Wedding Facts

According to the Society of American Florists (www.aboutflowers.com), the wedding market accounts for $32 billion a year. Some other interesting stats and facts from SAF:

• The average cost of a wedding is $16,000
• The average bride is 24 years old; the average groom, 28 years old
• Thirty-five percent of weddings occur in the summer; 29% in the spring; 23% in the fall; 13% in the winter
• Fifty-three percent of weddings are held in the afternoon; 31% in the evening; 16% in the morning
• Eighty-five percent of weddings are held in a church or synagogue; 15% are evenly distributed among private homes, hotels, country clubs and other locations
• Thirty percent of receptions are held in churches; 20% in hotels; 20% in country clubs; and 10% each in fraternal halls, private homes and other locations
• Thirty-eight percent of weddings have a buffet; 34% have a sit-down dinner; 28% serve only cake and punch

Garters for Us!

A too-tight garter cutting off the circulation in your leg is the last thing you should be concerned about on your wedding day. Thanks to Beverly Clark, you can cast that worry aside. The Beverly Clark Collection includes plus-size garters in a variety of styles and packaged in sets - one to wear and keep, and the other for the groom to throw. According to Beverly Clark, the garters were designed so that "brides of all sizes can enjoy as many of our products as possible."

Priced at $33 to $43, the garter sets can be purchased at bridal shops. Call 877/862-3933 for a store near you.

Check Your Caboose

No Train: Floor length or shorter

Sweep: Extends approximately ten inches after touching the floor

Chapel: Extends approximately 1-1/2 yards from the waistline

Semi-Cathedral: Extends approximately two yards from waistline

Cathedral: Extends approximately 2-1/2 yards from waistline

Monarch: Extends approximately three yards from waistline

Good Groom-ing

A basic black tuxedo looks terrific, but if your intended wants to express himself with style, here are the latest trends in wedding day attire:

Jackets: Grosgrain or velvet accents on lapels, cuffs and pockets

Shirts: Gray and blue shads or subtle patterns

Vests: Textured fabrics, high-shine, small patterns, iridescent colors or threads

Ties: Contrasting colors and patterns; larger bow ties with multiple bows

Consider...

• The New You - If you want a dramatic new look for your wedding day, try out the haircut, hair color or make-up six months ahead of time, so you can change your plans if you don't like the results
• Bridal Registry - Register on a weekday evening to get the most individualized service
• Location - Instead of the typical banquet hall or hotel, hold an offbeat reception at a bowling alley, zoo or vineyard
• Timing - Consider holding a midweek wedding in order to get the best (and least expensive) goods and services, as well as the prime locations and season
• Champagne - Bubbly is best drunk within two years of bottling, so buy young champagne
• Send-Off - Instead of using rice or birdseed, have guests shower you with dried herbs or soft rose petals, or have them blow bubbles
• Wedding Night - Put aside your expectations of terrific sex - you'll both be physically and emotionally exhausted - and instead focus on having a special celebration together; you can make up for it on your honeymoon