Planning: Joy Ride

The Road To The Right Transportation.

Your grand entrance begins with your wedding-day ride. It reflects your style and gets the wheels of your celebration turning. These tips will help to guarantee a smooth drive.

THE PERFECT MATCH Consider the following questions: How many people will be riding in the vehicle? Where do you need it to take you (the ceremony, locations for photo ops, the reception, the hotel or airport)? Be sure to budget in ample time if you decide on a horse-and-carriage ride.

LOCATE YOUR WHEELS Ask other vendors for recommendations. Or, if your place of business uses a reliable car service, inquire about its wedding packages.

Keep in mind that most limo companies offer a variety of vehicles, including stretch SUVs, party buses and antique cars.

WHEEL DEAL Transportation companies will require that you sign a contract. Pay particular attention to whether they charge by the hour or distance. What about overtime? Does the hourly charge start when the vehicle leaves the garage or when it picks you up? Are parking costs and tolls included in the price or are there additional expenses? Make sure you are clear about cancellation policies and refunds on deposits. The contract should indicate all intended stops (ie: home/church/photo locale/reception, etc.).

BE THRIFTY Think about hiring a different car to pick you up after the reception. Otherwise, the car that picked you up in the morning will be parked outside your party doing nothing more than kicking up the hourly fee.

ASK FOR THE ROYAL TREATMENT Several transportation companies offer wedding-day packages to make your ride more memorable. Why not have the tux-clad chauffeur roll out the red carpet for you when you arrive at the ceremony site? Also, many vehicles come stocked with chilled Champagne (toast each other in private!), and you can choose a sign for the back of the car, ranging from “Going to the Chapel” to “Mr. & Mrs!”


By C.A. Deignan

Wedding Events Timeline: The Bachelor Party

Don’t Think Of This As His Last Chance To Celebrate Being Single;

It’s Simply An Opportunity To Spend time With His Closest Friends And

Toast The Amazing Life Change That’s About To Happen

Photo via Shutterstock

 

 

WHEN Two-to-three weeks before the wedding.

WHO HOSTS Usually the best man and groomsmen spearhead the planning.

PRE-PARTY TO DO’S Discuss what kind of party is being planned for your

fiancé and make sure you’re comfortable with it too.

VENUE Ideas for planning a weekend away are wide open: Las Vegas is a sure-

fire option for good food and late-night fun, or he can try something seasonal like

golfing in Arizona or California. If the party takes place locally, he might

consider chowing down at an upscale steakhouse. Sports aficionados might opt for

a professional basketball game or the more adventurous types why not rock

climbing, snowboarding, or white-water rafting?

GUEST LIST The groomsmen, your fiance’s brothers (yours, too) and any other

friends.

DAY-OF NOTES Let him know: Yes, he can call you, especially if he’s away for

the weekend. His friends might tease him for checking in, but just remember

they’re doing the same thing!

By Patricia Canole

Diamonds Are Forever

Newly Engaged? Here’s All You Need To Know To Keep That Ring Sparkling Forever.

Demetrios Emerald-Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring by Rogers & Hollands

To ensure that you and your diamond ring never part company, follow these expert tips.

A CARE PACKAGE

•    Have your jeweler inspect the setting after about six months of wear; the prongs can sometimes loosen as the ring conforms to the unique shape of your finger. After this, get your setting checked at least once a year.

•    Store in a safe place, like a ring holder or jewel box.

•   Never wear your engagement ring while swimming. Water is slippery, and cold water is especially tricky. Often it can cause the width of your finger to contract making slippage even more likely.

•    While traveling, keep your engagement ring locked in your hotel’s in-room safe.

•    Be sure to get your ring insured. Most policies offer to replace your engagement ring while others offer cash.

SQUEAKY CLEAN

Lotions, soaps, dirt and natural oils your fingers encounter over time will eventually dull your diamond’s sparkle. Therefore, you need to clean it frequently. Here are some options:

•    The Pro: Bring your ring to your jeweler, who will probably steam-clean it—a powerful blast of hot steam expels buildup and scours the stone’s surface.

•    At Home: Your jeweler can recommend a brand. Most call for soaking your ring in a specially formulated solution that includes ammonia and water.

•    DIY: Soak your ring in an ammonia and cold water solution for about 30 minutes; rinse and carefully dry. Pressed for time? Spray some ammonia-based window cleaner onto your ring, and then wipe it clean with a soft cloth.

By Patricia Canole

For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com

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Valentine's Day Inspiration

Clever Ideas To Personalize Your Party With Flair.

February 14th is the perfect day for love and romance. But even if it's not your big day, consider including some of these touches!

Opening Shot - Beautiful Day Photography

ATTIRE An old-fashioned look is always romantic. You'll want to wear a classic style gown and tuxedo. Another option is to go for a dress with red accents—a cherry red sash would be stunning. Have your bridesmaids wear dresses shades of pink and red; groomsmen will look handsome with red ties with coordinating red and pink boutonnières.

Gabrielle by Claire Pettibone

DÉCOR Create a romantic atmosphere by blanketing the aisle with rose petals. For the reception dress each table with rose tea-light holders. The simple DIY project begins by removing the rose stem, then open the bloom to remove several center petals to accommodate space for your candle.

COCKTAIL HOUR Serve crimson-hued cocktails and give them Valentine-themed names like “Cupid’s Kiss," and "Be My Valentine.”

MENU Fan the sparks among your guests by including some aphrodisiacs on the menu by including an oyster bar, almond-crusted salmon rolls, or chicken with mole (a Mexican chocolate sauce). Surprise guests with an all-red dessert lounge of chocolate-covered strawberries, a raspberry tart, and even red velvet cupcakes.

FAVORS Gift your friends and family with heart-shaped boxes of candy or macaroons and a note attached saying “Thank you for being our Valentine!”

SPECIAL TOUCHES Rather than table numbers, why not name each for a famous couple (real or fictional). Antony and Cleopatra, Romeo and Juliet, Napolean and Josephine, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor come to mind.

   

By Patricia Canole

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