Wedding

PLANNER
February 2015

proudly sponsored by

Kaitie Bryant Photography

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

Inside: Engagement & Wedding Announcement Forms

Wedding
PLANNER

A special supplement to the Aiken Standard

February 2015

Publisher & President

Ellen C. Priest

Executive Editor
Melissa Hanna

Advertising Director
Dee Taylor

Advertising Sales Manager

Diane Daniell

Design & Layout

Lauren A. Haley

Sales

Kathy Boyette
Haley Culp
Rechelle Dallas
Becky Dearden
Jennifer Green
Joe Harty
Lauren Molony
Debra Price
Robert Schettino
Sharye Whisenant

The Wedding Planner is published annually by the Aiken

Standard, 326 Rutland Drive, Aiken, SC 29801.
2015 Aiken Standard. All rights reserved. No part of
this publication may be reproduced without written
permission from the publisher.
The Aiken Standard does not necessarily endorse the
claims or contents of advertising or editorial materials.
Printed in the U.S.A.

2 | Wedding Planner 2015

Table of Contents

Colors, choosing a wedding palette .....................................................4

Wedding trends for 2015 .......................................................................8
How to build a wedding registry ........................................................10
Wedding invitation & postage tips .....................................................12
Engagement & Wedding Announcement Forms in center
Examples of announcement photo sizes ...........................................13
Make your engagement photoshoot a success ..................................14
Modern trends in wedding videography ...........................................15
Cake-cutting etiquette & guidelines ..................................................16
Grooms cakes make a comeback........................................................17
Hot trends in wedding cuisine............................................................18
Creative ways to make a wedding entrance ......................................20
Music mistakes to avoid.......................................................................21

On the Cover
Bride: Mrs. Forrest Paul Rose
(Francesca D. Rutherfurd)

First dance songs ..................................................................................21

Bridal Dress: Charlottes Bridal Fashions

Wedding planner checklist ..................................................................22

Flowers: Cte Designs Floral & Event Design

Wedding showers break from tradition.............................................23

Photographer: Kaitie Bryant Photography

Place: The Willcox

Index of Advertisers
3 Monkeys Fine Gifts ...........................................................................21
Aiken Regional Medical Center .........................................................11
Buck Ridge Plantation .........................................................................19
Cannon House Florist ............................................................................7
Charlottes Bridal ..................................................................................23
City of North Augusta..........................................................................16
Connies Framing ..................................................................................20
Dianna Tornow Cakes .........................................................................23
Floyd & Green Jewelers .........................................................................3
Hampton Inn...........................................................................................4
Horse Creek Banquet Hall...................................................................14
Howell Printing Company ..................................................................20

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Guest House at Houndslake, The .......................................................17

La Dolce Gourmet Bakery ..................................................................20

Orangeburg Country Club ....................................................................9
Paradise Point Nails & Spa ....................................................................7
Shealys BBQ..........................................................................................15
Windsor Jewelers ..................................................................................24
Woodside Country Club .......................................................................5

Wedding Planner 2015 | 3

Colors

So many colors to choose from... Where do you start?

nce an afterthought,
the wedding palette has
become a trend that cultivates a
theme, and promotes unity in appearance. The right color scheme
can even emit an aura of elegance
throughout your special day.
It may seem like a difficult job
to choose the color palette thats
right for you, but there are ways
to make it simpler.

resources for choosing colors for your wedding

Choose your wedding colors, upload and
store images that inspire you, and create
inspiration boards that you can share with
everyone from your reception facility to
your florist.

www.theperfectpalette.com

at its heart, The perfect palette is a blog

dedicated to exploring the color palette
possibilities for weddings and parties. Its
easy to search by color swatch and get creative ideas and insights.

family, love, forever

Hamptonality is the extra care we put into everything thats going to make
your stay extra awesome. Youll find it at our free hot breakfast. And youll
see it in the personalities of our team members who use their individual
styles of hospitality to make you feel extra special.

Hampton Inn Aiken

100 Tamil Dr, Aiken
South Carolina, 29803
803.648.2525
aiken.hamptoninn.com
2014 Hilton Worldwide

4 | Wedding Planner 2015

sherwin-williams.com/visualizer

Indulge your love of color by searching for

key hues and watching as the site pulls two
additional complementary shades.

Hilton Garden Inn

Custom Wedding Packages Available

Bridal Showers, Rehearsal Dinners and
Wedding Reception Accommodations up to 60 people
Group Rates and Breakfast Packages
Customizable Menu Options

AS02-1275300

www.dessy.com/pantone

SeekIng InSpIratIOn
Heres a few easy places to start:
Your favorite color: Identify
your favorite and then settle on
specifics? Like blue? Is that teal,
sapphire, or cornflower?
Consider the venue: What season will it be? rusts and chocolates
for fall. pastels and light colors
for spring, and bright wildflower
colors at the height of summer.

From the exciting, initial planning stage, to the

perfect execution of your big daylet the Hilton Garden
Inn make your dream wedding a reality!
350 East Gate Drive Aiken, SC 29803 (803) 641-4220

The color wheel

once youve selected your favorite
shade, look for monochromatic or
complementary colors by consulting
a designer, a color wheel, or even
browsing paint chips!
Monochromatic colors are variances of the same color and produce
an elegant, classic look.
complementary colors involve
two colors that are opposite each
other on the color wheel. This offers a trendier color palette that is
high-contrast with both cool and
warm colors like blue/gold or green/
fushcia.
with a color wheel, you can
choose multiple shades of the same
color or two or three complementary colors for the perfect blend.

creATive inSPirATion
with all your colors chosen, then
its the time to get creative. Make a
mood board by scanning favorite
images or uploading photos of
dresses, shoes, styles, and use photoediting software to put together a
montage of your color and style
preferences.
websites like pinterest.com let
you do something similar online,
without the need of photo-editing
software.
if you prefer something more tangible, pin your inspirations to corkboard. Mood or inspiration boards
make it easier for your vendors to get
a glimpse of your wants so that they
can help you create the wedding of
your dreams.

paletton.com

Select a color and find its monochromatic

and complementary colors.

pantone.com

An indispensible tool for designers, this site

allows you to create and share color palettes.

pinterest.com

The ubiquitous online site that offers ideas

not only for color palettes, but for nearly
every aspect of the wedding. Plus you can
create your own inspiration boards to share
with friends, family, and even wedding
planners.

bighugelabs.com/colors.php

A creative approach to finding your favorite

shade, this site allows you to upload a favorite photograph and watch as it generates
the color palette from the picture.

A Wedding Day You Will Always Remember

Choose the venue that has it all!

Aikens premier private club,
Where the only thing we
overlook is the golf course.

For more information or to

schedule a tour, contact our
Private Events Director today:
Tonya Fulmer (803) 649-3383
tonya.fulmer@clubcorp.com

AS35-1271208

Elegant Setting | Gorgeous Grounds | Award-Winning Cuisine | Caring Staff

www.woodside-plantation.com
co
om | 1000
1000 Woodside
Woo
oods
dsiid Plantation Drive, Aiken
ds

Wedding Planner 2015 | 5

Wedding F lowers
by Month
January

February

March

Ranunculus

Dahlia

Delphimium

Alstromeria Lillium Casa Delphimium

Blanca

Gerbera

Rose

Snap Dragon

Calla Lily

Gerbera

Hydrangea

Lisanthus

Tulip

Liatris

Larkspur

Lisanthus

Magnolia

April

Freesia

Cornflower

Scabiosa

Gerbera

Hydrangea

Iris

Ranunculus Delphimium

May

Tulip

June

Sunflower

Snap Dragon

Rose

Peonies

Tulips

Snap Dragon

Sunflowers

Peonies

Orchids

Orchid

Peonies

Ranunculus

Roses

Lisianthus

Lillium
Stargazer

Lily

Daffodil

Calla Lily

Gerbera

Alstromeria

Tulip

Gerbera

Freesia

Alstromeria

Alstromeria

Gerbera

Roses

6 | Wedding Planner 2015

July

August

September

Zinnia

Alstromeria

Gerbera

Zinnia

Snapdragon

Daffodil

Hyacinthus

Zinnia

Rose

Rose

Sunflower

Carnation

Gerber

Rose

Carnation

Orchid

Iris

Freesia

Chrysanthemum

Dahlia

Gladiola

Chrysanthemum

Lily

Sunflower

Hydrangea

October

November

Hyacinthus Snap Dragon

December

Lily of the
Valley

Magnolia

Rose

Delphimium

Dahlia

Rose

Gardenia

Gerbera

Stephanotis

Orchid

Calla Lily

Carnation

Stock

Peonies

Carnation

Poppy

Calla Lily

Rose

Queen Annes
Lace

Hydrangea

Snap Dragon

Alstromeria

Hydrangea

Snap Dragon

Disbud

Carnation

Anemone

608 Old Airport Road

Aiken, SC 29801
803.648.1738
800.270.0855

AS02-1275297

cannonhouseflorist.com
cannonhouse@gforcecable.com

Relax & Recharge

before the Big Day
Let all your cares Book your
slip away with an
bridal party
herbal stress relief
today!
treatment.

Paradise Point Nails & Spa

1388 Whiskey Road, Aiken, SC 29803 | 803.641.4779 | Mon - Sat 10am - 7pm, Closed Sunday
AS35-1273413

Wedding Planner 2015 | 7

Wedding Trends
Fifteen of the biggest trends for 2015

ndividuality. That is the key

word for weddings in 2015,
with couples wanting to infuse their
ceremonies and receptions with
their own personalities.
BrItIsh InvasIon
From the timeless style of Princess Kate to the unwavering popularity of Downton abbey, theres an
influx of details that bring to mind
afternoon tea and garden parties.
For this look, al fresco dining is
a popular choice, with tables left
uncovered or simply adorned with
a vintage lace cloth. Lush garlands
are turned into table runners and
loosely styled floral centerpieces
hang from above.
seLFIe-satIonaL
Couples are spending money on
fun, professional engagement photos so why not use more of them?
Theres been a significant uptick in
couples choosing invitations and
save-the-dates that feature photography... anything from formal
portraits to action shots to quirky
set-ups.
smaLLer sIPs
From flights of craft beer, shots of
different bourbons, wine samplings,
sangria that goes from white to pink
to deep red, even a lemonade or
fizzy soda bar, copules are letting
guests sample an array of beverages.
These types of different drink
stations are yet another way to let
guests peek into your personal
tastes, with the added bonus of
helping you keep your bar budget
in check.
Just a taste, PLease
tasting stations have taken over
the cocktail hour, with couples
showing off their favorite foods in
manageable portions. From oyster
shucking stations to mac & cheese
bars, to make-it-your-own taco
stands to local food trucks pulling
right up to the patio, the idea is to

surprise your guests with an unexpected amount of party food.

sPeCIaL Favors
Couples are choosing cake flavors
that are rooted in their hometowns
or family heritage, where they began dating or a favorite destination.
honey lavender, coconut, and
zucchini lime are a few seen in
the midwest. elsewhere across the
country, blueberry, chai tea latte,
aztec hot chocolate, caramel apple
cider and more! Yum!
Whats oLD Is neW
Couples are requesting updated
versions of old classics. Instead of
etta James soulful at Last, for
example, they might choose the
acoustic version by Jason mraz. or
switch out elviss Cant help Falling
in Love with indie-pop sensation
Ingrid michaelsons re-interpretation.
eDIBLe Favors
not just mini-jars of jam, but
food kits - boxes stuffed with all
the fixings for a yummy late-night
snack or a morning-after brunch.
FrameD!
an artisanal, artistic twist on the
photo booth, couples are hiring an
onsite silhouette artist. Guests can
pose for a short sitting and leave
with a very personal memento.
CoLors
The mono-chromatic look is
going to be huge from winter
weddings to kick off the year and
straight through to the fall. There
will be fewer pops of bright pink,
but bold colors that we really
havent seen since 2013 when emerald was Pantones color of the year
will start making a comeback.
omBre
The trend of ombre bridesmaid
dresses will continue, except the
colors will be very close together.

8 | Wedding Planner 2015

CoPPer
Cooper is going to make a surprising appearance as couples try
to find a way to make a pale wedding still pop. This is a trend not
seen for a long time and it works
with every style of wedding from
casual barn to upscale loft.
GLItter
The shine and sparkle factor will
be turned way up in 2015 because
there will be no competition in the
color arena.
WeDDInG GoWns
off the shoulder gowns. The
most recent bridal fashion week
showcased dozens of off the shoulder gowns, and the way they were
presented was very classic and
clean, sometimes with a whimsical
look.
rustIC ChIC
mason jars, burlap and lace are
still trendy and probably will be
thorugh 2016. But as this trend
overwhelms the wedding population, couples are trying to find
their own unique spin.
Instead of wildflowers and
wooden signs, pink colored
containers and big fluffy peonies.
Burlap is being replaced by sparkly
linens, and bistro lights are coming
down in favor of chandeliers.
FooD truCKs
Food has been very traditional
for the past several decades: sit
down or buffet. Food trucks are
now becoming a huge trend as
people realize that almost everything except food has changed at
weddings. Food trucks arent just
limited to fried goodness, they
include cupcake trucks, minieverythings from cheesecakes
to sliders, and more! There is no
wrong here and couples are even
using food trucks in place of a
formal dinner.

    

   
   
     

  

   
   

      

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CEREMONIES | REHEARSAL DINNERS | RECEPTIONS | BRIDAL SHOWERS

Wedding Planner 2015 | 9

How to build a wedding registry

any once-popular wedding traditions have fallen

by the wayside. But one wedding
tradition that has withstood the
test of time is the wedding registry.
Couples about to tie the knot still
build a wedding registry so their
guests know what to buy them as
wedding gifts. This saves guests the
trouble of agonizing over what to
buy the couple getting hitched and
also ensures that couples wont receive two or more of the same item.
Building a registry can be fun, as
couples can act like kids in a candy
store and add items they might

otherwise not be able to afford.

But there is a method to building a registry that can ensure the
process of giving and receiving gifts
is comfortable and convenient for
everyone involved.
Choose a national chain. Many
stores will allow couples to establish
a registry, but it behooves couples
to choose a national chain or chains
for their registry. A local boutique
store might sell several items you
would love to have, but that store
may only be accessible to guests
who live nearby, and such stores
may be more expensive than larger
national chains that can afford to
charge less for similar products.
Choosing a national chain ensures
all of your guests will be able to access and purchase a gift from your
registry, and make those purchases
without breaking the bank.
Choose a store with an online
presence. When choosing a store

10 | Wedding Planner 2015

for your registry, it also helps to

choose a store with an online presence thats user-friendly. Ideally,
pick an online retailer you have
already had positive experiences
with. This not only will make it
easier for your guests, but also for
you should you decide to return
items down the road.
Choose more than one store.
You also want to choose more than
one store when building a registry.
Some guests will prefer to shop
in-store rather than online, so you
want to give them some options
so they dont have to drive far and
wide to find the lone brick and
mortar store for your registry.
Visit the stores and do your
homework. Though some stores
allow you to develop a registry
entirely online, it still helps for
couples to visit the store together
and build their registries in the
more traditional way. Visiting a
store as opposed to browsing the
store website allows you to touch
and feel products, which can give
you a more accurate idea of their
quality. In addition to seeing the
products in person, read online
reviews of products before putting
them on your registry so you can
ensure youre getting quality items.
Choose items that vary in price.

Many couples are sheepish about

putting expensive items on their
registries. Thats not surprising, as
the cost of attending a wedding,
especially one that features lots of
out-of-town guests, can be substantial. But some guests, such as
the bride and grooms parents and
siblings, may want to give a more
high-end gift, so dont be afraid to
include items in a range of prices,
from the inexpensive to the more
costly, on your registry.
Dont abandon the registry after
your big day. You wont end up getting everything you include on your
registry, but that doesnt mean you
should just forget about those items
that never made their way into your
home. Many retailers offer couples
significant discounts on items from
their registries that were never
purchased, and those discounts may
extend for as long as a year after
the big day. Revisit your registry
after the wedding to see if you can
find great deals on those items you
never received, and continue to do
so until the registry expires.
Building a registry can be a fun
activity for couples about to tie the
knot. But there are some guidelines
to follow to make the process go
smoothly for guests and couples
alike.

now

Plan
for a lifetime
of health
by joining

we!

When you join

While youre planning your beautiful wedding, you

can prepare for a beautiful lifetime of health for you and
your family.
- Women Enlightened for Better Health
is a FREE and unique womens health program,
exclusively from Aiken Regional Medical Centers.

we

Take care of your health and your familys health

now and enjoy a healthier future.

, you will receive

New member orientation and tour

Free LIV Breast Self Exam Aid
Reduced fees for classes, screenings
and events at ARMC
Quarterly newsletter
Pearl Health Incentive Program
Members-only events
PLUS our Care Navigation
Services will help you take charge of
your healthcare and your familys
healthcare, too. With just a phone
call, our Care Navigators can provide
personalized help with nding a
physician and obtaining referrals,
education about medical conditions
and treatments, and more!

Join

we today and start living your very best life in the best of health!
Call 803.641.58WE or visit www.aikenregional.com/we .

Wedding invitation & postage tips

hether a couple is planning a lavish wedding or

a more low key affair, the wedding
invitations are an essential part of
keeping guests informed about the
big day.
While couples can now share details of their wedding through email
or even digital invitations, many
still prefer to go the traditional
route and send paper invitations. In
addition to the cost of the invitations themselves, couples need to
factor postage into their wedding
budgets. It may not seem like much,
but the cost of postage can add up
quickly. The following are a few
postage pointers for couples about
to tie the knot.
Choose envelopes wisely. The
size of your envelopes contributes
to the cost of the postage necessary
to mail your invitations.

Postal services have specific size

and shape parameters that govern
postage. Envelopes that are oddly
shaped or fall outside of these strict
measurements are usually susceptible to additional postage charges.
Thats because the envelope cannot
run through standard sorting
machinery and must be handprocessed.
Consider the weight. Mailings
that exceed one ounce will require
additional postage, even if they are
in standard envelopes. Invitations,
with their various components
and thick card stock, typically
weigh more than one ounce. Never
purchase postage in advance, as you
will not know what the completed
invitation costs prior to mailing.
Always weigh the invitation with all
inserts included to get an accurate
estimate of postage. Then purchase
stamps accordingly.
Get to know your local postal
employee. Many postal employees,
especially those who work at the
smaller branches, grow accustomed
to seeing the same customers over
and over. They can be very helpful
and good resources when it comes
to saving money on postage. Strike
up a conversation with the person
behind the counter and ask advice
on the best way to mail invitations
and ensure they arrive looking
beautiful. Choose an offpeak time so the postal
employee can give
you his or her full
attention and
will not feel
rushed by a
line forming behind
you. The
employee
may suggest handcanceling
envelopes,
which means
the invitation
will be processed
by hand rather than
run through machin-

12 | Wedding Planner 2015

ery to avoid damage.

Stamp the return envelope. Invitations typically include response
cards that guests will send back to
confirm if they will be attending the
festivities. To facilitate the RSVP
process, stamp the response card.
Prep invitations six to eight
weeks in advance. Invitations
should be mailed nearly two
months prior to the wedding. This
allows guests to plan and respond
accordingly.
Double-check envelopes before
sending. Ensure that postage is
sticking well and that envelopes are
well-sealed. In addition, verify that
you have the most current addresses for recipients. If invitations get
returned to sender, they can cost
you even more time and money to
resolve any issues.
Consider custom postage. The
post office should carry several attractive options for wedding invitation stamps. However, you also may
be able to go online and purchase
custom postage that features a

graphic or an uploaded image to

make the invitations even more
special.
Do a test run. You may want to
send a complete invitation to yourself just to see how it arrives in the
mail. This way you can check the
level of damage and have an opportunity to make any changes, such as
adding a piece of vellum to prevent
ink from smudging or to place bows
or adornments in another area.
Give your mail carrier a headsup. Let your assigned mail carrier
know that response cards will be
on the way. They tend to be small
and can get lost in among other
letters and mail. A small token of
gratitude, such as a gift card, for
your mail carrier may ensure all of
your response cards arrive.
A wedding just isnt the same
without the guests. Make sure
friends and family are well informed about the wedding by sending out invitations in advance and
ensuring the proper postage will get
those invites where they need to go.

Announcement
Forms
The Aiken Standard charges for most wedding
and engagement announcements.
Free wedding announcements will include the
names of the couple, their city of residence, the
date and place of the wedding and the name of
the person presiding over the ceremony, as well
as the names of the couples parents.
Free engagement announcements will include
the names of the couple and their places of
residence, the date and place of the wedding and
the names of the couples parents.

Wedding/engagement announcements
featuring pictures and additional information will
be available at the following charges using the
information from the Aiken Standards wedding &
engagement forms:
An announcement with a 1-column x 3-inch
photo will have a charge of $75.
An announcement with a 2-column x 5-inch
photo will have a charge of $125.
An announcement with a 3-column x 7-inch
photo will have a charge of $175.
For more information, call 648-2311.

Aiken Standard

Engagement Form

Free engagement announcements will include only the names of the couple and their places of residence, the
date and place of the wedding and the names of the couples parents.
Engagement announcements featuring pictures and additional information will be available with the following
charges:
Do not place announcement

Announcement with 1-column x 3-inch photo: $75
on aikenstandard.com

Announcement with 2-column x 5-inch photo: $125

Announcement with 3-column x 7-inch photo: $175
To submit photos or announcements via e-mail, please send to editorial@aikenstandard.com.
Submission deadline is Wednesday at noon for publication on the following Sunday.

_______________________________________________________________________________
(Parents of Bride-Elect and City of Residence)

announce the engagement of their/his/her daughter, ________________________________

(Bride-Elects Name)

of_____________________________________ , to____________ ___________________________

(Groom-Elects Name)

(City of Residence)

of___________________________________ , a son of__________________________________

(City of Residence)

(Parents of Groom-Elect and City of Residence)

The wedding is planned for ______________________________________________________

(Date of Wedding)

at _____________________________________________________________________________.
(Place of Wedding)

The bride-elect is a maternal granddaughter of __________________________________

_______________________________________________ and a paternal granddaughter of
(Maternal Grandparents and City of Residence)

_______________________________________________________________________________.
(Paternal Grandparents and City of Residence)

She is a ___________________ graduate of _________________________________. She is a

(Year)

(High School)

graduate of __________________________ with a degree in ________________________.

(College)

She is employed by _____________________________________________________________.

The bridegroom-elect is a maternal grandson of _________________________________
___________________________________________________ and a paternal grandson of
(Maternal Grandparents and City of Residence)

_______________________________________________________________________________
(Paternal Grandparents and City of Residence)

He is a ___________________ graduate of _________________________________. He is a

(Year)

(High School)

graduate of __________________________ with a degree in ________________________.

(College)

He is employed by _____________________________________________________________.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Brides Signature

Phone Number

Not responsible for pictures left longer than 30 days. To have picture mailed back, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Perforated - Tear Along This Line

_______________________________________________________________________________.

Aiken Standard

Wedding Form

Free wedding announcements will include only the names of the couple, their city of residence, the date and place of the
wedding and the name of the person presiding over the ceremony, as well as the names of the couples parents.
Wedding announcements featuring pictures and additional information will be available with the following charges:

Announcement with 1-column x 3-inch photo: $75
Do not place announcement

Announcement with 2-column x 5-inch photo: $125
on aikenstandard.com

Announcement with 3-column x 7-inch photo: $175
To submit photos or announcements via e-mail, please send to editorial@aikenstandard.com.
Submission deadline is Wednesday at noon for publication on the following Sunday.

_____________________________________ of ___________________________________ and

(Name of Bride)

(City of Residence)

_____________________________________ of _______________________________________
(Name of Bridegroom)

(City of Residence)

were married ________________________ at _______________________________________

(Date of Wedding)

(Place of Wedding)

The bride was given in marriage by _____________________________________________

Perforated - Tear Along This Line

The Revs. ________________________________ and __________________________________

(Officiating Minister/Ministers)

officiated.
The bride is a daughter of __________________________________________________ of
(Brides Parents)

_________________________. She is a granddaughter of ______________________________

(City of Residence)

(Maternal Grandparents)

___________________________ and _____________________________________________.

(Paternal Grandparents)

The bridegroom is a son of __________________________________________________ of

(Bridegrooms Parents)

_________________________. He is a grandson of ______________________________

(City of Residence)

(Maternal Grandparents)

___________________________ and _____________________________________________.

(Paternal Grandparents)

_____________________________________ of ___________________________________ was

(City of Residence)

(Maid of Honor/Unmarried Attendant)

the maid of honor. ____________________________ of ____________________________

(Matron of Honor/Married Attendant)

was the matron of honor. Bridesmaids were:

(City of Residence)

(include name, city of residence and relationship to bride & groom)

1._______________________________________________________________________________
2._______________________________________________________________________________
3._______________________________________________________________________________
4._______________________________________________________________________________
5._______________________________________________________________________________
6._______________________________________________________________________________
Not responsible for pictures left longer than 30 days. To have picture mailed back, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

____________________________ of ____________________________was the best man.

(Best Man)

(City of Residence)

Groomsmen were: (include name, city of residence and relationship to bride & groom)
1._______________________________________________________________________________
2._______________________________________________________________________________
3._______________________________________________________________________________
4._______________________________________________________________________________
5._______________________________________________________________________________
6._______________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________ of ____________________________was the ringbearer.

(Ringbearer)

(City of Residence)

_____________________________ of ____________________________was the flower girl.

(Flower Girl)

(City of Residence)

Following a reception at ________________________________________________________,

(Place of Reception)

the couple left for a wedding trip to __________________________________________.

(Destination)

They will reside in_______________________________________________________________.

(City)

The bride is a

______________ graduate of _________________________________.

(Year)

(High School)

She is a graduate of _____________________ with a degree in _____________________.

(College)

She is employed by _____________________________________________________________.

The bridegroom is a ______________ graduate of _________________________________.
(Year)

(High School)

He is a graduate of _____________________ with a degree in _____________________.

(College)

He is employed by _____________________________________________________________.

Brides Signature ________________________________________________________________

Phone Numbers: Work ___________________________ Home __________________________
Completed by _________________________________________________________________
Relationship _______________________________ Phone ______________________________

Examples of Announcement photo sizes

2 col x 5 (3.458 x 5)

Pricing & Sizes

1 col x 3photo $75

3 col x 7 (5.25 x 7)

2 col x 5 photo $125

1 col x 3 (1.667 x 3)

3 col x 7 photo $175

Wedding Planner 2015 | 13

ngagement photos vary

depending on the couple.
Often reserved for save-the-date
cards and now commonly used
to spruce up wedding websites,
engagement photos can range
from formal shoots in which
couples are dressed to the nines
to more laid back shots featuring
couples in more everyday attire.
When planning an engagement shoot, couples should give
themselves carte blanche with
regard to style, as the photoshoot need not follow many of
the more accepted rules that
the wedding itself will ultimately adhere to. Once couples
have settled on a style for their
photoshoot, there are additional
ways to ensure the session is a
success.
Find a photographer who
shares your sensibilities. Photographers can vary greatly in style,
and an engagement photoshoot
will be most successful when
couples find a photographer
whose style matches the theme
they are looking for with their
photoshoot. You likely would
not hire a nature photographer
to photograph a basketball
game, so dont hire someone
who specializes in posed shots
if you want your photos to be
more lively and spontaneous.
Before you hire anyone, ask for
samples of each photographers
work to be certain youre getting
someone who has experiencing
shooting the type of photos you
want to take.
Solicit ideas from the photographer. Some couples already
know exactly where they want
their engagement photos to
be shot and which poses they
want to be arranged. However,
many couples have little or no
experience with professional
photoshoots, and such couples
should solicit ideas from each
photographer they are considering hiring. A skilled and/or

seasoned photographer should

propose several ideas. Be wary
of photographers who offer little
input, as you may ultimately be
dissatisfied with their work once
the shoot has come and gone.
Avoid studio shots. Many
couples prefer their engagement
photos be taken somewhere they
have a personal connection to,
such as the sight of their first
date or a park they frequently
visit. Studio photoshoots might
provide the best lighting, but
couples have no connection to
such spaces, and down the road
they may regret not taking the
photos in someplace thats a
little more meaningful. In addition, a photoshoot outside the
studio affords couples and their
photographer more opportunities to experiment and improvise, which can produce a wider
array of shots than a studio
photoshoot is likely to deliver.
Dont forget candid shots.
Candid shots make the photoshoot more fun and loosen
couples up a little bit. Many
engagement photos will never be
seen by anyone other than the
photographer and the couple he
or she is shooting, so dont be
bashful during candid shots for
fear of being embarrassed down
the road. Have fun with the candid shots, and your other photos
are likely to come out better as
a result.
An engagement photoshoot
should be fun and reflect the
personalities of the couple. A
few simple strategies can ensure
couples shoots accomplish
both of those things.find great
deals on those items you never
received, and continue to do so
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Building a registry can be a
fun activity for couples about to
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and couples alike.

14 | Wedding Planner 2015

AS12-1270927

Make your engagement photoshoot a success

Modern trends in
wedding videography

Perfect for Rehearsals

& Receptions
WE CATER
in the Carolinas and Georgia.

We feature many country favorites

including our famous BBQ Pork, Fried
Chicken & Home Cooked Vegetables.

couples wedding day is often

a whirlwind for the bride- and
groom-to-be. Happy couples hope
to remember every little detail, but
that can be difficult when so much is
going on. That is why many brides and
grooms hire videographers to preserve
the memories of their weddings.
Couples who fail to capture their
ceremony and reception on film may
feel like they missed out once their big
day has come and gone. As a result, a
professional videographer can be a wise
investment.
Todays wedding videos have come
a long way from their poorly produced
predecessors. Gone are the potentially
cheesy soundbites and elevator music.
Many of todays videos are artfully
edited and highly cinematic productions that could have couples wishing
they were viewing videos in theaters.
The following are some wedding video
trends popular among todays couples.
Brief clips and highlights: Few
people want to sit through their
entire wedding day frame-by-frame.
Montages of key elements of the day are
much more popular than a chronological unfolding of the ceremony and
reception. Some videographers like to
show snippets of whats to come at the
start of the wedding video, then go into
more extensive segments later on.
Special filters or film: Filters and
lighting effects can give a wedding
video an entirely different feel. For
example, filming in 8mm can lend a
grainy touch to the video and make it
seem ethereal or even part of a home
movie collection. However, few people
want the stark reality of a high-defini-

tion camera that highlights every flaw.

Film chapters: Dividing segments
of the video into different chapters allows viewers to fast forward to the parts
they want to see and pass those they
can skip. This saves the hassle of having
to watch the video in its entirety.
Cinematic styling: Instead of a
stationary camera on a tripod, this
method of filming incorporates different angles and close-up shots to give the
video a modern feel. Its shot more like
a movie than a documentary, allowing
viewers to feel as though theyre really
experiencing the event.
Artistic, indy feel: Film buffs may
want a wedding video that breaks the
mold. Ask videographers to create
something that would fit in at the Sundance or Tribeca film festivals.
Same-day editing: Want to revisit
the ceremony at your wedding reception? Some videographers will edit portions of the ceremony and preparations
for the big day in the time between the
ceremony and reception. This gives all
guests, including those who may not
have been able to make the ceremony,
the chance to view the nuptials.
Unobtrusive technology: This
trend relates to the equipment used to
capture wedding memories rather than
the actual finished product. No one
wants their view of the ceremony or
reception to be marred by a big, bulky
camera. Smaller video cameras enable
videographers to seamlessly blend in
and perhaps capture shots that larger
cameras could not.
Preserving wedding memories takes
on new meaning when couples explore
the growing trends in wedding videos.

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AS32-1274445

Wedding Planner 2015 | 15

Cake-cutting etiquette and guidelines

T

he presentation of the wedding cake marks the

culmination of the days festivities and a final
symbol of a happy couples new partnership. Many
people eagerly await the cake as much as they may anticipate catching a glimpse of the bride in her beautiful
gown. While the cake in all its finery can be a beautiful
sight to behold, a cake can only last so long before its
fate as a delicious dessert is sealed.
As is the case with many wedding traditions, there
is some established etiquette with regard to cutting
and serving wedding cake. If you plan on putting your
cake on display, be sure it is made with a frosting and
filling that can endure room temperature. Certain
creams may sour if not refrigerated, and you do not
want anyone becoming ill. If you have your heart set
on perishable fillings, keep the cake refrigerated and
then have the big reveal right before it is cut.
The cake cutting usually comes near the end of the
wedding reception. Schedule the cutting so that older
guests or young children can leave without feeling as
if they would be offending anyone. The emcee of the
evening typically announces the cake cutting, and the
band may play a quirky tune or revisit the wedding
song while the first slice is being cut.

A bride should hold the cake knife with her right

hand, while the groom places his right hand over hers
before they proceed to slice down together. If the cake
has a foam or cardboard support, be careful not to cut
through it. Use a cake server to grab the first piece.
Traditionally the newly betrothed will feed each
other a bite of the cake to symbolize their first meal as
a couple. Couples can feed each other a small amount,
taking care not to spill any. Many couples no longer
embrace the once-popular tradition of smashing cake
in each others faces, but whether or not couples follow
this tradition is up to them.
Some couples like to serve their parents a piece of
cake. Traditionally the bride should serve the grooms
parents and the groom the brides parents.
If there is a grooms cake, guests may prefer a slice
of both cakes. Guests may also want to take home a
slice of the grooms cake. Tradition states that a piece
of the grooms cake should be presented to an unmarried woman attending the wedding. The woman is not
expected to eat the cake, but rather to put it under her
pillow. Superstition held that this tradition would help
an unmarried woman find a husband. Make arrangements for proper packaging of the grooms cake, so

guests can take home a slice if they so desire.

The waitstaff typically handles the slicing of the
cake. The uppermost tier is reserved for the couple to
save, and the remainder of the cake will be served.
Recognize that not all guests like cake, but its better
to err on the side of caution and have a cake that will
feed all of the guests. You also may want to offer a
dessert bar for guests who prefer another type of sweet
treat. However, this is a luxury, not a necessity.
The cake-cutting ritual at weddings has withstood
the test of time, and many couples still prefer to present the cake with fanfare and excitement.

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AS12-1270205

16 | Wedding Planner 2015

Grooms cakes make a comeback

G

uests and well-wishers expect to

see at least one cake at wedding
receptions. But wedding guests should
not be surprised if they attend a wedding and notice two cakes sharing the
spotlight on the dessert table.
Grooms cakes have existed for generations but have fallen out of favor in
many parts of North America since the
1970s. Now grooms cakes are experiencing a resurgence in popularity.

A grooms cake traditionally represents something masculine, providing

a contrast to the oft-feminine features,
such as floral bouquets and frilly gowns,
that dominate many weddings. Grooms
cake designs often reflect a particular
hobby or interest of the grooms.
Historically, grooms cakes are
chocolate, a sharp contrast to traditional
wedding cakes, which tend to be vanilla
and white. Tradition once called for
single women at the wedding to take
home a slice of the grooms cake to sleep
with under their pillows. It was believed
the cake would help them have sweet
dreams of the man they would eventually marry.
Women today are likely no longer
snuggling up to fondant and mousse
cake slices at night, and wedding cakes
are no longer relegated to vanilla cake
with vanilla icing, which may account
for the waning popularity of grooms
cakes. Yet with wedding cake bakers
showing off their creative prowess on
television or through their own artistic
bakery displays, its no wonder that

couples looking for something unique

are once again embracing the tradition
of grooms cakes.
Couples who are mulling whether or
not to add a grooms cake to their menus
should consider the following tips.
Make sure it is highly personal.
Grooms cakes typically reference
hobbies, affiliations or interests of the
groom. Some men may want their cake
to showcase the logo of their favorite
professional sports team, while others
may want a cake inspired by a favorite
superhero.
Involve the groom in the process.
Despite the name, grooms cakes may
not always involve the groom. A cake
may be designed or selected by the
grooms bride-to-be or his mother. Some
forward-thinking brides may want to
encourage their grooms-to-be to select
their own cakes and offer input on their
designs.
Find a bakery that has experience in
whimsical cakes. Grooms cakes are very
often intricate structures and sculptures.
The grooms cake may be more labor-

intensive than the traditional wedding

cake, so couples may want to shop
around for a cake chef with the experience to pull off the design they desire.
Experiment with flavor combinations. Because the grooms cake is all
about that special guy, the flavor of the
cake should be centered around what
he would enjoy. The sky is the limit
on flavors and can include traditional
chocolate, candy bar-inspired flavors,
coffee, coconut, or even a bacon-infused
cake.
Consider serving the grooms cake
at the rehearsal. Some couples prefer to
serve the grooms cake at the rehearsal
dinner rather than having two cakes at
the wedding. Guests may not be able to
fit two slices of cake after a large wedding
meal, so serving the grooms cake at the
rehearsal dinner may be the best of both
worlds.
The bride and her cake typically
steal the show at the average wedding.
Therefore, a grooms cake can be a special touch that allows the groom to bask
in his own wedding-day spotlight.

AS07-1275317

Wedding Planner 2015 | 17

Hot trends in wedding cuisine

nce a couple has officially tied

the knot, the newly recognized
man and wife and all of their guests will
retire to a party room where they can
mingle, dance and enjoy a good meal.
In the past, standard fare like prime
rib and roasted chicken dominated
wedding menus. But todays weddings
cater to people of various culinary
tastes, and couples and their guests
can expect more upscale and creative
cuisine to be rolled out for wedding
receptions. The following are a handful
of the more popular trends with regard
to wedding cuisine.
MInIature BItes
Many people say good things come
in small packages, and when it comes
to miniature versions of favorite foods,
they may be right. Instead of large
meals that fill guests up fast, they
can munch on smaller bites of their
favorite dishes. How about a piece of
meatloaf topped with whipped mashed
potatoes? a cherry tomato with a small
piece of mozzarella cheese makes a
mini caprese salad. turning favorite
foods into bite-sized adventures can
add a touch of whimsy to the reception.
Breakfast fOr dInner
some couples are circumventing
high price tags for their weddings by
choosing to hold the festivities at less
expensive times of day. Brunch-themed
weddings are a big hit with those who
would much rather dine on a stack of
pancakes than a dish of pasta. Omelet
stations, croissants and a bevy of other
breakfast table fare can be enjoyed any

time of the day.

dIM suM
dim sum allows guests to sample
different foods without filling up. Carts
of dumplings and other small plates of
appetizers can be wheeled around so
everyone can choose what they want
and what they want to avoid.
Gourmet comfort food
People love familiar comfort foods,
but now gourmet comfort foods
are shaking up wedding receptions.
Mac-and-cheese with gouda and brie
or chicken pot pie with a puff-pastry
crust are a few offerings that can add
glamour to down-home cooking.
fOOd wItH a sHOw
Instead of passed foods or buffet stations, couples are opting to make food
an experience for guests. an oyster bar
with a chef serving fresh seafood or a
dessert master whipping up flamb is a
feast for the eyes and mouth.
InterestInG Buffet statIOns
keep guests on their toes with various meal stations. a bountiful display
of artisanal cheeses, fruits and breads
will be a cheese lovers dream. These
stations also can be appetizing focal
points around the room and ensure all
guests get a bite of what they like best.
faMIly style
rustic and informal weddings have
grown in popularity. rather than
food being brought to the guests or
participants lining up in buffet lines,

18 | Wedding Planner 2015

family-style dining allows guests to

share conversation and pass the peas
at the same time. larger, rectangular
tables allow more guests to sit with one
another and serve themselves food
from community plates located in the
center of the tables.

fOOd and BeveraGe PaIrInGs

food-forward wedding couples are
offering guests mouthwatering appetizers matched with a cocktail. a slider
and a craft beer or a dumpling and a
shot of saki are examples of this trend.
nOntradItIOnal fake Cakes
Instead of a multi-tiered cake or the
cupcake fad that is starting to fizzle,
couples are now opting for something
new. desserts that mimic the look of
cake, but arent quite that combination
of sponge and frosting are trending.
Crepes, pies, cookies, and doughnuts
are acceptable and can add a creative
spark to the cake-cutting ceremony.
when offered along with dessert stations, guests can certainly get their fill
of sweet delights.

veGan and Gluten-free

OPtIOns
Chances are one or more people
attending the reception will be on a
restricted diet. rather than relegate
these guests to dining on side dishes
and patchwork meals, certain couples
are building entire offerings around
vegan and gluten-free foods.
Couples are getting creative with
their food and beverage offerings at
their weddings. Guests never know
which culinary wonders they will
encounter as they gather to wish the
newlyweds well.

 2014 Bair Prints Photography

 
  

  
  



  
 

      

 
  
     

   
AS06-1273381

Wedding Planner 2015 | 19

Creative ways to make a memorable wedding entrance

O

nce wedding vows and rings

have been exchanged, many
couples join their friends and family
to celebrate with a wedding reception.
Many brides and grooms eagerly await
the moment when they can make their
grand entrance to the reception, and
over the years it has become customary for couples to make a bit of a splash
when making their first appearance as
husband and wife. Some enter with a
special song. Others prefer something
a bit more theatrical. Explore these
ideas for memorable wedding reception
entrances.
Catch guests by surprise. Wedding
guests will probably expect the wedding
party to enter through a certain door
and the bride and groom to follow
afterward. An element of surprise, such
as the couple rising from the floor or
appearing from a different area in the
reception hall, may not require a lot of
planning but can have a dramatic effect.
Unpredictable entrances also include
unexpected song choices or dramatic
lighting to immediately draw everyones
attention.
Stick to one or two songs. Some

couples think it might be fun to have

each member of the wedding party enter
with a different song. Not only will this
take a lot of coordination on the part of
the deejay, but it can make the entrance
choppy as well. Introductions may go
more smoothly if couples have the entire
wedding party enter to a particular song
that revs up the crowd and gets them
excited for the grand entrance. At the
height of the song, the bride and groom
will enter. The entrance typically segues
into a couples first dance.
Go with peoples strengths. A couple
may want to showcase special skills as
they enter the reception hall. Theres
no limit to what couples can do, from
acrobatic techniques to tap dancing to
juggling. If its entertaining, it very well
may prove memorable.
Make sure everyone is on board.
Couples should recognize that some
members of the wedding party may be
uncomfortable acting like clowns in
front of a crowd. Do not force anyone to
participate in crazy antics if they do not
want to. Find things each member of a
wedding party feels comfortable doing.
Couples may want their bridal party

members to enter in a more traditional

way before the newlyweds do something
more dramatic and humorous.
Include the entrance in your planning. If you want to follow a certain
theme, such as Star Wars or Mission
Impossible, coordinate in advance with
a deejay or band members. Talk about
what, if any, props you plan to use and
the type of music that will be playing. If
entrances involve choreography, be certain to practice in advance of the wedding so everything will work out well
and look professional. However, even

stunts that go awry can be entertaining

and funny for guests.
Low-key entrances are acceptable,
too. Couples who arent into much fanfare should not feel pressured to make an
entrance with a dance routine or to have
any stunning visual effects. If you want a
low-key introduction, arrange for such
an entrance with the emcee.
Wedding entrances are what a couple
makes of them, and they can run the
gamut from traditional introductions to
theatrical skits and dance routines.

WEDDING PLANNER
Wedding Cakes
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Call to request information or

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20 | Wedding Planner 2015

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First
dance
songs
A
Music mistakes to avoid
W

edding guests are usually anxious to head to the reception,

where they can let loose and party. Music
is an essential component of a lively and
fun wedding reception, and there are
some musical miscues couples should
look to avoid to ensure the music is not
memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Blocks of silence: Nothing makes
time seem interminable more than
silence. Always have a constant flow of
music to avoid awkward silences. This
includes the time guests are waiting
prior to the ceremony as well as when
theyre entering the cocktail hour. Music
will help everyone feel comfortable,
and it creates a pleasing atmosphere, so
make sure music plays throughout the
festivities.
Second-guessing a professional: In
an effort to curb costs, some couples
provide their own playlists via an mp3
player or a streaming service for the
music. This is often a mistake. Hiring
a professional means you will not have
to worry about managing music on
top of your many other wedding day
responsibilities. A band or deejay usually
also serves as the emcee for the event,
announcing key moments of the reception as well as getting guests up on the
dance floor.
Playing only one type of music:
Playing too many songs from one genre
of music will alienate some of the guests
who simply are not interested in that
type of music. Professional deejays or
performers know how to offer a great
mix that will appeal to the masses, and
they are often well worth the cost. Try
to span different decades and genres
to keep as many of your guests on the
dance floor as possible.
Failure to make a song list: Some
songs you may feel are essential to the
wedding and others may be on a do-notplay list and are associated with negative
memories. Band leaders and deejays are

not mind readers. Give your band leader

or deejay ample time to review your
requests so that he or she has time to
find a song that may not be in his or her
collection.
Dancing to long songs: Pay
attention to a songs length,
and choose spotlight dance
songs wisely. Remember
that guests will be watching
you dance with parents
or each other, and a fiveminute song can seem neverending while others are
waiting around. Avoid very
long songs, as the mix
of music should be
upbeat. The wedding isnt the
time to play
American
Pie by Don McClean, Queens
Bohemian Rhapsody or Lynyrd
Skynyrds Free
Bird.
Inappropriate
lyrics and volume:
Keep the music
at an acceptable volume,
and avoid
songs with
suggestive
language
or curse
words that
are inappropriate in a
family setting.
Music is a
key element of any
good party, including
a wedding reception, and
its essential that couples
take steps to avoid any
musical miscues.

couples first dance as man and

wife is a cherished wedding
tradition. While the first dance can help
set a positive tone for the reception, it
also can negatively impact the festivities
if a poor song is chosen.
Couples may feel pressure to choose
the perfect song. Yes, this is a song that
the couple has selected to represent their
love for each other, but it also should be
one that will speak to the masses and
can be thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Couples want to avoid a song that
does not seem to fit with the festivities. For those couples who need a little
musical inspiration, turn to many of the
modern hits youre bound to hear on the
radio which may help you to shine in
that first dance.
A Thousand Years by Christina
Perri: Twi-hard fans enjoyed this romantic song during the pivotal wedding
scene between Bella Swan and Edward
Cullen in the popular Twilight movie
Breaking Dawn. Couples looking to
recreate the magic of these star-crossed
lovers can embrace Perris delicate tone
and tender lyrics.
All of Me by John Legend: Its
been hard to escape this popular love
song by R&B artist John Legend. An

ode Legend wrote to his wife, this song

has quickly become a popular choice for
a couples first dance.
I Choose You by Sara Bareilles:
This peppy song by singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles is a good choice for
couples who prefer being nontraditional.
Its faster paced and less sentimental than
many other wedding songs.
Better Together by Jack Johnson:
Johnson is known primarily for his soft
rock and acoustic guitar work blended
with catchy lyrics. Also an accomplished
surfer, Johnsons work is enjoyed by
many but may be especially prized by
couples who want to their reception
to be a laid back affair full of fun and
whimsy.
I Wont Give Up by Jason Mraz:
Another acoustic ditty, this song has a
country influence and talks about not
giving up and staying in a relationship
for the long haul.
I Dont Dance by Lee Brice: Speaking of country influences, couples who
want a little twang in their first dances
can choose Brices breakthrough hit. Romantic lyrics about spinning his partner
around in circles despite not liking to
dance illustrates what one partner will
do for the other when in love.

AS04-1274655

Wedding Planner 2015 | 21

Planning a wedding can be a real test of your organisational skills. This is a general list covering all the major

Wedding Planner Checklist

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feellike
like

Organize
Organise your
yourengagement
engagementparty.
party .
o

Book a hotel room for the wedding night .

o

Choose the date, day and time of your wedding .

o

Organize time
Organise
time off
offwork
workfor
forthe
thewedding
weddingand
and
o
honeymoon, plus a few planning days beforehand.

Discuss your budget with those who are putting

o
money towards the event .

Decide on your wedding theme/style .

o
Decide on the ceremony and reception venues .
o
Compile a guest list in consultation with both families .
o
Discuss details of the ceremony with officiant
o
(minister, priest or celebrant) .

Choose your attendants and ushers .

o
Choose and book the photographer/videographer .
o
Choose and book the caterers .
o
Choose and book the musicians/DJ .
o
Choose and book the flowers .
o
Choose and order wedding invitations and stationery .
o
Choose and book transport to and from the
o
ceremony and reception .
Choose and order wedding attire for yourselves
o
and your attendants .
Order your wedding bands .
o
Choose and order the wedding cake .
o

honeymoon, plus a few planning days beforehand .

Send invitations . Keep a spreadsheet of RSVPs

o
as they return . See guest list checklist .

Arrange the wedding rehearsal .

o
Re-confirm the details of all your major services
o
the week before the wedding .

Buy gifts for the attendants and your future spouse .

o
Arrange where the bridal party will dress on the day .
o
Help out-of-town guests with accommodation .
o
Notify anyone required to make a speech .
o
Write your vows (if youve decided to do your own) .
o
Write out place cards .
o
Arrange reception seating details .
o
Give a list of invitees for your stag/hens night to
o
your maid of honour/bestman .

Book appointments with your makeup artist and

o
hairstylist for a trial run and the wedding day .

Wear in your wedding shoes .

o
Make sure all legal documents (marriage licence,
o

pre-nuptial agreements, passports etc .) are in order .

Apply for the marriage licence .

o

Organise
table settings
settingsand
andother
otherdecorations.
decorations .
Organize table
o

Select and have fittings for the wedding gown and

o

Check bestman has the rings and service sheets .

o

bridesmaids attire and accessories .

Select and have fittings for the groom and

o
groomsmens suits and accessories .

Compile
register,ififapplicable .
applicable.
Compile aa gift
gift lift
list and
and organize
organise aa register,

Decide where you want to go on honeymoon and

o
make reservations .

22 | Wedding Planner 2015

Pack for your honeymoon .

o
Schedule some quiet time for you and your fianc
o
to relax before the big day .

a
t
a
t

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r
t
d
A
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a
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e

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t
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m
w
t
w
t
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Wedding showers continue to break f r om tradition

ain showers on a wedding day

may bring good luck, but they
are seldom coveted. However, a different
type of shower altogether is often highly
anticipated and can help couples feel like
theyre one in a million.
Wedding showers are gift-giving
parties held for couples about to get married. The custom began in the nineteenth century and continues to present
day, primarily in North America and
Australia. Guests traditionally shower
the bride-to-be with all the necessities
(and some fun extras) that she will need
after she ties the knot. These gifts will
help the soon-to-be-married couple
establish a home together.
Bridal showers are steeped in tradition, but todays bridal showers continue
to veer off the beaten path. Nowadays,
bridal showers feature fun and games
much like a party having nothing to do
with a wedding. TheKnot.com, a website
that aims to help couples plan their
weddings and all the events leading up to
the big day, identifies these key trends in
modern bridal showers.
Couples showers: Modern couples
who like to be all-inclusive are now

planning bridal showers that cater to

mixed audiences. Dubbed a couple
shower, these parties include female and
male friends and relatives. Gifts are still
the main focus of the event, but theyre
varied and include guy-friendly items
within the mix of household goods.
Power showers: Many are familiar with the terms man cave and
bromance, but few may know that
there are now wedding showers geared
entirely around the groom. Known as
power showers, these events focus on
the groom-to-be, who is showered with
a bevy of gadgets and power tools that
are certain to stock his future garage. The
parties are decidedly more testosteronefriendly and can include golf outings,
poker nights or action movie flicks as
possible themes.
Destination/activity showers:
Rather than having guests hang around
a restaurant watching gift after gift get
unwrapped, some bridal parties opt to
throw an activity shower. These showers
are focused around a particular activity.
For example, ladies may be treated to
a day at the spa. Other ideas include
horseback riding at a stable or a day at

the ballpark. Because hosting an activity

shower for dozens of people may get
expensive, these types of showers may
be reserved for only your closest friends
and family members.
Bride-involved showers: The idea of
walking into a room and being surprised
by friends and family members is appealing to some brides-to-be but not
everyone. Some brides prefer not to
be surprised by a shower and actually
would like to have a role in the planning

of the party. However, this is delicate

ground on which to tread, considering
there may be differences over where the
party is held and even the overall experience of the party. These type of showers
should be discussed before any plans are
made, and tasks should be delegated in
accordance with those plans.
It is customary for a bridal shower to
take place before a wedding. But new
trends have emerged that are shaking up
the way showers are planned and held.

Charlottes

PREMIER WEDDING SPECIALISTS

Timeless and Romantic, Dramatic Elegance...

AS04-1274656

Bridal Gowns
Bridesmaids Dresses
Tuxedo Rentals
Flower Girl Dresses

Prom and Pageant

Accessories
Large Selection of Mothers
& Social Occasion Gowns

Serving the Entire CSRA for 55 Years.

AS06-1276065

142 Laurens St. SW Historic Downtown Aiken 803-648-5136

Tues-Fri 10:00-5:30 Sat 10:00-4:00 Appointments Preferred
www.charlottesbridalfashions.com Kaitie Bryant Photography

Wedding Planner 2015 | 23