February 2019 A Special Supplement to The Mexia News, The Groesbeck Journal, The Fairfield Recorder & The Teague Chronicle I DO Rehearsal Affordable dinner bachelor and Wedding planning bachelorette registry tips pointers party ideas LETLet USus HELPhelp WITHwith YOURyour BOOKWEDDING Wedding!YOUR HOLIDAY PARTIES !NOW!! Party room up to 60 people Banquet hall www.redhatrentals.com up to 120 people Tables Chairs Book Today! Linens Tents Dishes Flatware Candelabras Drink Machines Chandeliers and much more 751 E. Main Street, Fairfield WE CATER ONLINE 903.389.8665 3210 W. Oak Street, Palestine starting at ORDERING! 903.729.3400 $9.50 NOW available at 951 N. Loop 7, Athens 903.677.3850 a plate! farmhouse.takeout7.com 2 - FEBRUARY 2019 Wedding Guide Alternatives to engagement rings Engagement rings are often lavender-hued stone can be • Sapphire: While sapphire sizable investments. Money breathtaking when cut the correct stones often are blue, they can also magazine reports the average way. Purple shades have long be yellow, green, pink, and white. engagement ring costs around been associated with royalty, Sapphires are the third hardest $5,800. An engagement ring making an amethyst fitting for mineral. A white sapphire can be symbolizes the start of a lifelong such an occasion as special as an the perfect diamond replacement. commitment and may even set the engagement. Because amethysts, tone for a couple’s wedding day. which are less expensive than • Garnet or ruby: Red is Jewelry styles are personal, and diamonds, are a seven on the Mohs the definitive color of love. A grooms-to-be should carefully scale for gemstone hardness, they Valentine’s Day proposal can research their significant others’ can be very durable. be made even more special by preferences in terms of precious presenting an engagement ring metals, colors and gemstones. • Knot rings: These rings do with a red gemstone. Even though tradition holds that not have a center stone. Rather, a diamond gemstone is classic they’re designed to be a tied knot • Moissanite: The jewelry for engagement rings, these or infinity symbol. These rings source Brilliant Earth says precious stones are not the only can be particularly sentimental moissanite is a gemstone first options. In fact, before World War as they represent true, unbroken II, just 10 percent of proposals love. discovered in 1893 by Henri involved diamond engagement Moissan in a meteorite that fell rings. That number jumped to 80 • Opal: Gemstones, like to earth. It is remarkably similar percent by 1990. However, many flowers, have been assigned to a diamond in appearance and modern couples now lean toward certain meanings. Tying the strength. Moissanite also has other offerings not only for the engagement ring to one of them heightened brilliance, with a uniqueness they provide, but also can infuse more symbolism refractive index higher than that for the potential cost savings. into the relationship. Opal, of a diamond. Those seeking something for example, represents love, Couples have many beautiful unique can embrace these passion, creativity, spontaneity, alternatives to diamonds that they engagement ring options. and inspiration. Those traits seem can explore when shopping for Many modern couples now lean toward other offerings not only for the uniqueness they provide, but also for the • Amethyst: This vibrant, tailor-made for surprise proposals. engagement rings. potential cost savings. Those seeking something unique can embrace these engagement ring options. Secrets to at-home weddings Many couples preparing for general rule is six- to 10 square- Learn if it’s legal their trip down the aisle follow feet of floor space per guest for Certain municipalities may the familiar sentiments expressed row seating. You’ll probably need by Dorothy in “The Wizard of even more space for buffet tables, require permits for parking on Oz.” Such couples feel “there’s seating and a dance floor. street, noise past a certain hour, no place like home” when hosting You will likely need to closing of streets, and much more. a wedding ceremony or reception. temporarily move furniture to Do your research. You may need There are many benefits to comfortably fit everyone indoors to coordinate parking at a nearby hosting a wedding at home. — or rent a large enough tent for a lot (like a school closed on the Homes often hold couples’ most backyard wedding. cherished memories, and hosting weekend) and shuttle people to a backyard celebration or an Hire a cleaning service your home. intimate indoor ceremony at your It’s important to present a own home or the abode of a loved clean, inviting space when hosting Consult with an one can be a cost-effective way to a wedding at home. A cleaning have a good time. service will conduct a thorough insurance carrier Here are some tips to help cleaning before and after the Inquire if having such a large couples navigate hosting an at- festivities, freeing up your time party at home is covered by home wedding. for last-minute tasks or to embark your homeowner’s insurance on your honeymoon. policy, particularly if your home Assess the space is damaged or someone gets The average home is not Book an officiant early injured during the festivities. equipped to handle hundreds Confirm with an officiant that Supplemental liability insurance of guests, wait staff, caterers, they can oversee the wedding or an umbrella policy may offer and parked cars. Concessions in proceedings at your home. Many greater protection. regard to comfort and safety will religious officials are not able to Weddings at home can be a There are many benefits to hosting a wedding at home. Homes often hold couples’ most cherished memories, have to be made when drawing perform ceremonies outside of a unique opportunity for couples and hosting a backyard celebration or an intimate indoor ceremony at your own home or the abode of a loved up the guest list. The wedding place of worship. who love the comfort and one can be a cost-effective way to have a good time. resource The Knot advises the familiarity of their homes. Get the most out of bridal shows and wedding events Recently engaged couples shows that are often held at local are each vendor is going to ask • Ask questions. When face-to- may be excited to get a jump on reception halls and restaurants couples for information so that face with vendors, rely on their wedding planning. Bridal shows instead of the larger installations they can follow up with a phone expertise but don’t hesitate to can be a great way for couples to at convention centers and hotels. call or email with more detailed ask questions concerning themes, meet and familiarize themselves • Scout out vendors. Check the offerings and estimates. Couples colors, recommendations for with local wedding professionals, bridal show’s website for lists of attending the show can expediate honeymoon locations, invitation all the while introducing exhibitors and see if your desired the process by coming equipped paper suggestions, and much themselves to the terminology of vendors are on the list. But even with labels that feature their names, more. wedding planning. if they’re not, keep an open mind contact information and wedding • Stay for the fashion show. Though they’re a great source and use the show as a chance to date. They can then stick the labels Many shows will offer a runway of information, contacts and compare offerings. If an event on sign-in sheets or use them like experience to present the latest samples, bridal shows also can map is available, marking off business cards. gown and tuxedo offerings. This be a bit overwhelming. Learning must-visit booths can help save • Dress comfortably. Bridal can be an entertaining way for how to maximize time spent at time. expos involve a lot of walking and couples to formulate their wedding shows can help couples plan • Pre-register. Pre-registering roaming around. Wear comfortable styles. their weddings as efficiently as for bridal events saves time at clothing and shoes. Consider a Wedding shows introduce possible. check-in, and doing so may backpack or hands-free bag so couples to vendors and set them • Start small. If the idea of large make you eligible for discounted you are not weighed down when on the path to making decisions crowds is unappealing, attend tickets. collecting the swag and other regarding the planning of their Bridal shows can provide inspiration to couples planning their weddings. the more intimate, boutique • Come prepared. Chances handouts throughout the day. weddings. Have a Nabors Cleaners room “Since 1988” for your rehearsal? “Trust your clothes to the Pros!” Your garments will be professionally dry cleaned and properly finished. 209 E. Main • Mexia (254) 562-3341 Wedding Guide FEBRUARY 2019 - 3 Make healthy habits a part of wedding prep After the big question is popped least 150 minutes of moderate Food Network. Avoid drastic diets and loving partners decide to spend aerobic activity or 75 minutes of that can do more harm than good. their lives together as a married vigorous aerobic activity each Simply cutting 500 calories a day couple, a whirlwind of activity week. Strength training exercises can help the average person lose will ensue. Although wedding performed at least twice a week a pound per week if weight loss planning is exciting, some couples complete a well-balanced exercise is a goal. Simple ways to trim may feel overwhelmed with all regimen. calories are to choose skim milk the decisions that need to be made • Slow down and relax. Those over whole milk and choose low- before they can tie the knot. In this who go full-throttle with all of calorie snacks.