Fall 2015 Bridal Guide

THE NEWS SUNTHE HERALDREPUBLICAN

The

Bridal GuideFall 2015 k p c n e w s . c o m

Fall Bridal Guide • August 2015 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

BY JENNIFER [email protected]

ROME CITY — Outdoor weddings can be beautiful and Tiffany Conrad said it’s “Mother Nature at her best.”

Conrad is naturalist for the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site, Rome City.

Stratton-Porter was an American author, amateur naturalist and wildlife photographer.

Conrad said interest in using the site’s 1-acre garden for outdoor weddings is increasing. Rental of the garden starts at $125 plus tax for two hours.

“They’re small weddings — 50 people. It’s very intimate,” she said and added the nuptials there can be as simple as a bride carrying a bouquet of flowers. “People that do contact us want to keep it simple.”

Conrad said the garden features

Outdoor weddings provide ‘Mother Nature at her best’

WelcomePutting together the perfect

wedding takes much planning.Our Fall 2015 Bridal Guide will

help you make many of the biggest decisions that lie ahead. From taking the stress out of planning to trying to settle on the perfect honeymoon destination, the guide offers much valuable information.

We also hope you will enjoy the story written by reporter Mariah Martz, one of our reporters who will be getting married this fall and her experience planning her event.

As you read through these pages, we hope you will find the information helpful as you plan for the big day, and find the advertising messages useful with your wedding needs.

This guide is also available online at kpcnews.com.

ON THE COVER: Heather Crum, left, celebrates this unique outdoor photo moment with her bridesmaids. Photo by Bill Eyster, Eyster Photo and Graphics

A wedding reception at Pokagon State Park’s Civilian Conservation Corps. shelter shows a combination of rustic with colorful gladiolas and elegance that surely made for a memorable event.

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See OUTDOOR WEDDING page 3


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35-bed gardens surrounding a meandering path. The gardens feature a variety of plants: foxgloves, peonies, ferns, hostas, tulips, hydrangeas and lilies, to name a few. The extensive variety makes it photogenic for the perfect wedding photos.

She said wedding couples flock to the wisteria in the garden’s center when it’s in full bloom each May. It is Stratton-Porter’s original plant.

Weddings are held at the site all year until winter when it closes.

“We had a bride out here in November. It was a quick wedding — 15 minutes,” Conrad laughed.

Outdoor weddings are also growing

in popularity at Pokagon State Park, Lake James, and not just those on the sundeck of the Potawatomi Inn.

Ted Bohman, Pokagon State Park and Trine State Recreation Area property manager, said even though it’s a public park, communication’s needed from

prospec-tive couples wishing to wed there to avoid disappoint-ment. Certain rules are in place to ensure safety and preserve the park.

“The great thing is we have some incred-ible areas,”

Bohman said. “It’s not our intention for people to leave with a bad feeling. There are things we can do to make your day special.”

Bohman said with the park’s three properties — Pokagon, Potawatomi Inn and Trine State Recreation Area

The following are some outdoor wedding ideas from Buzzfeed.com:• Offer options for cold hydration.

• Offer options for insect repellent and sunscreen.

• Give sunglasses as wedding favors.

• Supply everyone with flip-flops for dancing.

• Put your wedding program on a fan.

• Instead of chairs, throw bright-ly-colored blankets over bales of hay.

• Hire an ice cream cart.

• Consider high-velocity blower fans.

• Use a flower box as a rustic drink cooler.

• If the outdoor wedding venue allows it, have a bonfire.

• Provide blankets if it’s going to be cold.

• Place cupcake wrappers on glasses to keep bugs out of beverages.

• Use a netted canopy to keep bugs out of desserts.

See OUTDOOR WEDDINGS page 4

From page 2

OUTDOOR WEDDINGS

“Outdoor weddings are also growing in popularity at Pokagon State Park, Lake

James, and not just those on the sundeck of the Potawatomi Inn.”

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From page 3

OUTDOOR WEDDINGS

— wedding possibilities to fit any taste abound.

“We will do our best to accommo-date,” he said. “We can help coordi-nate.”

Some areas are quiet and intimate, such as over in the park’s Trine State Recreation Area, said Tammy Sawvel, Pokagon office manager.

“We have a lot who use our group camp and rent (that) whole area more for receptions,” Sawvel said. “We’ve done some pretty ones.”

Some areas are quiet and intimate,

such as over in the park’s Trine State Recreation Area.

Bohman said he’s seen some beautiful and creative weddings be held in the park’s natural outdoor setting. He would like to see that continue.

Elsewhere in the area, outdoor weddings are held at a variety of public places.

“Pokagon State Park is probably the most popular, but there are many outdoor weddings held at a multitude of other venues in the area,” said Lindsay Foster, Steuben County Tourism Bureau.

Beth Thornburg, LaGrange County Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, said they have a variety of prime outdoor wedding sites. She also gave contacts for more information in an email: “In Shipsh-ewana, there is a good size pavilion that sits in front of the Antique Gallery and Farmstead Inn — there have been multiple wedding receptions held there this summer and the grounds

Courtney (Foust) and Christian Winzeler take advantage of the great outdoors for their wedding photos last October.

They are Fremont High School and Purdue Universitygraduates.

EYSTER PHOTO AND GRAPHICS

See OUTDOOR WEDDINGS page 5


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From page 4

OUTDOOR WEDDINGS

of the Farmstead could be used for the wedding — tradingplaceamerica.com/facility-rentals/. Also, three of our county parks have been used for weddings — Delt Church Park, David Rogers Park and Dallas Lake Park — lagrangecountyparks.org. The third option would be Lakeside Occasions near Emma, owned by Janet and Darrell Byers, lakesideoccasions.com.”

Noble County has other possible spots to go along with Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site, said Sheryl Prentice, Noble County Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director.

“The Mid-America Windmill Museum in Kendallville hosts some outdoor wedding ceremonies near the windmills,” Prentice said. “The museum hosts a lot more receptions in Baker Hall. Sylvan Cellars, a restored dairy barn in Rome City, is a new venue this year for receptions. The brewery isn’t open yet, but receptions are held there nearly every weekend on the second floor banquet rooms. Some ceremo-nies occasionally take place at Chain O’Lakes State Park or the city parks in Kendallville and Ligonier.”

Christian Winzeler, who is originally from Fremont, poses for a photo outdoors prior to his October 2014 wedding.



BY OCTAVIA [email protected]

It was the YouTube sensation of the year in 2009, when Jill Peterson and Kevin Heinz’s introduced the world to a fun and upbeat bridal party entrance Chris Brown’s “Forever.” Instead of a simple walk down the aisle, the couple brought their own unique twist and danced. The video even inspired Jim and Pam’s wedding episode from “The Office.”

In an interview on the Today show, Jill and Kevin said they wanted to do something that was fun and reflected their personalities. Today, 90 million people have watched “JK Wedding Entrance Dance” on YouTube, and countless couples have tried to make create their own unique entrances.

As couples choose to bring their

own fun and flair to a wedding, many are seeking out the help of professional choreographers and dance studios. Christopher Spaulding, instructor at Dance Tonight in Fort Wayne, said their company provides several packages for the bride and groom, the bridal party and even parents.

Dance Tonight has provided choreography for bridal party dances to “Apache” by Sugar Hill Gang and “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees. More recently, in align with present popular music, couples have wanted choreo-graphed routines to “Uptown Funk.”

What they do depends on what couples want. Couples can seek out a class teaching basic ballroom steps, or select a choreographed number for the whole wedding party.

“It has always been a lot of fun for the couple that wants a production,” Spaulding said.

Choregraphers can help couples pick out music and get the wedding party to feel comfortable for the big day.

Dance Tonight provides lessons for

the wedding party, as well as instructor for parents or friends of the couple. Spaulding said dance lessons can help get people comfortable on the dance floor, especially for the father/daughter and mother/son dance.

When it comes to the couples’ first dance, they should take time to make it a memorable moment, Spaulding said.

He provided tips for couples thinking about their first dance:

• Give yourself time — Don’t wait until the last minute to book dance lessons. Give yourselves time so you can relax and enjoy your lessons. With all the stress of planning a wedding, your dance lessons should be a time for you to enjoy being close and working together.

• Keep it fun — Many couples enjoy their first dance journey so much, they decide to make ballroom dancing a hobby for life. After the wedding day is past and the dress is hung safely in the closet, when you have returned from the honeymoon and gotten back to real life, you can always have a dedicated time to connect with your new spouse.

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Octavia Yoder and her wedding guests dance the night away during her wedding reception last fall.

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Editor’s note: This article by Catherine Reyes-Housholder, a 2003 East Noble High School graduate, was originally published in KPC newspa-pers Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010.

I married a Chilean about six weeks ago. When I announced to my father-in-law that I wanted to change my last name, he covered his mouth with his hand, laughed and then said: “We don´t do that here in Chile.”

I already knew that, that was the problem. Chilean women don´t do anything to their surname when they marry. They go from being a “señorita” to a “señora” seamlessly.

Every Chilean has two last names: one from Dad and one from Mom. The couple´s children´s names are created by combining the the paternal last name from each parent. Confusing? Just when Chileans are born. Not when Chileans are married.

But I still felt inclined to do something with my name. Right after my wedding, one of my aunts was already calling me Mrs. Catherine Reyes. I did my best to correct her tactfully, but I think I might have hurt her feelings.

I needed a solution. I started to envision this marriage-name-shift-game as an opportunity. A chance to change — for the better! I didn´t get to select my first or maiden name (although I think my parents did pretty well) so I would take advantage of the chance to take control of my name.

Ever since I was a child, I have wanted to be exotic, cosmopolitan, a bit more “interesting.” Now I had the opportunity to add a Latin touch to my public persona.

Plus, modifying my family appella-tion could be a symbol of connected-ness between the U.S. and Chile.

I discovered I couldn´t just replace my name on my current passport. I had to get an entirely new one (thank you, Homeland Security). I assembled the required paperwork, flagged down a public bus and popped up in front of the U.S. embassy. They promised me — after I forked over the $75 — my new passport with my name change in about three weeks.

Today I picked up the passport. Catherine Reyes-Housholder. The new me. A little more Latin American than before.

Then I tried to pronounce the new

What’s in a name? Culturally-speaking, a lot

Catherine Reyes-Housholder and Diego Reyes Lopez were married in Santiago, Chile. They now live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

PAUL HOUSHOLDER

See WHAT’S IN A NAME page 8


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From page 8

WHAT’S IN A NAME

me. “Catherine” was easy. When I said, “Reyes” I pronounced it with my distinct American accent (even though I can trill my r´s). No surprise there.

Then “Housholder” came out completely wrong. Because I had to enunciate “Reyes” Chilean-style, I couldn´t get my tongue immedi-ately around my German heritage. After spinning out Reyes, I couldn´t pronounce the “H´s.” The “r” of “Housholder” rolled out Spanish-style.

Oops. Who am I?I am Catherine Rrrrejes-Ousolderrrrr.So much for cosmopolitan elegance.I could back down. The next legal

step I will have to take is to change my Chilean national-ID card to Catherine Reyes-Housholder. I could just stay Catherine Housholder in Chile. That way, people here wouldn´t be tempted to think my husband was my brother.

However, I´ve decided to keep practicing pronouncing the new me, and I will swap surnames on my Chilean ID. I know some people will laugh — like my father-in-law — when they see it. But instead of it being annoying, I will see it as an opportunity. To launch into a lengthy discussion of Chilean-U.S. culture naming traditions? Depending on my audience. To initiate a debate on the feminist ethics of marriage and name-changing? Again, it depends.

Ironically, my attempt to realize a childhood dream to become more exotic/foreign/cosmopolitan will end up making me look even more alien to friends and in-laws here.

This is what I plan to say to Chileans who give me the confused-amused look. “I am Catherine Rrrrejez-Ousolderrrrr. Call me Cati. It´s just the old me.”


Special bouquetThe bride's wedding flowers have taken on many incarnations over the course of history. Carrying flowers by the bride has its roots in ancient times. Strong smelling herbs and spices were thought to ward off and drive away evil spirits, bad luck and ill health. Garlic and chives were popular for the same reason.During Roman times, this tradition was extended, with the bride and groom wearing floral garlands signifying new life and hope for fertility. The bouquet symbolized a woman in bloom. During Victorian times, flowers took an additional significance, as lovers would send messages to each other using different flowers, with each flower having its own meaning. These associations were soon adopted for the bride's bouquets and are still used today by many brides. This bouquet, with beads, pearls and flowers, was used in a local wedding.

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METRO CREATIVE CONNECTIONWedding invitations once followed a relatively standard

format that did not necessarily require much thought on the part of the grooms- and brides-to-be. But many couples now take more creative approaches to their wedding invitations, using them to evoke a certain theme or to establish if the wedding will be formal or casual.

But while wedding invitation designs might have become more flexible over the years, couples should still make sure to include certain information in their invitations to avoid being overwhelmed with questions from guests excited to attend the festivities.

• Date and time: It may seem simple, but don’t forget to include the date and time of both the wedding and reception in the invitation. If there will be a considerable amount of time between the ceremony and the reception, you may want to include a handful of local dining suggestions so guests can grab a quick bite to eat before the cocktail hour.

• Venue information: Guests will need to know where couples are tying the knot, so be sure to include the address of the ceremony site as well as a link to its website. The address will help guests find the venue, while the website can prove an invaluable source of information about the venue, which can save couples the trouble of answering questions about the ceremony site that can more easily and quickly be answered by visiting the website.

• Reception hall information: Couples whose receptions will be in a different location than their ceremonies should include the same information about the reception hall that they did about the ceremony site. Reception hall informa-tion is often listed on reception cards, which can include information on the front and back to save paper and money on postage.

• Hotel information: Many couples arrange special room rates with nearby hotels for their wedding guests. Include the names of these hotels, directions to the hotel from all directions, directions from the hotel to the ceremony and reception sites and the various rates for rooms (single room, double room, etc.). If possible, include a link to each hotel’s reservation form as well.

• Reply cards: Reply cards are included so guests can easily reply to let couples know if they will or will not be attending. Couples with wedding websites can even include a link to their sites on the reply cards, letting guests know they can reply via the website if they so choose.

• Reception menu: Many reception halls ask that couples give them a ballpark figure as to how many of their guests will prefer each type of entrée available at the reception. Include menu options within your invitation package, ideally on your reply card, so you can easily provide this information for your vendor.

• Wedding website information: If you did not already include a link to your wedding website on your save-the-date cards, include that information within your invitation package. Wedding websites will answer many of your guests’ questions for you, so don’t forget to make this valuable tool a part of your wedding planning.

What to include with wedding invitations


METRO CREATIVE CONNECTIONWeddings are full of traditions,

many of which aim to ensure the good luck rains down on couples for years to come. Many of these traditions revolve around wardrobe choices. Veils are worn and bouquets are carried to ward off evil spirits, and couples may borrow sentimental items from their parents and other family members.

While some couples may be focused on the time-honored tradition of something old and something new as well as something borrowed and something blue, many others may be seeing weddings in an entirely different hue: green.

Green weddings are on the rise, and couples can embrace various strategies to make their big days more eco-friendly.

• Explore eco-couture designers. Brides need not compromise their eco-conscious ideals for gorgeous designs. Many established and up-and-coming bridal gown designers rely on sustainable materials and practices to craft beautiful gowns. Brides-to-be may not have to look far for a dress that matches their commitment to the environment. Deborah Lindquist, Sanyukta Shrestha and Daughters of Simone are just a few of the leading eco-couture designers.

• Consider a vintage gown. Wearing a vintage gown is recycling at its best. A woman will have her chance to look amazing, and she can breathe new life into a classic wedding dress. Family members can be the first people to seek out when looking for a vintage gown, as one never knows what an aunt or grandmother is hiding in a keepsake chest in the attic. In addition to helping brides save money, wearing a vintage gown can give the person lending the

dress a feeling of pride and inclusion in the festivities.

• Guys can don classic attire, too. Grooms-to-be also can embrace vintage attire, although styles from some eras will be less forgiving. Otherwise, gentleman can borrow a suit or wear a shirt or sentimental item, such as an embroidered handkerchief, from a

father or another male relative. If there are few options, renting is certainly a green idea, as a rented tux will be more environmentally friendly than purchasing your own tuxedo that figures to get little use after the wedding.

• Choose sustainable fabrics. Certain fabrics are derived from eco-friendly resources, such as sustainably grown fiber crops or recycled materials. Organic cotton or linen are options, as are many other sustainable textiles. Individuals can purchase fabric and have a tailor or seamstress craft a custom wedding gown or suit, if desired.

• Wear something already in the closet. Couples opting for a casual or civil wedding may have more options with regard to their wedding attire. If your wedding is a less formal affair, consider wearing a suit or dress you already own. Such attire is perfectly acceptable, and you won’t be ordering a new dress and having it shipped, which benefits the environment.

Green can be the new color in wedding wear

Couples interested in keeping weddings in line with their eco-friendly lifestyles can start with the clothing they wear on their special days.

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METRO CREATIVE CONNECTIONEngagement ring purchases are usually

a solo endeavor, with the groom having an idea of the ring style and color his bride-to-be prefers. But couples usually shop for their wedding ring sets together, and such excursions can be special and meaningful.

Like many decisions couples make when planning their weddings, choosing rings comes down to personal preference. There are no steadfast rules when it comes to purchasing wedding rings, but some guidelines can make shopping far easier.

As couples prepare to shop for rings, it can help for each person to list the attributes he or she would like in a ring. This should include the type of metal, color, width, and even cost. Couples may find they have different preferences, and this is perfectly fine, as wedding rings do not have to match.

A wedding band should complement the engagement ring but not be a perfect match. An ornate engagement ring might look better with a simple band, and vice-versa. Similarly cut gemstones also can comple-ment an engagement ring. If the bride chooses to wear both her engagement ring and wedding band together on the same finger, she should choose a band that will accommodate the curves of uniquely shaped engagement rings.

Couples can make some early choices even before they visit jewelry stores. When the time comes to shop, give yourselves at least two months to browse and then choose the rings you like best.

Lifestyle and daily routine should be considered at all times. These rings will be worn daily, and no one wants to fret about a ring being too delicate to stand up to everyday wear and tear. Also, think long-term. Trendy rings can be fun, but will they still seem like such a good idea when you are celebrating your twentieth wedding anniversary?

When getting rings sized, both the bride and groom should go when their fingers aren’t swollen from exercise or early in the morning after they may have retained fluid. Shopping should take place when hands aren’t too hot or cold. This will allow the best size so the bands fit comfortably and will have enough wiggle room should fingers swell or shrink a little bit.

People can protect their investments by keeping the ring on as much as possible and only removing it when engaging in demanding physical activity or when working with chemicals. Store the ring in a safe spot when you are not wearing it so you are less likely to lose it.

The basics of shopping for wedding rings

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Wedding rings can be purchased from any number of retailers. Just be sure the rings are of good quality and sellers stands by the craftsmanship.


Outdoor wedding setup near the apple orchard at Sylvan Cellars Event Center in Rome City.PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Fall Bridal Guide • August 2015 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc. Page 13

Awedding reception :planning for the big party

BY MARIAH [email protected]

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue – tradition is going out the window when it comes to weddings, especially when planning the reception. If you want a Friday wedding then have a Friday wedding. If you don’t want wedding cake and would rather do a dessert bar then have a dessert bar. It’s about you and your wedding day.

So at last, we’ve come to the big party. The guests have witnessed the bride and groom saying their “I dos” and now it’s time to celebrate. The reception is where all the months of hard work come together with food, decorations, and entertainment so here are a few tips on planning for the event: Make guest list: Before booking the venue, make the guest list. This can be an estimate but you may be surprised how quickly the guest list can add up and certain venues may not be able to accommodate past a given number.

Pick the venue: Rachel Schermer-horn, owner of Sylvan Cellars Event Center in Rome City gives advice on booking the venue. “Ask lots of questions and make sure you’re aware

of certain things the venue does or doesn’t provide such as a sound system, tables, chairs, restrooms on site, etc. then decide what you’ll need to add as a fee for whatever isn’t

included,” said Schermerhorn. “There can also be catering fees so just be aware of added costs on top of booking just the venue itself,“ she said. Friday weddings have also become more popular. “It’s cheaper, guests can enjoy

a cocktail hour before the reception and then everyone has the rest of their weekend free.” Another good thing about Friday is if you want the wedding at a certain time of the year and Saturday is already booked, you still have that option of having the fall wedding you always dreamed.

Decorations: When picking out decorations, it’s easy to go overboard. I myself have been guilty of this. Choose a few things that are important to your overall look and work to incorporate those aspects. Think big and then scale it back a bit. After all, people are going to sit to eat then mingle, dance the rest of the night.

Food: If you are having a plated dinner, book your caterer as soon as

See RECEPTION page 14

“Another good thing about Friday is if you want the wedding at a certain

time of the year and Saturday is already booked, you still have that

option of having the fall wedding you always dreamed.”

•


possible – you’ll need to schedule meetings for menu details, tastings, set up procedures and guest seating arrangements. If you’re going for a buffet style meal, discuss what style of dishes you’d like to incorporate whether it be BBQ style, casual dining, etc. then book a caterer.

Music: After the dinner has been served, toasts have been made and the first dances are complete, guests are wanting to get on the dance floor. If your family is anything like mine, once they are on the floor, they won’t be getting off anytime soon. Make sure you meet with the DJ or band to discuss the play list. When meeting, cover songs you definitely want played as well as songs you do not want played. Especially with a DJ, this will give them a good idea of your taste in music.

After booking the venue, think

From page 12

RECEPTION

Sylvan Cellars Event Center venue in Rome City.

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See RECEPTION page 15


From page 14

RECEPTION

about what is the next most important aspect of your wedding; Is it the food, photographer, decorations, music? Once you make this realization, hire that service next. You’d be surprised how far in advance people are booked. My fiancé and I are foodies, therefore, the meal is the most important part of our reception.

Lastly, always have a plan B for outdoor receptions. You’re relying on Mother Nature to be good to you and on top of that, we live in Indiana so any kind of consistently in weather patterns is off the table. Have a designated area, preferably near the venue, just in case the marriage ceremony needs to be moved inside.

After booking all the services for the reception, make sure everyone is still booked and plans are finalized a month before the wedding. Then a week before the wedding, make sure everyone has the timeline for the big day in terms of where and when he or she needs to be there. Lastly, anyone who is being hired, make sure they come and see the venue so set up goes smoothly. Once the day is here and everything is done, relax and enjoy. This only happens once!

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This bride and her attendants enjoy a photo outdoors as they admire the scenery of northeast Indiana.

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METRO CREATIVE CONNECTIONThe season couples choose to get

married can affect many aspects of their ceremonies and celebrations. Vendors are in high demand during popular wedding seasons like spring and summer. But those same vendors may be more flexible and less expensive during those times of year when fewer couples tie the knot.

According to The Knot.com, a leading Web-based wedding resource, June, August, September and October

are the most popular months for couples to say “I do,” while January, February and March are the least popular months to get married. Wedding dates can affect wedding costs considerably, and knowing this can help couples find the date that works best for them and their budgets.

Value datesTying the knot in the early part of

the year can be a more budget-friendly option for cost-conscious couples. Prices

for reception sites and vendors may be lower in January and March than during other times of the year. However, February may not be so budget-friendly thanks to Valentine’s Day. December also may not garner significant discounts thanks to the holiday season, when vendors may be in high demand for holiday parties.

Local eventsEven though certain months may

not be in high demand for weddings, that doesn’t always mean they are the perfect time for couples to tie the knot. Popular local events, such as festivals, large-scale meetings and conventions, can intrude on wedding plans. Consult with a local chamber of commerce and local schools to see if any local events that might drive up the cost of your wedding are going on. Reunions or conventions can stretch nearby restau-rants, hotels and reception sites pretty thin, leaving you with fewer options.

Vary the timeIf you have your heart set on getting

married during more popular months to tie the knot, then you may be able to save a bit here and there by being more flexible with the time and day you choose to make your vows. Couples often choose a Friday or Saturday wedding because they believe it will make it most convenient for guests to attend. However, if you provide ample notice to guests, they may be able to take off a Thursday or even a Monday from work, making a Thursday or Sunday wedding a more doable option.

If Saturday is still your ideal day to walk down the aisle, think about having an early wedding ceremony followed by a brunch or lunch reception. You also can customize your wedding to be a cocktail party only, saving you some money.

Have backup optionsRecognize that if you want to get

married on a Saturday at the height of wedding season, you may not get first choice on your venues and vendors. Have a list of service providers at the ready just in case your first choices are already booked.

By understanding how dates and times can affect weddings, couples can make more informed decisions when planning their nuptials.

Be prepared when choosing popular months for weddings

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METRO CREATIVE CONNECTIONA honeymoon provides a welcome

retreat for couples after months upon months of budgeting, planning and ironing out the details of their weddings. On their honeymoons, couples get the chance to escape the pressures of everyday life and simply enjoy being alone with each other in special locations.

Honeymoon vacations can be expensive, and many couples want to ensure they get the best value for their trips. A honeymoon that is overshad-owed by inclement weather can make this once-in-a-lifetime trip memorable for all the wrong reasons. While not every hiccup can be avoided, couples can plan their honeymoons for those times of year when specific locales experience their best weather.

• Jamaica: Couples tying the knot in the earlier part of the year may want to honeymoon in Jamaica. With average temperatures in the 80s year-round, Jamaica makes for a great honeymoon destination. January through April see less rain than other times of the year, and keep in mind June through the end of December is hurricane season.

• Australia: People opting to get married in the winter in the Northern Hemisphere might want to escape the cooler temperatures and shorter days with a honeymoon south of the equator. Australia and New Zealand are beautiful spots to visit and enjoy summer when those in the Northern Hemisphere are mired in winter.

• France: Paris and other French cities can be enchanting to visit any time of the year, but locals advise honeymooners visit in September when the climate is quite comfort-able and tourism is minimal. Spring

is another great time to visit France, especially for those people who want to spend plenty of time outdoors.

• Mexico: Areas of Mexico, such as popular Cancún and Cozumel, tend

When to visit these honeymoon hotspotsWeather and tourism should be considered as newlyweds choose where to go on their honeymoons.

METRO CREATIVE COMMECTION

See HONEYMOON page 18


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From page 17

HONEYMOON

to stay warm all year long, but they can be particularly hot in the summer. Spring brides and grooms may want to venture there before the summer season is in full swing. Couples might want to avoid vacationing in certain areas in March, as students visiting for spring break may compromise the romantic atmosphere honeymooners are hoping for.

• Hawaii: Spring and summer can be ideal times to visit the islands of Hawaii, as the weather can be beautiful and travel tends to be less expensive during these times of year. Rains increase as autumn sets in, and Hawaii often sees the bulk of its vacationers during the winter, meaning higher costs and bigger crowds.

• Italy: April through June and September through October are some of the best times to visit Italy. Be aware that Venice tends to be misty and damp during the late fall and early spring. Italy, especially southern Italy and Sicily, can get quite hot during the peak summer months.

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The right locale for a honeymoon varies depending on the couple. Some might prefer a Hawaiian island while others might find a week spent camping in a local state park is more their style.


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Ready for the big dayFancy accoutrements are often the rule of the day when brides dress for their big day.


METRO CREATIVE CONNECTIONMay, June and July consistently rank

among the most popular months to get married. These months typically provide pleasant weather, and if it does rain, it’s often in the form of a brief thunder-storm.

But summer weather can be extremely hot, and while a sunny, warm day may be perfect beach days, such conditions are not always ideal for weddings, especially weddings that take place outdoors. If wedding-day weather threatens to be very hot, explore these methods to staying cool.

• Choose a later start time. A late-af-ternoon wedding may be the way to go in the summertime. The temperature usually drops a bit in the early evening, even though the sun won’t set for a couple of hours. That lingering summer-time sun allows the bride and groom to enjoy an outdoor ceremony and still take beautiful outdoor photos.

• Rely on shade and proximity to water. Shade can be your friend when the sun is blazing. If your outdoor wedding is in the early afternoon, keep temperatures under wrap by seating guests beneath umbrellas or inside a tent.

• Tie the knot near the water. Breezes off of the water also help combat the heat, so a lakeside or beach wedding can make hot temperatures more manageable.

• Wear breathable fabrics. Opt for lightweight fabrics instead of heavy gowns and full tuxedos for the bride, groom and wedding party. Cotton and linen allow air to flow through clothing, helping people to stay cool. Light colors also will help deflect the sun. Bridal gowns made of chiffon, silk or satin may feel luxurious and help tame the heat.

• Have beverage tables. Keep canisters of cold beverages at the ready so guests can easily quench their thirst. Fresh lemonade, iced tea and water with a few sprigs of mint can help guests ward off dehydration.

• Make fans and hand these out to guests. Homemade fans of thick cardstock and popsicle sticks can

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See SUMMER page 21


Beachside locations and lightweight clothing can tame the heat of summer weddings.


From page 22

SUMMER

keep guests comfortable. Such cards can double as thank-you messages or ceremony programs.

• Tailor the reception menu to the weather. A large, heavy meal may not be what guests are hoping for when tempera-tures are especially hot. In such situations, provide some cool, light fare, such as chilled salads or cold soups, as first courses. Sorbet can be a cool palate cleanser, and grilled meats and vegetables will make for a satisfying, light main course. Ice cream cake may be a decadent option in lieu of more traditional wedding cake.

• Choose hairstyles and makeup wisely. Brides may prefer up-dos to keep hair off of their necks and allow for breezes to cool their bodies. Rely on makeup primers and powdered foundations so that makeup does not melt in the heat. Waterproof cosmetics are adviseable so that perspiration won’t cause makeup to run.

Summer weddings are preferable, and couples can take several steps to make sure they’re both beautiful and comfort-able.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTIONSymbolic gestures are common-

place during wedding ceremonies. The exchange of rings, stomping

on a glass and lighting of candles are each among the various traditions associated with different faiths.

Couples who would like to try something a bit different can opt for pouring sand.

Choose two different colored sands and decorative vessels that can hold the sand until a special time in the ceremony. You also will need another large, clear container that will contain the sand once it is poured. A glass vase or heart-shaped vessel works well. To symbolize the joining of two lives together,

both the bride and groom can take one of the colors of sand and begin pouring them together into the larger container.

The ribbons of sand will join and meld together, much as the couple's separate lives will now become one. The finished sand art can be kept on a mantle as a remembrance of the wedding day for years to come.

Pouring sand signifies blending of two lives

Ribbons of sand will join and meld together, much as the

separate couple's lives will now become one.

•


METRO CREATIVE CONNECTIONEngaged couples may be ready to

walk down the aisle and begin their new life together, but first they have to get to the ceremony.

Couples have many options at their disposal regarding transportation on their wedding days. Limousines continue to be popular choices, but other vehicles also may fit your needs. According to The Wedding Report, a research company that tracks wedding trends, the size of the average wedding party has grown, which means a greater number of people may need a ride to the festivities. But couples also must decide how they will get to and from their ceremonies. Couples who want to arrive in style may want to consider the following options.

• Take it to the water. If you’re having a lakeside or seaside wedding, taking a water route to your ceremony can make for a dramatic entrance. Vessel options include speedboats, yachts or something more intimate, such as canoes or rowboats. Afterward, you can coast off into the sunset.

• Arrive like royalty. Take a page out of a favorite fairy tale and arrive in a horse-drawn carriage. Carriages can typically fit between two and six passengers. If you cannot find a carriage, consider pedicabs or bicycle-drawn buggies as an alternative.

• Step out of a classic movie. Vintage cars can make a statement. Although you may immediately think of a Rolls Royce, consider cars that embody your personal style. Rugged couples may want a classic pickup truck, while those who live life in the fast lane may prefer a vintage sports car.

• Take the party on the road. Moving a large number of people in the wedding party takes forethought. Party buses and SUV limousines can fit a substantial amount of passengers, making them a more cost-effective option for large bridal parties. These vehicles may be equipped with party lights, impressive sound systems and even minibars.

• Go eco-friendly. If your ceremony is nearby, arrive on horseback or even peddling a bicycle. Such options are eco-friendly and, in the case of bicycles, may be free.

Explore wedding day transportation options

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When booking transportation for you and your wedding guests, remember to do so well in advance. In addition, get all agreements in writing, verify that the company is licensed and insured and provide directions and the itinerary to drivers. This will ensure things go smoothly.



METRO CREATIVE CONNECTIONWedding toasts are a tradition that

many guests and wedding partici-pants look forward to. An opportunity for maids of honor and best men to express their feelings about the bride and groom, wedding toasts often touch on the heartfelt and the humorous while shedding light on the relation-ship between the happy couple and the men and women they have chosen to play such significant roles at their wedding.

While guests might enjoy wedding toasts, best men and maids of honor may be nervous about honoring the brides and grooms in such public settings. That anxiety is perfectly normal, especially for those who have never before been asked to serve as maid of honor or best man. Those tasked with toasting the newly anointed husband and wife can consider the following tips to make the task a little easier.

• Keep it brief. While there might be many things you want to say, try to express yourself as concisely as possible. Convey your relationship with the bride and/or groom, but avoid lengthy histories that might come off as rambling. While personal anecdotes that shed some humorous light on your relationship are great additions to wedding toasts, avoid going into too much detail when telling such stories, focusing instead on the parts of the stories that illustrate your feelings and generate a few laughs.

• Avoid being too formal. Even the most formal wedding can benefit from a toast that veers more toward the spontaneous. While you want to thank the parents of the bride and groom for hosting the wedding and the guests for being on hand to celebrate, don’t feel as though you need to be especially formal. Giving a less formal speech also may help calm your nerves.

• Practice, practice, practice. Practice your speech ahead of time so you are not reading from cards or notepads during the toast. Reading from a piece of paper is less likely to

engage the audience than if you are speaking to them directly and sharing some heartfelt thoughts about the bride and groom. It’s alright to hold onto some cue cards to keep you on track as you deliver your toast, but practicing your toast as the wedding draws near will boost your confidence and make you more comfortable once you have the microphone in hand.

• Stay appropriate. Humor adds a lot to wedding toasts, but make sure to clean up any humorous anecdotes so

they can be shared with all wedding guests, including kids. In addition, avoid stories that, while humorous, may end up embarrassing the bride and groom.

• Share well wishes. Before you raise your glass and ask guests to do the same, express some heartfelt well wishes for the bride and groom. Doing so is a fitting end to a tradition that’s meant to highlight the special relation-ship brides and grooms have with their maids of honor and best men.

Tips for toasting the bride and groom

Maids of honor and best men making their first wedding toasts may be nervous in advance of the big day, but there are ways to calm those nerves and deliver heartfelt, memorable toasts that will be remembered for all the right reasons.



At Dekko Investment Services, we’re dedicated to helping you get the most from your

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www.dekkoinvestmentservices.com Erica D. Dekko, CFP® Erlene D. Dekko, ChFC, CLU, CFP®

financial confidence.take the first step toward

Fall 2015 Bridal Guide

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Transcript of Fall 2015 Bridal Guide