After the Wedding

You've chosen to get married; now it's time to choose where you will live. You may decide to rent, as many couples do when they are first getting started, or maybe it's time to buy a new house. The big question is: where do you start?

Apartment Homes

Apartments can be found in a single building, a complex, a house or a flat (renting an entire upper or lower level). Choose which is best for you. If you are worried about noise levels, ask the previous tenants about their experiences while living there.
Determine the location, size (number of bedrooms) and monthly cost ahead of time to narrow your choices while looking. There are many sources for finding an apartment, such as local papers, special renting publications and rent-search agents. These sources give only brief descriptions. It is best to note possibilities and check out the apartment for yourself.
Before you go, make a list of items you should inspect and questions you want to ask. Inspect items such as the water pressure (don't be afraid to turn on the shower!), closet space, storage space outside the apartment, cupboard space, appliances, cleanliness and general upkeep of the building and grounds, etc.
Ask the right questions. How much is the security deposit? Is the lease month-to -month or yearly? If you sign a lease, what are the penalties (if any) if you need to leave before the lease is up? Are utilities included? If not, what are the average monthly bills? Do you need to pay for carpet cleaning when you decide to leave? Is there parking, and are you charged extra for the space? Are there laundry facilities on the premises? Are pets allowed? Are the window coverings included with the apartment? Is the entrance (security) locked and well-lit at night?
When you first move in, make a list of damaged items and give a copy of it to your landlord so you are not charged for them when you move out. Include anything - nicks in cupboards, markings on the linoleum, stains in the carpeting, a loose towel rack or hook - no item is too small. If anything needs fixing, be sure to tell the landlord about it so it can be fixed before you settle in.

Buying a Home

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you and your spouse will make during your lifetime. So the first step is to sit down together with a lender to discuss your financial situation and determine how much you can afford and what you will need to save for the down payment. If you want to figure this out by yourselves, you can estimate the cost by multiplying your annual income(s) by 2.5. The down payment is usually between 5 and 10 percent of that total. However, the bigger your down payment, the smaller the mortgage and your monthly payment will be. It is wise to visit your lender before you begin to look, so that you know your price range ahead of time.
After you've determined what you can afford, the next step is "the search." Start your search by listing your preferences, such as location, size, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, etc. This will help narrow your selection. However, keep in mind that your first home may not fulfill your every wish. Also, if you plan to start a family within the next few years, be sure to choose a home with enough bedrooms or one that has room to expand. After you have your ideal house in mind, you may start the search - on your own, with a realtor, buyer broker or broker agent.
"The search" is on. While you look at houses, always be sure to take notes. After looking at many houses, it is easy to confuse them. Also, be sure to ask questions! The only dumb questions are those that have not been asked. Before buying any house, it is wise to have it inspected by a professional who will check any details you may have overlooked.

Financing Your Home

When you've found the home that both you and your new spouse agree on, it's time to deal with the financing. It is very important to shop for the right lending institution. Find out which has the lowest interest rates and compare down-payment requirements.
Once you've chosen the financial institution you'll be dealing with, a lending officer will show you different mortgage options. This can be confusing, don't be afraid to ask questions.

Furnishing Your New Home

Whether you are renting an apartment or buying a new home, remember that you are in a marriage now. You will need to compromise when it comes to deciding on furnishings. It is often a difficult decision, since you are combining two sets of belongings and often different tastes.
You may want to start a style of decor, such as southwestern, country or modern. If your ideas are totally opposite, you may need to compromise by dividing the rooms. For instance, the living room could sport a country flair, while the bedroom could cozy up with southwestern decor.
As you shop for new furnishings decide whether you want to choose items you will keep for many years to come, or temporary pieces you may upgrade in a few years. For temporary furnishings, you may choose to go with less expensive furniture or rental items. If you are looking for permanent pieces, you may want to begin with the items you need the most for everyday living and add to the collection as your budget allows. Many higher end furniture stores have designers on staff who can help you choose and layout your furniture plans. They can even help you choose furnishings that will work with the pieces you already have.
When combining your belongings the most important thing of all is to remember that items you may not like might have deep sentimental value to your spouse. Don't hurt the feelings of the one you love. More importantly, make room for the things each of you treasure.

Buying an Automobile

Another major purchase most couples make is buying an automobile. Before making the decision on which vehicle to purchase it is wise for the buyers to consider their needs (what the vehicle will be used for) and desires (options they would prefer). With the high price tags of many new automobiles, it is imperative for a couple to calculate what they can afford in their budget. Once a dollar amount is set, the couple can begin their search for a new vehicle. The consumers should shop around, test drive and compare features, prices, comfort, maintenance and safety ratings. Another major factor to consider is the fuel rating (m.p.g.). With today's high energy prices, hundreds of dollars in gas may be saved per year by choosing a more fuel-efficient vehicle.

Establishing a Budget

While buying a home or a new automobile are some of the biggest financial purchases a couple will ever make, it's the daily financial decisions that make those purchases possible.
Sometime before the wedding, the couple should determine how much money they will make and how much they will spend during their first year together. Expenses every couple should itemize include fixed costs: shelter, food, clothing, transportation, insurance and utilities. Other expenses include entertainment, travel, hobbies and the like.
By subtracting expected expenses from net income, the couple will begin to realize how much they can spend.
Of course, expenses relate directly to the couple's goals. They must choose together what is important to them and manage their money accordingly. Today's husband and wife, typically both wage earners, wisely discuss how having children will affect earnings. Will both spouses continue to work when a child is born? If not, they should be wary of becoming accustomed to living off both incomes.

Savings & Investments

Financial experts advise couples to begin a savings plan immediately to meet their short-term and long-term goals, be the goals new furnishings, house improvements, house or car payments or education funds for children. Couples should read investment publications and get opinions from more than one investment broker and/or financial adviser. These professionals can explain the pros and cons of money market accounts, certificates of deposit, treasury bills, stocks, mutual funds and more. Only by being informed, can the couple make the best saving decisions. Most economists still consider buying a house to be a sound investment if the mortgage payments fit within the established budget.
Life insurance is still a necessity for the average couple, though seen more as a fund for the surviving spouse and children and less as a long-term investment. The internet has a helpful site, www.life-line.org, which gives information on the different types of insurance and needed coverage as well as numerous consumer tips.
Finally, many experts suggest couples save at least 10% of their net income in a readily available emergency fund earmarked for unforeseen circumstances.
Wisconsin couples contemplating marriage should know that, since 1986, all income earned and assets acquired by either spouse during marriage is jointly owned. This is the basic premise of Wisconsin's complex marital property law, little understood by most married couples. Local libraries have information on this law, which is so pertinent to all Wisconsin couples. Any couple, especially those with substantial assets, will benefit from learning about this law before they wed. Important prenuptial strategies and agreements on how to handle finances are impossible if the couple is uninformed.

Beautiful Adornments:

Choosing a Florist

Start the process of choosing a florist by looking here at the WEDDING Planner & Guide Online, visiting the WEDDING Planner & Guide Bridal Show and by asking friends and family for referrals. If the flowers at a recent wedding were particularly exquisite, ask the bride which florist she used. Once a list of several has been formed, make an appointment with each to sit down and talk about options and to view photos of past arrangements and weddings. The first appointment will usually take an hour or so.
Before keeping that appointment, assemble some items that will help the florist to help you. First, work out a general budget for your wedding flowers. The "Flowers" worksheet found in the worksheet section of this WEDDING Planner & Guide is a great way to get started. Ask yourself questions like:

• How many bridesmaids and groomsmen will there be?
• Who outside the bridal party will receive flowers to wear?
• Will the florist decorate the pew ends or the altar in the church?
• Will flowers be required for the wedding cake?
• Will the florist decorate the reception site, including the head table and other tables?

In addition to budget information, your florist will need you to bring such helpful items as photos or magazine clippings of flower arrangements you like, a photo of your wedding dress so she can match the style of the flowers with it and a fabric swatch from your bridesmaids’ dresses for color comparison.

Cost

The cost of wedding flowers can vary widely depending on several factors. Exotic out-of-season flowers will, of course, cost far more than locally-grown and easily obtained in-season flowers. Upscale, cutting-edge floral designers will most likely be more expensive than a more traditional florist. Bouquets rich in certain flowers and light on greenery will certainly make a dent in your pocketbook. Though the convenience of having a florist decorate the church and reception site can be more costly, it is usually worth the amount of stress it will relieve and provides beautiful end results!
In this area, the average cost of wedding flowers lies somewhere in the $1,600 to $2,100 range for most weddings. Some brides avoid some of this cost by arranging the flowers themselves, but this can be a stressful and tricky operation. If considering this option, remember that the flowers will have to be prepared either the day before or the day of the wedding and will need to be refrigerated. Someone will have to transport them to and distribute them at the church. Is the added responsibility worth the money saved? Only the bride herself can answer that question.

Bouquets & Such

Color saturation is the watchword for today’s bridal bouquets, according to local florists. They say that blue is still a very trendy color for flowers, especially when paired with purple or a periwinkle color. Subdued colors such as taupe tinged with pink are edging their way into bouquets everywhere, too. These colors go well with the taupe and pewter dresses worn by today’s bridesmaids.
As for bouquet shapes, they say that ‘simple elegance’ are the first words out of every bride’s mouth.
Many brides today seek out a pavé arrangement, which is a tight cluster of blossoms. Such bouquets might consist of a single type of flower in the same or related colors or it might include several different varieties of flowers. These arrangements have very few, if any, greens, which can make them costly. This is a very balanced, geometric look made popular in recent years.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the European hand-tied bouquet retains its favor with brides everywhere. This arrangement has a fresh, natural appeal and can include a diverse selection of flowers. Most often, these bouquets have a casual simplicity that many brides find particularly appealing.
What flowers do brides choose to include in their bouquets? Romantic roses, as always, top the list. Brides also choose fresh lavender, sages and other herbs. Berries, Lisianthus (also known as the false rose) and hydrangeas make regular appearances, too. (See the chart at the end of this article for other wedding favorites). Silk flowers remain popular, especially top-of-the-line silks, that can hardly be differentiated from fresh. Some brides even include delicate silk fruits in their bouquets.
To set off the simple look of today’s flower arrangements, whether formal or natural, florists employ different styles of rich-looking ribbon. Satin ribbon might wrap around a bouquet’s stems to hide them and to ensure unstained, unpricked hands. Wide satin ribbon in silk gives a lush simplicity when tied in a simple bow. Sheer ribbons add a fairy-tale feel to a tight cluster of elegant blooms. Ribbon colors range from deep cocoas to pearly white.
Today’s boutonniéres also have a new look, pared down and simple, often with a satin ribbon to accompany them. And like the pavé bouquets, boutonniéres often forego the greenery to achieve a single-minded elegance.

Floral Decor

That elegant simplicity has changed the way churches are decorated for weddings, too. "A lot of brides are doing more at the reception than they used to," a local florist explains. "The church look is simpler — the (decorating) money is spent at the reception."
That means receptions have blossomed. There, topiaries and wheat sheaves decorate tables with elegance. Again, pavé clusters of single or several flowers adorn tables like jewels.

Preserving the Flowers

With all the effort, time and money that go into the wedding flowers, one final detail that is often overlooked is preserving them. For centuries brides have discarded or left their bouquets to dry and shrivel away. Now brides can keep their bouquets with the latest technologies in flower preservation. The process of flower preservation is incredibly involved and time consuming if done correctly. Floral preservationists know how to handle each flower to provide you with the most "life like" look possible. Keep in mind plans must be made in advance if floral preservation is desired. Consult a floral preservationist at least two months prior to the wedding to arrange to have the flowers shipped, delivered, or picked up immediately after the wedding while they are still fresh. Preserved flowers are attractive accents for any home. Special display pieces can be made using the flowers and other wedding keepsakes. Just as the wedding gown, photographs and other sentimental memorabilia can be a reminder; bridal flowers too can bring a lifetime of enjoyment!

Capturing Memories:

Even some memories fade over time.
That is why a wise couple will set
aside a portion of their wedding
budget for quality photographs.

For most people, photographs are memories they can hold in their hand and actually see. Their intimate nature makes them the ideal way to capture a wedding-forever. Couples want to ensure someone with expertise, creativity, and experience handles these moments.

Professional or Amateur?

While it may be tempting to entrust a friend or relative with the task of taking photographs at the wedding, most professionals agree this is a mistake. It may save a little money, but it won’t get a professional-quality product at the end. And remember—this is forever!
"Professional photographers are always learning new techniques and updating their equipment to give their clients the best photos possible," explains our expert. "A professional is trained in lighting, posing, composition, and making sure no detail is overlooked."
Besides having a trained eye, an expert photographer also has the most current equipment, and it’s professional equipment, too. He or she uses professional grade film and has the film developed at a high-quality lab. This ensures the best-quality photos.
"Anyone can take a picture," our expert points out, "but only a professional can produce portraits."

Choosing a Photographer

Be sure to do research before choosing a photographer, advises our expert. Check out the Shopping Directory, the WEDDING Planner & Guide bridal show, and ask friends and relatives. Couples should decide on the style of wedding photographs they want, how long they want the photographer to be at the wedding, and how much they can spend before calling photographers.
What should a couple look for when hiring a photographer? "The most important thing should be the style and quality of the photographer’s work," says our expert, "then the personality of the photographer." Remember, he or she will be around all day long—couples want someone enjoyable and helpful, not abrasive and pushy. Be sure to meet with and see the work of the photographer who will be shooting the wedding.
But there’s one last thing to consider when hiring the photographer. "Then (consider) price," our expert states. "Don’t be willing to sacrifice quality or sanity just to save a few dollars."
Our expert goes on to add that a photographer is a wedding expert, with plenty of experience for a bride and groom to call on.

Film or Digital?

Although digital cameras have become very popular for hobbyists, not all professional photographers have made the switch.
Which is better? The best answer to that question is to see the work produced by the photographer. Some digital photos may have a lower resolution and can become pixelated when enlarged; however, many digital cameras have resolution that rivals film. Just be sure to check the quality of the photographer’s work and their equipment.
The power of digital offers many added bonuses, including instant on-the-spot viewing, easy photographing in both B&W and color, and greater customizing before final printing. Typically recieving proofs from film can take 4 to 6 weeks after your wedding. Digital photographers can make proofs almost immediately, but many photographers will provide a CD to view on a computer, or even an online wedding gallery.
Whether choosing digital or traditional film, the end product should be a collection of exceptional photographs that tell the story of your day forever.

Photographic Styles and Choices

Creativity is key in today’s wedding photography. Couples should educate themselves about what is available and then choose which style suits them best.
"The current trend is traditional black-and-white photos and an even mix of ‘photo-journalistic’-style photos," says our expert. "(These) are generally taken from a distance so the subject is unaware and does not pose, creating a more natural look with true emotions."
Gone are the stiff poses of the early part of the 20th century, according to our expert. "Outdoor photos with a touch of creativity are also very popular," he notes, adding that the creativity can encompass something like a bride and groom sitting or laying in the grass.
To cut the time between ceremony and reception, many couples choose to have photos taken before the ceremony. But if they’re more traditional and don’t want the groom to catch sight of the bride then, the photographer should be willing to work around that desire. It’s still possible to cut time by taking photos of sets of people (bride and bridesmaids, groom and groomsmen, families, etc.) ahead of time.
A professional photographer will help make decisions about photographic style, poses, and even who should be photographed when. He or she will also have suggestions that might not have been thought of, such as unusual or beautiful outdoor spots.

Calendar and Cost

Professionals urge couples not to dally in seeking out a photographer. It doesn’t hurt to hire one a year or more before the wedding, especially if your wedding falls in the peak season.
"A couple can find packages as low as $750 and as high as $5,000," reveals our expert. "The key is knowing what you are getting." For instance, at the low end, a couple may get photos on film and pay to have them processed. On the higher end, the photographer may shoot everything in a higher-quality film and include several enlarged photos and a top-grade wedding album.
"Always compare apples to apples" warns our expert. "Never compare quantity. Seven hundred photos of low quality may not be woth as much as two hundred high quality photos."
After the wedding, anticipate a two- to three-week turnaround to see the wedding proofs. This is especially true during the peak wedding season of April through October.

Advice

Couples are encouraged to take extra care to choose the highest-quality photographer that they can possibly afford. If a photographer makes them feel intimidated, uncomfortable, or has a hard time communicating with them, think twice before hiring him or her. Be sure the photographer offers an easy-to-understand contract or brochure that states explicitly what is included for the amount of money they are paying. If a photographer tries to sell unwanted items, don’t hire him or her.
"This is the bride and groom’s day," our expert emphasizes. "They should decide how it will be enjoyed."

Getting Started

Planning the wedding budget is a marvelous opportunity for the prospective bride & groom to practice communication and cooperation for the start of their future together.

Using Professionals

The importance of working with professionals is obvious. These are people who deal with weddings on a daily basis and have made their career and/or business by knowing what is proper and what is popular when it comes to weddings. While some couples try to save money by enlisting the help of family and friends, or by doing-it-themselves, many times the need for a professional becomes clear. Weddings are a unique event and those who specialize in them know how to handle just about any particular circumstance a couple may have.
When choosing whom to work with for the wedding, be sure to keep in mind both the wedding budget and the quality of services desired. Compare the work of each professional. Choose people who know their business, who show interest and kindness, listen and spend time with their customers. In businesses that have more than a one person staff, be sure to meet with and see sample work of the person who will actually be handling the wedding.
Help the professionals by making appointments instead of dropping in and expecting to be served immediately. Keep appointments and be on time. Get back to them when they are waiting to hear back. Let them know if their services will not be needed (other couples may be missing out because a date was held). Be organized and try to give as much information as possible so they can do their job.
Feeling overwhelmed already? Don’t despair; area wedding consultants are in the business of taking care of all the details. Most consultants will help with as much or as little of the planning as desired. Their services can include setting up appointments, narrowing down choices and coordinating all aspects of the wedding. Some consultants will actually come to the wedding itself to take care of any last minute details that may arise.

The Wedding Budget

One of the first decisions a couple faces when planning a wedding is determining the budget. Couples often do not know what to expect and therefore are surprised by the actual costs involved with a wedding. The couple should sit down and discuss the financial impact the wedding will incur before making any definite plans. By deciding how much the bride/groom have to spend, and if so, how much assistance the couple will receive from family, will immediately play a key role in determining the wedding budget.
Most couples wisely have one common wish regarding wedding budgets: they do not want to go into debt. Financial experts advise against unlimited spending, knowing it is better to start a marriage without needless liabilities. Unfortunately, some couples spend money expecting much cash as wedding gifts, only to be disappointed later. Other couples under-budget for wedding and honeymoon expenses, creating a less-than-wonderful experience. The wise bride and groom will do their homework and be realistic about prices and their budget knowing you cannot have an elegant sit-down dinner for 300 guests for $1,000. Careful itemizing of every expense will make the wedding budget a success. Use the "Budget Expense Record" in the worksheet section It will give you an idea of many of the items you may need to budget for.

Who Pays for What

Today as many couples are waiting until later in life to get married, many are taking on more of the expense of the wedding than in years past. Although traditionally the bride and her family have paid for the majority of the wedding, modern times are showing countless options when it comes to who pays for what. Depending on the financial status of the couple and their respective families, costs may be shared on any or all items relating to the wedding. While some parents may offer help with a particular part of the wedding, others will give a gift of a specified dollar amount to let the couple choose how to spend it. Whatever decisions are made concerning who pays for what, the couple is ultimately responsible for the costs and should be appreciative of any assistance they receive.
The following list of "Who Pays For What" offers both a traditional break-down as well as some modern ideas:

Traditionally the Bride and Her Family Usually Pay For:
• Invitations and announcements (including postage).

• The bride's wedding dress and accessories.

• Bouquets for the bridesmaids and flower girl.

• Boutonniere for the groom.

• The bridesmaids' party or luncheon.

• Flowers and rental costs for the church and reception site.

• Engagement and wedding photographs.

• The musicians at both the wedding and reception.

• Food, beverages, and related professional services (catering) for the reception.

• The wedding cake.

• Gifts for the bridesmaids (and accommodations, if necessary).

• The groom's wedding gift.

• The groom's wedding ring.

• Transportation for the wedding party on the wedding day.

Traditionally the Groom and His Family Usually Pay For:
• The marriage license.

• The clergyman's fee.

• The rehearsal dinner.

• The bride's bouquet and going-away flowers.

• Corsages for the mothers and boutonnieres for the men in the wedding party.

• Gifts for the groomsmen and ushers (and accommodations, if necessary).

• The bride's wedding gift.

• The bride's engagement and wedding rings.

• The honeymoon.

• Groom's wedding attire

Some Modern Ideas:

There are countless options, to be sure. The bride's bouquet, for example, can be included with the flowers her family buys. The mothers' and grandmothers' flowers, as well as the men's boutonnieres, can also be part of this package.

The groom's side can offer to share the cost of any part or all of the wedding.

Dresses and tuxedos (or suits) worn by the bridesmaids and groomsmen are usually paid for by each attendant. The bride and groom, however, can offer to pay for all or part of them if they wish.

Remember, tradition does not always have to be served, nor does etiquette always have to be followed. Whatever the source of the money, it is the bride and groom's wedding, and their wishes are paramount.