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A Special Supplement To THE FREEBORN CO. SHOPPER February 11, 2014 Wedding Guide 2014 A Couple's Guide to Planning the Perfect Wedding!

Spring 2014 Bridal Tab

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Supplement to the Freeborn County Shopper. Featuring useful information and ideas for your upcoming nuptials.

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Page 1: Spring 2014 Bridal Tab

Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 8

Bouquet BravadoBrides have been carrying bouquets for hundreds of years. In ancient times, bridal bouquets generally consisted of garlic, herbs and spices to keep evil spirits away. By Victorian times, fresh fl owers had replaced the garlic, herbs and spices, and many of these fl owers carried special meanings, like inno-cence, faith and love. Floriography, the language of fl owers, continues to this day, with some brides researching fl ow-er meanings and basing their bouquet selections on those meanings. Floriog-raphy isn’t the only trend in bridal bouquets. There are many others. Here is a brief review.

Bridal bouquets are traditionally pale in color, but today’s brides are branching out and choosing bolder colors, like burgundy, red and purple. Bouquet color schemes can be monochromatic—all shades of purple, for example—or complementary. With bouquets get-ting brighter, they have become a real feature in wedding photography, in particular black and white photography with selective coloring.

Roses remain a bridal bouquet stan-dard, but other fl owers are starting to make their way into the mix. Daisies, hydrangeas, lilies, peonies and tulips are popular choices, as are orchids.

Many brides, in fact, are asking for more tropical fl owers in their bouquets, either because of their theme or for a unique twist.

While cascades of fl owers were once the norm in bridal bouquets, many brides today are opting to take a simpler route. Hand-tied bouquets are a popular choice. With the fl owers gathered together and wrapped in ribbon, the bouquets are easier to handle and have a contemporary look to them.

While today’s bridal bouquets might be somewhat simpler in design, brides can still add some dazzle to them with beads, crystals, feathers, pearls, sequins

and other accessories. Brides with themed weddings can take it a step further and incorporate extra special touches into their bouquets, like minia-ture seashells, pinecones or butterfl ies. Bouquets featuring vintage brooches are also becoming popular.

Bridal bouquets can run the gamut from the traditional all-white hand-tied rose bouquet drenched in crystals to the sassy gold, red and purple bou-quet cuffed by feathers. It is up to the bride how she wants her bouquet to be. Brides should check out some samples, talk to their fl orist and select a bouquet design that speaks to them.

A Special Supplement

To THE FREEBORN CO. SHOPPER

February 11, 2014

Wedding Guide 2014

A Couple's Guide to

Planning the Perfect

Wedding!

30%-40% offAll In-Stock Merchandise

OPEN:Monday-Friday 10 to 9,

Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday 12 to 5

2516 Northbridge Mall • Albert Lea, MN • 507-377-8515Custom Designs • Diamonds & Precious Gems • Full Service Jeweler Since 1988

Sale Good Thru February 15, 2014

Special Price

Merchandise ExcludedAll Special

Orders

20%-30% OFF

Pendants/EarringsColored & Diamond Rings

Sterling SilverJewelry

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and Wedding Rings

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Let us help you create the Honeymoon of your dreams!

Page 2: Spring 2014 Bridal Tab

Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 2 Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 7

Save-the-Date Card EtiquetteMany couples fi nd that tradition reigns supreme when planning weddings. Certain traditions, such as fathers walking their daughters down the aisle and grooms sharing a dance with their mothers at the reception, are moments to cherish. Though such traditions have withstood the test of time, couples still have some opportunities to embrace relatively recent traditions.

One such recent tradition is the save-the-date card, a precursor to wedding invitations that simply lets guests know when the wedding is so they can clear their calendars and be there on a couple's big day. While save-the-date cards are best kept simple, there are a few rules couples

should follow before sending their cards out to loved ones.

* Finalize the guest list before sending save-the-date cards. Couples must fi nalize their guest lists before sending their save-the-date cards. Doing so avoids the poten-tially messy situation that would no doubt arise if a person were to receive a save-the-date card but then not make the fi nal guest list. Trimming the guest list often comes down to fi nances, so couples also want to agree on their budget before sending out their save-the-date cards. Once the guest list has been fi nalized, couples can send out their save-the-date cards as soon as possible.

* Confi rm addresses. Couples should confi rm their loved ones' addresses before mailing any save-the-date cards. This can be easily accomplished by sending mass emails to friends and family members or contacting individuals via private mes-sages sent on social media sites. Postage to send save-the-date cards can be costly, especially for couples with large guest lists. Confi rming addresses can save cou-ples money on potentially wasted postage should the cards be returned because they were sent to the wrong address. In addition, confi rming addresses ensures everyone gets their cards and no one feels left out when relatives receive cards and they don't because a couple did not have their correct address.

* Keep things appropriate. Save-the-date cards need not be as formal as wedding invitations, but they should still be appro-priate. Guests often keep save-the-date cards on their refrigerators, where people

of all ages can see the cards. So while cards can be light-hearted, they should still be family-friendly. For example, photos of the bride- and groom-to-be decked out in swimsuits should be avoided.

* Don't overdo it with information. Save-the-date cards don't need to include as much information as the more formal invitations, which tend to include informa-tion about the ceremony, reception, hotel, directions, and other relevant wedding details. A save-the-date card only needs to include the date of the wedding, including the month, day and year so guests are not confused if the cards are going out well in advance of the wedding day. Couples can include a link to their wedding Web site on the backs of their save-the-date cards, which makes it easier for guests to learn more details about the wedding without inundating them with information too early.

Troy Thompson LUTCF

1330 W. Main, Albert Lea507-377-2852 Toll Free 877-974-9597

Fax: 507-377-3301

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Did You Know?Symbolic gestures are common-place during wedding ceremo-nies. The exchange of rings, stomping on a glass and lighting of candles are each among the various traditions associated with different faiths. Couples who would like to try something a bit different can opt for pouring sand. Choose two different colored sands and decorative vessels that can hold the sand until a special time in the ceremony. You also

will need another large, clear con-tainer that will contain the sand once it is poured. A glass vase or heart-shaped vessel works well. To symbolize the joining of two lives together, both the bride and

groom can take one of the colors of sand and begin pouring them together into the larger contain-er. The ribbons of sand will join and meld together, much as the couple's separate lives will now

become one. The fi nished sand art can be kept on a mantle as a remembrance of the wedding day for years to come.

105 N. Broadway | Albert Lea | 507-402-8555Nutrition

Come Out for a Free Fun Afternoon with Your Sweetheart 2-4 pm

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• Prizes & FoodPlus we can show you how to get the body

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Page 3: Spring 2014 Bridal Tab

Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 3

Wedding Day CountdownSupplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 6

Twelve to Eighteen Months❏ Set the date❏ Determine wedding budget❏ Select wedding site❏ Select officiant(s)❏ Select & reserve a

reception site❏ Choose a caterer❏ Select ceremony musicians❏ Select reception

entertainment❏ Choose attendants❏ Choose ushers and helpers❏ Select photographer❏ Select videographer❏ Choose a wedding

consultantSix to Twelve Months❏ Choose wedding style and

color scheme❏ Decide on the size of the

wedding❏ Determine guest list❏ Choose a florist❏ Order your wedding dress❏ Select & order bridesmaid

dresses❏ Confirm delivery date for

dresses❏ Update your passports, if

needed❏ Plan rehearsal/grooms

dinner with fiance & all parent

Three to Six Months❏ Purchase gifts for

attendants & fiance❏ Select men’s formal wear❏ Choose reception

decorations❏ Reserve rented items❏ Order invitations &

announcements❏ Select & order the wedding

cake❏ Purchase wedding bands❏ Select a transportation

service❏ Plan the honeymoon, make

reservations❏ Register with bridal

registries❏ Arrange out-of-town guest

accommodations❏ Buy your trousseau❏ Have mothers buy dresses❏ Make wedding day salon

appointment❏ Have a complete physical

examOne to Three Months❏ Select wedding reception

music❏ Have final dressing fittings

❏ Address wedding invitations

❏ Mail wedding invitations 4 to 6 weeks, no later than 3 weeks

❏ Get marriage license ❏ Confirm appointments &

arrangements❏ Confirm honeymoon

arrangements❏ Prepare and send

newspaper announcement

❏ Make arrangements for parking, traffic

Two Weeks❏ Confirm details with

photographer and videographer

❏ Pick up wedding rings (if engraved)

❏ Organize your trousseau and pack

❏ Purchase travelers checks❏ Plan a seating arrangement

for receptionOne Week❏ Talk with caterer, give final

guest count❏ Have groom’s formal wear

fitting❏ Have groomsmen try on

and pick up their formal wear

❏ Confirm duties and time schedule with attendants and helpers

❏ Firm up any last minute arrangements for music, flowers, cake

Your Wedding Day❏ Bring your wedding guide

for important names & phone numbers

❏ Stay calm and enjoy, this is your wedding day!

105 N. Broadway | Albert Lea | 507-402-8555Nutrition

Want to have a great body and glowing skin for

your wedding and honeymoon?

Come & Let Us Show YouHow to Make Yours Even Better!We all want to feel confi dent for our big day,

we can help you achieve that inner and outer beauty.

Plus, contact us for information on a fun and glamorous spa party for you

and your bridesmaids!

For your special day, choose the

American Legion

Post 56*Dance Floor & Stage available

*Linens & Select Decor*Meals to Fit any budget,

Buffet or Served*Full-sized, event only bar

Call Jenny at 507-373-7993

142 N. Broadway • Albert Lea

Stay with us for your Wedding & Special Events

821 East Plaza St.,Albert Lea, MN(507) 373-4000

Hot BreakfastKeurig Coffee

Pillow-Top BedsMeeting Room

Mention This AdFor Group Discounts

Look Tan-Tasticon your special day!

• 12 min.• 15 min.• 20 min.• Red Light• Airbrush• Hydro• Lotions

Find Your Honeymoon Look in Our

New Boutique

ETC1663 W. Main Albert Lea Skyline PlazaOPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

EtceteraTanning & Clothing

Boutique507-377-TANS (8267)

Aspirin (or pain reliever of choice)Band-AidsBottle of waterChalk (to cover up smudges on wedding dress)Clear nail polish (for stocking runs)Corsage pinsDental floss/toothpicksEye dropsExtra earring backsExtra panty hoseHair pins/ponytail holderHand towelettesHem tapeMatches

Mini sewing kitSafety pinsScotch tapeSedatives (don't ask!)Small folding scissorsSmelling salts (while we don't expect anyone to

faint, it has been known to happen)Spot removerStatic-cling sprayStraws (so the bride can stay hydrated without

messing up her lipstick)TissuesTweezersMatron or maid of honor essentials for the bride:

Breath mints/sprayCellular phoneComb/brushCash (because you never know)Hair sprayLinen handkerchiefMakeup (for touch-ups)MirrorNail filePerfumeTampons/sanitary napkinsOptional Items: Granola bars or other easy-to-carry snacks, Sunblock, Krazy Glue (for nail fixes, shoe heels, decorations, even jewels)

Day-Of Wedding Kit Essentials

Look your Best In Your Dress with help from Anytime Fitness!

Free Enrollment, One Free Month & One Free Personal Training Session

for the Happy Couple to Be.See Store for Details.

Groom Dress Body ...✓ ✓

2508 Bridge Ave. • Albert Lea Northbridge Mall • 507-377-8451

Page 4: Spring 2014 Bridal Tab

Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 5Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 4

Few wardrobe decisions are scrutinized as much as a bride-to-be's choice of wedding gown. Finding the perfect gown that fl at-ters the future bride's fi gure while stun-ning her guests and soon-to-be husband is a labor of love for many brides.

The Bridal Association of America esti-mates a bride-to-be will spend between $1,500 and $2,000 total on her gown, veil and accessories. Brides often spend months, if not years, shoping for the right gown. Finding the right gown means having an understanding of what sil-houettes are available and what fl atters certain body types. After all, you want to look like the best version of yourself when

getting married. Here is a look of some of the common types of gown silhouettes and why choosing this shape might be right for you.

BALLGOWN

A ballgown dress is truly a classic style, evoking images of fairy tale princesses. With a fi tted bodice and full skirt that fl airs at the waist, this silhouette is usually good for all body types. Because the full skirt, typically poofed-up by crinoline and will hide the hips and thighs, women with a pear shape might gravitate toward this style. The ballgown style may not be ideal for petite women, as the skirt may over-

whelm their fi gures.

A-LINE

Another silhouette very forgiving or appropriate for many body types is the A-line gown. A-line cut dresses should be the go-to style for anyone looking to minimize perceived fl aws. The cut of the dress will fi t to the waist and gradually fan out from the hips to form the outline of an uppercase "A." When in doubt, A-line gowns are classic and sensible and a favorite among brides.

TRUMPET

Women who prefer something a little

more form-fi tting may select a trumpet silhouette. This dress is fi tted through the body and then the gown fl ares out at mid-thigh level. Women with taught stomachs and hourglass fi gures can benefi t from this style gown, but those who do not want anything tight in the hips and thighs will want to select something else.

MERMAID

A bit more fi tted than the trumpet, this sil-houette is close to the body from the chest down to the knee. The skirt then fl ares out slightly by the knee. Tall, thin women generally look best in this type of gown.

MODIFIED A-LINE

A balance between a traditional A-line and a more fi tted gown, the modifi ed A-line does not fl are out as much. But it does fl are out enough from the waist to hide areas around the hips and thighs. This is another good choice for a wide array of fi gures.

TEA LENGTH

Brides who do not want a gown that reaches the fl oor can opt for a tea length dress, on which the skirt generally falls between the ankle and the knee.

SHEATH

Lean brides who want simplicity in their

gowns can opt for a sheath silhouette. The narrow shape of the gown from the neckline to the hem will defi nitely accen-tuate the body shape. Therefore, women who are shy may want to select a different option. Petite women who may be over-whelmed by more fabric can usually wear a sheath gown with success.

Although a bride may have a wedding gown style in mind, it is a good idea to try on a number of different silhouettes to fi nd the one that is most fl attering. Brid-al salon employees are usually well-versed in matching body type to a gown and can prove invaluable when selecting a dress.

Wedding Dress Silhouettes

Register Your 2014 Calendar Year Wedding by

March 31 and Receive

$40 off Each Tux Rental And

A FREE Grooms TuxValid with wedding party of 6 or more.

See store for details.

Leutholds Men’s & Ladies Fine Apparel

Northbridge Mall, Albert Lea, MN (507) 373-3142

Complete Tux Packages

Starting at $99

Pre-Booking Special

Inc. www.SilhouetteWedding.com

55 Main St., Easton, MN 56025507-787-2211

Hours: M-F 10:00 to 5:00 Sat 10:00 to 4:00

Walk-ins Welcome!

Checking/SavingsOnline BankingOnline Bill PayRetirement AccountsHealth SavingsHome LoansHome Equity

Home ImprovementAuto LoansPersonal LoansDebit CardsSafe Deposit BoxesBusiness LoansSenior Club & More

Full Service Banking!Excellent Customer Service – Locally Owned

Investing in Your Future

Albert Lea437 Bridge • 373-1481

“We’re Here to Grow With You”www.securitybankmn.com

Emmons201 Main St. • 297-5461

Custom Picture FramingDowntown • Albert Lea • 377-0848Custom Picture Framing

see us for more Custom

Framing Ideas

For Booking Information Call 507-461-1387204 2nd St. SW, Waseca, MN

Page 5: Spring 2014 Bridal Tab

Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 5Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 4

Few wardrobe decisions are scrutinized as much as a bride-to-be's choice of wedding gown. Finding the perfect gown that fl at-ters the future bride's fi gure while stun-ning her guests and soon-to-be husband is a labor of love for many brides.

The Bridal Association of America esti-mates a bride-to-be will spend between $1,500 and $2,000 total on her gown, veil and accessories. Brides often spend months, if not years, shoping for the right gown. Finding the right gown means having an understanding of what sil-houettes are available and what fl atters certain body types. After all, you want to look like the best version of yourself when

getting married. Here is a look of some of the common types of gown silhouettes and why choosing this shape might be right for you.

BALLGOWN

A ballgown dress is truly a classic style, evoking images of fairy tale princesses. With a fi tted bodice and full skirt that fl airs at the waist, this silhouette is usually good for all body types. Because the full skirt, typically poofed-up by crinoline and will hide the hips and thighs, women with a pear shape might gravitate toward this style. The ballgown style may not be ideal for petite women, as the skirt may over-

whelm their fi gures.

A-LINE

Another silhouette very forgiving or appropriate for many body types is the A-line gown. A-line cut dresses should be the go-to style for anyone looking to minimize perceived fl aws. The cut of the dress will fi t to the waist and gradually fan out from the hips to form the outline of an uppercase "A." When in doubt, A-line gowns are classic and sensible and a favorite among brides.

TRUMPET

Women who prefer something a little

more form-fi tting may select a trumpet silhouette. This dress is fi tted through the body and then the gown fl ares out at mid-thigh level. Women with taught stomachs and hourglass fi gures can benefi t from this style gown, but those who do not want anything tight in the hips and thighs will want to select something else.

MERMAID

A bit more fi tted than the trumpet, this sil-houette is close to the body from the chest down to the knee. The skirt then fl ares out slightly by the knee. Tall, thin women generally look best in this type of gown.

MODIFIED A-LINE

A balance between a traditional A-line and a more fi tted gown, the modifi ed A-line does not fl are out as much. But it does fl are out enough from the waist to hide areas around the hips and thighs. This is another good choice for a wide array of fi gures.

TEA LENGTH

Brides who do not want a gown that reaches the fl oor can opt for a tea length dress, on which the skirt generally falls between the ankle and the knee.

SHEATH

Lean brides who want simplicity in their

gowns can opt for a sheath silhouette. The narrow shape of the gown from the neckline to the hem will defi nitely accen-tuate the body shape. Therefore, women who are shy may want to select a different option. Petite women who may be over-whelmed by more fabric can usually wear a sheath gown with success.

Although a bride may have a wedding gown style in mind, it is a good idea to try on a number of different silhouettes to fi nd the one that is most fl attering. Brid-al salon employees are usually well-versed in matching body type to a gown and can prove invaluable when selecting a dress.

Wedding Dress Silhouettes

Register Your 2014 Calendar Year Wedding by

March 31 and Receive

$40 off Each Tux Rental And

A FREE Grooms TuxValid with wedding party of 6 or more.

See store for details.

Leutholds Men’s & Ladies Fine Apparel

Northbridge Mall, Albert Lea, MN (507) 373-3142

Complete Tux Packages

Starting at $99

Pre-Booking Special

Inc. www.SilhouetteWedding.com

55 Main St., Easton, MN 56025507-787-2211

Hours: M-F 10:00 to 5:00 Sat 10:00 to 4:00

Walk-ins Welcome!

Checking/SavingsOnline BankingOnline Bill PayRetirement AccountsHealth SavingsHome LoansHome Equity

Home ImprovementAuto LoansPersonal LoansDebit CardsSafe Deposit BoxesBusiness LoansSenior Club & More

Full Service Banking!Excellent Customer Service – Locally Owned

Investing in Your Future

Albert Lea437 Bridge • 373-1481

“We’re Here to Grow With You”www.securitybankmn.com

Emmons201 Main St. • 297-5461

Custom Picture FramingDowntown • Albert Lea • 377-0848Custom Picture Framing

see us for more Custom

Framing Ideas

For Booking Information Call 507-461-1387204 2nd St. SW, Waseca, MN

Page 6: Spring 2014 Bridal Tab

Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 3

Wedding Day CountdownSupplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 6

Twelve to Eighteen Months❏ Set the date❏ Determine wedding budget❏ Select wedding site❏ Select officiant(s)❏ Select & reserve a

reception site❏ Choose a caterer❏ Select ceremony musicians❏ Select reception

entertainment❏ Choose attendants❏ Choose ushers and helpers❏ Select photographer❏ Select videographer❏ Choose a wedding

consultantSix to Twelve Months❏ Choose wedding style and

color scheme❏ Decide on the size of the

wedding❏ Determine guest list❏ Choose a florist❏ Order your wedding dress❏ Select & order bridesmaid

dresses❏ Confirm delivery date for

dresses❏ Update your passports, if

needed❏ Plan rehearsal/grooms

dinner with fiance & all parent

Three to Six Months❏ Purchase gifts for

attendants & fiance❏ Select men’s formal wear❏ Choose reception

decorations❏ Reserve rented items❏ Order invitations &

announcements❏ Select & order the wedding

cake❏ Purchase wedding bands❏ Select a transportation

service❏ Plan the honeymoon, make

reservations❏ Register with bridal

registries❏ Arrange out-of-town guest

accommodations❏ Buy your trousseau❏ Have mothers buy dresses❏ Make wedding day salon

appointment❏ Have a complete physical

examOne to Three Months❏ Select wedding reception

music❏ Have final dressing fittings

❏ Address wedding invitations

❏ Mail wedding invitations 4 to 6 weeks, no later than 3 weeks

❏ Get marriage license ❏ Confirm appointments &

arrangements❏ Confirm honeymoon

arrangements❏ Prepare and send

newspaper announcement

❏ Make arrangements for parking, traffic

Two Weeks❏ Confirm details with

photographer and videographer

❏ Pick up wedding rings (if engraved)

❏ Organize your trousseau and pack

❏ Purchase travelers checks❏ Plan a seating arrangement

for receptionOne Week❏ Talk with caterer, give final

guest count❏ Have groom’s formal wear

fitting❏ Have groomsmen try on

and pick up their formal wear

❏ Confirm duties and time schedule with attendants and helpers

❏ Firm up any last minute arrangements for music, flowers, cake

Your Wedding Day❏ Bring your wedding guide

for important names & phone numbers

❏ Stay calm and enjoy, this is your wedding day!

105 N. Broadway | Albert Lea | 507-402-8555Nutrition

Want to have a great body and glowing skin for

your wedding and honeymoon?

Come & Let Us Show YouHow to Make Yours Even Better!We all want to feel confi dent for our big day,

we can help you achieve that inner and outer beauty.

Plus, contact us for information on a fun and glamorous spa party for you

and your bridesmaids!

For your special day, choose the

American Legion

Post 56*Dance Floor & Stage available

*Linens & Select Decor*Meals to Fit any budget,

Buffet or Served*Full-sized, event only bar

Call Jenny at 507-373-7993

142 N. Broadway • Albert Lea

Stay with us for your Wedding & Special Events

821 East Plaza St.,Albert Lea, MN(507) 373-4000

Hot BreakfastKeurig Coffee

Pillow-Top BedsMeeting Room

Mention This AdFor Group Discounts

Look Tan-Tasticon your special day!

• 12 min.• 15 min.• 20 min.• Red Light• Airbrush• Hydro• Lotions

Find Your Honeymoon Look in Our

New Boutique

ETC1663 W. Main Albert Lea Skyline PlazaOPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

EtceteraTanning & Clothing

Boutique507-377-TANS (8267)

Aspirin (or pain reliever of choice)Band-AidsBottle of waterChalk (to cover up smudges on wedding dress)Clear nail polish (for stocking runs)Corsage pinsDental floss/toothpicksEye dropsExtra earring backsExtra panty hoseHair pins/ponytail holderHand towelettesHem tapeMatches

Mini sewing kitSafety pinsScotch tapeSedatives (don't ask!)Small folding scissorsSmelling salts (while we don't expect anyone to

faint, it has been known to happen)Spot removerStatic-cling sprayStraws (so the bride can stay hydrated without

messing up her lipstick)TissuesTweezersMatron or maid of honor essentials for the bride:

Breath mints/sprayCellular phoneComb/brushCash (because you never know)Hair sprayLinen handkerchiefMakeup (for touch-ups)MirrorNail filePerfumeTampons/sanitary napkinsOptional Items: Granola bars or other easy-to-carry snacks, Sunblock, Krazy Glue (for nail fixes, shoe heels, decorations, even jewels)

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Page 7: Spring 2014 Bridal Tab

Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 2 Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 7

Save-the-Date Card EtiquetteMany couples fi nd that tradition reigns supreme when planning weddings. Certain traditions, such as fathers walking their daughters down the aisle and grooms sharing a dance with their mothers at the reception, are moments to cherish. Though such traditions have withstood the test of time, couples still have some opportunities to embrace relatively recent traditions.

One such recent tradition is the save-the-date card, a precursor to wedding invitations that simply lets guests know when the wedding is so they can clear their calendars and be there on a couple's big day. While save-the-date cards are best kept simple, there are a few rules couples

should follow before sending their cards out to loved ones.

* Finalize the guest list before sending save-the-date cards. Couples must fi nalize their guest lists before sending their save-the-date cards. Doing so avoids the poten-tially messy situation that would no doubt arise if a person were to receive a save-the-date card but then not make the fi nal guest list. Trimming the guest list often comes down to fi nances, so couples also want to agree on their budget before sending out their save-the-date cards. Once the guest list has been fi nalized, couples can send out their save-the-date cards as soon as possible.

* Confi rm addresses. Couples should confi rm their loved ones' addresses before mailing any save-the-date cards. This can be easily accomplished by sending mass emails to friends and family members or contacting individuals via private mes-sages sent on social media sites. Postage to send save-the-date cards can be costly, especially for couples with large guest lists. Confi rming addresses can save cou-ples money on potentially wasted postage should the cards be returned because they were sent to the wrong address. In addition, confi rming addresses ensures everyone gets their cards and no one feels left out when relatives receive cards and they don't because a couple did not have their correct address.

* Keep things appropriate. Save-the-date cards need not be as formal as wedding invitations, but they should still be appro-priate. Guests often keep save-the-date cards on their refrigerators, where people

of all ages can see the cards. So while cards can be light-hearted, they should still be family-friendly. For example, photos of the bride- and groom-to-be decked out in swimsuits should be avoided.

* Don't overdo it with information. Save-the-date cards don't need to include as much information as the more formal invitations, which tend to include informa-tion about the ceremony, reception, hotel, directions, and other relevant wedding details. A save-the-date card only needs to include the date of the wedding, including the month, day and year so guests are not confused if the cards are going out well in advance of the wedding day. Couples can include a link to their wedding Web site on the backs of their save-the-date cards, which makes it easier for guests to learn more details about the wedding without inundating them with information too early.

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Did You Know?Symbolic gestures are common-place during wedding ceremo-nies. The exchange of rings, stomping on a glass and lighting of candles are each among the various traditions associated with different faiths. Couples who would like to try something a bit different can opt for pouring sand. Choose two different colored sands and decorative vessels that can hold the sand until a special time in the ceremony. You also

will need another large, clear con-tainer that will contain the sand once it is poured. A glass vase or heart-shaped vessel works well. To symbolize the joining of two lives together, both the bride and

groom can take one of the colors of sand and begin pouring them together into the larger contain-er. The ribbons of sand will join and meld together, much as the couple's separate lives will now

become one. The fi nished sand art can be kept on a mantle as a remembrance of the wedding day for years to come.

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Page 8: Spring 2014 Bridal Tab

Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 8

Bouquet BravadoBrides have been carrying bouquets for hundreds of years. In ancient times, bridal bouquets generally consisted of garlic, herbs and spices to keep evil spirits away. By Victorian times, fresh fl owers had replaced the garlic, herbs and spices, and many of these fl owers carried special meanings, like inno-cence, faith and love. Floriography, the language of fl owers, continues to this day, with some brides researching fl ow-er meanings and basing their bouquet selections on those meanings. Floriog-raphy isn’t the only trend in bridal bouquets. There are many others. Here is a brief review.

Bridal bouquets are traditionally pale in color, but today’s brides are branching out and choosing bolder colors, like burgundy, red and purple. Bouquet color schemes can be monochromatic—all shades of purple, for example—or complementary. With bouquets get-ting brighter, they have become a real feature in wedding photography, in particular black and white photography with selective coloring.

Roses remain a bridal bouquet stan-dard, but other fl owers are starting to make their way into the mix. Daisies, hydrangeas, lilies, peonies and tulips are popular choices, as are orchids.

Many brides, in fact, are asking for more tropical fl owers in their bouquets, either because of their theme or for a unique twist.

While cascades of fl owers were once the norm in bridal bouquets, many brides today are opting to take a simpler route. Hand-tied bouquets are a popular choice. With the fl owers gathered together and wrapped in ribbon, the bouquets are easier to handle and have a contemporary look to them.

While today’s bridal bouquets might be somewhat simpler in design, brides can still add some dazzle to them with beads, crystals, feathers, pearls, sequins

and other accessories. Brides with themed weddings can take it a step further and incorporate extra special touches into their bouquets, like minia-ture seashells, pinecones or butterfl ies. Bouquets featuring vintage brooches are also becoming popular.

Bridal bouquets can run the gamut from the traditional all-white hand-tied rose bouquet drenched in crystals to the sassy gold, red and purple bou-quet cuffed by feathers. It is up to the bride how she wants her bouquet to be. Brides should check out some samples, talk to their fl orist and select a bouquet design that speaks to them.

A Special Supplement

To THE FREEBORN CO. SHOPPER

February 11, 2014

Wedding Guide 2014

A Couple's Guide to

Planning the Perfect

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