Such is the case with the floral arrangements. Though not a minor detail in any way, preparing a wedding day floral arrangement does have its minor details, particularly when it comes to the more individual aspects of a floral plan. For instance, the following components must be considered when devising a floral plan.

The Bridal Bouquet.
It’s tradition for bridal bouquets to contain white or cream-colored flowers such as stephanotis, roses, orchids, or lilies. Many bridal bouquets also include fillers like baby’s breath as well as some green or ivy, as well as ribbons or additional accessories.

Bouquets for Attendants.
Attendants’ bouquets should be identical, and it’s best to coordinate these bouquets with the attendants’ gowns. Only the maid of honor traditionally receives a slightly different bouquet, as it’s customary to give her one apart from the rest, though not significantly so.

Boutonnieres for groomsmen and ushers.
The guy’s side of the wedding also needs to take part in the floral plan. Worn in a buttonhole or lapel, a boutonniere should be worn on the left lapel and match a flower from the bridesmaids’ bouquet. The groom should also wear a boutonniere, though his should match a flower from the bride’s bouquet. When wearing boutonnieres, men should not wear additional accessories such as pocket squares.

Flowers for Special Guests.
Certain special guests, such as grandmothers and mothers, should receive corsages. While the corsages do not need to be identical, they should match the bridesmaids’ bouquets. It’s best to consult with a florist for a corsage color that matches all dresses, as typically the corsages must be ordered before the bride and groom know what their mothers, grandmothers and other special guests will be wearing. A corsage that goes with anything, therefore, is ideal.

MOVE MOUNTAINS

If your photographer is willing to do a bit of traveling with you, beautiful mountain settings aren’t far away. The iconic Pilot Mountain (1792 Pilot Knob Park Road, Pinnacle) is an obvious choice, and Hanging Rock State Park (2015 Hanging Rock Park Road, Danbury) features cascades and waterfalls.

TIPS

Don’t forget to consider places that mean something to you. If your home has a fantastic porch, or if you’ve worked together on the perfect living-room decor, or your apartment has the most fantastic view, take some photos there. Schedule a stop at the place where your fiancé proposed, or to take a few shots outside the place you went on your first date or shared your first kiss. If your family owns farmland, barns and open fields provide great settings, or maybe you have a lake house or summer home where you spend time together. Any place you visit often is a possibility — a vineyard, a country club, a coffee shop, a movie theater — anything is possible. And if you have children or pets, you may want to bring them along.

If you’re worried about ruining your dress on your bridal-portrait shoot, you might ask about scheduling another session after the wedding. “Trash the dress” photoshoots are popular, but you don’t need to push it to that level if you don’t want to — there’s certainly nothing wrong with having your bridal portrait taken when you no longer have to be afraid of snagging the trim on your train.

Time of day, season and weather are always a consideration, too — think about how different your shots will look if taken at noon as opposed to sunset, in the middle of summer as opposed to late autumn, or on a hazy day as opposed to a brilliantly sunny one. Any of these factors can change the overall feel of the session entirely, so plan accordingly.

Last but certainly not least, keep in mind that just because a place is open to the public doesn’t mean that there are no restrictions on photography, so be sure to ask if you need permission or a permit on private property. Have fun, and don’t forget to say “cheese!”

But how can a couple establish and stick to a budget? Doing so depends on each individual couple, how much they can spend and what they’re willing to sacrifice for their big day.

Establishing a budget
Wedding budgets can vary greatly depending on the couple and the type of wedding they desire. A wedding budget should be established as far in advance as possible.

When setting the budget, it’s best to determine exactly how much you can spend, and then set the budget lower than that. For example, if the most you can afford is $25,000, set your budget at $22,000. This will allow you some wiggle room when the inevitable happens and you’re forced to go over budget.

Monitor your spending
Once a budget has been determined, a good way for couples to adhere to that budget is to establish a separate wedding spending account. This account should be separate from personal accounts, and all wedding expenses should be drawn solely from this wedding account. This is a good way to monitor how much you’re spending, and your monthly statement will provide an itemized list of how much is being deposited and spent.

Regardless of how well you’ve planned the wedding, you’re going to end up spending more than your initial budget allowed. This happens for a number of reasons, ranging from overtime fees at the reception to tipping the vendors to larger guest lists than you might have originally intended.

Prepare for the inevitable overspending by cutting back on other expenses leading up to the big day. Rather than going out to dinner on weekends, make a home-cooked meal to save some money. Instead of costly trips to a night club, invite friends over for the night. You’ll be surprised how much these subtle lifestyle changes can save you.

While you should be prepared to spend more, that extra spending should be saved for things such as tipping the staff and possibly paying more for an additional guest or two. Where couples should be budget-cautious is when vendors try to up-sell services. For example, while a top-shelf bar might be a nice gesture, it can be considerably more expensive than just offering beer at your reception, and letting your guests pay for liquor.

If a vendor tries to up-sell, couples should not hold that against the vendor. After all, that is the vendor’s job. Instead, prioritize what you want before you go visit any vendors. You’re much more likely to be happy with your selections.

Expert advice
After months of planning and saving for a wedding, a honeymoon offers one-on-one time for the couple to have fun, develop a deeper relationship, and enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation.

Among couples who enjoy a traditional wedding, statistics say that 99 percent take a honeymoon.

The average honeymoon costs approximately $5,000. Since a honeymoon will account for at least 14 percent of the total wedding budget, couples want to ensure that theirs is money well spent — especially in an economy where every penny counts. Preparation is the key to honeymoon success.

“Working with travel professionals that specialize in honeymoon and destination wedding planning can help ensure couples have a memorable honeymoon,” says Scott Ellingboe, CEO of The Honeymoon, an online honeymoon planning resource with a honeymoon gift registry service and a nationwide network of independent, experienced travel agents. “Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or use a travel expert, you’ll enjoy browsing the honeymoon package and resort listings and reading the entertaining and informative stories in our multi-media digital magazine. You’re bound to find something you weren’t looking for that will help you create a better honeymoon experience.” Additional tips provided are:

Enjoy clear skies or bottomless blue water: Timing plays a large role in honeymoon travel. It’s important to research the average weather conditions for prospective honeymoon locales during the month you’ll be traveling as well as any events that may take place at that time. This way you book your honeymoon during an optimal time for the best conditions, both in regards to weather and the local culture.

BRIDES: Click to Pre-Register and be entered to Win a Cake & Flower Package from Suzanne’s Flowers & Patty’s Cakes

GROOMS: WE DIDN’T FORGET YOU!

There will be a “Groom’s Cave” in Rocker’s Lounge for the guys; a putting contest, drink specials, golf package giveaways.

November 13, 2011 * 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Rock Barn Golf & Spa

Our Sponsors

The Modernist: You are a trendsetter. With an eye for the new and innovative, your wedding will be trendsetting and any traditional details will have a twist. It’s all about being dramatic and throwing a lavish event that all your guests will remember.

The Naturalist: Romantic, unique and free-spirited: You embrace the beauty and warmth of nature and homemade goodness and it’s reflected in everything that compromises your big day. Your guests will kick back, relax and enjoy the day as it unfolds.

Courtesy of Carolina Weddings Magazine, Winston-Salem, NC

Jim Hjelm Blush Photo

Traditionalist: Your gown is characterized by clean, simple lines and delicate details. A portrait or bateau neckline enhances the timelessness of your dress, while a structured fabric like heavy satin adds soft elegance without going over the top. While shopping, be sure to channel Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly.

Modernist: Body-hugging gowns in streamlined silhouettes mark the modernist’s dress. Try an oversize bow at the bustle or waist. At the reception, dazzle your guests with a cocktail-length number that’s light on the glitz heavy on the glam. Wrap up your look in a stole to stay warm and cozy on your big day.

Naturalist: There are no restrictions on your wedding gown, except that you want nothing more than freedom from restriction. Avoid structured, opulent fabrics and opt instead for soft layers and mid weight silks that move with you, not against you. Go for whimsical floral details around the waist or bust.

Courtesy of Carolina Weddings Magazine, Winston-Salem, NC

Modernist: With your dress decked to the nines, it’s only fitting that your shoes be too. Pick a pair of extravagant, colorful designer heels for the ceremony, but be sure to have a pair of Chuck Taylor’s ready for getting down on the dance floor.

Naturalist: While heels are always a stylish choice, your more of a boots, wedge or flats girl. Keep your fashion sense about you and choose a pair of brightly-colored ballets flats, funky wedges, your already-broken-in cowgirl boots or a pair of sequined TOM shoes.

Courtesy of Carolina Weddings Magazine, Winston-Salem, NC

Modernist: Ever the trendsetter, when it comes to your registry, you won’t disappoint. Instead of china, ask your guests to contribute to your honeymoon via participating websites. Instead of pieces of flatware, ask for shares of stock to fund your retirement.

Naturalist: Ever ecology-minded, the naturalist plans her registry accordingly. Go natural with businesses focusing on organic and reclaimed products, or register for a cause with websites like the I Do Foundation, where participating stores donate up to 10 percent of gift purchases to your charity of choice.

Courtesy of Carolina Weddings Magazine, Winston-Salem, NC

Modernist: Documentary or photojournallist-style photography fits your bill for the perfect engagement shoot. Have the photographer follow you around while doing something you enjoy as a couple. Themed shoots are popular for modern brides as well, whether the shoot is based on a favorite movie, book or television show.

Naturalist: Even if it’s chilly out, grab your cutest coat and scarf and head outside for your engagement session. Bundle up and snuggle up with your hubby-to-be for a warm shoot in the great outdoors. Just leave the Snuggie at home.

Courtesy of Carolina Weddings Magazine, Winston-Salem, NC

Modernist: Your wedding planner knows the meaning of work hard, play harder. She’ll handle all the nuances of the day with ease, all the wile keeping an upbeat attitude and positive outlook. Watch out. She may even crack a few jokes along the way.

Naturalist: While you don’t really need someone keeping you to a strict schedule on your wedding day, it’s always a good idea to have a planner there to make sure that the few things you want to do (photos with the family, mingling with all your guest) move along smoothly.

Courtesy of Carolina Weddings Magazine, Winston-Salem, NC