62 THE QUEENS COURIER • JUNE 17, 2021 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
wedding
Tips to make wedding planning less stressful
First comes the proposal then comes
the wedding planning. Th ere are dozens
of decisions that need to be made before
it’s time to walk down the aisle, which can
be overwhelming for brides and grooms.
To help make it less stressful, these tips
from Macy’s can help couples through the
entire wedding-planning process, from
on-trend apparel and accessories for the
entire wedding party to all the essentials
to create a perfect registry.
Dressing the Ladies
When it comes to bridesmaid dresses,
the mix-and-match approach is trending
in popularity. Start by deciding on a
color palette, such as lilac, champagne and
petal pink. Th en have each bridesmaid
choose her favorite style within that range
of hues. Bring it all together by choosing
a uniform look for makeup, shoes and
accessories.
Th ere is no better time to thank the
ladies than the morning of the big day.
A few thoughtful gift s can go a long way,
such as matching robes, tumblers to stay
hydrated throughout the day and cosmetic
cases to stow makeup essentials.
Dressing the Gents
Similar to bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen
attire can be dependent on the venue
and overall event aesthetic. While a suit
can fi t the bill for a country club wedding,
a city aff air may call for the sleek fi nishes
of a tux. Tuxedo accessories, such as cuff
links or bow ties, make great groomsmen
gift s and are classic pieces they can use
time and time again.
Creating the Perfect Registry
When building a registry, it’s never too
early to start. People want to give gift s as
soon as they know a couple is engaged.
Start by taking inventory of what you
already have, what you need and what you
want to upgrade. It’s also recommended to
update the registry regularly so there are
enough gift s to choose from, especially
if there is an engagement party and bridal
shower coming up. To get started, some
popular registry items include stand mixers,
craft beer glasses, Dutch ovens, bath
towels and vacuums. For extra guidance,
couples can speak to advisors who can
help with the full registry building process
at Macy’s stores.
For more wedding ideas and inspiration,
and to fi nd the right attire and gift s for your
wedding planning, visit macys.com.
— Courtesy of Family Features
Let the music play on your special day
BY TRESA ERICKSON
You just got engaged, and the planning
is already underway. While date, time and
location might be fi rst on the list, eventually
you will make your way to the music.
You’ll need music throughout your wedding,
and if you would like, you can leave
everything up to the professional of your
choice. You can hire a band or DJ and
request they line up music for the entire
event, or you can play a more pivotal role.
Either way, here are some factors to
consider.
Setting
Where are you getting married? In a
church? At a park? On the beach? Find
out if there are any restrictions in place at
the venue regarding music. Some venues
may not permit live music, for example,
due to space constraints or power supply
limitations.
If there are no restrictions in place, consider
the tone of the venue. Religious settings
may call for more traditional music
styles, whereas outdoor settings may
allow for a wider variety of music styles.
Keep in mind that sound will carry outside
and extra care may have to be taken
to ensure no noise ordinances are broken.
Finally, check with your offi ciant. Th ey
might also have some restrictions in place
regarding music.
Preference
What styles of music do you prefer?
Live or recorded? Vocals or instrumental?
Classical or jazz? Some couples opt for a
DJ to spin tunes of their choosing, while
others hire a band. Some do a combo,
bringing in a musician for the ceremony
and a DJ for the reception.
It really is up to you, but keep in mind
that you will have guests at your wedding
and their tastes in music may diff er vastly.
If possible, try to have a wide range of
music played at your reception to suit all
tastes, especially if you have a dance fl oor.
Theme
Do you have a wedding theme? If so,
you will want music that suits it. While
you might like heavy rock, it may not
work for your small country wedding. A
violinist, on the other hand, might do a
great job. Budget Cost is always a concern.
How much can you aff ord to spend
on music?
Live music generally costs more than
hiring a DJ, unless you have your sights
set on a celebrity DJ. If you would like to
have live music but don’t have a big budget,
you might want to fi nd a compromise.
Perhaps you could have a harpist
at your wedding ceremony and a DJ at
your reception.
If you know a friend or relative who is
a talented musician, perhaps you could
ask them to play at your wedding for a
reduced fee or in lieu of a wedding gift .
Whatever direction you take with the
music for your wedding, make sure you
do your homework. Get referrals for
potential hires and take the time to
check them out. Ask to see a performance
and discuss the playlist in great
depth. Select talented, reputable professionals
who will listen to you and work
with you to set the right tone for your
big day.
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