We're in Vegas — let's get married!

By Brian Mansfield, USA TODAY

LaKeisha Lewis, Tatynisa Wilson and Jerome Bell take the stage for I Saw Her Standing There, giving it a sharp, three-part arrangement that showcases both their harmonies and their solos. The a cappella end's a bit rough, but overall it's an exciting performance.

"You guys were really strong," Randy says, though he's only mildly impressed with Jerome. Jennifer thinks LaKeisha's holding back, and she's not that impressed with Tatynisa. Steven, on the other hand, thinks Tatynisa nailed it.

Kendra Chantelle and Paul McDonald, both from Nashville and both hardly seen this season, finally get some face time for their simple take on Blackbird, which gives Jennifer goosebumps. Bet nobody on this panel thinks the song's just about a bird.

"That was so beautiful," Jennifer says. "Paul, I just love the power of a soft, beautiful tone." Randy loves their choices with their harmonies.

Next, we get a quick montage of performances: Help!, Ticket to Ride, With a Little Help From My Friends.

Meanwhile, Ashley Sullivan is fretting over what to wear — to her wedding. Because there's nothing like getting married to add even more stress to an already pressure-packed situation. At least she's not crying about this. But what do you want to bet that she gets back and feels woefully under-prepared to perform her song?

Couples are finding ways to scale down their weddings

A typical bride-to-be, Katrina Macrae has bought a dress, browsed different varieties of flowers and settled on a date and location for her April nuptials.

But her bridal gown is actually an ivory-colored prom dress that she picked up for $160. The flowers will be purchased wholesale from the flower district in downtown Los Angeles the day before the wedding. And she's getting married to her fiance, Scott Smith, on a Sunday, when location fees are usually cheaper.

At a time when the average wedding costs about $30,000, Macrae, of Redondo Beach, plans to spend $8,000.

"Planning a big, expensive wedding was kind of an unnecessary expense," said Macrae, 26, a quality analyst for Sony Pictures. "We didn't want to be exorbitant, and definitely the economic crunch makes us feel that more strongly."

Planning a cut-rate wedding might seem out of step with the gauzy dream of the big day, but lately, more brides have been thinking thrifty as the economic slowdown has left them worried more about the higher cost of living than whether to serve chicken or filet mignon.

"There's no question that the recession has affected the wedding industry," said Jolene Rae Harrington, director of creative content at Here Comes The Guide, a wedding planning resource. "Brides still want to realize their wedding dream — they just need to be more creative in how they achieve it."

That includes inviting fewer guests, getting married on off-peak days such as Fridays and Sundays, crafting handmade wedding favors and holding receptions at low-cost or no-cost venues such as parks and beaches.

Concerned about rising fuel and food costs, bride-to-be Megan Turner already was driving and dining out less and reducing vacation travel. Then, in April, she was laid off from her job at an architectural firm because of the cooling housing market, and Turner said she realized more than ever that a wedding shouldn't mean "starting your life off with debt."

"You want to give your family and friends a nice evening, but also, there's got to be some lines drawn," said Turner, 30, an architectural project planner from Orange. "It's really important for us to start saving because we don't know what the future is going to bring."

August 27, 2008|Andrea Chang | Times Staff Writer

Posted in Travel on Sunday, February 20, 2011 12:00 am

Weddings on The Coaster • Thinking about taking the plunge? Why not do it at 67 mph? Have your wedding ceremony on Las Vegas hotel New York-New York's Coaster. The bride and groom can choose to stand on the loading platform while reciting their vows or be strapped into the front seat of the coaster with up to 16 of their closest friends and family strapped in behind them. The package includes a minister and is available seven days at week. Prices start at $600.

More info: 1-702-740-6607

Martha Stewart Visions in White at Sandals resorts • Hints of eyelet and lace grace every detail from the party favors to the desserts, and white orchids and gladiolus make up the bouquet. Includes personal wedding consultant, marriage officiant, copy of marriage license, picturesque wedding location, beautiful reception setting, hors d'oeuvres and sparkling wine for the bridal party, preparation of documentation, bouquet and boutonniere, reception for bride, groom and two guests, 5-by-7-inch wedding photograph, continental breakfast in bed and honeymoon dinner for the bride and groom. $2,600 for Jamaica; $,2800: Bahamas, St. Lucia & Antigua (price does not include resort stay).

More info: sandals.com

Pukalani Falls & Angels Bay, Hawaii • With the Above Heaven's Gate combination package, you'll get photographed in the lush tropical waterfall garden by Pukalani Falls, then wed under a thatched Hawaiian cabaña, among colorful botanicals and alongside the picturesque water garden, with exotic parrots if you so choose. Includes garden rental, photo package, bouquet, lei for groom and ceremony fee. $1,353.

More info: hawaiiweddings.com

Disney Escape wedding collection • Get married at Disney's Wedding Pavilion, Sea Breeze Point at Disney's BoardWalk Resort, the Wedding Gazebo at Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Sunset Pointe at Disney's Polynesian Resort or Sunrise Terrace at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. The Escape collection package includes cake, champagne, bouquet and boutonniere, keepsake Mickey and Minnie cake topper, limousine, a photographer and a violinist. Prices begin at $4,750.

More info: disneyweddings.com

Sandos Hotel & Resorts, Riviera Maya, Mexico • The Sandos package includes a judge or minister to perform the ceremony, a wedding coordinator, all paperwork, decorated wedding site such as a private area on the beach, background music during the ceremony, wedding cake, wedding dinner, sparkling wine for the toast, free room upgrade for the wedding couple (you have to pay for the resort separately) and more. $950.

More info: sandos.com or e-mail Weddings@SandosHotels.com

Love and Marriage

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM — (Marketwire) — 03/02/11 — Valentine's Day may have come and gone but considering it is the most popular day for getting engaged, and with a Royal Wedding only a matter of months away, romance and marriage are undoubtedly still in the air and nowhere more so than at Norton Park near Winchester. Statistics may show that the number of weddings taking place in the UK are the lowest since 1895 (source: Office for National Statistics) and the current economic climate might require some tightening of the belts but marriage is still very much on the cards for couples in Hampshire.

In the first 7 weeks of this year alone Norton Park, part of the award-winning groupQHotels, saw a staggering 52% increase in the number of wedding enquiries compared to the same time last year, however, in a change from the norm, around 40% of these enquires have been from couples looking to get married this year. "We are definitely seeing much shorter lead times for weddings and an increase in the number of people enquiring about availability and actually booking for this year." explains Special Events Manager Nicki McCarthy. "Usually people plan at least 12 to 18 months in advance however only last week we took a booking for a wedding for 200 people which will take place in less than 12 weeks time! Last year was a bit quieter on the wedding side, perhaps due to the recession, but that is certainly not the case so far this year. However couples are still looking for a good deal and in particular they are looking for added value and extras in their wedding packages."

To provide couples with that extra value and special attention, Norton Park has introduced three new wedding packages named after precious and semi-precious stones. The 'Sapphire', 'Amethyst' and 'Emerald' packages each provide the flexibility of menu and drinks that couples are looking for whilst at the same time including all the extras such as chair covers, floral decorations, table plans, place cards, room hire, red carpet, a master of ceremonies, cake stand and knife within the price. For that extra special touch every bride and groom will stay in a stunning bridal suite complete with robes, luxury toiletries, champagne, cheese platter, a selection of refreshing drinks and breakfast in bed the next morning plus, as a memento of the day, there is a thank you gift to take home. Prices start from GBP 61.50 per guest.

So if you're looking to take the plunge when is a good time to get hitched? "June and September remain the most popular months for weddings but we are seeing an increase in the number of autumn and winter weddings in October and November." Continues Nicki "And if you are on a budget it is always worth considering a Friday or a Sunday wedding as there are definitely some good deals to be had if you are happy to avoid a Saturday."

Norton Park will be holding a Wedding Fair on Sunday 20th March from 11.00am to 3.30pm where prospective brides (and grooms!) can find out more about the new 'Wedding Packages'.

For more information about weddings at Norton Park please go to QHotels Norton Park's website or call 01962 763000

By Jennifer M. Howell, News-Sentinel Photographer

They proposed. You said yes. Now what?

The planning process can be daunting. So where do you begin?

Inspiration for your perfect wedding day is more abundant than ever. Blogs are everywhere showing brides examples of do-it-yourself weddings, brides telling of their ceremonies and photographers showing what they can do to capture your special day.

A trend now is “save the date” cards notifying family and friends of the date of the weddings. Some are even emailing them as a “green” alternative. Ask your photographer if he or she provides them as an add-on to your package. Otherwise, there are “self-serve” sites to create the perfect save the date cards. Today, they are referring guests to the bride and grooms wedding website. Some websites are free, while with others you pay for customization. They give the guests directions to the wedding and reception site(s). They tell the story of how the couple met. They provide images of the couple and all the major players in the wedding party and “staff” including the photographer, videographer, caterer, wedding planner, etc.

After you have decided on the budget, you can begin the shopping for sites, caterers, photographers and more. If you cannot afford a wedding planner, designate a person to be in control. Arm them with the schedule of the day according to you. They can serve as an “ambassador” for you. It is a terrible thing if you lose time with the photographer because you had to check yourselves into a hotel. Do not be afraid to delegate to friends and family before your big day.

Some reception sites require you to use their vendors. Others do not. Read contracts carefully. Sometimes they change, and if you don’t have the contract you agreed to you, can be left paying for more than you originally believed.

Wedding magazines/guides are a great resource, especially for local resources and wedding packages. Some include the check-off sheet and countdown to the big day, making it easier to know what to do when. Whatever you decide, remember that it is about the two of you and your commitment to each other. The rest is just icing on the cake.

The alternative bride: local resources for getting married outside of the box

By Bree Coven Brown

February 24, 2011

NWsource staff

At some point during the wedding planning process, a woman usually has a feel for just what kind of bride she is: whether she's drawn to vintage or modern styles, traditional or alternative tastes, etc. Of course, we know that no one style fits every bride (and groom), but we have identified a few popular styles to help inspire your thinking and give you some potential resources to turn your wedding day into the event of your dreams.

The alternative bride
We do things our own way here in laid-back Seattle. From our sustainable lifestyles to our ethically sourced coffee and love of all things locally produced — including "that parade with the naked people who ride bicycles," as one family member put it — alternative is pretty much our norm. Which makes this a great place to get married outside of the box — you know, the way you live the rest of your life. Here are our favorite local finds to help you march down the aisle to a different drummer.

The dress
If traditional bridal emporiums, with their walls of white princess pouf, make you squirm, you can still have a special dress (or kimono, or pants suit) made just for you. Chrissy Wai-Ching, of Seattle's Wai-Ching Studio, describes her line as "wild yet wearable," and she's developed a reputation as the go-to designer for brides seeking something unconventional. Wai-Ching wedding gowns are known for their bold use of color, and many feature freestyle, geometric embroidery across the bodice. The Tulip dress ($950) features ivory embroidery on silk charmeuse that starts off white, bleeds into purple and then fades into two different greens for a stunning, almost tie-dye effect.

The Yowying dress comes in rich hues of hand-dyed silk (the silvery blue is particularly striking) with godets of contrasting color at the bottom. This is the least expensive of Wai-Ching's dresses, at $695, which is not outrageous when you consider that each dress is custom-made and hand-stitched from hand-dyed natural and sustainable fibers.

The showstopper of the line is the Zolotova dress, with zigzag accents of satin rope and a signature "silk collage" at the bottom, made of small pieces of multicolored silk that look like suspended confetti. This intricate, unusual dress is $1,989, and beloved by brides who have incorporated elements of the design into a dress they can truly call their own. Wai-Ching customizes the dress and the colors to realize your vision.

If you're dealing with an "alternative" budget, you might want to skip the couture route and head to a vintage store like Pretty Parlor. There are a few vintage wedding gowns to be found here, but it's the vintage cocktail and party dresses ($26-$200) that are popular wedding choices, especially in pale pink and dusty rose. Add a string of pearls ($16-48) and you're ready for City Hall. I also spied a lacey black steampunk-style dress with buttons all the way up the back and full crinoline skirt ($125) that would make the right goth bride very happy. An antique peacock feather fan, $42, completes the look. Of course, there are entire websites devoted to goth brides, steampunk brides and medieval brides, but if you want to keep it local, Marie Cooley's Fitting Room makes custom corsets that were featured in the Steamcon Fashion Show in Seattle in November. She also sells corset-making supplies (antique brass grommets, anyone?) and patterns for the DIY folks.

The ring
Boutique jeweler Fancy handmakes unique, modern wedding jewelry with a conscience — all metals are 100-percent upcycled and all gemstones are ethically sourced. In addition to custom work, the shop carries an eclectic, fun collection: riveted robot rings ($580), wedding rings with secret messages in binary code, made out of rubies ($5,500) — even an "Unwedding ring" for the "modern modern couple" ($120).

The photos
Want a wedding photographer that’s as outside-the-box as you are? Amore Studios, also known as the Dynamic Duo of Bryan and Melody Valiant, breaks away from the cookie-cutter mold, specializing in funky, sexy, cool journalistic shots that will be so much more interesting to look back on than boring, standing portraits.

Altar-native registries
You can't always get what you want, buy you can sure try. Skip the big box stores with the scan guns and help those who love you buy you something you'll actually use, or at least enjoy.

Archie McPhee
The "Outfitter of Popular Culture" has bridal registries for the perfect tchotchtkes to personalize your new home, and plenty of practical jokes to keep your marriage fresh.

Sound Trading Co.
Keep your footprint light with this eco-friendly gift registry, in which every item is locally made, locally transported and created using the "best practices for a healthy world."

Etsy
Support independent artists and receive unique creations that reflect your individual style as a couple. Etsy doesn’t have a registry per se, but creating a favorites list that you can share with friends accomplishes the same thing.

The unregistry
The I Do Foundation offers free web tools to register for a charity, so your wedding benefits the charitable organization of your choice, such as The Human Rights Watch and Save the Children.

Copyright © The Seattle Times Company

The vintage bride: how to create a nostalgic look with timeless appeal

By Bree Coven Brown

February 24, 2011

NWsource staff

At some point during the wedding planning process, a woman usually has a feel for just what kind of bride she is: whether she's drawn to vintage or modern styles, traditional or alternative tastes, etc. Of course, we know that no one style fits every bride (and groom), but we have identified a few popular styles to help inspire your thinking and give you some potential resources to turn your wedding day into the event of your dreams.

The Vintage Bride
Vintage style has a timeless appeal, and Seattle's indie fashion scene caters to the vintage bride, whether your era of choice is romantic Victorian, Old Hollywood glamour, va-va-voom '50s or any decade in between. Want to modify grandma's wedding dress, play the part of a pinup girl or simply find that perfect accessory to infuse your big day — and your ensemble — with heady nostalgia? We've scouted out the best local spots to create a classic look that's truly your own — with some refreshingly retro prices.

The dress
Of course, it all begins with the dress. Perhaps you're starting with your mother or grandmother's gown. Local designer Amanda Vernell of Twice Blushed can make it your own, redesigning it to flatter your figure and highlight your personal style. Her imagination is endless — I went in for alterations and left with an entirely new look, including a fun feather bustle for the reception. Amanda's services start at $300, with custom-designed dresses ranging up to $1,800.

Huan Vu of The Vutique (which merged with Vu in January) is an expert at adapting vintage garments, including details like beadwork and embroidery ($295 and up). Seattle brides have been going to him for years to create the dress of their dreams. Bridal gowns are not out on the floor, so call ahead to book an appointment.

If it’s just the vintage look you're after, Cicada Bridal's own Jenna design ($795) in ivory satin, with a dramatic plunging back, hits the mark, especially when paired with a vintage-style beaded belt ($200). Add a darling sheer or faux furcapelet ($198-$395) in the winter months. The downtown Nordstrom's  brand-new Wedding Suite features a champagne-colored Beaded Mesh Gown from Pisarro Nights($158) with an elegant Art Deco feel, and Diva Dollz channels Marilyn Monroe with an off-the-rack, halter-top satin swing dress by Queen of Hearts ($188).

Accessories
The right accessory can give any dress a retro finish, and is an easy, affordable way to achieve this look. For less than $50, you can don a birdcage veil or a handmade hair ornament by Tacoma-based Deeds and Petunia. The designer’s blog even teaches you how to make your own "bridal fascinator" for $10 to $15. Pick up a white beaded evening bag from Vintage Closet's $12 bin, and you're done.

But don't let it rain on your parade. For a signature Seattle touch, add a one-of-a-kind parasol made in the 1930s-50s from Bella Umbrella: The white canopy with ostrich feather trim ($30 for a five-day rental) is perfect. You can rent them for your bridesmaids, too.

Jewelry
If you're not lucky enough to inherit antique jewelry for your "something old," you can still find a sparkling assortment at Isadora's (including stunning wedding and engagement rings). These are the real McCoy, not reproductions, so prices are not for the faint of heart. Budget brides will prefer Diva Dollz’ extensive collection, including an elaborate 1940s glass crystal necklace ($128). Local Etsy boutique Bumbershoot Designs has many affordable finds, like classic Grace Kelly-style vintage pearls ($24.50), vintage glass pearl earrings and a matching bracelet ($18.50) with an antiqued gold-plated toggle clasp.

Retro bridal makeup
Ready for your closeup? Not every makeup artist will understand your vintage aesthetic or know how to create the perfect retro "cat eye." Enlist a pro, like Seattle stylist Tiffany Lowry who knows all this and so much more. Tiffany has 14 years of experience and does wedding-day makeup, including false eyelashes, for $100 (at Red X Hair Studio on Capitol Hill) or $135 (on-site), and trial runs for $50.

Be a Pinup Girl
For the ultimate groom's gift, be transformed into Bettie Page by Old School PinUps, a unique local studio from the husband-and-wife team of photographer Lance Wagner and burlesque perfomer/stylist Trixie Lane. Surprise your groom with a glamorous portrait, pinup calendar or even your image on a deck of playing cards. Choose from five period sets (Tiki Room to Boudoir), authentic vintage wardrobe pieces (size 2 to 22), and have your hair and makeup styled to retro perfection. The packages are pricey ($399 and up, which does not include prints – those start at $85), but deliver four-plus hours of the royal treatment. This also makes a fun bachelorette party with the girls.

Make a grand exit
After you say "I do," make your getaway in a chauffeured vintage Bentley, Rolls-Royce or London Taxi from British Motor Company. For 24 years, this award-winning fleet has given newlyweds the ride of a lifetime. The cost is $110 per hour with a two-hour minimum, plus 20 percent gratuity and a 6 percent fuel surcharge, which works out to $277.20 all-inclusive.

Copyright © The Seattle Times Company

As written by InsiderLV.com