advertising section bridal planner - cityvie · 11/01/2013 · if you know credit will be a big...

CITYVIEW NOVEMBER 22 — 28, 2012 39

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BRIDAL PLANNER

Tips and ideas on controlling costs, insurance, shoe selection and more!

INSIDE

It’s All About

You!

40 CITYVIEW NOVEMBER 22 — 28, 2012

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Cost-control tips for bridesmaids-to-be

S tanding up for your friend as her maid of honor or bridesmaid is a special experience

you’ll both remember all your lives. Yet your happiness for your friend, and your joy at

participating in her wedding, can be tempered by concerns about the costs associated

with being a member of the wedding party.

Just like the bride and groom, attendants often need to use credit to fund their wedding

experience, including the cost of a dress, gift for the happy couple, the bachelorette party and

perhaps traveling to the wedding location. Still, if you rely too much on credit, you could end up

with debt — which is a lot worse than a dress you’ll never wear again.

Careful planning and an honest discussion with the bride and groom about cost control can

help ensure no one overspends on the big day.

BEFORE YOU AGREE:The first question you should ask yourself is: “Can I afford to be in this wedding?”

If the person asking for your participation is your best friend in the world, and saying “no”

will harm your relationship, you’ll have to find a way to fund your bridesmaid duties without

breaking the bank. But if the invitation comes from a friend you’re not particularly close to, it

may be appropriate to decline, especially if the associated costs will be a financial hardship.

When the answer has to be “yes,” your next move should be to assess your finances. How

much cash can you reasonably set aside between now and the time the bills start to arrive? How

much of your participation will need to be funded through credit?

If you know credit will be a big part of your wedding party budget, monitoring your credit

for a few months may help you manage your finances. Membership in a product like CreditRe-

port.com offers members valuable tools to help them monitor their credit for a monthly fee.

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W eddings are a feast for the senses. Anyone who’s been part of planning a wedding knows that every detail of the sights, sounds and tastes of the event are given atten-tion. But what about the aromas? You can make your special day even more memo-

rable by using the clean, natural scents of pure essential oils to create the perfect atmosphere for your celebration. Th e ceremony. Th e fragrance we inhale during any important event oft en becomes inextrica-bly linked with our memories of that event. In fact, the scents that your guests encounter when they fi rst enter the wedding venue are no less important than the decorations they see. So pick a scent that you want the wedding to be remembered by. Take cues from the style of your gown, the time of year and the setting. Here are some examples of how you might match essential oils to your event:

and jasmine underpinned with the balsamic, resinous scents of frankincense and sandalwood.

and fruit, coriander, cardamom, tangerine and Mandarin orange. Th e reception. You’ll want to stay very low key here. Since aroma and taste are so intricately intertwined, you don’t want to introduce outside aromas that might clash with the fl avors and aromas produced by any food you’re serving. Th ere may be opportunities for subtle citrus or spice scents — perhaps at an isolated drink or snack table — but for the most part, let the aromas of the food prevail. Diff usion is the key to designing an aromatic ambience at your wedding. Th is can be accom-plished using a variety of apparatus that feature a fan and/or heat to propel the evaporation of the essential plant oils into the air. Simply place the oils in the device according to the instruc-tions and add more as needed. Visit www.auracacia.com for more tips on using essential oils as well as a wide selection of plug in diff users, vaporizers, candle lamps and essential oils. By considering aroma — along with color, sound and fl avor — during the planning stages of your celebration, you can create a complete and memorable impression on your big day.

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P lanning a wedding has many im-

portant components, with deci-

sions to make on everything from

finding the perfect flowers to choos-

ing the right location. For brides- and

grooms-to-be, one important choice that

shouldn’t be overlooked is the idea of pur-

chasing wedding insurance. Because no

matter how carefully a couple plans the

big day, something can always go awry.

It’s the last thing anyone wants to think

about when planning the big day. But

with so many elements of a wedding that

have been carefully thought out, it would

be a shame to have something happen

that casts a shadow on the wedding day.

The good news is that there is peace of

mind available with wedding event can-

cellation and liability insurance.

Protecting you from unforeseen disas-

ters, wedding insurance safeguards your

investment in the big day against circum-

stances beyond your control. Wedding

cancellation and liability insurance, avail-

able from companies like Markel Ameri-

can, can cover anything from a damaged

gown to natural disasters. A recent report

from TheKnot.com showed that the aver-

age wedding costs more than $25,000 — as

much as a new car or a down payment on a

home. Having that investment at risk, with

potential for it to increase if something

stolen, misplacing a wedding ring, or dam-

best way to start off married life.

Until recently, there wasn’t an option

to insure your wedding expenditures — if

something went wrong it was rare that re-

imbursement was an option. While event

insurance isn’t new, wedding-specific poli-

cies have been created in the past decade,

partially as a response to the increase in

wedding spending. Covering multiple

aspects of the big day, wedding insurance

policies were created to specifically cover

coverage for accidents that happen during

-

Safeguard the big day


ADVERTISING SECTION “Many people aren’t even aware that it’s possible to buy event insurance to give themselves

peace of mind on their big day — but it’s possible and aff ordable,” says Ted Wentzel, director

of marketing for Markel American. “With the costs of weddings skyrocketing, it’s becoming

increasingly smarter to make sure that you’re covered fi nancially, in case of something going

wrong.”

While wedding insurance won’t cover things like cold feet or rain on your outdoor ceremo-

ny, it will cover multiple important aspects of the wedding. If the ring bearer drops the wedding

rings in the sink, that’s covered by event cancellation insurance. Perhaps the caterer went out of

business a month before the ceremony. Th e additional expense of booking a replacement caterer

and getting the original deposit back would be covered by the insurance policy.

Additionally, most wedding venues now require couples to have insurance coverage, and

event liability insurance meets that requirement. If something goes wrong at the wedding or

reception venue, event liability insurance means that brides and grooms will be defended against

assuming responsibility for damage dealt. Th is safeguards against the well-meaning maid of hon-

or who accidentally hung the bride’s dress from an unstable light fi xture and pulled it from the

wall, or the best man whose exuberant toast led to an unfortunate smashing of many expensive

pieces of glassware.

“My wife and I knew anything could happen during a wedding, so purchasing insurance

was a no-brainer for us,” says Brandon Bernos, a former Markel American customer. “And that

‘anything’ did — the day of our engagement photo shoot, we were unable to contact our pho-

tographer. We found out that he had been in a car accident weeks prior and didn’t survive. When

we contacted Markel, they immediately refunded our security deposit and we were able to fi nd

another photographer. Now, we tell anyone who is planning their wedding to get wedding insur-

ance.”

For couples involved in wedding planning, purchasing wedding insurance can be an impor-

tant factor in making sure that the big day goes smoothly. And just like picking the cake, caterer

or photographer, there are plenty of options to create a custom insurance policy that’s just right

for the happy couple-to-be.

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Y ou’re ready to say your ‘I do’s’ in front of your family and friends. Planning a mem-

orable celebration of your commitment to each other, however, doesn’t mean you

have to compromise on your commitment to the environment. It’s possible to cre-

ate the wedding of your dreams and stay ‘green,’ even in the cold, white months of winter.

December is the most popular month for proposals, and the second-most popular cool

trend, according to TheKnot.com, a leading wedding-planning website.

If your vision of the perfect wedding marries eco-friendly green with winter white, here

are some tips and ideas to help you turn your vision into reality:

Friendly feastingGreat food is an essential part of any wedding, whether you’re serving a sit-down dinner or

just hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. When you’re planning your menu, however, keep in mind

how the foods you choose may impact the environment. For example, is that fish entree net

caught, line caught or farmed?

A dish’s environmental impact depends on several factors, including how the product

was raised and harvested, how it was transported and how far it had to travel from point

of origin to plate. By choosing locally grown products or those grown and harvested using

sustainable practices, you can reduce your wedding feast’s impact on the environment.

Reuse, recycle and revelBrides in bygone generations once gladly wore their mother’s wedding dress, but the practice

fell out of vogue as more brides

wanted their own unique look for

their wedding day. But the green

movement has breathed new life

into the practice, since reusing

and recycling eliminates the need

to consume materials and energy

making something new. More

brides are finding that recycling

a wedding dress has other advan-

tages too. It’s possible to achieve

a great vintage look with a used

wedding dress — whether it’s one

handed down from your mother or one you found in a second-hand store. A new gown can

cost thousands of dollars, while a repurposed dress can be had much more cheaply.

Wedding favor wondersSure it’s a cool idea and the groomsmen will likely use theirs often, but just how environ-

mentally correct is that custom-imprinted beer cozy? Wedding favors are a way of thanking

guests for sharing in your special day, but many popular items are made from less-than-eco-

friendly materials.

To green your wedding, consider favors that are useful and organic, such as organic

‘Green’ ideas for winter-white weddings


ADVERTISING SECTIONbaking mixes or spice mixes. You can fi nd a plethora of these great-tasting, green-minded

options from purveyors like Simply Organic. Dress up favors with decorative netting and

ribbons, and you have a unique favor that’s good for guests and the environment, too.

Greener invitationsTh e invitation is oft en the fi rst impression guests will have of your wedding. While every

bride wants invitations that will wow guests, keep in mind the costs — both monetary and

environmental — of all that paper. Many eco-minded brides are switching to invitations

made with recycled paper or, better yet, electronic invitations.

No raw materials are consumed to create e-vites, and what’s more, you can fi nd online

services that not only help you create an e-vite, but send it and monitor responses all online.

Using such a service can help you keep better track of RSVPs.

Th ere is the option of sending invitations printed on recycled paper with fl ower seeds

imbedded in the paper. Your guests can plant the invitation in their garden, and remember

your special occasion every time they see the beautiful fl owers growing. Visit www.green-

fi eldpaper.com to learn more.

Th e little things that mean a lotSome other steps that may seem small — like choosing locally grown, in-season fl owers

rather than out-of-season ones that must be imported — can also make a big diff erence in

how your wedding impacts the environment. Whether you opt to replace cut bouquets and

centerpieces with artifi cial ones that can be reused, or choose acoustic music that requires

no electricity to keep guests dancing, it’s possible to fi nd green options for almost every

aspect of your wedding.

A Unique Place for Your Special DayThe Scottish Rite Consistory is an impressive building ideally

suited for your wedding.

From the rehearsal dinner in the Council Room, to the ceremony in the Consistory

Auditorium and the reception in the Grand Banquet Room, the Scottish Rite has a variety of places to meet your needs.

We have many amenities, but to truly appreciate the beauty and elegance, one must take a personal tour. We would be

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A s a bride-to-be, you invest huge amounts of time, energy and money to make your big day unforgettable. Unfortunately, all of the stress associated with planning a wedding can take its toll, and you may neglect your own well-being in the chaos. Inadequate

sleep, poor diet and high levels of stress can leave you feeling and looking less than fabulous, but with a few healthy and sustainable adjustments, you can look forward to your walk down the aisle.

Gorgeous greensPressure to look perfect in your wedding photos may lead you to fad diets that can leave you starving and irritable, not to mention pallid and worn down. Instead of restrictive dieting, ce-lebrity nutritionist and author Kimberly Snyder says eating the right foods will result in weight loss, as well as improve the look of skin, hair and nails. In “Th e Beauty Detox Solution,” Snyder encourages a plant-based diet that draws beautifying nutrients from completely natural sources. Green smoothies are a great way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables on the go, Snyder says, and she encourages all her clients to drink them. “Green smoothies are absolutely one of the easiest ways to get the nutrition your body needs to be healthy and beautiful,” Snyder says. “For my Glowing Green Smoothie, just toss the whole food ingredients into a Vitamix machine — it’s the only blender I use — and in seconds you have a nutrient-packed drink that will keep you energized and glowing. Busy brides-to-be will appreciate how quick and easy these are to make, and they’ll love how green smoothies make them look and feel.”

Sleeping beautyFrom venue visits to cake tastings to bridal showers, it might seem like there isn’t enough time to get all your wedding planning done. However, skimping on sleep can have serious physical and mental consequences. Getting enough rest so that you can get through your seemingly never-ending list can be diffi cult, but it’s vital to help you look and feel your best. For better, more rest-

Look and feel your best

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ful sleep, try to stick to a bedtime routine at the same time every night. Try not to eat or drink within an hour of going to sleep, and avoid electronic screens for 30 minutes before bed. You might enjoy a light activity — such as reading a book — directly before going to sleep to help clear your mind. Lastly, ensure that you contin-ue to make sleep a priority, even as the special day nears.

Post-workout glowA wedding is a great motivator when it comes to work-ing out, and perhaps you have already joined a gym or invested in a personal trainer to get in shape for the oc-

exercise can do great things for busy brides-to-be. Sny-der, an experienced yogi who has practiced around the world, encourages her clients and readers to explore yoga for better mental and physical health.

escape from the day’s hectic happenings, no matter how new you are to the practice,” Snyder says. “By combining strength-building poses and attention to inner self, you can both tone your muscles and achieve mental bliss. Yoga is a great way to get fit and stay focused so you can walk down the aisle looking serene and stunning.” Radiantly relaxed Unbridled mental stress can quickly lead to physical consequences, and you don’t want to look haggard or tired on your special day. Physical activity, whether it’s a long run, exercise class, or short jog around the block, releases hormones that will boost your mood for hours. And don’t underestimate the power of the senses: lighting stress-relief aromatherapy candles, soaking in a warm bath, and even treating yourself to a massage can help you relax as the wedding day approaches. As you plan every detail of your wedding, remember to spend time on your own health and happiness. By paying attention to your physical and mental well-being throughout the planning process, you’re sure to be ready and radiant for your big day.

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T he man of your dreams, a stunning dress and the most darling shoes to go with it — you have everything you need to ensure your wedding is perfect in every way. But at the end of your big day, will you be left with something less welcome than beautiful memories?

Will you be sporting sore — or possibly even injured — feet? “Brides may think that aching feet at the end of their wedding day is just something they’ll have to put up with,” says Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, a doctor of podiatric medicine and spokesper-

away at the reception can tire their feet, brides shouldn’t end their big day with sore feet. The right shoe choice can help protect them from foot pain.” Most women consider comfort over style or price when selecting a shoe, according to an APMA survey. Yet brides may be tempted to put looks over comfort, thinking they’ll wear their wedding shoes so briefly a little discomfort won’t make a difference. Wearing shoes that irritate your feet can cause long-term injury, however, and make existing problems, like bunions or ham-mer toes, worse. When you’re picking out wedding shoes, keep these tips from APMA in mind:

high heels can put a lot of pressure on your feet and even cause misalignment of the spine. If you

no more than 2 inches.

hand to slip on during down times. Wear your hot high heels for the ceremony and photos, and

the toes into unnatural positions, and can cause or contribute to a number of foot problems. A good rule of thumb — if you can’t wiggle your toes in your shoes, they’re too tight.

those satin shoes may actually be better for your feet if they have a bit of stretch. Never wear plastic or vinyl shoes, which don’t allow feet to breathe.

your toes to bend naturally when you walk, and have a rigid, cush-ioned heel counter to keep your foot from slipping around inside the shoe. Consider purchasing inserts for your shoes to help cushion the heels, arches, and balls of your feet.

-comfortable pair of shoes thinking you’ll “break them in.” Any shoe you buy should be comfortable immedi-ately, and you probably won’t want to wear them before the wedding day and risk getting them scuffed or dirty. If it rubs or chafes in the store, time and wear will not improve how the shoe feels.

throughout the day, so go shoe shopping in the afternoon when your feet are at their largest.

will help ensure you get the best fit.

Flip-flops can be very comfortable; just be sure to choose the right style. Flip-flops with soles that bend freely and twist easily offer no support or stability. Look for a style that bends only at the ball of the foot, and that provides arch support, cushioning the foot and providing stability. The thong part of the shoe should be made of high-quality, soft leather to help avoid blisters. “Sore feet should be the last thing on your mind on the biggest day of your life,” Sutera says. “Some wise choices in footwear can help brides ensure their feet feel as great as they look on their wedding day.”

Shoe-selection tips to help brides avoid wedding day foot pain


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F or brides-to-be, the big day seems like it comes with a big price tag — but it

doesn’t have to. Th e season’s top wedding trends pair elegance and aff ord-

ability with options to make an event that is uniquely “you.”

To stay within your budget, follow these wedding trends.

Outdoor weddings off er romance at a reasonable pricePerhaps no other setting is more romantic than the outdoors. Mother Nature

provides the best backdrop for your special occasion. Outdoor weddings can be

more aff ordable as parks or gardens typically off er rental areas at a reasonable

rate. Know a relative with a beautiful yard? Ask them if you can host your wed-

ding there. Th en all you have to do is rent the supplies, such as chairs, tents and

archways from your local American Rental Association rental store.

Create a fun eating environment for lessTh e reception is oft en the largest cost of hosting a wedding. Budget-wise brides

are choosing locations where you can provide your own food and drinks. Food

stations, rather than a typical buff et, can be set up around the reception room

off ering diff erent types of food, such as salad bar, pasta and desserts. You can rent

everything you need to keep food fresh and serve it in style so you don’t have to

worry. Visit www.rentalhq.com to learn more, and fi nd an ARA member rental

store in your area.

Top wedding trends for brides on a budget

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Add personal accessories for a lasting lookTh e gown is an important part of being a beaming bride, but it can be a large expense.

Get a beautiful look with plenty of personality, without breaking the bank. Start with a

simple gown and accessorize it to suit your tastes. Add a splash of color with a bright sash

or fl ashy shoes. Hair accessories provide a fashionable option at little cost. Shorter veils are

very popular and cost much less than longer options.

Create homemade fl oral arrangementsOnce you add up the bouquets, centerpieces, boutonnieres and more, your fl oral expense

can be shocking. Brides are choosing to take a personal approach by gathering friends and

family to create the fl ower pieces. Get together and create the masterpieces for the big day

while enjoying food, drink and each other’s company. It’s a great way to bond and save

money, while creating something beautiful and meaningful.

Forgo the expensive wedding plannerBrides are choosing to rent versus buy supplies for food service, decor, entertainment and

more to save money. Renting has never been more stylish, with a variety of options to make

experience, from pre-wedding set-up all the way through the day of the event, helping to

your wedding needs.

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advertising section bridal planner - cityvie · 11/01/2013 · if you know credit will be a big...

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