wedding guide 2012

Feb. 19, 2012A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

Sidney Herald

By InvitationOnlyHow to choose your wedding invitations.

Favorable PhotosMemorable must-take wedding photos.

Picking just the right gown.

Guide To Gowns

Go Online to view this

section!

www.sidneyherald.com

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Weddings2 Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012 Sidney Herald

More than half of couples choose to rent a hall with a caterer for their wedding reception. That means there is probably a lot of competition for the reception room you’ve got your eye on!

Depending on the season, many of the choic-est wedding halls are reserved a long time in advance, usually several months or even years ahead of time. Planning a winter wedding might afford you some leeway in choice and avail-ability, since the peak season occurs during the summer months.

This means it’s important to decide on the kind of place you’d like as soon as possible and to start looking without delay. In order to avoid disappointment, start phoning halls and other suitable venues as soon as you become engaged.

Be sure to make an appointment to visit any places you think would be suitable. Bear in mind that it is wise to choose a place that is not too far from where family and friends live. Another factor to weigh is its proximity to your church or City Hall.

While many halls are designed and staffed with wedding receptions in mind, there are several other options worth looking at: country restaurant, social club, chalet, park, yours or a friend’s backyard, boat or ballroom in a grand hotel. Just keep in mind that in addition to the beauty of the site, the comfort of your guests ought to be taken into account.

No matter your budget or whether you live downtown or close to the country, there are plenty of alternatives for a wonderful wedding party.

Choose the location for your wedding recep-tion according to the atmosphere you want to create.

Where to celebrate your wedding

The decision has been made: you are engaged! Sure enough, you will soon be thinking about your wedding invitations, but it is worthwhile to publish an announcement of your engage-ment with a bit of pomp and circumstance. It is a momen-tous occasion, one worth celebrating!

Family members, neighbors, colleagues, long-lost acquain-tances: they might not all make it on to your wedding invitation list, but they will still want to hear the news of your engagement. Place an an-nouncement in a local newspa-

per, or even in a national one. It is usually the parents of the bride and groom who take care of this, but there’s nothing to stop the happy couple from tak-ing care of it themselves.

The text should include the names of the bride- and groom-to-be, the names of the par-ents of the couple, and, if it’s suitable, a few words about the circumstances of the proposal. Don’t forget to submit a photo of the happy couple!

An engagement announce-ment in the paper lets the community know that wedding bells will soon be ringing.

Do you hear wedding bells?

we pHotograpHicS | pHoto

James and Michelle Kelly celebrated their 11.11.11 wedding day at the Ranger Lounge back room.

The finesse of any wedding reception décor resides in the overall effect, which in turn comes from a great deal of at-tention to the details. Here are some tips for details that will make your wedding a comfort-able and memorable event for your guests.

To add an elegant and majes-tic look to your reception room, draperies are worth consider-ing. Beautiful, shiny fabrics ju-diciously arranged can create an atmosphere that is intimate, gracious and festive. Shades of fuchsia, red, silver and bronze are particularly fashionable this year and offer a more suc-cessful visual effect than white ribbons. Use filtered lighting to create a romantic ambiance that will still allow guests to see each other and what they’re eating.

Tables should be welcoming but not overdone; your guests will spend a lot of time there, trying to talk to guests on the other side of the table. Choose tablecloths and table napkins

in a saturated color in order to create a warm atmosphere in the reception hall. Ask your caterers if they have pretty and original dishes, such as square or coloured plates. Insist on having the best stemware and cutlery that you can get on your budget.

Think about decorating all the areas where guests will circulate, including the wash-rooms. Add perfume samples, small bouquets, and even some ribbons. Add decorative items in the hallways as well, hid-ing door and window frames if they clash with your decor and camouflaging undesirable architectural details such as piping and ventilation ducts.

Don’t forget to decorate all the areas where the guests will be circulating, including hall-ways and washrooms.

creating decor that reflects who you are

picture perFect | pHoto

Nancy Vaira and Duane Smith, Sidney, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, McKenzie Mariana Smith, to Bryan Joseph McDowell, son of Peggy Errecart and Ben McDow-ell, Sidney.

Both are graduates of Sidney High School and work at RestorX of Montana in Sidney.

A June 9, 2012, wedding is planned at the Assembly of God Church. Reception will take place at the Sidney Country Club.

Smith-McDowell

Engagement

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Whether small or gran-diose, majestic or modest, every wedding reception needs a cake whose colors and fla-vors reflect the tastes and style of the bride and groom.

There’s no ob-ligation to choose a traditional layered cake, decorated with lace and bridal arches. While that convention is alive and well, many couples today choose a modern take on dessert, such as a selec-tion of small cupcakes and pastries, a pyramid of chocolate éclairs, or even a variety of tarts and other sweets.

At least two months before the big day, meet with your caterer or pastry cook to taste several flavor combinations. Choose the texture you want – perhaps a sponge cake, a tiramisu, or even a cheesecake. Next comes the choice of flavor and the filling. Imagine a choco-late, carrot or vanilla cake embellished with a filling of cream, caramel or a generous layer of ganache.

For the icing, or just for decorations to adorn a plain cake, you might opt for a firm sugar paste that can be colored and cut into shapes and decorations. Butter cream icing is softer and is similar to the frosting normally found on cakes. The queen of all cake coverings is, without a doubt, marzipan, which adds a texture and flavor without compare.

The cost of a cake is always calculated by the number of portions, so while a

stunning seven-layer cake can feed an army of guests, you’ll have to be reason-able if you have a limited budget. The type of cake, the decorations, and the difficulty of its construction will also influence the price.

A fondant cake decorated in harmony with the theme of the wedding can be one of the star attractions.

Sweet delights


Renting a tuxedo jacket and pairing it with black jeans is an affordable alternative to renting the whole tux.

choosing the perfect tuxedo

Organizing the seating arrangements is one of the most complex steps in planning a wedding. It requires both patience and tact. Some of your guests will cancel at the last minute and others will surprise you by bringing along their latest conquest, but it is still es-sential to develop an overall plan in advance.

Originally, seating plans were de-signed to enable the families of the bride and groom to sit together. Today, most seating plans are aimed at gather-ing together friends or circles of friends who are compatible. This type of place-ment has the advantage of creating a more relaxed and joyful atmosphere, where all guests are seated at a table with people 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 to decide if your respective parents will sit at the head table, be seated with the rest of one’s family at separate tables, or if both families will be seated together. There are no real rules, and sometimes the head table is composed of only two people: the bride and groom themselves, tête-à-tête.

Plan to display the seating arrange-ments and a table map at the entrance of the reception room or task your wedding party with seating guests as they arrive for dinner. Either way, small individual name cards at each seat will help everyone to find their place with-out difficulty.

The seating arrangements are impor-tant in creating a good atmosphere.

the seating plan: an important stepYour big day is fast approaching, and you’re beginning to think about your tux-

edo. Is it worthwhile to buy one or should you rent it instead? Is it possible to buy a previously-worn tuxedo? If your head is buzzing with unanswered questions, keep reading.

Tuxedo rental businesses supply tuxedos and matching accessories to give the finishing touches to your appearance, so there is no need to buy one.

The classic tuxedo is black, but there is plenty of room for individual style. Cre-ate your own wedding-day look by carefully choosing a vest, shirt, cravat, shoes, hat, suspenders, cufflinks, scarf and belt.

Make an appointment to try on your tuxedo before your wedding. The shop’s tailor can make the necessary adjustments if needed. You can pick up your outfit one or two days before the wedding, depending on whether it takes place during the week or on a weekend. Take note that good savings can possibly be had on rental prices by taking advantage of renting all your wedding party tuxedos at the same location.

Be sure that there are as many possibilities as there are personalities — from a modern cut to the classic tux, there is a suit and a price for everyone.

A classy and unique suit is on the agenda; after those criteria, the groom should choose a suit he feels comfortable in, one that corresponds to his personal style and that is tailored to his body shape.

The fabric of the groom’s suit should be chosen according to the season and its overall style should match the tone of the wedding; a suit is perfect for an after-noon wedding, while a tuxedo is required for an evening event.

Once a suit has been chosen, the next secret to a refined look lies in the tie. A contemporary finish requires a tone-on-tone tie that matches the color of the shirt; it is a very attractive look, especially if both are pale in color. Pale tone-on-tone will brighten up the complexion and highlight the smile.

Dressed to the hilt in all his finery, the groom will shine on his big day.


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If your ideal hon-eymoon involves a faraway place, there are many destinations off the beaten path worth considering.

A stay in South Africa can be en-visaged at almost any time of the year. A visit to the western part of the country, including to the Cape and for safaris at reserves such as Shamwari, Tsitsikamma, and Ado, is best planned between September and May. For the east-ern zone, including the area of Kruger National Park and neighboring private reserves, the period from April to November is more suitable.

The Mexican Ca-ribbean and Pacific coasts are ideal for winter, spring and fall trips. The hur-ricane season is typically from August to mid-October, and June is the rainy season. One of the most popular tourist destinations is Cancun, situated on an immense coral peninsula surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Carib-

bean. Visit Tahiti

from the middle of April to the middle of October, when trade winds are more active and the temperature is slightly more comfortable. Count on see-ing spectacular beaches. It is warmer in the la-goons and on the beaches sheltered by the barrier reefs.

A trip to Brazil can be planned at any time of the year, although the Amazon and the Pantanal are best visited from June to Sep-tember. Unless you’ve booked far in advance, try to avoid Rio

de Janeiro during Carnival in January and February. The Brazilian summer vacation period can also make for over-crowded beaches.

Live your honeymoon dream to the fullest in celebration of your new life together.


As you pursue the silver-covered magazines, it may seem hard to believe in the possibility of a simple but in-spired wedding. But with a few ideas, a bit of initiative, and the cooperation of family and friends, you can arrange an inexpensive wedding that will delight bride, groom and guests.

If you don’t have a big budget, plan on taking advantage of the abilities of those around you. Your best friend’s boyfriend is a photographer? You have a cousin who’s a florist or an auntie who has an im mense flower garden? In-vite them to contribute their expertise and resources as a wedding gift.

Use a computer to design and print your own invitations. Be aware that winter weddings are generally less expensive, with the prices of reception

halls often dropping by 20 to 40 percent between November and March. Church ladies’ committees are often in the busi-ness of catering, and church halls are sometimes available for wedding par-ties. If you opt for that, make sure you know their policies regarding music and dancing!

If it’s okay with the manager of the space you’re renting, consider re-cruiting extended family to cater the meal by contributing two or three dish-es each; the approach is close in spirit to a potluck but with all the class of a catered buffet table. This, too, would make a valued wedding gift alternative.

All you need is a bit of imagination and willing friends to make your wed-ding the special occasion it ought to be.

Tips for successful and inexpensive wedding

The white dress of your dreamsHaving a traditional white wedding

dress is part of the dream for many modern brides. This year, beautiful white gowns are to be found in many different shades and textures.

The tradition of wearing a white dress is relatively recent. When Queen Victoria was married in a white dress in the nineteenth century, all the Western world followed suit. Before that, brides wore their most beautiful dress, no matter the color. While the white dress came to repre-sent the virginal purity of the bride, in North America today it is mostly a stylistic convention. Now most brides typically choose white dresses in a range of different shades and add creative touches with textures and accessories.

Indeed, a bride will allow her per-sonality to shine through the hue of white she chooses: diamond-sparkly pure white, pearlescent white, whites tinted with pink, ivory and antiqued yellow. Each of these shades offers a unique look that sets the tone for the celebration.

A fitted wedding gown must high-light the bride’s figure. The position-ing of each bit of embroidery and each ornament on the gown must enhance the most beautiful features of the bride who wears it, while hid-ing any small imperfections. Every-thing should be designed to make her feel dazzling and glamorous.

Ideally, the gown should have a timeless elegance. The ultimate in sophistica-tion, it will be conceived of the finest silks, satins and organza. Whether it is decorated with lace in a corset style, or with delicate, luxurious buttons, the gown will be in harmony with the personality of its owner. Those with more classic tastes will choose little or no embroidery; those with a more extravagant flair will be wild for sequins and shiny pearls.

This year, there is a wonderful blending of the vintage dress with a modern look. Lace is used on gowns with tulip, empire or A-line cuts. Straight-cut gowns em-bellished with satin ribbons or natural materials are also very popular. Many vintage style dresses are adorned with floral mo tifs that are created with fabrics, embroi-

dery or pearls.Fashion trends are also dictating

both the combination of a simple cut with a large quantity of ornamenta-tion or just the opposite. The key here is to find sumptuous fabrics and a perfect cut in order to create all the glamour a bride could want.

No matter the cut, the central effect will come from texture. Many are being explored by today’s dress de-signers, including embossed fabrics, which offer a dramatic look, as well as ruched fabrics (slightly puckered folds) that can be cut to hide any im-perfections. Layered skirts can also add an enormous amount of person-ality to a bridal gown.

Traditional romantic gowns con-tinue to score high in popularity rat-ings, even as they integrate touches of modern style. Short sleeves add a flash of skin, especially noticeable when worn with delicate short white gloves. While the traditional look typically includes heart-shaped neck-lines and a long train trimmed with embroidery and pearls, for an up-to-date look the gown can be embel-lished with appliqués or bows of rib-bon carefully positioned to enhance the bride’s figure. For a princess style look, choose a skirt made of organza and tulle to add grandiose character to the outfit.

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Much more than just an ordinary ring, a wedding band is the concrete sign of your marital status. It is also a symbol of the romantic union between you and your soul mate. Not long ago, a future bride and groom would have cho-sen a simple ring to mark this new stage in their lives. Today, wedding bands are made in the image of the couple and of their era, coming in original shapes and colors.

A wedding band should reflect your personality, since it will likely stay on your ring finger for the rest of your life. Choosing the right one can present quite a challenge and is a good reason why current fashion or impulse should never rule over personal preference.

Wedding bands are now available in yellow, white or pink gold. There are no longer any set rules for these rings, and more and more bands are set with precious stones. Future brides used to avoid sapphires, rubies and emeralds but these stones are now very much ap-preciated by those who like the idea of a color to match their personality. Just re-member that overly large stones should be avoided; a wedding band should always be elegant and fairly discreet.

Rubies are particularly popular with couples. These precious stones are much rarer than diamonds and sym-bolize love, warmth and vitality. The sparkle of the fiery color also symbol-izes the beating of the human heart. Diamonds and rubies mounted together on a wedding ring represent the perfect mix of fire and ice.

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Flower girl lovely inclusionWhether your wed-

ding is going to take the traditional or modern and minimalist route, you can honor a young friend, sister, niece or cousin by asking her to be your flow-er girl. If you’re planning on a big wedding party, with several bridesmaids and groomsmen, a flower girl is a lovely inclusion. If you want to keep the pomp to a minimum, hav-ing just one little flower girl to stand with you is a great strategy to avoid dis-appointing adult women friends!

The flower girl is usu-ally placed at the head of the procession and leads the bride down the aisle toward her future husband. Because all eyes will be riveted on this little person, special thought should be given to her outfit. Flower girl dresses can be found in most department stores

and in wedding dress boutiques. A frilly and white little ball gown will make your flower girl feel like a princess for a day – you can bet that she’ll have a hard time waiting for the big day to finally arrive!

You might prefer to let your flower girl choose her own out-fit or you may want to provide one that is inspired by your own gown. Whatever the style, be sure to choose a bouquet for your flower girl that is a reflection in miniature of the one you will be holding. Another option is to ask her to carry a basket of flower pet-als, which she will scatter on the floor as she walks down the aisle.

Flowers: key element of any weddingIn many people’s

minds, a successful wed-ding event often rests on the choice of flowers. The most beautiful of Mother Nature’s offer-ings, they are essential for setting the tone of the day. The trend in 2012 is toward smaller bouquets and less imposing floral center-pieces on the tables.

Vases are appearing in all shapes, sizes and materials: ceramic, zinc, glass and stone-ware, for example. Two timeless favor-ites, the rose and the orchid, adapt per-fectly to all these different vases. Just imagine the elegant yet contemporary look these flowers have when arranged in a huge glass vase on a guestbook table or beside an altar.

The trend in bouquets is turning toward natural simplicity rather than extravagance. White, cream and ivory flowers form the base, with lots of greenery to set them off. Branches and leaves matched to different types of flowers are used to top off a glorious monochrome bouquet.

Regardless of the colors, tradition still rules the size of a bouquet. Choose a simple bouquet if your outfit is fairly ornate. If your gown is simple, exoti-cism and creativity can run wild. Round bouquets go well with tapered dresses, and cascading bouquets are perfect for gowns with trains.

Lastly, one small hint to help you avoid a truly outdated effect: don’t try to match the color of the flowers with the groom’s outfit or with the bridesmaid’s dresses.

White, cream and ivory flowers form the base of the bouquet, with lots of greenery to set them off.

Weddings are sup-posed to be joyous events, which can make it difficult to hon-or a deceased parent or grandparent. Doing so in a way that does not compromise the upbeat mood of the event can prove quite a challenge to prospective brides and grooms.

The death of some-one close is rarely easy to accept, especially when it happens close to a couple’s wed-ding day. But there are many ways couples can honor a deceased family member at their cer-emony.

Display pictures of the deceased with the wedding couple so the memory of these people can be part of the festivi-ties.

Set up a table with a special floral arrangement and photo with a placard that states, “In memory of ...”

Wear a piece of clothing or jewelry that belonged to the deceased. Cufflinks from a father or a veil from a mother.

Ask the pastor or officiant to spe-cifically mention the deceased in the wedding ceremony and offer a special prayer in that person’s name.

Add a memoriam line to the end of the wed-ding program. “Today we honor Mary Smith, mother of the bride, who could not be with us today.”

Dedicate a special song during the recep-tion in the person’s name.

A bride who will not be able to walk down the aisle with her father can choose to do so with her mother or another relative and carry some-thing that belonged to

her father.Set up a photo slideshow that in-

cludes photos of the deceased. Choose poignant but upbeat music so that the moment is not overly somber.

Light a candle at the ceremony for the deceased relative.

Leave an empty chair and place set-ting at the reception for the person who could not be there.

Display something that symbolizes the person at the wedding, such as a flag for a deceased veteran or an item that represents the person’s favorite hobby.

There are many ways to remember a special loved one at a wedding without bringing down the mood of the event.

respectful ways to honor deceased parent, grandparent

by EllEn WznickSidney Herald

These are just a few of the average expenses for a wedding in the local area.

• Jewelry: The national average price for a bridal set is $4,500 (local average $2,400) while the groom’s wedding band can range from $100 for alternative metals up to $1,000 for precious metals like gold.

• Ceremony: Most churches charge very little if anything to use the church for members, usually putting down a de-posit for cleaning and could be refund-able. For non-members, rent varies from $100 to $300. Other fees vary as some churches have areas for receptions and could provide music and sound for extra fees. The officiate of a church usually doesn’t charge members, but would ac-cept a donation for their time. Charges for non-members range from $100 to $200.

• Invitations: RSVP cards, save the date and programs can run about $1 per item to $3 per item. The cost will depend on the paper and ink along with design. (black ink only is less expensive).

• Dress, tuxedo: The average cost for a wedding dress is $1,505 according to the Bridal Association of America.

The average groom’s tuxedo in the Sidney area is $97 to $139, for just a tuxedo coat will run less (under $70).

• Receptions: Rental reception sites run from $100 to $1,500. Caterers average cost is $15 to $25 per plate. Wedding cakes run around $1.75 per serving for regular frosting, foudant will run more.

• Flowers: Flowers run from a couple hundred and up, Centerpieces can cost $50 to $150 per piece.

• Photography: Photography charges can run from $1,000 to $8,500 – the price range depends on the time (how many hours of coverage) to what prints, books and/or CDs included with the package. Don’t forget about mileage, photogra-hers who travel to the location charge from 45¢ to $1.25 per mile round trip, some also add a location fee.

All of these prices are averages. The couple should get pricing from their lo-cal vendor to confirm.

average wedding costs, ceremony to reception


Jayla Huft was the flower girl at Matt and Katie Turnbull’s wedding.


Weddings SIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, FEB. 19, 2012 11

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By invitation onlyBefore you can choose the

right invitation for your big day you will need to have decided on the tone and theme of your wedding. Not only will you have to care-fully consider your cardstock and script, you will want to choose your wording very carefully.

Your guests need to know all the important details: where, when, how? The last thing you want is for your cousin’s high heels to sink into the sand because you for-got to mention the reception was a potluck at the beach!

If both families are contrib-uting fi nancially to the wed-ding, it is appropriate to spec-ify that they are co-hosting the event. That is typically expressed the following way: “(Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Jane Smith), parents of the bride, and (Mr. John Smythe and Mrs. Jane Smythe), par-ents of the groom, are pleased to invite you to the marriage of...” If the bride and groom

are footing the bill, the names of the parents shouldn’t be mentioned.

Double check the spelling of all the names, and make sure the bride’s name precedes the groom’s. If you want to invite your aunt and uncle to your wedding but not their fi ve children, omit the words “and family” after their names and cross your fi ngers that they’ll get the message! Send out the invitations at least six weeks before the wedding so that your guests will have time to clear their calendars and ar-range for travel.

Including a self-addressed, stamped envelope with every reply card will help your guests with the job of getting back to you. After all, if you want to keep a tight tally of your guest numbers for the caterer, it is absolutely es-sential that you facilitate your RSVP request in every way.

The invitation you design should indicate the tone and the theme of your dream day.

A fantastic evening of dancingYour evening

of wedding fes-tivities should be joyful and refl ect your personal style. Whether you want the dance fl oor to be hopping with old fashioned swing, swaying with easy-to-dance-to classics, or swirl-ing with Klezmer music, choosing the right DJ or band will make all the difference.

Most likely, you will want a good mix of musical styles. If this is the case, a profes-sional disk jockey might be your best bet. Choose a DJ whose work you are familiar with or whose music collection suits your style. He or she should suggest meeting with you ahead of the big day to consult you about your musical tastes. If it’s pertinent, give him precise information about your family’s cultural origins, your guests’ social inclinations, and the slow songs you’d like

to slow dance to. The waltzes you choose for you and your new spouse and for the bride and her dad are special moments that you can or-chestrate to be fun or sentimental.

A professional DJ will give you a detailed program specifying the types of music to be played during the evening. For a successful evening of dancing, he should be prepared to bring along about 150 CDs. Give him or her clear

instructions regarding impromptu requests from guests — it is your job to be precise about the type of entertainment you would like for the evening.

Don’t forget to take note of the DJ’s cell phone number in case of last minute requirements, and remember that you are the decision maker for this special day.

WE PHOTOGRAPHICS | PHOTO

Katie and Matt Turnbull share their fi rst dance this past July.


A bride’s hair-style is essential to the look she wishes to create for her wedding day. Choosing among this year’s trends is one way to find the perfect style.

The classic bun is a popular choice, especially because it fits with the retro chic trend. In 2012 we will see lots of elegant buns and twists, just like Audrey Hepburn wore. Brides with fine hair can opt for a cut and style, with a square cut or a plunging bob. If they want to keep their hair long, extensions are ideal for filling out some volume.

Braids are also making a comeback, but, for a more natural look, they should be soft and loose, with a few locks fall-ing around the face to create a slightly tousled look. The shape of the face must be taken into consideration before creat-ing a hairstyle with a part. If the bride has a round face, a middle part will not be flattering; inversely, thin, longer faces are particularly suited to a middle

part. Choose

an acces-sory to add a more personal touch to a hairstyle. Tiaras or headbands are lovely; some wrap partially or completely around the head and come decorated with flower and leaf patterns, curves, ar-abesques, pearls or

Swarovski crystals. Such jewels are as perfect in loose hair as they are with loose braids or buns.

With the help of your hairdresser, you can create the hairstyle you’ve always dreamed of. Be sure to make an appoint-ment well ahead of your wedding day for a consultation about options and styles.

A bun, curls or a loose braid? Choose a hairstyle that complements your gown and the shape of your face.

A bun, braid or curls?If wedding bells

will soon be ringing for you and your be-loved, here are a few practical makeup tips to help you look radi-ant on your big day.

If you have the means, entrust your makeup to an aesthe-tician that you know and trust. If you don’t know one, ask around for recom-mendations. Make an appointment sev-eral weeks before the wedding for a trial makeup session. You will be able to try a couple of looks, such as natural, glamor-ous or dramatic, and the aesthetician will bet-ter know which kinds of products will suit you best on the big day.

If you’re good at doing your own makeup and prefer to do it yourself, don’t forget that you should still do a practice run before the big event. Keep in mind that your makeup for the wed-ding day is likely going to be different from what you wear to the office. Above all, you’ll want to make sure you choose products that will help you look fresh all day long.

For your wed-ding day makeup, prepare your skin by applying a good moistur-izer and then the makeup base. That will allow it to last longer and will also give it a better finish. Choose a good quality founda-tion that is not orangey and that blends perfectly with the color of your skin.

Opt for water-proof mascara. It will be useful if your dad’s speech brings tears to

your eyes! And for a seductive pout that lasts all evening, choose a long-lasting lipstick and touch it up throughout the day with a quick swipe of lip gloss.

A final touch: a few sprays of makeup fixative to keep you from looking wilted and smudged as you meet and greet all day. The setting spray holds foundation and eye makeup in place while erasing any powdery effect.

For perfect makeup, treat yourself to a session with an aesthetician.

Radiant makeup for your special day

Every girl knows that shoes give the perfect finish-ing touch to an outfit, whether it’s for business, a movie night or her wedding. Finding the right shade to match a bridal gown can be a difficult one, especially as brides continue to move away from traditional whites.

The trend toward color began about five years ago with metallic tones, espe-cially gold or silver, both of which lend a glamorous touch to any dress. Golden shoes are perfect with gowns ranging from ivory to cream, while silver is gorgeous with pure whites and bluish whites.

In 2012, the trend has gone even fur-ther. Striking contrasts are in, as brides wear red, orange, turquoise or yellow! These shoes can be found in bridal

boutiques as well as in regular shoe shops. If you find yours in a designer line-up, such as Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo or Prada, you’ll be able to wear them proudly, long after your wed-ding day is just a happy memory.

One thing to remember about this

trend is that the days of matching shoes to cummerbunds are past: don’t choose shoes that match the color of your groom’s tie or your reception table-cloths. It may seem like a good idea ini-tially, but you will end up looking rather ridiculous. And unless you have a nice tan already, be sure to wear top-quality sheer stockings to even out the skin tone of your legs. When you slip off your garter at the reception, you won’t want to be shy about showing some leg! Take a step into the current trend and wear brightly colored shoes for your special day.

How do you feel about colored wedding shoes?

Is a cloud of tension hovering over your wedding preparations? Are there unspoken resentments or snubs amongst the bridesmaids, or outright verbal warfare between the couple or between them and their parents or in-laws? Whatever the situation, everyone must try to resolve the problems so they don’t spoil the wedding day.

Stay well away from heated discus-sions as much as possible. The bride and groom shouldn’t have to play refer-ee or take sides. Planning a wedding is already stressful enough! If you are the bride or groom, resist the temptation to get involved in squabbles. They are distractions that will ruin this special time in your life.

Are your parents separated and not getting along? Prevention is the best policy. Avoid imposing conditions on their presence; send them a wedding invitation with a handwritten note mak-ing it clear that you would like them both to be present and reassuring them that everything will go smoothly. Hope-

fully, this will allow them to stand back from the situation and reflect on what is most important.

Whether the tension is between the bride and groom, among the bridal party, or between parents and adult chil-dren, remember that communication is vital when a conflict arises. Don’t leave things unsaid, as that usually makes matters worse. If problems crop up, tackle them as they occur. If a couple can’t seem to find common ground, calm, honest communication and dis-cussion could clear up some beefs.

It is normal to want every aspect of one’s wedding to be perfect, but the reality is that some things won’t go as planned. If the parents of the couple are contributing financially, remember that their participation gives them the right to express opinions.

Whatever the situation, try to be flex-ible and give in once in a while. Take charge of what is really important and leave some room to maneuver for the others.

Avoid pre-wedding conflict, communicate





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buy wedding dress online? No thanks!

It is said a bride will try on more than 10 wedding gowns before finding the perfect one. If that statistic is accurate, online shopping isn’t a good idea. After all, the outfit for your big day requires a great deal more organization and thought than the purchase of an ordi-nary piece of clothing.

A bride who is tempted to buy her wedding dress online is probably just one who detests shopping. If that sounds like you, why not use the Inter-net as a source of inspiration that could help you find a style you like without having to leave home. Another way to save time is to visit bridal shows where many different designer labels present their dresses. However you go about it, don’t forget that you might love the look of a dress on a screen or on a model but not when you try it on. That is why it is so important to try on more than one style.

Think about the pleasure of shopping for your dress with your maid of honor, an experience that you’d miss by buying online. Wedding specialists will tell you that you should always shop for your gown with a friend who will express her opinion honestly before you say “I do” to the salesperson.

Online shopping also makes it hard to follow the golden rules for finding the right dress:

• When you try on dresses, wear shoes with the same size heels as you will wear on your big day;

• Go out in the daylight to check for any transparent areas in the dress;

• Make large movements with your arms and legs to check for comfort;

• Ask for a fabric sample so you can coordinate shoes and other accessories.

pHoto: comStock imageS / tHinkStock

You’ve both been married before and have decided to take the big leap a second time? Congratulations!

Second weddings, whether tradi-tional or modern in tone, do tend to be more modest in scale and drama. That doesn’t mean they need be less sentimental or festive, however! You might wish for a big bash or a more intimate affair; choose what you both really want and don’t let yourselves be sidetracked by others’ expectations.

A simple civil ceremony with a jus-tice of the peace, where you can write your own vows, might be perfect for you. In that case, a simple bridal outfit in a pastel or ivory color would be just the ticket. Don’t hesitate to include the children, if there are any, and invite a few friends and close family members. The wedding meal could even be served by a caterer in your home or held at a

favorite restaurant.If you would like something more

informal, you could exchange vows at your home or at a friend’s. Even if it is a simple, relaxed ceremony you could still wear something elegant for the oc-casion. Young children could be flower girls or ring bearers, and the older ones, bridesmaids or page boys.

If you want to make your wedding a grand occasion, including a religious or civil ceremony, you may decide to wear a tasteful, sumptuous gown or a skirt suit in a suitable color. For the reception, you might opt for a buffet or a more official, sit-down affair; either way, treat yourselves to a wonderfully elaborate wedding cake! Next, drink a toast to your new life!

Often more modest, but just as emotional, a second wedding can be a traditional or a more intimate affair.

planning the second time aroundChoosing a wedding

gift is not always an easy task. You might not know the couple well, which means you don’t really know their tastes or style, and you might not be sure how much money to spend.

A reasonable solution is to offer a gift certificate from a department or specialty store, or even cash. This kind of gift al-lows the couple to choose exactly what they need. Alternatively, you could offer them an item from a bridal registry at a de-partment store. You can ask the bride or groom where they’re registered or ask at a store if the couple has set one up.

If you’re close to the bride or groom, you might consider a more intimate gift. A pair of him-and-her spa passes makes a nice outing for the couple as wedding prep stress begins to build, or you could offer a gift certificate for an evening out at a chic restaurant for when they

return from their honey-moon.

Wedding guests often wonder how much they should spend on a gift. If your budget is limited, there are many ways to be generous without breaking the bank. You could offer a shared gift along with some friends, which would allow you to offer a single large item that none could afford alone. You could make a gift of your time and help with the wedding preparations, or compose a song dedi-cated to the new couple. Or, you could offer a symbolic

gift, such as a tree that they can plant and watch grow over the years.

Whatever the gift, be sure to include a card with your name and return ad-dress; that makes things easier for the couple when the time comes to send out thank-you notes.

It’s hard to go wrong with a gift of cash; the bride and groom will be able to buy exactly what they need.

the perfect gift for the couple

To prevent theft, couples should assign someone to watch over the gifts and cards area during the event.

Today’s bride and groom are connectedThe bride and groom of 2011 are like-

ly to be digitally connected, using so-cial networks and Internet throughout their daily lives. And it’s not because their wedding day is fast approaching that they’ll shut down their computers!

Social networks such as Twitter and Facebook are now an integral part of everyday life for many young people. It is easy to combine these modern methods with more traditional wedding preparations.

Social network sites can be used to send invitations and reminders and also to express mood. For themed wed-dings especially, small “nibbles” of in-formation can be sent, little hints to let guests know more about the ceremony. Steer them in the right direction about

the dress code or ask them for music suggestions. Post photos and video clips featuring the bride and groom-to-be and let your friends and guests have a great time commenting on them.

Many future couples create a blog, recounting the organization of their wedding from start to finish. For the uninitiated, a blog is like a private diary that is made public or opened to select friends on the Internet. In fact, many wedding blogs can be found online these days. They are useful for other future couples, as everyone shares advice on how to organize a suc-cessful wedding.

Perhaps the most useful application of the Internet in wedding planning, brides-to-be can post their wedding gift

lists online. This makes it easier for guests to know the needs and tastes of the couple.

A new trend for many future couples is the use of so-cial networks to let their guests know all about the wed-ding.


What’s the secret to fabulous wedding photos? Capturing just the right moments. Taking wedding photos and adding this collection of memories will be different for every bride, but use this list as a starting point. From candids to formal por-traits, black-and-white to color, your options are more open than ever, so take advantage! Skim through our ideas below -- then bring the print-and-go guide to your first meeting with your photographer. As with all of your wedding vendors, your results will be much better if you discuss your expectations ahead of time.

GETTING READYBride’s dress on the hanger

or over a chairClose-up of bride’s shoesClose-up of bride’s bouquetBride in curlers or having

makeup appliedBridesmaids applying their

makeupBride putting on garterMom and/or bridesmaids

helping the bride arrange her dress, bustle the train, etc.

Close-up of dress detailsBride together with brides-

maidsBride hugging momFlower girl(s) ready to goMom or bridesmaids putting

finishing touches on bride, add-ing the veil, etc.

Bride spending moment alone, thinking quietly, praying or looking out the window

Full-length shot of bride all dressed and ready to go

Groom putting on tieGroom with groomsmenRing bearer ready to goGroom with dad, hugging or

whispering adviceBride and groom sepa-

rately getting in the car, limo or cab

CEREMONYGroom looking out the

window, waiting for the bride to arrive

Car arriving with brideBride stepping out of

the carWide shot of ceremony

space from the backGuests arriving (espe-

cially if they’re using special transportation like a shuttle bus, boat or even escalator)

Ushers helping grand-parents and special guests to their seats

Front and back shots of flower girl/ring bearer walking down the aisle

Close up of details (guest book, pew decora-tions, etc.)

Groom and groomsmen waiting nervously for bride to walk down aisle

Guests sitting down, waiting for ceremony to start

Bridesmaids walking down the aisle

Wedding party standing at the altar

Bride just before walking down the aisle

Back shot of bride (and escort) beginning to walk down the aisle

Full-frontal shot of bride (and escort) walking down the aisle

Close-up of groom’s face when he sees bride for the first time (this can be done earlier, if photos are done before the ceremony)

Back shot of bride and groom together at the altar with offici-ant between them

Shot focusing on brides-maids’ bouquets, lined up as they hold them at the altar

Close-up of each hand as the rings are exchanged

Close-up of bride’s face, as seen over the groom’s shoulder

Close-up of groom’s face, as seen over the bride’s shoulder

Shot of both sets of parents’ faces as they witness ceremony

The kissHappy couple walking back

down the aisle together, as mar-ried couple

Guests getting ready to show-er the couple with well wishes

(and bubbles, birdseed, etc.) as they leave

Bride and groom walk-ing out of ceremony space, hand-in-hand

BEFORE THE RECEPTION During the cocktail

hour (These can be taken before the ceremony)

Full shot of bride and groom together, smiling

Full shot of bride and groom hugging

Full shot of bride and groom kissing

Bride being lifted or car-ried by groom or sitting on groom’s lap

Close-up of couples’ faces as bride is lifted, carried or sitting on groom’s lap

Bride with her parentsGroom with his parentsBride with groom’s

parentsGroom with bride’s

parentsBride with bridesmaidsGroom with groomsmen

Bride with groomsmenGroup shot of bride, groom,

family and wedding partyGroom leaning up against a

wall with bride in front of him, kissing

Bride and groom walking toward the camera, holding hands

Bride and groom walking away from camera, holding hands

Bride and groom looking off in the same direction together

RECEPTIONClose-up of details (place set-

tings, name cards, etc.)Close-up of centerpieces

Wide shot of entire room before everyone arrives, even better if taken from above

Any special moments during the receiving line process

Bride and groom’s first danceGroom dipping brideBride dancing with her dad

-- close-up of her face as seen over his shoulder

Groom dancing with his momClose-up of cakeBride showing her new ring

to the guestsBride and groom hugging

guests, close-ups of facesBest man (or other guests)

making a toast to the coupleBride and groom’s faces as

they listen to the toast(s)Guests smiling and clappingGuests dancing and cutting

loose on the dance floor. (Tip: Ask for a slow shutter speed to get a blurry/focused effect)

Wide shot of entire room after guests arrive, even better if taken from above

Close-ups of guests’ faces, laughing and having a great time -- lots of these

Groups of friends sitting to-gether at their table or dancing

Bride and groom whispering to each other

Parents (or even better, grandparents) dancing

Kids dancing or playing around

Close-up of band or DJBride and groom cutting the

cakeBride and groom feeding each

otherBride and groom in back seat

of getaway carBack of car as it drives away

Read More http://www.ivillage.com/88-must-take-wedding-photos/5-a-283166#ixzz1mu2OwlhT

Ideas for must-take, keepsake wedding photos for couple

wE pHOTOgRApHIcS | pHOTO

http://www.ivillage.com/88-must-take-wedding-photos/5-a-283166#ixzz1mu2OwlhT




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For your reception, rehearsal dinner or because you’re too busy to cook, excellent selection of meat and cheese trays, veggie trays, salads and fried chicken in any price range.

Hours: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. every day ~ 203 2nd St. NW, Sidney ~ 482-3737 • Fax: 482-3739

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