Step 2
Make a list of what you’ll need: a wedding consultant if you’re using one, a ceremony location, a reception venue, food, beverages, cake, flowers, photography, entertainment, attire, invitations and so forth.

Step 3
Prioritize this list. What means the most to you? Is the cake more important than the music? Where can you pinch pennies without sacrificing your vision?

Step 4
Meet with both sets of parents to find out how much money, if any, they are willing to contribute. Be gracious, grateful and understanding, no matter what their responses.

Step 5
Calculate how much money you currently have available, how much you think you’ll need and how much you will have to save. Keep in mind that the average wedding in the United States costs about $15,000 to $20,000.

Step 6
Make a plan to save what you need, using a savings account or certificate of deposit. Consider selling stocks or mutual funds if necessary.

Step 7
Divide your budget according to your priorities. For example, if your top priority is the dress and your second priority is the venue, you might plan to spend 20 percent of your budget on the dress and 15 percent on the venue.

Step 8
Visit at least four vendors or suppliers in each category (florists, photographers, caterers, consultants, etc.) and compare prices.

Step 9
Use a checklist to make sure you ask all of the vendors the same questions. Note their answers in your budget notebook and review your notes before making a decision.

Step 10
Keep a record of the estimated and actual costs of each item in your notebook.

Step 11
Keep all contracts, agreements, receipts and vouchers in the notebook.

Step 12
Review your budget after each purchase to make sure you’re on track. Good Luck!

Dayna is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Gunnels of Amherst. She is the grandaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Willard Campbell of Amherst, and Mr. and Mrs. William R. Gunnels of Toxey, Ala., and Mr. and Mrs. Leon Giles, of Souwilpa, Ala.

Clarence is the son of Mr. and Mrs. C.T. Bryant III, of Roseland. He is the grandson of Mrs. Eleanor Bryant, and the late Mr. C.T. Bryant Jr., of Roseland, and Mrs. Jane Bubb, and the late Mr. Kenneth Bubb, of York, Pa.

A December wedding is planned.

AUGUST 29,2009 AT 2:30PM

LYNCHBURG AVIARY

ON AUGUST 29,2009 BRIAN CHRISTOPHER COLEMAN, AND CANDACE LEE CONNER, BECAME ONE, AS THEY SHARED THEIR WEDDING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS AT THE HISTORIC LYNCHBURG AVIARY ON GROVE STREET, IN LYNCHBURG,VA.

THE PAIR MET IN MARCH 2004, AND AS THEIR FRIENDSHIP BLOSSOMED INTO A BEAUTIFUL LOVE, BRIAN PROPOSED TO CANDACE ON OCTOBER 26,2008. THE PLANS FOR A GREAT LOCAL WEDDING IMMEDIATELY BEGAN AS FAMILY AND FRIENDS STEPPED IN TO HELP PLAN DECORATIONS, FOOD, AND MORE!

THE LYNCHBURG AVIARY WAS THE MOST GORGEOUS PLACE TO HAVE

AWEDDING – THERE IS AMPLE ROOM FOR SEATING, LOTS OF TABLES AND CHAIRS, A DANCE FLOOR, AND EVEN A KITCHEN!

THE DOWNSTAIRS IS PERFECT FOR THE MOMENTS BEFORE THE BRIDE ASCENDS, GETTING DRESSED, FIXING THE VEIL – ALL THE FUN STUFF!

THE HOME-COOKED FOOD THAT ALL THE GUESTS CONTRIBUTED TO, CREATED QUITE A SPREAD, AND WAS SO DELICIOUS!

THE WEDDING AND RECEPTION WERE HELD AT THE LYNCHBURG AVIARY.

OUR WEDDING WAS THE MOST HAPPIEST DAY OF OUR LIVES AND WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE FOR MAKING IT SO SPECIAL!

BRIAN AND CANDACE COLEMAN~

DRESS- DAVID’S BRIDAL OF ROANOKE

PLACE- THE LYNCHBURG AVIARY (ONLY 225$ FOR 8 HOURS FACILITY RENTAL- WELL WORTH IT!!!)

PHOTOGRAPHERS- PHIL, STEVE, LISA, JUNE, PHYLLIS (ALL FAMILY MEMBERS)

PREACHER CONDUCTING CEREMONY- RUTH E. CHARLTON

DJ- JOE MANSON

CAKE- MARY ESCHER

DECORATIONS – JEANNETTE, BONNIE, MARION, AMY, KATHY, MARY, KAREN, BRENDA, AND EVERYONE THAT HELPED PUT THEM UP!

RINGS- WALMART (GREAT SELECTION AND WONDERFUL ENGRAVING!!)

PARTY SUPPLIES- FACTORY CARD OUTLET, LYNCHBURG,VA & SAM’S CLUB, LYNCHBURG,VA

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE STAFF OF THE LYNCHBURG PARKS AND RECREATION DEPT.- THEY WERE SUPER-NICE AND HELPFUL

Having a Flawless Party Can be Easier than you think—

How would you feel if you could be a guest at your own party, to relax and have all of your family and friends tell you what a wonderful time that they had and how did you pull it all together? At Your Service Events Planner had the opportunity recently to plan and coordinate a 16th birthday party at a home in Forest, and it was flawless! The following are 5 Ways to Make Any Party Flawless:

1. Plan Ahead Early

– Give yourself at least 3 months!

2. Develop a Budget

3. Hire an Excellent Lynchburg Events Planner

– One who will be on time

– Stay below budget

– Who can handle all the many details to your satisfaction

– Who has a directory of many vendors that they work with and

– Is personable

4. Have a Theme

– Be creative and make it fun for everyone!

5. Have a Color Scheme

When you look at your pictures and DVDs afterwards, you’ll be glad that you took the time to plan ahead and hire a Lynchburg Events Planner. At Your Service Events Planner adheres to a Code of Ethics. We will be fair, honest, on time and under budget. We will bring your Event to Life!

When planning an event, Don’t Stress, Call the Best–At Your Service Events Planner!

(434) 525-1805 – LDP6@aol.com – www.lynchburgeventplanner.com

One of the most thought about aspects of any wedding is the wedding cake. Every bride wants their wedding cake to be the focal point of the wedding reception table and something that guests will admire and talk about even after the wedding day.

With so many designs and styles available plus the added option to customize and accessorize your wedding cake to suit your wedding theme the options are truly endless.

Before you embark on enrolling someone with the job of creating your cake it is worth making preliminary decisions before hand. Having an idea of what your budget is and what sort of cake you have in mind could save you a considerable amount of time. Do you know what filling the cake will have? Sponge or fruit cake? Do you want a tiered cake? If so how may tiers do you want for your wedding cake?. Having a few of these details already decided will help both you and the caterer you decide to employ.

Although it is a good idea to have ideas in mind, stay open to suggestions from the professionals, they may suggest something you may never have considered and that something could turn out to be your perfect Lynchburg wedding cake.

When you are ready to see the cake decorator or caterer (most should see you for a consultation free of charge) ask to see photos of their designs and do not be afraid to ask for something different or mix two styles together, most caterers should be happy to oblige.

Most wedding cakes are decorated with white icing but if your theme is pink or a different color there is no reason why the icing on your cake should not match it.

Once you have chosen the filling for your wedding cake you then need to start thinking about a topper, the days of the imitation plastic bride and groom are long gone! Nowadays these cake toppers can be custom made and created to look exactly like the bride and groom, even down to the brides dress!.

Most wedding cake designers will need all decisions made and finalized three to six months before the event. I would strongly recommend having all items ordered six months in advance to allow for any changes that may need to be make and piece of mind for you.

You will need to budget well for your wedding cake, remember the cost of the cake is normally separate to the decorator’s fee, it is also wise to ask if there is any charge for having the Lynchburg wedding cake delivered so every outlay will be covered in your budget.

What ever design or style you choose the wedding cake plays such an important role in the wedding day, having the perfect wedding cake to slice with your partner will make the day extra special.

After the wedding cake has been cut and enjoyed by the guests remember to keep your Lynchburg wedding cake topper safe, this keepsake will always remind you of your perfect day, and who knows, it could be passed down to your children to use on their special day.

It’s your wedding. And out of the myriad decisions you will make in planning one of the biggest and most important days of your life, hiring the right photographer may very well be the most important. After all, the wedding cake will be eaten, the flowers will eventually wilt and the wedding reception will be over when it is time for you and your betrothed to head home and prepare for the honeymoon. After all is said and done, it will be the images of your day that will help you to always remember all of the emotion, laughter, tears and sacredness of that day. The scary thing is, what if your wedding photos are, well, less than satisfactory?

Let’s be honest. weddings are expensive, sometimes even ridiculously expensive. There’s the dress, the tux, the flowers, the cake, the rings, the venue, the food, the alcohol, the officiant, the DJ or musicians. And don’t forget the honeymoon. It all adds up very quickly. And if you’re like many couples, the financial burden of planning a dream wedding can take its toll on your finances. Even if you’re fortunate enough to have parents paying for most or all of your wedding, it’s still a hefty sum of money to hand over for even the most financially-endowed of parents. And this is when a couple can become very vulnerable to a certain idea that can have a lasting impact on the wedding. That idea being: “What if we hire an affordable photographer?” Affordable. Sounds good on paper but let’s dissect this a bit.

What is an “affordable” wedding photographer?

An “affordable” wedding photographer is usually a photographer who is just entering the industry and often has little to no experience shooting weddings professionally. They often price their services well below the market average in hopes of building up a portfolio. While this practice is certainly common and can turn out well for both the photographer and the clients, there are a few things to consider before hiring your affordable wedding photographer.

1. How long has the wedding photographer been in business?

2. How many weddings has he or she photographed?

3. Why are their prices so low?

4. What is the quality of their work in comparison with a photographer who is two to three times more expensive? (Be sure to be honest with yourself here. You may want to believe that their work is comparable but more often than not, that is simply not the case).

5. What do you, as the client, expect out of your wedding photographer and can the “affordable” photographer really actualize your photography visions?

A case for the more expensive wedding photographer

In the case of wedding photography, do you really want to entrust a lifetime of memories to a photographer you found on craigslist.org or on an Internet search for “affordable wedding photographer”? Do these low priced photographers really have what it takes to ensure that your wedding images are truly exceptional? Hopefully, you only get married once. Similarly, the decision you make in regards to who you entrust with capturing your wedding day is only made once. You may save a couple of grand by opting for a more affordable photographer than your first option, but you may very well regret that decision in the future.

It’s your wedding. It happens only once. Be sure that the professional wedding photographer you hire is up to the job.

It’s no secret, weddings are notoriously expensive and brides are infamously frivolous. Most women dream of their perfect wedding for years. Though pockets may be tight as couples look for ways to make smart, long-term financial decisions, it doesn’t mean the happy bride and groom-to-be have to sacrifice on their big day. It’s easier than ever to have a budget-friendly dream wedding.

Follow these five simple ways to keep it frugal and fabulous:

Be thoughtful and unique.

Apply the simple law of supply and demand to your advantage. Seasons, times and locations that are “hot” for weddings will inevitably break the bank because they can. Avoid paying a premium for your “day” by considering options like a cozy mid-winter Sunday brunch or an outdoor Thursday evening cocktail reception in early fall. Think about choosing a time of year or location that is unique and special to you for an unforgettable wedding that gives an extra boost to your budget. You will find that it pays to be different.

Be crafty and do it yourself.

They say time is money, but that is not always true, as small investments of your time can save hundreds of dollars in wedding planning. From invitations to seating cards, programs and ceremony or reception decorations, an abundance of beautiful do-it-yourself wedding project kits are available on-line and at popular retailers. Also consider saving money by purchasing flowers from an online wholesaler and then assembling bouquets yourself. If you’re not set on floral centerpieces, try buying ornate glass bowls from an antique shop to fill with beautiful items (rose petals, sea shells, floating candles, etc.) that coincide with your theme.

Not the craftiest of sorts? Tap into the creativity of close friends or family members and recruit them for a wine and cheese night accompanied by invitation, favor or centerpiece assembly.

Be beauty conscious, early on.

When it comes to bridal beauty, timing is everything. It’s an easy element to put off until last minute, but recognizing your beauty needs at the beginning of your planning can save you a lot of money. If a bright white smile is on your checklist, prep a couple months before your wedding and take advantage of less expensive tools versus more expensive, last minute teeth whitening. Celebrity dentist Dr. Debra Glassman recommends brushing with Starbrite toothpaste and chewing two pieces of sugar-free Orbit White gum after meals and drinks like coffee or red wine as an affordable way to keep smiles white and wedding ready.

Also, a few months before the big day, consider consulting a make-up specialist about your wedding day make-up and then keep an eye out for major department stores sales to stock-up on the necessary beauty essentials.

Be your own disc jockey.

Bands and DJs can be expensive. Instead, use your MP3 player. Handle your wedding day music needs the “no hassle” way by loading your player with everyone’s favorite tunes and renting speakers from a local party store.

Choose your music-obsessed teen cousin or a juke box-loving friend to be in charge of the music during the reception in case the system freezes or you need to accommodate a special song request. Keep your mix upbeat and include classics as well as modern songs, so you’re sure to appeal to all crowds.

Be thrifty and do your research — online.

It pays to be tech savvy when you’re planning on a dime. Virtually everything found in stores can be bought online and often for less. Coupon Web sites provide discount codes to online merchants and can be easily found by typing the retailer’s name and “coupon code” in your search engine. Deals range from major price cuts to free shipping, so think beyond the ceremony — a rehearsal dinner dress, bridesmaids gifts, even centerpieces can all be found online.

Using the Internet also allows you to research wedding vendors from the convenience of your laptop. Free online resources like www.OneWed.com, the Web site with the largest searchable online database of local wedding vendors, let you easily browse thousands of vendor profiles, with ratings and reviews from brides across the country. Save time and money by taking advantage of previous brides’ feedback when choosing your preferred vendors.

Cheers to your big (affordable) day.

Congratulations! You’re about to embark on two amazing adventures – the first, of course, being your life as a wedded couple and the second being the exciting, yet often overwhelming process of planning a wedding. A wedding will probably be the biggest and most involved party or ritual either of you have ever put together. Before you get overwhelmed, take a deep breath, then do these ten things.

Enjoy being engaged

Kiss each other a thousand times. Jump up and down saying “We’re engaged!” Stare at the engagement ring. Take the time to write down in detail how you got engaged. Contemplate the wonderful things ahead of you. Take pictures of yourselves with the engagement ring. Kiss each other a thousand more times. Read more about making your engagement special

Tell your parents

You should tell your parents of your impending nuptials before anyone else. (Unless of course, you are estranged.) Both of you should be present and ideally you will tell them in person – they’ll have a chance to see your happiness up close, look at the rock, and start talking about the wedding. Traditionally the bride’s parents know before the groom’s do, but any order is really fine. Then share the news with a few close friends – the ones who are likely candidates for maid/matron of honor and best man, or definite attendants in some capacity.

Purchase a journal if you don’t already have one

This will be a time of ten thousand moments you won’t want to forget, as well as some frustrating times that you’ll need to vent about, and not necessarily to your partner. The journal you keep while planning your wedding will not only help you through this time, but it will be something you cherish for the rest of your life. If you’re internet savvy kinds of folks, you may also consider doing this journaling online at a site such as Livejournal.

Announce Your Engagement

Tell everyone the good news! There are many ways of doing this, and no way is more correct or better than another.

Consider:

Announcing your engagement on MyHeartofVA.com

Mailing announcements to your family and friends

Creating a wedding website

Set the Date

One of the most important decisions you will make as you plan your wedding. Not only will it be the first question everyone will ask you, but you’d be surprised how difficult it will be to make any progress on planning your wedding without knowing the date. How to Set Your Wedding Date

Set the Tone of Your Event

This is the time to decide if you’re having a formal wedding, a casual affair, or a theme wedding. It’s also the time to decide on having a religious or secular ceremony. In short, you need to decide what you want your wedding to feel like. A good way to begin is to sit down with your partner and do some free writing about your ideal wedding. Look at the adjectives that each of you write and use them as a starting point. You should also check out my wedding style pages and Should You Have a Religious Wedding? for some helpful hints.

Set the Budget

Start off by using a printable wedding budget worksheet. Look at your finances and figure out how much you already have in savings, and how much you can save each month. Talk to each of your parents and ask them if they’d like to contribute to your wedding, and either how much they’d like to give you, or what specific things they’d like to pay for. Lastly, decide how much you feel comfortable going into debt. I strongly advise couples to avoid debt as much as possible. Since married couples fight about money more than anything else, why start marriage with debt on your backs? At this time you may consider opening a new credit card just for the wedding that will earn you airline miles, cash back, or other incentives. It’s a good way for you to keep track of wedding expenses, and can help you pay for your honeymoon. Just try to pay it off in full each month.

Choose Your Attendants

As your attendants do a lot more than just stand next to you on the day of the wedding, now is the time to get them involved. While some couples opt not to have any attendants at all, especially if they’re having a casual event, most choose between 2 and 12 members of the bridal party. Look over these lists of responsibilities for bridesmaids and groomsmen before you make your final choices. If they live nearby, its nice to ask someone in person, but a phone call is fine for those who live far away. You may also want to read How many bridesmaids and groomsmen should you have? or How many bridesmaids and groomsmen is too many?

Start Looking for Venues for Ceremony and Reception

Many venues are booked a year in advance, so the further in advance you start looking, the more likely you are to get the time, date, and cost that you’ve planned for. Read more about finding your venue.

Get Support

The successful bride and groom do not plan their wedding alone – they get help! This may be from professionals, respected publications, or trusted friends who’ve planned their own weddings.

Consider hiring a wedding planner or consultant. Especially if you are a busy person, or just feel a little lost, a professional can be invaluable in putting together your ideal day, and can often save you money.

Visit our forum to chat with other engaged couples, the marriage forum to get advice from couples who’ve already walked down the aisle, and the honeymoons forum to plan that trip of a lifetime.

Use online checklists – they’re free, and especially helpful if you’re planning with your mother or future spouse in another state. The most important of these forms is the overall wedding checklist which will help you stay on top of all of your important todos.

If you’re like most couples, you’ll come home from the bookstore with a few thousand pounds of wedding magazines – why not throw in a wedding planning book as well? While the internet offers many useful tools, a book is portable when you visit vendors and can accommodate the many brochures, swatches and other items you’ll be collecting. If you are budget conscious, purchase a three ring binder, and build your own planner with printouts from the internet.

Now that you’ve made all these decisions, you have a solid foundation for your wedding! It’s now time for the fun stuff – dresses, tuxes, flowers, music, favors and more! Remember to use a checklist to help yourself stay organized and on top of it all.

Miss Ewers is a 2006 graduate of Lynchburg College and is currently employed by Genworth Financial. Mr Salonia is currently employed by Ashplundh Tree Expert Co.

The wedding is planned for March 6, 2010.