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| Don't Spend a Dime Yet! | |
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| Your First Step Toward the Altar--Getting Started | |
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| Understanding the Wedding Industry | |
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| Finding a System to Keep Yourself Organized | |
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| Investigating Bridal Shows | |
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| What to Expect | |
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| How to Get the Most from a Bridal Show | |
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| Using the Internet | |
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| Becoming Intimate with the Internet | |
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| Beam Me Up, Scottie | |
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| The Web vs. Newsgroups | |
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| Show Me Your Sites | |
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| Wedding Shows | |
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| Wedding Portals/Directories | |
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| Honeymoons on the Web | |
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| Wedding Stores Online | |
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| Personal Bridal Pages | |
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| Wedding Advice on the Web | |
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| Online Bridal Registry | |
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| Finding a Wedding Consultant Online | |
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| Using the Library | |
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| Asking Friends for Suggestions | |
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| Taking a Class to Learn More | |
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| Wake Me When It's over--Hiring a Bridal Consultant | |
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| So Who Are These People, Anyway? | |
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| The Evolution of the Bridal Consultant | |
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| Timing Is Everything | |
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| What You See Is Not Always What You Get | |
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| What Is the Consultant's Role? | |
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| How to Find the Right Consultant for Your Wedding | |
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| Asking the Right Questions | |
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| Deciding Whether a Consultant Can Help You | |
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| What's It Going to Cost? | |
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| Bridal Consultant/Wedding Coordinator Worksheet | |
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| Simple or Extravagant--Setting Your Budget | |
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| Blue Jeans or Black Tie? | |
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| Ultraformal: Glamorous and Glitzy | |
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| Formal: Elegant and Graceful | |
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| Semiformal: Tasteful and Dignified | |
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| Informal: Casual and Comfortable | |
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| How the Level of Formality Affects Your Budget | |
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| Setting a Realistic Budget | |
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| Cost Comparison | |
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| Putting Your Budget on Paper | |
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| Whom to Involve | |
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| Who Pays for What? | |
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| What's Important to Us Worksheet | |
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| Cost Comparison Worksheet | |
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| Wedding Budget Worksheet | |
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| Who Pays for What Worksheet | |
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| The Bride and Her Family | |
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| The Groom and His Family | |
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| The Wedding Party | |
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| First Things First | |
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| Get Me a Church on Time! | |
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| Setting the Date | |
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| Plan Around Big Events | |
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| Holidays: Pressure Cookers or Money Savers? | |
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| Waltzing with the Weather | |
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| Consider Other Commitments | |
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| Selecting the Ceremony Site | |
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| Examine the Facility Firsthand | |
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| Understand the Fees and Policies | |
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| Working with the Officiant | |
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| Ceremony Site Worksheet | |
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| Seeking Your Soiree | |
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| The Reception Site--Getting What You Pay For | |
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| One Size Doesn't Fit All | |
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| Deal with the Details | |
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| Reserving the Reception Site | |
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| Traffic Jam | |
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| What About Services and Restrictions? | |
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| Who's in Charge Here? | |
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| Choosing a Caterer | |
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| May I Serve You? | |
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| So, What Will It Cost? | |
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| Liquor: To Drink or Not To Drink | |
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| Reception Site Worksheet | |
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| Choosing the Reception Site Worksheet | |
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| Choosing the Caterer Worksheet | |
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| The Wedding Party--a Circle of Friends | |
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| Wedding Party Size | |
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| Finalizing the List | |
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| Using Children as Attendants | |
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| Kids Do the Darndest Things | |
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| Find the Right Jobs for Kids | |
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| Assigning Other Fun Tasks | |
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| Getting a Little Help from Your Friends | |
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| Cast Party--Arranging the Rehearsal Dinner | |
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| Examining the Tradition | |
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| Getting to Know You | |
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| Whom to Invite | |
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| Giving It Style | |
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| Have It Your Way | |
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| What's on the Agenda? | |
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| A Time to Say Thank You | |
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| Rehearsal Dinner Worksheet | |
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| Romance and Roses--Planning Your Honeymoon | |
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| Finally, Some Time Alone | |
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| Communication Is the Key | |
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| Honey, Why Are You Crying? | |
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| Get Thee to Paradise | |
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| Hints for Honeymooners | |
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| Honeymoon Worksheet | |
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| Planning Check-Off List | |
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| Six to Twelve Months Before the Wedding | |
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| Five Months Before the Wedding | |
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| Four Months Before the Wedding | |
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| Three Months Before the Wedding | |
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| Two Months Before the Wedding | |
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| Seven Weeks Before the Wedding | |
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| Six Weeks Before the Wedding | |
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| Five Weeks Before the Wedding | |
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| Four Weeks Before the Wedding | |
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| Three Weeks Before the Wedding | |
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| Two Weeks Before the Wedding | |
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| One Week Before the Wedding | |
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| Two Days Before the Wedding | |
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| One Day Before the Wedding | |
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| The Day!! | |
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| I Now Pronounce You ... Ceremony Details | |
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| Get Serious--Traditional Religious Services | |
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| Eastern Orthodox | |
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| The Betrothal | |
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| The Crowning | |
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| Protestant | |
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| Roman Catholic | |
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| Some Common Threads Among Christian Weddings | |
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| The Christian Processional | |
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| Positions at the Altar | |
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| Jewish | |
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| Summing Up | |
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| I Do, I Really Do | |
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| Writing Your Own Vows | |
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| I, Mary, Take You, John | |
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| Mary, Join Me as We Venture into the Cosmos | |
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| Customizing Your Service | |
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| A Song for You | |
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| A Special Passage | |
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| That Special Touch | |
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| Illuminating the Ceremony | |
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| Where to Draw the Line | |
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| This Is It: The Ceremony! | |
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| Oh, My Aching Hand! | |
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| Putting It All Together | |
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| Eat, Drink, and Be Married | |
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| Working with the Caterer | |
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| What's on the Menu? | |
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| Cake and Punch | |
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| Hors d'Oeuvres | |
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| Food Stations | |
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| Buffet | |
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| Formal Dinner Reception | |
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| Thinking Through Your Food Options | |
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| Playing the Numbers Game | |
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| That Fantasy Creation: The Cake | |
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| So Many Choices | |
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| Bargaining with the Baker | |
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| The Groom's Cake | |
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| Those Luscious Libations | |
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| Look at All Your Options | |
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| Don't Take Your Responsibilities Lightly | |
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| Call in the Chefs! | |
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| Cake and Punch Reception | |
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| Hors d'Oeuvres Reception | |
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| Buffet Reception | |
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| Buffet Reception II | |
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| Formal Dinner | |
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| Formal Dinner II | |
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| Catering Worksheet | |
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| Liquor Worksheet | |
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| Wedding Cake Worksheet | |
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| Snapdragons and Song | |
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| Deciding on a Florist | |
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| By the Dozen | |
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| Nipping Your Floral Bill in the Bud | |
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| Buds of Beauty | |
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| Bouquets and "Boots" | |
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| Roll Out the Carpet | |
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| Petals and More | |
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| Centerpiece Ideas | |
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| Simple or Sensational? | |
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| Other Table Ideas | |
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| Making Beautiful Music | |
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| Waltzing Down the Aisle | |
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| Party Music | |
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| Floral Worksheet | |
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| Musicians Worksheet | |
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| All Dressed Up and Somewhere to Go | |
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| Cinderella for a Day | |
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| Thinking Ahead | |
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| By Appointment Only | |
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| Oh, It's So You! | |
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| Dress the Part | |
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| Don't Veil the Truth | |
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| The Glass Slippers | |
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| The Final Touches | |
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| Underneath It All | |
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| Service with a Smile | |
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| All the Hustle and Bustle | |
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| A Little Nip Here, a Little Tuck There | |
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| If It Was Good Enough for Mom | |
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| See Reverse for Care | |
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| Pretty Maids All in a Row | |
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| Dressed to Kill: Formal Wear for Men | |
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| Going with the Flow | |
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| Accent with Color | |
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| Right Down to Their Feet | |
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| Getting the Suit on Time | |
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| Buying in Bulk | |
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| The Perfect Fit | |
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| Long-Distance Shopping | |
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| Arriving in Style | |
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| That Luxurious Limousine | |
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| Absolute Elegance | |
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| This Won't Turn into a Pumpkin! | |
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| Be Creative | |
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| Transporting the Whole Gang | |
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| Wedding Gown and Bridesmaids' Dresses Worksheet | |
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| Tuxedo Worksheet | |
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| Special Transportation Worksheet | |
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| Pretty as a Picture--Photographers and Videographers | |
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| Focusing on Your Photography | |
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| So Many Questions, So Little Time | |
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| Make Sure That What You See Is What You Get | |
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| Do You Have That Warm, Fuzzy Feeling? | |
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| What's in a Picture? | |
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| Soft Focus | |
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| Portraiture | |
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| Natural Light | |
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| Photojournalistic | |
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| Contracts | |
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| When All Is Said and Done | |
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| Hiring a Videographer | |
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| See Samples | |
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| Home Video Quality | |
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| Get Me the Soundtrack! | |
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| The Package Deal | |
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| Photography Worksheet | |
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| Videography Worksheet | |
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| Extra! Extra! Read All About It! | |
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| Taking Stock of Your Invitations | |
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| Selecting Your Invitations | |
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| Putting Your Stamp on It | |
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| Rise to the Occasion | |
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| The Paper Chase | |
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| Pure Poetry | |
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| Those Little Cards | |
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| Now, Let's Party! | |
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| RSVP | |
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| Map It Out | |
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| Order! Order! | |
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| Return to Sender (!) | |
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| Printed Accessories | |
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| Informal Notes and Thank-You Notes | |
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| Napkins | |
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| Scrolls | |
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| Place Cards | |
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| Really Personalize It! | |
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| Mark Your Calendars Now, Please | |
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| Start Spreadin' the News | |
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| When the Masses Arrive | |
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| Just Follow Along, Please | |
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| Use Your Imagination | |
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| Keep It Simple ... or Go to Extremes! | |
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| Invitations Worksheet | |
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| Programs Worksheet | |
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| Do Yourself a Favor | |
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| Favoring Your Friends | |
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| Smile, You're on Candid Camera! | |
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| Attending to Your Attendants | |
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| Welcome One and All! | |
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| Favors Worksheet | |
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| Making the Most of Your Dollars | |
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| Saving Your Pennies for Priorities | |
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| Finding Ways to Cut Your Floral Bill | |
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| It's All About Sharing | |
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| Au Naturel | |
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| Apprentices Wanted | |
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| Save Bucks Covering Blemishes | |
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| Keep It Simple | |
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| Flowers for Rent | |
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| Dressing for Less | |
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| Regulating Your Reception Expenses | |
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| Managing Your Music Dollars | |
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| Economizing on Those Extras | |
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| Paring Photography Costs | |
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| Contracts and Agreements | |
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| Help! My Family Is Driving Me Nuts!! | |
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| And in This Corner ... | |
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| This Could Happen to You! | |
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| Marriage: A Rite of Passage | |
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| The Emotional Roller Coaster--What to Expect | |
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| Mother and Me | |
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| Daddy's Little Girl | |
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| Mama's Baby Boy | |
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| Who's in Control Here? | |
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| Tension Between Parents | |
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| Practical Tips | |
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| I Think I'm Losing My Mind | |
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| Is This Normal? | |
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| It Costs What? | |
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| Too Much Advice from Too Many People | |
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| Trying to Please Everyone | |
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| Divorced and Blended Families | |
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| When Divorced Parents Are Talking | |
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| When Divorced Parents Aren't Talking | |
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| Where to Get Help | |
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| The Officiant | |
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| Bridal Consultant | |
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| Trusted Family Member or Friend | |
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| Prenuptial Agreements | |
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| Special Weddings | |
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| What's in a Theme? | |
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| Seasonal Weddings | |
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| Christmas Weddings | |
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| New Year's Eve or New Year's Day Weddings | |
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| Valentine's Day Weddings | |
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| Fourth of July Weddings | |
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| Halloween Weddings | |
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| Go with the Flow of the Season | |
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| Outdoor and Garden Weddings | |
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| The Unpredictable Mother Nature | |
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| What You'll Need | |
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| Let's Get Physical | |
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| Park It Here, My Dear | |
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| A Different Kind of Train Track | |
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| Tears over Melting Tiers | |
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| Military Weddings | |
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| Victorian Weddings | |
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| Hey! What Are You Doing This Weekend? | |
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| What Is a Weekend Wedding? | |
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| Guest Activities | |
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| Practical Tips | |
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| Booking a Hotel for a Weekend Wedding | |
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| Travel Advice | |
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| Hear Ye! Hear Ye! | |
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| Mickey and Minnie, Here We Come!--Destination Weddings | |
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| What Is a Destination Wedding? | |
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| How to Plan a Destination Wedding | |
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| Do Your Research! | |
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| Ol' Mother Nature, Again | |
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| A Place in Your Heart | |
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| Accommodations and Amenities | |
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| Is It Legal? | |
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| Guest Activities | |
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| Practical Tips | |
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| Popular Sites | |
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| Disney World | |
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| Hawaii | |
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| Las Vegas | |
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| Cruise Ships | |
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| Surviving the Big Event | |
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| Much Ado About Everything: Prenuptial Preparation | |
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| The Dress Rehearsal | |
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| Practice Makes Perfect | |
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| I Did Say "Dress Rehearsal" | |
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| Whom to Include | |
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| It's All in Fun | |
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| Who's the Boss Here? | |
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| A Little Pre-Party | |
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| The Bachelor Party | |
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| The Bachelorette Party | |
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| Getting Yourself Ready | |
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| You Are Getting Sleepy | |
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| You Are What You Eat | |
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| Making a List--Checking It Twice | |
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| Don't Forget the Decorations! | |
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| What to Take to the Church | |
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| Dressing Offsite | |
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| Dressing Onsite | |
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| Something Old, Something New | |
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| The Emergency Kit | |
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| Say Cheese! | |
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| When to Take Those Pictures | |
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| All Before the Wedding | |
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| After the Ceremony | |
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| Before and After | |
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| Location, Location, Location | |
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| At the Ceremony Site | |
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| Finding Other Hidden Treasures | |
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| Don't Forget Anybody! | |
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| Adding Videography | |
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| Let the Party Begin! | |
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| Activities to Include | |
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| A Big Hand for Mr. and Mrs. | |
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| Raise Your Glasses | |
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| The Cake Cutting | |
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| Get Your Dancing Cards Ready | |
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| It's a Toss Up | |
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| |
| Handling Gifts at the Reception | |
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| Safety First | |
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| It's Not Christmas Morning | |
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| Security | |
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| Designating the Designated Driver | |
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| Childcare | |
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| House-Sitters | |
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| Making Your Grand Exit | |
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| Tales from the Altar | |
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| Tips from the Pros--What's Hot, What's Not | |
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| Bridal Consultants | |
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| |
| Colin Cowie | |
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| Shelby Tuck-Horton | |
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| Joyce C. Smith | |
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| Elisa Mackenzie | |
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| Betty Jackson | |
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| Merry Beth Turpin | |
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| Karen DeKay | |
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| Sue Winner | |
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| Toni DeLisi | |
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| Priscilla Vasicek | |
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| Jean Picard | |
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| Christine Young | |
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| Norma Edelman | |
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| Frank Andonoplas | |
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| Martha Cook | |
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| Lois Pearce | |
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| Kay Krober | |
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| Gayle Labenow | |
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| Mary Jane Miles | |
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| What's Hot--What's Not | |
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| |
| East-Coast Trends | |
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| West-Coast Trends | |
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| Midwestern Trends | |
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| Southern Trends | |
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| Free Advice from Some Experienced Vendors | |
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| |
| Gowns--Bridal Retail and Designer | |
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| |
| Mary Kelley, Director of Retail Services, ABC | |
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| Ellen Prange, The Bridal Suite | |
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| Wedding Gown Specialists Association | |
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| Florists | |
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| |
| Joyce Mills Edelen, Joyce, A Floral Specialist | |
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| Dale Miller, Miller Floral Company | |
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| David Kurio, David Kurio Floral Design | |
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| Karen Hopkins, Making Arrangements | |
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| Sali Widner--Bouquet Preservation | |
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| Claire Webber, Claire Webber Florals and Events by Design | |
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| Photographers | |
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| G. Gregory Geiger, CPP, Gregeiger Company Unlimited, Inc. | |
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| Geno, Classic Contemporary Photography by Geno | |
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| Jim and Lois Wyant, Wyant Photography | |
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| Michael Colter | |
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| Stephanie Hogue | |
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| Travel Agents | |
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| Steve Schrohe and Virginia Pfrommer, IT Travel, Inc. | |
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| Steve Ledewitz, Worldtek Travel | |
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| Videographers | |
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| Jim and Cindy Wright, Video Magic Productions | |
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| Patrick and Jodi Harris, Sight and Sound Video Productions and DJ Entertainment | |
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| Caterers | |
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| Donna Rader, Jim Herman, and Kent Beckman; Marriott Corporation, Education Services | |
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| Jerry Green, The New Savoy | |
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| Susan Sluyter, Indiana State University Food Services | |
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| Jacquelynne T. O'Rourke, Edelweiss Caterers | |
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| Music | |
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| Bill Cain, Keyboard Musician | |
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| Kenny i Orchestras | |
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| Patrick and Jodi Harris, Sight and Sound Video Productions and DJ Entertainment | |
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| Sharon Thompson, Sunny Moon DJ Entertainment | |
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| True Confessions--Couples Tell How They Survived | |
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| Kelly Kristin Potts and Scott William Locke | |
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| Gretchen Elaine Whalen and James Jeffrey Moore | |
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| Becky Lynn Williams and Greg Bryce Swenson | |
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| Shanna Marie Toney and Jon Anthony Bradbury | |
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| Virginia Longyear and Phillip Wayne Whitaker Jr. | |
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| Gina Marie Tom and Preston Earl White | |
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| Jennifer Ann Hofmann and Bryan Scott Redding | |
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| Rebecca Lynn Lueken and Todd Edwards Stewart | |
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| A Final Word | |
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| Appendixes | |
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| Glossary | |
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| Resources | |
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| Index | |