Wedding Planner 2012 - Aiken Standard

Wedding
Planner
2012
InsIde:
GETTING ENGAGED IS
JUST THE BEGINNING -
PAGE 4
RESPONSIBILITIES VARY
FOR WEDDING PARTY
PARTICIPANTS - PAGE 6
WEDDING BUDGET
PLANNER - PAGE 20
Proudly Sponsored By
S1
Most popular months for weddings
Every year millions of people
walk down the aisle and begin
the start of their new lives
together as couples. December is
one of the more popular months
in which to get engaged, but
other months of the year are
more popular for weddings.
Te decision on when to get
married depends on a host of
factors. Some couples choose the
date based on availability with a
church or reception hall, while
others might prefer to walk
down the aisle during a specifc
season. Some couples choose to
coordinate their wedding with a
special event, such as a birthday
or another day of note.
Most couples decide on a
wedding month primarily for
the weather. Tats why the
spring and summer are the most
popular times of the year in
which to tie the knot. Here is a
list of the most popular months
to tie the knot.
1. June
2. August
3. May
4. July
5. September
6. October
7. December
8. November
9. April
10. February
11. March
12. January
Less popular months for
weddings may be easier to book
in terms of availability, and
certain vendors may discount
items because of a slower season.
Having a wedding during this
time can be advantageous if
money is tight.
Wedding
Directory
Advertisers
2 - Vinyas
2 - Re-Fresh
3 - Hampton Inn/Hilton Garden Inn
5 - Te Curiosity Shop
7 - Floyd & Green
8 - Connies Framing
8 - Aikens Unique Giftique
8 - Cannon House Florist
8 - Image Nail Spa
8 - Howell Printing
8 - Condo & Villa Vacations, Inc.
8 - JCs Seafood
8 - Floral Gallery
9 - City of North Augusta
11 - 3 Monkeys Fine Gifts
12 - Charlottes
14 - Listas Studio
15 - All Star Rents
15 - Summerville Rags
17 - Te Ivy Cottage, Inc.
17 - Angevines Silver & Antiques
18 - Imago Hair Salon & Day Spa
18 - Tea Garden Gifts
19 - Osbons Laundry & Cleaners
20 - Houndslake Country Club
21 - Te Willcox of Aiken
23 - Woodside Plantation Country Club
24 - Windsor Jewelers
326 Rutland Drive NW, Aiken SC 29801
803.648.2311
Cover by Lauren Haley - Layout by Julie Lott
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Vinyas Womens Clothing Boutique
118 Laurens Street, SW
Aiken, South Carolina 803-642-9684
LET US
HELP
YOU GET
READY
FOR THE
BIG DAY!
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2 Wedding Planner 2012
S2
Wedding Planner 2012 3
we love having you here.
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AS07-680762
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S3
Getting engaged is just the
beginning ... Now what?
Are you one of the
thousands of couples who got
engaged over the holidays?
Tis is the time for you
and your soon-to-be to get
everything you ever wanted --
whether youre starting from
scratch, upgrading, expanding
or replacing. Turn a whole
bunch of mismatched mine
and yours into a lifetime of
ours.
When it comes to
registering, relax, take
your time and have fun,
recommends Audrey Stavish,
a Bridal and Gift Registry
expert at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Most brides update their
registries online and go into
the stores many times. Tere
arent any rules that you must
follow. Choose items that are
right for you and your soon-
to-be. Go through the registry
process together and have fun!
Here are some additional
tips to make wedding planning
a breeze:
Plan Ahead: Start a bridal
registry as soon as you say
yes. Tat way guests will have
lots of options for engagement
gifts and showers. Periodically
update your registry by adding
more products if you need to,
even after the wedding. Be
kind to procrastinators.
Do the Math: Experts
advise registering for 2-3
items times the number of
guests you plan to have. Close
friends and family will rely on
your registry for special events
leading up to the wedding
-- such as engagement parties,
bridal showers, and holidays!
Your guests will appreciate
having lots of choices when
they shop for you. Be sure to
refresh your list regularly as
gifts get purchased.
Register Now, Because You
Wont Buy it Later: You may
think you will ... but you wont.
Now is the time to let others
get you the stuf youd never
buy yourself. Your friends and
family might even get together
to purchase a higher priced
group gift.
Dream Big: Register for
gifts in a range of prices and
categories. Tis will give
guests and group givers lots of
options to choose from.
Remember the Rule of
Tree: When it comes to
setting your table, if you
choose bold patterns for your
china and fatware, pick a
more simple style of glassware.
Prefer intricate stemware?
Pair it with simpler patterns
of china and fatware. So, its
bold/bold/simple or simple/
simple/bold.
Visit a Store: Its in YOUR
best interest to visit a store
and schedule an appointment
with an expert consultant
who can help you with your
gift selections and share great
tips like Te Rule of Tree,
what cookware you will need
to prepare your favorite dish,
what knife to use when and
much more. When making
your selections, its important
to touch the towels, heft the
fatware, see everything in
person!
Cmon Back: Most couples
dont make all their selections
in a single spree. Plan on
making multiple visits.
Congratulations and best
wishes on your engagement.
Now get registering and let
the gift-giving begin.
Follow a few wedding registry tips and give wedding well-wishers plenty of gifting options.
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1
Feed on these wedding favor ideas
Do you have a shelf or
cabinet thats flled to the brim
with wedding favors such as
engraved ice cream scoopers,
cake servers, cheese spreaders
or tea light candle holders? If
you do, youre not alone. As
couples pore over guest favor
options, many select trinkets
or knickknacks that, while
thoughtful, end up collecting
dust in someones home. Edible
gifts also can be thoughtful --
and favorful!
Guests may look forward
to an edible favor because
its a memento of the special
occasion and it wont become
a permanent fxture in their
homes. Tere are many edible
favors from which to choose.
Tey can also be customized
according to the theme of the
wedding.
Chocolate
Its difcult to fnd an
edible favor more universally
beloved than chocolate. Rich
and inviting, chocolate has
long been given as a symbol of
love and devotion. Chocolate
candies and baked goods
can work well for wedding
favors, provided the favors are
refrigerated to avoid melting.
Ideas for chocolate favors
include individually packaged
trufes, gourmet brownie bites,
candy-covered chocolates
with an inscription, chocolate
covered apples, chocolate coins,
and other similar creations.
Chocolate molded designs
(much like those chocolate
Easter bunnies) are another
idea.
Cookies
Sweet cookies also make
good edible favors. Butter
cookies are a favorite because
they are sturdy enough to
cut into diferent shapes.
Professionally iced, these
cookies can be a masterpiece
to behold. Some couples opt
for customized fortune cookies
that express personalized
sentiments to guests.
Make-your-own
Sometimes its less expensive
to give guests kits that they
can take home to create their
own edible treasures. Options
abound and can include
everything from personalized
packets of hot chocolate to tea
bags. Other couples choose
among mixes for making
cookies or cakes.
Candies
It has become popular to
have a self-serve candy bar at
many weddings. Guests are
invited to step up to the display
and serve themselves from a
series of diferent confections.
Autumn weddings could have
Halloween-inspired candies
or those in fall hues. Its easy
to follow a color theme when
you have a bevy of diferent
candies at your disposal. Many
discount stores sell inexpensive
jars and candy dishes to house
the candy. Designer Chinese
takeout-type containers are
available from craft stores
and can be the perfect way
for guests to make that candy
portable.
Other edibles
From cupcakes to maple
syrup to personalized bottles of
barbecue sauce, couples have so
many options for guest favors
at their disposal.
S5
Responsibilities
vary for wedding
party participants
When asked to play a role
in the wedding of a friend
or family member, most
people are honored and
willing to do whatever it
takes. Tat willingness to be
helpful is often a blessing, as
wedding party participants
each have their own unique
responsibilities.
Maid of Honor and
Best Man
Te maid of honor and best
man are counterparts in the
wedding. Te bride and grooms
right hand woman and man,
respectively, the maid of honor
and best man are often siblings
or very close friends of the
bride or groom. Tough their
responsibilities are similar, the
maid of honor and best man
dont have completely identical
roles.
Te maid of honor might
have the most responsibilities
of anyone aside from the bride
and groom. Te maid of honor
will help the bride shop for
her dress and must also plan
the bridal shower and the
bachelorette party. Te maid of
honors duties also extend to
the wedding day itself, when
she will be expected to help the
bride get dressed and toast the
new bride at the reception that
night.
Te best mans role includes
organizing the bachelor party
and toasting the groom at
the reception. Te best man
also plays a logistical role,
organizing the newlyweds
transportation to the airport
the morning after the wedding
as well as organizing the
groomsmens gift to the couple.
Bridesmaids and
Groomsmen
Te role of the bridesmaids
and groomsmen are similar.
Bridesmaids and groomsmen
are often the siblings or close
friends of the bride and groom,
and they accompany each
other down the aisle during the
wedding procession. Typically,
the role of bridesmaid and
groomsmen is to ofer any
assistance in making the
ceremony go smoothly.
Groomsmen may act as ushers,
while bridesmaids might help
address wedding invitations
and choose vendors for the
ceremony and reception. How
involved the bridesmaids and
groomsmen become is often
contingent on how close they
live to the bride and groom and
how much help is needed the
day of the ceremony.
Flower Girl and
Ring Bearer
Te fower girl and the ring
bearer are typically very young
members of the family, such
as very young siblings or a
niece or nephew of the bride
or groom. Te fower girl will
carry a basket of fowers during
the wedding procession, often
tossing fower petals on the
ground to signify the brides
entrance. Te ring bearer is a
boy and carries a pillow with
the rings sewn on it during the
wedding procession.
Parents
Te bride and grooms
parents play the role of hosts.
Te tradition of the brides
parents paying for the wedding
entirely by themselves has
largely fallen by the wayside
thanks to the escalating
costs of throwing a wedding.
However, if the brides parents
are footing the bill, then they
will typically act as hosts of
the wedding. In that instance,
the grooms parents will host
the rehearsal dinner the night
before the wedding.
During the ceremony, the
bride is most often walked
down the aisle by her father,
though some brides choose to
have both parents included in
the walk down the aisle. Te
grooms parents will often walk
down the aisle ahead of the
procession and take their seats.
Te parents may also play a
role in the months leading up
to the wedding. For instance,
the mother of the bride might
help plan the bridal shower,
while the father of the groom
might help plan any activities,
such as a golf outing, for the
groomsmen and additional
friends of the groom a day or
two before the wedding.
S6
AS14-678429
Advantages to a
smaller, intimate
wedding
A wedding doesnt have to be a
mammoth event with 300 guests
and a costly price tag. Many
couples choose to walk down
the aisle and then celebrate on a
smaller scale with much success.
Millions of weddings take
place across the globe every year.
According to the Association for
Bridal Consultants, the average
American wedding includes 175
guests, and the average size of
the wedding party is 12 people.
Many couples may view these
averages and feel pressured to
throw a big wedding. But smaller
events can be just as much fun
and easier on the pocketbook as
well.
One of the more obvious
advantages to a small wedding is
the cost. Many large weddings
cost between $20,000 and
$30,000 dollars. A small
wedding will be signifcantly
less simply because there are
fewer people to feed. Catering
costs account for a large chunk
of wedding budgets. A reception
with only 50 to 60 people may
run $1000 or less.
Another beneft to a smaller
wedding is a couple may be able
to aford a higher-priced venue.
Maybe theres that historic
castle or high-priced mansion
that would be over budget if
200 guests were coming. With
a much smaller guest list, the
venue might now be afordable.
Or, couples can look outside of
wedding halls to restaurants for a
nice dinner.
Small weddings tend to be
more intimate. Couples can
spend more individual time
with guests instead of having to
spread their time thinly around
a large reception hall. Special
moments, such as speeches or
words of wisdom, may bear more
signifcance when the group is
intimate.
Destination weddings have
become quite popular and are
most successful with a small
group. Keeping a large guest list
in order can prove challenging
when traveling, which makes
destination weddings ideal for
small guest lists. Also, costs will
be kept down if the couple is
paying the travel fees for invitees.
Its important for couples to keep
in mind that a small wedding is
not without certain challenges.
Family members and friends may
have their own perceptions of
what a wedding should be. Once
the idea of a small wedding is
mentioned, it may be met with
some opposition, particularly
from parents who want to invite
an extended list of friends and
distant family members. Tis
can make it difcult to pick and
choose who to invite.
Another disadvantage is that
large weddings evoke the energy
of a big party and can make
people less inhibited to celebrate
and dance. An empty dance foor
at a smaller wedding may be
intimidating to guests who will
choose to sit and not fully enjoy
themselves.
Ultimately, the decision to
have a small-, medium- or large-
size wedding is entirely up to the
couple or the person who will
be fnancing the event. Wedding
planning is largely the personal
choice of the couple who will be
saying their I dos.
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803.648.1738
800.270.0855
608 Old Airport Road
Aiken, SC 29801
cannonhouse@gforcecable.com
cannonhouseflorist.com
AS02-683099
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Tote Bag
Join us on
www.aikensuniquegiftique.com
803-226-0030
Excellent Selection of
Wedding & Bridal Gifts
Monogramming Available
AIKENS UNIQUE GIFTIQUE
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Backpack
Monogram
Jewelry
Zebra Bag
727 Richland Avenue East, Aiken
(inside Aiken Collision - one block from Farmers Market)
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:30am - 5pm Sat. 10am - 2pm
803-226-0030
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AS04-683108
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floralgalleryonline.com
floralgallery_com@hotmail.com
Casey
Stevens
1631 Whiskey Road
Aiken, SC 29803
803.649.7959
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NORTH AUGUSTA COMMUNITY CENTER
495 BROOKSIDE AVENUE
803.441.4290
NORTH AUGUSTA MUNICIPAL CENTERS
PALMETTO TERRACE
100 GEORGIA AVENUE
803.441.4350
YOUR weddingOUR venue
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WWW.NORTHAUGUSTA.NET
The North Augusta Municipal Center's
Palmetto Terrace has a beautifully appointed
ballroom with breathtaking views of the
surrounding area and local skyline from the
fourth floor terraces. Rental fees include:
ballroom, terraces, fourth floor atrium,
tables and chair as well as access to the
commercial kitchen.
The North Augusta Community Center is
conveniently located in a beautiful and serene
park setting. Newly remodeled, the center has
hosted various social events and business
functions since 1986. The Community Center
has been the location for several national
Presidential Campaign stops and rallies.
S9
Secrets to a long and
happy marriage
Some might say a long
celebrity marriage is one that
endures the duration of the
newly betrotheds trip down
the aisle. Weve seen Britney
Spears dissolve a marriage after
55 hours and Kim Kardashian
call it quits after 72 days. It
seems even money cant buy
matrimonial happiness.
But some couples have been
together for 50, 60 years and
say theyre still as much in love
as they were the day they spoke
their I dos. What do they
know that others do not?
According to clinical
psychologist and relationship
guru Dr. Phil McGraw, We
all need to be fexible and to
compromise in marriage, but
youve got to be true to your
core traits and characteristics,
what I call your authentic
self. Some couples enter
a relationship projecting a
persona they believe the other
person wants -- one that
really isnt what theyre all
about. Tis could be a woman
trying to fll the role of her
husbands nurturing mom or
a guy playing the protector to
his wife. In reality, marriage
is more of a partnership, and
truth and trust are often at the
basis of good marriages.
Tere are many other
secrets that marriage experts
will ofer to couples seeking the
magic formula. Whether youre
pondering marriage or have
already tied the knot, consider
the following advice to make
a marriage endure for the long
haul.
Teresnosuchthingasthe
perfect marriage. Some couples
create an image of what they
think marriage is supposed to
be, and that image that often
goes poof once reality sets in.
Even soulmates are bound to
frustrate or irritate one another
from time to time.
Couplesshouldexpress
their frustrations. Bottling
up frustrations can eat at a
person and eventually destroy
a marriage. Talking about the
things that are bothering you
with your partner opens up a
discussion and can help you
work through things.
Divorceshouldnotbeseen
asaviableoption.Coupleswho
want to bail on the marriage at
every turn could be directing
their energy toward divorce
as the only solution instead of
discovering ways to remove
the cause of strife. Divorce can
sometimes be the easy way
out when you think about the
work that goes into keeping
a marriage working. Experts
say that there are a few issues,
like adultery, abuse and drug/
alcohol addiction, that may be
reasonable catalysts for divorce
if personal safety and sanity is
being compromised.
Maketimeforromance.
Its easily said but not so
easily done. Too often married
couples forget what it was
like to date when all of their
attention was spent on each
other instead of the house, kids,
work, etc. Today there seems to
be even more distractions, from
e-mails to texts to pressure
and obligations at the ofce.
Happy couples fnd the time to
spend quality time with their
spouses -- even if thats only 10
minutes of alone time a day.
Putwefrst.Manypeople
operate on a me mentality.
When youre part of a couple,
give more to your spouse than
you take. If he or she is doing
the same, youre working
collectively for the beneft
of the marriage instead of
yourselves.
Respecteachother.Often
couples having troubles realize
they treat strangers better than
they treat each other. Would
use the insults or unfattering
terms that you sometimes
throw at your spouse with a
complete stranger? Probably
not. Good marriages are based
on a foundation of respect and
love. Its easy to lose feelings of
love if the respect is gone.
Couplescanrealizethat
there are some thorns that
come with the roses of
marriage, and staying happy
together does take work for it
to all be worth it.
Couples who have stayed married for decades often put each other frst and share a mutual respect.
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W W W . 3 M O N K E Y S A I K E N . C O M
FULL BRIDAL REGISTRY
133 LAURENS ST. NW
803.648.7592
STORE HOURS:
MON-FRI
10AM - 6PM,
SAT
10AM - 4PM
LINES CARRIED:
MATCH PEWTER
JULIA KNIGHT
SKYROS DESIGNS
SIMON PEARCE
SPODE WOODLAND
PICKARD
ANNA WEATHERLEY
ANNIEGLASS
MICHAEL ARAM
Responsibilities of the
groomsmen
Happy couples choose
friends and family members
to serve as attendants in
their weddings. Bridesmaids
and groomsmen each have
diferent responsibilities in
the wedding.
In ancient times,
groomsmen essentially served
as the grooms bodyguards,
ensuring that he made it
safely to the altar and to
his future wife. Today, the
groomsmens roles are not
based on saving life and limb.
Todays groomsmen serve
as assistants to the groom
and help plan the bachelor
party. Tey also usher
guests down the aisle at the
ceremony. Tey also may have
a few other responsibilities,
depending on what the
couple wants of their
assistants.
Before the Wedding
Help pick out the tuxedos
and show up for fttings.
Help plan
and share the
cost of the
bachelor party.
Attend
rehearsals for
the ceremony
and appear at
the rehearsal
dinner.
Pay for their
own wedding
attire or
formal wear
rentals.
Help unload cars with
supplies if the couple is doing
the decorating the wedding
themselves.
Pay for their travel expenses
and accommodation during
the celebration.
Return formal wear for
themselves and the groom.
Provide transportation for
the couple to the airport or
honeymoon destination if the
best man is unavailable.
During the
Ceremony
Greet and seat guests at the
ceremony in the appropriate
rows or pews.
Stand near the groom
during the ceremony.
Serve as escorts for the
bridesmaids at the ceremony.
Cater to anyones needs
and mingle with the guests
afterward.
Party Time
Ensure that the groom does
not get too intoxicated.
Sit at the table of honor
beside the rest of the bridal
party.
Mingle with the guests.
Participate in all photos if
asked.
Dance with their bridesmaid
counterpart.
Help load the wedding gifts
into the car afterward.
Te groomsmen have several diferent responsibilities before, after
and during the wedding ceremony.
S11
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Bridal Gowns
Bridesmaids Dresses
Tuxedo Rentals
Flower Girl Dresses
Prom and Pageant
Accessories
Large Selection of
Mothers & Social
Occasion Gowns
Bridal Gowns
Bridesmaids Dresses
Tuxedo Rentals
Flower Girl Dresses
Prom and Pageant
Accessories
Large Selection of
Mothers & Social
Occasion Gowns
Serving the
entire CSRA for
52 years.
Serving the
entire CSRA for
52 years.
Premier
Wedding
Specialists
Premier
Wedding
Specialists
142 Laurens St. SW Historic Downtown Aiken
803-648-5136
Tuesday-Friday 10:00-5:30 Saturday 10:00-4:00
Closed Sunday and Monday Appointments Preferred
www.charlottesbridalfashions.com
142 Laurens St. SW Historic Downtown Aiken
803-648-5136
Tuesday-Friday 10:00-5:30 Saturday 10:00-4:00
Closed Sunday and Monday Appointments Preferred
www.charlottesbridalfashions.com
Use cuisine to create a
wedding to remember
Despite the months of
planning and poring over every
minute detail of a wedding, it
has often been said that what
people remember most about
wedding receptions is the food
and if they had fun. Terefore,
instead of worrying about
choosing Jordan almonds over
chocolate trufes, or whether
the cake should have an extra
tier, couples may want to pay
more attention to selecting
their reception menus.
Although certain foods are
wedding staples, it could pay
for couples to think with their
stomachs instead of their heads
when selecting wedding day
fare. Having a selection of
foods that taste as good as they
look is a wise idea over having
certain foods simply because
they are trendy.
Whether you are cooking
yourself, having a family
member serve as chef or
relying on the menu of the
reception hall, think about
foods that will please guests
and select those items,
regardless of them being fancy.
Here are some other tips.
Youwantfoodstobeflling
but not so much so that guests
have to waddle to the dance
foor. If youre planning on
several courses, keep portion
sizes small to ofer a taste of
the diferent items ofered.
Classicfoodscanwork
well as wedding fare. Roasts,
barbecued meats and favorite
pasta dishes can make guests
feel like theyre dining at
someones home and not at a
wedding.
Chooseitemspeoplehave
heard of. Instead of tornadoes
of beef, select a hearty prime
rib. Just because a dish sounds
fancy doesnt make it taste
better. If a guest doesnt know
what he or she is eating, it can
be uncomfortable. Now is not
the time to experiment with
exotic foods, either. Otherwise,
some picky eaters may be left
hungry.
Tinkaboutthefoodsyou
love and see if they can be
incorporated at the wedding.
Although a breakfast bar at an
evening event may seem funny,
wafes and omelets may appeal
to a greater number of guests
thanagourmetfshcreation.
Dontmakevegetarians
an afterthought. Too often,
vegetarians must eat whatever
the kitchen can pull together,
which is usually a compilation
of the vegetable garnishes
from the meat dishes. Make an
efort to have a true vegetarian
dish that is intricate and
delicious.
Mashedpotatoesarea
crowd pleaser. Serve little
portions of mashed potatoes
in cocktail glasses and enable
gueststotopastheyseeft
with bacon bits, cheese or
chives.
Noideaissilly,andserving
any type of food in a hors
doeuvre style can make it
acceptable at a formal afair,
whether that food is pizza or
caviar-topped crackers.
Ifyouhaveafavorite
restaurant that serves delicious
food,fndoutiftheywillcater
your wedding.
Justbecauseitisntonthe
menu doesnt mean it cannot
be prepared. Talk to the
catering manager and let him
or her know your preferences.
Provided youre willing to pay
a little more, theres a good
chance you can have items that
arent on the standard catering
menu.
Tinkoutsidetheboxfor
your cocktail hour bars. A
bread bar, a dipping station,
milk and cookies service, or
vegetable bar are options that
go against the standard cheese
and pasta stations.
Although its your wedding,
ultimately the goal is to please
the guests. By choosing foods
they will love and rave about,
youre guaranteed positive
remarks on your wedding.
S12
Bridal/Engagement Policy
The Aiken Standard charges for most wedding
and engagement announcements.
Free announcements for weddings will include
the names of the couple, their city of residence, the
date and place of the wedding and the name of the
person presiding over the ceremony as well as the
names of the couples parents.
Free engagement announcements will
include the names of the couple and their places of
residence, the date and place of the wedding and
the names of the couples parents.
Wedding/engagement announcements
featuring pictures and additional information will
be available at the following charges using the
information from the Aiken Standards wedding and
engagement forms:
An announcement with a 1-column x 3-inch
photo will have a charge of $50.
Bridal/Engagement Policy
The Aiken Standard charges for most
wedding and engagement announcements.
Free announcements for weddings will
include the names of the couple, their
city of residence, the date and place of
the wedding and the name of the person
presiding over the ceremony as well as the
names of the couples parents.
Free engagement announcements will
include the names of the couple and their
places of residence, the date and place of
the wedding and the names of the couples
parents.
Wedding/engagement announcements
featuring pictures and additional information
will be available at the following charges
using the information from the Aiken
Standards wedding and engagement forms:
An announcement with a 1-column x
3-inch photo will have a charge of $75.
13
Free engagement announcements will include only the names of the couple and their places of residence, the
date and place of the wedding and the names of the couples parents.
Engagement announcements featuring pictures and additional information will be available at the following
charges using the information from the Aiken Standards engagement forms:
An announcement with a 1-column x 3-inch photo will have a charge of $50.
To submit photos or announcements via e-mail, please send to editorial@aikenstandard.com.
Submission deadline is Wednesday at noon for publication on the following Sunday.
ENGAGEMENT
FORM
P
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Do not place announcement
on aikenstandard.com.
*Not responsible for pictures left longer than 30 days. To have picture mailed back, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Free engagement announcements will include only the names of the couple and their places of
residence, the date and place of the wedding and the names of the couples parents.
Engagement announcements featuring pictures and additional information will be available at the
following charges using the information from the Aiken Standards engagement form:
To submit photos or announcements via e-mail, please send to editorial@aikenstandard.com
on aikenstandard.com
14
WEDDING
FORM
Free announcements for weddings will include only the names of the couple, their city of residence, the date
and place of the wedding and the name of the person presiding over the ceremony as well as the names of the
couples parents.
Wedding announcements featuring pictures and additional information will be available at the following charges
using the information from the Aiken Standards wedding forms:
An announcement with a 1-column x 3-inch photo, will have a charge of $50.
To submit photos or announcements via e-mail, please send to editorial@aikenstandard.com.
on aikenstandard.com.
P
e
r
f
o
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a
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-

T
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A
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T
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*Not responsible for pictures left longer than 30 days. To have picture mailed back, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Free announcements for weddings will include only the names of the couple, their city of
residence, the date and place of the wedding and the name of the person presiding over the
ceremony as well as the names of the couples parents.
Wedding announcements featuring pictures and additional information will be available at the
following charges using the information from the Aiken Standards wedding forms:
To submit photos or announcements via e-mail, please send to editorial@aikenstandard.com
on aikenstandard.com
15
(High School)
(High School)
,
16
Financial 411: Surviving your
wedding expenses
Te average couple will
spend between $20,000 and
$30,000 on their wedding, a
fgure that does not include
additional expenses such
as an engagement ring or
honeymoon. For many, that
is 50 percent more than they
have actually budgeted for the
occasion. Underestimating
wedding expenses can lead to
fnancial distress even before
the marriage has begun.
In the not-so-distant past,
weddings were largely fnanced
by the bride and her parents.
Tings are much diferent now.
Most weddings now are paid
for by the bride and groom
with little contribution from
family. Young couples just
starting out in life may fnd
that weddings are more of a
fnancial commitment than
originally anticipated. Planning
for the expected -- and
unexpected -- can help couples
survive wedding expenses.
Savings Plan
With most couples paying
for the majority of the wedding
themselves, it will be up to
them to come up with the
bulk of the wedding fnances.
Starting to save early is
essential. Once you have set the
date, begin saving immediately.
Even if the wedding wont be a
lavish afair, every wedding has
some expenses.
Tosave,considercurbing
recreational spending. Cut
dinners out, trips to the movies
or non-essential purchases.
Place the money you wouldve
spent into a wedding account.
Considerhavingautomatic
transfers or deposits into an
account for forced savings.
Many employers can deposit a
portion of your paycheck into
a separate account. Instead of
a Christmas Club savings plan,
you can have a Wedding Club.
Eliminatedebtrightaway.
It may seem counterproductive,
but sometimes you have to
spend money to save money.
Instead of racking up high
interest rate charges on credit
card balances, pay down credit
cards or other bills you have.
Once you are in the clear, you
can focus more on saving for
the wedding.
Ifneedbe,havealong
engagement so that you have
ample time to save.
Setting a Budget
Many couples want a dream
wedding but do not have the
fnances to aford a platinum
event. But that doesnt mean
they still cant have a lavish,
beautiful wedding. Setting
a budget means you can
prioritize what you want and
what you will pass up. It also
provides a savings goal and a
frm deadline.
Shoparoundforthe
average rates of vendors in your
area. Work on the big-ticket
items frst before focusing on
the smaller details. Once you
have average prices, you can
base your budget as such.
Adduptheaveragecosts
of all of the items on your wish
list. If it seems out of range,
start removing things you can
do without. For example, can
you have a brunch reception
instead of an evening sit-down
dinner to scale back costs?
Alwayssetasidealittle
extra for those incidental
expenses, such as tips for the
waitstaf and donation to the
church -- items you may not
think to factor in.
Dontexpectwedding
gifts to cover the cost of your
wedding. While some guests
are quite generous, others may
not even cover the cost of their
meal.
Prioritize
Adreamweddingisa
marriage between desires and
reality.Todayitispossibleto
recreate the look of designer
gowns and other details with
less-expensive options. Figure
out your priorities and work
from there. Consider these
cost-saving options.
Tinkaboutwhereyouwill
be living after you are married.
Aresidencetakespriorityover
a lavish wedding.
Havetheweddingparty
carry fresh-fower bouquets, but
use less-expensive silk fowers
or even fruit as centerpieces.
Askyourbakertocreate
a small wedding display cake
you can use for your photos
and serve guests from a much
cheaper sheet cake that is
hidden in the kitchen.
Getmarriedonaweekday
or at an earlier time of day.
Limitthebartowine,beer
and soda to save on the expense
of top-shelf liquors.
Registerforunconventional
gifts, such as contributing to
the honeymoon.
Handlesomeitemsyourself,
such as favors or catering, to
keep costs down.
S13
AS35-670205
Honeymoon
saving
strategies
Tanks to the changing
landscape of weddings, todays
newlyweds are typically under
more fnancial stress than
the newly married couples
of yesteryear. Te cost of
weddings has risen over the
years, and todays couples are
increasingly taking on the bill
for their weddings without the
help of Mom and Dad.
One of the side efects of
this shift in how weddings are
paid for concerns honeymoons.
Whereas a honeymoon was
once a tradition enjoyed by all
newly married couples, todays
couples often fnd theres not
much money left to fnance
honeymoons after paying for
their own weddings. But there
are ways couples can still enjoy
their dream getaway without
breaking the bank.
Shop for all-inclusive
packages. An all-inclusive
package might be tailor-
made for couples with
thin budgets. All-inclusive
packages commonly include
lodging, food, activities, and
alcohol. Tis can make a trip
considerably more afordable.
A couple who just fnished
paying for their wedding
expenses and doesnt have deep
pockets wont have to worry
about how theyre going to eat
or enjoy themselves if they fnd
an-inclusive package.
Put the honeymoon of
and travel during the of
season. Weddings often take
place in warm weather seasons,
which also happens to be
tourist season. As a
result, couples who
get married during
peak wedding
season typically
fnd it hard to
book an afordable
honeymoon.
Tankfully, theres
no rule that says a
honeymoon must
begin immediately
after a couple
walks down the
aisle. Couples
who are feeling
a fnancial pinch
can book their
honeymoon for a
few months after
the wedding, when its not
the height of tourist season
and resort prices are more
afordable.
Find a lesser-known
locale. A Hawaiian
honeymoon might be a dream
for many couples, but its also
an expensive dream. Couples
who are willing to do a little
research can fnd deals in
lesser-known locales that wont
be as expensive. Whats more,
such locales likely ofer more
privacy, making them attractive
to newlyweds who just survived
the stress of planning and
executing a wedding and
simply want to get away.
Take to the Internet.
Tanks to the Internet, travel
deals are now easier to fnd
than ever before. Some Web
sites will do cost analysis for
their customers, showing
customers how certain deals
compare to others. Another
way to save is to visit the
airline Web site to investigate
fares. When trips are booked
through an airline Web
site and not an unafliated
travel site, booking fees and
additional charges are often
waived, saving customers
substantial amounts of money.
Still, popular travel Web sites
should not be ignored, as many
ofer vacation packages at great
prices.
Consider a shorter trip.
Honeymoons dont have to last
a full week. Couples can save
considerable amounts of money
by choosing a 5-day, 4-night
package instead of a week-long
trip. Couples who do choose
a shorter trip should choose a
location thats close to home
so they dont have to spend
signifcant time traveling.
A couple reeling from the cost of their wedding
can still fnd ways to fnance an afordable and
memorable honeymoon.
S14
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Wedding reception meal choices
Tips for trying on wedding gowns
A wedding reception is
often a feast for guests. Be it a
bufet-style cocktail hour or a
three-course dinner, the food
and fun seem to fow all night
long. Some catering halls require
notice of what guests will be
eating prior to the wedding day
so that food can be ordered and
arranged. Others have a few set
options that guests can choose
from the night of the party.
Couples fretting over how
to keep tally of guests menu
selections may want to add
a dinner choice line to their
wedding reception response card.
Although some etiquette experts
frown at this approach, it is one
of the easiest ways to count
selections and report back to a
catering hall. Chances are some
guests have already seen this
type of checklist on a response
card, so theres no need to add
instructions.
Due to the varied palates of
people, it pays to have two or
more options from which guests
can choose. Generally a beef
dish, a poultry choice and a fsh
selection are ofered. Inquire
with the catering director as how
to best handle special dietary
restrictions, such as serving a
vegetarian or someone who is
diabetic or is limiting salt intake.
Tere may be accommodations
made for guests with certain
needs.
Many brides-to-be look
forward to the day when they
visit a bridal salon and are able
to try on gowns for the frst
time. Tere are certain tips that
can make the day go much more
smoothly and potentially reduce
the amount of time it may take
to fnd the perfect gown.
Wearasupportive,well
constructed strapless bra or
corset in your correct size. If you
will be wearing a petticoat, also
have the right size available.
Gowithoutfacemakeup
when trying on gowns so they
remain clean.
Trytowearyourhairsimilar
to the style you have in mind for
your wedding.
Notethatthesizeofthe
wedding gown you will wear is
typically one to two sizes larger
than your day-to-day clothes.
Proper measurements can be
matched to designers size charts.
Itsbesttolimitthenumber
of people with whom you shop
to 1 or 2 trusted friends or
family members. An entourage
can be confusing.
Itsalwaysbettertoordera
slightly larger gown and leave
room for alterations if you are
between sizes.
S15
Unique reception
touches
Over the course of their
lifetimes, many people will
be wedding guests on several
occasions. During the height
of wedding season, weddings
can run into one another, as the
format and the festivities are
similar at various ceremonies.
Couples interested in setting
their nuptials apart may want
to enhance the wedding
reception with a few unique
ideas.
Who hasnt attended a
wedding that seems formulaic?
Te couple enters, they do their
spotlight dance, theres food, a
bouquet toss and then the cake
cutting. Guests may actually
be able to predict whats
coming next. While it is often
customary and easy to follow
tradition, that doesnt mean
you cannot buck with tradition
and ofer a few creative ideas to
make your event stand out.
Here are several ideas
you can introduce into your
wedding to add something
special to the reception.
Skipthebigentrance.
Tose who were kind enough
to attend the ceremony have
already been introduced to the
newly minted happy couple.
Instead of spending the
cocktail hour in the isolation of
the wedding suite, mingle with
your guests from start to fnish.
So much time is spent posing
for pictures or being out of
touch with guests, the cocktail
hour can be a great time to sit
and chat. Being with guests
during the cocktail hour means
you dont have to make that big
entrance from behind closed
doors. Guests will have all eyes
on you when you step on the
dance foor for your frst dance
together.
Dancetoanupbeat
number.Guests are expecting
a slow, sappy tune. What they
may not expect is an upbeat
song that shows you are willing
to have a little fun. If you
havent mastered the waltz
but enjoy a little quick step
now and again, feel free to
choose a tune that shows your
excitement and love for each
other.
Encouragecouplesto
dancetogether. Its often
customary for the bridal party
to join the bride and groom
on the dance foor midway
through the frst dance.
However, that leaves spouses
or signifcant others waiting
in the wings while their dates
tango with groomsmen or
bridesmaids. Instead, dont
have assigned partners. Rather,
encourage your bridal party
members to dance with
whomever they choose.
Swapthegarter/bouquet
tossforsomethingmore
meaningful. If youre part of
a couple who feels the garter
and bouquet toss has become
trite, there are other ways to
create special moments in your
celebration -- ones that dont
single out the singletons who
havent yet found their special
someones. Use this time to
present a small gift or token
of your afection to someone
on the guest list who has
served as a mentor or source of
inspiration.
Chooseonespecial
componentasanextragoodie
forguests. Some couples feel
the more they ofer the better
guests will view
their wedding.
Spending more
money doesnt
necessarily
mean guests
will have a
better time. If
you want to
go above and
beyond the
ordinary, fnd
one thing that
you absolutely
love and ofer
that at the
party. It could
be a fambe
presentation,
a chocolate or
candy bar, a
carving station
with your all-
time favorite
food (even if thats PB&J), or
a carnival-inspired automatic
photo booth.
Hirealiveperformer.
Although its hard to beat the
performance quality of your
wedding song being performed
by the original artist, unless
youre cousins with Celine
Dion, chances are she wont be
available to sing My Heart
Will Go On at your reception.
However, a live band adds a
certain level of excitement
that a disk jockey may not
be able to provide. Tose
who are adding a cultural or
ethnic component to their
wedding may want to hire a
dance troupe or another type
of performer, like a bagpiper,
as an added measure of
entertainment for guests.
Letthemeat...cookies?
Some people just dont like
cake. Terefore, why should
a couple have to cut a seven-
tiered white confection?
Towers of diferent types of
treats can be created from just
about anything and serve as
the perfect backdrop for that
classic cake-cutting photo. A
pyramid of cream pufs, stacks
of brownies, a cookie castle,
or cereal-cake concoctions
can work. Some bakeries will
decorate a dummy styrofoam
cake, and then you can serve
apple pie a la mode, if you
desire.
Stageacostumeswitch.
Lets face it, dancing all night
in a long gown takes some
stamina. As the bride, have
a more comfortable cocktail
dress available to switch
into for the latter part of the
reception. It will also add some
variety to your wedding photos.
The bouquets of the bridal party as the
centerpieces of some of the reception tables as
one way to bring something different to your
wedding.
S16
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Aiken 643-0535
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Selling Fine Silver since 1959
Engagement photo tips
Newly engaged couples
choose to capture the occasion
in photos that they can cherish.
Often, one of these photos is
used as an announcement to
family and friends and might
even be published in the
newspaper.
Engagement photos may be
part of a package negotiated
with the photographer who
will be covering the wedding
day. Some couples enlist the
help of a friend or a budding
photographer to capture an
engagement shot. Te average
cost of engagement photos
can range from $200 to $500.
Some couples opt to use a
photographer who might
specialize in other areas (i.e.
fashion models) but may want
to break into the wedding biz
because of how lucrative it can
be. Costs may be negotiated as
a result.
When shopping around
for a photographer, there are
certain things couples should
keep in mind. Te frst and
most important is selecting a
photographer you can relate to.
If you dont feel a connection
with the photographer, he or
she will have trouble coaxing
the shots that will produce the
best results. He or she should
also be a professional and
have some experience working
with posing couples. Tis way
the photos dont look stif or
contrived. Here are some other
tips that can lead to great
photos.
Findaphotographer
who fts your style. If youre a
quirky couple, go with a quirky
photographer. If youre reserved
and a follow-the-book type
of couple, then select a more
traditional photographer. Some
photographers out there forget
that this is your moment and
want to impart their idea of
what you want. Make sure he
or she takes your ideas into
consideration.
Selectonewhoisopen
to diferent shoot locations
and brainstorming. Some
of the best photos occur in
natural settings, where things
arent entirely planned. If a
photographer simply works out
of a studio, you may want to
select one who has more free
reign with diferent locales.
Chooseyourlocation
wisely. Certain locations
will stand out in your minds
because they are visually
stunning or are special places
where you have spent moments
as a couple. By choosing a
place that ofers a personal
connection, theres a good
chance youll appreciate the
photos in the long run. Also, be
open to the fact that unplanned
stops may ofer a great
background for the image. Be
open to the unexpected.
Tryrandomposesand
some candid shots. Although
you might have a vision of the
perfect photo in your mind,
experimenting with diferent
ideas can sometimes lead to
a great photo you really love.
Expect to take your share of
kissing, nose-touching and
portrait shots. But some fun
poses, such as running or
jumping (or rolling around
on a beach full of waves) can
produce candid shots that are
truly masterpieces. Remember,
sometimes photographers will
pose you in positions that seem
a bit awkward, but this is to get
the best lines of the body and
fattering images.
Chooseclothingthatfts
the mood. If time and budget
allows, have several diferent
wardrobe changes so that
you can see which outfts
work and which ones dont.
A formal outft, comfortable
street clothes, something
beachy or clothing that fts
with your interests (such as
polo or baseball) can make for
interesting engagement photos.
Avoid clothing that is too
trendy or busy, which may take
away from the actual images
in the long run. Plus, you dont
want to look back at these
photos in the future and say,
What was Ithinking? Avoid
matchy-matchy, though. If
you are dressed alike, you may
appear to be trying too hard.
Its the individual personalities
you want to shine through.
Engagement photos dont
have to be posed portraits.
Experiment with looks that ft
your personalities for memorable
photos.
S17
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Call Angela Morrison, owner,
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803-649-0128
215 Richland Ave. E., Aiken, SC
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Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30 - 5:30; Sat. 9:30 - 5:00
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Advantages to a wedding video
In a fnancial climate where
most people are pinching
pennies, it comes as no surprise
that many engaged couples
seek ways to cut costs with
regard to their weddings. Some
couples are undecided whether
certain components of their
wedding are necessary.
Te decision to hire a
videographer is one such area
couples fret over. After all,
with a photographer snapping
hundreds of pictures, having
a video may seem like an
unnecessary luxury. However,
people often fnd that having a
wedding video to cherish long
after the day has passed is well
worth the price.
Tere are several advantages
to hiring a professional
videographer to capture the
day. A professionally produced
wedding video is not the same
as Uncle Fred carrying around
his archaic camcorder and
catching a few embarrassing
dance moves during the
reception. A professional video
will showcase all moments of
the wedding from perspectives
not easily captured by
photography. In addition to
showcasing the images of the
wedding, the video will also
share the sounds and emotions
of the day. Here are some
things to think about.
Chooseavideographer
who will work in conjunction
with the wedding mood and
parameters. You probably
dont want a videographer
who uses bright lights that
can be distracting. Nor do
you want a videographer who
pushes the camera in guests
faces for a less-than-candid
interview. Todays professionals
are inconspicuous and simply
record the events as they
unfold.
Tevideographeroften
works in tandem with
the photographer. Some
photographers have a
videographer on staf. But it
is fne to bring in your own
if you like the quality of the
photographers photos but not
the videographers work.
Avideographerwillcapture
the things you may have
missed during the busy day. He
or she can serve as the eyes and
ears for the things youre not
seeing and hearing.
Althoughoursisan
increasingly digital world
where people capture
photos and videos on their
smartphones and other devices
on a regular basis, a wedding
video can serve as a family
memento. What other time,
apart from the holidays, do
you have all of your friends
and loved ones together in one
place?
Althoughnoonewants
to think of a friend or relative
passing away while planning
their wedding, the fact remains
that after a few years some
of the people who attended
your wedding may no longer
be around. Having a wedding
video may be the only last
moving image and sound of a
special person who is no longer
in your life.
Soundisaportionofthe
wedding that photos simply
cannot capture. To relive the
music and the words of the day,
a videographer is a necessity.
Professionals who use wireless
microphones will produce
a video with the best sound
quality.
Youcanworkwithagood
videographer so its not simply
a video with close-up shots
of your face or unfattering
perspectives. Talk about
your preferences and even
fears about being flmed
(some people just dont like
watching themselves on TV),
and the videographer can no
doubt fnd solutions that will
accommodate your needs.
Terearemanythingsthat
you will not see at the wedding
but may have liked to, such
as the frst gasps of wonder
upon guests walking into the
reception room, or the tears
on the face of an aunt who
was sitting too far back in the
church pews. Tis is where
a wedding video can prove
invaluable.
Modernvideographers
ofer high-resolution, edited
movies. Tese can be delivered
via Blu Ray DVD and ensure
the best quality for your
package.
Although brides and grooms
may be cutting costs with
regard to their wedding, they
may not want to pass on the
wedding video.
S18
732 Silver Bluff Road,
Aiken, SC 29803-6070
(803) 642-1973
136 Pendleton St. NW
Aiken, SC 29801
803-649-2518
Let us
make your
Wedding Day
even more
memorable!
Visit http://www.palmettogroove.com
for our Wedding Worksheet
Call Rick at 803-215-5581
Wedding
Gown
Cleaning
and
Preservation.
Dry Cleaners * Professional Services
AS04-680414
Origins of bridal customs
Chances are those who
have attended a wedding
have witnessed some popular
traditions take place. Te bride
wears a veil, a court of wedding
attendants accompanies the
bride and groom, and birdseed,
rice or fower petals are tossed.
But have you ever wondered
why? Te wedding customs are
ripe with tradition and harken
back to days when superstition
and myth often ruled the day.
Trowing rice: Today it
has become de rigueur to blow
bubbles, toss birdseed or release
doves when the bride and groom
leave the house of worship
newly betrothed. Tats because
savvy individuals found that raw
rice can pose a hazard to birds
pecking in the area. However,
rice throwing is an old custom
that dates back to the Middle
Ages, when wheat or rice where
thrown to symbolize fertility for
the couple.
Bouquet: Nowadays, the
bride carries a beautiful bouquet
of fowers. But the purpose
of the bouquet held diferent
meanings in the past. Saracen
brides carried orange blossoms
for fertility. Others carried
a combination of herbs and
fowers to ward of evil spirits
with their aroma. Bouquets of
dill were often carried, again for
fertility reasons, and after the
ceremony, the dill was eaten to
encourage lust.
Bridesmaids: Tere may
be arguments over dresses and
how many bridesmaids to have
in a wedding party now, but in
ancient times it was the more
the merrier. Tats because
bridesmaids were another
measure to keep the bride safe
against evil spirits. Essentially
the bridesmaids were decoys for
the spirits -- dressing like the
bride to confuse the spirits or
maybe help deter them to leave
the bride be.
Wedding rings: Wearing
of wedding rings dates back to
ancient Egypt. Te round shape
of a ring symbolizes eternal love.
Te ring is worn on the fourth
fnger of the left hand because
it is believed this fnger has a
blood vessel that goes directly to
the heart.
Wedding cake: Te
traditional wedding cake evolved
from Roman times when the
cake was originally made from
wheat. It was broken over the
brides head to ensure fertility.
All of the guests eat a piece for
good luck. Single women used
to place a piece of wedding cake
under their pillows in the hopes
of fnding their own husbands.
Father accompanying the
bride: Tis tradition symbolizes
that the brides father endorses
the choice in husbands and is
presenting his daughter as a pure
bride to that man.
Kissing the bride: In older
times, a kiss symbolized a legal
bond. Terefore, the bride and
groom kissed to seal the deal on
their betrothal.
Tere are many traditions
surrounding a wedding that
people simply accept. But
understanding their origins
can make the ceremony more
meaningful.
S19
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Houndslake Country Club
... a club for friends and family
Looking for a meeting room or venue for a party?
Houndslake has 4 different rooms that can accommodate
any of your needs. Houndslake also hosts holiday parties,
wedding receptions, and birthday celebrations.
Call 803.641.4582 for more information.
Houndslake is a Club that offers more than its 27-hole
premier golf course. It is equipped with an excellent 8-
court tennis complex, 3 dining facilities, and an Olympic-
sized swimming pool with a bath house and snack bar.
www.houndslakecc.com
901 Houndslake Drive.
Aiken South Carolina 29803
Starting at just
$60 a month,
you can't beat
our prices!
Call 803.641.4580 for more
information.
Wedding Items
Budgeted Amount ....................................... $________
Amount Spent ............................................. $________
Venue and rentals ........................................ $________
Food and service .......................................... $________
Beverages ..................................................... $________
Cake ............................................................ $________
Miscellaneous fees ....................................... $________
Gown and alterations .................................. $________
Headpiece and veil ...................................... $________
Accessories .................................................. $________
Makeup and Hair ........................................ $________
Grooms tux or suit ...................................... $________
Grooms accessories ..................................... $________
Floral arrangements ..................................... $________
Bouquets ...................................................... $________
Ring pillow .................................................. $________
Boutonnieres ............................................... $________
Corsages ...................................................... $________
Reception decorations ................................. $________
Lighting ....................................................... $________
Ceremony musicians .................................... $________
Reception musicians .................................... $________
Photography ................................................ $________
Videography ................................................ $________
Transportation ............................................. $________
Favors .......................................................... $________
Ceremony fees ............................................. $________
Invitations .................................................... $________
Stationery .................................................... $________
Wedding rings ............................................. $________
Honeymoon................................................. $________
Wedding
Budget Planner
Teres no getting around the fact that weddings can be expensive.
For many couples, theyre the frst of the largest expenses they will
make together. Its quite easy for individuals to go over budget on
their wedding day if they do not carefully keep track of what has
been spent on all the elements of the big day. Use this budget planner
to keep all of the costs associated with the wedding in one easy-to-
manage place.
S20
100 Colleton Avenue SW Aiken, SC 29801
Phone: (877) 648-2200 Local: (803) 648-1898
www.thewillcox.com
WILLCOX WEDDINGS
Magical and Romantic Celebrations
Engagement Parties
Bridal Showers
Rehearsal Dinners
Wedding Ceremonies
Wedding Receptions
Honeymoons
Portraits
Historic, Graceful, Elegant, Extraordinarily Romantic
AS04-680412
Colorful accents chic for
this years bridal gowns
Almost as long as there have
been bridal gowns, white or
ivory have been the colors of
choice for frst-time brides.
Tese light hues represent
the purity and innocence of
the bride. Although a few
brides-to-be choose to forego
wedding white for something
a bit more fashy -- like pink
or yellow gowns -- a popular
trend today is to wear gowns
with accents of black or other
deep colors to add dimension
to the white canvas.
Considering the groom and
groomsmen will be dressed in
black tuxedos, black accents
on a wedding gown have
been growing in popularity
and add a formal, regal look
to a wedding. Darker color
embellishments can add drama
to a gown. Another advantage
is they can call out pattern or
adornments not easily seen
on a white-on-white gown.
Furthermore, deep colors
against the white backdrop
of the gown show well in
photography, particularly the
black-and-white journalistic
style that is very trendy as well.
Women shopping for
bridal gowns who are
considering colored accents
should be careful that these
embellishments are subtle
and do not overwhelm the
gown -- or the person who
will be wearing it! Popular
enhancements include
appliques on the bodice or the
train of the gown. Another
idea is to select a white gown
and then tie a black bow or
sash around the waist or put a
lace shrug over bare shoulders.
Black-and-white lace gloves
are also an option for those
who want to add just a little
splash of dimension.
Te same concept can be
applied to any accent color.
Burgundy or plum colors also
work well to add the contrast
of dark against light and arent
as extreme as black. Some
brides can also opt for a paler,
more pastel shade to serve as
an accompaniment to the white
gown. Many times the accent
colors chosen are replicated
in the hue of the bridesmaids
gowns, so the entire wedding
party looks cohesive.
Because the spectacle will
be the beauty of the gown, its
best to carry a neutral-colored
bouquet in a small size. Or, a
black-and-white gown can be
accented with a small nosegay
of red fowers or roses.
S21
Coloring the wedding
Choosing a hue for the bridesmaid gowns
Bridesmaids are an
important part of the
wedding party, and most
brides opt to have a handful
of close friends and family
members play a special role
in the wedding. Choosing a
gown and a color that will
fatter all of the bridesmaids
typically takes a little work.
An overwhelming majority
of couples choose to have a
formal wedding. Te average
number of bridesmaids for
these formal weddings is
four. Considering around two
million weddings take place
in North America every year,
thats a lot of bridesmaids for
whom gowns and other attire
must be planned.
Many bridesmaids worry
about the gowns they will
wear come the big day.
Horrible bridesmaid dresses
have been the butt of jokes
for years, and many people
have their own stories of
garish gowns theyve been
asked to don for a wedding.
Some have said that brides
intentionally choose ugly
gowns for their bridesmaids
to ensure theyre not
outshined come the wedding
day. Although this may be the
case for some, most brides
aspire to select gowns that
will be fattering for all. And
color scheme is integral in the
choice of gown.
Every well-planned
wedding carries a color
scheme throughout. Tis
includes the color a bride
selects for her bridesmaids
to wear. But not every color
accentuates everyones
features. Terefore, some
experimentation might be
necessary to fnd a color that
is fattering to all and fts
with the color scheme.
Depending on hair color
and skin shade, there are
many fattering hues available
for gowns. When making
this decision, consider
bridesmaids ethnicity and
skin tone.
African-American:
Women with dark skin and
hair may really shine in jewel-
colored gowns, including
silver, gold, purple and
salmon. Very pale colors may
be daring and conspicuous.
Asian and olive-skinned
women: Tose with a slight
yellow tone to their skin will
look good in many colors,
including red, navy, peach,
and fuchsia. However, avoid
colors in light yellow, aqua,
gray, taupe, or mint, which
may make the bridesmaid
look washed out.
Fair skin: Ladies with pale
skin will beneft from richly
colored gowns in jewel tones.
Pastels may work, but be
careful about those depending
on hair color. Pink or red-
hued gowns may clash with
someone with auburn hair.
Yellow and green may not
work with a fair brunette.
Gray and silver may wash
out someone who is pale and
blonde.
Once a color is chosen,
brides also need to consider
the season. Certain colors
may look out of place
depending on the season. For
example, an evergreen or deep
blue may seem wintry during
a summer wedding. Similarly,
russet or brown may work
for the autumn but not for a
spring wedding. Many brides
gravitate toward mid-level
blues, greens, pinks and
purples for their weddings,
simply because those colors
transcend the seasons.
After colors are worked out,
the style of the gown deserves
consideration. Because not
every bridesmaid has the
same physical attributes,
many brides are now open to
selecting a color and length
and allowing the bridesmaid
herself to choose the exact
style. Tis way someone
who is busty wont feel
uncomfortable in strapless,
and someone who is thin
wont be overwhelmed by
a lot of rufes. Te intent
is to have bridesmaids feel
beautiful and comfortable,
and diferent styles can help
achieve this.
Making the efort to choose
a gown color and style that is
fattering to all in the bridal
party will help the ladies feel
they are truly a special part of
the wedding.
S22
From the most personal to thegrandest of events, Woodside
Plantation Country Club is ideal for your formal reception,
bridesmaids luncheon or intimate ceremony. Woodsides
private Events Director will help you plan every detail of your
wedding festivities, from the rehearsal dinner to the
throwing of the bouquet. Our exemplary service ensures that
your special occasion will be a memorable affair.
Photography: Misty Morris - MistyMorrisPhotography.com
Photography: Misty Morris - MistyMorrisPhotography.com
MoniqueWaller, PrivateEvents Director - 649-3383
Photography: Todd Lista - listaphoto.com
Photography: Todd Lista - listaphoto.com
Photography: Todd Lista -
listaphoto.com
Trow a green bridal shower
Going green is infltrating all
aspects of daily life. Te trend
is also carrying over to the
ways people celebrate special
occasions. For the bride-to-
be who is environmentally
conscious, a green bridal
shower can be meaningful and
environmentally aware.
Planning an earth-
friendly shower is relatively
easy, provided many people
have similar views on the
environment. Heres how to
begin.
Seekoutvenuesthatfollow
green initiatives. Eco-friendly
dayspas,gardens,parks,areall
viable options.
Makesurevendorsuse
environmentally responsible
materials. Free-trade cofee and
chocolate and organic, locally
grown foods are just a few
options.
Getcreativewith
invitations. If you dont want
to send out electronic invites,
be sure the materials you use
for invitations are recyclable
or earth-friendly. For an
outdoor occasion, write party
information on tree leaves.
Later the invites can be
incorporated into compost
orfattenedinabookand
preserved.
Usereallinens,napkins
andtablesettings.Skipthe
disposable items that can end
up in the trash.
Askgueststobringgifts
that are not wrapped. Not only
will this save time at the party,
it will reduce the amount of
waste as well.
Askgueststo
wear sustainable
fabrics in their
wardrobe, such as
linen, organic cotton
or hemp.
Setthemood
with soy candles.
Tey produce
virtually no soot,
makingthembetter
for the environment.
Soyalsoburns
longer than other candles, such
as those made from parafn
wax.
Makepartyfavors
something that are earth-
mindedaswell.Packetsof
fower seeds or small potted
plantsareoptions.Giftbaskets
of locally grown fruit and
vegetables and jarred, fresh-
producedpreservesmake
for great gifts. You can also
give away some of the same
soy candles you used at the
party, decorated with a ribbon
indicating the party date.
With a little planning you
can throw a green bridal
shower for that special bride-
to-be. Ten help her host a
green wedding as well.
S23
AS05-679425
S24

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