gamut, so using the wedding registry to supply a lifetime is crucial. Gray Goose Cookery and its sister store the Gray Goose Too have everything you could possibly need or want. With two shops in Olde Mistick Village, Gray Goose has over 6200 square feet (both stores combined) of kitchen and dining products that exude both resiliency and quality. It’s important for young couples to capitalize on good cookware, knives and everything else they might need to build a new kitchen and lifestyle. The wedding registry process at Gray Goose is tailor-made for ease and service. Expert staff are on hand to guide couples through choosing which items best fit their lives and to help them compile a list of items easily accessed by guests looking to buy wedding or shower gifts. Quality cookware, including signature and high performance skillets, bakers and braisers from Le Creuset, Mauviel and All-Clad are among the best available and are built to last. Chef quality professional knives from Shun and Wusthof offer precision and durability with a lifetime warranty. Performance products from Cuisinart, from food processors to slow cookers are staples of the modern kitchen. These are just some of the products Gray Goose Cookery offers. Other items Gray Goose offers are tailored more specifically to cooking enthusiasts with particular interests. Baking hobbyists and the Pinterest crowd might enjoy Brod and Taylor folding proofers for controlling and fermenting
viking fissler dough humidity. They’d also enjoy mixers from Breville and the endless assortment of other baking supplies for any and everything they could want to create. Cooks with time issues might love Fisslers pressure cooker which cuts cooking time down by 70%. Health conscious, smoothie loving eaters might want a professional quality Vitamix blender, the most versatile available. Coffee lovers may enjoy a coffee grinder, brewer or espresso machine from Jura Capresso. There is literally something for every lifestyle at Gray Goose. The Gray Goose Too has much needed housewares from glassware and linens to platters, dinnerware and servingware. Entertaining is an essential part of married life, and family dinners are one of the most important features of a happy, healthy lifestyle. A good meal shared with family and friends is the gift that keeps on giving. Starting a new life is all about preparing for the future. An important part of the wedding registry is ensuring it is well stocked with gifts you can use to give back year after year. Gray Goose Cookery and the Gray Goose Too have everything needed to start that new life. Visit Gray Goose Cookery and the Gray Goose Too in Olde Mistick Village, Mystic CT or visit them on the web at www.graygoosecookery.com and www.graygoosetoo.com. ♥
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Sunday, January 27, 2013
WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
Variety is the spice of life with wedding cuisine Weddings are a celebration wherein guests look forward to the reception as much as the actual ceremony, and the food served at the wedding is often hotly anticipated. Wedding receptions feature a bevy of different foods to tempt the palates of those in attendance. From appetizers served during the cocktail hour to the last crumb of cake, food plays a big role in a wedding reception. Choosing foods for a reception can take a little forethought, especially when the wedding party is especially large. The following are a few suggestions to ensure most guests are happy with the menu selections. The first rule of thumb is variety. As much as budget allows, give guests the choice over what they dine on. During the cocktail hour — if there is one — couples can play with many different tastes and offerings. For those who want to be creative, this is the time to do so. Exotic flavors can be served alongside more traditional offerings that guests recognize. For example, offer Asian fusion appetizers that may have spice alongside more traditional items, like miniature quiches.
During the main course of the meal, give guests a few options. Most catering facilities will offer suggestions in their meal packages. Couples can typically choose to offer a meat dish, a poultry and a seafood. This caters to a wide variety of diners. It is important for couples to recognize that many people have food allergies or are on restricted diets. While it may not be possible to provide for everyone’s specific requirements, it is possible to make some accommodations First, ask the catering manager how his company provides for guests who are vegetarians or vegans. Ensure that the meal will not be simply a bunch of garnishes and vegetable side dishes lumped together. In addition, couples should recognize that many people have now adopted gluten-free lifestyles. More and more restaurants and establishments have expanded their offerings to include gluten-free items, so it is important for the bride and groom to confirm. People who are diabetic and must limit their consumption of sugars and carbohydrates may appreciate a selection of sugar-free desserts or lower carbohydrate foods. When couples focus on meeting the needs of their guests, it shows they have put in the effort to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable at the wedding.
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organic foods and look to catering facilities that purchase foods from local vendors and farms. If a banquet hall does not make such concessions, ask if specialty items that benefit organic and local food producers can be brought in. Some caterers will be happy to make the change, but it will likely affect the cost of the wedding package to do so. Food and drink will be some of the most costly portions of a wedding, and couples who are interested in keeping costs down can still offer quality foods if they make some changes. Varying the time of day that the wedding is held can enable a brunch or luncheon wedding to take place. These foods are often less expensive and labor-intensive to prepare, and therefore the cost savings are passed down to the bride and groom. Some couples opt for a cocktail and hors d’oeuvre-only reception — which should clearly be indicated on the invitation so that guests can plan accordingly. An informal wedding may feature only a selection of desserts and specialty liquors. This may be the least expensive option. Food is an important factor at a wedding and it is in a couple’s best interest to ensure that the food served is tasty, full of variety and acceptable to the majority of the guests who will be attending the reception. ♥
Couples who have the environment in mind can choose to serve
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WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
The Westerly Sun
Edible wedding favors make a fine choice
Photo: Picture Perfect Photo
A token of appreciation for guests is requisite at wedding receptions. Wedding favors enable attendees to walk away from the event with a memento and also a small thank you for their participation and celebration of this momentous event.
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Brides- and grooms-to-be have different ideas when it comes to wedding favors. Guests have their own opinions, too. As customs and trends change, so do the options in wedding favors.
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In the past, wedding favors were not much different from the items offered today, and not every guest was privy to a take-home trinket. In the 16th century, wedding favors were a sign of
extravagance and showed off the family’s wealth to the guests. Only rich and prominent people during those times could afford and provide sophisticated gifts to their guests. Some favors symbolized luck, and sharing them with guests ensured good luck to all as well. Almonds were common favors because they symbolized fertility, health, happiness, wealth, and longevity. Bonbonnieres were once a popular wedding favor. A bonbonniere is a small, decorative box made of porcelain, crystal or gold. It is embellished with colorful and precious gems. Inside see EDIBLE, page 16
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WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
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Tradition behind tossing rice Once a couple has been married, tradition states that they be covered with tossed rice upon exiting the ceremony. The idea of throwing rice began during the Middle Ages, when rice symbolized fertility. Rice was tossed at the married couple in the hopes they would have many children and be blessed with prosperity as a family.
A false rumor spread that rice was harmful to birds who would eat the discarded rice and explode, so many people now use birdseed or rose petals as alternatives. However, rest assured that the rice myth has been debunked by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. ♥
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WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
The Westerly Sun
Determining if a destination wedding is for you be so simple, so before couples spread the word about their island wedding, it’s best to consider a few factors to determine if a destination wedding is truly the best way to go.
When the time comes to walk down the aisle, more and more couples are choosing to make the procession in a far-off land. Destination weddings are on the rise, with researchers at TheKnot.com reporting that roughly one in four couples who tied the knot in 2011 chose to have a destination wedding. Destination weddings may appear to be an ideal way to tie the knot, but couples should know that planning such a ceremony may be even more difficult than planning a more traditional affair. Couples who choose to have a destination wedding must be ready to put a significant amount of faith in a wedding planner, who is often affiliated with the resort where the couple will be staying. Though the wedding planner may handle many of the details concerning the ceremony and the reception, couples should know that some of that planning will still fall on their shoulders as well. That planning may not
• GUESTS: How many guests a couple hopes to invite is a great starting point when determining if a destination wedding is for you. Many couples who choose to have a destination wedding do so because they prefer a more intimate ceremony. Destination weddings are obviously more expensive for guests than a more traditional ceremony, so many guests won’t be able to afford to attend. Couples who intend to invite many guests might want to avoid a destination wedding. • LOCALE: The destination for your destination
wedding should be a locale that holds a special place in your heart. A random location that you find on the Internet might work out, but having some prior experience with the destination can help you anticipate minor, yet potentially problematic, issues. These issues can include the accessibility of the airport, currency exchange
rate and the weather. In addition, you can help guests have a better time on their trips if you have already familiarized yourself with the locale. If you haven’t traveled much as a couple and don’t have a particular place in mind, then see DESTINATION, page 22
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WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
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Packing pointers for destination weddings In a 2012 study of destination weddings conducted by The Knot Market Intelligence, a research wing of TheKnot.com, researchers found that 350,000 destination weddings occur each year. That figure means nearly one in four couples who tied the knot in 2011 had a destination wedding, a roughly five percent increase from 2009. Destination weddings have grown in popularity for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the appeal of getting married in an exotic or unique locale. In addition, 65 percent of survey respondents said they chose a destination wedding because they wanted a more intimate affair with fewer guests. Whatever the reason behind a couple’s decision to have a destination wedding, there are things such couples must consider that others who chose a local ceremony can afford to overlook or place a
smaller emphasis upon. Packing is one aspect of a wedding that’s more important to couples having a destination wedding than those getting married closer to home. Once a couple boards a plane to head off to their destination wedding, any items left behind will stay behind. So it’s important for couples getting married far away from their homes to develop a plan with respect to packing so they don’t forget or damage any important elements of the wedding. • START WITH A CHECKLIST. Couples should develop of checklist of items they will need to bring with them. Make this list as extensive as possible, including everything that will have to be packed, such as clothing, toiletries, jewelry, reservation information, and anything else you expect to need on your trip. Check off items on this list as you pack them away, and check the list the night before you embark to make
sure you have everything. • CARRY ON ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT Some items are simply to important to pack. A bride’s wedding gown and the groom’s tuxedo fall into this category. Unfortunately, checked bags can get lost, and no bride or groom wants to arrive at their destination without their gown or tux. An airline may provide brides with a garment bag to store the wedding gown, and the gown and tux can likely be hung in the plane’s closet without fear of other passengers putting items on top of them. ITEMS.
In addition to the wedding day attire, don’t store items like the wedding rings or family heirlooms in a checked bag. Carry these items in a purse or securely store them in a carry-on bag. • CONSIDER MAILING WELCOME PACKAGES AFTER YOU RETURN HOME.
see PACKING, page 20
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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
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WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
The Westerly Sun
GREEN, from page 4
EDIBLE, from page 12
Reuse, recycle and revel
the box houses a sweet delicacy, often called a bonbon. In modern times, many couples are returning to the tradition of giving bonbonnieres or other edible favors as their wedding celebration thank-yous. Edible favors are often economical and guests tend to appreciate them. After all, guests have to find a nook in their homes in which to house an engraved ice cream scooper or yet another small statuette.
Brides in bygone generations once gladly wore their mother’s wedding dress, but the practice fell out of vogue as more brides wanted their own unique look for their wedding day. But the green movement has breathed new life into the practice, since reusing and recycling eliminates the need to consume materials and energy making something new. More brides are finding that recycling a wedding dress has other advantages too. It’s possible to achieve a great vintage look with a used wedding dress - whether it’s one handed down from your mother or one you found in a second-hand store. A new gown can cost thousands of dollars, while a repurposed dress can be had much more inexpensively.
Wedding favor wonders Sure it’s a cool idea and the groomsmen will likely use theirs often, but just how environmentally correct is that custom-imprinted beer cozy? Wedding favors are a way of thanking guests for sharing in your special day, but many popular items are made from less-than-eco-friendly materials. To green your wedding, consider favors that are useful and organic, such as organic baking mixes or spice mixes. You can find a plethora of these great-tasting, green-minded options from purveyors like Simply Organic. They even have holiday-appropriate varieties like Cranberry Bread and Pumpkin Cake at www.simplyorganic.com. Dress up favors with decorative netting and ribbons, and you have a unique favor that’s good for guests and the environment, too.
Greener invitations The invitation is often the first impression guests will have of your wedding. While every bride wants invitations that will wow guests, keep in mind the costs - both monetary and environmental - of all that paper. Many eco-minded brides are switching to invitations made with recycled paper or, better yet, electronic invitations. No raw materials are consumed to create e-vites, and what’s more, you can find online services that not only help you create an e-vite, but send it and monitor responses all online. Using such a service can help you keep better track of RSVPs. There is the option of sending invitations printed on recycled paper with flower seeds embedded in the paper. Your guests can plant the invitation in their garden, and remember your special occasion every time they see the beautiful flowers growing. Visit www.greenfieldpaper.com to learn more.
The little things that mean a lot Some other steps that may seem small — like choosing locally grown, in-season flowers rather than out-of-season ones that must be imported — can also make a big difference in how your wedding impacts the environment. Whether you opt to replace cut bouquets and centerpieces with artificial ones that can be reused, or choose acoustic music that requires no electricity to keep guests dancing, it’s possible to find green options for almost every aspect of your wedding. ♥
cake or brownie that are made from cake crumbs and frosting. The balls are covered in candy melts or chocolate and served on a stick. Chocolate artists can transform ordinary cake pops into works of art with intricate piping designs on the hard, outer shell. Clear cello bags and decorative ribbon may be all that’s necessary for a classic wrapping.
Edible gifts can be as varied as a person desires. Candy-coated almonds are still popular, but many couples have expanded their choices and have created new trends in favors. For those couples seeking a unique edible favor for the wedding, here are some suggestions.
• COOKIES: Pastry arts continue to be popular favors for any occasion. Many bakeries offer intricately designed and decorated cookies that can pertain to any theme. Think about a wedding couple or a set of rings as the cookie of choice for a wedding favor. Most cookies last 2 to 3 weeks, so they can be purchased in advance.
• CAKE OR BROWNIE POPS: Food on a stick has long been a favorite of many, but the concept has been taken to new heights with the creation of cake pops. These are small balls of
• PETIT FOURS: These bite-sized pastries lend themselves well to wedding favors. They can easily be paired and put in small boxes as take-home treats. Some bakeries create petit
fours on demand. If not, petit fours can be purchased through online vendors. • CHOCOLATE: Gourmet chocolate remains a popular edible favor. Choose among truffles, caramels, chocolate-covered pretzels, or any favorite treat. Depending on the chocolatier, favors may come pre-boxed and wrapped. • SEASONAL TREATS: If a wedding coincides with a particular season or holiday, favors can be coordinated as well. Think caramelcovered apples for fall parties, chocolate bunnies for spring events, spiced cake bars for the winter holidays or lemon tarts for summer weddings. Wedding favors have been a part of wedding ceremonies for centuries. Edible gifts are thoughtful and flavorful mementos of the wedding day. ♥
INVITATIONS, from page 5
tend to be affordably priced in comparison to a professional printing service.
Crafty Card-Making Interest in scrapbooking and card-making has spurred craft centers to stock many different materials that can be used to design wedding invitations. Layering different types of paper to create a three-dimensional effect and using embellishments such as rhinestones or ribbon can help dress up the wedding invitation. Couples hosting a casual wedding for a small number of guests may enjoy the process of hand-crafting wedding invitations and possibly customizing them for each guest. Intimate affairs lend themselves well to this level of personalization, and handmade invitations could set the cozy tone of the celebration.
Graphic Design Work Couples who have a creative spark may want to draw up their own invitation design or look for the assistance of an artist or graphic designer. There are many different programs that employ the use of clip art and stock imagery that can be put to use with regard to invitations. Those who have a cursory knowledge of some design applications can import text and images and manipulate the size of their templates accordingly for the type of invitation they desire. The finished file then can be printed at home or brought to an office supply center for more professional results.
Digital Services The Internet has brought many services right into the homes of the average person. Discount invitation printing vendors abound
and couples can choose and customize everything they want on their invitations. Due to low overhead costs and an abundance of customers, these online retailers are often priced lower than other venues. Depending on how much control the couple desires over the invitation, there may be ready-made templates or the ability to pick items “ a la carte.” The opportunities to create wedding invitations at home enables some budget-conscious couples to keep costs for stationery at a minimum. Not only does making their own invitations save money, it also enables couples to have more creative control over one of the important components of a wedding that helps set the tone for the occasion. ♥
PROPOSAL, from page 6
something meaningful to commemorate this day. Your names, the date you were engaged or a personal love saying (that maybe only the two of you understand) are ideal inscriptions.
Make it a party Yes, the holiday season is filled with parties, but a personal engagement party is something that you and your families will remember forever. Whether you choose a private, intimate locale to pop the question or a bustling public setting, convene family and friends during or afterward to celebrate together. Plan a special party to commemorate this momentous, life-changing occasion. Don’t forget, a great party doesn’t necessari-
ly mean great expense. Gathering at home with champagne, maybe a cheese plate and a homemade music playlist can make for one of the most memorable occasions of your life. Just be sure your future spouse is the center of attention, and you’ll be set to make the event unforgettable.
Capture the moment Nearly all couples choose to hire photographers and videographers to capture the memories of their wedding day. But isn’t the engagement just as momentous? As your heart begins to race when your knee bends toward the ground, the last thing on your mind will be your camera. But being able to actually look back at this moment will be something you’ll treasure for years to come.
The holidays are busy for everyone, so if you plan on hiring a professional photographer, make sure to call at least a few weeks in advance. Luckily, unlike your wedding day, you’ll probably only need the photographer for an hour or so. If you’re already on a shoestring budget, see if a photography enthusiast friend will take photos for you. They may not end up in The Louvre, but with a decent camera, you’ll be sure to have some great snapshots of the big moment. When it’s all said and done, you and your new fiance may not remember every tiny detail. But using these simple tips will ensure your engagement day is a truly unique, memorable experience for you both. ♥
Sunday, January 27, 2013
WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
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How to find the right banquet hall for your big day Planning a wedding is no small feat, as couples are faced with many decisions seemingly from the moment they get engaged right up until they walk down the aisle as man and wife. One of the biggest decisions a couple will make is where to host the reception.
the staff was to how flexible the banquet hall was with regard to pricing to how open the staff was to suggestions. Wedding planning isn’t easy, so if friends, family members or coworkers recommend a hassle-free banquet hall, that recommendation can remove a lot of the stress from planning a wedding.
Couples must consider a variety of factors when looking for the right banquet hall to host their reception. The wedding is a celebration, and the banquet hall is where the couple and their guests will let their hair down and hopefully enjoy a festive and memorable night. Because the reception is typically the most lengthy portion of a couple’s wedding day, it’s important to find a place where everyone can be comfortable and enjoy themselves. The following are a few tips for couples looking to find the ideal banquet hall to host their wedding reception.
• CONSIDER THE SIZE OF THE FACILITY. Some couples prefer an intimate affair with relatively few guests, while others will desire a large wedding party with lots of guests. Couples can find a banquet hall that’s capable of catering to small or large wedding parties, but find one that fits your party specifically. If your wedding party is small, then avoid a larger facility that will appear empty. If the party is large, make sure there’s adequate room so guests won’t feel like they’re sitting on top of one another during dinner and dessert.
• ASK AROUND. Word-of-mouth is a great way to find the right banquet hall. Ask friends or family members who got hitched in the same town where your ceremony will be if they can recommend a reception site. These friends or family members can provide a behind-the-scenes look at a reception hall, from how accommodating
• DON’T DOWNPLAY DECOR. A banquet hall with an attractive decor is not only aesthetically appealing but can appeal to a couple’s finances as well. Such a hall likely won’t need any additional decorations, while a banquet hall that’s unadorned and lacks embellishments will, and those decorations can dip into a couple’s overall wedding
budget. Compare the costs of the more decorated banquet hall with the one that’s more plain in appearance, factoring in the cost to decorate the latter, and you might just realize the one with more aesthetic appeal is more affordable in the long run. • PRIORITIZE PRIVACY. Few couples would be open to strangers having easy access to their wedding reception. When shopping for a banquet hall, look for one that gives you and your guests all the privacy you need. Many couples have taken to hosting the entire ceremony at a hotel, which may handle the bulk of the planning and remove the hassle of transportation for out-of-town guests. However, couples considering a hotel should look for one that can promise privacy from other guests at the hotel who aren’t there for the wedding. The reception room should be secluded from the rest of the hotel so other guests walking by aren’t tempted to walk in on the festivities. The banquet hall is where couples can expect to spend most of their time on their wedding day, so couples should exercise their due diligence to ensure they find an inviting and festive facility. ♥
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WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
The Westerly Sun
Getting guests to and fro Wedding day transportation tips When paring down the guest list for their wedding day, many couples come to the realization that their lists are loaded with out-of-town friends and family members. Though out-of-town guests who accept an invitation to the wedding are responsible for their own travel to the wedding destination, many couples feel obligated to arrange for travel to and from the wedding as well as the reception. The latter is especially important, as couples want to ensure their guests make it home safely once the reception ends.
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Transportation for guests to and from the wedding and reception is something couples can easily overlook, but such arrangements can ensure guests are on time for the ceremony and that no guest has to worry about whether or not it’s safe to drive home after the reception. Couples who don’t know where to begin with regard to transportation for their wedding guests might want to start with the following tips. • SHOP AROUND FOR SHUTTLE SERVICE. Shuttle service can be costly, but it’s also very convenient. Couples can arrange for shuttle service from the hotel to the wedding, and then from the wedding site to the banquet hall where the reception is being held, and finally from the reception site back to the hotel at the end of the night. Depending on the size of the wedding party, the shuttle service will likely recommend staggering the runs so every guest can take advantage of this convenient service. More runs will be necessary for Dr. Jennifer A. Torbett DMD
larger parties, while a handful of runs is likely all that’s necessary for ceremonies with fewer guests. • CONSIDER A BUS FOR SMALLER PARTIES. Couples without an continues on next page
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Sunday, January 27, 2013
WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
extensive guest list may also be able to get by with a single bus to get guests around throughout the day. A bus will provide similar service as a series of shuttles. The bus will likely only pick up guests at one specific time, making it an ideal choice for smaller parties but less convenient for larger parties where some guests might want to retire earlier than others come the end of the night. A bus can be more fun for guests, who can reunite on the bus with others they have not seen in a while or make new friends with guests who might be affiliated with the other half of the wedding party. • DISCUSS TRANSPORTATION WITH THE HOTEL WHERE GUESTS WILL BE STAYING. Some couples may find that a shuttle service or another transportation option will stretch their budget too thin. In such instances, speak with the hotel where guests will be staying. Some hotels provide airport shuttle service to guests, and may be able to offer a similar service to the wedding for guests who register their rooms under the wedding party’s name. This may come at a fee, but compare the cost of arranging transportation with the hotel versus a private shuttle service. The former might be more affordable than the latter. Even if the hotel cannot provide shuttle service, the concierge or front desk staff may be able to point in the right direction regarding an affordable shuttle service. This can be especially valuable to couples having a destination wedding who don’t know the area very well.
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• INFORM THE GUESTS. Of course, the guests will need to be informed of the transportation arrangements upon checking into the hotel. Don’t assume you will see each guest before the ceremony, as some may not be making it into town until the morning of your wedding day, when you will likely be too busy to meet with them. So be sure to include transportation instructions in the welcome packages guests will receive when they check into the hotel. Consult with hotel staff a day or two before your wedding to ensure those packages are ready to go and that the correct transportation information is included. Transportation for wedding guests might not be at the top of many couples’ priority lists, but arranging for such transportation can ensure everyone enjoys the ceremony and makes it home safe and sound at the end of the night. ♥
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• GET THE DETAILS SPELLED OUT IN WRITING. Like all aspects of planning a wedding, make sure you get the nuts and bolts of the transportation package in writing before writing any checks. This should include the minimum hours the company will be available for guests as well as if there are any charges related to
total mileage traveled. In addition, make sure the agreement clearly spells out how many drivers will be available. Note when shuttles to the ceremony and the ensuing reception will run, as well as how frequently shuttles will be available to guests once the reception begins, and when the last shuttle will leave the reception site at the end of the night. Before signing any agreements, research the company to ensure all of its drivers are properly licensed.
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WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
The Westerly Sun PACKING, from page 15
How to help guests save on travel Weddings are typically expensive affairs. Couples may be willing to go the extra mile and stretch their finances for their big day, but what about their guests? Couples ask much of their out-oftown wedding guests, who must arrange for travel and lodging and possibly even childcare if they are bringing young children. Because traveling to a wedding can be such a costly expenditure, many couples look for ways to alleviate some of the financial pressure that this travel places on their guests. The following are a few ways couples can do just that. • FIND AN AIRPORT-FRIENDLY WEDDING Couples who can get married within a short distance of a major airport can save their guests a significant amount of money. A major airport has more flights, and that can translate to more options and more affordable flights for your guests. In addition, a wedding destination that is close to an airport reduces the chance that guests will have to pay for rental cars. A cab ride to the hotel might be less expensive
DESTINATION.
than a rental car, which guests may not need aside from getting to and from the airport. • INQUIRE ABOUT GROUP Couples know to negotiate group hotel rates for their wedding guests, but few may know it’s possible to negotiate group airline rates as well. If a large number of your wedding guests will be traveling from the same city, contact the major airlines to see if they offer group travel discounts. Many airlines do, so comparison shop to find your guests the best deal.
AIRLINE RATES.
• CONSIDER A LONGER ENGAGEMENT. A longer engagement can save your guests money on travel. Couples who choose to have a longer engagement and send save-the-date cards out early are
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Welcome packages are nice gestures that show your guests just how much you appreciate their being there for your big day. However, when having a destination wedding, couples may discover that their premade welcome packages are too bulky or just too numerous to easily fit into luggage. Instead of taking these to your destination, mail them to your guests after you return home. The packages might not be there to welcome guests, but the sentiment is still the same and guests will appreciate the gesture just the same. If you plan to go this route, talk to the hotel in advance to see if they can help you put together a smaller package so guests are still welcomed to the destination. • BE WARY OF SHIPPING ITEMS AHEAD Some couples ship some important items to their hotel ahead of time. While this might seem like an easy solution to packing welcome packages or other special items such as decorations, these items can easily get lost in the mail or stranded at customs. Shipping items ahead might seem like a great idea, but couples must weigh the potential risks before placing important items in someone else’s hands. ♥ OF YOU.
giving their guests more time to book flights and find deals. Flights tend to be less expensive when booked well in advance, so a longer engagement gives guests more time to find a flight that’s affordable. In addition, travelers who can book early often get the first crack at the best flight times, saving themselves the nuisance of taking a red-eye flight or traveling early in the morning. ♥
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Sunday, January 27, 2013
WEDDINGS ~ WINTER Close friends and family members are an important component of a couple’s wedding day. Individuals who are especially close to the bride and groom are often asked to become members of the wedding party, which means a bride-to-be will be asking one or more women to play an integral role in the celebration. To set these ladies apart from other guests at the wedding, they are often asked to wear coordinating bridesmaid gowns. Selecting a style and color that is fitting to the unique people of the bridal party can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.
Find a gown they all will love
As if choosing your maid of honor wasn’t tricky enough, you now must make a host of other decisions as well, all while playing stylist to the wedding party. Fashion sense is as
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unique as a fingerprint, and it is unlikely the bridesmaids will be able to agree on every aspect of the gowns they will be asked to wear. However, there are ways to narrow down the choices and be as accommodating as possible to their needs.
Size matters The body shapes and sizes of the women in your bridal party will be different, and this should be kept in mind when selecting a gown style and cut. There are certain dress shapes that are universally flattering, such as A-line. Try to avoid gowns that are extremely form-fitting, as only a few of the bridesmaids may be see GOWN, page 22
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WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
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DESTINATION, from page 14
GOWN, from page 20
you might find a destination wedding is more hassle than it’s worth.
able to pull off this look successfully. The remainder could be left feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable. Plus, form-fitting clothing will be restrictive and can be difficult to move around in — particularly considering the gown will be worn for an entire day.
• ACCESSIBILITY: A common problem many couples encounter when planning a destination wedding is the accessibility of their chosen locale. Couples will likely have to visit the destination at least once prior to their wedding, which will eat up some of your wedding budget and your vacation time (which you will need to save for the actual wedding and your honeymoon). If the locale is a remote island that’s not very accessible, that can make these pre-wedding trips pretty stressful. Accessibility should also be a consideration for your guests. How far will your guests have to travel? How much money will guests have to spend on airfare and hotel accommodations? The less accessible the locale is, the more you and your guests are going to have to spend. Accessibility of the airport is another consideration. Some island locales and resorts are known for their remoteness, which can be a problem for wedding guests. If the resort is a long ride away from the airport, that’s another expense for guests. The resort may provide a shuttle service, but that cost will fall on the couple and the shuttle may not run frequently, which can prove problematic when guests’ arrivals are staggered. • LEGALITY: The law is another thing couples must consider when deciding if a destination wedding is for them. Laws vary depending on the locale, so before you commit to a specific locale, make sure you’re legally allowed to get married there and if there are any hurdles you must clear before you can. Those hurdles might be significant, and couples may find they’re not worth the hassle. Destination weddings are on the rise, but couples must consider a host of factors to ensure a destination wedding is truly for them. ♥ ROLES, from page 8
honor also will help adjust the bride’s train and veil as she sits and stands during the ceremony. Both will sign the marriage certificate as witnesses. At the reception, the best man is expected to give a toast and the maid of honor may share some words as well. She also may accompany the bride to the restroom and assist her with managing the gown.
After the wedding The best man will be in charge of returning the tuxedoes to the rental shop, if necessary. He also may drive the newly married couple to the airport so they can depart on their honeymoon. The maid of honor will assist the bride in changing out of her gown and into her travel clothes. Oftentimes the maid of honor takes the gown to the cleaners in the days following the ceremony so the dress can be preserved. ♥
Flattering Color As a bride you may have a colorscape in your mind for the wedding. But what looks good in table linens and flowers is not always the right choice for clothing. Take the skin tones and hair colors of your bridesmaids into consideration before choosing a dress. Green- and yellow-hued dresses may not look nice on women with olive skin tones, while very pale colors may wash out women with fair skin. Those with dark skin may need a brighter-colored dress.
Price Tag It is an honor to be asked to be part of a bridal party, but that honor can be very expensive. The bridesmaids are expected to pay for their wardrobe, hair styling, and makeup, as well as parties and gifts for the happy couple. As a courtesy to the women who already will be investing a considerable amount to be a part of your wedding, make every effort to select a gown that is affordable. There are plenty of retailers offering stylish options that may not be as expensive as some specialty stores.
Other Tips Once you’ve decided on the basic elements, consider the following suggestions to find a gown that the bridal party will enjoy. • TAKE ONE OR TWO BRIDESMAIDS SHOPPING Try to select ones with opposite body types so you can see how the gown looks on a woman who is thin and one who may be more full-figured. WITH YOU.
• GO WITH A TEA-LENGTH GOWN. These gowns have become quite trendy and are less formal and cumbersome than full-length gowns. Plus, there is a greater likelihood that the gown can be used again at a later date. • PURCHASE THE BRIDESMAID GOWNS AT THE SAME STORE WHERE YOU WILL BE PURCHASING YOUR WEDDING GOWN. Most shops will offer a courtesy discount if the bridesmaid gowns are purchased at the same store.
• THINK ABOUT CHOOSING SEPARATES. The Ensuring bridesmaids are happy in their bridesmaids can mix and match tops and botgowns takes a little work but will be well toms to find a fit that works. This may enable worth the effort. ♥ a woman with a larger bust size to select a top with supportive straps while another bridesmaid can opt for strapless. Many stores ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ DID YOU KNOW? ♥ ♥ ♥ have increased their inventory of separates because of For decades the month of June held firm as the most popular their growing popularity. month for weddings. But statistics now indicate that there may • CHOOSE ONE COLOR be shifting preferences in the time of the year for marriages. AND THEN LET THE According to The National Center for Health Statistics, July and BRIDESMAIDS CHOOSE THE August are now the most popular months for tying the knot in STYLE THEY LIKE THE BEST the United States. September and October have also gained FOR THEMSELVES. The momentum as premier months. Explanations for this shift vary, look will still be cohesive, but it won’t be boring with but it may have something to do with changing weather patterns one type of gown. Also, and warmer weather now arriving later in the season than in the each bridesmaid will be past. Also, getting married later in the year may make it easier comfortable with a gown for couples to secure their first choice of wedding venues. that flatters her shape.
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PROPOSAL, from page 4
veyed to be dear to your heart, and that can be challenging when faced with the pressures and planning of the rest of the wedding. That isn’t to say that writing your own vows is impossible. Here are some guidelines for personalizing your ceremony with your own sentiments. • SCHEDULE TIME FOR WRITING. Amid the bustle of dress fittings and interviews with photographers, it can be easy to put off the important task of writing vows for another day. But as any great writer can attest, it takes writing — and rewriting — to achieve a finished product you can be proud of. Give the task of writing your vows your undivided attention. Mark it in on your calendar or set a reminder on your computer just as you would any other appointment. • BE AWARE OF CEREMONY GUIDELINES. It is best to check with your officiant and confirm that personalized wedding vows are allowed. During civil ceremonies it’s often acceptable to customize vows as you see fit. However, during religious ceremonies there may be lines of scripture that need to be read or certain passages required. Before you spend hours working on the task, be sure that it is
allowed and that your spouse and you are on the same page. • JOT DOWN YOUR FEELINGS. Answer some questions about what marriage means to you and how you feel about your spouse. Try to avoid trite sayings and think from your heart and personal experiences. Think about what is the most important thing you want to promise to your future partner. These notes can serve as the starting points for the actual vows. • READ INSPIRATIONAL WRITINGS. Perhaps there is an author or a poet who inspires you? You can quote certain writers in your vows or let the tone of their works help shape the words of your vows. There also are suggested wedding readings and other quotes about marriage readily available at the library or with a quick search online. • DECIDE ON A TONE. Although the day is based on love and affection, you may not feel comfortable spouting words of adoration in front of friends and family. Feel free to tap into your unique personality. Humor can be used if it aligns with the way you normally express your affections. Be sure to weave this tone into more traditional passages to create a
cohesive expression of your feelings. • ESTABLISH AN OUTLINE. Put together all of the words and phrases you’ve jotted down into an outline to help you organize the flow of the vows, using these words as a blueprint for the vows and building upon them. Make sure the vows will be concise. Aim for your entire speech to be around 1 minute in length to keep everyone engaged and the ceremony moving along. • PUT EVERYTHING TOGETHER. Draft your vows and then practice them by reading out loud. You want to avoid long sentences or anything that trips you up. Although large words may sound impressive, they could make the vows seem too academic and not necessarily heartfelt. Enlist the help of a friend or two to act as your audience to see if the vows sound good and are easily understandable. Writing your own vows can be a way to include personal expressions of love into a couple’s wedding day. Public speaking is seldom easy, nor is finding the perfect words to convey feelings about a future spouse. However, with some practice and inspiration, anyone can draft personalized vows. ♥
Sunday, January 27, 2013
WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
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WEDDINGS ~ WINTER
The Westerly Sun
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.
Prepare you and your wedding party for the big day!
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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