sweet beginnings

THE CULLMAN TIMES

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Sweet Beginnings The Cullman Times • September 2012 2012 | 3

Sweet Beginnings4 Secrets to a long and happy marriage

5 Creating a decor that reflects who you are

6 Sweet delights

7 Origins of bridal customs

8 A successful marriage proposalToday's bride and groom are connected

9 Is a wedding loan for you?

10 The white dress of your dreams

11 The wedding planner

12 Use cuisine to create a wedding to remember

13 Accessories for creating the look you want

14 Advantages to a wedding video

15 What not to serve at a weddingWedding candy: a must for any reception

16 Choosing the perfect tuxedo

17 Glittering wedding rings

18 A fantastic evening of dancingThe seating plan: an important step

19 Finding a caterer: an all important decisionMaking a moving speech

20 Tips for a successful and inexpensive wedding

21 Unique reception touches

22 Where to celebrate your wedding

23 Engagement photo tips

Publisher

BILL MORGAN

Project Manager

DEBBIE MILLER

Advertising Staff

KARA STEPHENS

CHASITY BARNETT

Graphics

JESSICA WELLS

JESSICA ULMER

The Cullman Times300 4th Ave SE

Cullman, AL 35055256-734-2131

www.cullmantimes.com

Some might say a long celebrity marriage is one that endures the dura-tion of the newly betrothed's trip down the aisle. We've seen BritneySpears dissolve a marriage after 55 hours and Kim Kardashian call itquits after 72 days. It seems even money can't buy matrimonial happi-ness.

But some couples have been together for 50, 60 years and say they'restill as much in love as they were the day they spoke their "I dos." Whatdo they know that others do not?

According to clinical psychologist and rela-tionship guru Dr. Phil McGraw, "We all needto be flexible and to compromise in mar-riage, but you've got to be true to your coretraits and characteristics, what I call yourauthentic self." Some couples enter a rela-tionship projecting a persona they believethe other person wants -- one that really isn'twhat they're all about. This could be awoman trying to fill the role of her hus-band's nurturing mom or a guy playing theprotector to his wife. In reality, marriage ismore of a partnership, and truth and trustare often at the basis of good marriages.

There are many other "secrets" that marriageexperts will offer to couples seeking the magic formula. Whether you'repondering marriage or have already tied the knot, consider the follow-ing advice to make a marriage endure for the long haul.

• There's no such thing as the perfect marriage. Some couples create animage of what they think marriage is supposed to be, and that imagethat often goes "poof" once reality sets in. Even soulmates are bound tofrustrate or irritate one another from time to time.

• Couples should express their frustrations. Bottling up frustrations caneat at a person and eventually destroy a marriage. Talking about thethings that are bothering you with your partner opens up a discussion

and can help you work through things.

• Divorce should not be seen as a viable option. Couples who want tobail on the marriage at every turn could be directing their energytoward divorce as the only solution instead of discovering ways toremove the cause of strife. Divorce can sometimes be the easy way outwhen you think about the work that goes into keeping a marriage work-ing. Experts say that there are a few issues, like adultery, abuse anddrug/alcohol addiction, that may be reasonable catalysts for divorce if

personal safety and sanity is being compromised.

• Make time for romance. It's easily said but not soeasily done. Too often married couples forget what itwas like to date when all of their attention was spenton each other instead of the house, kids, work, etc.Today there seems to be even more distractions,from e-mails to texts to pressure and obligations atthe office. Happy couples find the time to spendquality time with their spouses -- even if that's only10 minutes of alone time a day.

• Put "we" first. Many people operate on a "me" men-tality. When you're part of a couple, give more toyour spouse than you take. If he or she is doing thesame, you're working collectively for the benefit ofthe marriage instead of yourselves.

• Respect each other. Often couples having troubles realize they treatstrangers better than they treat each other. Would use the insults orunflattering terms that you sometimes throw at your spouse with acomplete stranger? Probably not. Good marriages are based on a foun-dation of respect and love. It's easy to lose feelings of love if the respectis gone.

Couples can realize that there are some thorns that come with the rosesof marriage, and staying happy together does take work for it to all beworth it.

TO A LONG

MARRIAGEHAPPY

4 | The Cullman Times • September 2012 Sweet Beginnings

Secrets

&

Couples whohave stayed married for

decades oftenput each other

first and share amutual respect.

Sweet Beginnings The Cullman Times • September 2012 | 5

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The finesse of any wedding recep-tion décor resides in the overalleffect, which in turn comes from agreat deal of attention to thedetails. Here are some tips fordetails that will make your wed-ding a comfortable and memo-rable event for your guests.

To add an elegant and majesticlook to your reception room,draperies are worth considering.Beautiful, shiny fabrics judiciouslyarranged can create an atmos-phere that is intimate, gracious,and festive. Shades of fuchsia, red,silver, and bronze are particularlyfashionable this year and offer amore successful visual effect thanwhite ribbons. Use filtered lightingto create a romantic ambiancethat will still allow guests to seeeach other and what they’re eat-ing.

Tables should be welcoming butnot overdone; your guests willspend a lot of time there, trying totalk to guests on the other side ofthe table. Choose tablecloths andtable napkins in a saturated colourin order to create a warm atmos-phere in the reception hall. Askyour caterers if they have prettyand original dishes, such as squareor coloured plates. Insist on havingthe best stemware and cutlerythat you can get on your budget.

Think about decorating all theareas where guests will circulate,including the washrooms. Addperfume samples, small bouquets,and even some ribbons. Add dec-orative items in the hallways aswell, hiding door and windowframes if they clash with yourdecor and camouflaging undesir-able architectural details such aspiping and ventilation ducts.

Creating a decor that reflects who you are


Whether small or grandiose,majestic or modest, every wed-ding reception needs a cakewhose colours and flavoursreflect the tastes and style of thebride and groom.

There’s no obligation to choose atraditional layered cake, decorat-ed with lace and bridal arches.While that convention is aliveand well, many couples todaychoose a modern take ondessert, such as a selection ofsmall cupcakes and pastries, apyramid of chocolate éclairs, oreven a variety of tarts and othersweets.

At least two months before thebig day, meet with your catereror pastry cook to taste severalflavour combinations. Choosethe texture you want — perhapsa sponge cake, a tiramisu, or evena cheesecake. Next comes thechoice of flavour and the filling.

Imagine a chocolate, carrot, orvanilla cake embellished with afilling of cream, caramel, or agenerous layer of ganache.

For the icing, or just for decora-tions to adorn a plain cake, youmight opt for a firm sugar pastethat can be coloured and cut intoshapes and decorations. Buttercream icing is softer and is similarto the frosting normally found oncakes. The queen of all cake cov-erings is, without a doubt, marzi-pan, which adds a texture andflavour without compare.

The cost of a cake is always calcu-lated by the number of portions,so while a stunning seven-layercake can feed an army of guests,you’ll have to be reasonable ifyou have a limited budget. Thetype of cake, the decorations,and the difficulty of its construc-tion will also influence the price.

Sweet delights


1704 2nd Ave NW, Cullman AL 35055256-734-3661

www.edwhitejewelers.com

Your choice is as rare and as pricelessYour choice is as rare and as pricelessas the one who has chosen you.as the one who has chosen you.

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This is it. You’re sure. You’ve finally found your kindred spiritand you’ve decided you want to marry her. But how do you popthe question? When is the best time? What will sweep yourloved one off her feet?

A marriage proposal is a unique occasion, one that your true lovehas likely dreamedof since she was alittle girl. Don’t letthis moment blendin with all the oth-ers in a day; try toplan a meaningfulproposal so that themoment remains un-forgettable for her.Here are a few sug-gestions.

If you spend your nights together, wait for your loved one toopen her eyes in the morning and in those first moments ask hertenderly if she will marry you. Rent an advertising panel at asport event so that your marriage proposal will be flashedaround the stadium at half-time, and invite the sports announcerahead of time to draw the crowd’s attention to it.

Plan a trip in a hot air balloon, your head in the clouds andyour heart racing wildly. Far from the daily stress and noise ofthe city, this is a unique place to declare your love and ask thewoman of your dreams to spend her life with you.

If the Internet is a part of your daily lives, you could makeyour proposal during a chat session, with witnesses to boot, orbuy an advertising banner at a website she visits regularly. Ifyou would like to propose in a more traditional way, ask thebig question in a park, next to a lake, or during a romantic can-dlelit dinner.

No matter how you decide to pop the question, the essentialgoal is to touch her heart. Because you know her so well,you’re sure to find the perfect formula!

A successful marriage proposal

Be innovative when you pop the question.P

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The bride and groom of 2012 are likely to be digitally con-nected, using social networks and Internet throughouttheir daily lives. And it’s not because their wedding day isfast approaching that they’ll shut down their computers!

Social networks such as Twitter and Facebook are nowan integral part of everyday life for many young people.It is easy to combine these modern methods with moretraditional wedding preparations. Social network sites can be used to send invitations andreminders and also to express mood. For themed wed-dings especially, small “nibbles” of information can besent, little hints to let guests know more about the cere-mony. Steer them in the right direction about the dresscode or ask them for music suggestions. Post photos andvideo clips featuring the bride and groom-to-be and letyour friends and guests have a great time commenting onthem.

Many future couples create a blog, recounting the organi-zation of their wedding from start to finish. For the unini-tiated, a blog is like a private diary that is made public oropened to select friends on the Internet. In fact, manywedding blogs can be found online these days. They areuseful for other future couples, as everyone shares adviceon how to organize a successful wedding.

Perhaps the most useful application of the Internet inwedding planning, brides-to-be can post their weddinggift lists online. This makes it easier for guests to knowthe needs and tastes of the couple.

Today’s bride andgroom are connected


Engaged couples about to take a trip down the aisle are increasinglychoosing to pay for the wedding themselves. Where it used to be tra-dition for the bride's parents to handle the bill for the occasion, todaythe responsibility for funding has largely fallen into the hands of theprospective bride and groom. To meet the financial demands of themodern wedding, some individuals turn to loans for financing a por-tion or all of the wedding. You may question whether this is a goodidea.

As with any situation, there are pros and cons. The same can be saidabout a wedding loan. The following are some factors you will need toconsider before taking out a loan.

One of the most important things to realize is that a wedding loan, likeany loan, will need to be paid back and interest fees will be included.What that means is that, by the end of the payback period, you willhave spent several thousand dollars more on the loans than the origi-nal principal amount when interest is added in. If you're taking out aloan because you've already gone above budget on wedding expens-es, a loan may push that budget even further into the red.

That being said, there are some instances where a loan may be anoption that works for a couple. For example, couples who anticipateconsiderable monetary gifts from guests attending the wedding canoffset the cost of the loan with those gifts. Some couples might begintheir professional careers after their wedding, which will increase theirsalary enough to repay the loan quickly. Others may actually have themoney for the wedding, but want to use a loan as a way to establishstrong joint credit as a new couple.

However, many couples take out loans because they simply cannotafford their dream wedding. In a world where many people already livebeyond their means -- financing cars, homes, retail purchases -- a wed-ding loan may just be another shovelful of soil on a financial grave. Theconsensus among financial experts is that it is better to scale back thewedding or postpone it until you can save money the old-fashionedway instead of taking out a loan.

But if a loan seems the only option, here are some tips.

• Shop around on a wedding loan, just as with any other loan. Find thebest rates and terms before settling on a lender.

• Decide how much you can afford to pay back within 2 to 3 years andhow much the monthly payment will be. Then take out the loan only inthat amount.

• Figure out which portions of the wedding can be scaled back to makethe finances work.

• See if options like refinancing a home or borrowing from family wouldbe better than taking out a loan.

• Look at banks, credit unions and even programs sponsored throughyour employer to compare rates on loans.

• Wedding loans may be secured or unsecured. A home or car can serveas a form of security in a secured loan. Unsecured wedding loans donot require a form of security.

• Personal loans, like wedding loans, generally have low annual per-centage rates.It may be worth it to take out the loan rather than usinga credit card for financing because the card's rates could be double.

Keep in mind that a wedding loan -- even if it comes at a low interestrate -- means you're starting out your new life together with a largeamount of debt for an event that lasts one day. Think about whetherthe wedding of your dreams is worth using that joint checking accountto pay off months of wedding debt.

IS A WEDDINGLOAN FOR YOU?


The white dress of your dreamsHaving a traditional white wedding dress is part of the dream formany modern brides. This year, beautiful white gowns are to befound in many different shades and textures.

The tradition of wearing a white dress is relatively recent. WhenQueen Victoria was married in a white dress in the nineteenth centu-ry, all the Western world followed suit. Before that, brides wore theirmost beautiful dress, no matter the colour. While the white dresscame to represent the virginal purity of the bride, in North Americatoday it is mostly a stylistic convention. Now most brides typicallychoose white dresses in a range of different shades and add creativetouches with textures and accessories.

Indeed, a bride will allow her personality to shine through the hueof white she chooses: diamond-sparkly pure white, pearlescentwhite, whites tinted with pink, ivory, and antiqued yellow. Each ofthese shades offers a unique look that sets the tone for the celebra-tion.

A fitted wedding gown must highlight the bride’s figure. The posi-tioning of each bit of embroidery and each ornament on the gownmust enhance the most beautiful features of the bride who wears it,while hiding any small imperfections. Everything should bedesigned to make her feel dazzling and glamorous.

Ideally, the gown should have a timeless elegance. The ultimate insophistication, it will be conceived of the finest silks, satins, andorganza. Whether it is decorated with lace in a corset style, or withdelicate, luxurious buttons, the gownwill be in harmony with the personali-ty of its owner. Those with more clas-sic tastes will choose little or noembroidery; those with a more extrav-agant flair will be wild for sequins andshiny pearls.This year, there is a wonderful blend-ing of the vintage dress with a modernlook. Lace is used on gowns with tulip,empire, or A-line cuts. Straight-cutgowns embellished with satin ribbonsor natural materials are also very pop-ular. Many vintage style dresses areadorned with floral motifs that arecreated with fabrics, embroidery, orpearls.

Fashion trends are also dictating boththe combination of a simple cut witha large quantity of ornamentation orjust the opposite. The key here is to

find sumptuous fabrics and a perfect cut in order to create all theglamour a bride could want.

No matter the cut, the central effect will come from texture. Many arebeing explored by today’s dress designers, including embossed fab-rics, which offer a dramatic look, as well as ruched fabrics (slightlypuckered folds) that can be cut to hide any imperfections. Layeredskirts can also add an enormous amount of personality to a bridalgown.

Traditional romantic gowns continue to score high in popularity rat-ings, even as they integrate touches of modern style. Short sleevesadd a flash of skin, especially noticeable when worn with delicateshort white gloves. While the traditional look typically includesheart-shaped necklines and a long train trimmed with embroideryand pearls, for an up-to-date look the gown can be embellished withappliqués or bows of ribbon carefully positioned to enhance thebride’s figure. For a princess style look, choose a skirt made oforganza and tulle to add grandiose character to the outfit.

This year it’s important to play with textures and decorative elements,regardless of the shade of white you choose for your dress.

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The wedding plannerBecause a wedding requires a tremendous amount of planning andorganization, many people turn to an event planner to help themmake their big day a glorious event. Delegating the planning to aprofessional allows the bride and groom to save their time forthings that really count, such as staying relaxed as the weddingapproaches.

Contrary to what you might think, a wedding planner can some-times help you save money. Because of their business connec-tions and ability to purchase services and goods in bulk, they areoften able to obtain better prices from suppliers.You can hire a planner to organize both the wedding ceremonyand the party afterwards or just the reception. These event plan-

ners take charge of reserving the reception hall, the DJ, the cater-er, and decorators. Some multitask wedding planners are evenavailable to help a bride shop for a wedding gown or find a danc-ing teacher for her and her groom’s opening dance. They’ll takecare of every little detail; nothing of importance will escape theirnotice, not even a crease in the wedding gown.

Whether it’s just to organize the reception or the entire wedding,it’s possible to find a professional to help you. Their organiza-tional skills and eye for style will allow you a great peace ofmind. They are used to working with brides-to-be and are metic-ulous in their work, always taking into account their client’sdesires. They will develop a package deal that suits your needsand budget, and you’ll only have to write one cheque!

A wedding planner will take care of all the details of the ceremony, leaving you time to look after yourself,

your loved one, and your guests. (Photo JLM Couture)


Despite the months of planning and poring over every minute detail ofa wedding, it has often been said that what people remember mostabout wedding receptions is the food and if they had fun. Therefore,instead of worrying about choosing Jordan almonds over chocolatetruffles, or whether the cake should have an extra tier, couples maywant to pay more attention to selecting their reception menus.

Although certain foods are wedding staples, it could pay for couples tothink with their stomachs instead of their heads when selecting wed-ding day fare. Having a selection of foods that taste as good as theylook is a wise idea over having certain foods simply because they aretrendy.

Whether you are cooking yourself, having a family member serve aschef or relying on the menu of the reception hall, think about foodsthat will please guests and select those items, regardless of thembeing fancy. Here are some other tips.

• You want foods to be filling but not so much so that guests haveto waddle to the dance floor. If you're planning on several courses,keep portion sizes small to offer a taste of the different items offered.

• Classic foods can work well as wedding fare. Roasts, barbecuedmeats and favorite pasta dishes can make guests feel like they're din-ing at someone's home and not at a wedding.

• Choose items people have heard of. Instead of tornadoes of beef,select a hearty prime rib. Just because a dish sounds fancy doesn'tmake it taste better. If a guest doesn't know what he or she is eating, itcan be uncomfortable. Now is not the time to experiment with exoticfoods, either. Otherwise, some picky eaters may be left hungry.

• Think about the foods you love and see if they can be incorporat-ed at the wedding. Although a breakfast bar at an evening event mayseem funny, waffles and omelets may appeal to a greater number ofguests than a gourmet fish creation.

• Don't make vegetarians an afterthought. Too often, vegetariansmust eat whatever the kitchen can pull together, which is usually acompilation of the vegetable garnishes from the meat dishes. Make aneffort to have a true vegetarian dish that is intricate and delicious.

• Mashed potatoes are a crowd pleaser. Serve little portions ofmashed potatoes in cocktail glasses and enable guests to top as theysee fit with bacon bits, cheese or chives.

• No idea is silly, and serving any type of food in a hors d'oeuvre stylecan make it acceptable at a formal affair, whether that food is pizza orcaviar-topped crackers.

• If you have a favorite restaurant that serves delicious food, findout if they will cater your wedding.

• Just because it isn't on the menu doesn't mean it cannot be pre-pared. Talk to the catering manager and let him or her know your pref-erences. Provided you're willing to pay a little more, there's a goodchance you can have items that aren't on the standard catering menu.

• Think outside the box for your cocktail hour "bars." A bread bar, adipping station, milk and cookies service, or vegetable bar are optionsthat go against the standard cheese and pasta stations.

Although it's your wedding, ultimately the goal is to please the guests.By choosing foods they will love and rave about, you're guaranteedpositive remarks on your wedding.

USE CUISINE TO CREATE

a wedding to remember


Accessories for creating the look you wantApart from the all-importantdress, brides wear many smallaccessories to give the finishingtouch to their outfit. To the greatdelight of all those who dreamof being a princess for a day, themore traditional accessorieshave made a comeback

Parasols are entirely appropriatefor weddings where some of thetime will be spent outside. As wellas giving a very special look tothe bride, the parasol will allowher to shade her face from thesun and ensure that her makeupwill look perfect all day long.

The hat has recently experi-enced a return to popularity. Itcan be both extravagant anddiscreet and is particularly suit-ed to outdoor weddings. There isalso an increasing trend towardsthe tiara as the head-dressing ofchoice for young brides.Whether it is sparkling, slender,

jewel-encrusted, or restrained instyle, it is a perfect finishingtouch to a princess-style look.

There is also a trend towards thewearing of gloves, particularlywhen entering the church. Theyare available with or without fin-gers and are usually made oflace or satin. They can be worn inall lengths: short, with only thehand covered, longer, or elbowlength. Ideally they should bethe same colour and texture ofthe dress, with no colour pat-tern. In fact, gloves should bediscreet as you don’t want todraw attention away from thedress. If you choose to weargloves you mustn’t forget totake them off before exchangingthe rings. Leave the gloves inyour purse or on the table at thereception so that you can showoff your new wedding band tofull effect!

Traditionalaccessories

such as gloves and parasols

add characterto your

wedding.(Photo Pascal

Duchesnes)


Advantages to a Wedding VideoIn a financial climate where most people are pinching pennies, it comesas no surprise that many engaged couples seek ways to cut costs withregard to their weddings. Some couples are undecided whether certaincomponents of their wedding are necessary.

The decision to hire a videographer is one such area couples fret over.After all, with a photographer snapping hundreds of pictures, having avideo may seem like an unnecessary luxury. However, people often findthat having a wedding video to cherish long after the day has passed iswell worth the price.

There are several advantages to hiring a professional videographer to cap-ture the day. A professionally produced wedding video is not the same asUncle Fred carrying around his archaic camcorder and catching a fewembarrassing dance moves during the reception. A professional video willshowcase all moments of the wedding from perspectives not easily cap-tured by photography. In addition to showcasing the images of the wed-ding, the video will also share the sounds and emotions of the day. Hereare some things to think about.

* Choose a videographer who will work in conjunction with the weddingmood and parameters. You probably don't want a videographer who usesbright lights that can be distracting. Nor do you want a videographer whopushes the camera in guests' faces for a less-than-candid interview.Today's professionals are inconspicuous and simply record the events asthey unfold.

* A videographer will capture the things you may have missed during thebusy day. He or she can serve as the eyes and ears for the things you'renot seeing and hearing.

* Although ours is an increasingly digital world where people capturephotos and videos on their smartphones and other devices on a regularbasis, a wedding video can serve as a family memento. What other time,apart from the holidays, do you have all of your friends and loved onestogether in one place?

* Although no one wants to think of a friend or relative passing awaywhile planning their wedding, the fact remains that after a few years someof the people who attended your wedding may no longer be around.Having a wedding video may be the only last moving image and sound ofa special person who is no longer in your life.

* Sound is a portion of the wedding that photos simply cannot capture. Torelive the music and the words of the day, a videographer is a necessity.Professionals who use wireless microphones will produce a video withthe best sound quality.

* You can work with a good videographer so it's not simply a video withclose-up shots of your face or unflattering perspectives. Talk about yourpreferences and even fears about being filmed (some people just don't

like watching themselves on TV), and the videographer can no doubt findsolutions that will accommodate your needs.

* There are many things that you will not see at the wedding but mayhave liked to, such as the first gasps of wonder upon guests walking intothe reception room, or the tears on the face of an aunt who was sitting toofar back in the church pews. This is where a wedding video can proveinvaluable.

* Modern videographers offer high-resolution, edited movies. These canbe delivered via Blu Ray DVD and ensure the best quality for your pack-age.

Although brides and grooms may be cutting costs with regard to theirwedding, they may not want to pass on the wedding video.


Wedding candy: a must for any reception

Candy has been a part of weddings for centuries.The traditional treat offered to guests is the sug-ared almond, a symbol of pleasure, happiness, andprosperity. Still a favourite at weddings today, sug-ared almonds are a wink to the past and are, at thesame time, a sign of refinement and elegance.

Sugared nuts are known in French as dragées, thename North American bakers now give to thetiny, round silver candies used to decorate wed-ding cakes. If you’re a stickler for the real thing,though, handfuls of almonds delicately coatedwith smooth, glossy sugar are beautiful whenscattered on tables or served in decorative bowlswith cocktails.

If you’re trying to keep your wedding budget to a minimum, you can make your ownsugared almonds, although they will not be as refined as those made by a candymaker. They can be stored for over 18 months if they are protected from light andhumidity and must never be stored in the refrigerator. Plan for a kilogram of sugaredalmonds for every 20 to 30 people. If you order your dragées from a candy maker, besure to order them at least two or three months in advance of the wedding; the realthing takes about ten days to make!

Although tradition calls for wedding candy to be given as gifts to all the guests,there are plenty of other options available. Aside from the classic sugared almond,

you might offer instead sugared grilled almonds, chocolates, fruit, or nougat.


Your big day is fast approachingand you’re beginning to thinkabout your tuxedo. Is it worthwhileto buy one or should you rent itinstead? Is it possible to buy a pre-viously-worn tuxedo? If your headis buzzing with unanswered ques-tions, keep reading.

Tuxedo rental businesses supplytuxedos and matching accessoriesto give the finishing touches toyour appearance. The classic tuxe-do is black, but there is plenty ofroom for individual style. Createyour own wedding-day look bycarefully choosing a vest, shirt,cravat, shoes, hat, suspenders, cuf-flinks, scarf, and belt.

Make an appointment to try on atuxedo before you reserve it. Theshop’s tailor will make the neces-sary adjustments at a later date.You can pick up your outfit one or

two days before the wedding,depending on whether it takesplace during the week or on aweek-end. If you gain or loseweight you can return to the storefor adjustments up to three weeksbefore the wedding date. Takenote that good savings can behad on rental prices by takingadvantage of “early-bird” promo-tions before the summer peak-wedding season.

If you’ve decided to buy a tuxedo,look for end of season sales orshop around in second-hand cloth-ing stores. Some men’s storeshave tailors available if you wouldlike to have a suit or shirt made tomeasure. Be sure that there are asmany possibilities as there are per-sonalities — from a modern cut tothe classic tux, there is a suit and aprice for everyone.

Choosing the perfect tuxedo

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Choose from a wide range of tuxedo styles.


Glittering wedding rings

Since the beginning of time, dia-monds have been seen as the sym-bol of love. In the past they weredestined only for the gods but nowthey are the most beautiful gift aman can give to his wife. Availablein many different types of colour,the majority of diamonds chosenfor weddings are in tones of brilliantwhite. Those that are totally colour-less are the rarest, while othershave a slight hint of pink or yellow.

Whatever type of wedding you’replanning, wedding rings are anessential part of the celebration.They are the ultimate symbol of theunion between the bride and groom.This year the rings are grandiose andglittering but always in the image ofthe couple to be.

For weddings in 2012, everythinghas to glitter. Even though you canstill find slender rings, today’s trendis more towards opulence. Availableeverywhere, wide bands are usuallyembellished with numerous dia-monds. Some are also set with otherstones, although it’s not often thatcoloured stones are preferred to thebrilliance of diamonds. This brillianceis now more often set in white gold,where diamonds appear more daz-

zling than they do in yellow gold.Rings made of silver are not a viablesubstitute for while gold: silver willblacken and rust fairly quickly whilewhite gold never deteriorates.

Other jewellery for your weddingday can include a necklace, bracelet,and earrings which are in harmonywith the style of the gown. An intri-cate gown will call for few or nopieces of jewellery at all, perhapsonly a pair of small pearl or dia-mond studs for the ears. A simpledress will harmonize well with amajestic, glittering necklace thatcompensates for the neutrality ofthe gown. More extravagant gowns,plunging necklines, or sleevelessdresses are perfect with sophisticat-ed necklaces made with invisiblethread and decorated with sequins,

feathers, or other colourful details.And, of course, on the wedding daynothing is worn on the hands exceptthe engagement ring.

White gold is very popular again this year;they are the perfect setting for glittering

diamonds. (Photo Pascal Duchesne)


Organizing the seating arrangements is one of the most complex stepsin planning a wedding. It requires both patience and tact. Some ofyour guests will cancel at the last minute and others will surprise youby bringing along their latest conquest, but it is still essential to devel-op an overall plan in advance.

Originally, seating plans were designed to enable the families of thebride and groom to sit together. Today, most seating plans are aimedat gathering together friends or circles of friends who are compatible.This type of placement has the advantage of creating a more relaxedand joyful atmosphere, where all guests are seated at a table with peo-ple they know reasonably well or will enjoy getting to know.

The head table usually consists of the bride and groom at the centre,with their wedding party radiating out from them. It’s up to you todecide if your respective parents will sit at the head table, be seatedwith the rest of one’s family at separate tables, or if both families willbe seated together. There are no real rules, and sometimes the headtable is composed of only two people: the bride and groom them-selves, tête-à-tête.

Plan to display the seating arrangements and a table map at theentrance of the reception room or task your wedding party with seat-ing guests as they arrive for dinner. Either way, small individual namecards at each seat will help everyone to find their place without diffi-culty.

The seating plan: an important step

Your evening of wedding festivities should be joyful and reflect yourpersonal style. Whether you want the dance floor to be hopping withold fashioned swing, swaying with easy-to-dance-to classics, orswirling with Klezmer music, choosing the right DJ or band willmake all the difference.

Most likely, you will want a good mix of musical styles. If this is thecase, a professional disk jockey might be your best bet. Choose a DJwhose work you are familiar with or whose music collection suits yourstyle. He or she should suggest meeting with you ahead of the big dayto consult you about your musical tastes. If it’s pertinent, give him pre-cise information about your family’s cultural origins, your guests’social inclinations, and the slow songs you’d like to slow dance to. Thewaltzes you choose for you and your new spouse and for the bride andher dad are special moments that you can orchestrate to be fun or sen-timental.

A professional DJ will give you a detailed program specifying thetypes of music to be played during the evening. For a successfulevening of dancing, he should be prepared to bring along about 150CDs. Give him or her clear instructions regarding imprompturequests from guests — it is your job to be precise about the type ofentertainment you would like for the evening. Don’t forget to take note of the DJ’s cell phone number in case of lastminute requirements, and remember that you are the decision makerfor this special day.

A fantastic evening of dancing

Keep your guests dancing all night long.

The seating arrangements are important increating a good atmosphere. P

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The brochures spread out on the tablein front of you are overwhelming:how to choose the best caterer for yourwedding meal? There are severalthings to consider that will help youmake your choice.

Begin by inviting estimates for vari-ous menus from five or six differentcaterers. Be bold enough to play withthe competitive factor between cater-ers to negotiate a better price per plate.You can then compare their servicesand prices.

Don’t hesitate to question the catereron different points: is he or she expe-rienced in wedding banquets? Howmany other weddings will they becatering that weekend? Are they clas-sic or creative? Can they offer refer-ences?

It is wise to make an appointment withyour short-listed caterers to taste both

the wine and the dishes they are pro-posing. Take advantage of this occa-sion to check the amount of food perserving. If you are not able to taste themenus, check the references they havegiven you and ask former clientsabout quality of taste and service. Ifyou still can’t make up your mind,base your decision on the style of yourwedding, the time of year, or the placeyou have chosen for the reception.

Check all the clauses of the estimate.It must include the total amount forall the services or separate prices foreach of them, such as for the meal,drinks, corkage fee, gratuities, dish-es, furniture, and serving equipment.

A delicious meal will be rememberedby your guests, so do your homeworkbefore making your choice.

Finding a caterer: an all-important decision

Choose your caterer with care.

Speeches from the head table canmake people cringe or cry. If you’resitting alongside the bride and groomthis year, take some time to prepare aspeech that will touch the couple’shearts and charm their guests.

As you think about what to say,remember that this reception willalready be charged with emotion andnerves. The couple and their familieshave likely spent months preparingfor this day, seeing to every tinydetail. Take some time ahead of thebig day to jot down a few ideas; youdon’t want your speech to be the oneregrettable contribution to the event.

There’s nothing worse than anever-ending speech in the middle ofa wedding meal. If you’re the father

of the bride, limit your speech to ajust a few pertinent memories and ahearty “Welcome to the family!” foryour new son-in-law. If you’re thebest man, it may tempt you to bringup some embarrassing references tothe groom’s glory days, but do savethe lurid bachelor party memories forthe next guys’ night out.

This is the moment to take a risk andput your feelings into what you say.The bride and groom will be touchedand grateful. If public speakingfrightens you, practice your speech athome or refer to an index-card whereyou’ve noted your main points.

Perhaps the most important speechof all: the newly married couplemust thank their guests for sharingin their celebration as well as allthose who helped them organize thewedding.

Making a moving speech

A wedding speech is always filled with emotion.

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As you peruse the silver-covered maga-zines, it may seem hard to believe in thepossibility of a simple but inspired wed-ding. But with a few ideas, a bit of initia-tive, and the cooperation of family andfriends, you can arrange an inexpensivewedding that will delight bride, groom,and guests.

If you don’t have a big budget, plan ontaking advantage of the abilities of thosearound you. Your best friend’s boyfriendis a photographer? You have a cousinwho’s a florist or an auntie who has animmense flower garden? Invite them tocontribute their expertise and resourcesas a wedding gift.

Use a computer to design and print yourown invitations. Be aware that winterweddings are generally less expensive,

with the prices of reception halls often drop-ping by 20 to 40 percent between Novemberand March. Church ladies’ committees areoften in the business of catering, and churchhalls are sometimes available for weddingparties. If you opt for that, make sure youknow their policies regarding music anddancing!

If it’s okay with the manager of the spaceyou’re renting, consider recruiting extendedfamily to cater the meal by contributing twoor three dishes each; the approach is close inspirit to a pot-luck but with all the class of acatered buffet table. This, too, would makea valued wedding gift alternative.

All you need is a bit of imagination andwilling friends to make your wedding thespecial occasion it ought to be.

Tips for a successful and inexpensive wedding

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More than half of young couples choose torent a hall with a caterer for their weddingreception. That means there is probably a lotof competition for the reception room you’vegot your eye on!

Depending on the season, many of the choicestwedding halls are reserved a long time inadvance, usually several months or even yearsahead of time. Planning a winter weddingmight afford you some leeway in choice andavailability, since the peak season occurs duringthe summer months.

This means it’s important to decide on the kindof place you’d like as soon as possible and tostart looking without delay. In order to avoiddisappointment, start phoning halls and othersuitable venues as soon as you becomeengaged.

Be sure to make an appointment to visit any

places you think would be suitable. Bear inmind that it is wise to choose a place that is nottoo far from where family and friends live.Another factor to weigh is its proximity toyour church or City Hall.

While many halls are designed and staffed withwedding receptions in mind, there are severalother options worth looking at: country restau-rant, vineyard, social club, chalet, park, yoursor a friend’s backyard, boat, or ballroom in agrand hotel. Just keep in mind that in additionto the beauty of the site, the comfort of yourguests ought to be taken into account.

No matter your budget or whether you livedowntown or close to the country, there areplenty of alternatives for a wonderful weddingparty.

Where to celebrate your wedding

Choose the location for your weddingreception according to the atmosphere

you want to create.

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Newly engaged couples choose to capture the occasion in photos thatthey can cherish. Often, one of these photos is used as an announce-ment to family and friends and might even be published in the newspa-per.

Engagement photos may be part of a package negotiated with the pho-tographer who will be covering the wedding day. Some couples enlistthe help of a friend or a budding photographer to capture an engage-ment shot. Some couples opt to use a photographer who might special-ize in other areas (i.e. fashion models) but may want to break into thewedding biz because of how lucrative it can be. Costs may be negotiat-ed as a result.

When shopping around for a photographer, there are certain thingscouples should keep in mind. The first and most important is selecting aphotographer you can relate to. If you don't feel a connection with thephotographer, he or she will have trouble coaxing the shots that willproduce the best results. He or she should also be a professional andhave some experience working with posing couples. This way the pho-tos don't look stiff or contrived. Here are some other tips that can leadto great photos.

* Find a photographer who fits your style. If you're a quirky couple, gowith a quirky photographer. If you're reserved and a follow-the-booktype of couple, then select a more traditional photographer. Some pho-tographers out there forget that this is your moment and want to imparttheir idea of what you want. Make sure he or she takes your ideas intoconsideration.

* Select one who is open to different shoot locations and brainstorming.Some of the best photos occur in natural settings, where things aren'tentirely planned. If a photographer simply works out of a studio, youmay want to select one who has more free reign with different locales.

* Choose your location wisely. Certain locations will stand out in yourminds because they are visually stunning or are special places whereyou have spent moments as a couple. By choosing a place that offers apersonal connection, there's a good chance you'll appreciate the photosin the long run. Also, be open to the fact that unplanned stops may offera great background for the image. Be open to the unexpected.

* Try random poses and some candid shots. Although you might have avision of the perfect photo in your mind, experimenting with differentideas can sometimes lead to a great photo you really love. Expect to takeyour share of kissing, nose-touching and portrait shots. But some funposes, such as running or jumping (or rolling around on a beach full ofwaves) can produce candid shots that are truly masterpieces. Remem-ber, sometimes photographers will pose you in positions that seem a bitawkward, but this is to get the best lines of the body and flatteringimages.

* Choose clothing that fits the mood. If time and budget allows, haveseveral different wardrobe changes so that you can see which outfitswork and which ones don't. A formal outfit, comfortable street clothes,something beachy or clothing that fits with your interests (such as poloor baseball) can make for interesting engagement photos. Avoid cloth-ing that is too trendy or busy, which may take away from the actualimages in the long run. Plus, you don't want to look back at these pho-tos in the future and say, "What was Ithinking?" Avoid matchy-matchy,though. If you are dressed alike, you may appear to be trying too hard.It's the individual personalities you want to shine through.


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