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The Happy Brides
Issue 20 | June '09 | Triangle Bridal Association
Wedding Wisdom 3

Whether you are a unique WHIMSY gal, a flashy SASSY chick, or a darling DEMURE bride, our girls have you covered. Ask any wedding question, and you shall receive wisdom. Cubed. One question. Three answers.

WHIMSY: playful, independent, uses personal touches

SASSY: glamorous, trendy, center of attention

DEMURE: modest, classy, relishes tradition

Q:I am trying to decide on my menu for the wedding, and I don't know whether to include a dessert other than the cake. What do you think?

W: Many couples are opting for a dessert served with a plated dinner, and saving the cake for later into the reception. You could also skip the dessert on the menu and have a candy bar for your guests which can also serve as a wedding favor.

S: If you are having a buffet, you can easily skip extra dessert and let your cake have the spotlight. If you opt to do that, make sure you have enough cake for all of your guests, and maybe a little for later. Have your caterer set up a coffee station with some fancy toppings to really wow your guests!

D: Having a wedding cake for dessert is all that you need! Go with an elegant classic to wow your guests. To ensure that you have enough for guests to indulge, try having your bakery provide extra cake that can stay behind the scenes and be cut prior to the actual cake cutting. This way your guests won't have to wait and you might save a little money too!

Save the Date

August 16

Southern Bridal Show & Expo : :
NC State Fairgrounds
Jim Graham Building
Saturday 11am - 4pm
Register and purchase tickets

GROOM'S CORNER ::

BEACH WEDDING ATTIRE

You are the envy of many! Not only are you getting married on the beach, but you get to walk down an aisle of sand in total comfort. No, this does not mean you get to show up looking like you are ready for some beach volleyball; after all it is still your wedding day! We like to call the attire formal "light".

Beach weddings tend to be a lot less stressful and the attire can be less formal. Yes, this means a tuxedo may be optional!

There are many beach friendly options. You could choose a nice shirt with khaki shorts/slacks and sandals, or go with a nice linen suit, with or without a tie. Maybe your attire is formal and you both then go barefoot. Whatever you choose it should match the formality of your bride.

No matter what the attire, remember you are one lucky man, so... Enjoy your beach wedding!

Visit GroomGuide.com for more helpful tips!



We Are Here to Help

HAPPY NEWS OF THE MONTH

The Green Kangaroo is launching a NEW Collection of Wedding Invitations! Keeping touch with the economy and the needs of their client's, TGK introduces their Fresh & Frugal Collection. Also, to celebrate the arrival of summer, TGK is offering a discount on all Wedding Program orders during the month of June!

Thank you to all who attended the Southern Bridal Show & Expo on April 19th! We hope you all had a chance to visit our booth and have had the chance to visit www.trianglebridal.com to view all of our professional members that will help bring your dream wedding to life! You can also find us in the Forever Bridal Dream It . Plan It . Live It Wedding Organizer where you can keep up with your appointments and document your planning process.

The Triangle Bridal Association would like to congratulate the recipient of our 1st annual Super Star Award, better known as Member of the Year! Lenny Fritts, owner of Touch of Class Dj's exemplifies everything that the TBA stands for. Lenny has been a loyal and supportive member since the start of the TBA in September of 2002, and has truly been an inspiration to both members and brides. For more information about Lenny and his team at Touch of Class Dj's Please visit www.lennyfritts.com

Brides-to-be, give us your feedback and let us know what you'd like to see in future issues of The Happy Brides.

SO HOT RIGHT NOW ::
TBA Member of the Month

Finding the perfect location can set the mood for your wedding day.

The Sutherland, located in Wake Forest, offers elegant, historic charm, as well as helpful planning and coordinating from one of their experienced event specialists.

The property features six beautifully manicured acres with a handsome eighteenth century dwelling, luscious gardens, bridal and groom suites, as well as 4 romantic venues to choose from for your wedding or special event.

gazebo

Visit www.thesutherland.com to make your appointment.

TIPS :: TRICKS :: TRENDS

BEACH WEDDINGS

Dreaming of having a beach wedding? You can make it happen and stay within your budget!

The most wonderful thing about beaches is that most are public property, which means you can use them for long enough to conduct most beach wedding ceremonies, without a fee! There are also many affordable hotels and resorts on the beach, or you may want to consider a bed a breakfast, or historic home as an affordable option.

When planning your budget friendly beach wedding keep these tips in mind...Look into wedding packages, they often offer flat rates or special pricing offers. Trim down your guest list, less people means more affordable! Lastly, use 'In-House' services, such as catering and photography rather than incurring traveling expenses.

So, whatever your budget...a beach wedding can be done! They aren't for everyone, but if YOU want one, you can make it work!

REAL WEDDINGS :: Brittany & Matt

Matt and I got engaged over Easter weekend on Friday night, April 10th, 2009. I had a tough day at work on Friday and I suggested we go out to dinner, get a drink and just unwind. Matt picked me up and started driving toward Cameron Village, a near by shopping center. As we approached the shopping center, he suggested we go to the deli. I thought, "what part of lets get a nice dinner and have a drink don't you understand?!" But I kindly suggested we go somewhere else. After a few minutes of driving around, Matt pulled into the parking lot of Piccolo Italia (our first date spot back in college). We had a wonderful dinner and headed back to my place afterward to watch a movie. As I was getting ready for the movie, Matt came up and gave me a big bear hug...something was different though - I could FEEL and HEAR his heart racing.I asked, "Are you OK?" and after several very sweet and loving words, he dropped to one knee and said "Brittany, will you marry me?" I immediately fell to the floor to hug him and cried many tears of joy! After a few moments he said, "Well, will you?" There was no question -- my answer was YES! We then celebrated with champagne and called our parents. The reality that we are getting married is just now sinking in and we couldn't be more happy and blessed to have each other. We are planning a spring 2010 Wedding.

Read more

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Do you have a creative engagement story or hilarious wedding day tale? We want to hear about it! Each month we will feature a unique, funny, or romantic story to capture all of our hearts and keep us all connected. Our winner will receive a $50 TBA gift certificate to be redeemed with the TBA member of her choice.Submit your story

Get Busy | Wedding Programs|

Wedding Programs are one of the little details that add extra something to your big day. They provide a guide for your wedding guests, and make a great keepsake item.

You may be asking yourself if a program is really necessary? Do I have room in my budget? Do I have enough time? Well, keep in mind that a simple wedding program needn't take much time or money.

Elements of a Wedding Program?

The Cover: This typically includes the date and names of the couple. It may also include the location and time of the ceremony, a picture, or a design/symbol.

The Order of Events: If you haven't already, include your names, wedding date, location and time on the front cover before the list of events. Then proceed to list what will happen during the ceremony, including the music, greeting, readings, prayers, exchange of vows, ring ceremony, unity candle ceremony and pronouncement of marriage. Your list may not include all of these elements...it may be replaced with your own traditions. Be sure to list the events in the order they will occur.

Members of the Bridal Party:This is a simple list of the names and roles of the bridal party. You will also want to include the officiant, all parents, grandparents, and readers.

Other things you may want to Include:

Explanation of traditions, Thank you's, memorials, quotes, poems, anything special you want to include or say about the maid of honor or best man, directions to the reception/hotel, etc.

More to do's at My Bridal Suite.