central massachusetts event planning guide issue 6

January 2012 | Vol 6

EDITOR / PUBLISHER

CP Publishing

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

376Studios.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

John BigleyVanessa Kasal Kunze

Paris Permenter Gail Stanton

PHOTOGRAPHY

aperfectpictures.com

SALES & MARKETING

Charles C. [email protected]

Steven [email protected]

Central Massachusetts Event Planning Guide is published 3 times

yearly by the CP Publishing Group. Reproduction of the contents,

images, and editorial is strictly prohibited without written permis-

sion from the publisher. Neither advertiser or publisher will be

held liable for errors or omissions in any content of this publica-

tion. All Rights Reserved ® 2011

Central Massachusetts Event Planning GuideCP PublishingPO Box 84, Southbridge, MA 01550Tel: 508-714-9112Toll Free: 888-704-6086Español: 774-317-8004

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ARTICLES

- Joint Finances ............................................ 08- Choosing your Flowers ............................. 14- Carrington Hall, A Closer Look ................ 16 - 13 Coins ..................................................... 18- The A to Z Guide for your Wedding Day ... 21 - Blending Culture & Tradition ................... 26- 10 Top Romantic Spots in the Caribbean ... 30�� - Who Traditionally Pays for a Wedding ...... 34��

Volume 6 | Central Massachusetts Event Planning Guide | 3

5 | Central Massachusetts Event Planning Guide | Volume 6

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Long before a couple gets married they need to have important conversations �� The religious adage of being equally yoked pertains to more then your faith ��!��"��# %�� they are in agreement in other areas of life as well before taking such an important ��!� ��# �� #� ��"��look at how you both feel about family, where and how you want to live and yes, � �� It’s important to come into agreement about how you will handle your money '�� ()� "�*�� "�� #��is about more then just how you will take care of the day to day living expenses, you ��"��"��+�� about the future and how you see your-��9��9�� "�+�� Many young couples have not yet thought of their retirement years or have asked themselves the question of ‘what does that look like to me?’ It’s a very im-portant question to ask because once life gets underway you need to have a plan to stick to inorder to accomplish both your �� "��#�� +� �� "�� today with frank and open discussions be-�+�� "��"�"�� :�� ;� +�� +�� <�=�� 9��"�'�� "��so, how much? School loans, credit cards and car loans all need to be assessed as a couple so that you can realistically plan

�� >� �� <�=��+��+��#�<�=�� 9�� #��!� �at work and can you access the cash in it if you have an emergency?� �"�� '�� 9��#-!�� Q��>� ��+��"��"�� #��<�)�*��'�� +;�'��U!�� If you have a 401 K or other form of retirement plan, is it the best use of your money to reach your long term goals or should you explore other options avail- '�� <��"�+�+�� planner to discuss your options and educate �� '�� # �� "�� =�� # �� #�� "�� "��+��"�� "�� "�*��"��"��!�� !�"�years earning degrees in order to help their ��'��!� �� X�� U #�� -clude health insurance plans, life insurance !� �;�+��;�� "�!��!�� It doesn’t matter if you are a young couple fresh out of school or are you fur-ther along, and established in your career, ��"��"�� -gether and make decisions for your future ��Y�� #��! �� before your wedding day will not only set you up for the future, it will help you avoid �� !�� # ��!��

written by: gail stanton

Finances and Marriage


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Choosing your

flowerswedding


Carrington Hall, a function facility that caters to the Latin community is Worcester’s best kept entertainment secret! Located at 90 Harding Street in the heart of the Canal District, the facility offers a variety of entertainment space and can accommodate groups both large and small.

“Carrington Hall offers the luxury of a hotel at the cost of a hall,” according to owner Bill Chase. In business in the community now for six years, Carrington Hall is known for being both elegant and affordable.

With seating available for up to 300 guests, the hall offers a full service bar, stage, " ��\�� "��"��#�� #!��! �%�� 9 �� '��>��# �� Q��"��9��;��Q��'��"-ing your event at Carrington Hall is that you can bring in your own caterer to suit your personal needs.

� �� "�� 9 �� '�� +�� Q��# �� 9�� "�to help you plan your event. Please call 508-523-6826 for further info and assistance.

A CLOSER LOOK AT:Carrington Hall


In Latin culture, tradition holds that the giving of 13 gold coins to be an inte-gral part of the wedding ceremony. The cus-tom has roots that date back to the Romans and depending on which Latin country you take it from, the meaning of the coins varies widely. According to history, in Mexico and Panama, the coins represent the groom’s !��#��!��9�"�� '��"��Her acceptance of the gift symbolizes her trust in her groom. In Spain the coins are said to represent Christ and his 12 disciples. Another belief is that the coins symbolize the 12 lunar cycles of the year plus the couples honeymoon. No matter which country you credit for the history of the coins, the tradition re-mains steeped in symbolism and is a very important part of the wedding ceremony. Many couples today choose to personalize their ceremonies by the manner in which they incorporate the 13 gold coins into it. Traditionally the coins are blessed by the Priest at the beginning of the ceremo-ny and are transferred to the bride from the Priest. She in turn places them in her groom’s hand. A member of the wedding party then puts the coins into a box or on a tray and holds on to them as they will be brought out later in the ceremony. There are many ways to incorporate the symbolic coins into your service. Some couples like to represent the unity of theirmarriage by having the brides and grooms

hands tied together with a ribbon while the bride holds the coins. When planning your ceremony, you can either follow the century’s old custom by carrying the practice out the way it has been done since its inception or you can modern-ize the tradition and put your own spin on how the coins are used. There are several ways to do this. Your wedding colors or dé-cor’ could be incorporated into the practice or perhaps you could use the exact coins or ceremonial box that was used for your par-ents or grandparents wedding service many years ago. You also have free reign in the design of box or tray that you choose to use in your ceremony.

The coins, also known as Arras, can be purchased at many outlets and you can locate one near you on the internet. Just remember, that no matter how you choose to incorporate the historic prac-tice into your service you will be bringing tradition, culture and honor to your wedding when you include the gift of the 13 gold coins.

written by gail stanton13 Coins


Attendants:Attendants, include the best man, bridesmaid, ushers, and groomsmen. Generally any people with some sort of responsibility on the big day.

Budget:Every wedding has a budget be it a no hold bar white wedding extravaganza or a low-key smaller affair both can be a beautiful fun day for everyone. There are many ways to cut the cost on the big day with out compromising on style and atmosphere.

Cake:This is another important feature; as the cake will appear in the “cutting of the cake” !�� !�� !��+�""�� '�#��\�+�� "�'��"��# �"��+�� \�� "��

Dress:The dress is going to be the center of attention for the whole wedding. The perfect dress ��"�# ��'��"�� "��'� �� 9�"�'�� +��"�"�� \ ��#!�� "��"�'��#�� '��

Entertainment:The entertainment you choose for the after ceremony party should vary depending on what type of weeding your going for, from the classical stringed quartet to the full on wedding band or dj.

Flowers:��'��"��# �"*��+��"��\�+��;��!��#�"�+��#�� #��#��\ #'�� '��-quet to the simplest white lilies. The most important being the bride’s bouquet.

Honeymoon:This will be the most extravagant holiday you ever had. Depending on what you can ��"�!��'� �� "��!��>� ��'�� 9�� Weekend in a 5 star hotel this is your quality time and should be as enjoyable as possible.

Invitations: ��)9�� +��+�""��"��\��+� ��!��+�""��'��:��# ��)��# ��=�*��'�� "��'��"��-ferent this is your chance to be creative.

Jewelry:You can go for diamante for that sparkly feel of pearl for the more understated bride, always remember whatever stones you choose the theme should run through out.

Love:{�� 9��"��#��#!�� ! ��+�""��" �� "�� "�� and falling in love. With out you two this day would not be happening, therefore it’s your special day to celebrate your love for each other.

A to Z


Marriage:There is also the legal aspects of marriage that are important as well as the spiritual, make sure you have all your legal requirements met and all your paper work in place well in advance of the wedding date.

Outdoor wedding:Oh what a wonderful day it would be, a beautiful sunny garden, a big white marquee adorned with lilies and trinkets, music, dancing all sounds beautiful. Hiring a marquee for the day is a really great idea if you live in a place were the weather permits.

Photography:The photographs are going to be the lasting feature of you big day so you want them to be as fabulous as possible. Take recommendations from friends and people who have recently got married, visit the photographer’s studio and view his work.

Reception:Your reception venue will be dictated by where you live, the amount of guests you are having and the style of wedding you want. You have a choice of hotel, outdoor marquee or to be slightly different you can choose a stately home or castle.

Skin:You will want beautiful silky skin to match your beautiful new gown on that special day, so start taking care of your skin a couple of months before hand with some deep cleans-ing and exfoliating facials.

Undies:Your dress will more or less decide what undies you require. A silicon based stick on bra for the strapless brides will make any bosom defy gravity. Or a steamy lace all in one will slim down your waistline.

Vows:Writing your own vows is a good idea if you want to give the ceremony a little more of a personal feel. Don’t hide away from this as every ones a sucker for romance and it will add a certain intimacy to the ceremony.

Winning Smile: There will be lots of kisses and smiling photos on the day so your lips and smile must be in tiptop shape. Also visiting the dentist a few weeks before and getting your teeth cleaned and polished is a necessity for a bling bling smile.

Yes:The whole wedding day is about two people saying yes. Yes to a partnership with each other, through the hard times as well as the good. Yes to loving each other through thick and thin. Yes is the most important word in the ceremony so savor the moment.

Zzzzzz:Catching some Zzzzz the night before the wedding is essential. Have a warm relaxing bath with some lavender oils then go to bed. Anyway you can always make up for it on your wedding night!

wedding guide


The old adage of marrying the girl next door has mostly bit the dust in to-day’s global society and many engaged couples face the challenge of how to in-corporate their cultural and religious dif-ferences in their wedding ceremony. Luckily, there are many ways to personalize your ceremony to honor the heritage of both families, you only need to decide what is most important to each of you to include. If you are unsure of where to start, �� 9��"��'��"-ed services before, chances are that they have and they may have some ideas you like. Your family members can also be very helpful in this area. Remember, your ceremony is the celebration of the start of a new family, yours! As much as possible, each detail should have special meaning as it is setting the foundation for your new life and husband and wife. When it comes to choosing the style of your vows, you need to decide if this is where you want to include cultural or religious traditions, or a blending of both.

Often if the couple has differing religious backgrounds, the ceremony will be con-ducted by a representative from each side. This has become a common practice and #�� "�*��#�"��"��ceremony. Although there is no right or wrong + ��"��;�# ��!��"�� want to include a description of what it is that they love and admire about the other person into their vows. Other cultural aspects can be included �� !�� #��;� "�� or ceremonial traditions. If you would like to make your wed-ding truly unique, don’t hesitate to step outside the box and do whatever it is that you feel would make your day truly spe-cial. Weddings often have themes and that does not have to be limited to the décor. If it would be possible, consider holding your wedding in a special location, one that re-\�� "�� '�� Y�� '�-ing creative, your wedding day can include everything important to both you and your intended, and become one of the most mem-orable days of your lives.

written by: gail stantonBlending Culture & Tradition

apfelphoto.com


Looking for a way to heat up your romance? The answer just might lie in the sunny � ��''� ;� � "�� "� +�� "� � "� �� !�� __�� 9��9��{��*��"�� "��"��"�+��# ��'��+��*��#��and do a little sightseeing, where are the best places for lovers to explore? Here are some favorites with romantic-minded travelers:

written by: Paris Permenter and John Bigley

Diamond Waterfalls and Gardens, St. Lucia - Blooming with tropical splendor, garden trails lead to the Diamond Waterfalls, a cascade that leaves a spray of “diamond” twinkles in the air. If you stop by on a Sunday, you can also enjoy a soak in the mineral baths originally built by French King Louis XVI for use by his troops.

The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands - This beach is littered with massive granite boulders as smooth as riverbed stones. They form shadowy caves perfect for a clandestine kiss. Y.S. Falls, Jamaica - Although the north coast’s Dunns’ River Falls is far more visited, these secluded falls offer couples a much quieter paradise. Cascading in steps through tropical forest, the falls can be climbed with the help of a guide then swimmers can enjoy clear waters under a canopy of ferns. Old San Juan, Puerto Rico - Dotted with historic sites and rich with the atmosphere of Spanish conquistadors, here couples can stroll hand-in-hand where lovers have literally walked for centuries. ��#��_�"��X�"�� :�� :��!��"��;� ��'��%�+� ��Morro. Boca Tabla, Curaçao - Pounding Atlantic waves carved this sea cave. Kneeling in the darkness of the sea cave, you’ll watch the surge of crystal blue waves as they come within feet of you, roaring into the cave and back out to sea.

West End, Negril, Jamaica - Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach gives way to rugged cliffs on ��+��"�� "��9��"��'��%�� ''� ��9��" �;��+"��arrive at Rick’s, one of the region’s best known sunset bars, for the chance to watch another island day draw to a close.

South Peninsula, St. Kitts - Until a few years ago, this stretch of land was accessible only by boat. Today a modern highway makes the island’s most beautiful, pristine beaches accessible. Keep an eye out for the vervet monkeys that live in this remote region.

Natural bridge, Aruba - This symbol of Aruba marks the line where tumultuous sea waves crash against the windward coast. Walk out on the bridge for a cool sea spray and a breathtaking view.

Paradise Point, St. Thomas - Aboard ski-lift gondolas, you’ll rise to one point that never sees snow: the top of Flag Hill for a view of the Charlotte Amalie harbor dotted with cruise ships. Gondo-las ascend to the point from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day.

Maracas Bay, Trinidad - About an hour from Port of Spain, the drive to this area is a treat in itself, winding through the Northern Range with views of forests where species such as howler and � !��#�%��;��;��# _��! ��;� "�+��"�!�� '��"��'� �� Y ��offers a full day of fun and is the place to see and be seen in Trinidad.

10 Top Romantic Spots in the Caribbean



Ah, the rings, such small pieces of jewelry, but they that tell the world that you are committed to and belong to an-other. Since early times, the wed-ding rings have been a symbol of unity. Most individuals are familiar with the saying that a ring embodies the ‘never ending circle’ of the love and devotion that a couple shares. Research shows us that wedding rings date back to the time of the early Egyptians. First made of wo-ven plants, the Egyptians believed that the rings’ circle was an eternal one. They also believed that the hole in the center of the ring was a gateway to the future, for a lifetime of things to come. Other ancient cultures believed the shape of the ring was symbolic to that of the moon and the sun, daily symbols of mankind’s life cycle that were both wor-shipped and celebrated at various times. Over the years, rings would eventu-ally be made of leather, bone, and ivory, before mankind settled on designing them out of various metals. No matter what material they were made of, historically most cultures have had the same meaning for wedding ring, a circle that represented a lifetime commitment. No matter what origin you associate

with the history of wedding rings, what remains true is that the

exchange of rings is a ma-jor component in most

wedding ceremonies today.

If you are planning to sur-prise you’re intended by spontaneously proposing, you need to know a

few things about the type of jew-

elry your partner wears. Rings are

made out of numer-ous metals and there are

styles to both bands and dia-monds to take into consideration.

Not to mention your budget! Before ring shopping, do your research. Familiarize yourself with the style of jew-elry your partner prefers and spend some time comparison shopping at various jew-elry outlets before making a selection. If you are unfamiliar with the whole wedding ring scenario, don’t hesitate to ask a jeweler to explain the various components of diamond shopping to you. Cut, Clarity, Carat and Color are the four ‘C’s’ to shop-ping for gems and a jeweler can explain the basics to you so that you make a wise pur-chase. Remember, wedding rings are to be worn for a lifetime, you want to make sure that you both will love yours as much in years to come as you do when you say, ‘with this ring, I thee wed.’

The Significance of your Rings


BRIDE / BRIDE’S FAMILY:- Any needed rental items- Out of town accommodations- Bridesmaids wedding gifts- Ceremony Costs (church fee, etc.)- Ceremony Decorations- Ceremony / Reception Flowers- Entertainment (dj, band, etc.)- Favors- Flowers (bridesmaid bouquets, corsages)- Gratuities / Tips for services- Grooms wedding gift- Grooms wedding ring- Guest Book- Her blood tests / medical checkup- Invitations, thank you cards- Lingerie- Photographer- Printed items such as napkins- Programs- Reception costs (hall fee, etc.)- Videographer- Wedding Consultant / Coordinator’s Fee- Wedding Dress, Veil and accessories

GROOM / GROOM’S FAMILY:- Accessories for men in wedding party- Alcohol at the reception- Out of town accommodations- Bride’s wedding gift- Bride’s wedding rings- Flowers (bride’s bouquet, all boutonnieres)- Groomsmens gifts- His blood tests/medical checkup- Honeymoon- Limosine / Carriage costs- Marriage License��X�� :��- Rehearsal Dinner expenses- Wedding Attire

ATTENDANTS/USHERS:- Any necessary travel expenses- Shower gift- Wedding attire and accessories- Wedding gift for the newlyweds

One question that usually comes up when a couple announces their engage-ment is, “Who will pay for the wedding?”

Traditionally, the majority of the wedding expenses are paid for by the bride and/or her family. In our more modern times, however, another approach is to divide the costs up between the bride and groom and each set of parents.

Below is a list of the traditional guidelines for wedding expenses. You may choose to adapt this list to your own personal needs and preferences.

Who Traditionally

PAYS for the

Wedding


When planning your dream Wedding or Quinceañera, don’t forget to include a beau-tiful horse drawn carriage from Cedar Knoll Farm of Lisbon, CT. Traveling to your loca-tion throughout New England and Eastern Long Island, Cedar Knoll has several options of unique wedding transportation that you may choose from for your special day! Whether your theme is formal, fairy tale, country or a winter wonderland, there are nu-#�� 9 �� '��'�"��Cedar Knoll prides itself on providing elegant and unique transportation for all of your spe-cial events. Cedar Knoll Farm offers immacu-late horse drawn transportation, from Cin-derella carriages to surrey- top wagonettes to sleighs (on wheels and in the snow), each with beautifully groomed horses and spotlessly el-egant attendants dressed in formal attire. For more information please call 860-376-8110 or visit www.cedarknoll.net

Cedar Knoll Farm

ALTERATIONSAlexis Bridal (27) 508-791-0412)��Y��" ��Y��Q��

BACHELOR PARTIES�� !��"+ ��

BALLOONSY �� "��

BEAUTICIANS ��

BRIDAL SHOPSAlexis Bridal (27) 508-791-0412� �'�� _ '��Y��" �� )��Y��" �� Y��" �� )"� �� Y��" �� !�� 9��

CAKESY� �� : �� :�� 9 �� )� '�� Y �� +�� # ��

CATERER/FOOD ARRANGEMENTS��"�� "��;�)�� "�'�� #�� +��''��

A - G Planning Guide Directory

CEREMONY OFFICIANT =� �Y�^ ��

CLOWNS �_�� Y�Y��

DECORATIONSY �� :�� 9�� "�_�=�� 9 �� : 9�� # �� "��

DISC JOCKEY:� ��=�� )�� =�� =��

ENTERTAINMENT��> �� !��"+ ��

EVENT PLANNERSY��9�� Y�" �=��

FLOWERS: '�� "�_�:��+�� :��+��

GIFTS & FAVORS�� )"� �� 9 �� : 9��

��#!��9��`�+�� "��9��9��

HORSE & CARRIAGECedar Knoll Farms (37) 860-376-8110

INSURANCEShea & Poor Insurance (31) 508-453-2536

JEWELRYElliott`s Jewelers 978-342-9107J & J Jewelers (19) 978-975-2647

JUSTICE OF THE PEACEYarisbeth Polanco (09) 978-265-0967

LIMOUSINE All Points Limousine (39) 978-537-4122 Gander Limo & Transport (13) 508-335-1153Gray`s Limousine (10) 508-869-6365Limo Affair (05) 508-731-0226Ruben`s Transportation (33) 888-782-3670

MASTER OF CEREMONYBilly Ayala (29) 774-535-4161

MORTGAGE & REAL ESTATECommunity Realty (45) 508-714-9112Evolve Bank & Trust (45) 508-425-0511Wells Fargo (42) 860-712-1271

PHOTOGRAPHERSA Perfect Pictures (1&2) 508-714-9112HJM (15) 508-753-2230

RESTAURANTSCancun`s Mexican (12) 508-839-8800Conchagua (17) 508-713-5806Brisas (17) 508-459-9801Leo’s Ristorante 508-753-9490 The Manor (39) 508-835-4722Periwinkles (20) 508-832-9705VIA Italian Table 508-754-4842

H - Z Planning Guide Directory

RECEPTION FACILITIESBeechwood Hotel 508-453-1111Carrington Hall (16) 508-523-6826 Colonial Hotel 978-630-2500Courtyard by Marriott (Back) 978-602-1933Days Inn Hotel Methuen 978-686-2971Di Burros 978-372-0441Double Tree Hotel 508-366-5511Four Points by Sheraton 978-840-5537Haverhill Country Club 978-373-1146Holiday Inn Marlborough 508-481-3000Leicester Country Club (07) 508-892-1390Maxwell Silverman’s 508-755-6508 The Manor (39) 508-835-4722Periwinkles Banquet Center (20) 508-832-9705Salem Cross Inn (41) 508-867-2345Southbridge Hotel 508-765-8200Wachusett Villiage Inn 978-571-2524

SHOESShoes to Dye For 508-653-6063

TRAVELAlpha Travel (38) 508-753-2242BC Travel (28) 978-345-1499Caribbean Travel (35) 508-767-0172

TUXEDOSArmandos 508-757-1530Bonardi`s (05) 508-754-4036Men’s Warehouse 508-756-4661 The Special Event 508-624-9392

VIDEOGRAPHYA Perfect Pictures ( 1&2 ) 508-714-9112Sidon Video Production (27) 508-852-1085

A Comprehensive Listing of New England Event Services

central massachusetts event planning guide issue 6

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