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Home , Engagement, Handfasting

2019

Choosing an Ring / Tips for Second Planning a Unity Ceremony / Combining Finances The ’s Resource 2019 Page 1 Photo by Double Heart Photography 10 06 tools make planning easier 14 Tips for second weddings 20 Choosing attendants for your wedding 26 Choosing where to 28 Combining finances after the wedding

On the cover-Shiloh Hofacket and Monty Hambrick were married at Stillwater Meadow in Aledo on June 22, 2018. Photo Majors + Warnock by 3 Birds Photography. Hambrick + Hofacket

A Post Oak Media product Publisher J.M. Winter Creative Director Kayla Jean Woods Advertising Executives Lana Hamblin Kathy Miller Shannon Gray Business Manager Brenda Bingham

200 Walnut, Bowie, TX 76230 www.postoakmedia.net Photo by 3 Birds Photography 16 Page 2 North Texas Forever Hambrick + Hofacket

The Bride’s Resource 2019 Page 3 Page 4 North Texas Forever How to choose an engagment ring that she will within your budget ngagements precede wedding , flower arrangements, limousines, and evenE a couple's wedding vows. And no pro- posal is complete without a ring. Knowledge of rings and stones is essential for those who plan to propose in the near future. A recent survey from the wedding re- source The Knot in which 12,000 and 1,200 grooms in the United States were asked about their rings, found that people spend an average, of $5,978 on engagement rings. Recognizing the potential cost of en- gagement rings can help ring shoppers pre- pare for their purchases. In addition to considering costs, couples can employ the following tips to shop with confidence. • Cut costs with style. Engagement rings can be costly, but many couples feel they are speak with a jeweler about a suitable sub- worthwhile investments. According to In stitute. Style magazine, a ring with a classic solitaire • Investigate personal style. Men should of one carat weight can cost thousands of pay attention to the jewelry their dollars, while a band covered in just under wear so the engagement rings complement one carat of tiny pavé will offer their style. Some women love modern jew- plenty of sparkle for a lot less money. elry, while others gravitate toward vintage • Know your settings. How the pieces. is framed can affect how big it looks and • Come in under carat. Buying just shy of even how much it sparkles. Gems framed the next carat weight can save between 20 with a bezel can give the illusion of a larger and 30 percent, offers The Knot. Plus, the stone. size discrepancy probably will not be visible • the desired cut. A skilled jeweler to the naked eye. knows how to properly cut a stone to bring • Think about trading up. Some couples out its best radiance. From round to prin- like to replace engagement rings with a cess to emerald to marquise cut, cut styles more elaborate ring for a big anniversary. can affect how the stone looks as well as the Some jewelers will accept the purchase of price. the toward the price of a • Know ring metals. Platinum and future ring. are some of the most popular ring setting Jewelry stores are in the business of de- metals. Platinum costs considerably more veloping relationships with their customers. than gold or silver, but is long-lasting. Cou- When purchasing engagement rings, cou- ples should weigh the cost versus benefit ples can discuss their desires in regard to a of splurging on a more expensive metal, or ring, as well as their budgets. The Bride’s Resource 2019 Page 5 Wedding tools make planning easier Ensuring an event goes on with minimal get cost estimates based on guest list and hiccups takes patience and thorough plan- options. Users also can access discounts and ning. This is especially true for weddings, exclusive deals. when many elements must merge together • Wedding LookBook: This app enables for a memorable day. Today's couples have couples to browse through thousands of a bevy of new resources at their disposal to dresses, accessories, jewelry, and much more. facilitate wedding planning. The app will help customers find products The internet makes vetting vendors and in their area. reading reviews that much easier, but wed- • Shutterfly: This photo, invitation and ding-related apps also can simplify wedding image-sharing tool can be an inexpensive planning. The following are some top picks place to create save-the-date stationery, in- as culled by Wedding Shoppe, Inc., The vitations, and photo memory books. Knot and Lifehacker. • Appy Couple: This app and website • Wedding Spot: Couples can search for helps couples manage their budgets, time- their ideal wedding venue based on location, lines, wedding parties, and seating charts, budget, styles, and capacity. The website en- while also allowing them to share photos. ables users to plan their ideal weddings and There is a free version and basic packages Page 6 North Texas Forever that allow access to more contacts from email and so- different packages cater features. cial networks to establish a to various name-changing • iWedding Deluxe: In guest list. If floor plans are needs. addition to managing time- unavailable in their data- • Vistaprint: These statio- lines, to-do lists and vendors, base, they can be drawn. nery specialists offer an ar- this app offers inspiration • The Knot's Market- ray of services, from cards to ideas for gowns, manages place: With the click of a invitations to personalized and tracks , and offers button, couples can search envelopes. Once a design is suggestions from for wedding vendors in all chosen, Vistaprint will of- iTunes. However, it is only different categories, read re- fer add-on suggestions for available to iPhone users. views, and directly connect coordinating items, helping • AllSeated: This tool can with those businesses. to create a cohesive look for help couples figure out seat- • HitchSwitch: Brides or the festivities. ing arrangements by creat- grooms who may be chang- Wedding websites, apps ing 3D floor plans of the ing their names can do so in and more can streamline event, and couples can pull one convenient place. Three wedding planning. The Bride’s Resource 2019 Page 7 Page 8 North Texas Forever What to include in e-vites aper invitations remain the invite of parking garages, and include that informa- choice for weddings, and rightfully so. tion on the invitation as well. PPaper invitations give wedding guests an What to eat? idea of just how formal the ceremony will E-vites are not restricted by space like be and make for great mementos the happy more traditional paper invitations. So if couple can revisit for decades to come. you're hosting a party at home, use the e- Though milestones like weddings are vite to inform guests about the foods you worthy of elaborate paper invitations, many will be serving. This gives guests with- di other types of parties and gatherings can etary restrictions a chance to make other ar- utilize e-vites to get the word out. E-vites rangements if the foods you will be serving may not be governed by the guidelines of don't align with their diets. more formal paper invitations, but e-vite RSVP designers should still make sure to include Make it as easy as possible for guests certain information so guests learn all they to respond to your e-vite. E-vite templates need to know about the festivities. typically allow guests to click "Yes," "No," Why? or "Maybe." Ask guests to give their final When designing an e-vite, include the responses by a certain date. reason for the party. For example, let guests E-vites make it easy to invite friends and know if a backyard barbecue is doubling as to gatherings big and small. a birthday party. Some guests might not know this if the e-vite doesn't state it, and they might feel awkward if they fail to show up with a for the guest of honor. When? Less formal get-togethers may not be on tight schedules, but e-vites to such should still dictate when parties will begin and an estimate of when they will end. If hosting a game watch or a movie night, use the e-vite to remind guests when the game starts or when you want to start the movie. Ideally, let guests arrive in advance of the main event so they have time to get settled. Where? Include the full address of where the party will be held. If you're hosting at home, try to include some information about where guests can park their vehicles. If you're hosting the party at a restaurant or another public place, include parking infor- mation about those places as well, especially if parking is limited. In such instances, look into nearby parking alternatives, such as The Bride’s Resource 2019 Page 9 Majors 09.02.18+ Warnock

aquita Warnock and Michael Majors tied work out, and they went their separate ways the knot in an intimate outdoor ceremo- after graduation as Michael moved back to Jny at French Country Meadow in Wichita east Texas and Jaquita stayed in Wichita Falls on Sept. 2, 2018, after meeting more Falls. than two decades earlier. They kept in touch during the years and The wedding theme was appropriately even tried again a few times, but chosen as “Finally!” to honor the couple’s it just never seemed right. Almost three long, storied history. Jaquita, the daughter years went by with no contact at all, when of ShirleyWarnock, and Michael, the son of in 2015, Jaquita picked up the phone and Joe and Patricia Majors, first met in 1997 called Michael unexpectedly. Little did she at Midwestern State University, where Mi- know, Michael had spent the last year com- chael was a cyclist for Team Arrow. ing to the realization she was “the one.” A mutual friend, Shari (Neskorik) Vail- The couple said it took some work, but he lancourt introduced the two over lunch at finally convinced her he was “the one” also. the Baptist Student Center. Michael finally Twenty-one years later, they finally start the asked Jaquita out a few weeks later, and the rest and best of their lives together. two dated for a year. Unfortunately, it didn’t Guests gathered around the couple as Page 10 North Texas Forever they celebrated the event, watching as they ex- changed vows in a short, intimate ceremony outside on a beautiful fall day with a large cross Vendors decorated in white tulle for the backdrop. The bride’s brother-in-law, Bryan, officiated Venue the personalized ceremony, and the bride’s niece French Country Meadow, served as an adorable . The bride was walked down the aisle by her mother to one of Wichita Falls the bride’s favorite songs, “Deeper than the Hol- ler” by Randy Travis. At the conclusion of the ceremony, it was the groom’s turn to make the music selection as the couple walked back up the aisle to one of his Maria Akrioti favorites, “Never Going Outta Style” by Aaron Watson. The bride wore a simple, yet elegant ivory Floral Designer sheath gown with a draped neckline and no train. A little bit of bling added by the bride’s mother Sam’s graced the side of the gown, with shoulders made of lace and a high keyhole on the back. A pearl necklace donned the bride’s neck. The necklace Photographer and Jaquita’s earrings were earned for landmark Denise Henderson, years of service at her job. Her nieces, Autumn Beebe and Cheyenne Griffin, did her hair and Double Heart Photography makeup. The veil was waist-length with scattered rhinestones and she wore ivory lace flats. Jaquita, Catering along with her matron of honor, Stephanie Ed- wards, carried bouquets of roses and lilies. Jaquita Bistro Express chose Sam’s as the florist for the event. The -ma tron of honor wore a short, navy blue sleeveless lace sheath , with a white beaded necklace, Cake earrings and bracelet set. The mother of the bride walked down the aisle Dottie Hoover, in a long, navy blue lace and satin dress with a Just Bite Me long pearl necklace. The flower girl was in a blue dress with a sparkly, sequined top and a tulle skirt with flowers placed in her hair. Hair/Makeup For the men, the groom wore a custom-made navy-blue plaid with a slate gray shirt along Autumn Beebe and with a blue and orange tie. His best man, Bryan Goins, wore the same, with the exception of a Cheyenne Griffin vest instead of a jacket. Their shoes were classic, wingtip brogue oxfords in blue and orange, paired with crazy fun socks. Reception Music The couple made an epic entrance into the Continued on page 12 R&R Entertainment The Bride’s Resource 2019 Page 11 Continued from page 11 an arrangement of flowers, including a va- reception on a tandem bicycle to the songs riety of roses, colorful daisies, and greenery. “Bicycle Race” by Queen and “Meant to Other tables consisted of bases filled with Be” by Bebe Rexha, circling the venue twice water and floating candles set atop a mirror with a lot of noisy encouragement from their about 14 inches in diameter. guests. Meanwhile, the matron of honor and The main table was decorated with can- best man entered to the song “Who Let the dles, pearls, flower arrangements and white Dogs Out,” by Baha Men. Kids joined in on wooden “Mr and Mrs” cutouts. the fun with activity packs full of coloring A table by the entrance welcoming guests books, crayons, a scavenger hunt list and a was decorated with photos of the couple, the slap bracelet. bride’s late father, the groom’s children and Dinner consisted of baked potatoes with a bicycle wheel wreath made by the bride. all the fixings, macaroni and cheese, broc- The couple chose “Known” by Tauren coli cheese soup, vegetarian chili and salad Wells for their first dance, with music pro- catered by Bistro Express. Dear friends of vided by R and R Entertainment during the the bride, who own and operate a Greek reception. There was no send off, the couple restaurant, brought their famous baklava for danced until the end. everyone to enjoy. The bride’s close friends, Maria Akrioti, Dottie Hoover, owner of Just Bite Me planned the wedding and Denise Hender- Creations, created the three-tiered white son with Double Heart photography cap- with a dog peeking through tured all the special moments of the event. the icing and a cake topper that said “Fi- The couple honeymooned at the Wild- nally!” catter Ranch Resort in Graham for two The groom’s cake was chocolate fudge nights. and modeled after a mountain bike trail, After tying the knot, the couple chose decorated with tiny working bikes and a Wichita Falls as their home where Michael dog. works as a bicycle mechanic while attend- The tables were decorated with white ing welding classes at Vernon College and tablecloths and a charcoal gray overlay and Jaquita works as the neurodiagnostics coor- a centerpiece consisting of a vase filled with dinator at United Regional. Page 12 North Texas Forever The Bride’s Resource 2019 Photos by Double Heart PhotographyPage 13 Tips for second weddings aking a chance on cess along. intimately by personalizing love and for • Dress it up. Brides need their festivities. theT second (or third) time not eschew white if they • Don't feel beholden is certainly worthy of cel- prefer to wear it for their to intimate affairs. Second ebration. The Pew Research second weddings. White, weddings tend to be more Center reports that at least cream, ivory, or other shades intimate, as guest lists tend four in 10 new are perfectly acceptable. to be smaller and couples now include at least one Also, brides can make their tying the knot again may partner who has been mar- gowns as lavish or as sim- prefer more intimacy and ried before, a trend that is plistic as they desire. The less hustle and bustle. on the rise. length and style of the dress But couples should not Planning a second wed- should reflect the formality avoid inviting people simply ding can be challenging, as and scope of the event. because second weddings individuals may be worried • Make it unique. Cou- are typically small affairs. about proper etiquette, su- ples who have been married Invite as many friends and perstitions or meeting the before may want to set this family as you want and as expectations of others. But new occasion apart from your budget allows. there are no hard rules gov- their previous weddings. • Set up a registry. Estab- erning second weddings. Brides magazine experts lished couples may have the Now that couples are suggest discussing previ- household basics already in older and a bit more expe- ous celebrations and what place, but registries can in- rienced, wedding planning can be done differently this clude fun or entertaining may be met with greater time around. Couples can gifts that speak to couples' enthusiasm and patience. use this opportunity to get interests. These may include These tips can help the pro- to know each other more home theater systems, fancy Page 14 North Texas Forever cookware, athletic equipment, or even funds for travel. • Involve the children. Couples who have children can make them a special part of their second wedding celebrations. Kids can play any role in the ceremony, depending on their age. If the second marriage comes after an amicable , couples can invite their former spouses to provide support to their children so they can feel comfortable in the wedding. • Be prepared. The marriage application process is similar the second time around, but additional documents, such as a divorce decree or death certificate, may be necessary. These legal documents also will be needed for men and women who intend to change their last names after getting married. A second marriage deserves as much celebration as the first and gives couples an opportunity to express their love for each other and their appreciation to their friends and .

The Bride’s Resource 2019 Page 15 Hambrick06.22.18 + Hofacket

hiloh Hofacket and Monty Hambrick work day lunch together, but the timing just were married in a vintage rustic evening wasn’t right. ceremonyS at Stillwater Meadow in Aledo On Oct. 26, 2017, everything changed on June 22. when Monty invited Shiloh over for dinner. The bride, the daughter of Coit and As Monty prayed over a well thought out Melanie Harris and Cory and Linda Ho- meal that night, Shiloh knew God was ar- facket, met her future , the son of ranging something big. Tony and Annette Davidson and Monty A couple of weeks later, Shiloh met and Kathy Hambrick, in 2015 at Grace Fel- Monty’s son, Sterling, and the two instant- lowship Church in Paradise. The couple ex- ly became the best of friends and he even plained they both had a previous year full of earned the nickname “Shiloh’s Stinker.” heartache, redirection and uncertainty when Shiloh accepted Monty’s proposal on it came to their love life. Feb. 27, 2018, in front of their parents, Shiloh, an escrow officer at Title Re- grandparents, and best friends at sources, and Monty, a sales account manager the end of a scavenger hunt that lead to the at Austin Turf and Tractor, became friends, church where they first met. talking at church and having an occasional A string version of “How Great Thou Page 16 North Texas Forever Art” was played as ushers Jon Harris and Zach Vaughn, the brothers of the bride, escorted the parents and grandparents to their seats. Vendors Matron of honor Jessica Mowery and brides- maids, Jennie Furstenberg, Macey Hunter, Court- Venue ney Jones, Jessica Simmons entered to “At Last” Stillwater Meadow by Eva Cassidy. The bride’s nieces, Lillie Mowery and Kinley Harris, served as flower girls. Sterling stood as his father’s best man, with Reception Venue Heath Smith, Cody Hambrick, Kyle Bilby and Stillwater Meadow Derrick Mowery serving as groomsmen. Logan Mowery and Lane Mowery, nephews of the bride, were ringbearers. Floral Designer The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father and stepfather to the “Bridal March.” Pas- Lauren Mowery tor Rocky Johnson of Grace Fellowship Church officiated the double-ring ceremony. Vows were exchanged not only between the bride and groom, Photographer but from the bride to new stepson, Sterling, as well. 3 Birds Photography Soloists Alanna and Audrey Burnett sang “Make You Feel My Love” while the bride, groom and son participated in a unity puzzle ceremony. Catering The couple asked their guests to join in worship to “Holy Spirit” by Bryan and Katie Torwalt. The Patriotic Pig At the conclusion of the ceremony, the couple walked back down the aisle to the fun tune of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Cake Wonder. Cakes by Leisha Blush and burgundy were the colors of choice for the event, which was filled with burgundy chrysanthemums, peach blush, cream and white garden roses, peonies in assorted pinks, blue Hair & Makeup thistle, white hydrangeas and an assortment of Anastasia Smith - Hair antique silver family heirlooms. The couple chose Lauren Mowery as the florist. Victoria Loper - Makeup The bride looked stunning in a white strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline, adorned with a lace corset bodice and full tulle skirt with her Reception Music mother’s veil. Anastasia Smith did the bride’s hair and Victoria Loper, her makeup. DJ Kyle Grimes The wore floor length, alternat- ing burgundy and blush dresses in assorted styles, while the flower girl was dressed in a blush tulle Honeymoon dress with floral details. Continued on page 18 Sandals Resort- The Bride’s Resource 2019 Montego Bay, JamaicaPage 17 Continued from page 17 dance. The groom chose jeans, a burgundy vest The bride danced with her father to “My and grey jacket, and for the groomsmen, Little Girl” by Tim McGraw, along with jeans with a burgundy vest and tie. “Hey Baby Que Paso.” The groom danced The ceremony décor included more bur- with his mother to “Humble and Kind” also gundy chrysanthemums, peach blush, cream by Tim McGraw. and white roses, peonies in assorted pinks, Guests enjoyed the three-tier red velvet, blue thistle, white hydrangeas and an as- strawberry and white cake with naked icing sortment of antique silver family heirlooms. adorned with flowers created by Cakes by The centerpieces contained assorted flowers Leisha. with a photo of the bride and groom. 3 Birds Photography was in attendance The Patriotic Pig catered a dinner of bris- to capture every special moment. ket, sausage, turkey, beans, mashed potatoes, After a night full of love and fun, guests mac-n-cheese and potato salad. Guests had lined up with sparklers as the couple exited their choice of tea, water, beer or wine. the venue. They honeymooned at the San- Dinner was followed by dancing and dals Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and a and bouquet toss with DJ Kyle then returned to their home in Paradise Grimes providing the music. Friend of the where they are active in their church and bride Foster Naylor sang “Yours” by Russell are having fun adjusting to life as a family Dickerson as the couple shared their first of three. Page 18 North Texas Forever ThePhotos Bride’s by 3 Birds ResourcePhotography 2019 Page 19 Choosing attendants for your wedding party aking the important decision to get married can fill couples with joy and excitementM as they imagine spending the rest of their lives together. Naturally, brides- and grooms-to-be are anxious to share the good news with others and include family and friends in the festivities. One way cou- ples exemplify inclusion is by asking their closest acquaintances to be part of their wedding parties. Being asked to serve as a or is an honor. Some couples may be tempted to ask every friend, or they have to be in their wedding parties, and some do. In fact, ancient Ro-

Page 20 North Texas Forever man law required 10 witnesses to be part of the wedding ceremony. However, the larger the wedding party, the more people couples have to coordinate and the more personali- ties they must manage. While large wedding parties are in style, there isn't any one-size-fits-all formula to decide which size party is right for a partic- ular situation. Trends vary based on geogra- phy and culture. These tips can help couples decide on the size of their wedding parties. • Match it to scope and style. Wedding planners may use a standard ratio for a pro- portion of guests to wedding party members. That ratio is one pair of wedding attendants for every 50 guests. This creates a balanced feel where the more people in attendance, the larger the wedding party and vice versa. • Consider your expenses. Wedding party members may be asked to spend consider- able amounts of money to be in the wed- ding, but the couple will have certain ex- penses tied to the wedding party as well. These can include limousines to ferry people between the ceremony and recep- tion, photography costs to arrange and photograph large wedding parties, the cost of boutonnieres and bouquets, attendants' gifts, as well as extra mouths to feed at the . Small wedding parties can be easier on couples' budgets. • Know your expectations. Couples should discuss what they expect from their wedding parties. Do couples want their loved ones to be very hands-on or waiting in the wings? For those who want a lot of input from their wedding parties, asking distant friends or family to be included may be impractical. • Select reliable, easygoing people. Wed- ding party members should be people cou- ples can rely on, and it only helps if wedding party members are not prone to overreacting. Choose a wedding party that can be trusted and people with whom you get along. Wedding party sizes are up to the couple, but bigger isn't always better. The Bride’s Resource 2019 Page 21 Choosing a unity ceremony Weddings celebrate the joining together larger candle, which celebrates them com- of hearts, families and homes. The unifica- ing together as one. tion of a couple pledging vows to each other • Sand pouring: The pouring of sand into is the key component of the ceremony, and a vessel also is a popular unity ritual. In this unity rituals are common during both tradi- ritual, couples choose two sands of different tional and nontraditional weddings. colors and then pour their respective colors Unity ceremonies represent the of into a vessel, allowing the different hues to two people coming together as one. Unity mix together. This ritual can be expanded to rituals may be built into certain religious or include other family members, with a rain- cultural weddings as a normal part of the bow of colors blending for a now unified festivities. Other couples may want to em- joining of families. brace the idea of a unity ceremony to add • Unity cross: Christians may enjoy a something extra special to their ceremo- unity cross ritual at their ceremony. A unity nies. cross is a decorative cross with a holder, Couples seeking creative options for uni- and the cross is held in place by three pins, ty rituals as part of their wedding ceremo- which symbolize the Father, Son and the nies can explore these clever ideas. Holy Spirit. During this ritual, the bride, • Candle lighting: The lighting of a unity groom and officiant will each set a pin in candle is one of the more recognizable and place. traditional unity rituals. During this ritual, • Tree planting: Planting a tree or shrub the bride and the groom each light an in- that can grow with the marriage is a green dividual candle and then together light a idea and one that takes unity rituals to a dif- Page 22 North Texas Forever ferent level. Couples can place the sapling in a decorative pot and then take turns water- ing it. Later the tree can be planted outside the couple's first home. • Lasso ceremony: This ritual is tradition- al in many Spanish- and Filipino-speaking countries. After vows are exchanged, the officiant wraps a floral garland or rosary around the couple. At the end of the cer- emony, the garland is saved as a symbol of unity and love. • : This ritual comes from an ancient Celtic tradition that bounds the bride and groom's right hands together during the wedding ceremony. Handfasting symbolizes couples' commitments to one another. play. • Flower ceremony: In this ritual, cou- Couples can create their own unique ples can exchange roses or a favorite flower unity ceremonies. The blending of any two and then place them in a vase or basket. All materials, such as wine, tea, glass beads, or members of the family also are invited to paint, or even the traditional tying of knots place a single flower into the vessel, which will convey the symbolism of joining as ultimately results in a beautiful floral dis- one.

The Bride’s Resource 2019 Page 23 Page 24 North Texas Forever Planning the reception menu eddings are memo- rable for a host of reasons.W While couples re- member their weddings because they mark the day they officially tied the knot, guests may remember wed- dings for other reasons, in- cluding the food served at the reception. Some wedding venues are known for their stun- ning landscapes, while oth- ers build their reputations simple. a favorite food. While spe- on unique interiors that • Consider potential al- cialty entrées might not be provide unforgettable am- lergies. In regard to entrées, a great choice, especially at biance. But regardless of make sure guests with food large receptions where lots where weddings take place, allergies can choose some- of mouths must be fed, a guests are liable to discuss thing that won't make them couple who has a favorite the food served at the re- sick. According to Food food that's symbolic of their ception. Guests might rave Allergy Research & Edu- relationship should not hes- about the escargot or com- cation®, an organization itate to offer it during the plain that the fish was flaky, devoted to improving the cocktail hour. but couples who choose re- quality of life of individu- • Offer an elaborate des- ception menus wisely can go als with food allergies, some sert. The last bite guests will a long way toward ensuring common foods cause the take is dessert, so couples there are more compliments majority of allergic reac- who want their guests to go than complaints once the tions. Peanuts, soy, sesame, home raving about the food dinner bell rings. and shellfish are among the may want to offer something • Don't zero in on spe- most common food aller- special after the entrées cialties. According to The gies, according to FARE®. have been taken away. Some Knot 2017 Real Weddings FARE also notes that aller- guests may not indulge, but Study, a survey of nearly gies to wheat, milk and eggs those who do might end 13,000 brides and grooms are common in children. their nights thinking about who tied the knot in 2017, While such foods can still the delicious dessert they the average wedding hosted be served at wedding recep- enjoyed as the festivities 136 guests. While couples tions, make sure to also in- drew to a close. might be tempted by spe- clude foods that are unlikely Choosing a wedding cialty dishes when choos- to trigger allergic reactions. menu should be fun. Menus ing their wedding menus, Couples can even ask guests should reflect not only cou- couples who are hosting to inform them of any food ples' tastes but also include dozens, if not hundreds, of allergies. some popular foods so no guests should keep things • Don't hesitate to offer one goes home hungry. The Bride’s Resource 2019 Page 25 Choosing where to honeymoon Engaged couples spend lots of time and money planning their weddings. The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study found that the average couple who married in 2017 spent more than $33,000 on their weddings. If that figure raises eyebrows, couples may be even more surprised to learn it does not in- clude the cost of a honeymoon. often mark couples' first trip together after tying the knot. The 2017 Real Weddings Study found that the average engagement length in 2017 was 14 months, and many couples are no doubt ready for a getaway after spending more than a year planning their weddings. Whether couples are working with shoestring budgets or have some financial flexibility, it's wise to consider various factors before choosing a honeymoon destination. Distance A remote, exotic island might sound like accessibility of local recreational activities the perfect place for couples to visit on their before choosing a honeymoon destination. honeymoons. However, couples who spent Some couples may just want to spend the more than a year planning their weddings duration of their honeymoons unwinding may prefer somewhere less remote than on a beach, while others may want to mix an exotic isle that requires multiple flight relaxation with exploration. All-inclusive transfers and possibly even days of travel to resort packages may or may not include off- get to. Couples should discuss how much site resort activities. Couples who want to travel they're willing to endure during their do some exploring away from their resorts honeymoons, and then find somewhere that should investigate both the accessibility and both partners are excited about. safety of doing so. Amenities Budget Many resorts offer honeymoon packages If budgets were stretched for the wed- that include a host of amenities, including ding, couples should not discount the ben- all-inclusive food and beverage, spa access, efits of planning a post-wedding weekend access to water sports, and even airport getaway and then saving some money for a pickup and dropoff. Such packages can more traditional honeymoon down the road. save couples substantial amounts of money, This option still affords couples a chance to which can help those who might have spent spend a few post-wedding days away from more on their weddings than they initially home and can help them save for a honey- intended. moon trip they will never forget. Recreation Couples should consider a host of factors Couples also may want to consider the before choosing a honeymoon destination. Page 26 North Texas Forever places to honeymoon Venice, Italy Italy has long been a favorite honeymoon location for . After all, noth- ing says “amore” quite like a gondola ride through the Grand Canal. Take a romantic stroll around Piazza San Marco to feel the scale of the domes of the Basilica di San Marco or the beautiful and ornate details of Palazzo Ducale. Then, escape the sights and sounds of the city with a dreamy boat ride to one of the unspoiled islands nearby. Kyoto, Japan Compared with the frenetic energy of Japan’s capital city Tokyo, Kyoto moves at a languid pace. Relax and reflect at hundreds of shrines and temples or stroll through peaceful gardens. Visit during the spring or fall. In spring, the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom, while fall reveals a beautiful mix of classic autumn colors. Before it gets dark, enjoy a leisurely walk around Gion, past machiya. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Stepping out onto the city’s iconic beaches—ringed by jagged mountains, with the buzz of vendors and foot-volley players and the sight of itsy-bitsy bikinis—will have you humming. Guests of the hotel may ar- range for a private sunrise picnic at the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue—before the usual hordes of sightseers arrive. Tulum, Mexico The city of Tulum is an hour and a half from the airport in Cancun, it’s home to an ancient Mayan village, and it won’t break a budget strained from paying for a wedding. Take a break from the beach to tour the ru- ins of the pre-Columbian Maya walled city. But make sure you bring your bathing suit: A staircase nearby leads down to a slice of beach where you can swim and sunbathe. The Bride’s Resource 2019 Page 27 Combining finances after the wedding appy couples experience various changes after tying the knot. One of thoseH changes concerns couples' finances. According to an analysis of data from the National Survey of Families and House- holds, arguments about money are a frequent concern with married couples. Furthermore, there is a higher correlation between the risk of divorce and the prevalence of financial disagreements. While fights about money do not necessarily cause divorce, they can create rifts in relationships. Even couples who have plenty of money may have disagreements about their fi- nances. Arguments may stem from couples not understanding how their partner views and saving habits. money or the disparities in spending habits • Assess debts as a team. One person may among partners. Couples who make early be bringing more debt to the marriage than efforts to get on the same page concerning another. It's important for all cards to be on finances may have smoother waters ahead the table and to work together to eradicate than those who delay such discussions. debt. If a person will be coming to the mar- • Establish goals together. Couples riage with poor credit, it may be worth it to should define their financial goals together. keep things separate until a spouse works on Is it a goal to save for early retirement? Is a remedying his or her finances, according to house in the immediate future? Is frequent Credit.com. travel a desire? Are we planning to contrib- • Decide how to split expenses. One part- ute much to future children's educations? ner may make more money than the other, These questions and more need to - bead and one may spend more time handling dressed early on. By creating a financial plan household needs or future childcare respon- together, couples can more clearly map out sibilities. Couples need to agree whether their financial futures. one person pays for certain bills exclusively, • Combining accounts may be easier. whether they spend from one salary and save Some couples want to maintain their full the other, or combine finances completely financial independence. But combining ac- and spend equally, offers NerdWallet. counts can help couples avoid arguments Engaged couples who develop a post- about secrecy and concerns about partner wedding financial plan may find their tran- spending. Combining accounts also affords sition to being married much easier than couples a clearer picture of their spending those who delay such discussions. Page 28 North Texas Forever The Bride’s Resource 2019 Page 29 Resource Guide

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