Wedding Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 01-18-2015

Inside: Where to get the gown you want

Wedding Guide

Area venues have everything for the reception

SUNDAY, January 18, 2015

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Going custom with wedding gowns Local business makes it easy for brides to get the dress they want

By EILEEN MCNAMARA STAFF WRITER

BRISTOL — If you’re a woman who’s ever gotten engaged or had a wedding, you know there’s one universal truism for brides: Get the dress first.

Seems like everything else, the venue, the cake, the invitations, just seem to fall into place once you’ve gotten what is arguably the most important decision for most brides out of the way first.

For some women, the big dress decision comes easily. They’ve fantasized for years about being a bride and know exactly what they want. For others, it’s an anxiety-ridden process, one frought with questions like “Lace or satin?

Train or no train? What about a Kathy Faber Designer Owner Kathy Faber at her shop. veil? Full length or cocktail party length?” and her employees give each of their cusThat’s where Kathy Faber comes in. A tomers one-on-one attention right up until wedding dress and women’s formal wear the big day. designer for nearly 30 years Faber, who It can include consultations for those owns Kathy Faber Designs in Bristol, says who have no clue what kind of dress they she’s dealt with the gamut of brides-to-be want or need to creating the exact replica of and their wedding gown needs. a dress from a magazine.

And while going the custom gown route “Some people just want something diffor your wedding dress may seem like a ferent or they can’t find what they want. costly indulgence, it’s not, Faber says.

Some girls have just had a certain idea of Her designs, which can also be your what they want for a long time.” design brought to fruition under her skillLocated in a former house at 737 ful sewing talents, can run anywhere from Stafford Ave., her business is chock-full a few hundred dollars for a simple “beach of not only wedding gown samples, but wedding” style dress, to several thousand also dresses for flower girls, mothers of the dollars for an intricate, highly detailed bride and groom and prom. gown. Her average price for a wedding A small room upstairs with tall mirrors, dress, she says, is about $1,500. a sitting area and dressing room serves as That’s comparable, she says, to what a consultation area where brides can go you’ll pay in a traditional retail wedding through some of the racks of gowns that shop. The difference, she says, is that she serve as sample dresses. Faber can also work from scratch on wedding gown designs, interviewing prospective brides on what they like or want and then sketching out the ideas.

In another room just at the bottom of What: Kathy Faber Designs the stairs Faber keeps bolts of fabrics for Where: 737 Stafford Avenue, clients to pick from. They come in a variBristol ety of hues for those buying prom or other Hours: Monday through Friday formal wear. And not every bride, she says, noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday goes with the traditional white gown. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“I had one woman design a red wedding dress. A deep, red dress.”

She calculates that she makes about 600 dresses a year.

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No shortage of options for your wedding reception Local venues have everything you want for your after-party

By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER

As ritualistic as a wedding ceremony is, what guests really look forward to is the after-party.

Formally known as a reception, this event can be tailored to the unique wishes of each bride and groom. Area venues offer a wide variety of options for its key components, including food, entertainment and style.

Having a professional expert on-hand to assist can eliminate the stress that accompanies planning the reception. Many venues even provide a wedding consultant to their clients to make sure their vision is well-executed.

One of these is Krystal Gardens, located at 1146 Spindle Hill Road in Wolcott. Not only do staff provide a consultant, but this facility can accommodate up

to 300 people in a sitting ceremony. There are two banquet halls for receptions.

Located nearby at 15 Grilley Rd. in Wolcott is Mahan’s Lakeview Catering, another facility that offers a personal consultant.

“If you’re looking for a stressfree ceremony and reception site we are happy to help you coordinate your entire wedding, saving you the extra expense of a wedding planner,” staff say.

Their wedding package includes an eight-passenger white stretch limousine, a DJ, a full fivehour open bar, custom-designed cake, a variety of dinner options including a six-course meal, buffet or stations, even a cocktail party in the garden, the ballroom or the chapel. Mahan’s can accommodate groups as small as 90 and as

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According to General Manager Marty Fallon, one of the latest trends is meal stations.

“There are pasta, salad and carving stations; guests can pick how and where they what to eat,” he says.

What separates Mahan’s from other banquet facilities? It has a chapel on-site.

“Our limousine can pick you up, bring you here, then after the ceremony you move to the garden for pictures and can go right into the reception – it’s very easy,” he continued. “There’s no running around and you don’t have to leave which means there’s more time for the reception.”

Clients book their events anywhere from six months in advance to up to three years.

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Making your after-party one to remember Continued from Page 4

“I have some weddings already booked for 2017,” Fallon pointed out.

Although Mahan’s can accommodate up to 300 guests, the average is usually between 150 and 175. There is, however, a minimum of 60 guests in the downstairs hall, 100 upstairs.

Couples who are feeling particularly overwhelmed by the preparation or are just really excited for their celebrations might consider attending a bridal expo. Cornucopia Banqueting Hall, at 371 Pinewoods Road in Torrington is hosting its Annual Bridal Event on Sunday, Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nearly 50 vendors will be there, offering all the services typically desired at a wedding reception, from flowers to fashion.

Over the last three decades, Cornucopia has become a distinguished name in the world of weddings.

“We’ve been at this facility over 35 years; we have an excellent track record,” Owner Joe Ricci says.

Cornucopia Banqueting Hall, at 371 Pinewoods Road in Torrington is hosting its Annual Bridal Event on Sunday, Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nearly 50 vendors will be there.

Mahan’s Lakeview Catering in Wolcott

They have a couple reception halls, outdoor gazebos, patios and attractive gardens. Although Cornucopia’s average event is around 100 guests, they can accommodate a minimum of 50 and up to 400.

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might say, but is it out of our budget?

“Price is a big consideration and we offer a very nice package that’s very reasonable,” Ricci promises.

Packages start at around $75 per person, and couples who want all the bells and whistles can

expect to pay up to $95 a person.

This includes tax and gratuities.

There are a few important parts to remember when planning your special day.

Experts say to ask venues for a tasting, to sample the food your guests will be served. Also

remember – spring and fall are the busiest seasons for weddings, and most venues book over a year in advance.

Erica Schmitt can be reached at (860) 801-5097, or eschmitt@ newbritainherald.com.

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Try to avoid music mistakes

WEDDING GUIDE

Sunday, January 18, 2015 | 7

Tips on how not to ruin the mood with terrible music choices METRO NEWS SERVICE

Wedding guests are usually anxious to head to the reception, where they can let loose and party. Music is an essential component of a lively and fun wedding reception, and there are some musical miscues couples should look to avoid to ensure the music is not memorable for all the wrong reasons. n Blocks of silence: Nothing makes time seem interminable more than silence. Always have a constant flow of music to avoid awkward silences. This includes the time guests are waiting prior to the ceremony as well as when they’re entering the cocktail hour. Music will help everyone feel comfortable, and it creates a pleasing atmosphere, so make sure music plays throughout the festivities.

n Second-guessing a professional: In an effort to curb costs, some couples provide their own playlists via an mp3 player or a streaming service for the music. This is often a mistake.

Hiring a professional means you will not have to worry about managing music on top of your many other wedding day responsibilities. A band or deejay usually also serves as the emcee for the event, announcing key moments of the reception as well as getting guests up on the dance floor. n Playing only one type of music: Playing too many songs from one genre of music will alienate some of the guests who simply are not interested in that type of music.

Professional deejays or performers know how to offer a great mix that will appeal to the masses, and they are often well worth the cost. Try to

Steering clear of wedding music mistakes means couples have a greater likelihood of throwing spectacular parties.

span different decades and genres to keep as many of your guests on the dance floor as possible. n Failure to make a song list: Some songs you may feel are essential to the wedding and others may be on a do-not-play list and are associated with negative memories.

Band leaders and deejays are not mind readers. Give your band leader or deejay ample time to review your

requests so that he or she has time to find a song that may not be in his or her collection. n Dancing to long songs: Pay attention to a song’s length, and choose spotlight dance songs wisely. Remember that guests will be watching you dance with parents or each other, and a five-minute song can seem neverending while others are waiting around. Avoid

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very long songs, as the mix of music should be upbeat. The wedding isn’t the time to play “American Pie” by Don McClean, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” or Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.” n Inappropriate lyrics and volume: Keep the music at an acceptable volume, and avoid songs with suggestive language or curse words that are inappropriate in a family setting.

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Many hot trends in wedding cuisine

Once a couple has officially tied the knot, the newly recognized man and wife and all of their guests will retire to a party room where they can mingle, dance and enjoy a good meal.

In the past, standard fare like prime rib and roasted chicken dominated wedding menus. But today’s weddings cater to people of various culinary tastes, and couples and their guests can expect more upscale and creative cuisine to be rolled out for wedding receptions. The following are a handful of the more popular trends with regard to wedding cuisine.

than food being brought to the guests or participants lining up in buffet lines, family-style dining allows guests to share conversation and pass the peas at the same time.

Larger, rectangular tables allow more guests to sit with one another and serve themselves food from community plates located in the center of the tables.

Breakfast for dinner

Some couples are circumventing high price tags for their weddings by choosing to hold the festivities at less expensive times of day. Brunchthemed weddings are a big hit with those who would much rather dine on a stack of pancakes than a dish Miniature bites of pasta. Omelet stations, croissants Couples are getting creative with their wedding food.

Many people say good things and a bevy of other breakfast table come in small packages, and when fare can be enjoyed any time of the oyster bar with a chef serving fresh around so everyone can choose what it comes to miniature versions of day. seafood or a dessert master whipping they want and what they want to favorite foods, they may be right. up flambé is a feast for the eyes and avoid.

Gourmet comfort food Instead of large meals that fill guests mouth.

Interesting buffet stations up fast, they can munch on smaller People love familiar comfort Dim sum bites of their favorite dishes. How foods, but now gourmet comfort Keep guests on their toes with about a piece of meatloaf topped foods are shaking up wedding recepDim sum allows guests to sample various meal stations. A bountiful with whipped mashed potatoes? A tions. Mac-and-cheese with gouda different foods without filling up. display of artisanal cheeses, fruits cherry tomato with a small piece and brie or chicken pot pie with a Carts of dumplings and other small and breads will be a cheese lover’s of mozzarella cheese makes a mini puff-pastry crust are a few offerings plates of appetizers can be wheeled dream. These stations also can be caprese salad. Turning favorite foods that can add glamour to downinto bite-sized adventures can add home cooking. a touch of whimsy to the reception.

Food with a show Family style

Instead of passed foods or buffet Rustic and informal weddings stations, couples are opting to make have grown in popularity. Rather food an experience for guests. An

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How to handle guests who don’t RSVP in time METRO NEWS SERVICE

Wedding invitations are often a great source of information for guests. While wedding websites also provide a great opportunity for couples to get the word out about their weddings and share pertinent details like the date and location of the wedding, many people are still unfamiliar with the concept of a wedding website, and therefore they rely on invitations as their primary source of information about a wedding.

One of the most important bits of information couples must include on their wedding invitations is the RSVP date. The RSVP, which stands for “repondez s’il vous plait,” is a couple’s request for a response to their invitation. The RSVP is typically a specific date by which guests must let the couple tying the knot know whether or not they plan to attend the wedding.

There are no rules that govern how far in advance of the

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wedding couples should ask their guests to RSVP, but some venues might want a final headcount or at least a close estimate of the final countdown three to four weeks before the big day.

As a result, it’s best to ask guests to RSVP at least three weeks before the wedding and preferably four to five weeks before the festivities commence.

If invitations are mailed two to three months prior to the wedding, that gives guests ample time to determine whether they can or cannot join in the celebration. While many guests will respond immediately or in plenty of time for couples to arrange seating and notify their reception venue, nearly every bride and groom has been forced to deal with guests who simply failed to respond to their invitations, a potentially precarious position for couples to find themselves in as their wedding day quickly approaches.

There are no rules that govern how far in advance of the wedding couples should ask their guests to RSVP

How to choose a wedding date wisely METRO NEWS SERVICE

Many couples find themselves bombarded with questions the moment they become engaged, and perhaps no questions is more common than, “When is the wedding?”

Although a number of couples would prefer to bask in the excitement of their engagement, some couples feel pressured to rush into picking a wedding date. Choosing a wedding date without giving it much consideration may make things more difficult down the road. Rather than jumping head first into any decisions, couples should give thought to any and all dates and decide if there are certain times of the year they want to tie the knot or avoid.

Season

When thinking about potential wedding dates, it helps to have a place to start. Some couples find it helpful to start with a particular season and then narrow it down from there. Decide if you prefer the lush greenery of summer or the amazing color spectrum of an autumn afternoon. Perhaps you envision arriving at the ceremony with a snow-packed landscape amid twinkling holiday lights? Think about the season when you feel most happy and then determine if that time of year is doable.

Look at a different factors before saving a date.

fect, but not for busy professionals or those with limited vacation time at their disposal. For example, early spring may not be good for accountants tallying year-end numbers.

Teachers may feel most comfortable tying the knot in the summer when they already have days off. If you run a pool business or a lawn maintenance company, then the summer Month might not be so good. Keep these Certain months may seem per- factors in mind.

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Day of the week It’s less expensive for couples to get married on Fridays and Sundays than Saturday afternoons or evenings. Couples may think that the money saved will be well worth it, but they also should think about how this decision may affect their guests.

A Friday wedding requires people to take off from work or school. Sunday weddings may be slightly more convenient.

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Sunday, January 18, 2015 | 11

Look for ‘something blue’ and double row chokers, often mixed with crystal, are truly classic and always appropriate for brides.

But there are now many modern twists, both in design and in ways brides choose to wear pearls.

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Crystal styles — teardrop earrings and necklaces, delicate Y necklaces, chokers and bracelets in

floral designs — are also beautiful and popular choices among brides.

They, too, can be layered, mixed and matched with pearls.

The bottom line is that brides are more than ever expressing their personal style in every aspect of their weddings. Jewelry selection is a wonderful way to do this because it is a focal point that frames the face and will live forever in glorious photos of the memorable day.

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As weddings become more and more personalized to the bride’s own tastes, blue and other colors have been making their way into the bridal picture, both in decor and in jewelry.

“In addition to our wide selection of pearl and crystal jewelry for brides, we have seen increased interest in sapphire and other colors like topaz for brides,” according to Jill Maier, Vice President of Design at CAROLEE. As the “jewelry destination for brides,” CAROLEE has for decades had its finger on the pulse of what brides want. Sapphire blue stones are now a staple in their bridal collection, with stones set in silver and gold tone metal. Topaz stones set in gold have become popular, and rose gold metal is another color option that brides have gravitated to. These trends also influence jewelry for bridesmaids and every member of the bridal party.

While color is making news in bridal circles, pearls will always play a lead role in the world of bridal jewelry. Classic styles like single

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Moving your wedding outdoors

There are many tips for couples who want to do their wedding outside

Be sure everything outdoors is properly secured and weighted down. Avoid light fabrics on a wedding gown that will get swept away by wind.

METRO NEWS SERVICE

Outdoor weddings are romantic when done right, and a growing number of couples are exchanging vows amid an expansive garden or with the splendor of the pounding surf providing a picturesque backdrop. If Mother Nature cooperates, outdoor weddings can go smoothly. But even if the weather does not cooperate, there still are ways couples can enjoy a memorable ceremony.

Preparation and planning help keep outdoor weddings moving along. Weather can be unpredictable and unforgiving, so it is always best to account for various scenarios. The following are some tips to consider. n Be mindful of hot weather.

Many outdoor weddings occur when temperatures are at their warmest. As anyone who has had to sit outdoors in the blazing sun for an extended period of time can attest, it can grow quite uncomfortable, especially when everyone is dressed to the nines.

Advise guests in advance that the wedding will be taking place outdoors and to dress accordingly.

Arrange to have shaded areas for guests who may struggle with the heat. Keep chilled bottled water nearby so guests can stay cool and refreshed. Ask the officiant to keep the ceremony brief so that guests are not melting away in their seats.

An outdoor wedding can be beautiful, but it also poses many challenges.

n Keep wind in mind. A stiff breeze can upset tents and wreak havoc on hairstyles. Be sure everything outdoors is properly secured and weighted down.

Avoid light fabrics on a wedding gown that will get swept away by wind. A short, blusher veil may be more appropriate than a sweeping train. Couples should advise their hairstylists that they will be getting married outdoors, and looks should be well secured by bobby pins and gel to keep hair in place. Stick to real dishes for food service, as plastic or lightweight materials may get blown away. n Check for power sources.

Choose a wedding location with easily accessible power outlets.

Guests will certainly want to hear the vows, and that may require the use of microphones and a sound system. Having power available also makes it easier for bands and musicians to set up their equipment for an outdoor reception.

If the wedding will be stretching into the evening hours, electricity will be needed to power supple-

mental lighting that illuminates the festivities. n Ensure accessibility. Outdoor terrain can prove tricky, especially for older guests or those with mobility issues. When scouting locations, select a wheelchair-accessible spot that can be easily traversed. Understand that turf can become water-logged and challenging to walk over should it rain the day of the wedding or prior. Plastic or fabric runners may make things easier. Also, choose a location that isn’t too far off the beaten path. It should be close enough to a parking lot and not require guests to have to take an extended hike through nature. n Face away from the sun.

Glares can make it difficult for guests to see the ceremony. Be sure to arrange seats so that guests do not have to look into the sun.

This is best achieved by having the sun behind everyone for the ceremony. It also ensures that you won’t end up with washed-out photos or pictures of everyone squinting. n Ensure food is properly chilled or heated. Dining outdoors means keeping food safety in mind. Food that is supposed to be kept cool should remain on ice or be refrigerated until served. Hot foods should remain hot. Food in chafing dishes or served buffet-style also should be protected from insects. Improper handling of food can result in foodborne illnesses. No one wants to remember a wedding for intestinal discomfort. n Use fresh flowers in potted plants. Cut flowers tend to wilt prematurely in hot weather.

Rather than waste money and

beautiful flowers, choose potted plants that will thrive if well-tended. Guests can then take the plants home and continue to cherish the wedding long after it is over. n Budget for a tent. It is always better to have a contingency plan.

Even if you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, have a backup plan in place if the weather is uncooperative. A tent with surrounding sidewalls may be sufficient. Otherwise, determine if there is an indoor location that can be kept on standby. n Mix up the candles.

Intersperse citronella candles with the decorative ones to help keep bugs at bay. You can also consider placing small bottles of insect repellent on the tables. Guests will appreciate the gesture when biting flies or mosquitoes want to join in the fun.

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Tips for choosing a honeymoon destination METRO NEWS SERVICE

As couples cope with the stress and struggles of planning a wedding, many begin to see their honeymoons as a time when they can finally unwind and relax without having to worry about seating arrangements, vendor negotiations or the host of other responsibilities that come with planning a wedding.

But securing the perfect honeymoon can be nearly as difficult as planning the wedding.

The biggest dilemma couples face when planning a honeymoon is where to spend that first week or so as a married couple. The right locale for a honeymoon varies depending on the couple.

Some might prefer a Hawaiian island while others might find a week spent camping in a national park is more their style. Whatever you and your future spouse’s style may be, the following are a few tips to ensure you both have the time of your lives. n Decide what you can afford.

The days when the bride’s father takes care of the bill for the wedding are largely a thing of the past. Many of today’s couples finance their own weddings, which can leave little money leftover for the honeymoon.

When shopping for a honeymoon destination, know what you can and can’t afford. Your honeymoon budget may narrow your options considerably, but it will help you ensure you aren’t spending your first trip as a married couple pinching pennies. n Play around with the length of your trip. Many couples aim to spend at least one week on their honeymoons. But one way to save money on the honeymoon or make a more expensive locale more affordable is to reduce the length of your stay.

An extra two days in paradise might break your honeymoon budget, but what about a shorter stay? You will likely want to spend at least five days at your chosen destination, but a five-day trip can prove considerably less expensive than a full week, especially if you arrive and depart on a weekday. n Travel in the offseason. While many couples deserve an immediate getaway after planning and financing their weddings, you might get a better deal if you delay your hon-

eymoon until the offseason, when resorts tend to offer more attractive packages after the tourist season has peaked. A honeymoon in the offseason is likely to offer more privacy than one taken during the peak of

The biggest dilemma couples face when planning a honeymoon is where to spend that first week or so as a married couple. the season, so you might find such a honeymoon is more romantic. If you do decide to delay your honeymoon, you might still want to plan a short getaway to a nearby locale for a few days after you tie the knot. Even a

short trip can help you unwind after all that planning and coordinating. n Establish a honeymoon registry.

In addition to who’s paying for the wedding, one of the ways in which today’s couples are different from those of yesteryear is the fact that many couples now live together before tying the knot. That reality has made the traditional registry somewhat obsolete, as many of today’s couples already own their own furniture and already have a fully stocked kitchen. But couples can still have a honeymoon registry, which allows their guests to donate money they would otherwise be spending on a wedding gift to a fund that will be used specifically to fund the couple’s honeymoon and any adventures they choose to enjoy on their trip.

Guests may even prefer such a registry, as it saves them the trouble of wrapping a gift and carrying it to the wedding while ensuring the happy couple will truly enjoy their gift.

Choosing your honeymoon destination is important.

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Factors to consider for a destination wedding METRO NEWS SERVICE

In its 2012 Destination Weddings Study, the XO Group Inc., creator of the popular wedding Web site TheKnot.com, found that nearly 25 percent of all weddings are destination weddings. Couples who want to make their special day even more so are choosing to have their weddings at idyllic destinations or other unique locales that boast special meaning.

But as popular as destination weddings may be, there are factors that the bride- and groom-to-be must consider on their way to deciding if a destination wedding is for them.

resort only hosts weddings during the secure a wedding license. Many couheight of its tourist season. ples may find a destination wedding is more difficult than they anticipated.

Laws

Local laws also must be considered before deciding on a destination wedding. Some locales require couples to establish residency within the town’s limits before they can get married, and the paperwork to get married overseas can be significant. Planning a wedding can be difficult enough without having to do extra work to

Resources

Remote islands may seem like the ideal place for a wedding, but such locales may not have the same resources as more developed destinations. For example, the menu for a wedding in a remote island locale may be far more limited due the difDestination weddings demand more planning. ficulty of getting certain foods.

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Affordability

Couples with large families tend to look at destination weddings as more affordable than a wedding in their hometown. That’s because destination weddings tend to attract fewer guests, which is fewer mouths to feed at the reception. But a smaller guest list will not necessarily offset the cost of getting married at a seaside resort. Such resorts may have shorter wedding seasons, increasing the competition for the venue and subsequently driving up the price.

In addition, the cost of travel to such resorts can prove costly for couples and their guests, especially if the

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WEDDING DIRECTORY A LT E R AT I O N S Charlotte’s Sewing Shop & School

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La Bella Vista

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Mahan’s Lakeview & Fine Catering

15 Grilley Rd.Wolcott, CT 203-879-9363 www.mahanscatering.com

Maneeley’s

65 Rye St., So. Windsor, CT 860-528-6622 www.Maneeleys.com

21 Whiting Street Plainville, CT 06062 860-747-9500 www.ireneslingerie.com

Manor Inn Restaurant

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BANQUETS & C AT E R I N G Aqua Turf

Mulberry Street, Plantsville, Ct 06479 www.aquaturfclub.com

Marilyn’s Pub

388 Broad Street, Bristol, Ct 860-583-8838 www.marilynspub.com

Aria by Villa Rosa

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Testa’s Banquet Facilities 26 South Center St. Southington, CT 860-628-8509

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CAKES A N D FAV O R S Harvest Bakery

Bolo Bakery

32 Whiting St. Plainville, CT 860-410-4292 www.bolobakery.com

C AT E R I N G Angelo’s Market & Catering

DBK Family Jewelers

349 West Main Street New Britain, CT 860-223-7340 www.angelosmarket.com

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JEWELRY 41 East Street Plainville, CT 860-747-3374 www.dbkfamilyjewelers.net

Jeske’s Catering, LLC Shannon’s Diamonds 380 Main Street and Fine Jewelry, Inc.

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GIFTS Patrick Baker & Sons, Inc.

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Tunxis Plantation

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Artificial Flower Shop

246 Lake Ave. Bristol, CT 860-582-0516 www.facebook.com/ The Artificial Flower Shop

Hubbard Florist 133 North St. Bristol, CT 860-583-4184

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The Grand Oak Villa

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Quassy Amusement Park 2132 Middlebury Rd. Route 64 Middlebury, CT 203-758-2913 www.quassy.com

Southington Country Club

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Sunday, January 18, 2015 | 15

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