Loading...
The Citizen, 1994-02-23, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994. Friends’ input can make planning easier Picture perfect Giving consideration to the type of wedding pictures you want is a very important part of the planning consultation process say Kevin and Rose Kellington. By Bonnie Gropp Preparing for a big wedding requires a great deal of planning. Today there are consultants, wed­ ding planners and many useful how-to books with helpful sugges­ tions for the bridal couple to utilize to make the process go smoothly. Another way is to draw on the experience and resources of family and friends. The former Rose Marks and Kevin Kellington had already known each other most of their lives; at one point Kevin was the Marks family's paper boy. But, after a first kiss on the steps of the Brussels Library as young teens, their fates were changed. Twelve years later, as part of a carefully planned romantic evening, Kevin met Rose on those library steps once again, this time to propose. Dressing up the men in your bridal party For many men, their wedding day is one of the rare times in their life when they will don formal wear. Freeman Formalwear offers some tips for dressing the men in your bridal party. □ Staying black and white can create a simple, clean and sophisticated look. □ You can introduce colour with flowers. Keep the men in basic black and then let the boutonnieres match the bridesmaids' colours. Boutonnieres can also be used to distinguish the groom from the best man. □ Patterned accessories in vests, ties and cummerbunds are a subtle, contemporary way to reflect the bridesmaid's colours. □ Or, you can introduce colour in the tuxedo. Try a tuxedo in a colour such as deep green. It can still be distinctive without being overwhelming. □ The best man takes his style cue The long courtship had been important to Rose as she wanted to get her teaching degree before they married. Through those years they had witnessed and been part of the marriage celebrations for many of their friends. It was from these that Rose and Kevin learned the most about planning their own wedding. "We talked to as many married couples as possible about wed­ dings," said Kevin. "Don't be afraid to pull in your friends and their talents," said Rose. "If they volunteer to help take it all." Rose also stressed the importance of treating your bridal party considerately. "Listen to the ideas they offer," she said. The bridal party for the Kellingtons' Aug. 28, 1993 wedding was direct­ ly involved in picking the bridal party attire and choosing the flow­ ers. from the groom and his colour cue from the maid of honour. In many weddings, he'll dress like the ushers but very often with a different boutonniere or accessories. □ In most weddings, the ushers dress alike in a way that either matches or echoes the groom, with accessories sometimes reflecting the bridesmaids' colour. □ You may decide to dress the ring boy to look like a miniature groom. Sometimes fathers will be most comfortable when they match the rest of the men in the wedding party. Or, they may prefer to choose co-ordinating styles from another collection. □ Remember that the cummerbund should be worn with the pleats up. Trousers will drape better when worn with suspenders simply because they hang from the shoulder instead of being cinched at the waist. The wing collar should tuck neatly behind the bow tie or rest just on top. One of the things the newly betrothed couple found out on their own was the importance of booking the hall early. "We were engaged Oct. 31, 1992 and we immediately contacted the arena manager to see what Saturdays were available in July or August," said Rose. They were told at that time that there were no opening, but eventually a cancellation worked for them. "The arena booking basically determined what would be our wedding day," said Kevin. Unfortunately, the minister, a close acquaintance of Rose's, was to be on holidays that week, so an alternate had to be arranged. "When you are planning a wed­ ding in these small rural communi­ ties it’s important to remember that the options for booking a reception hall are limited, so the earlier you can book the better it will fit your plans," said Rose. Once they knew the day and place the rest of the planning could be done in earnest, from booking caterers to planning the honey­ moon. Rose found bridal shows to be a help as well with the details saying that you "get a lot of ideas". For picking the bridal attire, Rose says she found it a good idea to shop locally. "It eliminates a lot of driving for the fittings and it makes it easier for the attendants." One of the things Rose and Kevin learned from their friends was the importance of booking and consulting with the photographer well ahead of the wedding. "Almost every bride I spoke with says that after the fact they realized what photos they wish they had had taken," she said. "You may not always think about the setting for some of the indoor pictures. A nice background is a good consideration," he said. For the honeymoon Kevin had said he wanted to go to the Poconos, as he had heard from oth­ ers that it was an excellent choice for couples. "We had a great time and would recommend it to anyone. You have time to be together, yet there is always something going on," he said. Rose added," They have events planned to entertain couples. You don't really have to make any deci­ sions about what you want to do." Everything is geared to couples and Rose said that some of the evening shows had discussions regarding marriage. Cost wise, they felt the all-inclu­ sive package was reasonable for the entertainment value, but did add that the drinks were quite expen­ sive. With 400 guests, 12 attendants, a ring bearer and flowergirl the Kellingtons wedding was indeed an event, one that other than a few minor gliches (there was an over­ sight in arranging for bartenders for the reception) went smoothly. If there is one thing they might have changed, Kevin said, it was building a home at the same time as planning a wedding. "There were times when I found it quite diffi­ cult," he said. "We had a lot of big decisions all at once. I probably should have taken a week off before the wedding to unwind a bit." "There were so many things to Tuxedos... • Syd Silver • Freeman • Classy • Bud Gowan Save by ordering before February 28, 1994 Letteau's Bridal FOOTWEAR AND FASHION CENTRE After 6 p.m. Call 392-6144 Evening Appointments 392-6821 6 Clinton Street N. TEESWATER ‘for a truly personal bedding it 5.... CHRISTMAS & COUNTRY Flowers & Gifts V Evening or Weekend Consultation appointments for your convenience ▼ Rentals-candelabras, vases, Topiary trees & more V Flowers for church, reception hall and home V Fresh or artificial flowers V Bridal Gift Registry ▼ Friendly, personal service V Prices to fit any budget fFor your Special Day... ‘When nothing fess than the best zoiff do...ccdf us at ‘Bfyth 523-4820 pick — the flooring, the flowers, the kitchen cupboards, the invita­ tions," said Rose. "It was a whole summer of deciding." However, they said, you ulti­ mately do what seems right at the time. "Somebody reminded us just before the wedding to not lose focus of the main purpose of the celebration, which is to get mar­ ried," said Rose. "The best advice we can think of is don't worry about trivialities. It really all comes down to one hour," said Kevin. Letteau's Bridal Footwear & Fashion Centre February Specials Wedding Invitations New Arrivals Selection of Gowns priced at We also have 40 -75% off ______selected gowns. For your Bridesmaids 10% discount on all bookings before Feb. 28/94. Dyeable Service available: p guarantee a perfect match on shoes and handbags Jewellery . to complete your look 20%„ff 25\ff ’100.™