An essential guide to: Cakes, Catering, Flowers, Music, Gifts, Photographers, Videographers, Rings,Venues and more...
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Happily Ever After Starts It’s wedding season... Here Time to plan your “Wilson wedding”
Friday, April 25, 2014
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Contents: Budget.......................................................................................................................................................3 Stationery................................................................................................................................................3 Flowers.................................................................................................................................................... 4 Photography/Videography................................................................................................................5 Rings......................................................................................................................................................... 6 Music.........................................................................................................................................................7 Local Vendor Directory...................................................................................................................... 8
• • • • • • •
TENTS TABLES CHAIRS LINENS DRAPING DANCE FLOORS • STAGING ELEGANT LIGHTING
Catering................................................................................................................................................. 1 2
Advertisers: Advantage Rental.................................................................................................................................2 Cinderella’s Seconds............................................................................................................................4 Cupcake Dream................................................................................................................................... 1 1 Fine Print Stationery......................................................................................................................... 1 1 Fitness Video & Tanning.................................................................................................................. 1 1 Gracie’s Village Shops I......................................................................................................................4 Mitchell’s Creations Production......................................................................................................5 The Nook................................................................................................................................................1 2
3191 Airport Blvd., Wilson, NC
291-9600
www.advantagerentalofwilson.com
Quince........................................................................................................................................................ 7 Shoppes at Brentwood.......................................................................................................................6 Something Different Cafe.................................................................................................................8 Stocks Photography............................................................................................................................9 Vaughan’s Jewelers.............................................................................................................................. 7
Friday, April 25, 2014
Budget: Make the Most of Your Money What does it cost to get married these days? Well, it depends on whom you ask. The Wedding Report, the Tucson, Ariz.based wedding market researcher, says the average spend in 2013 was $25,200. According to TheKnot.com & WeddingChannel.com Real Weddings Study, $28,427 was the average spend in 2012, the most recent year figures are available. The question, again: What does it cost to get married? The answer: Does it really matter?! It can be, and often is, a hefty sum. But those aren’t numbers to work toward, they’re numbers
to work away from! Today’s couples are more mindful of what they put into their celebrations, using savings and on-hand cash — not going into debt to pay for their events. They’re cautious on how they deploy their dollars. In short, they want ot be sure that they and their guests get the most out of what they spend.
Budget Basics
To establish your magic number, look at your designated savings, contributions from parents or other relatives, and what of your regular income you can devote toward the wedding, without sabotaging your
day-to-day budget. When you’ve come up with your number, plug it in a budget formula to see how much you have to spend in each area of your wedding. Follow these estimates to get started. Remember, the figures are just estimates, so adjust as necessary to fit your wedding’s needs: • Reception – 50% • Music – 10% • Flowers – 10% • Wedding Attire – 10% • Photo/Video – 10% • Stationery – 5% • Miscellaneous – 5% Establishing a budget early on, and sticking to it, will help couples start marriage on the right financial foot. Photo by Brides 365
Paper, Paper, Paper By Timothy R. Schulte Your wedding stationery traditionally is your guests’ first impression of your wedding — even though they’re probably plenty familiar with it thanks to news, photos and status updates shared across your social networks. However informed about the big day your friends and family already may be, everything from your savethe-date to the invitation keeps a bit of tradition in our paper-free digital age. Here’s to keep in mind as you tackle the stationery to-dos.
Getting Started Don’t log off your social networks just yet! Technologies like Facebook, email and iMessage make it simple to track down current mailing address from all your family and friends spread across the country. (Just don’t make your request via a status update; you don’t want to broadcast the message to folks who will not be invited to your wedding!)
The Save-the-Date As soon as your venue is booked, send all your guests a save-thedate. It doesn’t matter if
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Invites, save-the-dates and all the paper essentials. Here’s your stationery survival guide
it’s a year out from the wedding — the point is, you want your guests to get your wedding on their schedules as soon as possible. No need to go overboard on details; just your names and the date to keep open. If you have a wedding website already set up with details about the ceremony, reception and accommodations, include the URL. You also can mention that a formal invitation will follow.
The Wedding Invitation and Enclosures First things first, remember not to include
registry information on the invitation! You’re inviting your friends and family to join in your wedding celebration; you’re not inviting them to bring you gifts. (But yes, they do want to give you gifts, so list registry information on your wedding website.) The actual wedding invitation is where you officially invite your guests. Plan to put these in the mail around two months prior to your wedding. The RSVP card — selfaddressed and stamped, of course — is where guests will accept or decline invitation and, if you’re having a seated
dinner, mark their dinner selection. List a date by which you’d appreciate their reply, usually four weeks before the wedding date. Although all the pertinent details may be on your wedding website, it’s still customary to include a card separate from the invitation that lays out the wheres and whens for the reception venue (if separate) and accommodations.
The Wedding Day Paper Pieces The invitation might be the main attraction, but there are still some paper pieces you need
for the big day: • Programs: If you’re having a ceremony in a house of worship, this will list information on the officiant, readings, the wedding party, etc. • Table numbers/names • Escort cards and Place cards: Escort cards tell the guest at which table they are seated. Place cards show them in which chair they are sitting. • Menus: An outline of dinner, set with each place card, is a nice touch. • Thank-yous: Get a jump on showing your gratitude, featuring your married name.
Friday, April 25, 2014
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Find the Blooms Best-Suited For Your Day By Yena Lee Today there is no shortage on wedding inspiration. From glossy magazines to wedding websites and social media, it’s easy to get swept away by a flood of floral inspirations for your wedding. But as each bride’s wedding theme — and budget — is different, there is no one-size-fits-all flower. Before getting buried in bouquet ideas, check out these tips to get specific inspirations for your wedding flowers.
Dream Within Your Budget It’s best to secure
your wedding date, venue and major vendors (photographer, catering, entertainment) before booking your florist — this way you’ll have a better idea of how much budget you have to work with and some insight into what type of ambience you want your flowers and décor to create for your wedding. A good rule of thumb is that flowers will make up around 10 percent of your wedding budget, give or take. How far that budget goes, though, depends a great deal on the size and scope of your wedding. There are bouquets for the bride
and bridesmaids, boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen (plus flowers for special guests like parents and grandparents), for example, and a centerpiece for each table at the reception. The cost per each will vary on seasonality on intricacy, as each arrangement will be put together by hand. In 2012, the average amount spent on florists/décor was just under $2,000, according to TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com’s annual Real Wedding Survey. Dianne Wagner, a New York-based floral designer and author
Cinderella’s Seconds
of “Beautiful Wedding Flowers: 250 Corsages, Bouquets, and Centerpieces” (Hearst, 2011), suggest looking photos and color swatches for inspiration. Plan to meet potential florists about six to nine months out of your wedding date.
Think Local
Most floral experts agree that using inseason (and, if possible, local) blooms is the way to go. Not only will they be more affordable, as they’re not traveling across the country (or further!), but they’ll be best suited to a wedding’s seasonal aesthetic. Here, Wagner suggests suitable flowers for each of three popular wedding styles: • Modern - Sculptural flowers like calla lilies and orchids are available in all seasons in a wide variety of colors from pure white to pastels and rich burgundy. • Elegant -To achieve a lush, romantic wedding, full soft flowers like garden roses and hydrangea
Bridal Registry Available
Sculptural flowers like calla lilies can be found in all seasons and make for a simple, elegant, monochromatic bouquet. Photo by Brides 365
with hyacinth are perfect for a spring wedding. Wagner recommends peonies in the summer, dahlias in the fall, anemones and ranunculus in the winter. • Rustic - Consider pussy willow or flowering branches in spring, berried ivy and bittersweet in the fall, berries in the summer and pinecones and juniper in the winter.
Keep In Your Venue In Mind
The venue or ceremony location also is critical factor in deciding on the overall look. Outdoor weddings can be enhanced with a beautiful floral arch or column arrangements that add rather than detract from the natural beauty.
Shop Here For Attendants’ Gifts
Brentwood Shopping Center • 2801 Ward Blvd, Wilson
“We have the Best Customers in the World”
Wedding Gowns • Tux Rentals Mother of the Bride/Groom and much more!
4833 NW Nash St. • 252-991-2463
(252) 234-7100
Friday, April 25, 2014
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Capturing the Memories Historically, couples booked a wedding photographer between six and nine months before their wedding date. All of that has changed, thanks to social media. When they become engaged, a third of brides-to-be will update their social-media status within a few hours, according to a social-wedding survey from TheKnot.com and Mashable.com; a quarter will do so within the next 24 hours. A flurry of engagement photos soon will make their way to social media accounts, too. That’s where the photographer comes in. Many wedding photographers often include an engagementphoto session in their wedding service package. This isn’t just a ploy to attract business — it’s beneficial come the actual wedding day. “I tell my clients that engagement photos are a time for us to get to know each other photographically,” says Amanda Patrice, an
Orange County, Calif.based photographer. “We both learn what type of photos they like. I think on the wedding day they’re able to loosen up a bit more. I always recommend an engagement session. There’s nothing but benefits. “They are a great way to show who they are right now, in this time of their lives,” Patrice adds. “I don’t want them to get swept under the rug!” Couples should not rush to book their photographer just so they can share some engagement photos. First, photography and videography are two of the largest wedding expenses. Second, couples have one chance to capture these memories for the rest of their lives, so they need to make sure they are working with professionals they trust to do the job perfectly. In evaluating potential service providers, make sure to ask the right questions.
Inquiries should focus on package details, contractual agreements and final products, whether that is an actual album or digital prints — in addition to making sure your personalities jell (you will be spending all day together!). Consider asking the following questions: • What packages do you offer? • How much time is allotted for the day of the wedding? • Are photographers available all day? • Will you bring an assistant or second shooter? • Is an album included in the package? If so, who designs the album? How much input do we get in the album’s design? • What quality of paper, color and inks do you use for printed photographs? • Is a DVD with digital negatives provided to order our own prints in the future? • Will we have rights to
LET US CAPTURE EVERY MOMENT IN THE BEST LIGHT!
It’s a one of a kind work of art, and you are the star.
In evaluating potential photographers and videographers, make sure to ask the right questions. Photo by Brides 365
our photos? If you’re looking to save a few bucks on photographic services, consider looking for an associate to hire. Often times, an associate’s fee is cheaper than the main photographer’s. You also can pinpoint your coverage and only have a professional for certain parts of the day, if you desire.
The same rules for choosing the right photographer apply to video, from looking at prior work to establishing a good connection, but there are a few key differences. While many videographers opt for a photojournalistic approach – inconspicuously shooting the day – others may take a more hands-on approach
and interview guests or the wedding party, for example, which they use to add a documentary feel to the edited wedding video. Highlight videos or trailers also are popular today, as couples can easily share them via their social media accounts.
Mitchell’s Creations PHOTO & VIDEO PRODUCTIONS Reginald Mitchell, of Mitchell’s Creations Productions, enjoys recording your wedding movie so you will be the first in your area to enjoy your priceless memories of your special day on the highest quality images and sound on DVD or Broadcast Tape.
“Photo and Video Photography Always Keeps You In The Picture” Reginald Mitchell, Master Photographer & Videographer
236-1240
Email: mitchellscreations@nc.rr.com mitchellscreations.photoreflect.com
The Rings: Tokens of Love If there’s one thing that symbolizes the wedding, it’s the ring. After all, it’s the first thing a bride-to-be shows off after the engagement (60 percent announce the news by posting a photo of the ring to Facebook, according to a joint survey from The Knot and Men’s Health magazine). But at the end of the wedding day — and every day after — your wedding band will have equal billing alongside your engagement ring, even if it may be a little less sparkly. You’ll want to make sure it is cohesive with your engagement ring and, of course, that it fits your style. Start with the metal. White gold was the most popular choice for both engagement and wedding rings in 2013, according to The Wedding Report’s Engagement and Wedding Ring survey, roughly accounting for two-thirds of each. Whether your ring is white or yellow gold or platinum or something else altogether, you’d be in good company sticking with the same base metal for your
wedding band. Also keep in mind design elements. The Wedding Report study found that 94 percent engagement of engagement rings use a diamonds, and 82 percent of wedding rings also have some diamond element. Maybe your engagement ring is a full or partial eternity band, or maybe it features pavé diamonds or accent gemstones. You can carry on these elements into your wedding band. White gold also is popular for the groom, with more than 34 percent of grooms opting for the go-to metal popular with brides. Surprisingly, it’s not platinum (14 percent) or yellow gold (11.6) that is the next popular among grooms but rather tungsten, which makes up more than 18 percent of grooms’ bands. Alternative metals like tungsten and titanium (11 percent) have grown in popularity in recent years, not just because of their unique darker look, but their lower price point.
Friday, April 25, 2014
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Tripp Vaughan, left, assists Thomas Webb and Katherine Thompson with their bridal needs. Vaughan’s Jewelers is known for delivering the finest quality of jewelry. With beautiful pieces available in all price ranges, Vaughan’s has something for everyone’s budget. Visit today to browse bridal collections such as Tacori, Simon G., and True Romance. Vaughan’s Jewelers can also custom design your dream ring or piece of jewelry. Graduate Gemologist Tripp Vaughan would love to help you with the ring you’ve always dreamed of! Photo by Gerard Lange
Found Your Prince??? Hop On Over To Our Pad ...
XXXXXX. Gerard Lange | Wilson Times
Restaurants, Catering, Formal Wear, Shoes, Jewelry, Gifts, Invitations & Accessories
Enjoy it all ... 2801 Ward Blvd., Wilson, NC 27896 shoppingbrentwood.com
Friday, April 25, 2014
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The Music: Get Your Guests Moving! By Timothy R. Schulte It’s pretty simple: The key to a great party is great tunes that get your guests on the dance floor. So, it’s up to your DJ to bring out the craziest, funniest and romantic best in you and your family and friends To ensure a night of great music and great memories, ask the right questions when you start your DJ quest, and make sure you’re all a good fit before you make your music decision. Here is what to keep in mind when meeting with potential DJs.
Get a Feelin’ Is DJing a weekend gig for the vendor, or is it their full-time profes-
sion? How do you feel? Is the meeting friendly, or transactional? Do they take the time to get to know you and your fiancé as a couple, or just dive into the package options? Do they ask about your music tastes? The difference between feeling like a client and feeling like another customer is important, and it may be indicative of the service you’ll receive.
Share Your Music Musts Does the DJ have all the songs you want to hear in his catalog? If not, can he get them? Is there an online songmanagement system or must you fill out forms? What is the deadline to have your requests submitted?
Take a Listening Test Ask what grade of speakers and subwoofers they have and if they have backups, if need be. See how their DJ system works for queuing up songs, fading them in and out and changing the song. Consider it a run-through for your reception.
Hold the key to her heart with...
The Fine Details Be sure to review all sound package options – including the services, number of hours, prices and payment schedule. When you’ve found the service that meets your needs, like every vendor, be sure to sign the contract and get a copy. All that’s left to do is dance.
Vaughan’s has a variety of engagement rings to satisfy every style and budget, from designers such as TACORI, SIMON G, and TRUE ROMANCE. We can also custom design any ring her heart desires.
Bridal Luncheons & Rehearsal Dinners Serving American Cuisine With A Down South Flavor
The Back Patio has a fully equipped bar. Shoppes at Brentwood • 237-6463 •www.quincenc.com
Shoppes at Brentwood 243-5707 • VaughansJewelers.com TRIPP VAUGHAN Graduate Gemologist, GIA Tripp@VaughansJewelers.com
Friday, April 25, 2014
‘My Wilson Wedding’ Vendor Directory Bridal/Bridesmaid Attire
Bridal Showers
Cinderella’s Seconds
Vaughan’s Jewelers
2801 Ward Blvd, Suite 1B Shoppes at Brentwood Wilson (252) 234-7100 www.cinderellasseconds.com New and consigned wedding attire, wedding gowns, tux rentals, mother of the bride or groom, flower girl, tiaras, veils, shoes and more! Let Cinderella’s Seconds dress you fabulously!
2801-3E Ward Blvd Shoppes at Brentwood Wilson (252) 243-5707 www.vaughansjewelers.com Vaughan’s Jewelers has lots of ideas for your bridal party. Engraveable gifts are always nice to help your wedding party remember your special day. Come take a look!
The Perfect Setting Receptions • Showers After Rehearsal Dinners Continental Breakfasts www.somethingdifferentcafe.com 3342 Airport Blvd., Wilson, NC
252-291-0889
Luncheons • Party Trays On-Off Site Catering somethingdifferentcafe@gmail.com
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Friday, April 25, 2014
Caterers
Jewelry & Accessories
Something Different Cafe
Vaughan’s Jewelers
3342 Airport Blvd Wilson (252) 291-0889 www.somethingdifferentcafe.com Something Different Cafe, a popular Wilson restaurant, offers catering for on-site and off-site events from hors d’oeuvres to seated dinners. The restaurant is an elegant venue for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners and bridal showers.
Gifts & Registries The Nook
2801 Ward Blvd 3F Shoppes at Brentwood Wilson (252) 243-2503 The Nook offers a bridal registry including china from Vietri, juliska, M. Bagwell and gifts from Beatriz Ball and Lilly Pulitzer. The Nook also prints wedding invitations and napkins and offers a large selection of monogrammed gifts.
2801-3E Ward Blvd Shoppes at Brentwood Wilson (252) 243-5707 www.vaughansjewelers.com Vaughan’s Jewelers offers a wide variety of engagement rings and unique one-ofa-kind creations by designers such as Tacori, Simon G., and True Romance. Tripp Vaughan, Graduate Gemologist, would love to help you with your bridal needs.
Lighting & Decor Advantage Rental
3191 Airport Blvd NW Wilson (252) 291-9600 www.advantagerentalofwilson.com Planning an outdoor event? Advantage Rental can provide tents, tables, chairs and linens to create an elegant atmosphere. Want to take it up a notch? These experts can customize your event with beautiful draping and dramatic lighting.
Vaughan’s Jewelers
2801-3E Ward Blvd Shoppes at Brentwood Wilson (252) 243-5707 www.vaughansjewelers.com Vaughan’s Jewelers carries a large selection of gift items including Mariposa, Reed & Barton, Fontanini, beautiful clocks and more! Let Vaughan’s help you pick the perfect gift for that special bride and groom.
Invitations Fine Print Stationery
2839 Daisy Lane (252) 206-0619 www.fineprintstationery.com Fine Print Stationery carries a large selection of wedding invitations, napkins, thank you notes, wedding programs and shower invitations. Stop by today to browse the large selection of unique gifts.
Party Rentals Advantage Rental
3191 Airport Blvd NW Wilson (252) 291-9600 www.advantagerentalofwilson.com You’ve set the date and secured your venue. Advantage Rental should be your next stop. Tents, tables, chairs, linens, serving pieces, china, cutlery, glassware, decor.... everything that makes your wedding special and uniquely yours can be found here.
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Friday, April 25, 2014
‘My Wilson Wedding’ Vendor Directory
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continued from page 9
Reception Venues Advantage Rental
3191 Airport Blvd NW Wilson (252) 291-9600 www.advantagerentalofwilson.com Create your own elegant reception venue in your own backyard. Advantage Rental’s friendly staff has the experience and expertise to craft a beautiful setting with tents, draping and dramatic lighting.
Quince
2801-D Ward Blvd Shoppes at Brentwood Wilson (252) 237-6463 www.quincenc.com Quince has built a solid reputation for their inventive, delicious food, classic decor and a relaxed atmosphere, which makes this Brentwood restaurant an excellent choice for bridal luncheons, showers and rehearsal dinners. The back patio makes a great venue for a larger crowd, while the private dining room is perfect for a more intimate setting.
Something Different Cafe
3342 Airport Blvd Wilson (252) 291-0889 www.somethingdifferentcafe.com Something Different Cafe offers an elegant venue for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners and bridal showers. They also offer catering for on-site and off-site events from hors d’oeuvres to seated dinners.
Rehearsal Dinners Something Different Cafe
3342 Airport Blvd Wilson (252) 291-0889 www.somethingdifferentcafe.com Something Different Cafe is the perfect venue for rehearsal dinners of all sizes. Large parties or more intimate gatherings will feel cozy in the private dining rooms, and their accommodating staff take care of all the details - fine table linens, unique food presentation and friendly service - so you can relax before your big day. Off-site catering is also available and includes the same outstanding service.
Advantage Rental, located on Airport Boulevard, is your one-stop location for all your party rental needs. Tables, chairs and decorations are all available, as well as tents, draping options and dramatic lighting equipment to make your event extra special. Planning to dance the night away at your reception? Get your dance floor here! They can even provide staging for your entertainment. The friendly staff, including David Daniels, left, and owner Kris Skinner, are ready to help you select the perfect elements to create your perfect wedding or reception. Photo by Gerard Lange
Friday, April 25, 2014
Don’t Forget The Healthy Tanned Look For Your Wedding Day!
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Videographers/Photographers
10 VISITS $
Mitchell’s Creations Production
(252) 236-1240 mitchellscreations.photoreflect.com With over 25 years of experience, Mitchell’s Creations provides high-quality and affordable wedding, commercial and special event photography and videography for both individual and corporate clients.
2500
ALL TANNING LOTIONS
50% OFF
No Appointment Necessary
For the Bride and Wedding Party ... we have the perfect collection of
Jewelry, Handbags, Gift Items & Candles
Wedding Cakes/Desserts
to make your special day ... Perfect!
Cupcake Dream, LLC
2861-C Ward Blvd Wilson (252) 206-1341 www.cupcakedreamllc.com Let Cupcake Dream help make your wedding a memorable occasion with a unique wedding cake designed especially for you! Cupcake Dream also offers the trendy cupcake towers as well as shower cakes and groom’s cakes. Send your guests home with a delicious reminder of your special day -- decorated cookies, cupcakes or cakepops can be custom designed with your wedding colors, monogram or theme!
Miscellaneous Shoppes at Brentwood
2801 Ward Blvd Wilson Shoppes at Brentwood has everything you need for the perfect wedding at one convenient location. Visit us for great shopping, delicious dining, formal wear, jewelry, gifts, invitations and accessories. Each of our merchants provides friendly service and helpful advice to make your special day perfect.
Specializing in Sweet Traditions!
Cupcake Dream
FITNESS NEWS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
& TANNING
Shoppes at Brentwood • 291-1162
Visit Us For All Your
Wedding Needs
Invitations Calling Cards Note Cards Napkins
all custom printed
Cupcakes & Treats
www.cupcakedreamllc.com
(252) 206-1341
2861-C Ward Blvd., Wilson
CRANE & CO.
2839 Daisy Lane • 206-0619
(Located inside Ross McDaniel Salon)
M-F 10-5:30 • SAT BY APPT.
Fueling the Party How to pick the right food and drinks to fit your wedding’s style By Anna Sachse With the ceremony complete, all eyes turn to the wedding meal — both to please their palates and power them through a night of dancing. 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 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 sure guests are aware there won’t be a full meal.”
Pricing the Plates
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, Schemper says. 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, Pelster says. The
next level down is typically limitedcourse 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 the style that 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.
Drink Up!
The key elements of a wedding bar include wine, beer, bubbly, cocktails – plus soda, “mocktails” and other nonalcoholic drinks. Determine which you want based on budget and your guests. 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 cocktail, says Chris Tanghe, a master sommelier 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 members of the bridal world, from editors to etiquette experts, say a cash bar is the ultimate no-no. Also consider your guest list. 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. 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.
Something Different Cafe, a long-time Wilson favorite, specializes in delicious cuisine ranging from hors d’oeuvres to seated dinners. Local owner Marilyn Stallings takes care of all of the details -- from fine linens to elegant food presentation -- in her Airport Boulevard location which offers an elegant venue for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners and bridal showers. Something Different Cafe also provides off-site catering services. Call (252) 291-0889 or visit www. somethingdifferentcafe.com to schedule a consultation. Photo courtesy of Something Different Cafe.
Crane & Co., National Engraving, Lilly Pulitzer, Stacy Claire Boyd, Odd Balls, PicMe Prints, Inviting Co., Whitney English, Embossed Graphics and more
The Nook
Shoppes at Brentwood Wilson • 243-2503
Monday-Friday 10:00-5:30 • Saturday 10:00-4:00