2012 PLANNERPLANA month-bymonth checklist for the big event

HELP

What to do when? Worksheets, lists inside

ADVICE

Brides speak up on making marriage work

STYLE

Trend tips

SECONDS

A guide for planning your second wedding

The Lima News

Save the Date contentsON THE COVER

WEDDING PLANNER 2012

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PLAN: Use our month-by-month checklist to help organize your big event THE BUDGET: Money tight? Never fear. Brides share advice on designing a beautiful day on any budget BRIDE ADVICE: Plan for your marriage, not just your wedding SECOND WEDDING: Multiple marriages are more common, and the stigma is gone. Heres how to keep proper etiquette in mind, however STYLE: Throw the rules to the wind and make your wedding day truly yours

January 6, 2013Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center, Lima

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Visit LimaBride.com for more information and for a list of exhibitors that can help you plan your special day!

Presented by:The Lima News

.com

WORKSHEETS, LISTS & GUIDES

The Lima NewsYour No. 1 source for News and InformationIn Print Facebook Online Twitter

Start Every Day With

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PERFECT LOCATION: Think its your dream venue? Consider our list of questions to ask before booking GUEST LIST: Help sorting through the piles of paperwork when inviting guests PHOTOGRAPHY: Good communication means good photos DUTIES: Unsure of a job description? Heres a breakdown of whos doing what REGISTRY: Do your homework before that store scanner gun is ever in the hand of you or your beloved

about this section:MAGAZINE EDITOR: Adrienne McGee MAGAZINE DESIGNER: Wendy Helmig COVER DESIGNER: Travis Sibold Cover photograph courtesy Metro Creative.2 The Lima News

share the newsWeddingsWedding announcements are available in several different sizes and formats in the Sunday Lifestyle section. An announcement listing the bride and grooms names, their parents and select information about the wedding is free. The free announcement does not include a photo. Announcements with photos can be purchased. Three sizes of photos are available, and the price varies with the photo size.

save the dateLima Bride 2013Lima Bride, the areas largest and longest-running bridal show and expo, is presented by The Lima News and www. limaohio.com. The 2013 show is scheduled for Jan. 6 at Veterans Memorial Civic Center, downtown Lima. The event includes bridal fashion shows, the NIE Newspaper Dress Show, live entertainment, and more than 60 exhibitors. Admission is $5, and tickets may be purchased in advance at The Lima News, 3515 Elida Road, Lima or at the door. All brides will be admitted for free to the show and are eligible to win over $1,000 in Bridal Bucks. Brides are encouraged to pre-register at www.limabride.com and win some extra Bridal Bucks. Be sure to watch for details in The Lima News and online at www.limaohio.com.

EngagementsEngagement announcements are published on Sundays in the Lifestyle section. There is a charge to include a photo. A listing without a photo is free. For details on how to submit these announcements, call Customer Service at 419-9932222 or 866-546-2237 or visit the office at 3515 Elida Road. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Metro Creative photos

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START THINKING ABOUT

Site logistics

locationtechnology/janitor/air conditioning? Will the pastor use a microphone? Flash restrictions on photography?

THE PERFECT

Metro Creative photo

Site: Address: Phone/email: Cost: Deposit due: Balance due: Date reservation made: Cancellation policy? Clergy fee? Is parking readily available? Is site handicapped accessible? Will all your guests be seated comfortably? If a church, must that churchs pastor perform the ceremony? Restrictions on decorations? Decorations available at site for use? Do church members get a discount? Extra fees for use of

Rehearsal time/date Does this work for clergy/ musician?

Day of wedding When to arrive: Time of ceremony: Length of ceremony: Can decorations be set up in advance? When must clean-up be done? Where is the dressing room, and what facilities are available? Is there a separate dressing room for the men?

receptionReception site

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Booked on: Deposit paid: Balance due: Address: Phone: Contact: Restrictions on decorations? Any decorations available from site? If a hall, do you have to use its caterer/DJ/bar service? Tables/chairs/linens supplied? How many people can be seated at each table? How many tables needed? Does the hall have predetermined layouts of tables to choose from? Who sets up the tables? Does the hall provide servers

for the meal? When can you get in to decorate? Who does clean up?

Not supplied/will need to acquire

Guest register table Gift table Cake table Place card table Buffet tables Guest tables Chairs Plates (china or plastic) Flatware (silver or plastic) Napkins (cloth or paper) Tablecloths (cloth or plastic) Serving bowls/dishes Utensils Trays Bubbles/birdseed Audio equipment

guest listThe list Compile names and addresses of guests. Combine lists from bride, groom, brides parents and grooms parents. Finalize the guest list and determine number of invitations needed. Double-check all spellings of names and addresses. Research etiquette on courtesy titles. Order the invitations and stationery at least four to six months before the wedding.

YOUR

Walk Away with Something Beautiful

Forches Metro Creative photo

Custom Sewing, Bridal and Fine FabricsSue Kaseman, Seamstress

Ordering stationeryStationery company: Contact: Date ordered: Number ordered: Delivery date: Invitation number: Style/font: Paper/color: Ink color: Save the dates Envelopes Response cards Pew cards Reception cards Announcements Programs Place cards Thank-you notes

Alterations Weddings Proms Large Selection of Mothers Gowns Fine Fabrics and Trims Bridal Headpieces and Veils Glass Engraving Tuxedo Rentals

Welcome packets for out-oftown visitors Other:

Large selection of Boys Dress Suits, Tuxedos, First Communion & Flower Girl Dresses2390 Baty Rd. 419-909-9061gotham_light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:? ` ` `"'| '" gotham_book_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:? ` ` `"'| '" gotham_medium_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:? ` ` `"'| '" gotham_bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:? ` ` `"'| '" r`htwXqhfgwX`abcdefghipqrstuvwxyY !"#$%iTVU' )0123456789@ABCDEFGHIPQRSdWvuX&( marriot_light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:? ` ` `"'| '" marriot_light_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:? ` ` `| '" marriott_med_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:? ` ` `"'| '" marriott_med_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:? ` ` `"'| '" marriott_bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:? ` ` ` "' | '" marriott_bold_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:? ` ` ` "' | '"

Paper goods checklist

To do

Design and print maps to be included in the invitations Address and assemble the invitations Mail the invitations, testing one for weight first Mail the announcements Assemble welcome packets for out-of-town visitors Write thank-you notes Mail thank-you notes

reception Microphone Lighting Mirror ball Dance floor Stage Portable dance floor Coat rack Arch Tents (stakes/setup included?) Trash cans (liners?) Portable toilets Photo booth Address: Phone: Contact:

What goods ordered: When goods will be delivered: Delivery fee? Will goods be set up? Pick-up date: Balance due:

marriot_condensed_light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:? ` ` `| '"

A HOTEL AS SPECIAL AS THE DAY.marriot_condensed_medium_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:? ` ` `| '"

At the Courtyard by Marriott Lima, you and your guests will experience the perfect stay for your special occasion. To reserve your room, call 419.222.9000, or visit www.courtyard.com/daycl.underline

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Rental company No. 2Address: Phone: Contact: What goods ordered: When goods will be delivered: Delivery fee? Will goods be set up? Pick-up date: Balance due:

Rental company No. 1

Courtyard by Marriott Lima 936 Greely Chapel Road Lima, OH 45804 (t) 419.222.9000 (f) 419.222.9003 www.courtyard.com/dayclRates are per room, per night, based on availability, not available for groups of 10 or more rooms.

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5

Wedding timelineThis is a guide to keep your tasks organized. Beginning earlier than nine months ahead is certainly possible, perhaps even necessary in some cities to reserve the ceremony and reception sites of your choice. Check things off as you accomplish them. This will keep you firmly in charge of your big day. Clip this list and keep it in a handy place so youll be sure to use it.

9 months beforeq Choose your wedding date, reserving the site. Clear the date and time with your clergy. Speak with family and/or children. q Set your budget. Talk with your fiance about the style of the wedding and costs involved. Discuss things in great detail with anyone who is helping out financially.

q Compile the guest list. Let out-of-town guests know the date of the wedding so they can make travel plans, or send a savethe-date card to everyone. q Reserve the reception site. Interview and book caterer. Be sure to get a written contract. q Get help from friends, family or a bridal

consultant if you feel you cant do all the coordinating yourself. q Order your dress and veil. Choose accessories. q Help your fiance decide on a suit or tuxedo style. q Announce your engagement in the newspapers. q Discuss your theme with your fiance and decide on types of food, decorations, table settings, entertainment, etc. q Interview musicians, florists, photographers, videographers and cake makers. Get estimates from each. Keep track of your discussions in a notebook. q Choose your attendants, and make appointments to look at/order maids dresses and groomsmens tuxes.

Scripture readings. Meet with your clergy for counseling, if necessary. q Book a block of hotel rooms for out-oftown guests and let them know the block is available. Remember to ask for discounts. q Have a get-to-know-each-other event for your maids. q Book your transportation for the wedding party. q Make appointments for dress fittings. q Call the courthouse to understand marriage license requirements. q Check in with service providers to make sure things are going as planned.

3 months beforeq Make maps for the invitations, making sure they are correct. For out-of-town guests, consider putting together information on what to do in the area. q Start putting invitations together and addressing them. Select a stamp. Invitations should go in the mail six to eight weeks before the event. q Check in with caterer and give a close estimate of the number of guests. q Doublecheck honeymoon plans. q Call bridesmaids and make sure they have their dresses and alterations are scheduled. q Buy gifts for your maids, and help your fiance buy gifts for his groomsmen. q Schedule a meeting with the photographer for formal portraits before the wedding, if desired. q Schedule a practice run with your hairdresser.

6 months beforeq Choose your musicians. q Book your photographer and videographer. q Select your baker and choose the style and flavors of the cake. q Choose your florist. q Decide on your color scheme. q Shop for wedding rings with your fiance. q Make travel plans for your honeymoon. q Order wedding invitations and buy thankyou cards.

4 months beforeq Start your registries, keeping in mind what stores are convenient for your guests. q Help both mothers shop for dresses. q Choose music for the ceremony and reception. q Work with your clergy on vows and

2 months beforeq Mail invitations and announcements. q Have wedding portraits taken, if desired. q Send portrait to newspapers for wedding

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Keep organized: Dont wait until the last minuteannouncement, if photos are taken in advance. q Finalize the music selections for the ceremony. q Meet with reception musicians to discuss exactly what will and will not be played. Dont be shy. Compile a list and give it to the DJ. q Plan your rehearsal dinner and a brunch for out-of-town guests the next morning. q Buy shoes, jewelry, etc., to go with your dress. q Make appointments for hair, nails and makeup. q Check your passport, if your honeymoon will take you out of the country. q Gather birth certificates or other documents needed for the marriage license. q Make final checks with all your vendors: officiant, musicians, florist, photographer, videographer, driver, caterer, baker. q Arrange for gifts brought to the reception to be brought to your home. q Have gifts for attendants ready for rehearsal dinner. q Check on honeymoon plans. q Write checks for vendors to give to them at the agreed-upon time. q Make sure out-of-town guests have hotel reservations and are clear on how to get to the ceremony.

the day beforeq Attend rehearsal. q Attend rehearsal dinner. q Put finishing touches on decorations at reception site. Metro Creative photo

1 month beforeq Get your marriage license. q Have the final fitting of your gown and make sure your attendants are ready to go. q Check with caterer on final guest count and menu selections. q Send thank-you cards as gifts arrive from people who will not be attending. q Finalize your seating chart and placecards, if necessary. q Confirm delivery times with florist. q Confirm transportation plans. q Make name or address changes official on important documents. q Meet with your photographer to discuss what photos you want taken at the ceremony, portraits before or after, and at the reception. q Doublecheck video plans with

q Get to bed early.

the videographer.

2 weeks beforeq Pick up wedding rings. q Begin packing for your honeymoon.

the big dayq Schedule in plenty of time for hair, makeup and dressing. q If youre having photos before the ceremony, allow plenty of time. Make sure attendants know what time they should be ready for these photos. q Put a smile on your face and enjoy.

1 week before

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Cutting cost, not creativityBy MEGAN KINNEARamcgee@limanews.com 419-993-2072

THE BUDGET

Is budget the new black? For many brides, it is. These ladies are becoming more savvy shoppers and crafters and want to maximize their cash and creativity. Though, a bride with a budget has her work cut out for her. Here are a few creative moneysaving ideas from a ladies who have been in your bridal shoes. Teresa Regedanz, an October bride with an eagle eye for a bargain, said she planned her wedding for $1,500, a small fraction of the national average of $29,000, according to theknot.com. Regedanz said there was no expense for the venue, as both the ceremony and reception were at their church. They had a dessert buffet instead of a sit-

down dinner, as well as no alcohol and dancing, as that was not their style. We are just really simple people, Regedanz said. We made invitations by hand, and got a lot of stuff halfoff from Hobby Lobby, Regedanz explained. She got many supplies from the retail craft chain in Lima, including flowers, centerpieces and cardstock for invitations. Hobby Lobby was literally my best friend, she said. I was in there all of the time. Lisa Adkins, Lima Hobby Lobby department head of floral, said the store sells all the supplies for hand-made and printable invitations. We have some how-to books, as well. She added, I see a lot of ladies coming in looking for cost-effective things to add pizzazz like ribbons, pearls, beads and flowers. Silk flowers can be better

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than fresh cut because you can order stems ahead, they hold up, and they dont get crushed, Adkins said. Compared to fresh cut stems, Brides can save hundreds of dollars this way. Nicole Bunner, a September bride, said that though she used fresh cut flowers for the bridal party, she wanted to steer clear of them for any kind of decorating or centerpieces. Flowers are so expensive, she said. We used vases, limes and floating lights for our centerpieces. They looked amazing. Another bride, Kayla Mayer, who was married in December, said she, too, used citrus in her centerpieces. The lemons were a simple and pretty way to tie in my colors (yellow and black). They floated in a vase of water, and were tied off with a black ribbon. We were able to just borrow the vases from a friend, Mayer said. Regedanz said many things were borrowed or donated by friends and family for her wedding. We asked for help via social media and all kinds of people responded, she said, Definitely use your resources. Some deals and donations from Regedanzs friends and family came in the form of party favors, photography and beverage dispensers. Regedanzs favorite money saver was also very close to her heart. Our wedding rings were passed down from my mom. They were hers and my (late) dads. Both rings fit us perfectly, Regedanz said, Another gift from Regedanzs mother was her gown. Bunner said that she found her dress at a large bridal store, and was able to get an even bigger savings because of a little negotiating. My aunt just asked the lady at the store for some money off and she knocked off $50 just for fun, Bunner said. One regret of Bunners, however, was having her dress altered at the place where she purchased it. This was a ridicu-

Submitted photo

Teresa Regedanz shares a moment with her new husband Aaron on their October wedding day. The bride is holding a bouquet of artificial flowers, one of the many ways she was able to cut costs, yet keep it classy for the wedding. lous cost for me; I should have listened to others when they told me to go to someone private, she said. Mayer said she bought her dress online then took it to a private seamstress in Lima for alterations. I cant believe how much cheaper it is to go to her. She was so helpful, quick, and reasonably priced. Mayer also said that instead of paying retail price for a veil, she bought a pretty hair comb and tulle, and (the seamstress) made it for me and only charged five dollars to do it, Mayer marveled. Bunner said another great money saver for her was to print thank you cards online. It took me about five minutes and I even found a coupon for custom thank you postcards. The best thing about that is postcards have cheaper postage only 29 cents each to

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Plan for your marriage, not just your weddingBy MEGAN KINNEARamcgee@limanews.com 419-993-2072

BRIDE ADVICE

Marriage is never easy;you have to keep working at it. When I got married, I knew it was for keeps. We took our vows seriously. Dee Bowers,married for 48 years

While many ladies think the wedding day is the grand finale of all of their preparation, they will soon realize that there is much more effort that goes into creating a lasting marriage. From the newly wed, to the veteran-wed, all married women have learned a thing or two that could be helpful for others thinking about venturing into marriage. Sally Heuss, married for four months, said, Compromise is the key for sure. It didnt even cross my mind before I got married what a juggling act the holidays would be with families. Ive learned to compromise. Its just something that comes with marriage, Heuss said. Dee Bowers has been married for 48 years. She said, Sometimes I think people are in love with the idea of being in love. Make sure you love the person; really love them, Bowers said. Too often couples focus less on the marriage, and more on the wedding day (think of Kim Kardashian). If couples put as much energy into their marriage talking, discussing values, handling finances as they preparing for their wedding day, would the divorce rate still be as high as it is? Marriage is never easy; you have to keep working at it. When I got married, I knew it was for keeps. We took our vows seriously, Bowers said. We walk with the Lord, Bow-

ers said. Thats got us through a lot. Weve both had health problems, but we turn it over to the Lord. Bowers said shes learned to take the bad with the good because she loves her husband. They have grown together and worked at really getting to know each other. Rosalie Stluka, LISW, of Personal Growth Counseling in Lima, said, People dont really appreciate how complex communication is. Its not just talking, its listening, too. Stluka explained what she often sees when couples come for counseling in her office, People who have been married many years, often fall into a rut. They think they already know their spouse so well that they dont keep trying to learn more. Keep communication alive and learn to do it early on. Dont let yourselves become complacent, Stluka encouraged. Heuss said she and her husband compromised in their religious denominations. I was raised Catholic and he

was raised non-denominational Christian. We chose a church that we could both agree on. It has helped us grow in our faith journey. We talk about the service and our feelings. Religion and faith issues are things couples need to talk about before a marriage, Stluka said, Talk about your values and what is important in your life. Stluka also said, Finances is another big issue for a lot of people. Bowers said she and her husband have also been through financial difficulties. In the 1980s with three boys at home, my husband was laid off and we had no income for a whole year. We scrapped, Bowers said, If that didnt break up a marriage, I dont know what would. The loss of a job cannot be controlled, however, Stluka said there are things couples can discuss before entering into a marriage that might help difficult

times a little easier. Stluka said to ask one another, What kind of spending values do you have? How important is saving? How important is having nice things, traveling, entertainment? Find out what value the other person places on those things so you know each others expectations with the income, Stluka explained, If financial values are different, its not necessarily a huge problem, just a red flag. If they are willing to talk, they might be able to work through it. Sometimes people just think a problem will get better on its own when they get married. Youre not going to change a person. Theres nothing magical about marriage that makes people different, Stluka said. Advice to couples preparing to enter into marriage: Learn early on how to communicate, and dont take each other for granted. Keep it exciting, Stluka said.

the budgetmail, she said. For Regedanz, in lieu of thank you cards, she and her husband made a charitable donation in the amount that they would have otherwise spent on their thank you cards and postage. They had notified their guests in the wedding invitation and also the day of the wedding of their plans to forgo thank you notes. Brides its okay to break tradition when planning your big day. Save some money and create some buzz about your

event by trying something new. Instead of the traditional Saturday wedding hold a Friday or a Sunday ceremony. Order cupcakes instead of a cake. Think about a dessert or hors doeuvre reception instead of a sit-down dinner. Put that scrap-booking granny to good use and ask her to hand-make your invitations. Whatever your style and budget, thinking out side of the box however beautifully wrapped it may be could save you a lot of cash in the long run.

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SECOND WEDDING

I DO! Take twoBy LIZ YOUNGamcgee@limanews.com 419-993-2072

Inviting your ex-spouse to your wedding might be up there on the awkward scale, but how about asking your former father-in-law to be your best man? It wasnt so awkward for Lima resident Stephen Birchfield. At his second wedding last year, his ex-wife attended the ceremony and her father stood at his side as best man. The reason was simple. He was more like a father to me than anyone else since my father died 10 years ago. He is like my second dad, Birchfield said. We were friends even though (my ex-wife) and I were not together. For 21 years they were a part of my life. Those things dont dissolve. Theres nothing awkward

Metro

about that sentiment. But is Birchfield an exception to the rule that exes and weddings dont mix? Maybe, according to a website devoted to second wedding advice called www.idotaketwo. com. Along with its clever name, the website has advice

Catering To Your Every NeedLocated in the heart of the Eastgate area, this romantic reception space offers the perfect atmosphere for newlyweds to dance and dine with their wedding guests. The Howard Johnson Lima features a magnificent ballroom with seating for up to 300 people. Our expert team can customize your menu to include everything from simple salads and hors doeuvres to find dining.

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for just about any situation that could arise during the planning of a second wedding. More than 30 percent of modern weddings are now these so-called encore weddings, and although second weddings might have once been taboo, those days are long gone. Second weddings can be as elaborate and lavish as any first-time affair. Tammy Corzine, owner of Celebrations in Delphos, has handled the decorations for many weddings and said that second weddings used to be smaller. But now (couples) are wanting the second, or even third, wedding to be even bigger. It depends on the couple, she said. While Birchfield and his wife opted for a small wedding with only about 50 guests consisting of mostly family this was more for budget reasons than any perceived taboo about large second weddings. If I had the money, we would have done it bigger, he said. So what exactly is the proper etiquette for the planning of a one-of-a-kind encore wedding? The take two website offers up some tips. Here are a few I-dos for the perfect second, or third, or so on, wedding: Do wear white if you want to, or any other color for that matter. The whole white wedding dress symbolizing purity is

no longer such a big deal. Do register for gifts, if you want them. People who love you will want to give you something. Make it easy on them by letting them know what you want. Do have your ceremony in a religious setting, if you choose. Although many encore couples opt for civil ceremonies, there is no reason why second weddings cant be religious. Its what the couple wants that has priority. Do have a bridal shower, again, if you want one. However, guests who also attended the first weddings bridal shower should not be expected to bring gifts. And, since many encore couples already have many of the wedding gift essentials that are usually given at first showers, gifts can be of a more practical nature or relating to the interests of the couple. Ideas include personalized keepsakes, like frames or photo albums, gift baskets, gift certificates or a donation to a charity the bride and groom support. Be creative. If you or your spouse-to-be have children, do include them in the ceremony if they would like to participate. Find ways to make them feel a part of the celebration. Its a good way to unite two families. Many times children will walk down the aisle with the bride and stand along their parents as vows are exchanged. In addition, before any wedding plans are made, children should be the some of the first if not the first people told about the plans to remarry.

And here comes the donts: Dont use engagement or wedding rings from the previous relationship. Not only is it tacky, but this is a new love. You should leave the old love out of it. Dont wear the same wedding dress as your first wedding. Unless you really, really

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photographyTraditionalPhotographer: Address: Phone/email: Pay deposit and sign agreement Schedule sittings for engagement and bridal portraits Engagement appointment: Bridal appointment: Decide which photos are needed Use photo checklist to let photographer know which pictures you want Confirm all details two weeks before wedding

The Veterans Memorial Civic Center is making your wedding budgeting easier! Announcing all-inclusive wedding space your flat rate includes a complete banquet set-up AND host bar for your guests. The Civic Centers Preferred Catering Network provides you customizable cuisine for the facility. With many caterers to choose from, the Network brings you OPTIONS! Challenge our network to make your event extra special! All Inclusive Wedding package Special includes everything but the food and decorations: Complete Banquet set-up Guest tables w/linens Head table Cake, gift, registration and buffet tables China and napkin service Host Bar Well Liquor, House Wine & Keg Beer Free rehearsal dinner space (spaces limited)Photos courtesy of CaRew & Co. Decorating & Events

Metro

After wedding

Proofs ready: Place final order: Balance due on: Pick up photos/albums:

Videography Set a videography budget Select a videographer Videographer: Address: Phone/email: Pay deposit and sign agreement Find out how many cameras will be used Find out how many hours are included Make sure that the videographer attends rehearsal Discuss the best angles to videotape from rehearsal Recruit someone to help the

videographer. This person should be a volunteer and should know just about every one at the ceremony and the reception. Confirm all details two weeks before the wedding Make sure videographer gets pre-ceremony coverage Discuss music soundtrack (if desired) Find out if editing and special effects are included in videographers charges Find out how many copies will be available for purchase Discuss whether you want the wedding only, reception only, or the entire ceremony and reception recorded

Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center of Lima/Allen County7 Town Square Lima, Ohio 419-224-5222 Fax 419-224-6964 www.limaciviccenter.com

After the wedding View rough version Approve editing or special effects Final cut ready: Balance due on:

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second weddinglove it (and can still fit into it), go for something new instead. Dont duplicate your first wedding or marry in the same location. Make fresh memories for the new relationship. Walking down the same aisle twice might spark some melancholy memories that could ruin your special day. And dont, whatever you do, invite the exes. But despite bucking that last piece of advice, Birchfield felt his second wedding was a success. He said he remains close to his former in-laws and that he and his ex-wife get along better now than they ever did when

they were married. He likens it to adding a third family into the mix, and said they often all socialize together. His wife now works with his ex-wife and the two recently took a trip to a bowling tournament together with his former mother-in-law and former sisterin-law. Nope, nothing awkward there. So when planning your encore wedding, heed what advice you will, but do whatever makes the day your own. Just because its the second time around doesnt mean its any less special. And as for his wife, Birchfield said she has no qualms about this being his second marriage. After all, it was her third one.

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A day to remembercenterpieces, also took some worry off her mind so she could concentrate on other matters. And it worked out well. She So youre getting married. said her wedding was pretty Congratulations. The engage- close to her girlhood dreams ment was the easy part. Now a Catholic church, and a gown with a long train. you have to plan a wedding. But if youre just starting out Whats the best bit of advice? Take it from a recent bride. in the planning stages, dont Karissa Hoersten got married fret yet. Like Hoersten, you can Dec. 17 in Delphos and said that make it through the planning procrastination is not an option. and down that aisle. There are websites and bridal Even if you think you have a lot of time, you dont, she said. magazines galore to provide We were engaged for eight tips and trends for the perfect months, but Ive been planning wedding. One Google search alone for (my wedding) since I was a wedding planning came back little girl. And that might not even have with more suggestions than you been enough time to get every- can throw a bouquet at. One such website www. thing done, but Hoersten said that keeping a binder with all weddingbusinesstoday.com of your wedding information in dedicated to wedding industry Elegance for a Lifetime it can be a lifesaver. Hiring pro- news, highlighted some trends fessional decorators to handle that brides planning 2012 wedcertain jobs, like making table dings might want to consider: By LIZ YOUNGamcgee@limanews.com 419-993-2072

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Gowns: Theyre more fitted then flowing, and in rainbow-like colors yellows and greens, with bridesmaids dresses in similar colors and styles. Decorations: This rainbow motif extends to the decorations as well. And for an environmental homage, nature and local landscapes are inspiration for reception table dcor. Themes: Fashion-inspired themes dominate, and attention to detail is a must. Cakes: No, not cakes, but cookies and cupcakes. Stacked in tiers and decorated, it gives the traditional wedding dessert a trendy twist. There it is. Take or leave the trends as you wish. Just because a website says its hip doesnt necessarily make it true for you. Hoersten said her colors were black and white, with red roses her favorite flower as an accent. She obviously didnt google that particular website. But, the bride wants what she wants, and usually gets it. And Tammy Corzine, owner of Celebrations in Delphos, said she is seeing a lot of local brides choose black and white as their wedding colors. Celebrations provides decoration services for area weddings and other

celebrations. Its full range as much or as little as they need, Corzine said. We always try to find ways to fit the budget. Everyone says they want simple and elegant, but by the time they get done, its not. Tonya Bukowski, Wapakoneta owner of It Takes The Cake, also had a different view of what is considered trendy in her department desserts. Cake is the go-to dessert. Sometimes there is a dessert buffet with choices, but (the cake has) always been there, she said. She did call cupcakes trendy, but added that her customers usually have them for childrens tables or as extra servings, not as the main attraction. A lot of my brides want a plain and simple cake, with very little decoration (but it) can range from fancy to simple and elegant. Once in awhile I get a wild one, Bukowski said. A Halloween-themed cake she recently made had wild swirls and checkerboards. It was really cool, she said. Hot pink and greens are colors you might not think of for wedding cakes, but Bukowski said they turned out well. As for flavors, its old school once again. Obviously everyone orders chocolate and white you always want your basics, she said. Some couples do want to be a little outside the box when it comes to flavors, however, and Bukowski offers a snickerdoodle cake and a hummingbird cake, which includes banana, pineapple and cinnamon flavors. One trend she does see a lot of is a grooms cake. This cake is made specifically for the groom and usually ordered by the bride as a surprise. Its something a little bit different for him. The wedding cake is usually what she wants this is just for him, she said. Decorations for these cakes are based on a hobby of

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the grooms, or maybe a favorite sports team. Bukowski recently made a baseball-mitt cake for a local groom. And all trends aside, both Bukowski and Corzine echoed Hoerstens advice about time management. Most people need to start planning one year in advance. Nine months to a year is a good rule of thumb, Corzine said. Bukowski said next summer is already booked for her, and fall is another busy time for weddings. At least start booking venues, caterers and other necessities at least a year in advance, she said. Hoersten admits she had a bit of an advantage in the time department. Her brother married this past June and she helped her sister-in-law choose

a dress. That pre-emptive shopping gave her the edge when it came time to pick her own dress. The first time in a dress shop, I found it, she said. If it wouldnt have been for (my sister-in-law) that helped the process go a lot faster. Whatever works. So whether you want all the latest trends or something youve been dreaming of since you were a little girl, the point is that planning can make it possible. Every bride wants to be the center of attention. They want that day to be special, and want people to remember their wedding, Corzine said. Corzine can be reached at 419695-4455, and It Takes The Cake is 419-738-5751 or by email at ittc@bright.net.

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