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CITYVIEW AUGUST 16 — 22, 2012 21

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BRIDAL PLANNER

Tips and ideas on a five-star wedding, bridal trends, best man speeches and more!

INSIDE

It’s All

About

You!

22 CITYVIEW AUGUST 16 — 22, 2012

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A manda Davis grew up listening to sto-

ries of her grandmother’s beloved china.

When her grandmother surprised her by

giving those cherished pieces to Davis to celebrate

her own wedding, the precious gift marked a dream

come true.

“I cannot tell you how much it meant to me to

receive this piece of family history,” Davis says. “I

can already picture myself as a mother and grand-

mother pulling this same china out of my own

hutch as I tell stories of my grandmother. I hope

that in the future my children will feel the same

sense of family history and pride and that I will one

day be able to pass it on to my own granddaughter.

To know that it will be used in future generations

of my family in the same way it was used in past

generations is an amazing gift.”

Davis’ grandmother chose the pattern more

than 60 years earlier when she married, but un-

fortunately through the years the cups and saucers

were lost. To complicate her story, the manufactur-

er stopped making the pattern decades ago, which

meant the missing pieces seemed nearly impossible

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to find.

Their search led them to Replacements, Ltd. Known as the world’s largest retailer of

old and new china, crystal, silver and collectibles, the North Carolina retailer specializes in

discontinued and hard-to-find patterns. The company’s researchers not only identified the

pattern, they helped Davis’ family complete the set in time for her big day.

With more than 360,000 patterns in stock, Replacements’ bridal registry staff hears

from brides looking for something old and something new. The company receives requests

for a mix of discontinued heirloom patterns that have been in families for generations,

along with those being produced today.

As for current trends, many dinnerware manufacturers are refocusing their pattern mix

around brides’ changing preferences.

“For the last six years, bridal registrations shifted to more casual everyday dinnerware,

but recently we are experiencing a resurgence of brides in their twenties returning to fine

china for the clean lines and versatility,” says Robin Long, Replacements’ vice president of

product marketing and business development. “Shades of white are a staple on the tables

of new brides and offer a great canvas to add seasonal accent plates which can give a table a

whole new look without purchasing an entire new pattern.”

Long adds that among current patterns, platinum trim patterns are the best sellers, but

gold trim patterns are also high on the list for millennial brides.

“Some of the biggest trends we’re seeing are designs inspired by nature, such as flowers

and birds. Bridal patterns are moving away from neutrals and pastels; color is everywhere,”

Long says. “Some of the hottest colors right now include turquoise, lime green and tanger-

ine tango, which the experts at Pantone named color of the year.”

For brides like Davis, opting for “something old,” Replacements’ bridal registry marks a

valuable resource in tracking down cherished older pieces.

“We’re one of the few retailers brides can depend on for help filling out heirloom pat-

terns because of the breadth and depth of our discontinued pattern inventory,” says Long.

“Because we offer a mix of old and new patterns, Replacements’ bridal selection is truly

unmatched. We’ve put together a group of associates to specifically handle all registry re-

quests. Since this team is familiar with our bridal customers, we can offer more personal-

ized attention. It’s almost like having your own personal shopper.”

Long adds the company offers other valuable resources for brides. For example, if the

bride doesn’t know the name of her pattern or the company that produced it, Replace-

ments offers a free pattern identification service. Other tools include dinnerware care tips

and place setting guides for various meals on the company’s website, along with etiquette

and decorating tips on the company’s YouTube channel.

“Some of the biggest trends we’re seeing are designs inspired by nature, such as flowers and

birds. Bridal patterns are moving away from neutrals and pastels; color is everywhere.”

— Robin Long, vice president of product marketing and business development, Replacements Ltd.

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C harm bracelets are more

popular than ever, gracing

the pages of glossy fashion

magazines and adorning the arms

of women of all ages, yet charm

bracelets are much more than a

hot trend. The charm bracelet has a

long history that makes it a timeless

piece of jewelry and each woman’s

charm collection is an expression of

her personal style and her unique

story.

“Charms and bracelets are

popular year after year for so many

reasons. Not only it is a beauti-

ful accessory, it’s one that will

be cherished forever because the

charms represent special people

and unforgettable moments,” says

Cristina Ehrlich, who was most re-

cently named as one of the 25 Most

Powerful Stylists in Hollywood by The Hollywood Reporter and Jimmy Choo. “Collecting

charms can become a cherished tradition and a wonderful way to celebrate a woman’s life.”

Ehrlich offers these tips for creating an unforgettable charm bracelet for yourself or the

special women in your life:

Create balance: Charms and bracelets look best when they are grouped in odd num-

bers, such as three, five or seven, which helps create balance. This is something to keep in

mind when buying charms for yourself or someone else. Ehrlich suggests wearing an odd

number of charm bracelets or layering them with other bracelets or bangles to achieve the

same effect.

Celebrate what’s close to your heart. Build a bracelet with charms for each of the im-

portant aspects of your life — significant others, children, pets, etc. You might also consider

selecting charms that have a personal meaning as a way to honor favorite memories such as

graduations, vacations or anniversaries. “I have started charm bracelets for some of my dear-

est friends,” says Ehrlich. “It’s a beautiful way to celebrate a friendship and commemorate

special moments over the years.”

Add a splash of color. Many sterling silver and 14K gold charms are available with col-

orful accents. Popular options include smoked quartz, bright enamels, pink sapphire, color-

ful cubic zirconia or Murano glass. “The same color does not need to be used throughout

the entire bracelet,” Ehrlich adds. “But keeping your choices in the same color palette maxi-

mizes the aesthetic appeal.”

Don’t be afraid to mix it up. Add a little variety by mixing in two-tone charms or charms

with different finishes such as oxidized sterling silver or black rhodium. “Consider wearing

a pendant as a charm,” suggests Ehrlich. “It’s a great way to add an extra eye-catching piece

without losing space on the bracelet.”

Start a new tradition. Let friends and family know that you are buying someone a

charm bracelet so everyone can select a charm, or buy yourself a new charm to commemo-

rate a special trip or achievement. Adding to your charm bracelet regularly keeps it fresh

and exciting. Pandora Jewelry offers hundreds of charms to suit every style, occasion and

budget, with charms starting at $25.

For additional guidance, Ehrlich recommends using the PANDORA Gift Advisor, an

online application that asks simple questions and makes charm recommendations based on

your answers. She adds, “Whether you’re creating one for yourself or want to give one as a

special gift, a charm bracelet is a jewelry piece that will be cherished for a lifetime.”


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Y ou’ve dreamed of this day your entire life — from the vows to the dress to the recep-

tion decor. But often, it can take a king’s ransom to make the fairytale wedding of

your dreams a reality.

Fortunately, cost-conscious brides have discovered they can plan a wedding that’s fit for

a queen — even on a shoestring budget. All it takes is a little creativity and know-how.

Shimmering centerpieces. If you haven’t paid a visit to your neighborhood Dollar

Store lately, you may be surprised at the variety of glass vases, jars and containers on the

shelves. Choose one — or mix and match several — for each reception table. Then visit the

spray paint aisle of your local home center.

Spray paints come in a variety of on-trend colors and finishes — and many are designed

for glass or ceramic. Chose a color that coordinates with your wedding decor. Or try some-

thing unexpected, like Frosted Sea Glass spray paint. It replicates the look of expensive sea

glass for a fraction of the cost.

A personal touch. Personalization is all the rage in wedding planning today and hand

crafted signs are a great way to display a wedding schedule, menu or to add a personal touch

to your nuptials.

Craft or hobby stores carry wood plaques in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some come

with predrilled holes for hanging. After you’ve selected plaques in the size and shape, coat

them with Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Paint.

This is our life. You’ve known most of your wedding guests your entire life, but what

about those distant relatives on the groom’s side? Introduce yourselves with a photo time-

line. All you need are photos from your past, an easel and a little creativity.

Purchase a sheet of Masonite at your local home center. Then coat the entire surface

with Rust-Oleum Magnetic Paint. Hang the photos in chronological order with stylish

magnets.

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P lanning a wedding today is about all the little details that make it perfect for the

bride and groom. Personalizing every aspect of the big day is the key, as couples try

to create a one-of-a-kind event.

Here are some tips on how to pull it off, according to Things Remembered, the leader in

personalized gift-giving.

1. Create a wedding logo

Create a wedding motif or logo that is uniquely for the couple. Guests will see that logo on

invitations, programs, the flutes the bride and groom toast with — even on the napkins.

“Couples truly like to brand their weddings,” says Amy Myers, vice president of creative

services at Things Remembered. “When guests see the logo throughout the day, it seems to

become more impressive each time. It’s the little touches that make a big impact.”

When creating the logo, don’t just choose a symbol for the motifs, such as a palm tree or

fern. Take the next step and create a customized logo. A logo can be as simple as the bride

and groom’s initials or very ornate and detailed.

While it can be costly to have a logo designed, it’s possible to find a good deal. Things

Remembered now creates personalized wedding logos at no charge for couples who shop

in the store or online and meet the minimum purchase requirements. Other retailers offer

discounted services for logos as well.

2. Use that logo

The logo is a natural fit on gifts, like personalized gifts for the wedding party, as well as

items to be used by the bride and groom during and after the wedding.

Labels printed with the couple’s logo can be placed on water bottles or as part of person-

alized favors and centerpieces. Cookies can even be decorated with the personalized mono-

gram and displayed at the dessert table. Many companies online, such as P.S. by Things

Remembered, can print personalized stationery with the couple’s logo and use it to write

thank you cards and notes to family and friends.

3. Personalize the venue

Don’t settle for the standard banquet hall. Find a venue that fits with the couple’s personali-

ties. Maybe it’s reminiscent of where the couple met or of a shared interest the couple has.

As guests walk into the reception, the first thing they see may be an enlarged engage-

ment photo on an easel at the entrance. This allows family and friends to write personalized

sentiments around the photo, which can later be framed and displayed permanently in the

couple’s home.

Ditch the head table for the entire wedding party — instead opt for a sweetheart table

to create a more intimate experience reserved exclusively for the bride and groom.

Experts say some couples choose past vacations spent together to tie the food together.

Instead of a buffet, they set up independent food stations. A post card from each locale

identifies the food theme.

4. Give more thoughtful gifts

You have so many people to thank on a wedding day. Put thought into those gifts.

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Myers says many couples make tra-

ditional gifts one-of-a-kind with the

right engraved message.

“A compact or flask takes on a new

meaning when you thank them for

their friendship right on the gift,” My-

ers said. “That’s the kind of gift they’re

not going to stuff in a drawer. They’re

going to use it and think of the couple

each time they do.”

Things Remembered offers many

popular options, such as flasks, shot

glasses or even purse accessories that

can easily be engraved with the cou-

ple’s logo and date of the wedding. For

more tips on how to create a wedding

that’s especially for you and about you,

visit www.thingsremembered.com.

Couples should think ahead to the

major keepsakes from the wedding day

and let engraving make those personal

as well, such as the unity set of candles,

the guest book at the entrance to the

reception hall, the champagne flutes

and cake servers.

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A fter stressing out over the wedding location, the food, the guest list, the dress, the

hair, the colors, the music and making five seating charts, your reward is to be

whisked away for the best vacation of your life with your new better half. Though

an amazing honeymoon can be expensive, here are some prime locations that are easy on

the newlywed budget:

Barbados

The most eastern island in the Caribbean, Barbados offers a lot of luxury-lodging bang

for your buck relative to other Caribbean islands. And this tiny island, at only 21 miles

long and a “smile wide” (as the locals say), is ripe with exciting and affordable activities to

fill your days, from surfing the spot known as the Soup Bowl to playing through the more

than 99 holes of golf to zip lining. If you’re looking for endless white-sand beaches, stay on

the west and south coasts of the island, from St. Lucy to Christ Church. But if you crave

adventure, explore Harrison’s Cave in St. Thomas or learn to windsurf on the eastern side

of the island. With average temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees, Barbados is a year-

round destination, which means that honeymooners can enjoy the sun and get a taste of the

island’s famous rum any time they please.

Canadian Rockies

If climbing a mountain provides you with more post-wedding stress relief than just vegging

out on the beach, then head north to the Canadian Rockies, says Alistair Wearmouth, se-

nior editor at Away.com. “Visiting an outside-the-box, laid-back mountain town like Banff

in Alberta will save you money compared to a place like Mexico or the Caribbean that

specifically targets honeymooners.” Lodging in the Rockies runs the gamut from afford-

able, cozy lodges to expensive, ritzy chalets. If you’re honeymooning in the summer, plan

on hiking in Banff National Park and canoeing on Lake Louise. Also consider taking the

train from Vancouver; the ride features panoramic views of the mountains, meadows and

wildlife. Wearmouth also recommends Banff and Lake Louise in the colder months. “If

you go in winter, you’ll have access to three world-class ski resorts within minutes of Banff,

which is like a less-stuffy version of Aspen,” he says.

Riviera Maya

Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a sure bet for great deals this year, according to Orbitz.com’s In-

sider Index. With the largest hotel infrastructure in Mexico, the Rivera Maya has a lot of

hotel rooms to fill. And competition to stay full is fierce, which means newlyweds can often

find a bargain for the beach honeymoon they always dreamed of. Staying at one of the

many all-inclusive resorts will allow you to forget all the responsibilities and focus on each

other, while enjoying amenities like swimming in the magnificent pools, catching rays on

the white-sand beaches, or getting a massage as the ocean sounds calm your souls. The Riv-

iera Maya also boasts the largest coral reef in the northern hemisphere, so plan a snorkeling

or scuba diving trip to this underwater world.

Go on a cruise

The best thing about a cruise is that you get to visit several different destinations without

repacking your suitcase multiple times. Plus, it’s often pretty affordable. You’ll have a few

days to relax while the ship is at sea, and then a few days to explore the different ports where

your ship docks. If you want to go all out, you can book a couples massage, special dinners

and on-shore excursions, but you can still have a good time without all the extras. Like any

vacation, do some research on the culture of a cruise line or ship; if you want a quiet, ro-

mantic honeymoon, stay away from the ships that focus on families and kiddos.


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A fter the “I do’s” are said, will you change your last name? Brides consider a host

of factors when answering that question — everything from how a name change

might affect a woman’s sense of identity to how having the same last name can

make a family feel more bonded.

Our modern world has added a new element for brides to consider — the risk of identity

theft.

While there’s no one right or wrong answer to the question of whether you should

change your name, it’s important to be aware of how the name change process can increase

your risk of identity theft. Hopefully, as a single woman, you have already taken steps to

protect against identity theft. These precautions will serve you well as you go through the

name-changing process, which is a haven of opportunity for identity thieves. You’ll be

changing important documents, like your Social Security card and driver’s license, and

sharing personal, identifying information with a host of organizations — from credit card

issuers to your bank.

If you choose to take your spouse’s name, or to hyphenate your maiden last name with your

new married last name, you’ll need to make changes anywhere your maiden name appears.

Many of those documents and accounts will be of interest to identity thieves, including:

Social Security card

Driver’s license

Passport

Bank account(s)

Credit card(s)

Health insurance cards

Investment accounts

Gym club memberships

Vehicle registration and auto insurance

And, for those who try to balance the desire to maintain their individual identity with

showing solidarity for their mate by hyphenating, keep in mind that doing so puts your

maiden name out there for everyone to see down the road when your own children need to

use it as a security question answer.

If you decide to change your name, you can take steps to help prevent identity theft,

including:

Consider using an identity theft detection, protection and resolution product like Pro-

tectMyID. The service monitors your credit report on a daily basis to help you catch

signs of identity theft quickly.

Do as much of the legwork in person as possible. Take your marriage certificate to your

local Social Security office and complete the change form there. Don’t fax or email it,

even if a helpful agent agrees to accept it in this form. And never leave your marriage

certificate with the agent.

Likewise, head into your local bank branch and fill out the necessary change paper-

work in person.

Call credit card issuers regarding the name change after you’ve received your updated

Social Security card and driver’s license. Some may be willing to conduct the change

over the phone. Others will ask to see a copy of your marriage certificate. Be sure to

find out if they can take a photocopy or if they require an original duplicate.

Consider asking the credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your account for several

months after you change your name. The alert will help you detect any attempts to

fraudulently use your personal information.

Finally, if you’re thinking of keeping your maiden name to avoid the hassles of changing

it, and as a way to deter identity theft, consider this: Keeping your maiden name may not

necessarily be a cure-all for preventing identity theft. If you don’t use your “married name,”

an enterprising identity thief just might. Since the name the fraud would occur under is

different from the one you use, you might not become aware of the theft right away.

Ultimately, when it comes to the question of whether to change your name, there’s no

one right or wrong answer that suits everyone. However, the need to take steps to protect

your identity is universal — regardless of what name you decide to use.

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T he wedding’s over, the thank yous are sent

and the top cake tier is in the freezer, wait-

ing for your first anniversary celebration.

Now you and your new spouse are starting to act

on the plans you’ve made for your life together,

and are ready to take that big step in moving into

your first real home.

It’s a big task, joining together two house-

holds and finding the perfect location with great

schools, affordable taxes and good neighbors.

But once you’ve signed on the dotted line for the

home where you will begin your life as a couple —

and maybe also raise your family when the time

arrives — you’re ready to plan your big move.

Many newlyweds face the chore of merging

furniture, kitchen equipment and closet space

from two households. To start your moving pro-

cess off on the right foot, consider eliminating du-

plicate items and having a garage sale, or donating

items, before beginning the packing process. It’s

a great chance to upgrade household furnishings

— especially if you received something new as a

wedding gift.

Then determine what size of moving truck

you’ll need. A good rule is to plan for 150 cubic

feet of space for every fully furnished room. Many

young couples moving from a small apartment or

condo into a larger first home will find a 12- or

16-foot Penske rental truck more than adequate.

Plan to reserve your truck at least two weeks in

advance. Penske Truck Rental offers rental dis-

counts for AAA members to help young couples

with savings.

For help in making moving day go smoothly,

use these tips from Penske. They’ve been in the

do-it-yourself moving business for more than 40

years:

Get

good, sturdy boxes of various sizes, and then fill

them with items of a similar content. Some traditional ways to

group items are by item type (i.e. photo frames) or by contents of a

room. Label each box with the room name, and the contents. Make

sure you have plenty of packing bubbles or towels and cloths on

hand to keep breakable items from being damaged in the move.

If space isn’t a concern,

keep those wedding gifts in their original boxes, because the store

packaging will help protect the items. But if space is tight in the

rental truck, throw away the store packaging and carefully repack in

your moving boxes — with plenty of padding to protect your new

gifts.

Ask friends to help you with carrying box-

es. If something is heavy, enlist some help to prevent injury or strain

on your muscles.

Load the largest items (i.e. bed, couch,

dresser) into the truck first to ensure they will fit, and then start

loading the heaviest boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top.

Having each box labeled with contents will help prevent you and

your friends from packing heavy books on top of your new fine

china wedding gifts. Penske features an online Truck Wizard ap-

plication to assist.

When you cross the threshold of your new home the first time as

a married couple you’ll be surrounded by the excitement and energy

of so many adventures to come in your future. Carefully unpack

your moving truck, cherishing the memories of your personal be-

longings as you meld them to fit into your new home and life with

your new spouse.


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P lanning a wedding in a more “attainable” destination is becoming popular among

couples who want to enjoy a warm or unconventional location while also offering

their guests an affordable and fun getaway. These days, it’s not overly difficult for a

couple to plan a destination wedding, even when both members of the bridal couple live a

long distance from the chosen city.

If you’ve recently become engaged, and are thinking you might be interested in planning

a destination wedding, check out these tips to help you easily organize everything, even

from afar.

-

cation — When you look

through your wedding album

on your 20th anniversary,

you’re going to want to see

beautiful images that continue

to take your breath away. Beach

photos are extremely popular,

as are historic and garden set-

tings. Myrtle Beach, S.C., has

60 miles of public beaches, gor-

geous waterfront reception ven-

ues, breathtaking gardens and historic plantation settings that provide plenty of options for

the perfect wedding location. Visit the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

at visitmyrtlebeach.com to discover more about this wedding destination.

variety of attractions to fit every price point, age group and preference. If possible, visit the

local CVB to snag visitor guides and destination brochures to add to any welcome bags.

travel or require guests to schedule vacation time, sending a “Save The Date” early in your

engagement is important. Prioritize your invite list and destination immediately so your

notices are timely and informative. Include options for nearby hotels, bed and breakfasts, or

even rental home options with differing price points.

available to help you plan everything. For example, the Grand Strand Bridal Association in

Myrtle Beach exists to help brides and grooms choose their wedding professionals wisely.

Because they’re local and work close to the industry, these experts know how to match a

couple with wedding planners, DJs, caterers, officiates and lodging based on the couple’s

budget and wedding preferences.

all the details in one complete package. When planning a wedding long distance, it can

become more difficult, and more costly, to negotiate every single detail about the wedding.

you’re planning your wedding has any special time requirements for obtaining a wedding

license. In Myrtle Beach, for example, a wedding license application must be filed a mini-

mum of 24 hours before a license can be issued. Other locations may require a wait period

of several weeks.

-

tion weddings. For every contract signed, always read the fine print so there won’t be any

surprises if something out of the normal were to happen with a vendor.

Destination weddings are a lot of fun to plan and even more fun to enjoy with close fam-

ily and friends. If you just became engaged, get started now to plan the perfect destination

wedding for you and your spouse to be.

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number. Keep files at 200dpi, less than 10” wide x 10” tall. The best work will be in the Sept. 27, 2012 issue.

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Y ou spend your life dreaming about your wedding day, so imagining it going any

other way than perfect is not easy to think about. However, it doesn’t hurt to do a

little planning for potential setbacks as you continue to invest precious time and

money into your big day.

Not only do you have a lot of emotions riding on your wedding, but likely a lot of

money, too. For most couples, the cost of a wedding ranks right up there with other major

investments like a car purchase or a down payment on a home. The level of investment

alone makes planning for the worst a necessary part of preparing for your nuptials.

Purchasing wedding insurance can give you financial protection and peace of mind as

you plan your wedding. With wedding insurance policies from providers like WedSafe,

you can obtain coverage for up to the full cost of your wedding if your event is forced to be

canceled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances such as an extreme weather event

or an issue with the venue.

Wedding insurance can also cover items such as the cost of restaging the photos if your

photographer doesn’t show up, or reimburse expenses to repair or replace your wedding

dress or other special attire that could get stained or damaged. You can also purchase liabil-

ity insurance to protect yourself from claims of legal liability for injuries, alcohol-related

incidents or property damage.

In addition to buying insurance, here are a few more suggestions for covering all your

bases as you plan your big day:

would not be able to provide the service you asked of them. Under the Fair Credit Billing

Act, you have the right to dispute charges on your credit card you didn’t make, are incor-

rect, or for goods or services you didn’t receive.

-

tive that you understand an agreement, it makes sense to get some help wading through the

legal wording, especially any obligations on your part, how fees, deposits or penalties are

addressed, and your rights if a vendor does not perform its contracted responsibilities.

of hiring a planner can pay for itself. If you choose not to hire out a pro, try to learn as

much as possible about the best practices that event planners use in their daily course of

business.

“Hiring a wedding planner can mitigate your risk of wedding-day snafus,” says Christine

Dyer, founder of BridalTweet. It takes experience to know exactly how to prepare for a

large-scale event that has so many moving parts. And brides can sleep better at night know-

ing that an experienced wedding planner can refer them to other trustworthy vendors (i.e.

florists, cake artists, photographers, etc.) with whom they have built relationships.”

-

tions. Browsing wedding-focused guides like WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards is a good

place to start. Visit the Facebook and Twitter page of your vendors and see what they say

outside of the sales process.

browse forums on sites like the TheKnot, Project Wedding and many others that are readily

available.

For the vast majority of couples, their wedding day goes according to plan and their

dreams become reality. Thinking ahead can ensure that your day will be as perfect as you

have always imagined, and you will be protected even if an unforeseen glitch does find a

way into your special day.


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T raditionally, the bride’s family paid for the costs of a wedding while the groom

would incur the expense of the honeymoon. These days it is not uncommon to find

many couples paying for their own wedding from their own funds. However, you

don’t have to spend a fortune or go into debt to have a beautiful wedding. Determine the

amount of your budget and stick to it. Keep track of all your expenses and receipts in a

folder or binder so that you can stay organized and accurately keep track of where your

money is going. Here are some helpful tips to help you stay within your wedding budget.

Wedding dress

dress. You can find a beautiful white or cream colored dress during that would be perfect

for a wedding at a fraction of the cost of a traditional wedding dress.

worn once so you can get a gently used dress at a huge cost savings.

Reception

the guest list and carefully consider who can be taken off the list.

keep the costs down.

of the location for the ceremony, decorations and transportation to the reception site.

Flowers

arrange them.

and tied with ribbon makes a stunning bouquet and you do not need to be a professional

to put this together.

Photography

formal poses. You can then designate friends or family to take the candid shots throughout

the rest of the reception.

you capture memories.

Invitations

store or search online and purchase a do-it-yourself invitation kit.

Miscellaneous

tie with ribbon pre-printed with your names and wedding date.

to have them at all. This will keep the rehearsal dinner cost down as well as eliminate the

need to buy groomsmen and bridesmaid gifts.

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Y ou are in a position of honor. Your close friend is assuming the position and he

needs your help. He has asked you to be his “best man”, to stand by his side and

support him through his last act as a free man. You relish your thoughts of all the

fun aspects of your job; you get to help coordinate a stag party, ok, so maybe that’s the

extent of the fun parts. Still you want to help your old buddy make as cool and smooth

transition to the other side as possible; you want to be the best best man you can be. You’re

going to have to make a speech, a verbal representation of good times past, current times

observed in a promising light, and words of ominous wisdom pertaining to the future of

the newly linked couple.

Let’s break this speech thing down into some workable components. You need to first

embrace the fact that as the deliverer of a speech, you need to project not only your voice,

but others projectiles like enthusiasm, positivism, confidence, and an entertaining sense of

composure. I know it sounds like a lot. Don’t worry; we have a plan to bring you through

to the successful side of this speech writing/delivery.

The most important component of your speech is not the words you choose to deliver,

it is how you present them to your audience. Think about it, you know that the last thing

that they want to endure is a long winded, non-personally relevant, over-mushy, big bag of

wind. They want entertainment. They want lighthearted laughter. They want it to be over

relatively soon so that the celebration can continue. So there is your first lesson. In a nut-

shell: Be confident; speak up; smile a lot; don’t belabor your points. These aspects of deliv-

ery will make even a poorly written speech flow easier thereby enhancing the undercurrent

of the whole ceremony.

You are going to need to at least write a flowchart to have in front of your eyes to keep

you on task. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’ll be able to fake your way through

it. Most people are not fluent public

speakers. This has nothing to do with

you; it’s just that public speaking, some-

times especially in front of friends and

acquaintances who you would think

you’d be at ease in front of, makes people

nervous. Without some notes for refer-

ence, speechmakers commonly will draw

a blank at the crucial moment of deliver-

ance. Although the friendly crowd won’t

judge you for a poor performance, in ret-

rospect you will wish that you had shined when the focus was on you. You will want to flow

like a pro, making all wonder how you pulled off such an orchestrated masterpiece.

As for the content, that is where you are the expert already. Remember that you got this

job because of your knowledge. You know the groom. You probably know him better than

his new wife (mostly), especially if you have been friends for an extended period of time.

Use your knowledge to bring out the lighter side of life. Keep topics non-offensive and

lighthearted for the most part. It is expected and would be a letdown to the crowd if you

did not do at least a little grilling. Poke some borderline, yet still clean, fun at the groom

and whoever else may be present as a target of your room-captivating speech. Spontaneity

is a beautiful thing as well. If you draw a blank, just take a breath and tell a little story that

nobody but you and the groom would know. The audience will appreciate being made to

feel like insiders, and you will be remembered as the best man who knew how to lay it down

like a breeze through the trees.

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T he average couple shells out nearly $27,000 just to say their “I do’s,” according

to a recent survey. That doesn’t include the cost of the honeymoon, either. If

you’re spending that kind of money, shouldn’t your unforgettable wedding be a

five-star event?

TIP NO. 1: Give your guests ample time to ogle — the cake, that is.“Often, the cake arrives in the reception room just in time for the bride and groom to

partake in the cake-cutting ceremony,” says head pastry Chef Richard Palm. “And then it’s

quickly whisked away to be cut, plated and sauced in order to create a seamless dining expe-

rience when served as the dessert.”

For a more memorable experience, give your guests extra time to view, photograph and

comment on the cake by using additional cake — not immediately needed for food service

— in the reception room. “Having the time to “ogle” the cake will make it that much more

memorable,” Palm says.

TIP NO. 2: It’s better to look good and to feel good.Wedding planning can be stressful, and stress can take a toll on your appearance as well as

your health. “It’s important for brides-to-be to take steps to minimize stress and its effects

before their big day,” says Jean Kolb, the resort’s director of wellness and Kohler Waters Spa.

Establish a wellness routine well in advance of your wedding day and include daily med-

itation and exercise in your ritual, she advises. Your routine could be as simple as a yoga

class, five minutes of at-home meditation and a brisk walk every day.

As your wedding day approaches, arrange a massage and spa time for yourself and your

attendants.

TIP NO. 3: Guys — and grooms — need a break, too.Brides aren’t the only ones who can feel stressed before the wedding day. Bridegrooms and

groomsmen can also benefit from some relaxation. If you’re doing a destination wedding,

take advantage of recreational opportunities like golf to help bond and decompress.

“Enjoy everything at a leisurely pace,” advises Ed Elsner, tournament coordinator at

Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run.

TIP NO. 4: Personalize everything, including your drinks.Personalization is a popular trend in weddings, and it touches every aspect of your day,

from the colors you choose for your bouquet and bridesmaid gowns, to the hors d’oeuvres

and entrees served at the reception. Don’t forget to personalize your drink selection, too.

Missy Dortman, director of meetings and events, says her team often receives requests

from couples to create a personalized cocktail for their weddings. “We try to incorporate

something special from their courting, such as the drink the bride might have enjoyed on

their first date, a drink they always share, or something that pays homage to the color of the

attendants’ dresses,” Dortman says.

TIP NO. 5: Variety is the spice of life — and it makes for great pictures, too.Photos of your wedding will be the tangible memory of your big day, so it’s important to

keep in mind how they’ll look when you’re choosing your wedding venue, says Christine

Loose, resident manager for the American Club and Inn on Woodlake. Look for venues

that offer a variety of picture settings.

“Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, with memories and pho-

tos you’ll look back on forever,” Check says. “With creativity, planning and the right venue,

you can ensure your big day is a five-star experience for everyone — especially you!”

Lotus Moments and Event Center2134 East Grand Ave. ~ Des Moines, Iowa 50317 ~ 515.333.4628www.lotusmoments.com ~ www.lotusmomentsevent.com ~ [email protected]

Announcements Save the Dates Invitations Programs Thank You Cards

Announcements Save the Dates Invitations Programs Thank You Cards

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Everything your wedding needs, including the Event Venue! Lotus Moments is...

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Celebrate your special day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Historic buildings, modern event center and picturesque

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and a staff ready to assist you with every detail. To schedule your wedding at the incomparable Iowa State

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S ince getting engaged, Jillian Brown, 32, from St. Paul, Minn., is hitting her neigh-

borhood fitness center more often. “I’ve added weight training to my regimen,” says

Brown, who is planning an August wedding. “I have to get those arms and shoulders

wedding dress ready.”

Every bride wants to look great when the big day comes, but how many brides commit

to fitting into her wedding dress on their 10th anniversary? Do you want to look good for

a day, or feel good for the rest of your life?

While considering vows, include a commitment to live healthfully ever after. That’s the

advice from Cliff Edberg, a registered dietician and personal trainer at Life Time Fitness,

The Healthy Way of Life Company, in Chanhassen, Minn. “When I work with a bride

and her goal is to look her very best the day of the wedding and fit into the dress she has

dreamed about for years, I encourage her to make this a lifestyle change, not just a short-

term diet.”

Brown, who visits her neighborhood Life Time Fitness, and her fiance both lost a sig-

nificant amount of weight before meeting each other (70 pounds for him, 40 pounds for

her) and plan to stay devoted to their healthy lifestyle as well as to each other.

“It’s not just about the wedding pictures — although I want them to look amazing —

but also about feeling my absolute best on the day I marry my best friend,” Brown says.

Jen Emmert, 30, of Minneapolis, and another August bride-to-be shares the same out-

look. “I was overweight my entire life and it was only about four years ago that I decided

to make changes. Now that I’m months away from the big day, I want to make sure I’m

focused on being the healthiest I can be.”

Edberg, says it’s important to celebrate the milestone and good work you put into the


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wedding day. “Just be sure to continue to set goals,” he adds.

Brown is already thinking beyond the wedding day to having a healthy

honeymoon. “Just like all of the vacations we have taken, we will seek out

meal options that are healthy and satisfying,” Brown says. “While we haven’t

decided on our honeymoon spot yet, we are looking at places where we can

be active, instead of locations where the days are filled with lying on a beach.”

Once the honeymoon is over Edberg suggests newlyweds rely on each

other as their support team. One way to do that is for couples to spend time

cooking meals together. “Often people get bored with ‘eating healthy’ but

they just don’t take time to explore new food and new ways of preparing

food.”

Edberg also suggests exploring new ways to exercise together as a couple.

“Try to emphasize play in your activity,” Edberg says. “When we have fun

during activity, especially together, there is a higher likelihood that it will

continue and form a habit.” And the less likely you will be to fall back into old

sedentary habits. “No better time than now to commit to a lifelong partner-

ship in health, not sickness,” he adds.

Emmert, who chronicled her weight-loss journey in a blog, acknowledges

that planning for the wedding day is exciting, but “it’s just one day out of the

rest of our lives,” she says. “Working out and being healthy will always need

to be a priority, no matter what kind of life event is going on around us.”

When the honeymoon is over, life goes on. Will you fit into that wed-

ding dress 10 years later? In 20 years will you still be fit and healthy? In other

words, look at the big picture. And you won’t find the “big picture” in your

wedding album. Need additional advice or assistance? Visit www.lifetime-

weightloss.com.


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Happily Ever AfterSTARTS HERE

Whether you’re planning for a few dozen

guests or a few hundred, we’ll make your

wedding celebration a memory to have and

to hold. You’ll adore our personal service

|and delectable cuisine...and thanks to our

amazing attention to detail, you’ll even

have time to enjoy yourself.

To plan your memory, call 515-294-3347,toll-free 1-877-843-2368, or

visit www.center.iastate.edu.

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