tbd fall13 web2[1]

D I R E C T O R YFall 2013–Winter 2014

FREE

Stephanie Whatley

Photography, LLC

TuscaloosaBridalDirectory.com

publisher Litho Publishing, Inc. editor Beth Andrews art direction Brooks Graphic Design The Tuscaloosa Bridal Directory is a unique Directory full of useful information about planning your wedding. It includes checklists of what to do when, lists of who pays for what, and facts about invitations, announcements and much more. Your Wedding Day is very special and we encourage you to use professionals like those you will find in the Directory. When contacting those professionals listed in the Directory, let them know how you found them. Finally, please let us hear from you—your comments will help us provide a better service to you and others in the future. Congratulations!The Tuscaloosa Bridal Directory, Issue 50 Fall/Winter 2013–2014, P.O. Box 530892, Birmingham, AL 35253, 205-871-6322 or [email protected]. Listing and Advertising rates available upon request. All rights reserved. Copying or reproduction, in whole or in part, of this publication is strictly prohibited. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information contained herein. However, the publisher cannot guarantee such accuracy. Listings and advertising are subject to errors, omissions, and/or other change without notice.

©Copyright 1995 Tuscaloosa Bridal Directory

4 I Dos and I Don’ts

8 Grooming the Groom

10 Wording Your Wedding Invitation

12 Musical Menu

16 Addressing Formal Invitations

22 Newspaper Requirements

30 Fun with Photos

34 Feature Wedding/

Tuscaloosa Bride

38 Groom’s Checklist

39 Marriage License

40 Wedding Planner

42 Setting Your Budget

43 Coming Home Checklist

44 Directory of Services

48 How To Cut a Wedding Cake

50 Wedding Expenses

58 Reception Checklist

62 Pinterest

64 Ask the Baker

66 The Perfect Wedding Toast

68 The Inn at Palmetto Bluff

cover photography by Stephanie Whatley Photography, LLC

www.stephaniewhatleyphotography.com205.310.1059

D I R E C T O R Y

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2 Tuscaloosa Bridal Directory

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Planning your wedding should be one of the most exciting times of your life. However, during the planning

process you, as the bride, may feel over-whelmed and pushed to your limit. Here are a few helpful tips to keep planning simple, fun, and focused.1. Get busy!Congratulations! The man of your dreams has proposed and you are officially engaged.Celebrating your engagement is the jump start to planning your wedding; however, one mistake that couples often make is lounging in their engagement until 6 months prior to their wedding date. This is when your groom may wonder, “Who is this Bridezilla and what did she do with my cool, calm, and col-lected fiancée?!” Enjoy your engagement by allowing yourself time for planning. 2. Have a calendar.Set a wedding date that works for both you and your groom. Once you have determined that date, set other dates for completing things on your checklist. For example, if you get engaged in September and your wedding date is July 21, you could mark your calen-dar that you want to have the ceremony lo-cation and reception location reserved by December 1. And if possible, begin paying for both. Remember: The early bird gets the worm. The sooner you start, the more likely you can reserve the location and times you want.3. Set aside time.Devote specific days of the week and/or spe-cific times of the day for planning and focus-ing on wedding details. Sit down as a couple and plan. If you decide to have a wedding coordinator, schedule specific times to meet with them as well. These specific meeting times will help keep everyone on track and avoid wasting time on duplicated efforts.

4. Delegate, delegate, delegate.You and your groom should be involved in planning every step of the way; however, the absolute best way to get things checked off of your list is to delegate. A good wedding co-ordinator is an expert at knowing what needs to be done and asking people to do specific tasks. You will need this when your wedding day arrives! And whether your man admits it or not, he does want to be involved... all you have to do is ask! 5. Communication is key.In order to make your ideas come to life, you must communicate. Pin on Pinterest, cut out pictures, and tag yourself on Facebook to identify various styles that represent what you want. Communicating with your vendors is a must.6. Be flexible.Although you may have dreamed of your wed-ding since you were 12 years old, the reality is you may have to be more flexible with your fiancé. If you have a difference of opinion while planning the wedding, each person should have a chance to explain why he/she really wants it a different way and then weigh out your options together. And at the end of the day, remember the reasons why you love each other, even if the groom wants to leave the reception in a duck blind, Jack!7. Have a plan and stick with it.Although the details may change and have to be adjusted along the way, stay organized! Start a planning notebook with sections for categories such as guest list, reception, etc. Keep everything—just for this planning process. You never know what you may find your-self coming back to and needing (receipts, quotes, ideas, etc.).

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There’s no disputing that the wedding is the bride’s day, but that doesn’t mean the groom doesn’t need to pay

attention to his appearance. Take pride in knowing that you are a beautiful couple with a perfect sense of style. Whatever the style and degree of formality you choose for your wedding, there are a few key points regarding fit when ordering for-malwear for groom and groomsmen.

Shirts: Whether pleated front panels or tra-ditional smooth-fronted ones, shirts should fit snugly around the neck.

Pants: The bottom hem of the pants should touch the top of the shoes.

Jackets: As a general rule, you should be able to cup your fingers under the sides of your suit jacket. Jackets should fit snugly, but com-fortably with some room at the waist. Vents on the sides of the jacket should lay smoothly and follow bodylines.

Sleeves: Sleeves that drop below the thumb or come midway down the hand are too long; if the wristbone is showing, the jacket is too short.

Collar: The collar should hug the neck and the lapels should not buckle.

With all the attention given to the men’s clothes, an important detail that is some-times overlooked is the groomsmen’s hair. Men are generally more casual about haircuts than women, but they should be sure to get a trim two weeks before the wedding to add the finishing touch to their wedding finery.

A Groom’s Glossary

Tails: The ultimate formal attire, which should only be worn after 6 p.m., this en-semble features a winged-collar tuxedo shirt, ascot or bow tie, vest, tuxedo trousers and tailcoat. The full-dress ensemble comes in black, midnight blue, or grey, with a white shirt and matching or all white accessories.

Tuxedo: Either single or double-breasted, this formal suit has satin shawl or notched lapels. Matching pants sport a satin stripe down the pant-legs. Tailored in silk, mo-hair, wool or blend, in black, grey, ivory or white, tuxedos come in a range of styles sure to suit any taste.

Vest: This is often referred to as a waistcoat and comes in single- or double-breasted styles easily worn with nearly any tuxedo en-semble. With the open back vest, a band goes around the neck and another is fastened across the back. Tails, strollers, white-tie and director’s suits require a different style of vest.

White tie: Worn only to the most formal evening weddings, this ensemble consists of a black tailcoat and black tuxedo trousers with a white bow tie, winged-collar shirt and white vest.

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As a calligrapher I see a great many types and styles of wedding invitations, ranging from exquisitely

engraved beauties to DIY specimens. Unfor-tunately, none of them is immune to error. When ordering invitations from a stationer or creating them yourself, you are the one who bears ultimate responsibility for the finished product. Don’t rely on others; make it your business to know proper forms and usage. Here are a few common errors to avoid, along with some other hints that will make your invitation not only beautiful but correct. Honour of your presence/pleasure of your company: The phrase honour of your presence should be used only when the ceremony is held in a house of worship. This excludes even very formal wed-dings held in fine hotels or elegant clubs. If it isn’t in a house of worship, the correct phrase is request the pleasure of your company. This is by far the most common error I see. Time expression: evening begins at 6 p.m. That means that any time between noon and 6 p.m. is afternoon (e.g. half after five in the afternoon). Many etiquette mavens say that stating in the afternoon or in the evening is unnecessary. Their reasoning is that recipi-ents will assume your wedding ceremony is at a reasonable time of day. These phrases sound so delightfully romantic, though, that using one may be irresistible. In that case, take care to apply it accurately. State names: do not abbreviate in the wording of your invitation or follow the state name with a ZIP code. The return address on the envelope flap should also have the state name spelled out in full and should be fol-lowed by the ZIP code. Capitalization: avoid unnecessary capi-tals. Some word- processing programs and online services automatically capitalize the first word of every line. Take the time to check

and manually change these supplied, but often incorrect, capitals. Punctuation: avoid unnecessary com-mas. In names that are followed by numerals it is not necessary to use a comma before the numeral. Strictly speaking, it is not incor-rect to do so, but neither is it necessary, so don’t clutter up the name. When a man’s name includes Jr. it may be so abbreviated and should be preceded by a comma. If you choose to spell the word out, the comma is not required, nor is capitalization. Thus, Mr. James Richard Gibson, Jr. is correct and so is Mr. James Richard Gibson junior. Choice of font: there are countless fonts available and choosing one for your invita-tion can be both time- consuming and dizzy-ing. For script fonts, one shortcut is to check the capitals that will be frequently used in your invitation and addresses. Obviously, M is everywhere (Mr. and Mrs.). The capitals in your and your fiancé’s names are of para-mount importance. Those in your hometown and state will appear in your invitation, return address, and the addresses of many recipients. This is a very basic set of rules. For com-plexities, particularly in the case of names of those giving the wedding (e.g. divorced par-ents, the bride and groom themselves, etc.), you should consult a definitive etiquette source, such as Crane’s Wedding Blue Book or Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette. Beware of sites available online; they themselves are often imperfectly edited.

Wording Your Invitationby Andrea Watson, Fine Hand Calligraphy, Etc.

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Musical Menumu

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For the Procession Down the Aisle• “Air on the G String,” Bach: contemplative,

passionate.• “Allegro” from The Water Music, Handel:

jaunty, uplifting ditty.• “Andante” from String Quartet in A Minor,

Op. 29, Schubert: tender theme from the opera Rosamunde.

• “Andante” from Piano Concerto No.21 K.467, Mozart: used in the movie Elvira Madigan.

• “Arioso” from Cantata 156, Bach: nice, less-used substitute for “Air on the G String.”

• “Bridal Chorus” from Act III of Lohengrin, Wagner: “Here Comes the Bride.”

• “Canon in D,” Pachelbel: melodious round that keeps growing and growing.

• “The Four Seasons,” Vivaldi: various move-ments that provide uplifting, classic touch.

• “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” Bach: simple, swirling and sentimental.

• “Largo” from the opera Xerxes, Handel: slow, moving melody that builds to majestic climax.

• “Nocturne” from String Quartet No. 2, Borodin: passionate tune in the show Kismet.• “Romanza” from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Mozart: nothing more beautiful than this stately

melody.• “See, The Conquering Hero Comes” from the oratorio Judas Maccabeus. Handel:

bold tune. Perfect for the unabashed bride who idolizes her groom.• “Sheep May Safely Graze,” Bach: a heart tugger.• “Traumerie” from Kinderscene, Schumann: dreamy.• “Trumpet Tune,” Purcell, “Trumpet Voluntary in D,” Jeremiah Clarke: regal Baroque

fanfares.• “Vocaluse,” Rachmaninoff: gorgeous love song with a hint of tragedy.

For the Recessional• “Hornpipe” from The Water Music, Handel: noble Baroque tune.• “Ode to Joy,” Beethoven: solemnity meets hope.• “Rondeau,” Jean Joseph Mouret: theme from PBS’s Masterpiece Theatre.• “Wedding March” from Midsummernight’s Dream, Mendelssohn: a joyous

conclusion to start the rest of your lives together.• “Hallelujah Chorus,” by Handel: if you really want to make a statement!

By Martin Steinberg, The Associated Press

A Musical Menu forMarching Down the Aisle


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Addressing Formal Invitations Todayby Andrea Watson, The Fine Hand: Calligraphy, Etc.

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Every issue of the Tuscaloosa Bridal Directory contains an excellent guide on “How to address invita-

tions.” It is, however, necessarily brief, and inevitably questions arise as individual cases present themselves. Though formal wedding invitations maintain a sense of tradition, life in twenty-first century America has given rise to many changes in family life and nomen-clature. Your guest list will have many vari-ants from the usual Mr. and Mrs. As a callig-rapher I have made a study over the years of correct traditional forms and contemporary practices. Following are a few special cases that should help you avoid common errors.

When a married woman retains her maiden name, the invitation should have her name first, followed by the word and and the name of her spouse. The and indicates that this is a married couple:

Ms. Mary Elizabeth Jones and Mr. Steven Smith

Married couples using professional honorifics who share the same last name:

Both are doctors:Drs. Kathryn Anne and William Edward Coates

orThe Doctors Coates

If she is a doctor and he is not:Dr. Kathryn Anne Coates and Mr. William Edward Coates

If she retains her maiden name:Dr. Kathryn Anne Turner and Mr. William Edward Coates

Unmarried persons whose invitation will be sent to one address should have their names on separate lines:

Dr. Kathryn Anne Turner Mr. Steven James Smith

Using Mrs. with a woman’s given name is poor form. Whether married, widowed, or di-vorced, a woman should be Ms. Mary Smith or Mrs. John Smith. The Mrs. comes with the man’s name. If a divorced woman retains her ex-husband’s surname and wishes to con-tinue to use the honorific Mrs. it should be followed by her maiden surname and her former husband’s surname. If Mary and John Smith divorce, she may correctly be Ms. Mary Smith or Mrs. Jones Smith, but never Mrs. Mary Smith.

When using first names, it’s ladies first: Mary and John Smith. This isn’t merely etiquette, it logically keeps the man’s name together.

When children are invited you will need to know their ages and sexes to list them prop-erly. Age is a factor in deciding whether they should be sent separate invitations. The con-temporary custom of giving surnames to girls as well as boys creates confusion. Note that double envelope sets make this somewhat eas-ier, as children’s names can be listed on the inner envelope. Single envelopes can’t sup-port more than two lines for names, so un-less the children are of the same sex, separate invitations become a necessity.

There are bound to be other special cases that are real stumpers. An experienced calligra-pher can help you sort these out while main-taining good form.


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The Tuscaloosa NewsEngagement AnnouncementsPackage A is $195, which includes a two-column announcement up to 5 inches tall, including a one-column photo printed in color or black & white, and online posting. Package B is $350, which includes two-column and up to 10 inches tall, including a two-column photo printed in color or black & white, and online posting. Wedding AnnouncementsPackage choices for weddings include:• Free basic announcement with no photo, includes online posting. No additional in-formation can be added to the announce-ment form.• Free basic announcement with photo for $125. One-column photo printed in color or black & white and online posting included.• Package A is $195 and includes a two-col-umn wide announcement up to 5 inches tall, including a one-column photo printed in color or black & white, and online post-ing. • Package B is $350 and includes a two-col-umn wide announcement up to 10 inches tall, including a one-column (more copy–450 words) or two-column photo (less copy –225 words) printed in color or black & white, and online posting.• Package C is $495 and includes a two-col-umn wide announcement (500 words) up to 15 inches tall, including a two-column photo printed in color or black & white, and online posting.

DeadlinesDeadline for submissions is 2 weeks prior to publish date (at least 1 month in advance, but not more than 3 months of wedding date for engagements and within 6 weeks

after wedding date for weddings. Payment is required in advance. You have to have an email address or will have to ok the copy in person after it is printed out. No corrections or permission to print of copy taken by phone. Call Peggy Skelton at 205-722-0199 or email [email protected] for forms and information.

Northport GazetteDeadlines for announcements/articles:• All photographs and text must be turned

in the Monday prior to when it should run, no later than 5:00 pm.

• The Gazette is published every Wednesday afternoon.

• Photos and text can be emailed to: [email protected] or brought into our office at 401 20th Ave., Suite 5, Northport (phone 749-3091).

Photos should be in the best and clear-est form possible. Text may also be faxed to 759-5449.


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Even though weddings are a testa-ment of very personal love, some-times the whole day can seem like

a cookie-cutter event. But there is nothing more personal than a photo; so use them to make your day one-of-a-kind! Here are a few ideas for using images to express yourself in your wedding, from the fun and frivolous to the romantic and intimate.

• Save-the-date cards and invitations can seem stuffy and predictable—so spice them up with a photo of you two. From photos of the two of you when you were children to photos from when you first met. It makes a more interesting card and gets guests excited for your wedding.

• Have posters made or large canvases from your engagement session to hang or display at the reception site. Surround your en-gagement photo with a large smooth white mat and display it with nice pens at the re-ception for guests to sign. You will have a personal touch around a beautiful photo of the day.

• At pre-wedding parties, have guests bring

ANY photos of you and the groom (embar-rassing or unflattering) and set them in a frame at the reception. Let everyone see all sides of your relationship!

• Huge reception halls and banquet rooms can seem large and impersonal. By adding pictures from your parents’ and grandpar-ents’ weddings framed nicely throughout the room, the room will become a little more intimate. It’s also a nice way to honor deceased relatives or long-standing mar-riages.

• Many couples have a disposable camera or two at each table—let everyone from the flower girl to your great-grandpa snap a few and have them turn it in at the end of the night. Then see what every-one was up to and what you may have missed!

• Here’s a fun, crowd pleas-ing, party-enhancing idea: rent a photo booth to have a great reception! Your guests will have a great time enter-ing the booth posing for photos (both lovely and silly) and enjoying the black and white

or color prints.

• Looking for a wedding gift for your fiancé? Give him a chic, “for his eyes only” boudoir-style pho-tograph of yourself that will cap-ture the romance and affection that only you two can share.

• Finally, before leaving your re-ception, have your photographer or a friend take a quick snapshot of bride and groom with your cell phones. What a fun screen saver to have on your honeymoon!

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THREE TO T WELVE MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING Set budget and division of financial obligations Buy engagement ring Choose best man and ushers (one usher per 50 guests) Set appointment with clergyman Furnish family guest list to fiancée Plan honeymoon with fiancée (check passports and visas, if necessary) Order bride’s flowers Order mother’s flowers Plan correct formal attire with fiancée and groomsmen Make reservations for rehearsal dinner Take dance lessons

T WO MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING Select your wardrobe for honeymoon Select wedding rings with fiancée Choose gifts for ushers and best man Select bride’s gift Reserve limousine and/or special transportation

ONE MONTH BEFORE WEDDING Arrange all needed insurance and review legal/medical/religious documents Arrange lodging and transportation for out-of-town guests Have medical examination and blood test

T WO WEEKS TO ONE DAY BEFORE WEDDING DAY Get marriage license Provide final guest count for rehearsal dinner to caterer or restaurant Arrange for clergyman’s fee Plan bachelor dinner or party with best man Pick up wedding bands Pack for honeymoon

B E S T M A N ’ S C H E C K L I S T

Take charge of ushers Be responsible for wedding rings Be responsible for clergyman’s fee

Be responsible for license Check on all travel arrangements for honeymoon Prepare to toast bride and groom

G R O O M ’ S C H E C K L I S T

38 Wedding Checklists

M A R R I A G E L I C E N S E

T U S C A L O O S A C O U N T Y C O U R T H O U S E

TUSCALOOSA COUNT Y MARRIAGE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

1. You must be at least 18 years old.

2. If you are under the age of 18, both parents must come in and sign the application, as well as a Marriage Bond. We MUST see the parent’s driver’s license and the minor’s certified birth certificate issued from the Health Department in the last 30 days.

3. YOU MUST HAVE:

a. Driver’s License; State issued Non-driver’s license or a passport for identification.

b. Social Security cards are required if you have a social security number.

c. If you do not have a social security number, a notarized affidavit attesting to the fact that you were never issued and/or have never had a social security number must be submitted at the time you purchase your marriage license.

d. Divorce decrees if either party has been divorced or death certificate if spouse is deceased.

e. $44.00 CASH for the license. (Checks, debit cards or credit cards NOT ACCEPTED.)

f. $15.00 more if you are getting married here by the Judge of Probate.

TOTAL $59.00 CASH

4. If you are interested in being married here, you must call that morning to make sure someone will be here to marry you. We DO NOT make appointments!

5. Blood tests are NOT required!

6. Marriage licenses are valid for 30 days in the State of Alabama. That means once the license is issued to you, you must get married within 30 days. The license is void after 30 days and valid ONLY in Alabama. You may purchase your license in any county in Alabama. It is not required that you buy it in the county where you are to be married.

Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.(4:15 if applying for license)

Marriage Clerk:349-3870, Extension #204

Wedding Checklists 39

THREE TO T WELVE MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING Determine budget with parents / number of guests Create a website for your wedding Type of wedding (very formal, formal, semi-formal) Date, time and place for ceremony Visit officiating clergy for consultation Choose bridal consultant if desired Type of reception Reserve facility for reception Wedding dress Bridal attendants Attendants’ dresses and mothers’ gowns Guest list Wedding invitations and announcements / calligrapher if desired Thank you and personal stationery Choose photographer and videographer Registry for gifts: china, silver, crystal patterns Buy a wedding album, gift and guest record file Find a new home and plan furnishings Start your make-up lessons, skin care, hairstyling program Start workout program with personal trainer Ceremony and reception music Take dance lessons Order flowers Make appointment for pre-marital examination Consult caterer Discuss honeymoon with groom

T WO MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING Check state requirements for marriage license Order wedding and groom cake Address and mail invitations Arrange for display of gifts Wedding gown fittings Attendants’ gown fittings Shop for trousseau Coordinate men’s formalwear attire Select attendants’ and groom’s gifts

W E D D I N G C H E C K L I S T


W E D D I N G C H E C K L I S T

ONE MONTH BEFORE WEDDING Mail invitations Have programs printed Set appointment to have make-up and hairstyling for portrait Check groom on wedding ring(s) Final fitting of wedding dress and all gowns Have wedding portrait taken Send portrait to newspapers Complete arrangements for reception Arrange transportation and accommodations for out-of-town guests Arrange for moving (if necessary) Arrange for party rental equipment Arrange transportation to ceremony and reception Arrange for your joint or new checking accounts Have all charge accounts changed / change of address to post office Acknowledge each gift as it arrives Arrange for insurance on wedding gifts Arrange for yoga class to help with stress from the above Arrange for preservation of bridal bouquet

T WO WEEKS TO ONE DAY BEFORE WEDDING DAY Arrange final seating for the reception Write toasts for rehearsal dinner Check all gowns and accessories / break in wedding shoes at home Complete trousseau and going away clothes Write checks to vendors, put in envelope and give to Best Man to pass out Give caterer final estimate of attendance at reception Discuss specific shots with photographer Make arrangements with Best Man to return tuxedo rentals Present gifts at and attend bridesmaid’s luncheon Arrange any last minute transportation Put all wedding clothes in one place Arrange wedding day time schedule Get lots of beauty rest

WEDDING DAY Relax – Have a leisurely breakfast Take time to bathe and dress leisurely Make-up by an artist, manicure, hair styled Leave all details to those responsible This is your day – Enjoy!


S E T T I N G Y O U R B U D G E T

There are many details to investigate before signing any contractual agreements for your wedding services. Once you’ve checked off the items listed below and made your decisions, get in writing everything you expect.

BUDGET EST.COST

Stationery $________ ________Invitations ________Announcements ________Thank you Notes ________Reply Cards ________At-home Card ________Monogrammed Napkins ________Matches ________Photography $________ ________Formal Portraits ________ Engagement ________ Wedding ________Wedding Album ________Parent’s Album ________Extra Prints ________Videography $________ ________Reception $________ ________Food ________Beverage ________Wedding Cake ________Groom’s Cake ________Gratuities and Taxes ________Valet Parking ________Officer ________Music $________ ________Wedding ________Reception ________Soloist ________Bridal Attire $________ ________Dress ________Headpiece and Veil ________Undergarments ________Jewelry ________Shoes ________Trousseau ________Garter ________Preservation-Gown ________Hair Stylist ________Nails ________Wedding Consultant $________ ________

BUDGET EST.COST

Transportation $________ ________Limousines ________Carriage, etc. ________Parking ________Wedding Parties $________ ________Bridal Luncheon ________Rehearsal Dinner ________Out-of-town Guests ________Fees $________ ________Church/Synagogue ________Officiant ________Assistants (cantors, altar boys) ________Gifts $________ ________Maid of Honor ________Best Man ________Bridesmaids ________Groomsmen ________Other ________Flowers $________ ________At Ceremony ________Bridal Bouquet ________Attendants’ ________ (male, female) ________Mothers’ Corsages ________Reception ________Miscellaneous $________ ________Bird Seed Bags ________Hotel Accommodations ________(for out-of-town guests) ________Honeymoon $________ ________Transportation ________Accommodations ________Daily Allowance ________

Total Budget $ _________________

Total Est. Cost $ _________________

Typical Breakdown of Wedding Expenses

Reception Costs 30%Clothes and Gifts 30%Ceremony Costs 11%Photography 11%Invitations & Stationery 6%Miscellaneous 12%


C O M I N G H O M E

Following is a list of whom to inform and what to modify when your name changes.

Notify parents and family you are home, Don’t forget to thank them for their cooperation.

Finish sending thank-you notes.

Check your wedding gifts. If you have duplicates or ones that don’t fit your taste, return them immediately.

Select your wedding photographs.

Change all previous addresses such as driver’s licenses, charge cards, insurance policies, etc.

Notify business associates.

Discuss with each other and lawyer the need for insurance such as homeowner, jewelry and maternity benefits on your medical insurance.

Work up a budget on a weekly and monthly basis.

Invite parents to dinner.

Have a party inviting groomsmen and bride’s attendants. Show them the wedding and honeymoon photographs.

Driver’s License

Auto Registration & Title

Auto Insurance

Social Security Card

Credit Cards

Checking/Savings Accounts

Health Insurance Policies

Life Insurance Policies

Telephone Number & Listing

Post Office

Charge Accounts

Income Tax Deduction Status with Employer

Lending Institutions

Medical/School records

Wills

Accountant

Securities Broker

Leases with Landlord

Library Card

Voter Registration Card

Organization Memberships

Passport

Safe Deposit Box

Magazine/Newspaper Subscriptions

C H A N G I N G Y O U R N A M E


Directory of Servicesbakers

A CUTTING EDGE CATERERSwww.acuttingedgecatering.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 633-1032MARY’S CAKES & PASTRIES, LLC412-B 22nd Avenue, N’port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345-8610www.maryscakesandpastries.comSWEET TREATSHwy 69 South. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343-2262

bartending servicesJ & S BARTENDINGMarc Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

beauty/healthMARY KAY COSMETICSShawna S. Dyer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

bridal/formal apparel/ formalwear

BEAUTY MARK, INC.1621 Skyland Blvd, East. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 556-2005www.shopbeautymark.comBURCH & HATFIELD FORMAL SHOPS, INC.1810 University Blvd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 759-14662623 McFarland Blvd. East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366-0077DANA LEA BRIDAL1010 26th Avenue, Suite B, NorthportBy Appointment Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] IN LACE410 Downtown Plaza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349-5223www.ladyinlace.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] – A BRIDESMAID’S BOUTIQUE1653 McFarland Blvd. N., Suite F-2 . . . . . . . . . . . 344-4033(located within Part Two) www.shop-sash.com

bridal luncheon/shower/ rehearsal dinner venues

BEAR CREEK MANOR301 Bear Creek Cutoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210-5300Facebook.com/bearcreekmanorCHUCK’S FISH508 Greensboro Avenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248-9370www.chucksfish.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 799-1720THE CYPRESS INN RESTAURANT501 Rice Mine Road North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345-6963www.cypressinnrestaurant.com

DINAH WASHINGTON CULTURAL ARTS CENTER620 Greensboro Avenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 758-5195 ext. 7cac.tuscarts.orgHOTEL CAPSTONE320 Paul Bryant Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 752-3200www.capstonehotel.comSOUTHERN HOUSE & GARDEN15308 Shepard Park Roadwww.SouthernHouseAndGarden.com . . . . . . . . 345-5765

bridal registryANNA KATE & CO.80 McFarland Boulevard, Suite 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349-2206CAPITOL PARK ANTIQUES2625 University Blvd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342-0055www.capitolparkantiques.comHUDSON-POOLE JEWELERS1111 Greensboro Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 752-5535

calligrapher

THE FINE HAND CALLIGRAPHY, ETC.Andrea Watson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

caterers

A CUTTING EDGE CATERERSwww.acuttingedgecatering.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 633-1032A TAVOLA [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265-1110southerndiningresources.comCASUAL CLASSIC [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248-8386THE CYPRESS INN RESTAURANT501 Rice Mine Road North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345-6963www.cypressinnrestaurant.comHOTEL CAPSTONE320 Paul Bryant Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 752-3200www.capstonehotel.comSOUTHERN HOUSE & GARDEN15308 Shepard Park Roadwww.SouthernHouseAndGarden.com . . . . . . . . 345-5765WALNUT HILL DESIGNSSandra Junkin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . .205-399-0763

entertainment & music

TOTAL ENTERTAINMENTwww.TotalEntertainmentWeddings.com . . .205-301-7227VIDEO D.J. BY CLINTON E. HORN . . . . . . 394-7452


event planning

DREAMS BY K. CRAWFORDK. Crawford . . . . . . . . . [email protected] / 393-0134JESTER’S FLOWERS2515 University Blvd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 752-9661www.jestersflowers.comMATT CLINTON DESIGNS705 Paul Bryant Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-0488www.mattclintondesigns.comSIGNATURE EVENTSKeely Duke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] HOUSE & GARDEN15308 Shepard Park Roadwww.SouthernHouseAndGarden.com . . . . . . . . 345-5765SPECIAL EVENTS – A GAME DAY TENTS CO.1419 22nd Avenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469-0105www.SpecialEventsAL.com

floral preservation

MEMORIES – FLOWER PRESERVATIONLynn Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242-7428www.memories-flowerpreservation.com

floristAMY’S FLORIST4521 Longview Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345-2242www.amystheflorist.comBEAUTY MARK, INC.1621 Skyland Blvd, East. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 556-2005JESTER’S FLOWERS2515 University Blvd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 752-9661www.jestersflowers.comMATT CLINTON DESIGNS705 Paul Bryant Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-0488www.mattclintondesigns.comNANCY HAYES/SWEET TREATSHwy 69 South. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 792-6542SOUTHERN HOUSE & GARDEN15308 Shepard Park Roadwww.SouthernHouseAndGarden.com . . . . . . . . 345-5765SUE’S FLOWERS – Tyric Humphryes405 Main Avenue, N’port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 758-2100TUSCALOOSA FLOWER SHOPPE2208 University Boulevard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 758-3065Tuscaloosaflowershoppe.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 861-7760

guest accommodations

HOTEL CAPSTONE320 Paul Bryant Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 752-3200www.HotelCapstone.com

COURTYARD & FAIRFIELD INN by MARRIOTT4115 Courtney Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 750-8384www.marriott.com

honeymoon specialist

TRAVEL PLANNERS, INC.3918 Montclair Road, Birmingham . . . . . . .205-870-3031www.travelpi.com

horse & carriage serviceMALLISHAM’S GLASS SLIPPER CARRIAGE TOURS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 752-3771Ben & Eddie Mallisham. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345-8496

invitationsANNA KATE & CO.80 McFarland Boulevard, Suite 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349-2206

jewelryBEAUTY MARK, INC.1621 Skyland Blvd, East. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 556-2005DIAMOND JEWELERS1701 McFarland Blvd., Suite 199 . . . . . . . . .205-633-9905University MallHUDSON-POOLE JEWELERS1111 Greensboro Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 752-5535www.HudsonPoole.com

lighting designTOTAL ENTERTAINMENTwww.TotalEventLighting.com . . . . . . . . . . . .205-301-7227UPLIGHTING BY CLINTON E. HORN . . 394-7452

limousine servicePRESTIGE LIMOUSINE SERVICEwww.prestigelimotuscaloosa.net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333-9879

mobile sunless tanningRAW SUN TANNINGwww.RawSunTanning.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

musicians

CRAIN SISTERS – HARPIST AND [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393-6407www.crainsnestband.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 799-1416FLUTEFORIAFlutist–Stephanie Whatleyhttp://www.youtube.com/user/fluteforiawww.StephanieWhatleyPhotography.com . . . . . 310-1059HARPIST—WEDDING AND RECEPTIONSMary Beth Cavert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345-6777


photography

FAIR [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205-412-6572GARY FRANKLIN PHOTOGRAPHYwww.garyfranklinphotography.com . . . . . . . . . . . 752-9719HOLLOWAY PHOTOGRAPHYLarry Holloway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 553-8656www.larryhollowayphotography.com. . . . . . . . . . 799-2438KAPTURED BY KRISTEN PHOTOGRAPHYKristen Hollingsworth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] FOREHAND PHOTOGRAPHYwww.meganforehandphoto.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 886-6020SCOTTIE JONES PHOTOGRAPHY . . . . . . 372-3777 scottiejonesphotography.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . or 657-0104STEPHANIE WHATLEY PHOTOGRAPHYwww.stephaniewhatleyphotography.com.. . . . . . 553-3998TERRI LANE PHOTOGRAPHYwww.TerriLanePhotography.com . . . . . . . . [email protected]

photo booths

SPECIAL EVENTS1419 22nd Ave.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469-0105www.specialeventsal.comTOTAL ENTERTAINMENTTotalEntertainmentWeddings.com. . . . . . . . . . . . 301-7227

rentals

ABZ RENT-ALL1331 McFarland Blvd. NE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 759-5444abzrent-all.comDREAMS—LUXURY LINENSK. Crawford . . . . . . . . . [email protected] / 393-0134SPECIAL EVENTS – A GAME DAY TENTS CO.1419 22nd Avenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469-0105www.SpecialEventsAL.com

videographers

ACTION [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . 394-0141www.actionvideotuscaloosa.comHOLLOWAY PRODUCTIONSLance Holloway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 553-8656www.hollowayproductions.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242-9263

wedding & reception sitesBATTLE-FRIEDMAN HOUSE1010 Greensboro Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 758-6138BEAR CREEK MANOR301 Bear Creek Cutoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210-5300Facebook.com/bearcreekmanorBRYANT CONFERENCE CENTERhttp://bcc.ua.edu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348-3001CHUCK’S FISH508 Greensboro Avenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248-9370www.chucksfish.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 799-1720DINAH WASHINGTON CULTURAL ARTSCENTER620 Greensboro Avenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 758-5195 ext. 7cac.tuscarts.orgHOTEL CAPSTONE320 Paul Bryant Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 752-3200www.HotelCapstone.comSOUTHERN HOUSE & GARDEN15308 Shepard Park Roadwww.SouthernHouseAndGarden.com . . . . . . . . 345-5767THE CYPRESS INN RESTAURANT501 Rice Mine Road North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345-6963www.cypressinnrestaurant.comTHE JEMISON MANSION1305 Greensboro Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 758-2906THE L&N STATION301 Greensboro Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] OAKS430 Walnut St., Centreville, AL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225-0044www.theoaksatcentreville.comTIMBER VALLEY LODGEFayette, AL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205-932-1842Barbara and Rusty Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205-399-6301TUSCALOOSA COUNTY PARK & RECREATION AUTHORITYwww.tcpara.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 562-3220TUSCALOOSA RIVER MARKET1900 Jack Warner Pkwy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205-248-5295www.tuscaloosarivermarket.comrivermarket@tuscaloosa.comTHE UNIVERSITY CLUB421 Queen City Avenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

wedding gown preservationROYAL FINE CLEANERSTuscaloosa & Northport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391-0034www.royalfinecleaners.com


Looking for something unique and fun?Tuscaloosa River Market is a fabulous new venue with a beautiful view of the Black Warrior River. Call today for rates and reservations. Ask about special pricing with preferred caterers.

1900 Jack Warner Parkway | Tuscaloosa, AL 35401(205) 248-5295 | [email protected] Bobo, River Market Directorwww.tuscaloosarivermarket.com

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The most important info is to(1) remove the top tier which is usu-ally saved and

(2) obviously remove the topper and any oth-er non-edible decorations, then(3) start from the top and work your way down the cake.

Finally, if there are more than 3 tiers, remove the tiers before cutting to avoid having the tiers slip off while cutting.

General GuidelinesThe first step is to use the right knife. Al-ways use a sharp, thin knife. The cuts should be made by first inserting the knife straight down into the cake, and then by pulling the knife at an angle toward the outer edge. Be-fore the next cut, wipe the knife clean with a damp cloth.

Three-Tiered Round Cake1. Start from the top by removing the 6" tier, which is usu-ally the bride and groom’s cake to be saved.2. Cut a circle about two inches from the

outer edge of the 10" tier.3. Work from this circle and make vertical cuts about one inch apart, until the ring is completely sliced.4. Use the same starting procedure and cut another two-inch ring, again slicing into one-inch pieces.5. Repeat the procedure until the tier is com-pleted; then repeat entire process on 14" tier until all the cake has been served.

Three-Tiered Square Cake1. Start from the top by removing the 6" tier, which is usually the bride and groom’s cake to be saved.2. Work from any side to cut a horizontal line about two inches from the outer edge of the tier.3. Slice from right to left to make vertical cuts about one inch apart, until the entire row has been sliced.4. Cut another horizontal line two inches from the new edge, and slice this row.5. Repeat until the entire tier has been cut.6. You should produce five rows in the 10" tier.7. Move to the 14" and repeat the process for seven rows.

Heart and Oval CakesHeart and oval shaped cakes are cut in a simi-lar fashion as square and rectangular cakes.

Hexagonal and Petal CakesHexagonal shaped and petal shaped cakes are cut up in the same way as for round cakes.

How to Cuta Wedding Cake

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Source: http://www.elegantaffair-ca.com/weddingcake.php


430 Walnut StreetCentreville, AL 35042

(205) 225-0044email: [email protected]

www.theoaksatcentreville.comVisit us on Facebook.com/TheOAKS01

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Wedding Expenses—Who Pays?bu

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The bride’s family is entirely responsible for the wedding ceremony. The groom’s family may offer to share in the cost of the reception, and the bride’s family may accept, if they wish. By tradition, wedding costs are divided as follows:

The Bride (or family) pays for:m Invitations and Announcementsm The Bridal Outfit and Trousseaum Bridal Photographs/Videom All Costs of the Receptionm Flowers for the Church, Attendants

and Receptionm Music at the Church and Receptionm Sexton, Organist and Choir Feesm Bridesmaids’ Luncheon

m All Rented Equipment for Large Weddings and Receptions

m A Limousine for the Bride and Cars for Transportation

m Groom’s Wedding Bandm Groom’s Giftm Gifts for the Bride’s Attendantsm Lodging (if necessary) for

Out-of-town Bridesmaidsm Bride’s Personal Stationery

The Groom (or family) pays for:m Bride’s Engagement and Wedding

Ringsm Marriage Licensem Clergyman’s Fee ($10–$100, inquire)m Bride’s Flowersm Boutonnieres, Gloves, Ties for

Men of Wedding Party

m Wedding Gift for the Bridem Complete Wedding Trip or

Honeymoon Expensesm Gifts for Best Man and Ushersm Lodging (if necessary) for

Out-of-town Ushers

Optional Expenses:m Bride’s Bouquet, usually gift of the groom, may be purchased by the bride’s familym Corsages for mothers and grandmothers are usually provided by the groom, may be

purchased by the bride for her mother and grandmotherm Bachelor Dinner is usually given by groom or family, but may be given by the

bride’s family or friendsm Rehearsal Dinner is usually given by the groom or family, but may be given by the

bride’s family or friendsm Attendants’ Dresses are usually bought by each girl, but the bride may provide

them, if she wishes


Gl ass slipper Ca r r i aGe Tours

Ben & Eddie Mallisham • Tuscaloosa, AL • [email protected]

205.345.8496 • cell 205.799.9728 • cell 205.792.4812

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Tight Images —Tightimages.instaproofs.com

HaverkampfPhotography.com


Honeymoon Packingm His/hers toiletries (toothbrush,

toothpaste, dental floss, soap, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, brush, comb, nail polish and remover, file and clippers, makeup, shaver, shaving cream, fragrance, sunscreen, lip balm, cotton swabs)

m Medications, birth control, adhesive bandages

m Underwear, socks, hosem Sleepwear, robes, slippersm Raincoat, umbrellam Daytime wear

m Evening wearm Shoes (dress and casual)m Accessories (belts, ties)m Trip documents (passports,

visas, drivers’ licenses, marriage license, hotel/plane/rental car/cruise info)

m Watches, jewelrym Traveler’s checks, credit cards,

cash, foreign currency

m List of credit cards, traveler’s checks, checking account numbers

m List of luggage contents (needed for claiming losses)

m Guidebooksm Address book (for postcards)m Glasses, sunglassesm Sewing kitm Adapter plugs (for traveling

abroad)m Hair dryerm Traveler’s alarm clockm Camera, film or CF cards,

batteriesm Cell phone and charger, prepaid

long distance phone cards

Warm Weather Tripm T-shirts, shortsm Swimwearm Sandalsm Light jacket, wrapm Sun hats, visors

Cold Weather Tripm Warm pantsm Sweatersm Bootsm Hats, gloves, scarvesm Heavy socksm Coatsm Long underwear

Miscellaneousm Corkscrewm House keysm Games, novelsm Scissors, pocketknifem Plastic cupsm Large plastic laundry bag (for wet

clothes)m Tote (for gifts)m Hometown doctor’s name,

address, and phone numberm List of sites, restaurantsm Addresses of US embassies,

consuls, American Express offices


Your Perfect Wedding VenueSpacious Interior | Out-of-Town Guest Accommodations

301 Bear Creek Cutoff Road | Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405(205) 210-5300

/bearcreekmanor

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Timber Valley LodgeA Perfect Place for Any Event

Barbara & Rusty Jones205-932-1842 | 205-399-6301

Fayette, Alabama

Find us on Facebook for more photos and information.


Anna Kate & Co.request the honour of your presence

to view our many styles of

Wedding & PartyInvitations

NORTHRIDGE CENTER

1825 McFARLAND BOULEVARD NORTH

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA 35406

(205) 349-2206

I N V I TAT I ONS | G I F T S | S TAT I ONER Y

Wedding Program Pointersby Andrea Watson, The Fine Hand Calligraphy, Etc.

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Wedding programs are becom-ing increasingly popular today. Although they may not be ab-

solutely essential for a traditional wedding ceremony, they are a virtual necessity for cer-emonies that combine elements from differ-ent religions and cultures or if the bride and groom have written their own vows. Should special songs or prayers be included, a wed-ding program will enable guests to participate more fully in the service. In any case, an at-tractively designed and carefully thought-out wedding program that complements your other wedding stationery will serve as a lovely record of the event and its participants.

Essential items to include are (1) the title of the event, (2) the names of the bride and groom, (3) day and date, (4) place, (5) the order of the service which also notes titles of musical selections and soloists if any, as well as citations to sources of readings, (6) of-ficiants, (7) parents and grandparents, (8) members of the wedding, and (9) any helpful translations and explanations of rituals. The first four elements can easily be combined in a title phrase with appropriate line breaks, e.g. The Celebration of Marriage / uniting / Anna Kathryn Leigh / and / William Arthur Wells / Saturday, the eleventh of August / Two thousand twelve / at half after five o’clock / First Presbyterian Church / Tuscaloosa, Ala-bama.

Other optional elements that you may wish to include are expressions of thanks to par-ents, tributes to deceased relatives, a special verse of scripture or poetry, and other useful information, e.g. directions to the reception venue and/or your new names and address following the phrase At home.

If your wedding will be in a church, the pastor will likely want to ap-prove any artwork you wish to use and proofread your program to check terminology and the citations to scripture readings. Take advantage of this free expertise. Marriage may be properly called a sacrament in some churches, not in others. Presbyte-rians have cross bearers; Episcopalians have crucifers. Your clergy will know the correct forms and be happy to help you. Music direc-tors can also provide advice for the accurate listing of musical selections.

It is possible to produce an attractive wed-ding program yourself at very little cost using your own computer and printer. You should be proficient with word processing or layout software and be absolutely certain that you have the time and patience to do a thorough job. Good design skills and meticulous atten-tion to spelling and punctuation are essen-tial, also. Cutting and assembly require tools and time. If you are unsure of your abilities and resources in any of these areas, seek help from a professional graphic designer or a reputable printer who offers these services. Even when working with a professional, you must still exercise your own best judgment and taste. When it comes to creating a wed-ding program that will become a treasured keepsake, remember always that there is much elegance in simplicity.


Imagine your wedding or reception among thearchitectural remnants of Alabama’s one-time capitol

or on a terrace overlooking Lake Tuscaloosa...

PARA is ready to help you find the perfect venue for your wedding or reception. Whether you are planning a unique design for an indoor space or want to let nature be the backdrop, you can set the scene for a memorable occasion. With 36 parks and

six activity centers to choose from, PARA fits your budget and your guest list.

614 Greensboro Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 | 205-562-3220 | www.tcpara.org

Affordable Elegance

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The LocationmProximity to the ceremony sitemDate availability and discount days

to considermRental fee and what it includesmTime allowed to decorate the space for

the day of the weddingmUsing the location for a ceremony as

well, if desiredmWhether there will be other receptions

that daymNumber of guests the space will

accommodate comfortablymTerms of liability insurancemRatio of staff to guestsmOvertime chargesmPostponement/cancellation refund

policymGratuities and taxesmAvailability of valet parkingmClean restroom facilitiesmRoom for changingmMeans of handicapped accessmThe availability of a nursery or babysitter

Food and DrinkmMeal options, from a seated dinner to

a dessert-only receptionmSpecial meals to accommodate restricted

dietsmPrice per guestmMethod of paymentmA date for tasting menu and tour of the

site with a wedding in progressmDessert table policymAvailability of non-alcoholic beer, wine,

and beveragesmTop-shelf wine and alcohol vs. house

brandsmCost of open bar vs. one/two hour

cocktail service or host’s per-drink tab arrangement

mPossibility of bringing in your alcohol and amount of corking fee

mSupplier of the wedding cake and cutting fee

mOn-site wedding coordinator

MiscellaneousmMusicians

mFlorist

mPhotographer

mVideographer

mCake knife/server

mFood for band, etc.

mWedding guest book

mSeating plans

mPlace cards

mDecorations

mFavors

mList of photos

Basic Rentals for Off-site locations mTent

mChairs

mTables

mChina

mCutlery

mGlassware

mTableskirts

mDance floor

mServing trays and dishes

mLinens

mLighting

mHeaters and/or air conditioners

mRestroom facilities

mElectrical outlets

mBar equipment

Reception Checklistreceptio

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rWhen planning your wedding, set a budget and stick with it.The following checklist will help you keep track of your expenses.


TheJemison-Van de Graaff

Mansion

A Premier Event Location

1305 GREENSBORO AVENUETUSCALOOSA, AL 35401

205-758-2906WWW.JEMISONMANSION.COM

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Diamond Jewelers -

205-633-9905University Mall (next to Sears)

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Planning a wedding using Pinterest ideas for inspiration is pretty much expected these days. And while it’s

true that this photo-driven social media website is a fantastic tool to spur creativity, it can also lead to idea overload. Oftentimes, the more brides and grooms look at the vast array of ideas and details on Pinterest, the more they realize they need the help of wedding service professionals instead of trying to carry out these ideas on their own.

ConsDIY (Do-It-Yourself) Pinterest-inspired projects can be fun, but brides who believe they will save money may actually end up spending more than they anticipated af-ter purchasing the gadgets needed for these projects. In addition, infinite DIY projects can take infinite time, and could end up look-ing home-made, when they were meant to look hand-made. There are two types of brides for whom Pinterest is not ideal:• The bride who is still pinning things up to a week before the wedding.

• The bride who insists on a look that’s abso-lutely original. It creates intense pressure to find something no one has seen on Pinterest before. Another drawback of Pinterest’s popular-ity is the cookie-cutter wedding reception. No bride wants to hear “You got this from Pinterest, didn’t you?” on their special day.

ProsViewing a bride’s Pinterest board can be an incredible tool for communicating to wed-ding professionals exactly what she is imagin-ing for her wedding day. Another benefit of Pinterest is that it al-lows brides to map out the big day in a way that doesn’t require several notebooks. Also, because a picture is worth a thou-sand words to guys, Pinterest is a great way for a bride to show her fiancé what she has in mind.

The main thing for brides to remember is that their wedding shouldn’t be a stressful competition to have the most original flow-ers, dress, and catering. It’s all about enjoying that first day of your lives as husband and wife!

Pinterest Pros and Consplan

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Walnut Hill DesignsCATERING & EVENT PLANNING

Sandra Junkin205-364-1200 | 205-399-0763

[email protected]


Ask the Bakerby Mary Cesar, Mary’s Cakes and Pastries

How to Order a Wedding Cake:Top 10 Questions

Q1. How much wedding cake do I need?The general rule is to order enough bride’s cake to serve all guests, and enough groom’s cake for half. So, if you expect 100 guests, order a bride’s cake that serves 100, and a groom’s cake that serves 50. That being said, the more guests you invite, the less cake you need, especially if you have two cakes. While you don’t want to run out of cake, you also do not want to have the entire bottom tier of cake left over. You may cut the cake order by 10% to 20% for medium weddings (150 guests), and by 20% to 30% for larger wed-dings.

Q2. How big is a serving of wedding cake?A standard slice of two layer wedding cake is one inch wide by two inches long. You may cut smaller slices to serve more guests.

Q3. Who cuts the wedding cake?The bride often designates a friend or family member to cut the cakes. You may have one or two people to cut and serve each cake. If you are expecting the caterer to cut the cakes, be sure to arrange this in advance.

Q4. When should I order my cake?Order your wedding cake soon after you book the reception venue. In most cases, this is six to nine months in advance. This is especially important when ordering cake to serve 150 or more. Brides are competing for cakes as much as reception venues. Many bakers limit the number of wedding cakes they make each weekend based on size and complexity.

Q5. What is included in the price of a wed-ding cake?You should ask your baker if the quoted price includes:• Delivery and set-up to reception venue• Cake stand rental• Different flavors and fillings• Edible decorations such as fondant flowers, fresh fruit, candies or chocolate

Non-edible decorations such as fresh flowers or a cake topper are almost never includ-ed in the quoted price of a wedding cake.

Decorations for the cake table, such as linens, a server and knife for cutting the cake, plates, forks and napkins are also not included.

Q6. What styles of cake can I choose from?Besides the size of the cake, bakers will ask your preferences regarding:• A square or round cake (or combination)• A stacked cake or separated cake• Cake flavor, icing and filling between layers• Color and type of decorationsA professional baker will draw a picture of the cake design and attach it to your contract, so there is no misunderstanding.

Q7. Who pays for the groom’s cake?Usually the groom’s family does.

Q8. How can I get the best value?There is no rule that you must to serve every guest from the main cake. Supplementing your main cake with more economical sheet cakes cut in the kitchen is one way to stretch your wedding cake budget.

Q9. Does fondant taste bad? And why does it cost more?The taste of fondant depends on the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the maker. Most people have only tasted the inexpensive white fondant sold at hobby stores, which tastes like sweet cardboard. Fondant made from better quality ingredients, such as white chocolate, tastes infinitely better.

Q10. Can I mix flavors and fillings?Yes. However, when you offer more than one flavor or filling, be prepared for your guests to have more than one slice as they may want to try both flavors. We suggest ordering 10% more cake when multiple flavors are offered.

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Mary Beth Cavert

HARPI ST205-345-6777

B R I D A L

Dana Crawford Bernardo ~ 205-737-0003Located in Downtown Northport

By Appointment Onlywww.facebook.com/danalea.bridal.3

www.danaleabridal.com

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The Perfect Wedding Toast

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Serious, humorous, or poignant, toasts are an integral part of almost every wedding celebration. Every

toast is different, and on such a special occa-sion, many will be eager to share their senti-ments. You’re not alone if you fear public speaking, but at your best friend’s wedding, you’re bound to want to say a few words in her (or his) honor. If you’re truly prepared to speak in front of people, you’ll find it’s much easier to let the words flow. Here are some tips to help you get ready: The best toasts are those that are heartfelt. So start by pouring your heart out. List ev-erything you want people to know about your friends. (Remember to talk about both the bride and the groom in your toast.) Start with the best qualities. Include mem-ories of good times together—especially the first time they spoke of their beloved. Scrib-ble some thoughts about what makes them a great couple and your wish for their future. You have two audiences. One is the bride and groom, and you can make them happy by not saying anything that would cause them embarrassment. Your other audience is the assembly of friends and family. Stories of drunken revels and bad relationships may be appropriate at the bachelor(ette) party, but not at the wedding reception! A toast is a speech. It should have a begin-ning, a middle, and an end, and make sense throughout. When you stand up to speak, it’s best to have a single card with a few notes written down to help you remember the key points. Rehearse before the big day. Many wedding toasters aim for lyricism in song or rhyming poetry. That’s a great idea, if it’s you. But a direct, from-the-heart talk works well also. Be sincere and be yourself. One of the classic rules of public speaking

is to open with a joke. One of the classic rules of wedding toasting is to end by tugging on the heartstrings. If you can’t be sentimental at a wedding, where can you be? On the oth-er hand, while a couple of well-placed jokes can win the crowd, you’re not there to do a stand-up routine. A toast should last no longer than three minutes, which translates to no more than five double-spaced pages. Rehearse your toasts with a stopwatch. If it’s five minutes or under, don’t worry, since under the glare of the spotlight, you may speak faster. At the Rehearsal Dinner, the first toast is made by the dinner’s host, usually the groom’s father, during the main course. The toast is often met by a “return toast” from the bride’s father. Then it’s open season—the mothers of the bride and groom, the best man and maid/matron of honor, other wed-ding attendants, family, and close friends. The Groom’s Toast: Keep it short. Be sincere. Thank everyone for coming, includ-ing your parents and hers. Share a brief per-sonal (not too personal) story of experiences shared with your bride, but don’t tell embar-rassing stories or go on and on. Turn to your bride and look her in the eye, tell her how proud you are to be her husband, how happy you are today, and how much you love her!


www.kapturedbykristen.comwww.facebook.com/kapturedbykristen

205-242-5430

Kaptured by KristenP hotography

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSESUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2013

12–4PMSouthernHouseAndGarden.com

205-345-5767


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After reading about South Carolina’s Lowcountry in the novel The Prince of Tides, I knew I

wanted to be there with the man I loved. The scenery was everything we had dreamed about, beginning with those enormous live oak trees with their gnarled branches provid-ing a canopy over ancient maritime forests. The journey ended along the May River at the famed luxury Auberge Resort—The Inn at Palmetto Bluff. Here, the ebb and flow of the tide provided everything we needed for activities and romance.

This AAA Five-Diamond resort in Bluffton, South Carolina, continues to earn dozens of accolades such as Travel + Leisure’s World’s

Best Awards, ranked the resort as No. 96 in their “Top 100 Hotels Overall” for 2013. The resort sits on 20,000 acres and features 50 guest cottages. Our cottage was perfectly located along the May River Lagoon. It was spacious with high ceilings and came com-plete with a king bed dressed in fine Italian linens. Stocked with all the finest ameni-ties, we found a huge bathtub, marble steam shower and fireplace. Our favorite spot was beyond the double doors—our private screened porch facing Bird Island.

Guests park their car at the Inn’s Riverhouse and bicycles are located at the Cottages—perfect for exploration. The Palmetto Bluff Water Trail Cruise on an

The Inn at Palmetto Bluffby Linda Holloway Photography by www.larryhollowayphotography.com

Guest cottage at The Inn at Palmetto Bluff

electric Duffy is a great introduction to the property. Couples can enjoy kayaking, ca-noeing, biking and hiking, and the Dolphin Eco Tour is a must. Enjoy splashing in the adult pool after a heart-pounding game of tennis or golfing at the May River Golf Club—a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course.

Nothing says romance like a “Sunset on the May Cruise” where we traveled on the his-toric flagship Grace to view nature as her passengers did 100 years ago. The cruise includes beverages and light hors d’oeuvres. Finish the evening by dining on low country cuisine on a wide wrap-around porch at the River House Restaurant. Concoct a delicacy around the fire pit, with a compli-mentary S’more’s kit and ramble along the dimly lit ruins of the once opulent mansion “Palmetto Lodge.”

The Spa at Palmetto Bluff is one of the top-rated spas in the United States. Ask about the

amenities in the Lovers’ Jubilee treatment, guaranteed to be a honeymoon highlight, where couples can relax on the private out-door patio veranda, complete with soaking tub. For the finishing touch, return to the couple’s suite for a side by side massage.

Take a tour of Palmetto Bluff, nearby Hilton Head Island, or Savannah, Georgia, by re-serving one of the resort’s complimentary Mercedes. Choose from a sedan, SUV, or our favorite—a convertible. Remember, even Prince William and Kate exchanged their carriage for a convertible after saying “I do.” For us, it was a chic way to cruise through one of the most beautiful landscapes in America.

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff1-866-706-6565www.palmettobluff.com


HoneymoonYour specialists

Our experienced consultants will help you plan the perfect trip.Ask about our all inclusive packages and special promotions.

DESTINATION WEDDINGS • INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL • CRUISES & MORE

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800-780-8030

Birmingham 205-870-3031

Visit our website for upcoming Honeymoon events!


Located on the University of Alabama Campus Elegant Guest Rooms And Suites

Tuscaloosa’s Premier Ballroom And Event SpaceAccommodates Groups For Up To 400 Guests

Gourmet Catering And Banquet Services Experienced wedding and catering professionals

Located on the University of Alabama Campus

Save the date! Hotel Capstone’s Annual Bridal Show January 26, 2014 , 1PM to 4PM

For exciting updates /HotelCapstoneBridal

Reservations & Information: (205) 343-1114 or (205) 752-3200www.hotelcapstone.com

Dress: Lady In Lace Photo: Lance Holloway

The Cypress Inn LoftDowntown Tuscaloosa

Available for Receptions, Birthday Parties, & Corporate

Functions

A SPECTACULAR RIVERFRONT VENUEFOR ALL OCCASIONS

The Cypress Inn Pavilioncypressinnrestaurant.com501 Rice Mine Road North

Tuscaloosa 35406 • 205-345-6963

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