Bridal Planner

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2 January 2014 Wedding Guide

Imagine your wedding reception in the romantic ambiance of our spacious grand atrium with glass elevators and an open staircase. Our professional & experienced banquet staff looks forward to providing everything in detail from hot and cold hors doeuvres to a delicious and spectacular 5 course dinner for up to 250 guests. For out-of-town guests, we have special wedding group rates for your guests making us the perfect spot for informal wedding gatherings over your wedding weekend.

A Lasting

ts

By: Shawn Hickman any couples decide that they would like to have their wedding day captured on video but many have fears that it will be too obtrusive. Providing that they take care to select the right video company, they will find that their fears were completely unfounded and that they didnt notice their videographer at all. A professional videographer will be unobtrusive and will fit in with you and your guests they wont try to take-over your day. Levels in videographers vary considerably; it is therefore essential that you request to see a show-reel of their work. This will give a good indication of the picture and sound quality, technical ability, editing and filming styles. However, make sure that the show-reel is the work of the videographer who will be filming your wedding. It is also a good idea to see letters of thanks/reference from previous customers, this will show you how they fitted in with the wedding party and guests. Check if the videographer is a member of a registered trade association like the IOV (Institute of Videography) or the APV (Association of Professional Videomakers). Most trade associations request the member to pass an assessment, and they are only certified if they have reached the required standard in both filming and editing. Good videographers are sought after. It is therefore advisable to book early (about one year in advance) to ensure that you get the videographer you want. To avoid any confusion, always get written confirmation of your booking confirming the date and time of your wedding. A good wedding video will provide you with a treasured memory of 2012 to Wedding your special day to be watched by June generations come. Guide 3

Memory

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table of contents

January 2014 Wedding Guide 3

A lasting memory Do-it-yourself weddings Toasting the bride and groom Tips for newlyweds merging finances Ways to trim wedding receptions Cutting your catering bill Wedding showers break from tradition Engaged? Start planning now

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Do-it-yourself

4 January 2014 Wedding Guide

Those thinking about tying the knot in the months to come may be discouraged by how expensive weddings can be. But with a little ingenuity and a hands-on approach, couples can have a wedding that is inexpensive and memorable at the same time. According to CostofWedding.com, on average, U.S. couples spend $26,542 for their weddings. Weddingbells magazine states that the average cost for a wedding in Canada is $23,330, up from $20,129 in 2010. These amounts do not include the cost for an engagement ring or wedding bands. With such a high price tag, some couples may wonder if they can afford their dream wedding or if there are ways to cut costs. Having a backyard, DIY wedding can be the answer. Although some may envision a backyard wedding with picnic benches and Dad at the grill, it can be a much classier affair than that. Smart couples are realizing that the money they would normally spend on a big wedding at an outside venue can be put to better use, either through buying a new home or fixing up one they may already own.

Wedding

chase wardrobe essentials several months in advance to be sure there will be time for alterations, if necessary. Enlist the help of family and friends to get many of the tasks completed. Upon asking, many couples find there are members of the family who have skills in certain areas, which can be tapped for the wedding. There may be a gourmet chef, a disc jockey, a photographer or even someone who can officiate the vows. Having these people on board means a great reduction in costs. Because couples will be doing the work themselves, its best to start several days in advance of the wedding (weather permitting). Set up the tables and chairs to finalize placement the day before. Figure out where the ceremony will take place. A small arbor can mark the area and make a nice photo backdrop.

Readying the Venue

Here are some other ways to save money on DIY weddings. * Fruit is less expensive than flowers for centerpieces. * Include postcard response cards in wedding invites. * Be sure to check with your town if you need a permit or variance for having so many cars parked by the house in the event of a backyard wedding. Otherwise you could be facing a fine. * Many different foods can be cooked in advance and frozen instead of hiring a catering service. * Consider favors that also double as table centerpieces. * Bouquets can easily be made with store-bought flowers, some floral tape and decorative ribbon. * Restrict the bar to wine and beer. A DIY wedding can be a fun, memorable event that costs a A DIY wedding is one that will take much more work than couple a fraction of what it would be to have it held at an expensimply hiring vendors and leaving the details to them. But the sive location. money saved with sweat equity can be substantial. A well-planned wedding is the best start.

Other Tips and Tricks

Getting Started

Grab a notebook and start making lists of all the things you will need: * officiant * location * music * tables and chairs * centerpieces and other decor * linens * cake or dessert * food * silverware and glassware * lighting * attire * invitations * flowers * photography Many items necessary for a wedding can be bought in advance. Some couples find that purchasing low-cost items at discount stores turns out to be less expensive than renting. For example, inexpensive glasses and silverware can be bought at dollar stores or chains like Ikea. Later on these items can be kept, sold or even donated to shelters. Tablecloths dont have to be the traditional kind. It may be less expensive to purchase pieces of fabric from a fabric store and dressing them up oneself. Candles can be stockpiled relatively easy and provide a very affordable means of ambient light. Plan out centerpiece ideas and figure out which components can be bought and stored. Then items can be assembled at leisure. Wedding stationery is one thing that will have to be bought well in advance so there will be time enough to printout save-the-dates, invitations and response cards, as well as mail them. An informal wedding may mean couples can get simple attire. Buying off the rack may mean a smaller price tag for gowns. Gentleman may be able to fare with sportcoats and slacks. Pur-

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Work in Advance

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January 2014 Wedding Guide 5

Toasting the bride and groom at a wedding reception is a responsibility that typically falls on the shoulders of the brides father as well as the best man and the maid of honor. Though it is an honor to give a wedding toast, it also can be nerve-wracking, as no one wants to give a toast thats memorable for all the wrong reasons. While the best toasts are often those that veer off the beaten path, coming from the heart rather than from a how-to guide found on the Internet, there is a certain formula men and women can follow to ensure their toasts cover all of the appropriate bases without offending the bridal party or fellow guests. * Acknowledge the guests. Families are more geographically diverse than ever before, so more and more weddings host guests who come from far and wide to celebrate with happy couples on their wedding days. Its customary for men and women making wedding toasts to acknowledge the guests, thanking them for being there. This is often a great way for best men and maids of honor to break the ice and calm their nerves, especially at larger weddings where they may only know a small percentage of the guests. When thanking the guests, be sure to thank the parents of the bride and groom as well. * Explain your relationship to the bride and/or groom. Best men and maids of honor should devote a portion of their toasts to explaining their personal relationships with the bride and/or groom. Introduce yourself and explain how you met the bride or groom. Oftentimes, such stories have a comical twist that can further calm your nerves. * Aim for a jovial toast. Wedding toasts are typically given at the wedding reception, when guests and the bridal party are ready to celebrate. Such an atmosphere lends itself to a jovial toast wherein best men and maids of honor focus on happy times with the bride and groom. Tell a funny anecdote that illustrates the special bond you have with the bride or groom. When choosing a story to tell, remember to keep things appropriate for guests of all ages, including young children.

* Steer clear of alcohol before giving your toast. Many people overindulge in alcohol at wedding receptions, but best men and maids of honor should avoid consuming alcohol until after they have toasted the bride and groom. Horror stories about drunken, inappropriate wedding toasts may seem more like an urban legend than a legitimate possibility, but the tendency for alcohol to lower peoples inhibitions makes it dangerous for men and women to consume it before giving their toasts. * Give your best wishes to the bride and groom before raising your glass. Raising your glass to toast the bride and groom is often the last step before your toasting duties officially end. But before you raise your glass, remember to offer your best wishes to both the bride and groom. Once those sentiments have been expressed, ask the guests to raise their glasses and toast the newlyweds. Toasting happy couples at their wedding receptions can be stressful for best men and maids of honor who are unaccustomed to speaking in front of large groups of people. But following a certain formula and speaking from the heart will ensure such toasts go off without a hitch.

6 January 2014 Wedding Guide

the last several decades, and many newlyweds find themselves in a considerable amount of debt upon returning from their honeymoons. When merging finances, couples should prioritize paying down such debt, as debt is a significant source of stress for newlyweds and long-married couples alike. Newly married couples with little or no debt should avoid spending above their means in the months after they get married. Such spending is commonplace, as newly married couples often want to fully furnish their new homes or reward themselves for pulling off their weddings. But new debt can be just as stressful on a marriage as debt from the wedding, so avoid this potentially problematic pitfall by paying down existing debts with your newly merged finances. * Make note of mutual expenses and open a joint account to pay for those expenses. Mutual expenses like mortgage payments, food and utilities should be the responsibility of each partner, and a joint account should be established to handle such expenses. When opening a joint account, discuss how much and how often each partner will contribute money. One partner might earn considerably more money than another, so work out a reasonable agreement that details how much each partner will contribute each month, and whether such contributions will be made on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. * Make concessions for one another. When merging finances, couples often discover that they dont see eye-to-eye on how each person spends money. Couples who successfully merge their finances often note the importance of making concessions with regard to their partners spending on they certain hobbies Many brides-to-be look forward to the day when visit a bridal or luxuries. As to long as gowns those hobbies aretime. not putting couples salon and are able try on for the first There are certain in that debtcan or jeopardizing financial couples can make tips make the daytheir go much moregoals, smoothly and potentially Merging finances is an issue many newly married couconcessions so their partners to the be perfect happy and enjoy reduce the amount of time it may continue take to find gown. ples face upon returning from their honeymoons. their favorite activities. * Wear a supportive, well constructed strapless bra or corset in your Merging is an issue that looms for many newlyweds or correctfinances size. If you will be wearing a petticoat, also have the right Newlyweds often have a lot on their plates upon returning from couples about to tie the knot. Though its not always easy, mergsize available. their honeymoons. One of the more critical issues newly married ing finances early and discussing can get * Go without face makeup whengoals trying onensure gownsnewlyweds so they remain couples must address is their finances and how those finances offclean. on the right financial foot. will be combined going forward. * Try to wear your hair similar to the style you have in mind for your Combining finances can be a touchy subject for many couples, especially those who had not given much thought to their finances prior to tying the knot. But there are steps couples can take to make the process of merging finances go more smoothly. * Discuss finances early and often. Allowing finances to be the elephant in the room is a mistake, as couples do not want to begin their lives together treading lightly around an issue as significant as finances. Couples should discuss their expenditures and spending habits as early as possible, as one of the biggest Flowers For All Occasions hurdles newly married couples must clear is coming to grips with one anothers financial habits. If such habits have already 201 Fourth St. PO Box 456 201 E. Main St. 301 W. High St. been discussed, then developing a financial plan will be much Ottoville, Ohio Ottawa, Ohio Lima, Ohio easier once that time comes. When discussing finances, define 419-453-6506 419-523-6506 419-228-9883 both short-term and long-term goals and how each of you can 621 W. Sycamore St. 121 S. Main St. adjust your spending habits to make those goals come true. Columbus Grove, Ohio Bluffton, Ohio * Pay off any debts. The cost of weddings has skyrocketed over 419-659-2106 419-358-4040

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Wedding Receptions

January 2014 Wedding Guide 7

Easy ways to trim costs

Weddings can be expensive, and the reception can account for a substantial percentage of a couples expenses. Unlike the days of yesteryear when the brides parents were responsible for financing the wedding, nowadays many couples pay for their own weddings, and some find themselves cash-strapped and looking for ways to save. Trimming reception costs is one of the best ways couples can save money, and there are many ways to do just that and still ensure guests have a great time into the night. * Limit the guest list. Receptions are more expensive the more guests a couple invites, so limiting the guest list is perhaps the best way to avoid breaking the bank to pay for the reception. Caterers and banquet halls typically charge per-person, so trimming the guest list by as few as 20 people can lead to substantial savings. Before sending out your save-the-date cards, peruse the guest list to determine if any guests can be removed. It might be nice to invite professional acquaintances, but if they arent people you know socially then they arent likely to be offended if theyre not invited to the wedding. * Choose a buffet instead of a sit-down meal. Choosing a buffet-style reception is another way to save money on the reception. Sit-down meals in which guests are brought their own plates can be significantly more expensive than buffet style. In addition, a buffet might have more options for guests, which benefits larger receptions with guests of various palates. * Consider a package deal. Couples open to all-inclusive package deals, which typically include the cost of the wedding, reception and possibly even the honeymoon, can save money that way as well. These are most common for destination weddings, but couples might be able to find a package deal Though wedding receptions can be very expensive, there are in their hometowns as well. many ways cost-conscious couples can make their reception more * Host the reception at a private residence. Another way to affordable. reduce reception costs is to avoid banquet halls entirely and host the reception at a private residence, whether its your own home or that of a parent or other relative. This option will save you the cost of renting the banquet hall, but it might only be doable for couples having a smaller, more intimate wedding with relatively few guests. Come See Us to Find the * Hire a DJ instead of a band. Music presents another opportuOne that Best Suits You! nity for cost-conscious couples to trim some of their reception costs. Some couples insist on live music, while others Hrs: M-F 9:00-5:30 Sat. 9:00-1:00 are fine hiring a DJ. If youre among the latter, go with the After hours appointments available DJ, as disc jockeys tends to be far less expensive than live bands. If you simply must go with a live band, look for a local band who might be more willing to give a hometown discount. Cost-conscious couples about to tie the knot can save substantial amounts of money by making a few adjustments with regard to 148 E. Main St., Van Wert 419-238-6065 their wedding reception.

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814 January June 2012 2014 Wedding Wedding Guide Guide

How To Cut Your How to say

Thank-you gifts should be t is customary for the bride- and groom-to-be to show their grati- something thoughtful and endurtude to all of the people who will ing. Avoid fad or gag gifts. These make their wedding day special. gifts should be presented at a prewedding occasion. Its customarily Weddings today featureBy: people Michael Ferrell who have roles that go beyond the done at the rehearsal dinner. Maybe youve got the details of the actual wedding ceremony Crafting personalized remarks traditional, like interior decorators worked out,soloists. but what about the reception? costs is a niceOne wayof tothe callmajor attention to and musical Its important of wedding will definitely be tasks the food, sowedding youll the unique of each to the remember to reception thank everyone want to make sure youll have enough food for everyone participant. Dont simplywithout pass the who contributes to the celebration.

spending too much money. Here are some top ways to cut on your catering bill that will ensure that your guests enjoy your receptionand you save money. Clock

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Most couples want to order an extra tray or two of hors Lima, Ohio doeuvres in case extra guests show up. This is fine (and usu45805 ally a smart idea), but you should still make sure that youre not ordering more appetizers than you actually need; use your discretion based on the guest list. For instance, if you know a number of your guests are vegetarian, you may not need to order as many appetizers with meat. Also, ordering two or three types of hors doeuvres will help to reduce your catering bill. If you buy more Mon-Fri. 7:00-6:00 of the same dish, you can usually save money with most caterSAT. 8:00-1:00 kinds of foods will increase the bill, so ing companiesdifferent its important toenvironmentally keep it classy but safe simple at the weddingeven Offering cleaning methods. when it comes to food.

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gifts out in one fell swoop. This with their ages. Clergy way the gift will have more meanMany couples choose to make ing through a personal message. Dont let thank-you gifts be a financial donation to their house worship. Additional tipping or forgotten. thinking gift of you Caterers Start will also try toof encourage to spend more than you monetary gifts for musicians, al ideas early on and plan for any may need to on the actual meal as well. You may not need a fiveextra time for engraving or other ter boys/girls, etc. can also be a course meal if youve already purchased three types of appetizers thoughtful gesture. A donation topersonalization. and Groomsmen a salad, or three extra desserts if you already have a pretty ward an officiants vestments may large wedding cake. The timefor of day that you hold your wedding also be appreciated. When selecting gifts will give you a good groomsmen, think aboutindication a gift they of how much food to serve; if youre having ceremony in the afternoon or the earlyBride evening, Parents of and would like but the probably wouldnt you want toThis serve more food. Groom buymay themselves. can be cuff The couple may choose to belinks, a fine watch, money clip, stow a foods gift on their parents, which or a high-quality wallet. Feel free Pay attention to the types of you order. to splurge a little more on the best can be especially meaningful if the parents areto taking care of the man. There are some foods that are always going be expensive, financial of the Bridesmaids even if you only order small amounts. So, responsibility since you have towed or-Jewelry or fine gifts in simi Traditional gifts for brides - ding. der a considerable amount of food, ordering dishes that arent soscope to that of the bridal Cerparty maids will are different types of jew - lar costly help you to keep your catering bill reasonable. aresalmon good ideas. engraved elry. Monogrammed stationery, tain seafood, like shrimp, lobster and willConsider definitely make frames that can a spa treatment, or another pam - picture your catering bill higher, so if you have to have them, tryhouse to usea wedding portrait down road. pering As you have with choices them assession. only one of the course for dinner, or the purchase Others the best man, feel free to bestow these foods as appetizers to save on costs. Readers, soloists, ushers, etc. a little more thanks on the maid of honor with a more lavish gift. can be given a small token of your Have stations. Youngerfood bridal party members can appreciation, like a gift card or a get a similar gift, but one in scale personalized memento. (MS)

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Food stations are a unique way to serve a variety of foods at your wedding reception, and you can be sure that everyone will find something they like to eat. This way, you wont have to worry about people changing their minds about their meal choices once they arrive at the reception. A food station with different types of pasta&is usually a hit with most guests, and can be very Fondant Traditional Wedding Cakes economical. You can also include food stations with other types Cakes For All Occasions of the ethnic foods, such as Mexican or Indian fare, to celebrate Birthdays Anniversary the cultures of the people who will be attending your wedding, or Holidays Graduation to acknowledge your backgrounds. You Design may also be own able to cut your catering your wedding cake bill by not requesting an elaborate setup for your food stations and tables. Using a Buttercream & Fondant Icings single color for tablecloths, usually white, will cut down on labor 4611 Road 177 costs. To add more color to your reception decorations, Grover Hill,you OH may want to add elaborate centerpieces, so that youwww.elegantcakes.net can spend as much as you need to on the meals for the reception. To get menu ideas e-mail: elegantcakes@hotmail.com and more pricing information, log on to sites like www.weddingsutra.com and www.foreverwed.com.

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Wedding Showers
ain showers on a wedding day may bring good luck, but they are seldom coveted. However, a different type of shower altogether is often highly anticipated and can help couples feel like theyre one in a million. Wedding showers are gift-giving parties held for couples about to get married. The custom began in the 19th century and continues to present day, primarily in North America and Australia. Guests traditionally shower the bride-to-be with all the necessities (and some fun extras) that she will need after she ties the knot. These gifts will help the soon-to-be-married couple establish a home together. Bridal showers are steeped in tradition, but todays bridal showers continue to veer off the beaten path. Nowadays, bridal showers feature fun and games much like a party having nothing to do with a wedding. TheKnot.com, a web site that aims to help couples plan their weddings and all the events leading up to the big day, identifies these key trends in modern bridal showers.

January 2014 Wedding Guide 9

continue to break from tradition

Gifts are still important, but new trends in wedding showers have * Couples showers: Modern couples who like to be all- shifted the focus of these events. inclusive are now planning bridal showers that cater to mixed audiences. Dubbed a couple shower, these parties include female and male friends and relatives. Gifts are still the main focus of the event, but theyre varied and include guy-friendly items within the mix of household goods. * Power showers: Many are familiar with the terms man cave and bromance, but few may know that there are now wedding showers geared entirely around the groom. Known as power showers, these events focus on the groom-to-be, who is showered with a bevy of gadgets and power tools that are certain to stock his future garage. The parties are decidedly more testosterone-friendly and can include golf outings, poker nights or action movie flicks as possible themes. * Destination/activity showers: Rather than having guests hang around a restaurant watching gift after gift get unwrapped, Newly Redecorated & Beautiful some bridal parties opt to throw an activity shower. These show Catering & Bar Service Included ers are focused around a particular activity. For example, ladies for your convenience may be treated to a day at the spa. Other ideas include horseback Great Location - Easy to get to riding at a stable or a day at the ballpark. Because hosting an Plenty of Parking activity shower for dozens of people may get expensive, these types of showers may be reserved for only your closest friends Open to everyone and family members. * Bride-involved showers: The idea of walking into a room you do not need to be a and being surprised by friends and family members is appealing K of C member to rent. to some brides-to-be but not everyone. Some brides prefer not to For rental information call be surprised by a shower and actually would like to have a role in the planning of the party. However, this is delicate ground on which to tread, considering there may be differences over where the party is held and even the overall experience of the party. These type of showers should be discussed before any plans are made, and tasks should delegated in accordance with those plans. It is customary for a bridal shower to take place before a wedding. But new trends have emerged that are shaking up the way 1011 Elida Ave., Delphos, OH showers are planned and held.

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10 January 2014 Wedding Guide

A to-do list for brides-to-be

toast, your father is sure to get photographed, but your mother might get overlooked. Make sure to ask the photographer to get shots of your mother throughout the day as well. n Choose your flowers. Once you set the date, discuss with your florists which flowers are in season to help narrow down your selection. You may love tulips, but if you have a winter wed ding, The Big Decisions they may be hard to come by, and may be more expensive. The decision to get married is the first of many big decisions you n Book the entertainment. Do you want a DJ or a live band? Talk will be making in the weeks and months to come. Here are some with your fianc about your music preferences, as well as the types things to con sider right away: of tunes you want played at your reception to keep your guests on n Pick a date. Talk with your fianc and family (and your fiancs the dance floor. family) about potential wedding dates to ensure the important people in both your lives will be able to take part. Before the Big Day n Select your guests. The number of guests you invite will directly n Create a website for your wedding to keep guests informed influence the cost of your wedding. of events and for easy access to registry information. Provide n Set a budget. Budgeting for your wedding is crucial, as this will accommodation information for those guests traveling from have a great impact on every other aspect of your day, as well as out of town. your honeymoon. Plan for a little wiggle room for unexpected n Insure your engagement and wedding rings against loss, damage, expenses. theft or mysterious disappearance. According to a survey n Choose a location. Because most popular bridal spots are just conducted by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, 44 percent of that popular you may want to start searching for a location quickly. n Organize the bridal party. Make careful decisions about who you want supporting you leading up to the big day, and who will be displayed in front of everyone in your life. n Pick a style. Many brides choose wedding styles that are reflected in their save-the-dates, invitations, ceremonies, receptions and thank-you cards. Choosing a theme and color scheme in the begin ning will help narrow down options later. n Hire a caterer. Take into account the dietary needs of your guests by offering a variety of menu options, including a vegetarian dish. n Order the cake. Whether you choose a large multi-tiered cake or cup cakes, remember to keep your budget in mindand pick flavors you and your fianc truly enjoy. n Make the announcement. Decide how you want to let the community know of your planned nuptials. Do you want to take professional engagement photos? Do you plan to contact your local paper? n Get the gown. On your wedding day, everyone will be awaiting a glimpse of your gown. Listen to your instincts and choose a gown that feels right and reflects your personality and style. n Dress your party. Once you have chosen the wedding dress of your dreams, speak with your fianc about his wishes for his suit, as well as the bridal party attire. Coldwater Van Wert n Hire a photographer. Choose your professional photographer 215 W. Main St. 1244 S. Shannon St. wisely. With a walk down the aisle, father/daughter dance and 419-678-2929 419-238-2266 reparing for the big day means planning a multitude of details; everything from the flower arrangements to that something blue must be decided upon well in advance of the ceremony. Here are some tips to help ensure your big day goes off without a hitch.

Laudicks Jewelry
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(Continued on page 11)

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Engaged?

January 2014 Wedding Guide 11

(Continued from page 10)

married women either dont insure their engagement ring, or dont know for certain whether their engagement and wedding rings are insured. For a free, no-obligation jewelry insurance quote, visit www.insureyourjewelry.com. n Make sure your marriage license, travel documentation and insurance information are ready to go and stored in a safe place in advance of the wedding day. n Wear your wedding heels around the house to break them in. Pack a back-up pair of flats to wear during the reception. n Remember to ask for help. Designate members of your family or close friends to specific assignments.

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12 2010 January 2014 Wedding Guide 32 Winter Wedding Planner 16 June 2012 Wedding Guide