Bride's Guide June 2015

Bride’s Guide

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BRIDE’S GUIDE

inside:

The 12 Essentials of a Dream Wedding

June 24-26, 2015

June 24, 25, & 26, 2015

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BRIDAL GUIDE

summer 2015 A special publication of the Le Center Leader, Le Sueur News-Herald, St. Peter Herald and the Waseca County News

Publisher

The countdown has started; sending out your wedding invitations makes it all seem official. It is an important step indeed. In addition to announcing your wedding, this little piece of cardstock, tucked so neatly into its pretty envelope, gives your guests a taste of the celebrations to come. Their curiosity will definitely be aroused.

To show all this promise, your invitation should include: • the names of the bride and groom (include those of the respective parents if you want to follow the tradition of the parents hosting the wedding) • the location, date, and time of the ceremony

Julie Frazier

Managing Editor Suzy Rook

Media Consultants Kathleen Davies Missy Daschner Gayle Stelten

Advertising Design Mary Jo Blanchard Nikkie Gilmore

Cover Design Nikkie Gilmore

Page Design Nikkie Gilmore Bride’s Guide 2015 is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Le Center Leader, Le Sueur News-Herald, St. Peter Herald and the Waseca County News at no additional charge.

All rights reserved. ©2015 All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertiser.

Where Dreams Do Really ComeTrue!

June 24, 25, & 26, 2015

Caribou

• RSVP cards and envelopes (encourage your guests to confirm their presence by including a pre-stamped reply card) • an invitation to the reception (feel free to invite only certain guests to the party following the ceremony; specify the theme, dress code, location, and menu choices) IT’S A GO! Send one invitation per address, whether it’s to a single person, couple, or family.

Invitations should be mailed at least three months before the big day. If you’re inviting your guests to join you abroad for your wedding, or if some of your guests live outside the country, try to send your invitations as early as eight months in advance. Keep a few spare invitations, just in case.

NEED SOME INSPIRATION? When it comes to invitation design, it isn’t always easy to transform your ideas into reality. You can turn to websites or wedding magazines for help.

If you’re not very artistic, choose a template or hire a graphic designer to create a unique wedding invitation.

An invitation styled according to your wedding theme will give your guests a hint of what’s to come.

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June 24, 25, & 26, 2015

BRIDE’S GUIDE

The excitement, joy, and anticipation you’ll feel on the big day will make you radiant with beauty. After all, there’s nothing like a good dose of happiness to put a blush on the cheeks, a sparkle in the eyes, and a beautiful smile on every bride’s face. But to truly glow from head to toe, perhaps you should think about consulting some beauty professionals.

1. THE HAIR STYLIST A stunning bride needs a fabulous hairstyle. Whichever style appeals to you, you’ll want to entrust your hair to the expert hands of a real hair salon professional. Remember to make two appointments: one to try different hairstyles, and another for the big day.

2. THE ESTHETICIAN Manicure, pedicure, hair removal, facial, eyelash extensions, and massage: a wedding is the perfect excuse to pamper your body. Not to mention that stray body hairs, dry skin, and damaged

nails are not on the guest list! Don’t forget to make two separate appointments for your makeup as well.

3. THE DENTIST Because laughter is the right of every newly married couple, treat yourself to a teeth whitening treatment for a sparkling smile.

A BEAUTIFUL AND ORGANIZED BRIDE • Make your appointments as soon as possible.

• Carry a photo of your dress and accessories to all your appointments, along with inspiring images from magazines.

• Find out the best time to pamper yourself with the various treatments. This way you won’t have any regrets, such as hair colouring done too early (hello, roots!)

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IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO RESERVE Have you made the big decision to get married? Then there’s no time to lose, especially with regard to the venue for both the ceremony and the reception. It’s no secret that the best dates get snapped up quickly, especially for the most beautiful settings. Even the services of the marriage officiant should be reserved early.

The first step is to determine whether you want a religious or civil wedding. Then comes the choice of reception venue. The possibilities abound: reception hall, conference centre, restaurant, hotel, country inn, golf club, outfitter, ski resort, spa, vineyard, orchard, farm, sugar shack, museum, botanical garden, marina, cruise ship, or cottage. The options depend only on your imagination.

Narrow down your list of choices by finding out if they can accommodate everyone on your guest list. Ask about the services and equipment available, such as tables and chairs, decorations, catering, entertainment, liquor license, bathrooms, kitchen area, and audio and

Future brides should make their appointments early; the best beauty professionals are always in demand.

video equipment. Be sure to check what is and what isn’t included in the package.

THE LEGALITIES You want to unite your destinies abroad?

Find out about marriage legalities in your destination country so you can be sure your union is legally watertight.

You and your fiancé should also discuss a marriage contract that clarifies your financial contributions and responsibilities to each other, especially if either of you has children from another marriage. It may not seem very romantic, or one of you may feel the other is preparing to abandon the marriage before it even gets started, but that’s not what it’s all about. A prenuptial agreement shows that you take marriage seriously, as a legal and moral commitment.

A future spouse who is well informed before saying “I do” is a worthy counterpart.

There are endless possibilities for where you can celebrate your new life as a married couple.

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BRIDE’S GUIDE

A wedding is the event of a lifetime. This special day has to be perfect, hence the importance of taking care of even the smallest of organizational details. You don’t want to forget anything, whether it’s a reservation, a fitting, or a trial run for your menu and hairstyle. Here’s a checklist of the 12 key elements you’ll need to take care of along the path to your dream wedding.

1. THE CEREMONY, THE OFFICIANT, AND THE RECEPTION Are you going to have a civil or religious wedding? Have you asked your best friend to unite you in wedlock? And will the reception be in the country, on a cruise ship, or in a hotel ballroom? Make sure the location you choose can easily accommodate all your guests. You’ll also want to think about signing a marriage contract or prenuptial agreement.

2. THE MEAL AND THE WEDDING CAKE There are loads of things to think about when organizing the meal: the format; the menu; a children’s menu; the bar; and the wedding cake. Say, why not set up a candy bar? And don’t forget to ask about your guests’ food allergies.

3. THE ATMOSPHERE What theme will you choose to set the tone for your wedding: a colour, a culture, a historical period? Which DJ will get your guests out on the dance floor? Will you surprise everyone with a unique first dance?

4. PHOTOGRAPHER How will you immortalize your

June 24, 25, & 26, 2015

wedding: photos, videos, or both? Remember to plan for an indoor photo session in case Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate on your big day.

5. THE INVITATIONS Don’t wait until the last minute to send out your invitations if you want all the important people in your life to be with you for this celebration. Remember to indicate the theme and dress code.

And do think about including self-ad d re s s e d stamped envelopes for those essential RSVPs. 6. WEDDING BANDS Your wedding bands are the symbols of your love; choose them with care.

Do you both want gold, silver, or with diamonds?

Discreet or extravagant? With or without an engraving?

June 24, 25, & 26, 2015

BRIDE’S GUIDE

7. BEAUTY APPOINTMENTS Hairstyle, manicure, waxing, and makeup: leave nothing to chance if you want to be stunning on your big day.

Make your appointments for just the right time; you don’t want your roots to be visible under your veil!

8. THE DRESS, SUIT, AND ACCESSORIES The outfits of bride, groom, and wedding party should be coordinated. Will you be a vision in white or will you choose to add a colourful note? And will the perfect dress feature something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue?

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11. GUEST FAVOURS A personalized trinket, a gourmet sample, or a home decor object: have you found the perfect wedding favour to thank your guests for joining you?

12. THE HONEYMOON A truly idyllic honeymoon shouldn’t break your budget. Are you tempted by an exotic island or a vibrant city? Choose the destination and the timing carefully to stay in line with your means.

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9. FLOWERS AND DECORATIONS Have you chosen a colour scheme for your flowers and decorative accessories? What are your favourite flowers? How will the tables be dressed?

10. TRANSPORTATION Will you arrive by boat, car, horsedrawn carriage, or maybe even by parachute? Whatever your choice, be sure to take your dress and the weather into consideration.

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BRIDE’S GUIDE

One thing is certain about your wedding: the bride and groom are going to be the centre of attention all day long. So be sure to think colour and style coordination when making your fashion choices.

THE BRIDE On your big day all eyes will be on you.

Even though the pure white wedding dress remains a classic, many brides break with tradition by opting for a more colourful outfit. No matter what your preference, be sure to choose a dress that enhances your figure and is comfortable to wear.

June 24, 25, & 26, 2015

THE GROOM Even though the groom isn’t supposed to see the dress before the ceremony, he should at least know its colour so that your outfits are somewhat harmonized. A light or a dark suit goes well with a white dress, while a light-toned suit (yellow or ivory) is suitable alongside a dark dress. Whatever the case, choose a suit made of top quality material, such as linen, wool, or raw silk.

(or head accessory), jewellery, shoes, and a bouquet that enhance your dress. Don’t forget to have something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. For the groom: choose between a tie, cravat, or bow tie. And to look like a perfect gentleman, dare to wear a hat, vest, cufflinks, and pocket square. You can leave out the matching cummerbund, though; alas, they belong to another time.

ACCESSORIES Accessories add the finishing touch to both your outfits. For the bride: choose a veil

And don’t forget, the bridal party’s suits and dresses should harmonize with the bride and groom’s outfits.

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Shop well in advance; you’ll never find the perfect outfits at the last minute.

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June 24, 25, & 26, 2015

BRIDE’S GUIDE

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Your guests have honored you with their presence and it’s now time to thank them. Ideally, your wedding favors will include the names of the bride and groom and the date you exchanged your vows.

Here is a selection of ideas to give your wedding the perfect finishing touch.

Whether your wedding reception is set to take place in a reception hall or at home, the decorations are a key element that should never be overlooked. Here are a few ideas.

COLOUR Pink, blue, red, or gold: get out your colour charts to determine a colour scheme that will plunge your guests into your wedding theme.

A WHOLE BUNCH OF IDEAS Garlands, topiary, bouquets, or delicately scattered flowers occupy a prominent place at any wedding. Some couples prefer top-quality silk flowers for their longevity, but most opt for natural flowers because of their fragrance and freshness.

Some of the most popular flowers are red and white roses, tulips, lilies, azaleas, and bluebells. Discuss your preferences with different florists before you choose which one to hire for your big day.

• Fabrics. Dress the room from top to bottom in theme-inspired fabrics. Ceiling and wall hangings give an imposing touch to your wedding. Use wrinklefree cotton or satin fabric to dress up the tables.

• Wedding lanterns. Hang these cozy lights high above your guests; rice paper lamps diffuse harsh hall lighting and create magical surroundings.

• Wall hangings. Garlands, pennants, beads, pompoms, and streamers add a whimsical touch to walls.

• Table settings. Use fabric bows and slipcovers to transform plain chairs. Disperse bouquets, candle holders, and other centerpiece features along the tables to bring coherence to the whole room.

GOURMET FAVORS Chocolates, sugared almonds, or other treats will delight those with a sweet tooth. You can personalize your assortments by adding your initials or an illustration that represents you both. For a winter wedding, a hot chocolate mix is a comforting gift that your guests can enjoy to their heart’s content.

FAVORS FROM MOTHER NATURE Nature lovers, this gift is for you: a pretty box filled with potting soil and some tiny succulents so your guests will leave with some genuine greenery. Or, opt for seeds to symbolize the beginning of your new life together.

SCENTED FAVORS Scented candles are perfect for most weddings, as they’re available in all shapes and colours. You could also consider giv-

Don’t let your guests leave without a little favour to thank them for joining you.

ing bath salts or shell-shaped soaps for a nautical theme, or rose potpourris for a vintage wedding.

DECORATIVE FAVORS A magnet for the fridge, coasters, photos, or snow globes: think traditional souvenir trinkets. They’ll feature a photo of you both that your guests will treasure.

LUXURY FAVORS Be warned, small budgets should steer clear of this suggestion. Some brides and grooms go all out in order to impress their guests; if that’s you, why not offer a box of cigars, a small item of jewellery, or a bottle of good wine. This is especially suitable for smaller weddings.

Let’s make your wedding Bloom with flowers

OTHER ELEMENTS FOR A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING • Monograms. The initials of the newlyweds can elegantly personalize the reception venue and the guest favours.

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BRIDE’S GUIDE

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