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, Bridal Edition �• Friday, January 28, 2011

(The Knot) In the past, marrying away from home usually meant eloping. The couple would steal away in the night to ee family disap-proval or expectations and tie the knot on their own terms. Today, the idea has shed its stigma and a growing num-ber of couples are hightailing it away from the traditional formal affair to a casual, inti-mate occasion in their dream honeymoon spot.

These destination wed-dings involve just the couple; the couple and a select hand-ful of friends and family (of-ten just another couple); or the couple plus enough guests

to constitute a bona de week-long family�–or college�–reunion. Then, the just-mar-rieds can take a second week to disappear on their own. The �“reception,�” if any, is more like a big party and held when the couple returns home. Why are destination weddings a growing trend?

1. They�’re Virtually Stress-Free

Pop in the classic movie �“Father of the Bride�” and you�’ll soon understand why destination weddings are so popular. They are almost guaranteed to be simpler (and faster!) to plan than a traditional wedding and re-

ception for two main reasons:* Honeymoon-happy re-

sorts and cruise lines around the world have made it easier and more appealing to wed on-site. Many have full-time wedding coordinators on staff who are familiar with that country�’s marriage license re-quirements and who offer wedding packages that take care of all your ceremony es-sentials (photographer, cake, minister, etc.). You step off the plane and sign the pa-pers; they take care of the rest.

* If you�’re not getting mar-ried at a resort, you can hire a stateside wedding planner

Destination Weddings: Why Marry Away?Don�’t have a year to plan your wedding? Dreaming of a surfside ceremony? Here are six practical and personal reasons to wed away.

Destination weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime reunion opportunity.

See Page 12, DESTINATION

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FromThisDay

Forward

Bridal Edition �• Friday, January 28, 2011,

BANK OF ERATH�–Congratulations on your engagement! Enjoy this special time in your life and as you build your new life together, remember that at Bank of Erath, we are here to serve you. Let us assist you with your checking accounts, savings accounts, auto loans, home loans, IRA�’s or Certi cates of Deposit. Our friendly staff has served many newlyweds over the last 100 years and will be here to serve you for many years to come.

(The Knot) Ready to start planning? Before you put down a deposit, check this list of dates you might want to steer clear of when booking your wedding.

Holiday WeekendsHoliday weekend wed-

dings have pros and cons. You�’ve got an extra day for the festivities (and recovery!); plus, it�’s easier to host a Sun-day wedding, which is often less expensive than a Satur-day one would be. However, costs of travel and hotels may be higher. Also, having a holi-

day wedding might adversely affect your wedding guest list. Some families have standing holiday weekend plans or traditions that they�’d prefer not to disrupt.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (always a Monday)

January 16, 2012Presidents�’ Day (always

a Monday)February 21, 2011February 20, 2012Memorial Day (always a

Monday)May 30, 2011May 28, 2012

Independence DayMonday, July 4, 2011Wednesday, July 4, 2012Labor Day (always a

Monday)September 5, 2011September 3, 2012Columbus Day (always

a Monday)October 10, 2011October 8, 2012Thanksgiving (always a

Thursday)November 24, 2011November 22, 2012New Year�’s EveSaturday, December 31,

2011Monday, December 31,

2012Religious and Cultural

HolidaysBe mindful of religious

and cultural holidays (your own and those of your guests) when planning your wedding. There may even be restric-tions at your house of wor-ship as to whether you�’re al-lowed to marry at these times.

Palm SundayApril 17, 2011April 1, 2012

Easter SundayApril 24, 2011April 8, 2012Passover (begins at

sunset the night before)Tuesday, April 19, 2011Saturday, April 7, 2012Tisha B�’Av (begins at

sunset the night before)Tuesday, August 9, 2011Sunday, July 29, 2012Hashanah (begins at

sunset the night before)Wednesday, September

28, until nightfall on Friday, September 30, 2011

Monday, September 17,

Wedding Dates to Avoid in 2011 and 2012

See Page 14, DATES


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(The Knot) Setting the Engagement Party Date

An engagement party usu-ally takes place within a cou-ple months of the proposal.

That said, if you�’re plan-ning to have a longer engage-ment, feel free to wait several months. Just make sure that your engagement party takes place closer to the time of your engagement than it does to your wedding date.

Compiling the Engage-ment Party Guest List

Anyone invited to your en-gagement party should ulti-mately be invited to your wedding, so the size of your engagement party guest list is really dependent upon your actual wedding day guest list.

You might have as few as 10 or as many as upward of 100. When the host asks you to come up with a guest list, set it up so your closest fami-ly is rst, followed by your best of friends, then go from there.

Engagement Party In-vites

Your invites can be as sim-ple or formal as you like, and really depend on the style and vibe you�’re going for. Word of mouth or an E-vite is

totally appropriate for a small, casual gathering at home.

Then again, if your par-ents are throwing an elegant dinner at the country club, you may want to look into sending out formal paper in-vites. Get those invites out about a month in advance to give guests a good heads-up, or within four to six weeks if guests are from out of town.

Engagement Party Menu and Cocktail Ideas

You certainly don�’t have to serve a ve-course sit-down dinner. Passed hors d�’oeuvres, tasting menu stations, and family-style buffets are all great ways to go. Another idea: Theme your food. If you had your rst date over Asian food, order up dumplings and sake-tinis for your guests.

Engagement Party De-cor

Choose a style and theme that are completely different from your wedding day. So if you�’re planning a formal ball-room wedding, go for a laid-back beach-themed engage-ment party with vibrant

How to Plan anEngagement Party

See Page 16,ENGAGEMENT

WATERS ON MAIN�–Abbeville�’s newest banquet room is Waters On Main, next to Dupuy�’s Oysters. Rehearsal dinners, small wedding receptions or the parties of your choice, we will provide everything to make your event a success.


(The Knot) Style and De-cor

* Have an allover preppy feel to your celebration. Choose a pretty pink ging-ham fabric, and feature it ev-erywhere.

* Combine patterns for a unique look. Go for sophisti-cated stripes with irty polka dots for a playful effect.

* Choose a spring color, and use a slightly different shade of fabric on each recep-tion table. Your tables will

look uni ed, but not matchy-match.

Invitations* Have a common spring-

time motif, such as a peony or a bird, printed on the invites.

* Choose a casual, yet en-gaging font to re ect a fun spring feeling.

* Instead of a traditional belly band or wrap, use a wide ribbon in your wedding colors to tie up your invites.

Flowers* Have your orist pair

your favorite springtime ow-er with fruits (ruby-red rasp-berries, luscious blackberries, or even strawberries) for a fete that feels as homegrown as a picnic in the park.

* Hang oral wreaths from the doors into your church or temple, or from a tree at your ceremony.

* Bring spring indoors by creating a space awash in tiny spring blooms�–from sin-gle-bloom bud vases lining the bar to oral-adorned bas-

kets in the bathrooms at the reception.

Menu* Fill large punch bowls

with fresh lemonade, iced tea and white-wine sangria, gar-nished with fresh lemons and fruit for a colorful drink menu.

* Instead of more tradi-tional beef, serve spring lamb with a garden-fresh herb sauce.

* Ditch the hot soup idea and present delicate chilled pea soup in shot glasses as hors d�’oeuvres.

Wedding Cake

* For a cake that spells spring, serve white cake cov-ered in sugar-dipped long-stem cherries.

* Choose a avor that�’s light and uffy, like a straw-berry shortcake covered in pale pink fondant and toppedwith real strawberries.

* Instead of a simple Swiss-dot pattern, have your cake baker add colorful sugar owers to your cake tiers.

Favors

Dreaming of peonies, sundresses, and swapping vows in a garden?From the invites to the menu, here�’s how to incorporate a little bit of spring into every wedding day detail.

Easy Ways to Play Up a Spring Wedding

See Page 31, SPRING

RIVERFRONT�–Let us cater your rehearsal dinner, anniversary or party. Located on the Ver-milion River in downtown Abbeville, RiverFront wants to help you make your special occasion just right.


P!"i#n.L$ve.M%lancon’s J%wele&.BELAIRE TRADITIONS AND TREASURES�–Belaire Tra-ditions and Treasures has enough staf ng and equipment to handle any wedding and to make it memorable. �“The bride should call in and arrange a meeting,�” Sharon Belaire said. �“When the meeting does take place, our professionals assem-ble a detailed le for the bride and give her their undivided attention. Here, the bride gives us a list of her oral wishes for her wedding, while we listen to her requests and let her design her wedding. It there is a strict budget, we can make terri c suggestions as to how to streamline a unique and creative o-ral package that meets her needs, giving her recommenda-tions which would make her dream come true.�” To meet the staff of the local ower shop and gift store, come by 206 South St. Charles in Abbeville, across from Vincent�’s Funeral Home, or call 898-0303.


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(The Knot) Fill up your iPod with a playlist of songs to listen to the morning of your wedding�–you know, while you�’re excitedly getting your hair and makeup done with your bridesmaids.

�“Going to the Chapel�” by The Crystals

�“Chapel of Love�” by The Beach Boys

�“Love and Marriage�” by Frank Sinatra

�“Get Me to the Church on Time�” from My Fair Lady

�“White Wedding�” by Billy

Idol�“Plan on Forever�” by Sue

Ann Carwell & Mervyn War-ren

�“I Do (Cherish You)�” by 98 Degrees

�“Wedding Day�” by Bee Gees

�“(Today I Met) The Boy I�’m Gonna Marry�” by Darlene Love

�“It Had to Be You�” by Har-ry Connick Jr.

�“A Moment Like This�” by Kelly Clarkson

�“How Sweet It Is (To Be

Loved by You)�” by James Taylor

�“You�’re the One That I Want�” from Grease

�“I Say a Little Prayer�” by Dionne Warwick or Aretha Franklin

�“All You Need Is Love�” by The Beatles

�“Rock This Town�” by Stray Cats

�“Love You Madly�” by Cake�“Walking on Sunshine�” by

Katrina and the Waves�– Anja Winikka

Trend Alert! Morning-of Wedding PlaylistsHere�’s a list of song ideas to get you started creating your morning-of playlist.

Fill up your iPod with aplaylist of songs to listento the morning of your wedding�–you know, whileyou�’re excitedly gettingyour hair and makeup done with your brides-maids.


B!lai" Traditi#ns & Treasu" sSharon H. Belaire

Licensed Floral Designer1st. Place LA Cup Winner

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206 S. Saint Charles St.Abbeville, LA 70510

Thank you for all of your work, Thank you for all of your work, the flowers were phenomenal! the flowers were phenomenal! We are honored that you We are honored that you were able to share this special were able to share this special occasion with us. We are occasion with us. We are grateful to have your blessing.grateful to have your blessing.Love, Trent and KrystalLove, Trent and Krystal

Thank you all so much for making our Thank you all so much for making our wedding day more beautiful than we could wedding day more beautiful than we could ever have imagined.ever have imagined.Chip and Amanda DuhonChip and Amanda Duhon

Tradition & Treasures is a wonderful flower shop. The Tradition & Treasures is a wonderful flower shop. The staff here went above and beyond to make my wedding staff here went above and beyond to make my wedding beautiful. They were very understanding and helpful beautiful. They were very understanding and helpful and were full of great ideas when discussing what and were full of great ideas when discussing what types of flowers I wanted. Everything was absolutely types of flowers I wanted. Everything was absolutely beautiful and unique just like I had wanted!beautiful and unique just like I had wanted!Karinda T. HebertKarinda T. Hebert

For us, Belaire�’s Tradition & Treasures is the BEST For us, Belaire�’s Tradition & Treasures is the BEST flower shop around. Our daughter April Meaux & son-in-flower shop around. Our daughter April Meaux & son-in-law Damian Hebert�’s wedding was on February 12, 2010, law Damian Hebert�’s wedding was on February 12, 2010, only 2 days prior to Valentine�’s Day. I can�’t thank the staff only 2 days prior to Valentine�’s Day. I can�’t thank the staff at Belaire�’s Tradition & Treasures enough for the elegant at Belaire�’s Tradition & Treasures enough for the elegant arrangements & service they provided. The floral designs were arrangements & service they provided. The floral designs were exactly what April wanted. We would highly recommend exactly what April wanted. We would highly recommend Belaire�’s Tradition & Treasures to everyone for any occasion Belaire�’s Tradition & Treasures to everyone for any occasion and would like to thank them for making our event so special.and would like to thank them for making our event so special.Damen and April HebertDamen and April Hebert

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MAKING YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE -- As newly-wed couples begin a newlife together, Dreams areoften considered out of reach until sound credit is established. The Bank of Abbeville and Trust Company has helped newcouples turn their dreams into reality for over 100 years by establishing checking and savings ac-counts, IRAs, Christmas Club Accounts, consumer loans, and home mortgag-es. Members of the friend-ly, professional staff at the Bank of Abbeville and Trust Company are avail-able to assist newlyweds in nding ways to bothborrow and save for a bet-ter tomorrow.

(The Knot) You bought the ring, popped the question and now you get to kick back until your wedding day rolls around, right? Well, that�’s one option, but the best way to keep her happy�–and you out of the doghouse�–is to get involved. Here are our top tips for being a great groom.

1. Have an OpinionThis is your wedding too,

so get in on the planning. Pick a few things that inter-est you (food? the wedding music? photos?). You don�’t have to wax poetic on the dif-ference between lilies and daisies for the bridesmaid bouquets, but give your opin-ion on the major planning points; it�’ll let your ancé know she�’s not in this alone. And wouldn�’t it be nice to know a little something about your wedding before you at-tend it?

2. Relish Your Wedding Registry

It may seem like a tedious task, but think about it: You get to wander around a store, picking things you want that someone most likely will buy you�–you can�’t beat that. Bet-ter yet, it�’s now common to shop beyond the kitchen de-partment. Consider home electronics, power tools and camping gear. Can�’t justify shelling out for a plasma screen yourself? Throw it on your wedding registry, and a group of friends might buy it for you!

3. Don�’t Be a Pushover�–Really

She wants to register for a yellow comforter with little

pink owers, and you don�’t want to have to stash your bedspread in the closet every time your friends come over. See if you can meet her half-way: Tell her the oral pat-terns are a bit much, but you�’re ne with yellow, may-be in another style. You�’ll make her happy and salvage your manhood.

4. Give Her a BreakIf she�’s doing the majority

of the planning for your wed-ding, she�’s probably border-ing on wedding overload. You need to make sure she doesn�’t have an ulcer (or a grudge!) by the time she walks down the aisle. Give her a night to relax and cook her dinner, do the dishes, rent her favorite movie (yes, even a chick ick), and remind her why wedding planning is worth the stress.

5. Be a Buffer

If your mom is calling your ancé every hour to talk about the wedding, you run the risk of major family con- ict, with you stuck in the middle. Your mission: Keep the peace. Call your mom and let her know that while you appreciate her interest and excitement, it�’s your wedding and she needs to give you two some planning space. Take responsibility for communi-cating with your family so that you can lter out petty worries from legitimate con-cerns.

6. Get Some HelpHas your ancé really hit

the wall? Suggest hiring a planner for the day of your wedding. Your consultant

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DESTINATION, continued from Page 2

who specializes in destina-tion weddings, contact a wed-ding planner in the town you plan to wed, or start early and do it yourself. Either way, you won�’t have to plan a reception, and won�’t that be a relief?!

2. No Family DramaThe second reason desti-

nation weddings rule? No scene-stealing family drama.

For Jennifer and Marc Schwartz, the initial family strategy session began to foreshadow a very large get-together of extended family and business associates. Pre-dictably, each set of parents had their own ideas. One set thought the wedding should be held in New York City be-cause most guests were from

the area. Another set had a problem with the expense of a big-city wedding. Jennifer says that she and Marc never stopped feeling that the event is, rst and foremost, about the two people getting mar-ried. �“It�’s great if the two families are in rapport, but if not, who needs all that nega-tive stuff?�”

3. They�’re Cost Effec-tive

The affordability of a des-tination wedding has many couples speeding off to the airport faster than you can say �“I do.�” For instance, a couple can y to an all-inclu-sive resort in Jamaica, get married, and stay for a de-luxe week-long honeymoon for a few thousand dollars, in-

cluding lodging, meals, drinks, and airfare. Compare that with your average 150-guest wedding costing about $22,000�–which can easily skyrocket to more than $100,000 in big cities�–plus a few extra thousand for a hon-eymoon. To ease the nancial burden, many couples opt to travel to a place where they can get married, have a hon-eymoon, and still have some money left over to start their new lives together.

4. You Call The ShotsWhile formal weddings

hold meaning for many cou-ples, linking them to the tra-ditions of their ancestors and culture, others want the ex-perience to be unique, with a ceremony and location that

re ect their true colors. Per-haps an �“Out of Africa�” expe-rience? A snowy mountain-peak ceremony? The world is your altar.

5. They�’re Simply Per-fect for Second Marriages

Been-there-done-that cou-ples who are getting married for the second or third time choose destination weddings because they�’re simple and private. Either the bride and/or groom have done the Hol-lywood-scale production be-fore and want something qui-eter or less expensive this time around, or they want to be someplace anonymous, without the watchful eyes and whispers of the home-town crowd. (Get married at a kid-friendly, all-inclusive

resort or cruise to help your new Brady Bunch do some solid bonding.)

6. They�’re a Once-in-a-Lifetime Reunion Oppor-tunity

At a typical wedding, you�’re on the run, meetingand greeting. Destination weddings are on vacationtime. You�’re usually required to arrive a few days early to ll out the paperwork, so by the time your wedding rollsaround, you�’ve had two to three days of fun with your sweetie, family and friends. How often do you have the op-portunity to spend no-rush quality playtime with dear, far- ung friends? This is your chance.

JIM�’S FLOWER AND GIFT SHOP�–Let Jim�’s create that unique, perfect wedding memory you will cherish for a lifetime. We customize every wedding to each bride�’s desires, color themes and budgets. We are now a full-service wedding shop and carry a selection of backdrop and wedding decoration rent-als. Come in and talk to one of our licensed and master orists Keffer Delino, Brent Grif n or Audrey Primeaux for a free wedding consultation, and make Jim�’s your one-stop-wedding shop. �“You�’ll know it�’s from Jim�’s.�”


(The Knot) Wedding plan-ning isn�’t just a big deal for the bride and groom �–it�’s also a major moment for their moms. Here�’s the lowdown on some of the biggest issues and mother of the bride du-ties you�’ll face during the wedding planning process.

1. Have the Money TalkIn the initial excited mo-

ments of an engagement, to-be-weds will be thinking the sky�’s the limit. We�’re not say-ing you need to put a damper on their enthusiasm, but you do need to be clear about your limits. (Unless they�’ve also announced that they�’re pay-ing for the wedding them-selves, in which case hey, you�’re off the hook!)

Talk with your partner, then have a sit-down with the bride and groom-to-be to talk about the wedding nances. Be clear about how much you�’re willing to contribute to their wedding budget: Re-member, you�’re a M-O-M, not an A-T-M.

2. Play Your PartYou probably have tons of

wedding ideas, from that great wedding orist your friend�’s daughter used, to the cake you saw a picture of in a magazine the other week, and that�’s totally great. That said, don�’t immediately as-sume you�’ll be taking the reins when it comes to plan-ning the wedding.

Suss out what your son or daughter�’s expectations are by letting them know that if they need help with anything, you�’ll be there for them. And if there�’s something you�’d

speci cally like to contribute an idea to, speak up when the time comes. But speed-dial-ing the bride or groom-to-be for every last tidbit of wed-ding info? Let�’s just say there is such a thing as a momzilla.

3. Dress for the Occa-sion

Whether you�’re the moth-er of the bride or the groom, there are some easy rules of thumb to use when choosing your mother of the bride dress. First, follow the for-mality and style of the wed-ding�–if it�’s going to be a ca-sual beach affair, you�’re going to have to nix that black vel-vet gown, even if it does look great on you.

Second, if you�’re not sure, ask! Both the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom should get in touch with each other and the bride. The bride can help you by keeping you in the loop about her wedding gown, the wed-ding colors and so on. And while you don�’t need to match each other (or the brides-maids), it�’s usually a good idea for both the moms to have somewhat similar styles. The only major no-no? Skip the white (or any shade that�’s even close)! That hue is for the bride only.

4. Get On the Guest ListBe sure to talk to the bride

and groom-to-be about their expectations for the guest list. Yes, they might be envi-sioning a mega-reception lled with hundreds of friends and relatives�–but they could also be thinking of an inti-mate outdoor affair with just

a few of their nearest and dearest. Find out what their plans are for the guest list and your contribution to it (and remember, the other parents are going to want in-put, too!).

Once you know about how many people you can reason-ably invite, you can draw up your own guest list and pro-vide it to the bride and groom. If they�’re not sure how many people will work, a good idea is to put a star next to the guests you feel absolutely must be invited (don�’t forget to factor in any plus-ones).

5. Pick Your PrioritiesThere probably are some

things you would really love to see be part of the wedding, whether including your own mother�’s favorite ower in the bridal bouquet or getting your great-aunt Gertrude a good seat for the reception. But if you make a big deal out of everything single little de-tail, all you�’ll accomplish is driving the bride and groom crazy�–and chances are, they�’ll gure out your M.O. pretty quickly and stop budging on their decisions. And they�’re right: It�’s their wedding, not yours.

So here�’s a better plan: Choose a few things (say three) that you really, really want to be part of the wed-ding, and let the bride and groom know about them. Fo-cusing on just a couple of items on the wedding agenda, the ones that really matter to you, allows you to pick your battles wisely rather than ghting it out nonstop.

6. Meet the ParentsIf you haven�’t already,

once the engagement�’s been announced its key for you to meet up with your son or daughter�’s soon-to-be in-laws. The newly engaged cou-ple will likely initiate this, but if for some reason they don�’t, feel free to bring it up.

Just say something light like, �“Your dad and I are re-ally excited to meet Jane�’s parents.�” If they live hun-dreds of miles away, that�’s one thing. But if it�’s just nerves about combining the families, be clear with your tone that you�’re supportive of

the engagement and mar-riage, so of course you want to meet the new in-laws. Dinner at a nice, but still casual, res-taurant is usually the bestoption; that way, no one cou-ple has to feel the stress ofplaying hosts or worryingwhat fork to use, and every-one can just relax and get to know each other.

7. Be Their BackupSometimes, wedding

guests can be a bit demand-ing�–wanting an extra serving

Mother of the Bride: Top 8 Wedding Tips for MomsSo you�’re a �“mother-of-the...�”? Read on for our top 10 tips for helping with your daughter�’s (or son�’s) big day

See Page 26, MOTHER


2012 until nightfall on Tues-day, September 18, 2012

Yom Kippur (begins at sunset the night before)

Saturday, October 8, 2011Wednesday, September

26, 2012Hanukkah (begins at

sunset the night before)Wednesday, December 21,

until nightfall on Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Sunday, December 9, 2012 until nightfall on Sunday, December 18, 2012

ChristmasSunday, December 25,

2011Tuesday, December 25,

2012KwanzaaMonday, December 26,

2011, until Sunday, January 1, 2012

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 until nightfall on Tues-day, January 01, 2013

Costly HolidaysIf you�’re looking to marry

around Valentine�’s Day, be wary of your oral bill, espe-cially if you�’ve got your heart set on red roses�–they�’re likely to be more costly than at any other time of the year. Like-wise, reception sites often charge a higher fee for a New Year�’s Eve wedding.

Notable HolidaysApril Fool�’s Day: If you

and your ance are jokesters at heart, this could be the perfect wedding day for you.

If not, choose another day.Friday, April 1, 2011Sunday, April 1, 2012Mother�’s Day (always a

Sunday)Make sure your mom is

okay with sharing this week-end with your wedding�–but it could be the perfect opportu-nity to honor her. If you do choose it, make a toast to all the mothers in the room at your post-wedding brunch.

May 8, 2011May 13, 2012Father�’s Day (always a

Sunday)Ditto for Dad.June 19, 2011June 17, 2012HalloweenAvoid it if you�’re terri ed

that someone might actually show up in costume.

Monday, October 31, 2011Wednesday, October 31,

2012Days of RemembranceHistorically signi cant

days may cause a con ict of interest for some guests.

September 11, Patriot Day: It falls on a Sunday in 2011 and on a Tuesday in 2012.

December 7, Pearl Har-bor Remembrance Day: It falls on a Wednesday in 2011 and on a Friday in 2012.

Super Bowl SundayIf you don�’t live in the host

city and are marrying on the Saturday rather than the

Sunday of Super Bowl week-end, then the big game shouldn�’t affect your wedding too much�–unless you and your husband are diehard pigskin fans and can�’t bear to miss the big game instead of leaving on your honeymoon. If in doubt, steer clear of these dates and cities:

February 6, 2011, in Ar-lington, Texas

February 5, 2012, in India-napolis, Ind.

Final Four/March Mad-ness

Everyone loves the excite-ment of college b-ball (and betting on it!). Keep your sports fans at bay by avoiding these dates and cities: Satur-day, April 2, and Monday, April 4, 2011, in Houston, Texas; Saturday, March 31 and Monday, April 2, 2012 in New Orleans, La

Quirky Dates9/10/11 falls on a Saturday11/11/11 falls on a Friday10/11/12 falls on a Thurs-

day12/12/12/ falls on a

WednesdayOther Dates to AvoidCollege reunions and/or

homecomings, big conven-tions in your city (call your lo-cal chamber of commerce), and any annual charity events that involve your fam-ily or close friends.

�– Justine Lorelle Blanchard

DATES, continued from Page 3


(The Knot) Weddings are famous for toasts and the raising of glasses�–a few drinks of bubbly are essential for most couples and guests. But where does all that liquor come from? Setting up the bar takes planning, and we�’re here to show you your op-tions.

Drink UpHow much liquor will you

need for 100 guests? Talk to your bartender; in the mean-time, here are some averages:

* Beer: 5 to 6 cases* Whiskey: 1 liter* Bourbon: 1 liter* Gin: 2 to 3 liters* Scotch: 2 liters* Light rum: 1 liter* Vodka: 5 liters* Tequila: 1 liter* Champagne: 1 to 1 1/2

cases* Red wine: 2 cases* White wine: 3 1/2 cases* Dry vermouth: 1 bottle* Sweet vermouth: 1 bottle Knot Note: Ask if your bev-

erage catering service will

take back any unused alco-hol.

The Open BarAn open bar is the most

gracious approach�– no guest should pay for anything at the wedding�–but it�’s also the most expensive. Guests can order any drink on the plan-et, and you�’ll have to pick up the hefty tab when the par-ty�’s done. Because there�’s no limit, people may drink like guppies. Know anyone who tends to imbibe too much? Tell the bartender in ad-vance.

The Limited BarYou offer a selection of

drinks�–beer, wine and mixed vodka drinks, for example�–and set speci c consumption times, such as the cocktail hour, the toasts and an hour after dinner. Consider hiring waiters to pass drinks on trays rather than letting guests go up to the bar. You�’ll have to pay for the waiters, but you�’ll probably save mon-ey on alcohol, and fewer

guests will go overboard. If you limit the amount of time the bar is open, make sure the waiters circulate during dinner to re ll glasses of wa-ter and soda.

The Cash BarDon�’t have a cash bar

without a great reason (there really isn�’t one). After all, you don�’t invite people to your house for dinner and then charge them for the butter. Trust us on this one. It�’s not a good cost-cutting solution and is way too controversial.

A Dry HouseIf you, your families, and

most of your guests don�’t drink alcohol, skip it. Serve sparkling water, soda, and non-alcoholic mixed drinks instead. If you want some bubbly for toasting, go for some token champagne or sparkling cider.

Resources: Leslie Lamb, beverage catering director of Gordon�’s Fine Wines & Li-quors, Waltham, Mass.

How to Stock the Bar at Your Wedding Reception

An open bar is the most gracious approach -- no guest should pay for anything at the wedding -- but it�’s alsothe most expensive.


tropical colors and a casual outdoor setting.

The real trick here is that you don�’t want to upstage the wedding day. So if you�’re planning to have simple de-cor at your wedding recep-tion, it would be odd to order over-the-top oral centerpiec-es for the tables.

That said, a few small ar-rangements from your local orist will instantly perk up any space. Look beyond ow-ers too. Get colorful fabric for the tables and food areas and work with your theme.

Engagement Party Timeline

It�’s tradition for the father

of the bride to make the rst toast of the party, of cially announcing the engagement. But your mother, your an-ce�’s parents, or the host of the party could also step in to do this.

After the rst toast, you and your ance might want to take a moment to thank ev-eryone before opening up the oor to other friends and fam-ily who may want to speak. Other than the toasts, you�’ll want to have a little music. Hire a DJ, a local band, or keep it simple and ask a friend to man your iPod.

�–Elizabeth Narins

ENGAGEMENT, continued from Page 5

GROOM, continued from Page 11

will handle all the little de-tails that neither you nor your bride will want to deal with, and it�’ll be a relief to have a professional on hand to x any little mix-ups.

7. Don�’t Add InsultYour ancé may complain

about her mom who�’s being a control freak, or about her uncle who wants to bring his new girlfriend, or her cousin who wants to bring all four of her kids. Don�’t join in on the family bashing. Hear her out, agree with her, but don�’t take this opportunity to tell her the things about her family that annoys you. Her bad mood will pass, but your care-less comments may stick.

8. Arrange the AttireSend out detailed e-mails

to all your groomsmen lling them in on the relevant info for the formal wear�–let them know when and where to get tted for their tuxes, and re-mind them to return the suits the day after the wedding to avoid annoying late fees. Loop your ancé in on the e-mails to prove that you�’ve got everything under control. The more info you can share, the better. Got directions to the tux place? Include them. Don�’t assume they�’ll know anything about this stuff. Did you before you got engaged?

9. Manage Your MenKnow your friend who los-

es his car keys at least once a week? Probably better not to make him responsible for bringing your ring to the cer-

emony. And your buddy who tends to drink too much?Make sure one of your morereliable (or sober) groomsmenkeeps him from irting withyour ancé�’s mom at the re-hearsal dinner. Your guysdon�’t have to be saints, but they will have responsibili-ties, and it�’s your job to make sure they know what theyare.

10. Get SentimentalThe day of your wedding,

send her a gift, owers or a sweet note to read while she�’sgetting ready. Or, at the re-ception, pull the videogra-pher aside and tape a special message to her. She�’ll see it later and we promise, she�’lllove you all the more.

�– The Knot

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(The Knot) Choosing ow-ers for spring and summer weddings is a no-brainer: There are tons of varieties in season, and any sweet pastel or bright and sunny color scheme feels appropriate.

But if you want wedding owers that re ect the fall season in a chic and intrigu-ing way, it�’s a little more challenging. We�’ve quizzed some of our favorite orists and event designers on the latest trends in fall owers. The good news: Your options in the fall are as gorgeous and stylish as ever.

Think Textured Wed-ding Flowers

The hottest trend in fall wedding owers is lush, rich-ly hued arrangements with lots of interesting texture. In-stead of using just two or three types of blooms in your centerpieces, try a wide mix of owers coordinated with your color scheme.

For example, you could start with a base of classic owers and mix in feathery crocosmia and velvety cox-comb. Or you could add non- oral accents such as vibur-

num or hypericum berries, lotus pods, ddlehead ferns,or wooly lamb�’s ear leaves to make the arrangements more remarkable. For a distinctly fall touch, poppies with dark centers add visual depth and a dramatic element that an-nounces that summer is over.

Classic Wedding Flow-ers in Rich Hues

Although texture is key, classic owers still rule for fall weddings. Tailor them to the time of year by choosing more deep and dramatic shades than you would in the summer�–opt for classic au-

tumn hues or go with moreunexpected colors like auber-gine, copper and forest green.

Lush, elegant dahlias maybe the quintessential fallblossom since they come in allthe autumnal tones (red, bur-gundy, orange and plum). Ofcourse, roses will always be popular and are available in any hue you need for your fallcolor scheme. Also hot for fallweddings: antique hydran-geas in greens and purples,

Fall Weddings: Fall Wedding Flower TrendsRich hues, unique vases and unexpected elements are just a few of the hot trends in fall wedding owers.

The hottest trend in fall wedding owers is lush, richly hued arrangements with lots of interesting texture. Instead of using just two or three types of blooms in your center-pieces, try a wide mix of owers coordinated with your color scheme.

See Page 21, FALL


TAMMY�’S FLOWERS AND GIFTS�–The perfect place for all your wedding needs�– owers, cake decorations, reception and church decor�–as well as gifts for the happy couple! Visit Tammy�’s in the La tte Shopping Center or call 337.893.3005 for an appointment. Order online at www.tamms owersandgifts.com.

(The Knot) So many fabu-lous foods are especially suit-ed for the summer months, so it can be hard to choose the menu for your summer wed-ding. Just think of all those great memories of savory cookouts and sweet treats at carnivals. We�’ve consulted some top wedding pros to get the trendiest food and drink ideas for your summer wed-ding.

Refreshing DrinksLet guests slake their

thirst�–and get the party started�–by offering a fabu-

lous selection of drinks. Non-alcoholic lemonade or iced tea bars are very popular. Dis-playing different avors (and colors!) of lemonade or tea in giant glass jugs along with cut fruit for garnishes makes for a lovely, decorative setup during your cocktail hour or reception.

More ideas: When it comes to cocktails, think light and refreshing. Two new favor-ites: hibiscus iced tea with raspberry liqueur and citron vodka; and spiked cucumber-mint lemonade. For the lat-

ter, take vodka and simple syrup pressed with mint (similar to making a mojito), mix with lemonade, and gar-nish with a slice of cucumber for a fun signature cocktail.

Cool AppetizersIcy apps can help hot

guests cool down during your cocktail hour or reception. Shrimp cocktail on ice is al-ways refreshing. While ice sculpture raw bars remain popular, if that�’s not your style, consider serving indi-vidual shrimp set on cups of shaved ice.

More ideas: Anything min-iature is hugely popular for weddings of all seasons. For a summer wedding, think of seasonally inspired options like shots of gazpacho served in carved-out cucumber cups or mini Caesar salads.

Sizzling Entree Selec-tions

Summer is the season for barbecuing, so consider serv-ing a grilled entree for instant seasonal style. Rather than going for heavier fare like steak or pulled pork, stick to the lighter side with chicken or sh. Bringing in fruity a-vors will add even more sea-sonal air�–think chili-lime rubbed chicken breasts or

grilled tilapia topped with mango salsa.

More ideas: Go for upscale picnic-style fare, which isboth a low-maintenance andhigh-style way to go. One ex-ample menu we love: coconut-fried chicken served with dip-ping sauces, red bliss potato salad and mandarin orange and mesclun salad with rasp-berry vinaigrette. The options are endless (and delicious!).

Desserts Double as De-cor

Serving a dessert in addi-tion to the wedding cake ismore popular than ever and a

Summer Weddings: Catering Ideas for Summer Weddings

See Page 20, SUMMER


(The Knot) Weddings aren�’t just spring and sum-mer affairs these days. More and more couples are opting to marry during what used to be the �“off season�” for nup-tials, and why not? The ro-mantic ambience of a snowy landscape, the relative lack of competition for vendors and

sites�–there�’s lots to love about having a winter wedding. Read on for some of our tips on how to make yours memo-rable.

Don�’t: Be Afraid to Ex-periment With Color

You shouldn�’t feel bound to a palette of winter whites, greens and reds that tradi-

tionally surround the holiday season. Why not choose bold, bright colors and create a tropical wonderland of mango oranges, Key lime greens or pineapple yellows? It sounds counterintuitive, but it can actually create a fun, unex-pected setting for your guests.

Do: Dress Your Brides-

maids in Style...Throw out the old-school

rules that say you have to wear certain fabrics depend-ing on the time of year you�’re getting married.

It�’s completely okay to choose a strapless dress rath-er than one with long sleeves, or silk charmeuse rather than

double-faced satin�–go with whatever works for your wed-ding style and your brides-maids�’ bodies.

...But Don�’t: Leave Them Freezing!

Dos and Don�’ts of Winter WeddingsTemperatures are dropping, snow is falling�–and for you, wedding bells are ringing!Here are our tips to make your winter wedding fabulous.

See Page 21, WINTER


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CHANGEZ SALON�–Located at 103 Rue Centre, Farm Bureau Center, Changez Salon will help you look your best for your wedding day and parties. They specialize in hair styles, color, waxing and hi-lites. Call 898-8395 for your appointment. Pictured above are Jenny Falgout, Shann Guidry and Lori Frederick, owner.

great way to season-ize your menu. Give your dessert dou-ble impact by choosing a sweet treat that echoes the ambience of your event. Con-sider serving a mini-scoop trio of sorbet that mimics the colors of your wedding. With so many avors to choose from�–melon, lime, raspberry, mango and more�–you�’re sure to nd something yummy that suits your style.

More ideas: Create �“des-sert gardens�” by having your caterer attach small pieces of

cheesecake or chocolate to lol-lipop sticks and displaying them in a fresh bed of wheat-grass. They�’re as cute andchic as they are easy to eat for a late-night snack to polish off a perfect evening.

Special thanks to: Miriam Phalen, owner and eventplanner, Sterling Events LLC, New York, N.Y.; Lori Stephenson, owner and se-nior event consultant, LOLA Event Productions, Chicago, Ill.

�– Kate Wood

SUMMER, continued from Page 18

Display different avors (and colors!) of lemonade or tea in giant glass jugs along with cut fruit for garnish-es.


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and deep crimson calla lilies.Pick a Polished Wed-

ding BouquetLoosely tied bouquets that

look like they were just gath-ered from an English garden are a natural choice for many brides during the spring and summer, but for fall wed-dings, bouquets can be more structured.

Think densely packed, dome-shaped bouquets in a color scheme such as red, brick and plum. Instead of leaving stems exposed, trend-conscious orists wrap them in textured fabric, velvet sashes or ribbons. The groomsmen boutonnieres can be similarly polished�–instead of a bare stem, choose bouton-nieres wrapped in satin or grosgrain ribbon for your wedding party.

Use Plants as Reception Centerpieces

Succulents are a hugely popular landscaping trend right now, and stylish brides are working them into their centerpieces too. They�’re sea-sonless but come in deep, fall-appropriate hues like auber-gine, cactus green and pomegranate.

Since their leaves look like petals, succulents mix easily with owers, and they�’re a natural choice for weddings in the Southwest.

Bypass Boring Glass Vases

For centerpieces, unique containers are de rigueur.

Classic glass vases may feel right in summer, but for fall, style-conscious couples are using everything from eye-catching copper pots to silver trophy cups and gold-leaf vases, or going earthy with containers made of wood or covered in lichen.

Mismatched antique urns or pots from the ea market are also popular. Use a collec-tion of pots in different sizes�–as many as ve per table�–that your guests can take home at the end of the eve-ning. If you decide on glass vases, you can add a distinct-ly fall feel by using wheat berries or millet as a base for the owers.

Go GreenEco-conscious couples and

their orists are focusing on using locally grown organic owers. One eco-friendly wedding tip for your owers: Stick to owers grown near the wedding site, which less-ens your environmental im-pact, rather than ying ow-ers in from another continent.

Organically grown blooms spare the earth (and your guests) from exposure to po-tentially harmful chemicals. It�’s also a great way to sup-port nearby nurseries and celebrate the local region.

�– The Knot

FALL, continued from Page 17

Remember, though, you can�’t be overly picky about what they wear when your bridesmaids are outdoors (which they will be, even if it�’s just to dash from the limo to the church). If you�’ve opted for glitzy heels that would be hazardous in snow (let alone ice), be okay with them toting along sneakers or boots to get from one place to the next. And obviously, coats are a must�–in most parts of the country, it�’ll take more than a

pashmina to ward off the winter chill.

Do: Create a Cozy Re-

WINTER, continued from Page 19

Just because you choose to have a winter wedding does not mean you have to getmarried during a snow storm. Guests are more likely to appreciate a winter won-derland...inside.

See Page 23, WINTER


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( at screen tv available)IMAGES HAIR SALON�–We offer hairstyling and make-up for that special occasion. Let Nancy or Amy assist you with all your beauty needs to look beautiful for your special day. Call 898-8531 for an appointment.

(The Knot) Whether you want a bridal party made up of your 18 nearest and dear-est or you�’ve decided to keep it intimate, we�’ve tracked down the latest and greatest bridesmaids trends. Here are our seven favorites.

Asking ReinventedBrides are getting more

and more creative about how they ask friends to be bridesmaids. Think of a fun

way to honor the moment. Write a poem that ends with your request, place it in a sil-ver frame, and mail it. Send a friend an arrangement of owers with a note that reads, �“You�’ve been there for me through everything�–please do me the honor of be-ing my bridesmaid!�”

Or, if you�’re feeling really creative, send them pieces to a puzzle that, when put to-

gether, spells out your special request.

Man of HonorIf the person you�’re closest

to happens to be your brother (or another guy), there�’s noth-ing wrong with having him take the place of the tradi-tional maid of honor. This is also a great idea if you don�’t want to choose between your BFFs (best female friends).

Hemlines on the Rise

Flying in the face of tra-dition, many designers are choosing to show a little leg. Tea-length bridesmaid dress-es are the new fun, feminine and irty standard. With these dresses, fabric, not length, determines formality. The added bene t? These less �“bridesmaidy�” dresses can be worn again and again.

Color Is HotBrides are following their

fashion instincts and keeping up with trends by choosing bold colors (hot pink, bright aqua and kelly green to name

a few) either as the main dress hue or as hip accents(such as a sash or hemlinetrim).

Coed PartiesMore and more brides-

maids are planning the bach-elorette party on the samenight as the bachelor party.In some cases, the partiesare combined. Wedding par-ties are planning individual scavenger hunts for the bride and groom where the nal

Top 7 Bridesmaid TrendsWhat�’s hot in the world of bridesmaids right now�–from choosing shorter bridesmaid dresses to picking a man for a maid.

See Page 23, BRIDESMAID


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MAGDALEN PLACE�–We offer complete full service reception and banquet packages in an elegant atmosphere in the heart of Abbeville�’s beautiful, historic downtown district. Magda-len Place�’s on staff bridal consultant would love to help you plan your wedding or banquet. Call today to start planning your special occasion at 893-6161.

ception...There are plenty of ways to

make your reception an even more inviting space. With the sun setting early, candles will create a romantic glow right from the start of your party. To add to the ambience, con-sider bringing in lush, soft textures: Think velvet ribbon tied around each napkin or chenille pillows and throws in a lounge area.

...But Don�’t: Let It Over-heat

Okay, we know it�’s cold outside, but things may heat up on your dance oor. If it seems like guests are break-ing a serious sweat, ask your wedding coordinator or site manager to turn the heat down a notch. Another op-

tion: If there are separate thermostats for different ar-eas of your reception space, set the one for the dance oor area a few degrees lower.

Do: Be Gracious to Your Guests...

There are tons of winter-inspired ways you can thank your guests for joining you at your wedding. Winter- or hol-iday-themed favors are al-ways favorites, like orna-ments with each guest�’s name on them before Christmas or delectable truf es near Val-entine�’s Day.

Another option is do an extra late-night snack. We love the idea of giving out hot cocoa with shortbread cookies or mulled apple cider with gingerbread.

...But Don�’t: Leave Them Out in the Cold!

If you want to have a re-ceiving line, plan ahead of time how it will work so guests aren�’t left freezing outside. If your ceremony space has a large enough en-tryway or vestibule, you may be able to wait there and have guests greet you after the cer-emony.

To hold a receiving line at the reception, do it inside rather than greeting guests as they enter. That way, when the line starts to bottle-neck, guests in the back aren�’t left waiting (and shiv-ering) to get indoors.

�– Kate Wood

WINTER, continued from Page 21

clue leads them to the same place, or they�’re doing some-thing less secretive, like all meeting at a club at the end of the night. Either way, with all your friends around, both male and female, it�’s sure to be a blast.

Kids-only PartyThe English have been

creating all-kid bridal par-ties for decades, and there�’s no reason you can�’t adopt this trend from across the pond. Instead of casting brides-maids (i.e., grownups), just include ring bearers, ower girls, usherettes, and junior

bridesmaids. This will lead to adorable pictures, and make you stand out even morewalking down the aisle. Now who wouldn�’t want that?

Special Guest StarsFind meaningful ways to

involve family and friends without asking them to be of- cial members of your bridal party. Invite them to do a reading at the ceremony, hold a post of the huppah, pass out wedding programs, seatguests, or keep you company(and lend a helping hand) while you�’re getting dressed.

�– The Knot

BRIDESMAID, continued from Page 22


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DESTINATION WEDDING�–Jonathan and Lauren (Agui-lar) Sons of Kaplan married on May 27, 2007, with a destina-tion wedding at El Presidente Hotel and Resort in Cozumel, Mexico. The couple enjoyed their honeymoon at Puerto Aven-tura, Riviera and Maya, Mexico.


at the reception, extensive face-time with the bride, or letting their �‘talented�’ young-ster play a solo at the ceremo-ny.

You need to help out the bride and groom by being their rst line of defense; or if that fails, being their backup. If guests come to you with complaints, deal with it tact-fully by saying something like, �“I�’m sure Jane and Joe would love to be able to seat all of your children and their dates at the reception, but they�’re working with a limit-ed budget and need to keep the wedding small.

I know your being there really matters to them though, which is why they in-cluded you even though they weren�’t able to invite your

whole family.�” A statement like this accomplishes three things: It makes the guest feel better, it lets the bride and groom off the hook with-out coming off badly, and at the same time, it doesn�’t give in to guests�’ pushy pleas.

8. Tame a Bride(or Groom)-zilla

Sometimes, it�’s not just the guests�–the bride or groom can get out of line with their requests. If you�’ve got a bri-dezilla (or a groomzilla!) on your hands, you need to give them a little perspective.

While an important role for a mom is being a shoulder to cry on, if they�’re making everyone else miserable, a little tough love might be in order. If they�’re going ballis-tic over every last detail, lis-

ten to their tale of woe�–then remind them that the wed-ding is just one day. Their love and marriage are the im-portant things, not whether the orist is going to substi-tute spray roses for the ra-nunculus.

If it�’s more of an attitude issue, remind them�–jokingly�–that they want the wedding party to be smiling for the wedding photos! Then ask if you there are any tasks�–things the bride or groom might have taken on them-selves, or things they�’re dele-gating to their attendants�–that you or another relative can help out with to try to re-lieve some of the stress.

�– Kate Wood

MOTHER, continued from Page 13

Don�’t immediately assume you�’ll be taking the reinswhen it comes to planning the wedding.

RACHEL�’S SWEET SHOP�–Your wedding cake is sure to appeal to the eyes and taste buds when Rachel�’s Sweet Shop designs it. From petit fours to grooms�’ cakes to wedding cakes, call Rachel�’s Sweet Shop at 893-1114 to place your order.

(Family Features) Wheth-er it�’s set in the great out-doors, a lavish ballroom, the couple�’s favorite restaurant or at home, the wedding re-ception is a special time for newlyweds to celebrate with family and friends.

The signature dessert�–cake�–is usually the center-piece for this occasion, a con-tinuing re ection of the wedding theme and colors. An assortment of cupcakes or a tower of layers allows to-day�’s cakes to take almost any form�–from square to round, even pillow or heart-shaped. This stunning, all-white creation from the wed-ding experts at Wilton is both simple yet elegant. Cake lay-ers are covered in pure white fondant, while additional bands of fondant glistening with white sparkling sugar decorate the bottom of each tier. Dots of sugar pearl sprinkles, resembling perfect pearls add a hint of texture, while a gem-studded mono-gram topper adds the nish-ing touch.

This unique, do-it-yourself wedding topper kit can easily be customized�…with one ini-tial, two or a trio. Self-adhe-sive crystal-like gems are used to trace the initials onto the clear disc. Gems can also be used to create a border or other complementary design. After the reception, it makes a perfect keepsake for the couple that will be treasured for years to come.

Guests will want to raise a glass in honor of the newly-weds with the timeless cus-tom of a champagne toast. Decorated utes for the bride and groom create a long-last-ing memory of this special

tradition. Individual boxes are ideal

for truf es or other candies to send home with guests. Tie with ribbons re ecting the color theme of the wedding. Another fun memento is a mini champagne bottle favor that can be lled with small candies. Attach a label with a

personalized message. Make it elegant or simple�…and al-ways make it meaningful and memorable.

For more do-it-yourself wedding ideas, favors and ac-cessories, visit www.wilton.com.

Source: Wilton Products


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A FLOWER COTTAGE�–Abbeville�’s A Flower Cottage is owned by Tonya Trahan, one of less than a hundred Louisiana Master Florists. �“We are so proud to be a part of Abbeville�’s busi-ness community and we invite everyone to visit us and see how we can create the unique oral arrangements for your wedding parties and special events,�” says Trahan.

(The Knot) Everyone�’s got a know-it-all in the family: the uncle who spits out World Series stats at the drop of a hat, the sister who can list all the James Bond icks in reverse chronological order, the reptile-enthusiast cousin. We�’re proud to be your wed-ding equivalent�–here are 50 wedding facts to ponder as you plan your big day:

Good Luck and Bad Luck

1. Hey, brides, tuck a sugar cube into your glove�– according to Greek culture, the sugar will sweeten your union.

2. The English believe a spider found in a wedding dress means good luck. Yikes!

3. In English tradition, Wednesday is considered the �“best day�” to marry, although Monday is for wealth andTuesday is for health.

4. The groom carries the bride across the threshold to bravely protect her from evil spirits lurking below.

5. Saturday is the unlucki-est wedding day, according to English folklore. Funny�–it�’s the most popular day of the week to marry!

6. Ancient Romans studied pig entrails to determine the luckiest time to marry.

7. Rain on your wedding

50 Wedding Facts & Trivia

See Page 37, TRIVIA


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(The Knot) There�’s a lot more to being a �“father of the...�” than just nodding and handing over your credit card! And we�’re not just say-ing that because many cou-ples these days are funding their own nuptials. Here�’s how you can get involved.

1. Make a Money PlanRemember what we said

about your credit card? Be-fore that even becomes an is-sue, powwow with your part-ner about your plans for

funding the festivities. The newly engaged couple might be, as we mentioned, plan-ning to pay for it themselves.

But if they�’re not, plan out in advance how much you�’re willing to pitch in for the wed-ding. And once you�’ve set a limit, stick with it�–if you let that �“daddy�’s little girl�” rou-tine work on you once, it�’s only going to work on you again and again!

2. Play Your PartSorry, but being a guy

doesn�’t give you license to sit this one out. Weddings can be a lot of work, and the bride and groom are likely to need all the help they can get. Ask your son or daughter if there�’s anything you can help out with. If you�’ve got a green thumb, maybe you can visit the orist with them. A sweet tooth? Tag along for the cake tasting.

3. Keep the PeaceTensions can run high

sometimes, and you might

sometimes nd yourself in the position of mediating be-tween two warring parties who are both very close to you�–like your wife and your daughter. Do your best to keep things running smooth-ly by listening to both sides of the story, and try to help hash out a compromise.

4. Grab Your Tux...If the groom and grooms-

men are wearing tuxes, you will too. If you�’re renting a tuxedo, you�’ll want to rent from a shop near where the wedding�’s happening�–that way, the tuxes will be ready and waiting right where you are.

Go to your local tux shop (if it�’s not the one you�’ll be picking up at, formalwear chains will usually be willing to send your measurements and order to any of their loca-tions) to get tted about three months before the big day. Don�’t forget to ask about all the extras�–think of anything you�’ll need, from suspenders

to shoes.5. ...Or Your Best SuitIf the wedding�’s less for-

mal, your attire might be to-tally different. Look to the bride and groom to give you your style cues (or if you�’re really fashion-challenged, to tell you exactly what to wear). Many weddings today are more casual, so don�’t be sur-prised if you wind up in a linen suit or a guayabera anddark pants for a summer af-fair.

6. Be There for ThemWe can�’t say it enough: Be-

tween dealing with vendors,dealing with the wedding party, and dealing with guests, wedding planning canlead to some sticky situa-tions. When your son, daugh-ter, or wife gets really stressed out, it�’s important for you to be there as a sound-ing board for advice. Whenthings get tough, they need to

Father of the Bride: Top 10 Wedding Tips for DadsFather of the bride... or the groom? Read on for our top 10 tips to help you get involved in their wedding.

See Page 32, FATHER

(The Knot) Forget the ar-chaic rule that says certain people have to pay for certain things. The bride�’s parents need not take out a third mortgage to pay for the wed-ding, and the groom�’s parents are not off the hook either.

Besides, the two of you might even be covering a good chunk of the expenses your-selves. The best way to work it out? Sit down with pencil, paper and calculator and g-ure out what you really want and can afford. Keep in mind that informal weddings are usually smaller (and there-fore cheaper), and formal weddings tend to be larger (and therefore more expen-sive).

Here�’s a list of the tradi-

tional costs for everyone in-volved�–but remember, these �“rules�” are made to be bro-ken!

Ceremony* Bride and family pay for

church or synagogue, sexton, organist, etc.

* Groom and family pay for marriage license and of -ciant�’s fee.

Clothes* Bride and family pay for

bride�’s dress, veil, accessories and trousseau.

* Groom and family pay for groom�’s out t.

* All attendants pay for their own clothing (including shoes).

Flowers* Bride and family pay for

arrangements for church (in-

cluding huppah if a Jewish wedding ceremony) and re-ception, plus bouquets and corsages for bridesmaids and ower girls.

* Groom and family pay for bride�’s bouquet and going-away corsage, boutonnieres for men, and corsages for mothers and grandmothers.

Honeymoon* Groom and family pay

for complete honeymoon.Photography* Bride and family pay for

all wedding photos and video.Prewedding Parties* Bride or groom�’s family

plans and hosts engagement party; if there is more than one, bride�’s family hosts the rst one.

* Groom�’s family plans

and hosts the rehearsal din-ner.

* Bride plans and hosts bridesmaids�’ luncheon.

* Groom hosts and plans bachelors�’ dinner.

* Maid of honor and brides-maids host shower.

* Best man and ushers host bachelor party.

* Friends may throw addi-tional engagement parties or showers.

Reception* Bride and family pay for

all professional services, in-cluding food, drink, decora-

tions and music.Rings* Bride and/or her family

pay for groom�’s ring.* Groom and/or his family

pay for both of the bride�’s rings.

Stationery* Bride and family pay for

invitations, announcementsand wedding programs.

Transportation* Bride and family pay for

wedding transportation ofbridal party to and from cer-emony and reception.

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Wedding Budget: Who Pays for WhatWedding cost-splitting basics for the couple�’s families.

Sit down with pencil, paper, and calculator and gure out what you really want and can afford.


Magdalen Place

S!yle & Elegance

SPRING, continued from Page 6

Choose a spring color, and use a slightly different shade of fabric on each reception table. Your tables will look uni ed, but not matchy-match.

* Give bulbs or packets of ower seeds that guests can plant in their gardens or win-dow boxes, tagged with a per-sonalized label.

* Be benevolent and offer a charitable donation to plant a tree in each guest�’s name.

* Offer mini potted herbs at each place setting to en-hance a garden theme.

�– Allison Micarelli

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know dear old dad is on their side.

7. Put Your Best Foot Forward

Whether you�’re dancing with your daughter or your wife, there�’s a decent chance

that for at least one song dur-ing the reception, all eyes will be on you. Dancing not really your thing? Then you de -nitely need to get ready for your turn in the spotlight. A couple of dance lessons might

be in order if you want to be able to surprise the bride with your moves. If you�’re not feeling so bold, practicing with your wife at home is an easy (and romantic) solution to your dance dilemma.

8. Say a Few WordsWhether at the rehearsal

dinner or the wedding (or sometimes both), it�’s custom-ary for the dads to give a little toast to the happy couple. Not sure what to say? Rather than rambling, it�’s always best to stick to the basics. Thank everyone for being there, tell everyone how hap-py and proud you�’re feeling at that moment, then raise your glass to the bride and groom. See, that wasn�’t too tough, was it?

9. Don�’t OverindulgeWhen you�’re the father of

the bride or the groom, every-one wants to congratulate you, shake your hand...and have a drink. We�’re all for the former, but you need to keep tabs on the latter. Maintain-ing a celebratory mood is ne,

getting completely plasteredis not. After all, you want to remember seeing all your old friends again and meetingnew ones�–not the momentwhen you grabbed the mic for an impromptu drunken ren-dition of �“My Girl.�”

10. Have Fun!On the wedding day,

there�’s lots for you to do. Walk down the aisle. Accepteveryone�’s congratulations. Dance with your daughter or your new daughter-in-law�–don�’t forget to tell her how beautiful she looks! And ofcourse, take a minute or two to take it all in. It�’s not just a big day for the bride andgroom, it�’s a celebration foryour entire family.

�– Kate Wood

FATHER, continued from Page 29

A couple of dance lessons might be in order if you want to be able to surprise the bride with your moves.


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Make Jim�’s your One Stop Wedding Shop. Make Jim�’s your One Stop Wedding Shop.

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Dr. Amy Rumbaugh-Durr at Abbeville Chiropractic Clinic is a fully accredited spine specialist able to provide you with high quality care. Abbeville Chiropractic is lo-cated at 2619 South Drive, Abbeville and can be reached at 893-4353. Their hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 8:30 a.m. until noon on Friday.

(The Knot) Too often for couples, honeymoons are an afterthought to wedding planning. Renee Duane of Unforgettable Honeymoons says approaching your get-away in this manner is a mis-take.

�“A honeymoon is an in-vestment in memories for the rest of your life,�” she says. �“Don�’t take chances with it.�” Instead, she recommends starting with a conversation.

�“Sit down and talk about the level of luxury and priva-cy you want, what you want to do every day, and the type of nightlife you desire,�” says Duane. But don�’t despair if you reach an impasse.

We�’ve put together several

pro les to help you nd the perfect escape to t your per-sonalities.

Tan FansThose partial to surf and

turf need to get on the same wavelength when choosing where to share a beach blan-ket. Social creatures who thrive on team sports might prefer the communal atmo-sphere of an all-inclusive beach resort.

There you can mingle with other newlyweds over a sand-castle building contest, get competitive with a game of beach volleyball, or forge new

Honeymoon Planning: Finding Your Perfect Destination

See Page 38, HONEYMOON

A honeymoon is an investment in memories for the rest of your life.


(337) 981-7870

(The Knot) Ceremony Location

Many military weddings take place at military cha-pels or on academy grounds (Army, Navy or Air Force). If you�’d like to use another loca-tion, run it by your installa-tion. Most military chapels are like other in-demand ceremony sites�–you need to reserve them at least a year ahead of time, often by ap-plying in writing to the chap-lain�’s of ce.

All service academies have more than one chapel; at the Air Force Academy, for ex-ample, there are Protestant, Catholic and Jewish chapels. To marry in a military cha-pel at a service academy, you must be a graduate or one of the following: a dependent of a graduate; an of cer or en-listed person assigned to the academy complex, or his or her dependents; or a faculty or staff member, active or retired, or his or her depen-dents.

There will probably be no charge for the use of the chapel, but a donation to the chapel fund will be expected. Rules for decorating military chapels vary across the coun-try, but all owers, candela-bra and other decor are ar-ranged by the Chapel Altar Guild and are the same for all weddings. Some chapels and churches do not furnish decorations; the couple plans them themselves.

Choosing An Of ciantIf you marry in a military

chapel, the chaplain will perform your ceremony, and when you reserve the cha-pel you�’ll arrange a meeting. A few sessions of prewed-

ding counseling may also be required. If you�’d like your civilian clergyperson to co-of- ciate, talk to both of ciants early about the possibility.

Chaplains are commis-sioned of cers and are paid by the service they represent; you do not need to pay them a fee (although you should make a donation to the cha-pel; see above). It�’s customary to offer any assisting civilian clergyman an honorarium.

The Arch Of SabersAfter the ceremony the

newlyweds walk through an arch of sabers, which are curved swords with only one edge. Actual swords are used in a Naval wedding. The arch is not mandatory, but it�’s def-initely a memorable part of a military ceremony.

On most bases, at least one chapel or an honor guard usually has sabers available for wedding ceremonies. An-

other possible source is the local ROTC unit. The arch is usually formed outside of the church or chapel; tradition-ally, a sword should never be unsheathed inside a religious sanctuary.

Only commissioned of- cers can carry sabers or swords and participate in this ceremony. (The Marine Corps is the exception, with NCOs also authorized to car-ry them.) Often the military groomsmen participate, but other of cers (guests, per-haps) may be designated to help create the arch. Usually 6-8 of cers are included.

The head usher usually is-sues the commands, starting with �“Center face,�” the sig-nal to form two facing lines. When the order �“Arch sabers�” (or �“Draw swords�”) is given, each usher raises his sa-ber, cutting edge up, to form the arch. Of cers have been

known to detour from tradi-tion, announcing the couple (�“Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Lieutenant and Mrs. Smith�”) or lowering the nal two sabers to block the couple�’s way and demand that they kiss!

A Marine Corps tradi-tion, often adopted by the Air

Force, is for the last saberbearer to �“tap�” the bride with his saber and say, �“Welcome to the Air Force, Ma�’am.�”

The ReceptionMilitary receptions at

academies or bases are oftenheld at of cers�’ or enlisted clubs on the installation, or you can have a traditional ho-tel or restaurant reception.

Military guests are tradi-tionally shown to their seats in order of rank. You mightplay at bit of regimental mu-sic, including the theme songof the bride�’s and/or groom�’sbranch of service. Decora-tions could include American ags and/or the standards of your unit(s) in addition to owers.

The highlight of a mili-tary reception comes whenthe bride and groom cut the cake using a saber or sword,one belonging to the groom if he owns one. The groom pres-ents it to the bride and shecuts a slice of the wedding cake with the groom�’s right hand resting over hers.

�– Tracy Guth

Military Weddings: Ceremony and Reception

After the ceremony the newlyweds walk through an arch of sabers, which are curved swords with only one edge. Actual swords are used in a Naval wedding


(The Knot) It doesn�’t take a time machine�–or a fortune�–to get the vintage wedding of your dreams. Here are a few simple ideas to give your big day some old-fashioned air.

Picture ThisTake a cue from the ro-

mance greats by staging en-gagement photos like iconic movie scenes. Check out �“Ro-man Holiday,�” �“Casablanca,�” �“Meet Me in St. Louis�” and �“Gone With The Wind�” for inspiration, then hire a pho-tographer and start posing like Audrey and Bogie. Use the photos on your save-the-dates or set them up at recep-tion tables.

Send a MessageThrowback stationery

styles, like letterpress print-ing and tea-stained papers, can instantly enrich your invitations with nostalgic charm. Another idea is to de-sign the invite to look like a telegram or an old Hollywood marquee (check a Web site like Chisholm-Poster.com for inspiration). Complete the look with a wax seal and a stamp of your monogram.

Add AccessoriesDress up your bridal par-

ty in accessories like pillbox hats, birdcage veils and Art Deco jewelry for instant vin-tage glamour. Small capes or stoles will help them keep

warm at a fall or winter wed-ding, and pretty parasols make adorable spring and summer accessories.

Make It SparkleExtend the romantic glitz

into your decor. Pin vintage brooches to your escort cards. Arrange small hatboxes on tables for a centerpiece. You can even place a few antique trunks around your recep-tion space�–throw some cush-ions on top to create eclectic seating for guests who take a break from the dance oor.

Lace It UpIntricate lace can give

almost anything a vintage touch. Mimic your dress�’ lace pattern in unexpected plac-

es, like in the fondant icing of your wedding cake or the edging of your invitations. To avoid ashbacks of your kindergarten valentines, streamline the look by using a piece of lace as a stencil: Simply place an extra strip of lace on the paper, paint over it, and remove the fabric to reveal the pattern on your in-vites or escort cards.

Keep It SimpleWhen it comes to vintage

wedding decor, less is more.

Muted colors, scores of can-dles and greenery, and maybe a glittery chandelier or two are really all you need to cre-ate a romantic atmosphere that harkens back to simpler times. If you can�’t resist a little kitsch, arrange antique knickknacks, like salt andpepper shakers or perfume bottles, on tables for a quirky-but-charming touch.

�– Justine Lorelle Blanchard

6 Easy Vintage Wedding Style IdeasIt doesn�’t take a time machine�–or a fortune�–to get the vintage wedding of your dreams.Here are a few simple ideas to give your big day some old-fashioned air.

Dress up your bridal par-ty in accessories like pill-box hats, birdcage veils, and Art Deco jewelry for instant vintage glamour. Extend the romantic glitz into your decor. Pin vin-tage brooches to your es-cort cards. Intricate lace can give almost anything a vintage touch. Mimic your dress�’ lace pattern in unexpected places, like in the fondant icing of your wedding cake or the edg-ing of your invitations.

day is actually considered good luck, according to Hindu tradition!

8. For good luck, Egyptian women pinch the bride on her wedding day. Ouch!

9. Middle Eastern brides paint henna on their hands and feet to protect themselves from the evil eye.

10. Peas are thrown at Czech newlyweds instead of rice.

11. A Swedish bride puts a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe to ensure that she�’ll never do without.

12. A Finnish bride tra-ditionally went door-to-door collecting gifts in a pillow-case, accompanied by an older married man who rep-resented long marriage.

13. Moroccan women take a milk bath to purify them-selves before their wedding ceremony.

14. In Holland, a pine tree is planted outside the new-lyweds�’ home as a symbol of fertility and luck.

It�’s Got a Ring To It15. Engagement and wed-

ding rings are worn on the fourth nger of the left hand because it was once thought that a vein in that nger led directly to the heart.

16. About 70 percent of all brides sport the traditional diamond on the fourth nger of their left hand.

17. Priscilla Presley�’s en-gagement ring was a whop-ping 3 1/2-carat rock sur-rounded by a detachable row of smaller diamonds.

18. Diamonds set in gold or silver became popular as be-

trothal rings among wealthy Venetians toward the end of the fteenth century.

19. In the symbolic lan-guage of jewels, a sapphire in a wedding ring means mari-tal happiness.

20. A pearl engagement ring is said to be bad luck be-cause its shape echoes that of a tear.

21. One of history�’s earliest engagement rings was given to Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII. She was two years old at the time.

22. Seventeen tons of gold are made into wedding rings each year in the United States!

23. Snake rings dotted with ruby eyes were popular wedding bands in Victorian England�–the coils winding into a circle symbolized eter-nity.

24. Aquamarine repre-sents marital harmony and is said to ensure a long, happy marriage.

Fashionable Lore25. Queen Victoria started

the Western world�’s white wedding dress trend in 1840�–before then, brides simply wore their best dress.

26. In Asia, wearing robes with embroidered cranes symbolizes delity for the length of a marriage.

27. Ancient Greeks and Romans thought the veil protected the bride from evil spirits. Brides have worn veils ever since.

28. On her wedding day, Grace Kelly wore a dress with a bodice made from beautiful 125-year-old lace.

29. Of course, Jackie Ken-

nedy�’s bridesmaids were far from frumpy. She chose pink silk faille and red satin gowns created by black designer Ann Lowe (also the creator of Jackie�’s dress).

30. In Japan, white was always the color of choice for bridal ensembles�–long before Queen Victoria popularized it in the Western world.

31. Most expensive wed-ding ever? The marriage of Sheik Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum�’s son to Princess Salama in Dubai in May 1981. The price tag? $44 mil-lion.

32. In Korea, brides don bright hues of red and yellow to take their vows.

33. Brides carry or wear �“something old�” on their wed-ding day to symbolize conti-nuity with the past.

34. In Denmark, brides and grooms traditionally cross-dressed to confuse evil spirits!

35. The �“something blue�” in a bridal ensemble symbol-izes purity, delity and love.

Food and Family36. In Egypt, the bride�’s

family traditionally does all the cooking for a week after the wedding, so the couple can�…relax.

37. In South Africa, the parents of both bride and groom traditionally carried re from their hearths to light a new re in the newly-weds�’ hearth.

38. The tradition of a wed-ding cake comes from ancient Rome, where revelers broke a loaf of bread over a bride�’s head for fertility�’s sake.

39. The custom of tiered

cakes emerged from a game where the bride and groom attempted to kiss over an ever-higher cake without knocking it over.

40. Queen Victoria�’s wed-ding cake weighed a whop-ping 300 pounds.

41. Legend says single women will dream of their future husbands if they sleep with a slice of groom�’s cake under their pillows.

42. An old wives�’ tale: If the younger of two sisters marries rst, the older sister must dance barefoot at the wedding or risk never land-ing a husband.

Show Off at a Cocktail Party

43. In many cultures around the world�–including Celtic, Hindu and Egyptian weddings�–the hands of a bride and groom are literally tied together to demonstrate the couple�’s commitment to each other and their new bond as a married couple (giving us the popular phrase �“tying the knot�”).

44. The Roman goddess Juno rules over marriage, the

hearth and childbirth, hencethe popularity of June wed-dings.

45. Princess Victoria es-tablished the tradition ofplaying Wagner�’s �“BridalChorus�” during her wedding processional in 1858.

46. The bride stands to the groom�’s left during a Chris-tian ceremony, because in by-gone days the groom needed his right hand free to ght off other suitors.

47. On average, 7,000 cou-ples marry each day in the United States.

48. Valentine�’s Day andNew Year�’s Eve are the two busiest �“marriage�” days in Las Vegas�–elopement cen-tral!

49. The Catholic tradition of �“posting the banns�” to an-nounce a marriage originated as a way to ensure the brideand groom were not related.

50. Stag parties were rstheld by ancient Spartan sol-diers, who kissed their bach-elor days goodbye with a rau-cous party.

�– The Knot


Looking for a gift for that special someone for Looking for a gift for that special someone for Valentine�’s Day or possibly gifts for your bridemaids or Valentine�’s Day or possibly gifts for your bridemaids or

your first communicant, whatever the occassion callyour first communicant, whatever the occassion call

Custom made Leather and Pearl JewelryCustom made Leather and Pearl JewelryReligious Medal and Crucifix JewelryReligious Medal and Crucifix Jewelry

Gemstone RosariesGemstone RosariesWedding and Prom JewelryWedding and Prom Jewelry

Can also be purchased at Professional Touch,Can also be purchased at Professional Touch,A Flower Cottage or on Facebook - Infinite Jewelry DesignsA Flower Cottage or on Facebook - Infinite Jewelry Designs

Susan Sagrera: Owner/DesignerSusan Sagrera: Owner/Designer

where the possibilities are infinitewhere the possibilities are infinite

To book a home or work showing call (337) 893-3434To book a home or work showing call (337) 893-3434

TRIVIA, continued from Page 28

friendships while swimming with dolphins. Those who prefer their own place in the sun should head to an island retreat with private white-sand beaches: You can un-wind to the soft sound of lap-ping waves, arrange a romantic picnic on a remote beach, or get certi ed in scu-ba diving and explore tropical coral reefs with your sweetie.

Survivors, Honeymoon Style

If khaki is the predomi-nant color in your wardrobe, if you considered forgoing the veil for a pith helmet at your wedding, or if the words �“Me, Tarzan, you, Jane�” sound like sweet nothings to your ears, a honeymoon on the wild side might be in order.

If the rumble of the jungle makes you roar, choose an eco-adventure in the wilds of a rain forest to bring out the animal in you. Canoe down the Amazon and spot tou-cans, lemurs and spider mon-keys in the trees.

Get down and dirty on an archaeological dig in Egypt (don�’t forget to explore the pyramids and the Sphinx). Or search out wildebeest on a Serengeti safari, and share a kiss overlooking Africa�’s Vic-toria Falls.

Fast-Lane FanaticsIf you must start the day

with your favorite coffee and The Wall Street Journal; if

you live on the cutting edge and don�’t want to miss a beat; or if you thirst for the knowl-edge found within museums, enjoy live theater, and prefer dining at ve-star restau-rants, a honeymoon in a city should t the bill.

Cities teeming with cul-ture can be found in the U.S. and abroad. Bone up on a city�’s history by staying in ac-commodations such as a cas-tle or a popular spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Savor the city�’s archi-tecture and landscape, dis-cover local artists, check out the latest fashion trends with some upscale shopping, scout out intimate boutiques, and linger over a renowned chef�’s cuisine accompanied by wine from a nearby vineyard.

Nightlife in a bustling me-tropolis is also not to be missed. Whether you prefer a techno-funk club or a trip to the opera, the city awaits you.

Fit to Be PamperedIf pleasurable pursuits are

close to your heart, and you think a pedicure followed by a paraf n wax should be a na-tional mandate; if you�’re health conscious and like working out the kinks with a Reebok Core Training class followed by a Shirodhara massage; or if you�’d like to work off those last lingering ve pounds before returning to civilization, a spa honey-

moon should be on your menu.

Begin your days hiking through local mountains and getting focused in a yoga class. Wind down by being pummeled into putty and dining on fresh organic cui-sine. Starting a new health regime as you embark on your life together is a recom-mended prescription for even the most incurable roman-tics.

Day TrippersAdmirers of Lewis and

Clark don�’t need a map to nd a good time. If you like diversity in your day and im-mersing yourselves in new territories, explore this coun-try or another by road or by rail. A honeymoon by train can give you romance aplenty in a luxurious suite with a moving view.

Stops are often scheduled along the way, and you can linger and explore, then catch a later train. If delving into local stories of small towns and greasy spoons appeals to you, take your time as you traverse through destina-tions such as the Louisiana bayous, Grand Canyon, Red-wood Forest, or Alaskan tun-dra. Pitch a tent or bunk at a bed-and-breakfast; accommo-dations are secondary to sa-voring local avor. When it comes to honeymooning on the road, love knows no direc-

tion.Shipboard RomanticsIf crashing waves, the

wind in your hair, and salt in the air appeal to your free spirits, setting sail on a cruise ship and exploring new worlds might be your ticket to paradise. Cruise ships are no longer just oating buffets with some gambling and Ve-gas-style entertainment thrown in.

Of course, there�’s plenty of time to lounge on the lido deck and sip piña coladas, but it�’s hard not to be enticed by what cruises have to offer. These mobile luxury hotel-and-spas can transport you to such exotic locations as Sri Lanka, the Galapagos or Ant-arctica. As with ports of call, onboard activities are bound-less. Partake in workouts from yoga to tai chi. The more adventurous can challenge rock-climbing walls, parasail or kayak. If your inner swash-

buckler still isn�’t satis ed, consider stowing your gear ona clipper ship that allows guests to take on crew duties.

Love NestersA mere �“Do Not Disturb�”

sign just doesn�’t cut it, andgetting snowbound in a mountain cabin with nophone, fax machine or televi-sion sounds like bliss. Foryou, nding tranquility means privacy�–particularly since you feel the need to get reacquainted after the chaosof planning a wedding. Es-cape the madding crowds andspend some one-on-one time in romantic seclusion. Wheth-er it�’s a trip to the Poconos,an escape to your parents�’beach house, or a stack of vid-eos with popcorn and cham-pagne in your own home,your favorite kind of getawayis laid-back and low-key. Af-ter all, as they say, home iswhere the heart is.

�– Bekah Wright


The Vermilion Parish LibraryThe Vermilion Parish Libraryhas a variety of resources available

We have books on:�•Etiquette �•Decorating �•Flowers

�•Cakes �•Stationary �•Vows�•Showers and More!

We have current and back issues of BRIDE�’S magazine and a

variety of wedding videos.

Visit or Call the Abbeville Branch at 405 E. St. Victorfor your Bridal needs

893-2674

HONEYMOON, continued from Page 34


Available for Weddings,

FamilyReunions

and Parties

ERATHCOMMUNITYBUILDING

Located in Beautiful Erath City Parkwith Plenty of Parking Space.

6,000 Square Foot Facility

for bookings call 337-918-6197

BLACK�’S BANQUET AND RECEPTIONS�–Make it a reception to remember! Black�’s Ban-quet and Receptions is conveniently located across from St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. The spacious facility is available for wedding receptions, parties, family gatherings and special events.

(The Knot) Reception1. Cut the guest list. This

will slash your catering costs and save on invitations and even the number of center-pieces.

2. Think off-peak season and save thousands!

3. Hold your ceremony and reception in one spot�–it will cut travel time for vendors you pay by the hour.

4. Skip the Saturday wed-ding.

5. Have bigger tables so you need fewer centerpieces and tablecloths.

6. Shop the off-season for extra decor�–get modern black vases on sale after Halloween and pretty pink ones after Valentine�’s Day.

Flowers7. Use more greenery than

owers.8. Swap out costly ow-

ers�–did you know peonies can be ve times more expensive than roses?

9. Stick to just one or two kinds of owers.

10. Buy owers that are in season.

11. Include non- orals, like lanterns.

Food & Drink12. Serve entree duets.13. Skip the main course�–

apps and drinks are ne too.14. Offer beer, wine,and a

signature cocktail instead of a full bar.

15. Serve comfort foods like barbecue chicken, mac and cheese and corn. It�’s fun and often cheaper.

16. Skip the champagne toast.

Cakes17. Order a small one or

two-tiered cake and then sup-plement cake with a larger

sheet cake (hidden back in the kitchen).

18. Keep the add-ons sim-ple.

19. Use fresh owers, not sugar ones.

20. Reuse ceremony ow-ers for the cake table.

21. Skip exotic llings like guava and mango.

Stationery & Favors22. Get single-page invites

to save on postage.23. Give out one favor per

couple.24. Make your cake the fa-

vors.25. Have favors double as

escort cards.26. E-mail your save-the-

dates.27. Make your own menu

cards, escort cards and wed-ding favor packaging.

Photo, Video & Music28. Have a photographer

you love but can�’t afford the prices? Ask them if they have an associate shooter who will do your wedding for less.

29. Opt for a smaller band.30. Hire a band or DJ who

can do both the ceremony andthe reception.

�– Meredith Bodgas

Wedding Budget: 30 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding

We get it: Weddings are expensive. But you can cut costs without anyone missing, well, what�’s missing.


105 East Vermilion Street �• Abbeville, LA 70510 �• 337.281.0807

www.thecaldwell.com

Bridal Dressing and Photography, Wedding Ceremonies, Receptions and Rehearsal Dinners,

Bridal Showers, Honeymoon Suite and Guest Accommodations

brides 2011

Documents

holiday wedding

extra day

presidents day

columbus day

memorial day

labor day

wedding dates

wedding guest list