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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, February 2, 20142 THE WEDDING GUIDE

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, February 2, 2014 THE WEDDING GUIDE 3

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Sample sales: Not for the faint of heartBy Donna Rousseau Feature Writer/Photographer

For those who don’t remember Fi lene’s “Running of the Brides” sale, it was the store’s annual one-day event where brides could shop for their dream dresses at bargain prices. Every year, television footage showed a stam-pede of eager brides and their entourages flooding the store as the doors opened; inside the tulle f lew as gowns were grabbed and brides changed in the aisles.

Visions of the “Running of the Brides” danced through my head the day my future daughter-in-law, Danielle, and her MOH (maid of honor) suggested attending a sample sale at a nearby wedding salon. Newly engaged, this would be Danielle’s first foray into the world of wedding gowns. I thought it could be fun and her mom, Marie, agreed. It could be potential chaos but, we wouldn’t be looking to buy so we wouldn’t be desperate for the deal.

Even so, I contacted the salon for details about the time the doors opened and when to arrive so as not to be standing in an hour-long line. I also asked if the sale would be a “civil” event; I, at least, was not interested in doing battle with

bridezillas blinded by bling.

The sales associate said in all her experiences, the sample sale was always a well-mannered event. Arrival time was strictly up to us. Some years there was a short line when the doors opened and other years it was out to the street.

The Saturday of the event, we arrived at the salon exactly one hour before the doors opened. There was one party in front of us and very slowly brides began to accumulate until the line was into the street.

As I looked down the line, I could see the “game faces” of those young women deter-mined to leave with a dress that day. They left their places in line to peek through the windows and scope out the f loor plan and I began to sense competitiveness in the air.

Suddenly I felt the urge to make a game plan and I looked at our little party and said, “Dani-elle, you and your mom go to the right of the store, Bree and I will go left.”

Then one of the consultants opened the door and announced, “Ladies, the store has been merchandised with sizes 1-10 on the right, 12 and up on the left. There are dressing rooms

upstairs and down. Only four dresses per bride each round. Have fun!”

Game change: everyone goes right.

I no sooner reached the first rack when the tsunami of brides hit. I turned around and girls who were behind us in line were already in dressing rooms and gowns were disappear-ing faster than my eyes could focus!

I grabbed two dresses and went in search

Brianna Dostie, maid of honor, and bride-to-be Danielle Fowler wait in line before the doors open on sale day.

Danielle tries on a size 14 dress even though she wears a size six. The dress was not at all what she wanted but was one of the only dresses her group of helpers could get their hands on before the tsunami of brides hit.

Samplepage 14 ‰


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Finding a dress to build a dream onBy Donna RousseauFeature Writer

Brides come in all shapes and sizes as do bridal gowns. When flipping through mag-azines or watching popular bridal programs including

“Say Yes To the Dress,” it’s easy to find a dress to build a dream on.

The challenge is to f ind a dress that suits the bride’s figure while maintaining her vision for her wedding day.

A c c o r d i n g t o F r a n c i n e “Frankie” Peters, owner of Formal Image in Lewiston, there are six basic shapes for bridal gowns: A-line or princess, ball gown, sheath, fit-and-f lare, mermaid, and empire.

The A-line shape, f latter-ing for a l l f igures, is the traditional look of the classic bride. The ball gown is the shape of which fa ir y ta le dresses are made. Cinderella, Arielle, Belle, and Aurora all wore gowns with the fitted waists and full skirts that swept their way across a dance floor.

The sheath is straight the

entire length of the gown, and the empire’s skirt begins just beneath the bust and f lares out with no waistline at all. The fit-and-flare gown features a fitted-to-the-hip bodice with a f lared skirt (hence the name). Likewise, the mermaid is fitted to the knee with a slightly f lared finish.

Peters suggested, “Shop with an open mind. A bride comes in with a picture in her mind of something she may have seen as a young girl. She’s carried that picture so long, that’s all she thinks is out there.”

Peters said that often brides

come into her shop to try on what they think is “the perfect dress” only to dis-cover it is not what they imagined. That needn’t mean the dress dream falls flat.

“Tr y on dif ferent st yles,” advised Peters. “When a bride comes out in a dress, the first thing we ask is ‘What do you see – you or the dress?’ W hen a girl comes dow n

the aisle, she doesn’t want people saying ‘Here comes the dress, and Oh! There’s a girl inside!’ The goal is to turn

This gown has an embellished waist.

Submitted photo s Lauren Chandler models a strapless s atin gown with sweethear t neckline, rouched bodice and deeply pleated flared skirt.

Findingpage 17 ‰


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Say yes to the non-traditional dressBy Cyndi McShaneFeature Writer

It’s the big day. You’re marrying the person of your dreams. And you have nothing to wear.

Nine months before my wedding, I had this recurring night-mare. My wedding dress was supposed to be the one piece of my wardrobe I’d thought about all my life. I felt like I couldn’t begin to plan my big day until I knew what I was going to wear.

Through all the sequins, taffeta, and lace I found myself wrapped up in when I began my search, I realized that perhaps the thousands of strapless bridal gowns paraded before me weren’t quite my style. Maybe my bridal gown would be less traditional than I thought.

Sound familiar? If the current image of bridal beauty doesn’t work for you, then a non-traditional bridal gown might be the right fit. Finding the perfect unique wedding dress can be accomplished in a few simple steps.

Budget money and time

Before you even begin looking for a dress, plan a budget for the cost of the gown and any associated alterations. You’ll want to pick an end date to your search so you will have a beautiful, appropriately altered dress for your big day. Alterations can take anywhere between one and three months, depending on what you need to get done, so the trick is to contact your seam-stress early and communicate your needs clearly.

Find the right style for you

After you’ve decided on a budget, decide on the general style of dress you envision for yourself. Have you always wanted something with a big skirt? A sweet tea-length dress? Or maybe a slim A-frame would better suit your needs? Make sure this vision matches the atmosphere of your wedding. If

you’re unsure, visit the local thrift shop and try on a few formal gowns. Examine the silhouette to see what looks good on you. Take a friend with you and make it fun.

Often, loved ones will have opinions on what kind of dress a bride should get. Remember, a graceful bride is a happy bride. Take these considerations with respect and give them a try if you feel comfortable. But remember this decision is ultimately up to you.

Start your search

Once you have a general sense of what you like, start your non-traditional search. There are many options here. Department stores like Macy’s have formal dresses by many designers. Begin to explore. Department store dresses can cost less money than traditional wedding gowns, and give the bride a variety of options. Stores like Nordstrom even have wedding gown departments where a bride might find something unique. You can also go to the store and try on the designer before you purchase a dress to make sure you like the cut and fit of their fashion.

Another place to find a non-traditional wedding dress is online. The World Wide Web is full of beautiful and unique dresses, but one place to start is Etsy.com, which features many custom-made dresses at a variety of prices. Auction sites like eBay.com may also sell what you’re looking for, though nothing is guaranteed.

I used a combination of the above methods to find my gown. I spent hours on the Macy’s website, pouring through pages of their women’s formal wear before I found a designer I thought made beautiful dresses, and even one style I especially adored. Chiffon layers fell diagonally from an empire waste. Light caps crawled over the delicate shoulder. It was heaven. The only hitch? It didn’t come in white.

Undeterred, I went on and continued my search, all the while keeping my dream dress in the back of my mind. Weeks went by and I found a few other gowns that piqued my interest, but nothing that stuck with me, so one night, on a f luke I visited eBay. After a few lucky searches, I found my dress, in my size, in ivory white. I placed a bid and watched the auction with ridicu-lous focus until it ended the next day. I was the winner. I had potentially found my gown.

Decide and stop

Whether it is through in-store visits or smartly navigating the

Non-traditionalpage 16 ‰


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Wedding invitations tip sheetBy MetroCreative

Wedding invitations often provide guests with a first g l i mpse of a wedd i ng's style. Invitations also may serve as the means by which distant friends and relatives f ind out about a couple's pending nuptials if a formal a n nou nc ement w a s not made.

Amid the flourishes of callig-raphy and impressive paper

stock is information that speaks to the importance of the day when two people will be joining their lives together.

Guests will learn not only the time and the place of the wedding from the invita-tion, but also the formality of the event and the scope of the party that will follow. Couples should keep certain things in mind as they begin to desig n t hei r wedd i ng invitations.

• Have a good idea of your potential guest list.

Before shopping for wedding invitations, it is key to have a strong idea of just how big the wedding will be and how many guests will be invited. This way you will know how many invitations you will need. Inv itat ions var y in price, so cost may be a con-sideration if your guest list is extensive.

• Decide on the formality of the wedding.

Will you be hosting a black tie affair, or will it be a casual gat her i ng at t he shore ? Guests infer many things about the wedding from the invitations, which should match the formality of the event in style and the senti-ments expressed.

An ornate invitation written with classic wording suggests a more formal affair, while a whimsical invitation with less formal wording could indicate a more laid-back event.

• Dare to be different by playing with invitation sizes and shapes.

Rectangular cards are stan-dard for wedding invitations, but you can explore your creativity by choosing more

modern, artsy invitations. Circular invites or scalloped edges can add some whimsy to the wedding mood.

Invitations that fold out or are embellished with ribbon or other decorat ions can be appealing. Just keep in mind that cards that are not the standard shape and size could be more costly to send. Always have the entire wedding invitation weighed

and priced at the post office so you will know what the postage will cost.

• Choose a legible font and text color.

Your inv itat ion may look beautiful, but it may prove ineffective if it is difficult to read. Do not risk guests misinterpreting the date or

Guests will learn not only the time and the place of the wedding from the invitation, but also the formality of the event and the scope of the party that will follow.

Invitationspage 15 ‰


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For the groom: Tuxedo purchasing pointers

By MetroCreative

Gentlemen getting ready to tie the knot will have to make certain wardrobe choices so they look their best on their big days. A lthough many grooms-to-be rent tuxedos on their wedding days, it may be more cost-effective to pur-chase a tuxedo.

Tuxedos are the ult imate formal wear for men. Worn at formal gatherings like proms, weddings and lavish parties,

t u xedos have u ndergone several style changes over the years. Men interested in looking polished will find no option makes that impres-sion more convincingly than the right tuxedo.

Men frequently called upon to attend formal events may find purchasing a tuxedo is a wise investment. There are several advantages to owning a tux rather than renting one time and again.

Tu x e d o s t y pi c a l l y c o s t a rou nd $1,0 0 0, w herea s renting tuxedos can be $200 or more each time, making it advantageous for men who frequently don tuxedos to purchase their own rather than rent.

Another advantage to owning a tuxedo is the opportunity to wear a tux that is cus-tom-made and tailored just for you. Instead of a rental that will merely be stitched temporarily to fit your mea-surements, a tu xedo you purchase wil l be tai lored specif ically to your body,

i nc rea si ng c om for t a nd making you look better as well.

Men who buy t heir ow n tuxedos also can choose the style, fabric, color, buttons, accessor ies, a nd t y pe of lapels on the jacket. A tuxedo store may have more styles available for sale than for rent.

If you desire something that fits your personality and your physique perfectly, buying your ow n tuxedo may be your best bet. Men worried about purchasing a tuxedo only to see their waistlines increase or decrease should keep in mind t hat ma ny tuxedo shops offer free tailor-ing for as long as you own the tuxedo.

When purchasing a tuxedo, men should choose classic styles and colors so they can enjoy the tux for years to come. Opt for a slim-fitting white shirt underneath that won't billow out when jackets are removed.

Men who want to break from tradition can opt for a shirt that is a pale blue or light gray to wear under the jacket. This is still an understated look, but one with a hint of creativity.

A classic, black bow tie is an ideal match when purchas-ing a more classic tuxedo. The bow tie is back in a big way, and men who want to spice

things up can purchase more traditional neckties for those occasions when they don't want to wear bow ties.

Tuxedos come with different lapel styles, and it's impor-tant to know the differences. Today's most popular style is the notch lapel, wherein a triangular indentation is cut where the lapel joins the collar. This lapel mimics the

shape of a classic suit.

A peak lapel is the quintes-sential classic, featuring a broad, V-shaped lapel that points up and out just below t he col la r l i ne. A shawl lapel is a smooth, rounded edge lapel. The shawl lapel reached the height of its pop-ularity in the 1950s, but it can still look good today.

This is an example of a notch lapel tuxedo, which has become the most popular style of recent years.


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Negotiation know-how:

How to get the best deals on wedding servicesBy MetroCreative

Many engaged couples have grandiose visions of their wedding days. While such v isions ty pical ly come to fruition, they often do so only after heavy negotiations with the various vendors neces-sary to turn a dream wedding into a reality.

Negot iat i ng pr ices w it h w e d d i n g v e n d o r s i s

s ome t h i n g br ide s- a nd g r o o m s -t o - b e m a y n o t anticipate, but the process of ne got i at ion i s pa r a-mount for couples who hope to plan their dream wed-dings without ruining their budgets.

Though vendors vary con-siderably with regard to their w i l l ingness to negot iate, the following are a few tips for couples hoping to get the

best deals possible on their wedding services.

* Prepare, prepare, prepare.

Couples who blindly enter negotiations with wedding venues and vendors are far less likely to get a good deal. W hen work i ng w it h a ny wedding vendor, whether it's a wedding venue representa-tive, a local florist or a deejay, couples should know what

the going rate for the vendor's services are.

Couples who find a venue t hey l i ke shou ld receive quotes from similar venues before negotiating a rate with the venue they most prefer. Arming oneself with quotes from competitors increases the chances of receiving a more couple-friendly quote from the venue liked best, as that venue won't want to lose business, especially to one of its chief competitors.

In addition to pricing, esti-mates from other venues can vary based on what they include. Even if a favorite venue does not come down much on its original quote, they may be willing to add extra services, such as an open bar or an extra hour

during the reception, free of charge to match a competi-tor's offer.

But they cannot match such offers if couples don't first do t hei r homework a nd solicit estimates from their competitors.

* Avoid making demands.

Coming off as too demand-ing when negotiating prices with wedding vendors may

not produce t he resu lt s couples are hoping for. Much like couples don't want to receive "take it or leave it" offers, vendors don't want to be given demands they have to meet in order to book a wedding.

The right tone can go a long

Couples who make the most of the negotiation process with wedding vendors often find it easier to make their dream weddings a reality.

Best Dealspage 16 ‰


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Explore unique cake flavor combinationsBy MetroCreative

A wedding cake is the piece de resistance of the wedding ceremony.

Guests anxiously await the unveiling of the cake near the end of the festivities. Modern cakes are showpieces grander in scale than in years past.

As bakers and confection-ers hone their ski l ls with fondant, buttercream and gum paste even further, the results are often impressive, awe-inspiring cake designs. While the look of a wedding cake is certainly important, cakes should not only look good, but taste good as well.

Vanil la cake w ith vanil la buttercream frosting was once the gold standard. But today's couples are being more adventurous with their wedding cakes and winning rave rev iews from guests along the way.

The vast scope of wedding cake f lavor choices avail-able to brides and grooms is

astonishing. Options may range from the traditional to something adventurous and daring.

Keeping in mind that couples w i l l need to plea se t he masses, finding a compro-mise between plain vanilla and a mocha-chile-coconut surprise is essential. Other-wise, they risk an unpopular f lavor and a lot of wasted, expensive cake.

Some couples shy away from more advent u rous ca kes because they fear something chocolately or not white in color will not be well suited to a wedding reception. Such couples should keep in mind that any f lavor of cake can be hidden beneath layers of pearly white fondant or royal icing.

Therefore, the sky is the limit with regard to f lavor com-binations. Those who might want to veer from tradition can consider these clever cake combinations.

• Lemon cake with vanilla buttercream:

L emon s a r e t a r t , j u ic y and refreshing, helping to cleanse the palate after a rich meal. Lemon cake, with its summery feel, is tailor-made for summer weddings. The f lavor is popular enough to appeal to many, but just a little different to add an unex-pected zip of flavor.

• Chocolate cake with choc-olate ganache and mocha filling:

Tr ue chocoholics w i l l be hard-pressed to resist such a decadent f lavor prof i le. Chocolate can be sweet and satisf y ing and a welcome change from the vanilla cakes commonly served.

For t r a d it ion a l i s t s , t he cake can be covered with a white chocolate ganache. Or couples can ask that the cake be adorned with white sugar roses for an eye-appealing contrast. Chocolate cakes covered with autumn hued

f lowers go over well at fall weddings.

• Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting:

Red velvet cake was once a regionally specif ic staple, but now has grown steadily in popu la r it y across t he cou nt r y. Red velvet ha s quick ly become t he new classic, as its v ibrant red coloring offers a shock of something different, while the f lavor is mild for those who are not comfortable taking risks. The richness and creaminess of cream cheese is irresistible.

• White cake with chocolate mousse:

Couples who want a bit of chocolate but do not want to be overwhelmed can select a white cake that is f i l led with light and rich chocolate

Think outside of the cake box when selecting flavors for the centerpiece of the wedding reception.

Cake Flavorpage 15 ‰


The McShane wedding was fun and personalized

By Christina LeBlanc Feature Writer / Photographer

For most couples tying the knot, the wedding event is a time to celebrate love and have a big, fun party sur-rounded by family and friends. When Joe and Cyndi

McShane, of Auburn, got married in June 2013, they wanted an elegant wedding followed by fun festivities, and instead of just inviting their friends and family, they involved them in the cer-emony and reception.

By enlisting friends and family to help with the f lowers, the photography, the cake, the officiating, and some of the set up and decorating, the McShanes saved money and added a uniquely personal feel to their summer wedding.

“We wanted our wedding to be really personal and to demon-strate who we are as people and as a couple,” Cyndi explained.

To achieve that, the pair incorporated homemade elements as decorations and party favors, chose and played their own music without a DJ, and made decisions based on what they really wanted instead of what tradition would dictate.

“We made a list of everything needed for a wedding, and real-ized we knew someone who could do almost everything and do it well,” Joe said. “Nobody turned us down!”

The bride’s mother made the flower bouquets and decorated the arbor. Wood for party favors came from the groom’s fam-ily’s property. A cake decorator friend made the cake, another friend took the photos, and another even officiated the cer-emony. The result was a day that felt special, relaxed, and extremely personal.

The couple shared their tips for making your wedding fun and personalized:

Be flexible and open-minded. The McShanes weren’t set on a town or location when they began searching for a venue. Once they realized how much of the wedding they could put together themselves, they decided they didn’t need an official venue with a built-in staff.

They rented The Farm at Worthley Pond in Peru, a 14-room retreat with a hot tub, sprawling lawn, and private beach. It provided a picturesque backdrop and a place for the wedding party to stay the night of the wedding. It also allowed the new-lyweds to have a mini-honeymoon, as they could stay and relax

for a few days after the wedding.

Browse the Internet for ideas. With sites like Pinterest chock-full of ideas for themes, décor, and party favors, there’s plenty of inspiration out there. Good ideas can be customized to fit the couple getting married, and many can be handmade instead of bought. The McShanes went non-traditional with a wood slab guestbook and also gave out mix CDs of songs that are important to them.

Don’t try to take on too much. While adding homemade, hand-made touches will be fun, allow professionals to take some of the major details off your hands, even if you have to pay for it. The McShanes hired out for the tent, dance f loor, tables and chairs, and the food. It allowed them to be relaxed on the

Wood for the party favors came from the groom’s family property.

The McShanes rented The Farm at Worthley Pond in Peru, a 14-room retreat with a hot tub, sprawling lawn, and private beach, to hold the wedding and reception. It provided a picturesque backdrop and a place for the wedding party to stay the night of the wedding. It also allowed the newlyweds to have a mini-honeymoon, as they could stay and relax for a few days after the wedding.

Mix CDs were given as wedding favors.

The bride's mother made the bride's bouquet and decorated the arbor.

A wedge of wood served as a unique guest book.

McShanepage 18 ‰


'Two Are Better Than One' theater theme:

The wedding of Chris and Kelsie Camire

By Deborah CarrollFeature Writer

Kelsie and Chris Camire met on the stage during Lewiston-Auburn Community Little Theatre’s production of “Jekyll

& Hyde.” In that production, Kelsie played Emma Carew, Dr. Jekyll’s fiancé.

Chris was cast in the role of Simon Stride, who early in the show confesses his feelings for Emma and tries to sway her decision to marry Jekyll. Rejected, his love unrequited, Stride is ultimately murdered by Hyde, Jekyll’s alter-ego in the climatic wedding scene in which Jekyll himself dies, leaving Emma, literally, at the altar.

Life, in this instance, did not imitate art.

“I was turning Chris down on stage every night,” said Kelsie. “He took it as a challenge to win me offstage.”

Not long after that performance, Chris and Kelsie created their own production, “Two Are Better Than One,” a theatre-themed wedding expressing their love for one another, as well as their love for the stage.

To celebrate their midsummer nuptials, the couple wanted to do something with a theme, said Kelsie, “So it would be memorable.” They decided on the theatre theme because it is how they met, and it is what Kelsie studied in school.

Kelsie’s love for everything theatrical began as a child. Growing up in Oxford, Kelsie collected old playbills. So, naturally, for this one-day-only show, they designed playbills for the wedding like a program: Act I Scene I, bride’s entrance ... Scene 6, the kiss.

“We also had a red carpet, including velvet ropes,” said Kelsie, who made most of the f lowers for the wedding herself out of paper, including the ones in her own bouquet, using sheet music from various shows.

Matching the elegance of the red carpet, Kel-sie’s sister, her maid of honor and her only bridal attendant, wore a dramatic red dress, and Chris’ best friend since the fifth grade stood as his best man.

At the reception, the 125 guests were invited to find their tables using “tickets” listing both their names and a theatrical production.

Each table at the reception was named for various theater productions and had a cor-responding playbill to match. "We used old theatre books to make the flowers for our cen-terpieces,” said Kelsie.

Enhancing the theatrical ambiance of the wedding reception, Chris and Kelsie sang, “Old Fashioned Wedding,” a lively duet from the musical theatre production, “Annie

Peter Morse photosKelsie and Chris Camire met on the stage and decided to host a theater-themed wedding to commemorate their love for theater and each other.

Kelsie made most of the flowers for the wedding herself out of paper, including the ones in her own bouquet, using sheet music from various shows.

Playbills created by Lana Wheeler helped guests find their tables. The "flowers" for the centerpieces were made by the bride out of old theater books.

Lana Wheeler created the playbills used to promote the theater theme of the wedding.

The couple's wedding rings temporarily adorn a candy cane stick, one of many candies found at the "concession stand" at the reception.

The dramatic wedding cake recreates a red carpet as often seen at theatrical productions and ceremonies.

Camirepage 18 ‰


By Randall StokesAmerican Profiles Writer

A theme ties all elements of a wedding together. A w e d d i n g t h e m e

allows the bride and groom

to organize a more personal and coordinated event. Ten of the most popular wedding themes range from colors to characters to seasonal inspirations.

Beach. Outdoor beach wed-dings can be arranged as casual or formal affairs. Con-sider a beach destination wedding in northern Califor-nia, Massachusetts (Crane Beach) or tropical Hawaii. After a beach ceremony, carry the theme into the reception with beach-inspired décor and food.

Black/white. A black-and-white wedding theme doesn’t have to be formal black tie. Simply carry the black-and-white color scheme through all elements of the wedding including the invitations, decorations, cake, f lowers and attendants’ clothing. Ask your guests to dress in only

black or white to carry the theme through.

Country chic. Consider a ceremony venue in a quaint country church, complete with white steeple. A country chic theme can feature bou-quets a nd a r ra ngements of sunf lowers, wildf lowers and baby’s breath tied with silk ribbons— think Little House on the Prairie but with a modern twist. Reception choices may include outdoor settings at a farm or other similar location.

Disney. You don’t have to move your entire wedding to Wa lt Disney World to h a v e a D i s n e y-t h e m e d event. If you’re a Disney park lover, incorporate “hidden Mickeys” into your invita-tions, décor, f lorals, menu and cake. Use black, red and white for your Disney color scheme.

Extreme. Sharing your “I dos” as you parachute from a plane or from atop a moun-tain are two examples of extreme wedding themes.

O t h e r e x t r e m e t h e m e s include exchanging vows during a hot air balloon ride, u nder water wh i le scuba diving and while whitewater rafting.

Fairy tale. You don’t have to be royalty to have a fairy tale wedding. If Cinderella is your favorite fairy tale, opt for a horse-drawn carriage to take you to the ceremony.

Green/eco-friendly. A n eco-chic wedding allows the bridal couple to share their special day with friends and family while making a posi-tive impact on the planet. Bridal couples can work with vendors for green choices regarding invitations (recy-cled paper, tree-free paper, s o y i n k s ) , e c o - c ou t u r e wedding gowns, pesticide-free floral arrangements and organic/locally grown menu ingredients.

H o l i d a y. P l a n n i n g a wedding on or near a holiday offers a ready-made theme. Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Halloween are three of

the biggest holiday themes for bridal couples. Hallow-een offers a chance to have a non-traditional wedding — the bride can wear black or purple, and guests can be encouraged to come in costume for a frightfully fun wedding event.

Pa risia n. Ta ke i nspi ra-t ion f rom Pa ris, t he cit y of love. Incor porate t he French theme throughout from invitations inspired by artwork from the Louvre to a couture wedding dress. A Parisian-themed wedding needs elegant French cuisine including Patés, tartlets and crudités for appetizers and coq au vin for an entrée. Don’t

forget French wine and a cro-quembouche for dessert.

Sci-fi. Many modern bridal couples have expressed their passions and personalities through an original themed wedding celebration. The sci-fi theme is one of the most popular. Sci-fi weddings may include tributes to Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. As a non-traditional wedding theme, sci-fi allows for a lot of cre-ativity, including specialty wedding ca kes a nd even character costumes for the bride and groom.

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SPESBR14 Best wedding reception foodsBest wedding reception foods

By Randall Stokes American Profiles Writer

By Randall Stokes American Profiles Writer

The best wedding reception foods delight both the bridal couple and their guests. Guests care about what they are eating at a wedding reception. The bridal couple must decide how their wedding reception food fits their theme, activities and atmosphere.

If the food is to be the focal point of the reception, a formal sit-down dinner may be the best option. However, if dancing and socializing are the focus, consider lighter fare served station-style.

Stations

The word “buffet” often conjures images of a miles-long table brimming with unimaginative dishes offering little f lavor or flair. The concept of stations has elevated the passé buffet to an elegant and enjoyable dinner presentation. Ideal for present-ing several food options, stations are designed to please the palettes (and dietary restrictions) of the bridal couple and their diverse guests.

With stations, there are no long buffet lines. Several stations are set up, each featuring a food theme such as gourmet salad bar, bite-size sides or a baked potato bar. Guests can make their way, sampling a choice or two from one station before getting up to visit the next. It’s a great way for guests to mingle and often requires fewer hired wait staff.

Ethnic cuisine

Some of the best wedding reception foods include traditional ethnic cuisine that honors the heritage of the bride, groom or both. Classic Italian dishes such as lasagna and fettuc-cini Alfredo usually are crowd pleasers. Traditional Mexican, Indian and Japanese dishes also top the favorites of ethnic foods served at wedding receptions.

Skewers

Wedding receptions often feature a choice between beef, pork, chicken and a vegetarian entrée. Some may also include a fish

choice. The best wedding food caters to the variety of taste preferences and dietary needs of all the guests. Skewers can be meat or vegetables and spiced to complement various menu themes. Skewers also can be served at stations or as part of a sit-down dinner.

Cupcakes

The tiny dessert cakes have been popular for wedding recep-tions for several years. Cupcakes are versatile. They can be any flavor and decorated to match any theme. Cupcake varieties include cream-filled, fruit-filled, topped with buttercream frosting or decorated using colorful fondant and marzipan. Cupcakes often replace the traditional wedding cake and can be displayed in layered tiers and even garnished with live flowers.

Sweets table

The sweets table or cookie table provides one-bite desserts for your wedding reception guests. A sweets table is not a replace-ment for the traditional wedding cake — it’s offered in addition to the cake. Modern sweets tables often feature one-bite treats such as petit fours, chocolate-covered strawberries, edible spoons of crème brulée and fruit tartlets.

The wedding experts at The Knot remind bridal couples, “Be specific with your caterer or baker about what you want. ... Don’t worry about pleasing every single guest — no matter what you serve, you’ll score points for originality.”

The best wedding food caters to the variety of taste preferences and dietary needs of all the guests.


of my group. In the sea of women, they were like three deer caught in the headlights, arms empty.

“You have dresses ! ” they exclaimed.

“Yes! Now take these and get

in line for a dressing room! I’ll stay down here and see if I can negotiate for some others that are already in the dress-ing rooms.”

And so it went. I stood outside dressing rooms, coveting gowns, asking for first refusal on this or that cast off.

How did this happen? We were second in line!

Once I had our four gowns, I waited upstairs until Dani-elle got a dressing room and as she cast off every dress, I would pass them over to girls waiting in line with only one dress and bling starvation in their eyes.

After Danielle’s four dresses were tried and there were no others on the racks, I com-mandeered a consultant who was running dresses room to room.

“Excuse me, but we were second in l ine today and yet people who were at the back of the line are in dress-ing rooms with dresses we

never even saw! I know there are lace dresses in this store because I see them outside all these dressing rooms. We are not leaving until she tries on at least four more dresses in styles she actually likes. Can you please bring us some dresses? We will wait right here.”

The consultant smiled and said she would locate some dresses and from there we went back to wa it ing in l ine for a dressing room. In the meantime, no dress passed without me halting its procession to see if we wanted to try it. While we waited, I f luffed trains and offered compliments as girls emerged like princesses from the dressing rooms. (I should have earned commission!)

After trying four or five more gowns, the last of which Dan-ielle liked but not enough to purchase, we all agreed we’d had our f i l l of the experi-ence and headed for lunch. As we exited the salon, I saw a young woman who had been at the very back of the line that morning. She had had a “game face” on and sure enough, she left with an armful of gown.

Here’s what we learned from

the sample sale experience.

1.) Don’t let a sample sale be your first time trying on wedding dresses. It is not a relaxing experience and not fun unless you find just what you want at a steal. It’s busi-ness and the store is doing some cleaning out of old stock.

2.) If you do attend a sale, go with a specific style and detailing in mind. Then visit the store, preferably a few days before the sale to see where your styles are likely to be hanging. Even if the store moves inventor y around, get a sense of how gowns are merchandised. It’s like running the course of a race prior to the real event. It was clear that many of the girls at the sale we attended had been to the store on previ-ous occasions and knew just where to find what they were looking for.

3.) Br ing more t ha n one person with you. Regard-less of adver t isi ng , you need at least one person to stand in line for the dress-ing room and two people to pull dresses, then one of those people to negotiate for castoffs from other dressing rooms.

4.) Know your prices. The dress Danielle liked was a sample and cost as much as one of the newer, prettier designs that was not part of the sale and she could not try on unless she made an appointment.

5.) If you are easily over-whel med, a sa mple sa le is not the place for you to shop for your dream dress. Danielle admits she was so overwhelmed that had I not refused to give up, she would have left without trying on a dress that day.

One month later, we sched-u led a n hou r-a nd-a-ha l f appointment at another bou-tique where Danielle had her own consultant who brought in three rounds of dresses based on Danielle’s prefer-

ences and what suited her tiny frame.

Danielle’s mom got to see her daughter transformed into a bride before her tear-filled eyes and Danielle got a full bridal experience and a new gown that wil l be altered to f it her perfectly. In the end, she paid only slightly more than she would have for the sample dress which would have required many alterations.

I remember watching the “Running of the Brides” when I was younger and think-ing what fun it would be to attend an event like it. While the sample sale was an expe-rience, I wouldn’t be inclined to shop one again.

A bride trying on the dress of her dreams deserves less of a stampede and more of a standing ovation.

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mousse. It's the perfect blend of vanilla and chocolate for guests who enjoy both.

• Variety tiers:

Those who cannot settle on just one f lavor can have different flavors on each tier of their cakes. This gives guest some flavorful variety and enables them to pick their favorite flavor combination.

Brides- and grooms-to-be who have specific

flavors in mind can ask their bakers to include two cupcakes with the wedding cake. Then the couple can enjoy their own mini cakes while the rest of the guests enjoy a more classic cake.

In addition, an assortment of cupcakes in lieu of one cake can give guests the opportunity to sample several different flavors.

Cakes are a part of many special events, but few cakes are fawned over as much as wedding cakes. Couples can spice things up by choos-ing a nontraditional flavor combination.

Cake Flavor from page 9

the location because they cannot read the writing on the invitation.

Steer clear of pastel or yellow text colors, and remember to have a high contrast between the color of the invitation and the text you are using for easy reading.

• Keep the invitation simple.

It may be tempting to load the invitation with lots of infor-mation, but all you really need are the key pieces of infor-mation, such as the "who," "what," "where," and "when."

Crowding the card will take aw ay f rom it s aest het ic appeal.

Most stationers will suggest a separate, smaller insert in the wedding invitation for the reception information and response card. Never put information such as where you are registered or "no kids al lowed." This is material better reserved for word of mouth or on a wedding Web site.

• Do some math.

It is important to know your dates so you can receive the inv itat ions on t ime, mail them out, and give guests enough time to respond. A

good rule of thumb is to mail out the invitations at least two months before the wedding.

Have an RSVP date of no more t han t hree to four weeks before the wedding, giving a mple t ime to t he cater-er s a nd accom modat i ng anyone who procrastinates in sending in a response. You will need the final headcount in order to confirm seating arrangements and plan for centerpieces and favors.

• Handwrite the envelopes.

Your invitation will look more impressive if you address them by hand, rather than printing them off of a com-puter. If your handwriting is

Invitationsfrom page 6

not very neat, consider hiring a professional calligrapher to write out your envelopes.

• Make it easy for guests to respond.

Be sure to place a stamp on the response card envelope and have that envelope already addressed with your home address so that guests will have no excuses not to mail a response back promptly.

• Always order extra.

Mistakes happen, and you may need to send out a few extra inv itations that you hadn't originally counted. Always order extra invitations just to be on the safe side. And don't forget you will probably want to keep one as a keep-sake for yourself.

Did you know? The most popular wedding flowersAccording to TheKnot.com, a Web site catering to couples planning their weddings, roses reign supreme among wedding f lowers. Long considered a symbol of love, roses often play an integral role on wedding days as well as holidays like Valentine's Day or special events like a couple's wedding anniversary.

Couples embrace roses on their wedding days not only to sym-bolize their love for one another, but also because roses are a versatile flower available in numerous solid colors and many bicolor varieties.

Tulips are another popular wedding f lower. Also grown in a wide range of colors, tulips are often less expensive than roses, though rare varieties of tulips will cost brides- and grooms-to-

Flowerspage 16 ‰


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way with wedding vendors, w ho a re t y pic a l ly more willing to work with couples who treat them nicely than couples who enter the negoti-ation process full of demands.

Vendors often like it when couples k now what t hey want, but couples are not doing themselves any favors when t hey express t hose desires as demands.

• Don't be afraid to ask for more.

Making demands and asking for more are not the same thing. When negotiating with wedding vendors, there's no harm in asking for more. For example, the worst a deejay can do when asked to play an extra hour at no additional charge is deny that request.

Re c ept ion venue s of ten have the most wiggle room,

so don't be afraid to ask for free coffee with dessert or valet parking. Vendors are often open to suggestion and willing to honor requests, but it's not their responsibility to make such offers.

• Make sure all contracts are itemized, and read them thoroughly before signing on the dotted line.

The negotiation process is often tedious, and contracts should ref lect that. W hen hiring a wedding vendor, make sure the contract is itemized, spelling out in inti-mate detail just what was negotiated and how much each item costs.

Couples may even notice items in the contract that can be removed, saving them a few dollars as a result. Be especially mindful of extra fees that can add up. For

example, some venues try to make up for lower rates couples negotiated by tacking on fees for cutting the cake or other minute details.

These fees will be in the con-tract, and it's up to couples to have them removed before they sign and the contract becomes official.

• Remember there are two parties involved in the nego-tiation process.

Vendors are not the only ones who might need to bend a little at the negotiating table. Couples might have to be flexible in order to make their dream weddings a reality.

Some vendors charge con-siderably less during certain times of the year than they do during pea k wedding season. If couples are finding it impossible to afford the

wedding of t heir dreams during peak wedding season, they should consider tying the knot during a less popular time of year, when venues and vendors can offer them more competitive rates.

Brides- and grooms-to-be cannot expect vendors to bend over back wa rd for couples who aren't willing to make any concessions them-selves, so couples might have to make certain sacrifices at the negotiating table when planning their weddings.

Negot iat ion plays a sig-ni f ica nt role in wedding planning. Couples who take the process of negotiation seriously often find the best deals without having to make too many concessions.

Best Deals from page 8

returns policies of online vendors, select a manageable amount of dresses to try on in person. Besides my eBay dress, I had tried on two potential dresses at department stores within driving distance. Either of these dresses would have worked for my wedding, so I felt at ease because I knew I had options.

When trying on gowns, wear the underwear you want to wear on the big day. Think about the logistics of your wedding: Is the dress appropriate for the weather? Does the dress allow for dancing? Are you comfortable in it? Don’t worry about things like length, which can be changed with alterations.

My department-store-via-eBay chiffon dress made me feel smooth and elegant. I knew it was the one before I zipped it up. If your reaction isn’t this immediate, try on as many gowns as you need to, and stop when you find one that makes you feel beautiful and confident. Bonus points if it makes you or a loved family member cry tears of happiness.

Congratulations, you’ve just found your non-traditional gown.

Non-traditional from page 5

be a significant amount of money.

Though less versatile than roses and tulips with regards to their color, calla lily f lowers are another popular choice for wed-dings. Lily of the valley, hydrangeas, the peony, and ranunculus are also popular wedding flowers.

Though each type of f lower is beautiful in its own way, costs can vary considerably depending on the type of flowers couples choose for their wedding, something cost-conscious couples should consider before visiting florists.

Flowers from page 15


the focus from the dress to the girl. Then we can maximize the look. ‘Princess’ doesn’t have to mean a big, overdone skirt.”

The dream dress is often revea led i n t he det a i l s . Peters reminds brides to use beading, veils, t iaras, and jewelry to finish a desired look and make their dresses unique to them. Most bridal sa lons a re able to ma ke alterations to a gown to per-sonalize fit and add details including covered buttons, more or less crinoline, and appliques to a skirt .

Having a gown designed spe-cifically for you, however, is also an option but requires planning. Veronica Cedre, owner of Veronica’s Creations in Greene, Maine offers free consultations and designs specialty dresses and gowns for all occasions.

“Brides usually come to me with pictures of what they would like,” said Cedre. “To design a dress, I need six to eight months ahead of the wedding to allow for ordering of fabric and to allow time for hand beading which is a lot of work.”

With so many style options and detailing available, there is a perfect dress for every bride.

Peters said, “A bride knows when a dress is the right one for her. It will suit her person-

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CATERING SERVICES AVAILABLEGive us a call for rental information.

Experience the historic Royal Oak Room and meet one-on-one with some of the area’s best wedding professionals

Relaxed atmosphere featuring music, decor inspiration, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar

Advance reservations are required—please RSVP at 207-333-3242 or email [email protected]

ANNUAL WEDDING SHOW AT THE ROYAL OAK ROOM

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2014 | 2–5PM

Photo of couple courtesyCambria Grace Photography

L/A Magazine is pleased to be the media sponsor for this event.

Royal Oak Room | 1 Bates Street, Lewiston, ME | 207.333.3242 | royaloakroom.com

Save the Date

Above left: Lauren Chandler models a fit-and-flare gown with accent belt. Center she models a beaded fit-and-flare gown with ruffled skirt. Right she models a lace A-line with sweetheart neckline and keyhole back and satin sash accent belt.

Submitted photo sThis lace-up corset back is on a beaded fit-and-flare gown with ruffled skirt.

Findingfrom page 4


Get Your Gun.” And in true theatre fashion, even the couple’s f i rst da nce was choreographed.

To thank their guests, instead of buying favors the couple set out large glass jars of var y ing shapes and sizes filled with the candies that one would find at the theater. “We gave everyone a bag to fill at the reception’s Concession Stand,” said Kelsie.

“I m me d i at e l y a f t er t he wedding we shipped off on our honeymoon,” said Chris. "We called it intermission. We went on a cruise to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and when we got back we had a big party for everyone who couldn’t make it to the wedding -- we called it Act II.”

The couple's families got a kick out of their chosen theme, said Chris, and they were especially “happy that I married a girl who would keep me on the stage.”

Kelsie added, “They knew how stressed out I was for it to come out right, and they

helped a lot, with everything ... and the whole day came together perfectly.”

And the wedding was memo-rable indeed. For Kelsie, her favorite moment happened as she was walking down the aisle. When Chris saw her, she said: “He burst into tears.”

For Chris, it was the duet. “I

really enjoyed performing at our reception.”

True to their art, Kelsie and Chris will be on stage again this winter with Lyric Music Theatre in South Portland. Opening on Valentine’s Day, like their wedding, “'Into the Woods' is a spinoff of classic fairy tales,” said Chris.

& Hi-Style Caterers

RECEPTIONS OF

Beautiful ambiance, exceptional cuisine, impeccable service... every detail is in place to create the perfect wedding celebration for you and your guests.

576-8843 • 344-63361119 Lisbon Street,

Lewistonwww.CarriageHousePlus.com

Distinction

Call to arrange a tour of our full-service banquet facilities.

• L.A.’s Premier Wedding & Banquet Facility• All inclusive wedding receptions up to 250

People in our main room.• For more Intimate Gatherings, we also offer

our Hi-Style Room - Capacity of 97 Guests• Central Air • Full Service Bar• Personalized Events Coordinator • Plenty of

Parking• Catering for every occasion• Our Exclusive D.J. - Mr. K D.J. (M.C.)

(State of the art sound & digital lighting)Contact our Event Coordinator to schedulea consultation and tour of our spa.

Hair Up-D0’s & Design

Make-up Application

Manicures & Pedicures

Body Scrubs

Relaxing Massages

Body Waxing

We add tranquility to your special day by providingyou with exceptional services, a spacious andelegant bridal suite, two dressing rooms for yourcomfort, and light refreshments.

71 EAST AVENUE • LEWISTON, MAINE 04240www.cassiels.com • 207-783-3321

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE ON-LINE

Receive a $50 Gift Cardfor your special day!

Peter Morse photoChris and Kelsie performed a lively duet called "Old Fashioned Wedding" at their theater-themed wedding.

Camirefrom page 11Christina LeBlanc photos

A friend of the couple, Andrew Rowell of Auburn, made the cake. The top tier was adorned with wooden cutouts. Below, Andrew assembles the multi-tiered cake before the wedding.

wedding day and know that some of the bigger jobs would be taken care of. Planning ahead will also help you stay relaxed on the big day and leave less to do on the day of the wedding.

Following these guidelines resulted in a fun and special day for the McShanes, during which a lot of family and friends pitched in to make sure things went smoothly.

“It looked great even though we did so much of it our-selves,” Cyndi said. She also recommended keeping things in perspective when wedding planning gets over whelm-ing. “It’s a party ... it’s not your marriage.”

Support f rom fr iends and family went a long way toward maintaining that perspective.

“We weren’t feeling a lot of pressure to have a certain kind of wedding ... everybody was really supportive and happy for us,” Joe said. “The wedding was very ‘us’ and it was great to see everybody having as much fun as we hoped they would.”

McShanefrom page 10


SWith dramatic views, spacious �oor plan and

grand stone hearth, our main lodge is the perfect venue for both your wedding and reception.

We will make your dreams come true �

WWe can accommodate up to

two hundred & twenty of your friends and family.

When you choose Saddleback as your wedding venue, your Personal Wedding Consultant will help you plan every detail from start to �nish.

We will decorate to your speci�cations and help you �nd the best �orist, photographer,

baker and musicians.

Call for your free consult: 207-864-5671

addlebackeddings at

in the legendary

Rangeley Lakes Region of Maine

Your personal Wedding Consultant: JoAnne Taylor

or Email: [email protected]


Call Diane today at 784-2331 Ext. 170

490 Pleasant Street Lewiston, Maine

Weddings Anniversaries Full Banquet Facilities

Call Diane today at 330-3770490 Pleasant Street, Lewiston, Maine

Reunions ~ Birthdays ~ Business Meetings ~ TrainingPlated Meals, Cocktail Parties, Buffets... whether it is a party of 10 or 600 we will handle all the details.

sun journal spring wedding guide

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world of wedding gowns