A Guide to Weddings January 29, 2014

8/13/2019 A Guide to Weddings January 29, 2014

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GUIDE TOWeddingsF EB RU AR Y 2 01 4

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE PAULDING COUNTY PROGRESS

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2 - Paulding County Progress January 29, 2014

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o we need a wedding planner?Planning a wedding is often both

fun and frustrating. While plan-ning a party for friends and familycan be fun, couples can easily beoverwhelmed by the nuts and bolts

of planning such a significantevent. Interviewing vendors, nego-tiating prices and arranging foraccommodations are just a few ofthe many tasks couples must com-plete before they can finally relaxand tie the knot. The sheer volumeof decisions couples must makewhen planning a wedding is onereason many men and women seekthe services of wedding planners.

The following are some addi-

tional reasons couples might wantto ease their burdens and hire wed-ding planners as they get ready fortheir big day.

Planners are familiar withvendors. Wedding planners workfor couples, and while plannersoften recommend certain vendors,they typically work with whomev-er the couples ultimately choose.As a result, veteran wedding plan-ners tend to have worked withevery florist, caterer, deejay and

venue in their areas. That makesthem an invaluable resource to

couples who dont know where tobegin as they start planning theirweddings.

Wedding planners can save cou-ples time by suggesting couples

avoid certain vendors, whether itsbecause those vendors have poorservice records or they simply dontfit into a couples budget. Weddingplanners also can make recommen-dations based on what coupleswant. For example, wedding plan-ners may know which deejays arebest for more raucous receptionsand which ones are best suited forcouples who want a more formalaffair.

Planners know pricing.Wedding vendors often leave roomfor negotiation when making pro-posals to prospective customers.Seasoned wedding planners willknow the going rates for variousservices, helping couples get thebest rates possible and doing sowith minimal effort.

In addition, planners might beable to negotiate directly with ven-dors they have worked with in thepast, removing one of the biggest

stressors of planning a wedding, thenegotiation process, from the list of

responsibilities couples must han-dle before tying the knot.

Planners remember the smalldetails youre likely to forget.Many couples who have large wed-

dings are getting married for thefirst time, and there are bound to bedetails they overlook along theway. Seasoned wedding plannersare far less likely to overlook eventhe tiniest of details, helping cou-ples rest easy knowing that nostone has gone unturned as their bigdays draw closer and closer.

Planners keep you on course.The longer a couples engagement,the easier it becomes to put certaindecisions off. But as the weddingday draws nearer, that procrastina-tion often turns into panic, as cou-ples realize their options are dwin-dling and decisions need to bemade as soon as possible. Weddingplanners hired shortly after a cou-ple gets engaged will be there toensure couples stay on track, mak-ing decisions as needed and notputting important decisions offuntil the last minute.

Planners make the wedding

day less stressful. Despite all theplanning and preparation that goes

into their weddings, couples oftenfind their wedding days to be whirl-wind days that seem to fly by.Small problems on a couples wed-ding day have a tendency to be

magnified, but a seasoned weddingplanner can address such issues

before the couple is even awarethey existed. This makes the daymuch more enjoyable for the brideand groom and their investment ina wedding planner that much more

worthwhile.

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January 29, 2014 Paulding County Progress -3

Explore unique cake flavor combinationsA wedding cake is the piece de

resistance of the wedding ceremo-ny. Guests anxiously await theunveiling of the cake near the endof the festivities. Modern cakes areshowpieces grander in scale than in

years past. As bakers and confec-tioners hone their skills with fon-dant, buttercream and gum pasteeven further, the results are oftenimpressive, awe-inspiring cakedesigns.

While the look of a wedding cakeis certainly important, cakes shouldnot only look good, but taste goodas well. Vanilla cake with vanillabuttercream frosting was once thegold standard. But todays couplesare being more adventurous with

their wedding cakes and winningrave reviews from guests along theway.

The vast scope of wedding cakeflavor choices available to bridesand grooms is astonishing. Optionsmay range from the traditional tosomething adventurous and daring.Keeping in mind that couples willneed to please the masses, finding acompromise between plain vanillaand a mocha-chile-coconut surpriseis essential. Otherwise, they risk anunpopular flavor and a lot of wast-ed, expensive cake.

Some couples shy away frommore adventurous cakes becausethey fear something chocolately ornot white in color will not be wellsuited to a wedding reception. Suchcouples should keep in mind thatany flavor of cake can be hiddenbeneath layers of pearly white fon-dant or royal icing. Therefore, thesky is the limit with regard to flavorcombinations.

Those who might want to veer

from tradition can consider theseclever cake combinations.

Lemon cake with vanilla butter-cream: Lemons are tart, juicy and

refreshing, helping to cleanse thepalate after a rich meal. Lemoncake, with its summery feel, is tai-lor-made for summer weddings.The flavor is popular enough toappeal to many, but just a little dif-

ferent to add an unexpected zip offlavor. Chocolate cake with chocolate

ganache and mocha filling: Truechocoholics will be hard-pressed toresist such a decadent flavor pro-file. Chocolate can be sweet andsatisfying and a welcome changefrom the vanilla cakes commonlyserved. For traditionalists, the cakecan be covered with a white choco-late ganache. Or couples can askthat the cake be adorned with whitesugar roses for an eye-appealingcontrast. Chocolate cakes coveredwith autumn hued flowers go overwell at fall weddings.

Red velvet cake with creamcheese frosting: Red velvet cakewas once a regionally specific sta-ple, but now has grown steadily inpopularity across the country. Redvelvet has quickly become the newclassic, as its vibrant red coloringoffers a shock of something differ-ent, while the flavor is mild forthose who are not comfortable tak-ing risks. The richness and creami-ness of cream cheese is irresistible.

White cake with chocolatemousse: Couples who want a bitof chocolate but do not want to beoverwhelmed can select a whitecake that is filled with light andrich chocolate mousse. Its theperfect blend of vanilla andchocolate for guests who enjoyboth.

Variety tiers: Those whocannot settle on just one fla-

vor can have different flavorson each tier of their cakes.This gives guest some flavorfulvariety and enables them to pick

their favorite flavor combination.Brides- and grooms-to-be who

have specific flavors in mind canask their bakers to include two cup-cakes with the wedding cake. Thenthe couple can enjoy their own mini

cakes while the rest of the guestsenjoy a more classic cake. In addi-tion, an assortment of cupcakes inlieu of one cake can give guests theopportunity to sample several dif-ferent flavors.

Cakes are a part of many specialevents, but few cakes are fawnedover as much as wedding cakes.Couples can spice things up bychoosing a nontraditional flavorcombination.

Think outside of the cake box when selecting flavors for the centerpiece of the wedding reception.

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4 Paulding County Progress January 29 2014


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Wedding showers continue to break from traditionRain showers on a wedding day may bring good

luck, but they are seldom coveted. However, a dif-ferent type of shower altogether is often highlyanticipated and can help couples feel like theyreone in a million.

Wedding showers are gift-giving parties held forcouples about to get married. The custom began in

the nineteenth century and continues to present day,primarily in North America and Australia. Gueststraditionally shower the bride-to-be with all thenecessities (and some fun extras) that she will needafter she ties the knot. These gifts will help the soon-to-be-married couple establish a home together.

Bridal showers are steeped in tradition, buttodays bridal showers continue to veer off the beat-en path. Nowadays, bridal showers feature fun andgames much like a party having nothing to do witha wedding. TheKnot.com, a Web site that aims tohelp couples plan their weddings and all the eventsleading up to the big day, identifies these key trends

in modern bridal showers. Couples showers: Modern couples who liketo be all-inclusive are now planning bridal show-ers that cater to mixed audiences. Dubbed a cou-ple shower, these parties include female andmale friends and relatives. Gifts are still the mainfocus of the event, but theyre varied and includeguy-friendly items within the mix of householdgoods.

Power showers: Many are familiar with theterms man cave and bromance, but few mayknow that there are now wedding showers gearedentirely around the groom. Known as power show-

ers, these events focus on the groom-to-be, who isshowered with a bevy of gadgets and power toolsthat are certain to stock his future garage. The par-ties are decidedly more testosterone-friendly andcan include golf outings, poker nights or actionmovie flicks as possible themes.

Destination/activity showers: Rather than

having guests hang around a restaurant watchinggift after gift get unwrapped, some bridal partiesopt to throw an activity shower. These showersare focused around a particular activity. Forexample, ladies may be treated to a day at the spa.Other ideas include horseback riding at a stable ora day at the ballpark. Because hosting an activityshower for dozens of people may get expensive,these types of showers may be reserved for onlyyour closest friends and family members.

Bride-involved showers: The idea of walk-ing into a room and being surprised by friends andfamily members is appealing to some brides-to-be

but not everyone. Some brides prefer not to besurprised by a shower and actually would like tohave a role in the planning of the party. However,this is delicate ground on which to tread, consid-ering there may be differences over where theparty is held and even the overall experience ofthe party. These type of showers should be dis-cussed before any plans are made, and tasksshould delegated in accordance with those plans.

It is customary for a bridal shower to take placebefore a wedding. But new trends have emergedthat are shaking up the way showers are plannedand held.


Gifts are still important, but new trends in wedding showers have shifted the

focus of these events.

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January 29 2014 Paulding County Progress - 5


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January 29, 2014 Paulding County Progress - 5

Choose a wedding date wiselyMany couples find themselves

bombarded with quest ions themoment they become engaged,and perhaps no questions is morecommon than, When is the wed-ding?

Although a number of coupleswould prefer to bask in the excite-ment of their engagement, somecouples feel pressured to rush intopicking a wedding date. Choosinga wedding date without giving itmuch consideration may makethings more difficult down theroad. Rather than jumping headfirst into any decisions, couplesshould give thought to any and alldates and decide if there are cer-tain times of the year they want totie the knot or avoid.Season

When thinking about potentialwedding dates, it helps to have aplace to start. Some couples find ithelpful to start with a particularseason and then narrow it downfrom there. Decide if you preferthe lush greenery of summer or theamazing color spectrum of anautumn afternoon. Perhaps youenvision arriving at the ceremony

with a snow-packed landscapeamid twinkling holiday lights?

Think about the season when youfeel most happy and then determineif that time of year is doable.Month

Certain months may seem per-fect, but not for busy professionals

or those with limited vacation timeat their disposal. For example, earlyspring may not be good foraccountants tallying year-end num-bers. Teachers may feel most com-fortable tying the knot in the sum-mer when they already have daysoff. If you run a pool business or alawn maintenance company, thenthe summer might not be so good.Keep these factors in mind.Holidays

Some people would like to tietheir wedding day to a particularholiday. Valentines Day is popularfor weddings thanks to the roman-tic sentiments synonymous with theholiday, while some couples preferHalloween or Christmas weddings.

Holiday weddings can be excit-ing, but they also produce signifi-cant obstacles that couples whochoose to get married during othertimes of year dont have to worryabout. Guests may not want to trav-

el or spend time away from theirfamilies to attend a holiday wed-

ding. Having a wedding during aholiday may mean competing forvendors and reception spaces.Prices on everything from food toflowers to airline tickets could behigher as vendors cash in on cus-

tomer demand.Day of the week

Its less expensive for couples toget married on Fridays andSundays than Saturday afternoonsor evenings. Couples may thinkthat the money saved will be wellworth it, but they also should thinkabout how this decision may affecttheir guests. A Friday weddingrequires people to take off fromwork or school. Sunday weddingsmay be slightly more convenient,but those who have to get back towork on Monday may be tired fromlate-night festivities. Couplesshould anticipate some guests notmaking it to their weddings whenthose weddings are not onSaturdays.Religious constraints

Couples having religious cere-monies should consult with theirhouses of worship as to which datesare acceptable. Some will not have

weddings on days of religiousobservation. It is wise to consult

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with a church, synagogue ormosque before booking any othercomponents of the wedding so thatyou are certain your chosen day isacceptable.Any available dates

Your wedding date may be dic-tated by your caterer or weddinghall. If you have a particular venue

in mind, you may be limited bytheir availability. This is a conces-sion you will need to make if yourheart is set on this particular loca-tion.

Planning a wedding can be excit-

ing. But the ball cannot get rollinguntil couples first choose the daythey will tie the knot.

6 - Paulding County Progress January 29 2014


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6 Paulding County Progress January 29, 2014

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How to approach music on your wedding dayMusic often plays an important

role on festive occasions, and wed-ding days are no exception. The rightmusic can make a wedding day thatmuch more meaningful, while thewrong music can make a couplesbig event memorable for all the

wrong reasons.Though music selection might

seem like one of the easier decisionscouples must make, those about totie the knot typically must make ahost of music-related decisionsregarding their wedding day, includ-ing whether to choose a live band ora deejay to perform at their weddingreceptions. While the reception iswhen music might be most on dis-play, couples planning their wed-dings must think beyond the recep-

tion when setting the musical tonesfor their weddings.Ceremony

The ceremony itself often sets thetone for a couples wedding day. Abeach wedding, for example, oftencreates a laid back atmosphere, whilea ceremony held in a large church ortemple often sets a more formal tone.Music played during the ceremonyalso goes a long way toward settingthe tone couples hope to establish.

When choosing music for the cer-

emony, couples should first considerthe venue where they are tying theknot. Some, such as houses of wor-ship, may have rules pertaining towhat can and cannot be played insidethe venue. Classical, hymnal or pro-cessional music often makes the bestfit when weddings are taking placein more formal venues. Outdoorweddings tend to give couples moreleeway. But in general, couples dontwant to choose any music thats tooloud or over-the-top for their cere-monies.

Keep in mind that while the musicplayed during the ceremony can setthe tone for the day, this music canvary significantly from the music

played during the reception. Afavorite performer may not be appro-priate during the ceremony, but thatdoesnt mean the couple cant danceto that artists music during thereception.

Live musicians can add a more

elegant feel to the ceremony, butsuch performers also can be costly.Playing prerecorded music may notbe as elegant as having a live per-former, but it can cost a lot less andstill make for an enjoyable day andevening.Reception

Many couples prefer deejays tolive bands for their wedding recep-tions. Deejays can play favoritesongs as couples and their guestsknow them, while bands can only

play their own renditions of thosesongs.Another thing to consider when

choosing between a deejay or liveband for the reception is the venueitself. Some venues are smaller andunable to accommodate a full band,while others may not have idealacoustics, making it difficult for alive band to sound as good as they

might in a more music-friendly envi-ronment.

The formality of the event shouldalso come into consideration whenchoosing between a live band or adeejay for the reception. Deejaysspinning the latest top 40 hits maystick out like sore thumbs at especial-ly formal weddings, while a classicalorchestra likely wont fit into the laidback theme of a beach or destinationwedding.

Couples tying the knot outdoors

may need to consider equipmentwhen choosing bands or deejays toplay their weddings. For example,

some venues do not provide equip-ment, such as microphones andspeaker systems, to couples for theirceremonies. Renting such equipmentcan be costly, but couples can oftenskirt such charges by hiring deejaysor bands who lend couples their

equipment during the ceremony.Deejays or bands who will loan andset up the necessary sound equipmentfor outdoor ceremonies merit extraconsideration.

When discussing music to beplayed during the reception, couplesmust consider their own musicaltastes as well as those of their guests.

A wide range of popular music tendsto go best at wedding receptions, asguests are more likely to dance tosongs they recognize.

Avoid any music that has thepotential to offend guests, opting forlighter, happier tunes instead.

Whether hiring a band or deejay, cou-ples should make a list of no-playsongs or artists and make sure thatsuch lists are included in their con-tracts.

Music plays an important role oncouples wedding days. Thoughchoosing music for the ceremony andthe reception is often fun, couplesmust take such decisions seriously.

Music plays an important role on couples wedding days. Though choosing music for theceremony and the reception is often fun, couples must take such decisions seriously.

January 29, 2014 Paulding County Progress -7


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Modern wedding trends are building new traditions(BPT) October is the new June. More

and more, weddings are taking place in theheight of fall foliage, heart of winter and primeholiday season, including the ever-popular NewYears Eve ceremony to ring in the new year.But its not just the wedding season that hasdrastically evolved over the past decade, its

everything from roles and responsibilities togift-giving.

As you gear up to celebrate the union of yourbeloved family or friends or even your own know what to expect from the changing tides ofweddings. Lizzie Post, co-author of EmilyPosts Etiquette, 18th Edition and great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post, helps couplesnavigate the new traditions of weddings. ThePost name has been synonymous with properetiquette and manners for the past 80 years.

As decades pass, so will traditions, but prop-

er etiquette is timeless. Be prepared for the nextwedding you attend and know what to expectfrom changes in the wedding landscape withthese important pieces of advice:Pay it forward

Finding the right gift for the newlyweds canbe difficult. While registries help to point guestsin the right direction, many couples are gettingmarried later in life and already have all thehousehold items that are common weddinggifts. To provide the couple with a small nestegg to use however they wish, a check is always

a great and safe gift idea. Several financial insti-tutions offer mobile check deposit through theirbanking app, allowing the couple the flexibilityto deposit checks on-the-go to help cover out-standing vendor payments or use on their hon-eymoon. Another new-age trend is contributingto a couples honeymoon fund.Temper tech use

Even weddings are going hi-tech. There are

numerous websites available that can help thecouple to organize the process, communicatewith guests and share photos after the ceremo-ny. But a few things like a handwritten thankyou note should steer clear of the hi-techlure. In a gadget-driven society, everyone is car-rying a smartphone. Couples can post a tasteful

notice at the entrance of the ceremony locationor in the program to remind guests to turn offtheir cell phone ringers and refrain from useduring the ceremony. Some couples may actu-ally encourage guests to take photos and shareimages via social media, but guests shouldrespect their wishes and use phones only as acamera and upload images after the ceremony.Respect personalization

Couples want their special day to reflect whothey are and what is important to them. Whileprevious generations traditionally wed in places

of worship, many modern couples choose to tiethe knot at a sentimental location, like wherethey had their first date. The decor, music andeven the food and drink served at a weddingmay have a personal story behind it. No matterhow nontraditional the element may be, guestsshould eagerly partake in the festivities,acknowledging and respecting the couplesindividualization.Be all-inclusive

In the past, bridal showers were strictly forthe bride and bachelor parties were a men-only

affair. Nowadays, these festivities are no longergender-specific. Showers can be thrown for thecouple in unison and include creative themeslike stock the bar or time of day. Bachelorand bachelorette parties can also be conjoinedto involve the entire bridal party in a destinationevent.

And while these events are a celebration ofjoy, expenses can add up quickly. If you use a

rewards card, like the BankAmericard TravelRewards credit card, you can earn points onpurchases to pay for all or part of your trip. Thisis great for both the bride and groom and gueststraveling to the wedding.

As trends and expectations shift, so will theway major life milestones are celebrated. It is

important to celebrate these moments in lifewith grace and support for the happy couple after all, its their day and it should be asunique as they are.

For further etiquette advice on navigating 21stcentury weddings, visit www.emilypost.com.

y , g y g

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Tips for perfect wedding invitationsWedding invitations often pro-

vide guests with a first glimpse of a

weddings style. Invitations also

may serve as the means by which

distant friends and relatives find

out about a couples pending nup-tials if a formal announcement was

not made.

Amid the flourishes of calligra-

phy and impressive paper stock is

information that speaks to the

importance of the day when two

people will be joining their lives

together. Guests will learn not only

the time and the place of the wed-

ding from the invitation, but also

the formality of the event and the

scope of the party that will follow.

Couples should keep certain

things in mind as they begin to

design their wedding invitations.

Have a good idea of your

potential guest list. Before shop-

ping for wedding invitations, it is

key to have a strong idea of just

how big the wedding will be and

how many guests will be invited.

This way you will know how many

invitations you will need.

Invitations vary in price, so cost

may be a consideration if your

guest list is extensive.

Decide on the formality of the

wedding. Will you be hosting a

black tie affair, or will it be a casu-al gathering at the shore? Guests

infer many things about the wed-

ding from the invitations, which

should match the formality of the

event in style and the sentiments

expressed. An ornate invitation

written with classic wording sug-

gests a more formal affair, while a

whimsical invitation with less for-

mal wording could indicate a more

laid-back event.

Dare to be different by play-ing with invitation sizes and

shapes. Rectangular cards are stan-

dard for wedding invitations, but

you can explore your creativity by

choosing more modern, artsy invi-

tations. Circular invites or scal-

loped edges can add some whimsy

to the wedding mood. Invitations

that fold out or are embellished

with ribbon or other decorations

can be appealing. Just keep in mind

that cards that are not the standard

shape and size could be more cost-

ly to send. Always have the entire

wedding invitation weighed and

priced at the post office so you will

know what the postage will beforeyou purchase stamps.

Choose a legible font and text

color. Your invitation may look

beautiful, but it may prove ineffec-

tive if it is difficult to read. Do not

risk guests misinterpreting the date

or the location because they cannot

read the writing on the invitation.

Steer clear of pastel or yellow text

colors, and remember to have a

high contrast between the color of

the invitation and the text you areusing for easy reading. Also, be

sure to ask your grammatically

inclined friends to look over the

invitation proof and proofread it

carefully youd be surprised at

what typos you could miss.

Keep the invitation simple. It

may be tempting to load the invita-

tion with lots of information, but all

you really need are the key pieces

of information, such as the who,

what, where, and when.

Crowding the card will take away

from its aesthetic appeal. Most sta-tioners will suggest a separate,

smaller insert in the wedding invi-

tation for the reception information

and response card. Never put infor-

mation such as where you are regis-

tered or no kids allowed. This is

material better reserved for word of

mouth or on a wedding Web site.

Do some math. It is important

to know your dates so you can

receive the invitations on time, mail

them out, and give guests enoughtime to respond. A good rule of

thumb is to mail out the invitations

at least two months before the wed-

ding. Have an RSVP date of no

more than three to four weeks

before the wedding, giving ample

time to the caterers and accommo-

dating anyone who procrastinates

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in sending in a response. You will

need the final headcount in order to

confirm seating arrangements and

plan for centerpieces and favors.

Handwrite the envelopes. Your

invitation will look more impressiveif you address them by hand, rather

than printing them off of a computer.

If your handwriting is not very neat,

consider hiring a professional callig-

rapher to write out your envelopes.

Make it easy for guests to

respond. Be sure to place a stamp on

the response card envelope and have

that envelope already addressed with

your home address so that guests will

have no excuses not to mail a

response back promptly. Always order extra. Mistakes

happen, and you may need to send out

a few extra invitations that you hadnt

originally counted. Always order

extra invitations just to be on the safe

side. And dont forget you will proba-

bly want to keep one as a keepsake for

yourself.

A Guide to Weddings January 29, 2014

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Transcript of A Guide to Weddings January 29, 2014