GUIDE TO

Weddings
F E B R UAR Y 2 0 1 4
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE PAULDING COUNTY PROGRESS
Go Online
to view this
section! www.progressnewspaper.org
2 - Paulding County Progress January 29, 2014
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Do we need a wedding planner?
Planning a wedding is often both
fun and frustrating. While plan-
ning a party for friends and family
can be fun, couples can easily be
overwhelmed by the nuts and bolts
of planning such a significant
event. Interviewing vendors, nego-
tiating prices and arranging for
accommodations are just a few of
the many tasks couples must com-
plete before they can finally relax
and tie the knot. The sheer volume
of decisions couples must make
when planning a wedding is one
reason many men and women seek
the services of wedding planners.
The following are some addi-
tional reasons couples might want
to ease their burdens and hire wed-
ding planners as they get ready for
their big day.
Planners are familiar with
vendors. Wedding planners work
for couples, and while planners
often recommend certain vendors,
they typically work with whomev-
er the couples ultimately choose.
As a result, veteran wedding plan-
ners tend to have worked with
every florist, caterer, deejay and
venue in their areas. That makes
them an invaluable resource to
couples who dont know where to
begin as they start planning their
weddings.
Wedding planners can save cou-
ples time by suggesting couples
avoid certain vendors, whether its
because those vendors have poor
service records or they simply dont
fit into a couples budget. Wedding
planners also can make recommen-
dations based on what couples
want. For example, wedding plan-
ners may know which deejays are
best for more raucous receptions
and which ones are best suited for
couples who want a more formal
affair.
Planners know pricing.
Wedding vendors often leave room
for negotiation when making pro-
posals to prospective customers.
Seasoned wedding planners will
know the going rates for various
services, helping couples get the
best rates possible and doing so
with minimal effort.
In addition, planners might be
able to negotiate directly with ven-
dors they have worked with in the
past, removing one of the biggest
stressors of planning a wedding, the
negotiation process, from the list of
responsibilities couples must han-
dle before tying the knot.
Planners remember the small
details youre likely to forget.
Many couples who have large wed-
dings are getting married for the
first time, and there are bound to be
details they overlook along the
way. Seasoned wedding planners
are far less likely to overlook even
the tiniest of details, helping cou-
ples rest easy knowing that no
stone has gone unturned as their big
days draw closer and closer.
Planners keep you on course.
The longer a couples engagement,
the easier it becomes to put certain
decisions off. But as the wedding
day draws nearer, that procrastina-
tion often turns into panic, as cou-
ples realize their options are dwin-
dling and decisions need to be
made as soon as possible. Wedding
planners hired shortly after a cou-
ple gets engaged will be there to
ensure couples stay on track, mak-
ing decisions as needed and not
putting important decisions off
until the last minute.
Planners make the wedding
day less stressful. Despite all the
planning and preparation that goes
into their weddings, couples often
find their wedding days to be whirl-
wind days that seem to fly by.
Small problems on a couples wed-
ding day have a tendency to be
magnified, but a seasoned wedding
planner can address such issues
before the couple is even aware
they existed. This makes the day
much more enjoyable for the bride
and groom and their investment in
a wedding planner that much more
worthwhile.
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January 29, 2014 Paulding County Progress -3
Explore unique cake flavor combinations
A wedding cake is the piece de
resistance of the wedding ceremo-
ny. Guests anxiously await the
unveiling of the cake near the end
of the festivities. Modern cakes are
showpieces grander in scale than in
years past. As bakers and confec-
tioners hone their skills with fon-
dant, buttercream and gum paste
even further, the results are often
impressive, awe-inspiring cake
designs.
While the look of a wedding cake
is certainly important, cakes should
not only look good, but taste good
as well. Vanilla cake with vanilla
buttercream frosting was once the
gold standard. But todays couples
are being more adventurous with
their wedding cakes and winning
rave reviews from guests along the
way.
The vast scope of wedding cake
flavor choices available to brides
and grooms is astonishing. Options
may range from the traditional to
something adventurous and daring.
Keeping in mind that couples will
need to please the masses, finding a
compromise between plain vanilla
and a mocha-chile-coconut surprise
is essential. Otherwise, they risk an
unpopular flavor and a lot of wast-
ed, expensive cake.
Some couples shy away from
more adventurous cakes because
they fear something chocolately or
not white in color will not be well
suited to a wedding reception. Such
couples should keep in mind that
any flavor of cake can be hidden
beneath layers of pearly white fon-
dant or royal icing. Therefore, the
sky is the limit with regard to flavor
combinations.
Those who might want to veer
from tradition can consider these
clever cake combinations.
Lemon cake with vanilla butter-
cream: Lemons are tart, juicy and
refreshing, helping to cleanse the
palate after a rich meal. Lemon
cake, with its summery feel, is tai-
lor-made for summer weddings.
The flavor is popular enough to
appeal to many, but just a little dif-
ferent to add an unexpected zip of
flavor.
Chocolate cake with chocolate
ganache and mocha filling: True
chocoholics will be hard-pressed to
resist such a decadent flavor pro-
file. Chocolate can be sweet and
satisfying and a welcome change
from the vanilla cakes commonly
served. For traditionalists, the cake
can be covered with a white choco-
late ganache. Or couples can ask
that the cake be adorned with white
sugar roses for an eye-appealing
contrast. Chocolate cakes covered
with autumn hued flowers go over
well at fall weddings.
Red velvet cake with cream
cheese frosting: Red velvet cake
was once a regionally specific sta-
ple, but now has grown steadily in
popularity across the country. Red
velvet has quickly become the new
classic, as its vibrant red coloring
offers a shock of something differ-
ent, while the flavor is mild for
those who are not comfortable tak-
ing risks. The richness and creami-
ness of cream cheese is irresistible.
White cake with chocolate
mousse: Couples who want a bit
of chocolate but do not want to be
overwhelmed can select a white
cake that is filled with light and
rich chocolate mousse. Its the
perfect blend of vanilla and
chocolate for guests who enjoy
both.
Variety tiers: Those who
cannot settle on just one fla-
vor can have different flavors
on each tier of their cakes.
This gives guest some flavorful
variety and enables them to pick
their favorite flavor combination.
Brides- and grooms-to-be who
have specific flavors in mind can
ask their bakers to include two cup-
cakes with the wedding cake. Then
the couple can enjoy their own mini
cakes while the rest of the guests
enjoy a more classic cake. In addi-
tion, an assortment of cupcakes in
lieu of one cake can give guests the
opportunity to sample several dif-
ferent flavors.
Cakes are a part of many special
events, but few cakes are fawned
over as much as wedding cakes.
Couples can spice things up by
choosing a nontraditional flavor
combination.
Think outside of the cake box when selecting flavors for the centerpiece of the wedding reception.
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Wedding showers continue to break from tradition
Rain showers on a wedding day may bring good
luck, but they are seldom coveted. However, a dif-
ferent 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 nineteenth 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 beat-
en 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.
Couples showers: Modern couples who like
to be all-inclusive are now planning bridal show-
ers that cater to mixed audiences. Dubbed a cou-
ple 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 show-
ers, 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 par-
ties 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, some bridal parties
opt to throw an activity shower. These showers
are focused around a particular activity. For
example, ladies may be treated to a day at the spa.
Other ideas include horseback riding at a stable or
a day at the ballpark. Because hosting an activity
shower for dozens of people may get expensive,
these types of showers may be reserved for only
your closest friends and family members.
Bride-involved showers: The idea of walk-
ing into a room and being surprised by friends and
family members is appealing to some brides-to-be
but not everyone. Some brides prefer not to 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, consid-
ering there may be differences over where the
party is held and even the overall experience of
the party. These type of showers should be dis-
cussed 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 showers are planned
and held.
4 - Paulding County Progress January 29, 2014
Gifts are still important, but new trends in wedding showers have shifted the
focus of these events.
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January 29, 2014 Paulding County Progress - 5
Choose a wedding date wisely
Many couples find themselves
bombarded with questions the
moment they become engaged,
and perhaps no questions is more
common than, When is the wed-
ding?
Although a number of couples
would prefer to bask in the excite-
ment of their engagement, some
couples feel pressured to rush into
picking a wedding date. Choosing
a wedding date without giving it
much consideration may make
things more difficult down the
road. Rather than jumping head
first into any decisions, couples
should give thought to any and all
dates and decide if there are cer-
tain times of the year they want to
tie the knot or avoid.
Season
When thinking about potential
wedding dates, it helps to have a
place to start. Some couples find it
helpful to start with a particular
season and then narrow it down
from there. Decide if you prefer
the lush greenery of summer or the
amazing color spectrum of an
autumn afternoon. Perhaps you
envision arriving at the ceremony
with a snow-packed landscape
amid twinkling holiday lights?
Think about the season when you
feel most happy and then determine
if that time of year is doable.
Month
Certain months may seem per-
fect, but not for busy professionals
or those with limited vacation time
at their disposal. For example, early
spring may not be good for
accountants tallying year-end num-
bers. Teachers may feel most com-
fortable tying the knot in the sum-
mer when they already have days
off. If you run a pool business or a
lawn maintenance company, then
the summer might not be so good.
Keep these factors in mind.
Holidays
Some people would like to tie
their wedding day to a particular
holiday. Valentines Day is popular
for weddings thanks to the roman-
tic sentiments synonymous with the
holiday, while some couples prefer
Halloween or Christmas weddings.
Holiday weddings can be excit-
ing, but they also produce signifi-
cant obstacles that couples who
choose to get married during other
times of year dont have to worry
about. Guests may not want to trav-
el or spend time away from their
families to attend a holiday wed-
ding. Having a wedding during a
holiday may mean competing for
vendors and reception spaces.
Prices on everything from food to
flowers to airline tickets could be
higher as vendors cash in on cus-
tomer demand.
Day of the week
Its less expensive for couples to
get married on Fridays and
Sundays than Saturday afternoons
or evenings. Couples may think
that the money saved will be well
worth it, but they also should think
about how this decision may affect
their guests. A Friday wedding
requires people to take off from
work or school. Sunday weddings
may be slightly more convenient,
but those who have to get back to
work on Monday may be tired from
late-night festivities. Couples
should anticipate some guests not
making it to their weddings when
those weddings are not on
Saturdays.
Religious constraints
Couples having religious cere-
monies should consult with their
houses of worship as to which dates
are acceptable. Some will not have
weddings on days of religious
observation. It is wise to consult
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Valentines Day can be popular for weddings, but couples can
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with a church, synagogue or
mosque before booking any other
components of the wedding so that
you are certain your chosen day is
acceptable.
Any available dates
Your wedding date may be dic-
tated by your caterer or wedding
hall. If you have a particular venue
in mind, you may be limited by
their availability. This is a conces-
sion you will need to make if your
heart is set on this particular loca-
tion.
Planning a wedding can be excit-
ing. But the ball cannot get rolling
until couples first choose the day
they will tie the knot.
6 - Paulding County Progress January 29, 2014
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How to approach music on your wedding day
Music often plays an important
role on festive occasions, and wed-
ding days are no exception. The right
music can make a wedding day that
much more meaningful, while the
wrong music can make a couples
big event memorable for all the
wrong reasons.
Though music selection might
seem like one of the easier decisions
couples must make, those about to
tie the knot typically must make a
host of music-related decisions
regarding their wedding day, includ-
ing whether to choose a live band or
a deejay to perform at their wedding
receptions. While the reception is
when music might be most on dis-
play, couples planning their wed-
dings must think beyond the recep-
tion when setting the musical tones
for their weddings.
Ceremony
The ceremony itself often sets the
tone for a couples wedding day. A
beach wedding, for example, often
creates a laid back atmosphere, while
a ceremony held in a large church or
temple often sets a more formal tone.
Music played during the ceremony
also goes a long way toward setting
the tone couples hope to establish.
When choosing music for the cer-
emony, couples should first consider
the venue where they are tying the
knot. Some, such as houses of wor-
ship, may have rules pertaining to
what can and cannot be played inside
the venue. Classical, hymnal or pro-
cessional music often makes the best
fit when weddings are taking place
in more formal venues. Outdoor
weddings tend to give couples more
leeway. But in general, couples dont
want to choose any music thats too
loud or over-the-top for their cere-
monies.
Keep in mind that while the music
played during the ceremony can set
the tone for the day, this music can
vary significantly from the music
played during the reception. A
favorite performer may not be appro-
priate during the ceremony, but that
doesnt mean the couple cant dance
to that artists music during the
reception.
Live musicians can add a more
elegant feel to the ceremony, but
such performers also can be costly.
Playing prerecorded music may not
be as elegant as having a live per-
former, but it can cost a lot less and
still make for an enjoyable day and
evening.
Reception
Many couples prefer deejays to
live bands for their wedding recep-
tions. Deejays can play favorite
songs as couples and their guests
know them, while bands can only
play their own renditions of those
songs.
Another thing to consider when
choosing between a deejay or live
band for the reception is the venue
itself. Some venues are smaller and
unable to accommodate a full band,
while others may not have ideal
acoustics, making it difficult for a
live band to sound as good as they
might in a more music-friendly envi-
ronment.
The formality of the event should
also come into consideration when
choosing between a live band or a
deejay for the reception. Deejays
spinning the latest top 40 hits may
stick out like sore thumbs at especial-
ly formal weddings, while a classical
orchestra likely wont fit into the laid
back theme of a beach or destination
wedding.
Couples tying the knot outdoors
may need to consider equipment
when choosing bands or deejays to
play their weddings. For example,
some venues do not provide equip-
ment, such as microphones and
speaker systems, to couples for their
ceremonies. Renting such equipment
can be costly, but couples can often
skirt such charges by hiring deejays
or bands who lend couples their
equipment during the ceremony.
Deejays or bands who will loan and
set up the necessary sound equipment
for outdoor ceremonies merit extra
consideration.
When discussing music to be
played during the reception, couples
must consider their own musical
tastes as well as those of their guests.
A wide range of popular music tends
to go best at wedding receptions, as
guests are more likely to dance to
songs they recognize.
Avoid any music that has the
potential to offend guests, opting for
lighter, happier tunes instead.
Whether hiring a band or deejay, cou-
ples should make a list of no-play
songs or artists and make sure that
such lists are included in their con-
tracts.
Music plays an important role on
couples wedding days. Though
choosing music for the ceremony and
the reception is often fun, couples
must take such decisions seriously.
Music plays an important role on couples wedding days. Though choosing music for the
ceremony and the reception is often fun, couples must take such decisions seriously.
Modern wedding trends are building new traditions
(BPT) October is the new June. More
and more, weddings are taking place in the
height of fall foliage, heart of winter and prime
holiday season, including the ever-popular New
Years Eve ceremony to ring in the new year.
But its not just the wedding season that has
drastically evolved over the past decade, its
everything from roles and responsibilities to
gift-giving.
As you gear up to celebrate the union of your
beloved family or friends or even your own
know what to expect from the changing tides of
weddings. Lizzie Post, co-author of Emily
Posts Etiquette, 18th Edition and great-great-
granddaughter of Emily Post, helps couples
navigate the new traditions of weddings. The
Post name has been synonymous with proper
etiquette and manners for the past 80 years.
As decades pass, so will traditions, but prop-
er etiquette is timeless. Be prepared for the next
wedding you attend and know what to expect
from changes in the wedding landscape with
these important pieces of advice:
Pay it forward
Finding the right gift for the newlyweds can
be difficult. While registries help to point guests
in the right direction, many couples are getting
married later in life and already have all the
household items that are common wedding
gifts. To provide the couple with a small nest
egg to use however they wish, a check is always
a great and safe gift idea. Several financial insti-
tutions offer mobile check deposit through their
banking app, allowing the couple the flexibility
to deposit checks on-the-go to help cover out-
standing vendor payments or use on their hon-
eymoon. Another new-age trend is contributing
to a couples honeymoon fund.
Temper tech use
Even weddings are going hi-tech. There are
numerous websites available that can help the
couple to organize the process, communicate
with guests and share photos after the ceremo-
ny. But a few things like a handwritten thank
you note should steer clear of the hi-tech
lure. In a gadget-driven society, everyone is car-
rying a smartphone. Couples can post a tasteful
notice at the entrance of the ceremony location
or in the program to remind guests to turn off
their cell phone ringers and refrain from use
during the ceremony. Some couples may actu-
ally encourage guests to take photos and share
images via social media, but guests should
respect their wishes and use phones only as a
camera and upload images after the ceremony.
Respect personalization
Couples want their special day to reflect who
they are and what is important to them. While
previous generations traditionally wed in places
of worship, many modern couples choose to tie
the knot at a sentimental location, like where
they had their first date. The decor, music and
even the food and drink served at a wedding
may have a personal story behind it. No matter
how nontraditional the element may be, guests
should eagerly partake in the festivities,
acknowledging and respecting the couples
individualization.
Be all-inclusive
In the past, bridal showers were strictly for
the bride and bachelor parties were a men-only
affair. Nowadays, these festivities are no longer
gender-specific. Showers can be thrown for the
couple in unison and include creative themes
like stock the bar or time of day. Bachelor
and bachelorette parties can also be conjoined
to involve the entire bridal party in a destination
event.
And while these events are a celebration of
joy, expenses can add up quickly. If you use a
rewards card, like the BankAmericard Travel
Rewards credit card, you can earn points on
purchases to pay for all or part of your trip. This
is great for both the bride and groom and guests
traveling to the wedding.
As trends and expectations shift, so will the
way major life milestones are celebrated. It is
important to celebrate these moments in life
with grace and support for the happy couple
after all, its their day and it should be as
unique as they are.
For further etiquette advice on navigating 21st
century weddings, visit www.emilypost.com.
January 29, 2014 Paulding County Progress -7
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New times, new traditions: Modern wedding trends from stock-the-bar parties to social networking
sites are changing the ways that nuptials are celebrated.
8 - Paulding County Progress January 29, 2014
Tips for perfect wedding invitations
Wedding invitations often pro-
vide guests with a first glimpse of a
weddings style. Invitations also
may serve as the means by which
distant friends and relatives find
out about a couples pending nup-
tials if a formal announcement was
not made.
Amid the flourishes of calligra-
phy and impressive paper stock is
information that speaks to the
importance of the day when two
people will be joining their lives
together. Guests will learn not only
the time and the place of the wed-
ding from the invitation, but also
the formality of the event and the
scope of the party that will follow.
Couples should keep certain
things in mind as they begin to
design their wedding invitations.
Have a good idea of your
potential guest list. Before shop-
ping for wedding invitations, it is
key to have a strong idea of just
how big the wedding will be and
how many guests will be invited.
This way you will know how many
invitations you will need.
Invitations vary in price, so cost
may be a consideration if your
guest list is extensive.
Decide on the formality of the
wedding. Will you be hosting a
black tie affair, or will it be a casu-
al gathering at the shore? Guests
infer many things about the wed-
ding from the invitations, which
should match the formality of the
event in style and the sentiments
expressed. An ornate invitation
written with classic wording sug-
gests a more formal affair, while a
whimsical invitation with less for-
mal wording could indicate a more
laid-back event.
Dare to be different by play-
ing with invitation sizes and
shapes. Rectangular cards are stan-
dard for wedding invitations, but
you can explore your creativity by
choosing more modern, artsy invi-
tations. Circular invites or scal-
loped edges can add some whimsy
to the wedding mood. Invitations
that fold out or are embellished
with ribbon or other decorations
can be appealing. Just keep in mind
that cards that are not the standard
shape and size could be more cost-
ly to send. Always have the entire
wedding invitation weighed and
priced at the post office so you will
know what the postage will before
you purchase stamps.
Choose a legible font and text
color. Your invitation may look
beautiful, but it may prove ineffec-
tive if it is difficult to read. Do not
risk guests misinterpreting the date
or the location because they cannot
read the writing on the invitation.
Steer clear of pastel or yellow text
colors, and remember to have a
high contrast between the color of
the invitation and the text you are
using for easy reading. Also, be
sure to ask your grammatically
inclined friends to look over the
invitation proof and proofread it
carefully youd be surprised at
what typos you could miss.
Keep the invitation simple. It
may be tempting to load the invita-
tion with lots of information, but all
you really need are the key pieces
of information, such as the who,
what, where, and when.
Crowding the card will take away
from its aesthetic appeal. Most sta-
tioners will suggest a separate,
smaller insert in the wedding invi-
tation for the reception information
and response card. Never put infor-
mation such as where you are regis-
tered or no kids allowed. This is
material better reserved for word of
mouth or on a wedding Web site.
Do some math. It is important
to know your dates so you can
receive the invitations on time, mail
them out, and give guests enough
time to respond. A good rule of
thumb is to mail out the invitations
at least two months before the wed-
ding. Have an RSVP date of no
more than three to four weeks
before the wedding, giving ample
time to the caterers and accommo-
dating anyone who procrastinates
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in sending in a response. You will
need the final headcount in order to
confirm seating arrangements and
plan for centerpieces and favors.
Handwrite the envelopes. Your
invitation will look more impressive
if you address them by hand, rather
than printing them off of a computer.
If your handwriting is not very neat,
consider hiring a professional callig-
rapher to write out your envelopes.
Make it easy for guests to
respond. Be sure to place a stamp on
the response card envelope and have
that envelope already addressed with
your home address so that guests will
have no excuses not to mail a
response back promptly.
Always order extra. Mistakes
happen, and you may need to send out
a few extra invitations that you hadnt
originally counted. Always order
extra invitations just to be on the safe
side. And dont forget you will proba-
bly want to keep one as a keepsake for
yourself.