bridal planner 2013

Bridal Planner

Finding the Perfect Place

Get Glamorous from Head to Toe

Party Gifts

Memories Made Easy

The New Rules of Weddings

THE NEWNAN TIMES-HERALD | 2013

www.times-herald.com/bridal

Planning Made EasyCongratulations! You and the person ofyour dreams are embarking on a new life together, and we couldn’t be happier for you. It’s time to create a day you and yourloved ones will never forget.

Sound impossible? Hardly! Just let us show you how.

Changing attitudes and a changing economy have changed the way couples get married. Today’s couples are being more mindful of their budgets – but they’re not letting that get in the way of throwing an awesome party! Our 2013 Bridal Planner will guide you through all the moments of the big day.

Our experts’ tips will show you how to make the most of your time, energy and budget, while keeping your wedding’s style and fun factor sky high.

Dive in. Follow our tips. Plan a wedding that your guests won’t soon forget.

It’s never been easier to do.

3 Venue 8 Food & Drinks11 Cakes12 Fashion & Beauty14 Invitations15 Flowers16 Rings16 Music & Entertainment

17 Photography & Video18 Budget19 Gifts20 Health & Fitness21 Honeymoon22 Engagement Form23 Wedding Form

In this issue

H E R E W E G O !

is an advertising product ofTHE NEWNAN TIMES-HERALD

SaleS & Marketing Directorcolleen D. Mitchell

aDvertiSing Managerlamar truitt

aDvertiSing conSultantSDoug cantrell

kevin DickinsonMandy inman

candy Johnsonnorma kelley

layout anD DeSign by:Debby Dye, graphics ManagerSandy Hiser, graphic DesignerSonya Studt, graphic Designer

The Newnan Times-Herald, Inc.16 Jefferson Street, Newnan, GA 30263

(mailing) P. O. Box 1052, Newnan, GA 30264770-253-1576

content provided byctW and Metro creative graphics

also online at:www.times-herald.com/bridal

2 2013 BridAl PlANNer

Bridal Planner2013

V E n u E

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clubhouse.

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Continued on page 4

Finding the Perfect Place to

Tie the Knot METRO GRAPHICS

Planning a wedding is no small feat, as couples are faced with

many decisions seemingly from the moment they get engaged right up until they walk down the aisle as man and wife. One of the biggest decisions a couple will make is where to host the event.

Couples must consider

a variety of factors when looking for the right venue. The wedding is a celebration, and the reception is where the couple and their guests will let their hair down and hopefully enjoy a festive and memorable night. Because the reception is typically the most lengthy portion of a couple’s wedding day, it’s

2013 BridAl PlANNer 3

4 2013 BridAl PlANNerV E n u E

2459-H US Highway 280 West, Cordele, GA 31015(800) 459-1230 | (229) 276-1004 | [email protected]

www.LakeBlackshearResort.com

and the Asa M. Powell, Sr. Expo Center is

located on Temple Avenue in Newnan.

the Coweta County Fairgrounds & Conference Centeris on Pine Road in Newnan...

and the Asa M. Powell, Sr. Expo Center is

located on Temple Avenue in Newnan.

Coweta County offers two facilities to make anyspecial occasion EASY and CONVENIENT.CONVENIENT.CONVENIENT

The Coweta County Fairgrounds& Conference Center

275 Pine Road, Newnan

The Asa M. Powell, Sr.Expo Center

197 Temple Ave., Newnan

the Coweta County Fairgrounds & Conference Centeris on Pine Road in Newnan...

For more information contact Karen Beatenbough at the Fairgrounds(770-254-2685) or Patricia Hood at the Expo Center (770-252-6429).

www.coweta.ga.us

important to find a place where everyone can be comfortable and enjoy themselves. The fol-lowing are a few tips for couples looking to find the ideal venue.

Ask around. Word-of-mouth is a great way to find the right venue. Ask friends or family members who got hitched in the same town where your ceremony will be if they can recommend an event venue. These friends or family mem-bers can provide a behind-the-scenes look – from how accom-modating the staff were to how flexible and open they were to suggestions. Wedding planning isn’t easy, so if friends, family members or coworkers recom-mend a hassle-free venue, that recommendation can remove a lot of the stress from planning a wedding.

Consider the size of the facility. Some couples prefer an intimate affair with relatively few guests,

while others will desire a large wedding party with lots of guests. Couples can find a venue that’s capable of catering to small or large wedding parties, but find one that fits your party specifically. If your wedding party is small, then avoid a larger facility that will appear empty. If the party is large, make sure there’s adequate room so guests won’t feel like they’re sitting on top of one an-other during dinner and dessert.

Don’t downplay decor. A venue with an attractive decor is not only aesthetically appealing but can appeal to a couple’s finances as well. Such a venue likely won’t need any additional decorations, while a venue that’s unadorned and lacks embellishments will, and those decorations can dip into a couple’s overall wedding budget. Compare the costs of the more decorated event venue with the one that’s more plain in appearance, factoring in the cost

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V E n u E

to decorate the latter, and you might just realize the one with more aesthetic appeal is more affordable in the long run.

Prioritize privacy. Few couples would be open to strangers having easy access to their wedding reception. When

shopping for a venue look for one that gives you and your guests all the privacy you need.

The reception is where cou-ples can expect to spend most of their time on their wedding day, so couples should exercise their due diligence to ensure they find an inviting and festive facility. BP

6 2013 BridAl PlANNerV e n u e

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METRO GRAPHICS

Weddings are filled with

many emotions: happi-ness, excitement and anticipa-tion, to name a few. With all of the positive emotions a wedding may drum up, in the mix there may be a few nega-tive ones, including feelings of being overwhelmed at all the details that need to be com-pleted on a deadline.

One aspect of wedding plan-ning that tends to send people into panic is wedding recep-tion seating arrangements. The thought of having 200 friends and family members together under one roof – and then at-

tempting to seat them next to an acceptable group of people – can cause some couples to hyperventilate.

Every family has its ups and downs, and there are certain people who get along well and a few who clash. Ensuring that a wedding is memorable for all the right reasons (and not for the brawl at table 3) is why seating arrangements are so important. Many couples can use a little advice when seating guests, while others would love another person to handle the seating arrangements for them.

Here are some guidelines for setting up reception seating arrangements:

SeatingYour Wedding Guests

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V E n u E2013 BridAl PlANNer 7

Weddings & Events

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✓ Place yourselves, as well as the bridal party, at a separate table that is in a prime loca-tion in the room. Be sure to allow the spouses or dates of bridal party members at the same table so couples remain together.

✓ Some couples choose to seat both sets of parents at one table together -- the parents' table. Grandparents may also be seated at this table, depending on the number of people each table can accom-modate.

✓ If children under the age of 7 are invited, they should be seated with their parents. Children between ages 7 and 14 can be seated at a separate kids' table.

✓ Be mindful of guests with disabilities or mobility issues. Seat them close to the door, bathrooms or food station.

✓ Instead of separating the bride and the groom's family

to separate sides, intermingle the tables to promote conver-sation.

✓ Consider arranging guests by common interests at each table, seating business as-sociates or parents' friends together.

✓ Take into consideration people who have relation-ship rifts and try to seat them separately. But don't stress about this too much because it won't be possible to accom-modate everyone. You'll have to hope that at your wedding a certain level of decorum will preside.

✓ It's not unheard of to let guests seat themselves. This takes the pressure of find-ing a seat for everyone off of you as a couple and enables you to think about the other tasks at hand. This can take place at a buffet wedding or a smaller affair. BP

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8 2013 BridAl PlANNerF O O D & D R I n k s

Serve It UpWithStyle

By AnnA SAchSe

CTW Features

Whether it’s trays of fun gourmet sliders; a chic sushi station; elegant plates of Kobe beef; or a convivial family-style feast in

which every ingredient is organic, seasonal and locally grown; the meal you serve at your wedding sets the tone for the entire celebration. The key component of your reception, it deserves a caterer whose professionalism, style and, of course, cuisine reigns supreme.

Proper PrepThe majority of couples both research and book their caterer six to 12 months prior to the main

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event – that is, if the caterer isn’t a package deal with your venue. But try to jump on it early if you want the best, as they can only work a limited number of wed-dings per weekend.

You’ll ideally want to meet with a few of your favorite op-tions and ask a lot of questions, says Sharon Naylor, author of “1001 Ways to Save Money and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding, 3rd edition.” How creative can they get within your budget? Are they open to modifying their standard menus with spe-cial recipes? Can they provide variety for folks who eat veg-etarian or gluten-free? Do they have recent experience with your location? “If you’re having an at-home wedding, ask them to tour your kitchen,” Naylor says. “You might need to rent them a cooking tent, which is actually smart because it keeps the magic out of sight and pre-vents damage to your house.”

Once you’ve made your deci-sion, Naylor recommends sched-uling a tasting that includes appetizers and different sauces that can be used to dress up less pricey entrées.

Speaking of financial plan-ning, dinner and drinks typi-cally is your biggest expense – The Wedding Report states that the average couple spends more than $10,000 on food and anoth-er $3,000 on the bar – approxi-mately 60 percent of the total budget. But the cost can vary widely depending on the city, menu, wedding size and how the caterer charges for different styles of service. A plated dinner

involves more staff, but a buffet requires more food because the caterer can’t control portion sizes. And with beverages, some places charge per drink, while others charge for an open bar based on the time.

That said, in general, you can expect to shell out $20 to $80 per person for food, and $7 to $20 per person for a four-hour full bar.

Foodie FabulousBefore you start building your menu, you’ll definitely want to take your venue logistics into account. If the kitchen is far away from the dining area, for example, you may want to pass on a plated dinner (the most formal option, it involves lots of individual servings presented at the same time) in favor of a buf-fet because the latter can easily be replenished with single plat-ters and requires less staff.

Once you’ve got your param-eters, it’s time to get creative! Incorporate foods that mean something to you – from your heritage, places you’ve visited or local favorites. Just make sure your caterer is comfortable with the new recipes, and willing to practice and perfect them.

Another continuing trend is classic or comfort foods served in unique ways, such as a mac and cheese or mashed-potato station with gourmet add-ons like truffle oil, mushrooms, bacon and lobster. Stations are growing more and more popu-lar, since the variety appeals to a large number of guests’ par-

ticular tastes. Comfort foods are great here, but also consider Indi-an, Mexican, Italian or Asian-themed stations, as are raw seafood bars and a carving table.

Decided on a royal wedding-inspired day-time reception? Serve elegant, lighter fare like flaky croissants and yogurt with honey and figs. Pair it with a mimosa or Bloody Mary bar, a sparkling rosé, or drinks that feel festive but have a lower alcohol content,

Continued on page 10

10 2013 BridAl PlANNerF O O D & D R I n k s

such as a refreshing spritz made with orange-flavored Aperol, prosecco and soda water.

Good LibationsA full open bar can cost a pretty penny, but, luckily, there are lots of ways to stay within your budget that still have plenty of flair.

First off, you can limit the offerings to wine and beer only. If you have tasty labels that are produced locally, guests will feel like they’re partaking in a unique treat. Microbrews in cans have lots of character and typically are less expensive than bottles, and kegs are a cost effective choice for weddings that have more than 150 guests. If you really want liquor, simply add in a handful of specialty cocktails. Great options include your personal favorites, classics, and seasonal flavors like a mint julep, margarita, sangria or pumpkin martini. “When you serve something creative that guests don’t get very often,

it looks like you spent more,” Naylor says.

Eco EatsDon’t want your I Do dinner to negatively impact the planet? “If every couple committed just half of their food and drink bud-

get to buying local and organic products, it would generate an additional $15-billion worth of green business!” says Kate Harrison, author of “The Green Bride Guide: How to Plan an Earth-Friendly Wedding on Any Budget.”

Even if you can’t go 100-per-cent organic, using all or mostly in-season local or regional foods will decrease the carbon footprint of your meal while in-creasing the yum factor – locally raised barbecue and fresh corn in the south. BP

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C A k E s2013 BridAl PlANNer 11

By AnnA SAchSe

CTW Features

If you’re a sucker for sweets, the cake is probably the star of your to-do list.

To ensure you get a baker whose culinary and aesthetic abil-ities you adore, book at least six months prior to the big day. But first, schedule tastings with a few top contenders, inquire if they bake from scratch or use mixes, and ask to see lots of pictures of cakes they did for actual wed-dings – if a baker clearly special-izes in a classic look, they may not be the best fit for your colorful, topsy-turvy request.

In general, plan to order a cake that would serve about 80 percent of your guests, as some people don’t eat cake and others will leave before it’s served. Prices typically range from $400 to $1,600 or more, depending on the

town, cake size and ingredients – fondant is more expensive than buttercream, and intricate details like sugar flowers and royal icing can really bump up the bill.

In this era of “Ace of Cakes,” couples who are looking to personalize the traditional tower of tiers certainly can have an architectural masterpiece that replicates their city or a scene from “Star Wars.” For a more organic look, try using textured buttercream and herbal accents or consider fondant cutouts for a contemporary vibe. Or stick with a simple white exterior and focus on memorable flavor.

If you want something visually unique, you can add a groom’s cake, the southern tradition that is gaining popularity across the country. We’ve done just about anything you can imagine, includ-ing flooded woods, the groom’s dog, cars, stadiums, computers, mountains, games, etc. BP

Sweet Treats

Wedding Cakes for Every Season

METRO GRAPHICS

It’s no longer necessary to stick with a white cake with butter-cream frosting for your wedding day. Couples getting married in the

fall may want to think about a spice cake that evokes the feel-ings of sipping a mug of spiced cider. Cream cheese frosting is often a pairing with spice cake, or think about a layer of caramel that will make it taste like you’re

enjoying a candied Halloween apple.

A hummingbird cake may fit the bill for a spring wedding. This is made with mashed ba-nanas, pineapples and chopped pecans. This cake is perfect when paired with cream cheese frosting.

Yellow or white cakes are universal favorites for weddings. Some pizzazz can be added through the use of creative

fillings. Consider something citrusy and summery for a summer wedding. Raspberry preserves or lemon curd are tart and sweet. For a tropical flair, mangoes or passion fruit can be mixed with touches of coconut.

A winter wedding can be accented with rich flavors, like a decadent chocolate cake filled with chocolate ganache and black cherries – in a black for-est style. Those toasting to the

good life may want an almond cake enhanced with some fine liqueur and simple chocolate buttercream.

Couples should sit down with their baker and sample a number of flavor combinations to determine a recipe that works for them.

Whatever the case, couples can use their cake as a center-piece that wows the senses of taste as well as vision. BP

TIP

If your mantra is “more is always better,” consider getting a small, one- or two-tier cake for cutting, and then offering an array of favorite treats. Pretty pastries like macarons and cake pops, as well as heart-warming sweets like Whoopie Pies, cookies-and-milk and seasonal desserts like mini hot chocolates, pumpkin pie and berry tarts. For even more flair, include a DIY dessert station, and let guests build their own gooey s’mores, giant ice cream sundaes or colorful shaved ice.

12 2013 BridAl PlANNerFA s H I O n & B E A u t y

from Head to ToeBy AnnA SAchSe

CTW Features

With her gorgeous gown, elegant accessories, sleek coiffure and glowing visage, the bride is the quintessential icon of a wedding. But modern

women also want their look to reflect their individuality. If that pressure has you in panic, take comfort. These beauty guidelines will get you feeling both chic and unique.

Dress for SuccessYou typically need to order a gown from a traditional wedding salon about six months in advance, so start shopping around early, visit-ing the go-to boutiques and shops in your city. Before you settle on a dress source, it’s helpful to think about details like the formality of your event – for example, if you’re having a church wedding, you

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...and your gown should be, too.

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FA s H I O n & B E A u t y

should probably skip that back-less number. That said, keep an open mind – you might be the avidly anti-strapless type, but it turns out this popular style is especially flattering for your body type.

Looking for some fashion-forward leads? The latest trends in short dresses are a great ’60s trapeze look and a short-in-the-front/floor-length-in-the-back

hemline, which can really showcase a fabulous shoe, says Rachael Leonard, fashion direc-tor for Bride’s magazine. She’s also seeing color on the bridal runways, including pale peach, a dark lilac and for the more gothic bride, black or a black-and-nude look. Other unconven-tional trends include low-draped and sheer backs, and front or side slits – just be sure to avoid

ankle straps, as they can make legs look shorter and thicker.

We’re also starting to see an increase in brides who want

sleeves for coverage and lace is becoming popular again, which is a direct result of the royal wedding.

Sugar on TopShortly after you order your

dress, you’ll want to settle on your shoes – you should bring them to your first fitting, as they may affect the alterations. It’s possible to push purchasing a wrap and/or clutch to the last minute, but you’ll ideally want to decide on any hair accessories (a veil, fascinator, hat, crown or clip) and jewelry a few months prior, as they may impact your hair and makeup choices.

You want jewelry to comple-ment your gown, not compete with it. If the dress is a show-stopper, stick to simple drop earrings and a bold bangle or a striking cocktail ring. But if the dress is simple, a chunky, colorful necklace might be the perfect foil.

A new trend is vintage-inspired birdcage veils and combs, pins or tiaras in antique silver, typically with rhinestones and/or pearls. Just make sure you don’t overdo it with vintage hair, makeup and accessories. You want to


On trend: vintage-inspired birdcage veils

byCandice Louise

Dressmaker andBridal AlterationsSpecialist

FOR ALL YOUR BRIDAL [email protected]

www.elegantdesignsbycandicelouise.com

CandiceRoetman678.467.6248

A simple, bold cuff is smart way to accessorize a showstopping gown.

Continued on page 14

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ClaSSiC CleanerS combine vintage elements with

a modern touch. Delicate faux flowers are a lovely addition to the softer, more “undone” trend in bridal hairstyles right now.

Practice Makes PrettyTo nab your preferred makeup artist and hair stylist, schedule at least five months out. Just keep in mind that if your wed-ding is on a Saturday during peak wedding season (late spring through early fall), you should probably plan even farther ahead, if possible. You’ll also want to set up consulta-tions/trials – your style prefer-ences may change as you get closer to the big day, so shoot for four to six weeks out.

Bring images from magazines to illustrate design ideas you like (or don’t like). And because your style should jibe with the overall tone of the wedding, it also can be helpful

to bring pictures of your dress, bridesmaids’ dresses, flowers, location, etc.

For the makeup trial, wear a white T-shirt to simulate what your face will look like with your gown, or ask the artist to wrap a white towel around your neck.

The best look for you de-pends on your coloring, facial features, haircut and per-sonality, but right now shim-mery peach/bronze shadows (especially on blue eyes or for summer soirées), paired with bronzed skin, peachy cheeks and glossy lips, and also retro looks – matte eye shadows with a strong cat eye and maybe even a classic 1940s Hollywood-style red lip.

For hair, the classic styles of the ’20s, ’40s and even ’50s, as well as softer, easy, deconstruct-ed styles are more flattering on most brides. It’s important for guests to notice how gorgeous a bride looks, not how gorgeous her hair and makeup looks. BP

By TimoThy R. SchulTe

CTW Features

Stationery is your guests’ first impression of your wedding, so you want to

make sure it’s fun, grabs their attention and gets them excited about your big day.

You can look at your statio-nery in three parts: the save-the-date, the wedding invita-tion and enclosures, and the day-of pieces. Typically, expect

to spend around 5 percent of your budget on your stationery, including postage, but adjust as necessary.

Save-the-DateAs soon as you have your wed-ding date set in stone – the ven-ue is booked – you should send out a save-the-date. It doesn’t matter if it’s a year out from the wedding or nine months out or seven – the point is you want your guests to get your wedding on their schedules ASAP.

You don’t need to go over-board on details; just your names and the date to keep open. If you have a wedding website already set up with details about the ceremony, reception and accommodations,

include the URL. And, of course, you can mention that a formal invitation will follow.

Wedding Invitation and EnclosuresLet’s get this out of the way right now: Do not include regis-try information on the invitation – anywhere – it is uncouth! You’re inviting your friends and family to join in your wedding celebration; you’re not inviting them to bring you gifts! (You can list registry information on your wedding website.)

The actual wedding invite is where you officially invite your guests. Plan to put these in the mail around two months prior to your wedding. For some more

creative ideas for wording your invites (and a quick primer on the basics), visit offbeatbride.com and search “wedding invitation wording.”

The RSVP card (self-addressed and stamped) is where guests will accept or decline invitation and, if you’re having a seated dinner, mark their dinner selec-tion. List a date in which you’d appreciate their reply by, usually four weeks before the wedding date.

As mentioned, you might have all the pertinent information on your wedding website, but you’ll want to include a card separate from the invitation that lays out the wheres and whens for your reception and accommoda-tions. BP

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Give Your Event a Fresh FeelBy AnnA SAchSe

CTW Features

Just as a stunning piece of jew-elry can really set off a wedding gown, beautiful blooms are like accessories for your big-day décor. We’re not just talking decoration here – with count-less colors, textures and options for arranging, your florals also are an easy way to create the vibe for your event.

Petal PlanningIf you’re a fan of flowers, booking the shop or event designer who will create your arrangements may be at the top of your to-do timeline. “But don’t hire the florist until after you’ve selected your venue and date, and secured your main vendors – band, catering, and photographer,” says Karen Bussen, author of the “Simple Stunning Wedding Organizer,” which has a section on what to ask prospective florists and how to calculate costs. “Then you’ll have a better sense of what your décor budget is and what kind of ambience you want to create.”

Six or seven months out should be a safe bet.

Before meeting with vendors, peruse magazines, books and websites for ideas. Blogs are a primary source of wedding inspiration because there are so many, and they update daily.

You can expect to pay out about 8 to 10 percent of your total budget for blooms. However, the actual number varies widely, depending on factors like your desired aesthetic (e.g. lush and glamorous versus minimalist and chic versus simple and rustic), the type of flowers (think seasonal and locally grown blooms to save money) and the size of the event.

In addition to reception centerpieces, for a traditional wedding you’ll likely want bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids, boutonnieres for groom, groomsmen, ushers and dads, corsages or small posies for MOBs and MOGs, and possibly petals and head wreaths for flower girls. But you can use flowers anywhere, from chair-back garlands, altars and

the cake, to windows and restrooms.

Once you have an idea of the approach, color palette and price-range you want, meet with some vendors who seem like a good fit before making your choice.

Flower ForwardWhile the over-the-top, romantic look still resonates with plenty of couples, more and more modern pairs are

preferring a simple, clean and/or less formal aesthetic that’s still striking. For example, instead of one large, elaborate centerpiece, use lots of small-bud vases and bottles in varying heights and shapes. That way your florist can showcase a few amazing blooms, such as peonies, garden roses and orchids, to their full potential, and use less expensive flowers and foliage as accents in the majority of the vases. As an alternative, submerge exotic flowers. One stem of bird of paradise or heliconia makes a great table accent when turned upside down in a glass vase.

For eco-friendly couples, use a small potted tree (citrus, olive, cypress) in a lovely pot as a unique centerpiece or live phaelenopsis or dendrobium orchids interspersed with a few votive candles. BP

AlternativeArrangementsReal flowers are glorious, of course, but if you’re crafty, there are numerous ways to personalize your “floral” design. For example, Bussen suggests making all your bouquets out of ribbon remnants, coiling the pieces into rosette-style shapes and wiring them together. Or you could fashion the bride’s bouquet and groom’s bout out of vintage brooches or buttons. Paper blooms provide a rustic look, while fluffy ostrich feathers feel elegant. “Just make sure your bouquet suits your dress and the overall spirit of your celebration,” Bussen says. As for alternative centerpieces, Bussen recommends collections of different candles (pillar, votive, even floating), stacks of favorite books, vintage picture frames, or mixing and matching these elements. Want a more natural vibe? Bowes likes piles of gourds and pumpkins in the fall or seasonal fruit in clear vases for a modern look year-round.

16 2013 BridAl PlANNerR I n G s

By TimoThy R. SchulTe

CTW Features

Months of planning and thousands of dollars go into this one day, but

there are only a few pieces that live on after that. The photos and videos, obviously, but also the ultimate symbol of a wed-ding ceremony: the rings.

Expect to spend just a small percentage of your overall wed-ding budget on your wedding bands – which should not be too hard, considering how mindful modern couples have gotten about their wedding budgets; the average cost of an engage-ment is $4,647, down 27 percent from the average of $6,348.

A jewelry study from TheKnot.com puts the average

cost of wedding bands at $1,126 for brides and $491 for grooms. White gold remains the popular choice for ring metal, with 70 percent of brides opting and 34 percent of grooms for the blanco band. But the price of

gold has skyrocketed, ending the year up 10 percent. With the price of gold up, couples – especially grooms – are looking to alternative metals. 27 percent of grooms opted for a tungsten ring (up from 19 percent) and

16 percent chose titanium (up from 13 percent); the Jewelry Information Center, an industry trade group, notes similar increases in non-gold bands.

Be aware, though, that some alt-metals cannot be resized the way gold can, though some jewelers may offer a ring-replacement plan for an extra fee.

Don’t be shy about adding some personal style, either. Grooms often go for comfort, but in recent years they’ve been open to going for textured styles or bands with diamonds. Eternity bands – those with diamonds embedded the whole circumference – are popular among brides, as are bands with colored gemstones, given the popularity. BP

syMBOLs OF LOVE

M u s I C & E n t E R tA I n M E n t

By AnnA SAchSe

CTW Features

What really makes a wedding a party is the entertainment. To

get the party started, the most important element is the music. According to a study, couples begin researching bands and/or DJs nearly eight months before the wedding, and book six to seven months out. On average, couples nationwide spent $2,920 for a band and $854 for a DJ. Prices vary widely depending

on experience, notoriety and location, with popular bands often costing $20,000 or more. To find reliable performers, ask friends what they thought of their wedding band/DJ, advises Anne Chertoff, contributing editor for WeddingWire.com. Search vendor listings in city-specific bridal magazines or on wedding-related websites. If someone strikes your fancy, try to see them in action at a wedding, event or individual show. If a live viewing is impossible, request a DVD or

video so you can get a good idea of their professionalism and stage presence as well as their sound and musical range.

If you find that a particular band or DJ’s vibe is music to your ears, set up an interview. “Explain what you’re thinking in terms of musical selections and see if they get excited,” says Anja Winikka, of TheKnot.com.

Ask about their experience with weddings, what sound system they use, requirements included in their contract, creating a do-not-play list and if they’re willing to learn new songs.

Have ample funds? In addition to the band or DJ, personalize your event with a ukulele, harpist or trio for the ceremony, and a line dance, swing or salsa band that could play during the cocktail hour and/or reception.

If you’re on a tighter budget, you’ll be better off opting for a DJ, or springing for a single band capable of playing ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner and dancing. Filling up an iPod or laptop with music is another way to save money, and about 9 percent of couples now choose that route. Take note: You’ll still need an emcee, you should be prepared for technical glitches, and it’s key that you assign a point-person to start and stop the device for special dances and toasts, or to skip to the next song if the current one just emptied the dance floor. BP

Party Rockin’

P H O t O G R A P H y & V I D E O2013 BridAl PlANNer 17

By lindSey RomAin

CTW Features

In this era of digital cameras, smartphone cameras and viral videos, anyone can be a

photographer or videographer. Wedding expenses are going nowhere but up, so relying on a friend or family member might seem like a way to make ends meet.

Finding a professional – repeat, pro-fess-ion-al – photog-rapher or videographer who can capture the tone and emotion of a wedding is important. Here’s how to ensure great images without breaking the bank.

Keeping a Modest BudgetThe recession has slashed wed-ding budgets, but a positive of such financial turmoil is a focus on truly talented wedding documentarians. The recession has weeded out companies that provided inferior customer service.

This translates to affordable options for high-quality service.

Linda Chervenak Maze, a wedding photographer, says that most of her clients spend about $2,000 to $3,000 on their services, a little higher than the average $1,515 most couples paid, according to The Wed-ding Report’s annual wedding photography and videography

report. Maze says she’s noticed that while couples cut costs at all corners, photography is one category that has retained its momentum.

“Their photographs are the one part of the day that they will be able to share with family and friends for the rest of their lives, and this concept seems to be helping our business main-tain its value,” Maze says.

Look Out For PhoniesKeep an eye out for amateurs who might provide illegitimate service. What has hurt the in-dustry is amateurs buying cheap DSLR cameras and opening up shops that are not legal, not licensed, not collecting taxes and that do not have experience or proper gear.

While friends and family members can be extremely help-ful resources, it’s the “friend of a friend of a friend” sources that should raise eyebrows. Brides should only hire legal vendors – their deposits and memories are at stake.

Choose a ServiceThat MattersWhether you’ve committed to someone or are still whittling packages, look for options that will truly capture the magic of the day. Recap service is popular. It’s a four- to five-

minute highlight reel of the day’s most memorable moments. An option like this keeps the price more affordable and the video more to-the-point.

Also note that short-form videos are a more popular and modern option, though older

family members tend

to favor feature-length

wedding videos.

“[Parents] feel cheated

if they end up with a

seven-hour event that

is over in three to five

minutes,” Freedline

says.

Maze says she’s

noticed a trend in

“first look” photo-

graphs, or photos

that document the pre-wedding

festivities and preparation. This

allows photographers to get

more artistic shots and calms

the bride, who might find these

snapshots encouraging.

Maze also recommends that

brides and grooms look for

interesting venues with good

photo ops.

“It affords us new and

interesting subject matter and

backdrops for photographs,” she

says. BP

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By TAnieShA RoBinSon CTW Features

A dream wedding with all its pomp and circumstance easily can turn into a nightmare if a couple still is

paying for it years after walking down the aisle. If there’s one lesson couples should take from the recent recession, it’s this: Get Real. Get real about the bottom line and what matters most for creating lifelong memories.

“In deciding how to fund your wedding, to a certain extent, you’re setting a prec-edent for how you’re going to manage your finances together when you’re married,” says Linda Leitz, a certified financial plan-ner. Here are some smart steps for starting your financial future together on the right foot.

Pre-Wedding PlanningIt’s important to get a “values-based vision” of your wedding first, says William Timpson, a certified financial planner. This vision addresses all of the must-haves for the cel-ebration rather than every whim. “Once you

have that vision down, then you can begin financial planning,” Timpson says. He also suggests creating a separate savings account to add to regularly in preparation.

Couples who have more time tend to spend more, says Laura West, a certified financial planner. She suggests spending only three to six months planning: “You have to make quicker decisions, and you don’t add as much of those bells and whistles.”

Cutting Costs“All those shows that are on TV really get women thinking that they need to have this off-the-charts wedding,” West says. But budget-friendly elegance is possible when a couple focuses on what’s important to them personally.

After finalizing their “values-based vision,” they can target areas where costs can really rack up – mainly the dress, flow-ers and food. Planner Leitz advises couples to travel off the beaten path for deals. Think-ing about not only the time of day but the day of the week and the time of year has always been a way to save money on a wed-ding. Off-season – late fall, winter or early spring – and weekday plans don’t put you in high competition for venues.

Ask for helpWhen couples have beaten the unconven-tional path down to dust and are still coming up short in funding their wedding. It’s time to turn to family and friends for help.

Timpson suggests couples start with their parents. “They’ll be pleased to see that you’ve put together a budget and that you have a vision and that there’s a reason why you’re doing this,” he says.

If the bottom line still lies overhead after exploring all cost-saving options, a smart couple will know it’s time to amend their plans – opt for a longer engagement period to allow for saving more for the wedding.

Whatever you do, don’t go into debt, Timpson says. “It’s a really tough way to start a relationship.” BP

The Smart Couple’s Guide to Financially Planning a Wedding Top Finance

Rules for NewlywedsFinancial problems are a leading cause of divorce in America. Follow these rules to put your marriage on the path to success.

1. Communicate. “With money, each of you doing what you want to do when you don’t agree ends up cata-strophic,” says Linda Leitz, of Pin-nacle Financial Concepts.

2. Sign up for free budget software like Mint.com. “It allows you to make educated decisions on where you can reduce expenses if you need to,” says William Timpson of Finan-cial Focus.

3. Set goals. “If you’re not working toward a goal, you’re just spending with no regards to what you want to achieve for your financial situation,” says laura West of West Financial Advisors.

4. Have what Leitz calls a “checker amount” – how much either spouse can spend without checking with the other.

5. Avoid debt.

6.Take advantage of company benefits.

G I F t s2013 BridAl PlANNer 19

METRO GRAPHICS

It is important to buy wedding party gifts for two reasons. For one, these people are assisting you in preparation for your wed-ding (i.e. running errands, making phone calls) and you want to let them know you appreciate their time and support. Plus, you’ll want to thank them for their help in making your day special. It will show that you care about their feelings and what they have done for you.

Here we offer a few tips on what to get for members of your wedding party, and ways to personalize each gift.

What do I get for men?You can get a watch or small bottle of cologne. You do not have to get the same gift for everyone. It is okay to match the gift to the person. Ex: If you know one groomsman likes sports, give a ticket(s) to a sporting event. If this is the first time you met the person, you will leave a good

impression.

What do I get for women?Women love to receive per-sonalized gifts. Monograms look great on just about any-thing from cosmetic bags to wine glasses to silver jewelry. The key is to find something that appeals to your brides-maid’s personality and make it uniquely her own with a monogram.

What should I get for someone under 18?Giving a gift to make the young person feel like a part of the day would be nice. Finding gifts for younger members of your wedding party takes a bit more thought, but it’s not hard to find something for the Gen Z crowd. It is okay to get them some-

thing they will like and enjoy, like free ad-mission to a recreation center. Remember to make the gift appropriate for the age of the child or teenager.

When gift giving, remember it is your wedding and you have to do what is com-fortable for you and your budget. BP

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Many brides-to-be, and even some grooms-to-be, express concern

about their weight in the weeks and months leading up to their wedding. Losing weight is a goal for many engaged couples, but it’s important that couples who want to shed a few extra pounds don’t sacrifice safety for the sake of slimming down.

According to a study of 273 women with a wedding day approaching, 70 percent wanted to lose more than 20 pounds before their weddings.

However, reality indicates that a weight loss of 5 to 10 pounds is more attainable – more so if the weight loss regimen is spread out over several weeks. The term “brideorexia” has entered the vernacular, and it is associated with brides who are taking extreme measures to lose weight. Taking laxatives, engaging in fluid-only diets and even using tobacco or drugs to serve as appetite suppressants are just some of the measures some brides have taken to shed weight before their wedding days.

There is no magic formula to shed pounds, but there are certain ways to jump-start and maintain the process of healthy weight loss so brides can look slimmer and healthy for their big day.

Eat. Although initial calorie curbing can help shed weight, eventu-ally your body may adapt to your new eating habits or go into “survival mode,” which means conserving fat reserves. Researchers at Penn State Uni-versity found that fasting signals to your body that it is being starved, triggering a lower meta-bolic rate. Brides-to-be should never cut out food entirely. Eating anything less than 1,200 calories a day will encourage the body to try to conserve energy by lowering its metabolism.

Step up your exercise regimen. Reducing food intake alone will not help you lose weight quickly. The goal is to burn more calories than you con-sume. Therefore, adding more cardiovascular activity to your routine can help burn calories

more efficiently. Eating a light meal before exercising helps you burn more fat and keeps your body burning fat even 24 hours after the exercise.

Reduce sodium intake. Sodium doesn’t necessarily lead to weight gain, but it can make it appear so. Sodium contributes to water retention in the body, which may make you appear heavier or bloated. Cut back on foods that are high in sodium, especially as the wedding draws close, to reduce water retention.

Hire a good photographer. A camera allegedly adds 10 pounds, a reason many couples panic about their wedding day. A photo is a 2D image of a 3D object. Therefore, the photo reduces depth perception and flattens an image, which may make some items look like they have more bulk. A professional photographer will know how to manipulate lighting and angles of the camera to ensure a more flattering shot.

Identify sources of empty calories. Fruit juices, soda and other beverages are often the culprits with regards to unnecessary calorie consumption. Therefore, choose your beverages wisely and limit them to water, teas and unsweetened drinks. If you want to drink fruit juice, consider diluting it. In addition, most alcoholic beverages have 100 calories or more.

Eat smaller portions. Oftentimes, its not a matter of what you are eating but how much. Most portion sizes served in restaurants or even at home are double or triple the amount that you should be eating. When in doubt, cut everything in half.

Fill up on fiber or protein. High-fiber foods will bulk up in the stomach and keep you feeling satiated longer. The same can be said for lean proteins, which take longer to digest, thus fending off hunger pangs. BP

Safe and Smart Ways to

slim DownBefore Your Wedding

Concern about fitting into their gowns drives manybrides to crash diet in an effort to lose weight.

BE ALL SMILESON YOUR BIG DAY

LOOK YOUR BEST,FEEL YOUR BEST

See ourHEALTH COACHESLynn and Sharonfor suggestions on

• Reducing Stress • Achieving Fitness • Maintaining Health and Vitality

Newnan GNC963A Bullsboro DriveNewnan, GA 30265

770.304.4355(Wal-Mart SC beside Lowes)

H O n E y M O O n2013 BridAl PlANNer 21

By lindSey RomAin

CTW Features

Are honeymoons an endangered species? Seemingly. 81 percent of married couples went on a

honeymoon, down from 93 percent, according to a study done by The Wedding Report. As couples continue to crunch numbers to make wedding ends meet, honeymoons have become one of the many sacrifices. After all, they have many years of wedded bliss ahead of them in which they can travel.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Loris Fusco, romance and travel planner, suggests carving out a budget for the honeymoon in the initial wedding planning process so it isn’t a last-minute expenditure that breaks the bank.

Another way to keep honeymoon prices low? Don’t be afraid to travel in the off-sea-son. Try a fall wedding instead of a summer one, especially if a honeymoon is important to you.

“June is traditionally popular, but October

has become the new June, with couples tak-ing advantage of the off-travel seasons and lower available prices,” Fusco says.According to Fusco, destina-tion weddings are popular for 2013, since they allow the whole family to experience the fun of beaches, spa days, yoga, surfing and scuba diving. This way, the newly married couples can stay in their retreat for the honey-moon while the rest of the guests head home. “Tropical locations remain the most popular destinations,” Fusco says of desti-nation weddings and honeymoons, noting that Mexico is one of the top choices given its many options of all-inclusive luxury travel and honeymoon packages at more affordable prices. “Fiji is also really popular because there are so many small and private islands that are less crowded and that offer features such as bungalows and more private beaches and settings for couples.” BP

Retreat & Relax

METRO GRAPHICS

Although 15 percent choose to cruise to their destinations, the remaining likely drive or fly. In any case, packing becomes a part of the honeymoon planning. Anyone can become a packing pro with a few guidelines.

✓ If you don’t already have a suitcase, choose a design with a hard case. This way it won’t expand while packing, and there’s no chance it will ever exceed the size limits.

✓ Roll clothes because it will limit wrinkling.

✓ Be sure to know airline requirements in advance. While some restrictions have been lifted, the Traffic Safety Administration and the airlines themselves may have rules re-garding how much liquid or sharp items you can bring along.

✓ Keep important documents, such as tickets,

reservation numbers and emergency con-tacts, with you in a travel bag. Any prescrip-tions you need should be carried as well.

✓ Place an emergency outfit in your carry-on in the event your luggage is lost or temporarily detained.

✓ Consider packing lightly and buying some necessities at your destination.

✓ Sometimes it is less expensive to ship items instead of paying airline baggage fees. Inves-tigate these options, especially on the return trip.

✓ Take advantage of laundry service on honey-moons so you won’t return with a bag full of dirty items that need laundering right away. Also, doing laundry on your trip limits the number of things you need to pack because you can wash and rewear. BP

Packing for Your Honeymoon LayeringTechniques• Fill the bottom of the suitcase with

the heavier items: shoes, jeans, jackets, and any gear or tech items.

• Next, layer dresses and slacks so they lay lengthwise on top of the first layer of items.

• Shirts and sweaters (if applicable) can be rolled and then layered next. Use any overhanging slacks and dresses to fold over the shirts and keep them in place.

• Lightweight items, like lingerie and undergarments, can be placed on top. Also, include toiletries that are sealed in leak-proof bags.


names of persons making announcement

name of person to contact regarding this information Phone numbers: Work and Home

Signature and address

bride’s name

bridegroom’s name Parents’ names

city, State

city, State

city, State

city, State

city, State

list Schools, Honors, Degrees, Place of employment

list Schools, Honors, Degrees, Place of employment

Date

bride’s last name

bridegroom’s last name

Wedding location

ENGAGEMENT ANNouNcEMENTThe NeWNAN Times-herAld • 16 Jefferson street • P. o. Box 1052 • newnan, GeorGia 30264 • 770-253-1576

Your engagement announcement will appear in the sunday newspaper as written here. the photograph should be of good quality.Please include a daytime phone number where you may be reached.

______________________________________________________________ of _______________________________________ ,

announce the engagement of their daughter, _________________________________________________________________

to_____________________________________________, son of __________________________________________________

of ________________________________________________.

the bride-elect is the granddaughter of ____________________________________________________________________of

__________________________________________________ and _______________________________________________ of

__________________________________________________.

Miss______________________________________ is a graduate of ________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________ .

the future bridegroom’s grandparents are __________________________________________________________________of

__________________________________________________ and _______________________________________________ of

__________________________________________________.

Mr.___________________________________________ is a graduate of ____________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________ .

the wedding will be an event of _____________________________________ at ____________________________________ .

at the ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ .

__________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

send to [email protected]


bride’s name bride’s Parents

church Minister

groom’s Parents

vocalist and/or organist

name and relation to bride

name and relation (ex: bride’s parents)

location

Flowers

name of person to contact regarding this information. Day and nighttime Phone numbers

Signature and address

Bridal Party

city, State

city, State

groom’s name

circle one

color and Fabric kind of Flowers

Dress Description

city, State

WEddiNG ANNouNcEMENTThe NeWNAN Times-herAld • 16 Jefferson street • P. o. Box 1052 • newnan, GeorGia 30264 • 770-253-1576

Your wedding announcement will appear in the sunday newspaper as written here. This form will not be accepted if it is not legibly complete in sentence form. wedding announcements should be submitted within 60 days of the wedding or fees apply. we will publish a photograph with the announcement.

_______________________________________, daughter of ______________________________________________________ ,

of _____________________________________, became the bride of ________________________________________________ ,

son of __________________________________________________ of ______________________________________________ .

on _____/_____/_____ at __________________________________ with ____________________________________ officiating.

____________________________________ rendered a program of nuptial music and ___________________ lighted the candles.

________________________ of ________________________ was the bride’s Maid / Matron of Honor. __________________

The other Bride’s attendants were: ________________________ of ________________________ ,

________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ ,

________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ ,

________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ ,

They wore dresses of ______________________________________ and carried bouquets of _____________________________ .

_________________________ of ________________________ served as best man.

The other Groom’s attendants were: ________________________ of ________________________ ,

________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ ,

________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ ,

________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ ,

The bride entered with _____________________________________________________________________________________ .

she chose a ______________________________________________________________________________________________ .

Her bouquet consisted of ___________________________________________________________________________________ .

following the ceremony, a reception was given by ________________________________________________________________

at ___________________________________________________________ .

following a wedding trip to _________________________________________________________________________________ ,

Mr. and Mrs._________________________________________will reside in __________________________________________ .

information on prenuptial parties may be included if desired. send to [email protected].

__________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Resort 770.489.4380 8000 Capps Ferry Road, Douglasville, Georgia www.FoxhallSportingClub.com

Weddings & Special Events

Indulge yourself in unparalleled luxury surrounded by spectacular

views of rolling wooded hillsides, manicured lawns and the Chattahoochee River.

With a professional staff available to assist You with all of the details,

Foxhall is the perfect place to create an elegant and customized wedding.

Visit us and see the spectacular venues available.

Legacy Lookout Polo Pavilion Grand Pavilion The Stables

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