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Continued from page 111 2  A l a s k a B r i d e & G r o o m  2025R | Reception VenueYour reception venue should cater to your guest count and offer the desired atmosphere, so be sure to consider its location, convenience, and amenities. From a grand ballroom to a rustic barn, remember that the venue should be a place that matches the aesthetic of your wedding while providing a comfortable space for your celebration. Keep your budget, the size of your guest list, and the formality of the event in mind. Make sure to book your venues as far in advance as possible, as many popular wedding and reception venues can be booked a year or more out.S | Send-OffsTraditionally, wedding guests send the newlyweds off in a shower of rice. These days, most couples have expanded on this tradition and opted for more creative options. Why not end the reception with a bang. At the end of the night, invite your guests outside for your big sendoff, and surprise them with a dramatic light and firework show (in your wedding colors, of course). Or, for a grand getaway, race through a tunnel of swords, ski poles, boat oars, LED balloons, glowing light sabers or wedding sparklers.T | TransportationArrange transportation logistics for you and your close guests, especially if your ceremony and reception are at different locations. Ensure everyone arrives safely and on time. Depending on the distance and the number of guests, consider options such as shuttle services, limousines, or even vintage cars to add a touch of elegance to your day. For a unique – and exciting – experience, consider renting a helicopter for a pre- or post-wedding glacier trip!U | Ushers and UsherettesUshers set the tone for the ceremony as they assist your wedding guests to their places. Make sure yours are wellinformed about the venue’s layout and seating plan so they help guests with ease and courtesy. Often friends or family members of the couple, these gents (and sometimes ladies!) let guests know which seats are reserved and whether there is a bride’s and groom’s side of the aisle. Sometimes, they also hand out ceremony programs. You might have them dress to match the groomsmen or wear their own coordinated attire, but don’t forget to get them boutonnieres so they stand out from the crowd.V | VowsYour wedding vows are a heartfelt and intimate part of the ceremony. Write or select vows that express your love, commitment, and promises to each other. Personalize them to make the moment memorable, emotional, and deeply meaningful. Writing your own vows can be a sweet way to personalize your ceremony. You and your fiancé should both speak from the heart, but try to make the style of your vows similar. For example, decide whether you'll be serious or humorous, or both.W | Wedding PlannerAre you a busy couple? Do you have the time but not sure what you want your big day to look like? Consider hiring a wedding planner. A wedding planner can give you ideas and suggestions to help bring your vision to life, help with the planning details and appropriately allocate your budget to give you the most bang for your buck. These days, you can hire a pro at different price points, depending on the level of service you need. You can enlist a coordinator to orchestrate the entire event or hire one just for the big day itself, to ensure that things run smoothly. X | X-tra SpecialTouchesConsider incorporating unique and personalized elements into your wedding that make your wedding uniquely yours. These small, quirky details can leave a lasting impression on your guests. It could be shared hobbies, inside jokes, or special symbols that represent your relationship. Think about personalized favors, creative guest book alternatives, or thematic surprises that reflect your personality. These details add personality and warmth to your celebration.Y | Your Love StoryEvery couple has their own unique \challenges that have brought them to this pivotal moment. Find opportunities to share the story of your journey as a couple with your guests and bring them closer to the celebration. Incorporate speeches, songs, anecdotes, milestones, and shared experiences into the wedding planning that creates a narrative that celebrates your unique bond.Z | Zero RegretsThroughout all the planning, embrace the highs and lows, stay true to yourselves, and enjoy the process. Then, on your big day, be sure to savor the moment. Even if the weather isn’t what you'd hoped for, or there are a few road bumps along the way, don’t sweat the small stuff, says bride Crystal. “Don’t worry about the little imperfections that you have no control over. Sure, there will be snafus, but those will add to the richness of your memories.” Look back on your day with zero regrets — and look forward to your new life together! Find the experts you need for all your nuptial necessities – visit our Resource Directory on pages 56-57 and Reception Guide on pages 58-59.