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www.hometownUSA.netHome & Lifestyles Magazine4
www.hometownUSA.net Alton Area 2012Home & Lifestyles Magazine 5
www.hometownUSA.net Alton Area 2012Home & Lifestyles Magazine 7
www.hometownUSA.netHome & Lifestyles Magazine8
www.hometownUSA.net Alton Area 2012Home & Lifestyles Magazine 9
A wedding doesn’t have to be a mammoth event with 300 guests and a costly price tag. Many couples choose to walk down the aisle and then celebrate on a smaller scale with much success.Millions of weddings take place across the globe every year. According to the Association for Bridal Consultants, the average American wedding includes 175 guests, and the average size of the wedding party is 12 people. Many couples may view these averages and feel pressured to throw a big wedding. But smaller events can be just as much fun and easier on the pocketbook as well.One of the more obvious advantages to a small wedding is the cost. Many large wed-dings cost between $20,000 and $30,000 dollars. A small wedding will be significantly less simply because there are fewer people to feed. Catering costs account for a large chunk of wedding budgets. A reception with only 50 to 60 people may run $1000 or less.
It’s important for couples to keep in mind that a small wedding is not without certain challenges. Family members and friends may have their own perceptions of what a wedding should be. Once the idea of a small wedding is mentioned, it may be met with some opposi-tion, particularly from parents who want to invite an extended list of friends and distant family members. This can make it difficult to pick and choose who to invite.Another disadvantage is that large weddings evoke the energy of a big party and can make people less inhibited to celebrate and dance. An empty dance floor at a smaller wedding may be intimidating to guests who will choose to sit and not fully enjoy themselves.Ultimately, the decision to have a small-, me-dium- or large-size wedding is entirely up to the couple or the person who will be financ-ing the event. Wedding planning is largely the personal choice of the couple who will be saying their “I dos.”
Another benefit to a smaller wedding is a couple may be able to afford a higher-priced venue. Maybe there’s that historic castle or high-priced mansion that would be over budget if 200 guests were coming. With a much smaller guest list, the venue might now be affordable. Or, couples can look outside of wedding halls to restaurants for a nice dinner.Small weddings tend to be more intimate. Couples can spend more individual time with guests instead of having to spread their time thinly around a large reception hall. Spe-cial moments, such as speeches or words of wisdom, may bear more significance when the group is intimate.Destination weddings have become quite popular and are most successful with a small group. Keeping a large guest list in order can prove challenging when traveling, which makes destination weddings ideal for small guest lists. Also, costs will be kept down if the couple is paying the travel fees for invitees.
WeddingsAdvantages to a Smaller,
Intimate Wedding
WeddingsWedding Dress for Success:
Stay True to Your Personal StyleFor most brides-to-be, the choice of a dress is among the first and most important decisions in planning a wedding. With thousands of choices in every price range, finding the perfect wedding dress can be a difficult and time-consuming process. But by making some decisions before setting foot in a store, the search will be both easier and a whole lot more enjoyable.First things firstStart by knowing your limits. To avoid disappointment down the line, determine the maximum amount that you can spend on a dress -- and don’t forget to include all the little extras, such as undergarments, shoes, jewelry, veil, and/or hair ornaments. Next, take an inventory of your personal style. If you know that you’re not comfortable in strapless or sleeveless dresses, for example, you can immediately eliminate these options. The trick is to rule out a few style options before hitting
shoulders and face. Similarly, there’s no rule that a wedding dress has to be floor-length. If you’re planning a daytime or more casual wedding, you might want to consider a tea-length dress (one that falls a few inches above the ankle) or go even shorter.Comfort is keyStyle and fit may be the two most important factors in choosing a wedding dress, but comfort should be a close third. Ask yourself if you will be comfortable in a particular dress given the setting in which your wedding will take place. For instance, if you’ve always dreamed of an outdoor wedding, you may want forego a dress with a long, trailing train that could trip you up on your walk to or down the aisle. Even if you’re planning an indoor event, having a dress and shoes that are as comfortable as they are beautiful will greatly increase your odds of enjoying your special day to the fullest.
the magazines or stores and then be open to all other options.Firm yet flexibleThere will be no shortage of opinions -- from mothers, sisters, friends, and store personnel -- about your choice of a wedding dress, but the decision, ultimately, is the bride’s alone. A great strategy is to be open to suggestions about dresses to try on, but reserve the right to choose the look that feels right to you. With so many potential options, you might want to consider bringing along a camera and taking photos of yourself in the dresses that could be “contenders.”Go for a flattering fitRemember: Your goal is to find a dress that flatters your body and expresses your personal style -- not to fit into a particular size. If you look ghostly in white, feel free to choose a creamier shade or a dress that has decorative accents of a different color near your neck,
A wedding doesn’t have to be a mammoth event with 300 guests and a costly price tag. Many couples choose to walk down the aisle and then celebrate on a smaller scale with much success.Millions of weddings take place across the globe every year. According to the Association for Bridal Consultants, the average American wedding includes 175 guests, and the average size of the wedding party is 12 people. Many couples may view these averages and feel pressured to throw a big wedding. But smaller events can be just as much fun and easier on the pocketbook as well.One of the more obvious advantages to a small wedding is the cost. Many large wed-dings cost between $20,000 and $30,000 dollars. A small wedding will be significantly less simply because there are fewer people to feed. Catering costs account for a large chunk of wedding budgets. A reception with only 50 to 60 people may run $1000 or less.
It’s important for couples to keep in mind that a small wedding is not without certain challenges. Family members and friends may have their own perceptions of what a wedding should be. Once the idea of a small wedding is mentioned, it may be met with some opposi-tion, particularly from parents who want to invite an extended list of friends and distant family members. This can make it difficult to pick and choose who to invite.Another disadvantage is that large weddings evoke the energy of a big party and can make people less inhibited to celebrate and dance. An empty dance floor at a smaller wedding may be intimidating to guests who will choose to sit and not fully enjoy themselves.Ultimately, the decision to have a small-, me-dium- or large-size wedding is entirely up to the couple or the person who will be financ-ing the event. Wedding planning is largely the personal choice of the couple who will be saying their “I dos.”
Another benefit to a smaller wedding is a couple may be able to afford a higher-priced venue. Maybe there’s that historic castle or high-priced mansion that would be over budget if 200 guests were coming. With a much smaller guest list, the venue might now be affordable. Or, couples can look outside of wedding halls to restaurants for a nice dinner.Small weddings tend to be more intimate. Couples can spend more individual time with guests instead of having to spread their time thinly around a large reception hall. Spe-cial moments, such as speeches or words of wisdom, may bear more significance when the group is intimate.Destination weddings have become quite popular and are most successful with a small group. Keeping a large guest list in order can prove challenging when traveling, which makes destination weddings ideal for small guest lists. Also, costs will be kept down if the couple is paying the travel fees for invitees.
WeddingsAdvantages to a Smaller,
Intimate Wedding
Tickets Only $10 In AdvanceOr $15 At The Door
www.hometownUSA.netHome & Lifestyles Magazine18
www.hometownUSA.net Alton Area 2012Home & Lifestyles Magazine 19
Home & Lifestyles Magazine 41
Geno’s 140 Club618-377-9394
120 W. Bethalto Dr. • Bethalto, IL
Buy One Appetizer GetSecond Appetizer Half Off
(Equal Or Lesser Value)
H&L
One Coupon Per Customer. Expires 9-2012.
Senior Services Plus618-465-3298
2603 N. Rodgers Ave. • Alton, ILwww.seniorservicesplus.org
1 FREE Bottle Of Water At The3rd Annual Feed The Need
Concert With Ticket Purchase
H&L
FranchiseSports Bar
618-259-2413601 Edwardsville Rd. • Wood River, IL
Buy One EntreeGet Second FREE
H&L
One Coupon Per Customer. Expires 12-2012.
Rib City618-462-4600
201 East Center Drive • Alton, ILwww.ribcity.com
FREE Appetizer With ThePurchase Of Two Entrees
H&L
Valid Only At Rib City Alton. Not Valid With Any Other Discounts,Coupons Or Specials. Entrees Included Are Sandwich, Lunch Plate,
Entree Salad Or Dinner Entree. Valid On Dine In Or Take Out. SpecialtyExhaust & Brakes
618-639-6933205 S. Jefferson St. • Jerseyville, IL
$5 OFF New Exhaust JobH&L
Must Present Coupon. One Coupon Per Service.
RiverbendColorworks Salon
618-474-1111560 E. Broadway • Alton, IL
$10 OFF Haircolor ServiceFirst Time Customers
H&L
One Coupon Per Customer.
Rob’s DiscountMufflers618-259-3244
639 E. Airline Dr. • East Alton, ILwww.robsdiscountmufflers.com
Oil & Filter Change $5 OFF(Most Cars & Light Trucks. Up To 5QTS. 10W30)
H&L
1 Coupon Per Customer.
Allan Services618-254-1245 Office618-795-8093 Cell
www.allantreeservice.com
FREE Gutter CleaningWith Tree Service Job
Over $200
H&L
LopezHeating & Air
1-800-338-1256www.lopezair.com • Wood River, IL
20% OFFAny Service Or Repair
H&L
Expires Next Issue.
J’s Lawn Care &Tree Service
618-345-7664
10% OFF Tree Removal &Stump Grinding
H&L
Not To Be Combined With Other O�ers.
Airline DriveSelf Storage
618-259-2376490 E. Airline Drive • East Alton, IL
One FREE Lock With Any RentalRetail Value $10
H&L
New Customers Only. Not Valid With Other Promotions.
Wolves Crossing618-498-3178
23745 Centennial Rd. • Jerseyville, IL
18 Holes With Cart $20Monday - Friday • No Holidays
18 Holes With Cart $24Weekends & Holidays
H&L
Up To 8 Players. Must Present Coupon.Not Valid With Any Other Promo.
High Dry Carpet &Upholstery Care, Inc.
618-344-0766
3 Rooms & Hall$84⁹⁵
H&L
Must Present Coupon.
Terry’s Plumbing618-259-4663
Wood River, IL
10% OFF Any RepairOf $100 Or More
Labor Only
H&L
Not Valid With Any Other Promotion.
618-656-3664Edwardsville, IL
Ragin Cajun618-433-9199
210 West Third Street • Alton, IL
$5 OFF$40 Food Purchase
H&L
1 Coupon Per Visit.
Mama Mia’sItalian Restaurant
618-251-626248 West Edwardsville Rd. • Wood River, IL
$2 OFFBreakfast, Lunch Or Dinner
Any Meal Ticket $10 Or More
H&L
Not Valid With Any Other O�ers. 1 Coupon Per Customer. ReliableStereo & Video, Inc.
618-462-80821301 Milton Rd. • Alton, IL
50% OFF LaborH&L
Excludes Any Other O�ers. Excludes Custom Work.
Tahiti TanningCompany
618-466-21003045 Godfrey Rd. • Godfrey, IL
5 Ergoline Tans For$39⁹⁵ (Bronzing Bed)
H&L
Not Valid With Any Other O�ers. Expires 12-31-12.
For More M
oney Saving Coupons V
isit ww
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nUSA
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etown Phone Book.
www.hometownUSA.net Alton Area 2012Home & Lifestyles Magazine 21
www.hometownUSA.netHome & Lifestyles Magazine22
