2011 Bridal Guide

SUNDAY, FEB. 20, 2011A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE SIDNEY HERALD

Sidney family plans two weddings in one yearBridal Guide2 SUNDAY, FEB. 20, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

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BY ASHLEE ANVIKSIDNEY HERALD

One of the most pivotal moments in amother’s life is when her child getsmarried. Typically for a mother ofthree, there is ample time between en-gagements and festivities to take a re-prieve from the chaos of planning andbreathe for awhile. But for Julie Weber,Sidney, the news that both her son, Dal-las, and her daughter, Katie, were en-gaged came a month apart from eachother.

Dallas Weber met his fiancé whileworking with her at the recreation cen-ter at Montana State University. Dallasand Kira Fladstol, Rudyard, were class-mates and coworkers before they start-ed their relationship.

Julie got a call from Dallas announc-ing that he would propose to Kira onJune 17, 2010. The bride-to-be said,“yes,” and the couple will marry July 9,2011, in Red Lodge.

Alan Cheek, Eureka, proposed toKatie Weber on June 29 when he speltout the words “will you marry me” onthe ground with kindling. The couplemet in Bozeman where they attendedMontana State University and havebeen together for three and a half

years. The groom-to-be called Katie’s fa-ther, Don Weber, before proposing, andsoon after, Julie and Katie began plan-ning for the big day, May 14, 2011, at theSidney Lutheran Brethren Church.

“There’s really only one word to de-scribe how I feel, and that is excited,”Julie said. “I think it’s great to havethem getting married at the sametime.”

Planning for two weddings is no easytask. Days are filled with phone calls,evenings with sending invitations andnights with hours of lying awake atnight remembering what you forgot todo the day before. But it’s different forWeber. The luxuries of the 21st century

such as Facebook, text messages andother social media have replaced theprehistoric methods of getting intouch. The world of technology hasstreamlined the long, drawn-outprocess of wedding planning that Julieonce knew more than 30 years agowhen she married her husband, Don.The family has been fortunate to haveoffers from friends and family to makethe cake, take the photos and othertasks which have helped to alleviate thestress of deciding who will be best suit-ed for each job. “We have been quitebusy lately, but I have been quite luckyas a mother, because families andfriends have been so helpful,” Juliesaid.

While there will be little time for re-prieve in the near future for Julie We-ber, she is proud to welcome new addi-tions to her family. After all the timespent planning, weddings are a time forfamily and friends to reunite and honorthe beginning of two people’s lives to-gether. While there are dresses to hem,catering to prepare and wedding show-ers to host, Julie will enjoy her dualrole as the mother-of-the-bride andmother-of-the-groom in 2011 and treas-ure this opportunity that most mothersget to experience only once a year!

Allan Cheek and Katie Weber

‘We have been quite busy lately,but I have been quite lucky as a

mother, because families andfriends have been so helpful.’

Julie WeberMother of bride, groom

Dallas Weber and Kira Fladstol

In a recent survey released byVisa Inc., 88 percent of couplesbelieved they overspent on someaspect of their wedding. Overthe years, weddings have be-come a major financial commit-ment, in many instances ensur-ing a couple’s first task as manand wife will be paying off themountain of bills they accruedto achieved their dream wed-ding.

In today’s economic climate,the cost of weddings is eventougher to swallow, as both thedomestic and global economyremains difficult to predict. Eco-nomic uncertainty has leftmany young couples fearful ofmaking a big financial commit-ment to their weddings. But it’sstill possible for couples to makethe most of their wedding with-out landing themselves in heavydebt once the honeymoon isover and the bills must be paid.

• Limit beverage availability.In the Visa survey, respondentsfelt they overspent more onfood, drink and cake than anyother aspect of their wedding.The bar tab can quickly add up

at the end of the night, but cou-ples can limit the bar expenseby making only a few differenttypes of drinks available. Offerjust two or three drink optionsinstead of a full bar. Couplescan also consider a cash bar formixed drinks to help lower thebar tab by the end of the night.

• Switch from Saturday. Satur-day weddings are not only themost popular, but also the mostexpensive. Couples with someflexibility can save money bymoving their wedding to a Fri-day or Sunday. Couples whomove their weddings to Fridayoften find they get to spendmore time with their friendsand families the following day,as guests are more inclined tostay in town an extra day thanthey are on Sunday afternoonsfollowing a wedding.

• Forgo a traditional honey-moon. Seventeen percent ofmale respondents to the Visasurvey felt they overspent ontheir honeymoon. While it’s cer-tainly nice to fly off to theCaribbean and spend your firstweek as a married couple soak-

ing up some sun, a more localgetaway for a couple of days canbe just as relaxing and save cou-ples substantial amounts ofmoney. Once the bills have beenpaid, couples can then enjoy amore traditional honeymoon,possibly in celebration of theirfirst anniversary.

• Limit the guest list. Invitingall friends and family membersmight be a nice gesture, but it’salso an expensive one. Cost-con-scious couples can save a gooddeal of money by only invitingthose friends and family mem-bers who are closest to them.

• Order less extravagant floralarrangements. Floral arrange-ments for a wedding can provevery expensive. But couples cantrim those costs using moregreenery in the floral displaysand ordering less expensive,seasonal flowers. When dis-cussing arrangements with theflorist, explain that the budgetcan only allow so much for flow-ers, and work together to findways to add aesthetic appealwithout breaking the bank.

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Bridal GuideSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, FEB. 20, 2011 3

Weddings can be expensive,time-consuming and stressfulto plan. Few couples embroiledin the process haven’t thoughtabout running away to elope.It’s certainly spontaneous andcan be cost-effective. But is itfor you?

Roughly 100,000 couples headto Las Vegas each year to saytheir “I Dos.” Vegas is the self-proclaimed wedding capital ofthe world. With a growingnumber of celebrities andhigh-profile individuals run-ning off to get hitched in low-key ceremonies, eloping canseem quite enticing. Considerthese pros and cons before youbook your airline tickets.

ADVANTAGESThere are several advantages

to eloping. The foremost rea-son is cost. Couples who elopeat City Hall or close by will paya nominal fee for their nup-tials. A marriage license mayonly be around $50 or more,and your other expenses willbe wardrobe and transporta-

tion to and from the event.Eloping is also a viable idea

for couples with family issues.If some members of the familydo not get along or if there areindividuals who don’t approveof the marriage, it can be easi-er to avoid the drama of a wed-ding ceremony and receptionand get married in a small,simple ceremony ... alone. Abride who has lost her father ormother may choose to foregothe pomp and circumstance ofwalking down the aisle for asimpler ceremony.

Another reason to elope is toavoid the stress and hassle ofplanning the wedding. Somepeople are born organizers andplanners. Others get over-whelmed just deciding on whatto eat for dinner. When eloping,the only things couples mustplan are the where, when andhow of the event. Fewer peopleinvolved means fewer hassles.

DISADVANTAGESEloping does have its share of

disadvantages as well. Primari-

ly it’s experiencedonly by the brideand groom and per-haps a witness. Thismeans others won’tbe around toshare in thismomentousevent. Somepeople whoelope laterregret thenot having amore tradi-tional ceremo-ny.

Chances area few peoplewill have hurtfeelings if youchoose to elopeand not includethem in the wed-ding. Parents ofthe bride andgroom may feelleft out. Re-member, awedding is acelebration notjust for the bride

and groom, but for their fami-lies as well.

If you’re run-ning off to getmarried be-cause a familymember does-n’t approveof your fu-ture spouse,you couldperma-nentlyfracturethe rela-tionshipthis per-son will

have with thefamily.

IF YOU DECIDETO ELOPE, DO ITWITH STYLE

If you’ve as-sessed the prosand cons andhave decidedto elope, con-sider thesepointers.

• Research the marriage requirementsin the place where you have decidedto marry. Some foreign localesrequire a layover period of a fewdays to a week before filling out themarriage papers and getting married.

• Choose a location that has meaningfor you. Don’t pick a place simplybecause of popularity.

• Elope, but still invite a few people towitness the event. One or two closefriends, your parents or siblings canstand in as witnesses at the ceremo-ny.

• If you choose to do it as a duo, hirea photographer to take pictures of theceremony and mail out an announce-ment to your family and friends.

• Host a reception for close family andfriends so they can celebrate thebetrothal. It doesn’t have to be a lav-ish affair. A cocktail party or barbe-cue is adequate.

• If you elope in secrecy, don’t counton lavish wedding gifts.

• Put the money you would have spenton a wedding toward the down pay-ment on a house. Get married in thebackyard or living room of your newplace and have a wedding/house-warming party.

Question is: Should you elope? Guide to getting marriedBridal Guide4 SUNDAY, FEB. 20, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

Couples are faced with many decisionswhen planning a wedding. One oftenoverlooked decision concerns the guestlist. Ideally, couples would love to inviteall their friends and family to share intheir special day. Realistically, however,budget often dictates just how manyguests a couple can invite.

That reality has led to a disagreementor two over the years, as both the bride-to-be and her future husband make theircase for who makes the cut. To help avoidsuch disagreements, couples should con-sider the following tips when paringdown their guest list.

• Make a master list as early as possible.It’s impossible to pare down a guest list ifthere’s no list to begin with. Once theplanning process begins, couples shouldseparately write down all the guests theywould like to invite. Once each is finishedwith their list, the hard work of paringthat list down can begin.

• Consider who’s footing the bill. Ifmom and dad are paying for the wedding,then their suggestions for the guest listshould carry most of the weight. Wed-dings are very expensive, and if mom anddad are paying they should have a signifi-cant say who will in attendance. Thesame principle can be applied if the cou-ple is paying for their own wedding. Ifthe costs are being split down the middle,then both the groom- and bride-to-beshould be allowed to invite the samenumber of guests.

• Ask that kids stay home. Many cou-ples request their guests leave the kids athome. While nieces and nephews mightmake the cut, it’s perfectly acceptable forcouples to state their preference that chil-dren not attend. This can be noted on theinvitation, addressing friends as “Mr.John Doe and guest” or “Mr. and Mrs.John Doe.” Guests should take the hint,but if any RSVPs with their kids, be sureto call them immediately and explain thesituation. Friends and family should un-derstand the preference, particularly inthe current economic climate.

• It’s not a reunion. Couples are often

tempted to invite long-lost friends to theirwedding. But cost-conscious couplesmust recognize their wedding is not a re-union. If the goal is to keep the guest listunder control, only invite close friendsand family members who have kept intouch with over the years.

• Stick to your guns. Couples varygreatly with what they want out of theirwedding. Some want a grandiose affairthey can share with their whole familyand all of their friends. Other coupleswant a more laid-back affair with onlythose closest to them in attendance.Whatever their preference, couplesshould remain firm and not feel guilty nomatter how many guests they choose toinvite or not invite.

• Cut back in other areas. If it’s provingsimply impossible to agree on a reducedguest list, consider inviting everyone andcutting back in other areas. Before sign-ing any contracts, closely examine eachone for items that can be removed with-out drastically changing the ceremonyand celebration. Chances are there aresavings to be had, and those savingsmight make the difference between invit-ing and not inviting another friend orfamily member.

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Invite only...Pare down your wedding guest list Respectful ways to honor deceased parent

Couples are often faced with tough decisionswhen it comes to paring down the guest listfor their wedding.

Bridal GuideSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, FEB. 20, 2011 5

Weddings are supposed to be joyousevents, which can make it difficult tohonor a deceased parent. Doing so in away that does not compromise the up-beat mood of the event can prove quite achallenge to prospective brides andgrooms.

The death of someone close is rarelyeasy to accept, especially when it hap-pens close to a couple’s wedding day. Butthere are many ways couples can honor adeceased parent at their ceremony.

Display pictures of the deceased with the weddingcouple so the memory of these people can be partof the festivities.

Set up a table with a special floral arrangement andphoto with a placard that states, "In memory of ..."

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

Ask the pastor or officiant to specifically mention thedeceased in the wedding ceremony and offer aspecial prayer in that person's name.

Add a memoriam line to the end of the wedding pro-gram. "Today we honor Mary Smith, mother of thebride, who could not be with us today."

Dedicate a special song during the reception in theperson's name.

A bride who will not be able to walk down the aislewith her father can choose to do so with her moth-er or another relative and carry something thatbelonged to her father.

Set up a photo slide show that includes photos of the

deceased. Choose poignant but upbeat music sothat the moment is not overly somber.

Light a candle at the ceremony for the deceased rela-tive.

Leave an empty chair and place setting at the recep-tion for the person who could not be there.

Display something that symbolizes the person at thewedding, such as a flag for a deceased veteran oran item that represents the person's favorite hobby.There are many ways to remember a

special loved one at a wedding withoutbringing down the mood of the event.

Financial 411: Surviving your wedding expensesBridal Guide6 SUNDAY, FEB. 20, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

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The average couple will spendbetween $20,000 and $30,000 ontheir wedding, a figure that doesnot include additional expensessuch as an engagement ring orhoneymoon. For many, that is 50percent more than they have ac-tually budgeted for the occasion.Underestimating wedding ex-penses can lead to financial dis-tress even before the marriagehas begun.

In the not-so-distant past, wed-dings were largely financed bythe bride and her parents.Things are much different now.Most weddings now are paid forby the bride and groom with lit-tle contribution from family.Young couples just starting outin life may find that weddingsare more of a financial commit-ment than originally anticipat-ed. Planning for the expected –and unexpected – can help cou-ples survive wedding expenses.

SAVINGS PLANWith most couples paying for

the majority of the weddingthemselves, it will be up to themto come up with the bulk of the

wedding finances. Starting tosave early is essential. Once youhave set the date, begin savingimmediately. Even if the wed-ding won’t be a lavish affair,every wedding has some expens-es.

To save, consider curbingrecreational spending. Cut din-ners out, trips to the movies ornon-essential purchases. Placethe money you would’ve spentinto a wedding account.

Consider having automatictransfers or deposits into an ac-count for forced savings. Manyemployers can deposit a portionof your paycheck into a separate

account. Instead of a ChristmasClub savings plan, you can havea Wedding Club.

Eliminate debt right away. Itmay seem counterproductive,but sometimes you have to spendmoney to save money. Instead ofracking up high interest ratecharges on credit card balances,pay down credit cards or otherbills you have. Once you are inthe clear, you can focus more onsaving for the wedding.

If need be, have a long engage-ment so you have ample time tosave.

SETTING A BUDGET

Many couples want a dreamwedding but do not have the fi-nances to afford a platinumevent. But that doesn’t meanthey still can’t have a lavish,beautiful wedding. Setting abudget means you can prioritizewhat you want and what you willpass up. It also provides a sav-ings goal and a firm deadline.

Shop around for the averagerates of vendors in your area.Work on the big-ticket items firstbefore focusing on the smallerdetails. Once you have averageprices, you can base your budgetas such.

Add up the average costs of allof the items on your wish list. Ifit seems out of range, start re-moving things you can do with-out. For example, can you have abrunch reception instead of anevening sit-down dinner to scaleback costs?

Always set aside a little extrafor those incidental expenses,such as tips for the waitstaff anddonation to the church – itemsyou may not think to factor in.

Don’t expect wedding gifts tocover the cost of your wedding.

While some guests are quite gen-erous, others may not even coverthe cost of their meal.

PRIORITIZEA dream wedding is a mar-

riage between desires and reali-ty. Today it is possible to recreatethe look of designer gowns andother details with less-expensiveoptions. Figure out your priori-ties and work from there. Con-sider these cost-saving options.

Think about where you will beliving after you are married. Aresidence takes priority over alavish wedding.

Have the wedding party carryfresh-flower bouquets, but useless-expensive silk flowers oreven fruit as centerpieces.

Ask your baker to create asmall wedding display cake youcan use for your photos andserve guests from a much cheap-er sheet cake that is hidden inthe kitchen.

Register for unconventionalgifts, such as contributing to thehoneymoon.

Handle some items yourself,such as favors or catering.

Avoid common wedding scams SIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, FEB. 20, 2011 7

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Matthew and Ellen had thewedding of their dreams on abeautiful June day. All of the de-tails went off without a hitch, orso they thought. When the timearrived to receive their weddingphoto albums and video a fewmonths after the wedding, thephotographer who had promisedthem the world closed up shop,filed for bankruptcy and ab-sconded with the new couple’sprecious memories.

Tales of wedding woes fre-quent the news, especially aswedding season approaches. Sto-ries about reception sites thathave double-booked rooms, pho-tographers who have not deliv-ered photos, bridal gown shopsthat don’t have a dress finishedon time and so many similarevents are no longer a rarity.

The majority of wedding ven-dors are respectable businesseslooking to provide couples withthe ideal services and memoriesof their special day. However,some other vendors are justlooking to make money at allcosts.

Avoiding trouble with your

wedding means taking mattersinto your own hands and thor-oughly protecting yourself.

Investigate the business or individualbefore exchanging money. A simplesearch online for reviews or checkingwith the Better Business Bureau shouldreveal if a business has any complaintsagainst it. Complaints can range frombad service to lawsuits. This easy stepcan protect couples from potentiallygoing into business with a company thatshould not be trusted.

Get word-of-mouth recommendations. Acouple who has used a particular bridalvendor and had pleasant results is thebest advertisement. Ask friends and fami-ly members who have gotten marriedwho they used for flowers, photos, musicand more. Using the same people is notbeing a copy-cat; it’s being a shrewdconsumer.

Contracts are essential. Have all of thedetails of the business transaction spelledout in a contract that both the vendorand you sign. Writing “Size 8” gown isnot enough. Make sure the model num-ber, price, details regarding deposits,alterations, etc., are included. DJs canwrite how many hours they will be play-ing music, how many breaks they willtake, who exactly will be handling the

wedding itself, and other details.Check who will be servicing your wed-

ding. On occasion a business may sub-contract its services. For example, thephotographer you meet at the studiomay not be the photographer whoshows up at your wedding. If you havea preference as to who services yourevent, be sure to request that person andhave it included in the contract.

Obtain certification. Some scams are moresubtle. For instance, bridal shops whoremove designer labels from gownsbecause they are not authorized retailersis a subtle scam. Another is jewelrystores that misrepresent the quality ofdiamonds and other jewelry. Be sure toget legitimate certification when purchas-ing anything of value.

Ensure the vendor has the equipmentdescribed. Some limousine companiesmay send out flyers advertising high-endvehicles they don’t actually own or haveaccess to. They subsequently arrive onyour wedding day with a different vehi-cle. Without a contract specifying thevehicle of your choice, you have littlerecourse against the company. Filter outshady brokers by asking to come inspecttheir vehicles on an off-day, like Tuesdayafternoon. You want to verify theyindeed own the limo, and it’s in goodcondition.

Skimpy floral arrangements. Upon book-ing a florist, most businesses will sitdown with couples and work up a sam-ple bouquet or arrangement based onpersonal preferences. Come the wed-ding day, however, couples might findtheir arrangements have considerablyfewer flowers in them or they’re not theblooms originally chosen. Flowers areexpensive, and some florists cut costs byskimping on the amount of actual flow-

ers (not filler) they use. Be sure contractsspell out how many flowers will be ineach arrangement, what type of flowers,how many centerpieces, bouquets, bou-tonnieres, etc.Be sure you can enjoy your

wedding and get the services youpaid for by being savvy con-sumers. Don’t simply open upyour wallet to the first vendoryou meet.

Avoid common wedding day scams through careful research and someconsumer savvy behavior.

Bridal Guide

Bridal Guide8 SUNDAY, FEB. 20, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

The multi-tiered cake is a fa-vorite wedding tradition that’soften presented at the end of thenight. The happy couple takes aslice and enjoys the first piece.

In recent years, weddingcakes have become more of anartistic centerpiece than just aconfectionary treat. Couples of-ten seek out renowned weddingcake bakers for a cake that willamaze the crowd and completethe theme of the wedding.

The average couple will spendbetween $700 to $800 for theirwedding cake. Although manycatering halls or reception siteswill include the wedding cakein a package deal, many coupleschoose to order their cake froma specialty bakery who createsculinary masterpieces.

If television trends are anyindication, many people areopting to spend several hundredto thousands of dollars on acustomized wedding cake.These fondant and buttercreamcreations may be elaborate innature, so much so they’ll likelyneed to be ordered severalmonths in advance.

Couples looking for some-thing a bit different for theirupcoming nuptials, manywant to consider these trendsin wedding cakes.

• 3-D accents on the cake, such asgraphic appliques.• A black-and-white motif that gives thecake a simplistic, yet trendy appeal. • A lot of bold color in the cake,instead of just white or ivory.• Dramatic monograms that can addclass to the cake.• Painted cakes with edible food color-ing paint that feature beautiful land-scapes or a portrait. A work of art,they’re both delicious to eat and fun toadmire.• Cakes that mirror the style of the wed-ding gown, including fondant rufflesand appliques.

Many couples still opt forthe traditional, and that is al-ways in style. Instead of exper-imenting with the outside ofthe cake, couples can be cre-ative with cake flavor and fill-ings. Imagine cutting open thecake to find red velvet or achocolate ganache filling!

Wedding cake trends this season

Black-and-white wedding cakes are one theme that couplesroutinely turn to for their dramatic flair and aesthetic appeal.

Bridal GuideSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, FEB. 20, 2011 9

Wedding musician pointersThe right wardrobe for your groomBridal Guide10 SUNDAY, FEB. 20, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

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All eyes are typically onthe bride during a wed-ding. But that doesn’tmean the groom should bea shrinking violet. Whilethe bridal gown may gar-ner the “oohs” and “aahs,”what the groom wears onhis wedding day is quiteimportant as well.

In many ceremonies, thegroom spends several min-utes standing beside the al-ter awaiting his bride-to-be. Before the first notes of“Here Comes the Bride”are played, all eyes will beon him as he anxiouslyawaits the start of the cere-mony. As such, it is essen-tial that the groom lookwell polished and isdressed in accordance tothe tone and scope of thewedding.

Because most weddingsare formal occasions,grooms often choose towear a tuxedo or high-endsuit. A well-fitted tuxedocombined with a formalshirt, tie and vest is theclassic wedding ensemble.Generally the tuxedo jack-et is single-breasted withthree buttons and satintrim. This style is univer-sally flattering to mostmen’s frames.

Accessorizing the tuxedocan mean different things.Some choose to wear a vestwhile others opt for a cum-merbund. Others add sus-penders. These acces-sories, including the tie orbow tie and the vest, can beall black like the tuxedo orcan be coordinated withthe colors of the wedding

party. For example, if thebridesmaids are wearingbutter yellow gowns, thegroomsmen can wear yel-low accessories. However,to set themselves apartfrom the groomsmen andushers, grooms tend to gowith the classic black andwhite and forego colors. Onsome occasions, groomsmay choose to wear a whitetuxedo.

A well-groomed groom isalso an important weddingday must. He should bewell-shaven and have re-cently had a haircut. If hehas facial hair, it should betrimmed and neat.

Because he will be pho-tographed all day long, agroom can choose to takesome cues from his soon-to-be-spouse. He may in-dulge in a manicure to en-sure nails and cuticles are

neat. A dusting of translu-cent facial powder cantame shiny skin in photos.Some couples opt for teethwhitening prior to the wed-ding to ensure a sparklingsmile.

When dressing the rest ofthe men in a wedding, theyshould take their cues fromthe groom, but not be car-bon-copies of him. Fathersof the bride and groom canset themselves apart with apocket square or a special-ly colored boutonniere.

The exception to a tuxe-do or a suit would be for acasual wedding, particu-larly one held at the beachor in a park. Then thegroom can wear what willcoordinate for the occa-sion, such as a dress shirtand slacks, or even sandalsand shorts for the ultra-ca-sual wedding.

While eyes certainly may be trained on the bride, the groomcan expect his share of admirers as well. Being well dressedat his wedding is essential.

Brides and grooms have a few op-tions when it comes to the musicplayed at their ceremony and recep-tion. Live musicians or DJs are oftenthe entertainment of choice. When hir-ing the entertainment, there are someimportant things to keep in mind.

The music of the wedding will set thetone for the event and keep guests en-tertained during key moments of theday. Musicians will often work in con-junction with a maitre d’ to be sure thereception moves along smoothly andsticks to the schedule. Music will beplayed while guests are dining andwhen there are opportunities for danc-ing.

It’s essential to listen to musicians orDJs before hiring anyone to ensurewhat they’re offering will fit in withthe wedding. Also, it’s helpful to con-firm the person or people being audi-tioned will be the exact individuals atthe wedding. Some entertainment com-panies hire out contract musicians,meaning the preview musicians maynot be the same person who will per-form at the ceremony. That can poten-tially prove disasterous. If a certainmusician or deejay is requested, be

sure it is put down in writing in thecontract.

Provide the musical entertainmentwith some information to further helpthe wedding go off without a hitch.This may include but not be limited tothe following:Names of all wedding party participants so they

can be properly introduced.Name of the married couple, including pronuncia-

tion of the last name, if necessary.The title of the couple’s song.The titles of songs to be danced with mother/son

or father/daughter.A listing of any preferred songs.The title of a “spotlight dance” song.Any music that is off-limits at the reception.Special announcements that should be made, such

as mentioning a guest’s birthday or another spe-cial event involving guests.

Whether a bouquet and garter toss will take place,and which songs should be played during thesetraditions.

In most cases, wedding musicians areprofessionals who have handled manyweddings and are very accustomed towhat should be done to make the nighta memorable one. Trust in the expert-ise of the musicians, and provide guid-ance where necessary.

JEWELRYEngagement Ring $_______________Wedding Bands $_______________Wedding Band $_______________

$_______________$_______________

Section Subtotal $_______________CEREMONY Site Fee $_______________Marriage License $_______________Officiant’s Fee $_______________Ceremony Fee $_______________Miscellaneous $_______________

$_______________$_______________$_______________$_______________

Section Subtotal $_______________STATIONARYInvitations $_______________Reception Cards $_______________Response Cards $_______________Announcements $_______________Thank You Cards $_______________Programs $_______________Napkins/Matches $_______________Personal Stationary $_______________

Section Subtotal $_______________BRIDAL ATTIREBridal Gown $_______________Headpiece $_______________Accessories $_______________

Undergarments $_______________Shoes $_______________Groom’s Tux $_______________

$_______________$_______________

Section Subtotal $_______________RECEPTIONSite $_______________Caterer $_______________Food Costs $_______________Liquor/Beverages $_______________Staff $_______________Rentals $_______________

$_______________$_______________

Section Subtotal $_______________FLOWERSCeremony $_______________Reception $_______________Bride $_______________Bridesmaids $_______________Flowergirl $_______________Men’s Boutonnieres $_______________Mother’s/Grandmother’s

Corsages $_______________$_______________$_______________

Section Subtotal $_______________DECORATIONSProfessional $_______________Do It Yourself $_______________

$_______________Section Subtotal $_______________

BAKERYWedding Cake $_______________Cake Topper $_______________Cookies/Pastries $_______________Other Desserts $_______________

$_______________$_______________

Section Subtotal $_______________PHOTOGRAPHYWedding Package $_______________Formal Portrait $_______________Engagement Picture $_______________Parents’ Albums $_______________Your Album $_______________

$_______________$_______________

Section Subtotal $_______________VIDEOGRAPHYRecording $_______________Editing $_______________Number of Copies $_______________

$_______________$_______________

Section Subtotal $_______________TRANSPORTATIONBride’s Limousine $_______________Bridal Party $_______________

$_______________$_______________

Section Subtotal $_______________BEAUTYHair $_______________Makeup $_______________

Nails $_______________Spa Visit $_______________

$_______________$_______________

Section Subtotal $_______________MUSICCeremony $_______________ Reception $_______________

$_______________ Section Subtotal $_______________GIFTSGuests’ Favours $_______________ Attendants’ Gifts $_______________ Bride $_______________ Groom $_______________ Parents $_______________

$_______________$_______________

Section Subtotal $_______________REHEARSAL DINNERSite $_______________Food $_______________Liquor $_______________Tip $_______________

$_______________$_______________

Section Subtotal $_______________NOW TAKE A DEEP BREATH ...THE TOTAL IS!!!GRAND TOTAL $_______________

Track your budget Wacky wedding facts

Bridal GuideSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, FEB. 20, 2011 11

Weddingfacts thatmay surprisethe averageperson aboutweddingsacross thecountry. Hereare somefacts to con-sider.

• Weddingsin Iowa andNebraska arethe biggest,averaging 200 guests.

• The average engagement ringcosts more than $5,800.

• Most brides have one do-it-your-self element, such as favors or es-cort cards.

• “Can You Feel the LoveTonight” and “Lady in Red” are thetwo most popular first dance songs(even though 87 percent of brideswear white).

• Only 19 percent of couples relyon a wedding planner.

• Ancient Romans broke a cakeover the bride’s head to symbolizefertility. Today, brides must be for-tunate to have only a little cakesmashed in their faces!

Aspirin and Gravol. A headacheis a good possibility and nervescould cause an upset tummy, makesure you have these two thingsstocked up.

Something to eat. Maybe pre-pare a nice cheese and crackertray the night before, not just foryourself, but for your attendantstoo. It would also be nice to haveone available for the groom andgroomsmen. The one thing thatpeople always forget to do is eat, sofinger snacks are probably morepractical.

Extra makeup. This is especiallyimportant if you are not havingyour makeup person with you allday. We have no doubt that you willwant to touch up your makeup sev-eral times through the course ofthe day. Make sure you have pow-der to get rid of shine and lipstick.

Hand mirror to go along withthe makeup.

Stain remover wipes just in casea nasty spot suddenly appears inall too wrong a place on yourdress. And right before that all im-portant picture!!!

Static Guard. You may not needit, but your wedding party might!

Hand lotion.

Q-tips and tissues. The makeupis going to run, you’re probably go-ing to cry. Be sure you can touchup easily.

Tampons. This is for the bridethat might be close to that time ofthe month. Nerves could bring iton. Always be prepared and neverleave it to chance.

Nail polish and a nail file. Geemy nails look great! until youbreak one. Don’t leave it to chance,be prepared.

Extra pairs of nylons. This isparticularly important if you areplanning the garter shot, which inmost cases comes closer to the endof the evening. You’re fresh pair inthe morning could be a nightmareby the evening, especially if youare wearing crinolines that snagthe hose.

Safety pins, masking tape, sta-pler, small mending kit. Oh No! mydress ripped. No problem becausethe frugal bride made sure that Iwas prepared. That’s right, itcould happen, you’re dress couldrip, the hem could come down, etc.Always be prepared. Something assimple as masking tape could savethe day on a droping hem.

Bride’s emergency kitHoneymoon cost-cutting ideas

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After all of the stress thatcomes with planning andpreparing a wedding, mostcouples head off to a resort forsome much-needed R&R. Thelocales couples choose to spendtheir honeymoon are as variedas the couples themselves.While many couples head for aseaside resort, others chooseadventurous getaways to suchplaces as the Alaskan wilder-ness.

Whichever destination cou-ples choose to spend their firstvacation as husband and wife,one thing all couples can countis the cost. More specifically,the high cost of the honey-moon is something to count on.However, not all honeymoonsneed to break the bank. In fact,there are several ways couplescan save substantial amountsof money while still enjoyingtheir first getaway as a mar-ried couple.• Research where you’ll be staying.

Oftentimes, hotels offer luxury at avery high price. Particularly in localeswhere many couples spend their hon-eymoon, such accommodations can

be quite costly. However, savvy cou-ples might be able to circumvent costlyhotel accommodations if they do theirresearch early. Bed and breakfasts(B&B), for example, often range frompractical to ultra-luxurious and tend tocost a fraction of what luxury hotelscharge. Many couples actually preferB&Bs, feeling they’re more charmingand cozy.

One thing to be diligent about with re-spect to B&Bs is the size of the accom-modations, most notably the bedding.Not all B&Bs provide king or evenqueen-size bedding, and some mightnot provide private bathrooms. Be sureto confirm with the B&B as to eachroom’s accommodations before makinga reservation.

• Consider traveling during the “off” sea-son. Whereas spring and summer wereonce the most popular seasons to tie the

knot, nowadays many couples are look-ing to the fall to get married. While themonths of June and July remain the mostpopular, September and October wed-dings have grown in popularity for a va-riety of reasons, not the least of which isthe aesthetic appeal of the fall seasons.

Another advantage to a fall wedding isthe opportunity for couples to save mon-ey on their honeymoon by traveling dur-ing the “off” season. Peak season atbeachside resorts is typically the sum-mer months, and rates are thereforehigher. However, traveling to a resortduring the “off” season can save sub-stantial amounts of money, and theweather will no doubt still be beautiful.What’s more, local business will mostlikely boast better deals as well, and theresort will not be as crowded as it typi-cally is during peak season.

• Consider a cruise. Cruises might seemmore expensive at first glance, butmany cruises offer all-inclusive deals,wherein food and beverages are allpaid for, and entertainment is provided.In addition, couples who take a cruisewill get the chance to see a variety ofseaside locales. the cruise already has an itineraryplanned, it’s a nice break from all theplanning that went into the wedding.

Bridal Guide12 SUNDAY, FEB. 20, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

When two people decide toget married, they’re not onlycombining their possessions,but they’re also bringing to-gether unique ideas aboutpersonal finance. These ideasmay bring challenges to therelationship and should bediscussed beforehand for thebest start to the marriage.

Planning ahead can build astrong financial foundationfor a new marriage. Before acouple becomes a familyunit, each person has his orher own way of saving andspending, as well as theirown approach to finances.Additionally, one person maybe bringing more debt to therelationship than the other.How finances will be handledshould be one of the first con-versations – even before a re-ception venue is booked or awedding gown is chosen.

When joining finances,consider these factors.

BANK ACCOUNTSGenerally couples will find

that a combination of joint

and personal accounts makesfinances easier. The joint ac-count is used for monthlybills, housing expenses andthings the couple does togeth-er. Separate accounts can beused for discretionary spend-ing, like vacation accounts,dabbling in investments orsimply for splurging. This en-ables each person to have anindependent identity but alsoshare the responsibility ofbeing a couple.

BUDGETING EXPENSESEven if each individual

had a budget before the mar-riage, the financial status ofa spouse will change the out-look. Although each personmay have their preferenceson certain items, talkingthrough the best ways to poolresources and save moneycan be an effective start totheir life together.

ESTATE PLANNINGJust because a couple is rel-

atively young and newly mar-ried doesn’t mean they

shouldn’t begin planning fortheir future – including afamily – immediately. Cou-ples should explore the op-tions on life and medical in-surance plans. Sitting downwith a financial planner canhelp, and he or she may beable to spell out options in re-tirement savings or educa-tion savings. It’s never tooearly to begin investigatingthese scenarios.

KEEP THE LINES OFCOMMUNICATION OPEN

Money often makes orbreaks a relationship. Havingsimilar goals regarding sav-ing and spending is often thekey to couples melding to-gether. The best way to workthrough difficulties andavoid problems concerningfinances is always to talkthrough all of the options.Having an open line of com-munication about money –and participating equally inthe household finances – canhelp equal marital success.

Finance tips for couples Average wedding costBridal GuideSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, FEB. 20, 2011 13

These are just a few of the aver-age expenses for a wedding in thelocal area.

Jewelry: The national averageprice for a bridal set is $2,200 whilethe groom’s wedding band canrange from $50 for alternative met-als up to $1,000 for precious metalslike gold.

Ceremony: Most churchescharge very little if anything touse the church for members, usu-ally putting down a deposit forcleaning and could be returnable.For non-members, rent variesfrom $100 to $300. Other fees varyas some churches have areas forreceptions and could provide mu-sic and sound for extra fees. The of-ficiate of a church usually doesn’tcharge members, but would accepta donation for their time. Chargesfor non-members range from $100to $200.

Invitations: RSVP cards, save thedate and programs can run about75¢ per item to $2.50 per item. Thecost will depend on the paper andink along with design. (black ink isless expensve).

Dress, tuxedo: The average costfor a wedding dress is $1,505 and

the average groom’s tuxedo or suitis $197, according to the Bridal As-sociation of America.

Receptions: Rental receptionsites run from $100 to $1,250. Cater-ers average cost is $15 to $20 perplate. Wedding cakes run around$1.50 per slice, could be less for avery simple cake.

Flowers: Flowers run from $500and up, Centerpieces can cost $50to $150 per piece.

Photography: Photographycharges can run from $500 to $4,000– the price range depends on thetime (how many hours of cover-age) to what prints, CDs and booksare included with the package.

Take two — Tips for second trip down the aisle Bridal Guide14 SUNDAY, FEB. 20, 2011 SIDNEY HERALD

Custom stationaryat affordable prices

A second wedding is a chanceto focus more on what you wantas a couple instead of the wed-ding your parents may hadhoped for you. Today there areno rules in second weddings;the happy couple can customizeit as they see fit.

Chances are someone youknow will make another tripdown the aisle at one point inhis or her life. Individuals whohave lost a spouse or have di-vorced may eventually choose toremarry.

Second weddings are a greatway for couples to showcasetheir personalities and don’thave to be constrained by tradi-tion. Here are some top tips fortaking that trip down the aislethe second time around.

• Put your first wedding out ofyour mind. Now is not the timeto make comparisons. This wed-ding should be all about you andyour new spouse-to-be. Go forsomething completely differentthan your prior wedding sothere will be no side-by-sidecomparisons.

• Choose a wedding party youreally want. You can have a lav-ish wedding again, completewith a big bridal party. However,this time around you can choosethe friends and family membersyou really desire to stand besideyou, instead of individuals youmay have felt obligated to in-clude the first time around.

• Go ahead and wear white.Tradition once stated that take-two brides were not supposed towear white. Toss tradition asideand go ahead and do what youwant. Just be sure the gowncompliments your age and bodyshape and doesn’t seem too vir-ginal. If your previous weddingwas annulled, you also may beable to wear a wedding veil.

• Include your children in thefestivities and planning. If youor your future spouse has chil-dren from a previous marriage,make them feel a part of thisnew blended family by includ-ing them in the second wedding.They may play a role in the cere-mony, such as making a speechor reading a religious passage.

Other brides and grooms chooseto have their children walkthem down the aisle this timearound. Also, involve the kids inthe planning. They may be ex-cited to help you choose wed-ding vendors or address invita-tions.

• Personalize your event. Takethe time to write your ownvows, make handmade favors orsingle out the special people inyour lives.

• Feel free to be extravagant.You may be more established inlife with a secure job and biggerpaycheck. Therefore you can ex-pand the wedding budget a littlemore. Go for all of the goodiesyou may have passed on withyour previous marriage, such asexotic foods or that extra-longhoneymoon.

• Involve the groom as well.Today’s modern men want a sayin their wedding just as much asthe bride, say wedding experts.Make sure he is apprised of allthe details and ensure that he isable to make it to vendor ap-pointments and the like.

Just as a second wedding is asecond chance for happiness, it

is another opportunity to throwthe wedding of your dreams.

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Bridal GuideSIDNEY HERALD SUNDAY, FEB. 20, 2011 15

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