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CITYVIEW BRIDAL PLANNING - SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CITYVIEW
ADVERTISING SECTION
It’s All About You!
BRIDAL PLANNER
Tips and ideas on a five-star wedding, bridal trends, best man speeches and more!
INSIDE
CITYVIEW BRIDAL PLANNING - SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONCITYVIEW
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T he average couple shells out nearly $27,000 just to
say their “I do’s,” according to a recent survey. That
doesn’t include the cost of the honeymoon, either. If
you’re spending that kind of money, shouldn’t your unfor-
gettable wedding be a five-star event?
“It’s possible to plan a wedding with five-star touches at
nearly any budget level,” says Jenna Check, wedding special-
ist at The American Club Resort in Kohler, Wis., one of just
36 hotels and resorts worldwide to earn both the Forbes
Five-Star Award and the AAA Five-Diamond designation.
Consider these wedding ideas from the wedding plan-
ning pros at The American Club Resort:
TIP NO. 1: Give your guests ample time to ogle — the cake, that is.“Often, the cake arrives in the reception room just in time
for the bride and groom to partake in the cake-cutting cer-
emony,” says head pastry Chef Richard Palm. “And then it’s
quickly whisked away to be cut, plated and sauced in order to
create a seamless dining experience when served as the des-
sert.”
For a more memorable experience, give your guests ex-
tra time to view, photograph and comment on the cake by
using additional cake — not immediately needed for food
service — in the reception room. “Having the time to “ogle”
CITYVIEW BRIDAL PLANNING - SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CITYVIEW
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the cake will make it that much more memorable,” Palm says.
Not sure what to do with the leftover cake? Freeze the top layer to be thawed and eaten
on your first anniversary, or serve the extra cake the following day at a gift-opening party.
TIP NO. 2: It’s better to look good and to feel good.Wedding planning can be stressful, and stress can take a toll on your appearance as well as
your health. “It’s important for brides-to-be to take steps to minimize stress and its effects
before their big day,” says Jean Kolb, the resort’s director of wellness and Kohler Waters Spa.
Establish a wellness routine well in advance of your wedding day and include daily medi-
tation and exercise in your ritual, she advises. Your routine could be as simple as a yoga class,
five minutes of at-home meditation and a brisk walk every day.
As your wedding day approaches, arrange a massage and spa time for yourself and your
attendants. “A massage for the bride is not just a luxury,” Kolb says. “It’s a tried-and-true way
of calming nerves prior to your special day.”
TIP NO. 3: Guys — and grooms — need a break, too.Brides aren’t the only ones who can feel stressed before the wedding day. Bridegrooms and
groomsmen can also benefit from some relaxation. If you’re doing a destination wedding,
take advantage of recreational opportunities like golf to help bond and decompress.
“Enjoy everything at a leisurely pace,” advises Ed Elsner, tournament coordinator at
Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. “Play the day before the wedding, not on the wedding
day, so that you don’t stress yourself with conflicting responsibilities. And allow plenty of
time for relaxing afterward with a few cocktails and cigars.”
TIP NO. 4: Personalize everything, including your drinks.Personalization is a popular trend in weddings, and it touches every aspect of your day,
from the colors you choose for your bouquet and
bridesmaid gowns, to the hors d’oeuvres and entrees
served at the reception. Don’t forget to personalize
your drink selection, too.
Missy Dortman, director of meetings and events,
says her team often receives requests from couples to
create a personalized cocktail for their weddings. “We
try to incorporate something special from their court-
ing, such as the drink the bride might have enjoyed
on their first date, a drink they always share, or some-
thing that pays homage to the color of the attendants’
dresses,” Dortman says. “One fun couple named Brad
and Alexandra chose to serve Brandy Alexanders.”
TIP NO. 5: Variety is the spice of life — and it makes for great pictures, too.Photos of your wedding will be the tangible memory
of your big day, so it’s important to keep in mind how
they’ll look when you’re choosing your wedding ven-
ue, says Christine Loose, resident manager for the American Club and Inn on Woodlake.
Look for venues that offer a variety of picture settings, from a beautifully landscaped garden
setting to an elegant courtyard to a paved lane for carriage rides.
“Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, with memories and photos
you’ll look back on forever,” Check says. “With creativity, planning and the right venue, you
can ensure your big day is a five-star experience for everyone — especially you!”
To learn more about the American Club Resort, visit www.AmericanClub.com.
five tips (cont.)
CITYVIEW BRIDAL PLANNING - SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONCITYVIEW
Y ou’ve dreamed of this day your entire life — from the vows to the dress to the recep-
tion decor. But often, it can take a king’s ransom to make the fairytale wedding of
your dreams a reality.
Fortunately, cost-conscious brides have discovered they can plan a wedding that’s fit for
a queen — even on a shoestring budget. All it takes is a little creativity and know-how.
“Many brides have discovered they can stretch their wedding budgets by taking on a few
simple do-it-yourself projects,” says Rust-Oleum Designer Angie Stinner. “These fun, easy-
to-do projects can make any wedding special without busting the budget.”
Store lately, you may be surprised at the variety of glass vases, jars and containers on the
shelves. Choose one — or mix and match several — for each reception table. Then visit the
spray paint aisle of your local home center.
Spray paints come in a variety of on-trend colors and finishes — and many are designed
for glass or ceramic. Chose a color that coordinates with your wedding decor. Or try some-
thing unexpected, like Frosted Sea Glass spray paint. It replicates the look of expensive sea
glass for a fraction of the cost. Customize the design using a stencil — or place rubber bands
around the vase in a random pattern. Spray the entire surface. Then fill your centerpieces
with freshly cut flowers, feathers, branches and shells — the possibilities are limited only by
your imagination.
crafted signs are a great way to display a wedding schedule, menu or to add a personal touch
to your nuptials.
Craft or hobby stores carry wood plaques in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some come
with predrilled holes for hanging. After you’ve selected plaques in the size and shape, coat
them with Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Paint. It comes in variety of colors beyond traditional
black and green — like Raspberry and Deep Teal. Once the chalkboard surface is dry, tie
ribbons in coordinating colors through the holes for hanging and write names, messages,
menus or schedules for a truly personalized touch.
about those distant relatives on the groom’s side? Introduce yourselves with a photo time-
line. All you need are photos from your past, an easel and a little creativity.
Purchase a sheet of Masonite at your local home center. Then coat the entire surface
with Rust-Oleum Magnetic Paint. Add a burst of color with one of this season’s hottest
wedding colors like Winter Gray, Candy Pink or Sun Yellow with Painter’s Touch Ultra
Cover 2X spray paint. Hang the photos in chronological order with stylish magnets.
For more creative wedding decorating projects, visit Facebook.com/Paintideas and en-
joy the wedding of your dreams.
ADVERTISING SECTION
CITYVIEW BRIDAL PLANNING - SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CITYVIEW
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Y ou are in a position of honor. Your close friend is assuming the position and he
needs your help. He has asked you to be his “best man”, to stand by his side and sup-
port him through his last act as a free man. You relish your thoughts of all the fun
aspects of your job; you get to help coordinate a stag party, ok, so maybe that’s the extent
of the fun parts. Still you want to help your old buddy make as cool and smooth transition
to the other side as possible; you want to be the best best man you can be. You’re going to
have to make a speech, a verbal representation of good times past, current times observed
in a promising light, and words of ominous wisdom pertaining to the future of the newly
linked couple.
Let’s break this speech thing down into some workable components. You need to first
embrace the fact that as the deliverer of a speech, you need to project not only your voice,
but others projectiles like enthusiasm, positivism, confidence, and an entertaining sense of
composure. I know it sounds like a lot. Don’t worry; we have a plan to bring you through to
the successful side of this speech writing/delivery.
The most important component of your speech is not the words you choose to deliver, it
is how you present them to your audience. Think about it, you know that the last thing that
they want to endure is a long winded, non-personally relevant, over-mushy, big bag of wind.
They want entertainment. They want lighthearted laughter. They want it to be over rela-
tively soon so that the celebration can continue. So there is your first lesson. In a nutshell:
Be confident; speak up; smile a lot; don’t belabor your points. These aspects of delivery will
make even a poorly written speech flow easier thereby enhancing the undercurrent of the
whole ceremony.
You are going to need to at least write a flowchart to have in front of your eyes to keep
you on task. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’ll be able to fake your way through it.
Most people are not fluent public speakers. This has nothing to do with you; it’s just that
public speaking, sometimes especially in front of friends and acquaintances who you would
think you’d be at ease in front of, makes people nervous. Without some notes for reference,
speechmakers commonly will draw a blank at the crucial moment of deliverance. Although
the friendly crowd won’t judge you for a poor performance, in retrospect you will wish that
you had shined when the focus was on you. You will want to flow like a pro, making all
wonder how you pulled off such an orchestrated masterpiece.
As for the content, that is where you are the expert already. Remember that you got this
job because of your knowledge. You know the groom. You probably know him better than
his new wife (mostly), especially if you have been friends for an extended period of time.
Use your knowledge to bring out the lighter side of life. Keep topics non-offensive and
lighthearted for the most part. It is expected and would be a letdown to the crowd if you
did not do at least a little grilling. Poke some borderline, yet still clean, fun at the groom
and whoever else may be present as a target of your room-captivating speech. Spontaneity
is a beautiful thing as well. If you draw a blank, just take a breath and tell a little story that
nobody but you and the groom would know. The audience will appreciate being made to
feel like insiders, and you will be remembered as the best man who knew how to lay it down
like a breeze through the trees. Salute!
By Frankie Janiyan
CITYVIEW BRIDAL PLANNING - SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONCITYVIEW
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CITYVIEW BRIDAL PLANNING - SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CITYVIEW
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CITYVIEW
S ince getting engaged, Jillian Brown, 32, from St. Paul, Minn., is hitting her neigh-
borhood fitness center more often. “I’ve added weight training to my regimen,”
says Brown, who is planning an August wedding. “I have to get those arms and
shoulders wedding dress ready.”
Every bride wants to look great when the big day comes, but how many brides com-
mit to fitting into her wedding dress on their 10th anniversary? Do you want to look
good for a day, or feel good for the rest of your life?
While considering vows, include a commitment to live healthfully ever after. That’s
the advice from Cliff Edberg, a registered dietician and personal trainer at Life Time
Fitness, The Healthy Way of Life Company, in Chanhassen, Minn. “When I work with
a bride and her goal is to look her very best the day of the wedding and fit into the dress
she has dreamed about for years, I encourage her to make this a lifestyle change, not just
a short-term diet.”
Brown, who visits her neighborhood Life Time Fitness, and her fiance both lost a
significant amount of weight before meeting each other (70 pounds for him, 40 pounds
for her) and plan to stay devoted to their healthy lifestyle as well as to each other.
“It’s not just about the wedding pictures — although I want them to look amazing —
but also about feeling my absolute best on the day I marry my best friend,” Brown says.
Jen Emmert, 30, of Minneapolis, and another August bride-to-be shares the same
outlook. “I was overweight my entire life and it was only about four years ago that I de-
cided to make changes. Now that I’m months away from the big day, I want to make sure
I’m focused on being the healthiest I can be.”
Edberg, says it’s important to celebrate the milestone and good work you put into the
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losing weight (cont.)
wedding day. “Just be sure to continue to set goals,” he adds.
Brown is already thinking beyond the wedding day to having a healthy honeymoon.
“Just like all of the vacations we have taken, we will seek out meal options that are healthy
and satisfying,” Brown says. “While we haven’t decided on our honeymoon spot yet, we are
looking at places where we can be active, instead of locations where the days are filled with
lying on a beach.”
Once the honeymoon is over Edberg suggests newlyweds rely on each other as their sup-
port team. One way to do that is for couples to spend time cooking meals together. “Often
people get bored with ‘eating healthy’ but they just don’t take time to explore new food and
new ways of preparing food.”
Edberg also suggests exploring new ways to exercise together as a couple. “Try to em-
phasize play in your activity,” Edberg says. “When we have fun during activity, especially
together, there is a higher likelihood that it will continue and form a habit.” And the less
likely you will be to fall back into old sedentary habits. “No better time than now to com-
mit to a lifelong partnership in health, not sickness,” he adds.
Emmert, who chronicled her weight-loss journey in a blog, acknowledges that planning
for the wedding day is exciting, but “it’s just one day out of the rest of our lives,” she says.
“Working out and being healthy will always need to be a priority, no matter what kind of
life event is going on around us.”
When the honeymoon is over, life goes on. Will you fit into that wedding dress 10 years
later? In 20 years will you still be fit and healthy? In other words, look at the big picture.
And you won’t find the “big picture” in your wedding album. Need additional advice or
assistance? Visit www.lifetime-weightloss.com.
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T he most commonly asked question you will hear when your friends and family are
informed of your engagement is “When is the wedding?” Choosing a wedding date
is very important because almost all of your wedding planning details will revolve
around the date that you choose. Here are some things to take into consideration to help
you pick a perfect date for your wedding.
If you already know where you would like to have the ceremony and reception, you
should call them and confirm what dates they have available. If you are set on a specific
location, your wedding date will have to coincide with the availability of the location, es-
pecially if you have chosen a very popular location because these places tend to get booked
very quickly.
Take into consideration what type of wedding you have in mind. For example, have
you always dreamed of a beach wedding surrounded by the calming sounds of the ocean
or a fall wedding with beautiful red and orange leaves in the background? You will have to
choose a date that is appropriate in terms of temperature and seasons. In addition, if there is
a particular style of dress that you have in mind, the time of year will influence your bridal
attire choices.
Have you always wanted a wedding during a specific holiday such as Christmas? Christ-
mas is a popular time because many wedding locations are already beautifully decorated at
this time of year. However, getting ready for a wedding in addition to all the activities that
occur during the Christmas holidays such as shopping, parties, wrapping gifts can be too
much for some people.
Maybe you thought having a wedding during a holiday would be easier for your guests
due to the three day weekend. Some people may appreciate that your wedding is during
a long holiday week-
end while it might
be difficult for others
because many people
plan their own vaca-
tions during these
times of the year.
Are there im-
portant people in
your life that you
feel must attend the
wedding? While
there will always be
people who will not
be able to make it,
some people may be
higher on your prior-
ity list than others.
For example, if your maid of honor is giving birth the same month you choose to have your
wedding, you may want to give her a little time after the birth to feel more comfortable in
her bridesmaid dress. Or maybe your parents have a vacation already planned for the same
time. Prevent scheduling conflicts as much as possible by discussing your wedding date
with these important people to avoid any problems.
By Gina Brown
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CITYVIEW
CITYVIEW BRIDAL PLANNING - SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONCITYVIEW
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Y ou spend your life dreaming about your wedding day, so imag-
ining it going any other way than perfect is not easy to think
about. However, it doesn’t hurt to do a little planning for po-
tential setbacks as you continue to invest precious time and money into
your big day.
Not only do you have a lot of emotions riding on your wedding, but
likely a lot of money, too. For most couples, the cost of a wedding ranks
right up there with other major investments like a car purchase or a down
payment on a home. The level of investment alone makes planning for
the worst a necessary part of preparing for your nuptials.
Purchasing wedding insurance can give you financial protection and
peace of mind as you plan your wedding. With wedding insurance poli-
cies from providers like WedSafe, you can obtain coverage for up to the
full cost of your wedding if your event is forced to be canceled or post-
poned due to unforeseen circumstances such as an extreme weather event
or an issue with the venue.
Wedding insurance can also cover items such as the cost of restaging
the photos if your photographer doesn’t show up, or reimburse expenses
to repair or replace your wedding dress or other special attire that could
get stained or damaged. You can also purchase liability insurance to pro-
tect yourself from claims of legal liability for injuries, alcohol-related in-
cidents or property damage.
www.dmcityview.com
find out moreONLINE.
CITYVIEW BRIDAL PLANNING - SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CITYVIEW
best day (cont.)ADVERTISING SECTION
In addition to buying insurance, here are a few
more suggestions for covering all your bases as you
plan your big day:
event a business you were working with would not
be able to provide the service you asked of them.
Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you have the
right to dispute charges on your credit card you
didn’t make, are incorrect, or for goods or services
you didn’t receive. That same protection may not
be available if you pay by cash or check.
any insurance policies. If you aren’t positive that
you understand an agreement, it makes sense to
get some help wading through the legal wording,
especially any obligations on your part, how fees,
deposits or penalties are addressed, and your rights
if a vendor does not perform its contracted respon-
sibilities. “Those of us who work in the insurance
industry and specialty markets such as wedding in-
surance can share their experience and explain the
risks and benefits of an insurance policy contract,
what coverage it can provide, and just as impor-
tantly what it cannot provide,” says Steve Lauro,
vice president of Aon Affinity, the company that
administers the WedSafe wedding insurance pro-
gram.
-
credited wedding planner. Often the cost of hiring a planner can pay for itself. If you choose
not to hire out a pro, try to learn as much as possible about the best practices that event
planners use in their daily course of business.
“Hiring a wedding planner can mitigate your risk of wedding-day snafus,” says Christine
Dyer, founder of BridalTweet. It takes experience to know exactly how to prepare for a
large-scale event that has so many moving parts. And brides can sleep better at night know-
ing that an experienced wedding planner can refer them to other trustworthy vendors (i.e.
florists, cake artists, photographers, etc.) with whom they have built relationships.”
-
tions. Browsing wedding-focused guides like WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards is a good
place to start. Visit the Facebook and Twitter page of your vendors and see what they say
outside of the sales process.
browse forums on sites like the TheKnot, Project Wedding and many others that are readily
available.
For the vast majority of couples, their wedding day goes according to plan and their
dreams become reality. Thinking ahead can ensure that your day will be as perfect as you
have always imagined, and you will be protected even if an unforeseen glitch does find a
way into your special day.
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