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June Bridal Guide

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

June Bridal guide2

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3June Bridal guide

Hot Colors One way to lighten the heat of the day is

through your color choices.

When it comes to getting married in the summer, you can count on an outdoor ceremony being a bit toasty. Keeping your color scheme light will help your bridal party in particular.

June Bridal guide4

Below are the hottest spring and summer colors for 2015 as put out by Pantone, the corporation that produces the Pantone Matching System used in a variety of industries to find and incorporate the perfect color for a specific project.

While Pantone’s list is extensive, the options below can fit best with your wedding ceremony and reception to give them the hue you’re looking for.

Blue is In We all know the saying, “Something borrowed, something

blue.” Brides who like to mix this motto into their wedding décor are in luck.

Pantone describes scuba blue as an “energizing shade that takes us off to an exotic paradise.” Who doesn’t want their wedding to emit that vibe?

Even if your wedding colors aren’t strictly blue, you may be able to match this rich tone with other colors to find your perfect combination.

Other popular blue options this year are the classic variety and aquamarine, both of which inspire calm, confidence and harmony when displayed effectively.

Tone it Down You may think vibrant reds or bright yellows when conjuring

up summertime colors. According to Pantone’s list, you may want to tone it down a bit.

Toasted almond, for example, is a sun-tanned neutral that can be paired with nearly any other color. Pantone calls the shade “timeless and versatile — an organic that speaks to authenticity and all that is neutral.”

If you’re looking to spice it up a bit without evoking wintertime or holiday emotions, tangerine could be the shade for you. “Good natured and friendly,” according to Pantone, this color will give you a bright hue to work with when choosing your invitations, tablecloths and even bridesmaid dresses.

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5June Bridal guide

The experience can be overwhelming, which is why so many brides-to-be have found themselves regretting their dress-buying decisions come wedding day. Don’t let that be you.

Dress-Shopping Mistakesbuying a wedding dress should come with a manual

June Bridal guide6

Dress-Shopping Mistakes

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When to ShopA common mistake when it comes to dress shopping is settling

on a particular size or style too early in the planning process. Even if you fall in love with a dress during your initial online searches, there is no reason to order your dress more than a year ahead of time.

This means waiting to visit bridal shops until you are financially ready to buy. An average wedding dress costs more than $1,200, according to the XO Group, Inc., a global media and technology leader.

That’s a big investment. Imagine shelling out that kind of money for a dress too early in the planning phase and then finding another option for the same price — or even less.

Buying a dress is like buying a new car. If you settle on the

first test drive, you could be missing out on other options that may actually better fit your tastes.

Too Many Opinions

Behind every great bride-to-be is a great mother or bridesmaid-to-be. So stop there when it comes to inviting people out dress shopping with you. Take the people whose opinions you value the most and make it as relaxing an experience as possible.

Remember, you’re not looking for people to tell you what you want to hear. Sometimes, only your mom or best friend will have the courage to tell you if a dress just doesn’t look right.

Not only will you be less stressed trying to coordinate a day of dress shopping for a party of 10 people, but your invitees will feel more special that they were included in your special day.

7June Bridal guide

What to do with the time between the ceremony

and the reception.

The Dreaded Gap

You book a noon ceremony and the reception hall can only open its doors around 5 p.m. Unless you’re putting together the longest ceremony in wedding day history, you’re going to have a time gap.

June Bridal guide8

The Dreaded Gap

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You and your wedding party will likely have no issue filling this time. With pictures and limo rides around town, you’ll be on the way to the reception before you know it.

But what about your guests, who traveled from near and far to celebrate your special day with you? How are they supposed to fill their time between the two functions?

Even if you think you already have enough to worry about, it would be a considerate gesture to offer some ideas and options for this conundrum. Here are some ideas:

Distract Your GuestsIs there someone in your family with a larger house nearby

who wouldn’t mind hosting a get-together? Start asking early in the planning phase to avoid overwhelming

them, and offer to pay for all of the snacks, finger foods and

drinks so you’re not putting too much of a burden on them.

Give Them OptionsIf possible, include in the invitations a list of fun options that

your guests could check out while you’re wrapping up your photos.

Do you have any nearby museums, galleries or other tourist attractions? Don’t forget to include ideas for transportation — or even bus passes — if you’d like to go the extra mile for your close friends and family.

Rent a Boat: Particularly if your wedding is near the water, you can really impress your guests by renting a boat to take everyone out between the ceremony and reception.

A couple of hours on a relaxing boat with cocktails, appetizers and music beats waiting in your car for the reception to start.

9June Bridal guide

As sweaty palms and a racing heart work in tandem to try to make you forget the speech you prepared for the wedding toast, just remember to take a deep breath. Relax. You’re among friends.

The job of a maid of honor or best man is all fun and games until it comes time to deliver the perfect speech. That’s when some people can get nervous or worried about saying the wrong thing.

The truth is, as long as you keep your toast appropriate, you really can’t say the wrong thing. The bride and groom have selected you for this role, and your words of encouragement on their special day will help mark their transition from engagement to marriage.

Keep it ClassyYou want to be remembered for delivering a great speech, not

for shouting vulgarities or making a fool out of yourself. So if there is alcohol involved, know your limits and stick to them.

Keep it ShortYour bridal party is on a schedule. Dinner is served at a certain

time. The father-daughter dance starts at certain time. Even the DJ begins his service at a certain time.

Talk to the bride and groom ahead of time about how long they would like your speech to be. If they leave it up to you, shoot for three to five minutes.

Anything longer can turn into a ramble that may distract from

the celebration, and anything less may convey that you really didn’t put much time into your preparation.

Keep it SweetHumor is a great way to break the ice during a speech, but you

shouldn’t rely on it for your entire time with the microphone.The key to a great speech is knowing when to incorporate

humor into personal anecdotes. You know you’ve knocked out a winning speech when you can garner a mix of tears and laughter from the crowd.

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The Rules of aGreat Toast

Stress can cause us to make unhealthy decisions when it comes to our diets. As your wedding day nears, how many times have you stopped to assess your personal eating habits?

If you keep your toast appropriate, you really can’t

say the wrong thing

June Bridal guide10

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 silenceNothing makes time seem interminable more than silence.

Always have a constant f low of music to avoid awkward silences.

This includes the time guests are waiting prior to the ceremony as well as when they’re 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 professionalIn 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 f loor.

Playing only one type of musicPlaying 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 f loor as possible.

Failure to make a song listSome songs you may feel are essential to the wedding and

others may be on a do-not-play 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 songsPay attention to a song’s length, and choose spotlight dance

songs wisely. Remember that guests will be watching you dance with parents or each other, and a five-minute song can seem neverending while others are waiting around. Avoid very long songs, as the mix of music should be upbeat.

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11June Bridal guide

Stress can cause us to make unhealthy decisions when it comes to our diets. As your wedding day nears, how many times have you stopped to assess your personal eating habits?

Superfood for Your Heart

The American Heart Association recommends eight or more

servings of fruits and vegetables a day for maintaining heart health.

June Bridal guide12

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You may have heard of certain fruits, vegetables and meats marketed by companies as superfoods. The American Heart Association warns that, as with any kind of food, overeating is not a smart part of a healthy diet.

But the AHA does agree that many superfoods can be good for your overall health, concentration and stress levels — all important for any bride.

The Association recommends checking with your physician if you’re having symptoms such as headaches, sleeping problems, a short temper or low morale. These can be signs of harmful stress that could potentially harm your heart.

It also recommends consuming certain superfoods in moderation to help stave off heart issues.

SalmonThe American Heart Association recommends eating at least

two 3.5-ounce servings of fish per week for a healthy heart. It says the fish is low in saturated fat in high in omega-3 fatty acids. They can decrease the risk of abnormal heartbeats, reduce

triglycerides and slow the growth of plaque in the arteries.

Nuts, Legumes and SeedsThese types of superfoods are good sources of protein and

polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats when eaten in moderation, says the American Heart Association.

This group offers great variety, including unsalted almonds, peanuts, pistachios and walnuts.

Four servings per week is the recommended portion from the American Heart Association.

BerriesBerries are a vital part of this recommendation, as options

such as blueberries and strawberries have high levels of phytochemicals called f lavonoids.

One study reported by the American Heart Association found that women who consumed more blueberries and strawberries had a lower risk of heart attack.

13June Bridal guide

Although a number of couples would prefer to bask in the excitement of their engagement, some couples feel pressured to rush into picking a wedding date. Choosing a wedding date without giving it much consideration may make things more difficult down the road. Rather than jumping head first into any decisions, couples should give thought to any and all dates and decide if there are certain times of the year they want to tie the knot or avoid.

SeasonWhen thinking about potential wedding dates, it helps to have

a place to start. Some couples find it helpful to start with a particular season and then narrow it down from there. Decide if you prefer the lush greenery of summer or the amazing color spectrum of an autumn afternoon. Perhaps you envision arriving at the ceremony with a snow-packed landscape amid twinkling holiday lights? Think about the season when you feel most happy and then determine if that time of year is doable.

MonthCertain months may seem perfect, but not for busy professionals

or those with limited vacation time at their disposal. For example, early spring may not be good for accountants tallying year-end

numbers. Teachers may feel most comfortable tying the knot in the summer when they already have days off. If you run a pool business or a lawn maintenance company, then the summer might not be so good. Keep these factors in mind.

HolidaysSome people would like to tie their wedding day to a particular

holiday. Valentine's Day is popular for weddings thanks to the romantic sentiments synonymous with the holiday, while some couples prefer Halloween or Christmas weddings. Holiday

Choose a wedding date wiselyChoosing a wedding date without giving it much

consideration may make things more difficult down the road

Valentine's Day can be popular for weddings, but couples can expect stiff competition for venues due to that popularity.

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June Bridal guide14

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weddings can be exciting, but they also produce significant obstacles that couples who choose to get married during other times of year don't have to worry about. Guests may not want to travel or spend time away from their families to attend a holiday wedding. Having a wedding during a holiday may mean competing for vendors and reception spaces. Prices on everything from food to f lowers to airline tickets could be higher as vendors cash in on customer demand.

Day of the weekIt's less expensive for couples to get married on Fridays and

Sundays than Saturday afternoons or evenings. Couples may think that the money saved will be well worth it, but they also should think about how this decision may affect their guests. A Friday wedding requires people to take off from work or school. Sunday weddings may be slightly more convenient, but those who have to get back to work on Monday may be tired from late-night festivities. Couples should anticipate some guests not making it to their

weddings when those weddings are not on Saturdays.

Religious constraintsCouples having religious ceremonies should consult with their

houses of worship as to which dates are acceptable. Some will not have weddings on days of religious observation. It is wise to consult with a church, synagogue or mosque before booking any other components of the wedding so that you are certain your chosen day is acceptable.

Any available datesYour wedding date may be dictated by your caterer or wedding

hall. If you have a particular venue in mind, you may be limited by their availability. This is a concession you will need to make if your heart is set on this particular location.

Planning a wedding can be exciting. But the ball cannot get rolling until couples first choose the day they will tie the knot.

Choose a wedding date wisely

15June Bridal guide

Negotiating with wedding vendors Before signing, find out

if there is room for negotiation with wedding vendor pricing.

The average wedding tends to be one of the most costly ventures in a couple’s life together. Many couples seek ways to cut costs, and negotiating is one way to do it.

June Bridal guide16

Too often couples overlook haggling for better prices because they may be intimidated by the process or simply want to plan the most memorable day regardless of cost. Many vendors build some wiggle room into their prices, and the key for cost-conscious couples is to find the right strategy to unlock that lower price.

Explore your optionsWeddings are big business for vendors, and the competition

is stiff. Visit a variety of vendors and compare their services and prices prior to making any decisions. This will give you an accurate range of costs and information for future negotiations. Vendors may be willing to match competitors’ prices, so knowing what the photographer down the street charges can provide you with some negotiating leverage.

Dress modestly for meetingsIt’s tempting to want to dress to impress, but very often wedding

vendors judge potential clients by their appearances. If you walk in with a designer handbag and driving the latest model luxury vehicle, a vendor may get the impression you have extra money to spend. While you do not have to play the pauper, dress modestly so your appearance doesn’t hurt you at the negotiating table.

Never take the first offerA good business person will tell you there always is room for

negotiation. Avoid the loaded question of “What can you spend on this?” by the vendor. Instead, let them bring up a price first, and realize that this first quote can almost always be negotiated down. Inform the vendor that you would really like to work with them but he or she needs to lower the price. See if they can offer a different package or provide a discount.

Negotiate the big-ticket items firstDiscounts on big-ticket items, such as the reception venue,

will save you the most money. For example, you will save more by getting 20 percent off at the catering hall than if you save 20 percent on your wedding gown. Once you free up extra money, you may find you don’t have to negotiate as hard with smaller vendors.

Walk away if need beAlways have a Plan B in place. This way if you tell a vendor

that their price is too expensive and you have to pass, you really have a fall-back option. Some vendors will sweeten the deal, but others will actually let you walk out the door. And remember, you’re more likely to get a better price by being amenable and well-mannered than making threats or arguing.

Negotiating with wedding vendors

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17June Bridal guide

Weddings are a time to get dolled up. Though some gentlemen may be tempted to wear the suit they wear to work, a formal event necessitates something a bit more remarkable. When the weather is warm, some men may scoff at the idea of wearing a full suit or even a tuxedo. But just because a person is wearing pants and a jacket doesn't mean the suit must be dark and heavy.

Although dark colors are traditional for weddings, dark, heavy fabrics will absorb the sun's rays, making the groom and his groomsmen uncomfortable. Even when a warm-weather wedding takes place largely indoors where it is climate controlled, many couples choose to have the ceremony outdoors, where they pose for photographs as well. The groom and his groomsmen will

want to be comfortable during these times, and the right suit and fabric can make all the difference.

Linen and cotton are all-natural fabrics that are made from plant fibers. They are much lighter weight than wool, and linen and cotton suits may be more comfortable. But linen and cotton are highly prone to wrinkling, and a wrinkled suit will not present well in a formal setting. Cotton and linen may be best reserved for informal weddings or those that will be taking place outdoors or beachside. Seersucker suits are made from cotton in a unique weaving pattern that lets air ventilate through the material. Seersucker suits may be most popular in the southeastern United States, but they can be worn anywhere the weather is warm.

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arm weather attire for the groom

Your pants and jacket don’t have to be dark and heavy.

Lightweight wool may be a more comfortable option for grooms and their groomsmen at warm-weather weddings.

June Bridal guide18

Many of these suits are manufactured in a gray, blue and brown striped pattern. Again, due to the lightweight fabric, you will feel cool. For less formal weddings, a seersucker suit may fit.

A khaki suit or a tan one may work better if the wedding is more formal. Ensure the accessories are in place to make this look work. The suit should fit well and be tailored appropriately. Sharp creases in the pants and a crisp shirt and tie can complete the look. If the groomsmen are in coordinating suits, a tan or khaki color will not look out of place. If a full suit still feels too stiff, a nice blazer paired with a complementary colored trouser may be appropriate for a less formal affair.

Some grooms want to err on the side of caution and stick with a classic suit or tuxedo. In such instances, grooms may want to investigate lighter weight wools. Such suits won't be as confining as a heavier suit. Grooms wearing a tuxedo may want to choose a white tuxedo. A white tuxedo will look pristine and fit with a formal theme. And the white will ref lect the sun and be cooler without looking casual.

A groom who does not mind a midday wardrobe change can

opt to wear a standard suit or tuxedo and plan to change later on for the reception. He can coordinate with his new bride and step into something more comfortable for dancing and enjoying the ensuing party. This allows for formality when the moments call for it and comfort later on in the day.

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19June Bridal guide

The average wedding tends to be one of the most costly ventures in a couple’s life together. Many couples seek ways to cut costs, and negotiating is one way to do it.

Successful Engagement Photoshoots

June Bridal guide20

Engagement 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 sensibilitiesPhotographers 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 don’t 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 photographer’s work to be certain you’re getting someone who has experiencing shooting the type of photos you want to take.

Solicit ideas from the photographerSome 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.

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21June Bridal guide

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Avoid studio shotsMany 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 that’s 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.

Don’t forget candid shotsCandid 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 don’t 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 ref lect the

personalities of the couple. A few simple strategies can ensure couples’ shoots accomplish both of those things.

Successful Engagement Photoshoots

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June Bridal guide22

Outdoor weddings are romantic when done right, and a growing number of couples are exchanging vows amid an expansive garden or with the splendor of the pounding surf providing a picturesque backdrop.

Preparation and planning help keep outdoor weddings moving along. Weather can be unpredictable and unforgiving, so it is always best to account for various scenarios. The following are some tips to consider.

Be mindful of hot weatherMany outdoor weddings occur when temperatures are at their

warmest. As anyone who has had to sit outdoors in the blazing sun for an extended period of time can attest, it can grow quite uncomfortable, especially when everyone is dressed to the nines. Advise guests in advance that the wedding will be taking place outdoors and to dress accordingly. Arrange to have shaded areas for guests who may struggle with the heat. Keep chilled bottled water nearby so guests can stay cool and refreshed. Ask the officiant to keep the ceremony brief so that guests are not melting away in their seats.

Keep wind in mindA stiff breeze can upset tents and wreak havoc on hairstyles.

Be sure everything outdoors is properly secured and weighted down. Avoid light fabrics on a wedding gown that will get swept away by wind. A short, blusher veil may be more appropriate than a sweeping train. Couples should advise their hairstylists that they will be getting married outdoors, and looks should be well secured by bobby pins and gel to keep hair in place. Stick to real dishes for food service, as plastic or lightweight materials may get blown away.

Check for power sourcesChoose a wedding location with easily accessible power outlets.

Guests will certainly want to hear the vows, and that may require the use of microphones and a sound system. Having power available also makes it easier for bands and musicians to set up their equipment for an outdoor reception. If the wedding will be stretching into the evening hours, electricity will be needed to power supplemental lighting that illuminates the festivities.

* Ensure accessibility. Outdoor terrain can prove tricky, especially for older guests or those with mobility issues. When scouting locations, select a wheelchair-accessible spot that can be easily traversed. Understand that turf can become water-logged and challenging to walk over should it rain the day of the wedding

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23June Bridal guide

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or prior. Plastic or fabric runners may make things easier. Also, choose a location that isn’t too far off the beaten path. It should be close enough to a parking lot and not require guests to have to take an extended hike through nature.

Face away from the sunGlares can make it difficult for guests to see the ceremony. Be

sure to arrange seats so that guests do not have to look into the sun. This is best achieved by having the sun behind everyone for the ceremony. It also ensures that you won’t end up with washed-out photos or pictures of everyone squinting.

Ensure food is properly chilled or heatedDining outdoors means keeping food safety in mind. Food that

is supposed to be kept cool should remain on ice or be refrigerated until served. Hot foods should remain hot. Food in chafing dishes or served buffet-style also should be protected from insects. Improper handling of food can result in foodborne illnesses. No one wants to remember a wedding for intestinal discomfort.

Use fresh f lowers in potted plantsCut f lowers tend to wilt prematurely in hot weather. Rather

than waste money and beautiful f lowers, choose potted plants that will thrive if well-tended. Guests can then take the plants home and continue to cherish the wedding long after it is over.

June Bridal guide24

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Receptions OfDistinction

Though many couples still tie the knot in traditional religious ceremonies officiated by a minister, priest, rabbi or other religious leader, more couples are embracing less traditional ceremonies that can be officiated by secular officiants. Humanist weddings, for example, may be officiated by someone who shares the same philosophy of life as the bride and/or groom, and such officials typically have no religious affiliation. Civil ceremonies are another type of wedding ceremony for couples who do not want a traditional religious wedding. Civil ceremonies are often presided over by a justice of the peace, political official or even a certified notary public. The rules regarding civil ceremonies vary from state to state, so couples considering a civil ceremony should do their homework before moving forward with any wedding plans. Couples with different religious backgrounds who still want a religious ceremony may want to consider an

interfaith ceremony that includes traditions from each faith and may even include religious leaders from each faith.

Non-Trad

itioal Ceremonies Abound

Civil ceremonies are often presided over by a justice of the peace, political official or even a certified notary public.