Woman
Complimentary
2019
West Georgia TM
Bridal Guide
SCHEDULE AN EMSCULPT BODY SCULPTING SERIES AND
Mark “workout” off your list! Because you already have enough to do t o g e t r e a d y f o r y o u r b i g d a y.
Treat your entire bridal party to our pre-wedding services: Botox Massage Mini Facials Waxing Laser Hair Removal *EmSculpt is the only treatment on the market that burns fat a n d b u i l d s m u s c l e a t t h e s a m e t i m e . E m S c u l p t ’s n o n i n v a s i v e technology induces powerful supramaximal contractions to both break down fat cells and increasse muscle mass over the course of a 30-minute appointment. EmSculpt is FDA-cleared for u s e i n b o t h t h e a b d o m i n a l a n d g l u t e a l r e g i o n s t o c r e a t e t i g h t e r, t o n e d a b s o r a m o r e u p l i f t e d , y o u t h f u l r e a r e n d , r e s p e c t i v e l y.
222 Gordon St. Bremen, GA 30110 • 770.537.1236 • www.316healthcare.us
West Georgia Woman Magazine
2
West Georgia’s Most Beautiful Wedding and Special Event Venue
Where Dreams Come True
All Inclusive Packages • D.I.Y. Packages Let us help you make your dream wedding a reality. Call for an appointment today to see the beauty of
The Overlook in Tallapoosa, Ga. Owner: Karen Cosper 770.363.1535 or 770.815.0322 www.theoverlookofwestga.com
3
2019 Bridal Guide
What’s Inside..
6. Should Brides Say “I Do” to Artificial Flowers? 8. Wedding Consultations 14. Something Creative 18. Eco-friendly Wedding Favors 22. How to Incorporate Pets into Your Big Day 26. Wedding Q&A Editorial by Shala Hainer
West Georgia Woman Magazine
4
A Day to Remember I remember planning my wedding many years ago, and the excitement and anticipation involved. In some ways, the process of planning the wedding was more exciting than the event itself. Choosing the venue, my gown and flowers, the cake, bridesmaid dresses, tuxes for the groom and groomsmen and catering for the reception – the list went on and on. There are so many details involved in planning a wedding, and it can be quite stressful and exhausting for the bride-to-be. I hope you have a wonderful support system to help you manage some of the details involved in planning this unforgettable event. In This Special Issue We are so excited to provide you with our very first West Georgia Woman magazine bridal guide! Working on this guide brought back some very special memories for all of us, and we hope you enjoy our first bridal guide as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. This issue is chock-full of fabulous articles from eco-friendly wedding favors, consultations and flowers to including your pets on your special day, learning how to deal with those awkward moments and more. As you approach your wedding day, please remember to take care of your mind, body and spirit, take some time out from planning to spend time with your friends and family and, most importantly, remember that this special day is for you and your future spouse, and no one else. Please support our advertising partners included in this guide and shop locally for your wedding as much as you can. It really does make a difference in our communities. Big or small, I hope your wedding day is everything you’ve ever dreamed of having and more. Best Wishes, Publisher Photo by Keith May
5
2019 Bridal Guide
ShouldBrides Say “I Do’
to Artificial Flowers?
S
ilk flowers have come a long way in recent years, with many difficult to distinguish from the real thing. The artificial versions are diverse and readily available, but are they right for your wedding? Just like the flower colors, the type of flowers you choose is a highly personal decision with no one answer that’s right for everyone.
lead to intense and immediate discomfort, including watery eyes, sneezing and itching. If you’re traveling to a destination wedding, artificial flowers make planning that much easier. Order the flowers locally, then pack them carefully and take them with you instead of relying on a florist at your destination whom you’ve never met. Weather can make a difference as well. Outdoor summer weddings are especially hard on real flowers. By the time you’ve taken photos before the wedding, made it through the ceremony and taken more photos afterward, real flowers can wilt and begin dropping petals. Silk flowers hold up much
Why Use Silk? Because they are artificial, silk flowers remain ideal for weddings if the bride or one of the wedding party has a strong allergy to real flowers. Regardless of the season, placing a real flower near a highly allergic person can
West Georgia Woman Magazine
6
certain colors of your wedding, silk might be the only way to go. Teal, for example, isn’t readily found in nature, but it abounds in artificial options. However, if you want to stick with real flowers, many florists can dye certain flowers to match your wedding colors, or add strategic touches of ribbon or colored beads to bring those colors into your bouquets.
better in hot weather. They also tend to be lighter weight than real flowers, so if you’re aiming for a large, cascading bouquet, silk flowers might be the best option.
Cost Many people think artificial flowers are less expensive than real flowers, but that’s not usually true. While there are some cheap silk options, they typically aren’t weddingworthy flowers, and it’s best to stick to the higher-end, more realistic versions that you can be proud to show off in your wedding photos for years to come. Florists tend to charge the same labor fees regardless of the type of flowers, and they use the same materials such as tape and ribbon, so those fees don’t change if you switch to silk flowers.
Scent What you don’t get when you use silk flowers is the amazing scent real flowers offer. If you love the smell of gardenias and want them in your bouquet for that reason, artificial flowers can’t compete. Some florists offer a scented spray designed for silk flowers, but the sprays don’t match the scents of real flowers. At the end of the day, the choice is yours. Silk flowers aren’t for every bride, but they offer additional solutions when real flowers aren’t the best options for your big day. WGW
Colors Although nature offers a huge selection of colorful flowers, some colors are limited. If you want to match
7
2019 Bridal Guide
Wedding Consultations
West Georgia Woman Magazine
8
T
he joy of planning a wedding often is overshadowed by the stress of making hundreds of choices, from the dress to the music to the wedding cake. Preparing a list of priorities and questions before meeting with wedding vendors helps make the decision process smoother and more productive while letting you move forward confident you’ve made the right choices for you.
absolute top limit. “When you’re setting your budget, craft the wedding around the funds you have available,” says Michael Stone, CEO and founder of Milestone Investment Management, LLC in Carrollton, Ga. “If at all possible, avoid going into debt for the wedding. Instead of starting out your new life with debt hanging over your head, consider a smaller, more intimate ceremony, then ask your friends to throw a big party for you later.” Some crafty brides might consider making some of their own pieces, like designing their own flowers, but it doesn’t always save money. When you’re thinking about your budget, work in the cost
Budget Come prepared with your budget in mind. Ideally, you should have two numbers per item you’re getting quoted – one that is your preferred amount, and one that is your
970 Hays Mill Road • Carrollton, Ga
678.664.0610
Monday 10 AM - 6 PM Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 7 PM Sunday 1 - 6 PM
9
2019 Bridal Guide
Where Love Grows
Schedule A Tour Today! STONE WATERFALL • ARBOR OVERLOOKING OUR LAKES COVERED PAVILION WITH STONE FIREPLACE
THEDAVISPLANTATION.COM • 770.298.2336 • 15090 COUNTY RD. 19 • HEFLIN, ALA. of the materials you’ll need and dresses above and below that price range. Most brides spend compare that to the quote the at least $1,000 on their dress. vendor provided. Many times Our trained consultants will the costs are similar. work with you every step of the When you know you’re way, and with our extensive already going to be stressed selection of inventory you can getting last-minute details be assured you will leave our together, it’s often worth a few store with the perfect dress.” extra dollars to not have to worry about being crafty. Of course, a large Timing percentage of your budget will be allocated for your Most wedding consultations wedding dress. “While the occur about four to six months cost of the wedding dress prior to the wedding. Be sure varies, the average cost of to get a quote that is dated and a wedding dress typically has an expiration date that falls ranges between $400 to after the date of the wedding. $1,700,” says Connie Hannah, That way, if the vendor’s owner of Simple Elegance prices change between the Bridal and Formalwear, a consultation and the wedding, premier full-service bridal and the price you were quoted will formalwear salon in Bowdon, still be protected. Ga. “However, there are many West Georgia Woman Magazine 10 “With the venue, plan on at
items such as teeth whitening, least three visits,” says Karen Cosper, owner of The Overlook, Botox® and dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm® before the big a wedding and special event day,” says M. Dawn Harvey, venue in Tallapoosa, Ga. D.M.D., who offers brides “The venue should be one professional bleach whitening of your first stops. After the and facial esthetic services at initial consultation, come back her dental practice in Villa Rica, after you’ve visited all the Ga. “Make the appointments other vendors to share their for Botox® and dermal fillers at information and their needs. least three months prior to the Right before the wedding, come back for a walkthrough to wedding so we can determine make sure no detail is missed.” the best timing for the bride to be treated. Plan on beginning If you are in a rush, many teeth whitening three weeks vendors can help you with just prior to your big day for a couple of weeks’ notice. You optimum results.” might have to compromise Regardless of your a bit, using standard flowers timeline, be sure to make an like roses or going with a appointment. Most wedding common cake flavor rather consultations take between one than something exotic, but it is and two hours, so allow enough possible to make it happen. time in your schedule. Ask if The dress is one exception: there is a charge for wedding “Most salons have a typical consultations. Also, ask when a appointment time allotted for deposit is due – most vendors each bride, and a maximum require a deposit to hold the number of guests allowed,” date for you, but it is typically says Lynne Sammon and Amy refundable within a certain Kent, co-owners of Downtown timeframe. Gowns, a premier, full-service bridal salon in Carrollton, Ga. “So, when booking your What to bring appointment, ask how many guests can be in your bride Although you don’t have tribe and the typical length of to bring anything with you to an appointment. Book your your wedding consultations, appointment about 10 months it’s helpful to bring a list of prior to your wedding day. This your favorite related items as ensures your dress options well as some you don’t like. won’t be limited.” For example, if you have songs Brides should keep their you know you must dance to at own health and beauty in mind your wedding but you hate the when planning a timeline with Chicken Dance, let the DJ know their vendors. “Don’t overlook 11 up front. 2019 Bridal Guide
like photographers and florists know how provide an accurate quote. If you already know your wedding venue, note specific information, like whether the guests will be sitting on chairs or pews that might require decoration. Some venues don’t “DJ Richard made our wedding reception fun allow a flower girl to throw real and enjoyable. Everybody talked about what petals, for example, so knowing a great time they had. He was fun and easy that in advance is helpful. to work with, and played every song I had on “Our trained staff helps walk my list.” – Hollie Brown * Just one of many 5 Star Google reviews you through the many decisions involved in planning a wedding and make sure your dreams for your wedding day come true,” says Shelly Hollingsworth, UK2U@EARTHLINK.NET owner of The Davis Plantation, Bring pictures of the bridal a wedding and special event gown and the bridesmaids’ venue in Heflin, Ala. “Even dresses, as well as a sample if you don’t know what of the fabrics being used in questions to ask, we guide you those dresses. The color of the through a list of questions and bridesmaids’ dresses typically suggestions to ensure there are determines the wedding color no surprises on your big day.” palette that spills over into For the reception, it will help the vendor decorations, the your caterer and baker to know caterer’s setup, the flowers and the size and shape of the room the cake design. where they will be setting up, Also, it’s helpful to bring a as well as how they get in – the list of everyone in the wedding number of doorways they have party as well as other people to navigate can make a big involved in the wedding, difference with a large, multisuch as the ring bearer and tiered wedding cake, which flower girl, singers, musicians might need to be assembled and ushers. Make a list of onsite for an extra charge. family members who will Planning your wedding is not need something special, like a simple task, but with a little corsages or boutonnieres, such forethought and the expertise as parents and grandparents. of professional vendors, the Knowing the exact size planning process can be as of the wedding party and smooth as a silk wedding dress. immediate family helps vendors West Georgia Woman Magazine 12 WGW
english dj based in carrollton, ga. 770.688.5649
13
2019 Bridal Guide
Something ...
Creative
New Ideas for Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue.
West Georgia Woman Magazine
14
T
Dailey Life Photography
he old Victorian wedding poem helps families keep wedding traditions alive, often with mothers passing heirlooms down to the younger brides. Add an element of fun to your special day by thinking creatively and choosing items that reflect you, perhaps even starting new traditions to share with the next generation of family brides.
Weddings and Special Events
“Life is beautiful. Let’s Capture It.” Zachary Dailey
Something Old Many brides borrow used jewelry to fulfill this piece of the puzzle. Instead of just wearing the jewelry, consider treating it differently. If you have your grandmother’s pearls, perhaps weave them through your headpiece or incorporate them into your dress design. Attach an antique brooch onto your bridal bouquet. To add a double element of old and personal sentiment to your day, add some old photos of loved ones, such as grandparents who have already passed away, to an old locket. Pin the locket inside your dress, weave the necklace into your flowers or have a jeweler craft it into a bangle-style bracelet. If the ladies in your family have a dress or veil you love, ask if you can have it for your wedding. When appropriate, use just the pieces you like. For example, if your grandmother’s
404.444.9072
daileylifephotography@gmail.com daileylifephoto.wordpress.com
veil has yellowed, perhaps just use her headpiece and add your own veil.
Something New
15
Brides often buy several new items for their weddings, especially the dress and shoes, and those work well as something new. But shake it up a bit by buying something special. Have a handkerchief embroidered with your new initials and tuck it in your sleeve, for example, or have a small ornament made with a photo of you and the groom. Incorporate the ornament into our bouquet, and add it to your Christmas tree on your first holiday together for a lasting memory. 2019 Bridal Guide
If you and the groom are moving into a new home together after the wedding, add a new key to the home to your bridal ensemble. Wear this on a long necklace so the key rests close to your heart during the ceremony.
Get the wedding party into the spirit by adding blue as one of your wedding colors – the bridesmaids can even wear blue dresses while the groomsmen trim their tuxes in the same shade. “Small touches of blue make a dramatic statement against Something Borrowed traditional black tuxes as well as white or even gray ones,” This item has almost endless says Julia Curran, marketing possibilities. There’s no rule that and event coordinator for Shot says the “something borrowed” Spot in Carrollton, Ga. “It can must be something you wear or be just a little, like a decorative carry down the aisle. Instead, swirl in the bow tie, or a lot, consider asking your parents, or like a full blue vest. Besides the groom’s parents, to borrow offering traditional tuxedos, the cake knife or toasting glasses we also have Brackish bow ties they used at their wedding. that can add a pop of color in If you loved the custom vows a unique way.” shared by a family member or To add mystery to your friend, ask if you can borrow choices, ask your bridesmaids some phrases for your own or groom to choose one or all wedding vows. You can even of the items for you. These can borrow decorations for the become meaningful keepsakes reception, such as centerpieces after the ceremony as you made from Mason jars that remember who gave them to your grandmother uses to can you and the thoughtfulness vegetables from her garden. behind the gifts. “For something new or something blue, thoughtful Something Blue gifts often make the best items,” says Mary Stark, with For a stunning “something blue,” opt for brilliant blue shoes Turner Pharmacy in Carrollton, Ga., who offers a variety of to use walking down the aisle. Guests might catch a little peek, gift items and a bridal registry. “These can be wedding but the bold statement stays related, such as jewelry for the mostly hidden in floor-length big day, or practical, like new gowns. A gentle blue on your crystal champagne flutes for nails brings the color in a way the bride and groom to use everyone can see as they check out your ring after the ceremony. during their first toast.” WGW
West Georgia Woman Magazine
16
Est. 2007
A Charming, Small Town, Family-owned Bridal Boutique Visit our website to book your appointment today! www.simpleelegancebridalandformalwear.com
770.258.0494
107 Wedowee Street17 • Bowdon, Ga., 30108 2019 Bridal Guide
Eco-friendly
Take One and
Let Love Grow
Wedding Favors
B
rides began trying to take more care of the environment by changing from having guests throw rice, which can potentially harm wildlife, to birdseed or blowing bubbles. That eco-friendly trend has grown to include other aspect of wedding planning, including the wedding favors each guest receives when they leave.
Why Wedding Favors? Although etiquette doesn’t require you to provide wedding favors, they are a sweet gesture that tells guests you appreciate the time they set aside to help you celebrate your new life as a married couple. The tricky part is finding something guests will actually use that is easy on your budget. There isn’t anything wrong with giving guests a champagne glass
West Georgia Woman Magazine
18
engraved with your names and wedding date or a pear-shaped kitchen timer that helps guests remember that you two are now a pair, but not every guest wants or needs that kind of gift. If they throw them away, the gifts end up in landfills. If it fits with your theme and ideals, offering environmentally friendly favors is a positive alternative to traditional gifts.
Plantable Favors One of the most eco-friendly ideas is to give your guests a living wedding favor. Whether the gift is seeds the guests can plant or a blooming flower to enjoy immediately, this type of wedding favor adds beauty and life to the environment. • Seed packets. These are especially ideal when
you have many guests coming in from out of town because they are easy to pack in a suitcase. Print cute tags with planting instructions, and tie them on the seed packets with ribbon that matches your wedding colors. Choose flowers that match your bouquet if you can – if you have white daisies, for example, include daisy seeds in the packets. Or, give herb seeds so the guests can enjoy a small, usable garden in their kitchens. • Living plants. These can include green houseplants, blooming plants designed for the outdoors, succulents, orchids, bamboo or herbs. A clever idea with living plants is to use them as your centerpieces on the tables, with a note that tells guests to “Pick One.” The plants decorate the tables during the event, then the guests take them home, saving you some cleanup costs.
126 Hamilton Avenue Bremen, GA 30110
Call today to schedule your appointment to view Bremen’s Hidden Treasure
770.537.1772
Weddings • Parties • Quinceañeras
An Industrial Mill Venue
Edible Favors • Bite-sized treats. These may not last forever,
19
but your guests will enjoy a tasty morsel after your special day. Using recycled paper wrappers or recyclable glass or cardboard containers for the food helps keep the favors environmentally friendly while looking adorable. • Food. Small bites often work best, like chocolate covered strawberries or petit fours. If there are local farms you want to support, supply small containers of local honey or jam. The food doesn’t just have to be for people; instead, offer heartshaped birdseed favors for your guests to hang 2019 Bridal Guide
outside their homes after the wedding. • Drinks. Tea or coffee make pleasing wedding favors, especially if you tie the types of offerings into your wedding theme or the season. If you’re getting married in December, for example, a peppermint tea offers guests a warm reminder of your wedding. Using organic blends plays into the eco-friendly ideals. Additionally, in cold weather, offer hot chocolate mixes complete with marshmallows to help your guests stave off
West Georgia Woman Magazine
winter chills. • Herbs mixes. If you have a favorite mixture of herbs and spices you like to use when you cook, mix up your blend and share it with your guests. Provide cards on recycled paper that give some recipe ideas so your guests know how to use the spice blend best.
Pampering Ideas If you want favors your guests can use to relax after attending your celebration, you have the option to make your own or buy organic versions. Stay away from ultra-feminine
20
scents in case the men attending would like to take advantage of some relaxation time as well.
your well-being in Bremen, Ga. “Lavender is calming, and vanilla is bright and comforting. Other ideas include light citrus scents like orange or lemongrass.” • Bath salts. Custom bath salts are simple to make, if you choose, or you can purchase them in different colors and scents. Buy some in bulk and add them to your custom recycled packaging. Add a cute thank you note to the salts, such as “From the bride’s shower to yours.”
• Soaps. Choose soaps with colors that match your theme, and think creatively when it comes to shapes. Hearts always work for wedding favors, but the shapes can reflect your personalities as well. Whether you make your own or purchase pre-made soaps, additions such as flower petals or lavender pods inside the soaps add beauty and texture. “The best scent choices tend to be relatively mild and somewhat floral,” says Allison Key, M.D., owner of Spa 3:16, a premier wellness spa that offers a wide range of therapeutic services designed to relax, pamper and improve
As an additional boost for any of your favor choices, make a donation to the National Forest Foundation in honor of your wedding, and add a note about the donation to the favors. The National Forest Foundation plants one tree for every dollar you donate, so if you donate $1 per guest, they can leave the wedding knowing they’ve helped regrow forests around the world. WGW
21
2019 Bridal Guide
Pet Participation
West Georgia Woman Magazine
22
How to Incorporate Your Favorite Animals into Your Big Day
P
ets are part of the family, so it makes sense that some brides want to include their pets in their wedding ceremony. Some decide to have their pets attend the event, while others want a more prominent role like flower pup or ring bearer. Whether their part is big or small, bringing your pets into your wedding requires a bit of preparation.
Consider the Pet As much as you might want to include your pet, not all animals have the right personalities to attend your wedding. If your pet is skittish around strangers, for example, expecting her to behave in the middle of a large group is unrealistic. Think about your pet’s nature before deciding her role in the wedding, and even if she should attend. If your dog is well trained and is not easily excited, she might be an ideal flower pup. But your cat that claws at everyone she meets except for you would be an unpleasant distraction for you
on your special day. Also, keep your venue in mind. If it’s the middle of summer and you’re having an outdoor wedding, bringing your husky to sit out in the hot sun for hours might not be the best idea. If the wedding is indoors, ensure you plan plenty of potty breaks for your pet.
Designate a Sitter Brides have a million details to worry about on their wedding days, so it’s important to hand off anything possible to others. Because pets can cause problems for you, such as a dog pawing your dress and getting it dirty or a bird messing up your hair, designating a sitter for your pet keeps you wedding-ready while easing your mind.
Think about your pet’s nature before deciding her role in the wedding.
23
2019 Bridal Guide
or just making an appearance, dress them for the occasion. Again, consider your pet’s personality and what ensemble might work best. Some pets are perfectly content in full clothing, like a doggie tux or bridesmaid-style pup dress. For others, a simple bowtie collar, bows on their ears or ring of flowers around their neck is all they can handle. Some brides go all out, even painting their pet’s nails. If all else fails, choose a leash or similar restraint that is studded with rhinestones or matches your wedding color scheme. Consider getting your pet groomed the day before the wedding to ensure she is clean with as little shedding potential as possible. Even if your pet is an exotic one, like an iguana, you don’t want your guests to remember the smell instead of your dress, so clean your pet well before bringing her to the event.
Ideally, your pet sitter is someone your pet already knows. This person should know what commands, if any, your pet understands, and how to keep the pet calm. Provide a safe place for your pet, and make sure your sitter knows where it is. This might be a crate for your dog in a back room of the church, or a pet carrier for your cat that stays in the bridal suite. The safe place should be somewhere away from the actual ceremony in case the pet is upset and decides to make noise.
Dress Them Accordingly Whether your pet is participating in the wedding
Inform the Guests and Photographer Before the wedding, let your guests know you plan to bring your pet, and tell them
West Georgia Woman Magazine
24
whether they can bring theirs – some weddings are meant to be completely pet-friendly, while others have room for just your furry friend. Some guests might have pet allergies, so telling them ahead of time helps them prepare. Your photographer also needs to know your pet will be attending. This enables her to plan shots specifically highlighting your pet. As the bride, you can’t see everything that is happening during your wedding, but the photographer can help you experience the wedding through your pet’s eyes and provide adorable animal shots with a little advance notice.
husband-to-be. Adding photos of your pet to the slide show you play before your ceremony or during your reception helps you include your pet without her physically being there. If you set photos around your guest book, add some of you, the groom and your pet. Additionally, bring the pet theme into your wedding favors. For example, offer cookies shaped like dog bones and include a tag that says how you, the groom and your pet appreciate the guests being there. For an extra splash, add a matching dog treat – clearly marked, of course – for the guests to bring home to their own pooches, if they have one. When you see your pet after the ceremony, show her pictures of the event and tell her you missed her. She will love hearing all about it and won’t mind at all that she wasn’t there. WGW
Other Ways to Include Your Pet If your pet isn’t one that should attend your ceremony, consider alternative ways to bring your pet into your special day. Bring your pet to your engagement announcement photo shoot, for example, to let everyone know your new family is more than just you and your
25
2019 Bridal Guide
Wedding Q&A
How to Handle Those Awkward Moments West Georgia Woman Magazine
26
I
ripped a hole in my dress! What should I do?
Depending on where the hole is, it’s probably fixable where no one but you would ever see it. Everyone will be looking at your radiant face, anyway! Wardrobe malfunctions might appear in many forms on your wedding day. The best defense here is a good offense. Plan ahead so you don’t have to stress! Have an emergency sewing kit with a needle and several colors of thread (white, black and whatever color your bridesmaids are wearing), extra buttons (for the groom and groomsmen’s suits, if possible, as well as for the wedding dress and bridesmaid gowns), instant hemming tape and several sizes of safety pins.
Your father isn’t the only one who can walk you down the aisle. friend. Some people choose to have two people do the honors, such as having a grandparent on each arm.
What do we do if one of us gets sick?
Unfortunately, illness doesn’t always get the memo that your wedding day is off limits. If you or the groom is under the weather on your special day, there often isn’t much you can do besides powering through it, or risk losing all the money spent on the wedding. Medicate as best you can, If my father can’t walk such as treating your fever me down the aisle, who or taking medicine to ease a cough, but only take the can? recommended doses. You want to remember what you This is completely a personal decision. You’re a grown woman promise in your vows, right? If – you don’t need anyone to walk your ceremony is a long one, consider asking for chairs during you down the aisle, especially songs or, better yet, just cut out in a non-traditional setting like anything unnecessary to make an outdoor wedding. However, you can choose anyone you like sure you don’t overdo it. Stay hydrated throughout the day. to walk you down the aisle if Prior to the wedding, keep you don’t want to brave those your immune system healthy by steps alone. This could be your mother, a sibling or even a close eating right and exercising.
27
2019 Bridal Guide
Turner Pharmacy Come create a wedding registry
821 DIXIE ST • CARROLLTON, GA
West Georgia Woman Magazine
28
My DJ (or band) at the wedding is horrible – what do I do?
well might result in one of them oversharing in front of everyone. Work out a signal ahead of time with the DJ or band, preferably one they can understand when As Adam Sandler proved you’re desperately waving at in the movie “The Wedding them. When you give them Singer,” everyone has a bad day, even when they are paid to the signal, they either turn off the microphone, gracefully perform. “Meeting at least once before redirecting the guests by telling a quick joke and announcing the the wedding ensures the DJ next speech, or play some music has the right style of music and to signal the end of the speech. knows when to play special Ideally, ask the best man and songs, like for the couple’s first other speechmakers to share dance,” says Richard Turnbull, an their speeches ahead of time English DJ and owner of UK2U with you or other members of in Carrollton, Ga. “Be clear the bridal party to ensure the about what songs you like – or don’t like – and give your DJ as speeches are appropriate. Ask much guidance as possible. Ask them to keep their speeches to three minutes or less to hold someone from the bridal party everyone’s attention and to help to attend the meeting who can be the DJ’s main contact on the prevent them from rambling on about your misspent youth. day of the wedding so the DJ knows who to go to with any questions.” How do I keep bugs Plan ahead, just in case, and from bugging my create a wedding playlist on guests at my outdoor your phone. Have the maid of honor ask the DJ or band to step wedding? aside if they just aren’t working So, this is Georgia. There out. Connect the phone to the sound system (most venues will are bugs. Lots of bugs. Flying have a built-in system) and keep bugs, crawling bugs, jumping dancing without missing a step. bugs … they are everywhere. While most brides consider the How should I handle an prospect of rain or what time of day is best during the hottest embarrassing reception part of summer, many forget the speech? fact that the outdoors is full of tiny critters just waiting to take a Sometimes, the fact that your bite out of you and your guests. closest friends know you so 2019 Bridalask Guide 29When planning the wedding,
the venue if they spray outdoors for pests. If the wedding is in someone’s yard, pay for a local pest control company to spray for bugs such as mosquitoes and fleas. But even that won’t be enough to stave off the screaming hordes of insects that live in this state. Consider passing out allnatural bug repellant wipes to your guests when they arrive, or leave cute baskets of the wipes sitting out in strategic locations for guests to use as needed.
If they can’t get along, don’t sit Aunt Mabel with cousin Ethel just because they’re related.
eye contact. When you’re making your Where should I sit seating chart, keep a few other guests I don’t like at my things in mind. If you have family reception? members who don’t get along, try to spread them out through You’re totally keeping it real the room instead of cramming with this question! Unless you them at the same table just have a small, very intimate because they are related. Also, ceremony, chances are you’ll be keep elderly guests seated well obligated to invite a few people away from any speakers – even you don’t enjoy spending time if the music is being played low, with. Maybe it’s a family member they might have trouble hearing or a long-time family friend, but the conversation over the noise. regardless of how you know For kids, you can opt for a kids them, it’s OK to seat them as table (with parents close by) or far away from the head table as just seat them with their parents. possible. It’s best not to make it “Always plan for no-shows obvious that there’s this one table and guests who bring plus ones of people the bride doesn’t like without an RSVP,” says Amanda stuck in the back corner – shake Mann with the Sewell Mill Events it up a bit and mix the unwanteds Facility and Community Center in up among a few tables, all of Bremen, Ga. “Leave a couple of which are several tables away from tables with open seats to shuffle you. There are a few exceptions people around last-minute. to this, however, most notably Another option is to use long, your new mother-in-law. If you two family style tables instead of don’t see eye to eye, she still gets small round tables. This gives you to sit near her son – like with any a little more wiggle room to plan predatory animal, just try to avoid West Georgia Woman Magazine 30 for the unexpected.” WGW
Your Smile Should Be As Beautiful As You Are. Ask Us About Our Professional Bleach Whitening and Facial Esthetic Services.
M. Dawn Harvey, DMD, PC
Family Dentistry and Complete Facial Esthetics
105 Dallas Rd, Villa Rica, GA 30180 • 770.459.5778 www.drharveysmiles.com 2019 Bridal Guide 31
From the moment she was born you’ve wanted the best for her. So do we.
When it comes to planning for her financial future, she deserves the best. As a Women’s Choice Award winning Financial Advisor, we’ve distinguished ourselves among women in West Georgia. Photo by Laura Barnes Photo
Financial Planning • Retirement Income Strategies Stocks • Bonds • Mutual Funds • Insurance
770.830.0063 • www.milestoneinvestmentsllc.com Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services offered through Milestone Investment Management LLC or CES Insurance Agency.
The Women's Choice Award® Financial Advisor program was created by WomenCertified Inc., the Voice of Women, in an effort to help women make smart financial choices. The Women's Choice Award Financial Program is based on 17 objective criteria associated with providing quality service to women clients, such as credentials, experience, and a favorable regulatory history, among other factors. Financial advisors do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Women's Choice Award Financial Advisors, though they may have paid a basic program fee to cover the cost of their client survey. The inclusion of a financial advisor within the Women's Choice Award Financial Advisor network should not be construed as an endorsement of the financial advisor by WomenCertified Inc. or its partners and affiliates and is no guarantee as to future investment success. Women's Choice Award® Financial Advisors and Firms represent less than 1% of financial advisors in the U.S. As of October 2018, of the 463 considered for the Women's Choice Award, 108 were named Women's Choice Award Financial Advisors/Firms The criteria provided reflects the most recent year for which Financial Advisors/Firms received the award. The criteria used, the number of Financial Advisors/Firms considered for the award, and the number of those who receive the award, may vary from year to year. For more information, please visit http://www.womenschoiceaward.com/.
West Georgia Woman Magazine
32