Helena Wedding Planner 2012

SEPTEMBER 2012HElEna IndEPEndEnT REcoRd

fa l l ’12

Plusbrides choose classic jewelry

wear a white smile on your wedding day

smart ways to slim down before your wedding

Creating An Eco-friendly

Wedding

3SEPTEMBER 2012

4 HElEna IndEPEndEnT REcoRdHElEna IndEPEndEnT REcoRd

Wedding Planner is published by The Independent Record, a division of Capital City Publishing Group, 317 Cruse Avenue, Helena, MT 59601

(406) 447-4003 ©2011 Capital City Publishing Group.

Cover Photo by Natalie Newton Designs & Photography

6 Brides Choose Classic Jewelry

8 The Wedding Day Countdown

10 Responsibilities of the Groomsmen

12 Choosing Floral Arrangements

14 Wear a White smile On Your Wedding Day

16 Entertaining With Ease

18 safe Ways To slim Down Before Your Wedding

20 Eco-Friendly Weddings

22 seating Your Wedding Guests

24 Cash Registry

26 Overnight Accommodations for Wedding Guests

28 Wedding Budget Planner

29 Wedding Glossary

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HElEna IndEPEndEnT REcoRd 5SEPTEMBER 2012HElEna IndEPEndEnT REcoRd


Ever since

Kate Middleton

walked down the

aisle at

Westminster

Abbey in her

fabulous fitted

gown and crystal

teardrop

earrings, brides

everywhere have

been emulating

her classic,

elegant style.

Brides Choose Classic JewelryThroughout 2011 and 2012,

brides from Kate Middleton to

Hollywood celebrities chose very

classic styling for their jewelry.

Here are some tips for brides who

want to look royal — British or

American style:

• Choose crystal and pearl styles

that are distinctive yet not

overwhelming in scale

• Balance the proportions of your

earrings and necklace. If your

earrings and necklace “match,”

keep them close in size with

each other. Or if you choose

major chandelier earrings, scale

down your necklace or don’t

wear one and make the wrist a

focal point.

• Bracelets are an important

bridal accessory, and they look

great worn in multiples —

stacks of crystal bangles, mixes

of decorative floral pearl and

crystal links, or a combination of

bangles and links. Eliz

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Eliz

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10–12 MONTHSBEFORE

6–9 MONTHSBEFORE

4–5 MONTHSBEFORE

1DAY

BEFORE

If you haven’t done it already, this is a good time to announce your engagement and introduce your respective families. Since most reception halls and churches have busy wedding schedules, it is also important to book both as early as possible, preferably at least a year in advance of your wedding day. It’s also a good idea to start putting together a guest list around this time and ask your parents whom they’d like to invite as well. Also, since your budget will determine just about every aspect of your wedding, sitting down and determining what you can spend, and developing a savings plan should be first and foremost.

This is the time when you want to start booking some services, such as a florist, caterer, a DJ/band, and a photographer. However, some of the more experienced DJs and bands as well as photographers might have their schedules booked a year in advance, so this might be something you’ll want to consider doing shortly after you get engaged and choose a date. Also, this is a good time to inform any guests who will be traveling significant distances of the date of your wedding. The earlier your guests can book a flight, the less expensive that flight will be.

This is also a good time to order gowns for both the bride and bridesmaids, as some manufacturers require a few months to ship to bridal shops. You might want to ask someone such as your priest or rabbi to be the officiant of your wedding. And much like out-of-town guests will save travel dollars the earlier they learn of your wedding date, you will likely save money, too, if you book your honeymoon around this time.

This is a good time to decide on wedding invitations, of which there are many styles to choose from. Also, now is ideal to start hunting for a wedding cake by sampling a number of different bakeries and their style of cakes before ultimately making a decision. Just to be sure, confirm that all of the bridesmaids have ordered their gowns and start looking for a tuxedo for the groom as well as the groomsmen. If you haven’t done so already, purchase your wedding rings and let any other people you’d like to participate in your wedding (ushers, readers during the ceremony, etc.) know of your intentions.

Finalize your guest list and mail out your invitations. If your guest list includes a considerable amount of people who are spread out geographically, mail the invitations as close to 12 weeks in advance as possible. This is also a good time to finalize your menu choices for your guests, and find all your wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, candles, etc. Also, since it is tradition to provide gifts for those in the wedding party as well as the parents of the bride and groom, this is a good time to decide on and purchase those gifts. Just to be safe, confirm that all groomsmen have ordered their tuxedos and finalize all transportation, both to and from the wedding and to the airport for your honeymoon.

Schedule the first bridal-gown fitting. Also finalize the readings you’d prefer during the ceremony and mail them out to anyone who has agreed to do a reading. If your

Confirm your honeymoon arrangements and see if your wedding rings are ready. This is also when you should get your marriage license and check the guest list to see who has and hasn’t R.S.V.P.. For those who have yet to RSVP, you might want to contact them so you can get a closer idea of what the head count will be. You should also prepare and order your wedding program around this time.

Get a final attendance count and submit it to the caterer as soon as you know of it, while also providing a final seating chart. Pick up the wedding gown and tuxedo. Make sure the wedding party picks up their attire. Also, finalize your vows and confirm all wedding-day details such as transportation, photo schedules, and addresses. And don’t forget to pack for your honeymoon.

This is mainly when you rehearse for the ceremony and make any final confirmations you might have to make. Also, make sure to get some sleep so you’ll look good in all of your wedding-day photos.

family prefers to host a small gathering for close family and friends after the wedding rehearsal, the night before the wedding, this is a good time to order any food or drinks you might want to serve that night, or make a restaurant reservation.

2–3 MONTHSBEFORE

1–2 MONTHSBEFORE

3–4 WEEKSBEFORE

1–2 WEEKSBEFORE


Eliza Wiley

By Metro Creative Connection

Responsibilities of the Groomsmen

in ancient times, groomsmen essentially served as the groom's bodyguards, ensuring that he made it safely to the altar and to his future wife. today, the groomsmen's roles are not based on saving life and limb.

HHappy couples choose friends and family members to serve as attendants in their weddings. Bridesmaids and groomsmen each have different responsibilities in the wedding.

Today's groomsmen serve as assistants to the groom and help plan the bachelor party. They also usher guests down the aisle at the ceremony. They also may have a few other responsibilities, depending on what 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 decorating the wedding themselves.■ Pay for their travel expenses and accommodation during the celebration.■ Return formal wear for themselves and the groom.■ Provide transportation for the couple to the airport or honeymoon 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.

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CCouples must make many decisions when planning their wedding, not the least of which is choosing floral arrangements. Some couples have never had to make choices regarding floral arrangements, so it’s understandable if they need some help before making a decision that will likely make a significant impact on the appearance of their weddings.

Go with your own style. Couples should not feel pressured to go with a more traditional style if that’s not something that suits them. Instead, choose a style that most appeals to you, be it neutral or bold colors, formal or more casual arrangements, and so on. Your style might also reveal a preference for something other than roses, which is perfectly alright. It’s your wedding.

Stay in-season when possible. When choosing a floral arrangement, it’s important to consider when you’ll be getting married and which flowers will be in-season. It’s possible to find most floral varieties all year, but if you choose seasonal flowers, you’ll likely pay less and such flowers will be more readily available and durable.

Don’t go it alone. The wedding day is going to be busy enough without brides and grooms having to worry about arranging the bouquets. A professional florist, ideally one who has come highly recommended, should be able to work within your budget and produce a visually stunning end product.

Consider candles to save money. Many couples hope for a floral centerpiece at each table, but that can prove costly. If the floral budget is

somewhat limited, supplement the centerpieces with candles to save some money. The centerpieces likely won’t be as grandiose, but smaller floral arrangements coupled with candles can create a romantic feel.

Stick to the budget. Couples will find it’s very easy to go over budget quickly with regard to floral arrangements. But a good florist should be able to work within your budget and produce an arrangement that’s visually impressive without costing a fortune.

Helpful hints when

choosing floral arrangements


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Natalie Newton Photography


AA soon-to-be bride and groom have a long list of things to complete prior to their wedding day. Though much thought is given to music, transportation, gowns and tuxedoes, it’s important not to overlook a white smile, which will ultimately be the lasting memory of the special day in photo albums for years to come. A white smile can make all the difference and is the finishing touch to every look.

In the past, tooth whitening was something left to the professionals at the dentist's office. Over the years, in-office whitening procedures have evolved to include laser activation of a whitening gel. While effective, the process can be very expensive — something that may not fit into a couple’s wedding day budget. Most people interested in brightening their smiles can find success with at-home whitening solutions.

In addition to relying on at-home and in-office tooth whitening solutions, there are other ways that the soon-to-be bride and groom and their bridal party can achieve a whiter smile in time for their wedding day.

Get routine dental checkups and cleanings. A professional cleaning at the dentist can remove unsightly tartar and buff the teeth clean. You may see a noticeable difference in the appearance of your teeth after a routine dental cleaning.

Eat raw fruits and vegetables Chewing raw fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, grapes, carrots and spinach is a good way to reduce tooth staining.

Brush and floss An at-home oral hygiene routine is essential for good oral health and appearance. Use a toothpaste that removes up to 90 percent of surface stains in just 5 days.

Taking steps toward a beautiful, white smile is something every soon-to-be bride, groom and bridal party member can do. Those who are making their wedding day to-do list should include easy tooth-whitening solutions as a ‘must’ for their special day.


Dress chosen; check.

Flowers ordered;

check. Photographer

booked; check. Bright

smiles for the big day;

hmmm, not so much....

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with a bright smile

Wear white on your wedding day


After a year or more of planning and writing checks for so many things, couples hope that it all comes together in the end. For most it does. Others may need a little help keeping things on track.

Although the idea is to hope for the best, being prepared for a few obstacles along the way can ensure the day goes smoothly. Many couples find it wise to pack an emergency kit, stocked with items to make repairs or handle tie ups with ease.

Brides and grooms can use this checklist to compile a wedding day kit that meets their needs and customize with any speciality items.

• needle and thread in white, black and the color of bridesmaid gowns• extra pairs of panty-hose• pain reliever pills• antacid• quick-clean detergent stick• bandages• powder• deodorant• double-sided tape• black buttons• sanitary pads• mints/gum• makeup for touch-ups• extra cash• slippers or a change of shoes

• umbrellas• hairspray• hair pins• names and phone numbers of all wedding vendors• static cling spray• hair dryer• contact lens solution/eye drops• nail file• nail clipper• straws (to sip drinks without ruining lipstick)• safety pins• black socks• earring backs

Brides and grooms-

to-be hope and pray their wedding day

will go off without a

hitch.

Pack an emergencywedding day kit


Natalie Newton Photography

natalienewton photography

[email protected] | 406.865.0909natalienewtondesignsandphotography.com

fi nd us on facebook!


PCreating a Delicious Party Together — Tips to Newlyweds on Entertaining With Ease


Part of the fun of getting married and establishing a home together is sharing your new life — and showing off all your exciting wedding presents — with friends and family. Hosting parties and get-togethers is part of a typical rite of passage for newlyweds, and like any new venture, can lead to some anxiety. Janice Rassin, National Bridal Director at Meyer Corporation, U.S., the largest cookware company in America, offers numerous creative ways for newlyweds to entertain with confidence and ease.

Ease Into Your Entertaining Groove with Brunch:

Inviting guests over for a weekend brunch is a smart way to begin honing your entertaining skills. The food is comforting and familiar, and most of the set-up, such as brewing coffee, squeezing fresh orange juice and baking muffins, can be done in advance. Pull out your new cookware to prepare a simple and irresistible menu of scrambled eggs with fresh chives and lox, or classic blueberry pancakes. A high performance nonstick skillet or griddle is essential to ensure your eggs and flapjacks, which are both prone to sticking, will release effortlessly every time. If you'd rather serve dishes that can be made ahead of time, consider a savory egg strata with layers of grated cheese, potatoes and sliced ham, or a scrumptious oven-baked version of praline French toast. Either Southern-style recipe can be prepared and served in au gratins or casseroles.

Host a Friendly Couples Cooking Competition:

Surprise and delight one or two other couples by “challenging” them to a cooking competition in your kitchen. You can set the game rules and theme for your

friendly contest with your guests’ input in advance, and share the task of bringing key ingredients and kitchen equipment that will be needed to cook together for a spirited evening of food fun. Your theme could be as simple as who can make the best meatloaf, or who can beat the clock preparing the best-tasting chicken pasta dish in under 30 minutes. To really ignite some sparks and laughs, once guests have gathered for the cooking, reveal a “surprise ingredient” that everyone will need to incorporate in their dish. Everyone has a fighting chance to make a superb meal when using finely crafted gourmet cookware.

Choose Color as Your Party Theme Inspiration:

Creating an inviting ambiance for a dinner or cocktail party can be as easy as focusing on a favorite color and letting this be your guide and inspiration. You can integrate color into your invite, develop a signature color drink, use one kind of flower for centerpieces, and serve foods from vessels that play up the color theme as well. If red is your passion, start by welcoming guests with a tray of pomegranate martinis and finish the evening with cherry or cranberry tarts for dessert. Bring your food straight from the oven to the table using stylish cookware.

Choose a Favorite Ingredient as Your Party Theme Inspiration: Another fun way to plan a theme for your get-together is to spotlight a favorite ingredient. If you’re a chocoholic, for example, there are plenty of ways to incorporate this warm and indulgent treat into your evening. Unsweetened cocoa is a chef’s secret weapon to adding complexity and depth

to hearty stews and chili, and dessert options for chocolate are practically endless.

Take the Party Outdoors:

In climates and seasons that are conducive to spending time outside, invite your guests to dine al fresco on your deck, patio or garden. Guests enjoy the informality of being outdoors, and the fresh air stimulates both conversation and appetites. Highlight the “outdoorsy” venue of your soiree by setting a table inspired by nature. Choose natural fibers for linens and placemats, and pluck fresh garden herbs, such as rosemary and basil to create simple, botanical centerpieces.

Embrace the Power of Potlucks:

Potluck-style parties, whereby guests bring a prepared dish to share, is very much back in vogue -- and a boon to time-strapped and budget-conscious hosts. You can modify a traditional potluck dinner by taking the lead in recommending dishes that will create a cohesive menu of complementary recipes. For a dash more creativity, consider giving your potluck a special theme, such as dishes from a favorite vacation locale (perhaps even where you went for your honeymoon), or favorite dishes from a beloved cuisine, such as Italian or Asian. You'll want your own recipes for the potluck to be generously sized for entertaining, and prepared in attractive pots that can be brought straight from the range or oven to the table.


Honoring Traditions with Casual Flair: Annual celebrations, such as Passover and Easter, reunite families at the table with time-honored traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. Honoring your heritage and cherished traditions does not mean you need to break out the fine silver, crystal and china. It’s easier than ever to create an elegant holiday table using casual, dishwasher- and microwave oven-safe tabletop made from durable porcelain and stoneware.

Offbeat Holidays are Cause for Celebration: Typical holidays, such as the Fourth of July, are perennial favorites for entertaining, but you can sway from the norm and celebrate an offbeat occasion. Love wine? Host a wine tasting party to kick off the annual release of Beaujolais wines. Are you famous for baking the best lasagna? Invite friends and family to share your dish in honor of National Lasagna Day —yes, this holiday really does exist! Mardi Gras in February, also known as Fat Tuesday, provides the perfect excuse to throw a brunch-style pancake extravaganza with multiple variations on the traditional flapjack. And, lovers of Mexican food can celebrate Cinco de Mayo in May with a simple buffet of make-your-own tacos, paired with pitchers of Margaritas. Plan ahead for a successful party by taking inventory of your cooking equipment to be sure you have the

right pans and tools for your menu. Heavy gauge nonstick cookware from is a good place to start.

score One for Your Team:

Invite friends over for a laid back Sunday afternoon of communal cheering for your favorite team on TV. Recreate the fun of a tailgate party by setting a hearty spread of Buffalo chicken wings, sliders, sandwiches, spicy dips, and other favorite finger foods on a game table or coffee table in your living room or den. Underscore the sporty and animated tone of your game party with vibrant and bold serving pieces.

let Them Eat Cake:

Calling all baking enthusiasts, let your inner pastry chef shine by welcoming guests to a tempting dessert buffet, paired with coffee or tea. To encourage sampling of a variety of your treats, thinly slice layered cakes and pies, and cut brownies, bars and loaf breads into bite-size morsels. To keep cookies reasonably small rather than jumbo size, use a spring-loaded melon ball scoop to dole out small amounts of cookie dough onto baking pans. Set up your buffet before guests arrive by stacking dessert plates (you can use 8-inch salad plates) and coffee mugs next to trays laden with your treats on the kitchen counter or dining room table. For a stylish buffet setting that won't upstage your stellar desserts, use solid colored plates with either a modern or traditional look.

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MSafe and smart ways to

slim down before your weddingBy Metro Creative Connection

Many brides-to-be, and even some grooms-to-be, express concern about their weight in the weeks and months leading up to their wedding. Losing weight is a goal for many engaged couples, but it’s important that couples who want to shed a few extra pounds don’t sacrifice safety for the sake of slimming down.

According to a Cornell University study of 273 women with a wedding day approaching, 70 percent wanted to lose more than 20 pounds before their weddings. However, reality indicates that a weight loss of 5 to 10 pounds is more attainable -- more so if the weight loss regimen is spread out over several weeks. The term “brideorexia” has entered the vernacular, and it is associated with brides who are taking extreme measures to lose weight. Taking laxatives, engaging in fluid-only diets and even using tobacco or drugs to serve as appetite suppressants are just some of the measures some brides have taken to shed weight before their wedding days.

There is no magic formula to shed pounds, but there are certain ways to jump-start and maintain the process of healthy weight loss so brides can look slimmer and healthy for their big day.

■ Eat. Although initial calorie curbing can help shed weight, eventually your body may adapt to your new eating habits or go into “survival mode,” which means conserving fat reserves. Researchers at Penn State University found that fasting signals to your body that it is being starved, triggering a lower metabolic rate. Brides-to-be should never cut out food entirely. Eating anything less than 1,200 calories a day will encourage the body to try to conserve energy by lowering its metabolism. Severe calorie restriction is not an effective way to lose weight.

■ Step up your exercise regimen. Reducing food intake alone will not help you lose weight quickly. The goal is to burn more calories than you consume. Therefore, adding more cardiovascular activity to your routine can help burn calories more efficiently. According to a clinical study from researchers at Italy’s University of Padua published in the 2011 International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, eating a light meal before exercising helps you burn more fat and keeps your body burning fat even 24 hours after the exercise.

■ Reduce sodium intake. Sodium doesn’t

necessarily lead to weight gain, but it can make it appear so. Sodium contributes to water retention in the body, which may make you appear heavier or bloated. Cut back on foods that are high in sodium, especially as the wedding draws close, to reduce water retention.

■ Identify sources of empty calories. Fruit juices, soda and other beverages are often the culprits with regards to unnecessary calorie consumption. Therefore, choose your beverages wisely and limit them to water, teas and unsweetened drinks. If you want to drink fruit juice, consider diluting it. In addition, most alcoholic beverages have 100 calories or more. While it may be tempting to celebrate with wine, champagne and mixed drinks during

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Concern about fitting into their gowns drives many brides to crash diet in an effort to lose weight.


your engagement period, your waistline may ultimately pay the price for such indulgences.

■ Hire a good photographer. A camera allegedly adds 10 pounds, a reason many couples panic about their wedding day. A photo is a 2D image of a 3D object. Therefore, the photo reduces depth perception and flattens an image, which may make some items look like they have more bulk. A professional photographer will know how to manipulate lighting and angles of the camera to ensure a more flattering shot.

■ Eat smaller portions. Oftentimes, its not a matter of what you are eating but how much. Most portion sizes served in restaurants or even at home are double or triple the amount that you should be eating. When in doubt, cut everything in half.

■ Fill up on fiber or protein. Instead of resorting to pills to suppress an appetite, simply eat foods that will fill you up naturally. High-fiber foods will bulk up in the stomach and keep you feeling satiated longer. The same can be said for lean proteins, which take longer to digest, thus fending off hunger pangs.

While losing weight for a wedding is many couples’ ultimate goal, the best way to tackle this task is in a healthy, responsible manner.

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Many brides-to-be look forward to the day when they

visit a bridal salon and are able to try on gowns for the

first time. There are certain tips that can make the day

go much more smoothly and potentially reduce the

amount of time it may take to find the perfect gown.

• Wear a supportive, well constructed

strapless bra or corset in your correct size. If

you will be wearing a petticoat, also have the

right size available.

• Go without face makeup when trying on

gowns so they remain clean.

• Try to wear your hair similar to the style you

have in mind for your wedding.

• Note that the size of the wedding gown you

will wear is typically one to two sizes larger

than your day-to-day clothes. Proper

measurements can be matched to

designers’ size charts.

• It’s best to limit the number of people with

whom you shop to 1 or 2 trusted friends or

family members. An entourage can be

confusing.

• It’s always better to order a slightly larger gown and

leave room for alterations if you are between sizes.

Tips for trying on wedding

gowns

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OOne of the ways couples can distinguish their nuptials from those of friends and family is to make their big day an eco-friendly affair. Going green for your wedding is a wonderful way for eco-conscious couples to keep the environment in mind on one of the most memorable days of their lives. The following are a few ways to plan and host a green wedding.

Start with the jewelry. A couple’s journey to their wedding day typically begins with the marriage proposal, and that often includes an engagement ring. Even this time-honored tradition can be done in an eco-friendly way. Shop for jewelers who use recycled stones and metals, which can be used to create beautiful and unique items.

Another way jewelry can be green is to purchase vintage or antique items, which are obviously reusable and sustainable. Couples can also use family heirlooms, both for the engagement ring and the wedding rings.

addreSS your attire. Brides hoping to take an eco-friendly walk down the aisle can shop for a gown that’s stylish and sustainable. A family gown can be re-fitted to fit the bride-to-be, or brides can take advantage of the growing popularity of environmentally conscious attire and choose a gown made from sustainable materials. Many of the top designers now make gowns produced from such materials, so finding these gowns is no longer akin to searching for a needle in a haystack.

Go Green with the invitationS.One of the easiest ways to go green at your wedding involves the wedding invitations. Couples have myriad options at their disposal when it comes to eco-friendly invitations, whether it’s post consumer-waste paper, tree-free paper or digital invitations sent via the Internet. Each of these options reduces your wedding’s carbon footprint without sacrificing quality or lessening the significance of the big day.Another way to create more

eco-friendly invitations is to use a Web site such as TheKnot.com, where couples can create their own wedding page and include information regarding the ceremony as well as directions, hotels and other information that would otherwise be disseminated with the paper invitations. Having all of this information available on your personal wedding Web site reduces your paper consumption and makes it easier for guests to find all the pertinent information regarding your big day.

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Couples commonly look for ways to set their wedding apart from those of their friends and families. Doing so helps create unique memories for the bride- and groom-to-be, while ensuring guests have a good time as well.

Couples can make their wedding even more special by planning and hosting an eco-friendly ceremony.

How to have anweddingeco-friendly

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Wandering Albatross Photography

Get beautified in an environmentally friendly way. Women often spend hours on their wedding day with hairdressers and makeup artists, and even this tradition can be done in an eco-friendly way. Choose all-natural beauty products instead of using conventional cosmetics, many of which contain toxic chemicals. When shopping for a salon to visit the morning of your wedding day, look for one that’s eco-friendly. Such salons are growing in popularity, so they should not be too difficult to find.

don’t forGet the flowerS. Flowers add significant aesthetic appeal to a wedding, and couples can make them even more appealing by choosing local flowers that are in-season. Local and seasonal flowers won’t need to be transported as far as their exotic and out-of-season counterparts, cutting down on a floral arrangement’s carbon footprint. Also, when shopping for a florist, look for one who specializes in organic flowers, which are never sprayed with potentially harmful pesticides or fungicides.

Couples about to tie the knot can make their weddings even more special by making the festivities environmentally friendly.

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Wedding Decor• Lattice Arches• Candelabra• Flower Baskets• Centerpieces• Cake Tops & Accessories

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Seating Your Wedding Guests


Weddings are filled with many emotions: happiness, excitement and anticipation, to name a few. With all of the positive emotions a wedding may drum up, in the mix there may be a few negative ones, including feelings of being overwhelmed at all the details that need to be completed on a deadline.

One aspect of wedding planning that tends to send people into panic is wedding reception seating arrangements. The thought of having 200 friends and family members together under one roof — and then attempting to seat them next to an acceptable group of people — can cause some couples to hyperventilate.

Every family has its ups and downs, and there are certain people who get along well and a few who clash. Ensuring that a wedding is memorable for all the right reasons (and not for the brawl at table 3) is why seating arrangements are so

important. Many couples can use a little advice when seating guests, while others would love another person to handle the seating arrangements for them.

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HERE ARE sOME GuIDElINEs FOR sETTING uP RECEPTION sEATING ARRANGEMENTs.

■ Place yourselves, as well as the bridal party, at a separate table that is in a prime location in the room. be sure to allow the spouses or dates of bridal party members at the same table so couples remain together.

■ Some couples choose to seat both sets of parents at one table together — the parents’ table. Grandparents may also be seated at this table, depending on the number of people each table can accommodate.

■ if children under the age of 7 are invited, they should be seated with their parents. Children between ages 7 and 14 can be seated at a separate kids’ table.

■ be mindful of guests with disabilities or mobility issues. Seat them close to the door, bathrooms or food station.

■ instead of separating the bride’s and the groom’s family to separate sides, intermingle the tables to promote conversation.

■ Consider arranging guests by common interests at each table, seating business associates or parents’ friends together.

■ take into consideration people who have relationship rifts and try to seat them separately. but don’t stress about this too much because it won't be possible to accommodate everyone. you’ll have to hope that at your wedding a certain level of decorum will preside.

■ it’s not unheard of to let guests seat themselves. this takes the pressure of finding a seat for everyone off of you as a couple and enables you to think about the other tasks at hand. this can take place at a buffet wedding or a smaller affair.


IIt is sometimes difficult to ask for what you truly want as a gift. After all, you don't want to seem like you are picky, overly choosy or ungrateful when receiving gifts. So for holidays and birthdays you may make do with keeping mum and being thankful for those sweaters or knickknacks you don't need. But what about when it comes to your wedding?

Industry experts say that more and more couples are coming into the marriage with their household already established. Whether they’ve chosen to live together during their engagement or have already accumulated their own housewares, there’s a good chance that a new toaster or set of towels is not high on their priority lists. What many couples need and can use is cold, hard cash. But it’s not so easy to ask for cash in a tactful way. That’s where specialized gift registries come into play.

With the services of a cash or other type of gift registry, couples can create a customized registry and website and ask guests to help build their dreams one dollar at a time.

Instead of shower or wedding guests showing up with a gift box or bag in tow, they simply deposit money toward an item the couple is saving for. This may be a new set of cabinets for their newly purchased home or a tool to place in the garage. With a brief description and a price attached to the registry item, guests can help fulfill the dollar amount needed for the couple to later purchase things they truly need.

Couples can use the registry as a savings account and watch the dollar amount grow. Later on they can go out and purchase the items they need or use the money for another purpose.

There’s no need to worry about duplicate blenders or engraved flatware that may never be put to use. Also, precious time doesn’t need to be spent before the wedding sorting, storing and exchanging items that were gifted.

There are also advantages for the people doing the gifting. With the ease of a few mouse clicks, they’re able to deposit money into the registry account. That means no fussing with

stores or gift wrap, and certainly no lugging large gifts to a remote bridal shower location — a task not easily done in heels.

A website will charge a minimum service fee to oversee the bank account where the funds are being stored and for credit card and other processing charges. The fee can be paid by the person establishing the registry or the gift-givers. The money is held in an FDIC-backed bank account and can be withdrawn whenever you choose to cash out the account and the method of payment.

Cash registries provide a polite way of asking friends and relatives for the items you can really use to start your new lives together as a married couple. Furthermore, the same registry concept can be applied to any major events in life moving forward, from the birth of children to birthdays to holidays.

Cash registry: It does exist



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WWhen your parents or grandparents got married, there was a good chance that their closest relatives and friends lived nearby — in the neighborhood. Attending the wedding was easy, and everyone headed home afterward. This scenario is not too common nowadays. Many families have spread out across the country, or even the world, making travel a significant component of modern weddings. As a result, couples must take accommodations into consideration when planning their nuptials.

Couples cannot expect relatives to travel to their wedding, party into the wee hours of the morning and then be responsible for finding a place to stay. It is common courtesy for hotel rooms to be made available to out-of-town guests. Although most couples reserve a block of rooms for guests, a bride and groom really looking to go above and beyond will choose to cover the cost of these rooms as a gift.

With the prevalence

of people traveling

for weddings today,

couples choose to

have hotel rooms

available if overnight

stays are required.

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS

for wedding guestsBy Metro Creative Connection


To ensure there will be available rooms for guests, it is important to contact an area hotel (or hotels) well in advance of your wedding. To start, find out if the reception site you will be using has an agreement or relationship with an area hotel. In some cases, nearby businesses will offer a courtesy discount to facilitate foot traffic. A wedding consultant should know about packages that may include discounts on lodging.

If there is no package deal, start cold-calling hotels. If you have a discount program or frequency rewards card with a particular hotel chain, start with them first. Most hotels require a minium of 10 rooms be reserved to secure a “block.” There's a good chance the greater the number of rooms reserved, the more competitive the nightly rate will be. Find out about cancellation policies or when guests need to make a reservation in order to secure the discounted rate.

You can include information about hotel reservations right in your wedding invitation, including a code or number to mention to get the wedding discount. If you’re tech-savvy, you may have a link to the hotel’s booking Web site or information on your wedding Web page. Either way, be sure there is ample time for guests to make a decision concerning their hotel reservations.

As an added courtesy to guests, you can arrange shuttle bus service between the reception site and the hotel. This way

guests who may have imbibed too much during the party do not need to worry about transportation to the hotel. However, they will have to make arrangements to retrieve their cars the following day.

It may pay to have your wedding on a Sunday so guests are entitled to the free breakfast many hotels offer to business customers during the week. Otherwise, find out if there will be a meal available to guests the following day and offer to pay for it. The more pleasantries you can provide to your guests, the more they will feel pampered and believe the decision to travel for your wedding was the right one.


gallaTIn gaTEway Inn

Wedding Budget Planner


Planning a wedding? There are certain terms that every bride and groom should learn so they can be more informed in the process.

ascot : A wide, formal tie generally reserved for formal daytime weddings.

blusher: A shor t veil that covers the brides' face before the ceremony.

bodice : Close, upper-fit ting par t of the dress.

boutonniere : Flower or flowers that are worn by the men in the wedding par ty. The boutonniere always should be af fixed to the lef t side of the jacket.

buttercream: Most common icing used on wedding cakes.

cathedral train : Train, or long piece of fabric that extends 6-1/2 to 7-1/2 feet from the waist.

cornelli : Decorative form of icing that resembles lacework on wedding cakes.

– Metro Creative Connection

GlossaryWedding

cutaway jacket : Jacket which tapers from the front

waist but ton to a long, wide back tail ; accessories include a wing-collar shir t with an ascot and a coordinating vest.

ganache: Rich chocolate filling or topping made from chocolate and heavy cream.

garland : Flowers and /or green leaves that are draped over railings.

girdle : The outer edge or the widest par t of the diamond forming a band around the stone.

illusion : Fine net ting used for veils, headpieces, and on the sleeves and necklines of dresses.

inclusion : An internal imper fection on a diamond.

nosegay: small bouquet featuring posies.

tea length : length of dress or skir t that falls several inches above the ankles.

topiary: Flowers or foliage trained and trimmed into geometric shapes, of ten resembling miniature trees or animals.

tussy mussy: silver cone-shaped holder for a bouquet.

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ADVERTISER INDEx

SERVICES INDExBuDGETING & FINANCEAmerican Federal savings Bank ............................25First Community Bank ..........................................25Mountain West Bank ..............................................25

DECORATIONs and RENTAlsA1 Party Plus & Rentals .........................................21

FlOWERsFloral Cottage .........................................................13Knox Flowers & Gifts ..............................................13

FOOD & BEVERAGEBenny’s Bistro ........................................................21Chili O’Brien’s Catering ............................................5Montana City Grill & saloon ...................................32Real Food Market & Deli ........................................17Van’s Thriftway .......................................................31

GIFTs & GIFT REGIsTRYKnox Flowers & GIfts ..............................................13saunders Jewelry ....................................................7

INVITATIONs/THANK YOu, etc.A1 Party Plus & Rentals .........................................21 Natalie Newton Designs & Photography ...............15

HONEYMOON & TRAVElFeather & Fin Vacations .........................................27

JEWElRYsaunders Jewelry ....................................................7

PHOTOGRAPHYNatalie Newton Designs & Photography ...............15Phaedra’s Photography ..........................................27 Wandering Albatross Photography ..........................2

REHEARsAl, CEREMONY, RECEPTION, lODGING4R Ranch and Cattle Co. ........................................11Benny’s Bistro ........................................................21Best Western Great Northern Hotel ....................... 26Comfort suites, Helena ............................................5Elkhorn Mountain Inn .............................................32Fairmont Hot springs Resort ....................................3Holiday Inn Conference Center ..............................31Kleffner Ranch .........................................................5Montana City Grill & saloon ...................................32Red lion Colonial Hotel ............................................7

WEDDING CAKEsReal Food Market & Deli ........................................17Van’s Thriftway .......................................................31

4R Ranch and Cattle Co. ......................................11A1 Party Plus & Rental .........................................21American Federal savings Bank ..........................25Benny’s Bistro ......................................................21 Best Western Great Northern Hotel ......................26Chili O’Brien’s Catering ..........................................5Comfort suites, Helena ..........................................5Elkhorn Mountain Inn ...........................................32Fairmont Hot springs Resort ..................................3Feather & Fin Vacations .......................................27First Community Bank ........................................25Floral Cottage .......................................................13Holiday Inn Conference Center ............................31Kleffner Ranch ........................................................5Knox Flowers & Gifts ............................................13Montana City Grill & saloon .................................32Mountain West Bank ............................................25Natalie Newton Designs & Photography ..............15Phaedra’s Photography ........................................27Real Food Market & Deli ......................................17Red lion Colonial Hotel ..........................................7saunders Jewelry ..................................................7Van’s Thriftway .....................................................31Wandering Albatross Photography.........................2

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32 HElEna IndEPEndEnT REcoRd

Documents

Helena Wedding Planner 2012