BlissWedded

A guide to the fashion, flowers and milestones on the road to happily ever after

WEDDING GUIDE2014

48 SLICE // JANUARY 2014

AirBy Tim Fields // Photos by Simon Hurst

It’s January, and we have weddings on the brain. Maybe it’s because the

holiday season is one of the most popular times to get engaged and the obvious follow-up question to “Will you or won’t you?” is “What will I wear?” With that in mind, we’ve pitched in with some of the legwork to curate a few stunning styles that work in lots of big-day

scenarios: from refined and uptown to fun and casual. Mazel tov!

Loveis inthe

The Wedding Guide

JANUARY 2014 // SLICE 49

Luxurious lace defines this superb A-line style

from Allure Couture. The sweetheart-shaped neckline has scalloped

edging and soft cap sleeves, and the café-

colored charmeuse lining is covered in ivory lace. Pearl necklace and earrings are by Toni Federici. Available at Moliere Bridal. Boots:

model’s own.

THE WEDDING GUIDEAdvice, Ideas and Vendorsto Make Your Day Special

Love is in the AirFashion for the Bride and Groom - 48

The Language of LoveSymbolic Stems - 58

Countdown to the Big DayA Planning Checklist - 63

Leanne Marshall handkerchief pleated

chiffon and lace bodice gown with a Meg Guess

sash, headpiece and veil. Available at Meg Guess

Bridal Couture

A navy double-breasted wool tuxedo with satin lapels by Ralph Lauren

adds a touch of care without trying too hard – perfect for a country soirée. Navy silk tie by

Robert Talbott. Available at Spencer Stone

The Wedding Guide

50 SLICE // JANUARY 2014

This sophisticated look is courtesy of an Allure Bridal taffeta gown, cut to fit and flair with a soft lace

peplum bodice, dramatic V neckline and crystal beading

at the waist. Available at Bridal Boutique

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Make a statement in this Justin Alexander alabaster

satin mermaid gown, adorned with a beaded

sash and crystal and satin buttons covering the back

zipper all the way down the chapel-length train. Top it off with a Giselle birdcage veil in ivory

Russian tulle and jewelry by Toni Federici. Available

at Moliere Bridal

And we can’t forget the fellas: dapper glen plaid tux coat with navy satin lapels and navy trousers

by Ports and silk bow tie by Robert Talbott. Available

at Spencer Stone

The Wedding Guide

52 SLICE // JANUARY 2014

Allure Couture’s modified strapless A-line

gown in ivory features tiny horizontal bands

of champagne-colored satin throughout the silhouette, creating a fabulous shape. Five

strand pearls by Moliere Bridal Design and

earrings by Toni Federici with Giselle bridal floral headpiece. Available at

Moliere Bridal

JANUARY 2014 // SLICE 53

A romantic city wedding is on point in this fairy tale, tiered

tulle gown with beaded and jewel encrusted

bodice by Jim Hjelm for Meg Guess, with Meg Guess white tulle veil.

Available at Meg Guess Couture Bridal

Special thanks to: Jennifer Dawson, S Studio Salon // Dakota Gwaltney for the MakeUp Bar // Harn Homestead // Oklahoma State Capitol // Brink Models

The Wedding Guide

54 SLICE // JANUARY 2014

This Allure Bridals soft satin ball gown

with a ruched sweetheart bodice,

pockets and a crystal beaded belt is a fun approach to a serious day, paired

with a jeweled headband. Available

at Bridal Boutique

JANUARY 2014 // SLICE 55

This Allure Couture ivory slip gown features a plunging neckline and

beautiful V-shaped back. The ethereal sil-

houette is created from a top layer of English net embellished with beading and crystals and a bottom layer of soft charmeuse satin.

Accessories are by Toni Federici. Available at

Moliere Bridal

The Wedding Guide

56 SLICE // JANUARY 2014

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The Language of LoveBy Sara Gae Waters

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, I WASN’T ALWAYS “IN LOVE” WITH FLOWERS like I am today. Don’t get me wrong – I liked f lowers a lot. But the actual “falling in love” happened over the course of the first summer months after I was married. Just a few weeks after my wedding, I found myself included in a small group of my mom’s friends who were “doing the f lowers” for another friend’s wedding. One weekend turned into several more because suddenly it seemed that everyone we knew was getting married. Floral arrangements take a lot of work, much more than you comprehend until the moment you are knee-deep in snapdragons, lilies, gladiolus and Queen Anne’s lace with only hours before show time and you realize you now have to transport them all. And yes, those were the f lowers of choice circa 1992!

I treasure the memories we made that summer. I can smell a lily from a mile away and it instantly takes me back to that time. It was definitely worth all the effort, but all that being said, no matter how much you love f lowers, it’s a really good idea to find a f lorist for your wedding! It helps to spend some time thinking about what you want and what you like, and a good f lorist will be able to incorporate your thoughts into the selections for the big day. My taste in f lowers changes frequently, and “so many f lowers, so little time” should be my motto. I do have a few favorites for you to think about for your special arrange-ments. In a day packed with meaning and symbolism, f lowers can reinforce particular themes in addition to add-ing decoration. In mixed bouquets or clusters of just one variety, you can’t go wrong with these beautiful blooms!

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TulipSYMBOLIC MEANING: CARINGThe tulip will always be one of my top choices. With so many varieties to choose from, you simply can’t go wrong. Orange or coral tulips and pink tulips are my top choices. For a really unique look, parrot tulips are simply incredible to behold.

RanunculusSYMBOLIC MEANING: RADIANCEAnd that they are. Choosing a color may be the hardest part of picking this whimsical and fun flower. I am crazy about clustering them together in similar hues for bouquets, especially the whites and butter yellows with creams and pinks and light corals. For tables at a reception, placing single stems in various sizes of glass vases is a modern look that is simple and easy to do. Pairing ranunculus with geranium leaves and other supporting flowers is also a great way to go.

PeonySYMBOLIC MEANING: HEALING

This flower would definitely win the most popular award. It’s also hard to pick a color – pink, blush, coral, white, white

with pink … there are so many choices. I have to say these clustered together in one hue is my preference, however if you pair them with some succulents and garden roses,

you’ve got a showstopper on your hands.

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60 SLICE // JANUARY 2014

Lily of the ValleySYMBOLIC MEANING: SWEETNESS

The last but not least is the ever-divine Lily of the Valley. I just don’t think there is another grouping of a single variety that stands on

its own like this flower does. Not overbearing but not understated, it may always be the perfect wedding flower to me.

AnemoneSYMBOLIC MEANING: FRAGILITYThis flower is definitely delicate. With a beautiful center (I love the black centered ones!) the petals are thin and ruffled and scream femininity. These may be tough to get, but I think they are worth it. Red ones are stunning, but I haven’t ever met an anemone I didn’t like!

HydrangeaSYMBOLIC MEANING: PERSEVERANCE

The hydrangea packs a punch that most flowers can only wish to deliver. Since it’s a large flower, even just one in a vase

commands attention, and a big urn spilling over with them is amazing. Bright purple may be my favorite hue right now.

From pure white for a spring wedding to antique hydrangea (a combination of green and maroon) for a fall setting, there are

colors in many hues of pink, purple, blue and even green to choose from. The hydrangea has a strong stem and is a sturdy

flower for big arrangements.

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62 SLICE // JANUARY 2014

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JANUARY 2014 // SLICE 63

18 to 9 Months Prior ◻Schedule an engagement photo session. Announce your exciting news to friends, family, co-workers and the local media with your new photographs.

◻Organize a wedding binder or scrapbook. Look through magazines – bridal, design, food, fashion, lifestyle, city – for things that inspire you.

◻Set the tone. Now is a good time to determine what kind of wedding you and your fiancée want, whether formal or informal, indoors or out, desti-nation or local, and even what season and time of day you both prefer.

◻Create a budget. Sit down with your fiancée and other financially involved family members to iron out a budget. Determine how much you can spend and what each person’s contributions will be.

◻Hire a wedding coordinator. If you prefer to have a professional wedding planner ease your burden, make certain to factor the cost into your budget based on the level of service you desire.

◻Start the guest list. Start compiling a list of addresses for invitations. A spreadsheet will help you keep track of responses, gifts and other perti-nent information throughout the planning.

◻Choose your wedding party. Give these indi-viduals ample time to prepare financially for any expenses they may incur and any possible travel arrangements.

A planning checklist for your wedding

Countdown to the Big DayWondering where to begin preparing for THE BIG DAY? There are a great many details involved in planning a wedding, and it’s those very details that are often the source of stress and anxiety. Allow yourself ample time to think over the details that will make up your celebration, and flexibility to alter your choices and budget while your ideas evolve.

Here are some tips to keep you and your wedding on track … and on budget:

◻Finalize your wedding date. If you are choosing a major holiday or heavy travel weekend, be sure to send out Save the Date cards. And don’t forget to check the OU and OSU football schedules. This is Oklahoma, and these things matter.

◻Reserve your date and venues. Deposits may be due at the time of reservation. Make certain to fac-tor in the correct amount of travel time if you plan to have separate wedding and reception locations.

◻Research florists, photographers, videogra-phers, bands, caterers and bakers.

◻Book your officiant.

◻Begin planning your vows if you intend to write your own.

◻Throw an engagement party!

8 to 7 Months Prior ◻Get the dress. Choose your gown and acces-sories, as well as your bridesmaids’ dresses. You’ll typically need two or three fittings for your dress.

◻Book a caterer. If your reception venue doesn’t provide food services, book a caterer after you have reviewed their offerings and narrowed down your desired menu.

◻Order the cake. Make certain to sample cakes and other desserts from bakers before making your decision.

◻Book a photographer and videographer. Discuss the shots and angles you may want, and listen to their suggestions.

◻Book a florist. Your florist will want to know your color palette, though final decisions can be delayed for a few months.

◻Book the entertainment. Choose the orchestra, band, DJ or other musical group, but make certain to attend a few performances before making a decision.

◻Reserve hotel rooms. Choose a hotel (or two) close to the reception venue for your out-of-town guests.

◻Plan your honeymoon. Begin the process of acquiring a passport or updating an existing one if necessary for your travel plans. Also make sure you make appointments for any vaccinations you may need prior to travel.

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6 Months Prior ◻Register for wedding gifts. Choose a minimum of two retailers to give guests options.

◻Create a wedding website. There are many free and easy-to-use services avail-able on the Internet if you’re not website savvy. If you have an attendant who is, con-sider tasking that person with this item.

◻Order invitations. While ordering your wedding invitations, select stationery for menus, programs and thank-you notes. The stationery store can likely recommend a calligrapher if you want to use one. If you plan to send save-the-date cards, this is the time to order those as well. Invitations should be mailed eight weeks in advance, with the RSVP cutoff set at three weeks after the mail date.

◻Reserve transportation. Options for transporting you and your wedding party are plentiful: limousines, town cars, mini-buses, trolley cars, even horse-drawn carriages. The method should fit the type of wedding you’re planning and should be feasible for distance and time.

◻Reserve rental equipment. If your caterer or venue isn’t providing tables, chairs, linens and dinnerware, reserve these now.

◻Dress the men. Purchase or reserve the groom’s attire, as well as the attire for his attendants.

◻Meet with the officiant. Discuss the details of the ceremony and ensure that you have all the documents required by the state. Choose your desired readings for the ceremony and run your finalized vows past your officiant if you choose to write your own.

5 to 4 Months Prior ◻Choose gifts. Purchase any gifts you wish to give your attendants. Arrange for welcome baskets for out-of-town guests, and if desired, select favors for guests to take away from the reception.

◻Book the rehearsal and rehearsal-dinner venues. Schedule a rehearsal venue, time and menu for all involved in the ceremony. Consider inviting all out-of-town guests as your budget allows. If you plan to host a next-day brunch for your guests, book that venue now, too.

◻Start your dress fittings. Take the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear with your dress to every fitting. If you didn’t choose your veil/headpiece when you purchased your gown, do so now.

◻Book hair and makeup artists. If you don’t already have a favorite stylist, visit a

few before making a decision. It’s helpful to offer photos of the wedding party attire.

◻Finalize your music selections. If you’re uncomfortable on the dance floor, consider signing up for some dance lessons now.

3 Months Prior ◻Create a schedule for your wedding and reception. Compile a “day-of” schedule of events for all participants to follow for your wedding day, including times and loca-tions for photographs, hair and make-up, any last-minute rehearsals, readings, etc. Consider tasking this item to a trusted rela-tive or friend if you’re not using a wedding coordinator. Make sure to give copies to all vendors involved, as well.

◻Finalize your flower choices and cater-ing menu.

◻Book a room for your wedding night.

◻Purchase your wedding rings.

2 Months Prior ◻Touch base with all your vendors. Make certain that everyone is in agreement on all the final details.

◻Submit a newspaper wedding announce-ment. Check the newspaper’s website for any rules about what and how to submit.

◻Mail the wedding invitations.

1 Month Prior ◻Print any programs and menus you require. You should have all the information you need after confirming the schedule with your officiant and finalizing the menu with your caterer.

◻Get your marriage license. Make appointments for marriage licenses and any bloodwork your state may require. Request certified copies of any docu-mentation necessary. Also, complete any paperwork required to change your name, if you choose to do so.

◻Update your address with the post office. Complete a change-of-address form through your local post office if your living arrangements will be changing.

◻Buy a guestbook. If you prefer some-thing less traditional, consider a platter or jar with little notecards for guests to jot down a message.

◻Purchase attendants’ gifts. The rehearsal dinner is the time to present these.

◻Assign seating. If you’re having a seated dinner, plan where everyone will sit.

◻Confirm any hair and makeup appoint-ment times. If you want to get a cut and color before the wedding, this is the time to do so.

◻Enter RSVPs into your guest list database.

◻Mail the rehearsal dinner invitations.

◻Schedule your final dress fitting.

Week of the Wedding ◻Print place cards and seating charts, if desired.

◻Reconfirm arrival times with all vendors.

◻Send a final timeline to your wedding party.

◻Notify your caterer of your final guest count.

◻Assemble welcome baskets.

◻Pack for the honeymoon.

◻Take care of as many final payments as you can.

◻Prepare tip envelopes.

◻Get a manicure and pedicure, or treat yourself and your attendants to a spa day.

◻Supply any drivers (including hired transportation and out-of-town guests) with point-to-point directions.

◻Pick up your dress or arrange to have it delivered.

◻Pick up your wedding rings.

◻Break in your wedding shoes!

◻Delegate the details. If not using a coor-dinator, assign tasks: delivering welcome baskets, carrying vendor tips, transferring bouquets to tables, bustling your dress, being in charge of gifts.

If you write thank-you notes as gifts arrive, you won’t feel overwhelmed after the wedding.

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66 SLICE // JANUARY 2014

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