Celebrate 259-8611

Where to Begin
You've decided to make it official! Congratulations!

Now the big question is where to begin so that your wedding will be the wonderful day that you're hoping for. What you need to do first is to sit down with your fiance (And, perhaps, your family, if they will be contributing financially.) and discuss your ideas.

Think about the general feeling for your special day. Do you want a traditional, formal wedding, or something more casual, perhaps with a theme? Or does a destination ceremony on a tropical island sound like what you have in mind?

Although it may seem unromantic, set down a budget that you feel comfortable with. If relatives are offering to contribute, get a realistic dollar amount of just how much. Does Grandpa Harry's promise to pay for the drinks at the reception mean hosting an open bar, or is he just thinking of a keg and a few cases of wine? It's good to know these things up front.

Consider whether or not you will have the time or knowledge to find all of the services necessary to make your dreams come true, or whether it might be prudent to hire a professional wedding planner to help you.
Determine an approximate date (at least the month) for the wedding.

Make a list of the guests to be invited and decide whether or not you wish to include children.

Think about where the ceremony will take place as well as the reception. Finding a venue that will accommodate the number of guests and the date you have chosen can be a challenge, so begin looking as soon as possible.

Another time-consuming task (Although it can be one of the most fun!) is finding the perfect dress. Bridal salons have sample dresses for you to try on, however the dress for you will probably have to be ordered from the manufacturer and this may take several months.

Selecting music, entertainment and a photographer should happen early in your planning process, since good vendors book early.

Most importantly - enjoy the planning process!
Alice Goetschel is the owner of Memorable Occasions by Alice and the co-author of The Simply Elegant Wedding Planner. 270-9448

A-1 Event Rentals, Inc.

Brides' Top Four Ambiance-setting Rentals
There are as many rental upgrades as there are brides. But when it comes to creating the biggest impression, these four are at the top.

Draping
Drape adds a whole new look to any space. You can also create dimension in a room with different heights and drapery designs.

Lighting/Pin Spot Lighting
Up-lights, up-lights, up-lights! This brings every space to life and allows you to create the desired ambiance. With new LED up-lights, you can now mix any color to truly customize the look. Pin spotting centerpieces really make them pop off the table.

Linens & Chairs
As always, linen and chairs are the first major upgrade to any event. Chivari chairs are still the most popular; they are now available in several colors to fit any type of decor. There are so many linen choices. Still popular are the satin fabrics, but the Rosette collection is also often requested in every color of the rainbow. Brides love these because they add dimension to any table setting.

Painted Seamless Dance Floors
For a truly beautiful, custom look, your dance floor can be painted to your specifications.
A-1 Event Rentals, Inc. 775-8111

Charmaine’s Bouquet Canyon Florist 297-3100

Your Day in the Sun
Brides are constantly reminded that "location, location, location" is the key to wedding bliss. But what's a couple to do when they have a long list of seemingly divergent "wants?" That's when you have to find a location that boasts a wide range of bonuses sure to make everyone happy.

Here's how to strike a balance:

The "Big" versus "Intimate" Wedding
You can have it both ways. At Valencia Country Club, for example, you can host up to 350 guests on their gorgeous greens but still take advantage of customized details that make for an ultra-personal event. Their relaxing lounge area, for example, can be used as the perfect spot to mingle with a small group of guests as you share memories over cocktails.

"Country Club" versus "Country Chic"
Many love the idea of getting married and hosting their reception amongst the class and tradition a country club offers. Others worry, though, that a golf-course spot may be too stuffy. Relax. Valencia Country Club provides panoramic golf course views and no shortage of customizable spots that will fit any theme perfectly. Take advantage of their Italian-style lights for a lawn party after dark. Transform their classic clubhouse with rustic, whimsical or black-tie-only themes. Their professional staff is known for making even the most exotic wedding dreams come true! 799-1263

photos by R & R Creative Photography; hair by Perfect Day, Perfect Hair

Meet the Wedding & Event Professionals
Julie Susdorf of Perfect Day, Perfect Hair
Julie is a certified colorist and stylist who specializes in making your hair "perfect hair" for your wedding and beyond. In order to make it "all about the bride," Julie and her team go straight to you. The bride, bridesmaids, mothers and more can get picture-perfect coifs on site. You'll be pampered by her professionalism and wow'ed by her skill. Looking for on-trend ideas? Julie says that "Old Hollywood" curls - complete with smooth, loose, bouncy style - are always a number-one hit. 645-2216

R & R Creative Photography
For over 30 years, David and Jody Ross of R & R Creative Photography have been telling stories through their photographs. Not only do they capture every moment of a couples' special day in their wedding coverage, they start with an engagement session months before the wedding. This allows their clients an opportunity to express their individuality, get acquainted with their photographers and feel comfortable in front of the camera. For theses reasons David and Jody include this important session in all of their wedding coverage. They live their dream every day, and earn their motto, "Your stories, our pictures, together forever..." 255-8502
Perfect Day, Perfect Hair and R & R Creative Photography are members of the Santa Clarita Wedding Professionals. www.scvweddingsandevents.com

Bridal Shower Freebie
Did you know that when you book a wedding-related event at Nail Garden, the host of the shindig gets her treatment on the house? Everyone will love the clean, bright and beautiful location, as well as the relaxing treatments, champagne and chance to decorate the space (And bring food!) as they wish. Nail Garden 253-9700