2016 Wedding GUIDE & Planner MTA080516M.indd 1
Begin Your Happily Ever After at the Still House Located in the quaint and secluded town of Dug Spur Virginia, this is the ideal location to say I Do. The Still House Manor is the perfect setting for your wedding and reception. Situated on 130 lush, secluded acres, with serene waterfront, it creates a picturesque scene for your special occasion. You can view the location upon request. MTA080516M.indd 2 $2500.00- Weekend Wedding(Friday-Sunday) $2000.00- Day Wedding Kanawha Valley Arena Resort 540-789-2084 Tommy s # 704-619-0433 121 Kanawha Ridge Lane, Dugspur, VA 24325 www.kanawhavalleyarenaresort.com www.kanawhavalleylodging.com www.stillhouseweddings.com 00841639 2 July 2016 BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER Wedding packages available upon request.
Celebrating the wedding of and ON Inside 4 Engagement announcement for the newspaper 5 Twelve to six months before the wedding 5 Six to two months before the wedding 6 How to build your wedding budget 7 Budget worksheet 8 Duties of the wedding party 9 The wedding party 9 Master eception seating charts 10 Invitations 10 Choosing a site 11 Information to include on your wedding website 12 Flowers 13 Save your rainy wedding day 13 Add a twist to bouquet toss traditions 14 The Ceremony 14 Clergy 15 Rein in destination wedding costs 16 Music for ceremony and reception 16 Did you know: Symbolism of white wedding dresses 17 Make the first dance even more special 18 Making your wedding day picture perfect 19 Reconnect during wedding planning 20 Wedding party attire 21 Reception 21 Decorations & supply list 22 Catering & wedding cake 22 Keep your gown wedding white 23 Countdown to wedding day BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER July 2016 3 MTA080516M.indd 3
Announcement engagement for the newspaper Contact your local newspaper to see what their announcement requirements are. Following are three traditional types of announcements and what to include in each. Engagements This is the first announcement for the paper. It includes the names of the bride-elect and groomelect, city of residence, parents names, time, date and place of wedding, names of grandparents, education and honors. The announcement of the engagement should be submitted no more than six months and no less than two weeks before the wedding date. A photograph can be submitted. Couples announcement This appears the Friday before the wedding. It includes basic reminder information of the weekend wedding and includes listings of parties given in honor of the bride and groom. This information should include the type of party, hosts, locations and dates. Weddings This is submitted after the wedding. Information should include the names of the couple, parents and grandparents; time, date and location of wedding; officiating minister s name; who gave the bride away; bride s attendants and bridesmaids; flower girls and ring bearer; best man and groomsmen; location of the reception; honeymoon location; and the city where the couple will be living. A photograph can be submitted. Use this as a guide for what to include in your engagement announcement: Full name of bride-elect Complete address & phone Full names of bride s parents Full names of bride-elect s grandparents Bride-elect s education information Bride-elect s employment (job title & location) Full name of groom-elect 4 July 2016 BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER Address & phone of groom -elect Full names of groom s parents Full names of groom s grandparents Groom s education information Groom s employment (job title & location) Date, place and time of wedding (please be specific) MTA080516M.indd 4
Before the wedding twelve to six months BEFORE Tell all family members. Talk to children, if this is a second/third marriage. Select a wedding date and time. Make a preliminary budget. Determine your wedding theme or style and colors. Plan your ceremony. Determine who will officiate the ceremony. Hire a wedding consultant if you plan to use one. Reserve your ceremony and reception location. Determine the size of your guest list. Start compiling names and addresses of guests. Select bridal attendants. Have fiancé select his attendants. six to two months BEFORE Six months before the wedding Shop for wedding rings and other symbols of family unity. Make final arrangements for ceremony (deposits paid, contracts signed). Make sure all bridal attire is ordered. Have all mothers coordinate and select their dresses. Register for bridal registry. Complete the guest lists and compile them in order. Check the requirements for a marriage license. Start planning the honeymoon. Decide where you will live after the wedding. Begin to shop for the bride s trousseau. NOTES: Plan reception. Check catering facilities, if at a club or hotel. Select a caterer, if one is necessary. Select a professional photographer and videographer. Select a musical service for reception and wedding. Select a professional florist. Select your dress and headpiece. Announce your engagement in the newspaper. Select bridesmaids dresses. Select the men s wedding attire and reserve the right sizes. Select the engagement ring with fiancé if he has not already done so. Two months before the wedding Address the invitations and announcements, which should be mailed four to six weeks before the wedding. Order wedding cake, if not supplied by caterer. Finalize ceremony details with officiant. Make rehearsal arrangements. Plan bridesmaids luncheon. Make appointments for hair, nails, and make-up. Arrange accommodations for out of town attendants, guests and family members. Finalize honeymoon plans. Make sure final musical arrangements are made for wedding and reception. BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER July 2016 5 MTA080516M.indd 5
How to build your wedding budget 6 July 2016 BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER Couples engaged to be married have a lot on their plates as they begin planning their weddings. Whereas tradition once demanded parents of the bride pay for a couple s wedding, nowadays more and more engaged couples are completely or partially financing their own nuptials. That means prospective brides and grooms must develop wedding budgets that won t ensure their first act as Mr. and Mrs. is paying down debt. In its 2015 Real Weddings Study, online bridal resource The Knot found that many couples still receive substantial financial support from their parents to pay for their weddings. The survey found that, on average, the bride s parent s contributed 44 percent of the overall wedding budget in 2015, while couples financed 43 percent (the remaining 13 percent was financed by the groom s parents and additional sources). Couples who hope to follow that formula or pay for their weddings on their own can heed the following tips to build wedding budgets that won t break the bank but will still ensure a day to remember forever. Examine your collective finances. Few couples know the details of each other s finances before getting engaged. While some may still hesitate to share their personal financial information upon getting engaged, an open and honest discussion and examination of each person s finances is the only way to develop a realistic wedding budget that both partners can live with. Once couples know what they can contribute, they can then consult their parents to determine if their mothers and fathers are intending to contribute. Develop a preliminary guest list. A preliminary guest list can give couples an idea of how large and expensive their weddings will be. According to the Real Weddings Study, the average cost per wedding guest in 2015 was $237. While that cost can vary greatly depending on geography and other factors, couples should keep that figure in mind when drafting their guest lists. If need be, keep costs down by trimming the guest list so it includes only close family members and friends. Don t count on gifts. Many couples justify runaway wedding budgets by telling themselves that they will ultimately get the money back via wedding gifts. While many guests will give financial gifts, counting on such windfalls is a recipe for accruing debt. Do not build potential wedding gifts into your wedding budget. If you do so and your expectations fall short, you could be facing considerable debt upon returning home from your honeymoon. Gather quotes before choosing where to tie the knot. Where couples get married will have a great impact on how much money they will spend on their weddings. For example, the Real Weddings Study found that, in 2015, the average wedding in Manhattan cost couples slightly more than $82,000, while the average Alaskan wedding cost just over $17,000. Venues within the same city can vary greatly with regard to pricing and offerings as well, so couples should give themselves ample time to gather quotes and find an affordable venue they like. Build extra costs into your budget. When determining a budget you can live with, remember to include a little extra for unforeseen costs. Weddings are large undertakings, and it s reasonable to expect some unforeseen costs to arise. Building such costs into your initial budget will make these unforeseen circumstances that much easier to handle. Budgets can help couples stay on track and avoid debt as they plan their weddings. MTA080516M.indd 6
(336)786-1313 budget worksheet Total Reception (45%) Reception Site Catering Drinks Wedding Cake Miscellaneous (e.g., security) Budget Actual Total Attire (10%) Dress and veil Jewelry and shoes Hair and makeup Lingerie Groom s tux Total Photography (10%) Photographer Videographer Bridal/Engagement photos Total Stationery (4%) Invitations Postage Ceremony programs Save-the-date notes Thank-you notes Let 13 Bones Cater your Wedding Reception Entrées 13 Bones Soon-To-Be Famous Baby Back Ribs New Orleans Chicken Pasta or Chopped BBQ Grilled Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken, BBQ Chicken Half North Atlantic Salmon ¼ Rack of Ribs and ¼ Chicken Combo Ribeye Steak, Prime Rib, 6oz Filet or 8oz Filet ½ Rack and Chicken Combo ½ Rack and Ribeye Or Prime Rib Combo Pasta Primavera Sides Baked Beans Cole Slaw Mashed Potatoes Baked Apples Green Beans Mac & Cheese House Salad Oven Roasted Potatoes Pasta Salad Potato Salad Desserts & Drinks Cobbler (Peach, Cherry or Strawberry) Banana Pudding Tea (Sweetened or Unsweetened) Party Platters & Trays Total Entertainment (10%) Ceremony music Reception music (e.g., Band, DJ) Ribs, Chicken Tenders & Jumbo Wings Fruit, Vegetable or Cheese & Cracker Trays Peel & Eat Shrimp Total Miscellaneous (6%) Ceremony site and officiant fees Gifts for each other, attendants Wedding rings Marriage license MTA080516M.indd 7 502 S Andy Griffith Pkwy Mount Airy, NC 27030 Tues-Thurs: 11 AM- 9 PM Fri & Sat: 11 AM- 10 PM Sun: 12 PM - 9 PM www.eat13bones.com 7 July 2016 Total Flowers (10%) Ceremony arrangements Bouquets and boutonniere Parent s flowers Reception site arrangements BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER Total Transportation (5%) Wedding party transportation Bride and groom transportation 00841399 TOTAL BUDGET AMOUNT Make Your Wedding Party or Reception Delicious, Memorable & Stress-Free with...
Duties of the 8 July 2016 BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER wedding party Duties of the Maid/Matron of Honor Plans and coordinates bridal shower. Assists the bride in additional planning. Helps bride address envelopes, record wedding gifts received, shopping and other prewedding tasks. Pays for her own wedding attire and accessories. Helps coordinate the bridesmaids with their fittings. Attends the ceremony rehearsal and is invited to the rehearsal dinner party. Helps the bride get ready before the ceremony. Oversees the bridesmaids and informs them of their responsibilities. Arranges the bride's veil and train during the ceremony. Holds the bride's bouquet during the ceremony. Hands the officiant the groom's wedding ring. MTA080516M.indd 8 Signs the marriage certificate as a legal witness. Helps the bride change into her going-away clothes after the reception. Duties of the Bridesmaids Pay for their own wedding attire and accessories. Help with pre-wedding preparations. Co-host the bridal shower with the maid of honor. Attend the ceremony rehearsal and are invited to the rehearsal dinner party. Duties of the Flower Girl The flower girl's parents are usually responsible for her attire. With parents, attends the ceremony rehearsal and is invited to the rehearsal dinner party. Carries a basket of flowers. Walks before the bride in the processional, stands next to the maid or matron of honor during the ceremony and follows the bride and groom during the recessional. Duties of the Ring Bearer The ring bearer's parents are usually responsible for his attire. With parents, attends the ceremony rehearsal and is invited to the rehearsal dinner party. Carries a pillow with rings tied to it. Walks down the aisle with or after the flower girl. ceremony site on time. Oversees the groomsmen/ushers and informs them of their responsibilities. Hands the officiant the bride's wedding ring Signs the marriage certificate as a legal witness. Responsible for giving the officiant payment. Responsible for giving other professionals their payment. Make sure the couple's car is ready to go. Return's the groom's attire to the tuxedo shop. Duties of the Best Man Plans and coordinates the bachelor party. Pays for his own wedding attire and accessories. Helps coordinate the groomsmen's formal wear fitting. Attends the ceremony rehearsal and is invited to the rehearsal dinner party. Gets the groom to the Duties of the Groomsmen Pay for their own wedding attire and accessories. Attend the ceremony rehearsal and are invited to the rehearsal dinner party. Assist with setup and straighten and clean up after the ceremony. Escort the bridesmaids. Oversee transfer of gifts to a secure location after the reception. Duties of the Ushers Pay for their own wedding attire and accessories Attend the ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal dinner party. Assist with setup. Seat guests. Seat the mother of the groom in the right front row and then seat the bride's mother in the left front row. Unroll the aisle runner. Straighten up and clean after the ceremony. Oversee transfer of gifts after the reception. Other participants Person who reads scripture at the ceremony. Soloist at the ceremony. Person to hand our ceremony programs. Person to stand at guest book. Person in charge of the gift table.
The wedding party Maid of Honor Matron of Honor Best Man Flower Girl Ring Bearer Bridesmaids Groomsmen Master reception seating charts After the vows have been exchanged and couples have donned their wedding rings, newly married couples and their guests often enjoy some well-deserved fun at the wedding reception. Though wedding receptions are all about fun, couples may find it difficult to plan the reception seating arrangements. Such a task requires a good deal of time, sorting through guest responses and an intimate knowledge of which personalities will mesh and which will not. But some patience, diplomacy and even a little help can make the process of planning seating arrangements much easier. Group related people together. This relation does not have to be familial. For example, seat work friends together rather than scattering them at various tables. It s easier for wedding guests to mingle when they have some common connection. Younger guests are more flexible. Recognize that younger guests are less likely to complain about where they are seated than older guests, so you have more wiggle room when arranging their tables. They can be placed at tables closer to the dance floor, near the entertainment or by the kitchen door, while older guests might want to be closer to the bride and groom and further away from distractions. Seat immediate family members nearby. Seat immediate family members closest to the bride and groom. Guests who fall under the acquaintance category as opposed to the family category can be seated further away. Place friends or party animals near the entertainment. Guests who are up for a good party may appreciate being seated close to the dance floor or within arm s length of the refreshments. Address mobility concerns. If a guest is elderly or needs to be close to exits or the restroom, make those accommodations. Embrace the kids table. Seat young guests together if there are a number of them. Kids will have more fun sitting with one another than with adults or their parents. And seating kids together makes it easier for servers if children will be ordering from a special menu. Expect the unexpected. Some seating arrangements may not work out. Be sure the reception site is flexible and can easily put another place setting together if an unexpected guest arrives or if someone needs to be moved to another table. Couples must map out seating arrangements when planning their wedding receptions. Learn to master the techniques and etiquette to make the process easier. Shine on your big day... Full Service Hair Salon Manicures Pedicures Waxing Facials Massage Therapy Salon 222 222 Franklin St. Mt. Airy, NC 336-719-2232 Facebook: Salon222 00842162 BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER July 2016 9 MTA080516M.indd 9
Invitations Compile names and addresses of guests r Bride s guest list r Groom s guest list r Bride s parents guest list r Groom s parents guest list r Finalize the guest list and determine number of invitations needed r Double-check spellings of names and addresses r Order the invitations and stationery at least four to six months before the wedding Ordering invitations Stationer: Address: Phone: Contact: Cost for each: Invitations Envelopes Liners Response cards Envelopes Reception cards Pew cards Announcements Wedding programs Place cards Thank you notes Other Invitations Number ordered Date ordered Delivery date Style/font Paper/color Ink color r Design and print maps to be included in the invitations if needed. r Address and assemble the invitations. r Ensure you are using the proper postage when stamping the envelopes. r Mail the invitations, ask the post office to hand-cancel. r Mail the announcements. r Write thank-you notes. r Mail thank-you notes. Choosing a site Decide on a location Date reserved: Dressing Rooms Location address: 1st rehearsal time: Available: Yes No Location phone: 1st rehearsal date: Number Available: Type of location: 2nd rehearsal time: Capacity: 10 July 2016 BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER Deposit required: Cancellation policy: Restrictions: Size description: Site rental fee: Clergy fee: Parking: Handicap Accessible: Yes No Theme Rehearsal Times & Date My Theme: My style/colors: 2nd rehearsal date: Final rehearsal time: Final rehearsal date: Set up time: Start time: End time: Photo time: Clean up time: Guest Number of guests invited: Number of guests confirmed: Dressing Location Bride: Maid/Matron of Honor: Bridesmaids: Flower girl: Groom: Best Man: Groomsmen: Ushers: Ring Bearer: MTA080516M.indd 10
Information to include on your wedding website Personal websites are an invaluable resource for couples planning their weddings. Wedding websites provide a great platform for couples to share all sorts of information regarding their big day, making them an essential element of modern-day wedding planning. Wedding websites need not feature all the bells and whistles of more permanent sites. But while there are specific guidelines governing what to include on wedding websites, couples should be mindful to share certain information to ensure their guests stay in the know about the pending nuptials. The participants Wedding websites can be used to inform guests about the couple getting married as well as the various participants, such as the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Extended families of the bride- and groom-to-be may not know much about their loved one s betrothed, and the wedding website can help guests get to know both people getting married. Include information about the bridal party as well. A brief story about each bridal party member s relationship to the bride and/or groom can be a great way to illustrate just how much each person in the party means to the couple tying the knot. The big day Invitations were once the go-to source for information about couples wedding ceremonies and receptions. But unlike invitations, websites won t get lost around the house or in the mail, making them more reliable resources for guests. Include all the pertinent details about the big day on your website, including the time and location of both the ceremony and the reception. Include directions to and from the venue (both the ceremony and reception venues if they will be held at separate locations), and include a Google maps feature if possible. RSVP info Save guests the trouble of returning RSVP cards by including an RSVP section on your website. Establish an email address solely for RSVPs, and check it regularly so you can update who is and who is not attending your wedding. Couples can save the expense of postage by requesting that guests RSVP exclusively through their websites. Just be sure to include that request with the invitations if you still plan to mail more traditional invites. Accommodations Many couples arrange for discounted hotel rooms for their outof-town wedding guests. Include this information on your wedding website, and aim to include at least two hotels where guests can register under your party and receive discounted lodging. In addition to the hotels you arrange a deal with, include some extra information about other lodging options in the area. Out-of-town guests will appreciate having as many options as possible, and couples providing that information saves guests the trouble of researching certain neighborhoods to determine if they are safe or close to the ceremony and reception sites. Registry Wedding websites also provide a great way for couples to share registry information. Include links that take guests directly to your online registries. Wedding websites are a great resource for couples who want to share information about their weddings. As the big day draws closer, couples can update their sites to reflect any new developments. BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER July 2016 11 MTA080516M.indd 11
Flowers Hire a professional florist Floral decorations for ceremony site Florist Address r Arch/canopy r Altar r Candelabras r Pews r Aisles r Windows Phone Contact Pay deposit and sign agreement Decide the types of flowers that you want r Fresh flowers r Dried flowers r Silk flowers Floral decorations for reception site Bridal Registry Unique Decorative Styles Retail Shop Home Accessories and much, much more! Estate Jewelry BEST Attendant Gifts Custom Designs Buy New Gold &the Diamonds...40% off Bling Designer Timepieces Men s Cufflinks New Silver...50% off Reconditioned...50% off 235 Market St. Mount Airy our other in-store specials WithoutGRADUATES! Breaking The Bank WISHES MULLINS Mon.-Thurs. 1911 Caudle Drive Mount Airy, NC 9am-5:30pm Fri. 9am-6pm Sat. Hours:9amMonday thru Thursday 9:00am - 5:30pm, 3pm Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm, PAWN SHOP & JEWELERS Need A Dollar Give Mullins A Hollar PAWN SHOP & JEWELERS 336.648.8025 786-6417 789-7109 Need A Dollar Give Mullins A Hollar Hwy. 89W, Mount Airy Surry Plaza Shopping Ctr PAWN SHOP & JEWELERS 786-6417 or 789-7109 Hwy. 89 Mt. Airy Surry Plaza Shopping Ctr Mon-Thurs 9am - 5:30pm Fri 9am - 6pm Sat 9am - 5pm Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm Jewelry repair available 00841404 www.welcomehomedecor235.com 00841462 Wedding Bands Check notes: FOREVER Engagement Rings Confirm all details at least two weeks before the wedding date. They ll Treasure Ask about Recruit someone to be responsible for delivering flowers to the appropriate people bride, groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, flower girl, etc. notes: The Bridal Jewelry 12 July 2016 r Bride and groom s table r Attendants table r Parents table r Guest tables r Buffet table r Cake table r Guest register table r Gift table r Champagne/punch table r Wedding Cake r Wedding Cake topper r Bride s bouquet r Bouquet for tossing r Floral headpiece if needed r Going away corsage r Matron/Maid of Honor s flowers r Floral headpiece if needed r Bridesmaids Flowers r Floral headpiece if needed r Flower girl r Floral headpiece if needed r Groom s boutonnière r Best Man s boutonnière r Groomsmen s boutonnières r Ring Bearer s boutonnière r Mothers corsages r Fathers boutonnières r Flowers for helpers 00418217 BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER Select flowers for: Make arrangements to have the bridal bouquet preserved. 786-6417 789-7109 MTA080516M.indd 12
Save your rainy wedding day Nature can make a couple s wedding day that much more special. Beautiful backdrops like ocean waves or rolling country hills lend a lot to a wedding, making the day even more special for couples and their guests. But Mother Nature is the inherent risk of hosting an outdoor wedding. Weather is unpredictable, and couples who hope to tie the knot in the great outdoors must develop a contingency plan just in case Mother Nature decides to rain on the parade. While outdoor wedding venues often have backup venues in place should the weather prove uncooperative, couples can take some additional steps to ensure their rainy wedding days still go off without a hitch. Find a place to take photos. Wedding photos document a couple s big day, and many couples arrange for outdoor photos whether they re tying the knot indoors or outdoors. But couples must arrange for a place to take photos in case outdoors is not an option. If possible, walk the grounds of your ceremony or reception site with your photographer in the weeks before the wedding to scout out potential areas to shoot indoors in case the weather is not cooperating. Ask a representative from the venue to recommend potential photo locations around the building. Consider a tent. Some wedding venues are exclusively outdoors, meaning they don t have backup options indoors on their premises. If that s the case, couples can rent tents to serve as their safety nets. Tents can be expensive, and some couples may not want to pay for a tent they ultimately may not use. But tents may be a couple s only option if their chosen venue has no indoor alternatives. Establish a cutoff time. Depending on how remote the ceremony location is, couples might be able to wait until a few hours before their weddings to decide if they will still tie the knot outdoors. Make the call earlier if your wedding is to be held at an especially remote location. But no matter where the wedding is, establish a cutoff time to let guests know if the wedding will be indoors or outdoors. Include such information on your wedding website and/or invitations. Use a social media platform such as Facebook or Twitter to inform guests of your final decision. Provide umbrellas. Some inclement weather may not be enough to deter couples or guests from braving the great outdoors. Couples getting married in the summer may be able to withstand a summer shower, but provide guests with umbrellas just to be safe. The umbrellas will make for a nice wedding gift, and hopefully couples and guests won t even need to use them. Insure the wedding. Couples who are hosting destination weddings on tropical isles should look into insuring their weddings. Such islands might be susceptible to harmful storms like hurricanes that can prevent weddings from taking place. Insurance can cover couples for a host of unforeseen circumstances, including weather. Outdoor weddings can be magical, but couples must build contingency plans in case Mother Nature proves uncooperative come the big day. Add a twist to bouquet toss traditions Part of what makes weddings such enjoyable events is the many traditions that are built into the day. Tradition lends familiarity to the proceedings and serves as unwritten cues for guests. Certain traditions invite guest participation, and these can make great memories for both couples and their guests. Just because something is a tradition, however, doesn t mean couples can t put their own unique spin on things. The bouquet toss is one tradition that may benefit from a little personalization. In a 2015 Jezebel poll of about 4,500 readers, 19 percent supported having a bouquet toss, but 81 percent were against it, suggesting that this tradition is ready for some updating. The bouquet toss traces its origins to Olde English times. In those days, women used to try to rip pieces of the bride s dress and flowers in order to obtain some of her good luck. To escape from the crowd, the bride would toss her bouquet and run away. The bouquet is tossed to single women with the idea that whoever catches it will be the next to marry. This may have placated the throngs of single ladies in olden times. Today, however, some single women are no longer interested in finding matches at a wedding and view the bouquet toss as a somewhat archaic tradition. Others dislike the expectation that they stand on the dance floor with the hopes of finding a spouse. For couples who want to embrace the traditional bouquet toss while giving it a more modern twist, consider the following suggestions. Girls-only dance: Invite all of the women out on the floor not just the single ones and play a female-centric empowerment song or one that mentions ladies having a good time. This puts the emphasis on having fun rather than finding a spouse. Attach a prize to the toss. To encourage people to participate, explain that the bouquet- and garter-toss winners get prizes and that the prize has nothing to with finding a partner. Wedding anniversary countdown: Invite all of the married couples to the center of the dance floor. The DJ or band can play a beautiful love song and count up the years as the song plays. As each year is mentioned, couples leave the dance floor after their most recent anniversary has passed. The last couple on the dance floor marks the couple who has been married the longest. That couple gets to take home the bouquet. Have a bridal piñata. All guests can take a turn at hitting a bouquet-shaped piñata. It s fun and entertaining and doesn t discriminate based on age or marital status. With a little ingenuity, the traditional bouquet toss can be reborn. BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER July 2016 13 MTA080516M.indd 13
The ceremony Clergy 14 July 2016 BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER Decide on a wedding theme and style My Wedding Date & Time: My Theme: My Style/Colors: Reserve the ceremony site Address: Phone: Contact: Find out if there are any restrictions on decorations, music, flowers, etc. Restrictions: Pay deposits and sign agreement_ Books officiant and budget fee Name: Address: Phone: Fee: Book wedding coordinator Name: Address: Phone: Book Photographer Name: Address: Phone: Book Florist Name: Address: Phone: Book Transportation Name: Address: Phone: Book Musicians Name: Address: Phone: Other Service Name: Address: Phone: If you are planning on writing your own vows, discuss this with the officiant. Arrange for the officiant to be paid in private after the ceremony. Invite the officiant and a guest to the reception. Officiant Information Name: Address: Phone number: Religious denomination: Dates available: Fee: Available for date desired? Yes No Estimated total cost: Cancellation policy: Arrival time: Wedding date: Wedding location: Wedding time: Rehearsal date: Rehearsal time: Rehearsal location: Special classes required? Yes No Date of classes (if required): Time of classes (if required): Class fee: Class location: r Book officiant six months in advance r Confirm fees r Make sure officiant is available to attend rehearsal dinner before scheduling it. r Discuss your music plans with the officiant making sure that there are no restrictions. Supply list r Guest register table r Gift tables r Aisle candelabra r Alter candelabra Candle lighters r Candles r Flower stands r Aisle stanchions r Aisle runner r Alter r Arch r Canopy r Chairs r Kneeling bench r Coat/hat rack r Lighting Microphone r Audio equipment r Tents r Fans/Heaters r Rice/bubbles/bird seed/flower petals to toss MTA080516M.indd 14
Rein in destination wedding costs Destination weddings can make for memorable affairs for brides, grooms and their family and friends. Destination weddings often take place in idyllic locales that make for a gorgeous backdrop to the happy couple, setting the perfect ambiance for such noteworthy occasions. Destination weddings ask a lot of both the couple and their guests. Couples may need to visit the location of their destination wedding several times before the big day, and those costs can quickly add up. Guests, too, will need to budget for flights and lodging to attend a destination wedding. But there are some ways for couples to rein in the costs associated with a destination wedding to ensure everyone has a good time without having to worry about finances upon returning home. Look for convenient, affordable travel. Some resorts may offer great prices on destination wedding packages, but be careful to avoid locations so remote that you and your guests will be forced to pay for expensive flights. Destination weddings have become more popular over the last decade, and many resorts now offer competitive destination wedding packages as a result. But if keeping travel affordable for your guests is a goal, find a location that guests can visit after purchasing reasonably priced flights rather than choosing a location based on the cost of the wedding package. Shorten the guest list. Shortening their guest lists is how many couples curtail destination wedding costs. Invite only your closest family and friends to the wedding and reception, and then host a second, less formal party for your remaining relatives after returning from your honeymoon. Guests will understand, and you will ultimately get the chance to celebrate with all of your loved ones anyway. Go simple and save. Many traditional weddings include all the bells and whistles, such as lavish floral displays, elaborate gowns and additional expensive accoutrements. But it s acceptable, if not expected, to simplify things at destination weddings, especially those in island locations. Let nature do the decorating and opt for native wedding attire if it s more affordable than potentially costly gowns and tuxedos. Resist peak tourist season. Much like there s a peak wedding season throughout North America, many countries economies depend heavily on tourism seasons. Avoid peak tourist season when choosing the date for your destination wedding, as costs may be considerably more to marry during this time of year than less hectic and popular seasons. Look into discounts on all aspects of the wedding. Popular destination wedding locations may be willing to negotiate prices on all aspects of the wedding, and those discounts might increase as more guests commit to attending. Resorts recognize that destination weddings bring guests who will need lodging, food and entertainment, and couples can use that to their advantage when negotiating prices. Couples may even be able to negotiate with airlines for discounted airfares if they can guarantee a certain number of travelers. Destination weddings need not break the bank, as savvy couples can find numerous ways to trim costs. HERRERA VINEYARDS FINE WINE & GREAT MEMORIES WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS. Every Detail. Every Memory. Forever Yours. Rehearsal Dinners Bridal Luncheons Showers Out Of Town Guest Call For Reservations 336-789-4050 Check out our new APP from the APP store Mount Airy (336) 789-4050 2123 Rockford St MTA080516M.indd 15 00841401 00840680 1-866-313-8008 Dobson (336) 356-2130 710 E Atkins St King (336) 983-0603 105 Retail Circle 15 FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL Pilot Mountain (336) 368-1900 511 E 52 Byp July 2016 Elegant Indoor & Outdoor Wedding Receptions & Ceremonies Our estate offers a little of everything Sprawling Vineyard Rolling Rivers Pristine landscaped facade Tastings tours and tradition BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER Celebrate Your Wedding With Us!
Music for ceremony & reception Ceremony Music Decide on music budget: Estimated total cost: Cancellation policy? Yes No Equipment provided? Yes No Decide on type of music: _ Make sure there are no ceremony music restrictions. Audition Musicians: Audition Soloists: Book Musicians: Book Soloists: Pay Deposits: Sign Agreements: Make musical selections for prelude: Make musical selections for processional: Make musical selections for ceremony: Make musical selections for recessional: Confirm major ceremony details: Give copy of music to officiant: Have musicians attend rehearsal: Site description: Site rental fee: Clergy fee: Parking: Handicap Accessible: Reception Music Decide on music budget: _ Estimated total cost: Cancellation policy: Equipment provided? Yes No Decide on type of music: _ Reception date: Reception location: Setup location: Type of music: Type of entertainment: Music restrictions: Time needed to set up: Music start time: Special requests? Yes No Setup location: Number of breaks needed: Recorded music interludes during breaks? Yes No Desired attire for musicians: Number of musicians: Refreshments needed? Yes No 16 July 2016 BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER Did you know? Though the idea that white wedding dresses symbolize virginity and purity is often cited as the reason behind wedding dresses being white, a 2014 exhibit at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London indicated that white wedding dresses were a symbol of wealth and had little, if anything, to do with virginity. The exhibit, titled Wedding Dresses 1775-2014, noted that, during the 18th and 19th centuries, white wedding dresses indicated a family could afford to buy a dress the bride would wear only once. During that time, white dresses were especially difficult to clean and that made it impractical for any but the wealthy to purchase dresses that would likely never be worn a second time. England s Queen Victoria, who married Albert of Saxe-Coburg in 1840, is widely credited with popularizing the white wedding dress. White dresses remain a traditional and popular choice today, though many brides opt for various shades of white if not an entirely different color. MTA080516M.indd 16
Make the first dance even more special Donna Summer may have sung about making the most of life with her song Last Dance in the 1970s, but during a wedding reception most of the focus is on the first dance of the evening when the newlyweds take to the dance floor for the first time after tying the knot. Not only does the first dance give the couple an opportunity to shine on the dance floor, but it also can help set the tone for the reception to follow. A couple s first dance is significant. Traditionally, the first dance was performed to a slow waltz, but now the first dance is not governed by any rules. Many couples like to push boundaries or get creative with their first dances, and this can make the wedding even more memorable. In fact, some couples enroll in dance classes or enlist the help of choreographers to ensure an epic opening dance number. Social media is full of videos of innovative couples performing spot-on dance routines from classic dance movies like Dirty Dancing or beautifully choreographed dances to popular first dance songs such as At Last or Can t Help Falling in Love. Whether a couple wants to perform an intricate tango or simply wants to sway to the music on the first dance, here are some pointers to keep in mind. Choose a wedding song that has meaning. It may be fun to do a dance routine to DNCE s Cake by the Ocean, but remember your first dance song will forever be linked to your life as a couple. Select a song that has deep meaning to you. Read over the lyrics to make sure it s an appropriate wedding song. Tame those nerves. Practicing is a way to feel more confident in your steps, and that will help keep nerves at bay. Many couples experience a bit of stage fright. Just keep in mind that these friends and family are at the wedding to support you and not judge your dance moves. Choose an uncomplicated routine. If dancing is not your strong suit, select an easy song that allows you to simply sway back and forth and move around minimally. Dancing takes practice, but with that practice even the self-professed worst dancer can cut an impressive rug. Work with a professional. If you desire something more intricate for the first dance and you have the budget to pay for some dance lessons, go for it. An instructor can take you through dance basics or help you choreograph a more polished piece. First dances are memorable moments at wedding receptions. Guests can t wait to hear the song couples choose, and some couples exceed guests expectations with their impressive moves. BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER July 2016 17 MTA080516M.indd 17
18 July 2016 BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER making your wedding Set a photography budget Estimated cost Compile a list of photographers to meet with & set appointments 1. 2. 3. 4. Questions to ask 1. Can you view previous work? 2. How much experience in weddings? 3. What does the price include? 4. Can you call a bride they have previously photographed? Select a photographer Photographer Address Phone Pay deposit and sign agreement on Schedule sittings for engagement and bridal portraits Engagement appointment Bridal appointment Decide which photos are needed. Use photo checklist provided to let photographer know which pictures you want. Confirm all details two weeks before the wedding. After the Wedding View proofs Place final order A bridal portrait may be taken before the wedding day or after the ceremony. If you are interested in a truly formal portrait take the time to visit the portrait studio in advance. This will eliminate having to do it before the ceremony when you are already nervous. This will also cut down on the time taken for those photographs after the ceremony. Traditional Formal Photos Checklist r Bride and Groom r Bride and Mother r Bride and Father r Bride with Parents r Bride with Groom s Parents r Groom with Mother Picture perfect r Groom with Father r Groom with Parents r Groom with Bride s Parents r Bride with Bridesmaids r Groom with Groomsmen r Entire wedding party r Bride, Groom with Grandparents, Godparents and other Relatives Candid Shots - Checklist r Bride and Attendants r Bride and Father r Attendants coming down the aisle r Bride s Mother coming down the aisle r Groom s Parents coming down the aisle r The giving away of the Bride r Wedding Party at the alter r Exchange of vows r The kiss r Bride and Groom recessing r Bride and Groom arriving at the reception r Bride and Groom s first dance r Bride dancing with her Father r Groom dancing with his Mother r Cutting the cake and feeding it to each other r Tossing the garter r Tossing the bouquet r Bride and Groom leaving the reception r The getaway car Things to consider a. Assign someone to work with the photographer to let him or her know who Grandma is. b. Do you want black & white photos, color photos or a combination? c. Would you like portraits of the following to possibly use as an art piece? Black and white is always a great choice for these: Bouquet Candles on a table Your bridal shoes Rings MTA080516M.indd 18
Reconnect during wedding planning Wedding planning can be intense and often requires dedication and many hours of work. Coordinating a wedding often requires that couples make many different decisions and spend a considerable amount of time in the weddingplanning trenches. Couples expend so much energy planning their weddings that it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture namely the relationship that is the basis for the marriage in the first place. But as easy as it can be to get lost in wedding planning, couples can use this time together to connect on a deeper level and learn to work cooperatively. Divide and conquer. Separate wedding planning duties so that both of you feel you are contributing equally and no one person gets overly stressed out. Stress can lead to short tempers and arguments. Establish a mutual budget. Even the healthiest couple argues over finances from time to time, but budgetary debates should not set a negative tone for wedding planning. Couples should discuss their potential budget before they even begin to plan their weddings, and both partners should do their best to compromise while also understanding where the other person is coming from. Schedule time for fun. Do not let wedding planning be allconsuming. Schedule days that allow you to enjoy yourselves together without having to think about or discuss your pending nuptials. This may include date nights that may have fallen by the wayside since getting engaged or periodic day trips to get away from it all. Explore your mutual hobbies or try something new. Learn to laugh at the little things. Not every detail will go off without a hitch. How you react as a couple may influence how much you enjoy your wedding. Recognize that certain things will not go your way, but that unforeseen circumstances will not ruin your wedding day, no matter how unpleasant they may seem. Laugh at what cannot be changed and recognize that, in the long run, the details you think are major today may actually prove trivial when you look back on your wedding day in the years to come. Make Your Wedding Wonderful Largest Selection of Wedding & Party Supplies in the Foothills Glenda is ready to assist you with the details of your dream wedding! Computerized Gift Registry Aisle Runners Ice Sculpture Molds & Displays China Place Settings Crystal & Silver Punch Bowls Silver Flatware Chafing Dishes Silver Trays Beverage Glasses Plates & Cups Coffee Makers Food Warmers Greek Columns Flower Stands Rest Room Trailer Flushable Toilets Photo Booth In Our Jewelry Department BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER Tents (10 x10 up to 40 x100 ) Tables (Round & Rectangular) Chairs - Folding White, Brown, Black, White Resin, Natural Wood & Fruitwood Dance Floors Staging LCD Projectors & Sound Systems Candelabras (Brass, Wrought Iron, White, Silver, Teardrop) Table Linens- All Colors Beverage Fountains Lighting Guest Registers Stay within your budget by shopping at the area s bridal bargain leader! NEED IT? RENT IT? MTA080516M.indd 19 HIGHWAY 601 MOUNT AIRY 719-2300 00841763 19 www.cookerentals.com 00841402 789-5068 July 2016 825 W. Lebanon Street
20 July 2016 BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER Wedding party attire CHECKLIST Bride s wedding attire r Bridal gown r Veil/Headpiece r Shoes r Undergarments r Slip r Stockings r Garter r Gloves (if needed) r Jewelry Date ordered: From where: Ready for pick-up on: Maid/ Matron of Honor r Dress r Headpiece r Shoes r Stockings r Gloves (if needed) r Accessories Date ordered: From Where: Ready for pick-up on: NOTES Bride s wedding attire Bridal gown: Veil/Headpiece: Shoes: Undergarments: Slip: Stockings: Garter: Gloves (if needed): Jewelry: Date ordered: From where: Ready for pick-up on: Maid/ Matron of Honor Dress: Headpiece: Shoes: Stockings: Gloves (if needed): Accessories: Date ordered: From Where: Ready for pick-up on: Bridesmaids r Dress r Headpiece r Shoes r Stockings r Gloves (if needed) r Accessories Date ordered: From Where: Ready for pick-up on: Flower girl r Dress r Headpiece r Shoes r Stockings r Gloves (if needed) r Accessories Date ordered: From Where: Ready for pick-up on: Bridesmaids Dress: Headpiece: Shoes: Stockings: Gloves (if needed): Accessories: Date ordered: From Where: Ready for pick-up on: Flower girl Dress: Headpiece: Shoes: Stockings: Gloves (if needed): Accessories: Date ordered: From Where: Ready for pick-up on: Groom r Tuxedo r Shirt r Vest/Cummerbund r Tie r Shoes/Socks r Suspenders r Cuff links/ Button studs Date ordered: From Where: Ready for pick-up on: Groomsmen/Ushers r Tuxedo r Shirt r Vest/Cummerbund r Tie r Shoes/Socks r Suspenders r Cuff links/ Button studs Date ordered: From Where: Ready for pick-up on: Groom Tuxedo: Shirt: Vest/Cummerbund: Tie: Shoes/Socks: Suspenders: Cuff links/ Button studs: Date ordered: From Where: Ready for pick-up on: Groomsmen/Ushers Tuxedo: Shirt: Vest/Cummerbund: Tie: Shoes/Socks: Suspenders: Cuff links/ Button studs: Date ordered: From Where: Ready for pick-up on: MTA080516M.indd 20
The reception Reserve the reception site Reception site Address Phone Contact Ask about any restrictions: liquor, decorations, bird seed, etc. Find out what supplies are provided by the facility caterer, and purchase or rent supplies needed for the reception. r Guest register table r Gift table r Cake table r Place card table r Buffet tables Decorations r Guest tables r Chairs r China dinnerware r Plastic/paper dinnerware r Silver flatware r Plastic flatware r Cloth napkins r Paper napkins r Cloth tablecloths r Plastic/paper table cloths r Serving bowls/dishes r Utensils r Trays r Bubbles,rice, birdseed, flower petals to r Dance floor r Tents r Trash cans Hire a caterer, if not provided by facility r Plan the menu Hire the wedding professionals r Reception coordinator r Band, DJ, or musicians r Photography/videographer r Caterer r Bakery r Master of Ceremonies r Florist/decorator coordinator r Rental company r Transportation toss r Audio equipment r Microphone r Lighting Confirm all reception details one month before the wedding. SUPPLY LIST r Balloons r Helium tank r Potted flowers Party store:_ r Bells r Hearts r Potted plants Address: r Doves r Umbrella r Trellises r Ribbon r Streamers r Mail card box r Banners r Confetti r Ice Sculpture Rental store: r Garland r Just Married sign r Mirror ball Address: r Champagne fountain r Decorative columns r Statuaries Phone: r Candles r Latticework r Other: r Table centerpieces r Decorative pillars ----------------------- Phone: Contact: Locate rental supplies Contact: Country Formals & Gifts MTA080516M.indd 21...with style, grace and flair. 00842921 203 North South Street Mt. Airy, NC 27030 (336) 789-4011 www.pioneerprintingco.com 21 (276) 728-4495 140 North Main Street, Hillsville 00841390 Accessories Gift Items Melissa & Doug Toys & More! July 2016 Wedding Gowns Bridesmaid Dresses Tuxedos Formals Request their presence... Invitations Custom Orders Programs Ceremony/Reception Essentials Bridal Gifts BRIDAL GUIDE AND PLANNER Locate supplies at party stores