Feature

view from the lehigh valley

for couples planning a wedding

By Lori McFerran

^{There’s enough to consider when planning a wedding without having to drive here and there checking out vendors. The Lehigh Valley offers exquisite opportunities for creating a special occasion, with area entrepreneurs plugged into the latest styles – in dresses and menswear, food, cake, flowers and music. The following are some words of wisdom from a few of our own local experts.}

Making it really simple

More couples like having everything in one place

A vacation tradition that’s been around for a while, the “all inclusive,” can now streamline weddings, too. More ceremony/ reception venues are putting together “all inclusive” wedding packages so that couples getting married can focus on each other and their families instead of keeping track of a million details.

Hideaway Hills Golf Club in Kresgeville is one place that calls itself a “destination facility,” with packages for either a church wedding then a reception on-site, or the entire day on-site. For a single price, couples can get their cake, drinks (with open bar), hors d’oeuvres, a five-course meal, champagne toast and 300-acres with spectacular views all to themselves.

Some places have more than one wedding at a time, “ says JOE FARDA, manager at HIDEAWAY HILLS. “We have only one wedding a day, so you can enjoy yourselves –you don’t have to be out so someone else can come in.”

Beware of weekend warriors

A good videographer will cater to your every request

Even if your Uncle Henry has a video camera and he’s willing to record your wedding day for next to nothing, don’t let yourself be tempted. Chances are, if Uncle Henry has no idea what he’s doing, the most important day of your life could come up blank. “It’s essential that the video quality is high – not shaky, not grainy, and with good lighting and good audio,” says ROB CASTIGLIA, owner of MEMORIES UNLIMITEd VIDEOS, Allentown.” He notes that most individuals’ cameras are not outfitted with high-definition chips, so you can’t expect the same results you’d get with a professional. He adds that the pros’ microphones are wireless and automatically cut out ambient noise for crisper audio, a vital element.

“Don’t be swayed by the price,” says Castiglia. “Look at the footage, and know what you’re getting for the money.”

Much better than buying

The right suit should make a groom feel transformed

Some people think they’re getting a bargain by buying rather than renting menswear for their weddings. Not only is the quality questionable, but they’re missing out on the service they would find at places like CE ROTH LLC FORMALWEAR AND MENSWEAR, Allentown. The company, celebrating 108 years in the business and its standing as the oldest “formal house” in the country, is owned by MARTY SEMMEL, who still considers putting on a suit, “a big deal.” Having a professional custom fit a suit or tuxedo, and handle the delivery details is a weight off the bride and groom’s shoulders. And, according to Semmel, the end result is a critical element to a perfect wedding – not just in terms of a visual image, but also psychologically.

“Dress is a lot more important than we give it credit for – it says everything about who you are and how you care about yourself,” says Semmel. “When grooms try on my suits and look at themselves in the mirror, they are absolutely transformed.”

Eloping with family and friends

Destination weddings are still highly popular

Years ago, couples would elope – take off to parts unknown without telling anyone and get married quietly. A destination wedding captures the excitement of elopement – by going to some other locale – but the couple gets to invite their friends and family to join them. In that sense the destination wedding is the best of both worlds, and is highly popular because it can cost less than a traditional one.

“Not as many people come, and the guests pay their own expenses,” says JENNIFER DONCSECZ, owner of VIP VACATIONS, who has been named Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Expert by Martha Stewart’s Wedding magazine. “Plus, when we bundle reservations as a group, we get discounts and freebies thrown in.” Doncsecz says that her office makes the process completely smooth for brides and grooms, by knowing the legalities of weddings out of the United States, and through the staff’s ability to “negotiate” with hotels and other venues.