www.DouglasNow.com - Bridal Guide 2018 - 1 Plan the perfect in 15 steps

You’re getting married! early. Which flowers will be featured air ? Congratulations! Now it’s time in the ’s bouquet, to plan the wedding. Here are 3. Plan the wedding the boutonnieres and the 12. Purchase your rings. What 15 steps you should follow procession. Who will you pick centerpieces? What kind of will the objects symbolizing (not necessarily in ) so to be the best man, and who accents (, candles, your union look like? Will that everything is perfect on gets to be the maid of honor? draperies) will create the they be golden, diamond- the big day. Before you start, Have you found a perfect ambiance? studded, massive or subdued? set your budget and stick to and a ring bearer? Choose wisely, because you’ll it at all costs. If you think you 7. Prepare your registry (hopefully!) be wearing them might lose your head, your 4. Select the officiant and the and your gift bags. What for life. best bet is to hire a wedding type of ceremony. Courthouse household items do you and planner. wedding or religious tradition? your partner need—a toaster, 13. Shop for your outfits. Officiated by a priest or by wine , sheets? Open Bowtie or regular tie? White 1. Decide on your theme. a friend? Make sure that the a registry to avoid receiving or colorful ? Hollywood glamour, car- option you choose welcomes duplicate gifts. And remember Your attire for the event should themed, turquoise and white— your personal touch. to thank your guests with a reflect your personal style you know the possibilities are personalized keepsake. and make you feel absolutely endless! 5. Find your venues. Where stunning! will the ceremony and the 8. Secure an entertainment 2. Draw up your guest list and reception be held—in a church, team. Do you need a master of 14. Book your beauty send invitations. Will it be a at the beach, in a grand hotel, ceremonies? Will a DJ, a string appointments. Have you called grand affair or an intimate at the park or in a cozy cabin? quartet or a rock band be in your hair stylist, your makeup gathering? Who do you want Will you need to rent any charge of the music? artist and your esthetician by your side on your special equipment? yet? And what about the nail day? Make sure everyone can 9. Hire a photographer and salon? Don’t forget to plan for make it by sending out save 6. Dream up the floral a videographer. Who will trial sessions. the date cards and invitations arrangements and decor. immortalize your magical day? Take a look at several 15. Write up your vows. What portfolios to find the pro that words will you choose to understands your vision. describe your feelings? Time to brainstorm! 10. Find a caterer and a bakery. What will be on the menu, and Remember to book everything how will food be served? Will as early as possible to avoid there be a candy bar, or even scrambling for a backup plan. a chocolate fountain? Don’t And one last thing: where will forget the cake! you spend your ?

11. Plan your grand entrance. Send your invitations early Will you arrive at the ceremony to make sure that all of your on horseback? On your bike? loved ones can be present for In a limo, a sports car or a hot- your big day.

2 - Bridal Guide 2018 - www.DouglasNow.com Mistakes To Avoid

There is no doubt about it: the wrong things. the way to please those who organizing a wedding is a big want to invite themselves or job. To help make sure your Mistake 2: group shopping interfere with your planning. special day goes off without a Shopping for a bridal gown Be prepared to respond gently hitch, be sure to keep in mind with friends and family but firmly to that single friend these common mistakes and members is not necessarily of yours who told you she’d be avoid them at all costs. a good idea. The reason is coming unaccompanied but very simple: everyone has who now would love to bring Mistake 1: not having a budget their own opinion, even if her last-minute love interest. Budget planning is an they don’t openly discuss important part of any their tastes and favorite Mistake 4: spending wedding. Having a budget colors. The danger here is in exorbitantly—or stingily means that you decide in being influenced to choose a A wedding doesn’t have to advance where all your hard- gown that somebody else has be spectacular and grandiose earned money is going. This been dreaming about rather to be memorable. Some lets you avoid overspending than the one you’ve always expenses can be reduced. or spending your money on wanted. It is preferable to go Put your friends to work on shopping with just one other decorating, for example, and person, someone who you spend a bit more on your can count on to be honest and dream . But be careful Bouquet Toss 101 objective. not to go to extremes; you can be reasonable without It is customary for the bride to share her good Mistake 3: extending last- being cheap. Your wedding is fortune by tossing her bouquet into a crowd of minute invitations likely going to be a once-in-a- single female wedding guests. With a bit of luck, Draw up your guest list lifetime experience, and too whoever catches the flowers will, legend says, get carefully and then stick to much money-pinching could married within the coming year. If you want to go it. Don’t add names along result in a plain or boring day. through with this classic custom during your own wedding but aren’t sure exactly when the ideal moment is, read on for some insight.

If a photo shoot is planned for after the ceremony, hang on to your bouquet to include it in your pictures. You’ll have plenty of time to toss it later on during the reception, once the ambiance has warmed up and your guests are ready for a friendly floral fight. After enjoying a delectable meal, keep the fun going by gathering all eligible dames on the dance floor. Get into position and launch away! Your legendary toss is sure to put a smile on someone’s face and kick off an unforgettable evening.

Two is better If you’re attached to your magnificent bridal bouquet and you don’t want to part from it during the tossing, the solution is simple: ask your florist to prepare a second, more modest bouquet specifically for the toss. This way you can carry on the tradition while saving your gorgeous bouquet for yourself!

www.DouglasNow.com - Bridal Guide 2018 - 3 Bridezilla Be Gone!! Dodge drama and stay sane for the big day posts? You’ve seen the movie Our tip: It takes more than (and its reality TV offshoots— a vintage filter (or four) to don’t lie!) and know that achieve professional-worthy Bridezilla isn’t exactly a term results to share on your feed. of endearment. Yes, having an It also takes more than a extreme control-freak attitude DSLR camera to be a wedding about your wedding plans photographer, so do your might get you what you want; homework and hire someone but is alienating your entire worthy of the title. And entourage really worth it? (We about those DIY decorations checked. It’s not.) that bloggers and magazine Bride-to-be, are you writers always advertise as struggling to keep your cool “super-easy to make”: run a as you plan for your rapidly few trial sessions with some approaching big day? If so, of your artistically gifted take a look at the five friends, and refrain from potential sources of wedding- angrily ripping up your day drama and our tips to on creation because it’s not how to deal. identical the Pinterest post Potential drama source #1: Potential drama source #2: met you, let them choose you were trying to emulate. the planning It is completely the dress a style that both their Not everyone is an arts-and- normal to want everything You’ve always dreamed silhouette and their budget. crafts wizard—you can hire a to be perfect for what may of a fairy-tale gown with You have final say on the decorator, you know. be the happiest day of your all the trimmings, but a look color, though! Potential drama source #5: life. But there’s a difference in the fitting room mirror Potential drama source #3: your mirror The thought of between irritable at times and reveals the cold, hard truth: the other half Ever since you waking up on your wedding disagreeable all the time! you could be mistaken for the announced your day with a huge zit (or a cold Our tip: If you can afford to . you’ve been sending out sore, or a sunburn, or massive hire a , drop Our tip: Don’t be afraid to rather mixed messages. You dark circles or a creepy third everything and do so right step out of your comfort zone, want your fiancé to add his eye) might keep you up at away before skipping to #2. and trust the advice given by touch to the wedding, but night, but these things do Otherwise, start early—as in, trained boutique staff—it’s you keep shooting down happen (well, most of them not the month before D-day. their job to make you look his ideas. You won’t stop anyway). Make an exhaustive to-do and feel great, after all. When saying that all that matters Our tip: To avoid feeling list and be willing to delegate it comes to for your is to have fun on the big day, like you should keep your some tasks to people you bridal , just remember but keep reminding your on all day (or worse, take trust—but stand your ground the cautionary scene in soon-to-be husband that his flight à la Runaway Bride), and don’t let anyone else take . To avoid having buddies better be on their best have your beauty team—hair control of your day. your BFFs wish they’d never behavior—or else. whisperer, makeup queen et Our tip: Instead of wasting al.—by your side to doll you precious time and energy on up before you walk down the bickering, take a deep breath aisle. And don’t sweat the and remember that a wedding small stuff! No blemish in the involves two people. The big world is big enough to steal day should be a reflection your thunder. of you as a couple (of which Your wedding is going you’re both equal parts). to be absolutely beautiful, Potential drama source because it’ll be yours. And, #4: social media Are you a most of all, because you’ll tad obsessed with turning have successfully preserved your online followers green both your loved ones’ sanity with envy at the sight of and your own—that’s what your picture-perfect wedding we’d call a happy ending.

4 - Bridal Guide 2018 - www.DouglasNow.com Clever ideas for an inexpensive wedding

Are you in search hall all by themselves, of some ideas for a especially if the room wedding that won’t you’ve rented is already leave you and your new attractive. What’s spouse in debt for the more, your decorative next ten years? Here elements or centerpieces are a few tips on how can also be used as to organize a delightful guest favors. If there is wedding that will not only one on each table, break your newly joined you could hold a draw budgets. for them, or they could First of all, it’s not be given away as prizes necessarily a thrifty for entertaining games The history of the wedding cake move to limit the organized by the master The tall, tiered wedding cake is one of the most widespread number of guests of ceremonies or the DJ. wedding traditions in the western world. What do you know about you invite. In theory, When planning how the origins of this sweet nuptial custom? inviting someone to a to integrate alcohol Historians believe that the concept of wedding cakes can be wedding doesn’t cost into your reception, traced back to ancient Rome. At that time, it was customary to break a wafer or loaf of sweet bread over the bride’s head with the goal you anything; by giving moderation is the key of invoking happiness and fertility. In medieval Europe, wedding you a gift (usually word. Formulas such guests typically stacked small pastries as high as possible, and the money), the guest is as open bars can lead to bride and groom would kiss over the resulting pile of sweetness. likely giving you more indelicate behavior from The higher the pastry tower was, the happier the couple would be. than the cost of his or some of your guests and Sweet, tall, tiered cakes like those seen today in across North America only became commonplace around the eighteenth her meal. can be very expensive century. Rather than opting for to . Instead, opt Nowadays, bakeries create wedding cakes that are true works of traditional invitations, for a cash bar with a art. Anything goes when it comes to the shape, flavor and color. you could choose the complementary glass of A symbolic gesture The tradition of the wedding cake being electronic option. Your champagne for toasting sliced by the bride and groom dates back to the Middle Ages. The gesture symbolized the first action taken by the bride and groom as photographer or a or else a limited number a legitimate couple. Traditionally, the groom rests his hand on the graphic design service of free drinks per guest. bride’s as a sign of fertility and protection. could put together a Think about choosing pretty digital invitation a wedding date just that would save you before or just after the mailing costs and high . Between delays. May and September costs Bear in mind that increase astronomically quality can be cost- for limousines, caterers, effective where guest reception halls, florists, favors and decorations and the list goes on. are concerned. If you Don’t let anybody order some beautiful tell you otherwise—a centerpieces from your magical wedding is favorite florist, they can still possible in April or decorate the reception October!

www.DouglasNow.com - Bridal Guide 2018 - 5 Top 20 Essentials For A Successful Wedding

8. Flowers. Choose a bouquet that goes with the bride’s outfit—and choose one that all the single women will videos made for previous try to catch when the time clients before making your comes. choice. 9. Rental equipment. For the 14. The cake. Visit a few sound system, tableware and bakeries to find a cake that even the tables and chairs, So the question has been soon as you’ve set the date. makes your mouth water opt for a local company with popped and joyfully 3. Wedding planner. This and a baker skilled in cake a trustworthy reputation. accepted. Now you both have service can take quite a load decorating. 10. Gift registry. By making to start thinking about what off your shoulders so you can 15. Wedding favors. Don’t this virtual document needs to get done to make focus on the important stuff. forget to give your guests available to your guests, you sure this special day runs 4. Groomsmen and a personalized memento of won’t receive the same gift smoothly and that nothing bridesmaids. Choose people your wedding. twice. is forgotten. Dear and you like and who aren’t afraid 16. Transportation. Would 11. Music and entertainment. grooms, here are the top 20 of being in the spotlight. you prefer a limousine, a Choose an experienced DJ essentials to consider for a 5. Celebrant. Be sure that the sports car or a vintage car? who will take into account memorable wedding. person you choose to unite Or maybe even a horse and your needs and preferences. your destinies will allow you carriage? 12. Photographer. Look 1. Guest list. This is your day, to personalize the ceremony. 17. Rings. Be sure to visit so only invite the people with 6. Location of the ceremony. more than one jewelry store whom you actually want to Do you prefer a church, city before making your choices, share the moment. hall or a beach? and don’t skimp on the 2. Invitations. Would you 7. Reception venue. You can quality of these precious prefer to send out lavish opt for a reception hall in symbols. printed invitations or simple the country, a posh hotel or 18. The groom’s . The virtual invitations? Whatever simply a family member’s future husband should your choice, send them out as home. choose an outfit that shows him off to advantage without eclipsing the star of the day. 19. The bride’s outfit. This is the most beautiful day of your life, so you have a legitimate right to the dress of your dreams—and through a photographer’s and jewelry and veil. portfolio and ask for 20. Hair and makeup. The references before choosing bride should take this part the person who will of her preparations very immortalize this special seriously. Just think about all event. the photos that are going to 13. Cameraman. be taken throughout the day!

6 - Bridal Guide 2018 - www.DouglasNow.com Five tips for finding The Perfect

As the bride, you will be the focus of everyone’s attention on your big day, including all the guests as well as your beloved, of course. But in order to be the most beautiful woman in the room, the star of the celebrations must choose her dress carefully. Here are a few tips to help you.

1. Think before you shop. It’s exhausting trying on dozens of dresses at random in the hopes of finding the perfect one. Before going shopping, be sure to browse some magazines and search the Internet to narrow down the styles you prefer.

2. Shop well in advance. Most people get married in the summer, so dressmakers’ agendas soon fill up and the prettiest dresses f ly off the racks quickly. Make sure you plan enough time for the fittings. White isn’t your only option 3. Choose carefully who you shop with. Don’t shop with If, at a time in the past, the boldest move you could make a crowd of friends who will confuse you with all their when it came to the color of your wedding dress was to pick comments and diverging opinions. Choose one or two off-white instead of a pristine snowy shade, that’s simply no longer the case. Like most rules, the one that dictates the people who know you well and who have good taste. color of your wedding dress is meant to be broken—and more You’ll want them to be able to give you some honest and more brides are taking the plunge. Read on for some feedback. inspiration. Did you know that the dress has only been 4. Choose a dress that you like. Your dress should popular in North America since the nineteenth century? Before then, it was customary for the bride to wear—you guessed make you feel good and allow you to be yourself. You it—a colorful dress! Today, the brightly colored dress is also want to be comfortable walking up the aisle and making a comeback and designers from around the world are dancing. Naturally, you’ll also want to choose a model reinventing this vintage trend. While shopping for a non-white that f latters your figure. wedding dress might have been a tricky task a few decades ago, boutiques are now stocked with in every color of the rainbow—and then some. Whether you’re in the market 5. Bear in mind the general atmosphere. Your outfit for an electric pink or an emerald green A-line, your should harmonize with the wedding theme and the local bridal boutique is sure to deliver the goods. reception hall. For instance, a formal sequined dress is On the fence about your color choice because you fear you’ll shock your guests by choosing an unconventional not really appropriate for a country setting. gown? Remember that this is your day and that you have the final say on what you wear. That being said, there are ways to One last tip: decide how much you want to spend on compromise: you could incorporate a colored or veil in your dress before you begin your search. That way you your look or choose an all-white dress with colorful stitching. So, will you let your true colors shine through with your won’t ruin your whole wedding budget by splurging on dream wedding dress? an expensive dress.

www.DouglasNow.com - Bridal Guide 2018 - 7 The Main Concerns of a bride-to-be If you’re part of a future bride’s inner circle of friends you might be expected to offer some tangible support during the wedding preparations. Of course, if you’ve been asked to be the maid of honor, the following list will also be of interest to you. The guiding principle in assisting the bride-to-be is to put yourself in her position and keep in mind her main concerns. Staying in an empathetic frame of mind will let you give her some good advice when she needs your opinion. She will likely be preoccupied by the following things: 1. The gown The dress has to be absolutely p-e-r-f-e-c-t. For some brides, the gown is something they’ve dreamed about since childhood. Help her choose one suitable for a true princess. 2. The invitations The first step is to draw up a guest list, prepare the invitations, and then mail them in good time. 3. The reception venue As early as possible, the bride and groom will have to choose a venue that suits their needs. Do they want to celebrate their union in a reception hall, a restaurant, a Four fun ways to marquee, on the side of a lake, or at a vineyard? 4. The wedding reinvent the toss The rings are an important part of the wedding ceremony; they symbolize the love and commitment of the bride Nowadays the garter toss is no longer as popular as it once was. If you’re not a fan of showing off that much skin to your extended and groom. family, here are four ways to revisit the tradition without losing 5. The flowers its original spirit. What could be more beautiful than surroundings filled 1. Scratch-off with flowers? The bride will want to choose with great Set up a lottery by making scratch tickets on which you will care the flowers for her bouquet, centerpieces, and hall write “winner” or “loser.” Whoever holds the winning ticket wins the garter. You can easily find instructions for homemade decorations. scratch tickets online. 6. The wedding cake 2. Trivia time Choosing a baker and a cake design is an important Find out how well your guests really know you by hosting a quiz detail. The cake is a central element of every wedding that’s all about the bride and groom. Include trivia questions about your habits and tastes, how you met and anything else reception. you can think of. Whoever gets the most answers right is the big 7. The guest favors winner. A small gift or wedding souvenir allows the bride and 3. Goofy games groom to thank their guests for celebrating with them. Old-fashioned party games like musical chairs, limbo, charades and pin the tail on the donkey are perfect for fostering friendly 8. The music competition. The grand prize: your garter, of course. The bride and groom will want to choose music that has 4. Contests a special meaning for them, whether it’s for the wedding Ferret out your guests’ hidden talents by holding a dance-off, march or for the couple’s . a funny face contest or even a kissing contest. The person that impresses you or makes you laugh the most wins your wedding garter. Good times guaranteed.

8 - Bridal Guide 2018 - www.DouglasNow.com www.DouglasNow.com - Bridal Guide 2018 - 9 The Head Table always a delicate matter

5 destination Ideas for your

Planning your head table seating arrangements HONEYMOON can be tricky, especially when parents are divorced or remarried. It is important to leave lots of time to Are you getting married soon? It intimate and magical places will be a memorable day followed during a romantic trip to the plan a solution to this problem and consult the by an unforgettable trip. Here are countryside. Whether you prefer involved. some tips to help you discover the woods, mountain tops, or Typically, if the parents of the bride or groom are that little piece of paradise that remote jungles, this kind of divorced and remarried, they are not seated at the will turn your honeymoon into honeymoon is for adventurous head table with their new spouses. However, if head an unforgettable experience. couples only. table space and family relationships allow for it, then 1. A Sun Destination toss convention to the wind and do what feels right 4. A Five-star Destination Turquoise waters, sandy beaches, For a shorter honeymoon, for your family. You could organize a separate table and palm trees… Can you especially one that’s close to for step-parents and their families in close proximity already picture yourselves sitting home, treat yourselves to a few to the head table or an extension of it. by the waves, sipping delicious nights in a luxury hotel suite. Generally speaking, the groom is seated to the right cocktails? The beaches of Mexico, Elegance, peace, and sensual Cuba, or any other exotic island of the bride. If the bridal party is seated at the head pleasures are on the schedule; setting are good picks. table with the newly married couple in the center, what a great way to start married life! then men and women are seated alternately. 2. An Urban Destination If you’re afraid of hurting the feelings of people Paris, Tokyo, New York, Las Vegas, Venice, Montreal... World- 5. A Mystery Destination who you have not chosen to sit at the head table, you Instead of traditional wedding could always ask them to host the table where they class cities are great destinations for hip couples who are lovers gifts, you could ask your families will be seated. In that case, be sure to indicate the of good food and culture. If or guests to work together in names of the table hosts on your seating chart. you’re looking to experience the choosing a surprise destination If it is proving difficult to find a head table excitement that only the world’s for you and your beloved. arrangement that pleases everyone, you might want coolest cities can provide, choose Are you brave enough to play to resort to a “sweetheart” table, at which the bride an urban adventure. along? Just be sure to take your budget into consideration before and groom are seated alone. This is an increasingly 3. An Eco- Destination spinning the globe to pick your common solution for keeping everyone happy at the You both long for open spaces dream destination. Have a great . and fresh air? You’ll discover honeymoon!

10 - Bridal Guide 2018 - www.DouglasNow.com