bridal guide and planner 2011

A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald and Anacortes American

Bridal Guide & Planner 2011

Sally Birkle, RNInjections, Laser, & Thermage Specialist

Donald G. Wortham, MD, FACSBoard Certified

DonPeterson, MD

Board Certified

Cosmetic Surgical Artsat Eye Associates Surgery Center

2100 Little Mountain LaneMount Vernon, WA 98274

360.428.7779Toll Free 855.428.7779

www.CosmeticSurgicalArts.com

A Beautiful Wedding... begins with a Beautiful Bride

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Call Today to Schedule your Bridal Packagefor the Bride and Bridal Party!

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Bridal Guide & Planner

5 A Wedding Reception to Remember

6 Catering Q & A :

- 10 Questions for your Caterer

8 Wedding Trends

10 Bridal Attire Checklist

11 Groom’s Attendants Checklist

12 Floral Checklist

13 Ceremony Music Worksheet

14 Photographer Worksheet

15 Honeymoon Worksheet

16 Before you say “I Do”, say “I Did!” Checklist

18 Make it Legal

18 After the Wedding

~Contents ~

SKAGITPUBLISHING1215 Anderson Rd. Mount Vernon, WA 98274

P: 360.424.3251 • F: 360.424.5300©2011 by Skagit Publishing | All rights reserved.

AdVeRtiSing diRectoRMark dobie

diSPlAy AdVeRtiSing MAnAgeRdeb Bundy

[email protected]

AdVeRtiSing conSultAntSStephanie Harper

[email protected] Hines

[email protected] Mccoy

[email protected] o’donnell

[email protected] Schultz

[email protected] Sundermeyer

[email protected] tinnon

[email protected]

AdVeRtiSing oPeRAtionS MAnAgeR Sarah Hickman

coVeR deSign/lAyoutchristina Poisal

Ad oPeRAtionSAshley crerar, Jody Hendrix, Patricia Stowell,

Abby Jackson, Jenny [email protected]

2Twelve Design & Photo

Valley Portrait Photography


Bayne Photography


� 2011 Bridal Guide & Planner goskagit.com

Mon-Thurs 11:00am-9pm • Fri & Sat 11:00am-10pm • Sun Closed360.299.4567

www.cameronslivingroomdining.com

904 Commercial Ave. Anacortes

Available for Private Parties

For an event to remember from the people who know how to create memories.

Xtra SpecialCakes

919 W. Division St.

Mount Vernon(360) 428.4831

Valley Portrait Photography2Twelve Design & Photo



goskagit.com 2011 Bridal Guide & Planner �

MAPLE HALL & MAPLE CENTERIn the Town of La Conner

On the WaterfrontSmall Town Elegance & HistoryPerfect for WeddingsHolds 200-300 people

104 Commercial, La Conner, WA 98257360-466-3125 www.townoflaconner.org

Family Features The signature dessert - cake - is usually the centerpiece for

this occasion, a continuing reflection of the wedding theme and colors. An assortment of cupcakes or a tower of layers allows today’s cakes to take almost any form - from square to round, even pillow or heart-shaped. This stunning all-white creation from the wed-ding experts at Wilton is both simple yet el-egant. Cake layers are covered in pure white fondant, while additional bands of fondant glistening with white sparkling sugar deco-rate the bottom of each tier. Dots of sugar pearl sprinkles, resembling perfect pearls add a hint of texture, while a gem-studded monogram topper adds the finishing touch.

This unique do-it-yourself wedding top-per kit can easily be customized...with one initial, two or a trio. Self-adhesive crystal-like gems are used to trace the ini-tials onto the clear disc.

Gems can also be used to create a border or other complemen-tary design. After the reception, it makes a perfect keepsake for the couple that will be treasured for years to come.

Guests will want to raise a glass in honor of the newlyweds with the timeless custom of a champagne toast. Decorated flutes for the bride and groom create a long-lasting memory of this special tradition.

Individual boxes are ideal for truffles or other candies to send home with guests. Tie with ribbons reflecting the color theme of the wedding. Another fun memento is a mini champagne bottle favor that can be filled with small candies. Attach a label with a personalized message. Make it elegant or

simple...and always make it meaningful and memorable.

A Wedding Reception to Remember

Whether it’s set in the great outdoors, a lavish ballroom, the couple’s favorite restaurant or at home, the wedding reception is a special time for newlyweds to celebrate with family and friends.

Bayn

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GuidanceThrough Life

Margarett Mae

* Your Ceremony * Your Way * Any Where

360-435-0799www.GuidanceThroughLife.com

Non-Denominational Ceremonies

■ May I have references?Most caterers get their business from word of mouth. Ask for at least 10 former clients and call as many as you can. Ask questions such as:

• Was the caterer easy to work with?

• Was the service efficient and non-intrusive?

• Was the food delicious, and did it arrive hot?

• Were there any problems that came up and how did the caterer deal with them?

■ Do you have a business license and liability insurance? Caterers should be licensed by the state. Usually licenses are displayed in the office, but if you’re not positive, then ask to see it. Make sure you see proof of liability insurance as well.

■ Can we sample from a typical wedding menu?Catering can be a large part of your wed-ding budget. Make sure you know what it is you’ll be getting for your money. Take your spouse-to-be and a friend with you to the tasting so that you can get varied opinions. Some caterers will charge a tasting fee, but it’s worth it.

■ May I see photographs of your table displays?Some caterers who provide buffets or

Catering Q & A10 Questions for Your Wedding CatererFamily Features

A great caterer will do more than just make good food. He or she will pay great attention to details, making sure the presentation is just right, the food and wine are served at the right temperature, the servers are well-groomed and attentive and that clean-up is efficient and thorough.So how do you make sure the caterer you hire is a great one? By asking the right questions.

� 2011 Bridal Guide & Planner goskagit.com

food stations include floral arrange-ments and other decorations. It’s also a good idea to discuss your color theme so that decorations and floral arrange-ments coordinate

■ What does the price per person include?Is the cost strictly for food, or does it cover tables, chairs, linens, tableware, punch service, table displays, etc.?

■ What other fees do you charge?Are tips and taxes included in the price? Some caterers will charge a cake-cut-ting fee or corking fee for wines. Make sure you get all fees in writing up front.

■ Do you handle special menu requests?You may have guests with special menu needs, such as food allergies, vegan or kosher requirements. Make sure your caterer will accommodate these needs. Some couples want to have a special family recipe at the reception - grandma’s meatballs or foods from the family’s ethnic traditions. Find out if your caterer will personalize your menu with these kinds of items.

■ Do you offer cakes?Ask if your caterer offers wedding and groom’s cakes, and find out if they are included in the price.

■ Will you pack us a “doggie bag” for after the reception?Sometimes the wedding couple is so busy at the reception that they have very little time to eat anything. Atten-tive caterers will prepare small boxes of food for the couple to enjoy when they are finally alone.

■ What are the payment arrange-ments?You need to find out how much of a deposit is required, and if it’s refund-able or not. Ask when the final payment is due and what the caterer’s preferred form of payment is.

When you finally settle on a caterer, make sure you have a written contract to sign. This guarantees that they will provide the food, time lines and details you discussed.

Asking these 10 questions will help you choose the right caterer to help make your wedding a truly special celebra-tion.

Rent this waterfront facility!Historic Port of Anacortes Pier 1 “Transit Shed”Located on Guemes Channel with view of San Juan Islands• Seating for 350• Dock Access• Restrooms• Dance Floor Option• Handicap Accessible

Holiday PartiesConferences

Community EventsCompany Parties

Wedding ReceptionsFamily Reunions

Team Parties

Call (360) 293-3134 for detailswww.portofanacortes.com


VALUED WEDDING GIFTS SINCE 1930

Generations have selected special wedding gifts at Burton Jewelers. We feature Canadian origin diamonds in engagement and wedding rings.

Let us help you make your special day memorable with gifts for the wedding party that they will treasure for a lifetime such as fine pearl or gemstone jewelry

or fine Swiss watches. We also have an extensive selection of fine china and crystal stemware that will help you start your own traditions of home and

family. Come by and we can help you with your special day!

7TH & COMMERCIAL • ANACORTES293-6469

TOLL-FREE 1-888-293-6469

• HOURS •Monday - Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Jewelers since 1930

360.424.8531

15867 Beaver Marsh RdMount Vernon

Visit our wedding section atwww.tulips.com

Open 7 days a week

TO DISCUSS YOUR WEDDING DETAILS

Contact us today

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am to 6pmSundays/Holidays, 11am to 4pm

Order your wedding flowersdirect from the grower!

Our beautiful flowers are easy to work with. Choose from:

Tulips • Lilies • Iris • Daffodils

Springtime ushers in the glitz and glamour of wedding season, which lasts into late fall. This year, economiz-ing is foremost on everyone’s minds, but betrothed couples want their wed-dings and the events leading up to them to be as special as ever. These wedding trends are how brides and grooms are turning bridal showers, couples’ showers and, of course, the wedding itself into priceless yet afford-able experiences for everyone involved.—Revisiting food classics that are guaranteed to please the palate but don’t break the bank, sizzling Mini-Sliders.—Choosing fresh and flavorful wines that present incredible value for the price but don’t compromise a smidge on quality.—Serving food in smaller portions, a restaurant trend, is a hit for guests and a boon for the budget.—Conserving resources with 3L Wine bottles, a convenient, no-waste way to serve a crowd.Here are some stylish, budget-friendly food and wine options that allow happy couples to have their cupcakes and eat them too.

Bridal ShowerTo create an elegant and festive party atmosphere, decorate the event space with fresh flowers and set aside a table where gifts can be presented. A buffet table lets guests serve themselves and also provides a tableau for food and wine selections to be artfully displayed. Arrange an inviting layout of fresh seasonal salads and bite-sized desserts, with a delectable angel hair pasta dish as the centerpiece. Pair with delicious Pinot Grigio.

Couples’ ShowerA couples’ shower is the ideal way to informally celebrate the upcoming mar-riage. Commonly known as a Jack and Jill party, the event can be a luncheon, a laid-back barbecue or a party at a local park. A couples’ shower is a prime op-portunity for everyone to take a break and enjoy spending time together. Mini-burgers, or gourmet sliders, have uni-versal appeal and offer up a new twist on an old favorite. Paired with a vibrant Red, they will easily satisfy guests.

Wedding ReceptionAs an alternative to the traditional wed-ding cake, a cupcake wedding tree is a sophisticated way to end the momentous occasion on the sweetest of notes. Paired with luscious, food-friendly Chardon-nay from the prized Central Coast wine growing region, this spectacular dessert and the creamy, fruit-forward wine are a match made in heaven.

Wine Planning Checklist for Parties—Use 3L bottles for large groups, as each botle serves up to 20 guests, each guest with a standard five-ounce glass.—Guests at daytime parties usually drink less wine. Serve approximately one glass of wine per guest every 90 minutes.—For evening parties, serve approxi-mately one glass of wine per guest every hour.—Chill white wine for at least three hours before guests arrive. —Open and decant red wines about 30 minutes before guests arrive to allow the flavors to open up and breathe.—Be a responsible host and offer special non-alcoholic beverages and plenty of water for thirsty guests.

Wedding TrendsDelicious and Affordable Ways to Say “I Do” Family Features

Angel Hair Pasta With Shrimp & RosemaryServes 6Prep time: 30 minutes 16oz. driedangelhairpasta 1Tbs. extravirginoliveoil 3/4C choppedonion(about1/2onion) 4tsp. mincedgarlic 3tsp. seededandmincedserranochile(about1chile) 2tsp. finelychoppedfreshrosemaryandsprigs forgarnish 2C PinotGrigio 3Tbs freshlemonjuice,about1lemon 24 largeshrimp,peeledanddeveined 4Tbs. Butter 1/4C pinenuts,toastedina350°Fovenfor10 minutesuntillightlybrowned Saltandfreshlygroundblackpeppertotaste

Cook pasta according to package directions. Set large saucepan over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté onions, garlic, chiles and rosemary about 4 minutes or until soft.Add wine and lemon juice, raise heat to high and boil until liquid is reduced by half.Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes. Remove pan from heat, stir in butter and pine nuts, and toss with drained pasta. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pairing suggestion: Pinot Grigio

Sizzling Mini-SlidersServes 4Prep time: 30 minutes 1tsp onionpowder 2tsp mincedgarlic 1/2C RedWine 11/2lbsgroundchuck 1/2tsp freshlygroundblackpepper 1/2tsp koshersalt 12 3-inchdinnerrollsCondiments Caramelizedonions(sautéinoliveoil,very

slowly,about20minutes) 1/2C looselypackedwatercress 1/2C thinlyshreddedradicchio

In medium bowl, combine onion powder, garlic, wine, beef, salt and pepper. Shape into twelve 1/2-in. thick patties. Grill until browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Grill dinner rolls until slightly toasted. On bottom of each roll, place caramelized onions, patty, watercress and radicchio. Top with roll top. Pairing suggestion: Red Wine


10 2011 Bridal Guide & Planner goskagit.com

Option #1Bridal Salon/Phone

Option #2Bridal Salon/Phone

Description

Bridal Salon Choice

Phone/Salesperson

Total Cost

Order Date/Deposit

Fitting Date Pickup Date

Balance Due

Cost Cost

w o r k S h e e t

Bridal Gown

DesignerSizeColor/FabricTrain LengthHeaddress/veil

StyleColorVeil LengthUnderGarments

Bra SlipStockingssHoes

SizeStyleColorDyeing Chargeaccessories

GlovesGarterHankieFittinGs/alter.

Total


goskagit.com 2011 Bridal Guide & Planner 11

Description

Formal Wear Shop Choice: Phone:

Salesperson: Fitting Date:

Balance Due: Deposit:

Pickup Date: Return Date:

Groom: Each Attendant:

Each Father: Child Attendant:

w o r k S h e e t

Option #1Salon/Phone

Option #2Salon/Phone

Cost CostGroom

StyleColorSizeattendants

StyleColorSizerinG/train Bearer

StyleColorSizeFatHers

StyleColorSizesHoes

accessories

Total



Florist Date Ordered_________Contact Person Phone_______________

Qty Item Description (style, color, flowers) Cost

Bride

Bouquet________________________________ ______ Bride’s Throwing Bouquet___________________ ______ Floral Headdress for Reception_______________ ______ Going-away Corsage_______________________ ______ Delivered to_______________ Time_________ ______

Bridal attendants

Matron of Honor_________________________ ______ Maid of Honor___________________________ ______ Bridesmaids_____________________________ ______ Flower Girl_____________________________ ______ Floral Headdress_________________________ ______ Delivered to_______________ Time_________ ______

Groom and attendants

Groom’s Boutonniere______________________ ______ Best Man’s Boutonniere_____________________ ______ Ushers’ Boutonnieres______________________ ______ Ring Bearer’s Boutonniere___________________ ______ Delivered to_______________ Time_________ ______ Bridal Party Total ______

Family

Corsage for Bride’s Mother_________________ ______ Corsage for Groom’s Mother________________ ______ Corsages for Grandmothers_________________ ______ Mother’s Roses__________________________ ______ Other corsages (Stepmothers, Aunts)__________ ______ Boutonniere for Bride’s Father_______________ ______ Boutonniere for Groom’s Father______________ ______ Other Boutonnieres (Stepfathers, Grandfathers) Delivered to_______________ Time_________ Family Total ______

c h e c k l i S t

Qty Item Description (style, color, flowers) Cost

Flowers For helpers

Bridal Consultant Officiant Soloist Instrumentalist(s) Guest Book Attendant Gift Attendant Other Helpers Total

Ceremony site

Arch/Canopy Candelabra Candelighters Altar Floral Sprays Pews Aisles Other

Ceremony Site Total

reCeption site

Bride’s Table Parents’ Table Attendants’ Table Guests’ Table Cake Table Top of Cake Guest Book Table Gift Table Ladies’ Powder Room Other

Reception Site Total(Total of all Categories) Subtotal

Grand TotalDeposit

Balance Due

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goskagit.com 2011 Bridal Guide & Planner 13

Ceremony Location ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person ___________________________________________ Phone _________________________________________________

Wedding Date ____________________________________________ Arrival Time _____________________________________________

Appropriate Dress

Rehearsal Date ___________________________________________ Time___________ Location ________________________________

InSTRUMEnTALISTS

_______________________________________________________

____________________________________________

SOLOISTS_______________________________________________________

____________________________________________

Cancellation Policy___________________________________________________ Total Cost___________________________________

________________________________________________ Deposit Paid____________________________________________

________________________________________________ Balance Due____________________________________________

Ceremony Music Selections

Prelude ________________________________________________ During Ceremony _________________

______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________

First Solo ______________________________________________ Recessional _____________________________________________

_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________

Second Solo _____________________________________________ Postlude _______________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

Processional ____________________________________________ Other __________________________________________________

______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________

Phone ____________ Fee____________

____________ ___________

Phone ____________ Fee___________

____________ ____________

w o r k S h e e tBayne Photography

Photocopy and provide a copy to the photographer and videographer

Bride’s name________________________________ Phone_________________

Wedding Date_______________________________ Time__________________

Wedding Location______________________________________________________________________

Reception Date_____________________________ Time__________________

Reception Location_____________________________________________________________________

Photographer______________________________ Phone_________________

Assistant__________________________________ Phone_________________

Engagement Pictures_____________ Date_______ Time__________________

Location________________________________________________________________________

Bridal Portrait______________________________ Date_______ Time__________________

Location___________________________________________________

Wedding Day__________________ Arrival Time_______ Phone_____________

Location_______________________________________________________________________

Ceremony Site Restrictions/Guidelines______________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

Appropriate Dress_____________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

Videographer_____________________________ Phone_____________________________________

Assistant________________________________ Phone_____________________________________

Wedding Day________________ Arrival Time____ Phone_____________________________________

Location________________________________________________________________________

Ceremony Site Restrictions/Guidelines_______________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

Appropriate Dress______________________________________________________________________

workSheet

1� 2011 Bridal Guide & Planner goskagit.com

Bayne Photography

WEDDInG nIGHTHotel PhoneAddressRoom Accommodations Room#Rate IncludesReservations Made Confirmed

TRAVEL AGEnCYAddress Agent Phonenumber of Days Estimated CostHoneymoon Dates: From ToHoneymoon Destination(s):

HOTEL RESERVATIOnSArrival Date Departure Date ConfirmedHotel PhoneAddress

Arrival Date Departure Date ConfirmedHotel PhoneAddress

TRAVEL RESERVATIOnS (airline, ship, train, rental car)

Departure/Pickup Date:

Time: Carrier/Number:

Phone: Arrival/Return Date:

Date: Time:

Confirmed

w o r k S h e e t

goskagit.com 2011 Bridal Guide & Planner 1�

9 to 12 months out: Breathe. Announce your engagement

for Pete’s sake! Send your engagement

announcement information and photo to the Skagit Valley Herald.

Pick a date for your wedding Decide on the type of

wedding you want – large or small, indoors or out, black tie or barefoot

Decide on a budget and how expenses will be shared. Set up a folder to keep

receipts and a ledger to help you stay on budget.

Make a spreadsheet list of everyone you, your groom and your families would like to invite. Break the list into must invites, should invites, and would-be-nice-to invites. Tactfully remove the would-

not-be-nice-to invites. Reserve your ceremony site. Book your officiant. Reserve your reception site. Book your photographer. Choose your color scheme Go shopping! Find and

order your wedding gown and veil.

Choose your maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen and ushers.

Apply for a passport and visa if you’ll need them for the honeymoon.

Consider getting premarital counseling. The wedding is just one day, but marriage is the rest of your lives. You may want to prepare for both.

6 to 9 months out: Breathe. Send out save-the-date cards. Choose your flower girl and ring

bearer. Reserve your wedding night

suite. Sweet! Choose your bridesmaids’

attire – dresses, shoes and accessories.

Go for tastings and book your caterer.

Book your florist. Book your band or DJ. Book your videographer.

4 to 6 months out: Breathe. Start shopping for each other’s

wedding gifts. Reserve rental items – tables,

tablecloths, chairs, napkins, flatware, silverware, stem ware

Finalize your invite list

Order wedding stationary – invitations, thank-you cards, wedding programs, seating cards, personal stationary.

Address your invitation envelopes.

Register for gifts. Start planning your honeymoon. Reserve a time and place for your rehearsal dinner. Arrange accommodations for your out-of-town guests. Buy shoes and accessories. Start breaking in your shoes.

2 to 4 months out: Breathe. Order your wedding cake. Order party favors. Order room decorations. Shop for honeymoon attire. Book transportation for the wedding day. Check marriage license

requirements. Order your wedding bands. Consider having your teeth

bleached. Plan pre- and post-wedding

activities for your out-of- town guests.

Buy gifts for your bridal party.

Before you Say ‘i do,’

1� 2011 Bridal Guide & Planner goskagit.com

6 to 8 weeks out: Breathe. Mail your invitations. Record the RSVPs on your wedding guest spreadsheet. Start sending thank-you cards to

early gifters. Decide on your hair style and

makeup. Schedule hair, makeup and nails

for your wedding day. Buy toasting glasses, a cake,

knife, a ring pillow, a guest book, etc. Reserve wedding attire

for the groom, groomsmen, ushers, father of the bride and ring bearer.

Mail rehearsal dinner invitations. Get your marriage license. Find the proverbial

“something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a sixpence for your shoe.”

Finalize your menu and beverage order.

2 to 6 weeks out: Breathe. Finalize ceremony details with your officiant. Go in for the final fitting of your wedding gown & veil. Arrange the final fitting for your bridesmaids’ dresses. Send your wedding

announcement and photo to the Skagit Valley Herald.

Finalize your rehearsal dinner plans and arrange seating.

Start packing for your honeymoon.

Contact guests who haven’t responded.

Write out a detailed wedding day time line for your bridal party & vendors.

Give the time line to your vendors. Pick up your wedding bands and check for fit. Meet with your photographer

and outline the special photos you want.

Meet with your videographer and outline the special events or people you want videotaped.

Meet with your band/DJ and outline the music you want played during special events like the first dance, daddy-daughter dance, etc.

Remind bridesmaids and groomsmen when & where they can pick up their attire.

Decide on ceremony seating for your special guests, and give the list to your ushers.

Plan your reception room layout and seating arrangement.

the final week: Breathe. Pick up your wedding attire &

make sure everything fits. Tell your caterer the final guest

count. Review the detailed time line

with your vendors, and modify if needed.

Confirm your honeymoon reservations and accommodations.

Finish packing for your honeymoon.

ReheaRsal day: Breathe. Rehearse the bridal party

entrance order, exit order, standing arrangement and musical cues.

Give the best man the officiant’s fee and any other checks to be delivered the day of the wedding.

Arrange for someone to return your rented items after the wedding.

Provide your bridal party with the finalized detailed time line.

Review ceremony seating with the ushers.

Enjoy your rehearsal dinner.

the BiG day: Breathe. Give the groom’s ring to the

maid of honor. Give the bride’s ring to the best man. Breathe. Follow your detailed time line. Get to the alter. Relax and enjoy your wedding. Say ‘I do.’

goskagit.com 2011 Bridal Guide & Planner 1�

To submit your wedding/engagement announcement please contact the Classified Department at 360.424.4567, email: [email protected] or stop by our office: 1215 Anderson Road, Mount Vernon, WA. Monday - Friday 8AM-5PM. There will be a charge to run all wedding/engagement announcements.

The rate will depend on the size of the announcement.

The typical range is $20-$60.

Return all rented tuxedoes Return all rented equipment Return all borrowed accessories

Tip: have your mom or your maid of honor head-up these tasks while he whisks you away to paradise. Write thank-you cards

Tip: Make your notes as personal as possible. Thank the person for the specific gift and tell them how you plan to use it. Two sentences is plenty. Try something like, “Thanks so much Aunt Cordelia for your generous subscription to the Jelly of the Month Club. We can’t wait to savor all that sweet, fruity goodness on toast, pancakes, waffles, French toast, and all manner of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.” Include a wedding or honeymoon photograph of the bride and groom for a nice touch.

Preserve your bridal bouquet Send your wedding gown to the cleaners and have it sealed in a vacuum

box or bag

Tip: Want to save time and minimize work? Plenty of web-based companies offer name change services for $15-$35. Simply fill out a brief form with your basic information, and they handle the necessary name and address changes for you. Decide if you want to file your taxes jointly or separately, and

update your tax forms at work. Add your spouse to your employer’s health insurance. Make your spouse is the beneficiary of any retirement and 401(k)

plans. Purchase life insurance. Start financial planning, and consider meeting with an accountant

and financial adviser to devise strategies that fit your goals as a married couple.

you mean there’S more to do

Honey, the wedding is only the beginning! Here’s what needs to happen next:

A marriage license can be obtained in Skagit County at the Skagit County Auditor’s Office.

The cost for a marriage license is $60.00. Payment must be made in cash only, no exceptions. neither a witness nor a blood test is required to obtain a marriage license.

To obtain a marriage license:• Complete the marriage license

application form (pdf) and affidavit (pdf). Both forms are also obtainable from the Auditor’s Office.

• Both the bride-to-be and groom-to-be must sign the completed affidavit. The signing must be witnessed by a notary public or deputy auditor.

• Pay the $60.00 fee.

The license is not valid until the third full day after the application is filed at the Auditor’s Office. For example, if the

application is filed on Monday, the first day it can be used is Thursday. Marriage Licenses are void if not solemnized within 60 days of the valid date.

If you file your application by mail, please mail it early enough to allow sufficient processing and return mail time. Please also include a contact name, address and phone number where you may be reached if necessary. PLEASE USE BLACK InK!

Legal age for both bride and groom is 18 years old. If one of the applicants is 17 years old, that applicant must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The parent or legal guardian must sign the marriage application form, granting consent to the marriage, and must have the authority to do so. Legal guardians must provide either an original or certified copy of the legal guardianship documents. An applicant under 17 years of age must have

the consent of a Superior Court Judge. Such consent is indicated by a waiver, included with the marriage application, that is signed by the Superior Court Judge.

Who is authorized to perform marriage? State law prescribes who can marry. Under RCW 6.04.050, active and retired justices of the supreme court, judges of the court of appeals, judges of the superior courts, superior court commissioners, any regular licensed or ordained minister or any priest of any church or religious denomination, and judges of courts of limited jurisdiction may perform marriages.

For more information about marriage licenses please call 360-336-9311 or email: [email protected]

Obtaining a copy of a marriage license:For more information about obtaining a copy of a marriage license please call (360) 336-9311 or email: [email protected]

General information aBout marriaGe licenSeS

in SkaGit county


the endless game of name-change. You’ll want your new name and address to appear here: Social Security Card Drivers License Passport Bank Accounts Credit Cards Safe Deposit Box Investments Loans

Will Property Titles Utility Companies Post Office Magazine

Subscriptions Car Registration Insurance Policies Voter Registration

Doctors Dentist Employee Records School Records Club Memberships Anyone who bills

you or sends you wanted mail.

SKAGITPUBLISHINGC O M M E R C I A L P R I N T I N G

3 6 0 . 4 1 6 . 2 1 4 2

Brochures • NewslettersFlyers • Business Stationery

Booklets • Forms Postcards • Posters

to see what we can do for you!

E ngagi ng Possi bi liti es!

Owned by Upper Skagit Indian Tribe

• Two hotels with 16,000 square feet of combined venue space, separate from casino • Full-service catering and banquet staff

Contact Sales at 360-724-0154 [email protected]

5 Minutes North of Burlington On I-5 at Exit 236 • theskagit.com

bridal guide and planner 2011

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