Bridal Planner Sample

THE TIMES-HERALD | 2011

Bridal Planner

Go-To Local Vendors Simple, Stylish Advice Planning Must-Do’s Expert Tips

How to Plan a Simply

Awesome Wedding

A dve rti si ng Supplement

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C o n g r at u l at i o n s

Let’s Get It

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Congratulations! You and the person of your dreams are embarking on a new life together, and we couldn’t be happier for you. It’s time to create a day that you and your loved ones will never forget.

One thing brides everywhere have learned this past year is how important it is to make every detail count. Despite smaller budgets – the average bride spent about 10 percent less on her wedding in 2009 than she did in 2008, according to The Wedding Report – brides still deserve the wedding of their dreams. The key is to bid adieu to over-the-top opulence and employ simple, smart and stylish techniques.

The best part: It’s easy to do. Just let our 2010 Bridal Planner show you how to do it.

From planning a budget to arranging flowers to choosing a cake, we’ve outlined how to pull off an awesome wedding with ease. Our experts’ tips on how to “keep it simple” show you how to make the most of your time, energy and budget, while keeping style high and stress low.

Dive in. Follow our tips. Plan a wedding that your guests won’t soon forget.

It’s never been simpler to do.

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Budget Venue Fashion Food Drinks Flowers Photo & Video Cake

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Music Transportation Invitations Beauty Fitness Rings Honeymoon Forms

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Venue

Picking Out

Place

the

A wedding’s style starts with where you choose to celebrate Close your eyes and imagine your wed-

ding:What do you see?

While other elements of the big day might flash by in a blur, images of your venue and the way it made you feel to be there will remain with you forever. It’s important to take time to envision your entire event’s style and the atmosphere you want to remember – whether it’s funky and hip, elegant and modern, or intimate and sentimental.Think about places you have visited, parties you have enjoyed and other things close to you that bring you joy.

Setting the Stage

Keep It Simple

Tara Wilson, a professional wedding planner and president of Tara Wilson Events in Fort Worth,Texas, says there are a few main style cues.A traditional bride might lean toward a church wedding and hotel reception, while someone who is earthy and free-spirited might do best outdoors, in a barn or in custom tents. Eclectic brides might consider environments that are new and modern, such as a boutique or hotel, or even old and historic, like a library or mansion.

Once you have narrowed down the choices – at least a little bit – it’s important to visit multiple venues to get a real idea of what they offer. Many questions will begin to pop up.

Marcia Hemphill, professional wedding planner of Chicagobased An Urban Affair, recommends considering overall budget, the city where you are getting married, the number of guests you expect and the overall style and ambiance you desire. Other details to consider may range from the dates and times certain venues are available, the space rental fee and what it includes, what materials are provided (tables, chairs, linens) and whether other parties can be held at the same time.

Don’t be afraid to keep asking questions.

Every venue is different in its rental inclusions and capabilities.

Location Considerations

Some venues offer in-house catering,

which can simplify planning by reducing the number of vendors you must juggle. Hotels are making a comeback for this reason; their fees generally cover all venue and catering costs. Consider locations that can host both your ceremony and reception to make planning and guest coordination more manageable.

“Brides are valuing their guests’ convenience in not having to travel back and forth for the wedding and reception,”Wilson says.

According to Hemphill, art galleries will continue to be a popular venue.They are increasingly open to hosting private events.Another option is a simple, loftlike space.

“Raw spaces are popping up more and

Plan strategically and separate your wants from your deal-breakers. The first thing to consider: the number of guests at the reception, which will have the greatest affect on your bottom line. According to wedding planner Tara Wilson, many brides are favoring more intimate environments over lavish extravaganzas as a way to stay simple without sacrificing quality. “Home-style venues, including backyards and homes, are gaining popularity,” she says. “We’re also seeing a rise in unexpected locations, such as boats and bowling alleys.”

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F A SHIO N

she’s got the look How to put together an ensemble that’s just as ready for the red carpet as it is the aisle A s b r i d e s ake more chances with

their fashion statements, Hollywood Glam is one of the key trends emerging in bridal fashion. Not afraid to experiment with color, shine and other attention-drawing details, brides are borrowing ideas from the red carpet, looking for tips and style direction from celebrities.

“Hollywood style offers endless inspiration to brides,” says San Franciscobased wedding designer Amy Kuschel.

Star Power

David Tutera for Faviana

Keep It Simple

Brides can pour on the glitz with gowns heaped in beading and embroidery in form-fitting shapes for a curvaceous silhouette. Romantic flair is part of the look, with eye-catching floral touches or textured designs. For extra bling, metallic shine is in.

Accessories are another way to pull together a Hollywood look. Shoulderduster earrings, long and layered draping

Brides who favor the simplicity of an understated dress can enhance the drama with Swarovski-crystal belts or lavish chapel or cathedral veils. necklaces and bangles are ways to set off a variety of dresses, from strapless to those with sweetheart necklines.The rule of thumb: More extravagant dresses call for more restrained jewelry. Jewelry is not the only accessory, however. For impact and Audrey Hepburn cool, brides can don long beaded gloves.They can

play up hair with sparkling combs and birdcage veils. Ornate headbands are another option.

Footwear has progressed far beyond the dyed-to-match pump.These days, it’s all about color and bedazzlement, whether it’s a slinky, strappy sandal or a peeptoe pump in a bold shade.

“Color is very big, especially as brides look for something blue,” says Sharon Stimpfle, deputy director of WeddingChannel.com.

Up or down, the ’do for brides on their special day should look soft and sensuous.With wavy hair or finger curls parted on the side any bride can channel a bigscreen siren. Hair swept back in a low, loose bun with cascading tendrils also captures a the look.

The rest of the wedding party can ride on the coattails of the bride’s Hollywood Glam style. Custom-made suits are an option for grooms/men. Bridesmaids can wear bias-cut gowns in rich jewel tones such as burgundy, amethyst and vintage green.

The Shopping Experience

Shopping for a dream wedding dress may at first sound daunting. Keep in mind a few simple tips:

1. Plan Ahead Most wedding designers require at least four to six months production time, so start the shopping process around nine months in advance, especially when you factor in the need for alterations. Even custom-made gowns may need a nip or tuck here and there.

2. Bring and Wear the Bare Minimum.

Literally To keep bridal gowns pristine, don’t wear makeup, lipstick or even lotions that can stain fabric. Stick to undergarments that match your skin tone to get a realistic view of how a gown will look.

Bring footwear that’s easy to take on and off, such as flip-flops.

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fOOD sure guests are aware there won’t be a full meal.”

If the budget is limited but food is a priority for you, consider opting for a Sunday soirée, an off-season wedding date or an afternoon affair, when you can usually get more bread for your buck.

Good Eats It’s simple: People gotta eat.

Here’s how to select the right options for the perfect event W h i l e t h e “I do’s” may be a wedding’s

main event, the edibles at the reception are a strong second place. Food not only serves as a “thank you” to guests who’ve given you gifts and gathered to celebrate your union, it helps sop up the alcohol and can keep the festivities going all night long. A great party is as simple as finding the right food to match an event’s style.

Service Selections

Food service options include plated and family-style dinners, buffets, stations and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Each one helps set the tone of an event, says Bridget Pelster, a sales and catering manager for St. Louis-based Butler’s Pantry. Seated dinners are typically more formal and elegant, family-style meals are more intimate, buffets are more relaxed, stations are more interactive and hors d’oeuvres

Plating Prices

Catering costs can vary widely, from as low as $20 per person at a banquet hall up to $200 per person at a luxury hotel, says Schemper.

The city, the venue and the menu all play a part. Big towns are often more expensive; standard venues may have minimums; nontraditional locations may require additional rentals; and no matter where the event takes place, the quantity, variety and style of cuisine will drastically affect price.

In general, the most expensive options are multi-course plated dinners and stations, says Pelster. The next level down is typically limited-course plated dinners and family-style meals, followed by buffets. And the most affordable option is heavy hors d’oeuvres, either passed or served buffet-style.

The caterer can help you determine what style works best for your budget and will often adjust a menu to meet your needs, such as forgoing coffee service in exchange for an additional appetizer or two.

allow a lot of flexibility.

First, determine the style of service you want based on the vibe you’d like to create, and then start playing around with menu ideas based on your budget and the timing of the event.“If you’re having an evening wedding and you think the reception will last more than three hours, you should plan on serving something fairly significant,” says Molly Schemper, co-owner of Chicago-based FIG Catering.“At the minimum you want heavy hors d’oeuvres with a couple protein options, and it’s a good idea to make

What’s New? Stations – Brides like this less formal setting because it allows guests to mingle, says Dieckmann, and they can customize stations to reflect a theme.

Ethnic Options – Even if you opt for the classic beefor-chicken dinner, you can show-

case your heritage with ethnic stations or hors d’oeuvres, says Schemper.

A ‘Couple’ Favorites – Newlyweds are serving quirky items that they really enjoy or have a history with, says Sheldon. “One couple served their favor-

ite McDonalds hamburgers as a late-night snack, while another couple who actually met at 7-11 served drinks in 7-11’s plastic glasses.”

Farm-to-Table – Everyone is interested in fresh, local foods right now, says Pelster.

“It’s a great way to give your guests a taste of your hometown.”

Comfort Foods – The down-home trend continues strong: mac-andcheese in tiny dishes, gourmet sliders, pigs-in-ablanket and mashed potato bars, says Brooke Sheldon, owner of Lily-

Drinks

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Good Libations

Drink up! Stock a perfect bar that keeps the party going all night long From the cocktail hour to the Cham-

pagne toast, drinks are a key component of most modern weddings.They can make good food great, and they warm strangers both to each other and the dance floor.

Overview

The key elements of a wedding bar include wine, beer, bubbly, cocktails – plus soda,“mocktails”and other nonalcoholic drinks. Determine which drinks you want based on these factors: 1. Budget Fancy, formal affairs may offer premium versions of all beverages all night long. But couples with limited funds might prefer to serve only carefully selected wines and beer and perhaps a signature

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cocktail, says Chris Tanghe, a master sommelier candidate and co-owner of Elevage, a Seattle beverage consultancy.You also can limit the full open bar to just the cocktail hour, but be aware: many member of the bridal world, from editors to etiquette experts, say a cash bar is the ultimate no-no.

2. Guests: If you’ve invited a gaggle of gourmands, you may want to emphasize fine wine.A ton of college friends? Perhaps (a lot of) cheap beer is fine.“Or maybe spirits are a must because the older generation only drinks gin martinis,”Tanghe says.

Drinks & Dollars

Plan for one drink per person per hour of the reception, says Toni Ketrenos, the beer and wine buyer for New Seasons Markets, a chain of Portland-Ore.-based artisan grocery stores. If serving a special sparkling wine for the toast – perhaps a budget-

friendly Spanish Cava or Italian prosecco – allot one additional glass per adult.

Traditional venues usually have set prices, but you may be able to trim costs by paying a nominal corkage fee to bring in your own vino.

If your venue allows you to provide all alcohol yourself, kegs are the more affordable beer option at approximately $1 per 12-ounce glass of craft beer or 63 cents per glass of domestic, says Ketrenos. Smaller gatherings are better off with bottles that can be purchased in quantities.

When it comes to wine, look for deals on labels from an up-and-coming region like South Africa, or ask about close-out prices on the last few cases of a vintage.As for liquor, a 750ml bottle contains about 17 drinks, making it a good deal, but remember that you will also need ice, mixers and more bartenders.

–Anna Sachse

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Flowers

Stay Fresh Assessing Arrangements

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Before going to the florist, first decide on overall budget, venue and color scheme.All these play important roles in determining the florist’s ideas.The budget will determine appropriate suggestions, while the venue will suggest colors and décor needs. Bare, funky spaces may need a large number of decorations while ornate hotel ball-

rooms might not.

Pinpoint your personal style by collecting pictures from magazines and online resources.The photos you choose will reveal qualities that are important to you, such as color, arrangement and complexity.

Bloom Budget

Professional florist Maureen deBruyn, owner of deBruyn designs in Maple

Grove, Minn., says couples tend to spend about 10 percent of their overall budget on flowers.The price depends on many factors, such as the number of bouquets and arrangements or whether the blooms are in season or out of season, local or non-local.To keep costs down, avoid specifying specific flowers.“If you have a general idea of color, type and how much to spend, [your florist] can come up with something,” deBruyn says.

Fresh Ideas

Many fresh color ideas are emerging this year for brides to experiment with in their flowers, according to McGukin.

Greens mixed with buttercreams, delicate pinks and fresh blues are a popular

Limit bouquets and arrangements to three or fewer types of flowers for a simple, clean look,suggests Maureen deBruyn of deBryun designs. Create inexpensive centerpieces by floating flowers in a glass bowl or use a larger flower that takes up more space and requires fewer stems, such as a lily or hydrangea. McGukin recommends choosing a focal point and investing in one large, eye-catching design, or choosing smaller bridesmaid bouquets that incorporate trendy colors and stylish designs.

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Photography After hours upon days upon

Sweet Tea Photography

months of planning (and spending), your most momentous of days deserves to be documented.These are images you’ll cherish for the rest of your life, so choosing a photographer and videographer who understand your personality and tastes is crucial.

Shoot With

Style

As with any artist, each wedding photographer comes with his or her unique perspective and style. Research and communication are key to finding the right fit.

“Make sure that you and your photographer have a good line of communication. Make sure that you click.You will be spending your whole wedding day with this person,” says Lisa Marie O’Quinn, owner of Sweet Tea Photography, Old Town Alexan-

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dria,Va. The best way to start researching is to first identify a photography style that’s right for you. O’Quinn says there are three major wedding photography styles: Traditional: The least expensive photographers will likely take a traditional approach, says O’Quinn. Most shots are posed.

“These are the images that you would expect to see at every wedding,” she says.Think straight-on shots and big smiles – not much more, not much less.

Photojournalistic: “Photojournalistic photographers capture the emotion in every moment rather than poses,” O’Quinn says.

These photographers will roam an even unobtrusively, capturing candid images.

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Music

Rockin’ Reception

Get your guests grooving with the right reception rhythms

With the knot officially tied and the reception underway, the right music is essential to keep guests’ spirits high and ensure a fun-filled night.

Couples visit potential venues before committing to the perfect one. Likewise, they should do due musical diligence before deciding on a DJ. Consider the following: Does the DJ take the time to get to know you as a couple? How are requests made to the DJ? Is there an online songmanagement system or forms to fill out? If the songs you desire are not available, will the DJ obtain them? What grade of speakers/subwoofers they have? Do they have backups? See how their system works.

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Let’s Get It Started For a couple with unconventional music tastes, what may seem like an excellent choice in tunes could have guests calling it an early night.

“Some brides have specific songs that they don’t want played. I have to explain to them, it’s a song that all your guests will be guaranteed to dance to,”says Sinclair Ray III, a professional DJ and owner of the Music Maker DJ Services in North Charleston, S.C. To help get guests into the mood, kick off the reception with “special dances” to engage your guests, says Karle Coppenrath, a professional wedding planner and owner of Weddings By Design, Inc., Port Townsend,Wash.

“This helps set the tone and encourages shyer guests to get out on the dance floor,” she says.These special dances could include an anniversary dance, where mar-

ried couples are invited onto the dance floor, or a dance just for members of the wedding party. Coppenrath suggests sticking with songs that are proven crowd-pleasers. Google top wedding dance songs and view wedding-themed iMixes in iTunes to help pinpoint selections.

“Guests love to be entertained and really enjoy watching other couples on the dance floor,” she says.

Afterward, when you open up the dance floor to everyone, your night will be a swinging success.

Music Money Music is one of the areas where couples increased spending in recession-y 2009, according to The Wedding Report. Expect DJ services to range from $500 to $2000, depending on the market.

–Danielle Robinson © CTW Features

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Cake

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Let Them Eat Cake Today’s wedding cakes are in good taste While a bride will always be the star

of her big day, there’s no denying that the cake comes in close second.And with TV networks cranking out one cake-centric show after another, cake design has taken center stage.

Right along with the rise the of shows like the Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes,” couples are becoming more aware of the endless array of wedding cake possibilities. Choosing a design has become a more challenging task.

Sweet Designs

“Design, is a compromise sometimes,” says JoAnn Moore, a Vail, Colo.-based wedding planner and owner of Mountains and Meadows. Couples may desire a complex cake but not the price tag that comes with it. Moore says her customers are opting for understated, classic styles.“I believe it has something to do with the economy,” she says.“People are going very simple and elegant.”

Classic wedding cakes still have a big design impact. Baker Carrie Biggers says that high-contrast designs, such as a blackon-white damask pattern, are growing in popularity. Simple embellishments are also in. “A single sugar flower is very popular,” Biggers says.

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Carrie’s Cakes

Keep It Simple

–Danielle Robinson

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let’s ride Get everyone to the wedding in style

T h e l a s t t h i n g any bride or groom

wants is to show up late to the altar.

Arranging a chauffeur to get you and your closest pals to and from the ceremony won’t just make your day run a lot smoother – it will make it more fun for all.

Start It Up

Limousine companies tend to get booked quickly during the summer – peak wedding season – and late spring – prom season. Begin looking for a limo as much as six months before these prime

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T r a n s p o r tat i o n periods. If your wedding takes place in the off-season (fall or winter), look to book three or four months out.

Size It Up

The biggest factor in limo choice will be the size of the wedding party and any extra people who will be traveling in the limo.A smaller group may get by in, say, a stretched-out Lincoln limousine, while a group of a dozen may need a converted-SUV limo. Really large groups – 20-some people – could even opt for a party bus limo.

With the type of ride that would best accommodate you in mind, compare prices among like vehicles at different vendors in your area. Don’t make your decision on price alone.

Like every driver on the road, the company you go with should be licensed and insured (including liability and medical insurance for passengers).

Look for companies with a fleet of recent model-year vehicles, and seek references from recent customers.

When getting a quote, be sure to get the whole picture.The bulk of companies charge by the hour and probably will have a three- or four-hour minimum for a wedding, depending on the day.

Prices can range anywhere from $250 to $500 for a stretch limo up to $1,000 for a converted SUV. Don’t forget to ask if the driver’s gratuity – typically 20 percent – is included.

Depending on the time of year, it may be possible to negotiate the hourly rate.

Drive Details

Be sure to read the rental contract thoroughly before signing. It should denote: • Make, model and year of the vehicle • Date of service • Pick-up times and locations • All costs involved, including deposit and cancellation policies • If you don’t have a physical contract, be sure to keep a copy of the itinerary in your e-mail © CTW Features

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I n v i tat i o n s

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Calling All Guests

down the right design takes Irvine, Calif.-based Wiley Valentine. some thought.

“It’s a great way to still get a fabuTo get started, hit the streets, lous letterpress invitation,” she says. says Ara Farnam, founder of While a great invite can make a wedRock Paper Scissors Events, ding design more cohesive, remember New York.“Pop into a statiothat it won’t make or break your day.“If nery store to see and feel some different styles and Keep It Simple get an understanding for the differences between “Keep the design simple!” says Ara printing processes.”

Farnam of Rock Paper Scissors Events.

Print Prices

A W e l l t h o u g h t - o u t invitation

will tell guests everything they need to know about what’s in store.

Stationery Solutions

With a world of colors, fonts, papers and print styles to choose from, pinning

Letterpress invites – produced by pressing a sheet of paper onto movable, raised type – can cost more than twice as much as flat, digitally printed cards. Get letterpress style while cutting costs by printing in just one color of ink, suggests Rachelle Schwartz, co-owner of

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Which is what today’s couples are doing, as experts note the resurgence of letterpress invitations. The trend shows “a

move towards a simpler invitation that is

beautiful for its font or layout as opposed to intricate folded layers, vellum or ribbons,” Farnam says.

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Beauty

Bridal Beauty Wedding day beauty should show off the most beautiful, radiant version of you Applying makeup is, for most

women, nothing more than an everyday task. On your wedding day, however, hair and makeup decisions are no less important than the dress and shoes.

“The photos that will be taken of you on your most important day will be of your face and how happy you are,” says Kristen Lober, a professional makeup art-

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ist in Newark, Del.“You want to be the most beautiful, radiant version of yourself.”

The key to picture-perfect beauty is just that: being yourself.While some may get swept up in the idea of going all-out, the important thing is to look like you

–not a face caked in product.

“Sometimes less is more,” says Morgan Blaul, a professional hair stylist and makeup artist in Chicago.“It’s all about looking and feeling your best, and not about trying to be something you are not.”

Both artists recommend choosing your best feature – cheeks, eyes or lips – and highlighting it, keeping the rest of the face more natural.“What seems to be most popular this year so far is more of a dramatic eye and a natural lip,” Lober says.Above all, both artists stress the importance of a radiant face.

“Skin is really important. I love glowing, highlighted skin with nice cheek color,” –Danielle Robinson

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BUDGET

Moneywise T h e f i r s t t h i n g newly engaged couples

probably think about today is how in the heck they are going to pull this thing off!

According to market research company The Wedding Report, the average cost of a wedding in 2009 fell 10.2 percent compared to 2008 to $19,581 – a hefty sum, recession or not.Whether your budget is nearly that or half that, smart couples who employ simple budgeting techniques from the start won’t be crying all the way to bank after their wedding.

First Things First

It’s not the easiest thing, but before couples get planning, they need to establish their magic budget number.

That means looking at designated savings, contributions from parents or other relatives, and what of their regular income they can devote toward the wedding, without sabotaging their day-to-day budget.

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Debt is no way to start a life together. Get your wedding started right by budgeting smart Keep It Simple

According to the The Knot.com’s 2009 Real Wedding Survey, the biggest financial contributors to a wedding are the bride’s parents (46 percent) and the bride and groom (40 percent.) Groom’s parents contributed 12 percent of the final tally, according the survey.

Get Listing

Carrie Zack, an event planner who works in Los Angeles and Miami, says that she has seen a huge increase in her “creative consulting packages” for couples who want some help but don’t have the budget for a full-time planner. Together they come up with ideas, and Zack sends them on their way with a binder of ready-to-do-it-yourself tasks.

“Now it’s something I do all the time,” she says.“I have an Excel spreadsheet that lists every single detail you can think of. I’ll ask

Follow these estimates to get a budget started.

The figures are estimates; adjust as necessary to fit your wedding’s style • RECEPTION – 50% • MUSIC – 10% • FLOWERS – 10% • WEDDING ATTIRE – 10% • PHOTO/VIDEO – 10% • STATIONERY – 5% • MISCELLANEOUS – 5%

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Rings Keep It Simple

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Sometimes, fashion doesn’t say it all. Romantic couples often choose to personalize their rings by having a professional jeweler engrave the wedding date, their names and short words of endearment on the inside of the wedding bands. These engravings serve as hidden love notes, not meant for the world to see.

Small flush-set diamonds or gemstones set on the inside of the band also are gaining in popularity.

The Wedding

Bling

How to choose a wedding band that’s as unique as you Chances are, you’ve already got the ring –

you know, the sparkler that announces to the world that you’re engaged. In fact, you may have helped select the engagement ring yourself. According to a 2009 jewelry survey by TheKnot.com, 36 percent of brides are involved in the selection of engagement rings. However, the bulk of couples – 69 percent, according to the same survey – select wedding bands

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together. Here are some trends to keep in mind as you shop:

Go for the Gold

White has been the go-to metal color in recent years, with platinum and white gold maintaining popularity while palladium and titanium are building a following.

However, yellow gold is making is return to wedding jewelry, says Amanda Gizzi,

director of communications for Jewelers of America. Classic yellow gold bands get an update with seemingly custom details like hammering, etching and engraving.

Anything but Basic Black

Black diamonds are making their way into bridal jewelry, Gizzi says.Also, grooms can look to black titanium and tungsten for a unique look.

A Perfect Pair

The stacking trend continues in 2010 for women; two wedding bands are worn flanking the engagement ring.Wearing the two bands together creates a balanced

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honeymoon A h o n e y m o o n is the once-in-a-

Destination:

Honeymoon 1/2 Page

lifetime trip that couples dream of, filled with candlelight dinners, long walks on the beach and nights in a luxe suite.

But with a 2009 survey conducted by Web-based honeymoon registry site Traveler’s Joy showing that 62 percent of couples plan to cut their honeymoon Careful budgets spending due to the and early recession, planning will those have couples dreams may begin flying to to fade.

Luckily, far-off the locales while with right planstaying afloat ning and a little flexifinancially bility, that dream honeymoon can still be a reality.

honeymoon What’s our budget?

“The average honeymoon cost $3,657 in 2009, so budgeting $4,000 is a good starting point,” he says.

What’s most important to us?

This means pinpointing your main objective: beach relaxation, cultural exploration or adrenaline-pumping adventure.

How far are we willing to travel?

Which also means considering how much time you have, says Green.“If you’ve only got five days and you live in Chicago, it’s probably not enough time to go to Australia or New Zealand,” he says.

What destinations will offer the best weather while we’re there? Off-seasons are off-seasons for a reason: Research rainy periods and average temperatures for your dates before you book.

Warner says once these questions are answered, couples should be able to narrow the options.“Once the couple has a

short list, they should talk to friends who have been to those destinations and do their own research,” by reading newspapers,Web sites and travel magazines, he says.

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Any destination has the potential to be costly, so careful financial planning is key.“We’ve had couples honeymoon for a month or a week and spend the same amount,”Warner says. Play your cards right and you may be surprised how far your dollar can stretch.

Green says.

If you don’t have your heart set on one location, traveling where the dollar is strong lets couples live large on a shoestring budget, Green says. He recommends Costa Rica and other Central and South American locales.“In terms of activities and food and beverage, you tend to get a lot for your money there,” he says.

But don’t book a trip to Argentina just yet.“In general, the farther you fly, the more expensive it is,” Green says.

Stick to northerly South American

Warner says the simplest first steps a couple can take toward saving dough are booking early and taking advantage of any frequent flier miles or hotel points.“Most airlines start to release seats at about 330 days [in advance],”

spots; the flight will be cheaper and you’ll still get the warm beaches and affordable eats.

For lodging, ditch the pricey resort or hotel and consider renting a home, Warner says.You’ll be able save money

Afford your voyage

The average honeymoon cost $3,657 in 2009, so budgeting $4,000 is a good starting point.” —Howard Green

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ENGAGEMENT Announcement The Times-herald • 16 Jefferson street • P. O. Box 1052 • Newnan, Georgia 30264 • 770-253-1576 Your engagement announcement will appear in the Sunday newspaper as written here. Because of the number of announcements submitted, it may be several weeks before yours actually appears in the newspaper. The photograph should be of good quality.

Please include a daytime phone number where you may be reached.

______________________________________________________________ of_ _______________________________________ , Names of persons making announcement

announce the engagement of their daughter,______________________________________________________________________ Bride’s Name

to_____________________________________________, son of ____________________________________________________ Parent’s Names

Bridegroom’s Name

of ________________________________________________.

City, State

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of _ _______________________________________________________________________ of __________________________________________________ and _________________________________________________ of City, State

__________________________________________________.

City, State

Miss______________________________________ is a graduate of_ _________________________________________________ Bride’s Last Name

________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ .

List Schools, Honors, Degrees, Place of Employment

The future bridegroom’s grandparents are ______________________________________________________________________ of __________________________________________________ and _________________________________________________ of City, State

__________________________________________________.

City, State

Mr.___________________________________________ is a graduate of______________________________________________ Bridegroom’s Last Name

________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ .

List Schools, Honors, Degrees, Place of Employment

The wedding will be an event of _____________________________________ at _ ______________________________________ .

Date

at the____________________________________________________________________________________________________ .

Wedding Location

__________________________________________________ Name of person to contact regarding this information

__ _______________________________________________________ Phone Numbers: Work and Home

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature and Address

Send to closeup@newnan.com

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Wedding Announcement The Times-herald • 16 Jefferson street • P. O. Box 1052 • Newnan, Georgia 30264 • 770-253-1576 Your wedding announcement will appear in the Sunday newspaper as written here. This form will not be accepted if it is not legibly complete in sentence form. Wedding announcements should be submitted within 60 days of the wedding or fees apply. We will publish a photograph with the announcement.

_______________________________________, daughter of_ ______________________________________________________ , Bride’s Name

Bride’s Parents

of _____________________________________, became the bride of_________________________________________________ , Groom’s Name

City, State

son of __________________________________________________ of _______________________________________________ .

City, State

Groom’s Parents

on _____/_____/_____ at __________________________________ with _____________________________________ officiating.

Church

Minister

____________________________________ rendered program of nuptial music and ______________________ lighted the candles.

Vocalist and/or organist

Bridal Party

________________________ of ________________________ was the bride’s Maid / Matron of Honor. _ _________________ Circle One

City, State

The other Bride’s Attendants were: ________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ , They wore dresses of ______________________________________ and carried bouquets of_______________________________ .

Color and Fabric

Kind of Flowers

_________________________ of ________________________ served as best man.

The other Groom’s Attendants were: ________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ , The bride entered with ______________________________________________________________________________________ .

Name and Relation to Bride

She chose a _______________________________________________________________________________________________ .

Dress Description

Her bouquet consisted of ____________________________________________________________________________________ .

Flowers

Following the ceremony a reception was given by__________________________________________________________________ Name and Relation (ex: Bride’s parents)

at ___________________________________________________________ .

Location

Following a wedding trip to___________________________________________________________________________________ , Mr. and Mrs._________________________________________will reside in___________________________________________ . __________________________________________________ Name of person to contact regarding this information.

_________________________________________________________ Day and Nighttime Phone Numbers

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature and Address

Information on prenuptial parties may be included if desired. Send to closeup@newnan.com.

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