1. style and fashion
2. clothing
3. wedding dresses

Spring Bride
Guide
2015
A Comprehensive Guide to All Things Wedding in
Adams County and the Surrounding Areas:
Flowers, Invitations, Jewelry, Venues & More!
Check Out These Local Businesses:
Complete Printing • Econo Lodge/Baymont • Goldie’s Goodies • Nine Mile
Quixote Hills • Richard’s Jewelry • Ritter’s Flowers • Starlite Country Club
State Farm • The Grainery • The Hayloft • The Mirage
DECATUR DAILY
D E M O C R A T
Page 2
Spring Bride Guide 2015
Decatur Daily Democrat
Etiquette: The Basics
Getting married is as American as apple pie, but many Americans aren’t schooled on what’s proper and what’s not when it comes to weddings.
Wedding etiquette is important — and any faux pas can be remembered for years to come — but it doesn’t have to be complicated or stuffy.
Here are the basics:
Dress up
Unless otherwise stated, weddings are formal affairs. Women should adorn themselves in non-white dresses, and men should wear suits.
These styles of clothing help commemorate the importance of the occasion. They also look good in pictures.
Arrive early
Plan to be at the wedding venue at least 30 minutes early. You need time to greet other guests and be seated.
In addition, you don’t want to miss a portion of the wedding because the ceremony has already begun and you have to wait to enter the room.
Be cordial
Do you have a grudge against a relative who is also attending the wedding? Wedding etiquette dictates that you — at least temporarily — bury
the hatchet. Refusing to acknowledge another guest or starting a fight is a no-no. As a result, be polite to everyone regardless of how you feel.
Reserve judgment
Despite what you think about the accommodations or food, keep your opinions to yourself.
Your duty as a guest is mainly to support the bride and groom. As long as they are happy, you should be, too.
Say good-bye
Before you leave the wedding, say good-bye to the bride and groom. Thank them for inviting you. In addition, congratulate the pair on their
new union.
Wedding etiquette isn’t difficult to master. Employ these basic tips and you won’t embarrass yourself or be the butt of a few unwelcome jokes.
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Decatur Daily Democrat
Spring Bride Guide 2015
Page 3
Negotiation Know-How
How to Get the Best Deals on Wedding Services
Many engaged couples have
grandiose visions of their wedding days. While such visions
typically come to fruition, they
often do so only after heavy negotiations with the various vendors necessary to turn a dream
wedding into a reality.
Negotiating prices with wedding vendors is something
brides- and grooms-to-be may
not anticipate, but the process
of negotiation is paramount for
couples who hope to plan their
dream weddings without ruining
their budgets. Though vendors
vary considerably with regard
to their willingness to negotiate,
the following are a few tips for
couples hoping to get the best
deals possible on their wedding
services.
• Prepare, prepare, prepare.
Couples who blindly enter negotiations with wedding venues and
vendors are far less likely to get
a good deal. When working with
any wedding vendor, whether it’s
a wedding venue representative,
a local florist or a deejay, couples
should know what the going rate
for the vendor’s services are.
Couples who find a venue they
like should receive quotes from
similar venues before negotiating a rate with the venue they
most prefer. Arming oneself with
quotes from competitors increases the chances of receiving a
more couple-friendly quote from
the venue liked best, as that venue won’t want to lose business,
especially to one of its chief competitors. In addition to pricing,
estimates from other venues can
vary based on what they include.
Even if a favorite venue does not
come down much on its original
quote, they may be willing to
add extra services, such as an
open bar or an extra hour during
the reception, free of charge to
match a competitor’s offer. But
they cannot match such offers if
couples don’t first do their homework and solicit estimates from
their competitors.
• Avoid making demands.
Coming off as too demanding
when negotiating prices with
wedding vendors may not produce the results couples are hoping for. Much like couples don’t
want to receive “take it or leave
it” offers, vendors don’t want to
be given demands they have to
meet in order to book a wedding.
The right tone
can go a long
way with wedding
vendors,
who are typically more willing to work with
couples
who
treat them nicely
than
couples
who enter the
1988.
negotiation process full of demands. Vendors
often like it when
couples
know
what they want,
but couples are
not doing themselves any favors when they
express those
desires as demands.
Family owned and operated since
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• Room for 500 guests
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•
Don’t
be
afraid to ask
for more. Making
demands
and asking for
more are not the
same thing. When negotiating
with wedding vendors, there’s
no harm in asking for more. For
example, the worst a deejay can
do when asked to play an extra
hour at no additional charge is
deny that request. Reception
venues often have the most
wiggle room, so don’t be afraid
to ask for free coffee with dessert
or valet parking. Vendors are often open to suggestion and willing to honor requests, but it’s not
their responsibility to make such
offers.
• Make sure all contracts are
itemized, and read them thoroughly before signing on the dotted line. The negotiation process
is often tedious, and contracts
should reflect that. When hiring a
wedding vendor, make sure the
contract is itemized, spelling out
in intimate detail just what was
negotiated and how much each
item costs. Couples may even
notice items in the contract that
can be removed, saving them a
few dollars as a result. Be especially mindful of extra fees that
can add up. For example, some
venues try to make up for lower
rates couples negotiated by tacking on fees for cutting the cake or
other minute details. These fees
will be in the contract, and it’s up
to couples to have them removed
before they sign and the contract
becomes official.
• Remember there are two
parties involved in the negotiation process. Vendors are not
the only ones who might need
to bend a little at the negotiating table. Couples might have
to be flexible in order to make
their dream weddings a reality.
Some vendors charge considerably less during certain times
of the year than they do during
peak wedding season. If couples
are finding it impossible to afford
the wedding of their dreams during peak wedding season, they
should consider tying the knot
during a less popular time of
year, when venues and vendors
can offer them more competitive
rates. Brides- and grooms-to-be
cannot expect vendors to bend
over backward for couples who
aren’t willing to make any concessions themselves, so couples
might have to make certain sacrifices at the negotiating table
when planning their weddings.
Negotiation plays a significant role in wedding planning.
Couples who take the process of
negotiation seriously often find
the best deals without having to
make too many concessions.
Page 4
Spring Bride Guide 2015
Decatur Daily Democrat
Things to Consider When Mulling a Destination Wedding
According to a study
from XO Group Inc., creator of wedding Web sites
TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com, 350,000
destination weddings take
place annually. Such figures
reflect a growing trend of
couples who want to tailor
their weddings to their own
personalities, even if that
means tying the knot in exotic or unusual locales.
But as popular as destination weddings have become, couples who have had
have such weddings can attest that planning a destination wedding is not necessarily easier than planning
a more traditional ceremony
close to home. Though destination weddings can make
for memorable affairs, there
are some factors couples
must consider when mull-
ing whether or not to have a takes place, pull the kids out
of school for an extended
destination wedding.
period of time. Couples with
Guest list
smaller guests list might
The XO Group study find a destination wedding
found that destination wed- much more manageable
dings have an average of 86 than those whose guest lists
guests. When sitting down crack triple digits.
to organize their guest lists,
many couples realize they Another thing to considhave well over 100 guests er is that the larger the guest
on their lists. Such couples list, the more likely many of
may find a destination wed- those guests will not be able
ding especially difficult to to afford to attend or get
pull off, as resorts may or enough time off from work
may not be able to accom- to make it to a destination
modate such a substantial wedding. Couples who want
number of guests. In addi- to ensure all of their loved
tion, couples who hope to ones can be there with them
invite children to their wed- on their big days might be
dings might want to recon- better off avoiding destinasider a destination affair, as tion weddings.
those youngsters’ parents
Accessibility
will have to foot the bill for
Accessibility is a comadditional airfare and ac- commodations and, depend- mon concern for couples
destination
ing on when the wedding considering
weddings. Destination weddings typically ask guests
to travel far to attend the
ceremony and reception,
but there are ways to make
that travel less of an ordeal.
When choosing a location for
their destination weddings,
couples should consider
the cost and convenience
of travel. Remote islands
are not very accessible, and
as a result guests will likely
have to pay a pretty penny
for their flights and lodging.
In addition, the more remote
a destination wedding locale
is, the less convenient getting there figures to be. Nonstop flights likely won’t be a
possibility. Before choosing
a locale for a destination
wedding, research flights,
making sure that affordable
flights are available within
spitting distance of loved
ones’ homes and that they
won’t have to suffer through
multiple connecting flights
when traveling to and from
the wedding.
Weather
Weather is another factor couples must consider
before choosing to have a
destination wedding. The
XO Group study found that
30 percent of American
couples who have destination weddings choose to tie
the knot outside of the continental United States. That’s
a distinct disadvantage for
couples who likely are not
very familiar with weather
patterns overseas. Couples
who choose outdoor weddings close to home are
often familiar enough with
local weather patterns to
choose a wedding date that
likely won’t be interrupted by
harsh weather. But choosing an overseas or distant
locale erases that comfort
level, and couples may find
themselves worrying about
storms or other inclement
weather conditions as their
wedding days draw nearer.
Before choosing a locale for
their destination weddings,
couples should thoroughly
research each potential destination’s weather patterns.
Brides, grooms and guests
alike don’t want to do all of
that traveling only to end up
indoors because it just sohappens to be tropical storm
season.
Competition
As destination weddings
have grown in popularity, the
competition for idyllic locales
and top-notch venues has
increased. That competition
is great for venue owners’
bottom lines, but it might not
be so great for couples looking to keep their wedding
costs down. Costs might
be considerably less in the
off-season, but that’s also
when storms and inclement
weather tend to take hold,
Booking a venue early can
help couples mitigate some
of the costs of a destination wedding, but the growing popularity of destination
weddings might make them
out of reach for couples
working on tight budgets.
Decatur Daily Democrat
Spring Bride Guide 2015
Page 5
Tips for Delivering a Wedding Speech
Speeches are among
the highlights of a wedding
reception, so it’s important to
get them right.
The key speeches are
usually delivered by the
groom, best man and the
bride’s father, and each has
a slightly different function.
Speeches are usually a
mixture of humor, sentiment,
compliments and messages
of thanks.
Getting the balance right
is essential and can make or
break a wedding speech.
RELAX
It’s natural to be nervous
before delivering a wedding
speech, and even those
used to public speaking will
experience anxiety.
Keeping things simple
is one of the key tips for
delivering a wedding speech.
Take deep breaths to calm
your nerves, and speak
loudly and clearly so that all
the guests can hear you.
If using a microphone,
make sure you know how to
operate it before standing
to deliver your speech. Any
comedy moments should
be intentional, with guests
laughing with you and not at
you!
PREPARE
Writing a wedding speech
can be daunting. Research,
preparation and planning are
the keys to success.
Begin preparing the
speech weeks before the
wedding day, and don’t
get caught out at the last
moment. Every speaker
should have several stories
and anecdotes to share, so
begin researching these well
in advance.
Always consider the
audience you will be speaking
to, and make sure all material
is relevant and of interest.
Never set out to embarrass
or offend anyone.
TIME IT
Once you have some
stories to share, write them
out and time how long it
takes to read them. If you
are a confident speaker, 10
minutes is a good time aim for
to deliver the whole speech.
If you want to be brief,
three to five minutes is
acceptable. One of the worst
mistakes is to speak for too
long, and lose the interest of
your audience.
CONSIDER PROPS
Props can bring additional
interest to a wedding speech.
A slideshow of photographs
can be highly entertaining.
For example, showing
photographs of the bride and
groom as babies and children
is always very well received.
Remember the boundaries of
good taste, and do not show
photographs which may
offend.
STAY FOCUSED
Keeping a clear head is
essential when delivering a
wedding speech. Weddings
generally involve alcohol, and
it’s important not to partake
too early.
Drinking before delivering
a speech is one of the worst
mistakes you can make,
and it’s something that will
be remembered for years to
come.
Delivering a wedding
speech is actually an honor,
and it’s something you should
look forward to doing. If you
follow these tips, you should
be confident in delivering an
entertaining speech to be
proud of.
Here’s Your... INVITATIONS
937 N. 2nd St. • Decatur • 724-8406 • rittersflowers.com
Ritter’s Flowers & Gifts offers a gorgeous
selection of bridal bouquets, floral cake
decorations, wedding ceremony flowers and
centerpieces to fit any budget. Whether
your wedding is a spring, summer, fall
or winter event, simple or elaborate
– we can provide bright,
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day unforgettable. Call or stop
by today for your personal
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260-724-8406
937 N. 2nd St.
Decatur, Indiana
TUX and SUIT
RENTAL
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Thank Yous, Napkins, Gifts and More
Stop in and see our large selection.
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You can shop for
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210 S. 2nd Street • Decatur
724-3722
Open M-F 8:30 - 5:30 • Sat 9:00 - 11:00
Spring Bride Guide 2015
Page 6
Decatur Daily Democrat
Choosing the Right Photographer
Congratulations! You are getting married. Just as you want your special day to be
perfect, you will also want the pictures of the occasion to be perfect as well.
Choosing the wrong photographer may not altogether ruin your
wedding day, but it can definitely spoil the memory as you look back
on less-than-par photographs.
Here are a few tips for choosing the right photographer:
BE QUICK
Don’t wait to the last
minute. When planning
your wedding, choosing a
photographer is one of the
first things on the list.
Good photographers are
often booked a year or more
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
in advance, so the
photographer needs
to be one of the first
people you call after
the engagement is
announced.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Review previous work.
And don’t just rely on a
few good wedding shots
posted on a website. Look
through your would-be
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photographer’s portfolio.
Is the lighting good?
How about the colors?
Also make sure you are
reviewing the work of the
actual photographer that
will be taking your pictures.
Larger studios may have
several photographers that
represent them.
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GET REFERENCES
Personal
references
from others
who
have
used
the
photographer
in
question
are always a
good idea.
Inquire
not
only
about
the finished
product, but
also about their experience
with them. Was it pleasant
and hassle-free? Would
they use them again?
KNOW THEIR PLANS
Ask
about
backup
equipment. Not only should
your wedding photographer
have an assistant to help
them, but they should also
bring extra equipment in
case the originals fail.
Multiple lenses, flash cards
and batteries are a must.
SIGN A CONTRACT
Most photographers are
very professional, but this
step will ensure that they
don’t suddenly change the
pricing or back out at the
last minute.
Negotiate price, packages,
proofs and other particulars,
and then get it in writing.
Don’t sign anything until you
have had the time to review
the contract.
You want to have a
good understanding of the
products and services you
will be receiving before
you enter into the contract
agreement.
Because great pictures
are the cornerstone of
your wedding memorabilia,
it’s important to choose a
trustworthy and competent
photographer.
Having
uniquely
preserved
wedding
memories is a one-shot
deal. Do your homework
and employ these tips when
choosing the photographer
for your wedding.
Wedding Packages Are Available
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1201 S. 13th Street
Decatur, IN 46733
260-724-8888
1302 S. 13th Street
Decatur, IN 46733
Taste and see that the
Lord is good. Blessed is
the man who takes
refuge in Him.
Psalm 34:8
Spring Bride Guide 2015
Decatur Daily Democrat
Garden Wedding Color Combinations
Page 7
Garden weddings are more popular than ever before as brides and grooms want to start their married lives amid the splendor of Mother Nature.
When planning a garden
wedding, it is important to
choose colors that match the
garden setting.
Before choosing your colors,
think about which blooms
are dominant in the garden
ceremony location. Will you be
standing in front of rose bushes,
hyacinths or an array of colorful
tulips? Choose colors that go
nicely with your garden wedding
backdrop.
Moss Green and Nutmeg
Earth tones are great choices
for a garden wedding. Dress
your bridesmaids in tea-length
the
gowns of nutmeg cloth tied with
moss green sashes.
Choose bouquets of white
flowers such as begonias,
carnations, lily of the valley or
calla lilies. Bronze or silver both
go well as accessories for this
color combination.
Use natural greenery for your
wedding ceremony décor and
reception tables.
Deep Hyacinth and Taupe
If your garden location has
purple flowers or hyacinth
bushes, deep hyacinth and taupe
is a good color theme choice.
Choose
hyacinth-colored
Hayloft
“where memories are made”
Receptions • Catering • Wedding Cakes
Jim & Jill Griebel Family
(In the Pequignol family since 1975)
15112 Brunson Rd., Hoagland
260-639-7205 • [email protected]
dresses and
accent them
with
simple
taupe sandals,
purses
and
shawls. Either
pearl or silver
accessories
go well with
this
color
combination.
Set the tone for
your wedding
by choosing wedding invitations
with a hyacinth motif.
Cantaloupe and
Sunflower Yellow
The light orange cantaloupe
goes well with a bright sunflower
yellow. Choose daffodils, daisies
or sunflowers as your wedding
flowers, and you could even go
with a melon or sunflower motif.
These light, sunny colors
contrast nicely with greenery
and blue skies.
Swathe your bridesmaids in fulllength cantaloupe gowns for
a more elegant feel, or go for
knee-length sunflower yellow
dresses to keep your garden
wedding more casual.
decorate with metal watering
cans filled with peach-colored
blooms. Have your groomsmen
wear tuxedos with peach-colored
vests and pin peach carnations
on their jackets.
Periwinkle and Lavender
Another
soft
color
combination that works well in a
garden setting is periwinkle and
lavender. These colors offer a
contrast with greenery or pink
and red flowers.
Choose a cute periwinkle
hummingbird motif or violets to
adorn your wedding invitations.
Dress your bridesmaids in
periwinkle and have them hold
sprigs of lavender.
Pastels, earth tones and soft
colors work best for garden
weddings. Stay away from
Peach and
bold, bright colors like neon
Mint Green
Pastel peach is a nice, soft orange and fire-engine red. You
color for garden weddings. don’t want your wedding color
Paired with mint green it combination to distract guests
goes well with greenery and from the natural beauty of the
garden setting.
surrounding blooms.
Choose a floral or fruit motif, or
Page 8
Wedding guests are
usually anxious to head to
the reception, where they
can let loose and party. Music is an essential component of a lively and fun wedding reception, and there
are some musical miscues
couples should look to avoid
to ensure the music is not
memorable for all the wrong
reasons.
• Blocks of silence: Nothing makes time seem interminable more than silence.
Always have a constant flow
of music to avoid awkward
silences. This includes the
time guests are waiting prior to the ceremony as well
as when they’re entering
the cocktail hour. Music will
help everyone feel comfort-
Spring Bride Guide 2015
Decatur Daily Democrat
Music mistakes
to avoid
able, and it creates a pleasing atmosphere, so make
sure music plays throughout the festivities.
• Second-guessing a
professional: In an effort to
curb costs, some couples
provide their own playlists via an mp3 player or
a streaming service for the
music. This is often a mistake. Hiring a professional
means you will not have
to worry about managing
music on top of your many
other wedding day responsibilities. A band or deejay
usually also serves as the
emcee for the event, announcing key moments of
the reception as well as getting guests up on the dance
floor.
• Playing only
one type of music: Playing too
many
songs
from one genre
of music will
alienate some
of the guests
who simply are
not interested in
that type of music. Professional deejays or performers
know how to offer a great
mix that will appeal to the
masses, and they are often
well worth the cost. Try to
span different decades and
genres to keep as many of
your guests on the dance
floor as possible.
• Failure to make a song
list: Some songs you may
feel are essential to the
wedding and others may be
on a do-not-play list and are
associated with negative
memories. Band leaders
and deejays are not mind
readers. Give your band
leader or deejay ample time
to review your requests so
that he or she has time to
find a song that may not be
in his or her collection.
• Dancing to long songs:
Pay attention to a song’s
length, and choose spotlight dance songs wisely.
Remember that guests will
be watching you dance with
parents or each other, and a
five-minute song can seem
neverending while others
are waiting around. Avoid
very long songs, as the mix
of music should be upbeat.
The wedding isn’t the time to
play “American Pie” by Don
McClean, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” or Lynyrd
Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.”
• Inappropriate lyrics and
volume: Keep the music at
an acceptable volume, and
avoid songs with suggestive
language or curse words
that are inappropriate in a
family setting.
Music is a key element
of any good party, including
a wedding reception, and
it’s essential that couples
take steps to avoid any musical miscues.
Spring Bride Guide 2015
Decatur Daily Democrat
Party Hearty
A Look at Five Trends in Bachelorette Parties
Here is a look at some of the
hottest trends in bachelorette
parties.
The Weekend Getaway
More and more women
are opting for a weekend out
of town for their bachelorette
parties. A trip to an exciting
location like Las Vegas or New
York means that the bride-tobe can have more than one
night out on the town.
The party can go shopping
and
sightseeing
together
during the daytime, and
enjoy dinner and drinks in the
evenings. This is a great option
for a bride who is inviting
guests from different parts of
the country.
Everyone can meet in a central
location, and no one guest will
have to spend more than the
rest on hotel rooms and car
rental.
The
Champagne
Brunch
O l d e r
brides
and
w o m e n
celebrating
a
second
marriage are
opting for the
less raucous
champagne
brunch.
It
is
a
more
sophisticated
and elegant way
of celebrating an upcoming
wedding.
This should not be confused
with a wedding shower; it is
meant for the bride’s closest
friends and not her entire
family.
Typically, this party takes place
at an upscale restaurant, and
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Bachelorette parties are not the same as they used
to be. Gone are the days of heading to the maid of
honor’s house for drinks and party games, because
modern brides are looking for more sophisticated ways
to celebrate before their weddings.
all of the guests dress for a
semi-formal event.
A Day at the Spa
Many modern brides see a
day at the spa as a great way
to celebrate and unwind just
before the wedding.
The entire bridal party can get
their nails done together, so
everyone has a uniform look
The Grainery
217 N. 1st Street
Decatur • 724-3709
Mon. - Fri. 9-5:30 • Sat. 9-2
www.thegrainerycompany.com
Page 9
for the big day. Many
upscale salons offer
drinks
and
light
snacks, creating an
atmosphere that is
perfect for a relaxing
day for the bride and
her party.
Brides should steer
clear
of
facials,
chemical peels, or
any new treatments
immediately before
the wedding to avoid
any irritation that
might affect wedding
photos.
The Party Bus
Pub-crawls are not new for
bachelorette parties, but many
brides are opting for a bus,
trolley, or stretch SUV to carry
the party from one location to
the next.
Drinks can be served on
board the party bus, meaning
that the party doesn’t have to
stop just because everyone
has left the first bar.
It is also a responsible way to
have fun, as no one in the party
has to worry about driving.
Combined Bachelor/
Bachelorette Parties
Some couples are opting
to combine their bachelor and
bachelorette parties. Instead
of separating the guys and the
girls, everyone enjoys a prewedding celebration together.
This is ideal when the bride
or groom has opposite-sex
friends who would otherwise
not be able to attend.
Couples who choose this
option should make sure that
they are in absolute agreement
before planning this party
to avoid any resentment or
regrets later.
Spring Bride Guide 2015
Page 10
Decatur Daily Democrat
Tuxedo purchasing pointers
Gentlemen
getting
ready to tie the knot will have
to make certain wardrobe
choices so they look their
best on their big days. Although many grooms-to-be
rent tuxedos on their wedding days, it may be more
cost-effective to purchase a
tuxedo.
Tuxedos are the ultimate formal wear for men.
Worn at formal gatherings
like proms, weddings and
lavish parties, tuxedos have
undergone several style
changes over the years. Men
interested in looking polished
will find no option makes that
impression more convincingly than the right tuxedo.
own tuxedos also can choose
the style, fabric, color, buttons, accessories, and type
of lapels on the jacket. A tuxedo store may have more
styles available for sale than
for rent. If you desire something that fits your personality
and your physique perfectly,
buying your own tuxedo may
be your best bet.
joins the collar. This lapel
mimics the shape of a classic
suit. A peak lapel is the quintessential classic, featuring a
broad, V-shaped lapel that
points up and out just below
the collar line. A shawl lapel is
a smooth, rounded edge lapel. The shawl lapel reached
the height of its popularity in
the 1950s, but it can still look
good today.
Men worried about
purchasing a tuxedo only to
see their waistlines increase Black tie affair ...
or decrease should keep in
now what?
mind that many tuxedo shops
Receiving an invitation
offer free tailoring for as long to a wedding or another party in
as you own the tuxedo.
the mail can be an exciting pros
When purchasing a
tuxedo, men should choose
classic styles and colors so
they can enjoy the tux for
years to come. Opt for a slimfitting white shirt underneath
that won’t billow out when
jackets are removed. Men
who want to break from tradition can opt for a shirt that
is a pale blue or light gray to
wear under the jacket. This is
still an understated look, but
one with a hint of creativity.
Men frequently called
upon to attend formal events
may find purchasing a tuxedo is a wise investment.
There are several advantages to owning a tux rather
than renting one time and
again. Tuxedos typically cost
around $1,000, whereas
renting tuxedos can be $200
or more each time, making it
advantageous for men who
frequently don tuxedos to A classic, black bow
purchase their own rather tie is an ideal match when
than rent.
purchasing a more classic
tuxedo. The bow tie is back
Another advantage in a big way, and men who
to owning a tuxedo is the op- want to spice things up can
portunity to wear a tux that purchase more traditional
is custom-made and tailored neckties for those occasions
just for you. Instead of a rent- when they don’t want to wear
al that will merely be stitched bow ties.
temporarily to fit your measurements, a tuxedo you pur- Tuxedos come with
chase will be tailored specifi- different lapel styles, and it’s
cally to your body, increasing important to know the differcomfort and making you look ences. Today’s most popubetter as well.
lar style is the notch lapel,
wherein a triangular inden
Men who buy their tation is cut where the lapel
pect, presenting a chance to enjoy a night out and share several
hours in the company of friends
and family. Upon opening the
invite, you may find the words
“black tie.” If you have never
attended a black tie event, you
may be unsure what that entails
and how to prepare.
The appearance of
“black tie” on an invitation means
the party hosts are planning a
formal affair and they’d like their
guests to dress appropriately. For
men, this dress code is unequivocally a black tuxedo. Gentleman
who want to dress in the spirit of
the occasion should purchase a
tuxedo or rent one if finances do
not allow for the purchase. Accompanying the tuxedo is a bow
tie. Now is not the time to don
a clip-on. Only a hand-tied bow
tie will suffice. Additionally, men
are expected to be conservative
with their choice of tuxedo shirt.
A white shirt is customary. It may
have ribbing or a subtle detail. If
a cummerbund or vest is worn, it
should also be black. However,
sometimes matching the vest or
cummerbund to a date’s dress is
acceptable.
cocktail dress is customary, and
many women prefer to wear
something floor length because
it appears more formal than a
shorter dress. Dressy separates
also are acceptable, provided
they look formal enough. A ball
gown or something you might
see a celebrity wearing on the
red carpet is customary.
giving guests the option to attend even if they prefer not to
wear extremely formal attire. In
this case, it’s still in your best
interest to dress as formally as
possible. A black suit for a man
and a cocktail dress for a woman
are appropriate.
White tie is similar to
black tie. Men are expected to
On some occasions, wear full dress with a white shirt,
some men may not want to be white vest and white tie. Women
curtailed by dress code and may wear long, fancy gowns.
use the opportunity to dress as
Party hosts who rethey would like. This is a breach of etiquette. Although a party quest formal attire are trying
host may be accommodating to keep a uniform look to their
to the lack of tuxedo, he or she party and avoid any conflicts that
doesn’t have to be. If you are could arise with lax dress code
invited to a black tie party, try to requirements. If a host or hostkeep with the dress code so you ess has specified a dress code,
are respectful of the party hosts. it is in proper form to stick to the
requirements or decline the in
In some instances, an vitation. If you are ever in doubt
Women have a little invitation may read “black tie about what to wear, you can almore wiggle room when it comes preferred” or “black tie optional.” ways ask your hosts what is exto dressing for a black tie affair. A At such events, the hosts are pected of you.
Decatur Daily Democrat
Spring Bride Guide 2015
Shopping for the Dress
Page 11
If you’re like most brides-to-be, you’ve probably spent countless hours combing bridal magazines and
websites, looking for your perfect wedding dress.
Whether you’re mulling
over
necklines,
beading
detail, or train length, wedding
dress shopping can be one
of the most exciting and
overwhelming parts to the
wedding planning process.
Here a few tips to help you
scout your perfect dress:
Bring pictures
Before
your
dress
shopping appointment, look
through bridal magazines
and bridal websites to get an
idea of what dress styles and
designers you’d like to try on.
Bring these pictures to
your appointment so your
dress consultant will has a
good grasp of how you want
to look on your wedding day.
you’re face is makeup-free
and your body is free of selftanning lotions or sprays.
Bridal shop owners work hard
to keep their sample dresses
as clean as possible for their
clients, so it’s important for
all brides to do their part in
keeping the gowns stainfree.
bring three or four individuals
who you feel will have your
best wedding dress interests
at heart.
Bring accessories
If you’ve already purchased
your bridal shoes, bring
them to your appointment.
Otherwise, bring a pair of
pumps that are the same heel
height you anticipate buying.
Having the right shoes on
will help you visualize where
and how the dress’s hemline
will fall.
If you expect to wear any
shape wear pieces under your
dress, bring those as well so
you can see how smoothly
the dress will lie against you.
Keep your audience to a
minimum
One
of
the
biggest
mistakes a bride can make is
bringing too many friends and
family members to her dress
appointment.
The bigger your audience
is, the bigger the chance
of encountering clashing
opinions
–
which
can
Keep an open mind
ultimately skew your own
thoughts on the dress you It’s important to understand
Start fresh
that
wedding
dresses
Before you leave to try on choose.
wedding dresses, be sure A good rule of thumb is to are sewn and structured
differently than any other
type of dress you’ve worn in
the past. So, it’s a good idea
to try on as many styles as
possible.
If you think a certain
dress style hasn’t flattered
your body type before, that
doesn’t mean that same style
won’t look stunning on you in
wedding dress form. Don’t be
afraid to think out of the box
and experiment.
There’s no mistaking that
the wedding gown is one of
the most significant pieces a
bride will buy for her wedding.
When it’s time to shop for your
wedding dress, remember
that the only person you need
to please is yourself.
If you feel comfortable,
beautiful, and like the star
of the day, your wedding
will fill you with many happy
memories for years to come.
Our Diamond Studio Seats up to 100 people!
Our
Midnight Ballroom Seats up to 600 people!
Our Midnight Ballroom Seats up to 600 people!
WWW.MIRAGEHALL.COM
CONTACT PAM @ 260-223-3222
1640 WINCHESTER ST., DECATUR, IN
~ WEDDINGS ~ BUSINESS MEETINGS ~ FAMILY REUNIONS ~
~ GRADUATION PARTIES ~ ANNIVERSARY~
Page 12
Spring Bride Guide 2015
Decatur Daily Democrat
HERE COMES THE
OF THE YEAR!
2015 Adams County
Bridal Show
Sunday, March 8th
Noon - 4 p.m.
at The Mirage Banquet Room
1640 Winchester St. • Decatur, IN
Free Admission
To The Public
Sponsored by The Decatur Daily Democrat