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Archive for the ‘Weddings’ Category

Area brides turn out for Plattsburgh’s Bridal Expo

PLATTSBURGH — Soon-to-be brides came out in numbers Sunday to sample cakes and peruse wedding gowns at the 2012 Plattsburgh Bridal and Fashion Expo.

Hosted by Laura’s Bridal and College Formals in Plattsburgh, the annual expo took place at Plattsburgh’s West Side Ballroom, with all proceeds from the event going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York.

About 25 vendors participated, displaying everything from fresh floral arrangements and decadent desserts to deejay services and photography packages.

“We are essentially helping the bride plan everything from A to Z for all her wedding needs,” said Heather Cox, sales manager at Laura’s Bridal and College Formals.

“We have so many different vendors with so many great ideas, and it’s really a great day for the bride to just come and feel out ideas.”

Tonya Woods of Malone attended the expo to get flower and cake ideas for her upcoming wedding.

She said Plattsburgh’s was better than any other bridal expo she had attended.

“They have a lot of cake people here today,” she said.

Cox explained that the event, which sold out this year, has become very popular among area residents.

“People, I think, look forward to this day,” she said.

Also a big draw, according to Cox, is the expo’s bridal fashion show, featuring dresses for the bride, her attendants and her mother, as well as men’s tuxedos.

“We put the most modern fashions in, things maybe that Plattsburgh hasn’t seen yet,” she said.

The event is also a hit among vendors of wedding services, who use the opportunity to network and connect with potential clients.

“It’s good exposure,” said Jason Greer, co-owner of Greer Cicarelli Photography in Plattsburgh.

“It’s good to network with the other vendors and a lot of the people that we’ve known for years, and we get to see new brides.”

Greer said the expo also allows his business to showcase new styles of photos and albums that weren’t previously available.

“We meet with a lot of our current booked brides, and show them our albums, our new products and things that we may have that we didn’t have when they booked with us.

“We have all of our newest stuff for these shows,” he said.

But the day isn’t just about the latest wedding trends or making a bride’s dreams come true. It’s also about granting the wishes of area children.

“The support that we’re getting from the bridal show here today is significant for us to help not only raise awareness but to raise important funds to grant the wishes for our North Country wish kids,” said Dr. William Trigg, chief executive officer of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast New York.

Trigg explained that the mission of the foundation is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions between 2½ and 18 years of age.

Make-A-Wish, he said, grants between 20 and 30 wishes a year in Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties alone.

Laura Cross, co-owner of Laura’s Bridal and College Formals, explained that in the past, her bridal expos were free to get in, but she decided to start charging an admittance fee to help raise money for the foundation.

“We just wanted to give back to the community, and we figured it was a great venue,” she said.

“People can come and see things that they might not ordinarily get to see, and at the same time, they’re doing something good, as well. They’re donating back to Make-A-Wish.”

Cross also invites children helped by the Make-A-Wish Foundation to model dresses at the expo, and this year, several participated.

“There’s some that come back year after year,” she said.

In fact, Cross has watched some of the girls go from being flower girls in the show to modeling brides’ dresses.

“It’s nice to see a little girl overcome her illness and get better and go on to lead a very fulfilling and regular life,” Cross said.

Email Ashleigh Livingston at: alivingston [at] pressrepublican [dot] com

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Tie the knot on Aphrodite’s Island with Ionian Weddings

PRLog (Press Release)Jan 09, 2012
Ionian Weddings, the award-winning wedding specialist for bespoke, stylish and unique weddings in the Greek Islands and Cyprus, is delighted to be launching several new and exclusive venues in Cyprus for 2012.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and is the ideal wedding destination, with virtually guaranteed year-round sunshine and a breathtaking range of locations both on the coast and inland.  Here are just some of Ionian weddings’ new venues which offer excellent value for money, too:

• Ayii Anargyri is a beautiful converted 17th century monastery just 25 minutes’ drive from Paphos.  Founded in 1649 by two brothers who cared for the sick, Ayii Anargyri has been transformed into a stylish spa haven where guests benefit from the healing properties of the natural spring waters.  Ceremonies can be held inside or outside the small chapel in the grounds, whilst the wine vault is a unique venue for receptions. Prices from £3,380* for an all inclusive ceremony reception package based on 20 guests and including photography, flowers, bridal hair and more.

• So White boutique hotel is due to open in April 2012.  This deluxe boutique hotel – with a roof terrace – is located by a glorious sandy beach a few kilometres outside Ayia Napa. Couples can marry under a gazebo in the landscaped tropical gardens, with ocean views, and the hotel’s restaurant, Nozomi (also in London’s Mayfair) is perfect for a stylish beachfront reception. Prices from £2,985* for an all inclusive ceremony reception package based on 20 guests and including photography, flowers, bridal hair and more.

• Ideal for avid golfers and fine dining aficionados, the Eléa Estate boasts professionally-trained chefs from top restaurants such as Nobu, plus a pristine golf course designed by Sir Nick Faldo and a wonderful setting overlooking the Mediterranean.  Weddings and receptions take place on a chic panoramic terrace and the service is top-notch.  Prices from £4,130* for an all inclusive ceremony reception package based on 20 guests and including photography, flowers, bridal hair and more.

• For intimate nuptials set amongst lemon, olive and fig trees, Nikoklis Inn is a charming and traditional riverside inn that’s just 15 minutes’ drive from Paphos.  There are views up the valley to the Troodos Mountains and it’s a world away from the island’s busier resorts.  Prices from £2,530* for an all inclusive ceremony reception package based on 20 guests and including photography, flowers, bridal hair and more.

• From 2012, weddings can be arranged directly on a beach (previously they were only authorised within the confines of a hotel) and can be combined with a beach BBQ reception.  Alternatively, opt for a traditional town hall ceremony in Geroskipou (meaning ‘Holy Garden’) or Paphos, followed by a relaxed beach BBQ reception as the sun sets. Prices from £2,415* for an all inclusive ceremony BBQ reception package based on 20 guests and including photography, flowers, bridal hair and more or £1,775* if opting for a town hall ceremony and beach BBQ

Existing venues include:
• Eleonas Gazebo Secret Garden, located close to Aphrodite’s Rock.  Marry on Eleonas Terrace with views to the sea (for groups of up to 60) or by the Gazebo (for smaller gatherings).  Perhaps most romantic of all is the divine Secret Garden that’s hidden in the trees.  Prices from £3,565* based on 20 guests.
• Enjoy exclusive use of The Cyprus Wine Museum in the village of Emiri, located at the crossroads to the island’s key wine routes.  Built in local stone, the museum has bougainvillea-filled courtyards and wine tastings can be arranged as part of the reception. Prices from £3,355* based on 20 guests.  
• Aghia Kyriaki church in Paphos, next to the Roman Basilica and the historic site of St. Paul’s Pillar, is adorned with artwork and chandeliers.  An organist can be hired to play wedding hymns and other music.  Combine this with a reception at a legendary seafront tavern.  Prices from £3,220* based on 20 guests.
• Hire a classy catamaran (Limassol) or a romantic schooner (Paphos) and say ‘I do’ at sea.  Unlimited drinks and a buffet will be served to guests on board.  Prices from £3,385* based on 20 guests hiring a catamaran.

*All prices include legal paperwork, wedding licence fee and a personal wedding co-ordinator who will arrange the flowers, photographer, bridal car, reception and music as part of a tailor-made package.

The company also offers a two-hour consultation meeting for a small fee which is fully refundable if the couple makes a booking. Additional services include assistance with booking accommodation for the wedding party and full documentation arrangements.

For more information, visit Ionian Weddings at http://www.ionianweddings.co.uk or call 020 8892 7556.

Ends – 9 January 2012

Notes to editors:                                                          
1. On 1 January 2012, Ionian Weddings became the first-ever specialist overseas wedding planner to join ABTA ( Association of British Travel Agents)
2. Ionian Weddings was commended in the Richmond Business Awards “Best Business Category” in October 2011.
3. The company was founded in March 2007 by Greek-born Andreas Palikiras and his English wife, Jane, who have over 15 years’ experience in the travel industry.
4. To date, Ionian Weddings has arranged over 450 weddings in the Greek Islands and Cyprus.
5. Current destinations include Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada (Lefkas), Meganissi, Kefalonia (Cephalonia), Ithaki (Ithaca), Zante (Zakynthos), and the Aegean Islands of Skiathos, Santorini, Mykonos, Kos, Rhodes, Amorgos, Samos, Thassos and Crete.  However the company also offers tailor-made options to other destinations in the Greek Islands on request.
6. Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Civil, Greek Orthodox, Jewish and Protestant weddings can be arranged.
7. Client testimonials can be found here.
8. Images and case studies are available on request.

Media Enquiries: For further information on Ionian Weddings or to interview the founder directors, please contact Mika Bishop or Julia Farish at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email m [dot] bishop [at] travelpr [dot] co [dot] uk or j [dot] farish [at] travelpr [dot] co [dot] uk.

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Bridal Showcase vendor recommends talking about wedding budget first


Jan 08, 2012 (Stillwater NewsPress – McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) –
STILLWATER, Okla. — Couples planning their wedding should talk about money before doing anything else, said Lisa Croston of Plan It Events.

The company is one of more than 30 vendors that will be at the Stillwater NewsPress Bridal Showcase Saturday. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wes Watkins Center at Oklahoma State University. Admission is $3 in advance and $5 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at Consumers supermarket, Colonial Florist or the NewsPress office.

Traditionally, the bride’s family hosts the wedding and pays for almost everything, except for the rehearsal dinner, the tuxedos, the honeymoon and the ring, which the groom and his family provided, Croston said.

That’s not necessarily true any more, however, she said. Now, who pays for what in a wedding often depends on who can afford to pay, she explained.

Find Solutions for Enterprises, SMBs Service Providers at The World’s Communications Conference, ITEXPO West. September 13-15, 2011 Austin, Texas

Find Solutions for Enterprises, SMBs Service Providers at The World’s Communications Conference, ITEXPO West. September 13-15, 2011 Austin, Texas

Find Solutions for Enterprises, SMBs Service Providers at The World’s Communications Conference, ITEXPO West. September 13-15, 2011 Austin, Texas


Find Solutions for Enterprises, SMBs Service Providers at The World’s Communications Conference, ITEXPO West. September 13-15, 2011 Austin, Texas

Find Solutions for Enterprises, SMBs Service Providers at The World’s Communications Conference, ITEXPO West. September 13-15, 2011 Austin, Texas


Find Solutions for Enterprises, SMBs Service Providers at The World’s Communications Conference, ITEXPO West. September 13-15, 2011 Austin, Texas

Find Solutions for Enterprises, SMBs Service Providers at The World’s Communications Conference, ITEXPO West. September 13-15, 2011 Austin, Texas

Find Solutions for Enterprises, SMBs Service Providers at The World’s Communications Conference, ITEXPO West. September 13-15, 2011 Austin, Texas

“It’s really more however it works best between families,” she said. “It’s something to sit down and discuss at the beginning — who can afford what.”

The bride’s family still often pays for more of the wedding, Croston said, but because couples are marrying later, they sometimes pick up more of the tab themselves.

Either way, the budget is the first thing to set, Croston said, followed by a list of what’s most important to the couple: photography, flowers, destination, etc.

“You have to start with a budget,” she said. “You have to know where the funding is coming from to prepare.”

Otherwise, couples may find themselves heavily in debt at the start of their marriage.

Once couples have set a budget and decided who will pay, they can begin shopping for the photographer, flowers, music, food, rings and location. Vendors for all of those — and more — will be at the Stillwater NewsPress Bridal Showcase.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for brides to do one-stop shopping in one convenient location,” event organizer Jill Hunt said. “They can find all the services they need so they can plan their wedding day in one trip.”

The event will also include a style show and door prizes, including a weekend getaway. For more about the Showcase, see the special section in today’s newspaper.

___ (c)2012 the Stillwater NewsPress (Stillwater, Okla.) Visit the Stillwater
NewsPress (Stillwater, Okla.) at www.stillwater-newspress.com Distributed by MCT
Information Services

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]

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Something Borrowed, Something Red, White and Blue…

01/04/2012 // Kaufman, TX, US // sheiladanzig // April Bishop

The Victorian House wedding venue in Kaufman, Texas, along with several local wedding vendors, is showing its appreciation for armed forces personnel by hosting a dream wedding and reception package giveaway consisting of catering, photography, flowers, Cinderella carriage, and more. The prize is currently valued at $7500, and could be worth even more as additional merchants join in.

The contest will consist of a one-page entry form and brief essay detailing why the applicants need or deserve to win, which will be reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of the participating vendors and merchants. In addition, applicants may also have friends and family nominate them. One winning couple will then be selected at random from the preliminary finalists. Contest entrants must have one or both members of the couple that are active duty US military (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, National Guard, Coast Guard) to qualify, and qualified non-winning entrants will receive consolation prizes.

April Bishop, owner of http:// www.TheVictorianHouse.net/militarywedding believes that supporting our military is the right thing to do. “My husband is a veteran, and both sons are in the military.” states Bishop. “We’re just doing our part to help out. In this economy, we all need to pitch in. It’s like there’s been a natural disaster – you know how the human spirit shines through in those instances – well, this un-natural disaster requires the same kind of intervention so that we all make it through. We’re blessed to be able to do this.”

Vendors participating in the one-of-a-kind wedding giveaway include: Shelli Nicole Photography, Rockwall Flowers, Lilly Langtry Coach Company, Celebrate Cakes of Garland, Paparazzi Wedding Show.com, and others still to be announced at press time.

To enter, couples can visit http:// www.TheVictorianHouse.net/militarywedding where they will find complete rules and online entry form.

The Victorian House wedding and reception facility is located in the DFW Metroplex at 3950 FM 987, Kaufman, TX. They offer complete wedding services, including ceremonies and reception packages, in addition to serving as one of the areas finest venues for parties, graduations, anniversaries, etc.

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Garden Talk with Rob Zimmer: Incorporate personal passion into stylish wedding bouquets – Post

unique style

When it comes to wedding flowers and bouquets, unique is all the rage.

Old standbys such as white callas and Casa Blanca lilies still top the most popular flower lists, but more and more brides are choosing to let their personal passions be displayed not only in their dress and music, but in the flowers as well. Fortunately, just about any botanical element, from leaves to petals, berries to cones, vines to seed pods, can be incorporated into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind bouquet and wedding theme.

One of the most popular trends in wedding arrangements is the use of succulents. These plants, which thrive on dry conditions, are often firm and waxy to the touch, making them last long in arrangements and bouquets. Succulents also come in an array of earthy colors, striking patterns and textures, allowing for great flexibility and wonderful, memorable decorations.

Another trend is the use of foliage. Most popular are hosta leaves. In fact, entire weddings have been designed around a hosta theme, from table decorations to all arrangements, even decorating the outdoor garden chapel. Hosta leaves are ideal for a unique bouquet as no two leaves are alike. Newer hybrids produce huge leaves, up to 18 inches long and 15 inches wide on the biggest varieties and come in endless combinations of blue, blue-green, every shade of green imaginable, yellow and white.

Tropical-themed foliage bouquets are also hot, using a combination of tropical foliage or all one variety. Some of the most striking tropical foliage for bouquets and arrangements include galax, various palm leaves, peace lilies, caladiums, elephant ears and papyrus. Supplement with tropical hibiscus flowers in melon shades, pink, orange and white and perhaps a delicate orchid or two and the results are stunning.

Herbal bouquets are also popular. Commonly used herbs such as lavender, mints, chamomile, thyme and sages are supplemented with other herbal plants such as finely textured scented geraniums, marigolds, ferns and heather. The pleasant aromas and practical uses of these elements are very appealing.

Creating a natural bouquet is an increasingly popular trend for brides. Depending on the season, any number of outdoor garden elements can be used to create a stunning, original arrangement. You don’t have to be a professional to design and create a natural arrangement all on your own. All it takes is imagination and an eye for the unusual. Seedpods, including colorful maple seed clusters in reds and greens, along with lotus seedpods, teasel, various native grasses, ferns and others add texture and flair to any arrangement.

Berries are also seeing wide use in wedding bouquets in all seasons. Some top choices include bridal white snowberries, glossy red barberry and holly, blueberries, crabapples, even pinecones.

As for colors, the hottest trend in color combinations at the moment is copper, bronze and purple. Another hot combination is the use of tropical or beach-themed combinations in turquoise, coral, hot pink, melons and orange. Of course, traditional whites and ivory always will be popular.

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Hints from Heloise: Assisted-living flowers – Times Herald

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Dear Heloise: The recent tip on donating wedding flowers to a local hospital or Ronald McDonald House after the event was great. Here is another possible donation site: an assisted-living facility. My mother resides in one, and someone in the family brings her fresh flowers almost weekly. They really brighten her room and her day.

I almost feel guilty when I see some of the other residents’ faces. I know they would enjoy bouquets, too. Hopefully, her facility and others can include this tip in their newsletters. — A reader in Stroudsburg, Pa.

Yes, I’m sure flowers certainly can brighten a room! Call or ask about bringing flowers for others or for the public areas. — Heloise

Dear Readers: Here are some helpful uses for old pillowcases:

  • A changing-table pad cover.
  • Place where a pet likes to sleep in order to reduce hair.
  • Use as a small laundry bag.
  • Cover couch cushions to protect from stains.
  • Use to store summer or winter clothing. — Heloise
  • Dear Heloise: I have enjoyed your and your mom’s column for many years with the great hints.

    With so many people trying to visit friends and relatives and take a dish, I wanted to share the perfect way to transport the food. When shopping in the grocery store, ask the employees if you can have the bottom portion of the cardboard cases for canned goods. These are great for any size pot, bowl or container, and if the item happens to spill, you won’t have a mess to clean up in your car. — Sandi in Spring, Texas

    Dear Heloise: On my birthday, I so enjoyed reading my special birthday card, which has brought lots of pleasure. In 1983, I received a beautiful large card for my birthday. That following January, I forgot to purchase a card for my partner, who gave me the card, so I used the same card and dated it. In short, we have used the same card now for 28 years, and we enjoy reading the little notes written each year. We have used all the insides and are ready for the back. — Jack, via email

    Dear Heloise: Beach towels are on sale now, and they make great lap robes or bed throws for elderly folks. They’re cheap, large, lightweight, easy to launder, and those bright designs and colors are cheerful to look at. — Lynn from St. Augustine, Fla.

    Dear Heloise: On a recent flight, a woman sat next to my husband and me. The problem? Why do women feel the need to bathe themselves in perfume or body lotions? Do they realize there are people like myself who suffer severe migraines that can be triggered by strong scents? Please remind women and men that they don’t always smell good to everyone! — L.G., Boardman, Ohio

    Heloise [at] Heloise [dot] com

    Most Clicked Stories

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    BravoBride.com Announces the Top 5 Budget Bridal Trends for 2012

    Even with the economy on the rise, brides are still finding new and innovative ways to stay within their wedding budget according to a recent study from online marketplace, http://www.BravoBride.com. “Brides are eager to find good deals and save money on their wedding,” said Susan A. Shapiro, the website’s creator. “They still want to have their perfect day but they also want to be smart about their wedding purchases.”

    Seattle, WA (PRWEB) January 06, 2012

    Even with the economy on the rise, brides are still finding new and innovative ways to stay within their wedding budget according to a recent study from online marketplace, http://www.BravoBride.com. “Brides are eager to find good deals and save money on their wedding,” said Susan A. Shapiro, the website’s creator. “They still want to have their perfect day but they also want to be smart about their wedding purchases.”

    Shapiro gives us her insight on 5 budget bridal trends that we’ll be seeing more of in 2012.

    1. Paperless Invitations

    Several companies offer electronic wedding invitations now. They are formatted like a traditional invitation but also give you the opportunity to track your RSVP’s online, manage guest lists and include multiple wedding events. Not only are they a fraction of the cost of paper invitations and postage but they’re also a huge time saver and eco-friendly.

    2. Preowned Wedding Items

    Most wedding items are generally used once and for a short period of time. Because of this brides are buying everything from gently used wedding dresses to decorations and reselling them on online marketplaces like BravoBride. It’s a great way to help another bride-to-be and to recoup wedding costs.

    3. Cash Registries

    Starting a cash registry in lieu of gifts is a new concept that is becoming increasingly more popular. They are many websites that provide this service, which allows brides to use their ‘gifts’ on their wedding expenses, honeymoon or even a down payment on a house.

    4. Faux Flowers

    Brides are beginning to forgo the traditional bridal bouquets and opt for non-floral arrangements. Bouquets are being made entirely of brooches, paper, clay and even felt. These types of flowers will never wilt or die and you can use them as a wedding keepsake for years to come.

    5. Wedding Rentals

    Grooms have been renting their tuxes for years but we are starting to see a new trend for brides and bridesmaids as well. Some new businesses are offering rental bridesmaids and wedding gowns and you can rent your bridal accessories too such as earrings, necklaces and headpieces.

    “2012 brides have a lot more options then brides did even a few years ago” added Shapiro. “It’s exciting to see what even more innovation and smart wedding ideas this New Year will bring.”

    For more information about BravoBride and to view their online marketplace for used wedding items please visit http://www.BravoBride.com.

    ###

    Susan Shapiro
    BravoBride
    206-734-2579
    Email Information

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    Bridal Showcase this weekend in SLC

    Examiner.com is the inside source for everything local. We are powered by Examiners, the largest pool of passionate contributors in the world.

    Examiners provide unique and original content to enhance life in your local city wherever that may be. Examiners come from all walks of life and contribute original content to entertain, inform, and inspire.

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    6 Do’s For The Perfect Wedding At Home

    Inspired weddings take place in different locations — vineyards, hotels, country clubs, social halls and parks. But the most romantic, emotional and personal weddings that I’ve ever seen were those at a family’s home. To pull off that perfect home wedding, consider these important “Do’s”.

    “Do” a realistic assessment of the number of guests you can entertain comfortably and use your space wisely. Select a focal point for the ceremony, such as a shady majestic tree or a water fountain for a backdrop. For the ceremony, create a meandering garden pathway using potted flowering plants to seat your guests. These plants can be used later to decorate food stations or line the dance floor.

    A useful rule of thumb is that you need 10-12 square feet of open space per guest for a seated reception — this allows for ample space between tables for walkways. Use this handy calculator. Keep in mind that you can change up the size and shape of your tables for a better fit. Long feasting tables are a good option for a narrow room or yard, and cocktail tables may do the trick in confined spaces. Wide open areas, whether in the front or the back of your home, are the blank canvas for an interesting design concept, such as tables in the shape of your initials. I like using the dining room table for dessert buffets and to showcase the wedding cake because it’s protected from the elements and offers better lighting.

    “Do” pay special attention to light. Consider where the sun will be during your ceremony so that you end up with a warm glow instead of blinding light. (Visit timeanddate.com to find out what time the sun will set on a given date.) And as the sun sets, décor lighting will be important for the comfort and safety of your guests, as well as the ambiance. Perimeter up-lighting illuminates plants and trees, creating the feeling of larger spaces, while directional and ambient lighting is used to draw attention to centerpieces, and to illuminate walkways and the dance floor. Existing lighting such as halogen floodlights can be softened with colored filters.

    “Do” mix and match your décor items in a cohesive way. In your home, you have creative license and resources to pull off the greatest “mix and match” design concepts, and it’s guaranteed to look charming! No need to rent 50 of the same dinner plate — borrow china from your Mom, your aunts and your grandma, too! Place a different set of china on each table and tie it all together with a consistent color scheme. Select your favorite flowers to be featured on each table, so that you have the tulip table, the rose table and the hydrangea table and so on. Clustering of a single type of flower is a manageable DIY wedding project. The mix and match concept works well for the bridesmaids’ dresses, too — they can be within the same style or color scheme and each lady can hold a bouquet of one type of flower… they don’t have to be identical.

    “Do” remember the small stuff. Check with your local law enforcement agency about the noise ordinance applicable to your area. By doing this early in your planning process you’ll have plenty of time to adjust the wedding schedule to comply with sound restrictions. In most communities, the party has to quiet down at 11 pm. Plan ahead by planting flowering plants, fertilizing the lawn and trimming the hedges. Stop watering the lawn two days before the wedding day and make sure that all the automatic sprinklers are shut off. Stock up on battery-pack candles in lieu of open flamed candlelight so that you don’t have to worry about the wind. For outdoor weddings, be sure to spray outdoor areas and under each table with insect repellant several hours before guest arrival. For an extra touch, have High Heel Savers from Diva Dilemmas to make the walk on the lawn more comfortable for the ladies in spiked high heels; they will protect your lawn, too.

    “Do” include a surprise after-party snack. The food truck phenomenon has created incredible and affordable options. Here is an opportunity to spice up the party with the unexpected taco truck, French fries and grilled cheese sandwiches or fresh donuts, cookies and milk. Comfort food is everybody’s favorite for a late-night treat.

    “Do” be good to your neighbors. Go beyond the basic courtesy of notifying your neighbors that you will have a wedding at your home; drop off a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates and watch all the apprehension about the music and partying melt away. While you are there, ask your neighbors to keep their dogs inside and skip mowing the lawn on the day of your wedding.

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    David Tutera coming to Rialto wedding expo – Chicago Sun

    January 5, 2012 6:02PM

    Celebrity Wedding Planner David Tutera will appear at the Rialto Square Theatre’s Wedding Expo 2012 in Joliet. | Submitted photo


    Updated: January 6, 2012 2:27AM

    JOLIET — David Tutera, host of the reality series “My Fair Wedding With David Tutera,” will be featured Jan. 22 at Bridal Expo 2012 at the Rialto Square Theatre.

    Tutera’s TV show is in its fifth season, and he has written several books on planning weddings and parties. He was honored by Modern Bride magazine as one of its Top 25 Trendsetters of The Year. Tutera was also named Best Celebrity Wedding Planner by Life Style Magazine.

    He has worked on Star Jones’ wedding, the New York Giants’ Antonio Pierce’s wedding and events for Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, Elton John, Barbara Walters, the Rolling Stones, former Vice President Al Gore, Kenneth Cole, Tommy Hilfiger and Susan Lucci.

    The David Tutera Bridal Jewelry Collection is available at Sears stores, and Tutera has teamed up with Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores to create Down the Aisle in Style, a new line of wedding accessories.

    Tutera also is a professional speaker hired to lecture on the topics of weddings, lifestyle, design and more.

    More than 50 regional wedding experts will be at the Rialto’s Bridal Expo 2012 with advice on flowers, photography, catering, gowns, DJs, limousines, honeymoons, gifts and more. Thousands of dollars in prizes and wedding gifts will be given away. The expo is sponsored by Turk Furniture.

    The expo will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 22. Tutera will appear at 3:30 p.m.

    Tickets can be purchased for the expo alone or as a package for the expo and Tutera’s presentation. Expo tickets cost $15. Ticket packages for the expo and Tutera cost between $35 and $50.

    Tickets can be purchased at the Rialto box office at 102 N. Chicago St., or ordered by calling 815-726-6600 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. On performance days the box office remains open until the end of intermission. Tickets also can be purchased by calling 800-982-2787, through all Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.rialtosquare.com.

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