October 1st, 2008 by A UtahWeddings Expert
Staci wrote:
When it comes to taking engagements photos, what advice do you have? What’s the best thing to do with outfits when it comes to picking them out and matching/coordinating?
Hi Stacy,
There are no cut and dry absolutes when it comes to taking your engagement photos, but there are definitely things to consider. According to Wedding Photographer Brody Dezember, you should just be yourself. “Absolutely no matching shirts,” states Brody. “Also, you should wear clothes that you already have, so you are comfortable in things that are familiar to you.” Brody also warns against neon or hot colors, such as bright pinks and oranges, as well as stripes.”Hot colors will make your skin look more pink”, says Brody. He warns against stripes because they make people “look more curvy.”
When shooting your engagements Brody also recommends dressing according to your surroundings. In the city, vibrant (but not hot) colors work well, while in mountain or country-type settings, warm and neutral tones are ideal.
Remember also that engagements should be a true representation of you and your fiance as a couple - essentially the first impression of your union for many of your family members and friends.
Brody Dezember Photography is located at 353 West 200 South in Downtown Salt Lake City.
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September 15th, 2008 by A UtahWeddings Expert
Emily wrote:
What is the range of the average cost of weddings in Utah?
Hi Emily,
This question is a difficult one to answer, as no one seems to have a solid number. The best educated guess I can give you is that the average wedding in Utah costs around $10,000 to $13,000. This average is about half of the national average for the cost of a wedding, and may be even lower.
Utah weddings tend to have many more guests than the national wedding, as they focus more on receptions here versus sit-down dinners. Also, weddings here tend to be much shorter in length, with menus that are much smaller in scope. In addition, the vast majority of weddings in Utah are LDS weddings (about 65% of all weddings here are LDS), many ceremonies and events take place in Temples and church houses where services are provided for free.
The local culture tends to be a little more conservative in spending which has a large impact on how much is spent.’
In planning your wedding budget, be wise. Going into debt for a wedding is never a good idea. The wedding day should be a starting point, not something to be paying for years after you are married.
Rebecca Hinman - UtahWeddings.com Consultant
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September 15th, 2008 by A UtahWeddings Expert
Stacy Stickler wrote:
I am looking for a reception center that is simple and down to earth. I do not want anything really elegant. My fiance and I are outdoors people, liking to hunt and fish and would like a theme something like that. Everything I have found looks way to elegant and too pricy. Is there a place that will fit what I want?
Hi Stacy,
I get the feeling you are looking at the traditional approach to your wedding, when in fact you don’t want a traditional wedding at all. Your love of the outdoors is the perfect opportunity to think outside of the box and throw a wedding that disregards tradition entirely.
Have you considered the backyard wedding, catered to your own specific tastes and past times. Naturally, the spring or summer months would be ideal. Add some flair to your food menu by going the barbeque route, complete with grilled fish and perhaps even some big game on the menu. Your colors could be natural hues and tones to further accent your outdoor pursuits, and a bluegrass band would add a nice touch to the event. Make the touches complement your style. If you aren’t into elegant, then why not go more casual for the event. Some of the best weddings I have been to throw out conventional dress and ceremony in favor of comfort and fun. I gather your fear of what others may think of this approach may be your biggest hindrance. Just remember that tradition is meant to be adjusted for your own personal lifestyle. Traditions are for you to create with your new spouse. The wedding day may be a great place to start.
Rebecca Hinman - UtahWeddings.com Consultant
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September 3rd, 2008 by A UtahWeddings Expert
Kira Neumeyer wrote:
I’m very new to planning, and I’m already faced with a delema that could be
dangerous. I have 3 best friends all from different times in my life and a
sister and I know they all want to be my maid of honor. What should I do?
Kira wrote:
I’m very new to planning, and I’m already faced with a dilemma that could be dangerous. I have 3 best friends all from different times in my life and a sister and I know they all want to be my maid of honor. What should I do?
Hi Kira,
Picking your maid of honor can be a difficult task, especially if you have many close friends posturing for the opportunity. Because close friends often think they are “the closest” friend to you, feelings can be hurt if they aren’t picked.
You have the blessing of choosing a sibling and lifelong friend as your maid of honor - your sister. A maid of honor should be someone incredibly close to you, that can be there for you in the future. Friends come and go, but family is forever. Go with your sister if you two are close and she desperately wants to fill that position. Consider also that the maid of honor is supposed to play the “support” role at the wedding, attending to small needs during the festivities. These needs may pull your sister away from enjoying the day completely.
If you don’t think your sister fits the bill as maid of honor, then why have one? Tradition has gone the way of dowries and doesn’t have to dictate every facet of your day. Pick all of your friends and your sister to be part of the wedding party and do away with the maid of honor. If the job isn’t available, then no one can have hurt feelings after the wedding.
One more thing. Don’t worry so much about making sure everyone is happy at your wedding. It is your day to enjoy and not worth the stress of being peacemaker.
Rebecca Hinman - UtahWeddings.com Consultant
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August 25th, 2008 by A UtahWeddings Expert
megan wrote:
I am the only LDS member in my family. My grooms family are all LDS, so my family wants a ceremony after the Temple. How is a good way to schedule in a temple sealing, ring ceremony (with a luncheon or something..) and a reception without wearing down our families an the wedding party. Not everyone will be invited to the ring ceremony, just those at the temple, and those who are close to us, who couldn’t attend…. any suggestions?
Hi Megan,
Because LDS weddings often include family and friends who aren’t members of the church or in good standing to enter the temple, the ring ceremony has become an acceptable way to reenact the wedding ceremony. However, the addition of the ring ceremony can make for a long day for friends, family and the couple.
I would strongly reccomend having the temple sealing in the morning or early afternoon, with the ring ceremony to immediately precede the reception or dinner that evening. Doing these two events back to back will save you on time and also may help you to save money on the reception center, as you can have the brief ceremony in the same place as the reception. If you have everyone stand, you may save money on having seating arranged for the evetn. This way you can also have only those attending the ring ceremony and reception arrive for a single block of time. Those attending the temple sealing and reception would be allowed a small break between the morning and evening events.
I am a big believer in making your day as easy as possible for your guests and family. The more relaxed and alert they are, the better your day will be remembered as a positive one.
Rebecca Hinman - UtahWeddings.com Consultant
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August 15th, 2008 by A UtahWeddings Expert
Sydney wrote:
I have always wanted to have a beach wedding but while planning my dream wedding I have run into a few problems. My first problem is that I don’t know the best beach in Utah to have a wedding. My other problem is that I don’t know where to go for a beach permit. I would really appreciate your help.
Hi Sydney,
This is a very unique question, considering Utah isn’t known for its world-class beaches. Typically when brides speak of “dream wedding” and “beach”, one thinks of Hawaii or California.
I imagine any lake with sandy shores in Utah would work. I would definitely avoid the Great Salt Lake due to the uncontrollable smell. Believe it or not, Utah Lake has some really beautiful beaches.
An acquaintance of ours was also recently married on a remote beach at Lake Powell - definitely my recommendation if you want your wedding to fall within the dream wedding category. What could beat glassy blue waters, red and tan cliffs and the solitude of a hidden beach? If you go this route, you don’t necessarily need a permit. Rent a house boat, fill it with your closest family and friends and abscond to a hidden beach somewhere. Folding white chairs accented with sashes and beach torches would create a nice touch. After the wedding, the house boat could serve a secondary function as a floating reception center. A larger celebration could follow when you get back to civilization.
If you need a beach front location closer to Salt Lake City, you may want to check with the Utah Office of Tourism to see about permits and restrictions. Best of luck with everything.
Rebecca Hinman - UtahWeddings.com Consultant
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August 6th, 2008 by A UtahWeddings Expert
Bryan Jarrett wrote:
With two groomsmen, the father of the bride, my father, and my stepdad as potential tux candidates, who would you recommend that I get a tux for?
Hi Bryan,
If you are planning on having a line at your wedding, it is customary to rent tuxedos for every “line” participant. It would be odd to have a line of matching bridesmaids and mothers, but not groomsmen and fathers. It is however perfectly acceptable to have your groomsmen pay for their own tuxedos, just as bridesmaids often pay for their own dresses.
This might be an opportunity for you to dispense with the line concept and just rent a tux for your best man. This is also an opportunity to use discretion in placing financial burdens on your friends by having them as groomsmen. If you feel they can’t afford the tuxedo rentals, offer to pick up the tab or reconsider having so many people in the “wedding party”.
Rebecca Hinman - UtahWeddings.com Consultant
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July 30th, 2008 by A UtahWeddings Expert
Sadie wrote:
We are having two receptions. My fiance and I are from different towns. So I was wondering if it is my parents obligation to pay for the reception in his town? I know that I will only have about 10 people at that reception and all of my family will be at the reception in my home town which of course my family is paying for. I would love another opinion on this situation. It’s just a little sticky. Thank you!
Hi Sadie,
Having two receptions is a fantastic idea to accommodate guests in both locations. Unlike a decade ago, the lines are no longer rigidly drawn. The burden of paying for the wedding has shifted in recent years from the shoulders of the father of the bride, to include the groom’s family and other family members, i.e. aunts, uncles, etc. Also, with many couples marrying later in life and having money of their own, they are sharing in the expenses.
What ever your situation, there are no longer any hard and fast rules as to “Who Pays for What”, but a general guideline follows as to the traditional breakdown.
Bride or Bride’s Family :
Wedding ring for the groom
A wedding gift for the groom
Gifts for the bridal attendants
Accommodations for out-of-town attendants
Engagement party (optional)
Wedding Consultants Fee
Ceremony cost: location, music, rentals, and all related expenses
Entire cost of reception: food, beverage, entertainment, rental items, decorations, wedding cake
Bride’s wedding attire and accessories
A wedding gift for the couple.
Stationary: Wedding invitations, announcements, wedding programs, thank you notes and mailing costs
Bridesmaids’ bouquets
Transportation for bridal party from bride’s home to the site of ceremony
Bridesmaids’ luncheon
Photography (groom’s parents may pay for the pictures they would like)
Personal wedding attire
Floral arrangements for the ceremony and reception
Bouquets and corsages for bridesmaids and flower girls
Special item they may wish to purchase: toasting goblets, ring pillow, etc.
Groom and/or Groom’s Family:
The bride’s engagement and wedding rings
Engagement Party
A wedding gift for the bride
Gifts for the best man and ushers
Groom’s wedding attire
Corsages for all mothers and grandmothers
Boutonnieres for all groomsmen and fathers
Marriage license
The honeymoon expenses
Bachelor dinner (if not given by the best man, optional)
Rehearsal dinner party
Personal wedding attire
Bride’s bouquet, tossing bouquet and going away corsage
Officiant/Clergy’s fee
Travel and accommodations for groom’s family
Wedding gift for the bride and groom
Special item they may wish to purchase: toasting goblets, ring pillow, etc.
Any general expenses they may wish to contribute
The Attendants:
Wedding attire for themselves
Any travel expenses and accommodations
Wedding gift for bride and groom
Showers given by maid of honor or bridesmaids
Bachelor party given by best man or ushers
Bride & Groom:
Gifts of appreciation for parents or others who helped with your wedding
Expenses of items desired which have exceeded original budget allocations
I recommend you sit down with all those who will be contributing financially (family members) and have a heart to heart. Always keep in mind it is you and your fiancé’s wedding. Let those involved with contributing to the wedding know that your parents are more than happy to pay for the reception in town A, but that you would really appreciate their help with the costs of the reception in town B. Let them know how important it is to you both that you share this special time with friends and family in both locations, but it will take assistance with the cost.
This is a totally reasonable request and it’s an opportunity for those involved to share a most memorable event with all family members and close friends on both sides.
Best wishes
- Christine Miller (Eventista and Owner of LiBella Wedding Planning & Design)
Christine Miller is the owner of LiBella Wedding Planning & Design. Christine is available to coordinate memorable and unique events for couples in Utah and across the USA. If you’re looking for someone to plan your event from beginning to end with a unique flair and style, contact Christine at Christine@LiBellaEvents.com or visit the site www.LiBellaEvents.com.
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July 3rd, 2008 by A UtahWeddings Expert
Theresa wrote:
My finance and I are getting married next May. This is my second marriage and his first. My Dad passed away 4 years ago and there really isn’t anyone that I’m close to, to walk me down the aisle.
Do I have to have someone walk me down, or could I walk down alone? I appreciate any input you may have.
Hi Theresa,
The tradition of the father walking his daughter down the aisle has been around for years and signifies the father giving his daughter to another, as well as indicating to the groom that he has faith him and his daughter’s decision. In your situation this can’t happen exactly as tradition dictates, but can still be an uplifting and signification part of your ceremony.
Even though your father has passed, there must be someone in your life that has made an impact on you and can represent your father. Often times brothers, uncles or even a nephew or cousin can represent your father in the walk to the altar. If those options aren’t available, think outside of the box and have your mother walk hand-in-hand with you. She is obviously the closest connection you have to your father and your ceremony would only benefit from her filling those shoes.
If having someone in place of your father doesn’t feel right to you, walking down the aisle alone is perfectly acceptable and actually very common in non-secular ceremonies. The bride making her last few steps in life alone can be perceived as very significant and symbolic of the impending union of you and your fiance.
Rebecca Hinman - Event Coordinator
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June 25th, 2008 by A UtahWeddings Expert
Heidy wrote:
We have been together for three years and plan on getting married next May. I have 2 children from a previous marriage and he has one and we have 1 together. He has adopted my children and he is pretty much the only father they have known and we would like do do something to include them in the ceremony.Do you have any suggestions? Also our family and friends have children and we would like to have a kid-friendly reception too. Do you have any suggestions on how to incorporate kids fun/area into the reception?
Hi Heidy,
Clearly the best way to incorporate the children into the wedding party is to include them in the actual ceremony. Give the children ring bearing or rose-petal scattering responsibilities and they will feel like they are center stage.
In terms of the reception, it is very common here in Utah to have children present. Because our culture is so family oriented, having children as part of the celebration has become commonplace for many couples. If finances aren’t an issue, why not make the reception a celebration of uniting two families and focus on the children. A circus theme with inflatable bouncy toys, a photo booth (or some equivalent), popcorn machine and mini hotdogs and hamburgers would make for a festive time that celebrates the children as well.
Another idea would be to arm the older children with rugged digital cameras and make them the unofficial photographers of the day. Because children tend to think creatively, you may come away with some of the most personal memories of your wedding.
At the very least, have someone assigned to keep the children happy. Often times a room or designated children’s area with a TV, a Disney movie and a table of goodies will keep the kids entertained for hours. I have also seen some weddings that have created a “kids only” buffet table full of finger foods and smaller portions. Perfect for the little ones.
Rebecca Hinman - Event Coordinator
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