Planning the perfect wedding: how do you envision your perfect wedding? Do you prefer a wedding filled with pomp and circumstance or is a private ceremony more your style
Ebony, June, 2005
MANY brides want a simplified version of the traditional wedding, says wedding planner Martha Itulya, senior hospitality manager of the Hilton Chicago. "They want elegance and to have a good time. And the bride is the star."
Here's an official to-do list (and a few decorating ideas) for planning the perfect wedding: * Visit with your pastor to schedule premarital counseling sessions. * Decide the overall style of the ceremony with your fiance, parents and wedding planner. Discuss the budget, wedding sites and wedding participants. * Reserve your ceremony and reception sites a year in advance.
* Remind all participants of the rehearsal details. Schedule the rehearsal ceremony and the rehearsal dinner. Arrange a conversation-friendly seating plan for your immediate family, new in-laws and friends. Select party favors and mementos for your guests. * Make an appointment with your stylist for your first dress fitting. Order wedding rings. Select and reserve formalwear for the groomsmen. Book hotel room for your wedding night. * Select your bridal attendants. Order your wedding invitations, programs response cards and thank-you notes. Plan your bridesmaids' party. * Register for presents at your favorite gift registry. Update your gift registry occasionally, as your favorite items are purchased.
* Get the marriage license. Pick up the rings. Make an appointment with your hair stylist. Have the final dress fitting. * Pick up your dress a few days before the wedding. Give copies of program material to ceremony participants. * Have your official wedding portrait taken. Look at the portrait often and vow to make it last forever.
TRADITIONAL ELEGANT RECEPTION TABLE is preferred by many brides.
DECORATOR: Helen Bailey, Urban Livin', Chicago
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS AND LINEN: Robert Fine Flowers
EDITOR: Zondra Hughes
PHOTOGRAPHER: James Mitchell
ART DIRECTION: Ingrid R. Larkin
LOCATION: Hilton Chicago
BUSTIER WEDDING CAKE is a unique alternative to the traditional cake.
WEDDING PLANNER; Angle Bloom-Hewett
FLORIST: Jenny Barker, Magical Blooms, Calif.
CAKE: Joan Spitler & Leigh Grode, cakedivas, Calif.
TABLE LINEN: Resource One, Reseda, Calif.
STYLIST: Wayne Gurnick, AIFD-InOvations
PHOTOGRAPHER: Valerie Goodloe
REHEARSAL DINNER may be served Afro-centric family style.
STEMWARE AND FLATWARE: Posh, Chicago Wrap your silverware in raffia and add burlap napkins for a special touch.
TRI-LEVEL EXOTIC GARDEN CENTERPIECES: Robert Fine Flowers
PARTY FAVORS & INDULGENCES are to be shared with your loved ones.
GOLD GRECIAN URN AND CANDLE PEDESTAL: Home Interiors
FRESH TEA-LENGTH ROSES AND VASE: Party Express from Hallmark
FINE CHOCOLATES: Bodega
DIAMOND PRINCESS COLOGNE: Trina
LUXURIOUS LIPSTICKS: Fashion Fair Cosmetics
HER FAVORITE THINGS Give the bride what she really wants.
CANDLE LANTERN: Home Interiors
EMERALD, PEARL NECKLACE AND PURSE: Landau
OPALITE TRIPLE STRAND NECKLACE: Stunning Details
SKIN REVITALIZERS: Gingi
PAVE HEART NECKLACE: Ziamond
DOMESTIC GLOVES: Glamour Gloves
SCENTED CANDLES: Bis Designs, Chicago
PARTY FAVORS
Throw your bridal attendants a bash with gifts for every taste.
BUSTIER FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS: Robert Fine Flowers, Chicago
BRIDAL SHOWER TEA-SETS: Posh, Chicago
HAND-MADE INVITATIONS: The Paper Source
FINE LINGERIE: La Perla
ASSORTED SCENTED CANDLES
LUSCIOUS LIP PHONE: Bratz
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