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Your bachelorette party will be one of the most fun and memorable parts of your wedding. Looking for unique ideas? Check out this great list of local companies that offer exciting options for your big night.

Dance Classes

American Ballroom and Latin Dance Studio
“American Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio hosts open dance parties on Friday’s at Maironis Park on Lake Quinsigamond. An all-levels class starts off each dance party, followed by general dancing to Latin, Ballroom and Contemporary music. This is an opportunity to practice what you’ve learned, meet other dancers, dance to social mixers and have fun!”
http://www.americanballroomlatin.com/index.php/dance
52 S. Quinsigamond Ave. Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Phone: 508-925-4537
E-mail: info@AmericanBallroomLatin.com

Vincent’s Nightclub

“Celebrate your holiday party or special event at Vincent’s: Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties/ Corporate Functions/ Bar/Bat Mitzvahs/ Holiday Parties”
http://www.vincentsnightclub.com/functions
6 Billings St. Randolph, MA
Phone: 1-781-986-4000
E-mail: info@vincentsnightclub.com

Extreme Dance Sport
“Looking for something unique and different for your bachelorette outing? Organize a group of bride-to-be friends to a hip shaking belly dance lesson or a hot salsa dance lesson at Extreme Dancesport in Cambridge as part of your night out! You can warm up the body, burn a few calories, laugh, take memorable photos, and learn some fancy moves while having a great time.”
http://www.extremedancesport.com/wedding_dance/bachelorette_party/bachelorette_party.html
288 Norfolk St. 3rd Fl. Cambridge, MA
Phone: 617-492-2122
E-mail: info@extremedancesport.com

Spa Day Parties

SpaVroom Mobile Spa Service
“Your SpaVroom professionals come to you with everything needed to make your spa experience a memorable one. From tables to aromatherapy oils, music to candles, we’ve thought of every last detail. Now, kick off your shoes and have a bite to eat while you relax before your treatment. After you are pampered to perfection, grab a bottle of water, kick back on the couch and enjoy the company of your friends. No being rushed off the table and out the door. At SpaVroom, we bring the best of a day spa to you without any of the hassles”
http://spavroom.com/SpaVroom_Mobile_Spa/Home.html
Serving Massachusetts & New Hampshire
Phone: (978) 884- 8957
E-mail: info@spavroom.com

Mobile Spa
“Host a bachelorette SPA Party from mobileSPATM for the bride and her friends. mobileSPATM will bring decadent day spa treatments and services to your home. Custom create a Spa Party that matches the bride’s personality. Custom created Bachelorette Spa Parties are designed the way you want them. mobileSPATM offers luxuriant day spa services including facials, skin treatments, massage, manicures, pedicures, and more. All in the comfort of your home.”
http://www.mobilespa.com/bachelorette.html
Phone: 800-651- 4740
Email: info@mobilespa.com

Keldara Salon & Spa
“Whether you are hosting a bachelorette or bridal party, birthday party, baby shower, or even if you are looking for a reason to get all of your friends together, our beautiful spa is the perfect venue. We offer relaxing spa treatments and a gorgeous special event room where you can come together and enjoy each other’s company. Through our spa concierge service you have the opportunity to plan an event that meets the exact needs of your guests”
http://www.keldara.com/spa-parties
650 Washington Street Dedham Plaza, Dedham, MA
Phone: 1-781-251-6600

Painting Parties

Let’s Gogh Party
“Let’s Gogh Party gives kids and adults the opportunity to explore their creativity while having a blast and bonding with friends, family and co-workers. We offer interactive face painting, airbrush or glitter tattoos, caricatures, arts and crafts, balloon art, games and more! Our creatively entertaining activities are unique, interactive and enjoyed by all. Best of all, everyone takes home memories and masterpieces from a Let’s Gogh Party group event.”
http://www.gigmasters.com/balloon-twister/Lets-Gogh-Party/

Modern Edge Center for the Arts
“Every Friday grab your other half or a close friend and get ready to make art! We will walk you through the steps to create a masterpiece that will be ready to take home that night.”
http://www.modernedgecenterforthearts.com/Adult-Groups.html
853 North Main Street Leominster, MA
Phone: 978-728-4646

Brookline Arts Center
http://www.brooklineartscenter.com/index.html
86 Monmouth Street Brookline, MA
Phone: 617-566-5715
Email: bac@brooklineartscenter.com

Psychic/ Palm Reading Parties

Diana: Salem’s Psychic Center
“Astrology, Card reading, Past life reading, Tarot card reading, Graphology, Numerology, Dream interpretation, Spiritual counseling, Psychometry, I-ching, Anxiety/ stress relief”
http://www.salempsychiccenter.com/contact.html
Phone: 978-740- 0222

Hudson Psychic
http://www.psychic-gina.com/default.html
Phone: 857-294-6407
Email: psychic-gina@hotmail.com

Wine Tasting Parties

Busa Wine and Spirits
http://www.busawineandspirits.com/
55 Bedford St Lexington, MA (781) 862-1400
or
161 Main Street  Woburn, MA (339) 227-6470

Alfalfa Farm Winery
“At Alfalfa Farm, it’s all about the wine. Whether you’re hosting a customer appreciation, an outing with friends or a corporate gathering, we offer private, customized tastings for any occasion.
http://gonewengland.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=gonewengland&cdn=travel&tm=18&f=10&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&st=11&zu=http%3A//www.alfalfafarmwinery.com/
Phone: 978-774-0014
Email: alfalfafarm@comcast.net

Nashoba Valley Winery
http://www.nashobawinery.com/index.aspx
100 Wattaquadock Hill Road Bolton, MA
Phone: 978-779-5521
Email: email@nashobawinery.com

Makeup Parties

St. Cyr Salon Spa
http://www.stcyrsalon.com/bridal_lounge.html
235 Park Avenue Worcester, MA
Phone: 508-752-2222
Email: events@stcyrsalon.com

Viselli Santoro
We will prepare you and your wedding party for your big night out! Whether it is adding a few curls and style, or providing the perfect blowout, we are prepared to equip you and your bridesmaids with the perfect look for your night of fun. In addition to hair services, we also offer onsite manicures and make up services for bachelorette parties.
http://www.visellisantorosalon.com/services/bridal/
297 Newbury Street Boston, MA
Phone: 857-350-4856
Email: info@visellisantorosalon.com

It’s a great time for bridal gown shopping!  David’s Bridal is again having their biggest sale of the year, and prices on many of their gowns have been dropped. Bride on a budget? Check out our five favorite wedding gowns at amazing prices under $200!

1. Stretch Satin One Shoulder 2. Taffeta Mermaid with Floral Sash

3. Rhinestone Sequin Chiffon  4. Short Charmeuse Dress  5. Stretch Satin Beadid Pick Up

Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Get to one our upcoming Wedding Expos and shop our huge bridal gown sale!

*all photos courtesy of davidsbridal.com

To make official, legal changes to your name after marriage you’ll need a certified copy of your marriage license. To obtain one or more, contact the clerk’s office where the license was filed for the required procedures. (You will either have to make the request in person or submit a written request. A processing fee generally applies.) The following are the likely places you will want/need to make your name change, and instructions on what you will need to do.

Social Security Number

To obtain a new card with your new name, you must complete and submit form SS-5, which can be found online (www.socialsecurity.gov) or at your local Social Security Office. Call 800-772-1213 for more information or to locate an office near you. There is no fee for this service. You will also need to show proof of your U.S. citizenship or immigration status and your identity. Once your form and required documents have been received, the office will mail you a new card within 2 weeks.

Driver’s License
Take your new social security card to a full service RMV branch office along with a completed License and ID Update Form (found online at www.mass.gov/rmv/forms) and $25.00.

Passport
Traveling with your passport on your honeymoon? If so, the name on your tickets must match the one on your passport. Since you most likely bought the tickets before your wedding, it’s best to wait until after your return to make the change on your passport. To make the name change, you must complete the proper amendment form and submit it, along with a certified copy of your marriage license, your previous passport and two photos, to the National Passport Processing, P.O. Box 90107, Philadelphia, PA 19101-0107. Forms are available online (www.travel.state.gov) or by calling the public passport agency near you (generally either a post office or courthouse). Service fees may apply if your passport is more than one year from the issue date. See their website for details.

Don’t forget these
• Employer (for payroll purposes)
• Post office
• Credit card companies or any other bills
•Voter registration
• Any legal documents such as mortgages,
leases, insurance policies, etc.

Same-sex marriages and name changes
A party in a same-sex marriage in Massachusetts can legally change his/her surname with the Social Security Administration and on his/her driver’s license. According to the website for GLAD, the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders organization (www.glad.org), the U.S. Department of State changed its policy recently regarding recognition of name changes. “Since Massachusetts has a statute that allows the Notice of Intention of Marriage to create a legal surname change, the Passport Agency will honor a Massachusetts marriage certificate for the purpose of changing your name on your passport.” More information about same-sex weddings in Massachusetts and other New England states can be found on the GLAD web site.

Feeling overwhelmed? Our friends over at Miss Now Mrs. make the process easy, and complete the forms for you! Check them out!

Ask the Wedding Professional and see your name in print!

You’re invited to participate in a new feature that will appear in the next issue of Bride & Groom^™ Magazine: Ask the Wedding Professional.

Questions submitted by you, our readers, and selected by B&G, will be answered by local wedding professionals and published in our magazine. The questions published will include your first name, the first initial of your last name, and the name of the town in which you reside (i.e., Jane S., Hopkinton).

The first installment will be “Ask the Wedding Planner.” Please use the form below to submit your questions on or before Friday, Nov. 14th. Thank you!

The Original Wedding Expo kicked off the fall season with an amazing expo in Marlborough on September 18th. We worked with great exhibitors that contributed to a successful show, and met with some fabulous brides-to-be. It was great to see so many beautiful ladies finding the gown of their dreams, and at such great prices! Here are some shots from the expo, courtesy of Paul S. Robinson Photography. Enjoy!

(P.S. Don’t forget, we’ll be in Marlborough again on Feb. 19th)

THE PLANNING HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN.

You have worked out a preliminary guest list and are taking a hard look at your available funds. But are the numbers crunching the way you would like them to? Don’t worry… a terrific wedding can be had, even on a budget.

Basics.

1. Track your expenses regularly to see how the numbers work with your budget. That way you will know if costs are getting out of control.

2. Plan far in advance.Time, as they say, is money. So the more time you have, the more money you can save.

3. Get married in the “off season.” Popular times of year are often more expensive than others. Look to the months of winter and early spring for available dates and discounted pricing.

4. Get married during the week.This is a great option for a small, intimate reception. For example, a Thursday night will likely be more available than a Friday or Saturday — and may offer better rates.

5. Look to your own backyard (or someone else’s). Whether it is for a ceremony and/or reception, you know the owner so there will not be any rental fees!

6. Cut the list.This is probably the toughest action to take, but reducing your head count is a sure-fire way to save big.

7. Ask your reception facility or caterer where you can trim costs. Options such as a beer/wine-only bar or fewer hors d’oeuvres and desserts can yield significant savings.

8. Ask your baker about making a smaller cake to display at the reception and sheet cakes to be cut and served.

9. Ask your photographer and videographer about decreasing the amount of coverage. Important things like the ceremony and formal photos can be covered by the pros; you can leave the reception shots to your friends and family.

10. Share your ceremony flowers with another couple marrying the same day in your house of worship.

11. Look into using potted plants or dish gardens as centerpieces. They may end up being less expensive that cut flower arrangements.

12. Costs of live bands can rise due to the number of musicians. Look to bands that can vary the size of their ensemble.

13. If you are using a DJ and all you want is music, ask about eliminating the extras such as laser lighting and/or smoke machines, and inquire about limited emcee duties.

14. Simplicity is key. Consider doing without little details such as napkins with your names and wedding date, which can be costly when added to the other small details.

Bridal attire

15. Borrow a dress.Whether it is your mother’s altered to suit you or a friend’s gown that is just your size, working with an already worn gown can make a substantial impact to your budget.

16. Buy a sample dress, and visit consignment stores. Many bridal salons will sell, at discounted prices, the samples they have used in the store. Consignment stores also offer samples, worn gowns, and unworn gowns new with tags. Check out this great article on local bridal consignment boutiques.

17. Check out bridesmaid dresses. Available in a variety of colors—including

white and ivory—this option will cost considerably less and will likely be delivered in a shorter time frame.

Details

18. Keep postage costs down by limiting the number of inserts and using a lightweight invitation paper. Directions can be provided through your wedding website.

19. Bargain shop for favors. Buy in bulk wherever possible to save on the per unit costs.

20. Get help from talented family and friends who are crafty, artistic, musical, etc. It will make your wedding day more personal and fun and save you a few bucks!

Wedding Expos are a fantastic event to help you plan your wedding. Brides can sample foods and cakes, shop for gowns, and win amazing prizes. It’s also a great opportunity to meet with vendors face-to-face and get a feel for their professionalism and personalities. However, for first timers the experience can be overwhelming, and you may not know what to expect.

Here’s what to know before you go: (more…)

You’re browsing the web for inspiration for your big day, looking at everything from flowers, to cakes, to menu selections. You’ve seen hundreds of great ideas, but you can’t remember where you saw them. Well let me introduce you to our good friend, Pinterest!

Pinterest is a virtual pinboard, allowing you to collect, organize, and revisit things you’ve found on the web. They offer a “Pin It” button to install in your toolbar, which is very easy to do and takes only seconds. If you’re on a site and see something you love, simply hit your “Pin It’ button to save the image and link! You’re “pins” are organized into boards, which are named and categorized by you. For example, you can create a board named “flowers” and pin all of the gorgeous photos (and links) of bouquet ideas that you’ve found. Create another board called “centerpieces” and collect all of the ideas you’ve seen in that category. You get the idea.

Another great aspect of Pinterest is that you can follow other people that appeal to you. Once you follow someone, their pins will populate on your “Pinboards You Follow” page, where you can view the original source and repin if you’d like. You can also conduct searches for a particular item, such as “vintage wedding dress” or “pumpkin centerpieces”, and you can even choose to view all pins in a particular category (such as weddings & events).

So why do we love Pinterest so much? It’s a simple and fun way to organize thousands of ideas that you can easily refer back to. It also gives you the opportunity to discover new things within seconds, and on top of it you’re presented with an actual photo! There are thousands upon thousands of wedding ideas and photos on the site, which makes Pinterest a mecca for brides looking for inspiration. So what are you waiting for? Get Pinning!

Visit www.pinterest.com to request your invite.

Last week we took a trip over to Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, MA. If you’re looking for a unique, natural, garden setting for your wedding, then this is the place for you! We knew that we were in for a treat, but boy did it exceed our expectations.

We were immediately impressed upon arrival at Tower Hill. The parking lot provided an amazing view of the Wachusett Reservoir, as well as Wachusett Mountain. We first visited the Secret Garden, a popular location choice for summer brides. The garden provides plenty of room for a large amount of guest seating, and an amazing backdrop for photographs. The space is dramatic, serene, and absolutely romantic for a unique wedding ceremony.

Tower Hill also maintains a 4,000 square foot greenhouse called The Orangerie. Home to a plethora of sunlight and plants, this space is ideal for larger indoor wedding receptions. Accommodating up to about 150 guests, The Orangerie provides room for a dance floor and stunning backdrops for photographs.

In addition to The Orangerie, Tower Hill also has a beautiful new Limonaia, or “Lemon House”. This space is home to the Garden’s citrus plants in the winter, and can also be rented for small wedding ceremonies. Although the house is empty in the summer months, the space remains an architectural work of art. Abundant in natural light, the Limonaia provides a bright unique setting with plenty of character and distinctive appeal. This space is such an exquisite location, that one of our own staff booked it for her wedding!

Along with beautifully maintained gardens, Tower Hill also offers various indoor areas for social and corporate functions. Rental options range from conference rooms, to a theater, to The Great Hall overlooking Wachusett Mountain and Wachusett Reservoir.  Pepper’s Fine Foods Catering provides artistic food creations for your event, presenting everything from the hors d’oeuvres to the wedding cake. It truly is an incredible venue for a unique wedding, and one that your guests will be sure to remember. Visit www.towerhillbg.org for more information.

The past few years we’ve seen quite a few changes to wedding traditions, and one of the more controversial is the mangagement ring. More and more women are ditching the tradition of  waiting for the sparkling diamond, and instead are getting on bended knee themselves. What do you think ladies? Would you forfeit your dazzling diamonds and give your guy the jewels instead?