weddings anniversaries full banquet facilities - sun...

Adve

rtis

ing

Supp

lem

ent t

o th

e Su

n Jo

urna

l, Su

nday

, Aug

ust 2

3, 2

015

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 23, 20152 Fall wedding guide

Call Diane today at 784-2331 Ext. 170

490 Pleasant Street Lewiston, Maine

Weddings Anniversaries Full Banquet Facilities

Call Stephanie today at 330-3770490 Pleasant Street, Lewiston, Maine

www.RamadaLewiston.com

Reunions ~ Birthdays ~ Business Meetings ~ TrainingPlated Meals, Cocktail Parties, Buffets... whether it is a party of 10 or 600 we will handle all the details.

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 23, 2015 Fall wedding guide 3

Responsibilities of bridal party membersBeing asked to join a bridal party is both an honor and a responsibility. When asked to take on such significant and meaningful roles, men and women may recognize the honor but be unsure of what their responsibilities are as couples move forward with their wedding plans.

Bridal party roles can vary depending on certain circumstances, but many couples still want their bridesmaids and groomsmen to perform many of the more traditional tasks associated with their roles. The following are some of the tasks bridesmaids and grooms-men can expect to perform in the months leading up to the wedding and during the wedding itself.

• Maid of Honor: The maid of honor serves as the bride-to-be’s right-hand woman as she plans her wedding and gets ready on her big day. Maids of honor typically go gown shop-ping with the bride and may even choose or offer suggestions about the color and style of the bridesmaids’ dresses. Once a dress style and color has been chosen, the maid of honor will make sure everyone is fitted on time.

A maid of honor will also plan the bridal shower, sending invitations and arranging for lodging for out-of-town guests if necessary. Many brides want the details of their bridal showers to be a surprise, and maids of honor should honor those sentiments when possible. A maid of honor also plans the bachelorette party, though many brides do not mind being involved in the planning of such parties.

The maid of honor may be asked to help address save-the-date cards and envelopes as well.

Come the day of the wedding, the maid of honor will ensure the bride’s day is as stress-free as possible, helping to address any last-minute issues that may arise. Maids of honor may be asked to serve as the legal witness to the wedding and sign the wedding license before the reception. At the reception, the maid of honor will toast the bride.

• Best man: The best man is the maid of honor’s counterpart, helping to plan the

bachelor party and toasting the groom at the reception. The best man also tends to hold the rings during the wedding ceremony, and during the day of the wedding, he will coordi-nate the groomsmen to make sure everyone is ready to go on time. The best man may arrange transportation for the groom and groomsmen on the day of the wedding and may also return the groom and groomsmen’s attire the following day if the newlyweds are departing on their honeymoons.

• Bridesmaids/Groomsmen: The brides-ma ids a nd g room smen ser ve si m i la r functions, acting as sources of support as

couples plan their weddings. Bridesmaids and groomsmen help to plan the bachelorette and bachelor parties and may also be asked their opinions as couples make decisions regarding their weddings. Bridesmaids and grooms-men must be prepared to take pictures once couples have officially tied the knot. They also must help the brides and grooms with any issues that may arise in the hours before couples become husband and wife.

• Flower girl/Ring bearer: Flower girls and ring bearers are often young relatives of the couple, whether they are a young brother or sister or a niece or nephew. The responsi-bilities of the f lower girl and ring bearer are typically limited to the ceremony, during which they will walk down the aisle, either together or individually, before the father of the bride escorts his daughter to the altar or stage.

• Father of the bride: The father of the bride walks his daughter down the aisle during the ceremony, and, along with his wife, may pay for the wedding, though many couples now finance their own nuptials. The father of the bride will dance with his daughter during the reception, and some fathers may even share a special toast for the newlyweds during the reception, though such a toast is not tradition-ally required.

Bridal parties play a big role on couples’ wedding days, and those roles are both an honor and a responsibility.

Smart money ideas: Tax tips from the IRS for newlywedsIf you’re preparing for summer nuptials, make sure you do some tax planning as well. A few steps taken now can make tax time easier next year.

Here are some tips from the IRS to help keep tax issues that may arise from your marriage to a minimum:

• Change of name. All the names and Social Security numbers on your tax return must match your Social Security Adminis-tration records. If you change your name, report it to the SSA. To do that, file Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. The easiest way for you to get the form is to download and print it on SSA.gov. You can also call SSA at 800-772-1213 to order the form, or get it from your local SSA office.

• Change tax withholding. When you get married, you should consider a change of income tax withholding. To do that, give your employer a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withhold-

ing Allowance Certificate. The withholding rate for married people is lower than for those who are single. Some married people find that they do not have enough tax withheld at the married rate. For example, this can happen if you and your spouse both work. Use the IRS Withholding Calculator tool at IRS.gov to help you complete a new Form W-4. See Publi-cation 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax, for more information. You can get IRS forms and publications on IRS.gov/forms at any time.

• Changes in circumstances. If you receive advance payments of the premium tax credit you should report changes in circumstances, such as your marriage, to your Health Insur-ance Marketplace. Other changes that you should report include a change in your income or family size. Advance pay-ments of the premium tax credit provide financial assistance to help you pay for the insurance you buy through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Reporting changes in circum-

stances will allow the Marketplace to adjust your advance credit payments. This adjustment will help you avoid getting a smaller refund or owing money that you did not expect to owe on your federal tax return.

• Change of address. Let the IRS know if you move. To do that, file Form 8822, Change of Address, with the IRS. You should also notify the U.S. Postal Service. You can change your address online at USPS.com, or report the change at your local post office.

• Change in filing status. If you are married as of Dec. 31, that is your marital status for the entire year for tax purposes. You and your spouse can choose to file your federal tax return jointly or separately each year. It is a good idea to figure the tax both ways so you can choose the status that results in the least tax.


Contact us for details: 207-897-4366 or [email protected]

A Wedding Fair at the NorlandsA gathering of local artisans and venues who help to create

one-of-a-kind weddings in the Lakes & Mountains Region of Maine.Find inspiration as you plan your dream wedding!

Sunday, September 13, 2015 11am-4pm at the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center

290 Norlands Road in Livermore, Maine

Free Admission.

Lunch available

($)

Book your wedding at the Norlands! Openings still available in 2016.

Our spacious and picturesque grounds, rural location, and historic buildings of grandeur furnish an enchanted and romantic setting

for your wedding, reunion, or other special occasion.

946-5990 • 1-800-924-7778Off Rt. 202, Greene www.sedgleyplace.com

You Are Special • We Are Unique

We would be honored to assist you in making your dreams and memories come true.

Let us make your occasion a day to remember.

• Elegant Country Dining

• Weddings

• Rehearsal Dinners

• Anniversaries

TheGREAT OUTDOORSOn Pleasant Pond, Route 117, Turner

“Celebrate Your Special Occasion AtOur Beautiful, Private Beachfront Area”

A limitless array of indoor & outdoor possibilities:

“Rustic Beauty In A Peaceful Country Lakeside Setting”

- NEW! Lake view deck on the lodge!- Beach/Lakeside/Lawn and shaded areas for ceremonies- Lodge with seating up to 250- Fieldstone fireplace, stage, dance floor- Full kitchen facilities- Beach, boats, BBQs, picnic areas, sports areas- Overnight accommodations available on site

Every event is personally tailored to fit your dreams and wishes!

Call Mary at (207)224-7061www.greatoutdoorsme.com

Open May - October

Wedding favors and gifts everyone can feel good about(BPT) -- You faithfully recycle at home, use a refillable BPA-free water bottle and charge your smartphone with a solar recharger. When it’s time to choose wedding favors for your own nuptials, or a gift for someone else’s wedding, do you find environmental awareness taking a backseat to style? It doesn’t have to.

It’s possible to give wedding favors and gifts that are natural, responsible and useful - items that everyone can feel good about giving and receiving.

Kitchen-related products commonly appear on many wedding registry lists, and creative couples often dis-tribute small pieces of kitchen ware as favors to their guests. For gifts that are sustainable, creative and prac-tical, look beyond the pots, pans and dishes to the food itself.

Food-inspired wedding giftsMany newly married couples will be setting up their homes together for the first time. They may already have the basics, but you can help them round out their kitchen with some useful utensils they may not have realized they need.

For example, every cook can benefit from a well-stocked spice rack. Purchase an attractive spice rack and fill it with sustain-ably sourced, natural spices like those from Frontier Co-op.

Choose basic spices like versatile organic basil, cinnamon and garlic, then add in some exotic options such as garam masala (an all-purpose Indian spice), Himalayan pink salt or black sesame seed.

Making pizza at home can be a fun, easy meal for busy newly-weds. Put together a pizza-making kit, complete with a quality pizza cutter, a pizza stone for baking, a wedge of Parmesan,

some baking yeast, and pizza seasonings like oregano, basil and garlic powder. Place everything in a basket and complete the gift with a book of pizza recipes.

Gardening is a popular activity, and if your newlywed friends will be trying their hand at it, they may find themselves with lots of leftover produce.

Giving canning supplies as a wedding gift can be a great way to encourage their love of growing their own produce, while helping ensure nothing goes to waste.

Fill a canning pot with supplies like canning funnels and jars, and canning and pickling spices like bay leaves, peppercorns, celery seed, cumin, dill, mustard and salt, or even a Pickling Spice Blend.

Wedding favors they’ll savorIf you’re planning your own wedding, food favors can excite guests and fulfill your desire to be eco-friendly and creative. Tea is a soothing and sophisticated bev-erage that can make a great wedding favor. Simply purchase heart-shaped tea infusers and fill them with a variety of loose teas, such as chamomile, peppermint, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, or black, green or white teas. Accent the favor with a ribbon in your wedding colors.

Pepper is a ubiquitous seasoning in numerous cuisines from around the world. For a useful, welcome wedding favor that will expand guest’s culinary knowledge, why not give different gourmet peppers of the world? Pepper-corns come in a variety of shades and heat levels - and even shapes! Present guests with a small peppermill and a selection of gourmet peppercorns.

Grilling is a great American past-time. If your wedding will take place in spring or summer, grilling spices and seasoning blends can be a fun wedding favor that will turn into your guest’s go-to item when they grill.

Look for a variety of seasonings that work with steaks, fish, fowl and even vegetables. Choose organic seasonings from purveyors like Frontier Co-Op, which practices sustain-able sourcing, so that you know you’re giving guests quality, organic seasonings.

Organic, sustainably sourced food gifts can be creative, fun and useful wedding favors and gifts - and a great way to show Mother Nature some love while you’re celebrating your own love story.

To learn more about sustainably sourced spices and seasonings, visit www.frontiercoop.com.


• Gently Dry Cleaned• Packed in a full-size

deluxe box

When “Quality” Matters

See why we are theleader in the business

14 Millett Drive AuburnOff Minot Ave - In The Taylor

Brook Mall Behind Sams

783-1280

Dance lessons can be helpful prior to a weddingApart from their initial nerves during their wedding ceremonies, many couples feel comfortable having all eyes on them for the majority of their wedding days. However, some couples get a bit of stagefright when dancing as husband and wife for the first time.

First dances and parent-child dances are popular wedding reception rituals. The couple’s dance serves as their first act as a married pair, often occurring at the onset of the wedding reception. Father-daughter and mother-son dances may take place at different points in the evening.

Some people relish the idea of having the spot-light on them, while others are nervous about dancing in front of a crowd. While couples need not look like contestants on “Dancing With the Stars” to pull off a successful first dance, taking dance lessons prior to the wedding can teach men and women some key moves and help calm their nerves.

Couples may want to begin dance lessons a few months before their wedding day to get acclimated to the experience. The more lessons couples take, the more comfortable

they will likely be when it comes time to cut a rug.

P r iv ate da nc e le s son s may be more ef fect ive t ha n g roup lessons, as t hey

enable one-on-one interaction with instruc-tors, who point out any missteps immediately and correct form on the spot. Instructors also may suggest which routines couples should embrace and which they may want to avoid.

Preparation can stem ner vousness and help couples feel more confident on the dance f loor, even if their dances last only a few minutes. The goal of dance lessons is for couples to become better dancers, but improved skills on the dance f loor is not the only thing couples can take from dance lessons.

• Exercise: Dancing is an excellent form of exercise that can help couples build up their endurance. In addition, the cardiovascular benefits of dancing can help couples shed a few pounds prior to their wedding days.

• Stress relief: Planning a wedding is not always easy. Having a night of the week devoted to some fun couple time can help relieve some of the stress couples may feel when planning a wedding.

• Enjoyable memories: Taking dance lessons as a couple is something couples may look back on fondly long after they have tied the knot and cut their first rug as husband and wife.

Dance lessons can help couples calm their nerves as their first dance approaches.

Dance lessons can boost couples’ confidence during their first dances together.

visit http://specials.sunjournal.com/

Did you know? Engaged couples often ask t hei r closest f r iends a nd family members to be part of their wedding ceremonies. Children often participate in weddings and can add jovial-ity to this special occasion. However, it’s important to consider a child’s age and maturity before having him or her be part of the wedding.

Some houses of worsh ip restrict child participation to kids of a certain age, so it’s best to check with clergy regarding their rules before including kids in the wedding party. If children need to be coaxed down the aisle or are prone to disruptive behavior, it may be best to give them another role, such as handing out bubbles or birdseed after the wedding.


Halloween-themed wedding is ‘just plain fun’ for the galipeaus of lisbonBy Deborah CarrollSpecial Sections Writer

Sean & Renee Galipeau, of Lisbon, were married in 2014, on All Hallow’s Eve, better known as Halloween.

For both, this was the second time around. “We’ve done the traditional,” said Sean, and this time they wanted their day to be “just plain fun.”

“She’s a Halloween freak, pretty much,” said Sean of Renee, “and I say that in a loving way.”

“It is my favorite holiday,” she admitted. “I have always loved horror movies,” and from October first through the 31st it’s all about the horror in the Galipeau house.

Renee, who works for Central Maine Medical Center in the gastroenterology department, wore a traditional wedding dress fashioned with a less traditional long black train of spider webs, made for her by Drapeau’s Costume in Lisbon Falls. In fact, Drapeau’s outfitted the entire wedding party, as well as most of the guests.

“We made the wedding a costume party,” said Sean.

The groom and groomsmen wore gothic vam-pire-type of costumes, and the bridesmaids were clothed in “long witch’s coven-type gowns,” said Renee.

Even each of the Galipeaus three daughters, ages 19, 17, and 14, who were a little appre-hensive at first with respect to the theme, decorations, and especially their own gowns, wore a “Salem-style witch’s gown with the capelets” that were popular during that era, said Sean.

Ultimately, all three girls got into the spirit of things, and guests were also encouraged to come in costume.

The night before the wedding, the family made busy carving the jack-o-lanterns that would serve as decorations, adding a soft, inti-mate glow to the wedding ceremony.

The ceremony began at 7 p.m., surrounded by flickering jack-o-lanterns and under the night sky, at the “old Jack Cartier’s club, also called the Snowshoe Club, in Sabattus,” said Sean.

“I didn’t walk down the aisle to traditional music,” said Renee. Rather, she walked down the aisle accompanied by the theme from the movie “Saw.”

“It was the movie that we went to on our first date,” Renee said. And her bridesmaids walked to the theme from “Halloween.”

The reception was held in the same location, under a big tent festooned with bats, spiders, an automated skeleton that held a serving platter with food on it, and a haunted house.

In addition to the decorations, the couple had tarot cards and Ouija boards set out for guests to enjoy, as well as Halloween candy galore in trick or treat bowls, and dance music that fea-tured selections appropriate for the holiday.

“The hard part for Amy Gauthier, our photog-rapher, was that it was dark,” said Sean, during both the ceremony and the reception. “She did a wonderful job up-lighting the tent with orange lights,” he added, and the couple is very pleased with their wedding album.

Sean proposed on Memorial Day weekend, so a lot of the preparations were relatively “last minute,” said Renee.

“We had a tree of life ceremony with our girls, where we read a poem,” symbolically uniting two families into one, added Sean. The couple wrote their own vows.

“For the toast, we found little potion bottles and filled each one with caramel apple pie moonshine, but not much of it actually made it to the toast,” said Sean with a laugh.

Their wedding cake was red with black roses, and featured tiny skeletons. It was “made by my sister-in-law, Tomisyn Sylvester,” said Renee, and fit the occasion perfectly.

Of the 100 attendees, nearly everyone was dressed in some type of costume. “We had a scarecrow and some clowns,” said Sean, “even though Renee hates clowns.”

She took it in stride. And some of the men from the Lisbon Fire Department, where Sean is chief, came as a group of M&Ms candy.

“When people talk about our wedding,” said Renee, “they talk about the costumes.”

And, “that it was awesome,” added Sean.

“We were married by the Chiquita Banana Lady,” said Sean, and, as with many couples on their wedding day, according to Renee, “everything went by so quickly.”


SWith dramatic views, spacious �oor plan and

grand stone hearth, our main lodge is the perfect venue for both your wedding and reception.

We will make your dreams come true �

WWe can accommodate up to two hundred &

twenty of your friends and family.

When you choose Saddleback as your wedding venue, we will help you plan every

detail from start to �nish. We will decorate to your speci�cations and help you �nd the best

�orist, photographer, baker and musicians.

Call for your free consult: 207-864-5671or Email: weddingevents@saddlebackmaine.

addlebackeddings at

in the legendary

Rangeley Lakes Region of Maine


"Fresh Ideas"For Your Wedding Day

793 Main St.Lewiston

(Just Beyond Mardens)

784-4061 1-800-640-ROAK“One Call Does It All ”

www.roaktheflorist.com

We Also Have Available To Rent:

Beauty Baskets

White Candelabras

White Archway

Pew Post Candles

Choose from a

wide varietyof fresh or silk flowers.

Professional Bridal ConsultantsCall us today for an appointment

to plan your special dayRENT IT FOR YOUR EVENT!

17 Olson Road (rte. 26 South Paris)207-890-6675 • Tuscanyhallofmaine.com

Tuscany Hall

Money-saving wedding-planning tips for any budget(BPT) — Weddings can be expensive, and most brides and grooms need to estab-lish a budget before they start planning the wedding so they can afford to get hitched. Many couples are now getting married later in life and paying most or all of the costs them-selves, so it’s important to start budgeting sooner than later.

The following tips will help you and your fiance keep your costs down so you can stay within your wedding budget. They cover everything from the moment when you say “Yes” to the second you say “I do.”

• Set a long engagement –There are two benefits to having an engagement of a year or longer. First, it allows you to spread costs over severa l paychecks. For example, i f you get engaged this spring, you can choose one month to put a down payment on the reception hall, and another month for purchasing the wedding dress and renting the tuxedo. A third month could be used for purchas-ing honeymoon trip tickets, and a fourth month for the photographer’s down pay ment . Du r i ng you r engagement you can also start putting money into a savings account so you aren’t strapped for cash immediately following your wedding.

The second reason a long engagement makes financial sense is that many couples will set a seasonal theme for their weddings, wanting to decorate the wedding and reception hall in that theme. The best time to purchase decorations and supplies for seasonal events is immedi-ately following those events, because stores discount them when it’s time to get them off the shelves. If you are plan-ning a fall theme, for example, keep an eye on the shelves for these kinds of discounted de c or at ion s r ig ht a f t er Thanksgiving or Halloween. Longer engagements allow

couples to take advantage of a these seasonal discounts at least once, if not twice.

• Combine your resources – A couple living in the same household can save hun-dreds of dollars monthly by combining expenses related to rent/mortgage, ut i l it ies, g rocer ies a nd even transportation. If you recently became engaged and are considering moving in together, calculate how much money you’l l be

saving so you can apply those savings toward your wedding budget.

During the moving process, you ca n save add it iona l money. For example, when you combine your house-holds, wil l you need two sets of dishes and furniture? Probably not. Perhaps you can even host a garage sale to sell the items you don’t need duplicates of; then you can put that money toward a wedding-related item. As you

plan your big move, be sure to check out great moving ser-vices like Penske Truck Rental, which offers AAA and other great discounts to help soon-to-be newlyweds save money on moving costs.

• Find the best deals – If you’ve always dreamed of getting married under a tent at a local park, you might dis-cover that tent rental far exceeds your budget - espe-cially if you live in an urban setting. This is where the

Internet can be very helpful. Sometimes it’s cheaper to rent equipment like tents, folding chairs, wedding canopies and other decora-tions from businesses that are located outside of your community.

To save even more, drive your persona l car to the community where you’ll be renting the equipment, rent a Penske truck to transport all the equipment to where your wedding will be, and then return the equipment

in the truck once you’re fin-ished with it. Then you can simply pick up your personal car for the drive home. If you have friends around for the wedding, ask them to be responsible for this part of the wedding so you can concen-trate on other plans.

When you and your loved one begin planning your wedding, keep your budget-balancing stress to a minimum with these helpful money-saving tips.


YOUR WEDDING SPECIALIST!FREE CONSULTATIONS,

call Katie to schedule yours!

Celebrating 35 years of service to our area.

160 Main St., Jay (Next to Jay Rent-a-Tool)

1-800-224-6144 or 897-5226www.theflowerbarnjaymaine.com

OpenMon-Fri 9-5

Sat 9-12

Littlefield’s Flowers & Gift Shop217 Main Street, South Paris 743-6301

Open: Sat. 9 am-12 noon; Mon.-Fri. 9 am-5 pm

www.little�elds�owersgifts.com

Nothing sets the mood for a picture perfect wedding day like flowers. Leave the arrangements to us, and we’ll help you step down the aisle in style.

Call us today fora free consultationwith one of ourprofessionalcertified floraldesigners.

EXPERTS IN THE ART OF EXPRESSION®

FORMALIMAGEBridal Shop

675 Main St., Lewiston786-0310

Marketplace Mall

Largest Selection of TuxedosGroom’s Tux is Free

with five or more rentals25% off wedding invitationswith every wedding gownor bridesmaids party sale.

Wedding Gownsstarting at$99

50% OFF selected Wedding Gowns Over 300 to choose frommay not be combined with any other discounts

• Special Occasion Dresses • Bridesmaids, Mothers, Flower Girls• Dyeable Shoes & Jewelry

Formal Wearfor Every Occasion

Located at Turner Highlands Golf Course

Rt. 117, North Parish Road, Turner

224-7060 www.Turnerhighlands.comwww.foreseasons.net

Booking for 2016

Our Beautiful Gazebo isavailablefor on-site ceremonies

Banquet Facilities Up To 100 People!

Enjoy your day: Destination wedding planning pointersDestination weddings continue to be popular among couples tying the knot. In its annual Real Weddings Survey, multiplatform wedding resource The Knot found that 24 percent of the nearly 16,000 brides and grooms who participated in the survey and married in 2014 had destination weddings, the second year in a row nearly a quarter of all survey respondents acknowledged taking their vows away from home.

Destination weddings often benefit from picturesque land-scapes and idyllic backdrops during ceremonies and bridal party photo sessions. But there are some things couples should consider before they decide to tie the knot in a faraway land.

PaperworkWhether you’re getting married in your current country of residence or overseas, you must allow time for paperwork to be processed. Wedding license applications may not be processed as quickly on a remote island as they are in a major American city, so be sure to get a firm grasp of the application process and its timeline before opting for a destination wedding.

In addition, some countries may mandate that per-sonal documents, such as birth certif icates, be translated into the official language of the country where couples will be tying the knot, and such trans-lations typically must be conducted by approved translators.

RequirementsSome countries may allow couples to tie the knot the moment they step off their planes, while others have residency require-ments that can be as long as several weeks. If your budget is tight or your work schedule is inflexible, then try to find a country that does not require you to spend several weeks within its borders before you can legally marry there.

Wedding plannerMany couples who choose destination weddings ultimately get

married at a resort, and such resorts typically have wedding planners or coordinators who are well versed in local laws and customs governing wedding ceremonies. Such profession-als can make it easier for couples to navigate the sometimes complex laws regulating destination weddings, and their ser-vices are often included in resort wedding packages. If no such service is included in the hotel package, consider hiring a local wedding planner to make the process go more smoothly.

Engagement periodCouples hoping to have a destination wedding should expect

to have a longer engagement than those getting married closer to home. The longer engagement period gives guests more time to arrange for travel and couples more time to navigate the requirements of getting married overseas. When sending save-the-date cards to guests, include brochures on the area where you will be getting married so guests can see what the area has to offer.

Buy localMany couples choose destination weddings because they are attracted to the local culture in a given place. When planning your destination wedding, embrace this culture by choosing local foods, f lowers and entertainment. Not only will it make your big night more unique and authentic, but also buying local will save you money and benefit the environment at the same time.

Destination weddings are significant undertakings, but couples can ease some of their workloads by taking certain steps to make the planning process go more smoothly.


W hile many brides opt to take their husbands’ sur-na mes upon t y i ng t he

knot, over the years the popularity of such a decision has ebbed and f lowed. Recent years have suggested the prac-tice is once again gaining steam.

A 2011 study publ ished in Na mes : A Journa l of Onomast ics indicates that younger brides are more l ikely to embrace t he t radit ion of ta k ing their husbands’ names in marriage. According to the study, women who married between the ages of 35 and 39 were 6.4 times more likely to keep their maiden names than those who married between the ages of 20 and 24.

M a n y b r i d e s v i e w t a k i n g t h e i r spouse’s name as the natural transi-tion from being a singleton to being a married woman. Other brides prefer they share the same last name as their future children, making the choice to take their husband’s name a logical decision. Some brides feel having the sa me last na me as t heir husba nds helps them feel more like a family.

Changing one’s name also may make it easier to deal with various issues. Finances, travel and even parenting concerns may be easier when women take their husbands’ last names than when they don’t.

But some brides st i l l prefer to keep t heir ma iden na mes or hy phenate t hose na mes w it h t heir husba nds’ su r na mes. Some may v iew cha ng-ing their names as sacrif icing their personal identities, while others may want to hold on to a family name they are proud of. Interesting names also

can be hard to give up. Brides who find taking their husband’s name would be a tongue-twister may prefer to forego this tradition.

Ve r y o f t e n w o m e n w h o o c c u p y positions of prominence in their pro-fessions keep t heir maiden names, feeling that ta k ing their husbands’ names will affect the cache they have built up thus far. Women uncertain of what to do in such situations can keep t hei r ma iden na mes profes-sionally and still change their names legally.

Changing one’s last name is a per-sonal preference and a decision that c ouples shou ld d i sc u ss toget her. Discuss the decision well in advance of the wedding so that both parties are aware of each other’s feelings on the subject before tying the knot.

Call Dianaor Larry formore info

and pricing!

Catering Division • 345-9009 www.dadsplace.info

There’s

NO PLACE like... Dad’s PlaceDad’s Place

Professional serviceat an affordable price

Hot & Cold Buffet-Style Catering

Indoor or Outdoor

One Stop Shop for Catering... Dad’s does it all!

We can accommodate any size party small, large or enormous!Ask us about Tents, Tables, Chairs, Dance Floor, etc. for your event

Weddings

Summer BBQ

Corporate Functions Reunions

One Stop Shop for Catering...Dad’s

does it all!

Carmella Rose CraftsNotary Public

207-353-2811

All Weddings PerformedExperienced Wedding Planner

Jewelry & Collectibles www.RepublicJewelry.com

784-4444212 Center Street, Auburn

Hours: Mon.-Tues. 9 am- 5pm • Wed.-Fri. 9 am-6 pm • Sat. 9 am-5 pm

Diamond RingsWedding BandsIn-Store Repair

Large Selection of New & Estate Jewelry

Bridesmaid and Maid of Honor Banglesonly $25

Bangles

Important info: Changing your last name

Although a large percentage of women still change their last names upon getting married, many carefully weigh the pros and cons of such a change before making their final decisions.

Did you know?

More couples are utilizing their smartphones when planning their weddings, according to the The Knot 2014 Real Weddings Study. The study, which sur-veyed nearly 16,000 brides and grooms married in 2014, found that the use of smartphones to access wedding-planning websites nearly doubled from 2011 to 2014. In 2011, just 33 percent of couples sur-veyed acknowledged accessing wedding-planning websites via their smartphones. But that figure rose to 61 percent in 2014. Sixty-one percent of brides admitted to researching gowns on their smart-phones, marking a substantial increase from 2011, when 27 percent acknowledged using their mobile devices to research gowns. Wedding vendors also can benefit from strong mobile sites, as 57 percent (up from 22 percent in 2011) of survey respon-dents in 2014 admitted to researching prospective vendors on their mobile devices.

Some brides feel

having the same

last name as their

husbands helps

them feel more like

a family.

Changing one’s

name also may

make it easier

to deal with

various issues.


A Beautiful Wedding Cake & All Occasion

CakesProfessional Cake Designer

CAROL CUSSON

[email protected]

207.212.1839

Wedding planning can seem overwhelming at times, but couples also tend to have a lot of fun when making prepara-tions for their big day. Whether it’s sampling various cuisines for their wedding reception or researching potential honey-moon destinations, couples have much to look forward to as they delve deeper into their wedding planning.

One of the more enjoyable aspects of wedding planning is finding lodging for out-of-town guests. Hotels come in all shapes and sizes, and visiting various hotels and seeing what each has to offer can be fun. As couples set out to find lodging for their out-of-town guests, the following factors should be taken into consideration.

Number of guestsEven if you have yet to pare down the guest list, you may have an idea of how many guests you hope to invite to your wedding. Peruse your preliminary guest list to determine how many of those potential invitees may need lodging. Some hotels won’t offer discounted room blocks without a minimum number of guests, so try to find a hotel or hotels that can accommodate your group size and still offer a discount on their usual rates.

LocationLocation bears considerable weight when choosing a hotel for your out-of-town wedding guests. If you are tying the knot in a

large city, guests are less likely to rent cars for the weekend, so look for a hotel with access to restaurants and other attractions your guests can enjoy while they are in town.

If your ceremony and reception are in a more remote location, then try to find a hotel that’s nearby so guests do not spend the bulk of their time behind the wheel while they are in town. If you simply can’t find a hotel that’s close to your ceremony and reception loca-tions, then arrange for bus transportation so guests can get to and from the reception safely and soundly.

AmenitiesOut-of-town guests will have more free time on their hands than the bride- and groom-to-be, so consider the amenities each hotel you visit has to offer. On-site exercise facilities, pools and outdoor lounge areas all can help guests fill the hours before the wedding and enjoy some rest and relaxation. In addition, hotels with on-site restaurants or those next door to restaurants can provide convenient places for guests to eat and meet up with fellow guests.

CostLike location, cost is a significant consid-eration when choosing a hotel for your out-of-town guests. Whether such guests are driving or f lying in, the cost of travel is already hitting them in the pocketbook, so finding hotels that offer budget-friendly rates for wedding parties should be a priority.

Finding a hotel for out-of-town wedding guests is an enjoyable element of wedding planning. Couples should consider a host of factors before making their final decisions.

Finding a hotel for your out-of-town guests

49FranklinReception HallRumford Maine

“Let us help you create the weddingyou’ve always dreamed of.”

Catering, andEntertainment Venue

Contact us for prices and availability.

1-207-369-0129www.49franklin.com


The average wedding tends to be one of the most costly ventures in a couple’s life toget her. Ma ny couples seek ways to cut costs, and negotiating with prospec-tive vendors is one way to do just that.

Too of ten couples over-look hag g l i ng for bet ter prices because they may be intimidated by the process or si mply w a nt to pla n t he most memorable day rega rdless of cost. Ma ny vendors build some wiggle room into their prices, and the key for cost-conscious couples is to find the right st r ateg y to u n lock t hat lower price.

• Explore your options. Weddings are big business for vendors, and the compe-tition is stiff. Visit a variety of vendors a nd compa re t heir ser v ices and prices prior to making any deci-sions. This w i l l g ive you an accurate range of costs and information for future negotiations. Vendors may be wil l ing to match com-petitors’ prices, so knowing w h at t he photog r a pher dow n t he st reet cha rges can provide you with some negotiating leverage.

• Dress modestly for meet-ings. It’s tempting to want to d ress to impress, but very often wedding vendors judge potential clients by their appearances. If you wa l k i n w it h a desig ner handbag and driv ing the latest model luxury vehicle, a v e n d o r m a y g e t t h e impression you have extra mone y to spend. W h i le you do not have to play the pauper, dress modestly so your appea ra nce doesn’t hurt you at the negotiating table.

• Never take the first offer. A good busi ness person wil l tel l you there always is room for negot iat ion.

Avoid the loaded question of “W hat ca n you spend on t his? ” by t he vendor. Instead, let them bring up a price first, and realize that this first quote can almost always be negotiated down. Inform the vendor that you would real ly l ike to work w it h t hem but he or she needs to lower the price. See if they can offer a dif-ferent package or provide a discount.

• Negotiate the big-ticket items f irst. Discounts on big-t icket items, such as the reception venue, w il l save you the most money. For example, you will save more by getting 20 percent off at the catering hall than if you save 20 percent on your wedding gown. Once you free up extra money, you may find you don’t have to negotiate as hard with smaller vendors.

• Walk away if need be.

A lways have a Pla n B in place. This way if you tell a vendor that their price is too

expensive and you have to pass, you really have a fall-back option. Some vendors w i l l s weeten t he dea l, but ot hers w i l l actua l ly let you walk out the door. A nd remember, you’re more likely to get a better price by being amenable and well-mannered than making threats or arguing.

• Some deals aren’t actual discounts. A vendor may be able to work with you by of fer i ng add it ion a l ser v ices in l ieu of actu-ally taking money off of the price tag. Extra photo prints, a dessert bar and an extra hour of t ime in the limousine may seem like great deals, but that’s only the case if you truly need these bonuses. Even if it’s a great deal, you’re sti l l spending more than you had hoped.

Wedd i ng pr ices ca n be overwhelming. However, n e g o t i a t i n g f o r l o w e r prices is always an option

for cost-conscious couples.

Beautifully decorated wedding cakes since 1956. Our commitment to quality and service provides you with a moist, tasty cake with frosting that is never greasy or too sweet. 13 cake flavors to choose from.

GRANT’S BAKERY525 Sabattus St., Lewiston(207) 783-2226

Your Dream Wedding Cake

Check out our wedding cake designs

on our website

www.GrantsBakery.com

How to successfully negotiate with wedding vendors

Explore your options. Before signing, find out if there is room for negotiation with wedding vendor pricing. Many vendors build some wiggle room into their prices, and the key for cost-conscious couples is to find the right strategy to unlock that lower price.

Did you know? The timing of when a couple cuts the wedding cake can have a specific meaning. Long ago, the cake was usually cut at the very end of the reception and would signal to the guests that it was the end of the festivities. Today, cutting the cake is an unspo-ken signal that represents that the formal wedding is nearing a close, and guests who would like to leave can do so without worry of being rude. Many couples will cut the cake right after dinner as a courtesy to older guests who may want to get started on their trips home. This affords them the chance to make an earlier exit, rather than staying through the dancing that could extend into the wee hours of the night or missing the cake entirely. Cutting the cake mid-reception also serves another practical purpose for couples who are paying a pho-tographer by the hour. Photographers typically go home after the cake-cutting, so a mid-reception cutting can save couples a substantial amount of money.


All Souls Chapelat historic Poland Spring

You and your guest willappreciate the great

details and beauty of ourbuildings, gardens andthe lovely atmosphere of

Poland Spring.

Booking now for 2016and 2017.

For more [email protected]

& SUITESFIRESIDE INNWashington Ave., Exit 75, Auburn

777-1777 • [email protected]

Welcome!Enjoy your visit to our area. Stay with us and enjoy one of our 100 rooms/suites, plenty of free and convenient parking and convenient location on Exit 75 of the Maine Turnpike.

Call us today or visit us at www.�resideinnauburn.com

© M

ark

R D

ucha

rme

Phot

ogra

phy

CelebrateYour Love

IN NEW HAMPSHIRE’S WHITE MOUNTAINS

The Town & Country Inn and Resort is the perfect destination for your wedding. We offer personalized, value-priced packages and lodging. We can accommodate gatherings of 50 to 400, and provide a variety of menu choices – prepared by our award-winning chef.

Shelburne, NH603-466-3315

TownandCountryInn.com

A Scenic Setting to

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

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

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

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

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

• Guys can don classic attire, too. Grooms-to-be also can embrace vintage attire, although styles from some eras will be less forgiving. Otherwise, gentleman can borrow a suit or wear a shirt or sentimental item, such as an embroidered handker-chief, from a father or another male relative. If there are few options, renting is certainly a green idea, as a rented tux will be more environmentally friendly than purchasing your own tuxedo that figures to get little use after the wedding.

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

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

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

Groom’s Tux Free with 5 paid rentals

Great selection of

Tuxedosstarting as low as

$74Congress St., Rumford

364-2581 1-800-231-3553Open: Mon. thru Thurs.9-6 • Fri. 9-7 • Sat. 9-5

60 Plus Years Experience Fitting Tuxedos

Read more wedding stories online at

specials.sunjournal.com


A honeymoon provides a welcome retreat for couples after months upon months of budget-ing, planning and ironing out the details of their weddings. On their honeymoons, couples get the chance to escape the pressures of every-day life and simply enjoy being alone with each other in special locations.

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

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

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

• France: Paris and other French cities can be enchant-ing to visit any time of the y e a r, but lo c a l s a d v i s e honeymooners visit in Sep-tember when t he cl imate is quite comfor table a nd tourism is minimal. Spring is another great time to visit France, especially for those people who want to spend plenty of time outdoors.

• Mexico: Areas of Mexico, such as popu la r Ca ncœn and Cozumel, tend to stay warm all year long, but they can be particularly hot in the

summer. Spring brides and grooms may want to venture there before the summer season is in full swing. Couples might want to avoid vacationing in certain areas in March, as students visiting for spring break may compromise the romantic atmo-sphere honeymooners are hoping for.

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

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

Weather and tourism should be considered as newlyweds choose where to go on their honeymoons.

Contact Nan Brett for details

50 Main St., Harrison, ME 04040 • 207-583-6964www.theballroomharrison.com

Ballroom & Latin DanceWedding & Event PreparationGroup Classes • Private Lessons

Call 782-2550

Courtesy, Quality and Service...Since 1939

www.samsitalian.com

CATERING DIVISION

We are the affordable alternative for:❖ Weddings ❖ Anniversaries❖ Showers ❖ Banquets

❖ Any Get-Together

Let SAM’S take the worry and cost out of

having your next event catered! Pick the Perfect Ring

We carry something for every style,every budget,everyone!

DiamondCutJewelers

at

Starting in September - Come see us at our NEW Location in the Oxford Mini-Mall next to Goodwin Chevrolet (formally Radio Shack).

In-house Jewelry RepairSuperior Customer Service

Quality & SelectionRt. 26, Oxford

207-739-2300 (Two Doors Down From Subway)

www.diamondcutjewelers.comMonday-Friday 9am to 5pm • Saturday 9am to 3pm

When to visit these honeymoon hotspots


“Where theLocals Eat”

Lunch 11:30am - 3pm; Dinner 3pm - Close1052 Minot Avenue ~ Auburn, ME 04210(207) 783-6885 www.macsgrill.com

Including Receptions,Rehersal Dinners and

other events.

CateringFor all your

Wedding Needs

A wedding is a day . . . A marriage is a lifetimeAs you embark on one of life’smost wonderful journeys, take amoment to plan your route. We can help you establish yoursavings and checking accountsand prepare for buying your first home together. We want yourfinancial foundation to be assolid as your marriage.

Give us a call.

Farmington Jay River Valley Rangeley Skowhegan Wiltonwww.FranklinSavings.com 800-287-0752

Photography is a great way for couples to capture all the special moments that occur on their wedding days. Long after the final piece of wedding cake

has been consumed, wedding albums remain to remind couples of all those moments that made their big day so special.

Photography preferences differ from couple to couple, but when weather permits, many brides and grooms prefer to take photos outdoors. Mother Nature can provide some awe-inspir-ing backdrops, and such beauty comes at no extra cost.

Couples using professional photographers should share their image preferences with their photographers, especially if outdoor photography is desired.

Photographers may have to do a little more work to achieve great outdoor photographs, even visiting a site in advance of the big day to scout areas that can produce great photos.

Scouting and preparation can involve seeing the landscape, examining the way the light shines on photo subjects and getting an accurate light reading on a meter to adjust f lash accordingly.

Photographers also will need to ensure there are no obstruc-tions that will appear in the background of the photos.

It’s also important for photographers to select locations that have shade. This way they can adjust the amount of light needed, rather than having to contend with the photo washing out from too much sunlight.

There’s much a photographer can do in production to fine-tune photos, but the couple can help things along. Bring along some powder or makeup to touch up between photos.

Warm weather can cause shininess or beads of sweat on the skin. A light dusting of powder can tame shine, while any remaining moisture can be blotted away with a towel.

Although brides and grooms may think clouds on their wedding days are a harbinger of bad luck, overcast conditions can actually contribute to better photos.

A healthy blanket of cloud cover can produce richer colors and pleasing shadows, making photos even more appealing.

If the clouds are just passing, photographers may wait until a cloud passes over the sun to provide just the right amount of light filter.

Couples may want to change into comfortable footwear as they traverse the landscape to get into perfect portraiture locations. This will help keep their fancier shoes clean, and photos can be cropped to hide feet.

How to arrange the best outdoor wedding photos

Outdoor photos can look beautiful when couples are in the hands of accomplished photographer s. C o u p l e s u s i n g p r o f e s s i o n a l p h oto g r ap he r s sh o u l d shar e their image preferences with their photographers, especially if outdoor photography is desired.

Bring along some refresh-ments when posing for photos, as it can be tiring. Couples can take frequent breaks as the photographer adjusts his or her camera for the next shot. Staying hydrated will keep skin looking supple and ensure that everyone feels refreshed when it’s time to return to the party.

Not ever y family member will be able to join the happy couple for outdoor photos. Elderly relatives or those who have mobility issues may find it difficult to stand in the sun or make their away across certain landscapes.

Arrange for indoor photo-shoots with guests who can’t handle the outdoors.


Many couples tie the knot outdoors, as nature can provide an idyllic backdrop on such a special day. In many ways, planning outdoor weddings is similar to planning weddings that take place with a roof overhead and four walls surrounding couples and their guests. But there are some distinct features of both indoor and outdoor weddings, and couples planning the latter would be wise to consider the fol-lowing factors before they commit to a location for their ceremony.

LawsLaws dictate what can and cannot be done in open spaces, and couples with outdoor locations in mind should confirm local laws and regulations before they commit to a location for their wedding. Research which permits you might need and if there are any rules or restrictions at each location you are consider-ing. The cost of such permits may be negligible, but the rules may restrict what you can do in a given space and how long you can do it. Discuss these rules with each other to determine if the rules are something both of you can live with.

LocationProximity to your reception venue and the hotel where guests are staying is another factor to consider if you are planning on hosting an outdoor wedding. A remote location might provide stunning views and privacy, but guests might tire if the ceremony location is far from the hotel and/or reception venue. This should not be too big an issue if the ceremony and reception are held at the same locale, but couples should still look

for nearby lodging before booking remote outdoor locations.

WeatherWeather is perhaps the biggest factor couples must consider when planning an outdoor wedding. Outdoor weddings are best held during those seasons when the threat of precipitation is insignificant and tem-peratures are mild, but it’s still necessary to have a backup plan just in case Mother Nature does not want to cooperate. If possible, find an outdoor location that provides access to an indoor ceremony facility in case of inclement weather. If that’s not possible, monitor the forecast as closely as possible and arrange for a tent to be erected should rain start to fall. (Note: The cost of such tents can be considerable, so build this con-tingency into your budget.) If the forecast is calling for chillier temperatures than you had hoped for, email out-of-town guests a few days in advance to remind them to dress warm.

LogisticsNo matter how beautiful a backdrop may be, photos of an outdoor ceremony can be compromised. Couples, along with their photographers, should visit the site in the weeks before their weddings to determine arrangements for the ceremony that will guarantee photos are not compromised by sunlight or shade. Facility managers can probably offer advice as to the best places to hold the ceremony and seat guests, but a run-through at the location with your photographer in tow can help ensure your photos come out perfect.

Factors to consider when hosting an outdoor wedding

Good luck wedding superstitionsCouples on the verge of tying the knot spend lots of time hoping their wedding days go off without a hitch. The threat of rain drops or temporarily misplaced rings can make couples feel that the hands of fate are casting bad luck on the proceedings, but couples need not worry.

Superstitions are not always negative, and there are many things thought to bestow good luck on couples about to become husband and wife. The following are some of the more popular harbingers of good luck couples can look for on their wedding days.

• Rain: Rain signifies various things in different cultures, and many of those amount to a dose of good fortune for a wedding. Rain can represent fertility, suggesting that couples will have many children. Rain also can signify cleansing and renewal or the washing away of past ills.

• Sugar: Many Greeks believe tucking a sugar cube into your glove will mean a sweet union between the newly betrothed.

• Coins: In Sweden, a bride puts a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe so she will never have to go without.

• Unpleasant things: Egyptian women may pinch the bride on her wedding day for good luck. The English believe finding a spider in your wedding dress means good luck.

• Bells: Bells may chime at Irish weddings to keep evil spirits away and ensure a harmonious family life. Some brides also will tuck small bells into their bouquets.

• Day: Some cultures view certain days as luckier than others for getting married. English tradition suggested Wednesday was the best day for getting married, with Monday weddings bring-ing wealth and Tuesday events bringing good health. English folklore states that Saturday is the unluckiest day to tie the knot.

Many traditions are in place to keep bad spirits away from wedding proceedings and ensure good luck. Middle Eastern brides, for example, paint henna on their hands and feet to protect themselves. The tradition of the groom carrying his bride over the threshold is to protect her from evil spirits lurking below.

Good luck charms vary depending on culture and geography. Several superstitions have withstood the test of time and can give brides and grooms a little more security on their wedding days.


Visit our website at www.polandspringresort.comWe o�er 2 wedding packages for up to 72 or 200 guests.

Ceremony choices of Gazebo or ChapelWe are reserving dates now for 2016 & 2017

Please call (207) 998-4351 for a tour and brochure.

�e Perfect Wedding and ReceptionWe o�er you the history … the beauty … the memories of

Poland Spring with our all-inclusive wedding receptions.

Poland Spring Resort navigating the rehearsal dinner

Rehea rsa l d i n ners a re a f u n wedding tradit ion that t y pi-cally take place the night before

a couple walks down the aisle. The immedi-ate families of the bride and groom as well as any additional members of the wedding party are on hand for the rehearsal dinner, which often follows a walk-through of the wedding ceremony.

The rehearsal dinner is usually a laid-back affair, but there are some things couples must navigate as they sit down to their last dinner together before becoming husband and wife.

Guest listIt is customary to invite anyone participat-ing in the wedding, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, f lower girls, and ring bearers, to the rehearsal dinner. In addition to those in the wedding, family members, such as parents of both the bride and groom and their respective siblings who are not in the wedding, also are invited to traditional rehearsal dinners.

MenuIf your rehearsal dinner will take place at a restaurant, then try to find a restaurant that can cater to various tastes. Rehearsal dinner parties tend to be large, and within your party you may have guests who are vegetarian or on gluten-free diets or those who need to avoid certain foods. The more versatile the menu, the more capable an establishment is likely to be with regard to meeting the various needs of your party.

While many rehearsal dinners are held at res-taurants, it’s not unheard of to host a dinner party at home or at the home of the bride’s or groom’s parents. If you plan to go this route, just be sure to provide a variety of food so no one goes home hungry.

BookingIf you are hosting a rehearsal dinner at a res-taurant, booking a reservation should be near the top of your priority list once you have chosen a date for the wedding. It’s not always easy to find restaurants that can accom-modate especially large parties, nor is it easy to find restaurants that can accommodate the unique diets of potential party guests. So try to book a reservation three to six months in advance of the dinner. If you are getting married during an especially popular month to tie the knot, such as June or October, try to make the reservation even earlier, as the longer you wait the more likely other couples will have booked the restaurant for their rehearsal dinners. Starting early also gives you more time to find the ideal restaurant to host the dinner.

TabMany wedding traditions have fallen by the wayside over the last several decades, and that includes who is picking up the tab. In the past, the brides’ parents paid for the wedding while the grooms’ parents were expected to pick up the tab for the rehearsal dinner. But many couples now pay for their own weddings, and those that are footing the bill should include the rehearsal dinner in their wedding budgets. If parents offer to pay or split the tab, you can take them up on their generous offer. But it is still to a couple’s advantage to expect to pay for their rehearsal dinners.

Rehearsal dinners are an enjoyable tradition that affords couples the chance to sit down with their closest friends and family members and enjoy a great mea l together. Plan-ning ahead can make the dinner even more enjoyable.


(BPT) -- Wedding trends come and go, driven by many cultural inf luences, but few are as enduring and romantic as shabby chic/shabby glam. With its perfect combina-tion of elegance and softness, bright sparkles and gentle hues, a shabby chic wedding complements the individu-ality and beauty of brides of every age and walk of life.

A n d , t h a n k s t o m a n y rent a l stores i nc rea si ng their inventor y of shabby chic items, it’s also one of the easiest and most fun wedding themes to create. V i ntage wedd i ng gow ns, repu r posed items a nd a

wide inventory of thematic rental items can a l l work together to create a shabby chic wedding that is unique, memorable and affordable.

You can visit RentalHQ.com to find your local American Rental Association member store that will help you with your individual needs. To create a wedd i ng t heme that is the perfect marriage of shabby and glam follow these three simple steps:

1. Flowers and lace are the perfect marriage.

L ace i sn’t ju st for you r wedding gown and f lowers aren’t just for your bouquet. Touc he s of l a c e a dde d throughout the ceremony and reception underscore the air of nostalgic elegance that’s essential to shabby chic. This can be as easy as adding lace touches to wedding invitations or using pieces of lace as placemats or coasters on recept ion tables.

Or, it can be as grand as a lace tent liner that evokes a roma nt ic, bygone era. Florals are key to creating a shabby chic look. Whether the bride and groom stand beneath a bower of pastel bloom s w h i le e xch a ng-ing vows, or f loral accents t h r ou g hout t he br ide’s couture, f lowers and f loral patterns lend romance and grace to every aspect of a shabby chic wedding.

2. Light the way.Light plays an important role in any shabby chic themed event. For weddings, v in-tage-look ing chandeliers, candelabras and hurricane lamps act both as decorative items and sources of roman-t ic l ight. It ’s easy to add t hemat ic l ig ht ing to a ny wedding, even if your recep-tion will be in an ordinary hall or tent.

Rental companies offer an array of lighting options that can be temporarily outfitted to any venue. Adorn tables with classic silver candela-bra or add a stunning crystal chandelier to an outdoor tent. You can find a variety of lighting options on Rent-alHQ.com.

Ma ny renta l stores have increased their inventor y of shabby chic decor items to meet brides’ demands, so renting can give you access to greater variety. Plus, you’ll reap t he cost sav i ngs of renting versus buying.

3. Layers of texture.T h e p l e a s i n g u n i o n o f diverse colors and textures is at the heart of a shabby chic wedding. Soft colors are the perfect foil for spar-kles, and distressed wood complements the beauty of aged metals like silver and pewter.

A l l t hese elements come together to evoke the grace a nd c om f or t of b y gone t i mes. L ook for creat ive w a y s t o h a r m o n i o u s l y incorporate these touches into your wedding.

For example, display your wedding cake, adorned with real f lowers, atop a rustic wooden table. Decorate an antique metal birdcage with lace and ribbon and use it as a holder where reception guests can deposit cards for the bride and groom.

Add petite crystal and pearl accents to bouquets a nd centerpieces. For a rustic food table, rent wooden barrels, top w ith an aged wooden plank, and present food on v i nt age ser v i ng plates.

Fina l ly, look for inspira-

tion online. Resources like Pinterest, Etsy and theknot yield a wealth of ideas, and you can browse photos of

other weddings and bridal creations to find the perfect look for your shabby chic wedding.

3 secrets to creating the shabby chic wedding of your dreams

694 South Main St., Auburnwww.AuburnMaineWeddings.com782-9220

Elegant & AffordableWedding & Banquet Facility

Up to 175 People

FREE On-SiteWedding Ceremony

$2999Plus T&G

PP

Discounted Photo BoothWith Every Wedding

No HiddenFees!

Starting at


418 Center Minot Hill Road

(Corner of Shaw Hill& Center Minot Hill)

in Minot

Maine Wedding Barn at Farview Farm

Authentic 60 year old historic dairy farm barn. 108 acres, sitting high atop a hill overlooking the western Maine Mountains.

All Inclusive: Tables, Chairs, Linens, Large Ceremony & Reception Site, ADA compliant Bathrooms (Add the Bridal Farm House to your day!)Phone: 207-577-1373 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.mymaineweddingbarn.com • Twitter @MEweddingbarn

WeddingsClass Reunions

PromsAnniversary

Family ReunionsBirthday Parties

Company functions

The Maine Wedding Barn and Event Center

at Farview Farm

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

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

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

• Venue information: Guests will need to

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

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

• Hotel information: Many couples arrange special room rates with nearby hotels for their wedding guests. Include the names of these hotels, directions to the hotel from all directions, direc-tions from the hotel to the ceremony and reception sites and the various rates for

rooms (single room, double room, etc.). If possible, include a link to each hotel’s res-ervation form as well.

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

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

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


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

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

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

A wedding band should com-plement the engagement ring but not be a perfect match. An ornate engagement ring might look better with a simple band, and vice-versa. Similarly cut gemstones also can comple-

ment an engagement ring. If the bride chooses to wear both her engagement ring and wedding band together on the same finger, she should choose a band that will accommodate the curves of uniquely shaped engagement rings.

Couples can make some early choices even before they visit jewelry stores. Narrow down your options so the experi-ence will not be overwhelming. When the time comes to shop, give yourselves at least two months to browse and then choose the rings you like best.

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

When getting rings sized, both the bride and groom should go when their fingers aren’t swollen from exercise or early in the morning after they may

have retained fluid. Shopping should take place when hands aren’t too hot or cold. This will allow the best size so the bands fit comfortably and will have enough wiggle room should fingers swell or shrink a little bit.

People can protect their invest-ments by keeping the ring on as much as possible and only removing it when engaging in

demanding physical activity or when working with chemi-cals. Store the ring in a safe spot when you are not wearing it so you are less likely to lose it.

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

On the Common, Bethel(207) 824-2175 • bethelinn.com

If you want a Celebration, not just a reception...Astound your guests with our elegant dining rooms,

acres of lawns & gardens and outstanding resort activities in the heart of beautiful Bethel.

“A Must See” ~ YankeeMagazine

Country Elegant Wedding Packages

From $39 - $99per person!

Full Catering, DJ Services & Affordable Rates!

Air Conditioned,Handicap-Accessible,

Seats 175

711 Webster Street, Lewiston (207) 782-1913

$3,500 SpecialHall, cash bar, buffet-style

catering with 6 hot entrees, toast, DJ,decorations, wedding cake.

All Occasions

at C & J HALL

Pelletier’s Banquet Facility

Weddings ~ Receptions

10% offwith this ad!

Explore wedding day transportation optionsEngaged couples may be ready to walk down the aisle and begin their new life together, but first they have to get to the ceremony.

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

• Take it to the water. If you’re having a lakeside or seaside wedding, taking a water route to your ceremony can make

for a dramatic entrance. Vessel options include speedboats, yachts or something more intimate, such as canoes or row-boats. Afterward, you can coast off into the sunset.

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

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

• Take the party on the road. Moving a large number of people in the wedding

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

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

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

Basics of wedding rings

Couples have many options at their disposal regarding transportation on their wedding days. When booking transportation for you and your wedding guests, remember to do so well in advance. Arrive like royalty. Take a page out of a favorite fairy tale and arrive in a horse-drawn carriage.


By Deborah CarrollSpecial Sections Writer

“Sarah,” said Russ Schnelzer, “was one of my sister’s friends.”

Although “Rusty’s sister said we had to meet,” said Sarah, it took a very long time before the actual introductions were made. “I’d been to their house, and met his entire family before I ever met him.”

Sarah and Russ finally met about two-and-a-half years ago in Boothbay Harbor, so “we figured it would be a good place to get married,” said Russ … “right where we met.”

And so, on a beautiful late-July day, the couple celebrated their 2015 wedding at the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden in Booth-bay Harbor in a fashion popular in the 1920s.

“Rusty has a newsboy hat that he wears all the time,” said Sarah.

“We like to dress in ‘20s-style things for events,” added Russ. And so the theme was a perfect fit for this couple.

“Rusty grew a handlebar moustache for the wedding,” said Sara, “and all the kids kept asking if it was fake.”

Although the couple chose not to have a wedding party other

than their dog who is also named “Rusty” and who acted as best man, all of the male guests in attendance were dressed in accordance with the ‘20s theme.

There was “a little bit of a gangster flare, with the fedoras,” said Sarah, and most of the men wore suspenders and bow ties, and slicked their hair back.”

Wedding with 1920s theme fits couple’s lifestyleRuSS AnD SARAH ScHnELzER

1920s themepage 23 ‰


And the women, even the younger girls, wore f lapper dresses.

Before the ceremony began, the couple arranged an accessories table and a mirror, “with a few extra little things that someone could take and wear if it comple-mented their outfit,” said Sarah.

“It was a big ‘help yourself’ table,” said Russ.

“With all kinds of extras,” added Sarah.

Both bride and groom truly enjoyed seeing their guests dressed for the occasion.

Sarah’s own dress was strapless and featured a scalloped edge bodice and a small train.

“It was really cool,” she said. “Not quite a mermaid dress, but like a trumpet, and the color was called ‘vintage’.” Her headpiece was beaded with feathers, reminiscent of the 1920s.

“We had around 75 people,” said Sarah.

“It was small,” and “the wedding and reception were in the same place … a short ceremony with a cocktail hour,” added Russ.

Sarah particularly enjoyed the ceremony. Her grand-mother, whom she had never met, loved to sing.

“We have a recording of her singing,” said Sarah, and her grandmother’s recorded vocals entertained guests both before the ceremony and as Sarah walked down the aisle.

“It was really emotional for my mom,” she said, and guests were left feeling her grandmother’s presence.

The couple chose to include 1920s-style jazz music at their reception, performed by the Sheepscott Jazz and Swing Company featuring a four-piece band on trom-bone, sax, standup bass and piano. Russ’s cousin was the saxophonist.

In addition, said Sarah, “My great grandfather played the trombone,” and having the jazz band was a way of honor-ing his memory.

Russ’s mom arranged for the cake.

“It was called a naked cake,” said Sarah. “It was very earthy, and with three or four edible, sugar water lilies it fit the garden setting.”

It was especially appropriate given that Sarah’s bouquet, picked earlier that morning for her by Russ from the lake, featured waterlilies.

“It’s one of my favorite flowers,” said Sarah.

Sarah and Russ live in Columbia Falls, Maine, near Machias, where they harvest blueberries on the farm that has been in Sarah’s family for generations.

& Hi-Style CaterersBeautiful ambiance, exceptional cuisine, impeccable service... every detail is in place to create the perfect wedding celebration for you and your guests.

576-8849 • 344-6336 | 1119 Lisbon Street, Lewiston | www.CarriageHousePlus.com

RECEPTIONS OF

Distinction

Call to arrange a tour of our full-service banquet facilities.

• L.A.’s Premier Wedding & Banquet Facility• All inclusive wedding receptions up to 250 People in our main room.• For more Intimate Gatherings, we also offer our Hi-Style Room

- Capacity of 97 Guests• Central Air • Full Service Bar • Personalized Events Coordinator • Plenty of Parking • Catering for every occasion• Our Exclusive D.J. - Mr. K D.J. (M.C.)

(State of the art sound & digital lighting)

Sam Delaware photos

1920s themefrom page 22


14 Great Falls Plaza ∙ Auburn, ME 04210207-514-2204 ∙ auburnriverwatch.hgi.com

weddings anniversaries full banquet facilities - sun...

Documents