Environmentally friendlyideals are now permeating allaspects of daily living. Manypeople want to take the conceptfurther and ensure their nup-tials — and subsequent recep-tion — are good for the planet aswell.

Although there are no firmstatistics on the number of greenweddings being held each year,emerging trends point to thegrowing interest in eco-consciousweddings. Individuals whoalready do their best to recycle,reuse and reduce want to employthose same values on theirwedding day.

There are many ways toemploy a green mindset to wed-ding planning and execution.Largely the carbon footprint of awedding can be reduced simplyby scaling back and avoidingover-consumption. Here aresome ideas to think about.

1. Reduce travel. Researchindicates that more than two-thirds of emissions in the U.S.are produced by energy con-sumption and transportation. Byreducing guests’ need to travelfar for a wedding or offeringtransportation that can accom-modate several people at once(like a bus), carbon emissionswill be reduced.

2. Home is where theheart is. Keeping weddingsclose to home is helpful. Thosewith big backyards or a parknearby can host the event athome or in a nearby park andreduce dependence on largereception halls that use up largeamounts of energy to operate. Ahome wedding also gives couplesthe opportunity to shop aroundfor locally produced, organicfoods.

3. Shop for floral alterna-tives. Flowers would seem"green" in themselves. However,many blooms available at floristshops are grown in hothouseswith the use of pesticides andchemical fertilizers, somethingthat is not very good for theenvironment at all. Brides opt-ing for something more eco-con-scious could consider alternativeoptions, such as bouquets madeof sustainable succulent plantsand centerpieces full of organicfruits and wildflowers.

4. Choose an open reg-istry. Instead of fine china thatmay never be used, many cou-ples are opting for open reg-istries that enable guests to gifteverything from eco-friendlyhousewares to charitable dona-tions to cash for down paymentson a home.

5. Opt for mixed seatingarrangements: Instead of for-mal escort cards indicating firmseating arrangements, couplesare saving paper by allowingguests to choose their own seatsfrom mix-matched options, suchas long, communal benches andcomfy sofas.

6. Go with something old.Recycled gowns and gently useditems are good alternatives foreco-conscious brides. Many Websites will match up brides withothers looking to swap items atlow or no cost.

7. Skip the paper. Thoughetiquette experts frown on aban-doning paper invitations forelectronic ones, many couplesare doing just that. For thosewho still prefer paper, printinvitations on recycled paper.Reduce other wedding stationeryneeds by posting information ona wedding Web site shared withfamily and friends.

8. Go small scale. Instead ofinviting every last cousin anddistant uncle, couples areopting for more intimateaffairs, including only thepeople they are closest to,which saves on cost and helpsthe environment.

9. Trim some of the wed-ding day fat. Some couples opt

for an all-you-can-eat buffet andthen a subsequent dessert barlater on in the evening. Stuffedguests may end up wasting morefood than eating it. Instead ofall-you-can, go for a more tradi-tional meal.

10. Choose a charitableparty favor. Instead of a partyfavor that collects dust on ashelf, couples are choosing to giftwith organic products or a dona-tion to a charitable organizationin the guests’ names.

10 Trends for ‘Green’ Weddings16 — JANUARY 2011 JOURNAL GAZETTTE / TIMES-COURIERW E D D I N G P L A N N E R

PAGLIACCI’SBANQUETS AND CATERING

PAGLIACCI’S CATERS ALL TYPES OF FOOD TO ALL TYPES OF FUNCTIONS. ROAST BEEF, FRIED CHICKEN, ALL TYPES OF PASTA’S, PIZZA, SANDWICHES AND A FULL BREAKFAST MENU ARE SOME OF OUR OFFERINGS.

ON SITE WE HAVE A 100 PERSON PRIVATE DINING ROOM FOR BANQUETS, REHEARSAL DINNERS, WEDDING RECEPTIONS, ANNIVERSARY PARTIES, MEETINGS AND ANY OTHER FUNCTIONS. THE ROOM CAN ALSO BE ARRANGED FOR SMALLER GROUPS.

WE CATER OFF SITE FUNCTIONS OF ANY SIZE AS WELL. THE MENU CAN BE AS DIVERSE AS YOUR CREATIVITY CAN IMAGINE. WE WILL HAPPILY ASSIST ANY WAY WE CAN IN THE PLANNING OF YOUR FUNCTION.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE YOU.

DAVE SPAIN

319 N. LOGAN, MATTOON

234-6000

CCrroossss CCoouunnttyy TTrraavveell

• Great deals on Destination Weddings in Las Vegas, Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean & more

• Honeymoon Packages for all interests & all destinations

• We do it all!• Don’t take a chance online - call an expert.

Come register for our Honeymoon Giveawayin office starting January 13 until close of

bridal show on January 23.

1500 Lakeland Blvd., Mattoon

800-879-7137

A S P E C I A L S U P P L E M E N T TO T H E J O U R N A L G A Z E T T E / T I M E S - C O U R I E R

your stylevintage gowns

planningwedding websitesphotographer 411

the ceremonyonline ordinations

the detailsgifts for the wedding partylighting transformations

WeddingWeddingPlanner

By: CARYN ROUSSEAUFor The Associated Press

With friends and familyheaded to her California wed-ding from all over, bride-to-beCarrie Shields decided onlineorganization was key.

“Really the wedding websitewas one of the first things wedid,” the 32-year-old public rela-tions director from San Diegosaid. Shields is marrying fianceR.J. Jones, 36, who was born andraised in Wales. Their April wed-ding in Napa Valley comes fouryears after they met throughfriends.

“I knew people were going tohave a lot of questions aboutwhat to do and how to get there,”Shields said. “I wanted to makeit fun and personal. I kind ofjumped right on things becausepeople were traveling so far.”

Wedding experts at The-Knot.com and its partner Wed-dingChannel.com say this year’sannual survey found 64 percentof brides now have a website toshare details with guests about

ceremony and reception logis-tics, registry information andtravel accommodations. Webcompanies exist that allow cou-ples to host wedding sites forfree while others charge a fee foraccess to fancier templates andtools.

The page Shields created hasa personal and creative flair. Itfeatures a blue and orangeframe with a brown background.The happy couple smile frombehind sunglasses on a beach. Acounter below them lets visitorsknow it’s “151 days until ourwedding!”

“A lot of the people comingover, they’ve never been toAmerica,” Shields said. “I’mgoing to add a little bit aboutthings to do in San Francisco,trying to take the guess workout of it.”

Experts at WeddingWire.comrecommend that couples launchtheir website at least six monthsbefore the wedding date to giveguests as much information asearly as possible. That allowsenough time to make travel

arrangements. WeddingWirealso offers other online tools,including a program that letsguests RSVP directly from thewebsite.

Carley Roney, editor andfounder of TheKnot.com, saidher site and WeddingChan-nel.com together host more than

500,000 wedding websites forcouples.

“It’s a simple, easy way ofcommunication,” Roney said.“It’s really like going to the web-site for a restaurant or a concertevent. Everything is in oneplace.”

That’s why more wedding

website addresses are appearingin fancy fonts on the bottom ofprinted invitations.

“You’re going to want to givethe same information youalways needed to have on aninvitation: the name, location,time of event,” Roney said. Butthings like dress code or babysit-ting services can be saved for thewebsite.

Some sites let couples uploadmusic or an audio track of theirvoices, video, animated graphics,or polls asking guests whatsongs to play or which appetiz-ers to serve.

To personalize her website,Shields added a “glossary” ofWelsh and American words, andphotos of the 20-member wed-ding party.

Couples who choose Wed-dingChannel.com to host theirwebsites can choose from tem-plates by high-fashion designerslike Oscar de la Renta, MoniqueLhuillier and Vera Wang.

“You still want to make theinvestment in it to make ituniquely you,” Roney said. “Justlike you do on the wedding day.”

Roney offers three tips forsetting up a wedding website:

1 – Don’t assume your audi-ence is only younger friends, andremember your etiquette. “Youwant to keep things ‘weddingand older people friendly,’”Roney said. “You don’t want togo on and on forever. You don’twant to put things like, ‘pleaseship our gifts to.’ Some of the eti-quette that is wrong for weddinginvitations is wrong for this too.To be making specific demandsof your guests isn’t appropriate.”

2 – Include your registryinformation. According to The-Knot.com and WeddingChan-nel.com survey, about 61 percentof guests find out where a coupleis registered from their weddingwebsite—a figure that hasgrown from 47 percent in 2008.“It really is becoming theabsolute de facto way thatguests are going to find outwhere you’re registered,” Roneysaid. “It used to be that brideswere worried it was tacky, butit’s simply not tacky. It’s how it’sdone now.”

3 – Get the word out. Don’tjust create and publish the web-site and assume everyone knowsit exists. “Send the informationdirectly to your guests,” some-times more than once, Roneysaid. “You can’t assume thatsomething you put on your web-site was acknowledged by all.”

2 — JANUARY 2011 JOURNAL GAZETTTE / TIMES-COURIERW E D D I N G P L A N N E R

More brides informing guests with wedding websites

This Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010 shows Carrie Shields as she updates her wed-ding web site at her home in San Diego. With friends and family headedto California from around the country and the United Kingdom for herupcoming wedding, Shields knew online organization was key. (APPhoto/Denis Poroy)

100 Broadway Ave • Mattoon, IL 61938(217) 235-5656

Publisher: Carl WalworthAdvertising Director: Tammy Jordan

Connie Anderson, Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6828Shannon Davis, Senior Sales Consultant, Mattoon . . . . .238-6831Patti Phillips, Auto & Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6832Melody Parks, Mattoon/Sullivan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6837John Leonard, Mattoon/Arthur/Effingham . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6838Alicia Roberts, Charleston/Arcola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6834

Graphics: Tara D’Arcy, Rhiannon Kupferer & Susan YoungOnline: Michelle Rappuhn

Cover Photos:susan m. gano-young digital photography

Advertising: To place a display advertisement,

call (217) 238-6835 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdaysor email advertising@jg-tc.com

To place classified advertising, call 238-6828 or 345-7085 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

WeddingPlanner

Midwest Mobile StagesXpress Rentals

Arcola, IL1-800-768-6948

paulh@midwestmobilestages.com

• PA Systems, Wireless Microphones

• Dance Floors, Stages• Special Lighting

• Linens, Tables, Chairs• Concert Services for Bands• DJ Services• Tents

KERSTIN SOPKEAssociated Press

AMBERG, Germany (AP) Couples who spend their weddingnight at the tiny Eh’haeusl in Amberg will live happily ever afterand never get divorced, at least according to an old legend told bythe locals of this medieval town in Bavaria.

Now newylweds who want to test the legend can do so in luxury.The 282-year-old Eh’haeusl, a Bavarian expression for “marriagehouse,” was recently renovated and turned into a five-star hotel. It’sso tiny that the entire building can only be rented out by one couple

at a time, and its owners claim it’s the smallest hotel in the world.The red building on Seminargasse in the town’s historical old city

is only 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) wide, and stretches over seven narrowfloors.

The house was originally built in 1728, after the city council ruledthat couples could only get married if they owned property.

To give lovebirds a chance to tie the knot even if they did not owna home, a resourceful Amberg citizen came up with an idea of skirt-ing the new law.

He built a house so tiny and inexpensive, that even poor peoplecould afford it, at least on a short-term basis. They would buy thehouse, get married, move in and then sell it soon after to the nextmarriage-minded couple.

With a different newlywed couple as occupants every few weeks,it became known as the “wedding house.”

Even today, many couples spend their wedding night at theEh’haeusl, which costs €240 ($327) per night and includes awhirlpool and an open fireplace.

After a recent overnight stay, Barbara and Heinz Wilhelm, a cou-ple in their early 70s, said even though their honeymoon was longago, the experience was one-of-a-kind.

“We stayed at lots of good hotels around the world, but thereyou’re just one guest among many others,” said Heinz Wilhelm.“Here we are the only guests of the entire hotel.”

Tiny German hotel for honeymooners now 5-starJOURNAL GAZETTE / TIMES-COURIER JANUARY 2011 — 15W E D D I N G P L A N N E R

Whitetail Crossing Cabins

weekend get away• Fully Furnished Deluxe Cabins• Peaceful Secluded Location• Near Campgrounds, Beaches, Boat Docks• Fully-Stocked Fishing Ponds• Over 2 Miles of Private Nature Trails• Perfect Retreat For The: Boaters, Fishermen,

Hunters & Families• 5.5 Miles North of Shelbyville

Whitetail Crossing Cabin Village provides the perfect escape for outdoorlovers, nature lovers, and those in pursuit of rest and relaxation. Secludedon 180 acres, Whitetail Crossing is just minutes away from the marinas,beaches and boat ramps of Lake Shelbyville

For Reservations Call: 217-774-3000

THE WEDDING CATERING PROFESSIONALS

Catering to Your TastesWhen it comes to your reception dinner, youwant it to be perfect. It should be delicious aswell as beautifully presented. Stop worrying,

and enjoy your day. We’ve been helping bridesrelax while their guests enjoy a fantastic meal for over 20 years.

• Personalized Menus

• Competitive Prices

� Famous for our gourmet carrots �

Deb’s Catering Service600 S. Main • Altamont

Weddings, Anniversaries, Reunions, OPEN HOUSE,Company Parties, Picnics, Hors d’oeuvre Parties

Ask for Al or Deb Schultz

(618)483-5656 or (618) 483-5423

Bride Gets a Free Updo with a Wedding Party of 5 or More

Manicures & Pedicures • Updos • Facials • Full Body Waxing

Head Quarterz Hair StudioJulie Gaines • Rachel Harris • Kristen Lane • Jennifer White • Chelsea Sowers

Tues-Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-12 • Evenings by Appointment.917 Lake Land Blvd. • Mattoon

217-235-5777The Nail Place is Now Conveniently Located in the Same Building

SEWINGSALON

718 JACKSON AVENUE - CHARLESTON, IL345-3886

Let Sewing Professionals PersonalizeYour Wardrobe

�ALTERATIONS �EMBROIDERY�LETTERING �TUXEDO RENTAL

10-6 Mon - Sat • Closed Sun1100 18th St. Charleston, IL

Brand Namesat a Low Price

Name Brands like Ed Hardy, 7 For All Mankind, True Religion, Miss Chic Jeans, Designer Fragrances: Gucci & Perry Ellis ... just to name a few.

Lenox Wedding Items, Wedding Registry, Vases, Housewares, Linens, Waterford Linens & LenoxHousehold, Toys, Men, Women & Children’s Clothes, Perfume & Cologne, Jewelry, Airsoft Guns

Register at Charley’s

for Your Wedding

ence in any home dining setting.And one last myth to dispel

that is worth noting for couplesregistering for nonstick cook-ware: it’s fine to use cooking oilsprays to help save calories. Infact, cooking sprays disperseminute particles of oil thatadhere to the nonstick, and overtime, deteriorate the surface.Forgo using cooking sprays byregistering for cookware withtruly hard-working and durablenonstick surfaces designed torelease even the stickiest foods(scrambled eggs, pancakes andfish) with little or no added fat.Several gourmet nonstick collec-tions, such as Anolon NouvelleCopper, Circulon Contempo andCirculon Elite Platinum are nowmetal-utensil safe, anotherbonus and misconception aboutcookware made clear.

For more information aboutAnolon, Circulon and KitchenAidcookware, please visitwww.anolon.com,www.circulon.com andwww.potsandpans.com.

Cookware from page 13

A marriage doesn't have to bein distress to bring in the help ofa counselor. Marriage counselorscan help newlyweds start out onthe right foot or help establishedcouples fine-tune their marriages.

Counseling can help in a num-ber of ways:

• Decrease conflicts that leadto fights.

• Provide communicationstrategies for men and women.

• Suggest new ideas for recon-necting.

• Identify potentially prob-lematic areas that may be easilyresolved or require further atten-tion.

Couples should interviewprospective counselors to deter-mine the best fit and the onethey feel most comfortable with.Not all counselors are the same,and some have specific areas ofrelationship expertise. There alsomay be counselors who workwith both couples and families.

Counseling forHealthy Marriages

Weddings are supposed tobe joyous events, which canmake it difficult to honor thedeceased. Doing so in a waythat does not compromise theupbeat mood of the event canprove quite a challenge toprospective brides and grooms.But there are many ways cou-ples can honor a deceased fam-ily member at their ceremony.

• Display pictures of thedeceased with the weddingcouple so that the memory ofthese people can be part of thefestivities.

• Set up a table with a spe-cial floral arrangement andphoto with a placard thatstates, “In memory of ...”

• Wear a piece of clothing orjewelry that belonged to thedeceased. Cufflinks from afather or a veil from a mother.

• Ask the pastor or officiantto specifically mention thedeceased in the wedding cere-mony and offer a specialprayer in that person’s name.

• Add a memoriam line tothe end of the wedding pro-gram. “Today we honor MarySmith, aunt of the bride whocould not be with us today.”

• Dedicate a special songduring the reception in theperson’s name.

• A bride who will not beable to walk down the aislewith her father can choose to

do so with her mother oranother relative and carrysomething that belonged to herfather.

• Set up a photo slide showthat includes photos of thedeceased. Choose poignant butupbeat music so that themoment is not overly somber.

• Light a candle at the cere-mony for the deceased relative.

• Leave an empty chair andplace setting at the receptionfor the person who could not bethere.

• Display something thatsymbolizes the person at thewedding, such as a flag for a

deceased veteran or an itemthat represents the person’sfavorite hobby.

There are many ways toremember a special loved oneat a wedding without bringingdown the mood of the event.

Respectful ways to honor a deceased family member

There are many traditionsfor weddings that can betraced back thousands of yearsto early civilization. Oneenduring tradition is to throwrice at the newly betrothed.For the safety of birds andother animal life, rice has beenswitched to birdseed in recenttimes.

Some wedding traditionsare based on very real needs ofancient times. Others arebased on superstitions orexisting etiquette at the timethey were initially practiced.Throwing rice remains a time-less tradition that many cou-

ples still enjoy.Everyone attending the

wedding gets to participate inthrowing rice, or whatever isbeing used in lieu of rice, be itbirdseed, confetti or even bub-bles. Couples can even borrowfrom traditions in other coun-tries. In France, people throwwheat, a symbol of bounty,after the ceremony. Italianstoss candy and sugared nutsover couples, for sweetness inmarriage.

Rice was traditionally usedto symbolize fertility and pros-perity. Wheat was also verymuch used in ancient wedding

ceremonies for the same rea-sons. When guests threw riceat the bride and groom at awedding, they were symbolical-ly wishing them a lifetime fullof children and good fortune.Some cultures even ate a mealof rice before the wedding toguarantee further prosperity.

Different cultures have longharbored different perspec-tives on throwing rice. Someeven believed it fed the evilspirits that, though uninvited,crashed the wedding. It wasthought that well-fed spiritswould not wreak havoc on thehappy day.

Rice and wheat were alsothought to represent virginityand wholesomeness by some. Avirginal bride used to wearwhite and carried a stalk ofwheat. Single women rushedafter the bride hoping to get afew pieces of rice so they wouldbe the next person to walkdown the aisle.

Despite its foundation insuperstition, throwing rice hasremained a staple of weddingstoday.

Tradition of throwing rice at weddings14 — JANUARY 2011 JOURNAL GAZETTTE / TIMES-COURIERW E D D I N G P L A N N E R

what dreams are made of

Everything You’ll Need ForYour Fairytale Wedding

We offer new & pre-owned bridal fashions & services at a

fraction of retail prices

Discounted Bridal Services

• Tuxedo• Bridal Gowns/Veils• Bridesmaid &

Flower Girl Dresses• Accessories

Gown Fittings by Appointment Only905 Broadway Mattoon, IL

217-235-2525

We also offer rental on:

N U R T U R I N G T O U C H

MAS SAG E• Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Pregnancy and Therapeutic

Massage.• 2 locations • Flexible Hours

Jennifer Harp NCTMB, CEIM, Licensed Massage Therapist217-259-2762 • www.jenniferharplmt.com

Massage therapy by a qual i f ied profess ional is theper fect way to re l ieve s t ress and pain, ass is t in themanagement o f ch ron ic cond i t i ons, and p romote aheal thy overa l l sense of wel l -be ing.

$ 5 o f f w i t h a d

SPECIALIZING IN BRIDAL HAIRSTYLES& WEDDING HAIR UPDOS

Wanting That “Extra Glow” On Your Wedding Day?We Have Spray Tans That Give You “Flawless Sun Kissed Skin”

1625 18TH STCHARLESTON

348-1138Tues Wed THUR 8 am - 7 pm

Fri 8 am - 5 pm • Sat 9 am - 2 pm

INCLUDES:Facial Waxing, Manicure, Pedicure,Hair Color, Tanning, Formal Updos

and Hair Styling. Owner Terri Skinnerhas over 20 years experience.

Come in to ‘Z’s Hair Design for the total bride-to-be makeover!

212 6th St., Charleston(217) 345-5451

Destination Specialist

Honeymoon & Wedding

SeirraTravelseirratravel@gmail.com

217-294-0916www.seirratravel.com

jg-tc com Jdot

JOURNAL GAZETTE / TIMES-COURIER JANUARY 2011 — 3W E D D I N G P L A N N E R

By: MONICA RHORFor The Associated Press

Jessica Alexander’s weddingwas everything she had envi-sioned: a private gathering byher summer house on an Iowalake. There was a pink and pur-ple color scheme, a butterflymotif, and a dessert bar ratherthan a full meal.

And, wearing a short periwin-kle dress designed “to show offher legs,” was Alexander’s minis-ter and bridesmaid, Anna-Megan Raley, a close friend whowas ordained online specificallyto perform the ceremony.

Raley, a blogger for the Hous-ton Chronicle, didn’t even knowshe had been ordained untilAlexander and her mothersprang the news at the bridalshower. They had already paid a$25 fee and filled out a formwith her name and address,making her the Rev. Raley.

“I thought it was a joke. I’msure that I put it on Facebookand Twitter,” said Raley. “But Ihad heard about people gettingordained to perform weddings.So, I said: ‘Sure, I’d love to.’”

Nontraditional? Perhaps.A growing trend? Definitely.More and more engaged cou-

ples are turning to friends orfamily members to perform theirwedding ceremony. They say it ismore personal, relatively stress-free and cheaper.

It is also surprisingly fastand simple.

Getting ordained requires lit-tle more than finding an onlineministry that performs ordina-tions, and filling out a shortform with your name and

address. Some websites requirea nominal fee for paperwork;others don’t charge anything.

Prospective brides andgrooms should look into the web-site and local marriage laws,however, to make sure the cere-mony would be valid. Althoughonline ordinations are generallyrecognized, laws vary widelyfrom state to state, sometimesfrom county to county. Somestates require ministers to regis-

ter after they are ordained. InLouisiana, parishes ask for a let-ter of good standing from thechurch, while Las Vegas requiresa four-page application andbackground check.

Last year, about one in sevenweddings were performed by afriend of the couple, according toThe Wedding Report, a researchfirm.

Andre Hensley, president ofthe non-denominational Univer-sal Life Church, which has beenissuing ordination credentialssince 1962, believes more cou-ples are turning to friendsbecause of the Internet, whichmakes the process easier, andbecause of many people’s lack ofaffiliation with a church.

“I’ve gone to weddings wherethe ministers didn’t know thecouple or anything about them.It didn’t have a special feeling,”said Hensley, who estimates thathis church has ordained 18 mil-lion people. About 3,000 to 5,000are ordained every month, anumber that has steadilyincreased over the last 10 years,Hensley said.

It takes about 24 hours forthe church to process an ordina-tion request, all of which arereviewed by a live person, hesaid.

Janis Jones, a 27-year-oldChicago nurse, asked her oldersister to perform her weddingthis June.

“Neither of us belong to achurch, and we liked the idea ofincorporating prayers and thereligious aspect into the ceremo-ny, but we didn’t want to be mar-ried by someone we don’t knowat all and who didn’t know us,”

said Jones, who has been datingher fiance, Eric Strand, for sixyears.

The couple turned to Jones’sister, Vicky Rappatta, who hasbeen happily married for 10years, has a background in writ-ing and had always been a moth-erly figure to her younger sib-ling.

“I was so honored and somoved that they wanted me tobe such a huge part of their wed-ding. Now, I’m getting terrified,”joked Rappatta, who plans towrite an original wedding prayerfor the couple.

Rappatta said she researchedthe legality of the ordinationprocess, including checking withthe county where her sister willbe getting her marriage license.

“The last thing I wanted to dowas get a fake ordination,” saidRappatta, who got her creden-tials from American MarriageMinistries, whose website boasts“over 10,000 marriages per-formed!”

Kirsten Nichols, whose Octo-ber wedding was performed byher husband’s cousin, asked aco-worker who is an ordained

minister to be on hand at theservice—just in case.

“If you find out after the factthat you are not legally married,it can definitely put a damper onthings,” said Nichols, who livesin Montgomery County, Md.

Nichols, who is Christian, andher husband, who was raisedMuslim, wanted a spiritual cere-mony that would “focus on uscoming together under God, noton the fact that we are of twodifferent faiths.”

At Alexander’s lakeside wed-ding in Iowa, her minister-bridesmaid Raley also served aspersonal attendant, and helpeddecorate for the reception—all ofwhich lent an air of comfort andfamiliarity to the ceremony.

“It helped that she was theone standing up there for us,”said Alexander, a fourth-gradeteacher who lives in Rockwell,Texas, outside Dallas. “I would-n’t have wanted it any otherway.”

Friend, will you marry us? Online ordinations rise

Anna-Megan Raley, who wasordained online specifically to per-form a wedding ceremony for aclose friend, poses Tuesday, Dec. 7,2010 in Houston. More and moreengaged couples are turning tofriends or family members to per-form their wedding ceremony. Theysay it is more personal, relativelystress-free and cheaper. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

FULL SERVICE CATERING

FULL COURSE MEALSHOT or COLD BUFFETS

L IGHT LUNCHES

FANTAST IC DESSERTSHORS D’OEUVRES FULL SERV ICE BAR

AND MORE

For the most memorable day of your life, you need a most memorable meal for your guests.

235-1200Rt. 16 & I-57Mattoon

Delivery & Service or Pick Up

www.codysroadhouse.com

Let Us Help You Plan That Special Event for All Occasions

M-Th 9-6 • F 9-7 • Sat 9-4 • Sun 12-41104 S. Banker • Effingham

217-347-2222 • www.partyworx.bizYOUR PARTY SUPPLY STORE!

20% OffCake Tops,

Unity Candles,Flower Girl Baskets

Thru Feb 2011

25% OffCustom Ordered

Invitations

Thru Feb 2011

20% OffGuest Books &

Ring BearerPillows

Thru Feb 2011

Custom Engraving Now AvailableMugs • Glasses • Memorial Vases • Knives • Servers

• Custom & Stock Invitations • Cake Tops • Unity Candles • Pen Sets •• Large Selection Latex & Mylar Balloons • Tablecover & Skirting •

• Guest Books • Garters • Pew Bows/Decorations • Disposable Caterware • • Mints-Nuts • Theme Party Decorations • Custom Banners •

1609 BROADWAY MATTOONwww.ssminstruments.com

• Up lighting (Make your room the color you want)

• Free Consultation ($100 value)

• Digital Lighting• We specialize in weddings

(Area’s #1 choice for weddings!)

Special package rate for 2011!Call today! 258-8919

4 — JANUARY 2011 JOURNAL GAZETTTE / TIMES-COURIERW E D D I N G P L A N N E R

By: SAMANTHA CRITCHELLAP Fashion Writer

NEW YORK (AP) There’ssomething romantic about theidea of a vintage wedding dress,with the wonderful stories itcould tell. Maybe there’d besome delicate lace, too, or exqui-site siren-worthy satin.

Reality, though, isn’t alwaysso pretty.

Some vintage dresses arethose perfect gowns you dreamof, says Mark Ingram, CEO andcreative director of Manhattan’sMark Ingram Bridal Atelier, butothers are too costume-y, toodated or, more likely, simply ill-fitting.

“You can reach back to somevintage eras and look as contem-porary as buying a new dress.But,” he says, “you have to con-sider your figure first and fore-most. If the dress isn’t flatteringto your figure type, just don’t godown the road.”

Cameron Silver, owner of theLos Angeles couture vintageshop Decades, suggests thesequestions to ask — frankly — ofyourself:

Do you need to wear a bra?Do you have a boyish figure? Anhourglass shape?What aboutyour hips? All of these, he says,are factors in buying any wed-ding gown, but particularlythose meant to fit women of pre-vious generations.

Silver, a resource for Holly-wood red-carpet looks, alsowarns that finding a pristinewhite vintage dress can be hard,and that a good vintage dress, ifit’s not an heirloom, can be moreexpensive than you’d think.Even with your grandmother’sdress, there could be priceyalterations.

“Don’t do this because youthink it’s the easy way out, orthat it’ll be cheaper,” addsIngram. “You have to want it —you have to want to have thislook.”

But if you do find that idealgown from yesteryear, Silversays, it’s a magical moment. Heonce sold a full Chantilly lacewedding gown by Chanel. “Itwas such a thrill,” he says.

There was a more recentOlivier Theyskens for Rochasgown that practically broughttears to his eyes.

(If you find a keeper, be readyto buy it right away — no waver-ing — because there’s not anoth-er one stuck in some inventorycloset.)

If you’re partial to embroi-dery, look at gowns from the1920s-’30s, while sultry, satingowns come out of the ‘40s.Women with a full bust mightlook to the curvier ‘50s silhou-ette, says Ingram, WE TV’s“gown guru,” while mini-dressesof the ‘60s are cool, yet hard topull off unless the event is casu-al or the bride prides herself anindividualist.

Silver says that’s usually thecase with those who wear vin-tage. “This bride doesn’t want tolook like everyone else.”

Still, you can hit contempo-rary fashion trends. Somethingfrom the ‘70s, a little bohemianbut sexy, too, is probably thehippest look going.

The period to stay away fromis, no surprise, the ‘80s, with itsoversize pouffy shoulders andtapered sleeves. “Right now, the‘80s looks so dated. Yes, 20-30years back is ‘vintage,’ but ifyou’re going back, that’s a badperiod to dip into. No ‘Dynasty,’not even Princess Diana,”Ingram says. “There could be abig trend back to the ‘80s if Kate(Middleton) wore it, but I can’timagine that. It’s too big. Theproportion was too big, and itwouldn’t look modern now.”

A bride’s goal often is a time-less look, since the photos will

hopefully last a lifetime, buteach era still has its signature,says Michael Shettel, designer ofbridal brand Alfred Angelo. Youmight be best off with a classicsilhouette, while adjustingembellishments and details tocurrent tastes, he suggests.

Wedding-gown trends don’tswing as quickly as ready-to-wear fashion, he explains: Ofcourse, white always dominatesthe market and the overall vibeis fancy, but when you line themup, you’ll see differences in thesize and types of pearls andbeads, changes in popular lacepatterns, hemlines going up anddown.

“You want to make it yourown, while still honoring whoev-er wore a vintage dress before. ...Maybe you’d like to make it a lit-tle more low-cut, a little more

fitted, maybe give it a fullerskirt,” Shettel says.

He also borrows from thepast for new gowns. The tight-bodice, tea-length ballgown,which “Mad Men” helped bringback in style, seems very fresh,Shettel says, and the asymmetri-cal neckline remains popular.

Ingram says the best of both

worlds might be vintage or vin-tage-inspired accessories on anew dress. “Add a fur piece — ashrug or a stole — and it looksvintage, even if it’s new, whichprobably means a better fit. Thelook could be 1910 or 2010,” hesays.

He also likes to add a beadedbelt or sash, which also can givethe illusion of a small waist, andcarries that retro feel.

There’s no reason, though, togo back in time for your beautyroutine.

“If you do a vintage weddingdress, your accessories, hair andmakeup have to be incrediblymodern,” says Decades’ Silver.“You don’t want to be the brideof Frankenstein. If the dresslooks ‘period,’ you have to playagainst it in your styling —unless you have a Renaissancetheme, and who does that?”

Do vintage because you love it, not to cut corners

This Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010 photo shows lace and beading contribute tothe vintage look of this Monique Lhuillier wedding dress at Mark IngramBridal Atelier in New York. Some brides like the idea of a vintage or vin-tage-inspired wedding gown. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

ALSO, WITH 6 PAIDTUXEDO RENTALS, BRIDE & GROOMGET 1 WEEK TANNINGFREE

Groom’s Tuxedo is FREE

with 6 Paid Tuxedo Rentals

1000 Lakeland BlvdMattoon

235-1142

Most Tuxedo RentalsComplete with Shoes

$95

Get YourWeddingDay LookWith Us

Just

TJ’S ON HAIRTJ’S ON HAIRTJ’S ON HAIR

We Cater Wedding Receptions

And Wedding Rehearsal Dinners

Call Or Stop By Today!

YourPerfect Day

800 CHARLESTON AVE., MATTOON, ILPHONE/FAX (217) 235-3731

GATEWAY LIQUORSBEVERAGE CATERING

Bartenders, Equipment Rentalsand much more...

“Home of the Famous Frozen Drink Machines”For more information please contact

Carl or Ashly Wolff at

(217) 345-9722Gateway Liquors

102 Lincoln Ave., Charleston, IL

Flowers by Debbie

Artistic ExpressionsWhere A Dream Becomes Reality

134 E. 6th St.Neoga, IL 62447

217-895-2822www.flowersbydebbie.com

Artistic ExpressionsWhere A Dream Becomes Reality

Flowers by Debbie

Your WeddingYour Way

Personal Training

By Leslie Allen• Personal Fitness Training

• One-On-One Programs To Suit Your Needs!

By Appointment Only

217-276-3362Mattoon • leslojay@yahoo.com

jg-tc comdot

expanding its collections ofinduction-suitable pots andpans. The current assortmentincludes something to satisfyevery single style preference,cooking habit and price point. Atthe premium level, Anolon Nou-velle Copper features a patenteddesign that includes a uniquebase of magnetic stainless steelwith an inner core of fast-heat-ing aluminum and highlyresponsive copper for optimumcontrol and cooking results.Unbeatable for versatility andconvenience, Infinite Circulon ishard-anodized nonstick cook-ware that is both dishwasher-safe and induction-ready. Pro-style home cooks who want touse clad metal cookware canchoose between KitchenAidArchitect Clad, Anolon ChefClad or Anolon Ultra Clad, threecollections that are also dish-washer-safe. Other induction-ready and dishwasher-safe

options at moderate price pointsinclude the newly launchedKitchenAid Gourmet StainlessSteel.

It’s hard to find bakewarethat will match nicely with

my cookware collection.Truth – "It is possible to have

a cohesive look in your kitchenwith bakeware that beautifullycomplements the design of yourcookware," says Rassin. For cou-ples who have registered forAnolon Advanced or AnolonAdvanced Bronze Cookware,Rassin points to the availabilityof similarly styled bakeware col-lections with silicone grips onside rims in matching hues. BothAnolon Advanced Bakewarewith Silicone Grips and AnolonBronze Bakeware with SiliconeGrips are made of heavy weightcarbon steel that heats up quick-ly and evenly, and resists bend-ing and warping. The durablenonstick finish on both theinside and outside of each piece

makes clean up a snap, andmaintains the "good as new"look of the bakeware for longer.

Bakeware sets are not readi-ly available for bridal reg-istries and wedding gifts. Truth – While it’s true that

the majority of bakeware prod-ucts are sold in open stock, thereis a growing assortment of con-veniently packaged, gift-readysets. In honor of its 25thanniversary, Circulon offers twodifferent 3-Piece Bakeware Setsat the special anniversary priceof $25.00. One of the anniver-sary sets combines two 10x15-inch cookie pans with a coolingrack, and the other one pairstwo round 9-inch cake pans anda cooling rack. For a more com-plete set, brides can register forthe Anolon Bronze Bakeware’s5-Piece Set, which includes two9-inch round cake pans, the 9x9-inch cake pan, the 14x16-inchcookie sheet, and a generouslysized cooling rack.

Nonstick bakeware will over-brown delicate baked goods.

Truth – Dark colored non-stick bakeware does have a ten-dency to over-brown delicatesweets, such as cookies. You canadjust the oven to a lower tem-perature, or avoid the problementirely by registering for non-stick cookware featuring lighterhues to slow down the absorp-tion of heat in the oven. As itsname implies, Anolon BronzeBakeware with Silicone Grips

has a lighter bronze nonstickfinish on both the inside andoutside to prevent over-brown-ing. An even lighter choice isCirculon Bakeware with a silvercolored, durable nonstick insideand out.

I need to register for separate sets of tools for

cooking and serving.

Truth – Functional kitchentools can be well designed fordual cooking and serving pur-poses. According to Rassin,"Brides assume that a kitchentool will be too utilitarian-look-ing to work in the dining room.However, there are tools prettyenough for double-duty, which isbetter for budgeting and conven-ience." Anolon, for example, pro-vides elegantly styled anddurable kitchen tools that echothe design of cookware collec-tions, and make a pleasing pres-

JOURNAL GAZETTE / TIMES-COURIER JANUARY 2011 — 13W E D D I N G P L A N N E R

When You’re Ready for the Best!

Wedding Receptions Rehearsal DinnersBridal Breakfasts

Our Place or Yours!We have seating for up to 120 or we can cater any size

event at your location.

Call for Details 345-7427409-7th Street Charleston

www.whatscookin.info

Catering

Surrey withfringed top,

Wagons, Sleigh

White & Royal Blue Vis-à-Vis Carriage

JEFF AND CATHIE REYNOLDS, OWNERS

Ashmore, IL 217- 349-8989

JC Double-Tree Farm Carriages

Weddings, Anniversaries, Special Events

Sherri Branson, Agent612 Charleston AvenueMattoon, IL 61938Bus: 217-234-6467sherri.branson.hqau@statefarm.com

I Now Pronounce You...Insured

Auto Home Health Life

Skin DeepSpa & Clinic

� Facial Treatments � Waxing � Massage �� Body Treatments � Pedicures � Manicures

� Tanning & Spray Tanning �� Bachelorette Parties � Couples Massages �

� Gift Certificates Available �

322 E. Main � Shelbyville, IL(217) 774-3337

Amish Crafted FurnitureHours: Mon-Sat 9-5

Closed Sundays

217-268-3355888-268-3355

468 E. Springfield Rd. Arcola, IL 61910

Movin’ & Groovin’DJ Services

Mattoon, IL217-234-8294www.movinandgroovindjservices.com

Let Us Bring BeautifulMusic To Your Wedding

Professional DJ Services

Cookware from page 12

Left to right: KitchenAid Architect 10-Piece Set; Anolon Advanced Bronze4.5 Quart Tapered Stockpot; Circulon 25th Anniversary Bakeware Set;Anolon Nouvelle Copper 4-Quart Casserole; Anolon Advanced 10-PieceSet; Anolon Ultra Clad 4-Quart Dutch Oven

See cookware page 15

12 — JANUARY 2011 JOURNAL GAZETTTE / TIMES-COURIERW E D D I N G P L A N N E R

(MS) – Getting married canbe a full time job, especiallywhen it comes to deciding whatto register for wedding gifts. Aseemingly endless array ofkitchen products for cooking andentertaining can entice, but alsooverwhelm bridal couples. Togain confidence in choosing cook-ware and bakeware, two popularcategories for bridal gift reg-istries, Meyer Corporation, U.S.– the largest cookware companyin the nation – clarifies miscon-ceptions that can get in the wayof making a perfect match.

Stainless steel cookware isstronger than hard-anodized

aluminum cookware.Truth – Stainless steel is

stronger than plain aluminum.However, the process of anodiz-ing the aluminum changes themolecular structure of the metaland makes it twice as strong asstainless steel. As a result, hard-anodized aluminum cookwareoffers two key benefits: first,durability; and secondly, becausealuminum is a superior conduc-tor of heat, fast and even heat-ing with no hot spots to marcooking results.

Look for a heavy-gauge collec-tion for top cooking results andyears of enjoyment. AnolonAdvanced and Anolon AdvancedBronze are two gourmet choicesthat are top choices at bridalregistries, according to JaniceRassin, National Bridal Directorat Meyer Corporation, U.S.

I like the convenience ofnonstick cookware, but Ican’t use it in the oven.Truth – Many people mistak-

enly believe that nonstick cook-ware is designed only for stove-top use, when in fact there arenumerous quality collectionsthat are oven-safe upwards to500 degrees Fahrenheit. Ele-gantly crafted Anolon NouvelleCopper and Infinite Circulon aretwo gourmet nonstick collectionswith stainless steel handles andlids that are oven-safe to 500degrees. Nonstick cookware with

handles made of a combinationof stainless steel and silicone,such as Anolon Advanced andCirculon Contempo, are ovensafe to 400 degrees. The additionof silicone provides a comfort-able and secure grip.

I love the performance ofclad metal cookware,

but it’s so heavy.Truth – Pro-style clad cook-

ware is constructed with a coreof fast-heating aluminum or cop-per sandwiched between twolayers of gleaming stainlesssteel. As a result, the pans aretypically heavier and can be dif-ficult to manage. Fortunately forthe avid cook, there are now twoinnovatively designed collectionsthat are significantly lighter andmore agile without compromis-ing on cooking results. AnolonUltra Clad and KitchenAidArchitect Clad are premium cladcollections with an inner core ofthick aluminum permanentlybonded to stainless steel on theinside and outside. To make thepans lighter, a portion of theexterior stainless steel has beenstripped away and replaced witha decorative finish – a classicblack band for Anolon UltraClad, and an elegant taupeshade, called "coco metallic," forKitchenAid Architect Clad. Both

collections are easier to handle,and quite stylish, too.

Cookware with metal handles will get hot during stovetop use.

Truth – Solid metal handlesdo have a tendency to retainheat and can make handling onthe stovetop a safety issue. Lookfor gourmet cookware designedwith hollow cast stainless steelhandles, which deter heat fromtraveling from the pan to thehandle to keep them cool to thetouch. Options include AnolonNouvelle Copper and InfiniteCirculon. Other styles of handlescombine hollow cast stainlesssteel with silicone for additionalheat resistance as well as a soft-er touch to enhance comfort.Among the most popular collec-tions with silicone handles areAnolon Advanced and AnolonAdvanced Bronze with their sig-nature SureGrip handles.

Nonstick cookware is usuallygrey or black, and I wantmore color in my kitchen.Truth – Fashionable gourmet

nonstick collections that popwith color include top-registrychoice Anolon Advanced Bronze,and the newly launched Circu-lon Elite Platinum. Both collec-tions are crafted from heavy

gauge, hard-anodized aluminumfor excellent heat conductivityand durability. Anolon AdvancedBronze gets its warm bronzetone from colored bronze non-stick on both the inside and out-side of the pan. The siliconeenhanced handles and lids arealso designed in bronze tomatch. Circulon Elite Platinumis similarly styled with a stun-ning platinum silver colorednonstick on the exterior, andmatching platinum colored sili-cone and stainless steel handlesand lids.

Besides adding a lovely touchto kitchen decors, and making itpossible to bring the cookwarestraight from the oven to thetable, the nonstick finish on theoutside of the pans helps to keepthe cookware stain-free and

looking great."Bridal couples are more

sophisticated than ever, andenjoy having stylish color choic-es in cookware that not onlyadds interest to their kitchendecor, but allows them the time-saving benefits of oven to tablepresentation," says Rassin.

It’s difficult to find pots and pans suitable for

induction burners.Truth – For the forward-

thinking cook who wants to usetoday’s state-of-the-art, energy-efficient induction burners,options in induction-suitablemagnetic cookware are gettingbrighter. Meyer Corporation,U.S. is keeping up with this newand emerging kitchen trend by

Choosing cookware with confidenceDispelling misconceptions for perfect match at bridal registries

www.haddenjewelry.com

Banquet Rooms FREEWhen Your Party Orders

From Our Menu!

RECEPTIONS • REHEARSAL DINNERS

1810 Charleston AvenueMattoon • 234-4535

Little MexicoAmerican Grille & Cantina

Serving the area since 1991

Proposals/Special EveningsBachelor/Bachelorette PartyOut of town guests

WeddingsAnniversariesAirport Transportation

Charter Bus and Limousine Service

800 BALES08 • 217-868-9998

47-55 Passenger 8-20 Passenger

www.bales08.com • bales@mcswireless.net

1000 Lakeland Blvd. Mattoon 235-1142TJ’S ON HAIR

Wedding Hair Specialistincluding Ethnic Hair

Let Us Create The Perfect Look For Your Big DayWe also provide manicures & pedicures

to complete your look

Hall Rental Available atStewardson Community Center

• Weddings • Birthdays

• Family & Class Reunions• Anniversaries • Stag Parties

Seats 400 or can be divided to seat 150 in smaller room and 250 in larger room.

Includes Full Kitchen

For Information or to ReserveCall Candy Kesslerat 217-682-3823

See cookware page 13

JOURNAL GAZETTE / TIMES-COURIER JANUARY 2011 — 5W E D D I N G P L A N N E R

By: DIANA MARSZALEKFor The Associated Press

You’d be hard pressed to finda bride who doesn’t make flow-ers, centerpieces and tableclothsa priority when it comes to cre-ating a certain mood for thewedding.

But talk to wedding lightingdesigner Bentley Meeker —whose clients have includedChelsea Clinton and CatherineZeta Jones — and he’ll tell youthat simple tricks, such aschanging the color of light bulbs,can create the desired ambiancemore effectively then roses andfancy tablecloths ever could.

“Wedding lighting is reallyabout what people are alwaystrying to do with their weddings,which is to create a certain vibeand atmosphere,” the New YorkCity lighting pro said.

“Say you’re going to do a wed-ding in your office, and you bringin flowers and the tables andyou still have fluorescent light-ing,” he said. “It will look likeyour office decorated for a wed-ding.

“But if I came in and lit theoffice and didn’t do any otherdecorations, we would havetransformed that space.”

Diann Valentine, a Los Ange-les wedding designer and experton the cable station WeddingCentral, agreed that lighting

should top brides’ decorating pri-ority lists because it “allows usto program the mood of anevent.”

That might mean changingthe intensity of light throughouta wedding—dimmer for cock-tails, brighter for dinner, forexample—or using it to com-pletely change the feel of a room.

Rainer Flor, who married wifeCandice last month at singerGloria Estefan’s Costa d’Este inVero Beach, Fla., said lightingeffects enhanced the “Miamichic” atmosphere they were look-ing for. With floor lights andstrategically placed LED lights,he said, the room, right off thebeach, “looked almost like anaquarium.”

Central Florida weddingplanner Karry Castillo, whohelped design the Flors’ wed-ding, said effects can range fromsimple spotlights on particularroom features or decorations, tolighting motifs and patterns onwalls, floors and ceilings.

In addition, lighting effectscan be relatively inexpensive,anywhere from a few hundreddollars to thousands, dependingon complexity.

“In many ways, lighting notonly enhances the elements youhave in place, but it can alsogive you a lot more bang for thedollar too,” Castillo said.

Meeker is particularly fond of

using pink and amber lightbulbs, though he warns thatthose colors must be used cau-tiously (“There is ugly amber”).Dimmed incandescent light isanother of his favorites.

Particularly in closed rooms,he said, use lighting that’sappropriate for the setting—fix-tures that can be absorbed into,rather than take over, the largersetting.

“It has to look beautiful sowhen the guests walk in theylose their breath,” Meeker said.

Make sure light isn’t so glar-ing—or dark—that it distorts ordistracts from the weddingparty.

And choose soft, flatteringcolors to create a serene atmos-phere, particularly by quellingstrong lights. “Lighting canchange so much that people real-ly feel good about themselves,”Meeker said.

Meeker sometimes workswith crews 120 strong, andcharges anywhere from $4,000to $500,000 to custom light awedding. But there is plentythat brides and wedding plan-ners with more limited resourcescan do quite simply, he said.

One cost-free suggestion: Dimthe lights.

“If you want to transform aspace, you put everything ondimmers,” he said.

Meeker says he dims lightssomewhat darker than you’dexpect (“Your eye adjusts”);whether you can see your shoesand laces clearly is a goodbarometer or whether you’ve hitit right.

Other wise advice: “Ask yourmother or mother-in-law-to-be,and if it’s not too dark for her,there’s your atmosphere.”

Meeker also suggests thisfairly inexpensive trick: Usesmall spotlights (about $30 each,he said) to highlight architectur-al or decorative features aroundthe wedding space.

Lighting can transform a wedding space

This undated photo courtesy of wedding lighting designer Bentley Meekershows lighting designed by Meeker at the wedding of Melissa Rivers at NewYork’s Plaza Hotel. “Wedding lighting is really about what people are alwaystrying to do with their weddings, which is to create a certain vibe and atmos-phere,” the New York City lighting pro said. (AP Photo/Bentley Meeker)

SmithWedding

1-888-471-SIGNSIGNS • BANNERS

NEON • DIRECTIONALS1003 Madison Ave.

Charleston, IL

Sign Appeal

www.paapautobody.comCertified

Owner: Tim Paap

Tim Paap and Crew are dedicated to continuous training and recertification in all aspectsof auto body repair. Every year brings new automotive models which may require newupdated repair procedures. It’s Paap Auto Body’s commitment to stay current with thesechanges to provide all our customers the new standard of excellence!

• Setting the new standard for excellence!Conveniently located just 5 minutes from Mattoon andCharleston. On the corner of Rt. 316 and Loxa Road.

(217) 345-5301

Downtown Diner

234-7770 1626 Broadway • Mattoon

Catering at your location or ours!

Call Now to Reserve Your Date for Your Wedding

or Rehearsal Dinner

Now Serving Breakfast all day!!! From This Day ForwardBridal , Formal & Pageant Wear Shoppe

Emily Reynolds, OwnerPh. 618-245-2277

204 N. Carlton St.Farina, IL 62838

Bridal Gowns, Tuxedo Rental, Bridesmaids Dresses,Flower Girl Dresses, Bridal Accessories,

Prom & Pageant Wear

6 — JANUARY 2011 JOURNAL GAZETTTE / TIMES-COURIERW E D D I N G P L A N N E R

Couples are faced with manydecisions when planning a wed-ding. One often overlooked deci-sion concerns the guest list. Ide-ally, couples would love to inviteall their friends and family toshare in their special day. Real-istically, however, budget oftendictates just how many guests acouple can invite.

That reality has led to a dis-agreement or two over the years,as both the bride-to-be and herfuture husband make their casefor who makes the cut. To helpavoid such disagreements, cou-ples should consider the follow-ing tips when paring down theirguest list.

• Make a master list as earlyas possible. It’s impossible topare down a guest list if there’sno list to begin with. Once theplanning process begins, couplesshould separately write down allthe guests they would like toinvite. Once each is finishedwith their list, the hard work ofparing that list down can begin.

• Consider who’s footing thebill. If Mom and Dad are payingfor the wedding, then their sug-gestions for the guest list shouldcarry most of the weight. Wed-dings are very expensive, and ifMom and Dad are paying theyshould have a significant saywho will in attendance. Thesame principle can be applied ifthe couple is paying for theirown wedding. If the costs arebeing split down the middle,then both the groom- and bride-to-be should be allowed to invitethe same number of guests.

• Ask that kids stay home.Many couples request that theirguests leave the kids at home.

While nieces and nephews mightmake the cut, it’s perfectlyacceptable for couples to statetheir preference that childrennot attend. This can be noted onthe invitation, addressing friendsas “Mr. John Doe and guest” or“Mr. and Mrs. John Doe.” Guestsshould take the hint, but if anyRSVPs with their kids, be sure tocall them immediately andexplain the situation. Friends

and family should understandthe preference, particularly inthe current economic climate.

• It’s not a reunion. Couplesare often tempted to invite long-lost friends to their wedding.But cost-conscious couples mustrecognize their wedding is not areunion. If the goal is to keepthe guest list under control, onlyinvite close friends and familymembers who have kept in touch

with over the years.• Stick to your guns. Couples

vary greatly with what theywant out of their wedding. Somewant a grandiose affair they canshare with their whole familyand all of their friends. Othercouples want a more laid-backaffair with only those closest tothem in attendance. Whatevertheir preference, couples shouldremain firm and not feel guiltyno matter how many guests theychoose to invite or not invite.

• Cut back in other areas. Ifit’s proving simply impossible toagree on a reduced guest list,consider inviting everyone and

cutting back in other areas.Before signing any contracts,closely examine each one foritems that can be removed with-out drastically changing the cer-emony and celebration. Chancesare there are savings to be had,and they might make the differ-ence between inviting and notinviting another friend or familymember.

Invite only – pare down your wedding guest list

Couples are often faced with tough decisions when it comes to paringdown the guest list for their wedding.

TTaann EExxpprreessss

Mystic Spray Tanand Other Great Tan Packages available

at

1526 Lakeland Blvd.Mattoon · 2235-9610

N. Rt. 45Mattoon · 2235-6668

136 Dettro Drive Mattoon ·2234-6182

1909 S. BankerEffingham · 3342-0260

1601 W. MainShelbyville · 7774-2662

636 W. Lincoln Charleston ·3348-1690

White Dove Release

Reasonable Rates217-728-2361

NIEMERG’S

CATERINGFor A Memorable Wedding Reception

Menu• Chicken

• Roast Beef• Turkey

• BBQ Pork Loin

• Grilled Chicken

Breast

• Ham

• Old Fashioned

BBQ Pork

Choices

We’re still cooking exceptional quality meals at the best prices for the last 31 years.

NIEMERG’SSTEAK HOUSEW. Fayette Rd. Effingham

217-342-3921

• Full Meals • Flexible Menu• Real Dishes

• Real Silverware• Chafing Dishes

tiffany’sS A L O N & D AY S PA

Tiffany Medina, Owner/Cosmetologist/Beauty SpecialistJara Mendenhall, Cosmetologist/Beauty Specialist

Specializing in Updos, pedicures, manicures,artificial nails, facials, body waxing, massages & more! Call today to schedule an appointmentwith a beauty specialist!

217-268-3336

? @

Matt or Ken Gillespie(217) 345-6669 • Fax (217) 345-2410

634 Castle Drive • Northwest Business CenterCharleston, IL 61920

Free Loaner Cars

216 S. Vine St. • Arthur543-2822

Mon-Fri 8:30 - 5:00Sat 8:30 - 4:00

Anita Krutsinger • 25 Years Experience

Fresh or Silk Wedding Bouquets

Rental Items

Setup & Delivery (church & reception)

Bridal Consultation (call for an appointment)

ArthurFlower Shop

Arthur Flower Shop

We DeliverSmiles!

We will be glad to work with your budget!

jg-tc comdot

JOURNAL GAZETTE / TIMES-COURIER JANUARY 2011 — 11W E D D I N G P L A N N E R

Couples have many decisionsto make regarding their weddingceremony and reception. One ofthose decisions conerns trans-portation to and from the specialevent.

There are many options inwedding transportation. The moretraditional options include rentinga car or limousine. The BridalAssociation of America reportsthat the average couples spends$400 to $500 for an automotiverental. However, prices may varydepending on geography and thetype of vehicle rented.

Wedding transportation isperhaps something grooms-to-becan get excited about. After all,we’re talking about cars – somefancy, some large, and manydecked out with different fea-tures. Plus, it’s traditionally theresponsibility of the groom toarrange transportation to andfrom the ceremony, receptionand the hotel or honeymoon des-tination.

Grooms responsible forarranging transportation canconsider the following options.

• Limousine: A limo is one ofthe most traditional methods oftransport on a couple’s weddingday. A limousine’s size enablesthem to carry the bridal party inits entirety. Because the brideand groom often do not see eachother before the ceremony, twolimos may be rented, one largerfor the bridal party, and onesmaller for the bride and herparents, depending on personalpreference.

• Classic car: Sports carenthusiasts may want to makean entrance – and exit – behindthe wheel of a sporty vehicle.These can include a high-endFerrari or an Aston Martin.Because of their high purchaseprice, sports car rentals maycarry a premium.

• Stretch SUV: The tradition-al limo has morphed into thestretch SUV of popular models,including the Cadillac Escalade,Ford Expedition or even astretch Hummer. Because oftheir popularity, these rentalsmay be snatched up quickly. Besure to book well in advance of

the big day.• Party Bus: Many couples

are leaning toward a party busrental, which may be a single- ordouble-decker bus that can fitscores of people inside. These areparticularly attractive to coupleswith a very large bridal party, orthose who hope to begin the cele-bration even before reaching thereception hall.

• Horse-drawn carriage:Some couples truly want thefairytale feel on their weddingday. A horse-drawn carriage canevoke feelings of a Cinderella-type day. The carriage tends tobe best suited to warm weather.For winter weddings, a horse-drawn sleigh might make a bet-ter alternative.

• Motorcycle: Exciting cou-ples may want to ride off intothe sunset on the back of a road-ster or sports bike.

• Horses: Horses can haulmore than just a carriage. A brideand groom atop a handsomesteed can make for a memorablewedding transportation optionand equally memorable photos.

• Boat: Individuals gettingmarried by the sea or anotherbody of water may want to con-sider attending the festivitiesvia boat, be it a large vessel or amore intimate canoe or rowboat.

Wedding day transportationvaries depending on each cou-ple’s preference. Here are some

other things to keep in mindconcerning transportation.

• Be sure to have transporta-tion options at the ready forguests who may have over-

indulged on alcoholic beverages.• Wedding party participants

who arrived at the wedding by alimo or other source will need aride home somehow.

• Find out if a hotel nearbyoffers complementary trans-portation to and from the recep-tion hall.

Wedding day transportation options abound

Transportation to and from thewedding must be arranged inadvance of a couple’s big day.

You are cordially invited to the Cross County Mall’s

Cross County Mall Is Conveniently Located

at 700 Broadway East in MattoonWith Easy Access From I-57 On Rte. 16Exit West to 3rd. Stop light • North Side

Mall Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 AM - 9PM

Sunday Noon - 5 PM Some stores have extended hours.

JANUARY 23, 201112:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information contact:

Cindy Janssen • 217.235.3432

Find all you need to plan your big day, all in one place.

Come check out the many differentvendors with a full range of

products and services to make the wedding planning process easy.

• Photography • DJ Services• Vacation Specialists • Florists • Cake Decorators • Invitations

• Tuxedo Shops • Cosmetic Specialist • Carriage Companies • Limo Services

• Wedding Rental CompaniesAnd Many More!

217-345-2801303 W. Lincoln Ave.Charleston, IL 61920 Over the past few years Kristin had gained a lot of weight. She had tried swimming and jogging

but never kept it up. She found Curve’s strength-training and cardio circuit easy to stick with. Shealso enrolled in Curve’s 6-Week Solution and learned how to eat right. “My father is so proud ofme, but the best part is I’m proud of me!” Kristen lost 30 pounds and shrunk 25 inches.

*Free week may be redeemed on first visit or exchanged for special membership discount. Not valid withany other offer. Only at participating locations. New members only. ©2010 Curves International, Inc.

10 — JANUARY 2011 JOURNAL GAZETTTE / TIMES-COURIERW E D D I N G P L A N N E R

By: SUSAN M. GANO-YOUNG

In the selection of your wed-ding photographer, you are oftenat the mercy of a super-salesper-son and/or your own intuition.Price is often the main deter-mining factor, even though thereis never a second chance toretake poor quality photos.

The following questions andsuggestions will help select thephotographer who is right for you.

Get RecommendationsThe best place to start is to

have a recommendation fromsomeone whose opinion youtrust. If the photographer hasmore than one recommendation,that is even better... especially ifthe same photographer’s namecomes from different sources.

Call the PhotographerFirst, check to see if he/she is

available on your wedding date. Ifhe/she is, get an estimate of costand ask for a face-to-face meetingto look at his/her portfolio.

During the MeetingAt the meeting, the first assess-

ment you should make is whetheryou feel comfortable in the pres-ence of the photographer. If youare going to spend a good part ofthe most important day of your lifewith this person, it should besomeone with whom you know youwill enjoy sharing that time.

Then, take a look at some ofthe photographer’s work. If yousee a picture, or a series of pic-tures, that you really like, youshould ask:

1. Who are these people?2. Did you, personally, take

these photographs?3. May I call these people for

a personal reference?After all, it is one thing to see

some beautiful pictures, but it isequally important to find out ifthe bride and groom enjoyedworking with this photographer.

It is also a way of knowingthat the photographs you arebeing shown were actually madeby the person you are speakingto. You want to be sure that thework you are admiring wasmade by the photographer whowill be at your wedding.

Another result of this meetingcould be to allow you and your

photographer to begin a one-on-one relationship. In that way, nei-ther of you would be strangers toeach other on the day of the wed-ding, and you will be morerelaxed in front of the camera.

Additional QuestionsToo often important details

that you had never before con-sidered come back to haunt youlater. Take this list of questionswith you to ask during your ini-tial meeting.

1. Do you use film, digital or acombination of both?

2. Do you have a suggestedlist of photos to take? Can weadd to it?

3. How will you be showingme the pictures for selection?

4. Will you be helping me inthe selection of the final pictures?

5. How can people who live outof town be accommodated withordering, paying and delivering?

6. What are the costs of thevarious styles of coverage? Arethere different degrees of cover-age? What is included in each?

7. How much for the extras?Duplicates? If you are orderingan album, ask to see the specificstyle. Are alternate choicesavailable? At an extra cost?

8. What kind of time frameare you looking at for preparingthe pictures for my selection?How much time do I have tomake up my mind as to whichpictures I want and how many?

9. Do you have any particularphilosophy about your approachto photographing weddings?

10. What would you plan todo at my wedding that wouldmake my wedding photographsunique and personal to me?

11. How can I be certain thatyou will be taking the pictures?

12. With whom will I be deal-ing with after the wedding?

13. What is your payment poli-cy? Do you give any guarantees onyour services and photographs?

Information You ShouldHave for the Photographer

1. If the ceremony is indoors,is flash photography allowed?

2. Who will the contact per-son be the day of the wedding?(Remember, you’ll be busy thatday and unable to gather peoplefor photos.)

3. What type of wedding areyou having (formal, casual,themed, etc.)?

4. What type of photos do youwant taken (formal, casual, etc.)?

Make a Commitment!By now, you have probably

spent a good deal of time with

the photographer. His/her timeis money, the same as yours.Realize that in the long runsomeone has to pay for the hourseach photographer spends as aconsultant. Keep his/her (andyour) expenses to a minimum bygoing to the meeting with thephotographer prepared to leavea deposit to confirm the date.

Before you do, however, youmay want to assure yourself of afew more last-minute details.Find out the photographer’s poli-cy if the date of your wedding ischanged and he/she is not avail-able on the alternate date. Findout, too, what the policy is for anunknown cancellation of the date.

At this stage, if you have real-ly taken the time to get intosome of the above questions, youhave to know whether this pho-tographer is for you. If so, thenmake the commitment and restassured that this is undoubtedlyone of the best and most intelli-gent decisions you have made inplanning your wedding!

Photographer 411 – choose the right one for you

PO Box 1964 | Mattoon217.276.0325

www.smgyphoto.com

Every smile, every laugh, every moment. Make the memories of your special once-in-a-lifetime day last forever.Visit me at the Mattoon Bridal Expo January 23 for a FREE digital photo!

Timelesscontemporary photography

The Floor Show Inc.235-3161 • 345-3309 • 342-2740 • 1-800-926-1082

Newlywed SpecialAny Upholstery or Carpet Cleaning

Call Patty Today! Offer Expires 2/28/11

$10.00 OFF

Charleston/Effingham

Charleston Effingham520 W. Lincoln Ave.217-348-1835

115 W. Banker St.217-342-3103

For All Your Wedding Rental Needs!

2 Locations to Serve You Betterwww.charlestontruevalue.com

• Tents • Tables • Chairs • Linens• White Column Arch• Silver & Brass Arches• Wicker & Lattice• Candelabras

• Garden Fountain• Beverage Fountain• Chocolate Fountain• Centerpieces• Cake Stands• And More

Exceptional ReceptionsLet us ensure your wedding day celebration

is everything you dreamed it would be. To schedule a complimentary consultation with our

event coordinator, please call MMae at 217-234-4855.

Hunan Restaurant116 S. 17th Street • Mattoon • 217-234-4855 • www.chinesehunan.com

Banquet FacilityFor Rehearsal Dinners

2 Rooms Avail. Seats up to 150

LUCIA’S BRIDAL“Your wedding is too important to leave to someone else.”

• Bridal • Prom • Bridesmaid• Flower Girl • Alterations• Mothers • Redesigning Wedding Dresses

& Bridal VeilsMember Of:

ABA • ABC • MABA

812-299-1988 • 1-866-826-28275121 S US Highway 41, Terre Haute, IN

(Next to JD Byrider)

rrs TM

JOURNAL GAZETTE / TIMES-COURIER JANUARY 2011 — 7W E D D I N G P L A N N E R

By: ALICIA CHANGFor The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Jen-nifer Cassista expected that her18-month journey to the altarwould include a few stumbles.

A mixed-up order, perhaps.An incorrect size. A meltdown ortwo.

She didn’t count on having tobook a new venue less thanthree months before her Maynuptials because her first choiceclosed down.

Of all the troubles that canarise during wedding planning,having the location fall throughat the last minute is perhaps themost trying. Couples tend todecide early where to tie theknot, and every other detail islinked to that. When a seeming-ly perfect spot unexpectedlyevaporates before the big day, itsets off a domino effect.

Real-life stories of desperatebrides abound on Internet mes-sage boards and vendor blogs.With many world economiesweakened in the last few years,it’s not uncommon for restau-rants or event spaces to go out of

business, leaving couples in thelurch.

Pre-wedding hurdles usuallycan be fixed in time, said Tampa,Fla., wedding planner LaurenGrove, who keeps the “EveryLast Detail” blog. For coupleswho find themselves venue-lessbefore the big day, the priorityshould be fighting to get thedeposit back.

Those who can’t need torethink their budget whensearching for a plan B venue,Grove said.

“Hopefully the losses would-n’t be too severe, and they wouldbe able to reschedule and havetheir dream wedding day,” shesaid.

Luck and resourcefulnesssaved the day for Cassista andher fiance, Tom Bryan. They hadthought they had found theirdream ceremony site when theybooked a resort lodge not farfrom where they lived inOntario, Canada, in March 2009.During a walk-through, the wed-ding coordinator gushed aboutan upcoming renovation to erecta new vow-exchange site downby some rapids, complete with a

lush garden and pew-style seat-ing. Though the couple had touse their imagination, theytrusted the resort to deliver.

Things became suspiciouswhen no one returned Bryan’scalls or e-mails when he askedfor updates on the project. Thispast spring, he received a callfrom a resort front desk recep-tionist saying the place had gonebankrupt.

Cassista and Bryan starteddialing other venues on theirshort list. All were booked ontheir wedding date, May 29.

“We were in desperationmode. It was like, ‘Oh my God,we have to do this all overagain,’” Bryan said.

Bryan’s father, who sells com-puter touchscreens to restau-

rants, suggested Golden BeachResort on the south shore of RiceLake, east of Toronto.

Cassista and Bryan weren’timpressed by the space’s web-site, but in desperation decidedto check it out in person. Notonly were the grounds betterthan the first place, but thedance floor was larger. An addedbonus was that it was availablethe day they wanted, and wascheaper than the previous resorttoo.

With the new venue lockedin, the couple spent the next sev-eral weeks redoing invitationsand notifying other vendors.

Looking back, Cassista said,she was willing to change thewedding date if they didn’t finda backup in time.

“You just need to relax androll with the punches. Thingswill happen in every bride’splanning,” she said. “Be level-headed and try to figure it out.”

Self-described foodies SarinaChhay and Brian Harnettworked their connections to turna pre-wedding near-disaster intheir favor.

The couple were set on hold-ing their reception at Great Bayrestaurant, a seafood restaurantclose to Fenway Park in Boston.But the economy had otherplans. After six years in busi-ness, the restaurant was shut-tered at the end of May 2009,three months before their wed-ding.

They scurried to find areplacement, calling more than20 places and visiting half adozen, with zero luck.

“There was a feeling of help-lessness,” Chhay said. “I was los-ing sleep.”

Harnett had an idea. As alast resort, he reached out to therestaurant’s events manager,who promised to check with theother sister restaurants to see ifthey could host their wedding.

Fortunately, Radius, knownfor modern French cuisine, wasavailable. The couple went withit since it was where they sharedtheir first fine dining experience.In September, they celebratedtheir one-year anniversary theretoo, the chaos all but a memory.

“It goes to show that you canplan a wedding in two months,”Harnett said.

Both Cassista and Bryan, andChhay and Harnett managed toget their money returned.

Christina and ChristophSchumacher had a laundry listof things go wrong before theysaid their “I dos” in June 2008.

Many couples worry aboutthe weather not cooperating, butfor the Schumachers MotherNature unleashed a flood a weekbefore their wedding in a smallIndiana town, triggering a stateof emergency. The state parkwhere they planned to havetheir wedding was shut downbecause of lack of water, and itwas unclear whether it wouldreopen in time.

With no backup plan, the cou-ple contacted several politiciansand explained the situation. Inthe end, they were able to use alog cabin at the park for theirceremony, but the guest lodgingswere off-limits. After saving thevenue, they scrambled to findmotel rooms for out-of-townguests.

It rained on and off the day ofthe wedding, but the Schumach-ers managed to have their firstdance and cake-cutting outside.

Last-minute change of place? Don’t panic

This May 29, 2010 photo courtesy of Stacey Wight shows Jennifer Cas-sista and Tom Bryan, center, as they celebrate with members of their wed-ding party during their wedding at the Golden Beach Resort on the southshore of Rice Lake, east of Toronto. Of all the troubles that can arise dur-ing wedding planning, having the location fall through at the last minuteis perhaps the most trying. Couples tend to decide early where to tie theknot, and every other detail is linked to that. (AP Photo/Stacey Wight)

Model Perfect Nailsfor Your Wedding

with ShellacWon’t chip or crack

THE HAIR STATION & NAIL SPA121 N. Division St., Mattoon, IL 61938

217-235-3410Color • Cuts • Perms • Maincures • Pedicures

Wedding Packages Available

Gifts, Decor &a Little Bit More!

Let us design the wedding of your dreams. Or, for the do-it-yourselfer, purchase flowers

and supplies from us. Check out our large lineof rentals for your ceremony and reception!

Wreaths • Baskets • Candles • QuiltsFlowers for all occasions • Vases • Arches

Candelabras • Linens • Unity CandlesTuxedo Retals • and more!

Arcola Flower Shop207 E Main St • Arcola • 217-268-4242

arcolaflowershop@gmail.com

121 Swords DriveMattoon, IL 61938

217-235-2060hiexpress.com/mathi

• Meeting Room for up to 40 People

- Graduations - Wedding Showers - Business Meetings - Baby Showers- Anniversarys

Can bring in food & beverageCall for Availabilty & Rates

• Free Continental Breakfast - Hot & Cold

• Free High Speed Wireless Internet

• Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Room

• 24 Hour Business Center

100% Smoke Free

The Nail PlaceInside The Head Quarterz Hair Studio

917 Lakeland Blvd, Mattoon235-5777

Pedicures areonly $20 onWednesdays

ManicuresPedicures

Acrylic Nails

8 — JANUARY 2011 JOURNAL GAZETTTE / TIMES-COURIERW E D D I N G P L A N N E R

In a recent survey releasedby Visa Inc., 88 percent of cou-ples believed they overspent onsome aspect of their wedding.Over the years, weddings havebecome a major financial com-mitment, in many instancesensuring a couple’s first task asman and wife will be paying offthe mountain of bills theyaccrued to achieved their dreamwedding.

In today’s economic climate,the cost of weddings is eventougher to swallow, as both thedomestic and global economyremains difficult to predict. Eco-nomic uncertainty has left manyyoung couples fearful of makinga big financial commitment totheir weddings. But it’s still pos-sible for couples to make themost of their wedding withoutlanding themselves in heavydebt once the honeymoon is overand the bills must be paid.

• Limit beverage availability.In the Visa survey, respondentsfelt they overspent more on food,drink and cake than any otheraspect of their wedding. The bartab can quickly add up at theend of the night, but couples canlimit the bar expense by makingon a few different types of drinksavailable. Offer just two or three

drink options instead of a fullbar. Couples can also consider acash bar for mixed drinks tohelp lower the bar tab by theend of the night.

• Switch fromSaturday. Sat-urday weddings are not only themost popular, but also the mostexpensive. Couples with someflexibility can save money bymoving their wedding to a Fri-day or Sunday. Couples who

move their weddings to Fridayoften find they get to spend moretime with their friends and fami-lies the following day, as guestsare more inclined to stay in townan extra day than they are onSunday afternoons following awedding.

• Forgo a traditional honey-moon. Seventeen percent of malerespondents to the Visa surveyfelt they overspent on their hon-eymoon. While it’s certainly niceto fly off to the Caribbean andspend your first week as a mar-ried couple soaking up some sun,a more local getaway for a cou-ple of days can be just as relax-ing and save couples substantialamounts of money. Once the billshave been paid, couples can thenenjoy a more traditional honey-moon, possibly in celebration oftheir first anniversary.

• Limit the guest list. Invit-ing all friends and family mem-bers might be a nice gesture, butit’s also an expensive one. Cost-conscious couples can save agood deal of money by only invit-ing those friends and familymembers who are closest tothem.

• Order less extravagant flo-ral arrangements. Floralarrangements for a wedding can

prove very expensive. But cou-ples can trim those costs usingmore greenery in the floral dis-plays and ordering less expen-sive, seasonal flowers. When dis-cussing arrangements with the

florist, explain that the budgetcan only allow so much for flow-ers, and work together to findways to add aesthetic appealwithout breaking the bank.

Financial tips for cost-conscious couples

Choosing less extravagant floralarrangements is one way couplescan save money on weddingexpenses.

Remarriage rates continue toincrease, and many vendors arenow catering specifically to cou-ples entering second marriages.A bride getting married for thesecond or third time has just asmany attire options as she didfor her first wedding.

Research indicates that morethan half of all marriages end indivorce. The silver lining to thatcloud is that 54 percent ofdivorced women remarry within5 years, according to the Nation-al Center for Health Statistics.Furthermore, 75 percent ofdivorced women remarry within10 years. These statistics showthat the need for bridal gownsfor women entering a new mar-riage remains strong.

When choosing a gown for asecond wedding, brides-to-be canuse their discretion. Gone is thestigma of wearing white. Howev-er, brides still may want tochoose an alternative color tobright white to be more comple-mentary to their skin tones. Off-white, pale yellow and pale pinkcan be flattering shades. If sec-ond brides do choose to wearwhite, they may want to avoid aflat white color. Instead, theycan opt to wear a shimmeryshade of white and a gown witha little more pizzazz.

The gown – just as with first-

time weddings – should be asformal or as casual as the wed-ding itself. At afternoon wed-dings it may be acceptable towear a tea-length gown or evena cocktail dress. Enhance beach-side or casual affairs with lesselaborate gowns. Formal secondweddings should still feature a

gown that is formal in nature.A more mature bride may feel

more comfortable wearing awell-tailored pantsuit ratherthan a gown. Again, the choice isup to the bride regarding whatshe wants to wear.

Wardrobe options for second-time brides

SPECIALIZING IN BRIDAL

• Hairstyles and Updos

• Make up

• Spray Tanning (by appointment)

Stylists: Natasha Wallace, Jennifer Johnson, Ashley Herbert

Formerly Rumorz Hair StudioEstablished in 2001

1516 Broadway, Mattoon

(217) 235-6616

affordableFashions Wedding

ALL GOWNSUNDER $200! Stop in today, and see why we’re thebest-kept secret in bridal fashion. What will you do with the money you save?

Barb’sLittle Treasures

2509 Marshall AveMattoon, IL217-235-5060

• Wedding Gowns• Bridesmaid Dresses• Mother of the Bride Fashions• Sizes 4 to 26• Flower Girl Dresses• Accessories

Hair styled by Ashley at

Renee England, Owner1608 Broadway • Mattoon, IL

(217) 234-4277

JOURNAL GAZETTE / TIMES-COURIER JANUARY 2011 — 9W E D D I N G P L A N N E R

Happy couples choose friends and family members to serve asattendants in their weddings. Bridesmaids and groomsmen eachhave different responsibilities in the wedding.

In ancient times, groomsmen essentially served as the groom’sbodyguards, ensuring that he made it safely to the altar and to hisfuture wife. Today, the groomsmen’s roles are not based on saving lifeand limb.

Today’s groomsmen serve as assistants to the groom and help planthe bachelor party. They also usher guests down the aisle at the cere-mony. They also may have a few other responsibilities, depending onwhat the couple wants of their assistants.

Before the Wedding• Help pick out the tuxedos and show up for fittings.• Help plan and share the cost of the bachelor party.• Attend rehearsals for the ceremony and appear at the rehearsal

dinner.• Pay for their own wedding attire or formal wear rentals.• Help unload cars with supplies if the couple is doing the deco-

rating the wedding themselves.• Pay for their travel expenses and accommodation during the cel-

ebration.• Return formal wear for themselves and the groom.• Provide transportation for the couple to the airport or honey-

moon destination if the best man is unavailable.

During the Ceremony• Greet and seat guests at the ceremony in the appropriate rows

or pews.• Stand near the groom during the ceremony.• Serve as escorts for the bridesmaids at the ceremony.• Cater to anyone’s needs and mingle with the guests afterward.

Party Time• Ensure that the groom does not get too intoxicated. • Sit at the table of honor beside the rest of the bridal party.• Mingle with the guests.• Participate in all photos if asked.• Dance with their bridesmaid counterpart.• Help load the wedding gifts into the car afterward.

Responsibilities of the groomsmen(MS) – When it comes to plan-

ning a wedding, grooms oftentake a backseat to their blushingbrides. While men no longerserve a strictly spectator rolewhen it comes to planning awedding, much of the ins andouts of the wedding remain thebride’s domain.

One area where men maintaincomplete control is gifting thegroomsmen. A tradition that datesback decades if not centuries, gift-ing the groomsmen is the groom’sway of showing his appreciation tothose frequently overlooked buttrusted friends who stand by hisside on his wedding day.

"Groomsmen are often over-looked in a wedding party eventhough they play importantroles," says Mark Walerstein,founding of GroomsOnline(www.groomsonline.com), aninformational Web site offeringtips, pointers and a host ofunique gifts tailored to groomswith budgets big and small.

Understandably, many oftoday’s grooms are working withbudgets smaller than they mighthave been in years past. Fortu-nately, GroomsOnline.comboasts a bevy of gift ideas under$50, all of which will ensure last-ing memories for years to come.

Hit a HomerunSeemingly since the beginning

of time, men have bonded oversports. Be it football, baseball,

hockey, or hoops, grooms can findsports-specific gifts their grooms-men will love. At GroomsOn-line.com, grooms can peruse anextensive catalog of personalizedsports gifts, complete with allyour favorite MLB, NFL, NHL,NBA, and even NCAA teams.

Be it a personalized lockerroom print, a stainless steel hipflask or a stadium fan framedprint, grooms have a host ofchoices under $50 that won’tbreak the bank but groomsmenwill be proud to display everytime they turn on the big game.

Stock the BarNo man cave is complete

without a fully stocked bar, andgrooms can help their grooms-men transform their basementinto a Mecca of man caves with acarefully chosen gift that’s sureto prove a proud addition totheir groomsmen’s home bar.

Grooms can choose a personal-ized Pewter Medallion Glass Mugthat says Best Man, Groomsmenor Usher and personalize eachmug with up to two lines. For thegroomsman who already has hisown beer mug, consider a person-alized 5-piece Decanter Set that’sideal for the man who loves toentertain. What’s more, thisuniquely personalized set makesa timeless reminder of thegroom’s big day whenever he vis-its his groomsmen to share adrink and a few laughs.

Embrace Everyone’s InnerExecutive

For older grooms whose grooms-men are all established business-men, perhaps no gift will be moreproudly displayed than a personal-ized Executive Silver Plated CardCase and Pen Set. A gift no risingcorporate baron can resist, thisunique set is professionallyengraved and can hold businesscards and an executive pen.

Executives on the rise willalso love the personalized Execu-tive Money Clip and Pen KnifeSet, tailor made and personallyengraved for the executive who’salways on the move.

For more great gift ideas andtips on everything from weddingplanning do’s and don’ts to valu-able timesaving tips leading upto the wedding, visitwww.GroomsOnline.com.

Gift your groomsmen for under $50

Tuxedo RentalRent 5

Get One FREECustom Embroidery

Hats, Jackets, ShirtsEIU Licensed

7 2 5 W i n d s o r R d .C h a r l e s t o n , I L2 1 7 • 3 4 8 • 8 2 7 9

Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p m Sat. & Evenings by Appointment

www.winningstitch.com

1505 18th StreetCharleston, IL

217-348-0147 or 866-205-0381kelli.arrow@vacation.com

www.arrowtravel.vacation.com

Let Arrow Travel assistyou in choosing a

romantic honeymoonlocation or the perfect

wedding destination.

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons

1000 Lakeland Blvd. Mattoon235-1142

TJ’S ON HAIRWe Offer Wedding Day Makeup Application with Makeup Artist

Let Us Create The Best Look Possible, with a Spa Facial

Before Your Big Day

YODER’S KITCHENBanquets Small or Large

Seating 20-300 Capacity

Mon-Sat 7:00 am - 8:00 pm

217-543-2714 • www.yoderskitchen.net1195 E. COLUMBIA • ARTHUR 920 W. Lincoln • Charleston

217-348-2830 • In the Worthington Inn

Tues. & Wed. 7:00 am - 9:00 pmThurs., Fri. & Sat. 7:00 am - 10:00 pm

Sunday 7am - 3:00 pmClosed on Monday

View our complete menu and services atwww.twoflowers.net

Flavorful Food & OutstandingService come together to make

your special occasion all itshould be & more!

We can host onsite events for up to 300 and as many as

you need offsite!

Buffet or plated meals, Hors D’oeuvre stations or any format you conceive.

Call 217.348.2830 to set up an appointment or tasting.

Thanks to GroomsOnline, groomscan show their groomsmen howmuch they’re appreciated withthoughtful gifts that won’t breakthe bank.

8 — JANUARY 2011 JOURNAL GAZETTTE / TIMES-COURIERW E D D I N G P L A N N E R

In a recent survey releasedby Visa Inc., 88 percent of cou-ples believed they overspent onsome aspect of their wedding.Over the years, weddings havebecome a major financial com-mitment, in many instancesensuring a couple’s first task asman and wife will be paying offthe mountain of bills theyaccrued to achieved their dreamwedding.

In today’s economic climate,the cost of weddings is eventougher to swallow, as both thedomestic and global economyremains difficult to predict. Eco-nomic uncertainty has left manyyoung couples fearful of makinga big financial commitment totheir weddings. But it’s still pos-sible for couples to make themost of their wedding withoutlanding themselves in heavydebt once the honeymoon is overand the bills must be paid.

• Limit beverage availability.In the Visa survey, respondentsfelt they overspent more on food,drink and cake than any otheraspect of their wedding. The bartab can quickly add up at theend of the night, but couples canlimit the bar expense by makingon a few different types of drinksavailable. Offer just two or three

drink options instead of a fullbar. Couples can also consider acash bar for mixed drinks tohelp lower the bar tab by theend of the night.

• Switch fromSaturday. Sat-urday weddings are not only themost popular, but also the mostexpensive. Couples with someflexibility can save money bymoving their wedding to a Fri-day or Sunday. Couples who

move their weddings to Fridayoften find they get to spend moretime with their friends and fami-lies the following day, as guestsare more inclined to stay in townan extra day than they are onSunday afternoons following awedding.

• Forgo a traditional honey-moon. Seventeen percent of malerespondents to the Visa surveyfelt they overspent on their hon-eymoon. While it’s certainly niceto fly off to the Caribbean andspend your first week as a mar-ried couple soaking up some sun,a more local getaway for a cou-ple of days can be just as relax-ing and save couples substantialamounts of money. Once the billshave been paid, couples can thenenjoy a more traditional honey-moon, possibly in celebration oftheir first anniversary.

• Limit the guest list. Invit-ing all friends and family mem-bers might be a nice gesture, butit’s also an expensive one. Cost-conscious couples can save agood deal of money by only invit-ing those friends and familymembers who are closest tothem.

• Order less extravagant flo-ral arrangements. Floralarrangements for a wedding can

prove very expensive. But cou-ples can trim those costs usingmore greenery in the floral dis-plays and ordering less expen-sive, seasonal flowers. When dis-cussing arrangements with the

florist, explain that the budgetcan only allow so much for flow-ers, and work together to findways to add aesthetic appealwithout breaking the bank.

Financial tips for cost-conscious couples

Choosing less extravagant floralarrangements is one way couplescan save money on weddingexpenses.

Remarriage rates continue toincrease, and many vendors arenow catering specifically to cou-ples entering second marriages.A bride getting married for thesecond or third time has just asmany attire options as she didfor her first wedding.

Research indicates that morethan half of all marriages end indivorce. The silver lining to thatcloud is that 54 percent ofdivorced women remarry within5 years, according to the Nation-al Center for Health Statistics.Furthermore, 75 percent ofdivorced women remarry within10 years. These statistics showthat the need for bridal gownsfor women entering a new mar-riage remains strong.

When choosing a gown for asecond wedding, brides-to-be canuse their discretion. Gone is thestigma of wearing white. Howev-er, brides still may want tochoose an alternative color tobright white to be more comple-mentary to their skin tones. Off-white, pale yellow and pale pinkcan be flattering shades. If sec-ond brides do choose to wearwhite, they may want to avoid aflat white color. Instead, theycan opt to wear a shimmeryshade of white and a gown witha little more pizzazz.

The gown – just as with first-

time weddings – should be asformal or as casual as the wed-ding itself. At afternoon wed-dings it may be acceptable towear a tea-length gown or evena cocktail dress. Enhance beach-side or casual affairs with lesselaborate gowns. Formal secondweddings should still feature a

gown that is formal in nature.A more mature bride may feel

more comfortable wearing awell-tailored pantsuit ratherthan a gown. Again, the choice isup to the bride regarding whatshe wants to wear.

Wardrobe options for second-time brides

SPECIALIZING IN BRIDAL

• Hairstyles and Updos

• Make up

• Spray Tanning (by appointment)

Stylists: Natasha Wallace, Jennifer Johnson, Ashley Herbert

Formerly Rumorz Hair StudioEstablished in 2001

1516 Broadway, Mattoon

(217) 235-6616

affordableFashions Wedding

ALL GOWNSUNDER $200! Stop in today, and see why we’re thebest-kept secret in bridal fashion. What will you do with the money you save?

Barb’sLittle Treasures

2509 Marshall AveMattoon, IL217-235-5060

• Wedding Gowns• Bridesmaid Dresses• Mother of the Bride Fashions• Sizes 4 to 26• Flower Girl Dresses• Accessories

Hair styled by Ashley at

Renee England, Owner1608 Broadway • Mattoon, IL

(217) 234-4277

JOURNAL GAZETTE / TIMES-COURIER JANUARY 2011 — 9W E D D I N G P L A N N E R

Happy couples choose friends and family members to serve asattendants in their weddings. Bridesmaids and groomsmen eachhave different responsibilities in the wedding.

In ancient times, groomsmen essentially served as the groom’sbodyguards, ensuring that he made it safely to the altar and to hisfuture wife. Today, the groomsmen’s roles are not based on saving lifeand limb.

Today’s groomsmen serve as assistants to the groom and help planthe bachelor party. They also usher guests down the aisle at the cere-mony. They also may have a few other responsibilities, depending onwhat the couple wants of their assistants.

Before the Wedding• Help pick out the tuxedos and show up for fittings.• Help plan and share the cost of the bachelor party.• Attend rehearsals for the ceremony and appear at the rehearsal

dinner.• Pay for their own wedding attire or formal wear rentals.• Help unload cars with supplies if the couple is doing the deco-

rating the wedding themselves.• Pay for their travel expenses and accommodation during the cel-

ebration.• Return formal wear for themselves and the groom.• Provide transportation for the couple to the airport or honey-

moon destination if the best man is unavailable.

During the Ceremony• Greet and seat guests at the ceremony in the appropriate rows

or pews.• Stand near the groom during the ceremony.• Serve as escorts for the bridesmaids at the ceremony.• Cater to anyone’s needs and mingle with the guests afterward.

Party Time• Ensure that the groom does not get too intoxicated. • Sit at the table of honor beside the rest of the bridal party.• Mingle with the guests.• Participate in all photos if asked.• Dance with their bridesmaid counterpart.• Help load the wedding gifts into the car afterward.

Responsibilities of the groomsmen(MS) – When it comes to plan-

ning a wedding, grooms oftentake a backseat to their blushingbrides. While men no longerserve a strictly spectator rolewhen it comes to planning awedding, much of the ins andouts of the wedding remain thebride’s domain.

One area where men maintaincomplete control is gifting thegroomsmen. A tradition that datesback decades if not centuries, gift-ing the groomsmen is the groom’sway of showing his appreciation tothose frequently overlooked buttrusted friends who stand by hisside on his wedding day.

"Groomsmen are often over-looked in a wedding party eventhough they play importantroles," says Mark Walerstein,founding of GroomsOnline(www.groomsonline.com), aninformational Web site offeringtips, pointers and a host ofunique gifts tailored to groomswith budgets big and small.

Understandably, many oftoday’s grooms are working withbudgets smaller than they mighthave been in years past. Fortu-nately, GroomsOnline.comboasts a bevy of gift ideas under$50, all of which will ensure last-ing memories for years to come.

Hit a HomerunSeemingly since the beginning

of time, men have bonded oversports. Be it football, baseball,

hockey, or hoops, grooms can findsports-specific gifts their grooms-men will love. At GroomsOn-line.com, grooms can peruse anextensive catalog of personalizedsports gifts, complete with allyour favorite MLB, NFL, NHL,NBA, and even NCAA teams.

Be it a personalized lockerroom print, a stainless steel hipflask or a stadium fan framedprint, grooms have a host ofchoices under $50 that won’tbreak the bank but groomsmenwill be proud to display everytime they turn on the big game.

Stock the BarNo man cave is complete

without a fully stocked bar, andgrooms can help their grooms-men transform their basementinto a Mecca of man caves with acarefully chosen gift that’s sureto prove a proud addition totheir groomsmen’s home bar.

Grooms can choose a personal-ized Pewter Medallion Glass Mugthat says Best Man, Groomsmenor Usher and personalize eachmug with up to two lines. For thegroomsman who already has hisown beer mug, consider a person-alized 5-piece Decanter Set that’sideal for the man who loves toentertain. What’s more, thisuniquely personalized set makesa timeless reminder of thegroom’s big day whenever he vis-its his groomsmen to share adrink and a few laughs.

Embrace Everyone’s InnerExecutive

For older grooms whose grooms-men are all established business-men, perhaps no gift will be moreproudly displayed than a personal-ized Executive Silver Plated CardCase and Pen Set. A gift no risingcorporate baron can resist, thisunique set is professionallyengraved and can hold businesscards and an executive pen.

Executives on the rise willalso love the personalized Execu-tive Money Clip and Pen KnifeSet, tailor made and personallyengraved for the executive who’salways on the move.

For more great gift ideas andtips on everything from weddingplanning do’s and don’ts to valu-able timesaving tips leading upto the wedding, visitwww.GroomsOnline.com.

Gift your groomsmen for under $50

Tuxedo RentalRent 5

Get One FREECustom Embroidery

Hats, Jackets, ShirtsEIU Licensed

7 2 5 W i n d s o r R d .C h a r l e s t o n , I L2 1 7 • 3 4 8 • 8 2 7 9

Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p m Sat. & Evenings by Appointment

www.winningstitch.com

1505 18th StreetCharleston, IL

217-348-0147 or 866-205-0381kelli.arrow@vacation.com

www.arrowtravel.vacation.com

Let Arrow Travel assistyou in choosing a

romantic honeymoonlocation or the perfect

wedding destination.

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons

1000 Lakeland Blvd. Mattoon235-1142

TJ’S ON HAIRWe Offer Wedding Day Makeup Application with Makeup Artist

Let Us Create The Best Look Possible, with a Spa Facial

Before Your Big Day

YODER’S KITCHENBanquets Small or Large

Seating 20-300 Capacity

Mon-Sat 7:00 am - 8:00 pm

217-543-2714 • www.yoderskitchen.net1195 E. COLUMBIA • ARTHUR 920 W. Lincoln • Charleston

217-348-2830 • In the Worthington Inn

Tues. & Wed. 7:00 am - 9:00 pmThurs., Fri. & Sat. 7:00 am - 10:00 pm

Sunday 7am - 3:00 pmClosed on Monday

View our complete menu and services atwww.twoflowers.net

Flavorful Food & OutstandingService come together to make

your special occasion all itshould be & more!

We can host onsite events for up to 300 and as many as

you need offsite!

Buffet or plated meals, Hors D’oeuvre stations or any format you conceive.

Call 217.348.2830 to set up an appointment or tasting.

Thanks to GroomsOnline, groomscan show their groomsmen howmuch they’re appreciated withthoughtful gifts that won’t breakthe bank.

10 — JANUARY 2011 JOURNAL GAZETTTE / TIMES-COURIERW E D D I N G P L A N N E R

By: SUSAN M. GANO-YOUNG

In the selection of your wed-ding photographer, you are oftenat the mercy of a super-salesper-son and/or your own intuition.Price is often the main deter-mining factor, even though thereis never a second chance toretake poor quality photos.

The following questions andsuggestions will help select thephotographer who is right for you.

Get RecommendationsThe best place to start is to

have a recommendation fromsomeone whose opinion youtrust. If the photographer hasmore than one recommendation,that is even better... especially ifthe same photographer’s namecomes from different sources.

Call the PhotographerFirst, check to see if he/she is

available on your wedding date. Ifhe/she is, get an estimate of costand ask for a face-to-face meetingto look at his/her portfolio.

During the MeetingAt the meeting, the first assess-

ment you should make is whetheryou feel comfortable in the pres-ence of the photographer. If youare going to spend a good part ofthe most important day of your lifewith this person, it should besomeone with whom you know youwill enjoy sharing that time.

Then, take a look at some ofthe photographer’s work. If yousee a picture, or a series of pic-tures, that you really like, youshould ask:

1. Who are these people?2. Did you, personally, take

these photographs?3. May I call these people for

a personal reference?After all, it is one thing to see

some beautiful pictures, but it isequally important to find out ifthe bride and groom enjoyedworking with this photographer.

It is also a way of knowingthat the photographs you arebeing shown were actually madeby the person you are speakingto. You want to be sure that thework you are admiring wasmade by the photographer whowill be at your wedding.

Another result of this meetingcould be to allow you and your

photographer to begin a one-on-one relationship. In that way, nei-ther of you would be strangers toeach other on the day of the wed-ding, and you will be morerelaxed in front of the camera.

Additional QuestionsToo often important details

that you had never before con-sidered come back to haunt youlater. Take this list of questionswith you to ask during your ini-tial meeting.

1. Do you use film, digital or acombination of both?

2. Do you have a suggestedlist of photos to take? Can weadd to it?

3. How will you be showingme the pictures for selection?

4. Will you be helping me inthe selection of the final pictures?

5. How can people who live outof town be accommodated withordering, paying and delivering?

6. What are the costs of thevarious styles of coverage? Arethere different degrees of cover-age? What is included in each?

7. How much for the extras?Duplicates? If you are orderingan album, ask to see the specificstyle. Are alternate choicesavailable? At an extra cost?

8. What kind of time frameare you looking at for preparingthe pictures for my selection?How much time do I have tomake up my mind as to whichpictures I want and how many?

9. Do you have any particularphilosophy about your approachto photographing weddings?

10. What would you plan todo at my wedding that wouldmake my wedding photographsunique and personal to me?

11. How can I be certain thatyou will be taking the pictures?

12. With whom will I be deal-ing with after the wedding?

13. What is your payment poli-cy? Do you give any guarantees onyour services and photographs?

Information You ShouldHave for the Photographer

1. If the ceremony is indoors,is flash photography allowed?

2. Who will the contact per-son be the day of the wedding?(Remember, you’ll be busy thatday and unable to gather peoplefor photos.)

3. What type of wedding areyou having (formal, casual,themed, etc.)?

4. What type of photos do youwant taken (formal, casual, etc.)?

Make a Commitment!By now, you have probably

spent a good deal of time with

the photographer. His/her timeis money, the same as yours.Realize that in the long runsomeone has to pay for the hourseach photographer spends as aconsultant. Keep his/her (andyour) expenses to a minimum bygoing to the meeting with thephotographer prepared to leavea deposit to confirm the date.

Before you do, however, youmay want to assure yourself of afew more last-minute details.Find out the photographer’s poli-cy if the date of your wedding ischanged and he/she is not avail-able on the alternate date. Findout, too, what the policy is for anunknown cancellation of the date.

At this stage, if you have real-ly taken the time to get intosome of the above questions, youhave to know whether this pho-tographer is for you. If so, thenmake the commitment and restassured that this is undoubtedlyone of the best and most intelli-gent decisions you have made inplanning your wedding!

Photographer 411 – choose the right one for you

PO Box 1964 | Mattoon217.276.0325

www.smgyphoto.com

Every smile, every laugh, every moment. Make the memories of your special once-in-a-lifetime day last forever.Visit me at the Mattoon Bridal Expo January 23 for a FREE digital photo!

Timelesscontemporary photography

The Floor Show Inc.235-3161 • 345-3309 • 342-2740 • 1-800-926-1082

Newlywed SpecialAny Upholstery or Carpet Cleaning

Call Patty Today! Offer Expires 2/28/11

$10.00 OFF

Charleston/Effingham

Charleston Effingham520 W. Lincoln Ave.217-348-1835

115 W. Banker St.217-342-3103

For All Your Wedding Rental Needs!

2 Locations to Serve You Betterwww.charlestontruevalue.com

• Tents • Tables • Chairs • Linens• White Column Arch• Silver & Brass Arches• Wicker & Lattice• Candelabras

• Garden Fountain• Beverage Fountain• Chocolate Fountain• Centerpieces• Cake Stands• And More

Exceptional ReceptionsLet us ensure your wedding day celebration

is everything you dreamed it would be. To schedule a complimentary consultation with our

event coordinator, please call MMae at 217-234-4855.

Hunan Restaurant116 S. 17th Street • Mattoon • 217-234-4855 • www.chinesehunan.com

Banquet FacilityFor Rehearsal Dinners

2 Rooms Avail. Seats up to 150

LUCIA’S BRIDAL“Your wedding is too important to leave to someone else.”

• Bridal • Prom • Bridesmaid• Flower Girl • Alterations• Mothers • Redesigning Wedding Dresses

& Bridal VeilsMember Of:

ABA • ABC • MABA

812-299-1988 • 1-866-826-28275121 S US Highway 41, Terre Haute, IN

(Next to JD Byrider)

rrs TM

JOURNAL GAZETTE / TIMES-COURIER JANUARY 2011 — 7W E D D I N G P L A N N E R

By: ALICIA CHANGFor The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP)—Jen-nifer Cassista expected that her18-month journey to the altarwould include a few stumbles.

A mixed-up order, perhaps.An incorrect size. A meltdown ortwo.

She didn’t count on having tobook a new venue less thanthree months before her Maynuptials because her first choiceclosed down.

Of all the troubles that canarise during wedding planning,having the location fall throughat the last minute is perhaps themost trying. Couples tend todecide early where to tie theknot, and every other detail islinked to that. When a seeming-ly perfect spot unexpectedlyevaporates before the big day, itsets off a domino effect.

Real-life stories of desperatebrides abound on Internet mes-sage boards and vendor blogs.With many world economiesweakened in the last few years,it’s not uncommon for restau-rants or event spaces to go out of

business, leaving couples in thelurch.

Pre-wedding hurdles usuallycan be fixed in time, said Tampa,Fla., wedding planner LaurenGrove, who keeps the “EveryLast Detail” blog. For coupleswho find themselves venue-lessbefore the big day, the priorityshould be fighting to get thedeposit back.

Those who can’t need torethink their budget whensearching for a plan B venue,Grove said.

“Hopefully the losses would-n’t be too severe, and they wouldbe able to reschedule and havetheir dream wedding day,” shesaid.

Luck and resourcefulnesssaved the day for Cassista andher fiance, Tom Bryan. They hadthought they had found theirdream ceremony site when theybooked a resort lodge not farfrom where they lived inOntario, Canada, in March 2009.During a walk-through, the wed-ding coordinator gushed aboutan upcoming renovation to erecta new vow-exchange site downby some rapids, complete with a

lush garden and pew-style seat-ing. Though the couple had touse their imagination, theytrusted the resort to deliver.

Things became suspiciouswhen no one returned Bryan’scalls or e-mails when he askedfor updates on the project. Thispast spring, he received a callfrom a resort front desk recep-tionist saying the place had gonebankrupt.

Cassista and Bryan starteddialing other venues on theirshort list. All were booked ontheir wedding date, May 29.

“We were in desperationmode. It was like, ‘Oh my God,we have to do this all overagain,’” Bryan said.

Bryan’s father, who sells com-puter touchscreens to restau-

rants, suggested Golden BeachResort on the south shore of RiceLake, east of Toronto.

Cassista and Bryan weren’timpressed by the space’s web-site, but in desperation decidedto check it out in person. Notonly were the grounds betterthan the first place, but thedance floor was larger. An addedbonus was that it was availablethe day they wanted, and wascheaper than the previous resorttoo.

With the new venue lockedin, the couple spent the next sev-eral weeks redoing invitationsand notifying other vendors.

Looking back, Cassista said,she was willing to change thewedding date if they didn’t finda backup in time.

“You just need to relax androll with the punches. Thingswill happen in every bride’splanning,” she said. “Be level-headed and try to figure it out.”

Self-described foodies SarinaChhay and Brian Harnettworked their connections to turna pre-wedding near-disaster intheir favor.

The couple were set on hold-ing their reception at Great Bayrestaurant, a seafood restaurantclose to Fenway Park in Boston.But the economy had otherplans. After six years in busi-ness, the restaurant was shut-tered at the end of May 2009,three months before their wed-ding.

They scurried to find areplacement, calling more than20 places and visiting half adozen, with zero luck.

“There was a feeling of help-lessness,” Chhay said. “I was los-ing sleep.”

Harnett had an idea. As alast resort, he reached out to therestaurant’s events manager,who promised to check with theother sister restaurants to see ifthey could host their wedding.

Fortunately, Radius, knownfor modern French cuisine, wasavailable. The couple went withit since it was where they sharedtheir first fine dining experience.In September, they celebratedtheir one-year anniversary theretoo, the chaos all but a memory.

“It goes to show that you canplan a wedding in two months,”Harnett said.

Both Cassista and Bryan, andChhay and Harnett managed toget their money returned.

Christina and ChristophSchumacher had a laundry listof things go wrong before theysaid their “I dos” in June 2008.

Many couples worry aboutthe weather not cooperating, butfor the Schumachers MotherNature unleashed a flood a weekbefore their wedding in a smallIndiana town, triggering a stateof emergency. The state parkwhere they planned to havetheir wedding was shut downbecause of lack of water, and itwas unclear whether it wouldreopen in time.

With no backup plan, the cou-ple contacted several politiciansand explained the situation. Inthe end, they were able to use alog cabin at the park for theirceremony, but the guest lodgingswere off-limits. After saving thevenue, they scrambled to findmotel rooms for out-of-townguests.

It rained on and off the day ofthe wedding, but the Schumach-ers managed to have their firstdance and cake-cutting outside.

Last-minute change of place? Don’t panic

This May 29, 2010 photo courtesy of Stacey Wight shows Jennifer Cas-sista and Tom Bryan, center, as they celebrate with members of their wed-ding party during their wedding at the Golden Beach Resort on the southshore of Rice Lake, east of Toronto. Of all the troubles that can arise dur-ing wedding planning, having the location fall through at the last minuteis perhaps the most trying. Couples tend to decide early where to tie theknot, and every other detail is linked to that. (AP Photo/Stacey Wight)

Model Perfect Nailsfor Your Wedding

with ShellacWon’t chip or crack

THE HAIR STATION & NAIL SPA121 N. Division St., Mattoon, IL 61938

217-235-3410Color • Cuts • Perms • Maincures • Pedicures

Wedding Packages Available

Gifts, Decor &a Little Bit More!

Let us design the wedding of your dreams. Or, for the do-it-yourselfer, purchase flowers

and supplies from us. Check out our large lineof rentals for your ceremony and reception!

Wreaths • Baskets • Candles • QuiltsFlowers for all occasions • Vases • Arches

Candelabras • Linens • Unity CandlesTuxedo Retals • and more!

Arcola Flower Shop207 E Main St • Arcola • 217-268-4242

arcolaflowershop@gmail.com

121 Swords DriveMattoon, IL 61938

217-235-2060hiexpress.com/mathi

• Meeting Room for up to 40 People

- Graduations - Wedding Showers - Business Meetings - Baby Showers- Anniversarys

Can bring in food & beverageCall for Availabilty & Rates

• Free Continental Breakfast - Hot & Cold

• Free High Speed Wireless Internet

• Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Room

• 24 Hour Business Center

100% Smoke Free

The Nail PlaceInside The Head Quarterz Hair Studio

917 Lakeland Blvd, Mattoon235-5777

Pedicures areonly $20 onWednesdays

ManicuresPedicures

Acrylic Nails

6 — JANUARY 2011 JOURNAL GAZETTTE / TIMES-COURIERW E D D I N G P L A N N E R

Couples are faced with manydecisions when planning a wed-ding. One often overlooked deci-sion concerns the guest list. Ide-ally, couples would love to inviteall their friends and family toshare in their special day. Real-istically, however, budget oftendictates just how many guests acouple can invite.

That reality has led to a dis-agreement or two over the years,as both the bride-to-be and herfuture husband make their casefor who makes the cut. To helpavoid such disagreements, cou-ples should consider the follow-ing tips when paring down theirguest list.

• Make a master list as earlyas possible. It’s impossible topare down a guest list if there’sno list to begin with. Once theplanning process begins, couplesshould separately write down allthe guests they would like toinvite. Once each is finishedwith their list, the hard work ofparing that list down can begin.

• Consider who’s footing thebill. If Mom and Dad are payingfor the wedding, then their sug-gestions for the guest list shouldcarry most of the weight. Wed-dings are very expensive, and ifMom and Dad are paying theyshould have a significant saywho will in attendance. Thesame principle can be applied ifthe couple is paying for theirown wedding. If the costs arebeing split down the middle,then both the groom- and bride-to-be should be allowed to invitethe same number of guests.

• Ask that kids stay home.Many couples request that theirguests leave the kids at home.

While nieces and nephews mightmake the cut, it’s perfectlyacceptable for couples to statetheir preference that childrennot attend. This can be noted onthe invitation, addressing friendsas “Mr. John Doe and guest” or“Mr. and Mrs. John Doe.” Guestsshould take the hint, but if anyRSVPs with their kids, be sure tocall them immediately andexplain the situation. Friends

and family should understandthe preference, particularly inthe current economic climate.

• It’s not a reunion. Couplesare often tempted to invite long-lost friends to their wedding.But cost-conscious couples mustrecognize their wedding is not areunion. If the goal is to keepthe guest list under control, onlyinvite close friends and familymembers who have kept in touch

with over the years.• Stick to your guns. Couples

vary greatly with what theywant out of their wedding. Somewant a grandiose affair they canshare with their whole familyand all of their friends. Othercouples want a more laid-backaffair with only those closest tothem in attendance. Whatevertheir preference, couples shouldremain firm and not feel guiltyno matter how many guests theychoose to invite or not invite.

• Cut back in other areas. Ifit’s proving simply impossible toagree on a reduced guest list,consider inviting everyone and

cutting back in other areas.Before signing any contracts,closely examine each one foritems that can be removed with-out drastically changing the cer-emony and celebration. Chancesare there are savings to be had,and they might make the differ-ence between inviting and notinviting another friend or familymember.

Invite only – pare down your wedding guest list

Couples are often faced with tough decisions when it comes to paringdown the guest list for their wedding.

TTaann EExxpprreessss

Mystic Spray Tanand Other Great Tan Packages available

at

1526 Lakeland Blvd.Mattoon · 2235-9610

N. Rt. 45Mattoon · 2235-6668

136 Dettro Drive Mattoon ·2234-6182

1909 S. BankerEffingham · 3342-0260

1601 W. MainShelbyville · 7774-2662

636 W. Lincoln Charleston ·3348-1690

White Dove Release

Reasonable Rates217-728-2361

NIEMERG’S

CATERINGFor A Memorable Wedding Reception

Menu• Chicken

• Roast Beef• Turkey

• BBQ Pork Loin

• Grilled Chicken

Breast

• Ham

• Old Fashioned

BBQ Pork

Choices

We’re still cooking exceptional quality meals at the best prices for the last 31 years.

NIEMERG’SSTEAK HOUSEW. Fayette Rd. Effingham

217-342-3921

• Full Meals • Flexible Menu• Real Dishes

• Real Silverware• Chafing Dishes

tiffany’sS A L O N & D AY S PA

Tiffany Medina, Owner/Cosmetologist/Beauty SpecialistJara Mendenhall, Cosmetologist/Beauty Specialist

Specializing in Updos, pedicures, manicures,artificial nails, facials, body waxing, massages & more! Call today to schedule an appointmentwith a beauty specialist!

217-268-3336

? @

Matt or Ken Gillespie(217) 345-6669 • Fax (217) 345-2410

634 Castle Drive • Northwest Business CenterCharleston, IL 61920

Free Loaner Cars

216 S. Vine St. • Arthur543-2822

Mon-Fri 8:30 - 5:00Sat 8:30 - 4:00

Anita Krutsinger • 25 Years Experience

Fresh or Silk Wedding Bouquets

Rental Items

Setup & Delivery (church & reception)

Bridal Consultation (call for an appointment)

ArthurFlower Shop

Arthur Flower Shop

We DeliverSmiles!

We will be glad to work with your budget!

jg-tc comdot

JOURNAL GAZETTE / TIMES-COURIER JANUARY 2011 — 11W E D D I N G P L A N N E R

Couples have many decisionsto make regarding their weddingceremony and reception. One ofthose decisions conerns trans-portation to and from the specialevent.

There are many options inwedding transportation. The moretraditional options include rentinga car or limousine. The BridalAssociation of America reportsthat the average couples spends$400 to $500 for an automotiverental. However, prices may varydepending on geography and thetype of vehicle rented.

Wedding transportation isperhaps something grooms-to-becan get excited about. After all,we’re talking about cars – somefancy, some large, and manydecked out with different fea-tures. Plus, it’s traditionally theresponsibility of the groom toarrange transportation to andfrom the ceremony, receptionand the hotel or honeymoon des-tination.

Grooms responsible forarranging transportation canconsider the following options.

• Limousine: A limo is one ofthe most traditional methods oftransport on a couple’s weddingday. A limousine’s size enablesthem to carry the bridal party inits entirety. Because the brideand groom often do not see eachother before the ceremony, twolimos may be rented, one largerfor the bridal party, and onesmaller for the bride and herparents, depending on personalpreference.

• Classic car: Sports carenthusiasts may want to makean entrance – and exit – behindthe wheel of a sporty vehicle.These can include a high-endFerrari or an Aston Martin.Because of their high purchaseprice, sports car rentals maycarry a premium.

• Stretch SUV: The tradition-al limo has morphed into thestretch SUV of popular models,including the Cadillac Escalade,Ford Expedition or even astretch Hummer. Because oftheir popularity, these rentalsmay be snatched up quickly. Besure to book well in advance of

the big day.• Party Bus: Many couples

are leaning toward a party busrental, which may be a single- ordouble-decker bus that can fitscores of people inside. These areparticularly attractive to coupleswith a very large bridal party, orthose who hope to begin the cele-bration even before reaching thereception hall.

• Horse-drawn carriage:Some couples truly want thefairytale feel on their weddingday. A horse-drawn carriage canevoke feelings of a Cinderella-type day. The carriage tends tobe best suited to warm weather.For winter weddings, a horse-drawn sleigh might make a bet-ter alternative.

• Motorcycle: Exciting cou-ples may want to ride off intothe sunset on the back of a road-ster or sports bike.

• Horses: Horses can haulmore than just a carriage. A brideand groom atop a handsomesteed can make for a memorablewedding transportation optionand equally memorable photos.

• Boat: Individuals gettingmarried by the sea or anotherbody of water may want to con-sider attending the festivitiesvia boat, be it a large vessel or amore intimate canoe or rowboat.

Wedding day transportationvaries depending on each cou-ple’s preference. Here are some

other things to keep in mindconcerning transportation.

• Be sure to have transporta-tion options at the ready forguests who may have over-

indulged on alcoholic beverages.• Wedding party participants

who arrived at the wedding by alimo or other source will need aride home somehow.

• Find out if a hotel nearbyoffers complementary trans-portation to and from the recep-tion hall.

Wedding day transportation options abound

Transportation to and from thewedding must be arranged inadvance of a couple’s big day.

You are cordially invited to the Cross County Mall’s

Cross County Mall Is Conveniently Located

at 700 Broadway East in MattoonWith Easy Access From I-57 On Rte. 16Exit West to 3rd. Stop light • North Side

Mall Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 AM - 9PM

Sunday Noon - 5 PM Some stores have extended hours.

JANUARY 23, 201112:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information contact:

Cindy Janssen • 217.235.3432

Find all you need to plan your big day, all in one place.

Come check out the many differentvendors with a full range of

products and services to make the wedding planning process easy.

• Photography • DJ Services• Vacation Specialists • Florists • Cake Decorators • Invitations

• Tuxedo Shops • Cosmetic Specialist • Carriage Companies • Limo Services

• Wedding Rental CompaniesAnd Many More!

217-345-2801303 W. Lincoln Ave.Charleston, IL 61920 Over the past few years Kristin had gained a lot of weight. She had tried swimming and jogging

but never kept it up. She found Curve’s strength-training and cardio circuit easy to stick with. Shealso enrolled in Curve’s 6-Week Solution and learned how to eat right. “My father is so proud ofme, but the best part is I’m proud of me!” Kristen lost 30 pounds and shrunk 25 inches.

*Free week may be redeemed on first visit or exchanged for special membership discount. Not valid withany other offer. Only at participating locations. New members only. ©2010 Curves International, Inc.

12 — JANUARY 2011 JOURNAL GAZETTTE / TIMES-COURIERW E D D I N G P L A N N E R

(MS) – Getting married canbe a full time job, especiallywhen it comes to deciding whatto register for wedding gifts. Aseemingly endless array ofkitchen products for cooking andentertaining can entice, but alsooverwhelm bridal couples. Togain confidence in choosing cook-ware and bakeware, two popularcategories for bridal gift reg-istries, Meyer Corporation, U.S.– the largest cookware companyin the nation – clarifies miscon-ceptions that can get in the wayof making a perfect match.

Stainless steel cookware isstronger than hard-anodized

aluminum cookware.Truth – Stainless steel is

stronger than plain aluminum.However, the process of anodiz-ing the aluminum changes themolecular structure of the metaland makes it twice as strong asstainless steel. As a result, hard-anodized aluminum cookwareoffers two key benefits: first,durability; and secondly, becausealuminum is a superior conduc-tor of heat, fast and even heat-ing with no hot spots to marcooking results.

Look for a heavy-gauge collec-tion for top cooking results andyears of enjoyment. AnolonAdvanced and Anolon AdvancedBronze are two gourmet choicesthat are top choices at bridalregistries, according to JaniceRassin, National Bridal Directorat Meyer Corporation, U.S.

I like the convenience ofnonstick cookware, but Ican’t use it in the oven.Truth – Many people mistak-

enly believe that nonstick cook-ware is designed only for stove-top use, when in fact there arenumerous quality collectionsthat are oven-safe upwards to500 degrees Fahrenheit. Ele-gantly crafted Anolon NouvelleCopper and Infinite Circulon aretwo gourmet nonstick collectionswith stainless steel handles andlids that are oven-safe to 500degrees. Nonstick cookware with

handles made of a combinationof stainless steel and silicone,such as Anolon Advanced andCirculon Contempo, are ovensafe to 400 degrees. The additionof silicone provides a comfort-able and secure grip.

I love the performance ofclad metal cookware,

but it’s so heavy.Truth – Pro-style clad cook-

ware is constructed with a coreof fast-heating aluminum or cop-per sandwiched between twolayers of gleaming stainlesssteel. As a result, the pans aretypically heavier and can be dif-ficult to manage. Fortunately forthe avid cook, there are now twoinnovatively designed collectionsthat are significantly lighter andmore agile without compromis-ing on cooking results. AnolonUltra Clad and KitchenAidArchitect Clad are premium cladcollections with an inner core ofthick aluminum permanentlybonded to stainless steel on theinside and outside. To make thepans lighter, a portion of theexterior stainless steel has beenstripped away and replaced witha decorative finish – a classicblack band for Anolon UltraClad, and an elegant taupeshade, called "coco metallic," forKitchenAid Architect Clad. Both

collections are easier to handle,and quite stylish, too.

Cookware with metal handles will get hot during stovetop use.

Truth – Solid metal handlesdo have a tendency to retainheat and can make handling onthe stovetop a safety issue. Lookfor gourmet cookware designedwith hollow cast stainless steelhandles, which deter heat fromtraveling from the pan to thehandle to keep them cool to thetouch. Options include AnolonNouvelle Copper and InfiniteCirculon. Other styles of handlescombine hollow cast stainlesssteel with silicone for additionalheat resistance as well as a soft-er touch to enhance comfort.Among the most popular collec-tions with silicone handles areAnolon Advanced and AnolonAdvanced Bronze with their sig-nature SureGrip handles.

Nonstick cookware is usuallygrey or black, and I wantmore color in my kitchen.Truth – Fashionable gourmet

nonstick collections that popwith color include top-registrychoice Anolon Advanced Bronze,and the newly launched Circu-lon Elite Platinum. Both collec-tions are crafted from heavy

gauge, hard-anodized aluminumfor excellent heat conductivityand durability. Anolon AdvancedBronze gets its warm bronzetone from colored bronze non-stick on both the inside and out-side of the pan. The siliconeenhanced handles and lids arealso designed in bronze tomatch. Circulon Elite Platinumis similarly styled with a stun-ning platinum silver colorednonstick on the exterior, andmatching platinum colored sili-cone and stainless steel handlesand lids.

Besides adding a lovely touchto kitchen decors, and making itpossible to bring the cookwarestraight from the oven to thetable, the nonstick finish on theoutside of the pans helps to keepthe cookware stain-free and

looking great."Bridal couples are more

sophisticated than ever, andenjoy having stylish color choic-es in cookware that not onlyadds interest to their kitchendecor, but allows them the time-saving benefits of oven to tablepresentation," says Rassin.

It’s difficult to find pots and pans suitable for

induction burners.Truth – For the forward-

thinking cook who wants to usetoday’s state-of-the-art, energy-efficient induction burners,options in induction-suitablemagnetic cookware are gettingbrighter. Meyer Corporation,U.S. is keeping up with this newand emerging kitchen trend by

Choosing cookware with confidenceDispelling misconceptions for perfect match at bridal registries

www.haddenjewelry.com

Banquet Rooms FREEWhen Your Party Orders

From Our Menu!

RECEPTIONS • REHEARSAL DINNERS

1810 Charleston AvenueMattoon • 234-4535

Little MexicoAmerican Grille & Cantina

Serving the area since 1991

Proposals/Special EveningsBachelor/Bachelorette PartyOut of town guests

WeddingsAnniversariesAirport Transportation

Charter Bus and Limousine Service

800 BALES08 • 217-868-9998

47-55 Passenger 8-20 Passenger

www.bales08.com • bales@mcswireless.net

1000 Lakeland Blvd. Mattoon 235-1142TJ’S ON HAIR

Wedding Hair Specialistincluding Ethnic Hair

Let Us Create The Perfect Look For Your Big DayWe also provide manicures & pedicures

to complete your look

Hall Rental Available atStewardson Community Center

• Weddings • Birthdays

• Family & Class Reunions• Anniversaries • Stag Parties

Seats 400 or can be divided to seat 150 in smaller room and 250 in larger room.

Includes Full Kitchen

For Information or to ReserveCall Candy Kesslerat 217-682-3823

See cookware page 13

JOURNAL GAZETTE / TIMES-COURIER JANUARY 2011 — 5W E D D I N G P L A N N E R

By: DIANA MARSZALEKFor The Associated Press

You’d be hard pressed to finda bride who doesn’t make flow-ers, centerpieces and tableclothsa priority when it comes to cre-ating a certain mood for thewedding.

But talk to wedding lightingdesigner Bentley Meeker —whose clients have includedChelsea Clinton and CatherineZeta Jones — and he’ll tell youthat simple tricks, such aschanging the color of light bulbs,can create the desired ambiancemore effectively then roses andfancy tablecloths ever could.

“Wedding lighting is reallyabout what people are alwaystrying to do with their weddings,which is to create a certain vibeand atmosphere,” the New YorkCity lighting pro said.

“Say you’re going to do a wed-ding in your office, and you bringin flowers and the tables andyou still have fluorescent light-ing,” he said. “It will look likeyour office decorated for a wed-ding.

“But if I came in and lit theoffice and didn’t do any otherdecorations, we would havetransformed that space.”

Diann Valentine, a Los Ange-les wedding designer and experton the cable station WeddingCentral, agreed that lighting

should top brides’ decorating pri-ority lists because it “allows usto program the mood of anevent.”

That might mean changingthe intensity of light throughouta wedding—dimmer for cock-tails, brighter for dinner, forexample—or using it to com-pletely change the feel of a room.

Rainer Flor, who married wifeCandice last month at singerGloria Estefan’s Costa d’Este inVero Beach, Fla., said lightingeffects enhanced the “Miamichic” atmosphere they were look-ing for. With floor lights andstrategically placed LED lights,he said, the room, right off thebeach, “looked almost like anaquarium.”

Central Florida weddingplanner Karry Castillo, whohelped design the Flors’ wed-ding, said effects can range fromsimple spotlights on particularroom features or decorations, tolighting motifs and patterns onwalls, floors and ceilings.

In addition, lighting effectscan be relatively inexpensive,anywhere from a few hundreddollars to thousands, dependingon complexity.

“In many ways, lighting notonly enhances the elements youhave in place, but it can alsogive you a lot more bang for thedollar too,” Castillo said.

Meeker is particularly fond of

using pink and amber lightbulbs, though he warns thatthose colors must be used cau-tiously (“There is ugly amber”).Dimmed incandescent light isanother of his favorites.

Particularly in closed rooms,he said, use lighting that’sappropriate for the setting—fix-tures that can be absorbed into,rather than take over, the largersetting.

“It has to look beautiful sowhen the guests walk in theylose their breath,” Meeker said.

Make sure light isn’t so glar-ing—or dark—that it distorts ordistracts from the weddingparty.

And choose soft, flatteringcolors to create a serene atmos-phere, particularly by quellingstrong lights. “Lighting canchange so much that people real-ly feel good about themselves,”Meeker said.

Meeker sometimes workswith crews 120 strong, andcharges anywhere from $4,000to $500,000 to custom light awedding. But there is plentythat brides and wedding plan-ners with more limited resourcescan do quite simply, he said.

One cost-free suggestion: Dimthe lights.

“If you want to transform aspace, you put everything ondimmers,” he said.

Meeker says he dims lightssomewhat darker than you’dexpect (“Your eye adjusts”);whether you can see your shoesand laces clearly is a goodbarometer or whether you’ve hitit right.

Other wise advice: “Ask yourmother or mother-in-law-to-be,and if it’s not too dark for her,there’s your atmosphere.”

Meeker also suggests thisfairly inexpensive trick: Usesmall spotlights (about $30 each,he said) to highlight architectur-al or decorative features aroundthe wedding space.

Lighting can transform a wedding space

This undated photo courtesy of wedding lighting designer Bentley Meekershows lighting designed by Meeker at the wedding of Melissa Rivers at NewYork’s Plaza Hotel. “Wedding lighting is really about what people are alwaystrying to do with their weddings, which is to create a certain vibe and atmos-phere,” the New York City lighting pro said. (AP Photo/Bentley Meeker)

SmithWedding

1-888-471-SIGNSIGNS • BANNERS

NEON • DIRECTIONALS1003 Madison Ave.

Charleston, IL

Sign Appeal

www.paapautobody.comCertified

Owner: Tim Paap

Tim Paap and Crew are dedicated to continuous training and recertification in all aspectsof auto body repair. Every year brings new automotive models which may require newupdated repair procedures. It’s Paap Auto Body’s commitment to stay current with thesechanges to provide all our customers the new standard of excellence!

• Setting the new standard for excellence!Conveniently located just 5 minutes from Mattoon andCharleston. On the corner of Rt. 316 and Loxa Road.

(217) 345-5301

Downtown Diner

234-7770 1626 Broadway • Mattoon

Catering at your location or ours!

Call Now to Reserve Your Date for Your Wedding

or Rehearsal Dinner

Now Serving Breakfast all day!!! From This Day ForwardBridal , Formal & Pageant Wear Shoppe

Emily Reynolds, OwnerPh. 618-245-2277

204 N. Carlton St.Farina, IL 62838

Bridal Gowns, Tuxedo Rental, Bridesmaids Dresses,Flower Girl Dresses, Bridal Accessories,

Prom & Pageant Wear

4 — JANUARY 2011 JOURNAL GAZETTTE / TIMES-COURIERW E D D I N G P L A N N E R

By: SAMANTHA CRITCHELLAP Fashion Writer

NEW YORK (AP) There’ssomething romantic about theidea of a vintage wedding dress,with the wonderful stories itcould tell. Maybe there’d besome delicate lace, too, or exqui-site siren-worthy satin.

Reality, though, isn’t alwaysso pretty.

Some vintage dresses arethose perfect gowns you dreamof, says Mark Ingram, CEO andcreative director of Manhattan’sMark Ingram Bridal Atelier, butothers are too costume-y, toodated or, more likely, simply ill-fitting.

“You can reach back to somevintage eras and look as contem-porary as buying a new dress.But,” he says, “you have to con-sider your figure first and fore-most. If the dress isn’t flatteringto your figure type, just don’t godown the road.”

Cameron Silver, owner of theLos Angeles couture vintageshop Decades, suggests thesequestions to ask — frankly — ofyourself:

Do you need to wear a bra?Do you have a boyish figure? Anhourglass shape?What aboutyour hips? All of these, he says,are factors in buying any wed-ding gown, but particularlythose meant to fit women of pre-vious generations.

Silver, a resource for Holly-wood red-carpet looks, alsowarns that finding a pristinewhite vintage dress can be hard,and that a good vintage dress, ifit’s not an heirloom, can be moreexpensive than you’d think.Even with your grandmother’sdress, there could be priceyalterations.

“Don’t do this because youthink it’s the easy way out, orthat it’ll be cheaper,” addsIngram. “You have to want it —you have to want to have thislook.”

But if you do find that idealgown from yesteryear, Silversays, it’s a magical moment. Heonce sold a full Chantilly lacewedding gown by Chanel. “Itwas such a thrill,” he says.

There was a more recentOlivier Theyskens for Rochasgown that practically broughttears to his eyes.

(If you find a keeper, be readyto buy it right away — no waver-ing — because there’s not anoth-er one stuck in some inventorycloset.)

If you’re partial to embroi-dery, look at gowns from the1920s-’30s, while sultry, satingowns come out of the ‘40s.Women with a full bust mightlook to the curvier ‘50s silhou-ette, says Ingram, WE TV’s“gown guru,” while mini-dressesof the ‘60s are cool, yet hard topull off unless the event is casu-al or the bride prides herself anindividualist.

Silver says that’s usually thecase with those who wear vin-tage. “This bride doesn’t want tolook like everyone else.”

Still, you can hit contempo-rary fashion trends. Somethingfrom the ‘70s, a little bohemianbut sexy, too, is probably thehippest look going.

The period to stay away fromis, no surprise, the ‘80s, with itsoversize pouffy shoulders andtapered sleeves. “Right now, the‘80s looks so dated. Yes, 20-30years back is ‘vintage,’ but ifyou’re going back, that’s a badperiod to dip into. No ‘Dynasty,’not even Princess Diana,”Ingram says. “There could be abig trend back to the ‘80s if Kate(Middleton) wore it, but I can’timagine that. It’s too big. Theproportion was too big, and itwouldn’t look modern now.”

A bride’s goal often is a time-less look, since the photos will

hopefully last a lifetime, buteach era still has its signature,says Michael Shettel, designer ofbridal brand Alfred Angelo. Youmight be best off with a classicsilhouette, while adjustingembellishments and details tocurrent tastes, he suggests.

Wedding-gown trends don’tswing as quickly as ready-to-wear fashion, he explains: Ofcourse, white always dominatesthe market and the overall vibeis fancy, but when you line themup, you’ll see differences in thesize and types of pearls andbeads, changes in popular lacepatterns, hemlines going up anddown.

“You want to make it yourown, while still honoring whoev-er wore a vintage dress before. ...Maybe you’d like to make it a lit-tle more low-cut, a little more

fitted, maybe give it a fullerskirt,” Shettel says.

He also borrows from thepast for new gowns. The tight-bodice, tea-length ballgown,which “Mad Men” helped bringback in style, seems very fresh,Shettel says, and the asymmetri-cal neckline remains popular.

Ingram says the best of both

worlds might be vintage or vin-tage-inspired accessories on anew dress. “Add a fur piece — ashrug or a stole — and it looksvintage, even if it’s new, whichprobably means a better fit. Thelook could be 1910 or 2010,” hesays.

He also likes to add a beadedbelt or sash, which also can givethe illusion of a small waist, andcarries that retro feel.

There’s no reason, though, togo back in time for your beautyroutine.

“If you do a vintage weddingdress, your accessories, hair andmakeup have to be incrediblymodern,” says Decades’ Silver.“You don’t want to be the brideof Frankenstein. If the dresslooks ‘period,’ you have to playagainst it in your styling —unless you have a Renaissancetheme, and who does that?”

Do vintage because you love it, not to cut corners

This Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010 photo shows lace and beading contribute tothe vintage look of this Monique Lhuillier wedding dress at Mark IngramBridal Atelier in New York. Some brides like the idea of a vintage or vin-tage-inspired wedding gown. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

ALSO, WITH 6 PAIDTUXEDO RENTALS, BRIDE & GROOMGET 1 WEEK TANNINGFREE

Groom’s Tuxedo is FREE

with 6 Paid Tuxedo Rentals

1000 Lakeland BlvdMattoon

235-1142

Most Tuxedo RentalsComplete with Shoes

$95

Get YourWeddingDay LookWith Us

Just

TJ’S ON HAIRTJ’S ON HAIRTJ’S ON HAIR

We Cater Wedding Receptions

And Wedding Rehearsal Dinners

Call Or Stop By Today!

YourPerfect Day

800 CHARLESTON AVE., MATTOON, ILPHONE/FAX (217) 235-3731

GATEWAY LIQUORSBEVERAGE CATERING

Bartenders, Equipment Rentalsand much more...

“Home of the Famous Frozen Drink Machines”For more information please contact

Carl or Ashly Wolff at

(217) 345-9722Gateway Liquors

102 Lincoln Ave., Charleston, IL

Flowers by Debbie

Artistic ExpressionsWhere A Dream Becomes Reality

134 E. 6th St.Neoga, IL 62447

217-895-2822www.flowersbydebbie.com

Artistic ExpressionsWhere A Dream Becomes Reality

Flowers by Debbie

Your WeddingYour Way

Personal Training

By Leslie Allen• Personal Fitness Training

• One-On-One Programs To Suit Your Needs!

By Appointment Only

217-276-3362Mattoon • leslojay@yahoo.com

jg-tc comdot

expanding its collections ofinduction-suitable pots andpans. The current assortmentincludes something to satisfyevery single style preference,cooking habit and price point. Atthe premium level, Anolon Nou-velle Copper features a patenteddesign that includes a uniquebase of magnetic stainless steelwith an inner core of fast-heat-ing aluminum and highlyresponsive copper for optimumcontrol and cooking results.Unbeatable for versatility andconvenience, Infinite Circulon ishard-anodized nonstick cook-ware that is both dishwasher-safe and induction-ready. Pro-style home cooks who want touse clad metal cookware canchoose between KitchenAidArchitect Clad, Anolon ChefClad or Anolon Ultra Clad, threecollections that are also dish-washer-safe. Other induction-ready and dishwasher-safe

options at moderate price pointsinclude the newly launchedKitchenAid Gourmet StainlessSteel.

It’s hard to find bakewarethat will match nicely with

my cookware collection.Truth – "It is possible to have

a cohesive look in your kitchenwith bakeware that beautifullycomplements the design of yourcookware," says Rassin. For cou-ples who have registered forAnolon Advanced or AnolonAdvanced Bronze Cookware,Rassin points to the availabilityof similarly styled bakeware col-lections with silicone grips onside rims in matching hues. BothAnolon Advanced Bakewarewith Silicone Grips and AnolonBronze Bakeware with SiliconeGrips are made of heavy weightcarbon steel that heats up quick-ly and evenly, and resists bend-ing and warping. The durablenonstick finish on both theinside and outside of each piece

makes clean up a snap, andmaintains the "good as new"look of the bakeware for longer.

Bakeware sets are not readi-ly available for bridal reg-istries and wedding gifts. Truth – While it’s true that

the majority of bakeware prod-ucts are sold in open stock, thereis a growing assortment of con-veniently packaged, gift-readysets. In honor of its 25thanniversary, Circulon offers twodifferent 3-Piece Bakeware Setsat the special anniversary priceof $25.00. One of the anniver-sary sets combines two 10x15-inch cookie pans with a coolingrack, and the other one pairstwo round 9-inch cake pans anda cooling rack. For a more com-plete set, brides can register forthe Anolon Bronze Bakeware’s5-Piece Set, which includes two9-inch round cake pans, the 9x9-inch cake pan, the 14x16-inchcookie sheet, and a generouslysized cooling rack.

Nonstick bakeware will over-brown delicate baked goods.

Truth – Dark colored non-stick bakeware does have a ten-dency to over-brown delicatesweets, such as cookies. You canadjust the oven to a lower tem-perature, or avoid the problementirely by registering for non-stick cookware featuring lighterhues to slow down the absorp-tion of heat in the oven. As itsname implies, Anolon BronzeBakeware with Silicone Grips

has a lighter bronze nonstickfinish on both the inside andoutside to prevent over-brown-ing. An even lighter choice isCirculon Bakeware with a silvercolored, durable nonstick insideand out.

I need to register for separate sets of tools for

cooking and serving.

Truth – Functional kitchentools can be well designed fordual cooking and serving pur-poses. According to Rassin,"Brides assume that a kitchentool will be too utilitarian-look-ing to work in the dining room.However, there are tools prettyenough for double-duty, which isbetter for budgeting and conven-ience." Anolon, for example, pro-vides elegantly styled anddurable kitchen tools that echothe design of cookware collec-tions, and make a pleasing pres-

JOURNAL GAZETTE / TIMES-COURIER JANUARY 2011 — 13W E D D I N G P L A N N E R

When You’re Ready for the Best!

Wedding Receptions Rehearsal DinnersBridal Breakfasts

Our Place or Yours!We have seating for up to 120 or we can cater any size

event at your location.

Call for Details 345-7427409-7th Street Charleston

www.whatscookin.info

Catering

Surrey withfringed top,

Wagons, Sleigh

White & Royal Blue Vis-à-Vis Carriage

JEFF AND CATHIE REYNOLDS, OWNERS

Ashmore, IL 217- 349-8989

JC Double-Tree Farm Carriages

Weddings, Anniversaries, Special Events

Sherri Branson, Agent612 Charleston AvenueMattoon, IL 61938Bus: 217-234-6467sherri.branson.hqau@statefarm.com

I Now Pronounce You...Insured

Auto Home Health Life

Skin DeepSpa & Clinic

� Facial Treatments � Waxing � Massage �� Body Treatments � Pedicures � Manicures

� Tanning & Spray Tanning �� Bachelorette Parties � Couples Massages �

� Gift Certificates Available �

322 E. Main � Shelbyville, IL(217) 774-3337

Amish Crafted FurnitureHours: Mon-Sat 9-5

Closed Sundays

217-268-3355888-268-3355

468 E. Springfield Rd. Arcola, IL 61910

Movin’ & Groovin’DJ Services

Mattoon, IL217-234-8294www.movinandgroovindjservices.com

Let Us Bring BeautifulMusic To Your Wedding

Professional DJ Services

Cookware from page 12

Left to right: KitchenAid Architect 10-Piece Set; Anolon Advanced Bronze4.5 Quart Tapered Stockpot; Circulon 25th Anniversary Bakeware Set;Anolon Nouvelle Copper 4-Quart Casserole; Anolon Advanced 10-PieceSet; Anolon Ultra Clad 4-Quart Dutch Oven

See cookware page 15

Weddings are supposed tobe joyous events, which canmake it difficult to honor thedeceased. Doing so in a waythat does not compromise theupbeat mood of the event canprove quite a challenge toprospective brides and grooms.But there are many ways cou-ples can honor a deceased fam-ily member at their ceremony.

• Display pictures of thedeceased with the weddingcouple so that the memory ofthese people can be part of thefestivities.

• Set up a table with a spe-cial floral arrangement andphoto with a placard thatstates, “In memory of ...”

• Wear a piece of clothing orjewelry that belonged to thedeceased. Cufflinks from afather or a veil from a mother.

• Ask the pastor or officiantto specifically mention thedeceased in the wedding cere-mony and offer a specialprayer in that person’s name.

• Add a memoriam line tothe end of the wedding pro-gram. “Today we honor MarySmith, aunt of the bride whocould not be with us today.”

• Dedicate a special songduring the reception in theperson’s name.

• A bride who will not beable to walk down the aislewith her father can choose to

do so with her mother oranother relative and carrysomething that belonged to herfather.

• Set up a photo slide showthat includes photos of thedeceased. Choose poignant butupbeat music so that themoment is not overly somber.

• Light a candle at the cere-mony for the deceased relative.

• Leave an empty chair andplace setting at the receptionfor the person who could not bethere.

• Display something thatsymbolizes the person at thewedding, such as a flag for a

deceased veteran or an itemthat represents the person’sfavorite hobby.

There are many ways toremember a special loved oneat a wedding without bringingdown the mood of the event.

Respectful ways to honor a deceased family member

There are many traditionsfor weddings that can betraced back thousands of yearsto early civilization. Oneenduring tradition is to throwrice at the newly betrothed.For the safety of birds andother animal life, rice has beenswitched to birdseed in recenttimes.

Some wedding traditionsare based on very real needs ofancient times. Others arebased on superstitions orexisting etiquette at the timethey were initially practiced.Throwing rice remains a time-less tradition that many cou-

ples still enjoy.Everyone attending the

wedding gets to participate inthrowing rice, or whatever isbeing used in lieu of rice, be itbirdseed, confetti or even bub-bles. Couples can even borrowfrom traditions in other coun-tries. In France, people throwwheat, a symbol of bounty,after the ceremony. Italianstoss candy and sugared nutsover couples, for sweetness inmarriage.

Rice was traditionally usedto symbolize fertility and pros-perity. Wheat was also verymuch used in ancient wedding

ceremonies for the same rea-sons. When guests threw riceat the bride and groom at awedding, they were symbolical-ly wishing them a lifetime fullof children and good fortune.Some cultures even ate a mealof rice before the wedding toguarantee further prosperity.

Different cultures have longharbored different perspec-tives on throwing rice. Someeven believed it fed the evilspirits that, though uninvited,crashed the wedding. It wasthought that well-fed spiritswould not wreak havoc on thehappy day.

Rice and wheat were alsothought to represent virginityand wholesomeness by some. Avirginal bride used to wearwhite and carried a stalk ofwheat. Single women rushedafter the bride hoping to get afew pieces of rice so they wouldbe the next person to walkdown the aisle.

Despite its foundation insuperstition, throwing rice hasremained a staple of weddingstoday.

Tradition of throwing rice at weddings14 — JANUARY 2011 JOURNAL GAZETTTE / TIMES-COURIERW E D D I N G P L A N N E R

what dreams are made of

Everything You’ll Need ForYour Fairytale Wedding

We offer new & pre-owned bridal fashions & services at a

fraction of retail prices

Discounted Bridal Services

• Tuxedo• Bridal Gowns/Veils• Bridesmaid &

Flower Girl Dresses• Accessories

Gown Fittings by Appointment Only905 Broadway Mattoon, IL

217-235-2525

We also offer rental on:

N U R T U R I N G T O U C H

MAS SAG E• Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Pregnancy and Therapeutic

Massage.• 2 locations • Flexible Hours

Jennifer Harp NCTMB, CEIM, Licensed Massage Therapist217-259-2762 • www.jenniferharplmt.com

Massage therapy by a qual i f ied profess ional is theper fect way to re l ieve s t ress and pain, ass is t in themanagement o f ch ron ic cond i t i ons, and p romote aheal thy overa l l sense of wel l -be ing.

$ 5 o f f w i t h a d

SPECIALIZING IN BRIDAL HAIRSTYLES& WEDDING HAIR UPDOS

Wanting That “Extra Glow” On Your Wedding Day?We Have Spray Tans That Give You “Flawless Sun Kissed Skin”

1625 18TH STCHARLESTON

348-1138Tues Wed THUR 8 am - 7 pm

Fri 8 am - 5 pm • Sat 9 am - 2 pm

INCLUDES:Facial Waxing, Manicure, Pedicure,Hair Color, Tanning, Formal Updos

and Hair Styling. Owner Terri Skinnerhas over 20 years experience.

Come in to ‘Z’s Hair Design for the total bride-to-be makeover!

212 6th St., Charleston(217) 345-5451

Destination Specialist

Honeymoon & Wedding

SeirraTravelseirratravel@gmail.com

217-294-0916www.seirratravel.com

jg-tc com Jdot

JOURNAL GAZETTE / TIMES-COURIER JANUARY 2011 — 3W E D D I N G P L A N N E R

By: MONICA RHORFor The Associated Press

Jessica Alexander’s weddingwas everything she had envi-sioned: a private gathering byher summer house on an Iowalake. There was a pink and pur-ple color scheme, a butterflymotif, and a dessert bar ratherthan a full meal.

And, wearing a short periwin-kle dress designed “to show offher legs,” was Alexander’s minis-ter and bridesmaid, Anna-Megan Raley, a close friend whowas ordained online specificallyto perform the ceremony.

Raley, a blogger for the Hous-ton Chronicle, didn’t even knowshe had been ordained untilAlexander and her mothersprang the news at the bridalshower. They had already paid a$25 fee and filled out a formwith her name and address,making her the Rev. Raley.

“I thought it was a joke. I’msure that I put it on Facebookand Twitter,” said Raley. “But Ihad heard about people gettingordained to perform weddings.So, I said: ‘Sure, I’d love to.’”

Nontraditional? Perhaps.A growing trend? Definitely.More and more engaged cou-

ples are turning to friends orfamily members to perform theirwedding ceremony. They say it ismore personal, relatively stress-free and cheaper.

It is also surprisingly fastand simple.

Getting ordained requires lit-tle more than finding an onlineministry that performs ordina-tions, and filling out a shortform with your name and

address. Some websites requirea nominal fee for paperwork;others don’t charge anything.

Prospective brides andgrooms should look into the web-site and local marriage laws,however, to make sure the cere-mony would be valid. Althoughonline ordinations are generallyrecognized, laws vary widelyfrom state to state, sometimesfrom county to county. Somestates require ministers to regis-

ter after they are ordained. InLouisiana, parishes ask for a let-ter of good standing from thechurch, while Las Vegas requiresa four-page application andbackground check.

Last year, about one in sevenweddings were performed by afriend of the couple, according toThe Wedding Report, a researchfirm.

Andre Hensley, president ofthe non-denominational Univer-sal Life Church, which has beenissuing ordination credentialssince 1962, believes more cou-ples are turning to friendsbecause of the Internet, whichmakes the process easier, andbecause of many people’s lack ofaffiliation with a church.

“I’ve gone to weddings wherethe ministers didn’t know thecouple or anything about them.It didn’t have a special feeling,”said Hensley, who estimates thathis church has ordained 18 mil-lion people. About 3,000 to 5,000are ordained every month, anumber that has steadilyincreased over the last 10 years,Hensley said.

It takes about 24 hours forthe church to process an ordina-tion request, all of which arereviewed by a live person, hesaid.

Janis Jones, a 27-year-oldChicago nurse, asked her oldersister to perform her weddingthis June.

“Neither of us belong to achurch, and we liked the idea ofincorporating prayers and thereligious aspect into the ceremo-ny, but we didn’t want to be mar-ried by someone we don’t knowat all and who didn’t know us,”

said Jones, who has been datingher fiance, Eric Strand, for sixyears.

The couple turned to Jones’sister, Vicky Rappatta, who hasbeen happily married for 10years, has a background in writ-ing and had always been a moth-erly figure to her younger sib-ling.

“I was so honored and somoved that they wanted me tobe such a huge part of their wed-ding. Now, I’m getting terrified,”joked Rappatta, who plans towrite an original wedding prayerfor the couple.

Rappatta said she researchedthe legality of the ordinationprocess, including checking withthe county where her sister willbe getting her marriage license.

“The last thing I wanted to dowas get a fake ordination,” saidRappatta, who got her creden-tials from American MarriageMinistries, whose website boasts“over 10,000 marriages per-formed!”

Kirsten Nichols, whose Octo-ber wedding was performed byher husband’s cousin, asked aco-worker who is an ordained

minister to be on hand at theservice—just in case.

“If you find out after the factthat you are not legally married,it can definitely put a damper onthings,” said Nichols, who livesin Montgomery County, Md.

Nichols, who is Christian, andher husband, who was raisedMuslim, wanted a spiritual cere-mony that would “focus on uscoming together under God, noton the fact that we are of twodifferent faiths.”

At Alexander’s lakeside wed-ding in Iowa, her minister-bridesmaid Raley also served aspersonal attendant, and helpeddecorate for the reception—all ofwhich lent an air of comfort andfamiliarity to the ceremony.

“It helped that she was theone standing up there for us,”said Alexander, a fourth-gradeteacher who lives in Rockwell,Texas, outside Dallas. “I would-n’t have wanted it any otherway.”

Friend, will you marry us? Online ordinations rise

Anna-Megan Raley, who wasordained online specifically to per-form a wedding ceremony for aclose friend, poses Tuesday, Dec. 7,2010 in Houston. More and moreengaged couples are turning tofriends or family members to per-form their wedding ceremony. Theysay it is more personal, relativelystress-free and cheaper. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

FULL SERVICE CATERING

FULL COURSE MEALSHOT or COLD BUFFETS

L IGHT LUNCHES

FANTAST IC DESSERTSHORS D’OEUVRES FULL SERV ICE BAR

AND MORE

For the most memorable day of your life, you need a most memorable meal for your guests.

235-1200Rt. 16 & I-57Mattoon

Delivery & Service or Pick Up

www.codysroadhouse.com

Let Us Help You Plan That Special Event for All Occasions

M-Th 9-6 • F 9-7 • Sat 9-4 • Sun 12-41104 S. Banker • Effingham

217-347-2222 • www.partyworx.bizYOUR PARTY SUPPLY STORE!

20% OffCake Tops,

Unity Candles,Flower Girl Baskets

Thru Feb 2011

25% OffCustom Ordered

Invitations

Thru Feb 2011

20% OffGuest Books &

Ring BearerPillows

Thru Feb 2011

Custom Engraving Now AvailableMugs • Glasses • Memorial Vases • Knives • Servers

• Custom & Stock Invitations • Cake Tops • Unity Candles • Pen Sets •• Large Selection Latex & Mylar Balloons • Tablecover & Skirting •

• Guest Books • Garters • Pew Bows/Decorations • Disposable Caterware • • Mints-Nuts • Theme Party Decorations • Custom Banners •

1609 BROADWAY MATTOONwww.ssminstruments.com

• Up lighting (Make your room the color you want)

• Free Consultation ($100 value)

• Digital Lighting• We specialize in weddings

(Area’s #1 choice for weddings!)

Special package rate for 2011!Call today! 258-8919

By: CARYN ROUSSEAUFor The Associated Press

With friends and familyheaded to her California wed-ding from all over, bride-to-beCarrie Shields decided onlineorganization was key.

“Really the wedding websitewas one of the first things wedid,” the 32-year-old public rela-tions director from San Diegosaid. Shields is marrying fianceR.J. Jones, 36, who was born andraised in Wales. Their April wed-ding in Napa Valley comes fouryears after they met throughfriends.

“I knew people were going tohave a lot of questions aboutwhat to do and how to get there,”Shields said. “I wanted to makeit fun and personal. I kind ofjumped right on things becausepeople were traveling so far.”

Wedding experts at The-Knot.com and its partner Wed-dingChannel.com say this year’sannual survey found 64 percentof brides now have a website toshare details with guests about

ceremony and reception logis-tics, registry information andtravel accommodations. Webcompanies exist that allow cou-ples to host wedding sites forfree while others charge a fee foraccess to fancier templates andtools.

The page Shields created hasa personal and creative flair. Itfeatures a blue and orangeframe with a brown background.The happy couple smile frombehind sunglasses on a beach. Acounter below them lets visitorsknow it’s “151 days until ourwedding!”

“A lot of the people comingover, they’ve never been toAmerica,” Shields said. “I’mgoing to add a little bit aboutthings to do in San Francisco,trying to take the guess workout of it.”

Experts at WeddingWire.comrecommend that couples launchtheir website at least six monthsbefore the wedding date to giveguests as much information asearly as possible. That allowsenough time to make travel

arrangements. WeddingWirealso offers other online tools,including a program that letsguests RSVP directly from thewebsite.

Carley Roney, editor andfounder of TheKnot.com, saidher site and WeddingChan-nel.com together host more than

500,000 wedding websites forcouples.

“It’s a simple, easy way ofcommunication,” Roney said.“It’s really like going to the web-site for a restaurant or a concertevent. Everything is in oneplace.”

That’s why more wedding

website addresses are appearingin fancy fonts on the bottom ofprinted invitations.

“You’re going to want to givethe same information youalways needed to have on aninvitation: the name, location,time of event,” Roney said. Butthings like dress code or babysit-ting services can be saved for thewebsite.

Some sites let couples uploadmusic or an audio track of theirvoices, video, animated graphics,or polls asking guests whatsongs to play or which appetiz-ers to serve.

To personalize her website,Shields added a “glossary” ofWelsh and American words, andphotos of the 20-member wed-ding party.

Couples who choose Wed-dingChannel.com to host theirwebsites can choose from tem-plates by high-fashion designerslike Oscar de la Renta, MoniqueLhuillier and Vera Wang.

“You still want to make theinvestment in it to make ituniquely you,” Roney said. “Justlike you do on the wedding day.”

Roney offers three tips forsetting up a wedding website:

1 – Don’t assume your audi-ence is only younger friends, andremember your etiquette. “Youwant to keep things ‘weddingand older people friendly,’”Roney said. “You don’t want togo on and on forever. You don’twant to put things like, ‘pleaseship our gifts to.’ Some of the eti-quette that is wrong for weddinginvitations is wrong for this too.To be making specific demandsof your guests isn’t appropriate.”

2 – Include your registryinformation. According to The-Knot.com and WeddingChan-nel.com survey, about 61 percentof guests find out where a coupleis registered from their weddingwebsite—a figure that hasgrown from 47 percent in 2008.“It really is becoming theabsolute de facto way thatguests are going to find outwhere you’re registered,” Roneysaid. “It used to be that brideswere worried it was tacky, butit’s simply not tacky. It’s how it’sdone now.”

3 – Get the word out. Don’tjust create and publish the web-site and assume everyone knowsit exists. “Send the informationdirectly to your guests,” some-times more than once, Roneysaid. “You can’t assume thatsomething you put on your web-site was acknowledged by all.”

2 — JANUARY 2011 JOURNAL GAZETTTE / TIMES-COURIERW E D D I N G P L A N N E R

More brides informing guests with wedding websites

This Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010 shows Carrie Shields as she updates her wed-ding web site at her home in San Diego. With friends and family headedto California from around the country and the United Kingdom for herupcoming wedding, Shields knew online organization was key. (APPhoto/Denis Poroy)

100 Broadway Ave • Mattoon, IL 61938(217) 235-5656

Publisher: Carl WalworthAdvertising Director: Tammy Jordan

Connie Anderson, Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6828Shannon Davis, Senior Sales Consultant, Mattoon . . . . .238-6831Patti Phillips, Auto & Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6832Melody Parks, Mattoon/Sullivan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6837John Leonard, Mattoon/Arthur/Effingham . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6838Alicia Roberts, Charleston/Arcola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6834

Graphics: Tara D’Arcy, Rhiannon Kupferer & Susan YoungOnline: Michelle Rappuhn

Cover Photos:susan m. gano-young digital photography

Advertising: To place a display advertisement,

call (217) 238-6835 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdaysor email advertising@jg-tc.com

To place classified advertising, call 238-6828 or 345-7085 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

WeddingPlanner

Midwest Mobile StagesXpress Rentals

Arcola, IL1-800-768-6948

paulh@midwestmobilestages.com

• PA Systems, Wireless Microphones

• Dance Floors, Stages• Special Lighting

• Linens, Tables, Chairs• Concert Services for Bands• DJ Services• Tents

KERSTIN SOPKEAssociated Press

AMBERG, Germany (AP) Couples who spend their weddingnight at the tiny Eh’haeusl in Amberg will live happily ever afterand never get divorced, at least according to an old legend told bythe locals of this medieval town in Bavaria.

Now newylweds who want to test the legend can do so in luxury.The 282-year-old Eh’haeusl, a Bavarian expression for “marriagehouse,” was recently renovated and turned into a five-star hotel. It’sso tiny that the entire building can only be rented out by one couple

at a time, and its owners claim it’s the smallest hotel in the world.The red building on Seminargasse in the town’s historical old city

is only 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) wide, and stretches over seven narrowfloors.

The house was originally built in 1728, after the city council ruledthat couples could only get married if they owned property.

To give lovebirds a chance to tie the knot even if they did not owna home, a resourceful Amberg citizen came up with an idea of skirt-ing the new law.

He built a house so tiny and inexpensive, that even poor peoplecould afford it, at least on a short-term basis. They would buy thehouse, get married, move in and then sell it soon after to the nextmarriage-minded couple.

With a different newlywed couple as occupants every few weeks,it became known as the “wedding house.”

Even today, many couples spend their wedding night at theEh’haeusl, which costs €240 ($327) per night and includes awhirlpool and an open fireplace.

After a recent overnight stay, Barbara and Heinz Wilhelm, a cou-ple in their early 70s, said even though their honeymoon was longago, the experience was one-of-a-kind.

“We stayed at lots of good hotels around the world, but thereyou’re just one guest among many others,” said Heinz Wilhelm.“Here we are the only guests of the entire hotel.”

Tiny German hotel for honeymooners now 5-starJOURNAL GAZETTE / TIMES-COURIER JANUARY 2011 — 15W E D D I N G P L A N N E R

Whitetail Crossing Cabins

weekend get away• Fully Furnished Deluxe Cabins• Peaceful Secluded Location• Near Campgrounds, Beaches, Boat Docks• Fully-Stocked Fishing Ponds• Over 2 Miles of Private Nature Trails• Perfect Retreat For The: Boaters, Fishermen,

Hunters & Families• 5.5 Miles North of Shelbyville

Whitetail Crossing Cabin Village provides the perfect escape for outdoorlovers, nature lovers, and those in pursuit of rest and relaxation. Secludedon 180 acres, Whitetail Crossing is just minutes away from the marinas,beaches and boat ramps of Lake Shelbyville

For Reservations Call: 217-774-3000

THE WEDDING CATERING PROFESSIONALS

Catering to Your TastesWhen it comes to your reception dinner, youwant it to be perfect. It should be delicious aswell as beautifully presented. Stop worrying,

and enjoy your day. We’ve been helping bridesrelax while their guests enjoy a fantastic meal for over 20 years.

• Personalized Menus

• Competitive Prices

� Famous for our gourmet carrots �

Deb’s Catering Service600 S. Main • Altamont

Weddings, Anniversaries, Reunions, OPEN HOUSE,Company Parties, Picnics, Hors d’oeuvre Parties

Ask for Al or Deb Schultz

(618)483-5656 or (618) 483-5423

Bride Gets a Free Updo with a Wedding Party of 5 or More

Manicures & Pedicures • Updos • Facials • Full Body Waxing

Head Quarterz Hair StudioJulie Gaines • Rachel Harris • Kristen Lane • Jennifer White • Chelsea Sowers

Tues-Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-12 • Evenings by Appointment.917 Lake Land Blvd. • Mattoon

217-235-5777The Nail Place is Now Conveniently Located in the Same Building

SEWINGSALON

718 JACKSON AVENUE - CHARLESTON, IL345-3886

Let Sewing Professionals PersonalizeYour Wardrobe

�ALTERATIONS �EMBROIDERY�LETTERING �TUXEDO RENTAL

10-6 Mon - Sat • Closed Sun1100 18th St. Charleston, IL

Brand Namesat a Low Price

Name Brands like Ed Hardy, 7 For All Mankind, True Religion, Miss Chic Jeans, Designer Fragrances: Gucci & Perry Ellis ... just to name a few.

Lenox Wedding Items, Wedding Registry, Vases, Housewares, Linens, Waterford Linens & LenoxHousehold, Toys, Men, Women & Children’s Clothes, Perfume & Cologne, Jewelry, Airsoft Guns

Register at Charley’s

for Your Wedding

ence in any home dining setting.And one last myth to dispel

that is worth noting for couplesregistering for nonstick cook-ware: it’s fine to use cooking oilsprays to help save calories. Infact, cooking sprays disperseminute particles of oil thatadhere to the nonstick, and overtime, deteriorate the surface.Forgo using cooking sprays byregistering for cookware withtruly hard-working and durablenonstick surfaces designed torelease even the stickiest foods(scrambled eggs, pancakes andfish) with little or no added fat.Several gourmet nonstick collec-tions, such as Anolon NouvelleCopper, Circulon Contempo andCirculon Elite Platinum are nowmetal-utensil safe, anotherbonus and misconception aboutcookware made clear.

For more information aboutAnolon, Circulon and KitchenAidcookware, please visitwww.anolon.com,www.circulon.com andwww.potsandpans.com.

Cookware from page 13

A marriage doesn't have to bein distress to bring in the help ofa counselor. Marriage counselorscan help newlyweds start out onthe right foot or help establishedcouples fine-tune their marriages.

Counseling can help in a num-ber of ways:

• Decrease conflicts that leadto fights.

• Provide communicationstrategies for men and women.

• Suggest new ideas for recon-necting.

• Identify potentially prob-lematic areas that may be easilyresolved or require further atten-tion.

Couples should interviewprospective counselors to deter-mine the best fit and the onethey feel most comfortable with.Not all counselors are the same,and some have specific areas ofrelationship expertise. There alsomay be counselors who workwith both couples and families.

Counseling forHealthy Marriages

Environmentally friendlyideals are now permeating allaspects of daily living. Manypeople want to take the conceptfurther and ensure their nup-tials — and subsequent recep-tion — are good for the planet aswell.

Although there are no firmstatistics on the number of greenweddings being held each year,emerging trends point to thegrowing interest in eco-consciousweddings. Individuals whoalready do their best to recycle,reuse and reduce want to employthose same values on theirwedding day.

There are many ways toemploy a green mindset to wed-ding planning and execution.Largely the carbon footprint of awedding can be reduced simplyby scaling back and avoidingover-consumption. Here aresome ideas to think about.

1. Reduce travel. Researchindicates that more than two-thirds of emissions in the U.S.are produced by energy con-sumption and transportation. Byreducing guests’ need to travelfar for a wedding or offeringtransportation that can accom-modate several people at once(like a bus), carbon emissionswill be reduced.

2. Home is where theheart is. Keeping weddingsclose to home is helpful. Thosewith big backyards or a parknearby can host the event athome or in a nearby park andreduce dependence on largereception halls that use up largeamounts of energy to operate. Ahome wedding also gives couplesthe opportunity to shop aroundfor locally produced, organicfoods.

3. Shop for floral alterna-tives. Flowers would seem"green" in themselves. However,many blooms available at floristshops are grown in hothouseswith the use of pesticides andchemical fertilizers, somethingthat is not very good for theenvironment at all. Brides opt-ing for something more eco-con-scious could consider alternativeoptions, such as bouquets madeof sustainable succulent plantsand centerpieces full of organicfruits and wildflowers.

4. Choose an open reg-istry. Instead of fine china thatmay never be used, many cou-ples are opting for open reg-istries that enable guests to gifteverything from eco-friendlyhousewares to charitable dona-tions to cash for down paymentson a home.

5. Opt for mixed seatingarrangements: Instead of for-mal escort cards indicating firmseating arrangements, couplesare saving paper by allowingguests to choose their own seatsfrom mix-matched options, suchas long, communal benches andcomfy sofas.

6. Go with something old.Recycled gowns and gently useditems are good alternatives foreco-conscious brides. Many Websites will match up brides withothers looking to swap items atlow or no cost.

7. Skip the paper. Thoughetiquette experts frown on aban-doning paper invitations forelectronic ones, many couplesare doing just that. For thosewho still prefer paper, printinvitations on recycled paper.Reduce other wedding stationeryneeds by posting information ona wedding Web site shared withfamily and friends.

8. Go small scale. Instead ofinviting every last cousin anddistant uncle, couples areopting for more intimateaffairs, including only thepeople they are closest to,which saves on cost and helpsthe environment.

9. Trim some of the wed-ding day fat. Some couples opt

for an all-you-can-eat buffet andthen a subsequent dessert barlater on in the evening. Stuffedguests may end up wasting morefood than eating it. Instead ofall-you-can, go for a more tradi-tional meal.

10. Choose a charitableparty favor. Instead of a partyfavor that collects dust on ashelf, couples are choosing to giftwith organic products or a dona-tion to a charitable organizationin the guests’ names.

10 Trends for ‘Green’ Weddings16 — JANUARY 2011 JOURNAL GAZETTTE / TIMES-COURIERW E D D I N G P L A N N E R

PAGLIACCI’SBANQUETS AND CATERING

PAGLIACCI’S CATERS ALL TYPES OF FOOD TO ALL TYPES OF FUNCTIONS. ROAST BEEF, FRIED CHICKEN, ALL TYPES OF PASTA’S, PIZZA, SANDWICHES AND A FULL BREAKFAST MENU ARE SOME OF OUR OFFERINGS.

ON SITE WE HAVE A 100 PERSON PRIVATE DINING ROOM FOR BANQUETS, REHEARSAL DINNERS, WEDDING RECEPTIONS, ANNIVERSARY PARTIES, MEETINGS AND ANY OTHER FUNCTIONS. THE ROOM CAN ALSO BE ARRANGED FOR SMALLER GROUPS.

WE CATER OFF SITE FUNCTIONS OF ANY SIZE AS WELL. THE MENU CAN BE AS DIVERSE AS YOUR CREATIVITY CAN IMAGINE. WE WILL HAPPILY ASSIST ANY WAY WE CAN IN THE PLANNING OF YOUR FUNCTION.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE YOU.

DAVE SPAIN

319 N. LOGAN, MATTOON

234-6000

CCrroossss CCoouunnttyy TTrraavveell

• Great deals on Destination Weddings in Las Vegas, Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean & more

• Honeymoon Packages for all interests & all destinations

• We do it all!• Don’t take a chance online - call an expert.

Come register for our Honeymoon Giveawayin office starting January 13 until close of

bridal show on January 23.

1500 Lakeland Blvd., Mattoon

800-879-7137

A S P E C I A L S U P P L E M E N T TO T H E J O U R N A L G A Z E T T E / T I M E S - C O U R I E R

your stylevintage gowns

planningwedding websitesphotographer 411

the ceremonyonline ordinations

the detailsgifts for the wedding partylighting transformations

WeddingWeddingPlanner