2011 bridal planner
DESCRIPTION
2011 Bridal PlannerTRANSCRIPT
24 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER
Full Page PLANNING MUST-DO’S
THE TIMES-HERALD | 2011
How to Plan a Simply Awesome Wedding
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
BRIDAL PLANNERBRIDAL PLANNER
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S
Let’s Get It StartedCongratulations! You and the person of your dreams are embarking on a new life together, and The Times-Herald couldn’t be happier for you. It’s time to create a day that you and your loved ones will never forget.
One thing brides everywhere have learned this past year is how important it is to make every detail count. Despite smaller budgets – the average bride spent about 10 percent less on her wedding in 2010 than she did in 2009, according to The Wedding Report – brides still deserve the wedding of their dreams. The key is to bid adieu to over-the-top opulence and employ simple, smart and stylish techniques.
The best part: It’s easy to do. Just let our 2011 Bridal Planner show you how to do it.
From planning a budget to arranging flowers to choosing a cake, we’ve outlined how to pull off an awesome wedding with ease. Our experts’ tips on how to “keep it simple” show you how to make the most of your time, energy and budget, while keeping style high and stress low.
Dive in. Follow our tips. Plan a wedding that your guests won’t soon forget.
It’s never been simpler to do. You can also find the 2011 Bridal Planner publication on our website. Just visit: www.times-herald.com/bridal.
4 Venue 8 Fashion10 Tuxedos11 Honeymoon12 Food14 Drinks15 Budget16 Flowers17 Photography
2 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 23
Bride’s Name Bride’s Parents
Church Minister
Groom’s Parents
Vocalist and/or organist
Name and Relation to Bride
Name and Relation (ex: Bride’s parents)
Location
Flowers
Name of person to contact regarding this information. Day and Nighttime Phone Numbers
Signature and Address
Bridal Party
City, State
City, State
Groom’s Name
Circle One
Color and Fabric Kind of Flowers
Dress Description
City, State
WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENTTHE TIMES!HERALD 16 JEFFERSON STREET P. O. BOX 1052 NEWNAN, GEORGIA 30264 770!253!1576
Your wedding announcement will appear in the Sunday newspaper as written here. "is form will not be accepted if it is not legibly complete in sentence form. Wedding announcements should be submitted within 60 days of the wedding or fees apply. We will publish a photograph with the announcement.
_______________________________________, daughter of ______________________________________________________ ,
of _____________________________________, became the bride of ________________________________________________ ,
son of __________________________________________________ of ______________________________________________ .
on _____/_____/_____ at __________________________________ with ____________________________________ o#ciating.
____________________________________ rendered program of nuptial music and _____________________ lighted the candles.
________________________ of ________________________ was the bride’s Maid / Matron of Honor. _________________
"e other Bride’s Attendants were: ________________________ of ________________________ ,
________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ ,
________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ ,
________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ ,
"ey wore dresses of ______________________________________ and carried bouquets of ______________________________ .
_________________________ of ________________________ served as best man.
"e other Groom’s Attendants were: ________________________ of ________________________ ,
________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ ,
________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ ,
________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ ,
"e bride entered with _____________________________________________________________________________________ .
She chose a ______________________________________________________________________________________________ .
Her bouquet consisted of ___________________________________________________________________________________ .
Following the ceremony a reception was given by _________________________________________________________________
at ___________________________________________________________ .
Following a wedding trip to __________________________________________________________________________________ ,
Mr. and Mrs._________________________________________will reside in __________________________________________ .
Information on prenuptial parties may be included if desired. Send to [email protected].
__________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Wedding Directing and Consulting
Organization,logistics and
coordination to make your wedding day
unforgettable.
B A R N A R DC A R O L Y N
E V E N T S
PHO
TOG
RAPH
CO
URT
ESY
OF
harw
ellp
hoto
grap
hy
www.carolynbarnardevents.com
18 Cake18 Music19 Rings20 Invitations20 Transportation21 Beauty22 Engagement Form23 Wedding Form
22 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER
Names of persons making announcement
Name of person to contact regarding this information Phone Numbers: Work and Home
Signature and Address
Bride’s Name
Bridegroom’s Name Parent’s Names
City, State
City, State
City, State
City, State
City, State
List Schools, Honors, Degrees, Place of Employment
List Schools, Honors, Degrees, Place of Employment
Date
Bride’s Last Name
Bridegroom’s Last Name
Wedding Location
ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTTHE TIMES!HERALD 16 JEFFERSON STREET P. O. BOX 1052 NEWNAN, GEORGIA 30264 770!253!1576
Your engagement announcement will appear in the Sunday newspaper as written here. Because of the number of announcements submitted, it may be several weeks before yours actually appears in the newspaper. " e photograph should be of good quality.
Please include a daytime phone number where you may be reached.
______________________________________________________________ of _______________________________________ ,
announce the engagement of their daughter, _____________________________________________________________________
to_____________________________________________, son of ___________________________________________________
of ________________________________________________.
" e bride-elect is the granddaughter of _______________________________________________________________________ of
__________________________________________________ and ________________________________________________ of
__________________________________________________.
Miss______________________________________ is a graduate of _________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________ .
" e future bridegroom’s grandparents are ______________________________________________________________________ of
__________________________________________________ and ________________________________________________ of
__________________________________________________.
Mr.___________________________________________ is a graduate of _____________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________ .
" e wedding will be an event of _____________________________________ at ______________________________________ .
at the ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ .
__________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Send to [email protected]
4 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER
CLOSE YOUR EYES and imagine your wed-ding: What do you see?
While other elements of the big day might flash by in a blur, images of your venue and the way it made you feel to be there will remain with you forever. It’s important to take time to envision your entire event’s style and the atmosphere you want to remember – whether it’s funky and hip, elegant and mod-ern, or intimate and sentimental. Think about places you have visited, parties you have enjoyed and other things close to you that bring you joy.
Setting the StageTara Wilson, a professional wedding planner, says there are a few main style cues. A tradi-tional bride might lean toward a church wed-ding and hotel reception, while someone who is earthy and free-spirited might do best outdoors, in a barn or in custom tents. Eclec-tic brides might consider environments that are new and modern, such as a boutique or hotel, or even old and historic, like a library or mansion.
Once you have narrowed down the choices – at least a little bit – it’s important to visit multiple venues to get a real idea of what they offer. Many questions will begin to pop up. Marcia Hemphill, a professional wedding planner, recommends considering overall budget, the city where you are getting
married, the number of guests you expect and the overall style and ambiance you desire. Other details to consider may range from the dates and times certain venues are available, the space rental fee and what it includes, what materials are provided (tables, chairs, linens) and whether other parties can be held at the same time. Don’t be afraid to keep asking questions. Every venue is different in its rental inclusions and capabilities.
Location ConsiderationsSome venues offer in-house catering, which can simplify planning by reducing the num-ber of vendors you must juggle. Hotels are making a comeback for this reason; their fees generally cover all venue and catering costs. Consider locations that can host both your ceremony and reception to make planning and guest coordination more manageable.
“Brides are valuing their guests’ conve-nience in not having to travel back and forth
for the wedding and reception,” Wilson says.According to Hemphill, art galleries will
continue to be a popular venue. They are increasingly open to hosting private events. Another option is a simple, loft-like space.
“Raw spaces are popping up more and more,” she says. “In these spaces, the rules are generally much more flexible. You can bring the caterer you want, provide your own liquor, decorate as much or as little as you would like and really make it your own.”
For all the venues, don’t forget the signifi-cant details.
“Always look at the bathrooms,” Hemphill warns. “That could be a deal-breaker.”
–Melanie Wanzek
V E N U E
Plan strategically and separate your wants from your deal-breakers. The first thing
to consider: the number of guests at the reception, which will have the greatest
affect on your bottom line. According to wedding planner Tara Wilson, many brides
are favoring more intimate environments over lavish extravaganzas as a way to
stay simple without sacrificing quality. “Home-style venues, including backyards
and homes, are gaining popularity,” she says. “We’re also seeing a rise in unex-
pected locations, such as boats and bowling alleys.”KEEP
IT S
IMPL
E
A wedding’s style starts with
where you choose to celebrate
Picking Out thePlace
2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 21
B E A U T Y
APPLYING MAKEUP is, for most women, nothing more than an everyday task. On your wedding day, however, hair and makeup decisions are no less important than the dress and shoes.
“The photos that will be taken of you on your most important day will be of your face and how happy you are,” says Kristen Lober, a professional makeup artist. “You want to be the most beautiful, radiant version of your-
self.”The key to picture-perfect beauty is just
that: being yourself. While some may get swept up in the idea of going all-out, the important thing is to look like you – not a face caked in product.
“Sometimes less is more,” says Morgan Blaul, a professional hair stylist and makeup artist. “It’s all about looking and feeling your best, and not about trying to be something
you are not.”Both artists recommend choosing your
best feature – cheeks, eyes or lips – and high-lighting it, keeping the rest of the face more natural. “What seems to be most popular this year so far is more of a dramatic eye and a natural lip,” Lober says. Above all, both artists stress the importance of a radiant face. “Skin is really important. I love glowing, high-lighted skin with nice cheek color,” Blaul says.
Beauty BudgetThere’s a stylist for every budget. “Research your artist and see examples of their work, and ask what products they use,” she says.
Both experts stress the importance of staying true to your natural beauty. “Assess what you do on a normal basis and just enhance it a little bit more,” Lober says. “Never try something completely new for your wedding day.”
Blaul agrees. “With the modern bride there are no rules anymore,” she says. “The best thing you can do is be creative and per-sonalize your look.”
–Danielle Robinson
Bridal BeautyWedding day beauty
should show off the
most beautiful, radiant
version of you
A Tranquil Escape For Men And Women
Plumyumi Day Spa invites you to a spa where you are always pampered and spoiled. The
moment you walk through the door, our time is devoted to you. You are our sole purpose,
whether you spend a hour or day with us. You will find thoughtful attention to the details that reflect our desire to provide you with a time for
personal renewal and well-being.
SPA SERVICES Facials and Skin Care | Massage Therapies
Natural Nails & Shellac Nails Body Treatments | Spa Packages | Waxing Spray Tanning | Make-up & Hair Services
WWW.PLUMYUMIDAYSPA.COM 3441 HWY. 34 E | SHARPSBURG, GA 30277 | 770-251-6677
Getting ready for that special day is so exciting and stressful, let Plumyumi Day Spa & Salon help prepare you for your special day! Come in for a massage, facial and make-up and enjoy your day stress free.
Plumyumi Wedding Packages are customized to meet the special needs of the Bride and bridal party. We offer a variety of packages and treatments with the Bride in mind.
*Discounts available for parties of 6 or more.
Bridal Season is Fast Approaching...
© CTW Features
© CTW Features
Greenville Steet Park
20 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER
THE LAST THING any bride or groom wants is to show up late to the altar. Arrang-ing a chauffeur to get you and your closest pals to and from the ceremony won’t just make your day run a lot smoother – it will make it more fun for all.
Start It UpLimousine companies tend to get booked quickly during the summer – peak wedding season – and late spring – prom season.
Begin looking for a limo as much as six months before these prime periods. If your wedding takes place in the off-season (fall or winter), look to book three or four months out.
Size It UpThe biggest factor in limo choice will be the size of the wedding party and any extra peo-ple who will be traveling in the limo. A small-er group may get by in, say, a stretched-out Lincoln limousine, while a group of a dozen may need a converted-SUV limo. Really large groups – 20-some people – could even opt for a party bus limo.
With the type of ride that would best accommodate you in mind, compare prices among like vehicles at different vendors in your area. Don’t make your decision on price alone.
Like every driver on the road, the compa-ny you go with should be licensed and insured (including liability and medical insurance for passengers). Look for compa-nies with a fleet of recent model-year vehi-
cles, and seek references from recent customers.
When getting a quote, be sure to get the whole picture. The bulk of companies charge by the hour and probably will have a three- or four-hour minimum for a wedding, depending on the day. Prices can range any-where from $250 to $500 for a stretch limo up to $1,000 for a converted SUV. Don’t for-get to ask if the driver’s gratuity – typically 20 percent – is included.
Depending on the time of year, it may be possible to negotiate the hourly rate.
Drive DetailsBe sure to read the rental contract thoroughly before signing. It should denote:
cancellation policies
to keep a copy of the itinerary in your e-mail
Get everyone to the wedding in style
T R A N S P O R TAT I O N
LET’S RIDE
A WELL THOUGHT-OUT invitation will tell guests everything they need to know about what’s in store.
Stationery SolutionsWith a world of colors, fonts, papers and print styles to choose from, pinning down the right design takes some thought.
To get started, hit the streets, says Ara Farnam, wedding consultant. “Pop into a stationery store to see and feel some different styles and get an understand-ing for the differences between print-ing processes.”
Print PricesLetterpress invites – produced by press-ing a sheet of paper onto movable, raised type – can cost more than twice as much as flat, digitally printed cards. Get letterpress style while cutting costs by printing in just one color of ink, suggests graphic designer Rachelle Schwartz, “It’s a great way to still get a fabulous letterpress invitation,” she says.While a great invite can make a wed-
ding design more cohesive, remember that it won’t make or break your day. “If you end up making changes to your décor, don’t sweat it,” Farnam says. “At the end of the day, guests will remember the elements of your reception more.”
–Danielle Robinson
“Keep the design sim-ple!” says Farnam. Which is what today!s couples are doing, as experts note the resur-gence of letterpress invitations. The trend shows, according to Farnman, “a move towards a simpler invi-tation that is beautiful for its font or layout as opposed to intricate folded layers, vellum or ribbons.”
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Calling All GuestsI N V I TAT I O N S
© CTW Features
© CTW Features
2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 196 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER
CHANCES ARE, you’ve already got the ring – you know, the sparkler that announces to the world that you’re engaged. In fact, you may have helped select the engagement ring your-self. According to a 2010 jewelry survey by TheKnot.com, 36 percent of brides are involved in the selection of engagement rings. However, the bulk of couples – 69 percent, according to the same survey – select wedding bands together. Here are some trends to keep in mind as you shop:
Go for the GoldWhite has been the go-to metal color in recent years, with platinum and white gold maintain-ing popularity while palladium and titanium are building a following. However, yellow gold is making a return to wedding jewelry, says Amanda Gizzi, director of communications for Jewelers of America. Classic yellow gold bands get an update with seemingly custom details like hammering, etching and engraving.
Anything but Basic BlackBlack diamonds are making their way into brid-al jewelry, Gizzi says. Also, grooms can look to black titanium and tungsten for a unique look.
A Perfect PairThe stacking trend continues in 2011 for women; two wedding bands are worn flanking the engagement ring. Wearing the two bands together creates a balanced look on the finger.
Diamonds ForeverSimple, elegant diamond eternity bands remain popular into 2011.
How to choose a wedding band that’s as unique as you
The Wedding Bling
R I N G S
Sometimes, fashion doesn’t say it all. Romantic couples often
choose to personalize their rings by having a professional
jeweler engrave the wedding date, their names and short words
of endearment on the inside of the wedding bands. These
engravings serve as hidden love notes, not meant for the world
to see. Small flush-set diamonds or gemstones set on the inside
of the band also are gaining in popularity.KEEP
IT S
IMPL
E
Wedding ServicesThe Ultimate In
1. Engagement and wedding rings for all budgets.
2. An international collection of china, crystal and silver patterns as well as elegant exclusives.
3. Personal assistance, free of charge, by Registered Bridal Consultants.
4. Custom Designed engagement and wedding rings.
5. Your registration kept on file permanently to assist friends and relatives making future purchases.
6. Great gift ideas for your attendants, personalized by our skilled engraver.
Extensive Diamond and Wedding Band Selection
Newnan’s Bridal RegistryR. DuBose Jewelerswww.rdubosejewelers.com
770-253-4713
(formerly R.S. Mann Jewelers)
© CTW Features
! e Perfect WeddingdingE!"#$%&. M"'()$*!". T+'"!",,.
F
F
F
Bar
Perfect Place to Make Your Dream Come TrueNestled on 40 beautiful wooded acres
we offer an elegant ballroom accommodating up to 250 guests andthe perfect outdoor ceremony venue
seating 200. We have modern guestrooms available and our culinary staff will delight you and your guests. Our personal wedding planner will
anticipate your every need.
For more information call770-487-3122
201 Aberdeen Pkwy. | Peachtree City, Georgia 30269 | dolceatlantapeachtree.com
V E N U E
Coming HomeDESTINATION: HOME. While some brides decide between a traditional hometown wedding and a destination wedding, for others those options are one and the same.
“You go through the same processes in terms of creating a vision and hiring vendors who can really execute that vision,” says Alyssa Brown, a produc-tion manager that specializes in destination weddings.
Many brides still choose to marry in their hometowns because of tradition, sentimen-tality or if the bride’s parents are footing the bill. Returning home, even if real life now exists miles away, offers a unique way to unite the past and present.
“Hometown weddings are in a place special and meaning-ful to the couple,” Brown says. “They allow your current home and past home to come together
and for you to share that with all of your family and friends.”
Planning a hometown wed-ding from afar is similar to plan-ning a destination wedding with one potential perk: friends and family in the area who can act as point people in the planning process. Realize these helpful people have limits, but respect-fully employ their help if they’re willing. If possible, also hire a professional wedding planner to complete major research, juggle vendors, relieve the stress of long-distance coordination, and ensure everything goes accord-ing to plan.
A little help from parents may come in handy to research options and hear opinions first-hand from others in the area. Check “Best of” lists from the newspaper and other local sources. –Melanie Wanzek
© CTW Features
1774 Hwy. 154 Sharpsburg, GA (Corner of Lower Fayetteville Road and Hwy. 154)770-683-7829
www.artisanjewelryco.com
18 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 7
WHILE A BRIDE will always be the star of her big day, there’s no denying that the cake comes in a close second. And with TV net-works cranking out one cake-centric show after another, cake design has taken center stage.
Right along with the rise of shows like the Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes,” couples are becoming more aware of the endless array of wedding cake possibilities. Choos-ing a design has become a more challeng-ing task.
Sweet Designs“Design, is a compromise sometimes,” says JoAnn Moore, a wedding planner. Couples may desire a complex cake but not the price tag that comes with it. Moore says her customers are opting for understated, classic styles. “I believe it has something to do with the economy,” she says. “People are going very simple and elegant.”
Today!s wedding cakes are in good taste
Let Them Eat CakeConfection CostsEven the simplest designs come at a price. Carrie Biggers, cake shop owner, says individual servings may run anywhere from $2.50 per person in a smaller area up to $15 per person in a larger city. Cake can cost up to $40 per serving for couples who want the best of the best.
To get the cake of your dreams without blowing your budget, both experts suggest purchasing a smaller, three- or four-tiered cake and placing it on an elevated display for drama. In the kitchen of your reception hall, keep sheet cakes of the same flavor, which you can purchase for a fraction of the cost. “The cake still looks big and beautiful and elaborate, and none of the guests know,” Moore says.
This way, you can have your cake – and pay for it, too.
–Danielle Robinson© CTW Features
Full ServiceWedding Planning
Elain Barnes
www.WeddingsByElain.com
Weddings by Elain
Turning Wishes into Weddingsby...Elain
C A K E
WITH THE KNOT officially tied and the reception underway, the right music is essen-tial to keep guests’ spirits high and ensure a fun-filled night.
Couples visit potential venues before com-mitting to the perfect one. Likewise, they should do due musical diligence before decid-ing on a DJ. Consider the following:
Does the DJ take the time to get to know you as a couple? How are requests made to the DJ? Is there an online song-management sys-tem or forms to fill out? If the songs you desire are not available, will the DJ obtain them?
What grade of speakers/subwoofers they have? Do they have backups? See how their system works.
Let’s Get It StartedFor a couple with unconventional music tastes, what may seem like an excellent choice in tunes could have guests calling it an early night.
“Some brides have specific songs that they don’t want played. I have to explain to them, it’s a song that all your guests will be guaran-
teed to dance to,”says Sinclair Ray III, a profes-sional DJ.
To help get guests into the mood, kick off the reception with “special dances” to engage your guests, says Karle Coppenrath, a profes-sional wedding planner.
“This helps set the tone and encourages shyer guests to get out on the dance floor,” she says. These special dances could include an anniversary dance, where married couples are invited onto the dance floor, or a dance just for members of the wedding party. Coppenrath suggests sticking with songs that are proven crowd-pleasers. Google top wedding dance songs and view wedding-themed iMixes in iTunes to help pinpoint selections.
“Guests love to be entertained and really enjoy watching other couples on the dance floor,” she says.
Afterward, when you open up the dance floor to everyone, your night will be a swing-ing success.
ROCKIN’ RECEPTIONM U S I C
KEEP
IT S
IMPL
E “Jersey Shore” star DJ Pauly D!s picks for a great party:“Lucky” – Jason Mraz
“The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra
“Faithfully” – Journey
“Unforgettable” – Nat King Cole/Natalie Cole
“New York, New York” – Frank Sinatra
“You’re Still The One” – Shania Twain
“Making Memories of Us” – Keith Urban
“Just Dance” – Lady Gaga
“My Girl” – Temptations
“Paradise By The Dashboard Light” – Meatloaf
“You Dropped A Bomb On Me” – Gap Band
“Make A Memory” – Bon Jovi © CTW Features –Danielle Robinson
and the Asa M. Powell, Sr. Expo Center is
located on Temple Avenue in Newnan.
Call today toschedule a time to
visit these locations!
the Coweta County Fairgrounds & Conference Centeris on Pine Road in Newnan...
and the Asa M. Powell, Sr. Expo Center is
located on Temple Avenue in Newnan.
Stay close to home when hosting Stay close to home when hosting your wedding, wedding reception your wedding, wedding reception Stay close to home when hosting your wedding, wedding reception Stay close to home when hosting Stay close to home when hosting your wedding, wedding reception Stay close to home when hosting
and other banquets!your wedding, wedding reception
and other banquets!your wedding, wedding reception
Call today toschedule a time to
visit these locations!
Coweta County offers two facilities to make anyspecial occasion EASY and CONVENIENT.CONVENIENT.CONVENIENT
The Coweta County Fairgrounds& Conference Center
275 Pine Road, Newnan
The Asa M. Powell, Sr.Expo Center
197 Temple Ave., Newnan
the Coweta County Fairgrounds & Conference Centeris on Pine Road in Newnan...
For more information contact Karen Beatenbough at the Fairgrounds(770-254-2685) or Patricia Hood at the Expo Center (770-252-6429).
www.coweta.ga.us
2010 BRIDAL PLANNER 178 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER
SHE’S GOT THE LOOKHow to put together
an ensemble that’s just as ready for
the red carpet as it is the aisle
Star PowerBrides can pour on the glitz with gowns heaped in beading and embroidery in form-fitting shapes for a curvaceous silhouette. Romantic flair is part of the look, with eye-catching floral touches or textured designs. For extra bling, metallic shine is in.
Accessories are another way to pull together a Hollywood look. Shoulder-duster earrings, long and layered draping necklaces and bangles are ways to set off a variety of dresses, from strapless to those with sweetheart necklines. The rule of thumb: More extravagant dresses call for more restrained jewelry. Jewelry is not the only acces-sory, however. For impact and Audrey Hepburn cool, brides can don long beaded gloves. They can play up hair with sparkling combs and bird-cage veils. Ornate headbands are another option.
Footwear has progressed far beyond the dyed-to-match pump. These days, it’s all about color and bedazzlement, whether it’s a slinky, strappy sandal or a peep-toe pump in a bold shade.
“Color is very big, especially as brides look for
FA S H I O N
P H O T O G R A P H Y
Shoot With Style
Swee
t Tea
Pho
togr
aphy
AFTER HOURS upon days upon months of planning (and spend-ing), your most momentous of days deserves to be documented. These are images you’ll cherish for the rest of your life, so choosing a photographer who understands your personality and tastes is crucial.
PhotographyAs with any artist, each wedding photographer comes with his or her unique perspective and style. Research and communication are key to finding the right fit.
“Make sure that you and your photographer have a good line of communication. Make sure that you click. You will be spending your whole wedding day with this person,” says Lisa Marie O’Quinn, photographer.
The best way to start research-ing is to first identify a photogra-phy style that’s right for you. O’Quinn says there are three major wedding photography styles:
Traditional: The least expensive photographers will likely take a traditional approach, says O’Quinn. Most shots are posed. “These are the images that you would expect to see at every wed-ding,” she says. Think straight-on shots and big smiles – not much more, not much less.
Photojournalistic: “Photojour-nalistic photographers capture the emotion in every moment rather than poses,” O’Quinn says. These photographers will roam unobtru-sively, capturing candid images.
Artistic: It’s all in the name. Artis-tic photographers aim to create visually stimulating, highly edited, magazine-worthy photographs. However, artistic photographers’ styles vary greatly, so choose care-fully. “Make sure that their style is not too trendy,” O’Quinn says. “You want your photos to look beautiful when you receive them and when you look at them 20 years from now.”
There’s growing scientific literaturedocumenting the relationships between
health and nutrition, exercise, mental attitude,relaxation, and other lifestyle habits.
For a lifestyle that involves these relationships,call and enroll in a program under the supervision of
a physician that will enable you to reach and maintainyour ideal body weight, exercise your cardiovascular
system and help prevent such diseases as diabetes, heart attack, strokes and hypertension.
Coweta Medical Center offers a qualityweight-reduction program that is supervised
by F. Donald Bass, M.D.
For more detailed informationor an appointment, please call
Coweta Medical Center at (770) 251-5597.
F. D. Bass, M. D., F.A.C.S.
(770) 251-5597
COWETA MEDICAL CENTERWeight Loss Center
PHYSICIAN SUPERVISED
–Danielle Robinson
BRIDAL PROM SPECIAL OCCASION119 Ridley Avenue
Downtown LaGrange
706-416-2396
AnA! airToRememberBridal.com
An Affair to Remember
Your dream gown is here at An Affair To Remember. Our collection of gowns rivals any big city store with
charm and service you get from an intimate boutique.
An Affair to RememberAn Affair to RememberBRIDAL PROM SPECIAL OCCASION
119 Ridley Avenue
An Affair to RememberAn Affair to RememberLet the Dream Begin
© CTW Features
AS BRIDES take more chances with their fashion statements, Hollywood Glam is one of the
key trends emerging in bridal fashion. Not afraid to experiment
with color, shine and other attention-drawing details, brides are borrowing ideas from the red carpet, looking for tips and style direction from celebrities.
“Hollywood style offers endless inspiration to brides,” says Swedding designer Amy Kuschel.
2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 916 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER
Assessing ArrangementsBefore going to the florist, first decide on overall budget, venue and color scheme. All these play important roles in determining the florist’s ideas. The budget will determine appropriate suggestions, while the venue will suggest colors and décor needs. Bare, funky spaces may need a large number of decorations while ornate hotel ballrooms might not.
Pinpoint your personal style by collecting
pictures from magazines and online resourc-es. The photos you choose will reveal quali-ties that are important to you, such as color, arrangement and complexity.
Bloom BudgetProfessional florist Maureen deBruyn says couples tend to spend about 10 percent of their overall budget on flowers. The price depends on many factors, such as the num-ber of bouquets and arrangements or whether the blooms are in season or out of season, local or non-local. To keep costs
down, avoid specifying specific flowers. If you have a general idea of color, type and how much to spend, your florist can come up with something.
Fresh IdeasMany fresh color ideas are emerging this year for brides to experiment with in their flowers. Greens mixed with buttercreams, delicate pinks and fresh blues are a popular neutral that suggests an eco theme.The retro look will be popular, sweetly comple-mented with a mix of soft, burnished yellow tones. For home weddings, which are on the rise, a splash of color: bright orange, hot pink, sunny yellow, electric blue. Larger, loos-er bouquets also are making a comeback, deBruyn says. Bouquets will be soft and wispy with more greenery and texture. Rather than wiring each flower into place for a symmetrical arrangement, deBruyn says she now aims for a more natural look.
Whether you go big, small, bright or neu-tral, spend time using flowers to show off a piece of who you are. Says deBruyn: “They should bring out the joy for your whole event.”
–Melanie Wanzek
Limit bouquets and arrangements to three or fewer types of flowers for a simple, clean look. Create inexpensive centerpieces by floating flowers in a glass bowl or use a larger flower that takes up more space and requires fewer stems, such as a lily or hydrangea. Other recommendations include choosing a focal point and investing in one large, eye-catching design, or choosing smaller bridesmaid bouquets that incorporate trendy colors and stylish designs.KE
EP IT
SIM
PLE
Stay Fresh F L O W E R S
something blue,” says Sharon Stimpfle, deputy director of WeddingChannel.com.
Up or down, the ’do for brides on their special day should look soft and sensuous. With wavy hair or finger curls parted on the side any bride can channel a big-screen siren. Hair swept back in a low, loose bun with cascading tendrils also captures the look.
The rest of the wedding party can ride on the coattails of the bride’s Hollywood Glam style. Bridesmaids can wear bias-cut gowns in rich jewel tones such as burgundy, amethyst and vintage green.
The Shopping ExperienceShopping for a dream wedding dress may at first sound daunt-ing. Keep in mind a few simple tips:
1. Plan AheadMost wedding designers require at least four to six months pro-duction time, so start the shop-
ping process around nine months in advance, especially when you factor in the need for alterations.
2. Bring and Wear the Bare Minimum. LiterallyTo keep bridal gowns pristine, don’t wear makeup, lipstick or even lotions that can stain fabric. Stick to undergarments that match your skin tone to get a realistic view of how a gown will look.
3. Edit with an Open MindIt’s nice to know that customer service does exist in some retail entities, and that’s what the brid-al industry touts. When visiting a bridal boutique, a sales rep will work with you. Describe your theme and vision and let her take it from there. Try on a vari-ety of gowns, even cringe-induc-ing ones the rep may suggest. There’s a chance you’ll be pleas-antly surprised.
–Nola Sarkisian Miller© CTW Features© CTW Features
FA S H I O N
Etain Bridal Boutique now in Newnan’s Ashley Park
Call Today foran Appointment
678.870.0999BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
in ASHLEY PARK
www.etain-llc.com
326 Newnan Crossing BypassNewnan, GA 30265
EtainCOME MEET
ONE OF NEW YORK’STOP BRIDAL DESIGNERS
MATTHEWCHRISTOPHER
AS HE UNVEILSHIS 2011 BRIDAL
COLLECTION HERE!
BRIDES!tlanta
BRIDES!tlanta770.942.0171
Maggie So! ero
Jasmine Bridal
Casablanca Bridal
and many more
Call foran appointment.
Atlanta’s Top Bridal Boutique
BridesAtlantaOnline.com
6842 Douglas Boulevard, Suite HDouglasville, GA 30135(Just outside Arbor Place Mall)
TheW hiteO rchid
BRIDAL REGISTRY INSPIRING FLORALS & EVENTS
HOME ACCENTS JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES
lanning your wedding can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life. At ! e White Orchid, we would love to
be a part of your wedding excitement by taking care of your fl oral, decor and special lighting needs. We are here to help you with all the details to create a picture perfect day!
Arte Italica MatchJulia Knight Lunares Richard Ginori GienHome James SkyrosHaviland
Holiday & Interior DecoratingFresh & Permanent Floral Arrangements
Large Selection of Glassware & Crystal
RENT OR BUY your wedding tuxedo? It’s a simple question without a simple answer.Here, Rik Ducar, proprietor of formalwear shops in both Atlanta and Los Angeles that both sell and rent tuxedos, offers some insight for grooms’ style choices:
PriceTuxedo packages, when all is said and done, can come out to around a little under $200, Ducar says. For purchase, tuxedos – just the jacket and pants – can start around $400
and reach upward of $1,000 on designer labels.
It’s all about budget – but more so with rentals “because the groom also has the groomsmen to think about,” says Ducar, noting that around 9 of 10 groomsmen do not live in the same area as the groom, which can make coordination tricky. “That would be a good case for a rental,” he says.Still, buying has its bona fides. “From a pure economic sense, tuxedos are the only part of the wedding on the man or woman side you’ll be able to wear again. It’ll pay for itself after one wear,” he says.
FitIt’s night and day, Ducar says. On a 1-to-10 scale, Ducar says he could get a rental jacket to fit an 8, but he says he can get a Perfect 10 fit on a purchase. But it’s the pants where you run into problems, he says. It’s the always the same cut – whether the guy is 5’ 5” or 6’ 5” – so short guys will get a long
rise in the pants. “They’re always volumi-nous,” he says. If you rent and the guys are being measured from afar, try to get them into the shop a day or two before the wed-ding to make any last-minute sizing tweaks.Even if renting, Ducar likes to get the guy in for-purchase clothes just to find out what would be the best options in terms of a look. “There’s nothing wrong with using a for-purchase product to paint the picture of what they might like on the rental,” Ducar says. From there, Ducar likes to build the tuxedo from the top down. The jacket’s lapels will influence collar length; the collar length will influence the tie style and width, etc.
10 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 15
KEEP
IT S
IMPL
E
T U X E D O S
B U D G E T
THE FIRST THING newly engaged couples probably think about today is how in the heck they are going to pull this thing off!
According to market research company The Wedding Report, the average cost of a wedding in 2010 fell 10.2 percent compared to 2009 to $19,581 – a hefty sum, recession or not. Whether your budget is nearly that or half that, smart couples who employ sim-ple budgeting techniques from the start won’t be crying all the way to bank after their wedding.
First Things FirstIt’s not the easiest thing, but before couples get planning, they need to establish their magic budget number.
That means looking at desig-nated savings, contributions from parents or other relatives, and
what of their regular income they can devote toward the wedding, without sabotaging their day-to-day budget.
According to the TheKnot.com’s 2010 Real Wedding Survey, the biggest financial contributors to a wedding are the bride’s parents (46 percent) and the bride and groom (40 percent.) Groom’s parents contributed 12 percent of the final tally, according the survey.
Get ListingNationally-known event planner, Carrie Zack, says that she has seen a huge increase in her “cre-ative consulting packages” for couples who want some help but don’t have the budget for a full-time planner. Together they come up with ideas, and Zack sends them on their way with a binder of ready-to-do-it-yourself
tasks.“Now it’s something I do all
the time,” she says. “I have an Excel spreadsheet that lists every single detail you can think of. I’ll ask them how much they want to spend or what their budget is. We’ll go through everything and get a total ... then we go through and cut,” she says.
One of Zack’s favorite budget-ing tricks: overbudgeting. “I don’t like to go back and tell them to spend more.”
She also encourages couples to put together a wish list of things they want but aren’t will-ing to commit to.
As last-minute plans come together and more money (from the overbudgeting) becomes available, they start checking off items from the wish list.
—Timothy R. Schulte
Debt is no way to start a life together. Get your wedding started right by budgeting smart Moneywise
Follow these estimates to get a budget started. The figures are estimates; adjust as necessary to fit your wedding’s style.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
© CTW Features
Rent or Buy?Save money and rent, or spend more and own? Formalwear impresario Rik Ducar weighs the pros and cons of each
–Timothy R. Schulte
A one-button, peak-lapel tuxedo (James Bond) or a two-button, notch-lapel jacket (the diplomat) are the go-to styles that 95 percent of guys choose.
© CTW Features
ACCESSORIESAND SHOES
TUXES FROM
JIM’S FORMAL WEAR#1 in the U.S.
for quality & selection
AFFORDABLEPRICES
VARIETY OF SIZES AND COLORS
ONE-OF-A-KIND DRESSES FROM THAILAND
WEDDINGPACKAGESAVAILABLE
770-304-5700
NEWNAN(Kroger Shopping Center
at Thomas crossroads)
14 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 11
FROM THE COCKTAIL hour to the Cham-pagne toast, drinks are a key component of most modern weddings. They can make good food great, and they warm strangers both to each other and the dance floor.
OverviewThe key elements of a wedding bar include wine, beer, bubbly, cocktails – plus soda, “mock-tails” and other nonalcoholic drinks. Determine which drinks you want based on these factors:
1. Budget Fancy, formal affairs may offer pre-mium versions of all beverages all night long. But couples with limited funds might prefer to serve only carefully selected wines and beer and perhaps a signature cocktail, says Chris Tanghe, beverage consultant. You also can limit the full open bar to just the cocktail hour, but be aware: many members of the bridal world,
from editors to etiquette experts, say a cash bar is the ultimate no-no.
2. Guests: If you’ve invited a gaggle of gour-mands, you may want to emphasize fine wine. A ton of college friends? Perhaps (a lot of) cheap beer is fine. “Or maybe spirits are a must because the older generation only drinks gin martinis,” Tanghe says.
Drinks & DollarsPlan for one drink per person per hour of the reception, says Toni Ketrenos, a beer and wine buyer. If serving a special sparkling wine for the toast – perhaps a budget-friendly Spanish Cava or Italian prosecco – allot one additional glass per adult.
Traditional venues usually have set prices, but you may be able to trim costs by paying a nominal corkage fee to bring in your own vino.
If your venue allows you to provide all alco-hol yourself, kegs are the more affordable beer option at approximately $1 per 12-ounce glass of craft beer or 63 cents per glass of domestic, says Ketrenos. Smaller gatherings are better off with bottles that can be purchased in quanti-
ties.When it comes to wine, look for deals on
labels from an up-and-coming region like South Africa, or ask about close-out prices on the last few cases of a vintage. As for liquor, a 750ml bottle contains about 17 drinks, making it a good deal, but remember that you will also need ice, mixers and more bartenders.
–Anna Sachse
Drink up! Stock a perfect bar that keeps the party going all night long
GOOD LIBATIONSD R I N K S
KEEP IT SIMPLEQuirky or mismatched cocktail vessels lend immediate charac-ter to an event. Consider using old Ball Mason or POM jars, says Chris Tanghe. Check out garage sales and thrift stores for unique glasses, goblets or tea-cups that guests can take home as party favors.
I-85 at Exit 35 in Grantville, GA
GrantvillePackage Store
Let us helpwith your
Big Day!
N E W N A N ’ S L I Q U O R S T O R E
Owned and Operated by the Jabaley Family Since 1981
770-583-3299
Weddings & Events since 1919
Contact Rachel Dennis, Banquet Coordinator770.253.9856
OPEN TONON-MEMBERS
FOR EVENTS
H O N E Y M O O N
Careful spending and early planning will have couples flying to far-off locales while staying afloat financially
Destination:
Honeymoon
A HONEYMOON is the once-in-a-lifetime trip that couples dream of, filled with candlelight dinners, long walks on the beach and nights in a luxe suite.
But with a 2010 survey showing that 62 percent of couples plan to cut their honeymoon budgets due to the recession, those dreams may begin to fade. Luckily, with the right planning and a little flexi-bility, that dream honeymoon can still be a reality.
Getting StartedIf your honeymoon will take place during a high-volume travel sea-son, plan ahead – between six and nine months in advance, says Howard Green, travel specialist. “If you’re traveling during a shoulder season or an off-season, you may not need to plan as far in advance,” he says. “We would recommend anywhere from five to seven months in advance, as a general rule.”
To pick a destination, Brandon Warner, president and co-founder of Traveler’s Joy, advises couples to give serious thought to a few key questions:
What’s our budget?“The average honeymoon cost $3,657 in 2010, so budgeting $4,000 is a good starting point,” he says.
What’s most important to us?This means pinpointing your main objective: beach relaxation, cul-tural exploration or adrenaline-pumping adventure.
How far are we willing to travel?Which also means considering how much time you have, says Green. “If you’ve only got five days and you live in Chicago, it’s probably not enough time to go to Australia or New Zealand,” he says.
What destinations will offer the best weather while we’re there? Off-seasons are off-seasons for a reason: Research rainy peri-ods and average temperatures for your dates before you book.
Warner says once these questions are answered, couples should be able to narrow the options. “Once the couple has a short list, they should talk to friends who have been to those destinations and do their own research,” by reading newspapers, Web sites and travel mag-azines, he says.
Afford your voyageAny destination has the potential to be costly, so careful financial planning is key. “We’ve had couples honeymoon for a month or a week and spend the same amount,” Warner says. Play your cards right and you may be surprised how far your dollar can stretch.
Warner says the simplest first steps a couple can take toward sav-ing dough are booking early and taking advantage of any frequent flier miles or hotel points. “Most airlines start to release seats at about 330 days [in advance],” Green says.
If you don’t have your heart set on one location, traveling where the dollar is strong lets couples live large on a shoestring budget, Green says. He recommends Costa Rica and other Central and South American locales. “In terms of activities and food and beverage, you tend to get a lot for your money there,” he says.
But don’t book a trip to Argentina just yet. “In general, the farther you fly, the more expensive it is,” Green says. Stick to northerly South American spots; the flight will be cheaper and you’ll still get the warm beaches and affordable eats.
For lodging, ditch the pricey resort or hotel and consider renting a home, Warner says. You’ll be able save money by cooking instead of dining out at each meal and gain the seclusion of a private residence.
To really cut costs, both men suggest staying closer to home. “Air-fare can cost almost 40 percent of a honeymoon, so by finding a place within a short flight or a daylong drive, there can be significant savings,” Warner says.
If your dream destination is non-negotiable, however, fear not. “Consider delaying two or three months,” Green says. That way,
you can get your dream spot at the lowest possible rates. Couples may also want to contemplate shortening their honeymoon by two or three days, to free up their food and lodging budget, Green says.
Whatever the final decision, your honeymoon is sure to provide you and your spouse with lifelong memories. Whether in Paris, France or Paris, Texas, this is just the embarkment of a much greater voyage together.
–Danielle Robinson
The average honeymoon cost $3,657 in 2010, so budgeting $4,000 is a good starting point.” —Howard Green
© CTW Features
12 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 13
WHILE THE “I do’s” may be a wedding’s main event, the edibles at the reception are a strong second place. Food not only serves as a “thank you” to guests who’ve given you gifts and gathered to celebrate your union, it helps sop up the alcohol and can keep the festivities going all night long. A great party is as simple as finding the right food to match an event’s style.
Service SelectionsFood service options include plated and family-style dinners, buffets, stations and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Each one helps set the tone of an event, says Bridget Pelster, a sales and catering manager. Seated din-ners are typically more formal and ele-
It’s simple: People gotta eat. Here’s how to select the right options for the perfect event
Stations
Brides like this
less formal
setting because
it allows guests
to mingle and
they can
customize
stations to reflect
a theme.
Ethnic Options
Even if you opt
for the classic
beef-or-chicken
dinner, you can
showcase your
heritage with eth-
nic stations or
hors d’oeuvres,
says Schemper.
Farm-to-Table
Everyone is
interested in
fresh, local foods
right now, says
Pelster. “It’s a
great way to give
your guests a
taste of your
hometown.”
Comfort Foods
The down-home
trend continues
strong: mac-and-
cheese in tiny
dishes, gourmet
sliders, pigs-in-a-
blanket and
mashed potato
bars, says
Brooke Sheldon,
event specialist.
Newlyweds are
serving quirky
items that they
really enjoy or
have a history
with, says Shel-
don. “One couple
served their
favorite McDon-
alds hamburgers
as a late-night
snack, while
another couple
who actually met
at 7-11 served
drinks in 7-11’s
plastic glasses.”
What’s New?
Good Eats
F O O D
F O O D
gant, family-style meals are more intimate, buffets are more relaxed, stations are more interactive and hors d’oeuvres allow a lot of flexi-bility.
First, determine the style of service you want based on the vibe you’d like to create, and then start playing around with menu ideas based on your budget and the timing of the event. “If you’re having an evening wedding and you think the reception will last more than three hours, you should plan on serving something fairly significant,” says Molly Schemper, who owns a catering business. “At the minimum you want heavy hors d’oeuvres with a couple protein options, and it’s a good idea to make sure guests are aware there won’t be a full meal.”
If the budget is limited but food is a priority for you, consider opt-ing for a Sunday soirée, an off-season wedding date or an afternoon affair, when you can usually get more bread for your buck.
Plating PricesCatering costs can vary widely, from as low as $20 per person at a banquet hall up to $200 per person at a luxury hotel, says Schemper. The city, the venue and the menu all play a part. Big towns are often more expensive; standard venues may have mini-mums; nontraditional locations may require additional rentals; and no matter where the event takes place, the quantity, variety and style of cuisine will drastically affect price.
In general, the most expensive options are multi-course plated dinners and stations, says Pelster. The next level down is typically limited-course plated dinners and family-style meals, followed by buffets. And the most affordable option is heavy hors d’oeuvres, either passed or served buffet-style.
The caterer can help you determine what style works best for your budget and will often adjust a menu to meet your needs, such as forgoing coffee service in exchange for an additional appetizer or two.
–Anna Sachse
A ‘Couple’ Favorites
© CTW Features
event by designimble’sKCall today for a Free Consultation.
kimblesevents.com
800-490-1445or 706-837-9009 [email protected]
Make This A
DAY
Can Create
10 East Washington St reetDowntown Newnan770.502.9100www.teneastwashington.com
I S D I N I N G”“ W H E R E E A T I N G I S D I N I N G“ W H E R E E A T I N G
Ten East Washington
You’re InvitedYouYouYou
We specialize in Catering, Weddings, Rehearsals, Birthdays, Anniversaries,
Family Reunions, Office Parties, and Luau Parties.
VOTED 2009-2010 “Restaurant of the Year”
by Main Street for Taste of Carrollton2009 “Best Place for Seafood” by Georgia Magazine2010 “Best Wedding Reception,” “Best Seafood,”
and “Best Caterer” by Times Georgian!
Award Winning Chefs!
206 Rome Street[One block from Downtown Carrollton]
770-838-1220www.LittleHawaiianRestaurant.comVisit Little Hawaiian on Facebook
Seafood Grill and Tiki Lounge
12 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 13
WHILE THE “I do’s” may be a wedding’s main event, the edibles at the reception are a strong second place. Food not only serves as a “thank you” to guests who’ve given you gifts and gathered to celebrate your union, it helps sop up the alcohol and can keep the festivities going all night long. A great party is as simple as finding the right food to match an event’s style.
Service SelectionsFood service options include plated and family-style dinners, buffets, stations and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Each one helps set the tone of an event, says Bridget Pelster, a sales and catering manager. Seated din-ners are typically more formal and ele-
It’s simple: People gotta eat. Here’s how to select the right options for the perfect event
Stations
Brides like this
less formal
setting because
it allows guests
to mingle and
they can
customize
stations to reflect
a theme.
Ethnic Options
Even if you opt
for the classic
beef-or-chicken
dinner, you can
showcase your
heritage with eth-
nic stations or
hors d!oeuvres,
says Schemper.
Farm-to-Table
Everyone is
interested in
fresh, local foods
right now, says
Pelster. “It!s a
great way to give
your guests a
taste of your
hometown.”
Comfort Foods
The down-home
trend continues
strong: mac-and-
cheese in tiny
dishes, gourmet
sliders, pigs-in-a-
blanket and
mashed potato
bars, says
Brooke Sheldon,
event specialist.
Newlyweds are
serving quirky
items that they
really enjoy or
have a history
with, says Shel-
don. “One couple
served their
favorite McDon-
alds hamburgers
as a late-night
snack, while
another couple
who actually met
at 7-11 served
drinks in 7-11!s
plastic glasses.”
What’s New?
Good Eats
F O O D
F O O D
gant, family-style meals are more intimate, buffets are more relaxed, stations are more interactive and hors d’oeuvres allow a lot of flexi-bility.
First, determine the style of service you want based on the vibe you’d like to create, and then start playing around with menu ideas based on your budget and the timing of the event. “If you’re having an evening wedding and you think the reception will last more than three hours, you should plan on serving something fairly significant,” says Molly Schemper, who owns a catering business. “At the minimum you want heavy hors d’oeuvres with a couple protein options, and it’s a good idea to make sure guests are aware there won’t be a full meal.”
If the budget is limited but food is a priority for you, consider opt-ing for a Sunday soirée, an off-season wedding date or an afternoon affair, when you can usually get more bread for your buck.
Plating PricesCatering costs can vary widely, from as low as $20 per person at a banquet hall up to $200 per person at a luxury hotel, says Schemper. The city, the venue and the menu all play a part. Big towns are often more expensive; standard venues may have mini-mums; nontraditional locations may require additional rentals; and no matter where the event takes place, the quantity, variety and style of cuisine will drastically affect price.
In general, the most expensive options are multi-course plated dinners and stations, says Pelster. The next level down is typically limited-course plated dinners and family-style meals, followed by buffets. And the most affordable option is heavy hors d’oeuvres, either passed or served buffet-style.
The caterer can help you determine what style works best for your budget and will often adjust a menu to meet your needs, such as forgoing coffee service in exchange for an additional appetizer or two.
–Anna Sachse
A ‘Couple’ Favorites
© CTW Features
event by designimble’sKCall today for a Free Consultation.
kimblesevents.com
800-490-1445or 706-837-9009 [email protected]
Make This A
DAY
Can Create
10 East Washington St reetDowntown Newnan770.502.9100www.teneastwashington.com
I S D I N I N G”“ W H E R E E A T I N G I S D I N I N G“ W H E R E E A T I N G
Ten East Washington
You’re InvitedYouYouYou
We specialize in Catering, Weddings, Rehearsals, Birthdays, Anniversaries,
Family Reunions, Office Parties, and Luau Parties.
VOTED 2009-2010 “Restaurant of the Year”
by Main Street for Taste of Carrollton2009 “Best Place for Seafood” by Georgia Magazine2010 “Best Wedding Reception,” “Best Seafood,”
and “Best Caterer” by Times Georgian!
Award Winning Chefs!
206 Rome Street[One block from Downtown Carrollton]
770-838-1220www.LittleHawaiianRestaurant.comVisit Little Hawaiian on Facebook
Seafood Grill and Tiki Lounge
14 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 11
FROM THE COCKTAIL hour to the Cham-pagne toast, drinks are a key component of most modern weddings. They can make good food great, and they warm strangers both to each other and the dance floor.
OverviewThe key elements of a wedding bar include wine, beer, bubbly, cocktails – plus soda, “mock-tails” and other nonalcoholic drinks. Determine which drinks you want based on these factors:
1. Budget Fancy, formal affairs may offer pre-mium versions of all beverages all night long. But couples with limited funds might prefer to serve only carefully selected wines and beer and perhaps a signature cocktail, says Chris Tanghe, beverage consultant. You also can limit the full open bar to just the cocktail hour, but be aware: many members of the bridal world,
from editors to etiquette experts, say a cash bar is the ultimate no-no.
2. Guests: If you’ve invited a gaggle of gour-mands, you may want to emphasize fine wine. A ton of college friends? Perhaps (a lot of) cheap beer is fine. “Or maybe spirits are a must because the older generation only drinks gin martinis,” Tanghe says.
Drinks & DollarsPlan for one drink per person per hour of the reception, says Toni Ketrenos, a beer and wine buyer. If serving a special sparkling wine for the toast – perhaps a budget-friendly Spanish Cava or Italian prosecco – allot one additional glass per adult.
Traditional venues usually have set prices, but you may be able to trim costs by paying a nominal corkage fee to bring in your own vino.
If your venue allows you to provide all alco-hol yourself, kegs are the more affordable beer option at approximately $1 per 12-ounce glass of craft beer or 63 cents per glass of domestic, says Ketrenos. Smaller gatherings are better off with bottles that can be purchased in quanti-
ties.When it comes to wine, look for deals on
labels from an up-and-coming region like South Africa, or ask about close-out prices on the last few cases of a vintage. As for liquor, a 750ml bottle contains about 17 drinks, making it a good deal, but remember that you will also need ice, mixers and more bartenders.
–Anna Sachse
Drink up! Stock a perfect bar that keeps the party going all night long
GOOD LIBATIONSD R I N K S
KEEP IT SIMPLEQuirky or mismatched cocktail vessels lend immediate charac-ter to an event. Consider using old Ball Mason or POM jars, says Chris Tanghe. Check out garage sales and thrift stores for unique glasses, goblets or tea-cups that guests can take home as party favors.
I-85 at Exit 35 in Grantville, GA
GrantvillePackage Store
Let us helpwith your
Big Day!
N E W N A N ’ S L I Q U O R S T O R E
Owned and Operated by the Jabaley Family Since 1981
770-583-3299
Weddings & Events since 1919
Contact Rachel Dennis, Banquet Coordinator770.253.9856
OPEN TONON-MEMBERS
FOR EVENTS
H O N E Y M O O N
Careful spending and early planning will have couples flying to far-off locales while staying afloat financially
Destination:
Honeymoon
A HONEYMOON is the once-in-a-lifetime trip that couples dream of, filled with candlelight dinners, long walks on the beach and nights in a luxe suite.
But with a 2010 survey showing that 62 percent of couples plan to cut their honeymoon budgets due to the recession, those dreams may begin to fade. Luckily, with the right planning and a little flexi-bility, that dream honeymoon can still be a reality.
Getting StartedIf your honeymoon will take place during a high-volume travel sea-son, plan ahead – between six and nine months in advance, says Howard Green, travel specialist. “If you’re traveling during a shoulder season or an off-season, you may not need to plan as far in advance,” he says. “We would recommend anywhere from five to seven months in advance, as a general rule.”
To pick a destination, Brandon Warner, president and co-founder of Traveler’s Joy, advises couples to give serious thought to a few key questions:
What’s our budget?“The average honeymoon cost $3,657 in 2010, so budgeting $4,000 is a good starting point,” he says.
What’s most important to us?This means pinpointing your main objective: beach relaxation, cul-tural exploration or adrenaline-pumping adventure.
How far are we willing to travel?Which also means considering how much time you have, says Green. “If you’ve only got five days and you live in Chicago, it’s probably not enough time to go to Australia or New Zealand,” he says.
What destinations will offer the best weather while we’re there? Off-seasons are off-seasons for a reason: Research rainy peri-ods and average temperatures for your dates before you book.
Warner says once these questions are answered, couples should be able to narrow the options. “Once the couple has a short list, they should talk to friends who have been to those destinations and do their own research,” by reading newspapers, Web sites and travel mag-azines, he says.
Afford your voyageAny destination has the potential to be costly, so careful financial planning is key. “We’ve had couples honeymoon for a month or a week and spend the same amount,” Warner says. Play your cards right and you may be surprised how far your dollar can stretch.
Warner says the simplest first steps a couple can take toward sav-ing dough are booking early and taking advantage of any frequent flier miles or hotel points. “Most airlines start to release seats at about 330 days [in advance],” Green says.
If you don’t have your heart set on one location, traveling where the dollar is strong lets couples live large on a shoestring budget, Green says. He recommends Costa Rica and other Central and South American locales. “In terms of activities and food and beverage, you tend to get a lot for your money there,” he says.
But don’t book a trip to Argentina just yet. “In general, the farther you fly, the more expensive it is,” Green says. Stick to northerly South American spots; the flight will be cheaper and you’ll still get the warm beaches and affordable eats.
For lodging, ditch the pricey resort or hotel and consider renting a home, Warner says. You’ll be able save money by cooking instead of dining out at each meal and gain the seclusion of a private residence.
To really cut costs, both men suggest staying closer to home. “Air-fare can cost almost 40 percent of a honeymoon, so by finding a place within a short flight or a daylong drive, there can be significant savings,” Warner says.
If your dream destination is non-negotiable, however, fear not. “Consider delaying two or three months,” Green says. That way,
you can get your dream spot at the lowest possible rates. Couples may also want to contemplate shortening their honeymoon by two or three days, to free up their food and lodging budget, Green says.
Whatever the final decision, your honeymoon is sure to provide you and your spouse with lifelong memories. Whether in Paris, France or Paris, Texas, this is just the embarkment of a much greater voyage together.
–Danielle Robinson
The average honeymoon cost $3,657 in 2010, so budgeting $4,000 is a good starting point.” —Howard Green
© CTW Features
RENT OR BUY your wedding tuxedo? It’s a simple question without a simple answer.Here, Rik Ducar, proprietor of formalwear shops in both Atlanta and Los Angeles that both sell and rent tuxedos, offers some insight for grooms’ style choices:
PriceTuxedo packages, when all is said and done, can come out to around a little under $200, Ducar says. For purchase, tuxedos – just the jacket and pants – can start around $400
and reach upward of $1,000 on designer labels.
It’s all about budget – but more so with rentals “because the groom also has the groomsmen to think about,” says Ducar, noting that around 9 of 10 groomsmen do not live in the same area as the groom, which can make coordination tricky. “That would be a good case for a rental,” he says.Still, buying has its bona fides. “From a pure economic sense, tuxedos are the only part of the wedding on the man or woman side you’ll be able to wear again. It’ll pay for itself after one wear,” he says.
FitIt’s night and day, Ducar says. On a 1-to-10 scale, Ducar says he could get a rental jacket to fit an 8, but he says he can get a Perfect 10 fit on a purchase. But it’s the pants where you run into problems, he says. It’s the always the same cut – whether the guy is 5’ 5” or 6’ 5” – so short guys will get a long
rise in the pants. “They’re always volumi-nous,” he says. If you rent and the guys are being measured from afar, try to get them into the shop a day or two before the wed-ding to make any last-minute sizing tweaks.Even if renting, Ducar likes to get the guy in for-purchase clothes just to find out what would be the best options in terms of a look. “There’s nothing wrong with using a for-purchase product to paint the picture of what they might like on the rental,” Ducar says. From there, Ducar likes to build the tuxedo from the top down. The jacket’s lapels will influence collar length; the collar length will influence the tie style and width, etc.
10 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 15
KEEP
IT S
IMPL
E
T U X E D O S
B U D G E T
THE FIRST THING newly engaged couples probably think about today is how in the heck they are going to pull this thing off!
According to market research company The Wedding Report, the average cost of a wedding in 2010 fell 10.2 percent compared to 2009 to $19,581 – a hefty sum, recession or not. Whether your budget is nearly that or half that, smart couples who employ sim-ple budgeting techniques from the start won’t be crying all the way to bank after their wedding.
First Things FirstIt’s not the easiest thing, but before couples get planning, they need to establish their magic budget number.
That means looking at desig-nated savings, contributions from parents or other relatives, and
what of their regular income they can devote toward the wedding, without sabotaging their day-to-day budget.
According to the TheKnot.com’s 2010 Real Wedding Survey, the biggest financial contributors to a wedding are the bride’s parents (46 percent) and the bride and groom (40 percent.) Groom’s parents contributed 12 percent of the final tally, according the survey.
Get ListingNationally-known event planner, Carrie Zack, says that she has seen a huge increase in her “cre-ative consulting packages” for couples who want some help but don’t have the budget for a full-time planner. Together they come up with ideas, and Zack sends them on their way with a binder of ready-to-do-it-yourself
tasks.“Now it’s something I do all
the time,” she says. “I have an Excel spreadsheet that lists every single detail you can think of. I’ll ask them how much they want to spend or what their budget is. We’ll go through everything and get a total ... then we go through and cut,” she says.
One of Zack’s favorite budget-ing tricks: overbudgeting. “I don’t like to go back and tell them to spend more.”
She also encourages couples to put together a wish list of things they want but aren’t will-ing to commit to.
As last-minute plans come together and more money (from the overbudgeting) becomes available, they start checking off items from the wish list.
—Timothy R. Schulte
Debt is no way to start a life together. Get your wedding started right by budgeting smart Moneywise
Follow these estimates to get a budget started. The figures are estimates; adjust as necessary to fit your wedding’s style.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
© CTW Features
Rent or Buy?Save money and rent, or spend more and own? Formalwear impresario Rik Ducar weighs the pros and cons of each
–Timothy R. Schulte
A one-button, peak-lapel tuxedo (James Bond) or a two-button, notch-lapel jacket (the diplomat) are the go-to styles that 95 percent of guys choose.
© CTW Features
ACCESSORIESAND SHOES
TUXES FROM
JIM’S FORMAL WEAR#1 in the U.S.
for quality & selection
AFFORDABLEPRICES
VARIETY OF SIZES AND COLORS
ONE-OF-A-KIND DRESSES FROM THAILAND
WEDDINGPACKAGESAVAILABLE
770-304-5700
NEWNAN(Kroger Shopping Center
at Thomas crossroads)
2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 916 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER
Assessing ArrangementsBefore going to the florist, first decide on overall budget, venue and color scheme. All these play important roles in determining the florist’s ideas. The budget will determine appropriate suggestions, while the venue will suggest colors and décor needs. Bare, funky spaces may need a large number of decorations while ornate hotel ballrooms might not.
Pinpoint your personal style by collecting
pictures from magazines and online resourc-es. The photos you choose will reveal quali-ties that are important to you, such as color, arrangement and complexity.
Bloom BudgetProfessional florist Maureen deBruyn says couples tend to spend about 10 percent of their overall budget on flowers. The price depends on many factors, such as the num-ber of bouquets and arrangements or whether the blooms are in season or out of season, local or non-local. To keep costs
down, avoid specifying specific flowers. If you have a general idea of color, type and how much to spend, your florist can come up with something.
Fresh IdeasMany fresh color ideas are emerging this year for brides to experiment with in their flowers. Greens mixed with buttercreams, delicate pinks and fresh blues are a popular neutral that suggests an eco theme.The retro look will be popular, sweetly comple-mented with a mix of soft, burnished yellow tones. For home weddings, which are on the rise, a splash of color: bright orange, hot pink, sunny yellow, electric blue. Larger, loos-er bouquets also are making a comeback, deBruyn says. Bouquets will be soft and wispy with more greenery and texture. Rather than wiring each flower into place for a symmetrical arrangement, deBruyn says she now aims for a more natural look.
Whether you go big, small, bright or neu-tral, spend time using flowers to show off a piece of who you are. Says deBruyn: “They should bring out the joy for your whole event.”
–Melanie Wanzek
Limit bouquets and arrangements to three or fewer types of flowers for a simple, clean look. Create inexpensive centerpieces by floating flowers in a glass bowl or use a larger flower that takes up more space and requires fewer stems, such as a lily or hydrangea. Other recommendations include choosing a focal point and investing in one large, eye-catching design, or choosing smaller bridesmaid bouquets that incorporate trendy colors and stylish designs.KE
EP IT
SIM
PLE
Stay Fresh F L O W E R S
something blue,” says Sharon Stimpfle, deputy director of WeddingChannel.com.
Up or down, the ’do for brides on their special day should look soft and sensuous. With wavy hair or finger curls parted on the side any bride can channel a big-screen siren. Hair swept back in a low, loose bun with cascading tendrils also captures the look.
The rest of the wedding party can ride on the coattails of the bride’s Hollywood Glam style. Bridesmaids can wear bias-cut gowns in rich jewel tones such as burgundy, amethyst and vintage green.
The Shopping ExperienceShopping for a dream wedding dress may at first sound daunt-ing. Keep in mind a few simple tips:
1. Plan AheadMost wedding designers require at least four to six months pro-duction time, so start the shop-
ping process around nine months in advance, especially when you factor in the need for alterations.
2. Bring and Wear the Bare Minimum. LiterallyTo keep bridal gowns pristine, don’t wear makeup, lipstick or even lotions that can stain fabric. Stick to undergarments that match your skin tone to get a realistic view of how a gown will look.
3. Edit with an Open MindIt’s nice to know that customer service does exist in some retail entities, and that’s what the brid-al industry touts. When visiting a bridal boutique, a sales rep will work with you. Describe your theme and vision and let her take it from there. Try on a vari-ety of gowns, even cringe-induc-ing ones the rep may suggest. There’s a chance you’ll be pleas-antly surprised.
–Nola Sarkisian Miller© CTW Features© CTW Features
FA S H I O N
Etain Bridal Boutique now in Newnan’s Ashley Park
Call Today foran Appointment
678.870.0999BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
in ASHLEY PARK
www.etain-llc.com
326 Newnan Crossing BypassNewnan, GA 30265
EtainCOME MEET
ONE OF NEW YORK’STOP BRIDAL DESIGNERS
MATTHEWCHRISTOPHER
AS HE UNVEILSHIS 2011 BRIDAL
COLLECTION HERE!
BRIDES!tlanta
BRIDES!tlanta770.942.0171
Maggie So! ero
Jasmine Bridal
Casablanca Bridal
and many more
Call foran appointment.
Atlanta’s Top Bridal Boutique
BridesAtlantaOnline.com
6842 Douglas Boulevard, Suite HDouglasville, GA 30135(Just outside Arbor Place Mall)
TheW hiteO rchid
BRIDAL REGISTRY INSPIRING FLORALS & EVENTS
HOME ACCENTS JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES
lanning your wedding can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life. At ! e White Orchid, we would love to
be a part of your wedding excitement by taking care of your fl oral, decor and special lighting needs. We are here to help you with all the details to create a picture perfect day!
Arte Italica MatchJulia Knight Lunares Richard Ginori GienHome James SkyrosHaviland
Holiday & Interior DecoratingFresh & Permanent Floral Arrangements
Large Selection of Glassware & Crystal
2010 BRIDAL PLANNER 178 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER
SHE’S GOT THE LOOKHow to put together
an ensemble that’s just as ready for
the red carpet as it is the aisle
Star PowerBrides can pour on the glitz with gowns heaped in beading and embroidery in form-fitting shapes for a curvaceous silhouette. Romantic flair is part of the look, with eye-catching floral touches or textured designs. For extra bling, metallic shine is in.
Accessories are another way to pull together a Hollywood look. Shoulder-duster earrings, long and layered draping necklaces and bangles are ways to set off a variety of dresses, from strapless to those with sweetheart necklines. The rule of thumb: More extravagant dresses call for more restrained jewelry. Jewelry is not the only acces-sory, however. For impact and Audrey Hepburn cool, brides can don long beaded gloves. They can play up hair with sparkling combs and bird-cage veils. Ornate headbands are another option.
Footwear has progressed far beyond the dyed-to-match pump. These days, it’s all about color and bedazzlement, whether it’s a slinky, strappy sandal or a peep-toe pump in a bold shade.
“Color is very big, especially as brides look for
FA S H I O N
P H O T O G R A P H Y
Shoot With Style
Swee
t Tea
Pho
togr
aphy
AFTER HOURS upon days upon months of planning (and spend-ing), your most momentous of days deserves to be documented. These are images you’ll cherish for the rest of your life, so choosing a photographer who understands your personality and tastes is crucial.
PhotographyAs with any artist, each wedding photographer comes with his or her unique perspective and style. Research and communication are key to finding the right fit.
“Make sure that you and your photographer have a good line of communication. Make sure that you click. You will be spending your whole wedding day with this person,” says Lisa Marie O’Quinn, photographer.
The best way to start research-ing is to first identify a photogra-phy style that’s right for you. O’Quinn says there are three major wedding photography styles:
Traditional: The least expensive photographers will likely take a traditional approach, says O’Quinn. Most shots are posed. “These are the images that you would expect to see at every wed-ding,” she says. Think straight-on shots and big smiles – not much more, not much less.
Photojournalistic: “Photojour-nalistic photographers capture the emotion in every moment rather than poses,” O’Quinn says. These photographers will roam unobtru-sively, capturing candid images.
Artistic: It’s all in the name. Artis-tic photographers aim to create visually stimulating, highly edited, magazine-worthy photographs. However, artistic photographers’ styles vary greatly, so choose care-fully. “Make sure that their style is not too trendy,” O’Quinn says. “You want your photos to look beautiful when you receive them and when you look at them 20 years from now.”
There’s growing scientific literaturedocumenting the relationships between
health and nutrition, exercise, mental attitude,relaxation, and other lifestyle habits.
For a lifestyle that involves these relationships,call and enroll in a program under the supervision of
a physician that will enable you to reach and maintainyour ideal body weight, exercise your cardiovascular
system and help prevent such diseases as diabetes, heart attack, strokes and hypertension.
Coweta Medical Center offers a qualityweight-reduction program that is supervised
by F. Donald Bass, M.D.
For more detailed informationor an appointment, please call
Coweta Medical Center at (770) 251-5597.
F. D. Bass, M. D., F.A.C.S.
(770) 251-5597
COWETA MEDICAL CENTERWeight Loss Center
PHYSICIAN SUPERVISED
–Danielle Robinson
BRIDAL PROM SPECIAL OCCASION119 Ridley Avenue
Downtown LaGrange
706-416-2396
AnA! airToRememberBridal.com
An Affair to Remember
Your dream gown is here at An Affair To Remember. Our collection of gowns rivals any big city store with
charm and service you get from an intimate boutique.
An Affair to RememberAn Affair to RememberBRIDAL PROM SPECIAL OCCASION
119 Ridley Avenue
An Affair to RememberAn Affair to RememberLet the Dream Begin
© CTW Features
AS BRIDES take more chances with their fashion statements, Hollywood Glam is one of the
key trends emerging in bridal fashion. Not afraid to experiment
with color, shine and other attention-drawing details, brides are borrowing ideas from the red carpet, looking for tips and style direction from celebrities.
“Hollywood style offers endless inspiration to brides,” says Swedding designer Amy Kuschel.
18 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 7
WHILE A BRIDE will always be the star of her big day, there’s no denying that the cake comes in a close second. And with TV net-works cranking out one cake-centric show after another, cake design has taken center stage.
Right along with the rise of shows like the Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes,” couples are becoming more aware of the endless array of wedding cake possibilities. Choos-ing a design has become a more challeng-ing task.
Sweet Designs“Design, is a compromise sometimes,” says JoAnn Moore, a wedding planner. Couples may desire a complex cake but not the price tag that comes with it. Moore says her customers are opting for understated, classic styles. “I believe it has something to do with the economy,” she says. “People are going very simple and elegant.”
Today’s wedding cakes are in good taste
Let Them Eat CakeConfection CostsEven the simplest designs come at a price. Carrie Biggers, cake shop owner, says individual servings may run anywhere from $2.50 per person in a smaller area up to $15 per person in a larger city. Cake can cost up to $40 per serving for couples who want the best of the best.
To get the cake of your dreams without blowing your budget, both experts suggest purchasing a smaller, three- or four-tiered cake and placing it on an elevated display for drama. In the kitchen of your reception hall, keep sheet cakes of the same flavor, which you can purchase for a fraction of the cost. “The cake still looks big and beautiful and elaborate, and none of the guests know,” Moore says.
This way, you can have your cake – and pay for it, too.
–Danielle Robinson© CTW Features
Full ServiceWedding Planning
Elain Barnes
www.WeddingsByElain.com
Weddings by Elain
Turning Wishes into Weddingsby...Elain
C A K E
WITH THE KNOT officially tied and the reception underway, the right music is essen-tial to keep guests’ spirits high and ensure a fun-filled night.
Couples visit potential venues before com-mitting to the perfect one. Likewise, they should do due musical diligence before decid-ing on a DJ. Consider the following:
Does the DJ take the time to get to know you as a couple? How are requests made to the DJ? Is there an online song-management sys-tem or forms to fill out? If the songs you desire are not available, will the DJ obtain them?
What grade of speakers/subwoofers they have? Do they have backups? See how their system works.
Let’s Get It StartedFor a couple with unconventional music tastes, what may seem like an excellent choice in tunes could have guests calling it an early night.
“Some brides have specific songs that they don’t want played. I have to explain to them, it’s a song that all your guests will be guaran-
teed to dance to,”says Sinclair Ray III, a profes-sional DJ.
To help get guests into the mood, kick off the reception with “special dances” to engage your guests, says Karle Coppenrath, a profes-sional wedding planner.
“This helps set the tone and encourages shyer guests to get out on the dance floor,” she says. These special dances could include an anniversary dance, where married couples are invited onto the dance floor, or a dance just for members of the wedding party. Coppenrath suggests sticking with songs that are proven crowd-pleasers. Google top wedding dance songs and view wedding-themed iMixes in iTunes to help pinpoint selections.
“Guests love to be entertained and really enjoy watching other couples on the dance floor,” she says.
Afterward, when you open up the dance floor to everyone, your night will be a swing-ing success.
ROCKIN’ RECEPTIONM U S I C
KEEP
IT S
IMPL
E “Jersey Shore” star DJ Pauly D’s picks for a great party:“Lucky” – Jason Mraz
“The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra
“Faithfully” – Journey
“Unforgettable” – Nat King Cole/Natalie Cole
“New York, New York” – Frank Sinatra
“You’re Still The One” – Shania Twain
“Making Memories of Us” – Keith Urban
“Just Dance” – Lady Gaga
“My Girl” – Temptations
“Paradise By The Dashboard Light” – Meatloaf
“You Dropped A Bomb On Me” – Gap Band
“Make A Memory” – Bon Jovi © CTW Features –Danielle Robinson
and the Asa M. Powell, Sr. Expo Center is
located on Temple Avenue in Newnan.
Call today toschedule a time to
visit these locations!
the Coweta County Fairgrounds & Conference Centeris on Pine Road in Newnan...
and the Asa M. Powell, Sr. Expo Center is
located on Temple Avenue in Newnan.
Stay close to home when hosting Stay close to home when hosting your wedding, wedding reception your wedding, wedding reception Stay close to home when hosting your wedding, wedding reception Stay close to home when hosting Stay close to home when hosting your wedding, wedding reception Stay close to home when hosting
and other banquets!your wedding, wedding reception
and other banquets!your wedding, wedding reception
Call today toschedule a time to
visit these locations!
Coweta County offers two facilities to make anyspecial occasion EASY and CONVENIENT.CONVENIENT.CONVENIENT
The Coweta County Fairgrounds& Conference Center
275 Pine Road, Newnan
The Asa M. Powell, Sr.Expo Center
197 Temple Ave., Newnan
the Coweta County Fairgrounds & Conference Centeris on Pine Road in Newnan...
For more information contact Karen Beatenbough at the Fairgrounds(770-254-2685) or Patricia Hood at the Expo Center (770-252-6429).
www.coweta.ga.us
2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 196 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER
CHANCES ARE, you’ve already got the ring – you know, the sparkler that announces to the world that you’re engaged. In fact, you may have helped select the engagement ring your-self. According to a 2010 jewelry survey by TheKnot.com, 36 percent of brides are involved in the selection of engagement rings. However, the bulk of couples – 69 percent, according to the same survey – select wedding bands together. Here are some trends to keep in mind as you shop:
Go for the GoldWhite has been the go-to metal color in recent years, with platinum and white gold maintain-ing popularity while palladium and titanium are building a following. However, yellow gold is making a return to wedding jewelry, says Amanda Gizzi, director of communications for Jewelers of America. Classic yellow gold bands get an update with seemingly custom details like hammering, etching and engraving.
Anything but Basic BlackBlack diamonds are making their way into brid-al jewelry, Gizzi says. Also, grooms can look to black titanium and tungsten for a unique look.
A Perfect PairThe stacking trend continues in 2011 for women; two wedding bands are worn flanking the engagement ring. Wearing the two bands together creates a balanced look on the finger.
Diamonds ForeverSimple, elegant diamond eternity bands remain popular into 2011.
How to choose a wedding band that!s as unique as you
The Wedding Bling
R I N G S
Sometimes, fashion doesn!t say it all. Romantic couples often
choose to personalize their rings by having a professional
jeweler engrave the wedding date, their names and short words
of endearment on the inside of the wedding bands. These
engravings serve as hidden love notes, not meant for the world
to see. Small flush-set diamonds or gemstones set on the inside
of the band also are gaining in popularity.KEEP
IT S
IMPL
E
Wedding ServicesThe Ultimate In
1. Engagement and wedding rings for all budgets.
2. An international collection of china, crystal and silver patterns as well as elegant exclusives.
3. Personal assistance, free of charge, by Registered Bridal Consultants.
4. Custom Designed engagement and wedding rings.
5. Your registration kept on file permanently to assist friends and relatives making future purchases.
6. Great gift ideas for your attendants, personalized by our skilled engraver.
Extensive Diamond and Wedding Band Selection
Newnan’s Bridal RegistryR. DuBose Jewelerswww.rdubosejewelers.com
770-253-4713
(formerly R.S. Mann Jewelers)
© CTW Features
! e Perfect WeddingdingE!"#$%&. M"'()$*!". T+'"!",,.
F
F
F
Bar
!"#$"%&''!()%"'&*'+),"'-*.#'/#")0'1*0"'2#."Nestled on 40 beautiful wooded acres
we offer an elegant ballroom accommodating up to 250 guests andthe perfect outdoor ceremony venue
seating 200. We have modern guestrooms available and our culinary staff will delight you and your guests. Our personal wedding planner will
anticipate your every need.
For more information call770-487-3122
201 Aberdeen Pkwy. | Peachtree City, Georgia 30269 | dolceatlantapeachtree.com
V E N U E
Coming HomeDESTINATION: HOME. While some brides decide between a traditional hometown wedding and a destination wedding, for others those options are one and the same.
“You go through the same processes in terms of creating a vision and hiring vendors who can really execute that vision,” says Alyssa Brown, a produc-tion manager that specializes in destination weddings.
Many brides still choose to marry in their hometowns because of tradition, sentimen-tality or if the bride’s parents are footing the bill. Returning home, even if real life now exists miles away, offers a unique way to unite the past and present.
“Hometown weddings are in a place special and meaning-ful to the couple,” Brown says. “They allow your current home and past home to come together
and for you to share that with all of your family and friends.”
Planning a hometown wed-ding from afar is similar to plan-ning a destination wedding with one potential perk: friends and family in the area who can act as point people in the planning process. Realize these helpful people have limits, but respect-fully employ their help if they’re willing. If possible, also hire a professional wedding planner to complete major research, juggle vendors, relieve the stress of long-distance coordination, and ensure everything goes accord-ing to plan.
A little help from parents may come in handy to research options and hear opinions first-hand from others in the area. Check “Best of” lists from the newspaper and other local sources. –Melanie Wanzek
© CTW Features
1774 Hwy. 154 Sharpsburg, GA (Corner of Lower Fayetteville Road and Hwy. 154)770-683-7829
www.artisanjewelryco.com
20 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER
THE LAST THING any bride or groom wants is to show up late to the altar. Arrang-ing a chauffeur to get you and your closest pals to and from the ceremony won’t just make your day run a lot smoother – it will make it more fun for all.
Start It UpLimousine companies tend to get booked quickly during the summer – peak wedding season – and late spring – prom season.
Begin looking for a limo as much as six months before these prime periods. If your wedding takes place in the off-season (fall or winter), look to book three or four months out.
Size It UpThe biggest factor in limo choice will be the size of the wedding party and any extra peo-ple who will be traveling in the limo. A small-er group may get by in, say, a stretched-out Lincoln limousine, while a group of a dozen may need a converted-SUV limo. Really large groups – 20-some people – could even opt for a party bus limo.
With the type of ride that would best accommodate you in mind, compare prices among like vehicles at different vendors in your area. Don’t make your decision on price alone.
Like every driver on the road, the compa-ny you go with should be licensed and insured (including liability and medical insurance for passengers). Look for compa-nies with a fleet of recent model-year vehi-
cles, and seek references from recent customers.
When getting a quote, be sure to get the whole picture. The bulk of companies charge by the hour and probably will have a three- or four-hour minimum for a wedding, depending on the day. Prices can range any-where from $250 to $500 for a stretch limo up to $1,000 for a converted SUV. Don’t for-get to ask if the driver’s gratuity – typically 20 percent – is included.
Depending on the time of year, it may be possible to negotiate the hourly rate.
Drive DetailsBe sure to read the rental contract thoroughly before signing. It should denote:
cancellation policies
to keep a copy of the itinerary in your e-mail
Get everyone to the wedding in style
T R A N S P O R TAT I O N
LET’S RIDE
A WELL THOUGHT-OUT invitation will tell guests everything they need to know about what’s in store.
Stationery SolutionsWith a world of colors, fonts, papers and print styles to choose from, pinning down the right design takes some thought.
To get started, hit the streets, says Ara Farnam, wedding consultant. “Pop into a stationery store to see and feel some different styles and get an understand-ing for the differences between print-ing processes.”
Print PricesLetterpress invites – produced by press-ing a sheet of paper onto movable, raised type – can cost more than twice as much as flat, digitally printed cards. Get letterpress style while cutting costs by printing in just one color of ink, suggests graphic designer Rachelle Schwartz, “It’s a great way to still get a fabulous letterpress invitation,” she says.While a great invite can make a wed-
ding design more cohesive, remember that it won’t make or break your day. “If you end up making changes to your décor, don’t sweat it,” Farnam says. “At the end of the day, guests will remember the elements of your reception more.”
–Danielle Robinson
“Keep the design sim-ple!” says Farnam. Which is what today’s couples are doing, as experts note the resur-gence of letterpress invitations. The trend shows, according to Farnman, “a move towards a simpler invi-tation that is beautiful for its font or layout as opposed to intricate folded layers, vellum or ribbons.”
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Calling All GuestsI N V I TAT I O N S
© CTW Features
© CTW Features
4 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER
CLOSE YOUR EYES and imagine your wed-ding: What do you see?
While other elements of the big day might flash by in a blur, images of your venue and the way it made you feel to be there will remain with you forever. It’s important to take time to envision your entire event’s style and the atmosphere you want to remember – whether it’s funky and hip, elegant and mod-ern, or intimate and sentimental. Think about places you have visited, parties you have enjoyed and other things close to you that bring you joy.
Setting the StageTara Wilson, a professional wedding planner, says there are a few main style cues. A tradi-tional bride might lean toward a church wed-ding and hotel reception, while someone who is earthy and free-spirited might do best outdoors, in a barn or in custom tents. Eclec-tic brides might consider environments that are new and modern, such as a boutique or hotel, or even old and historic, like a library or mansion.
Once you have narrowed down the choices – at least a little bit – it’s important to visit multiple venues to get a real idea of what they offer. Many questions will begin to pop up. Marcia Hemphill, a professional wedding planner, recommends considering overall budget, the city where you are getting
married, the number of guests you expect and the overall style and ambiance you desire. Other details to consider may range from the dates and times certain venues are available, the space rental fee and what it includes, what materials are provided (tables, chairs, linens) and whether other parties can be held at the same time. Don’t be afraid to keep asking questions. Every venue is different in its rental inclusions and capabilities.
Location ConsiderationsSome venues offer in-house catering, which can simplify planning by reducing the num-ber of vendors you must juggle. Hotels are making a comeback for this reason; their fees generally cover all venue and catering costs. Consider locations that can host both your ceremony and reception to make planning and guest coordination more manageable.
“Brides are valuing their guests’ conve-nience in not having to travel back and forth
for the wedding and reception,” Wilson says.According to Hemphill, art galleries will
continue to be a popular venue. They are increasingly open to hosting private events. Another option is a simple, loft-like space.
“Raw spaces are popping up more and more,” she says. “In these spaces, the rules are generally much more flexible. You can bring the caterer you want, provide your own liquor, decorate as much or as little as you would like and really make it your own.”
For all the venues, don’t forget the signifi-cant details.
“Always look at the bathrooms,” Hemphill warns. “That could be a deal-breaker.”
–Melanie Wanzek
V E N U E
Plan strategically and separate your wants from your deal-breakers. The first thing
to consider: the number of guests at the reception, which will have the greatest
affect on your bottom line. According to wedding planner Tara Wilson, many brides
are favoring more intimate environments over lavish extravaganzas as a way to
stay simple without sacrificing quality. “Home-style venues, including backyards
and homes, are gaining popularity,” she says. “We!re also seeing a rise in unex-
pected locations, such as boats and bowling alleys.”KEEP
IT S
IMPL
E
A wedding!s style starts with
where you choose to celebrate
Picking Out thePlace
2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 21
B E A U T Y
APPLYING MAKEUP is, for most women, nothing more than an everyday task. On your wedding day, however, hair and makeup decisions are no less important than the dress and shoes.
“The photos that will be taken of you on your most important day will be of your face and how happy you are,” says Kristen Lober, a professional makeup artist. “You want to be the most beautiful, radiant version of your-
self.”The key to picture-perfect beauty is just
that: being yourself. While some may get swept up in the idea of going all-out, the important thing is to look like you – not a face caked in product.
“Sometimes less is more,” says Morgan Blaul, a professional hair stylist and makeup artist. “It’s all about looking and feeling your best, and not about trying to be something
you are not.”Both artists recommend choosing your
best feature – cheeks, eyes or lips – and high-lighting it, keeping the rest of the face more natural. “What seems to be most popular this year so far is more of a dramatic eye and a natural lip,” Lober says. Above all, both artists stress the importance of a radiant face. “Skin is really important. I love glowing, high-lighted skin with nice cheek color,” Blaul says.
Beauty BudgetThere’s a stylist for every budget. “Research your artist and see examples of their work, and ask what products they use,” she says.
Both experts stress the importance of staying true to your natural beauty. “Assess what you do on a normal basis and just enhance it a little bit more,” Lober says. “Never try something completely new for your wedding day.”
Blaul agrees. “With the modern bride there are no rules anymore,” she says. “The best thing you can do is be creative and per-sonalize your look.”
–Danielle Robinson
Bridal BeautyWedding day beauty
should show off the
most beautiful, radiant
version of you
A Tranquil Escape For Men And Women
Plumyumi Day Spa invites you to a spa where you are always pampered and spoiled. The
moment you walk through the door, our time is devoted to you. You are our sole purpose,
whether you spend a hour or day with us. You will find thoughtful attention to the details that reflect our desire to provide you with a time for
personal renewal and well-being.
SPA SERVICES Facials and Skin Care | Massage Therapies
Natural Nails & Shellac Nails Body Treatments | Spa Packages | Waxing Spray Tanning | Make-up & Hair Services
WWW.PLUMYUMIDAYSPA.COM 3441 HWY. 34 E | SHARPSBURG, GA 30277 | 770-251-6677
Getting ready for that special day is so exciting and stressful, let Plumyumi Day Spa & Salon help prepare you for your special day! Come in for a massage, facial and make-up and enjoy your day stress free.
Plumyumi Wedding Packages are customized to meet the special needs of the Bride and bridal party. We offer a variety of packages and treatments with the Bride in mind.
*Discounts available for parties of 6 or more.
Bridal Season is Fast Approaching...
© CTW Features
© CTW Features
Greenville Steet Park
22 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER
Names of persons making announcement
Name of person to contact regarding this information Phone Numbers: Work and Home
Signature and Address
Bride’s Name
Bridegroom’s Name Parent’s Names
City, State
City, State
City, State
City, State
City, State
List Schools, Honors, Degrees, Place of Employment
List Schools, Honors, Degrees, Place of Employment
Date
Bride’s Last Name
Bridegroom’s Last Name
Wedding Location
ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTTHE TIMES!HERALD 16 JEFFERSON STREET P. O. BOX 1052 NEWNAN, GEORGIA 30264 770!253!1576
Your engagement announcement will appear in the Sunday newspaper as written here. Because of the number of announcements submitted, it may be several weeks before yours actually appears in the newspaper. " e photograph should be of good quality.
Please include a daytime phone number where you may be reached.
______________________________________________________________ of _______________________________________ ,
announce the engagement of their daughter, _____________________________________________________________________
to_____________________________________________, son of ___________________________________________________
of ________________________________________________.
" e bride-elect is the granddaughter of _______________________________________________________________________ of
__________________________________________________ and ________________________________________________ of
__________________________________________________.
Miss______________________________________ is a graduate of _________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________ .
" e future bridegroom’s grandparents are ______________________________________________________________________ of
__________________________________________________ and ________________________________________________ of
__________________________________________________.
Mr.___________________________________________ is a graduate of _____________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________ .
" e wedding will be an event of _____________________________________ at ______________________________________ .
at the ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ .
__________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Click here for online form.
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S
Let’s Get It StartedCongratulations! You and the person of your dreams are embarking on a new life together, and The Times-Herald couldn’t be happier for you. It’s time to create a day that you and your loved ones will never forget.
One thing brides everywhere have learned this past year is how important it is to make every detail count. Despite smaller budgets – the average bride spent about 10 percent less on her wedding in 2010 than she did in 2009, according to The Wedding Report – brides still deserve the wedding of their dreams. The key is to bid adieu to over-the-top opulence and employ simple, smart and stylish techniques.
The best part: It’s easy to do. Just let our 2011 Bridal Planner show you how to do it.
From planning a budget to arranging flowers to choosing a cake, we’ve outlined how to pull off an awesome wedding with ease. Our experts’ tips on how to “keep it simple” show you how to make the most of your time, energy and budget, while keeping style high and stress low.
Dive in. Follow our tips. Plan a wedding that your guests won’t soon forget.
It’s never been simpler to do. You can also find the 2011 Bridal Planner publication on our website. Just visit: www.times-herald.com/bridal.
4 Venue 8 Fashion10 Tuxedos11 Honeymoon12 Food14 Drinks15 Budget16 Flowers17 Photography
2 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER 23
Bride’s Name Bride’s Parents
Church Minister
Groom’s Parents
Vocalist and/or organist
Name and Relation to Bride
Name and Relation (ex: Bride’s parents)
Location
Flowers
Name of person to contact regarding this information. Day and Nighttime Phone Numbers
Signature and Address
Bridal Party
City, State
City, State
Groom’s Name
Circle One
Color and Fabric Kind of Flowers
Dress Description
City, State
WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENTTHE TIMES!HERALD 16 JEFFERSON STREET P. O. BOX 1052 NEWNAN, GEORGIA 30264 770!253!1576
Your wedding announcement will appear in the Sunday newspaper as written here. "is form will not be accepted if it is not legibly complete in sentence form. Wedding announcements should be submitted within 60 days of the wedding or fees apply. We will publish a photograph with the announcement.
_______________________________________, daughter of ______________________________________________________ ,
of _____________________________________, became the bride of ________________________________________________ ,
son of __________________________________________________ of ______________________________________________ .
on _____/_____/_____ at __________________________________ with ____________________________________ o#ciating.
____________________________________ rendered program of nuptial music and _____________________ lighted the candles.
________________________ of ________________________ was the bride’s Maid / Matron of Honor. _________________
"e other Bride’s Attendants were: ________________________ of ________________________ ,
________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ ,
________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ ,
________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ ,
"ey wore dresses of ______________________________________ and carried bouquets of ______________________________ .
_________________________ of ________________________ served as best man.
"e other Groom’s Attendants were: ________________________ of ________________________ ,
________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ ,
________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ ,
________________________ of ________________________ , ________________________ of ________________________ ,
"e bride entered with _____________________________________________________________________________________ .
She chose a ______________________________________________________________________________________________ .
Her bouquet consisted of ___________________________________________________________________________________ .
Following the ceremony a reception was given by _________________________________________________________________
at ___________________________________________________________ .
Following a wedding trip to __________________________________________________________________________________ ,
Mr. and Mrs._________________________________________will reside in __________________________________________ .
Information on prenuptial parties may be included if desired. Click here for online form.
__________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Wedding Directing and Consulting
Organization,logistics and
coordination to make your wedding day
unforgettable.
B A R N A R DC A R O L Y N
E V E N T S
PHO
TOG
RAPH
CO
URT
ESY
OF
harw
ellp
hoto
grap
hy
www.carolynbarnardevents.com
18 Cake18 Music19 Rings20 Invitations20 Transportation21 Beauty22 Engagement Form23 Wedding Form
24 2011 BRIDAL PLANNER
Full Page PLANNING MUST-DO’S
THE TIMES-HERALD | 2011
How to Plan a Simply Awesome Wedding
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
BRIDAL PLANNERBRIDAL PLANNER