- page 1 - Plan the perfect wedding with local advertisers and tips gathered just for you!

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By The KnotWhen planning your wedding, there are things that are nice to know, and then there are things you need to know—advice so essential that any bride who’s lucky enough to hear it thinks, “I’m so glad someone told me that!” If you’re wondering whether there’s something you may have missed (or even if you’ve got everything under control), check out our indispensable planning secrets below.

1. Guests Come FirstGet a grip on the approximate number of guests you’ll invite before settling on a venue. This will ensure there’s ample space for your crew. As a rule of thumb, allow for 25 to 30 square feet per guest. That may seem like a lot, but it’s not if you count the space you’ll need for the tables, bustling waiters, the band and a dance floor.

2. Investigate Wedding Blackout DatesKnow ahead of time if your wedding date falls on the same day as a trade conference, charity walk, or other local event that could affect traffic and hotel room availability. Here’s a handy list of potentially problematic wedding dates coming up in the calendar.

3. Listen to Mother NatureHeed the weather and other potential annoyances. Guests have been known to skip out early from hotter-than-hot summer tent weddings and improperly heated winter loft receptions. Bugs (gnats, deer flies and mosquitos) also swarm in certain areas during certain seasons. Consider renting pest control tanks to alleviate the problem or including bug repellent in guests’ gift bags. And if you want a sunset ceremony, make sure you know when to say your vows by checking SunriseSunset.com.

4. Check Your CreditTake advantage of the high cost of weddings and sign up for a credit card with a rewards program. Whether it gives you airline miles or great shopping deals, consolidating all wedding-related purchases to this card will help you accumulate thousands of rewards points

(which could be used for your honeymoon).

5. Pay It ForwardLet one vendor lead you to another. Your wedding photographer can tell you which florist’s blooms really pop, and your reception manager should know which band packs the dance floor.

6. Lighten Your ListThe easiest way to trim your wedding budget? Cut your guest list. Remember, half of your wedding expenses go to wining and dining your guests. If it’s costing you $100 per person, eliminating one table of 10 can save you $1,000.

7. Ask and You Might ReceiveRequest an extra hour for cocktails or for your band to throw in that Frank Sinatra sound-alike before you sign on the dotted line. Most vendors would rather secure the reservation than nickel-and-dime you early on (which might turn you off of them). Later on, though, they may be less inclined to meet you halfway.

8. Make a Meal PlanAnother unforeseen expense? Feeding your wedding day crew. Before you sign the contracts, make sure you’re not required to serve the same meal to your vendors that guests will receive. Otherwise, you could be paying for 20 additional lobster tails. Choose a less expensive (but equally hearty) meal for them instead. You will have to let your wedding caterer know a couple of days before the wedding exactly how many vendors you need to feed (don’t forget photography assistants and band roadies) and what you want them to serve.

9. Get Organizationally FocusedIn a three-ring binder, compile all your correspondences with vendors, notes you make during meetings, and photos or tear sheets from magazines you want vendors to see. Set up a special email address dedicated to your wedding, and store important vendor numbers in your cell phone. For on-the-go planning, download the The Knot Wedding Planner app to keep all of your planning info digitally on-hand at

all times.

10. Tend to Your BarTypically, you need one bartender per 50 guests to keep the line at a minimum. But if you’re serving a signature cocktail that cannot be made ahead of time (or in large quantities), consider adding an extra server designated to this task.

11. Leave Some Room in Your WalletYour wedding budget should follow this formula: 48 to 50 percent of total budget to reception; 8 to 10 percent for flowers; 8 to 10 percent for attire; 8 to 10 percent for entertainment/music; 10 to 12 percent for photo/video; 2 to 3 percent for invites; 2 to 3 percent for gifts; and 8 percent for miscellaneous items like a wedding coordinator. It’s essential to allocate an extra 5 to 10 percent of your money for surprise expenses like printing extra invites because of mistakes, additional tailoring needs, umbrellas for a rainy day and ribbons for the wedding programs.

12. Don’t Be Afraid to AskYour wedding vendors should be your go-to, most-trusted experts during the planning process. When working with them, you should feel free to really explore what it is you want—maybe it’s serving a late-night snack instead of a first course or doing a bridal portrait session rather than an engagement session. The bottom line is that you should feel like you can have an honest conversation with them about what it is you want. Their job will be to tell you what you can and can’t make work given your wedding budget.

13. Wait for a DateSometimes, last-minute planning can work in your favor. The closer your date, the more bargaining power you have. Since most people book their wedding venues at least six months in advance, calling for open dates two months prior to your desired time can save you up to 25 percent. And, Friday and Sunday weddings should cost about 30 percent less than Saturday weddings.

Cover all your wedding planning bases with these expert tips no soon-to-be-wed should be without.

Essential Wedding Planning Tips and Tricks30

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14. Manage the MailOf course you want the perfect stamps for your wedding invitations. But not all stamps are widely available at every post office, especially in large quantities. Save yourself scouting time by ordering them online at USPS.com. And be sure to weigh your invitation and all the additional paper products before you send them out so you can attach the right amount of postage. Ask your stationer about the need for additional postage for oddly shaped envelopes.

15. Prepare for RejectionKnow that as a rule, about 30 percent of the people you invite won’t attend. Naturally, this depends on the location of your wedding (destination weddings are harder to attend), how many out-of-towners are on your list, and the timing of the event (some guests may have annual holiday or summer plans).

16. Make a Uniform Kids PolicyYou have four choices: You can welcome children with open arms; you can decide to have an “adults only” wedding; you can include immediate family only; or, you can hire a child care service to provide day care either at the reception space, in a hotel room or at a family member’s home. To prevent hurt feelings, it’s wise to avoid allowing some families to bring children while excluding others (unless, of course, the children are in your bridal party).

17. Prioritize Your PeoplePare down your guest list with the “tiers of priority” trick. Place immediate family, the bridal party and best friends on top of the list; follow with aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends you can’t imagine celebrating without. Under that, list your parents’ friends, neighbors, coworkers and so on. If you need to make some cuts, start from the bottom until you reach your ideal number.

18. Take It One Step at a TimePut together a wedding planning schedule and do things one by one, in a logical order, so you don’t take on too much too fast and end up with everything snowballing around you. Don’t hire any vendors before you’ve confirmed your date; don’t design your cake before you’ve envisioned your flowers; and don’t book a band before you’ve settled on a space.

19. No Ring, No BringIf your guest list is bursting at the seams, assess the plus-one scenario. Do a faux seating chart in your mind, and imagine whom your single pal would sit with. If it’s a table of singles that she knows pretty well, then you’re all set. If it’s a table of couples (making her the odd one out) or if it’s a table of singles where she won’t

know anyone, consider bending the rules. If asked why you’re not allowing single friends to bring guests, size constraints or your parents’ never-ending guest list are always good fallback white lies.

20. Release RoomsAs soon as you’ve picked a date, start to look for hotels in a wide variety of price points. Many hotels allow you to reserve rooms for guests under a special wedding block and a reduced rate. You can then release any unbooked rooms a month prior to your wedding. If the hotels you contact insist upon contracts with cancellation penalties, just say no—you don’t want to be responsible for rooms you can’t fill.

21. Provide Accurate Driving DirectionsMake sure guests know where they’re going. As easy as online map programs are to use, sometimes the directions are wrong or there’s a quicker, less traffic-prone route to take. Ask your ceremony and reception sites for printouts or digital copies of recommended driving directions and even test out the routes yourself. Then include the best directions on your wedding website or email them to your guests to print out if they’d like.

22. Keep a Paper TrailGet any nonstandard changes to your agreements in writing or send the vendor a confirmation email saying, “Hello, just confirming that you’ll keep the venue open until 2 a.m. versus midnight.” Don’t just assume everything’s all set—sometimes, by the time the actual day rolls around, your contact for a certain may no longer be working there to vouch for you.

23. Schedule the SetupYou must make sure there’s ample time for setup. If you’re renting a venue and bringing in outside help, ask what time people can come in to start setting. Preston Bailey, author of Preston Bailey’s Fantasy Weddings, recommends seeing if they can do it the day before, or at the very least the entire wedding day, before the event starts.

24. Learn About Marriage LicensesYou can check your state’s license requirements online, but confirm with a call to the county clerk’s office to see when they’re open. Even if it’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., they may issue marriage licenses only during slower times like, say, Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Give a copy of your marriage license to your mom or your maid of honor (just in case you lose yours during the final days before your wedding).

25. Go Over Ground RulesBe prepared—ask the manager of the house of worship or site where you’ll be

married for the list of restrictions (if any). For instance, is flash photography or bare shoulders prohibited? Or, if you’re exchanging vows outdoors, are you allowed to plant tent stakes in the lawn (which is often not allowed)?

26. Classify Your CashWedding budgets are all about balance. Start your budget planning by making a checklist of the crucial details, like the music, your wedding gown, the invitations, the flowers and the photographer, and assign a number to each—one being the most important and three being the least. Invest your money in all your number ones and cut corners on your number threes. (But everything can’t fall into the number one category!) For example, if a designer gown and fabulous food are what really matter, you may have to choose simple invitations and smaller floral arrangements.

27. Help Guests Pay AttentionMake sure your guests can both see and hear from their seats. If people are seated farther than 15 rows back from your ceremony altar or podium, consider renting a mic and a riser. This could range anywhere from $50 to $100, depending on the equipment used. You’ll need to coordinate the delivery and setup with your ceremony space, so put your wedding planner or best man in charge of this task.

28. Write Down Your DigitsKeep an emergency contact sheet or phone with your vendor contacts on you on your wedding day—it may come in handy in case your limo driver gets lost or you decide you’d like your photographer to take some behind-the-scenes shots.

29. Call the Fashion PoliceDon’t go dress shopping on your own—all the gowns will start to look the same after a while and it will be harder to recall which style you really loved. But be careful about who you do bring. If your mom or sibling can’t make the trip, ask a friend who is truly honest. This is the time when you really need to know which dress looks best.

30. Be Realistic With Your TimeWhen it comes down to the last month of your planning (and when you’re particularly harried) look at your mile long to-do list and cut three things. Yes, cut three things. Not crucial things that you just don’t feel like doing, such as picking a processional song or confirming final details with all of your vendors. Eliminate only the over-the-top tasks like hand-painting “Just Married” signs, or baking cookies for all of the welcome bags. Cross them off and make a pledge not to think about them again.

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By The KnotShape Matters MostEven before those 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat), you must know what shape your future fiancee loves. Shape indicates the actual geometry of the stone, as opposed to cut, which relates to the angles of the facets in the stone.

Settings Are SecondA quality setting -- the metal framework in which your stone is mounted -- can set the tone for a ring. A classic round engage-ment ring stone gets a fresh and modern makeover in a bezel set-ting. A trendy oval can look more traditional in a four-prong setting. Getting the right combo of shape and setting is key.

Spy on Her StyleThe trend these days is for couples to ring-shop together, but if you’re more of a tradition-alist and looking to surprise her with a ring she’ll love, be sure to do some reconnaissance. You can ask her best friend or sibling for help -- and swear them to secrecy. But if you’re set on not telling anyone, pay attention to the jewelry she wears. Is she more of a platinum/silver girl than a yellow-gold one? Does she gravitate to vintage jewels as opposed to simple, classic pieces? Watch her for a couple of weeks and take mental notes to size up her style.

Consider the MetalWhen it comes to the band,

you’ve got a variety of metals to choose from. One popular choice is platinum -- it’s extremely du-rable and especially pure, making it a great hypoallergenic choice for brides and grooms with sensi-tive skin. There’s also gold, which comes in a variety colors, includ-ing white, yellow, rose, and even green. Beyond platinum and gold, you might also consider palladium (which has a grayer hue than platinum) or even a re-cycled metal band, which might include a mixture of platinum and gold. Think of it as a “something old” and “something new” all rolled into one.

Buy Loose StonesUnless you’re buying an estate ring, chances are, you’ll be look-ing at loose stones as opposed to stones in a setting. (The ones you see in the jeweler’s case are often just samples to give you an idea of the finished prod-uct.) The stone accounts for the vast majority of a ring’s cost, so wouldn’t you want to get the

most gorgeous one imaginable (or at least in your budget)? Be sure to inspect the stone with a loupe (a handheld magnifier that most jewelers have). A good jeweler (more on that later) will be able to guide you and tell you what to look for.

Work Your Budget WellThrow out that old two-months salary myth; You should buy the best ring you can without going into major debt. If she’s a size queen and your budget isn’t super-sized, go for a ring with a slightly larger table, or surface, area. You won’t get as much sparkle, but a one-carat ring will look much larger if the stone isn’t as deep. Don’t want to sacrifice the look of your stone? Buying just shy of the next carat (1.8 instead of 2) can equal a savings of nearly 20 percent. And when it comes to clarity, buying shy gives you the most wiggle room without affecting sparkle (often defects are not visible to the naked eye).

Shop SafeAlways start your jeweler search with recommendations from friends and family. No leads? Check for industry organization affiliation. Stores accredited by the Jewelers of America or members of the Gemological In-stitute of America (GIA) are good starting places. Often large, renowned chains are reliable and offer sales. And always find out what a store’s return policy is. You want to be able to at least exchange the stone if it’s not the one she wants.

Give Yourself at Least Six WeeksRemember that once ordered, a ring can take up to six weeks to arrive, potentially longer if you’re having it custom designed. If you want to engrave the inside of the ring, be sure to request the inscription when you place your order.

Get It in WritingDiamonds one carat or larger should be accompanied by a diamond-grading report issued by an independent gemological association such as the GIA or the American Gem Society. You might also get a “fingerprint” of your ring on the bill of sale, which would include the stone’s 4 Cs, shape, dimensions, and any cosmetic enhancements. Also, anything that affects its value -- if it was made by a famous designer, is an antique or period piece, or is handmade or custom-designed -- should also be noted.

Buying the perfectENGAGEMENT RING

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1. Do Your HomeworkCheck out prospective planners’ websites for photos of recent weddings they have done to help narrow down your list. Notice whether elements seem to have a cohesive look and if there is an overarching style that the weddings share—this is probably what the planner is most experienced with, so decide if it’s one you like. If all the weddings that he’s planned look over-the-top and glamorous and you’re looking for a small, intimate gathering, he may not be the right person for you. Also, look for information about the types of planning services they offer, sites they’ve worked with, awards, and membership in professional associations (such as the Association of Bridal Consultants).

2. Call Your FavoritesCall your top three or four picks to confirm the following: types of planning services offered, names of sites they have worked with, wedding date availability, and appropriateness price-wise (ask their typical price range and/or cost of the average wedding they plan). If their answers fit your budget and your vision, set up appointments to meet with each of them.

3. Prepare for Your First MeetingBring magazine clippings,

photos, and even your inspiration board(s) with you when you meet with potential planners. At your meeting, you obviously want to get a sense of the quality of their weddings by asking them about events they’ve done and perusing their portfolios, but you’re also looking at their personalities: Is this someone you can work with intimately for months at a time? Voice your ideas about your style and colors and see how the planner responds—she should meet them with enthusiasm. Then ask how she’d pull off your vision to get a better idea of how she works. A good planner should be able to listen to your thoughts and hone them to make your wedding something truly unique and memorable.

4. Call ReferencesDon’t feel pressured to hire a planner you like on the spot. Be sure to call references and ask the following.

How closely did she stick to your budget?

Can you e-mail me photos from your wedding? (This is a good way to confirm the overall consistency and professionalism of the wedding. Planners’ portfolios are filled with their best work, and, of course, they’ll offer brides they know were happy with their work for references, so search online for other real weddings they’ve done as well.)

How well did she interpret

your ideas?

Were the style and wedding exactly what you wanted?

What did she take care of for you (guest list, vendor meetings, setup, etc.)?

Did she have good vendor recommendations? Did she coordinate with other vendors?

Did she respond quickly to your calls or e-mails? Was she nice to work with?

Did the wedding go smoothly according to your guests?

Did anything go wrong, and how did she handle it?

5. Seal the DealAlso, take some time to compare and contrast prices, impressions, notes, and, if provided, formal proposals (some planners may draft their overall vision for your wedding and their intended services in the form of a proposal, which would then work as the basis for your contract). Once you’ve found your planner, call her immediately to express your desire to move forward and have her prepare a contract. As soon as you’ve signed the contract and paid your deposit, you’ll have your right-hand woman (or man) secured.

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Should I Hire A WeddingPlanner?

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One of the dreams of a newly married couple is the dream of purchasing a home together. Often, this will be a first time experience for the both of them. It is also one of the most expensive purchases that they will ever make. As a result, it is important to be cautious and make all the right moves when preparing for, searching for, and buying a home. In doing so they will be more likely to make wise decisions and hopefully avoid purchasing a house that is wrong for them or more than they can afford. To help couples safely and cautiously move toward buying a home, there are certain steps that they should follow.

Prioritize

Unlike a car or a washer machine, getting the wrong home or a home in the wrong neighborhood is a decision that will plague a family for years or even decades. Therefore, the first step in shopping for a home is to determine what one’s priorities are. The size and design of a home is a very common and very important priority for home buyers. Those expecting a big family will want a large multi-family home, while single people or couples with no kids will want a smaller home. Equally as important, however, is the kind of neighborhood in which the home is located. For some people it is a neighborhood with short commutes to great jobs or good

schools. Others are looking for areas with low property taxes, while some prefer houses with a set number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Another concern is finding areas where crime rates are low. Eco-conscious home buyers might be looking for homes with solar energy or sufficient yard space for gardens. Regardless of one’s priorities, it will be necessary for shoppers to make a list of what is important to them, and narrow their search accordingly.

Do Your ResearchOnce a home buyer has decided on his or her preferences on a home, the next step is to do in-depth research on which homes fit their requirements. The age of the Internet makes this task much easier than it used to be. There are various real estate listing sites that collect information on properties for viewing online. This information includes pictures of the property in question and statistics on the amount of yard space and internal floor layout and space, as well as the potential price of the home. In addition, many include crime statistics, ratings on local schools, unemployment ratings, all pertaining to the neighborhood where the home is located. Shoppers should also seek out information on traffic conditions in the area, as well as whether the property is under a homeowners association. After this, the prospective buyer should visit the area to take a look at the house and to check out the community first hand. Speaking to potential neighbors and acquiring information that is off the record is critically important to making a sound decision as to which property to purchase. Most importantly it is necessary for a buyer to check the maintenance and construction history of the house. Purchasing a house only to find that it is infested with termites is one of the worst nightmares for home buyers.

Find a Good Real Estate AgentIn addition to researching the ideal home, a prospective buyer should hire a real estate agent to help with their search. Real estate agents are professionals

who know how to get in-depth information about properties and steer customers toward the right home. Real estate agents may have knowledge about the area that the customer doesn’t, including information that enables them to negotiate a price that’s tens of thousands of dollars cheaper than what it is listed for on the market. This includes local market conditions and previous attempts to sell the house in question. They also serve as a firewall between shoppers and eager home sellers who would otherwise pester shoppers who unwittingly give them their contact information. Real estate agents can also discover legal burdens upon the house. This includes tax liens or other issues that could complicate the sale of a home. One major convenience of hiring a real estate agent is the fact that they also handle a lot of the paperwork involved in purchasing a home. The key to working with a real estate agent is to find an experienced agent with a reputation for competency. It is also wise to meet with more than one in order to see which agent is easiest to work with.

Financial SecurityIn order to finance the purchase of a home, buyers have two main choices. One is to purchase the home outright, and the other is to obtain a loan. Those who can’t buy a home with cash will typically need to come up with a down payment for a home loan, also known as a mortgage. Traditionally, lenders desire a down payment of twenty percent of the cost of the home. In some cases, however, home buyers with good credit can get away with a down payment of three percent. Of course, the higher the down payment, the more likely that a lender will actually finance the purchase of the home. A person’s income is another critically important factor in whether they will be accepted for a loan. Typically a monthly mortgage payment should be a little over a quarter of one’s take-home pay. This means if a buyer’s yearly income is $60,000 a year, their monthly income is $5,000 a month, and they can

HOMEADVICE FOR NEWLYWEDS

Five Tips For Buying Your First Home!www.mortgagecalculator.org

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qualify for, at best, a mortgage with a $1,250 a month payment. The buyer should also factor in insurance, closing costs, and if the loan is a subprime loan, balloon payments as well.

Get Pre-Qualified or Pre-Approved for a LoanBefore choosing a home, potential home buyers may consider getting pre-qualified or pre-approved for their loan. Both will tell a potential home buyer

how much he or she can afford when buying a home. When pre-qualified, the lender has determined an estimate of how much the borrower would be eligible for given their income and debt level. It does not, however, mean that he or she is actually approved for the loan. Pre-approval of a mortgage loan means that the lender has authorized the loan according to the information provided. Often the pre-approval is valid for a set

Home Advice for Newlyweds CONTINUED

Perhaps you’ve just got engaged and can’t wait to book your wedding venue – but do you really know what you’re looking for? Before you go dashing off to look around every single wedding reception venue within a hundred miles, here are some top tips to think about when choosing a wedding venue: Communication is key Have a chat with your other half about the sort of wedding you would like and be prepared to compromise if you have different ideas; this could help avoid disagreements later! Are you looking for a summer wedding in a marquee, a relaxed or contemporary barn wedding venue or a formal and elegant country house? Civil ceremony or church wedding? Deciding what type of ceremony you would like will highlight the area in which you should look for a wedding venue as your wedding reception venue should ideally be within a 20 – 25

minute radius of the church. Decide on a budget Working out a budget early on will help you to shortlist potential wedding venues. Wedding catering and alcohol normally take up quite a large chunk of your budget so remember to include it in your calculations. What’s best for guests? Don’t forget about guests travelling to your wedding. If you want to avoid incurring expensive taxi charges and hotel

bills for them or coach costs for you, look for a wedding venue near to where the majority of your guests live. Wedding guest numbers Have a rough idea of guest numbers before you start looking for a wedding venue or be prepared to alter your guest list. This should avoid the disappointment of visiting a beautiful wedding venue only to find out it is too big/small for

your wedding. Your wedding date If you’ve decided on a date for your wedding and it’s set in stone, check the availability of that date before you visit. If you’re flexible about the day of the week, month, season, or even the year of your wedding you’ll have a much wider choice of venues. Seek expert advice Wedding websites such as this one are useful because they have details of a wide range of wedding venues at your fingertips. If you’d like some assistance searching for a venue, a wedding venue finding service can help; tell them your requirements and they will search for a venue to suit you from their extensive list of wedding venues – many of which will be privately-owned. Wedding planners can also help you choose a wedding venue as they have experience of weddings at different venues.

www.theweddingcommunity.com

Choosing a Wedding VenueSTEPS FOR

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WeddingWhen it comes to planning your wedding, there are some parts that are tedious and stressful and there are some parts that are just plain fun. Luckily, choosing your wedding cakes is the latter. This is the perfect time to cut the diet for the sake of research and find the beautiful and tasty cake to serve at your wedding. When going through the process of finding your cake, there are several myths, facts and tips you should know about. Check out these six important tips for choosing your perfect wedding cake.

1. Choose a BakeryBefore choosing your bakery, do your research. Ask friends and family about couples who have loved their wedding cake catered by a local bakery and read wedding specialists reviews online. Check wedding websites or blogs that have customer feedback. Make sure the reviews you are finding are up to date, as their website and online photos should be. Once you have a potential prospect, visit the bakery in person. It is important that you feel comfortable with the team that would be working on your cake. You want to be working with staff that truly listens to your requests and questions. If you think you may have found the bakery for you, speak with the cake designer about specifics.

2. Choose a StyleThere is an endless amount of styles you can choose for your

wedding cake. You can go with a classic look or be creative. You can have an all-white cake or add some color. You can have the cake match your wedding theme or you can have your cake represent your favorite memory together. Your cake may be simple or it may have extravagant decoration that matches your dress. Wedding cakes can be round or square, flat or multi-tiered. First things first, know the basics. Do you want your cake sculpted with fondant or would you prefer a soft buttercream frosting? Fondant tends to hike up the cost of the cake, however it holds stronger in high temperatures. Sit down with your fiancé and research cake inspiration. Your bakery may also have a gallery of style options to show you.

3. Choose a Flavor(Cake Tasting)The idea that wedding cakes are just for show and not for

taste is a common myth. Not all fondant tastes bad and it’s up to you to find ones that don’t. If you found your bakery through word of mouth or researching their reviews, chances are you are already on your way to finding a cake that will be great both to eat and to look at. Wedding cakes come in all sorts of amazing flavors. Find the one that speaks most to you and your fiancé. Do you prefer a rich chocolate or a light fruity taste?There are several important things to keep in mind when wedding cake tasting; for instance, when picking your cake, consider the size of it in comparison to the number of guests you have invited. Additionally, it is a good idea to break up the tasting into multiple days so that you don’t enter a sugar overload causing you to make a rash decision.

4. Choose a DisplayWhen considering all of your wedding cake choices, don’t forget to think about the cake’s display. What will the table look like? Will you set it on a center table with a plain-colored tablecloth that matches the wedding color scheme? Perhaps you want to decorate the table with flower petals or beads to match the cake? If your wedding is taking place in the evening, will you need to plan lighting for the cake. You can bring your cake out into the center of the venue or you can light up the table that the cake will rest on by placing a

camping light or Christmas lights under or around the table.

5. Choose a TimePart of planning out your wedding cake is also planning out when during your wedding day you will bring it out. Sometimes, the best option is to make time for the cake during the reception. This is generally a time when all of the guests’ attention is on you, rather than after the reception when the guests begin to dance and sometimes drink. If your wedding includes toasts, you can also bring the cake out right before or after the speeches. Regardless of when you choose to present your cake, be sure your photographer got some shots of it before you begin cutting it.

6. Choose a Cake Alternative (If You Want)It’s no secret that wedding cakes are no small expense. If you are looking for a large, nicely designed cake that will feed all your guests that can really rack up your spending. Fortunately, there are wedding cake alternatives. There are many great wedding desserts that can stand in place of a cake such as pie, cupcakes, pastries, festive sweets or our favorite, a dessert bar. If you don’t want to completely give up the idea of a cake, you can always order a small, decorated cake for show, which you can display above or next to the desserts. Wedding cake (or wedding dessert) picking is a fun process. As long as you follow these tips and most importantly, choose a dessert that you love both in beauty and taste, your guests are sure to enjoy the special treat with you. If you and your fiancé don’t get the chance to have some cake during the wedding, be sure to have the caterer save some for you! You don’t want to miss out on the dessert you spent so long picking out. And if you want, you can even preserve wedding cake to enjoy on your first anniversary.

CAKETHE

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Your wedding invitation does a great deal more than inform people of the date, time, and place of your wedding. It’s the first thing guests will see, and it sets the tone for the event. The wording and design, from typeface to the color, weight, and even texture of the paper, all subtly shape how your wedding will be perceived. If you’re planning a casual beach wedding, for example, then that should be conveyed from the start in the design of the invitation. On the other hand, if you picture your wedding guests in tuxedos and floor-length gowns, then the invitation should be equally formal in tone and style. There are no hard-and-fast rules about design–above all, it’s important to create something that you like and that reflects your wedding plans. However, some guidelines will help you sort through all the options.• For a formal wedding, traditional, classic fonts like Georgia, Times New Roman, and Book Antiqua are timeless choices that set a dignified,

restrained tone that never goes out of style. A soft cream, ivory, or white paper will enhance the effect.• For a more informal event choose a typeface like Comic Sans, Courier New, or

Symbol for a contemporary look, and pair it with non-traditional paper colors.• Check legibility, especially if you have a lot of information on the invitation. Decorative fonts can become

less legible at small sizes.• Two complementary fonts on an invitation may add impact. Try using a script for the bride and groom’s names and a regular serif or even a sans serif for the text, for example. If your wedding has a signature color or theme, keep an eye out for invitations that use those colors or elements. This palette or theme can continue throughout all the related printed materials, from programs to place cards. While it is fine to use colored paper, be aware that black-bordered paper used to be reserved for sending death announcements.

Choosing yourWedding Invitation

StyleWedding ceremonies and receptions take place just about anywhere including boats, mansions, marinas, gardens, restaurants, scenic locations, and churches. Each area provides ample opportunities for setting the scene and creating a mood with elegant wedding decorations. First, ask yourselves what style and mood do you both want for your wedding day. Are you casual, sophisticated or romantic? You may decide you want a traditional evening wedding ceremony with lots of candles and flowers, or you may decide on a contemporary setting with silver and white balloons and an ice sculpture. Second, it is important to know your budget. This gives you an idea of how many decorations you can reasonably incorporate into your wedding. Remember that careful planning is necessary to avoid costly mistakes. If budget is an issue, choose only two or three wedding decorations or decorating ideas that really add visual impact. Third, take several photographs of the site to reference as you read through the above ideas. Try to imagine where you could use each idea. It will become clear which decorations will be successful and which ones are unsuitable for your particular setting. Consider these items when choosing and creating your

wedding decorations: Color Scheme Available Space Number of Guests Mood/Theme Time of Day Time of Year Location/Setting Family Traditions Budget Consider decorations for these areas: Altar/Pews Flowers Gift/Cake Table Favors Bathrooms Guestbook/Pen Food/Cake Tables Guestbook Getaway Car Chair Backs Walls/Doors Banisters Accessories Ceilings/Floors Keep in mind that locations that are already very festive or decorative may require less, or even no wedding decorations at all! To save money, have friends or relatives transport your ceremony decorations such as flowers, pew bows, or candelabras to your reception site. With a little imagination, you’ll be amazed at how easy and affordable it is to create a unique day that you and your guests will remember for a lifetime.www.yourweddingcompany.com

DECORATIONSWedding

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Every wedding has a budget, whether you’re spending a few hundred dollars or hundreds of thousands of dollars. According to a new Real Weddings Study, the average wedding costs $32,641. So what should you splurge on? And how can you save? We’ve got a few tips and tricks to help you stay on budget.

Splurge SaveOr

Why are some flowers so expensive?Some flowers are harder to grow than others—and some have short

growing seasons. If you’re flying in peonies from Japan, you’ll be spending on transport. The complexity of the arrangement factors

into the cost too.

How can you save?Make in-season, locally sourced flowers the mainstay on your

arrangements—you’ll save money and be guaranteed the freshest stems. Also, scale back on the variety of blooms. If your florist

can buy a single type in bulk, she can often pass the savings onto you. And consider reusing your ceremony arrangements at your

reception.

Flowers

The road to the aisle can be a schizophrenic one. Some days it’s filled with elation and happiness, other days it’s a little, um, trying on your nerves. Here are some suggestions for what to do when stress takes its toll.

Get a MassageMassage is the perfect way to relieve tension. Why not try a technique you’ve never experienced before? According to Kristen Haines, owner of NYC’s Euphoria Spa, the hottest new technique (literally) is a Thai massage, in which hot herbal poultices (basically giant tea bags filled with detoxifying goodies, like turmeric, rice extract, and tamarind leaves) get pressed into tired muscles. It’s performed in combination with more traditional deep tissue massage techniques for a totally invigorating result. Don’t forget to drink lots of water on the day of your treatment; toxins are released during a massage and water helps flush them out of your system.

Take a Yoga ClassOr better yet, sign up for a package of yoga classes a month or two before your wedding. If you’ve never taken yoga before, choose a beginner class: The breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and postures will have you totally centered by the time you hear wedding bells. If you don’t have time for class, or if one isn’t offered in your area, try a yoga DVD like A.M. and P.M. Yoga for Beginners or The All-Day Yoga Workout: A.M., Stress Relief, and P.M. Yoga for Beginners . (Even though these aren’t the newest DVDs out there, they’re still definitely among the best -- and bestsellers -- for beginners).

Soak in the TubA nice, hot bath will relax your muscles and your mind. For optimal stress-quenching results, add a bath salt that’ll moisturize your skin and help you loosen up with a soothing scent. We love Aromatherapy Hydrotherapy Skin-Conditioning Fine Sugar Soak ($20, Bath & Body Works

stores nationwide). It’s packed with skin-soothing ingredients like sugar, oatmeal, and marshmallow, and its heavenly scent (calming chamomile, rose absolute, and myrrh) will help you do some serious zoning out. As long as you’re lying around in warm water, use a pumice on your feet and a loofah on your knees and elbows for extra polish. You’ll step out of the tub feeling completely refreshed.

Get OutsideWhen you need to clear your mind, there’s nothing like getting a breath of fresh air -- literally! Take a brisk walk or jog outside -- maybe some music, no cell phone, just you. You don’t have to get off the beaten path. Even a circuit around your neighborhood will work. Tune out what’s going on around you (but still watch out for traffic!) and concentrate on the rhythm of your strides. You’ll find yourself feeling pretty Zen in no time. And besides, an extra prewedding workout never hurt anyone!

Read a BookThere’s no better time to score a page-turner than the few months before the wedding day. A good book can take you to another world for a while and give your scattered brain a rest. Why not read a novel that takes place where you’re are headed on your honeymoon for an excellent sneakpreview?

Hit the SpaFind a spa in your area that offers a day package (some even offer special bridal packages), sign up for treatments that you love or have never tried before, and enjoy a day of total relaxing indulgence. If you’ve never had a facial before, book your appointment at least two to three months before your wedding day (you never know how your skin will react, and the day of the rehearsal dinner is not the time to find out). A regular facial regime will leave your skin positively radiant.

More ideas at www.theknot.com

DE - Stress

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