2life weddings issue no. 2
DESCRIPTION
The Secret to Perfect Wedding Hair, Epic Songs For The Last Dance Of the Night, Top Bridal Runway Trends, Gift Registry Tips & More!TRANSCRIPT
ISSUE NO. 2
Sweet ideas for your wedding celebration
THE SECRET TO PERFECT WEDDING HAIR, EPIC SONGS FOR THE LAST DANCE OF THE NIGHT, TOP BRIDAL RUNWAY TRENDS, GIFT REGISTRY TIPS & MORE!
IN EVERY ISSUE
03 Editor’s Letter
08 Upfront Tasty food trends, epic last dance songs and more!
15 Weddings 101 5 things I wish I knew before my wedding hair trial
18 Style Aisle style: top bridal trends from the runway
contents
2LIFE WEDDINGS ISSUE NO. 2
2LIFE WEDDINGS
FEATURES
43 First Comes Love… Then Come the Dishes Relationship strategist Sue Nador’s advice to newlyweds
57 Honeymoon Sweet Romantic getaways for any type of traveler
GIFT REGISTRY
48 We’ve Got Your Numbers Registering is as easy as one, two, three
2LIFE WEDDINGS
REAL WEDDINGS
25 Summer Love: How to Host an Outdoor Wedding Plan a fuss-free alfresco celebration
34 An Elegant Manor Wedding Step inside this enchanting “secret garden” wedding
63 Real Wedding Moment Watch as one bride and groom reenact a legendary dance routine
EDITOR’S LETTER
Y WEDDING DAY was the best day of my life (so far!): a love-filled celebration with friends and
family in honor of my husband and me and our vow to stick together through thick and thin.
Aside from exchanging vows, a highlight of our wedding was when the DJ played the last song of the night (“All My Friends” by LCD Soundsystem). All our friends gathered on the dance floor, jumping and singing their hearts out in one happy, sweaty gaggle. “One more song! One more song!” they chanted when the music stopped. (Too bad the
venue was closing for the night.) What song will you save for the last dance? Find inspiration with our “Last Dance” playlist.
It was the perfect ending to our wedding day, but not everything had gone as smoothly as I daydreamed it would: I was the victim of bad wedding hair—gasp! As upset as I was, I knew I had a choice: wipe away the tears and get over it, or spend the day sulking because the hairstylist failed to recreate the look from my trial appointment. I chose
to let it go, thank goodness. I hope the tips in “5 Things I Wish I Knew Before My Wedding Hair Trial” will help save you from a similar hair-do disaster.
Just as very few wedding days are “perfect,” wedding planning is often a chaotic, imperfect process. That’s why we created the 2life Ultimate Wedding Planner app. Designed for two people to use together, the app is a fun way for you and your partner to stay
ISTOCK
don’t miss a beat!subscribe to the 2life Weddings weekly newsletter
M
2LIFE WEDDINGS
EDITOR AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER (ON LEAVE)Kate [email protected]
ACTING EDITOR AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERNicole [email protected]
CREATIVE DIRECTORLisa [email protected]
CREATIVE SERVICESKaren [email protected]
PRESIDENT AND FOUNDERDiane [email protected]
VICE-PRESIDENTGerry [email protected]
PUBLISHED BY2 For Life Media Inc.2life.io 416-469-1429
APP DEVELOPMENTIt Guy TechnologiesIt-Guy.com
EDITORIAL [email protected]
ADVERTISING [email protected] 416-469-1429, ext. 223
TECHNICAL FEEDBACK AND [email protected]
GENERAL INQUIRIES2life.io/weddings 416-469-1429
© 2014 2 For Life Media Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.
Cover Image: Andrekart Photography
connected and organized as you plan the best party of your lives. Get started by downloading the app (it’s free!) and invite your partner to sign up and create a joint account with you. The app lets couples coordinate calendar events, share photos, bookmark important websites and manage to-do lists. Along with the app’s useful tools, you’ll find inspiring content, such as planning tips, blog articles, galleries and even this magazine. Plus, find your perfect dress in our Gown Search, which features hundreds of gowns from top bridal designers.
When the big day arrives, remember the reason for this celebration: your lifelong commitment to love and cherish each other. This will help you handle any unfore-seen hiccups. After all, having picture-perfect hair or Pin-worthy décor details is just icing on the cake.
We hope you enjoy this issue. We’ve got a runway report highlighting the most swoon-worthy trends in bridal fashion, honeymoon spots for every travel style, and relationship strategist Sue Nador’s advice for navi-gating housework as you settle into matrimonial bliss. And don’t miss our real weddings: a fuss-free outdoor wedding, and a glamorous countryside celebration.
Send us an email with feedback and comments—we love hearing from you! Visit our blog for daily inspiration and connect with us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr. —KATE DRUMMOND
2LIFE WEDDINGS
IMAGEGRAFX
HILE SOME COUPLES stick with tradition
and don’t get a glimpse of each other on their wedding day until they meet at the altar, others choose to have a “first look” before the ceremony. You’ve got to do what’s best for you and your partner, but here are three reasons why we love this romantic trend.
The focus is on the two of you see ing each other in your wedding- day best and sharing a private moment before the cere mony. You can hug, kiss, laugh and tear up as a photogra-pher and/or cinema tographer captures the anticipation and joy of this once- in-a-lifetime moment.
Seeing each other before the ceremony takes the edge off. You might be jittery, but having a playful and intimate moment together should calm your nerves and help you feel more relaxed when you walk down the aisle.
You can’t exactly ask the officiant to “hang on a sec” while you embrace your groom and gush over how darned handsome he looks! Having a first look lets you express your heartfelt reaction without restraint.
The Look
of Love
W
1
3
2
UPFRONT
2LIFE WEDDINGS
ELEONORA KOLÕTSEVA (FOOD TRUCK); ISTOCK (BOXES)
“THE FOOD AT weddings has become more playful,” says Russell Day, Vice President of Daniel et Daniel Event Creation & Catering. Breakfast sandwiches, poutine, and biscuits with fried chicken are common items on the ever-popular late-night menu, and food truck-inspired eats are also crowd pleasers. And it’s not just the food that’s becoming more playful: couples are also having fun with the presen tation. Day suggests serving snacks and desserts in small takeout boxes, mason jars or mini fry baskets to add that extra level of whimsy to your wedding fare.
Click here for more mouthwatering wedding food tips and trends!
fun
serving
idea
Who Says You Can’t Play With
Your Food?!
2LIFE WEDDINGS
OCIAL MEDIA SITES are end less sources of wedding inspir ation: you can find every thing from
modern boutonnieres to bachelor ette party ideas on these platforms.
But you might want to think twice the next time you log in to Twitter: A new study from the University of Missouri School of Journalism suggests that active Twitter use can lead to conflict, infidelity and divorce among couples.
The study surveyed 581 Twitter users about their habits on the social media platform. Participants were asked how often they log on, tweet, and reply to tweets, and whether their Twitter use had ever led to conflict in their romantic relation ships, including emotional or physical infidelity and/or breakups.
The study’s findings suggest that fre quent Twitter use can in fact lead to ro mantic conflict, regardless of how long a couple has been together. It seems that people are sharing with everyone—except their partners.
Aside from making the obvious suggestion that users reduce the amount of time they spend on Twitter, the study cites our 2life app, designed to keep couples connected, as a possible solution. “Some couples share joint social networking site accounts to reduce relationship conflict, and there are some apps, such
as the 2life app, that facilitate inter personal communi ca
tion between partners,” Clayton says.
So, the next time you have the urge to share a photo or link with your Twitter followers (many of whom you’ve probably
never even met IRL), why not sign in to 2life
or 2life Ultimate Wedding Planner instead and share
some thing with the person that matters most in your life: your partner. When you can’t talk or be facetoface, it’s the next best thing.
S
PRESSURE UA
’Til Twitter Do Us Part?
2LIFE WEDDINGS
Follow our Big Love Ball adventures on Instagram!
LET US INTRODUCE you to our latest obsession: the Big Love Ball, a five-foot, inflatable ball o’ love that makes a perfectly playful
wedding prop. There are lots of creative ways to incorporate a love ball into your cele bration. Use it in your proposal, engagement or
wedding photo shoot, or invite friends and family to write messages on the ball as a fun alternative to a guest book. If you’re having
a photo or video booth at your reception, add a Big Love Ball to your prop chest, or take it to your destination wedding and have the
most epic game of beach volleyball ever!
BOUNCING INTO A WEDDING NEAR YOU
SHERRI KOOP PHOTOGRAPHY2LIFE WEDDINGS2LIFE WEDDINGS
etiquette tip: Receiving lines may be
passé, but welcoming each and every guest
to your wedding will never go out of style.
Whether you make the rounds during cocktail
hour, or visit each table during dessert, make
sure that you schedule time throughout
the evening to speak to each guest and thank
them for being a part of your celebration.
ELISABETH MILLAY PHOTOGRAPHY (ETIQUETTE TIP)
EVER WISH YOU could store all of your favorite online wedding resources in one list that you can access from your mobile device? The 2life Ultimate Wedding Planner app has got you covered! LINKS is one of the most valuable tools in our mobile app. It lets you search and share your favorite links from within the app and around the web, and bookmark them for handy access. Keep your mostused websites (budgeter, guest list manager, etc.) at your fingertips, and bookmark helpful infor ma tion that you find in other parts of the app. If your partner is using the app with you, anything that you add to LINKS will automatically be shared.
Wedding Planning
On The Go
GET THE APP!
2LIFE WEDDINGS
click to launch
playlist
SLOJAMS
I’ll Make Love To You
Boyz II Men
I’m Still In Love With You Al Green
Red Red Wine UB40
Can’t Help Falling In Love Elvis Presley
Sittin’ On the Dock Of The Bay
Otis Redding
The Tracks Of My Tears
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Save The Last Dance For Me The Drifters
Long As I Can See The Light
Creedence Clearwater Revival
SENTIMENTAL HIPSTERS
Closer Tegan and Sara
All My Friends LCD Soundsystem
Dancing On My Own Robyn
The Whole Wide World
Wreckless Eric
Heroes David Bowie
Once In A Lifetime Talking Heads
Home Edward Sharpe & The
Magnetic Zeroes
80S SING-ALONGS
I Wanna Dance With Somebody
Whitney Houston
Hold On Wilson Phillips
The Final Countdown Europe
Don’t Stop Believin’ Journey
Livin’ On A Prayer Bon Jovi
Billie Jean Michael Jackson
Jesse’s Girl Rick Springfield
Kiss Prince
Like A Prayer Madonna
Dancing In The Dark Bruce Springsteen
Just A Friend Biz Markie
ANIKEI
2LIFE PLAYLIST EPIC SONGS FOR THE LAST DANCE OF THE NIGHT! CLASSICS
Sweet CarolineNeil Diamond
Tiny Dancer Elton John
Islands In The Stream Kenny Rogers and
Dolly Parton
ShoutThe Isley Brothers
CeciliaSimon & Garfunkel
Jackie Wilson Said (I’m In Heaven
When You Smile) Van Morrison
Land Of 1000 Dances Wilson Pickett
Lola The Kinks
COMPILED BY IAN GORMELY
2LIFE WEDDINGS
WEDDINGS 101
ISTOCK
THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE MY WEDDING HAIR TRIAL
5
It’s unfair, but true: bad wedding hair
can happen to good people. But a hellish wedding hair experience
is avoidable if you plan ahead and follow these five easy tips during your trial hair appointment. BY KATE DRUMMOND
1. BRING PHOTOSVerbal descriptions and hand gestures (no matter how animated) aren’t gonna cut it when it comes to sharing your vision with your stylist. Pull up your wedding-hair
Pinterest board on your phone or bring magazines to the salon. It’s the only way you can be sure that you’ve accurately communicated what you want.
2LIFE WEDDINGS
3. WILL YOU NEED EXTENSIONS? Extensions add a little va-va-voom to any bridal hairstyle, whether your hair is up or down, curly or straight. For example, if you want a full side bun but have fine hair,
you might not be able to achieve the look without extensions. Discuss this with your stylist before your trial, because you’ll have to buy extensions ahead of time and bring them to your appointment. Most salons don’t stock them and you don’t want to find out on
your wedding day that you need them (trust me).
2. BRING YOUR VEIL AND/OR HAIR ACCESSORIESYou might love the ’do on its own, but will you still love it once you add your veil or
hair accessory? It’s important for the stylist to see your veil or the size of your accessory so they can determine whether or not it will work with the style you want.
4. SPEAK UP! If you aren’t head-over-heels for your stylist’s creation, now is the time to say so.
Trials are brainstorming sessions for you and your stylist to work together to get the exact bridal look that you want. Do you like the way your fringe looks? Are there
enough curls? Too many? Do you want the tops of your ears covered or exposed? Is your hair pulled back so tight that your head hurts?
5. BRING A FRIEND… AND A CAMERAIt never hurts to get a second opinion from someone whose taste and opinion
you trust. Your friend doesn’t have to love the look (you do) but it’s nice to have moral support and collaborative input. Plus, they can snap pics and you
can see if the style flatters your face/profile from every angle. Bring these photos to the salon on your wedding day; they’ll be helpful guides for your stylist
if a hair crisis is imminent.
2LIFE WEDDINGS
STYLE
GONE ARE THE days when “wedding dress” was synonymous with a strapless, A-line gown. Modern brides want to walk down the aisle in fashion-forward
gowns that reflect their individual style. This spring, designers at New York Bridal Fashion Week debuted collections that were clearly a response to these desires.
Andrea Anastasiou, stylist and owner of White bridal boutiques, highlights five of the most stunning aisle styles spotted on the runways.
BY KATE DRUMMOND
JENNY PACKHAM ♥ HEPBURN DRESS
AISLE STYLE:TOP BRIDAL
TRENDS FROM THE RUNWAY
2LIFE WEDDINGS
“A LOT OF BRIDES love the idea of changing up their look, but they don’t necessarily want to change their dress,” says Anastasiou. Remove a delicate capelet to expose a strapless dress,
or detach an overskirt to reveal a slimmer silhouette: these are just a couple of the creative ways in which designers experimented with removable elements this season. A two-in-one style gives brides the option of having multiple looks, without having to invest in a second
gown. You might even be able to wear some bridal separates with other special-occasion outfits after the wedding.
D.I.D. BY WATTERS ♥ ALICE DRESS/LOTTIE CAPELET
SEPARATES
2LIFE WEDDINGS
JENNY PACKHAM ♥ BILLIE DRESS
A CROSS BETWEEN strapless and off the shoulder, the romantic “arm candy” trend is perfect for brides who wish for some coverage on their arms, but don’t necessarily want full sleeves. While Kate Middleton-inspired gowns look gorgeous, they can limit a bride’s arm movement. Plus, wearing sleeves during an outdoor ceremony could be uncomfortable for summer brides; this look offers a refreshing alternative.
HINT OF MINTARM CANDY
2LIFE WEDDINGS
COLOR IS NOTHING new in bridal fashion: brides and designers alike have embraced gowns with hints of soft pink and pewter for the past couple of years. While blush is still a mainstay
for 2015, pastel blues, mint greens and pale periwinkles also made an appearance on the runways. Anastasiou predicts that icy mint will be the new hue for weddings in
the coming year, whether brides incorporate it into their gown, or use it as a color palette for décor elements or bridesmaids’ dresses.
HINT OF MINT
MONIQUE LHUILLIER ♥ OCEANA DRESS
2LIFE WEDDINGS
TO CREATE THIS ultra-romantic look, designers layer beadwork, lace or embroidery on top of fine tulle to create an illusion of the embellishments floating on a bride’s skin. When seen from a distance, the tulle “disappears” to create a magical, dramatic effect: “It looks like there’s lace creeping up the back of a dress, or beadwork tattooed up the bride’s arm or around the neckline,” says Anastasiou. The look is ideal for brides who want to show some skin in a subtle, sophisticated way.
HINT OF MINT
ILLUSION DETAILS
RIVINI ♥ ALYSON DRESS
2LIFE WEDDINGS
WHILE THE EFFORTLESSNESS of boho-inspired style appeals to many brides, the slip-dress-and-flower-crown look is getting a luxe makeover. Many boho-inclined brides still covet an
unadorned dress, but others are looking for something that evokes understated style with a touch of glam. Embellished spaghetti straps, metallic lace or Oscar de la Renta’s
“rich peasant” look are examples of the new boho, says Anastasiou.
BOHEMIAN LUXE
OSCAR DE LA RENTA ♥ LOOK 1
USE THE
gown search IN OUR 2life Ultimate
Wedding Planner APP TO FIND YOUR
PERFECT DRESS!
2LIFE WEDDINGS
REAL WEDDING
BY KATE DRUMMOND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY GRAHAM PHOTOGRAPHY
SUMMER LOVE: HOW TO HOST AN
OUTDOOR WEDDING
Many couples are seduced by the idea of an outdoor summer wedding. Take some cues from Chris and Andrew for
a fuss-free alfresco celebration.
Whether you’re getting married on the water’s edge, in a forest or in Central Park, the setting will be a major feature of your wed-ding photos. If you can, do a location-scouting mission before-hand, perhaps with your photo-grapher in tow, to find interesting architectural elements and breath taking natural scenery that would make fabulous backdrops.
PHOTO OPS
2LIFE WEDDINGS
An outdoor setting is already beautiful, so don’t try to compete with it. Chris and Andrew chose a color palette that blended in with summer’s vibrant hues: the bridesmaids’ dresses reflect the clear blue sky; the purple accents symbolize an array of summer blooms; and punches of green echo the grass and trees. Keep flowers and boutonnieres simple and fresh to highlight their natural beauty.
SUMMER HUES
2LIFE WEDDINGS
Use bicycles to get around on your wedding day! They’re a fun and eco-friendly transportation solution. Chris and Andrew hired a bicycle rickshaw service to transport the entire wedding party from one location to the next. A tandem bike is a charming option for the two of you and makes a great prop for wedding portraits.
WEDDING DAY
WHEELS
2LIFE WEDDINGS
FUN FAVORS
Chris and Andrew provided guests with a spread of goodies, including sunglasses, sunscreen, a map of the city, and treat bags full of candy. DIY ceremony programs doubled as fans for fending off the summer heat.
2LIFE WEDDINGS
With an outdoor ceremony, the “no pets allowed” rule need not apply. If you have a pet, include him or her in your ceremony and photos, dressed for the occasion in a fancy neckerchief or bow tie.
BRING YOUR PET
2LIFE WEDDINGS
In the great outdoors, you can decorate the aisle with fresh, fragrant flower petals. (Faux petals work, too, although they won’t smell as heavenly.) Make sure you have a backup plan in case a storm rolls in on your big day: you don’t want your guests to have to sit through a downpour as you exchange vows.
PETAL POWER
2LIFE WEDDINGS
the ultimate wedding planner for couples
IT’SFREE!
plan your celebration together
2life Ultimate Wedding Planner helps you and your partner get inspired
and organized for your big day.
the ultimate wedding planner for couples
IT’SFREE!
it’s a sharing thing
2life syncs across your devices in real time, so the two of you are always up to date.
An Elegant Manor
Wedding
Step inside this enchanting
“secret garden” wedding
BY KATE DRUMMOND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PASHA BELMAN
REAL WEDDING
2LIFE WEDDINGS
PICTURE THIS: Your car rolls to a stop at the end of a tree-lined laneway and standing before you is an English-style manor, covered in ivy and surround-ed by sprawling lawns and lush gardens. When Stephanie saw this breath taking view of the historic Greencrest Manor Bed & Breakfast in Battle Creek, Michigan, she knew she had found the perfect venue for her and Ben’s outdoor summer ceremony.
The couple had already chosen the backyard of Stephanie’s childhood home
in Vicksburg, Michigan, for their wed - ding reception. Once they found the enchant ing ceremony site, they settled on a “secret garden” theme and set about plan ning the rest of the details.
Stephanie and her mom spent months scouring flea markets and garage sales in search of beautiful antique pieces, including silver tea sets that would double as centerpieces, Victorian furniture for outdoor lounge areas, and distressed dressers and tables for the guest book and photo vignettes.
Stephanie & Ben
2LIFE WEDDINGS
HEN THE HAPPY day arrived, the couple had a “first look” before the ceremony. Ben had his back turned to Stephanie as she approached him on the lawn; when he turned around to see his bride, he had tears in his eyes, which, of course, made Stephanie misty-eyed, too. “It took some convincing for Ben to agree to see me before the wed-ding,” says Stephanie. “But he was glad
he did, and he tells me that was his favorite part of the day.”
Temperatures reached a sweltering 92 degrees Fahrenheit during the cere-mony. Ben and Stephanie had antici- pated the heat and provided guests with hand made programs that doubled as fans. They also set up a beverage station with water bottles, and offered handkerchiefs for “tears of joy” (and
W
2LIFE WEDDINGS
pesky beads of sweat).Stephanie’s father walked her down
the aisle, and Ben’s sister sang “The Prayer,” accompanied by a string quartet, during the ceremony. Although Stephanie had been nervous about saying her vows in front of everyone, the heartfelt exchange turned out to be the highlight of the day for her. “It was comforting to have everyone there supporting us,” she says.
After the ceremony, guests traveled to Stephanie’s parents’ country house for an intimate backyard reception. Stephanie is the eldest of seven children, and her father spared no energy when it came to preparing their family home for her wedding. He spent the entire spring and summer transforming the yard into an “inviting, romantic oasis,” says Stephanie.
2LIFE WEDDINGS
ERY FEW WEDDINGS go off without a hitch; although Ben and Stephanie’s day was almost perfect in every way, they did experience a small hiccup while driving from the ceremony to the reception: the vintage car that they had borrowed from a friend broke down in the middle of the road! Friends who were en route to the reception stopped
to help push the car into a nearby park-ing lot, and the newlyweds hitched a ride to the party with their photographer. “It was an exciting adventure, and Ben and I just laughed about it,” says Stephanie.
The reception began with a cocktail hour featuring passed hors d’oeuvres of tea sandwiches and chicken wings (Ben’s only wedding-day request) and two specialty cocktails: the Stephanie—peach vodka with sweet tea—and the Ben—Jack Daniels and Cherry Coke.
Stephanie and her mom weren’t the only ones who contributed to the array of DIY décor details: Ben and his father restored an old bar that had been salvaged from a fire. Other reception highlights included a photo booth and a “keys to a happy marriage” table where guests were invited to write their best piece of rela-tion ship advice for the bride and groom.
Rather than having a traditional head table, Ben and Stephanie dined together at a “sweetheart” table in the middle of the dance floor. Stephanie’s family loves all things Disney, so guests weren’t sur-prised when they were invited to take their seats for dinner to the tune of “Be our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast.
V
2LIFE WEDDINGS
PHOTO : QUENTIN BACON
Although Stephanie had been nervous about saying her vows in front
of everyone, the heartfelt exchange turned out
to be the highlight of the day for her.
2LIFE WEDDINGS
2LIFE WEDDINGS
HE ELEGANT
reception featured round tables with gold Chiavari chairs and antique centerpieces. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling of the reception tent, which had a clear top to reveal the stars. A sky-lantern release followed the first dance. “There was so much love every where,” says Stephanie.
Once all of the guests had departed, the blissful newlyweds collapsed onto one of the moonlit sofas and reflected on their wedding—an “amazing, wonder ful, romantic, emotional, beautiful, and sweaty day!”
Visit 2life.io to see more inspiring Real Weddings!
T
2LIFE WEDDINGS
FEATURE
Relationship strategist Sue Nador’s advice to newlyweds for keeping peace on the domestic front.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY PETER WILLEMS
First Comes Love… Then Come The Dishes
2LIFE WEDDINGS
OUR SPOUSE IS your best friend, your lover—and
your housemate. It doesn’t sound sexy, but hashing out how you will work together as domestic partners will help keep your love alive. Wouldn’t it be a shame to ruin a perfectly good mar -riage over a sink full of dirty dishes?
I married for love. You too, I bet. As a result, we expect things like trust, loyalt y, and respect from our romantic partners. But there is one other very important expectation that is often overlooked. How will our partners work with us to tackle the domestic demands that sharing a home entails?
You already know that people you love can irk you as housemates.
Remem ber how your sister always stole your favorite t-shirt? Or what about your college room mate who left empty milk cartons in the fridge? Perhaps your BFF became persona non grata after you shared an apartment.
Love and passion are easier to sustain when you work well as domestic team mates. Resentment over house-work is a libido killer—the death knell in any relationship. So, how can you and your partner be best friends, lovers and awesome roommates?
Here are the three most important lessons I’ve learned about keeping peace on the domestic front through 25 years of marriage.
Y
BE FLEXIBLEAccept that your partner’s aesthetic standards may be higher or lower than yours.
Are you a neat freak who goes ballistic if there’s one dirty dish in the sink? Or could you care less that dust elephants roam through your house? Establish reasonable standards together based on what matters the most to each of you,
then discuss how you will work as a team to get it done. Creating an environment you both enjoy requires compromise—and isn’t that the essence of marriage?
1
2LIFE WEDDINGS
“Your relationship
should never become too much
work and not enough play.”
SHOW APPRECIATIONTake time to thank your husband for the work he does. Kiss your wife on
the lips after she takes out the recycling, even if the chore is on her side of the domestic ledger. Everyone appreciates knowing that his or her work is not
invisible. Appreciation also means avoiding micro-managing—there is no “right” way to fold towels. And never underestimate the use of humor as
a motivational tool: “You look so damn hot in those rubber gloves” goes further than a snippy comment like, “It’s about time you did those dishes.”
2
2LIFE WEDDINGS
THE DISHES CAN WAITYour house is not a museum. Dirtying pots to make memorable family meals, buying books that overflow from the shelves, or being the neighborhood hub
for your children’s active friends is what life is about. Accept that “mess” is a byproduct of a life well lived. Keeping a spotless house can rob you of precious time to have fun as a couple. Don’t let mundane day-to-day tasks take over. Your relationship should never become too much work and not enough play. Always make time to go for a romantic walk, catch a movie,
or enjoy a pint at your local pub. Trust me, the dishes can wait.
Visit 2life for more
relationship advice!
3
2LIFE WEDDINGS
GIFT REGISTRY
WE’VE GOT YOUR NUMBERS
THE ONE, TWO, THREE OF GIFT REGISTRY
BY KAREN HALL
2LIFE WEDDINGS
GIFT REGISTRY
RE YOU COUNTING the days until your wedding? Totaling
up the number of guests? Crunch ing the numbers for your budget? There’s one more thing that requires your arithmetical attention: your gift registry.
Receiving wedding gifts, like the event itself, is a once-in-a-lifetime affair. You may never again be faced with the prospect
of choosing all kinds of lovely things for your home, and having them given to you. It’s exciting, but maybe a bit daunting too. How much is too much, or not enough? What do guests gen-erally spend on a gift?
In our previous issue, we introduced you to the hows and whys of wedding gift registries.Here, we offer our guide to the one-two-three’s.
A
TIMELINE: WHAT TO DO WHEN
STEP ONE
Early on in your planning (as much as a year before the wedding), start shopping around and decide where to register. Have a look at the Galleries tab in the 2life Ultimate Wedding Planner app for our top registry picks. Pre-register online, but then make an appointment to visit a consultant at your chosen store(s).
STEP TWO
Start adding items to your registry well in advance of any pre-wedding celebrations that may involve gifts (engagement party, showers, and so on). It doesn’t have to be a complete list, if you still need more time to decide on, say, your dinnerware pattern; basic items like kitchen
2LIFE WEDDINGS
gadgets and gardening tools make great shower gifts, and there are probably some bigger-ticket items that you already know you want.
STEP THREE
About six to eight months before the wedding, once you’ve spent some time together discussing your needs and wishes and choosing what you would like, build out your registry list. It’s fun to do this in the store with the help of your gift registry consultant, but it’s easy to do online as well.
STEP FOUR
Inform your guests. Registry notification cards can be included with save-the-date cards, shower invitations, and perhaps your wedding invitations. If you have created a wedding website, include the information there. Make sure your parents and wedding party have the details, too.
STEP FIVE
This is important, so don’t skip it: as the big day approaches, examine your registry list to make sure there are still plenty of options in all price ranges for the last-minute shoppers on your guest list. Another visit to the store and advice from your consultant may be valuable.
STEP SIX
Enjoy unwrapping your treasures, taking careful notes of who gave you what; you will need this information for….
STEP SEVEN
Thank-you notes. Ideally, handwritten thank-you cards should be sent to each guest within three months of the wedding, even if you’ve already said thanks in person.
STEP EIGHT
After the wedding, take advantage of the store’s completion offers to acquire any items remaining on your list.
2LIFE WEDDINGS
ADD IT UP
1. Tally up the total number of guests at-tending your pre-wedding parties—engagement parties, showers and other gifting events.
4. To de-termine your total number of registry gifts, add your shower and wedding results.
2. On the top row of the shower chart, find the number closest to your guest total. The numbers below this show how many gifts you should register for in each price range.
3. For the wedding, tally up your guest list and find the num-ber that best matches it along the top row of the wed ding chart. Scroll down that column to see the number of gifts you should choose in each price range.
As a rule of thumb, there should be at least 75 items on your registry. To customize the number to your circumstances, follow these steps.
COST OF GIFTS
TOTAL GIFTS
20 40 60 80 100 120
5Under $25
$25 - $50
$50 - $75
$75 - $100
$100 - $150
$150 - $200
10 15 20 30 35
8 15 25 35 40 50
5 15 15 20 30 35
3 5 5 5 7 10
2 2 2 2 2 2
1 3 4 5 8 8
24 50 66 87 117 140
NUMBER OF GUESTS
SHOWER
TOTAL GIFTS
50 75 100 150 200 300
$25 - $50
$50 - $75
$75 - $100
$100 - $150
$150 - $200
Over $200
7 10 15 20 30 40
10 12 15 25 35 50
10 15 20 30 40 60
10 15 20 30 40 60
5 5 10 10 15 20
3 3 4 5 6 10
45 60 84 120 166 240
WEDDING
NUMBER OF GUESTS COST OF GIFTS
2LIFE WEDDINGS
IF YOU ARE like most couples, you’ll be registering for items to furnish your home. You will need only one of some things—one stand mixer, one coffee maker, one garment steamer. But with others, it’s not so obvious. Let us help you out.
Tabletop is perhaps the most mysterious category. Gener-ally speaking, you should antici-pate hosting parties or family gatherings and stock up accor-dingly. The side bar on the next page gives the traditional recom-mended numbers.
There’s a bit more to con-sider, however: for example, a “place setting” can be five, four or even three pieces, depending on the pattern (less commonly, dinnerware is available as
“open stock” with each item sold separate ly). Along
with a dinner plate, a setting might include a cup and saucer or a mug, a bread plate or a bowl. For example, if you choose a pattern that’s sold as five-piece place settings including dinner
plate, salad plate, bread-and-butter plate, teacup and saucer, you will need to register for bowls (rim soups, perhaps) separately. Would you like
other items in that pattern, such as coffee mugs or fruit bowls? Register for the same number of each “per person” item.
Some dinnerware may be sold as boxed sets, especially if it’s “everyday” or “casual.” A 20-piece set, for instance, may include four five-piece
THE NUMBERS
Make sure you cover the basics, then
add any extra or specialty items.
2LIFE WEDDINGS
place settings, so you will need three sets if you want 12 settings.
The same general principles apply to flatware, stemware and barware. Make sure you cover the basics, then add any extra or specialty items, like steak knives or martini glasses.
Along with the standard serving dishes, look for fun add-ons: tidbit plates, for example, usually sold in sets of four, are great for entertaining, as are tapas sets, stylish chip-and-dip servers, and more.
And a final word about numbers, this time for the bed and bath. You should have three sets of sheets: one that’s in use, one in the laundry, and a spare set in the cup board. Same goes for towels (three sets each). Don’t forget to outfit the guest bedroom and bath-room, too.
FOR ENTERTAINING12 place settings of dinnerware
12 soup/cereal/pasta bowls12 accent/salad/dessert plates
12 mugs12 place settings of flatware
4-5 serving forks and spoons12 goblets, red and white
wine glasses 4-5 serving bowls and platters
1 teapot, cream and sugar 1 set of salt and pepper shakers
FOR EVERYDAY12 place settings of dinnerware
12 soup/cereal/pasta bowls12 accent/salad/dessert plates
12 mugs12 place settings of flatware
12 glasses4-5 serving bowls and platters
1 teapot, cream and sugar
How much of what?
2LIFE WEDDINGS
the ultimate wedding planner for couples
IT’SFREE!
our gift to youDownload 2life Ultimate Wedding Planner
and get a free one-year upgrade to 2life Premium when you create a gift registry
with one of our featured partners.
TRAVEL
HONEYMOON SWEET When it comes to your honeymoon, the world is your oyster.
But in case you find so much choice a bit overwhelming, we suggest some destinations sure to offer the perfect start to your happily-ever-after. Which one fits your travel style?
BY BENEDETTA LAMANNA
LUXELovers
The
JIMBARAN PURI BALI2LIFE WEDDINGS
KEWARRA BEACH 2LIFE WEDDINGS
INDONESIA: This archipelago comprises more than 17,500 islands, only 6,000 of which are inhabited, making it a truly unspoiled destination. The country’s holiday hot spot, Bali is famous for its dances, festivals and spas. At the luxury resort Jimbaran Puri Bali, you will find yourself in an opulent, secluded setting. Situated on one of Bali’s most gorgeous beaches and offering magnificent ocean views, it’s the
ultimate romantic destination. Take in the tropical gardens and dine alfresco, or enjoy some R ‘n R in your private cottage (or deluxe villa with its own pool!). Luxury is at your fingertips at this five-star joint, complete with spa services such as body scrubs, massages, baths and Ayurvedic treatments.
LUXELovers
The
JIMBARAN PURI BALI (PREVIOUS PAGE AND ABOVE)
MOROCCO: Steeped in ancient history, Morocco will seduce you. With its gorgeously intimate secret gardens (riads), bustling markets (souks) and stately palaces, this country sets the
stage for your storybook honeymoon. Marrakech, the most important of Morocco’s four former imperial cities, gives the country its name. Take a stroll in Djemaa el-Fna, an ancient square that boasts storytellers, snake charmers and enchanting narrow streets. Check into the Amanjena, a resort located just outside of Marrakech, where you can gaze into the eyes of your beloved to the sound of fountains and soft Arabic music—a setting even Romeo and Juliet would envy!
ROMANTICSThe
AMAN RESORTS2LIFE WEDDINGS
SWITZERLAND: The country loved the world over for its cheese, chocolate and neutrality is an ideal getaway for outdoorsy newlyweds. The Swiss Alps are your playground—think skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, ice climbing, hiking and paragliding. If you want a harmonious blend of romance and adventure, the Zermatt Matterhorn has got you covered. After a day of alpine
adventure, rest your heads at the trendy Hotel Matterhorn Focus. Designed by renowned Swiss artist and architect Heinz Julen, the hotel offers modern luxury and breathtaking mountain views.
ADVENTURE
SeekersThe
ZERMATT MATTERHORN 2LIFE WEDDINGS
FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS
KENYA: Boasting lush savannahs, equatorial forests and pristine deserts, Kenya offers travel experiences worthy of your bucket
list. This geographically diverse coun-try features ancient granite hills, coral reefs and islets, and the stunning Great Rift Valley. Try activities like balloon safaris and game drives, which provide unforgettable glimpses of nature at its purest, including 11 percent of the world’s bird species. Check into the Fairmont Mara Safari Club—it’s an ideal home base for animal lovers. The Fairmont gives you access to one of the world’s richest wildlife reserves, the Masai Mara, which is home to cheetahs, zebras, lions and gazelles, while the nearby Mara River hosts hippos, crocodiles and catfish.
The ECO
WARRIORS
2LIFE WEDDINGS
GRAND CAYMAN MARRIOTT BEACH RESORT
GRAND CAYMAN: The largest of the three islands making up the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman is the center of the action. With more than
130 restaurants, from street-side cafes to elegant bistros, you’ll find a place to satisfy your every craving. After dinner, check out a live show (local bands play all over the island) or hit the dance floor at one of Grand Cayman’s many trendy clubs. During the day, unwind at Rum Point with a cold drink or perfect your swing on the golf course. The Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort is centrally located on the famous Seven Mile Beach, and boasts spacious oceanfront lodgings. Nearby, you can take in the best the island has to offer—like restaurants featuring local soul food, seafood and eclectic fusion, plus a bevy of chic bars to boot.
Click here for more picture-perfect honeymoon destinations!
2LIFE WEDDINGS
WATCH
REAL WEDDING MOMENT
BRIDE & GROOM’S SHOW-STOPPING DIRTY DANCING ROUTINE!
TERRA AND DRAKE love to dance. They love to dance so much that before they became Mr. and Mrs. they spent lots of time and energy perfecting
a surprise Dirty Dancing routine to perform at their wedding reception. The couple reenacted Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s romantic
dance routine to “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” (Spoiler alert: they totally nailed the grand-finale lift.) We love how much effort the couple put into this performance for their special day—you can tell they had the time of
their lives performing together in front of their friends and family.
2LIFE WEDDINGS
Thank you for reading 2life Weddings magazine! We’d love to get your feedback about this issue.
We
want to
hear from
you!
thanks!Click here to complete a short survey and share your thoughts
IT’SFREE!
the ultimate wedding planner for couples