Southern Maryland

WEDDING
Guide A Supplement To
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 Your Wedding Headquarters
Your Wedding Headquarters
Outstanding property
Outstanding property with
with superior
superior service
service
Features Serene Setting
In Central Location.

Fabulous
Fabulous Banquet
Banquet Facility
Facility
Indoor Pool
Indoor Pool
Group Room Block Discounts
Group Room Block Discounts
Free Hot Breakfast
Free Hot Breakfast
Short Walk To Restaurants
Short Walk To Restaurants

45260 Abell House Ln, California, MD 20619 | 301.880.3851

45260 Abell House Ln, California, MD 20619 | 301.880.3851

Professional service,
Professional service,cozy
cozyaccommodations
accommodations andand
a a
delicious breakfast
delicious breakfastawait
awaitatatour
ouraward-winning
award-winning
Comfort Inn & Suites® hotel in Lexington Park, MD.
Comfort Inn & Suites® hotel in Lexington Park, MD.
Amenities Include: Free Wifi | Free Hot Breakfast | Fitness Center | Business Center | Free Coffee
Amenities RoomsFree
Include:
Guest Wifi Microwave
Feature: | Free Hotand
Breakfast | Fitness
Refrigerator CenterBedding
| Premium | Business Center
| Work Desk| Free Coffee
Guest Rooms Feature: Microwave
Flat-Screenand
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21885 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD, 20653 | (301) 863-1051
21885 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD, 20653 | (301) 863-1051
 Hiring Local
Wedding Vendors
Wedding sites filled with natural beauty and a relaxing Local vendors are often a go-to
atmosphere. Choose from beautiful locations by the Chesapeake
choice when couples are planning
their wedding ceremonies and
Bay, including bay front sites or green space with gazebos.
receptions. As the “shop local”
301.855.6681 / www.northbeachmd.org movement grows in popularity,
weddings present a prime
opportunity to embrace this
movement.
Familiarity
Local vendors will be familiar with
the area and possibly even the
location where the wedding will
be held. That can help couples
avoid having to give directions,
discuss venue protocols, and
handle other tasks that must be
worked out with non-local vendors.
For example, local photographers
familiar with a particular venue
will know all of the best places to
get shots, and some vendors may
have preexisting relationships with
DANNY DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHY
venue representatives that could
ensure wedding day operations go
smoothly.
Proximity
Local vendors can meet with
brides and grooms more readily
throughout the planning process,
making things less stressful on
the happy couple. This also makes
it easier to drop off deposits,
attend meetings, make fitting
appointments, or attend styling
sessions.
Environment
Individuals who take great strides
to conserve resources by reducing
their energy consumption and
protecting the environment
often find that shopping local is
beneficial. Local vendors are more
likely to source their materials from
other local businesses, reducing
their carbon footprints along the
way. For example, local caterers
may rely on local farmers for their
foods, affording couples the chance
to host eco-friendly or even farm-to-
table weddings.
Customization
Working with local vendors often
translates into getting more
personalized service and attention
than mass retailers or merchants
can provide.
 AT THE
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 Did you know?
There are many different reasons couples opt to get married in a particular
month. Warm weather and the best chance for good photo opportunities spurs
many couples to tie the knot during the summer months. Although June has
long been the most popular month for getting hitched, times are changing.
Numbers from the American National Center for Health Statistics indicate
that July and August have had more marriages than June for the last several
years. In North America, the most popular month to walk down the aisle is July,
followed by August, June, May, September, October, December, November,
301-769-2030 April, February, and March. January has the least number of weddings. Couples
36290 Notley Manor Lane • Chaptico, MD 20621 who are looking to save money or avoid competition for vendors with other
couples can use this information when choosing a date for their weddings.

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 ELEGANT SCENIC HISTORIC

ELEGANT SCENIC HISTORIC

ELEGANT SCENIC HISTORIC

Unforgettable Weddings Happen at

Unforgettable Weddings Happen at

Bail
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olde breton inn is one of southern maryland’s most

olde breton inn is one
elegant, historicof southern
bridal venues. maryland’s most
elegant,
located on historic
scenic breton bay, bridal
it is the perfect place to venues.
host your wedding
and reception, holiday party or any special event
located on scenic breton bay, it is the perfect place to host your wedding
and reception, holiday
www.oldebretoninn.com | (301)party
475-2699 | or any special event
oldebretoninn@gmail.com
21890 Society Hill Road Leonardtown, Maryland 20650

Olde Breton Inn is owned by Bailey’s Catering, Inc Phoographs by Lulu Edwards
www.oldebretoninn.com | (301) 475-2699 | oldebretoninn@gmail.com
21890 Society Hill Road Leonardtown, Maryland 20650
STRIKE A POSE
WITH YOUR GUESTS!

Get A Grip On
Your Guest List
PIXBOOTH
MARYLAND PHOTOBOOTHS
Cooperation is key for couples planning their weddings. Compiling the guest
list is one area of wedding planning where couples oftentimes must embrace
both cooperation and compromise.
Putting together a wedding guest list can cause some tension. That tension
CREATE PHOTOS AND 30 SECOND VIDEOS AND SPONTANEOUS MEMORIES may be confined to couples, but it may even occur between couples and their
WITH THE BEST PHOTOBOOTH OPTION! families. Getting a grip on their guest lists may be one of the more difficult tasks
couples encounter when planning their weddings, but there are ways to make
240.298.5284 WWW.PIXBOOTH.NET creating the guest list go smoothly.
Recognize the need to compromise
Couples who recognize the need to compromise in advance of compiling their
guest lists may find it easier to pare down that list if the initial number of guests
Sponsored by is too high. Couples can create lists of people they want to invite, breaking these

Seasons Events  initial lists down into categories such as “friends,” “family,” “acquaintances,”
and “coworkers.” Couples may not want to compromise on inviting friends
and family, but each person should be willing to remove some coworkers and
acquaintances from their final lists.

Fall Bridal Show Don’t succumb to parental pressure

Couples who are financing their own weddings should not feel beholden to
their parents’ wishes when compiling their wedding guest lists. Politely explain

at Mary’s Hope to parents you’re working on a budget and that you have a predetermined
number of guests you’re capable of inviting. Couples can appease their parents
by encouraging them to compile a list of people they hope to invite, and then
on Church Cove telling them these people will be invited if other guests are unable to make
it. Couples whose parents are footing some or all of the bill must be more
receptive to their parents’ wishes than those paying for their own weddings.
Agree on a kids policy
A policy regarding kids may help couples as they create their guest lists.
Couples working with tight budgets may decide that the only children who
will be invited are their nieces and nephews. Young cousins likely won’t feel
Sunday, October 28, 2018 slighted if they don’t make the cut, and their parents may even appreciate a
night out without the kids in tow.

12pm-3pm Employ the “future versus past” formula

For More Information & to Register
Contact Suzi Raley
(301) 904-1078 suziraley@yahoo.com
When all else has failed, couples faced with difficult decisions regarding their
wedding guest lists can ask themselves if prospective guests are people they
expect to see again in the future or if they are people from their past. Including
the former might be a good idea, while removing the latter may also make
sense, especially if it’s been a long time since couples have seen people who
fall into the “past” category.
How To Handle
Seating Wedding Guests
Receptions may be big or small, lavish or casual. But regardless of their size Seat dancers near the dance floor
or style, receptions all share a common element: They will require couples To encourage dancing, place guests who tend to be lively close to the dance
set up seating arrangement for guests. Even though assigned seating isn’t floor so others can see them getting up to dance and join in.
mandatory, selecting seats for a sit-down dinner makes things simpler and Couples can use apps, lists or self-made charts to plot their reception seating
reduces confusion. Some reception venues may even require assigned seating arrangements. Create place cards or a central chart so guests can find their seats
so that catering staff can service tables accordingly. promptly and easily.
Seating guests can be tricky, but employing a few strategies can make the
process go quickly and smoothly.
Use a seating chart
A seating chart, whether it’s venue-specific or one couples make themselves,
is essential. If you using a self-made chart, inquire with the venue about the
shape of tables, how many guests each table can seat, and the location of tables
around the space.
Start with the wedding party table
Couples can ease themselves into the task of seating by doing the easy tables
first. The primary one is the wedding party table. This traditionally can be a
dais or a sweetheart table flanked by the wedding party. According to Martha
Stewart Weddings, the table should be centrally located and the wedding
couple should sit in the middle. A male-female pattern follows on either side of
the couple, consisting of the ushers, bridesmaids, best man, and maid of honor.
If much of the wedding party is already married, couples may opt to have the
wedding party sit with their spouses instead of at the dais.
Organize family tables
Tables for parents, grandparents and immediate family members of the bride
and groom also are high priority. Both families can be combined at one table,
or they can be separated into two tables. These tables should be the closest to
the bride and groom.
Consider mobility issues
Next seat guests who have specific needs at tables. Elderly guests may want to
be away from the band, deejay or speakers. Guests in wheelchairs may need an ELEVEN ACRES ON THE WICOMICO RIVER
accessible seat near the exit. 750FT PRIVATE BEACH · WATERFRONT PATIO
Get some help
Enlist the help of parents to seat their friends and extended family members. 36889 Bushwood Wharf Rd · Bushwood, Maryland
Parents may know best who gets along and who should be separated. (240) 925-2163
Planning
Tricks The Professionals Use
Wedding planning can be an exciting undertaking, but couples who have
already walked down the aisle can attest that wedding planning also can be
stressful. Ensuring all of the details come out right can prove overwhelming
at times.
Hiring a wedding planner is one way to alleviate some of the stress associated
with wedding planning. Couples who do not have the money to hire wedding
planner can borrow some of the tips and tricks professionals rely on when
planning weddings.
For a we
dding that’s as unique as you.
w w . H S M C d i g s H i s t o r y. o r g
w S c h e d u l e y o u r v i s i t t o d ay
Ev e n t s @ H S M C d i g s H i s t o r y. o r g
240-895-4960
Now accepting reservations for the State House of 1676,
The Inn at Brome Howard, The Gazebo & other Museum Sites.
Make guests the first priority
Even though it may seem like weddings should be geared around couples tying
the knot, many wedding planners advise couples to focus on accommodating
their guests. Having a handle on the number of people who will be attending,
any of their specific needs (allergies, mobility issues, etc.), providing a
comfortable environment (addressing bugs, weather, seating shortages), and
knowing how much space guests will require can make choosing a venue that
much easier.
Rent what you don’t have
Renting rather than purchasing items can save couples money. Wedding
planners do not stockpile items such as tables, chairs and decorations. Instead,
they rely on rental companies to provide what is necessary.
Flush out foliage
Wedding planners know that flowers cost a great deal of money, especially
flowers that are not native to the region where couples are getting married. The
process of making arrangements can be time-consuming. Also, many flowers
no longer produce strong scents because they’re bred for longer stems and a
lengthy vase life. Interspersing potted plants with arrangements that are lighter
on blooms and heavier on filler can help cost-conscious couple stick to budget.
Trust vendors’ advice
Wedding vendors tend to know one another and can be good sources of
information. A wedding photographer, for example, may be able to tell couples
which reception venues photograph particularly well, and a reception manager
may know which DJs or bands are best at getting guests on the dance floor.
Negotiate before signing the contract
Wedding planners understand that vendors may be more willing to offer perks
or extras rather than adding up a la carte pricing before the contract is signed.
This way they secure the reservation on good will. Negotiating for more later on
may be difficult.
Get organized
Organization is key. Brides- and grooms-to-be may want to enlist friends or
relatives with a flair for organization to help with details.
Borrowing tricks from wedding planners can help couples save money and
avoid stress.
 Waterfront

Weddings
JAX PHOTOGRAPHY

To Learn More And Plan Your Wedding Celebration Call 410.286.2133

CBResortSpa.com . 4165 Mears Ave . Chesapeake Beach, MD
HOTEL . SPA . DINING . MEETINGS . MARINA . GAMING
Affordable Bachelor
& Bachelorette Party Ideas
Weddings can be expensive. Various sources estimate the average cost of
weddings is anywhere from $26,000 to $31,000. Couples and their parents
may bear the brunt of wedding expenses, but those who have accepted a role
in the wedding party also can expect their share of expenses.
Taking into account gifts, wardrobes, makeup, bridal showers, and travel,
including getting to and from the bachelor/bachelorette party, bridal party
members are on the hook for a lot of money when their friends or family
members tie the knot. Many men and women like to travel for their bachelor/
bachelorette parties, and cost-conscious bridal party members may be
concerned about how expensive such parties can be. Pulling out all the stops
can be exciting, but there’s no guarantee these types of parties will be more
enjoyable than simpler soirées.
Taking steps to control costs can help cost-conscious couples and their friends.
The following are some affordable ideas that can be fun for all involved.
Bar or winery crawl
Partygoers typically want to enjoy a night out on the town, and traveling from
one establishment to another can be a fun way to do just that. Everyone invited
can set themselves apart with a signature item (hat, T-shirt, or colored clothing),
and make the rounds.
FREE TO THE PUBLIC
Contact Mellanie Teed to register
Mellanie.teed@hilton.com
Attend a group event
Group events include sporting events, concerts, theater shows, or a night at a
comedy club. Investigate discounted tickets for large groups.
Belt out the tune
Open mic nights at restaurants, bars and other establishments around town
may make for a fun way for friends to share a few laughs together. Participants
need not be professional singers to join in on the festivities.
Camp out
Get in touch with nature by enjoying a camping trip, complete with a campfire
and a few brews. Spending time in the wilderness can restore focus and let
stress melt away.
Poker or game night
Groups can gather around the poker table to test their skills in poker and other
card games. With some free-flowing beverages and snacks galore, games can
get pretty animated.
Dinner party
Hire a chef to visit your house and prepare a meal for guests. Serve a signature
cocktail and let the conversation flow.
Bachelor and bachelorette parties can be affordable without sacrificing fun.
18100 Dowell Road . Dowell, MD
410.326.0808
solomons.hgi.com
 Wedding
BUDGET CHECKLIST
TOTAL BUDGET _______________________ 3% CEREMONY ____________________
____ MARRIAGE LICENSE
45% RECEPTION _____________________
____ OFFICIANT FEES
____ VENUE
____ CEREMONY VENUE
____ CATERING & CAKE
____ CEREMONY MUSICIANS
____ RENTALS (FURNITURE, LINENS, ETC.)
____ ENTERTAINMENT 12% ATTIRE ________________________
____ FAVORS ____ WEDDING DRESS
____ ALTERATIONS
12% PHOTO & VIDEO _________________
____ TUXEDO
____ PHOTOGRAPHER
____ WEDDING RINGS
____ VIDEOGRAPHER
____ ACCESSORIES
____ ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
____ HAIR & MAKEUP
12% FLOWERS & DECOR ______________
8% PLANNER ______________________
____ CEREMONY FLOWERS
____ WEDDING PLANNER
____ RECEPTION FLOWERS
____ DAY-OF COORDINATION
____ CENTERPIECES
____ BOUQUETS & BOUTONNIERES 3% STATIONARY ____________________
____ INVITATIONS
3% MISCELLANEOUS __________________
____ SAVE THE DATES
____ GIFTS
____ POSTAGE
____ PARKING/TRANSPORTATION
____ THANK YOU CARDS
____ CUSHION
Unconventional
Wedding Menu Ideas
Traditionally, one of the more memorable aspects of wedding receptions is the
food. Whether it was fun, tasty or something entirely new for guests, food tends
to leave a lasting impression.
The experts at Boho Weddings say that, more than ever before, couples are
seeking menu ideas that reflect their personalities as a couple as they seek to
make a statement at their events. Celebrating with delicious, unique foods can
make receptions that much more amazing.
High-end options
Bite-sized bursts Couples may want to give guests a taste of the lavish with olive oil and vinegar
Tapas and a movement toward small bites has started to take hold at wedding tasting stations, whiskey bars, French hors d’oeuvres, Kobe beef sliders, lobster
receptions. Such a choice allows guests to try many different flavors without tails, risotto stations, and more.
filling up too quickly. From sliders to mini grilled cheese to soup shots to bite-
Childhood favorites
sized pizzas, many of these small bites feature flavors borrowed from familiar
When it comes time for dessert, some couples opt to avoid or downplay
comfort foods — just presented on a miniature scale.
wedding cakes in favor of something simpler. A cookie-and-milk bar, doughnut
Comfort stations and bars holes, soft pretzel stations, pie pops, or dessert shot jars push creativity and
Couples who love comfort food can put it on display with a crostini station, a sweetness to new levels. Do-it-yourself dessert stations, such as s’more-making
mashed potato bar, a chicken and waffles station, a gourmet popcorn snack and ice cream sundae stations, also can be big hits.
station, or a ramen noodle bar.
Couples are increasingly feeling less beholden to traditional wedding reception
Food trucks/carts menus as they look to infuse their personal tastes into the foods they plan to
Outdoor weddings can be enhanced with the addition of trendy food trucks. serve their guests. Many catering managers and chefs welcome the chance to
These restaurants on wheels can inject burgers, sandwiches, international work with couples looking to create unique reception menus.
delights, crêpes, noodles, and so many more flavors into a wedding.

Mike’s Bar-B-Que & Catering

Wedding Receptions
On-Site Catering
All Inclusive
240-925-0342 • 301-884-7011 • WWW.MIKESBBQCATERING.COM
 BISHOP BUS
Wedding SERVICE, INC
Transportation AIR-CONDITIONED
Trends SCHOOL BUS
Couples planning their weddings routinely rely on professional transportation WEDDING SHUTTLES
to bring them to and from the ceremony and reception.
BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE PARTIES
Wedding transportation options abound, and some are more popular than
others. The following are some of the ways couples are getting to the altar on REHEARSAL DINNERS
time.
Shuttles and buses
WHEEL CHAIR LIFT BUSES
Investing in the guest experience means couples are seeking ways to provide
comfort and convenience for their guests and wedding party members. Rather 443-532-0272
than asking guests to get themselves to and fro, couples may employ buses or BISHOPBUS@COMCAST.NET
shuttles stocked with amenities to transport a greater number of people. The
Real Weddings Study indicates this type of transport has grown considerably
more popular in the last six years.
Exotic limousines
The chauffeur-driven limousine continues to be one of the most popular
methods of transportation. However, to set their weddings apart, couples are
trending away from traditional stretch limousines and renting something
more trendy, such as limos built upon sports cars. SUV-based limos are still
popular, with Hummers, Escalades and Navigators offering the wow factor.
Vintage cars
For that A-list look right out of a classic movie, stepping out of a vintage vehicle
creates red-carpet moments. Dream cars for this type of glamorous arrival and
departure include Rolls Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin and others. Many private
companies rent classic vehicles. Couples also may contract with those who
attend classic car shows.
Water transport
Couples celebrating by the ocean, a lake or a river can make a grand entrance
aboard a vessel. Water taxis, pontoon boats and even sleek speedboats may be
the transportation of choice.
The Knot says that couples spend around 6.5 months researching their wedding
day transportation options and will make their decision and a reservation five
months before their weddings. The more exotic the transportation option, the
earlier couples should make their decisions to ensure they can book their first
choice.
 i l y E v e r A f t e r ”
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