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Cherry Creek Radio Wedding Fair 2

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Married in Montana January 7, 2010

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Contents:

10 trends for 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Technology: Changing the way we say “I do” . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Keeping it local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Popping the question . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Wedding party dos and don’ts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Stories by Jennifer Savage

Photos by Deserae Pollock Photograpy, Hohanna Rose Photography

and Deschamps Photography

cover photo by Deserae Pollack Photography

317 S. Orange St.Missoula, MT 59801

Phone number:406-543-6609

Fax number:406-543-4367

E-mail address:[email protected] by Deserae Pollock Photography


Weddings in the coming year are bound to reflect theparing down and tightening up of the bride and groom’sfinancial belts. If we had to pick a phrase to describe thetrend of 2010, it would be “back to basics.” Couples areconsidering getting married at someone’s home, sizingdown guest lists and even getting married on days otherthan the traditional Saturday to save money.They are alsomaking gifts for their guests and considering the environ-ment a little more this year. The following are ten trendsthat will shape the 2010 wedding season:

Weddings at HomeSome couples are opting out of expensive venues and

choosing to get married at their home or at the home of aclose friend or relative. Does your aunt have an amazingstaircase you could use in the ceremony? Does your bestfriend have a back yard with shade trees and a beautifullylandscaped garden? How about getting married in a placethat means something to you and your partner but doesn’tcarry the expense of a hotel or lodge?

10 trendsfor 2010

Photo by Hohanna Rose Photography


Maybe even your own home is a place to con-sider. If you do choose to get married at yourown home, accept the help of family and friendsto clean and prepare your wedding site. It’s notsomething you want to tackle by yourself.

Home weddings are allowing couples to usetheir creativity to find new ways to make theirweddings unique. Open your mind to the possi-bility.You may be happy you did.

Dresses,VeilsDespite shrinking wedding budgets, brides still

seem to be springing for the perfect dress andveil.

Designers are toying with playful twists to thetraditional wedding dress this year. Dresses aretaking shape with the silhouette of the dressbeing of particular concern.The mermaid shape isin, as are shorter, less formal dresses with designembellishments such as pleats and tucks. Moreformal dresses are coming with beads, ruffles andlace.A few will even have feathers.

Some brides are forgoing long veils that hit thefloor or even their shoulders as they can be cum-bersome and really mess up a girl’s carefully

coiffed hair. The birdcage veil is in–thinkHollywood glam, close to the face, chin lengthwith a festive piece that attaches it to your hair.These veils work well with shorter, less formaldresses.They add a little romance and flair.

ColorsThe word on the street is that colors are

monochromatic this year.That doesn’t mean theyhave to be drab, just usually part of the samecolor family. For example, you may choosevibrant colors, metallic colors or shades of the

Photo by Deserae Pollock Photography


same base color. Streamlinedcolor in wedding celebrations isrepresentative of a more scaled-down approach to getting mar-ried. Couples are still big on cel-ebration but are making choicessuch as simplified palettes thatallow them to spend more timefocusing on the bigger picture oftheir union.

Going Green Behind the Scene

Couples have been goinggreen for their wedding day foryears. But now the combinationof environmental consciousnessand a tight economy have a lotof couples thinking aboutbehind-the-scenes ways to give anod to the environment. Somecouples are opting to use greencleaning supplies after the partyis over and composting foodwaste and flowers after thereception. Some are also usingLED and solar lights as a part of

the festivities. Others are havinginvitations printed on recyclablepaper and having recycle bins atthe reception. These small waysof going green can add up to amuch smaller environmentalfootprint when the wedding isover.

Capturing the EventCouples are looking to com-

bine forces when it comes tocapturing their wedding on videoand in pictures. Some are hiringtwo different professionals tohandle these tasks. Others arerelying on the same person to doit all.The digital revolution meanswedding videos are going hi-defand some couples are choosingto project live at the reception.Digital photography has takenpicture-taking to a whole newlevel at some events. Some cou-ples are including photo boothsat the reception or personalizinga backdrop of, say, palm trees or



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MinimizingExpense

Weddings this year areseeing smaller guest lists,more intimate venues andmore focus on what reallymatters to couples. Insteadof inviting all of those long-lost cousins, couples are opting for only invitingthose people who are meaningful in their lives.Obligatory invites are out, close friends and fam-ily are in. Some couples are choosing to get mar-ried on a weekday or a Sunday afternoon to min-imize the costs of rentals, bands and caterers.These alternative day celebrations fit in with the2010 trend of streamlining and getting down to

the core of what the day is really about: you andyour partner.

Handmade Gifts for Guests

Favors seem to be making a comeback thisyear but with a twist: couples are choosing tomake gifts for their guests. Realizing that familyand friends travel far and at some expense to

attend their weddings, coupleswant to show how much theyappreciate the effort. Gifts varybut the main theme here is thatcouples want to share the loveother people are showering onthem. It’s a way for couples tosay thank you to those whomean the most in their lives andfor the energy they put into get-ting to the celebration.

Donating to a CauseIn tough economic times some

couples are forgoing the traditional wedding reg-istry and asking their guests to donate to a charita-ble cause instead. Organizations all over the worldare in need of cash donations to stay afloat and thisis a great way for a couple to contribute to a cause.It also allows friends and family to feel especiallygood about giving since they’re really giving twogifts – one to the couple getting married and oneto the organization they choose to support.



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Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses

No longer do women dread thecall from a friend asking if she willjoin her at the front of the weddingas one of her bridesmaids. Bridesare letting their friends do much ofthe decision-making when it comesto the bridesmaid dresses.This yearbrides seem to be choosing only thecolor of bridesmaid dresses andleaving it up to the bridesmaids tochoose the style and fit that’s rightfor them. It’s a kind thing to do, real-ly, and many bridesmaids are happywith the arrangement. They canstand up in support of the bride in adress they love and feel comfortablein, while accommodating their ownbudget. It’s win-win for everyoneinvolved.



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Say Goodbye to theLong Engagement

Couples nowadays are oftenthrowing out the idea that theymust be engaged for a long peri-od before getting married. Theyare planning and carrying outweddings in a matter of months,cutting down on the stress ofhaving the perfect wedding thattakes 18 months to plan. Inexchange, they are getting moreintimate wedding celebrationswith an emphasis on what is real-ly important to them.

Couples are looking to the2010 wedding season withexcitement and flair, but are cut-ting back and being realisticabout their options when itcomes to expense. Buzzwordsfor this wedding season include:unique, creative, intimate and lov-ing. If this is the basis for what thewedding season is to become, itsounds like it will be one we’ll allremember for being thoughtful,focused and engaging. ∂

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.. Visit over 60 booths & displays.. Attend “Bridal University”

(free seminars scheduled throughout the day; hosted by experts in fi nance, bridal wear, photography, fl oral & music)

.. Enjoy the bridal wear fashion show.. Register to win beautiful door prizes

& the Grand Prize of $1,000 cash

Sunday Jan. 10, 2010The Holiday Inn

Downtown at the ParkDoors open 11:00 am

23rd ANNUAL CHERRY CREEK RADIO

2010 Wedding FairBridal Bags Provided by

Missoula Federal Credit Union.Wedding & Event Resource

Guides available

Aerial Maneuvers5110Riverside AveStevensville, MT 59870406-370-3123

Misty’s Tanning& Ultimate Salon3101 S. RussellMissoula, MT 59801406-543-0717

Riddle’s JewelrySouthgate Mall2901 BrooksMissoula, MT 59801406-829-3393

Pyramid Printing1118 W. CentralMissoula, MT 59801406-728-1503

Whitefi sh Mountain ResortP.O. Box 1400Whitefi sh, MT 59937406-862-1704

Hilton Garden Inn3720 North Reserve StreetMissoula, MT 59808406-532-5307

Beach Transportation825 MountMissoula, MT 59801406-549-6121

All Events Catering8800 Truck Stop Rd.Missoula, MT 59808406-728-3400

Double Arrow ResortP. O. Box 747Seeley Lake, MT 59868406-677-2777

Eastgate Rental Center500 E. Spruce Ste. CMissoula, MT 59802406-549-5114

Montana Party Time1345 Clark Fork LaneMissoula, MT 59808406-542-0701Montana Mobile Music2120 South Reserve #119Missoula, MT 59801406-543-3452

Arbonne International21084 Handley LoopClinton. MT 59825406-370-9004

Missoula FederalCredit Union3600 BrooksMissoula, MT 59801406-523-3529

Dollar Rent-A-Car1905 W. BroadwayMissoula, MT 59808406-542-2311

Missoula Independent317 South OrangeMissoula, MT 59801406-543-6609

The Tux Store742 South HigginsMissoula, MT 59801406-542-8404

Bed, Bath & Beyond3019 PaxsonMissoula, MT 59801406-327-9503

Rococo Bridal& Formal Wear1900 Brooks St.Missoula, Mt 59801406-327-0291

Montana Island LodgeH.C. 31, Box 800 SouthSeeley Lake, Mt 59868406-677-3620

Kandahar LodgeP. O. Box 278Whitefi sh, MT 59937406-862-6098

Holiday Inn, Downtown at the Park 200 South Pattee St.Missoula, MT 59802406-721-8550

Royal Prestige of Iowa5500 Douglas AvenueDes Moines, IA 50310515-270-0777

Bitterroot River Inn &Conference Center139 Bitterroot Plaza Dr.Hamilton, Mt 59840406-375-2525

Missoula Textile1201 Burlington Ave.Missoula, MT 59802406-543-7798

Broadway Inn &Conference Center1609 W. BroadwayMissoula, MT 59808406-532-3300

RMF Mobile Music100 mission Court #1Missoula, MT 59803406-531-2321

Kaleidoscope Entertainment2814 Brooks #140Missoula, MT 59801406-721-1798

Alara Jewelry312 N. HigginsMissoula, MT 59802406-728-8844

Rhino Wine & Spirits Catering158 RymanMissoula, MT. 59802406-721-6061

Deserae Pollock Photography105 S. 3rd WestMissoula, MT 59801406-239-4956

Two Sisters CateringP.O. Box 9094Missoula, MT 59807406-549-3005

Dawn Alicia Photography1850 Homestead Dr.Missoula, MT 59808406-239-3686

Bitterroot Flower Shop811 South HigginsMissoula, MT 59802406-542-0309

Simply Elegant175 South 2nd StreetHamilton, MT 59840406-363-2050

Morning Light Studios2825 Stockyard RoadMissoula, MT 59808406-207-1898

Royal LimousineP.O. Box 1885Hamilton, MT 59840406-363-3040

The Wedding & EventResource Guide304 W. 2nd AvenueSpokane, WA 99201509-701-4588

Jamie Lynn Photography715 Kensington Ste. 8Missoula, MT 59801406-529-4466

Badlander Catering123 W. BroadwayMissoula, MT 59802406-529-9377

Shear Art Salon1804 North Avenue W.Missoula, MT 59801406-214-3112

Doubletree Missoula-Edgewater100 MadisonMissoula, MT 59802406-542-4615

Dax Photography619 Lafray LaneMissoula, MT 59801406-531-9336

Famous Dave’s2915 N. ReserveMissoula, MT 59808406-541-7428

Grouse Mountain Lodge#2 Fairway DriveWhitefi sh, MT 59937406-863-4708

Meetings NorthwestP.O. Box 2083Missoula, MT 59806406-273-7224

Miche Bags221 7th. Steet #345Clinton, MT 59825406-207-1146

NoteworthyPaper & Press101 S. HigginsMissoula, MT 59802406-541-6683

Sorella’s Day Spa207 E. MainMissoula, MT 59802406-721-3639

Maureen RoyPhotography211 N. Higgins Ste. 302Missoula, MT 59802406-240-6050

Red Rooster Gourmet Foods & CateringP.O. Box 274Hamilton, MT 59840406-381-1129

Burtello Salon121 S. HigginsMissoula, MT 59802406-728-3800

Trapper Creek Weddings158 Trapper Creek Rd.Darby, MT 59829406-821-4470

Caffé Firenze Catering281 Rodeo DriveFlorence, MT 59833406-273-2923

St. Char-Ro Floral & Rental301 Main Street S.W.Ronan, MT 59864406-676-0588

Rosauers Bakery2350 S. ReserveMissoula, MT 59801406-721-5430

Moxie Salon116 Glacier Drive, Suite 101Lolo, MT273-3344

12 Noon: “Budgeting for Your Married Life”Hosted by: James Corbin,

Missoula Federal Credit UnionMake your fi rst year of married life easier by

planning your budget now.

12:30: “How Will Your Wedding Bloom?”Hosted by: Lindsay Irwin & Lynda Bruscotter,

Bitterroot Flower ShopLearn to incorporate budget with style when choosing your fl oral

design. Are there any limits to what you can do?

1:00: “Wedding Gowns 101”Hosted by: Becky Wagner, Rococo BridalWhat you need to know before shopping

for your bridal wardrobe.

1:30: “Getting the Perfect Shot”Hosted by: Dawn McCloney, Dawn Alicia Photography

Remembering your wedding 20 years from nowby making the right choices today.

2:00: “Hitting the Right Chord”Hosted by: Tyler Disburg, Montana Mobile Music How to make the music work for 25 to 2,500 guests.

Explore the options.

2:30: “Putting on the Ritz”Hosted by: Katie Joerger, The Tux Store

Classic or trendy, basic or bright, some tips on tuxedoswill make your guys look right!

Vendors

Seminars

Married in Montana January 7, 2010 Married in Montana Page 13 January 7, 2010

Technology is offering today’s couples ways tocut down on expense and streamline the processfor planning a wedding. Engraved invitations havegone the way of Emily Post as wedding websites,blogs and social networking sites such asFacebook have replaced the way most couplescommunicate information about their big day tofamily and friends. Here are a few ways to usetechnology to your advantage while planningyour wedding day:

Wedding WebsiteWedding websites such as www.theknot.com

and www.brides.com cater to solving challengesthat every couple will encounter along the some-times bumpy road that is wedding planning.Thesesites allow you to create a wedding websitewhere you can develop a personalized look withall of the important details of your celebration.You can update these and keep them fresh forfamily and friends who may need driving direc-

tions to the rehearsal dinner but forgot the mapyou mailed three months ago.You can also createyour own website and allow yourself evengreater flexibility in sharing information. No mat-ter what way you choose to develop a website,having one can eliminate a lot of stress and itgives your guests a place to check in and followyour planning progress.

BlogConsider creating a blog as well, either as a

part of your website or as a stand-alone piece ofyour planning.Your friends can interact with youby commenting on your posts and they will feelincluded in part of the planning process.You could also have an outlet to write about thejoys and frustrations as you make your way to thebig day.

Technology:Changing the way

we say “I do”

Married in Montana Page 14 January 7, 2010

Guest List Managersand BudgetCalculators

Wedding websites have usertools that can be invaluable inwedding planning. Online guest listmanagers can track your RSVPsand even arrange seating charts.These tools can help you avoidheadaches and make sure you areeffectively managing who can andcannot sit together at the recep-tion.These sites also offer budgetcalculators that will help keep your expenses ontrack and in the black as your planning moves for-ward. They also will help you remember smallexpenses such as tips and deposits that you mightforget about when trying to plan such an event.

FacebookHonestly, how did people get married before

Facebook? How did everyone know what thebride and groom were feeling at any moment

during the planning of their wedding? Seriously,if you are looking to keep a lot of your friendsand family informed about the play-by-play ofyour wedding planning or the details leading upto your big day, Facebook is something to con-sider.You can post photos, invite people to wed-ding events such as showers and parties, andallow your friends to comment on all ofit–drumming up excitement among those clos-est to you about your wedding day.

Digital Day OfEncourage your friends

and family to take picturesat your wedding (not duringthe ceremony, of course)using their cell phones, digi-tal cameras, or Flip video.Upload the images toFacebook, Flickr, your blogor your website after thefact. In the past, couples hadto rely on one photogra-pher to capture the events

of the day while couples today can have as manypeople documenting their wedding as they haveguests. It’s a cool way to get many different per-spectives on your big day. Rely on the photogra-pher you’ve hired for the artsy shots, the photosyou’ll frame and for the professionalism that yourfriends and family may not be able to capture. Buthaving both kinds of images will be a fun andinteresting way to reflect on your wedding dayfor years to come. ∂


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If you’re planning a wedding andwondering if you can make it all hap-pen with only local resources, we’rehere to tell you that you can.With alittle research and tenacity, you canspend most of your wedding budgetright here in our community and keeplocal businesses involved in your plan-ning and preparation. In these tighteconomic times, it’s tempting tosearch the Internet for the cheapestoptions when it comes weddingnecessities. But keeping your moneylocal means investing in your commu-nity and the people who will help pulloff one of the most important days ofyour life.

Keeping it local means you canhave your dress fitted and alteredright down the street from where you buy yourmorning latte. It means taking all of your girl-

friends in, one by one, to see the dress. Itmeans you get to try the dress on anytime youlike.

Keeping it local means thatwhen you run into the leadsinger of the band you’vehired to play at your recep-tion at the burrito joint, youcan talk music. By the timeyou’ve run into her a thirdtime in downtown Missoula,she’ll know exactly what songyou want her to play on yourspecial day.

Keeping it local meanshaving your wedding partypick flowers at a localcommunity garden theday before the wedding.Getting grubby togetherbefore cleaning up for therehearsal dinner will provide

great memories when you look at the bouquetyou are carrying down the aisle the next day.

Keeping it local

Photo by Deschamps Photography


Keeping it local means buckin’bales the morning of your weddingwith all the groomsmen. It meansborrowing someone’s pickup anddriving north on a beautiful summermorning to a ranch in the JockoValley to pick up the “seating” foryour ceremony. And, in Montana,there’s nothing more local than haul-ing hay bales.

Keeping it local means having yourbuddy who works at your favoriterestaurant personally talk to the chefso you can get the meal you actu-ally want for your reception. Itmeans tasting all the selections saidchef might have to offer. It meansusing local and in-season foods–whether it’s butternut squash in thefall, arugula in early summer or bisonsteaks any time of year. It means thatwhen you think back to that meal, youremember the taste of Montana.

Keeping it local means havingyour friend design a wedding website



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for you or having her hook you upon Facebook or Twitter…or allthree. It means having someonehelp you get good and geekedout for your big celebration.

Keeping it local means findingthat tucked away B&B that willkeep your mother comfortablewhile she’s here for the wedding. Itmeans she might fall in love withyour town and your people, andshe might understand why youwanted to get married here.

Keeping it local means walkinginto your favorite stationery store,talking with the woman you wentto college with about letterpressprinting and textured papers.It means she’ll call you when shestarts the printing process so youcan come down and take a peek atthe invitations before they areeven dry. It means each piece willbe handmade and beautiful.

Keeping it local means you canchoose the engagement ring youwant and know that it will behandcrafted by a local artist. Itmeans you can go back to thatartist to make your wedding rings.It means that every time you seehim over the years, he’ll be proudto see you still wearing his designs.

Keeping it local means rentingan entire lodge on a lake withforest in every direction. It meanseveryone can stay together thenight of your wedding. It meansyou’ll probably stand chilly arounda fire at some point, even thoughit’s summertime. It means you havethe smell of the fire in your hairthe next morning and smile at thethought of it.

Keeping it local means goodbeer. It means really good beer.It means kegs of good beer fromyour choice of local breweries. Itmeans the kind of beer your out-



of-town friends and family will try tofind over and over again when theygo home.

Keeping it local means running theAlberton Gorge the week of yourwedding with your brother’s collegeroommate as your guide. It meansswimming (by choice) in the calmersections. It means sun-kissedcheeks the day of your wedding; itmeans the telltale Montana sunglasstan line at your temples.

Keeping it local means you canhire a photographer that is as goodas anyone you’ll find in a larger city.It means they probably know you, orknow someone who knows you, andyour pictures will show it. Itmeans you’ll see this photographerat other weddings because you likeher so much that you recommend-ed her to the bride and groom.

Keeping it local means your bestfriend could be your officiant. It

means he’ll tell funny stories aboutyou during the ceremony that willmake your grandmother laugh.It means he’ll know you and yourpartner in a way that few people do.It means you’ll always rememberthat he stood up for you in front ofeveryone important in your life, andmarried you to the person you love.

In Missoula, keeping it local ismore that just a catch phrase. It’swhat we do here. And why notcontinue to do it on your weddingday? Whether you are planning aformal wedding or something lessso, buying local is completely possi-ble in Missoula. Even though we arenot a big city, we’re a place with alot of resources, talent and possibil-ities. You have to look no furtherthan the artists, musicians and localbusiness owners to find all the ven-dors you need while keeping yourmoney, time and energy in the com-munity you chose – the one youcall home. ∂



Getting ready to pop the bigquestion but not sure how to makethe perfect proposal? We hit thestreets to talk with couples to findsome of the more memorable andcreative ways to propose.

Couple: Danielle and JasonWho proposed: Jason askedDanielleHow: Jason took Danielle to a light-house on the coast. When shelooked out at the view from the top,he had written “Will you marryme?” in the sand.Reaction: “I ran down those light-house steps so fast so we could getour picture taken with the wordsbefore the tide came in!” Daniellesaid.“Some nice elderly couple tookthe photo from the top.” Oh, and

Poppingthe

question?

photo by Ruebens Photography

BeautifulPavilion

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she said yes.Ring: Yes, round diamond soli-taire set in a simple platinumband.Wedding: The couple got mar-ried two years ago in an intimateceremony.

Couple: Niki and TylerWho proposed: Tyler askedNikiHow: Tyler took Niki to her col-lege football stadium at night. Shewas a huge fan. He had the lightsturned on by the staff workingthere and got down on one kneeon the 50-yard line.Reaction: “I jumped around say-ing yes about a thousand times,”she said.Ring: Yes, marquise-cut diamondset in yellow gold.Wedding: The two got marriedone year ago in a church ceremo-ny with 12 bridesmaids and 12groomsmen.

Couple: Jessica and MikeWho proposed: Mike askedJessicaHow: Mike and Jessica went on a

fishing trip to Oregon. He hid thering in a tackle box and asked herto reach in it for a fly.Reaction: “She asked, ‘What’sthat?’ and looked at me like I wascrazy,” Mike said. “She eventuallysaid yes.”Ring: Yes, Mike’s grandmother’sengagement ring – platinum anddiamonds.Wedding: The couple got mar-ried six years ago in an outsideceremony in Central Oregon withthe Three Sisters (CascadeMountains) in the distance.

Couple: Rick and GailWho proposed: Rick sort ofasked GailHow: After dinner one night Gailwas reading a magazine and Rickwas watching the news. They hadbeen living together and both hadbeen married before. Their rela-tionship was pretty candid andstraightforward. Still is. Rick lookedover at her and said, “I’ve beenthinking about getting married.” “Yeah? Who are you thinking ofgetting married to?” Gail asked.“Well,” Rick said,“you.”

Reaction: Gail thought about itfor a minute then said, “Yeah?Okay.”Ring: Nope.Wedding: The two got marriedat the courthouse a week later, ona Friday, in the middle of the day.They’ll have been married 25years in October.

Couple: Jamie and ToddWho proposed: Jamie askedToddHow: Todd likes to say there wasa firearm involved in this propos-al. How Montana! The two weregoing out to site-in their riflesbefore hunting season.As they gotout of the truck, Jamie blurted out“Let’s get married!”Reaction: “She was nervous andI don’t think she knew she waspointing her gun in my direction.But she was,” explained Todd.“Needless to say, I said yes.”Ring: They’ve picked out match-ing silver bands, to wear as theirwedding rings.Wedding: Fall 2010! ∂

��


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T he Izaak Walton Inn offers a unique and special setting for spring, summer and fall weddings. This incredible scenic spot located

in Essex is complete with an outdoor Pavilion withbanquet facilities for up to 250 people. Winter wed-dings are always welcome. Our facility is open year'round, with 33km of cross-country trails and lodgingfor 100. Surrounded by a million acres of wilderness,the Izaak Walton Inn is the perfect place for yourwedding or reception.

Give our wedding coordinators a call at406.888.5700 or visit us online at

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So your best friend is getting marriedand you are the maid of honor.Congratulations! Being in a weddingparty can be a memorable event. It canalso be a lot of work. Following are a fewtips to help make your participation alittle easier and a lot more fun.

1. Don’t complain. You signed up tostand with your friends on their big day.Put aside your gripes and rememberwhy you are there: to help your friendscelebrate one of the biggest days oftheir lives in the best way possible.

2. Get involved. If you are worriedabout what the bridesmaid dress isgoing to look like, offer to go with thebride to help pick it out. She’d probablyenjoy the company and your opinion.Participating in the planning will alsohelp you understand where the bride iscoming from when she calls you at 3a.m. the week before the wedding,

stressed to the max and needing tovent.

3. If you are a maid of honor or bestman, plan a classy party for your friend.Couples vary on the kinds of send-offsthey like, but first and foremost, keep itrespectable. If you want to hit the bars,do it after a nice dinner.

4. Offer to help. Offer your friends ahand if you think they would welcomethe help. Planning a wedding takes a lotof work; pulling off a giant celebrationtakes a lot of hands. Offer to runerrands the day before the wedding, pickup the flowers, make trips to the airport–whatever will help take the pressureoff of the bride and groom.

5. Write a toast. Toast the couplewith kind, thoughtful words. Practice it afew times before you have to stand up infront 200 people to deliver it.

Wedding party dos and don’ts

Photo by Deschamps Photography


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6. Show up. On time, every time.Weddings these days are oftenmulti-day events.Take the time off toreally be there for your friends andenjoy their celebration. Don’t stayfor that extra run at the ski hillthinking you can come in half anhour late to the rehearsal dinner. It’srude. It’s the only time your friendswill be getting married (hopefully) soschedule their wedding celebrationinto your life.

7. Remember why you are there:to honor your friends.This is a day(or a weekend) your dear friendswill remember for the rest of their

lives. They will remember detailsthat you’ll miss; they’ll know if youare not 100 percent with them onthis journey. Keep it in mind.

8.Tell the bride she’s beautiful.Nomatter if you are a bridesmaid or agroomsmen, tell the bride she’s love-ly the day of the wedding. She’s like-ly worked and planned hard to getto this point. Tell her how wonder-fully the celebration is going. Tellboth the bride and the groom howhappy you are to have them in yourlives and how honored you are to bethere with them.

9. Stay mildly sober. If you aregoing to tie one on at the recep-tion, wait until all of the importantparts of the wedding have passed.After dinner, after the toasts andwhen the band kicks into gear, thenyou can get your buzz on–but notuntil your job as attendant is done.

10. Celebrate! Dance with thebride’s mother, give grandpa a twirlaround the floor. Celebrate yourfriends, their commitment to eachother and being a big enough partof their lives that they asked you tostand with them on their weddingday. ∂



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