My Wilson Wedding Planner 2013

An essential guide to:Cakes, Catering, Dresses, Flowers, Gifts, Music, Photographers, Videographers, Venues, and more...

Featuring our 2013 Wilson couples...

1

Tacorimakesyour lovea littlesweeter!

Shoppes at Brentwood243-5707 • VaughansJewelers.com

Tripp VaughanGraduate Gemologist, [email protected]

Vaughan’s has a variety of bridal lines tosatisfy every style and budget, including

TACORI, SIMON G, and TRUE ROMANCE.We also offer custom design services.

The Nook

Specifics: They have in-house printing with lots of

stationery and wedding invitations from Crane & Co. and

National Engraving in stock. Bridal registries are also

available, as well as china patterns from Vietri and Juliska.

Location: 2801-3F Ward Blvd. / Shoppes at

Brentwood / Wilson

Phone / Fax: 252-243-2503

Owner(s): Amy Wiggins

Hours: Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.,

Sat., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

When making out your gift registry or simply searching for a

gift for someone else’s special day, stop by The Nook. They have

everyday and fine china, invitations, paper products and more.

Area Profile:

Amy Wiggins

Advantage Rental

Specifics: Dream of an outdoor wedding? They set up

tents of all sizes to protect your outdoor ceremony or recep-

tion. Have any unsightly obstacles at your reception site?

Check out their lattice screens to hide those messy spots.

Location: 3191 Airport Blvd. / Wilson

Phone / Fax: 252-291-9600 / 252-291-9672

Owner(s): Kris & Alysun Skinner

Hours: Mon. - Fri., 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat., 7:30

a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

They can assist the bride in all aspects of the wedding. From

candelabras and silk flowers for dressing up the ceremony to tents, tables,

chairs and linens. Create your dream reception: Advantage can set up a

stage for the band and a dance floor for that first dance. Carrying a wide

variety of punch fountains, chafing dishes, cake stands, lattice decor and

column sets, Advantage promises to take customer service to a new level.

Area Profile:

Thursday, February 14, 2013 3

Special Events Center

The Nook.................................................. 2

Advantage Rental.................................... 2

Vaughan’s Jewelers................................. 6

The Flower Pot ....................................... 8

Churchwells’s & Company.................... 12

Cinderella’s Seconds............................. 14

Fitness Video & Tanning ...................... 14

Jennifer Porcaro Photography ............ 16

Hope’s Furniture .................................. 17

The Wilsonian ....................................... 17

Fine Print Stationery ............................ 18

Sweet Martha’s Whimsy........................ 18

Something Different.............................. 20

Wilson Woods ........................................ 23

Golden East Crossing ........................... 23

The guest list:Inside:Once again, we are pleased to present you with some of the best Wilson has to offer couples and families planning their upcoming weddings. And, like years past, we are featuring some actual Wilson couples in the process of planning their own nuptials: Megan Nichols & Vincent Lively; and Madison Wheeler & Andrew Webb. Both couples currently live in the Wilson area and are using the vast supply of local shops, businesses and services Wilson County has to offer to plan their “Wilson Weddings.” Look inside for more information about the couples.

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Close friends and family members are an important component of a couple’s wed-ding day. Individuals who are especially close to the bride and groom are often asked to become members of the wedding party, which means a bride-to-be will be asking one or more women to play an integral role in the cel-ebration. To set these ladies apart from other guests at the wedding, they are often asked to wear coordinating brides-maid gowns. Selecting a style and color that is fitting to the unique people of the bridal party can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.

As if choosing your maid of honor wasn’t tricky enough, you now must make a host of other decisions as well, all while playing stylist to the wedding party. Fash-ion sense is as unique as a fingerprint, and it is unlikely the bridesmaids will be able to agree on every aspect of the gowns they will be asked to wear. However, there are ways to narrow down the choices and be as accom-modating as possible to their needs.

Size matterS

The body shapes and sizes of the women in your bridal party will be different, and this should be kept in mind when selecting a gown style and cut. There are certain dress shapes that are univer-sally flattering, such as A-line. Try to avoid gowns that are extremely form-fitting, as only a few of the bridesmaids may be able to pull off this look successfully. The remainder could be left feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable. Plus, form-fitting clothing will be restrictive and can be difficult to move around in -- particularly considering

the gown will be worn for an entire day.

Flattering Color

As a bride you may have a colorscape in your mind for the wedding. But what looks good in table linens and flowers is not always the right choice for clothing. Take the skin tones and hair colors of your bridesmaids into con-sideration before choosing a dress. Green- and yellow-hued dresses may not look nice on women with olive skin tones, while very pale colors may wash out women with fair skin. Those with dark skin may need a brighter-colored dress.

PriCe tag

It is an honor to be asked to be part of a bridal party, but that honor can be very expensive. The bridesmaids are expected to pay for their wardrobe, hair styling, and makeup, as well as parties and gifts for the happy couple. As a courtesy to the women who already will be invest-ing a considerable amount to be a part of your wedding, make every effort to select a gown that is affordable. There are plenty of retailers offer-ing stylish options that may not be as expensive as some specialty stores.

other tiPSOnce you’ve decided on

the basic elements, consider the following suggestions to find a gown that the bridal party will enjoy.

• Take one or two brides-maids shopping with you. Try to select ones with opposite body types so you can see how the gown looks on a woman who is thin and one who may be more full-figured.

• Think about choosing separates. The bridesmaids can mix and match tops and bottoms to find a fit that works. This may enable a woman with a larger bust size to select a top with supportive straps while another brides-maid can opt for strapless. Many stores have increased their inventory of separates because of their growing popularity.

• Choose one color and

then let the bridesmaids choose the style they like the best for themselves. The look will still be cohesive, but it won’t be boring with one type of gown. Also, each brides-maid will be comfortable with a gown that flatters her shape.

• Go with a tea-length gown. These gowns have become quite trendy and are less formal and cumbersome than full-length gowns. Plus, there is a greater likelihood

that the gown can be used again at a later date.

• Purchase the brides-maid gowns at the same store where you will be purchasing your wedding gown. Most shops will offer a courtesy discount if the bridesmaid gowns are purchased at the same store.

Ensuring bridesmaids are happy in their gowns takes a little work but will be well worth the effort.

MetroCreative

Find a gown they all will love

A little patience can help a bride-to-be select bridesmaid gowns that are flattering to all the members of her bridal party. Metro

FillerYour Local Resource

For All YourWedding Needs

MyWilsonWedding.com


For Megan Nichols and Vincent Lively, it’s almost as if the world conspired against them from meeting until the timing was exactly perfect.

The two Wilson natives had scores of mutual friends, Megan had visited Vincent’s church and even knew both of his sisters. Even their fathers had gone to both high school and college together.

But it wasn’t until March of 2010, after a chance meeting at a restaurant in town, that their individual orbits collided for good.

“After that, we would run into each other constant-ly,” says Megan.

Their connection grew immediately. Vincent, an agent with Farm Bureau, even became her insurance agent.

A few months later, in July, Megan found herself without a date to a friend’s engagement party and didn’t hesitate before casually inviting her friend Vincent. The same story repeated itself for the same couple’s wedding a month later, and the two realized after that this was the real thing. And as is their style, they didn’t even need to label it: they just knew.

“After the wedding, we were pretty much insepa-rable,” said Megan.

The friendship that evolved over those first six months served as the foundation of their relationship and remains the defining characteristic of their unit three years later.

Despite the assuredly strong bond, that didn’t mean that it wasn’t a surprise when Vincent ultimately popped the question last year.

“I was completely shocked,” she said. “But in a great way.”

A completely natural and organic act — at the beach, on an impromptu walk to the pier, no makeup, t-shirts on — the proposal mirrored the genuine ease with which the two had grown together over the past couple of years.

“It was the way we both wanted,” she said. Vincent agrees. “She didn’t even look at the ring,”

he said. “She didn’t care what it was. It was just an-other reason that showed she’s perfect for me.”

The couple says they never gave a thought to mar-rying anywhere but Wilson, a decision they haven’t regretted. Each of their local vendors — photographer, florist, caterer, etc. — ended up serving as their wed-ding co-planners.

“It would be different in another town. Wilson is just a great place to get married. It’s easy to do everything right here,” Megan said.

Big proponents of the revitalization of downtown Wilson, the two are planning a downtown-themed wedding. The ceremony will take place at First Baptist Church and the reception will follow at the Arts Coun-cil of Wilson.

photo by Jennifer Porcaro

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Graduate Gemologist Tripp Vaughan walks Vincent and Megan through the process of buying wedding bands at Vaughan’s Jewelers, located in the Shoppes at Brentwood. Vincent purchased Megan’s engagement ring from Tripp last summer, adn the two came in to browse the variety of bands, as well as potential gifts like watches and cuff links. Photo by Gérard Lange

4315 Raleigh Rd. Parkway (Hwy. 264 W. near I-95)(252) 399-4839 • (252) 205-0121 • Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Hope’s Furniture

Vaughan’s Jewelers

Specifics: Vaughan’s offers a variety of designer bridal lines such

as Tacori, Simon G. and True Romance. In addition, they can custom

design any ring or fitted band. They also offer a wide range of straight

and fitted diamond wedding bands to match any engagement ring. A

wide selection of bride, groom, and attendant gifts are also available.

Location: 2801 3-E Ward Blvd. /

Shoppes at Brentwood / Wilson

Phone: 252-243-5707

www.VaughansJewelers.com

Owner(s): Bill, Kathy &

Tripp Vaughan

Hours: Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. -

6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Vaughan’s is a family owned and operated jewelry store that has been

serving the Wilson area since 1949. You can expect friendly faces, great

customer service and competitive pricing.

Area Profile:

Sadie Vaughan


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More and more couples planning to walk down the aisle are embracing save-the-date cards to give guests adequate notice that there is a party on the horizon.

Save-the-date cards do more than let guests know when you’re getting hitched. The cards are a preliminary way to keep guests informed and let them know they are, in fact, on the guest list. These cards haven’t always been so popular, but have risen in popularity due to longer en-gagement periods, a growing number of destination wed-dings and the growing num-ber of couples with guests from all over the country, if not the world. Considering people often plan business trips, vacations and other

excursions several months in advance, save-the-date cards help secure a greater number of attendees at your wedding.

Save-the-date announce-ments can vary in many ways. They may be postcards or magnets that can be attached to a refrigerator door. If you desire a cohesive theme to your wedding stationery, select the save-the-date cards at the same time you choose your wedding invitations. This way you can ensure that either the patterns, fonts, colors, or style of the cards will match. It will also help convey the tone of the wed-ding. Guests often take their cues regarding the level of formality of the wedding from the type of stationery couples choose.

When to send out the save-the-date announce-ments is important as well. As a general rule of thumb, it is wise to mail out the cards 6 months in advance for a standard wedding. If the wedding requires travel or extended overnight accom-modations, you may want to mail them out 8 months to a year in advance to give guests the time to investigate flight costs and hotel arrangements. A wedding also may neces-sitate planning a vacation or personal time off from work. Therefore, ample advanced notice is advisable.

Be sure to make your guest list in advance of sending out save-the-date cards. Everyone who receives a card should also be sent an invitation prior

to the wedding. Remember to include any members of your planned wedding party in the list of recipients. Just because a person has ver-bally confirmed attendance at your wedding doesn’t mean they should be excluded from subsequent announce-ments. Guests may talk to one another and it is best to avoid hurt feelings and any added drama before the wedding by treating everyone equally.

Be sure to include the wed-ding date, your names and the location of the wedding on the save-the-date cards. You do not need to offer RSVP information or detailed specif-ics at this time. You may want to include a Web site URL on the card so guests can check it frequently for updates on

wedding information. Be sure to also include that a formal invitation will follow at a later date. You do not want to cause confusion by having guests think that the save-the-date card is the actual invitation. Also, make sure you address the save-the-date cards correctly to show your intentions with respect to guest invites. For example, be clear about whether children will be invited and whether a boyfriend/girlfriend or an-other guest can tag along.

Although save-the-date cards are not a necessity, they have become a popular part of wedding planning to eliminate confusion about invitations as well as help guests plan time off for your wedding.

MetroCreative

Save-the-date card etiquette


Megan and Vincent will use The Flower Pot in downtown Wilson for their March wed-ding. Megan says that using local vendors like The Flower Pot has been a blessing, as they make the planning a breeze. Photo by Jennifer Porcaro

Ample Parking ~ Sound StageWedding PlannerOnsite Catering

Bar Beverage CourtyardTable & Chairs

Dancing ~ Floral Designer Wedding Cakes

Imagine a grand reception, an intimate rehearsal dinner or an elegant bridal

luncheon...the Wilsonian offers venues for your perfect wedding.

Once you say “I Do”leave the rest up to us...The Wilsonian has it all

113 Barnes Street ~ Historic Downtown Wilson ~ 252-237-7701

WSpecial Events Center

The Wilsonian

The Flower Pot

Specifics: For your big day, they offer a full-service

florist, wedding consulting, event planning, custom

embroidery and a unique place to find various specialty gifts.

Location: 111 Barnes St. / Wilson

Phone: 252-218-4352

Hours: Tues. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.,

After hours & weekends, call for appointment

A multi-stop shop located in the heart of downtown Wilson, The

Flower Pot can customize your wedding and any event leading up to

it with simple elegance. The Flower Pot is

truly “a unique experience.”

Area Profile:


According to a 2012 report in Brides magazine, the average American couple spends just under $27,000 on their wedding, while their northern neigh-bors in Canada spend slightly more than $23,000 on average for their big day. Clearly couples, regardless of which side of the border they call home, can expect to invest a sub-stantial amount of money for their weddings.

While many couples find the cost of a wedding is well worth it, others would like to find ways to save so their big day isn’t a budget-buster. Such savings aren’t always easy to come by, especially for couples with a very dis-tinctive picture in mind of what their wedding should be. However, even couples strongly committed to a certain wedding style might change their minds once they realize how much such a dream wed-ding will cost. For those couples as well as couples who simply want to save some money, the following are a few ideas to avoid busting your budget with-out venturing too far from your dream wedding.

• Trim the guest list. The guest list is perhaps the easiest place to begin saving money. Many reception halls will charge by the head, so consider if you really need to invite 150 guests or if 100 will do. Such trimming can save you a substantial amount of money. For ex-ample, a banquet hall that charges $200 per guest will cost couples with a guest list of 150 $30,000

for the reception alone. Cutting that guest list to 100 reduces that cost by $10,000. When putting together the guest list, remove those candidates who would best be de-scribed as acquaintances. This can include cowork-ers with whom you don’t socialize, as well as old college friends to whom you rarely speak. Distant cousins you haven’t spo-ken to in years can also be cut from the list.

• Don’t go overboard on the gown. Styles are ever-changing, so there’s a strong chance brides won’t be passing down their wedding gowns to their own daughters someday. What’s popular now will likely seem outdated by the time your daughter walks down the aisle. Keep this in mind when shopping for a wedding dress, which can be made in the same design as the one you try on but with cheaper fabrics that are a fraction of the cost.

The disparity between gown costs in the United States and Canada should paint a good picture of how easily brides can save money on their gowns. According to a survey of wedding trends conducted by Weddingbells, an online resource for Canadian brides, the average Cana-dian bride in 2011 spent just under $1,800 on her wedding gown, while the average American bride spends roughly $1,100 on her gown. Though the reasons for that disparity are unclear, it’s safe to say there are savings to be had for brides who don’t want

to break the bank paying for their wedding gowns.

• Get hitched in the off-season. Many couples prefer to get married sometime between the months of May through October. During these months, venues and ven-dors, including limousine services, caterers, photog-raphers, musicians, and deejays, are more expen-sive. If you are willing to switch your wedding date to the off-season you can save a substantial amount of money. In addition, you likely won’t face as much competition for the best venues and vendors as you will during the peak wed-ding season.

• Trim your beverage budget. The bar tab at the end of the reception can be considerable, but there are ways to save money while ensuring your guests can still toast you and yours with a few libations. Rather than offering a full bar, limit the choices to beer and wine, which will be perfectly acceptable to most guests anyway. In addition, rather than paying the caterer for the wine, buy your own and you’ll save a consider-able amount of money. You may have to pay the caterer a fee to pour the wine, but that fee is neg-ligible compared to what you’d pay the company to provide the wine.

• Choose a buffet-style dinner over waiter ser-vice. Many guests will no doubt prefer a buffet-style dinner instead of waiter service, so take advantage of that and choose a more affordable buffet-style din-

ner that allows diners to choose their own entrees and side dishes.

When it comes to trimming wedding costs, couples will have to make compromises. But those compromises don’t have to come at the cost of a beautiful and memorable event.

MetroCreative

Simple ways to save on your wedding

A bride who’s willing to be flexible with respect to her wedding gown can save a substantial amount of money. Metro


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The best man toast can be one of the most memo-rable parts of a couple’s wedding. Sometimes a toast is memorable for its humor and heartfelt sense of appreciation for the groom and his bride, while other toasts are more memorable for all the wrong reasons.

One of the reasons best man toasts can be so unpredictable is that giving a best man toast is such a unique experience. It’s something many men never do, while those who do give a best man toast may only do it once in a lifetime. It’s understand-able to be nervous when asked to give a best man toast, but there are a few tricks of the trade a best man can employ to calm those nerves and ensure his toast is memorable for all the right reasons.

• Practice makes perfect. Few people are capable of standing in front of a crowd of people and speaking off the cuff. A best man should take this into account and practice his speech before the big day. A spur-of-the-moment speech may provide an adrenaline rush, but such an endeavor may come off as if you didn’t care

enough to put the effort into writing a thought-ful toast ahead of time. In addition, practicing the toast once it’s been written will make you feel more comfortable and confident in front of the crowd. If possible, prac-tice in front of a friend or family member so you can solicit feedback. A friend or relative might be able to help you fine-tune the speech, which in turn can calm your nerves once you’re handed the microphone.

• Avoid alcohol. Get-ting liquored up prior to your toast is a recipe for disaster. Though it may seem like a good idea to employ alcohol to calm your nerves and lower your inhibitions, it’s not a good idea. Consuming alcohol before your toast increases the chance that you will end up embar-rassing the bride and groom as well as yourself.

• Get to the point. Men and women who have attended their fair share of wedding receptions no doubt have sat through a long-winded toast from the best man or maid of honor. Such toasts can bring a festive reception to a grinding halt, and

guests will likely tune out before the best man or maid of honor gets to the point. Being succinct should be a goal for a best man with regard to his toast. Avoid long-winded walks down Memory Lane in favor of a toast that thoughtfully cuts to the chase and lets every-one get back to celebrat-ing.

• Spin a yarn. While it’s important to be brief, don’t be so brief that no one at the reception learns about your rela-tionship to the groom. Share a humorous anec-dote from your mutual past to illustrate the type of relationship you and the groom share with one another. This story should have an element of humor but don’t include anything too embarrass-ing, and all ex-girlfriends should be considered off-limits.

• Congratulate the couple. Because nerves play such a significant part in many best man toasts, it can be easy to forget to congratulate both the bride and groom. Don’t just toast the groom at the end of your best man speech; toast his new bride as well.

MetroCreative

Tips for a great best man toast

Metro


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Wedding Parties

It took a while for Madison Wheeler and Andrew Webb to get together romantically. But once they did, they wasted no time.

The Wilson natives have known each other for much of their lives, as Andrew was best friends with Madison’s younger sister. He would find himself hanging out at her house and around her family, but the two never had much interaction. They knew each other. Just not well.

Years later, they both found themselves at Liberty University, casual acquaintances and two years apart. Finally, by the time Madison’s senior year came around, Andrew mentioned that they should go on a date.

Turned out, the timing was still off. Madison was about to go to the Philippines for her entire senior year. He didn’t actually see her again until the following summer, at a graduation party for her here in Wilson.

But they found themselves that summer as counselors at a Christian camp near Raleigh where they immediately became fast friends. Being the only college-aged kids at the camp, people began to make comments about the increasing amount of time that the two spent together. Everyone could see it.

“It was like the elephant in the room,” said Andrew.Still, they weren’t dating. Despite the growing connection between them, the two had

yet another problem: Madison was scheduled to leave in the fall and spend the next two years teaching in the Dominican Republic.

But things were taking off. Though they never considered them “dates,” Andrew would frequently be over at her house for dinner. But he had spent many years there before, and it didn’t seem out of the ordinary for either of them.

Eventually, despite the fact that she would soon be leaving the country, Andrew threw caution to the wind and asked her if she’d like to be his girlfriend while at a Christian camp in Southport. Somewhat surprised that he was still interested in her in that way, she gladly agreed.

“We didn’t even actually go on an official ‘date’ until we were already boyfriend and girlfriend,” remembers Madison now with a laugh. “It’s kinda backwards.”

Madison still left to go abroad that fall, and Andrew went back up to school, but the two kept in touch. Fate turned ironi-cally in their favor, however, and Madison, due to an illness, had to cut her stint in the D.R. short and fly home for good in April of 2012.

But it was during that time apart that they realized they had something real. “I definitely wasn’t forgetting about her,” said Andrew. “We knew it was something special. Figured we should give it a real shot.”

There wasn’t much separating them after that. This Decem-ber, Madison surprised Andrew with tickets in the student sec-tion of a Duke basketball game, but got the ultimate surprise when Andrew pulled out a ring he had been carrying and proposed to her right there in the stands.

Needless to say, their enjoyment of — and focus on — the game was reversed. Andrew spent the entire first half nervous thinking about what he was about to do. Madison spent the second half anxious to leave and call everyone to tell them the good news.

Happy to both be planted in Wilson, the two are having fun planning their June wedding. Andrew is finishing his senior year at Liberty online — where he’ll finish with a degree in Accounting — and Madison is a special education teacher at

photo by Gerard Lange

Bailey Elementary. The wedding will take place at Peace Church in Wilson and

the reception will be at Wedgewood Country Club. Naturally, the couple will honeymoon in the Dominican Republic.


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Anderson Bass, co-owner of Churchwell’s Jewelers and an award-winning designer and goldsmith, walks Madison and Andrew through various types of diamonds, as well as pearl necklaces. In addition to their full line of high-end traditional, equestrian and nautical jewelry collections, Churchwell’s is the only dealer in Eastern North Carolina to carry the line of Forever 10 diamonds. Photo by Gérard Lange

Churchwell’s also carries a beautiful line of watches imprinted with Churchwell’s logo. Photo by Gérard Lange

Churchwell’s & Company

Specifics: In addition to Anderson’s creative talents,

Churchwell’s also has several of the finest lines of

engagement rings for you to consider.

Location: 2801-1D Ward Blvd. /


Phone: 252-237-7166

Owner(s): Angie & Anderson Bass

Hours: Mon. - Fri., 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

www.churchwells.com

After over 108 years, Churchwell’s has the experience and inventory to carry you

through all your jewelry needs before the big day. Among other qualified and helpful

staff at Churchwell’s, Anderson Bass, award-winning designer and goldsmith, can

help create your very own beautiful and unique ring design. Stop by soon and take

advantage of the major sale going on in Churchwell’s in honor of the retirement of

L. A. Bass, Graduate Gemologist and fixture of the renowned Wilson business.

Area Profile:

Dr. Kevin Loflin


Wedding receptions run the gamut from small, intimate gatherings in a restaurant to large spectacles featuring hundreds of guests inside a banquet hall. At the heart of any wedding recep-tion is the desire to present a memorable party for all in attendance. That being said, there are some steps couples can take to add extra indul-gence to wedding receptions and really set them apart from the mundane.

With the average cost of weddings now teetering around $28,000, couples cer-tainly are pulling out expen-sive stops to treat guests to a good party. Although some may argue that spending tens of thousands of dollars on a one-time event is pre-posterous, there are scores of couples who want to splurge on an event that (hopefully) will be a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. With this in mind, many want to add spe-cial touches to the wedding that will show guests how much they are appreciated and to make their celebration different from previous wed-dings. Here are some ways to do just that.

• Butler-passed hors d’oeuvres: During the cock-tail hour guests are mingling and taking advantage of the opportunity to engage in con-versation. This may be the last real opportunity to chat amongst one another before the volume of the band or deejay drowns out discus-

sions. Rather than disrupt the flow of conversation to make a trip to the food sta-tions, choose butler-passed hors d’oeuvres to bring food right to the guests. It lends a feeling of indulgence and is also a convenient way to keep guests satiated.

• Valet parking: Most wedding venues provide on-site valet parking. However, if you’re using a restaurant or banquet hall that does not provide this service, you can hire a valet company to do the parking for guests. While you will be whisked to and fro in the back of a limou-sine, guests will have to do their own driving. Being able to exit the car right in front of the venue and not worry about finding a parking space will be convenient for guests.

• Emergency toiletries baskets: Rather than spend-ing money on an extra floral arrangement for the men’s and women’s restrooms, purchase items that can be grouped into a handy basket. For women, include items such as extra pairs of stock-ings, spray deodorant, sani-tary items, and sewing kits. For men, mints or mouth-wash, dental floss, cologne, and stain removal pens may come in handy. In the event that a minor mishap occurs during the wedding, guests will have items at their dis-posal to remedy it.

• Specialty courses: In addition to the cocktail hour and the main meal, you may be able to arrange specialty stations for guests with par-ticular palates or interests. Some couples like to have a cigar smoking area or you can offer specialty cocktails. When ethnic customs are included in a wedding, menu items can be geared around native dishes. Candy and dessert bars are also popular to have at weddings, particu-larly if children are invited. A flambe dessert presenta-tion is both a spectacle and a treat.

• Overnight accommoda-tions: For the wedding that will run into the wee hours of the morning, offer guests a place to stay nearby to remove the hassle of driv-

ing home at a late hour. Some reception halls have arrangements with nearby hotels. For those that don’t, negotiate a discounted rate for wedding guests. Many do and will set aside a block of rooms for your event with a discount code. You may want to treat guests who choose to stay over to a complementary breakfast the next day as one final show of appreciation.

• Special seating: Guests who may have mobility is-sues or difficulty hearing may appreciate being seated in certain spots for conve-nience. Seat the elderly or handicapped close to the exits and the restrooms if possible. When choosing a reception room, confirm the distance to the restrooms

to make it convenient for those who may not be able to walk far. Those who may be sensitive to the music can be seated away from the speak-ers. And of course, every at-tempt should be made to seat individuals who may have conflicts with others away from one another.

• Birthday and anni-versary mentions: You can notify the band or deejay of any guests in attendance who may be celebrating their own special events on your wedding day or in close proximity.

There are many extra touches you can take as a couple to make guests feel welcomed and important at your wedding.MetroCreative

Make guests feel special

Arranging overnight accommodations for guests, complete with complementary breakfast, is a welcome touch for those who don’t want to travel home once the wedding is over. Metro

No matter the size of your wedding, the personal touches will make every guest feel like the center of attention


ChoColate almond Wedding Celebration Cake

You will need to triple this recipe to complete Wedding Celebration Cake.

CHOCOLATE ALMOND CAKE

2-1/2 cups (5 sticks) butter or mar-garine, softened3 cups sugar8 eggs1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour1-1/2 cups finely ground blanched almonds3/4 cup Hershey’s Cocoa2-1/4 teaspoons baking powder2/3 cup milk2 teaspoons almond extract

1. Prepare CHOCOLATE ALMOND CAKE. Heat oven to 325∞F. Grease and flour one 12 x 2-inch and one 6 x 2-inch round baking pan.

2. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl of heavy duty mixer until fluffy. Gradually add eggs, beating until well blended.

3. Stir together flour, almonds, cocoa and baking powder. Alternately add with milk to egg mixture; beat until well blended. Add almond extract; continue beating until fluffy. Spoon 2 cups batter into prepared 6-inch pan; spoon remaining batter into prepared 12-inch pan.

4. Bake 45 to 55 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in each cake comes out clean and cakes begin to pull from sides of pans. Cool 15 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely.

5. Repeat steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 for sec-ond layer of 12 and 6-inch cakes.

6. Grease and flour three 9-inch round baking pans. Repeat steps 2 and 3, but divide batter evenly into

prepared 9-inch pans.

7. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in each cake comes out clean and cakes begin to pull from sides of pans. Cool 15 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. (You will have an extra layer to freeze for another use.)

8. Prepare 3 recipes of CREAMY BUTTERCREAM FROSTING.

CREAMY BUTTER CREAM FROSTING

Beat 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or marga-rine, 1 cup shortening and 2 tea-spoons vanilla or almond extract in large bowl of heavy duty mixer until blended. Gradually add 7-1/2 cups powdered sugar alternating with 1/4 cup milk until well blended. Gradu-ally beat in 1/4 cup light corn syrup; beat on high speed until fluffy. If necessary, add additional corn syrup, one teaspoon at a time, until you get the consistency you like. About 6 cups frosting.

To assemble: 1. Prepare a cake board or use large serving platter. Place bottom layer of each tier on a cake circle or foil-covered cardboard piece cut to fit; secure each cake to a circle with a few strokes of frosting. 2. Fill and frost 2 layers for each tier. You will now have 3 frosted two-layer cakes: 12, 9 and 6 inches. 3. Place frosted 12-inch tier on cake board se-curing with a few strokes of frosting. Gently press 8-inch plate or circle into top of 12-inch tier to imprint circle; remove. Cut seven 3-3/4-inch lengths from a 1/4-inch diameter wooden dowel rod. Spacing evenly within circle guide, push rods down in cake to the base. 4. Place frosted 9-inch cake tier on base cake tier; top with frosted 6-inch cake. Decorate cake as desired. About 90 servings without top tier.MetroCreative

Treat your guests

Fitness,Video & Tanning

Specifics: New bulbs installed in the tanning beds. Tan-

ning packages are available, as well as jewelry and other

accessories that would make excellent gifts. No appointment

necessary for tanning.

Location: 2801-3Q Ward Blvd. / Shoppes at

Brentwood / Wilson

Phone / Fax: 252-291-1162 /

252-291-1815

Owners: Raymond &

Dorothy Winstead

Hours: Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. -

8 p.m.; Sun., 1 - 6 p.m.

The store with everything, Fitness, Video & Tanning offers gifts for

bridesmaids or groomsmen, as well as tanning and jewelry.

Area Profile:

Raymond and Dorothy Winstead,

Scott Webb and Logan Woodruff

Cinderella’s Seconds

Specifics: Cinderella’s Seconds offers new and gently used

formal wear. Wedding dress, bridesmaid and Mother of

the Bride & Groom dresses, flower girl dresses and prom

dresses. Shoes and jewelry to match. Tuxedo rentals at very

affordable prices.

Location: 2801-1B Ward Blvd /


Phone / Fax: 252-234-7100

Owners: Dawn Grimes

Hours: Tues. - Fri., 10 a.m. -

5:30 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.;

Extended hours during prom season,

Tues. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Cinderella’s Seconds is a consignment formal wear business with

hundreds of new as well as gently used formal wear dresses to choose

from. Open since 2009, Cinderella’s Seconds is the only formal wear

retail store in Wilson.

Area Profile:


When paring down the guest list for their wedding day, many couples come to the realization that their lists are loaded with out-of-town friends and family members. Though out-of-town guests who accept an invitation to the wedding are responsible for their own travel to the wedding destination, many couples feel obligated to ar-range for travel to and from the wedding as well as the reception. The latter is espe-cially important, as couples want to ensure their guests make it home safely once the reception ends.

Transportation for guests to and from the wedding and reception is something couples can easily overlook, but such arrangements can ensure guests are on time for the ceremony and that no guest has to worry about whether or not it’s safe to drive home after the recep-tion. Couples who don’t know where to begin with regard to transportation for their wedding guests might want to start with the following tips.

• Shop around for shuttle service. Shuttle service can be costly, but it’s also very conve-nient. Couples can arrange for shuttle service from the hotel to the wedding, and then from the wedding site to the ban-quet hall where the reception is being held, and finally from the reception site back to the hotel at the end of the night. Depending on the size of the wedding party, the shuttle service will likely recommend staggering the runs so every guest can take advantage of this convenient service. More runs will be necessary for larger parties, while a handful of runs is likely all that’s nec-essary for ceremonies with

fewer guests.

• Consider a bus for smaller parties. Couples without an exten-sive guest list may also be able to get by with a single bus to get guests around throughout the day. A bus will provide similar service as a series of shuttles. The bus will likely only pick up guests at one specific time, making it an ideal choice for smaller parties but less convenient for larger parties where some guests might want to retire earlier than others come the end of the night. A bus can be more fun for guests, who can reunite on the bus with others they have not seen in a while or make new friends with guests who might be affiliated with the other half of the wed-ding party.

• Discuss transportation with the hotel where guests will be staying. Some couples may find that a shuttle service or another transportation op-tion will stretch their budget too thin. In such instances, speak with the hotel where guests will be staying. Some hotels provide airport shuttle service to guests, and may be able to offer a similar service to the wedding for guests who register their rooms under the wedding party’s name. This may come at a fee, but compare the cost of arrang-ing transportation with the

hotel versus a private shuttle service. The former might be more affordable than the latter.

Even if the hotel cannot provide shuttle service, the concierge or front desk staff may be able to point in the right direction regarding an affordable shuttle service. This can be especially valu-able to couples having a des-tination wedding who don’t know the area very well.

* Get the details spelled out in writing. Like all as-pects of planning a wedding, make sure you get the nuts and bolts of the transporta-tion package in writing before writing any checks. This should include the minimum hours the company will be available for guests as well

as if there are any charges related to total mileage trav-eled. In addition, make sure the agreement clearly spells out how many drivers will be available. Note when shuttles to the ceremony and the ensu-ing reception will run, as well as how frequently shuttles will be available to guests once the reception begins, and when the last shuttle will leave the reception site at the end of the night. Before sign-ing any agreements, research the company to ensure all of its drivers are properly licensed.

• Inform the guests. Of course, the guests will need to be informed of the trans-portation arrangements upon checking into the hotel. Don’t assume you will see each guest before the ceremony,

as some may not be making it into town until the morning of your wedding day, when you will likely be too busy to meet with them. So be sure to include transportation instructions in the welcome packages guests will receive when they check into the hotel. Consult with hotel staff a day or two before your wed-ding to ensure those packages are ready to go and that the correct transportation infor-mation is included.

Transportation for wed-ding guests might not be at the top of many couples’ priority lists, but arranging for such transportation can ensure everyone enjoys the ceremony and makes it home safe and sound at the end of the night.

MetroCreative

Wedding day transportation tips


Weddings are a celebration wherein guests look forward to the reception as much as the actual ceremony, and the food served at the wedding is often hotly anticipated.

Wedding receptions feature a bevy of different foods to tempt the palates of those in attendance. From appetizers served during the cocktail hour to the last crumb of cake, food plays a big role in a wedding reception. Choosing foods for a reception can take a little forethought, especially when the wedding party is especially large. The follow-ing are a few suggestions to ensure most guests are happy with the menu selections.

The first rule of thumb is variety. As much as budget allows, give guests the choice over what they dine on. During the cocktail hour -- if there is

one -- couples can play with many different tastes and of-ferings. For those who want to be creative, this is the time to do so. Exotic flavors can be served alongside more tra-ditional offerings that guests recognize. For example, offer Asian fusion appetizers that may have spice alongside more traditional items, like miniature quiches.

During the main course of the meal, give guests a few options. Most catering facilities will offer suggestions in their meal packages. Couples can typically choose to offer a meat dish, a poultry and a seafood. This caters to a wide variety of diners.

It is important for couples to recognize that many people have food allergies or are on restricted diets. While it may not be possible to provide for

everyone’s specific require-ments, it is possible to make some accommodations First, ask the catering manager how his company provides for guests who are vegetarians or vegans. Ensure that the meal will not be simply a bunch of garnishes and vegetable side dishes lumped together.

In addition, couples should recognize that many people have now adopted gluten-free lifestyles. More and more res-taurants and establishments have expanded their offerings to include gluten-free items, so it is important for the bride and groom to confirm. People who are diabetic and must lim-it their consumption of sugars and carbohydrates may appre-ciate a selection of sugar-free desserts or lower carbohydrate foods. When couples focus on meeting the needs of their

guests, it shows they have put in the effort to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable at the wedding.

Couples who have the environment in mind can choose to serve organic foods and look to catering facilities that purchase foods from local vendors and farms. If a ban-quet hall does not make such concessions, ask if specialty items that benefit organic and local food producers can be brought in. Some caterers will be happy to make the change, but it will likely affect the cost of the wedding package to do so.

Food and drink will be some of the most costly portions of a wedding, and couples who are interested in keeping costs down can still offer quality foods if they make some changes. Vary-

ing the time of day that the wedding is held can enable a brunch or luncheon wedding to take place. These foods are often less expensive and labor-intensive to prepare, and therefore the cost savings are passed down to the bride and groom. Some couples opt for a cocktail and hors d’oeuvre-only reception -- which should clearly be indicated on the invitation so that guests can plan accordingly. An informal wedding may feature only a selection of desserts and spe-cialty liquors. This may be the least expensive option.

Food is an important fac-tor at a wedding and it is in a couple’s best interest to ensure that the food served is tasty, full of variety and acceptable to the majority of the guests who will be attending the reception.MetroCreative

Variety is the spice of life

Metro

Jennifer Porcaro Photography

Specifics: Specializes in weddings, high school senior

portraits and engagement photos, but is able to do anything

from pets to newborns. Additionally, she can design any-

thing from your save the dates to new business cards.

Information: www.JenniferPorcaroPhotography.com

[email protected]

Phone: 252-292-0390

Trained in both photography and graphic design, Jennifer Porcaro

has many years of experience finding the natural beauty in her

clients’ lives. For everything from your engagement photos to the night

of the reception, let Jennifer Porcaro’s professional eye capture all the

beautiful moments of your journey to the alter.

Area Profile:

M-F 10-5:30 - SAT BY APPT. • 206-06192839 Daisy Lane

(Located inside Ross McDaniel Salon)

• Invitations• Calling Cards• Note Cards• Napkins

all custom printed

Unique GiftsVisit us for all your Wedding needs

CRANE & CO.

Hope’s Furniture

Specifics: They carry complete bedroom groups, formal

and casual dining room suites, pub tables and stools, sofas,

loveseats, chairs and ottomans, chaise lounges and recliners.

And notice all the fabric and leather to choose from.

Location: 4315 Raleigh Rd. Pkwy. / Wilson

Phone / Fax: 252-399-4839 / 252-205-0121

Owners: Mike &

Hope Glover

Hours: Mon. - Sat.,

10 a.m. - 5 p.m., or by appt.

Come out to Hope’s Furniture and let the friendly and helpful staff

meet all your furniture needs. Family owned and operated, Hope’s

Furniture knows how to take care of you like you’re one of their own.

Area Profile:


Over the course of their lifetimes, many people will be wedding guests on several occasions. During the height of wedding season, weddings can run into one another, as the format and the festivities are similar at various cer-emonies. Couples interested in setting their nuptials apart may want to enhance the wedding reception with a few unique ideas.

Who hasn’t attended a wedding that seems formu-laic? The couple enters, they do their spotlight dance, there’s food, a bouquet toss and then the cake cutting. Guests may actually be able to predict what’s coming next. While it is often cus-

tomary and easy to follow tradition, that doesn’t mean you cannot buck with tradi-tion and offer a few creative ideas to make your event stand out.

Here are several ideas you can introduce into your wedding to add something special to the reception.

• Skip the big entrance. Those who were kind enough to attend the ceremony have already been introduced to the newly minted happy couple. Instead of spending the cocktail hour in the isola-tion of the wedding suite, mingle with your guests from start to finish. So much time is spent posing for pictures

or being out of touch with guests, the cocktail hour can be a great time to sit and chat. Being with guests dur-ing the cocktail hour means you don’t have to make that big entrance from behind closed doors. Guests will have all eyes on you when you step on the dance floor for your first dance together.

• Dance to an upbeat number. Guests are expect-ing a slow, sappy tune. What they may not expect is an up-beat song that shows you are willing to have a little fun. If you haven’t mastered the waltz but enjoy a little quick step now and again, feel free to choose a tune that shows

your excitement and love for each other.

• Encourage couples to dance together. It’s often customary for the bridal party to join the bride and groom on the dance floor midway through the first dance. However, that leaves spouses or significant oth-ers waiting in the wings while their dates tango with groomsmen or bridesmaids. Instead, don’t have assigned partners. Rather, encourage your bridal party members to dance with whomever they choose.

• Swap the garter/bou-quet toss for something more meaningful. If you’re part of

a couple who feels the garter and bouquet toss has become trite, there are other ways to create special moments in your celebration -- ones that don’t single out the single-tons who haven’t yet found their special someones. Use this time to present a small gift or token of your affection to someone on the guest list who has served as a mentor or source of inspiration.

• Choose one special component as an extra goodie for guests. Some couples feel the more they offer the better guests will view their wedding. Spend-ing more money doesn’t necessarily mean guests will have a better time. If you

Unique reception touches


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Custom madedoesn’t cost more,

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want to go above and be-yond the ordinary, find one thing that you absolutely love and offer that at the party. It could be a flambe presentation, a chocolate or candy bar, a carving station with your all-time favorite food (even if that’s PB&J), or a carnival-inspired automatic photo booth.

• Hire a live performer. Although it’s hard to beat the performance quality of your wedding song being performed by the origi-nal artist, unless you’re cousins with Celine Dion, chances are she won’t be available to sing “My Heart Will Go On” at your

reception. However, a live band adds a certain level of excitement that a disk jockey may not be able to provide. Those who are adding a cultural or ethnic component to their wed-ding may want to hire a dance troupe or another type of performer, like a bagpiper, as an added measure of entertainment for guests.

• Let them eat ... cook-ies? Some people just don’t like cake. Therefore, why should a couple have to cut a seven-tiered white confection? Towers of different types of treats can be created from just about anything and serve as the perfect backdrop for

that classic cake-cutting photo. A pyramid of cream puffs, stacks of brown-ies, a cookie castle, or cereal-cake concoctions can work. Some bakeries will decorate a “dummy” styrofoam cake, and then you can serve apple pie a la mode, if you desire.

• Stage a costume switch. Let’s face it, danc-ing all night in a long gown takes some stamina. As the bride, have a more comfortable cocktail dress available to switch into for the latter part of the recep-tion. It will also add some variety to your wedding photos.

MetroCreative


Marilyn Stallings walks Madison and Andrew through her extensive catering list. With a wide variety of house specialties and fine cuisine, Something Different is a very pop-ular option for many Wilson wedding couples, both as a venue and a catering service. Photo by Gerard Lange

Friendly, Cozy, Convenient Living2 Bedroom Apartments include:

Central gas heat, gas hot water, water, sewage, garbage pickup, stove, refrigerator, mini blinds, lawn maintenance, and private pool.

Sorry, no pets.

Apply in person to Sally Wilson at Briarcliff Office

BRIARCLIFF APARTMENTS400 Crestview Ave. (Behind Wilson Medical Center)

Something Different

Location: 3342 Airport Blvd. / Wilson

Phone / Fax: 252-291-0889 / 252-291-4518

www.somethingdifferentcafe.com

Owners: Paul & Marilyn Stallings

Hours: Mon. - Fri., 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. / Weekends

and nights available for special events.

A “country club atmosphere” without the “country club price,” Something

Different offers beautiful rooms for wedding receptions or rehearsal dinners.

Whether it’s house specialties, customer favorites or something new, they will

work with you to design a specific menu to fit your needs.

Area Profile:

MyWilsonWedding.comYour Local Resource For All Your Wedding Needs


What would a wedding day be without flowers? The beauty and the aroma of fresh-cut flowers can create a welcoming atmo-sphere and complement the beauty and the style of a wedding wardrobe. Flowers are often the first things that guests see upon arriving for the ceremony, and they may even be something guests take home at the end of the night. Flowers create an air of romance, and most couples want to make flow-ers -- whether fresh or silk -- an integral part of their wedding day.

As with any decision when planning a wedding, choosing the right flowers requires some research and a basic knowledge of which flowers will convey the message and the theme of your wedding. The number of colors, textures and combinations that can be created are so numer-ous that couples may feel the decision on the floral arrangements is best left to the florist. But it doesn’t take a lot of expertise to know what you want, and it is important for couples to convey their feelings to the florist. Consider these tips when choosing a florist and selecting flowers.

• Experts advise that a couple start looking for a florist at least six months before the wedding, espe-cially if the wedding will take place during the peak season of May through September. Get recommen-dations from friends as to which florist they used or find out if your wedding planner or banquet hall manager recommends a

particular florist. Some catering halls have agree-ments with florists, and they work together.

• Browse magazines to get ideas of what you like. You also may be able to find a florist through an ad-vertisement or if he or she has been featured in publi-cations. Keep a scrapbook of the colors, types of flow-ers and arrangements and any other ideas that attract you so you will be able to present this information to the florist.

• Establish your flower budget prior to sitting down with the florist. You should expect to pay at least 8 percent of the total wedding cost on flowers. Get an estimate on the floral arrangement and then tweak your needs according to your budget. Many florists can modify arrangements and find a middle ground with regard to cost. Selecting flow-ers that are in-season will result in more affordable rates than if you desire exotic or out-of-season blooms.

• Once you’ve hired the florist, you can come up with a wedding flower worksheet that establishes all of your needs. The flo-rist may ask for specific in-formation, such as photos of the bride’s gown as well as the colors and styles that the wedding party will be wearing. A good flo-rist knows that a bouquet should not overpower or detract from the beauty of the bride. The florist may want to mimic textures from the dress, such as beading, with smaller flow-

ers or berries within the arrangement. The groom’s boutonniere is traditionally one of the flowers from the bride’s bouquet so that the look is cohesive.

• Ceremony flowers may be traditional, and some houses of worship have strict guidelines as to what can and cannot be used. However, reception flowers can be where you show off your creativity and whimsy. After all, this is a party and it should be fun. You may want to give the florist more freedom of expression with regard to reception centerpieces and flowers that adorn other areas of the room.

• Because recep-tions tend to take place in the evening hours and are often indoor affairs, experts say that added lighting may be needed to put emphasis on the floral centerpieces and help pres-ent them in their best light. You may want to think about hiring a lighting designer to spotlight some areas of the room or at the very least incorporate candlelight into your cen-terpiece arrangements.

• To give the impres-sion that there are more flowers than there really are, use fragrance and fill-er as your tools. Fragrant flowers can fill up the room with a welcoming aroma. Look for frangipani, lil-ies, hyacinths, jasmine, and sweet peas for a big impact. Florists know how to stretch arrangements by using greenery and other filler to lend bulk without too much extra cost.MetroCreative

Tips for selecting wedding day flowers


Weddings are typically expensive affairs. Couples may be willing to go the extra mile and stretch their finances for their big day, but what about their guests? Couples ask much of their out-of-town wedding guests, who must arrange for travel and lodg-ing and possibly even childcare if they are bringing young children.

Because traveling to a wedding can be such a costly expenditure, many couples look for ways to allevi-ate some of the financial pressure that this travel places on their guests. The following are a few ways couples can do just that.

• Find an airport-friendly wed-ding destination. Couples who can get married within a short distance of a major airport can save their guests a significant amount of money. A major airport has more flights, and that can translate to more options and more affordable flights for your guests. In addition, a wedding destination that is close to an airport reduces the chance that guests will have to pay for rental cars. A cab ride to the hotel might be less expensive than a rental car, which guests may not need aside from get-

ting to and from the airport.• Inquire about group airline rates.

Couples know to negotiate group hotel rates for their wedding guests, but few may know it’s possible to negotiate group airline rates as well. If a large number of your wedding guests will be traveling from the same city, contact the major airlines to see if they offer group travel discounts. Many airlines do, so comparison shop to find your guests the best deal.

• Consider a longer engagement. A longer engagement can save your guests money on travel. Couples who choose to have a longer engagement and send save-the-date cards out early are giving their guests more time to book flights and find deals. Flights tend to be less expensive when booked well in advance, so a longer engagement gives guests more time to find a flight that’s affordable. In addi-tion, travelers who can book early of-ten get the first crack at the best flight times, saving themselves the nuisance of taking a red-eye flight or traveling early in the morning.

MetroCreative

Wilson Woods

Specifics: Wilson Woods offers 1, 2 or 3 bedroom units.

Inquire today about special discounts.

Location: 1706-B Vineyard Dr. / Wilson

Phone: 252-291-2035

Manager: Barbara Renfrow

Hours: Mon. - Fri.,

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wilson Woods is a nice, large community of townhomes with 376

units on well maintained grounds. Some of the many ammenities

include: on-site laundry facility, pool, fitness center and playground.

Area Profile: Help guests save

June bridesFor decades the month of June held

firm as the most popular month for weddings. But statistics now indicate that there may be shifting preferences in the time of the year for marriages. According to The National Center for Health Statistics, July and August are now the most popular months for ty-ing the knot in the United States. Sep-tember and October have also gained momentum as premier months. Expla-nations for this shift vary, but it may have something to do with changing weather patterns and warmer weather now arriving later in the season than in the past. Also, getting married later in the year may make it easier for couples to secure their first choice of wedding venues. MetroCreative

Golden East Crossing

Specifics: Jewelry, wedding gift ideas, wedding party gifts,

dresses and tuxes, gift registries, among much, much more.

Location: 1100 N. Wesleyan Blvd. /

Highway 301 N. / Rocky Mount

Phone: 252-977-6464

Hours: Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.,

Sat., 1 p.m - 6 p.m.

All year round, Golden East is your source to find everything you

need in one place. Don’t let your big day be any different. From

jewelry stores, to men’s and women’s apparel, find it all at

Golden East Crossing.

Area Profile:


Being chosen as a best man or a maid of honor is a sig-nificant and meaningful honor. Those roles have evolved over the years, but these special participants must still perform some of the traditional duties of the past, including serving as the official witnesses to the ceremony. The following is a rundown of the various duties maids of honor and best men are now expected to handle once they’re chosen for these distinguished honors.

Prior to the wedding

Before the wedding takes place, the maid of honor will closely assist the bride-to-be with many of the important decisions related to the look and the feel of the wedding. She typically accompanies the bride to dress shops to select gowns for the bride and bridesmaids. Much in the same manner, the best man will assist the groom-to-be with choosing tuxedoes or suits and also with coordinating with the ushers to ensure they know when to go for fittings.

Although the best man will serve as a sounding board for the groom, traditionally the bride and her bridesmaids have taken on the majority of the wedding planning, so the maid of honor can expect to play a larger role than the best man. The maid of honor may be asked to delegate certain assignments, such as helping to find wedding vendors or ad-dressing invitations. She may go with the bride for makeup and hairstyle trials. Together with the bridesmaids, she will plan a bridal shower party and a bachelorette excursion. She may select a wedding gift for the couple and present it on behalf of all the wedding at-tendants.

The best man will coordinate the bachelor party and may be asked to assist the groom with selecting a honeymoon site or to come along to book the trip.

wedding day

On the day of the wedding, the maid of honor and the best man will act as a support system for the bride and groom. The maid of honor will help the bride get dressed and help iron out any mini-emergencies that should crop up. The best man will help ensure all of the ushers are dressed and get the groom to the wedding on time.

During the ceremony, the maid of honor will hold the bride’s bouquet while she partic-ipates in the wedding. The best man will keep the rings safe until they are needed. The maid of honor also will help adjust the bride’s train and veil as she sits and stands during the ceremony. Both will sign the marriage cer-tificate as witnesses.

At the reception, the best man is expected to give a toast and the maid of honor may share some words as well. She also may accompany the bride to the restroom and assist her with managing the gown.

after the wedding

The best man will be in charge of returning the tuxedoes to the rental shop, if necessary. He also may drive the newly married couple to the airport so they can depart on their honey-moon.

The maid of honor will as-sist the bride in changing out of her gown and into her travel clothes. Oftentimes the maid of honor takes the gown to the cleaners in the days following the ceremony so the dress can be preserved.

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Roles of the best man and maid of honor

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Preparing for the big day means planning a multitude of details; ev-erything from the flower arrange-ments to that something blue must be decided upon well in advance of the ceremony. Here are some tips to help ensure your big day goes off without a hitch.

The Big Decisions

The decision to get married is the first of many big decisions you will be making in the weeks and months to come. Here are some things to consider right away:

• Pick a date. Talk with your fi-ancÈ and family (and your fiancÈ’s family) about potential wedding dates to ensure the important people in both your lives will be able to take part.

• Select your guests. The number of guests you invite will directly influence the cost of your wedding.

• Set a budget. Budgeting for your wedding is crucial, as this will have a great impact on every other aspect of your day, as well as your honeymoon. Plan for a little wiggle room for unexpected expenses.

• Choose a location. Because most popular bridal spots are just that - popular - you may want to start searching for a location quickly.

• Organize the bridal party. Make careful decisions about who you want supporting you leading up to the big day, and who will be displayed in front of everyone in your life.

• Pick a style. Many brides choose wedding styles that are reflected in their save-the-dates, invitations, ceremonies, receptions and thank-you cards. Choosing a theme and color scheme in the beginning will help narrow down options later.

• Hire a caterer. Take into ac-count the dietary needs of your

guests by offering a variety of menu options, including a vegetar-ian dish.

• Order the cake. Whether you choose a large multi-tiered cake or cupcakes, remember to keep your budget in mind-and pick flavors you and your fiancÈ truly enjoy.

• Make the announcement. Decide how you want to let the community know of your planned nuptials. Do you want to take professional engagement photos? Do you plan to contact your local paper? Will you include a link to a wedding day website on your save-the-date or your wedding invita-tions?

• Get the gown. On your wed-ding day, everyone will be awaiting a glimpse of your gown. Listen to your instincts and choose a gown that “feels right” and reflects your personality and style.

• Dress your party. Once you have chosen the wedding dress of your dreams, speak with your fiancÈ about his wishes for his suit, as well as the bridal party attire.

• Hire a photographer. Choose your professional photographer wisely. With a walk down the aisle, father/daughter dance and toast, your father is sure to get photo-graphed, but your mother might get overlooked. Make sure to ask the photographer to get shots of your mother throughout the day as well.

• Choose your flowers. Once you set the date, discuss with your florists which flowers are in season to help narrow down your selec-tion. You may love tulips, but if you have a winter wedding, they may be hard to come by, and may be more expensive.

• Book the entertainment. Do you want a DJ or a live band? Talk with your fiancÈ about your music preferences, as well as the types of tunes you want played at your reception to keep your guests on the dance floor.

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Engaged?Start planning now

My Wilson Wedding Planner 2013

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Transcript of My Wilson Wedding Planner 2013