weddings 2014

20
A Resource Guide For Grundy Area Brides Weddings 2014 2014 Wedding cake trends Write your own wedding vows Makeup tips for brides & bridesmaids And much more… Wedding dress silhouettes Top color choices for 2014

Upload: shaw-media

Post on 28-Mar-2016

216 views

Category:

Documents


2 download

DESCRIPTION

 

TRANSCRIPT

A Resource Guide For Grundy Area Brides

Weddings2014

2014 Wedding cake trends

Write your ownwedding vows

Makeup tipsfor brides &bridesmaids

And much more…

Wedding dress silhouettesTop color choicesfor 2014

“R” Placewants to cateryour wedding

Our packages can be customized to fit any

occasion

Call 815.942.3690or visit our website

www.rplaceeatery.com

ACCOMMODATES UP TO 50 PEOPLEREHEARSAL DINNERS,

SHOWERS

CATERINGCUSTOM WEDDING CAKES

Let “R” Place Cater to You

Top wedding colors for 2014

Food, drink and cake

Top wedding songs for 2014

Wedding flowers

Wedding dress silhouettes

Makeup tips for brides & bridemaids

469

101214

Wedding planning checklist

Marriage License requirements

161819

Contents

Weddings 2014 is a specialty publication of the Morris Daily Herald, A Division of Shaw Media. Articles and advertisements are the property of the Morris Daily Herald. No portion of this guide may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of the Morris Daily Herald, and will not be held liable for the quality of performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this publication.

Write your own wedding vows

4 Morris Daily Herald • Weddings • January 2014

If you are getting married next year then you should know the 2014 wedding color trends. This will help you in planning your wedding and creating a look that will be memorable. A friend of mine who will get married next year and she asked me a couple of weeks ago what the wedding color trends for 2014 will be. I began doing a lot of research and will be happy to share the results with you guys.

Navy Blue It seems that the color blue, especial navy blue and royal blue are the hottest wedding colors in the year 2014 and the following are the combination ideas for the color navy blue.

Shades of Pink Pink theme weddings have always been very popular and they can be done in new, exciting, and classy ways, and can be the element that makes your wedding decorations beautiful.

Gray

Gray has become a surprisingly popular color for weddings in the last couple of seasons, and this trend is forecast to continue for 2014 weddings. There are many colors which can be paired with gray, some intuitive and some more offbeat; these are some of the most lovely gray wedding color palettes.

Neutral This trend gained popularity within the past two bridal seasons with brides pairing soft colors with neutral brown; now we are seeing more adventurous color schemes for 2014 weddings.

Aqua

Those water colors or other bright colors will be one of the hottest wedding colors in the year 2014 and aqua is of course included.

Coral

Whether you’re looking to add a splash of color to your ceremony or liven up your tables cape, coral is the perfect hue that is so captivating and versatile.

Top Wedding colors for 2014

WeddingColors

6 Morris Daily Herald • Weddings • January 2014

Slow-roasted halibut, baby Sonoma lamb chops or grilled hanger steak with tomatillo compound butter. Elizabeth Griffiths of Whoa Nelly Catering in Los Angeles says that 2014 brides have moved beyond the standard catering hall fare and expect a restaurant quality meal. “People know what constitutes quality food and want it for their guests!”

The favorite service style to capture this year’s approachable elegance? While the waiters might be wearing black dinner jackets and white gloves, they’re presenting food family style. “It’s more interactive when everyone helps themselves,” says Morris Kitchen’s Karina Seljak.

2014 is the year to get spicy. Tasty mini sliders are a sure crowd pleaser. For heat on the menu,“we are using a lot of Calabrian chili oil, a lot of sriracha and are seeing guests reach first for the spicy things on the menu.”

Brides are clamoring for updates on the classics, with fresh takes on old favorites making it onto plates everywhere. Karina says that for the cocktail hour, her brides are falling for salmon blinis with crème fraiche and

herbs, or raw bars with an unexpected watermelon salsa verde garnish.

Late night snacks are still a big hit, says Elizabeth. “We do fries and sliders, hot pretzels, street tacos and one of my favorites, late night churros.” But be mindful of your timeline, she cautions. Unless you can stay in your venue until midnight, a late night snack is probably not right for you.

Food

DrinkThe news on drinks this year? Keep it seasonal, says Karina Seljack of Morris Kitchen in Brooklyn, New York.

Winter: Make it warm and inviting with bourbon laced with spiced apple syrup served over one extra-large ice cube.

Spring: Tap into the the season with The Flamingo: grapefruit juice, gin or vodka, hibiscus syrup and a drop of ginger and rhubarb syrup.

Summer: A spiked fruit cocktail. Try a sage liquor drink with rhubarb syrup, whole blueberries and a lemon peel garnish.

Fall: Bubbles and lemon bring out the last of the sunshine. Create a champagne cocktail with lemon juice, gin and a dollop of sparkling wine.

Diamonds by

411 Liberty Street - Morris - 815.941.1915615 LaSalle St. - Ottawa - 815.433.5653310 E. Main St. - Streator - 815.672.2614

Van Duzer

Rt. 178 & 71 - Utica, IL(815) 220-7333

www.starvedrocklodge.com at Starved Rock State Park

•Just 40 MinutesFrom Morris

•Outdoor CeremonyOptions

DREAMWEDDINGSHappen Here!

DREAMWEDDINGSHappen Here!

2013 The Knot“Best Of Wedding Venues”

Pick

•Stunning Scenery•Outstanding Cuisine•Impeccable Service•Accommodates 200

Brooklyn, NY, the ultimate incubator of cool, is where we looked for the sweet scoop on this year’s hottest wedding cakes. We spoke to Cheryl Kleinman of Betty Bakery to get the top five cake trends.

Color:Ombré is everywhere, and it was just a matter of time until this look made it onto cakes. Cheryl’s ombré cakes are frosted in white on the top tier, for example, then tip-toe down from palest to the deepest pink hues. But ombré on the outside is not enough. “The cake is also ombré on the inside, with each layer a different shade.”

Glitter:In 2014, your cake will shine! Cheryl says the look ranges from a fairy dusting of very fine glitter on the top tiers, to wild disco ball sparkle.

Texture:The sleek cake is a thing of the past as 2014 moves toward the romantic look of pleats, ruffl es and lush sugar flowers. Instead of the smooth

Cake

Morris Daily Herald • Weddings • January 2014 7

Searching for the perfect romanticretreat? Whether you’re looking

for a relaxing getaway or non-stopexcitement, we have a variety

of packages perfect for newlyweds.

Red Carpet Travel118 E. Washington St. • Morris

815-942-9457www.redcarpettravelmorris.com

[email protected]

From Aisle To Isle…

Ph. 618.383.6053 or 815-476-9331www.bigbashcaterers.net

YourWeddingEvery moment.

Every detail.

Our staff is dedicated to providing our clientswith outstanding service.

Bigbash Caterers uses only the finest andfreshest ingredients.

Our chefs can create a specialized menufor your special day.

We can host your party or event at one of ourgreat locations or at yours. From the

simplest event to the most elaborate BigbashCaterers & Events is here to help.

We do offer wedding packages starting ataround $38 per person.

8 Morris Daily Herald • Weddings • January 2014

cake of previous years, the tiers of these cakes are dressed in soft ruffled layers, giving them the look of a billowing crinoline.

ShapeThink it’s hip to be square? Not so much in 2014, when the cake silhouette veers away from square tiers and embraces the classic round. For a cake that’s au courant, vary the height of your tiers. “One layer may be four inches, and the next six.”

Flavor“Right now flavor is very driven by season,” explains Cheryl. In the summer, choose a lemon cake with lemon flavor. In the winter, brides are looking for chocolate cakes with rich accents of mocha or praline.

EnhanceYour Perfect

Day

Call for an appointment: 357-86587200 W. Old Stage • Morris

www.mannsfloral.com

Mann’s Floral Shoppe

We’ll make yourspecial day blossom

with beauty.Complete wedding floral

packages designedto meet your needs and

your budget.

Bridal Bouquets•

Wedding Corsages•

Table Centerpieces•

Floral Decorations

Personal Finance Company100 Commercial Dr., Suite 4Morris, IL 60450 • 815-942-3403www.personalfinancecompany.com

We can help makeyour wedding dreams

come true!

Providing families with loans for all theirfinancial needs since 1937!

Morris Daily Herald • Weddings • January 2014 9

1 Marry You • Bruno Mars 2 Accidently In Love • Counting Crows3 Brighter Than Sunshine • Aqualung4 For Once In My Life • Stevie Wonder 5 Nothing Else Matters • Metallica6 Everything • Michael Bublé7 Love On Top • Beyonce 8 You Got the Love • Candi Staton9 Fly Me To The Moon • Frank Sinatra10 1, 2, 3, 4 • Feist11 At Last • Etta James12 Dream a Little Dream of Me The Mamas & The Papas

Wedding Songsfor 2014

Top

13 Candy • Paolo Nutini14 Greatest Day • Take That15 It Must Be Love • Madness16 (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You UB4017 It Had To Be You • Harry Connick Jr.18 Cupid • Sam Cooke19 One Day Like This • Elbow20 Close to Me • The Cure21 How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) James Taylor 22 Baby, Now That I’ve Found You Alison Krauss

23 More Than Words • Extreme24 Feeling Good • Muse25 She • Elvis Costello26 If There Is Something • Roxy Music27 Just Say Yes • Snow Patrol28 Stand By Me • Ben E King29 The Way You Look Tonight Frank Sinatra30 I Only Have Eyes For You • Billie Holiday

The ideal vessel for your centerpiece? Crystal and silver, says Ariella. “They feel elegant and retro at once.” Amber agrees: “The containers may be ultra-formal estate pieces, but the arrangements themselves are very touchable. Full, loose groupings of garden roses, anemones, poppies, lilac.”

Greens, greens, greens. 2014 centerpiece will not be complete without peeks of unusual greens. Soft vines, geranium leaves and maidenhair fern all top the must-have lists, reports Amber.

The flower garland is back in a big way. Ariella loves citrus garlands for bars and over doorways—lemons, limes, oranges on the stem. “And fern garlands are really beautiful. I love them down the center of a long table.”

Lush, soft, exquisitely romantic, the flower of the year is the many petaled tree peony, says New York’s Ariella Chezar, whose work has been seen at the White House. Amber Gustafson of Los Angeles’s Amber Events picks a similar bloom, the sweet-smelling garden rose.

10 Morris Daily Herald • Weddings • January 2014

Goose Lake HallSimpleCasual

Memorable

• All occasions

• Weddings

• Showers

• Bachelor &Bachelorette Parties

Accommodationsfor up to

250 people

Hall Newly Remodeled

Kitchen and BarAvailable

Raised stage for entertainment or bridal table

815-942-4898www.gooselakeassociation.org

Ristorante & Pizzeria

1591 Division, Morris • 942-3351

~Banquet Room and Catering~An Elegant Room for 35-100 Guests or

Full Service On Site Catering

Let our Event Planner Help Planyour Special Occasion

“Quality Banquets at Affordable Prices”Bridal Showers • Rehearsal Dinners

Wedding Receptions • Baby Showers • Birthday Parties

Special Catering Menu Package perfect for Weddings• 35 People or more $12.95

• 2 Main Dishes (1-Potato Side, 1-Vegetable Side, 1-Salad Side)• Mostaccioli, Rolls & Butter

• Plates, Napkins, Silverware included

Call for Menus or View Online atmariasristorante.net

Wedding

F lowers

1. The RoseLong considered a symbol of beauty and love, the rose figures into many myths and fairy tales. Romantic writers and poets have used the flower as a metaphor for emotion, beauty, passion, and true love throughout the ages.

2. The TulipRepresenting “consuming love” and “happy years,” the tulip can be a meaningful wedding choice. The flowers are grown in a wide range of colors, including white and cream; pastels like pink, yellow, and peach; and vibrant hues like magenta, red, and purple.

3. Calla lily This elegant, trumpet-shaped blossom symbolizes “magnificent beauty” in the language of flowers. Two types are commonly available: a large-headed variety with a long, smooth stem and a miniature version ideal for nosegays and boutonnieres. Creamy ivory is the most popular color, but calla lilies also come in yellow, orange, mauve-pink, and dark purple.

4. lily of The ValleyWith bell-shape florets dangling from a thin stem, the lily of the valley is sometimes

called “the ladder to heaven”. The flower is linked to Ostara, the goddess of springtime, and while most plentiful during this season, it remains available -- and very expensive -- most of the year.

5. hydRangeas With its big bushy head and intense shades of pink, blue, burgundy, and purple, it’s no wonder that the hydrangea represented “vanity” in the Victorian language of flowers. A stem or two of this moderately priced, scentless shrub flower helps fill out arrangements and bouquets, and a few sprigs make a charming boutonniere.

6. The peony The peony has a large, full head, strong perfume, and bright color. A bouquet made solely of peonies can be gorgeous; the flower can also be used to create beautiful centerpieces and arrangements. Grown in single- and double-flower styles, this expensive bloom is seasonally available from late spring to early summer.

7. RanunCulusTry the lush, multi-petaled ranunculus, a relative of the buttercup. A natural for the bridal bouquet or bridesmaid nosegays, the ranunculus also makes a whimsical boutonniere and is available in many

colors including white, yellow, orange, and pink.

8. sTephanoTis The Victorian meaning for this flower is “marital happiness,” making the dainty white Stephanotis an obvious choice for weddings. The star-shape, waxy florets actually grow on a flowering vine; each must be individually wired or placed onto a special holder before it can be arranged.

9. sweeT peasThe sweet pea, which signifies “lasting pleasure,” and the English have had a love affair with this delicate flower ever since. Its candy-like scent and ruffled blossoms make this an old-fashioned favorite in bouquets for the bride and her bridesmaids. The sweet pea’s many colors range from white to intense pinks and purples.

10. The gaRdeniaSurrounded by dark green, waxy leaves, the exquisite gardenia exudes a sultry, heavy scent. Gardenias are lovely tucked into a bouquet or floating in a low bowl as a centerpiece, and a single gardenia makes a wonderful scented corsage.

Wedding FlowersTop

Morris Daily Herald • Weddings • January 2014 11

12 Morris Daily Herald • Weddings • January 2014

Few wardrobe decisions are scrutinized as much as a bride-to-be’s choice of wedding gown. Finding the perfect gown that flatters the future bride’s figure while stunning her guests and soon-to-be husband is a labor of love for many brides.

The Bridal Association of America estimates a bride-to-be will spend between $1,500 and $2,000 total on her gown, veil and accessories. Brides often spend months, if not years, shopping for the right gown. Finding the right gown means having an understanding of what silhouettes are available and what flatters certain body types. After all, you want to look like the best version of yourself when getting married. Here is a look of some of the common types of gown silhouettes and why choosing this shape might be right for you.

BallgownA ballgown dress is truly a classic style, evoking images of fairy tale princesses. With a fitted bodice and full skirt that flairs at the waist, this silhouette is usually good for all body types. Because the full skirt, typically poofed-up by crinoline and will hide the hips and thighs, women with a pear shape might gravitate toward this style. The ballgown style may not be ideal for petite women, as the skirt may overwhelm their figures.

A-lineAnother silhouette very forgiving or appropriate for many body types is the A-line gown. A-line cut dresses should be the go-to style for anyone looking to minimize perceived flaws. The cut of the dress will fit to the waist and gradually fan out from the hips to form the outline of an uppercase “A.” When in doubt, A-line gowns are classic and sensible and a favorite among brides.

TrumpetWomen who prefer something a little more form-fitting may select a trumpet silhouette. This dress is fitted through the body and then the gown flares out at mid-thigh level. Women with taut stomachs and hourglass figures can benefit from this style gown, but those who do not want anything tight in the hips and thighs will want to select something else.

MermaidA bit more fitted than the trumpet, this silhouette is close to the body from the chest down to the knee. The skirt then flares out

American LegionPost 294

212 W. Washington St. Morris • 815-942-0183

An Affordable Venue For Any OccasionWedding receptions • Bridal & Baby Showers

Meetings • Retirement Parties

• Bar Available• Accomodate Up To 125 People

Support the goodwork of the

American Legion

Wedding dresssilhouettes

Story courtesy of metrocreativeconnections.com

Visit Mike’s...

PAINT FRAMESPAPER AND

525 Liberty • Morris • 942-3133 • Open Daily 7:30-5:30(parking available south of the building for your convenience)

for a Professionally FramedWedding Picture

Let Mary Motter,our certified pictureframer, custom frameyour wedding picture.Select from a variety offrames and mats ataffordable prices.

• Catering for alloccasions

• Wedding buffetsare our specialty

• Serving to mosthalls in the area

• Call for brochure& more info

Berst Center is now open!

“Quality is Our Main Ingredient”

378 N. Division St.,Braidwood, IL

(815) 458-6692www.lestinascatering.com

Environmental Education Center

25055W.Walnut Lane, Channahon (Located near I-80 and I-55)

Large Banquet Hall &Outdoor Pavilion

815722

[email protected]

Visit us on the Web at:ReconnectWithNature.org

Perfect forWeddings,Holiday Parties,Corporate Events &other Special Occasions.

Morris Daily Herald • Weddings • January 2014 13

slightly by the knee. Tall, thin women generally look best in this type of gown.

Modified A-lineA balance between a traditional A-line and a more fitted gown, the modified A-line does not flare out as much. But it does flare out enough from the waist to hide areas around the hips and thighs. This is another good choice for a wide array of figures.

Tea lengthBrides who do not want a gown that reaches the floor can opt for a tea length dress, on which the skirt generally falls between the ankle and the knee.

SheathLean brides who want simplicity in their gowns can opt for a sheath silhouette. The narrow shape of the gown from the neckline to the hem will definitely accentuate the body shape. Therefore, women who are shy may want to select a different option. Petite women who may be overwhelmed by more fabric can usually wear a sheath gown with success.

Although a bride may have a wedding gown style in mind, it is a good idea to try on a number of different silhouettes to find the one that is most flattering. Bridal salon employees are usually well-versed in matching body type to a gown and can prove invaluable when selecting a dress.

14 Morris Daily Herald • Weddings • January 2014

Few events are more photographed than weddings. Needless to say, wedding participants, from brides and grooms to the couples’ parents, hope to look their best for the celebrations. Women often find that well applied cosmetics can enhance their beauty and help ensure they are picture-perfect. The key to wedding makeup is finding a balance between application that will come across well in person and will look good in photographs. Professional makeup artists may understand just how heavy a hand to use to apply makeup, but the novice do-it-yourselfer may need some instruction to master wedding day makeup. Very often the key to wedding makeup is simplicity. Brides want their best features enhanced and have the makeup add to their beauty rather than outshine it. Brides

want guests to notice their faces and gowns and not their makeup. Here are some other tips brides can employ in an effort to put their best faces forward. Begin preparations a few days prior to the wedding. If you will be enhancing your skin color with a spray-tan, do so at least two days prior to the wedding. By the third day the color will set and appear more natural. The same idea applies to your brows. Tweezing, waxing and threading can create irritation and redness. Have your brows professionally shaped a few days before the wedding and then do a minor touch-up with your tweezer the night before. This allows your skin to recover and redness to dissipate. start out with well hydrated and moisturized skin. Apply a few layers of moisturizer, preferably one with an SPF if you

will be spending time out in the sun. When the moisturizer is completely absorbed and dry, use a skin priming product that will help keep your foundation locked into place. Match your foundation color to your natural skin color. When these colors don’t match, your face may look like it is a separate shade from your neck and decolletage. If you will be tanning, then find a shade that matches the tanned color. A foundation that has slightly yellow undertones will even out redness on the face and look better in photos. Apply the foundation thoroughly with a sponge or brush and be sure to blend it well at your neckline. Set the foundation with a matte powder. apply concealer to red spots or undereye circles after the foundation. Aim for a creamy, emollient concealer for under the eyes. A peach color that will contrast with

Makeup tips for brides and bridesmaids

.oC repaP ehT

moc.snoitativni-ocrepapeht.wwwten.labolgcbs@ocrepapeht 8910.149.518sirrom nwotnwod teerts ytrebil 611

PQRENNID LASRAEHER YTRAP ETTEROLEHCABREWOHS LADIRB ETAD EHT EVAS GNIDDEW

ssiG & sddC gnneee yynonatS & snonaavnI moouC

yad gib ruoy rof sehcuot gnihsinifeht FO LLA SULP

sdraobklahc•sunem•smargorp

Excellence in EnvirnomentallyFriendly Dry Cleaning

Alterations, Leather & SuedeWedding Dresses, Rugs & Draperies

815-521-14502039 Ridge Road (next to Jewel/Osco)

Minooka, IL 60447

•G

reat

erGrundy Coun

ty•

Readers’ C e Aw

ards

aaa

eeerrrGGG yyy CCCooouuunnn

CCChhhoooiiiccceeeSunCleaners

$20.00OFFWeddingGownCleaningand

PreservationWhen you mention

this coupon.Prepay only.

Morris Daily Herald • Weddings • January 2014 15

the purple and blue tones of your eyelids. Putting on the concealer after the foundation means you will probably need less and won’t look like you’re caked with product. use an eyebrow pencil or powder to fill in your brows. This is a must for your wedding day and can really help to frame your eyes. Use small, light flicks of the pencil rather than long strokes to make the color blend naturally. Use a brush to blend in further. Always go a shade or two lighter than your natural color. Finish with a gel that will set the hairs into place. Complement your lips and eyes. Many brides like to play up their eyes on their wedding days. If you are going for a dramatic eye, opt for a more neutral lip, and vice versa. Otherwise, you may look like you’re wearing stage makeup. Neutral colors look best for weddings and will not appear dated in photos. Stick to subtle browns and taupes for universal flattery on most eye colors. Use a light hand to apply a neutral shade of light shadow all over the lid. Apply a medium brown to the crease of the eye and a darker brown to the very outer corner, and blend thoroughly. A very light shade of shadow can be used directly under the browline and toward the inside of the eye to make eyes appear wide and bright. Stick with matte shades of eye shadow, with the exception of one pearlescent shade that is lightly dusted right in the center of the lid from the lashline to the crease. This will add just a touch of luster to catch the light and make eyes sparkle. apply liner before mascara, and blend it with a brush. Push the liner into the lashline to make lashes appear thicker. Use mascara to lengthen lashes. Place a makeup sponge behind your lashes when applying mascara so you don’t risk hitting your lids with the mascara wand. If you will be using false lashes, apply them now. Err on the shorter side for fake lashes, and cut them as needed to fit your eye. Lashes that are too long or full may appear cartoonish and can be uncomfortable to wear. Connect your lashes together with the false ones with another application of mascara. Waterproof mascara will hold up through tears of joy. Be subtle with blush. Use subtle blush in a peach-pink color to achieve that blushing bride appearance. Smile and apply the blush only to the apples of your cheeks. Choose a long-lasting lip color that will hold up through kisses and smiles. Lip stains work very well, as they provide that hint of color but wear well during the day. Another helpful tip is to perform a practice run prior to the wedding, taking some photographs to see how the makeup looks in pictures. Cameras and flashes can wash out makeup, so sometimes you need to apply just a little bit more than usual for it to show up on film. Also, certain makeup products will reflect light more. Don’t forget to stock up on oil-blotting papers to touch up your face during the day.

16 Morris Daily Herald • Weddings • January 2014

No doubt you’ve worked hard to stage a wedding reception with tons of individual style, so why should your ceremony be any different? Get personal, and consider writing your own vows. Don’t stress: It’s not as daunting as you might think. Here’s how it’s done.

What’s Your Style?

Decide if you want to say separate vows (you write yours, he writes his), or if you’d rather each recite an identical, all-encompassing vow that you compose together. You can also combine these options: Take turns making personalized promises to each other, and then solemnize these statements by exchanging more formal, traditional vows (“I, Jason, take you, Kimberly, to be my lawful wife, to have and to hold…”) or a variation that you

decide on together (“I, Stephanie, promise you, David, to always be your wife, your friend, your lover…”).

What Makes a Good Vow?

Keep in mind that at the heart of every vow is the idea that you’re making a pact. The “agreement” should have these three features, in no particular order: a declaration of love (“Sam, my beloved, I fill my heart with you, to love you until the end of my days”); promises for your marriage (“I pledge to embrace both our similarities and our differences” or “I promise to start family traditions”); and personal touches (“Four years ago, I thought that men like you didn’t exist”). Before you both begin writing, decide on the tone you want to set. Your words may be different,but the style should be more or less the same. A practical note: Be sure to keep vows one to three minutes long.

What Should You Say?

It depends on what you want to emphasize. Maybe it’s fidelity (“I promise to be faithful”); the notion of two people coming together, but maintaining their individuality (“I promise to have the courage to let you be yourself”); or the importance of family (“I promise to create a family with you and to take yours as my own”). Consider where you first met, the first time he kissed you…can you tie any of this in to what you want to pledge? You can be specific, even humorous, about the requirements you plan to fulfill throughout your lives together.

Consult a Pro

Your officiant can guide you through the vow-writing process by directing you to resources and examples from clients. If you’re having a religious ceremony, he or she can help you write vows that pertain to your faith’s conventions, ideals and symbols.

The Big Performance

Things to remember before going live: Practice , but don’t overdo it—speak naturally. And if you become a little emotional? It’s okay to cry!

Tips for writing your own wedding vows

Wedding

Vows

DateDateDateSave Your

Reserve Now for 2014 & 2015

Wedding Ceremony Site Available

2615 W. Route 6 • Morris, ILemail: [email protected]

Call Tricia Today for aTour of Our Banquet Facility

815-942-3440307 Liberty St., Morris, IL • 815-942-1000

Mon.-Fri. 9-5:30; Thurs. 9-7; Sat. 9-5

Remember…

5 TuxRentalsand GetGroom's

FREE!

Over 50 Years Experience

4

Morris Daily Herald • Weddings • January 2014 17

By now you know how pricey a wedding can be -- and how easy it is to lose track of expenses! Stick with a budget you can afford and keep up with all those payments.

1. Get organized. Create a budget spreadsheet with a set dollar limit for each part of your budget (attire, reception, flowers, etc.).

2. Tell your vendors. Work with your vendors to come up with a budget-conscious plan. Be clear about your price-range so that there are no surprises when it’s time to sign the contract.

3. Take your budget with you. Create a pocket-sized version of your budget for when you’re out and about.

4. Make a list of no-nos. Whether your weakness is mochas or Manolos, be honest with yourself about where you can cut costs.

Source: wedding.theknot.com

Ways to Keep Your Budget on Track

How Much Do You Actually Need?

Just like buying shoes, an apartment, or a pair of jeans, when it comes to financing a wedding, you should figure out how much you need to spend to get what you want. Set your expectations accordingly. Knot Note: The average cost for a 150-person wedding is about $25,000 (higher in urban areas). Here is what you can expect to pay:

• Reception: 48%-50%• Ceremony: 2%-3%• Attire: 8%-10%• Flowers: 8%-10%• Entertainment/Music: 8%-10%• Photography/Videography: 10%-12%• Stationery: 2%-3%• Wedding Rings: 2%-3%• Parking/Transportation: 2%-3%• Gifts: 2%-3%• Miscellaneous: 8% • To avoid stress, allot about 5% of your budget for a

“just-in-case” fund.

If you’re paying for your honeymoon yourselves, remember to budget for that as well.

18 Morris Daily Herald • Weddings • January 2014

WeddingP lanningUse this as a general guideline for getting the biggest tasks taken care of

before your big day. Have fun! Checklist

9-12 months beforeSet a budget and determine how costs will be divided.Select a date and reserve venue(s).Start the guest list to get your best cost estimate.Find an officiant.Start a separate folder for receipts.Select your wedding party.Hire a planner or day-ofcoordinator.

6-9 months beforeFind a caterer if the venue doesn’t offer one.Book a florist, photographer, and DJ or band.Choose bridesmaids’ attire.Register for gifts.Start planning your honeymoon.Select and order thebridal gown!Create a wedding website.Arrange transportation.

4-6 months beforeFinalize guest list.Send save-the-dateannouncements.Reserve any rental itemsneeded for ceremony orreception.Shop for wedding invitations.Finalize a date, time, and location of rehearsal dinner.Choose ceremony readings and reach out to readers.Arrange room blocks at hotels for out-of-town guests.Meet with your officiant.

2-4 months beforeMail invitations.Shop for your wedding rings.Order wedding cake.Obtain marriage license after 90-day mark.Find your makeup artist and hairstylist and make your day-of and trial-run appointments.Purchase favors and gifts for welcome baskets.

6-8 weeks beforeSend rehearsal dinnerinvitations.Reserve tuxedos for groomsmen.Finalize the menu and the flowers.Meet with vendors to work out details.

2-6 weeks beforePrint seating cards andprograms.Create seating plan andwedding weekend time line.Have your final dress fitting.Write vows.Finalize all details and confirm with vendors.

1 week beforeExpect lots of last-minute things to come up, so try not to save anything that could have been finished sooner.Confirm arrival times with vendors and wedding party.Set aside checks or tips to distribute to vendors.Delegate tasks to wedding party.

13986 McKanna Rd, Minooka • 815-475-4035www.ellishec.com • [email protected]/ellishouseandequestriancenter

An IntimateCountry Setting

For Your Wedding

2nd Annual Bridal ExpoSunday, February 16, 2014

From 12pm – 4pmAdmission is free, registration is appreciatedFood to Flowers, Limousines to Honeymoons

~ you’ll find a wide range of weddingmerchants eager to please a variety of tastes

and budgets

Morris Daily Herald • Weddings • January 2014 19

Each individual county has its own requirements and provisions for distributing marriage licenses. Please contact your County officer for specific information. Blood Test: NoneOther Test/Requirements: None; Residency; 18 years or olderFee: $30 (cash, check, or money order) ID: Valid driver’s license, passport or state i.d. Who Must Be Present to Apply: Both bride and groom together Who Signs: Bride and groom Waiting Period: 1 day Valid for: 60 days Valid Out of Municipality: No, must marry in county where license was obtained. If Previously Married: Know dates and locations of divorce or death; copy of divorce or death certificate.

Grundy County County Clerk 111 E. Washington St. • Morris, IL 60450 (815) 941-3222 8:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m. / M—F

Will County County Clerk302 N. Chicago Street • Joliet, IL 60431 (815) 740-46158:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m. / M—F

La Salle County County Clerk 707 Etna Road • Ottawa, IL 61350 (815) 434-82028:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m. / M—F

Kendall County County Clerk 111 W. Fox Road • Yorkville, IL 60560 (630) 553-41048:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m. / M—F

Livingston County County Clerk 112 W. Madison Street • Pontiac, IL 61764 (815) 844-20068:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m. / M—F

Marriage

License

Requirementsand Where toRegister

Quality Inn Hotel200 Gore Road

(Rt. 80 & Rt. 47) Morris, IL(Across from “R” Place/TA Truck Stop)

701 Liberty St., Morris • (815) 942-1880

502 Twin Rail Drive • MinookaA Beautifully Renovated Banquet Center

Formerly the FountainsFull Off-Site Catering, Seating of 400 Guests

Chef, Jason Smith

200 Gore Road • MorrisA Beautifully Renovated Banquet CenterWithin The Quality Inn Hotel in Morris

(Room Blocks Available) Seating of 136 Guests (184 Without Dance Floor)Chef, Brandon Harness

• Weddings • Receptions • Rehearsal Dinners • Reunions • Family Parties • Showers • Holiday Functions• Corporate Meetings • Any Other Banquet Needs You May Have

• High Quality Food Prepared by: Brandon Harness & Jason Smith• Top Notch, Professional Service• Outstanding Value & Seamless Execution

• We Customize Every Event to Your Specifications• Full Off-Site Catering Capabilities from Chapin’s Restaurant• Rental of Dance Floor, Tables, Chairs, Tableware, Linens & More

For All Events... Sarah O’Sullivan, Gen. Mgr. (815) 735-9250 • Cynthia Moore, Events Coordinator

w w w . c h a p i n s r e s t a u r a n t . u s

815-942-4200Monday-Saturday4pm-Midnight/1amClosed Sunday

Chapin’s East502 Twin Rail Drive

Minooka, IL

815-521-4000Tues-Thurs 11a-11p/12a,

Fri-Sat 11a-12a/1aLunch 11a-2p and Dinner 4-9pClosed Sunday & Monday

We would love to host your after party at either of our Pubs!2 Hour Bar Packages are Available With

or Without Appetizers and/or Sweets

• Fireplace with Leather Over-Stuffed Easy Chairs• Juke Box for Your Personal Listening Pleasure

Two PrivateDining RoomsAvailable

Bridal Showers

Rehearsal Dinners

Sunday Weddings

Seating for 200Custom Catering

NOW Two BanquetFacilities for YourSpecial EventsLet Us Take theWorry Out of EventPlanning... So YouCan Enjoy YourSpecial Day!

• Fresh Seafood• Delectable Pastas• Char-Grilled Steaks• Seasonal Rotating Menu• Chef, Brandon Harness

In Addition to OurFull Menu, Chapin’sOffers Weekly Specials.Our Wine List OffersPairings to EnhanceYour Dining Experience.