Lancaster Bride - August 2012

Lancaster

+
SEPTEMBER 2012 / JANUARY 2013 A P U B L I C AT I O N O F L A N C A S T E R N E W S PA P E R S , I N C .

our complete wedding checklist!

Timetable and Checklist
THE BRIDE’S CHECKLIST
Nine months (or longer) before the wedding
Set a date. Decide on the size and formality of the event. If you plan to be married in a church or temple, talk with your clergy to confirm the date. Prepare a budget for your wedding, reception, and any other wedding-related parties. Talk with reputable bridal planners. If you have a full-time job or just need a little extra help, a talented wedding consultant could be your saving grace. Though they aren’t inexpensive, neither are the costly mistakes that their experience may prevent you from making. Determine the time and place of your wedding and reception. Draw up your guest list. Ask your fiancé’s family to do the same. Ask family and/or friends to be in your wedding party. Be sure to be sensitive to any financial limitations they may have. Seek out and buy a wedding gown and accessories. Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses. If possible, arrange for attendants to see your favorites and give you feedback. This is a nice gesture since they traditionally pay for the dresses and shoes you select. Interview photographers, videographers, florists, musicians, caterers, and bakers. (You may want to create files for each category to keep track of bids, contracts, photos of their work, etc.) Start planning your honeymoon. Read your Sunday newspaper’s travel section, send for brochures, and consult with recommended travel agents. Also get tips from well-traveled friends and family. Decide on the florist, caterer, bakery, photographer, videographer, and the entertainment. Get written contracts. Meet with your caterer to talk about menus and other relevant details, including service charges, liquor costs, and waiters’ and bartenders’ fees (some of these may be included in the cost of your reception site instead). Give the caterer a rough estimate of the number of guests you expect. Be sure to get everything in writing. Take swatches of your dress and those of your bridesmaids (as well as those of both mothers, if possible) to your florist. This will help both of you visualize wonderful and complementary flowers for the wedding ceremony and reception. Firm up your honeymoon plans. Though this is traditionally the groom’s job, if you are enthusiastic about travel, you might want to contribute your two cents worth. In general, planning ahead means getting the best possible prices for everything from airfares to hotel reservations. Have your groom hire a limousine or other transportation (a horse-drawn carriage is a romantic option in some places) to take the two of you from the wedding to the reception. Remember: Get a contract. Compile a list of people you’d like invited to showers in your honor. Shop for clothing for young members of your bridal party (flower girls and ring bearers). Ask their parents for help with sizes and fittings. Shop for gifts for your attendants. Give yourself ample time to find things that are lovely and personal to show how much their friendship means to you. Shopping ahead also leaves time for any engraving you may decide to have done. Have your fiancé begin shopping for his attendants’ gifts, too. Shop for a going-away outfit and clothing for your trousseau. If you are renting tableware, furniture, tents, etc., make those arrangements now. Arrange with your photographer to have a formal bridal portrait taken six to eight weeks before your wedding. You may also decide to have a formal portrait taken of you with your groom. Make appointments with a great hairstylist for the day your formal portrait is taken and the day of or day before your wedding. If you like, also make an appointment to have a manicure, or makeup application.

Four to six months before
Register with a bridal gift registry. Department stores have the largest selection, but a growing number of specialty stores, museums, and mail-order companies offer bridal registry services, too. Check out the possibilities and remember you can register in more than one place. Many registry consultants will provide invaluable assistance with decisions regarding china patterns, silverware, appliances, and even home furnishings. Reserve your rehearsal dinner location. Plan a rehearsal dinner that includes both of your immediate families, the wedding party and their spouses or dates, and out-of-town guests. Book hotel accommodations for your attendants who live out of town, or arrange to have family or friends put them up. At the same time, book a block of rooms at a hotel for other out-of-town guests. Ask about group discounts and weekend packages. Begin fittings for your wedding gown and bridesmaids’ dresses. Select a wedding ring for your groom. Have it sized (if necessary) and engraved.

Six to nine months before
Have your fiancé ask his family and/or friends to be in the wedding party. Shop for wedding invitations as well as personal stationery for thank-you notes and at-home cards (if you’ll be using them). Make sure to order extra invitation envelopes since you’ll undoubtedly make a few addressing mistakes. You may also choose to order extra invitations to keep as mementos. Decide on your fiancé’s wedding attire and that of his best man, groomsmen, ushers, your father, and his father. Ask your mother and your fiancé’s mother to shop for their dresses. Traditionally, the bride’s mother has first choice of style and color and your groom’s mother would follow that lead. However, you may decide to provide each with the predominant colors and a sense of the formality of your wedding and let them make independent decisions.

Three months before
Prepare, or ask a friend or family member to help out with easy-to-read maps (especially if you don’t live in the city where your wedding will take place) explaining how to get to hotels, as well as wedding and reception sites. You may also want to include other information such as fun sight-seeing, shopping, and restaurants. Include with invitations to out-of-town guests. Address invitations and announcements. Take completed examples (make sure invitations are already stuffed with response cards, maps, hotel info, etc.) to the post office to find out what denomination of stamp you need. A choice of designs may be available. Buy your favorite and stamp everything so the invitations are ready to send out six to eight weeks before the wedding.

Follow our detail-by-detail checklist to keep your wedding plans on schedule from day one to the big day ’s end.

Two months before
Call city hall for information on how to get a marriage license. Generally, couples must apply for this no more than a month before their wedding day. Mail wedding invitations. Buy a journal for recording gifts you receive. Make sure to record the giver, the address, the gift or gifts, when you received it, and any comments that will help you personalize the thank-you note, which you should send out as promptly as possible. Plan a brunch or other activity for out-of-town guests for the day after the wedding. This is an optional but lovely way to end a wedding weekend and a warm way to show your appreciation for their making a special, costly trip to celebrate your wedding. Arrange a time and place for a bridesmaids’ luncheon. Complete all shopping for a going-away outfit and your trousseau. Meet with and discuss all specifics with the musicians involved with your wedding: church organists, pianists, harpists, bands, string quartets, or deejays. Talk about every little detail, especially with reception music: volume, type of music, the first dance song you’d like played, and any other sentimental favorites (either yours or someone else’s). Also spell out the duration of band or deejay breaks, fees, and the possibility of overtime play. Have a formal bridal portrait taken (some with your groom, too, if you choose). Send a bridal portrait and announcement to newspapers. If you want to personalize your ceremony, firm up your ideas and make an appointment to discuss them with the officiant. Get together all necessary birth or baptismal certificates, passports, and other documents you may need for your marriage license. Offer to help your groom and his parents select a site for the rehearsal dinner (especially if they are coming from another city to your hometown).

Get your wedding license and put it in a safe place. (Your officiant must sign it or the wedding will not be valid.) Have a final fitting of your gown. Double-check the clothes of the members of your wedding party. Keep good track of invitation responses. Buy a pretty wedding guest book. Firm up plans with your photographer for formal wedding shots of the bridal party, as well as candid shots to be taken at the reception. Firm up plans for videography of your wedding ceremony and the reception. Give your caterer a solid estimate of the number of guests you expect to attend the reception and make final decisions regarding the menu. Your caterer can then give you a written cost-per-person breakdown of food and drink costs. This should be an extremely detailed account of exactly what will be served and in what quantities. If you’re giving your groom a traditional gift, select one and wrap it at once — you won’t have time later. Talk with your florist to make sure all is going as scheduled. Double-check addresses and times of delivery to wedding and reception sites. Double-check your transportation plans: time, place, size, and number of vehicles. Draw up seating arrangements and make place cards for the rehearsal dinner and the reception. Decide who will stand in the receiving line and in what order. Bone up on receiving-line etiquette. Are you keeping good track of gifts you receive? Are you writing thank-you notes every day? Make any name or address changes on bank accounts, credit cards, driver’s licenses, insurance, Social Security forms, etc. Also be sure to file any change-of-address cards that may be necessary.

One week before the wedding
Make final checks with your officiant, florist, caterer, photographer, videographer, bakery, musicians, transportation providers, and any other contracted vendors. Make sure your bridal-party gifts are wrapped and ready to be taken to the rehearsal dinner. If other friends and family members have been especially helpful during the months and weeks leading up to your wedding, you might like to give them a token of appreciation, too. Make arrangements with a friend or relative to transport gifts brought to the reception back to your home or that of your parents. Ask a close friend or family member to help the photographer or videographer identify people you especially want captured on film or tape.

The day before the wedding
Spend the day pampering yourself. Have a massage, a manicure, or a pedicure. Rehearse your ceremony with the bridal party. Give ushers the names of reserved seating guests. Have fun at the rehearsal dinner. Get a good night’s sleep (if possible!).

The day of the wedding
Give yourself plenty of time to get dressed. Remember to keep your cool. No wedding in the history of time has ever gone off without a few hitches. You’ve spent the last year planning this event and have (naturally) lost all perspective. Honestly, nobody will notice that the pink in the napkins is off, or the special cake-cutting knife you ordered never arrived. If the day is magical for you, then it will be for everyone else, too.

Two to four weeks before
Set the wedding rehearsal and firm up rehearsal dinner plans. Inform the bridal party, close family and friends, as well as any other out-of-town guests, of wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner times and places.

Two weeks before the wedding
Begin packing for your honeymoon. Buy any toiletries, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc., that you’ll need. Relax as much as possible! Read a great book. Take long walks. Wade in a pool. Drink freshsqueezed orange juice.

— Cover photo courtesy — Miville Photography

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Nine months (or longer) before the wedding

THE GROOM’S CHECKLIST

Find a lovely engagement ring for your fiancée. Set a wedding date with your bride. Talk about the size and formality each of you envision for the wedding. If you plan to be married in a church or temple, talk with your clergy to make sure the date you’ve chosen is available. Draw up a guest list for your family, friends and parents.

Six to nine months before the wedding
Ask family and/or friends to be in your wedding. Decide on your wedding attire and that of your attendants. Your fiancée will be happy to help! Start planning your honeymoon. Though your bride may want to help, she’s going to be insanely busy. Take some initiative! Buy some travel magazines and read the Sunday travel section in your newspaper. Send for brochures. Talk with well-traveled friends, family, and colleagues, and get recommendations from travel agents—they can offer terrific, all-inclusive packages.

Four to six months before the wedding
Select a wedding ring for your bride. Have it engraved and sized. Reserve a site for the rehearsal dinner. Arrange accommodations for attendants, family, and close friends. Help your bride make bridal gift registry selections. Shop for attendants’ gifts. Leave ample time to find things that are personal and meaningful. Apply for passports if needed for the honeymoon.

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Two to three months before the wedding
Firm up your honeymoon plans. Make final payments.

Four to six weeks before the wedding

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Be sure you and your fiancée have all the necessary blood tests, physical exams, birth certificates, and baptismal papers to obtain a marriage license. Make necessary changes in insurance: medical, household, fire, personal property, and life.

Two to four weeks before the wedding
Apply for a marriage license with your bride. Give the wedding party, close friends, and family (and if possible, any out-of-town guests) information regarding the time and place of the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. If you’ll move after the wedding, fill out change-of-address cards (available at the post office).

One week before the wedding
Give your rehearsal dinner caterer or restaurant a firm number of attendees. Double-check your honeymoon plans. Begin packing for your honeymoon. Attend your bachelor’s dinner (probably given by your best man and groomsmen).

The day before the wedding
Rehearse your ceremony with the bridal party. Give your ushers the names of reserved seating guests. Have a good time at your rehearsal dinner.
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The day of the wedding
Bring your marriage license to be signed. Give your best man the officiant’s check to handle. Remember to bring your bride’s wedding ring. Arrive at the wedding site with your attendants an hour before the ceremony. Have fun, and congratulations!

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4 • LANCASTER BRIDE • September 2012—January 2013

Choosing A
Proposing is tough enough, but finding the perfect ring, set with the perfect diamond is even tougher. It’s important to know what you’re buying. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice. Educate yourself. Start by learning about the four Cs: clarity, cut, color and carat. Understanding how diamonds are evaluated and categorized will allow you to determine which is most important to you. Get input from your fiancé. Visit your local jewelry stores together and try on as many rings as possible. Note which cuts and types of settings she prefers, or look at rings in bridal magazines. If you’re being discreet, look at the jewelry she wears on a day-today basis or ask someone close to her for insight. Let’s talk carats. Precious gemstones are measured in carats. There are 100 points in a carat and as points or carats increase, so does the price of the diamond.

Diamond
diamonds and settings to get a general idea of what you’d like to spend. Select a jeweler. No matter whom you buy from, make sure the jeweler is reputable and affiliated with the American Gem Society (AGS). Test the staff’s knowledge, look into customer reviews and at the company’s return and repair policies. Before placing the order, ask for a grading report. If a grading report will not accompany your diamond, make sure the sale is contingent upon an independent appraiser’s opinion. Another option: Ask for a fingerprint of the diamond. This is a threedimensional drawing of indicating the four Cs, along with the diamond’s dimensions and enhancements. Inclusions and blemishes should also be noted.

Pick a color. D denotes the whitest, and anything N and below show noticeable yellow tones. E and F have no detectable color tones The cut and sparkle. Cut is the most impor tant and perhaps the most misunderstood and controversial of the four Cs. When we talk cut, we’re talking about the exact angles, proportions, symmetry and polish that affect the way the diamond reflects light and sparkles. How important is clarity? Clarity refers to how clean the gem appears when viewed through a magnifier. Most diamonds contain some “inclusions” — crystalline fractures or irregular crystal growth. Establish a budget. After determining the four Cs, you should be able to set a budget or at least have a figure in mind. The general rule of thumb is to set aside two months of salary. If you’re hesitant to set a dollar amount, look at your options in

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September  2012—January 2013 •  LANCASTER BRIDE •

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5

Who Pays for What?

Paying for the Perfect Day
Wedding expenses can be a matter of yours, mine, and ours.
Weddings traditionally are spectacularly beautiful. Some of them can be spectacularly expensive. For many years, most of the expenses for the wedding were paid for by the bride’s parents. In recent years, tradition often has taken a back seat to more practical considerations—such as who is willing or able to pay. More times than not, the groom’s family is pitching in on expenses, paying for some of the basics of a big wedding or for extras to make sure the day is special. The bride and groom often chip in on certain items they want in their weddings or picking up the tab for the whole event. Once you know you’re getting married, it’s a good idea to sit down with your fiancé and firm up exactly what kind of wedding each of you envisions—big or small, lavish or informal, in a church, temple, or garden, or at home. When the two of you agree on the size and style you want, it’s time to talk with all the parents. Let them know from the start that you want to talk candidly about their ability and willingness to foot the cost. Though it isn’t terribly romantic, discussing a budget at the outset—then sticking to it—can help you steer clear of a dangerous and common wedding pitfall: runaway spending. It won’t be a true celebration if it strains your pocketbook or that of someone you love. Being sensitive to this makes a big difference. On this page are some traditional guidelines for wedding expenses. Remember that they are just guidelines. Relax, have fun, and bend them according to your situation. There really is no right or wrong way to shop till you drop.

The Bride:

• The groom’s wedding ring. • A wedding present for the groom (an optional exchange). • Presents for her bridal attendants and maid/matron of honor. • Personal stationery. • Accommodations for her out-oftown attendants with family or friends, or in hotels. • Her physical exam and blood test, if required. • The bride’s engagement and wedding rings. • A wedding gift for the bride. • The marriage license. • Gifts for his best man and ushers. • The bride’s bouquet, her goingaway corsage; corsages for both mothers; boutonnieres for the men in the wedding party, ushers, and both fathers. • Accommodations for out-of-town best man and ushers, if necessary. • His physical exam and blood test, if required. • Ties, ascots, and gloves for men in the wedding party. • The fee for the clergy or other officiant. • The honeymoon. • Invitations to the wedding and other wedding-related festivities (engagement parties, nextmorning brunches, etc.), announcements, thank-you cards, and all postage costs. • The bride’s gown, accessories, and trousseau.

The Groom:

• A gift for the bride and groom (the wedding may be that gift!). • The cost of the ceremony, including rental of the church, temple, or other facility, as well as fees for the organist, the soloists or choir, the sexton (if applicable), the aisle carpets or canopies, the ceremony flowers, and any other decorations. • The reception, including the rental of the facility, the catering, the cake, the beverages, the music, the flowers, and other decorations. • The photography and/or videography. • Bridesmaids’ bouquets. • Gratuities to those parking cars or directing traffic. • Transportation for the bridal party from the bride’s house to the ceremony and from the ceremony to the reception. • A bridesmaids’ lunch.

The Groom’s Family:

• Their clothes for the wedding. • Their own travel expenses and accommodations, if any. • A gift for the couple. • The rehearsal dinner and any other expenses they want to share with the bride’s family.

The Bride’s Family:

• Ceremony clothes, including dresses, shoes, and accessories. • Travel expenses. • A gift for the couple.

The Attendants:

Wedding Worksheet
WEDDING PARTIES
Engagement party Bridesmaids’ lunch Rehearsal dinner Out-of-town guests’ brunch $______ $______ $______ $______ Food Drink Wedding cake Groom’s cake Rental of facility Rentals of tableware, tents, furniture Place cards Tips and fees to food servers, doormen, coat check, valet, etc.

RECEPTION

$______ $______ $______ $______ $______ $______ $______

Stationery Invitations Announcements Thank-you cards At-home cards Stamps

WEDDING CONSULTANT

$______ $______ $______ $______ $______ $______

$______

MUSIC

Wedding dress Headpiece and veil Shoes Accessories Dresses for other wedding parties Undergarments Trousseau

BRIDAL ATTIRE

$______ $______ $______ $______ $______ $______ $______

Ceremony (organist, soloists, choir, other musicians) Reception (band, deejay, pianist)

$______ $______

TRANSPORTATION
Limousines Parking

$______ $______

Formal portraits Engagement Wedding and reception Wedding album Parents’ albums Extra prints Videography of wedding and wedding parties

PHOTO/VIDEOGRAPHY

GIFTS
$______ $______ $______ $______ $______ $______ $______

For your groom (optional) Maid/matron of honor Bridesmaids A gift to your parents (optional) Your groom’s rings

$______ $______ $______ $______ $______

Ceremony arrangements, garlands Bride’s bouquet Groom’s boutonniere Bridesmaids/groomsmen Flower girl/ring bearer Mothers’ corsages Reception arrangements

FLOWERS

Church/synagogue/other location Officiant Officiant assistants

FEES

$______ $______ $______

$______ $______ $______ $______ $______ $______ $______

Guest favors Birdseed or confetti packets Monogrammed napkins Cake knife Hotel accommodations Guest book and pen

ODDS AND ENDS

$______ $______ $______ $______ $______ $______

September  2012—January 2013 •  LANCASTER BRIDE •

7

Get to Know Your Spouse
Speak to anyone who has been married for years, and you will often find that communication is the key to a successful relationship. However, many couples enter a marriage without really knowing about their spouses, or how they feel about certain beliefs, hopes, aspirations, or even financial concerns. After the glow of the wedding is over, couples who haven’t discussed these important topics may find that stress or arguments arise from miscommunication or misunderstanding. Taking time to sit down with your fianceé or fiancé prior to the wedding planning can help you learn even more about your compatibility and potential for a long-lasting marriage. Here are some of the questions you can ask each other, which may spark meaningful conversation:

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8 • LANCASTER BRIDE • September 2012—January 2013

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMY HESS AND TONY GIBBLE

• Will we keep our money in joint or individual accounts? • What kinds of things will we talk about first before buying? • Who is going to be in charge of paying bills and other expenses? • How much time do we expect to spend with each other and when? • Where will we live? • How much will we be able to afford? • What if one of us had a career opportunity that required a move to a new city (or country)? • What if one of us, or both of us, got fired or laid-off? • How important is money to our relationship and marriage? • What type of material possessions are important to you (each other)? • What is your definition of financial security? • How much is enough for a “safety net” or “rainy day” fund? • How much of our income will we save or invest?

• Will we have a special “night” together that we always plan? Once a week, once a month? • Who is responsible for cooking or will we share that and how? • Do we have conflicting ideas of style? • How often do we like to go out with friends alone? • How often will we go out with friends together? • When do we want to retire, and how will we spend our time after retirement?

• Will we have children? When and how many? • What will we do if we can’t have children together (adoption, other options)? • How might having children change our relationship and the time we spend alone with each other? • How might things around the house/home change once a child is born? • Will one of us give up our career to stay home with our child/children?

FAMILY:
• What do you like, or dislike about my family? • Is our individual relationship with our family going to stay the same, or might it change? • How will we share time with our families during the holidays?

INTIMACY & CHILDREN
• How do we deal with each other’s sexual expectations and needs? • Describe your idea of the ultimate sexual experience — is it romantic, spontaneous?

• What do you love about me? • Why are you marrying me? • How might previous relationships we’ve had affect our marriage, if at all? • What if an old boyfriend/girlfriend calls? What if we bumped into one on the street? How would you feel? • What about me drives you crazy or makes you frustrated? • What about our personalities is different and might be a source of conflict? • How would we know we’re having problems ahead of time and what would we do about it?

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September  2012—January 2013 •  LANCASTER BRIDE •

9

Tips for An Interfaith Wedding
Organizing a wedding is seldom easy. Even for those who have walked down the aisle more than once, planning a wedding is a time-consuming experience. As if the more minute details weren’t enough, for couples of different faiths the ceremony must be planned as well. Whereas couples of the same faith won’t have to do too much planning with respect to the wedding ceremony itself, interfaith couples often must spend significant time reconciling each faith so that both are represented in a respectful way. While it can be challenging, the following tips should help interfaith couples plan the wedding of their dreams.

Discuss the ceremony with both partners’ respective families:
While some couples might want to steer clear of involving their families in the decision-making process of their wedding, inviting close family members to share their opinions could be beneficial. Be prepared for such discussions to get emotional, particularly if parents or grandparents take part. The contributions of family members could help you gain a better perspective of both your faith and that of your partner. Be sure, however, to politely make it known that while you value the opinions of family members, ultimately all the decisions rest with you and your partner.

Examine your beliefs:
Think about the things that mean the most to you, and about those areas where you’re open to compromise. If particular aspects of your faith’s standard wedding ceremony are especially important or meaningful to you, be sure to have those included in the ceremony.

Respect each other as well:
Involving both families and respecting those families can be an important step in planning an interfaith marriage. It’s especially important for each partner to respect the other’s faith and beliefs. Even if neither of you are spiritual or regularly attend services, that doesn’t mean your faiths aren’t important to you. Recognize that and be mutually respectful.

photo by Nancy Bradley

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10 • LANCASTER BRIDE • September 2012—January 2013

The Marriage License
24-hour information line: (717) 295-3522 Web site: www.co.lancaster.pa.us

Openly communicate each step of the way:
While certain details of the wedding might not require lots of communication, planning an interfaith ceremony does not fall under that umbrella. Make sure both partners are involved every step of the way, and openly discuss each aspect of the decision-making.

Where to apply: Office of the Clerk of Orphans Court, second floor, Lancaster County Courthouse, 50 N. Duke St., Lancaster. Hours: 8:30 to 4:30, Monday through Friday. Marriage may take place anywhere in Pennsylvania. When you apply: The couple must appear in person to complete the marriage application. Social Security numbers and a government-issued photo ID are required. Non-US citizens must provide passport with current visa. Age Requirements: If both are 18 years of age, no parental consent or birth certificate is required.

Determine who will officiate the wedding:
Some interfaith couples opt for two clergy members, one from each person’s faith, to perform the ceremony. Others look for interfaith officiants who have performed interfaith weddings in the past. If one partner was especially attached to their childhood clergy member, invite them to perform or at least attend the ceremony.

If either is 16 or 17, one parent must be present to issue consent. A birth certificate and an additional $5 fee is required. If either is under 16, an attorney must be present to petition a Judge of the Orphans Court for permission for them to marry. A parent or guardian of each person must also be present. Remarriages: Applicants who have been previously married must provide additional information concerning the dissolution of the most recent marriage. Call for complete information. Medical Examinations: The state of Pennsylvania no longer requires a blood test or medical exam.

Who May Not Marry: Blood relatives down to and including first cousins may not marry according to Pennsylvania law. When to Apply: In Pennsylvania, there is a three day waiting period before the license is available. Apply at least one week before the marriage date. The license is valid for 60 days after the license has been issued. Fee: The fee in Lancaster County is $40, CASH only.

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September  2012—January 2013 •  LANCASTER BRIDE •

11

Moving their relationship from dating to marriage was a big step for Lynn Lehman and Cliff Simonelli. One primary concern was how their respective children — Lynn’s two young sons, ages 5 and 8, plus Cliff’s three youngsters, ages 9 to 15 — would come together as a family. “Cliff and I were both divorced,” explains Lynn, a 38-year-old marketing manager. “Divorce turns kids’ lives upside down. My boys didn’t verbalize anything, but I knew they were worried. That’s one reason why Cliff and I decided to do something during our wedding to communicate to all the children that we were creating a family that would be there for them. We wanted them to know that they could trust that our marriage and our new family would not fall apart.” But finding the perfect “family” wedding ceremony was not as easy as Lynn had anticipated. She spent hours surfing the Web only to find a lot of so-called blended family products with more sizzle than substance. Eventually Lynn found exactly what she had in mind: a simple and emotionally satisfying family ser vice that gives children a meaningful role in the wedding celebration. This five-minute ceremony — known as the Family Medallion service — can easily be integrated into any religious or civil wedding ceremony. It differs from the traditional wedding in only one respect, after the newlyweds exchange rings, their children join

them for a special service focusing on the family nature of a marriage. Each child is given a Family Medallion pendant (or ring) with three interlocking circles, a symbol that represents family love. The couple liked the message of the family ceremony, which included a pledge to love and care for all the children either spouse brings to the marriage. “We were making a commitment to the children, and we wanted them to make a commitment to work through the challenges that our new family would inevitably face,” Lynn adds. The Simonellis say they will never forget the special family service that was the highlight of their wedding. The justice of the peace called each child forward and, while he read the words of the ceremony, Lynn and Cliff placed the medallions around the necks of their children. There was a lot of hugging and tears. “I could tell by the way the kids reacted that on some level, they understood,” Lynn says. For example, Lynn’s youngest son, 5-year-old Christopher, clutched his medallion and beamed at his stepdad Cliff. “This is cool, dude,” he said. “I love you.” Cliff, a 41-year-old salesman, had been concerned that his teenage son and daughter might not warm to the idea of a family service. “But once we gave them the medallions, I could feel in them a palpable sense of relief — that they knew everything was going to be OK.”

Most of the guests attending the LehmanSimonelli wedding were awed by the family ceremony. “We got tons of compliments,” says Lynn. “People told us that they had never seen such a unique and beautiful way to recognize children.” More than 15,000 couples annually use the Family Medallion ceremony to help strengthen the bond between parents, stepparents and children. “I was very impressed with the Family Medallion ceremony,” says Rev. David Schaal, a minister. “When I recently used it during a wedding, I could see the pride and happiness in the face the little boy who received the medallion. It’s my feeling that when children are involved, it’s important to do something tangible to recognize them during the wedding.” Lynn and Cliff believe that their decision to have a “family” wedding will strengthen their family bond for years to come. “As our kids grow older, I hope they appreciate the value of family and what we did to assure them that they would always be an integral part of our lives,” Lynn says. Andrew Lehman, 8, isn’t thinking much about the future. He wears his Family Medallion every day and refers to the wedding as, “The day my mom, my stepdad and all of us kids got married. My medallion means family. That’s what we are.”

12 • LANCASTER BRIDE • September 2012—January 2013

Before Your ‘I Do’s,’ A Financial Review
One thing you can definitely say about the current credit crunch — it sure isn’t romantic. But for couples about to exchange “I do’s,” a clear understanding of each other’s credit history as singles, and how they will use credit as a couple, is vital to ensure their future wedded bliss. All signs point to the reality that credit is likely to be difficult to get for a while, even for those with good credit scores. Getting married is a life-changing event that will impact your credit rating. It’s important for couples to be open and honest with each other about their credit histories, credit-use habits and plans for using future credit. Credit has become an integral part of the American institution of marriage. If you are newlyweds, you’ll likely require credit to fund some of your basic needs and dreams — from buying your first house to financing the minivan you’ll need to transport the big family you plan to have. Your blended credit rating will decide how easy or difficult it is to secure those loans at favorable rates. So how can you prevent the credit crunch from putting the squeeze on your plans for building a life together? Here are some basic tips: First, exchange credit reports. As a single person, your credit score was a private matter between you and the people you borrowed money from. When you’re married, your credit history becomes linked to your spouse’s and he or she deserves to know ahead of time how you rate with lenders. Knowing what’s on your credit report is the first vital step toward reaching your personal financial goals as a couple. Get a copy of your credit report at and present it to your intended. Next, set mutual priorities and goals. If you both have significant debt, perhaps your goal will be to pay that off before incurring any new debt. Pool your earnings to pay off the highest interest debts first — his $9,000 credit card debt may actually cost you more in interest each month than her $14,000 auto loan. If you both are relatively debt-free, good for you. You can turn your attention to setting savings and spending priorities, including saving for a down payment on a house (the low-rate, zero-down loan is virtually extinct), putting money aside for your retirement or building up your cushion of savings in case the economy gets worse and one of you loses a job. Decide which priority is highest on your list, agree on a time frame for reaching that goal and organize a game plan for getting there. It’s important to have these discussions before the wedding. You’ll both enjoy your big day more knowing you’re on the same page regarding your financial future. It is easy to check your credit reports. Web sites like FreeCreditReport.com allow you to get your credit report and credit score which gives you more control over your personal finances.

marriot_light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" marriot_light_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" marriott_med_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" marriott_med_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±"'»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '"

Come To The
Now available for Receptions, Banquets & Special Occasions

marriott_bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? åç´ƒ©˙ˆ˚¬µ˜øœ®ß†¨¥`¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡° ‚—±”’»ÚÆ ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡° ‚—±"'»ÚÆ ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" marriott_bold_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? åç´ƒ©˙ˆ˚¬µ˜øœ®ß†¨¥`¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡° ‚—±”’»ÚÆ ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡° ‚—±"'»ÚÆ ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" marriot_condensed_light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" marriot_condensed_medium_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" marriot_condensed_bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ ˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡° ‚—±”’»ÚÆ ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡° ‚—±”’»ÚÆ ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '"

THE RIVER ROOM
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For information call Adrienne Zorn 717.252.0416

LANCASTER MARRIOTT AT PENN SQUARE (PH) 717.207.4000
www.marriottlancasterweddings.com

North Front Street • Wrightsville
Take Wrightsville Exit Off Rt. 30

www.johnwrightrestaurant.com
September  2012—January 2013 •  LANCASTER BRIDE •

13

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something...Green?
If you have a hybrid car parked in your garage, recycle rain water to irrigate backyard plants and have replaced just about every bulb in your home with compact fluorescents, there’s a good chance that you’re environmentally conscious. But what if you’ve just gotten engaged and want to impart some of these green ways of thinking to the wedding? What can you do to be earth-friendly when tying the knot? Going green for your wedding day doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the elements that will make the day special. It just means you can take a look at the details and the bigger picture and develop strategies that will minimize the impact on the planet. From food to flowers, choose vendors that use locally grown and raised products. This reduces the amount of smog generated and fuel consumed to bring items in for your wedding. Many caterers are now collaborating with local farms and other vendors to offer organic, locally grown menu items. It pays to ask about availability. Figure out where the greatest number of your guests reside and then hold the wedding nearby. For example, a couple from the Northeast who has relocated to the West coast, but has all of their family still in the east, may want to hold their wedding in the east. It is less expensive and more environmentally-friendly for the couple to simply fly to the wedding, rather than having hundreds of guests drive or fly west. Be mindful of wardrobe choices: Choose items that really can be worn again. Skip the rented tuxes and ask groomsmen to wear a similar styled suit that they can add to their work wardrobe. Bridesmaids can wear a simple black cocktail dress so that they’re not left with a taffeta creation that will only hang in the closet afterward. If you decide to go more traditional with wardrobe, find out if gowns can be recycled or donated so that they can be reused in another way.

Choose recycled materials for wedding invitations & announcements:

Go local:

There are an increasing number of suppliers creating invitations from recycled materials. Some will do all the assembly for you; other less expensive items may be more hands-on. Cut down on further use of paper by creating a wedding Web site where you post directions, maps, party times, and other essential information so you avoid ex tra slip-in sheets with your invitations.

Go to your guests:

Bus guests to your venue to save on gas. It is also a safer option for those who will be indulging in alcoholic beverages at the party since they won’t have to drive on the return trip home.

Create car-pool options:

Purveyors of ecologically responsible engagement rings and wedding bands, 2,500 tonnes of gold are mined each year, even though there is enough gold above ground (already mined) to satisfy all demands of the jewelry industry for the next 50 years. Much of it sits in bank vaults and in the form of old and unused jewelry. See if you can recycle old jewelry into something new. Or embrace the sentimental hand-me-down rings from a grandmother or other relative.

Investigate ecologically responsible wedding jewelry:

14 • LANCASTER BRIDE • September 2012—January 2013

Treat Guests to an ‘Inviting’ Message

There are infinite opportunities for uniqueness with wedding invitations, which is why selecting the right invitation is often one of the most confusing aspects of planning a wedding. Invitations are usually your first line of communication regarding the upcoming celebration, and they typically set the tone of the affair and what guests should expect. Wedding etiquette experts also say that gift-giving is subject to inf luence by the type of invitation received. Guests also tend to determine what they will wear to the wedding depending upon the invitation. All of these perceptions about the wedding are made even before guests read the first line of sentiment on the invitation itself. With so much inferred meaning placed on invitations, it’s no wonder you may be nervous about choosing and sending out invitations. Here are some pointers so you’ll make the right decisions. There are many personalization options at your disposal with wedding invitations. You’ll be able to choose the texture, color and shape of the paper, as well as the

font and ink color in many cases. These selections can be combined with other embellishments, such as envelope linings, extra layers of paper, vellum accents, ribbons, and calligraphy styles. You may also be able to select a monogram or artwork to further embellish the invitation. If your wedding will be a formal affair, choose a classic style invitation that will reflect the formalness of the affair. If your wedding will be casual, choose a design and font that expresses that feeling.

Here are some other tips to consider:
1. Wait until you have definite times and locations for the ceremony and reception before submitting any wording to the invitation company. 2. Type out the wording you prefer with a word-processing program on your computer. Run a spellcheck and print it out and read it over several times. This will cut down on the chances for error once the wording is sent for printing. 3. To know how many invitations to order, take the forecasted

number of guests and divide that number by two. Then add 25 to 30 additional invitations for any single guests you may be inviting as well as to have extras on hand in case you make a mistake addressing the invitation. So if you are inviting 150 people (assuming most will come as couples), order 100 invitations. 4. Many people opt to print out addresses on the invitation envelope themselves. While home printers and software packages have certainly advanced, it may be difficult to match the font and s t y l e o f y o u r i nv i t a t i o n . Fur ther more, while handaddressing invitations is more time- consuming , it adds a personalized touch and shows you care about those invited. 5. Make sure you bring an invitation to the post office to be weighed so you can determine how much postage you will need. Mail them 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding to allow for response time. It’s customary to enclose a response card with postage already applied so guests can simply drop their RSVP in the mail.

TEA ROOM I BAKERY I CATERING

Serving high tea, breakfast & lunch We carry over 120 loose teas, teapots & tea accessories
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403 Bank Barn Lane, Lancaster, PA 17602 (717) 394-9166 Tues-Sat 9am-4pm; Sun noon-5pm www.sugarplumsandtea.com

Reservations Suggested
September  2012—January 2013 •  LANCASTER BRIDE •

15

Wedding Day Skin
You bought the gown, scheduled the hairstylist, and picked out the bridal accessories. But are you forgetting about one of the most important parts of looking beautiful on your wedding day: your face?
Every bride wants to shine on her wedding day, but she probably doesn’t want her skin to shine, too. Problems like oily, dry, or irritated skin plague a good portion of the population. But on your wedding day you don’t want skin inconveniences to ruin your festivities. One of the best ways to put your best face forward is to know your skin type, what causes you to breakout, and to avoid any products or foods that may contribute to the problem — at least until the last wedding photo has been snapped. If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you may want to visit a dermatologist a few months before the wedding to talk about your concerns and to get recommendations for proper skin care. In addition to professional skin advice, here are some other ways to maximize your beauty potential for your wedding day.

1. Cleansing & Toning

2. Be Gentle

Healthy skin starts with clean skin. Be sure to remove makeup every night and wash your face with a mild cleanser appropriate for your skin type twice daily. Toners can refresh the skin, dry up any extra oil on the surface and clean out pores. Now is not the time to experiment with the latest and greatest products out there. You don’t want to risk irritation to your skin before your wedding day. When cleansing, drying, or even applying makeup, treat your skin with a soft hand. Blot gently with cotton balls or swabs, and avoid tugging or rubbing the skin. Not only can this cause redness or irritation, it may also contribute to long-term wrinkling.

Lash extensions for the bride & bridal party
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A wholistic environment to enhance your physical and mental well being
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16 • LANCASTER BRIDE • September 2012—January 2013

3. Makeup

Conservative, natural-looking makeup should also be the rule. The photographs you take on your wedding day will be a testament to the era and moments you shared. But you don’t want to look dated when you reminisce years later. Choose muted shades on eyes, lips and cheeks that enhance, rather than cover up your beauty. Select makeup that is smudge- and waterproof so it will stand up to tears of joy and kisses from well-wishers. Pressed or loose powder can also be your best friend. It will come in handy when you have to touch up spots on your face or combat shine. Don’t hide behind a veil your entire wedding day. Learn the way to healthy, vibrant skin.

4. Not So ‘Sun’sational

Many brides-to-be believe that suntanning will cure many of their skin ailments. This isn’t the case. While sunbathing may temporarily alleviate acne or breakouts, it could actually compound the problem and make outbreaks worse over time. Other ladies think that tanned skin will make them look better against their white bridal gown. However, on your wedding day you should look like the best version of you, not a complete stranger. Fair-skinned individuals may look out of place with a deep tan. Err on the side of moderate whenever contemplating modifying your skin tone, as it will affect makeup choices and other things as well. And avoid tanning booths or sitting out in the sun. If you must be tan, look for artificial spray tans or bronzers that create natural-looking color.

33 Pamper Your Bridal Party
Relieve wedding planning stress with these special services:
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September  2012—January 2013 •  LANCASTER BRIDE •

17

Almost as long as there have been bridal gowns, white or ivory have been the colors of choice for first-time brides. These light hues represent the purity and innocence of the bride. Although a few brides-to-be choose to forego wedding white for something a bit more flashy — like pink or yellow gowns — a popular trend today is to wear gowns with accents of black or other deep colors to add dimension to the white canvas. Considering the groom and groomsmen will be dressed in black tuxedos, black accents on a wedding gown have been growing in popularity and add a formal, regal look to a wedding. Darker color embellishments can add drama to a gown. Another advantage is they can call out pattern or adornments not easily seen on a whiteon-white gown. Furthermore, deep colors against the white backdrop of the gown show well in photography, par ticularly the black-and- white journalistic style that is very trendy. Women shopping for bridal gowns who are considering colored accents should be careful that these embellishments are subtle and do not overwhelm the gown — or the person who will be wear ing it! Popular enhancements include appliques on the bodice or the train of the gown. Another idea is to select a white gown and then tie a black bow or sash around the waist or put a lace shrug over bare shoulders. Black-and-white lace gloves are also an option for those who want to add just a little splash of dimension. The same concept can be applied to any accent color. Burgundy or plum colors also work well to add the contrast of dark against light and aren’t as extreme as black. Some brides opt for a paler, more pastel shade to serve as an accompaniment to the white gown. Many times the accent colors chosen are replicated in the hue of the bridesmaids’ gowns, so the entire wedding party looks cohesive. Because the spectacle will be the beauty of the gown, it’s best to carry a neutral-colored bouquet in a small size. Or, a black-and-white gown can be accented with a small nosegay of red flowers or roses.

Pack an emergency wedding day kit
Brides- and grooms-to-be hope and pray their wedding day will go off without a hitch. 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. Use this checklist to compile a wedding day kit that meets your needs and customize with any speciality items. needle and thread in white, black and the color of bridesmaid gowns double-sided tape safety pins extra pairs of pantyhose slippers or a change of shoes makeup and lipstick for touch-ups nail polish for chips. Clear nail polish for hosiery runs. powder deodorant hair spray hair pins hair dryer contact lens solution/eye drops nail file nail clipper quick-clean detergent stick static cling spray mints/gum extra cash umbrellas straws (to sip drinks without ruining lipstick) black buttons black socks earring backs sanitary pads or tampons pain reliever pills antacid bandages names and phone numbers of all wedding vendors
Union Meeting House 80 N. Waterford Ave. Marietta PA

Union Meeting House
Make your next event special when you host it at the Union Meeting House located in the quaint town of Marietta in south central PA., nestled along the banks of the Susquehanna River. • Event planning assistance available • Tables/chairs available • 110-115 guest capacity • Ample parking The Union Meeting House may be rented for Business Meetings & Corporate Events, Reunions, Birthdays, Weddings, Bridal & Baby Showers, Anniversaries and many other events by calling Bonnie Koch at 717-426-4089 or email at [email protected]

Host your next event at

What

are you looking for?

Find it at Lancaster County’s most complete online listing of local businesses.

RESTAURANTS • LODGING • SHOPPING • NIGHTLIFE • ACTIVITIES • RECREATION • MAPS • GUIDES

www.LancMarketplace.com

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MAKING DREAMS AFFORDABLE!

We offer Quality New & Lovingly Worn Gowns for: • Brides • Mothers • Flower Girls • Special Occasions • Proms • Accessories • Jewelry • Veils

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Tues & Fri 12-7, Wed 12-4, Sat. 9-12 & Other Hours by Appt. Visit us on The Knot • [email protected]
September  2012—January 2013 •  LANCASTER BRIDE •

194 Doe Run Rd. • Manheim • 717-665-3711

19

Tuxedo Choices
for Your Wedding
ere are many grooms-to-be who leave choosing their wedding day attire to the last minute. After all, it’s something that doesn’t require much thought at all, right? Actually, choosing your attire requires careful consideration of several variables. As such, many men are intimidated by the process, another reason for procrastination. However, acquiring a few pointers will help make the process easier. It’s important to consider the style of your wedding. What time is it being held? What is the size of the wedding party and the number of attendants? Will it be held in a church with

a reception at a fancy catering hall, or is it a more laid-back affair at a park or on the beach? Your wardrobe choices should coincide with the level of formality of the event. Tuxedos are often the attire of choice for weddings that are moderately or ultra formal. A tuxedo with a bow tie and tails is a very formal look. For the majority of weddings a tuxedo without tails, with a matching vest and regular tie, will be adequate for the groom and groomsmen. On some occasions, especially casual weddings, grooms choose to wear a sports jacket and slacks rather than a tuxedo. Tuxedoes are flattering for most men, especially when a black tuxedo is chosen. Black is slimming, and simply slipping into a tuxedo enables anyone to look sophisticated. Working with a tuxedo shop representative can help you to find a tuxedo that fits well. ese garments are available in a number of sizes, but a reputable shop will make minor alterations to ensure a perfect fit. You want to be sure there is no pulling in the jacket and that the pants are a good length. Also, shirt sleeve length is important (the cuffs should extend past the jacket a little bit), as well as the fit of the shirt collar. You want to be comfortable the entire duration of your wedding. Tuxedo jackets come in many styles, with the basics being single- or double-breasted. Double-breasted jackets may add a little bulk, which should be avoided by heavy men or those who are very slim. Jackets also come in different lengths. Choose one that is proportionate to your height so your body does not look overwhelmed by the jacket.

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20 • LANCASTER BRIDE • September 2012—January 2013

Here are a few of the styles: Cutaway jacket: is jacket is shorter in the front and tapers to one longer tail in the back. It is traditionally a formal daytime jacket. Traditional tuxedo jacket: Single- or double-breasted and feature varied numbers of button closures. e lapels may also be varied. A peaked lapel forms a “V” at the collar and points upward. A notched lapel has an indentation at the collar in the shape of a triangle. A shawl lapel has no indentation and smoothly curves around the neck. Mandarin jacket: Mandarin-style jackets do not have a lapel but a collar that stands straight up. ere are six buttons along the front. It is worn with a mandarin-style shirt without a tie. Long coat: e long coat is best worn by tall, broad-shouldered men and is traditional in colder weather. e coat extends beyond the fingertips of the wearer. Dinner jacket: is is a variation on the regular tuxedo jacket, but it is usually ivory or white in color. is can set the groom apart from other members of the wedding party. Many grooms-to-be opt to rent their tuxedo instead of purchase one. Wedding experts recommend renting the attire three months before the wedding. All groomsmen should rent their tuxedos from the same shop for a uniform look. It is also customary to coordinate the tuxedos with the gowns bridesmaids will be wearing. One way to do so is with a similar colored tie, vest or cummerbund. Take a color swatch of one of the bridesmaids’ gowns with you to the tuxedo store for assistance with matching the look. Pick up the tuxedo a day or two before the wedding and try on every piece, including the shoes, to check for fit. is way you have time for an exchange if something is not right or to pick up a missing tie or cufflink, which is apt to happen. Rented tuxedoes usually need to be returned the day after the wedding or the next business day. Elect a member of the wedding party to handle tuxedo returns because you’re likely to be on your honeymoon.

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September  2012—January 2013 •  LANCASTER BRIDE •

21

Let them eat
The wedding cake has always been a major part of the nuptial festivities, originating earlier than the wedding ring. Long known as a symbol of fertility and good luck, the wedding cake, or bride’s cake, can be traced back to ancient Rome. At the “confarreatio’’ or marriage ritual, the first morsels of a simple wheat cake or biscuit were eaten by the bride and groom. The remainder was broken over the newlyweds’ heads — the root of the present tradition of tossing rice. In Elizabethan England, the bridesmaids would gather to create the wedding cakes, which were generally small, sweet buns made of flour, sugar, eggs, milk, spices and currants, and formed the centerpiece for the wedding feast. By the 17th century, a French chef began to frost the buns with sugar so they would hold together and stand upright. Thus the tradition of tiered, frosted wedding cakes was born. During the antebellum period in America, white wedding cakes became popular, replacing the dark, spicy fruitcake, or “groom’s cake,’’ which was British in origin. In Victorian times, cakes became as fussy, frilly and elaborate as the period’s bride. In 1947, Queen Elizabeth II, at her marriage to Prince Philip, had a cake that was nine-feet high, weighed 500 pounds and was decorated with silver pillars and figures illustrating sporting activities. It was iced with the prince’s naval sword. Today’s wedding cakes are often a mixture of tradition and innovation. Wedding cake designers are artists, architects and homespun romantics who are capable of heightening the importance of even the most special occasion.

22 • LANCASTER BRIDE • September 2012—January 2013

Red Rose Catering of Pa is
a family owned and operated company. We bring to you the beauty of not only food to your special event, but the feel of “home” when we cater your party. Along with weddings, we can and will bring your next party or event to life like no other catering company in the surrounding Lancaster area.

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September  2012—January 2013 •  LANCASTER BRIDE •

Banquet and Conference Center

For more information email [email protected] or call 291-8800.

23

A wedding day toast is a tradition that has long been a part of wedding celebrations. Toasts are a personal way of commemorating the good fortune of the newly betrothed and looking forward to future happiness. The best man traditionally gives the main toast at the wedding. At different occasions on the road to the wedding there may be other opportunities for toasts from the maid of honor or even the parents of the bride and groom. While some people are natural orators and have no trouble speaking in front of large crowds of people, the majority of toasters approach the toast with a bit of trepidation. Apart from the anxiety of speaking in front of a group of friends and relatives, it can be nervewracking to come up with sentiments for the toast, which can mean the difference between a memorable or an embarrassing wedding day experience.

Toast Tips

While there are no toasting guarantees, following a few tips can help nervous toasters do a bang-up job. Be prepared: Individuals who try to “wing it” the day of the wedding may find their nerves get the best of them. It’s best to write out your thoughts in advance of the wedding and fine tune your sentiments many times. Think about whether you want to go funny or sentimental. Consider your relationship with the bride and groom and tr y to personalize the speech as much as possible. Practice the toast in front of others and get some unbiased opinions before the wedding. Time it right: If the thought of spending the entire reception waiting to give the toast has you on edge, ask the prospective couple if you can give the toast early on in the event. This way you can relax afterward and enjoy the party. Jot down notes: If you think your nerves will get the best of you, bring some index cards with key phrases of the toast. You could write

out the entire speech, but if you simply read it, the toast could seem stiff and impersonal. Hold off on cocktails: While it’s generally fine to have one or two drinks prior to the toast to loosen up, it’s not recommended to be intoxicated. Alcohol and public speaking often do not mix. You don’t want to say something you will regret later on or make a mockery of the wedding. Keep it short: Aim for a two- or three-minute speech. Something long-winded won’t hold the attention of wedding guests who are looking to get on with the fun of the wedding reception. Speak slowly and clearly: Articulate and speak loud enough so ever yone can hear the speech. You will likely be handed a microphone. If you get nervous and trip up, simply make a quick joke and get back to it. Others will understand if you are tense. Don’t be afraid of getting emotional: Wedding guests would rather see real feelings than a beauty-pageant speech. So if you get choked-up, don’t worry.

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24 • LANCASTER BRIDE • September 2012—January 2013

Getting there can be half the fun, when it comes to wedding transportation. There are many choices: antique cars, horse-drawn carriages, trolleys, for example. Some couples get even more carried away, so to speak, when they get personal with their mode of transportation: a Jeep, a Harley, on horseback, or even a fire engine. First, consider who will be riding in the vehicle. If it’s just the two of you, one of the super stretch limos would be a bit excessive. You’ll need the extra room if you add the bridesmaids to the trip. If renting two or more limos, check to make sure that they will all be the same color. White is traditional, but black, midnight blue, and grey can work just as well. Here are some tips for making transportation arrangements: 1. Shop around. Compare prices to get the best rate. 2. Insist on seeing the actual car that you will be using. Copy down the license plate and let them know you’ll be

looking to make sure it’s the same car that shows up on your wedding day. 3. Meet the driver and make sure there is an understanding about proper attire. Do you want him/her to wear a tux or uniform? 4. Get everything in writing. A contract protects both you and the limousine company. The contract should state the location, date, time, specific vehicle, rate, estimated total cost, and deposit. Don’t forget the driver’s tip in your wedding budget. The typical tip is 15-20 percent. 5. Ask about insurance and current licenses that the driver is required to have. 6. When making the arrangements, book the limo for an hour or two more than you think you will need. It may not be possible to extend the rental time at a later date. 7. Make your arrangements about a year in advance, and call about two weeks prior to the wedding to confirm details.

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September  2012—January 2013 •  LANCASTER BRIDE •

25

Surprise your wedding or engagement party guests with a buffet of great-tasting appetizers that will only add to the memorable occasion.

APPETIZER RECEPTION

Confetti Vegetable Terrine
(2) 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened 1⁄2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1⁄4 tsp garlic powder 1⁄8 tsp ground red pepper 1⁄2 cup dairy sour cream 2 eggs 1-1⁄2 tsp finely shredded lemon peel 1⁄4 cup thinly sliced green onion 1⁄2 cup chopped roasted sweet peppers 1⁄3 cup chopped ripe olives 1⁄2 cup snipped parsley Purple kale or leaf lettuce (optional) Assorted crackers

Line bottom of an 8x4x2” loaf pan with foil. Grease sides; set aside. Beat cream cheese till smooth in a medium mixing bowl. Add feta cheese, garlic powder, and red pepper. Beat well. Add sour cream, eggs, and lemon peel. Beat just till blended. Do not overbeat. Stir in onion, sweet pepper or pimiento, and olives. Pour into prepared pan; spread evenly. Place loaf pan in a larger baking pan. Pour boiling water into the larger pan to a depth of 1 inch. Bake at 325º for 50 minutes or till center is soft set and stays firm when shaken. Transfer loaf pan to a wire cooling rack; cool completely (about 1 hour). Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours. To serve, slip a knife around the sides of the pan to loosen, then invert onto a serving platter. Remove foil. Gently press parsley onto sides of the terrine, leaving top plain. If desired, line the edge of the platter with purple kale or leaf lettuce. Serve with crackers. Makes about 20 appetizer servings.

Grilled Seafood Platter Have the sauces, seafood,
vegetables, and coals all ready to go when guests arrive. When it’s time to grill, enlist their help. Grill only enough seafood and vegetables to fill a platter, then grill more during the party as needed.
1-1⁄2 pounds fresh or frozen large shrimp in shells and/or sea scallops 1 to 1-1⁄2 pounds fresh or frozen salmon fillet 1 red sweet pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 medium red onion, cut into bite-size pieces 1 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into 1⁄2-inch slices 1 small yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise and cut into 1⁄2-inch-thick slices 1⁄3 cup olive oil or cooking oil 3 TB lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, minced 1 TB snipped fresh dill or 1 tsp dried dill weed 1⁄4 tsp pepper Curly endive or leaf lettuce (optional) Fresh dill sprigs (optional) 1 recipe Caper Mayonnaise, Honey-Lime Dipping Sauce, and/or Strawberry-Basil Sauce (optional)

Thaw shrimp and/or scallops and salmon, if using frozen. Cover and chill till needed. Soak 12 to 15 four-inch wooden skewers in water for 20 to 30 minutes; drain. Set aside for vegetable kabobs. Meanwhile, peel shrimp, if using, leaving tails intact. Devein. Thread shrimp and/or scallops on several 12- to 15-inch metal or wooden skewers (if using wood, soak as directed above). If using both shrimp and scallops, thread on separate skewers because scallops cook faster. Cover and chill till needed, up to 4 hours.

For vegetable kabobs, on each of the presoaked 4-inch skewers thread 1 piece each of sweet pepper, onion, zucchini, and summer squash. Cover and chill till needed, up to 4 hours. In a small bowl stir together oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, and pepper. At serving time, brush salmon on both sides with some of the oil mixture. Place salmon on a piece of heavy foil or on a fish grilling rack. Brush shrimp and/or scallop skewers and vegetable kabobs with remaining oil mixture. Grill seafood and vegetable kabobs, uncovered, directly over medium-hot coals. For shrimp, grill for 10 to 12 minutes or till pink, turning once. For scallops, grill 5 to 8 minutes or till opaque, turning once. For salmon, grill 4 to 6 minutes per 1⁄2-inch thickness of fish. For vegetable kabobs, grill for 6 to 8 minutes or till squash is tender and onion is crisp-tender.

26 • LANCASTER BRIDE • September 2012—January 2013

To serve, line one or two large platters with endive. Using a large fork, push cooked shrimp and scallops off skewers. Arrange seafood and vegetable kabobs on platters. Garnish with dill sprigs. Serve with Caper Mayonnaise, Honey-Lime Dipping Sauce, and Strawberry-Basil Sauce. Makes 12 to 15 appetizer servings. Caper Mayonnaise: In a small bowl stir together 3⁄4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing; 4 tsp capers, chopped; and 2 tsp white wine Worcestershire sauce. Cover and chill till serving time, up to 24 hours. Honey-Lime Dipping Sauce: In a blender container combine 1⁄2 tsp finely shredded lime peel, 3 TB lime juice, 3 TB honey, and 1⁄8 tsp ground cinnamon. With blender running, add 1⁄3 cup salad oil in a steady stream through opening in lid. Add 11⁄2 tsp chopped fresh or canned jalapeño pepper, blend just till combined. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours. Strawberry-Basil Sauce: In a blender container combine 3 ⁄4 cup cut-up fresh or frozen unsweetened strawberries, 4 tsp lemon juice, 1 TB chopped green onion, 1 to 11⁄2 tsp sugar, and 1⁄4 tsp pepper. Cover and blend till smooth. Stir in 1 TB finely snipped fresh basil or oregano. Cover; chill up to 24 hrs.

Bite-Size Herb Biscuits

Make and freeze the biscuits ahead so that on party day, all you have to do is thaw them and add the fillings.
2 cups all-purpose flour 1 TB baking powder 2 tsp sugar 1⁄2 tsp cream of tartar 1⁄4 tsp salt 1⁄2 cup shortening or butter 2⁄3 cup milk 2 TB chopped green onion 1 TB finely snipped parsley 1 recipe Garden Cheese & Pesto-Chicken Fillings

Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, cream of tartar, and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in butter or shortening till mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in center; add milk, onion, and parsley all at once. Stir till dough clings together. On a lightly floured surface, knead dough gently 10 to 12 strokes. Roll or pat dough to 1⁄2” thickness. Cut dough with a 11⁄2”round cutter, dipping cutter into flour between cuts. Reroll dough as needed. Transfer biscuits to an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in a 450º oven for 6 to 8 minutes or till golden. Transfer biscuits to a wire rack to cool.* To assemble, split biscuits in half horizontally. Fill half of the biscuits with Garden Cheese Filling and half with PestoChicken Salad, using about 1 tsp of filling per biscuit. Serve immediately or cover and chill for up to 2 hours. To serve, arrange on a platter with basil sprigs, if desired. Makes 24 to 28 appetizers. *To make biscuits ahead: Cool biscuits completely. Place biscuits in a freezer container. Cover and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before filling. Garden Cheese Filling: In a small bowl pour enough boiling water over 2 TB finely snipped dried tomatoes to cover. Let stand 5 minutes; drain tomatoes thoroughly. Rinse and dry bowl. In same bowl, combine drained tomatoes, 1⁄2 of an 8-ounce container soft-style cream cheese with chives and onions, and 2 TB finely shredded carrot. Stir till thoroughly combined. Cover and chill till needed, up to 4 hours. (To make up to 24 hours ahead, reserve drained tomatoes and add up to 4 hours ahead because the red color tends to bleed.) Makes 2⁄3 cup. Pesto-Chicken Salad: Measure 2 TB purchased pesto. If necessary, drain off any excess oil. In a small bowl, stir together the pesto and 2 TB mayonnaise or salad dressing. Stir in 1⁄2 cup finely

chopped cooked chicken or half of a 3-ounce can chunk-style chicken, drained. Cover and chill till needed, up to 24 hours. Makes about 1⁄2 cup.

Easy Antipasto Sampler
1 TB olive oil or cooking oil 1 clove garlic, minced 2 Italian bread shells 1 recipe Italian Caponata Bibb or Boston lettuce 1 recipe Herbed Goat Cheese 5 to 6 figs, cut into wedges, or 1⁄2 of a cantaloupe, scooped into melon balls. Assorted fruits and vegetables such as pearshape yellow and/or red tomatoes, tomato wedges, pickled baby corn, pickled peppers, grapes, and/or strawberries

Dash ground red pepper 1⁄2 cup sliced pitted ripe olives 1 TB snipped fresh parsley or basil 1 TB drained capers Fresh parsley sprigs (optional)

Cook eggplant and onion in hot oil in large skillet over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes or till just tender. Stir in tomatoes, sweet pepper, wine vinegar, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and red pepper. Cook, uncovered, over low heat for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in olives, parsley or basil, and capers. Cover; chill 2 to 24 hours. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. If desired, top with fresh parsley sprigs. Makes 12 to 15 appetizer servings (22⁄3 cups).

Combine olive oil and garlic. Place bread shells on a baking sheet and brush with oil mixture. Bake in a 400º oven 10 to 15 minutes or till golden. Cut bread shells into wedges; set aside. Spoon Italian Caponata into a small bowl and place on a large serving platter. Line the rest of the platter with lettuce. Arrange Herbed Goat Cheese, figs or melon, and desired fruits and vegetables on the platter. Serve with bread wedges. Makes 12 to 15 appetizer servings.

Herbed Goat Cheese
A delicious addition to the Easy Antipasto Sampler, this simple cheese log can star independently as well. Serve with celery sticks, cucumber slices, carrot slices, or crackers for spreading
3 ounces semisoft goat cheese (chèvre) 2 tsp snipped fresh basil, or 1⁄2 tsp dried basil, crushed 1⁄4 tsp onion powder Dash pepper

Italian Caponata
1 small eggplant, peeled and cut into 1⁄2-inch cubes (4 cups) 1⁄2 cup chopped onion 2 TB olive oil or cooking oil 2 medium tomatoes, chopped 1⁄2 cup chopped yellow and/ or green sweet pepper 3 TB wine vinegar 2 TB tomato paste 1 tsp sugar 1⁄2 tsp salt

Combine goat cheese, basil, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir till thoroughly combined. If dry, stir in a little milk (2 to 3 tsp) till of desired consistency. Shape into a 4-inch log. Cover with plastic wrap and chill till needed, up to 1 week. Makes 12 to 15 appetizer servings.

September  2012—January 2013 •  LANCASTER BRIDE •

27

Who should be where, when
Some guidelines to get the important people in your lives and your wedding where they need to be.
Rehearsal dinner
The wedding party, the parents of the bride and groom, usually the clergy member and spouse, and sometimes the organist and spouse attend the r e h e a r s a l d i n n e r. ( T h e attendants’ spouses may be invited to the dinner, but it is not necessary, especially if the wedding party is large.) The maid/matron of honor and best man are given the seats of honor next to the bride and the groom. The best man sits next to the bride. The clergy member and spouse and the bride’s father and mother are given seats of honor next to the host and hostess. Then the remaining guests fill in the rest of the seats.

At the church
The wedding party should arrive at the church at least an hour before the ceremony is to begin. Guests usually start arriving a half hour before the scheduled time. The groom and best man should wait in a room near the altar. In most cases, the first time the groom should be seen by the wedding guests is when he and the best man come out by the altar just before the processional.

Processional
Depending on the number of attendants and your own preference, the groomsmen may walk down the aisle single file or in pairs. (Or, they may enter the church with the groom and best man.) Usually they are paired by height, with the shorter ones followed by the taller ones. Next are the bridesmaids, paired or single file. The maid/matron of honor follows the bridesmaids. (If there is to be a maid and matron of honor, the one who is chosen as the chief honor attendant follows the other. Or if both assist in the ceremony, they may go down the aisle together.) Next is the ring bearer (if you have one); he is

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28 • LANCASTER BRIDE • September 2012—January 2013

followed by the flower girl (or they can be paired). This arrangement is generally the same for Reform Jewish ceremonies, though Conservative and Or thodox ceremonies may differ. The groomsmen join the groom and best man, usually in a line facing the guests, for the beginning of the ceremony. The bridesmaids go to the other side of the altar. Or, if you prefer, the bridesmaids and groomsmen can be arranged as couples for the beginning. Usually, each church has a customary arrangement, but don’t hesitate to suggest variations. Finally, it’s time for the bride and her father. In most cases, the best arrangement is for the bride to be on the father’s right. Then, when he “gives you away” and returns to his own seat on the left side of the church, he won’t have to step over the train. However, in Jewish Conservative or Orthodox weddings, the bride’s parents sit on the right side. In some cases, the parents

also may stand with the wedding par t y. I n m o s t C hr i s t i an ceremonies, a father escorts his daughter only as far as his pew since he does not technically “give away the bride.” Entrances of the wedding par ty members, with the exception of the bride’s, are usually spaced about four pews apart. The bride may double that spacing for her entrance, or wait until the entire length of the aisle is clear. The latter tends to add more drama to the bride’s appearance.

Recessional
The recessional works in the reverse of the processional. The bride and groom, of course, are first. The ring bearer and flower girl follow. Then there are a couple of options: The attendants may be paired, with the best man and maid/matron of honor leading and the other bridesmaids and groomsmen following in pairs. (If there are both a maid and a matron of honor,

the matron is paired with the best man and the maid with the first groomsman, if they both assist in the ceremony. If one is chosen to be the chief attendant, she is paired with the best man.) Or the maid/ matron of honor goes first, followed by the paired bridesmaids, with the groomsmen following in pairs. In this case, the best man would leave with the clergy member through the vestry. Since the reception can’t really get started until the wedding party arrives, avoid as many delays as possible between the ceremony and the reception.

Receiving line
If a wedding is very formal, fathers often stand in the re c e i v i n g l i n e . Fo r m o s t receptions, only the mothers, the bride and groom, the bride’s honor attendant, and, optionally, the bridesmaids stand in line. (The groom’s attendants never join the receiving line.)

The bride’s mother is first in line, to act as hostess. (In very large or formal weddings, an announcer, whose job is to introduce the guests to the bride’s mother, may be first in line. The announcer may be a professional at an ultraformal wedding, but would be a relative or family friend at a formal or semiformal wedding.) The bridesmaids may stand on each side of the bride and groom or to one side. Standing in a receiving line for an extended time can be grueling. Plan as a general rule, to keep the line intact for about 45 minutes. You can exchange greetings with late arrivals during the remainder of the reception. The bride and groom should stay at the reception for at least 2 hours, but should leave while most of the guests are still there. As many members of the wedding party as possible should stay at the reception until the last guest has left to help the bride’s parents take care of the many last-minute details.

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September  2012—January 2013 •  LANCASTER BRIDE •

29

HONEYMOON
The perfect honeymoon requires just as much attention to detail as the wedding. Here’s help to keep the honeymoon frazzle-free.
personalities into account when considering their suggestions. You may also search online for state travel offices, local tourism organizations, and tourist bureaus of foreign countries, go to the library, or ask a travel agent. Unless you’re experienced at handling travel-planning details, you’ll probably want to consult a travel agent about honeymoon options that meet your requirements. He or she can supply brochures and other materials about most of the places that interest you. Travel agents also can relieve you of many tedious arrangement details, such as confirming hotel and airline reservations. Their services are free to you; they receive commissions from airlines, hotels, and other companies. To find a good travel agent, talk with friends, relatives, and other associates about individuals who have done good work for them. Find out whether the agent is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents. Reservations should be made as far in advance as possible to ensure that the accommodations and transportation you want are available for the dates you’ve chosen and to take advantage of the best prices. Ask about trip insurance, just in case some unforeseen situation arises to prevent you from going at the time planned. Your honeymoon can be the vacation of your dreams if you take time to plan it carefully. The first step is to decide what both of you expect from your destination. Each of you probably will be surprised at some of the little things you didn’t know about the other’s honeymoon expectations. If you discover that one of you dreams of escaping to a sunny island and the other fantasizes about adventures in a big city, you’ll need to decide what’s most important for your honeymoon and what could be postponed for later vacations. refund for the lost items later. (Keep receipts, confirmations, and all correspondence in a folder. Take it with you on your honeymoon in case you must show proof of purchase.)

Tips for Planning the

What if your flight is canceled or delayed?
You may be entitled to compensation, depending on the circumstances and airline policy. Discuss this with the ticket or gate agent and insist you get the next available flight.

Determine how to allocate your honeymoon funds. Filling in this chart should help:
Cost of major transportation (plane, bus, ship, gas for private vehicle), etc. $_____________ Cost of local transportation (buses, airport transfers, taxis, rental cars, etc.) $_____________ Cost of accommodations $_____________ Meals $_____________ Wine and liquor $_____________ Entertainment $_____________ (theater, activities such as tennis and golf) Tips and gratuities $_____________ Shopping $_____________ Emergency fund $_____________ TOTAL: $_________________

Budget considerations
Now’s the time to be practical. How much time and money can you truly afford to spend on your wedding trip? Be realistic about the length of your honeymoon, too, and don’t try to pack too much into a few days. Some couples open honeymoon savings accounts soon after they become engaged, deciding together how much each one can deposit every month. You also should decide whether or not you plan to use credit cards for any honeymoon expenses. If so, think realistically about how much credit you can afford and don’t go beyond the limit you set. No honeymoon is worth the financial pressure of starting married life in debt. Add to your savings and credit card allocation any other sources of honeymoon funds, such as gifts from your families, and you’ll have the total amount you can spend.

What if you miss your plane, boat, train, or bus?
That’s your responsibility. However, carriers usually try to accommodate passengers in these circumstances. You may lose the advantage of special-purchase or package fares.

What if your luggage is lost?
Pack your makeup/toilet kit, a change of underwear, and such valuable items as jewelry, camera, and passports in a carry-on bag that stays with you. If the carrier can’t locate your possessions, fill out a lost luggage form. Include your destination and home address. Get the name of a person to call for status reports, and ask that your luggage be delivered as soon as it arrives. Find out about the carrier’s policy for reimbursing you for items you’ll need to buy until your luggage is found.

Coping with problems
Ideally, your planning will result in a perfect honeymoon. However, it’s wise to be prepared for possible problems.

Honeymoon arrangements
With your budget and checklist of requirements, you’re ready to start poring over books and newspaper and magazine articles about destinations you think you might like. Friends are good sources of recommendations, too, but always be sure to take their

What if your accommodations aren’t available when you arrive?
S how the manager your confirmation and calmly insist that your reservation be honored. The facility must provide a room as long as you arrive by a stated time or have paid in advance or guaranteed your reservation with a credit card.

What if you lose travel tickets?
If possible, let the travel agent handle this. If not, contact the company, which will either reissue your tickets or require that you buy new tickets and receive a

30 • LANCASTER BRIDE • September 2012—January 2013

Start by asking yourself the following questions:
1. What are some important features I want in a honeymoon destination? __ sunshine and beautiful beaches __ big-city sights and activities __ foreign culture and attractions __ lots of historical sight-seeing __ away-from-it-all atmosphere 2. What kind of accommodations appeal to me? __ honeymoon suite in a luxury hotel __ country inn or guesthouse __ camping under the stars __ activities are more important than accommodations 3. I like __ adventure and challenge __ roughing it __ luxury and elegance __ familiar surroundings and people __ new settings and people 4. What is my favorite leisure time or vacation activity? _________________________________________ _________________________________________ 5. What kind of music, food, decor, and other surroundings create an especially romantic atmosphere for me? _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ 6. I prefer to travel by __ airplane __ automobile __ ship/sailboat __ train __ bus 7. How much travel experience do I have? __ family vacations only __ foreign travel or study abroad __ business travel __ vacations on my own __ trips with a friend __ group tours only

A I R
n an ideal world, every remodeling project would come complete with a new set of furniture, perfectly scaled and especially chosen for the remade space. The next best thing, though, is finding the ideal arrangement to make your existing furniture fill the bill. That challenge keeps interior arrangers busy. Interior arrangers are designers who specialize in redecorating space using their clients’ existing furnishings and treasures. For the cost of a new piece of furniture, an interior arranger will come to your home, help you arrange the furniture and, if you’d like, recommend purchases to add the finishing touches. When remodeling, most homeowners put the furniture back in its previous arrangement. But if the architecture has changed—whether it’s new windows, new ceiling lines, or a new floor plan—it’s important to rethink your furniture arrangement. Read the architecture. It will dictate where your furniture should be. Keep in mind these tips as you remodel and redecorate your home. 1) Start with a clean slate. Empty your room of everything and begin by placing your major pieces of furniture. 2) Experiment. It’s like doing a giant puzzle and you work with the furniture until it locks into place. After arranging furniture, move next to the art and last to accessories. 3) Don’t line furniture along the walls. Even in small spaces, moving furniture into the room promotes more comfortable conversation areas. 4) When placing furniture, create a meandering traffic pattern to add interest. It’s fine to direct traffic flow, but avoid forming an obvious “hall” through your space. 5) Hang art low enough to act as an extension of the furniture. For a vaulted ceiling with a large, blank wall, make sure the art is proportionately large and is visible from different vantage points. You want it to be large, not lost. 6) Create a horizontal grouping of art above a sofa. A single vertical item will not tie in to the furniture as well. 7) Place lighting diagonally across the room if you have two lamps. Create a triangle if you have three. This will ensure aesthetic balance and an even light quality. 8) As with lamps, when you treat part of your room with a large, vertical object, such as a sculpture or plant, do the same diagonally across the room for balance. 9) Arrange items, whether accessories or pieces of furniture, by a common denominator such as style, color, or texture.
September  2012—January 2013 •  LANCASTER BRIDE •

I

A pro’s tips for making old furnishings fit new space.

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Luxury is what we offer, value is what we deliver!

1841 Columbia Avenue • (Wheatland Shopping Center) Lancaster, PA 17603 • 293-3333 www.finchjewelers.com