Wedding Guide 2003

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Lodi’s Fourth Annual Bridal Event
Sunday, Feb. 23
Lodi Grape Festival Grounds
Chardonnay & Zinfandel Halls
Registration: 1 p.m.
Fashion Show: 3 p.m.

INDEX OF STORIES

» Brides still take stock in traditional invitations
» Discovering where wedding customs originate
» Say 'I do' to dress desingers' latest trend of corsets
» Always in fashion, diamond rings are a centuries-old trend
» Custom-made dresses affordable option to designer gowns
» New ways to top off your wedding-day ensemble
» Ethnic weddings mix traditional and modern customs
» Simple ideas for creative wedding favors
» Flowers create sweet-smelling nuptials for wedding party
» Grooms wanting something with a different ring to it
» Honeymoons put final fun, touch on weddings
» Creative ideas help savvy brides cut costs, not corners
» Take time to indulge yourself before you walk down aisle
» Here comes the bride, there goes the budget
» Don't be left singing the blues when it comes to wedding music
» Planning a wedding can be just as fun for the groom
» Lodi area offers many options for wedding reception sites
» Special ways to say thank you to the bridal party
» Personalized vows are unique celebrations of a couple's love
» Family grape growers open romantic wedding winery

Planning a wedding can be just as fun for the groom

Metro Newspaper Service

Traditionally, women have done all the wedding planning. Crusty adages like “the groom just shows up,” have long been conventional wisdom. However, as more couples plan their weddings together, grooms are playing a more active role.

Wedding planning timetable

12 months before

• Buy a wedding planner or date book.
• Consult with groom and parents of both bride and groom about budget and style. Discuss everything from color scheme to cake.
• Select attendants.
• Decide on ceremony and reception sites, and check on reservations.
• Book consultants, cater, photographer, videographer, florist and musicians.

Nine months before

• Visit clergyman that will officiate over the ceremony.
• Choose and order a dress and accessories.
• Register for gifts.
• Begin to make guest list.
• Consult with travel agent about the honeymoon.

Six months before

• Plan details with wedding professional.
• Book calligrapher, portrait photographer and limousine.
• Order invitations.
• Complete honeymoon plans.
• Set date to order attendants’ dresses.
• Decide on rehearsal dinner.

Three months before

• Finalize guest list.
• Shop for lingerie and clothes for honeymoon.
• Order rings.
• Check marriage license requirements.
• Make appointment with hairdresser.
• Discuss accommodations for out-of-town guests.

Six to eight weeks before

• Mail invitations.
• Buy groom’s wedding gift.
• Choose gifts for attendants.
• Have final dress fitting.
• Pick up rings.

Two weeks before

• Get marriage license.
• Confirm honeymoon plans.
• Submit lists of requested shots to photographer, videographer and musicians.
• Address announcements to mail on wedding day.
• Arrange to move belongings to new home.

One week before

• Pack for honeymoon.
• Purchase traveler’s checks.
• Give final guest count to caterer.
• Check final details with wedding professionals.
• Remind attendants of rehearsal dinner details.

Source: Bride’s Magazine

“Contrary to popular belief, planning a wedding is a difficult task for the groom,” says Mark Walerstein, founder of GroomsOnline (www.groomsonline.com), an informational Web site offering tips, pointers and timesaving hints designed to make the planning process more fun, relaxing and rewarding for the man. “The groom does have responsibilities, but we really are in the dark about what to do.” Featuring wedding day checklists, attire pointers and more, the site sheds light on just about every aspect of the wedding, from buying a tuxedo to organizing a bachelor party.

There’s even a full-service online gift shop for the gifts you need for the groomsmen, best man, ring bearer and bridesmaids too. Got friends or family who are sports fans? Order a personalized Louisville Slugger or Rawlings bats. Or get creative with a framed photo flashing a name and message on a favorite team’s electronic scoreboard. Visit www.groomsonline-gifts for more ideas.

As you plan your upcoming nuptials, here are a few tips to keep in mind, courtesy of GroomsOnline.

• Finding a disc jockey — Wedding magazines, the yellow pages and of course, word-of-mouth referrals from family or friends are all great ways to find a DJ for your wedding. Set up a meeting with him or her before you make your decision to be sure that person is the best match for what you and your fiancee have in mind and there are no surprises. It’s good to have an idea of what you’re looking for when calling around. Don’t forget to ask for references from previous clients.

• Selecting a caterer — As you and your fiancee review halls for your reception, be sure to find out whether there is a caterer on-site or if you need to provide one, as this can have a major impact on your wedding budget. Also ask about alcohol pricing, menu planning and food service options.

• Throwing a bachelor party — Traditional bachelor parties have included cigars, playing cards and plenty of drinking. However, an increasing number of grooms are interested in more memorable and fun options. Today’s bachelor parties can be anything from sporting events to a skiing or camping trip with friends.

• Choosing the first dance — This is the big one, that all-important first dance as husband and wife. Do you have two left feet? You also might consider dance lessons so you can dance like a pro from start to finish. Pick something that’s sentimental to both the bride and groom. If you’re still stumped, choose a classic tune from artists like Frank Sinatra or Nat King Cole.

• Giving the toast — The keys to a good toast are tailoring your material to your audience; speaking with confidence; and keeping good eye contact and body language.

PLEASE VISIT OUR ADVERTISERS

» Amorosa Inn & Gardens
» Angelina's Spaghetti House
» Balloons Unlimited
» Beyond Pots and Pans
» Black Tie Gourmet
» Blum Jewelers
» Crepe Vine
» Davis Photography
» Diet Center
» Elegance Harp & Flute
» Fleurtations
» Formal Connection
» Giuffra's Party Rentals
» Grand Island Mansion
» Guild Cleaners
» Habanero Hots
» Harmony Wynelands
» Ironstone Vineyards
» Judy's Alteration Shop
» Katie Bender - Esthetician
» L&L Travel
» Larson's Hallmark Shop
» Liene's Bridal Shop
» Loel Center and Gardens
» Maddie's Antiques
» Marquis Entertainment
» Maxine's Bridal Shop
» Mokelumne Coffee
» Mokelumne River Winery
» Ocean Avenue Bed & Bath
» Porfi's Restaurante y Cantina
» Ramos Jewelers
» Russell's Full Service Salon
» Terra Photography
» The Point
» The Studio
» The Tea Cottage
» Tipton's
» Travis Cafe & Catering
» Tux & Tails
» Tuxedos of Lodi
» Vikki Goodman Photographer
» Vintage Limousine Service
» Weddings by James