Measuring for Tuxes

Brides and grooms frequently ask two questions: How far in advance to I need to book my wedding? And how soon should the men come in to be measured? With the first question, generally the answer is as soon as possible. Many couples book their tuxedos when they book their wedding, many cases one year in advance. How soon should the wedding party be measured depends if the store has the tuxedos in stock or has to order them from an outside source. For stores that carry a large quantity and to ensure the sizes and styles you request, the minimum time recommended is two weeks in advance. For other shops without in-store tuxedos, four to six weeks is advised.


by Stephen Courteau of King of Hearts

As a bride, you will be entering a new and exciting time of life. You will be joining with your husband to form a new union, a new family unit. I encourage women to be proactive about their financial and legal affairs as they enter into marriage. Your new husband may be a financial and legal wizard, but you still want to know and be involved in these important matters. I have counseled too many widows who knew nothing about their financial and legal affairs. Therefore, I have summarized below three key areas for brides to make sure they stay involved once they are married.

Know Your Advisors
I encourage people to always have a great team of advisors including an accountant, financial planner, attorney, and insurance agent. Life is hard enough, you need good people on your team to help plan for your future. These people should be trusted advisors that know you and your family circumstances. Since most marriages will end with one spouse preceding the other in death, it is important that both you and your spouse know and be comfortable with these relationships. I encourage both spouses to participate in periodic meetings with their advisors.

Know Your Data
Who do you have bank/investment accounts with? Where is your money? Many spouses keep separate checking accounts. That is Ok, but both spouses should have knowledge about their family’s financial status. Who do you owe money to? You should have a complete list of your debts and regular obligations. Even though one spouse may handle the bills and family bookkeeping, I recommend that both spouses are “cross-trained” on this just in case. Do you have insurance? How much? What kinds of policies? This information should be at your fingertips whenever you might need it.

Know Your Plan
We often plan better for our vacations than we do for our lives. If you don’t have a will or trust, then you need one. Otherwise, you will die “intestate” and your estate will be administered by state statute. You are never too young to have an estate plan – it is not just for your grandparents. If you are or become a parent, you will want to address guardianships, trusts for your minor children, and other legacy issues. This type of planning tends to fall into the important, but not urgent, bucket of tasks. The good news is that it is not a jinx to actually plan your life, and estate planning is easier and cheaper than your probably think.

Be prepared for life’s realities. Being proactive on these fronts will empower you to have comfort and peace to enjoy the joys of life as well as be prepared for the inevitable speed bumps along the way.

by Martin Willouby of Willouby Law Group, PLLc


*Martin Willoughby is an attorney in Ridgeland, MS and the Managing Member of Willoughby Law Group, PLLc. He can be reached at martin@wlglegal.com.

Where to Spend Your Money

Great weddings have great linens, candles, alternating centerpieces, and one great specialty item (lighting, draping, amazing favors, one amazing floral, etc.). One specialty item will set your wedding apart from everyone else’s. A bunch of specialty items on a tight budget will make each item seem small. Linens can transform a room to a specific style and take the reception above “standard”. Picking one table size, one cloth, and one centerpiece that’s repeated is very basic. Alternating centerpieces, rounds and rectangles, and cloths will ensure a variation throughout the room that is pleasing to the eye. A professional planner can control the budget and ensure the biggest bang for your buck so you’ll have that “wow” effect.

by Deborah Simmons of Signature Occasions

*Deborah is a wedding coordinator/event planner in the Jackson, MS area.

Fingerprint Rings

Have you been faced with this question yet... "So, what are you getting engraved on the band?"
Be prepared. It will happen.
Instead of staring at the ring for hours, hoping the right words will magically appear on the inside of his or her band, what about a simple fingerprint? Before you get confused, it isn't your entire fingerprint, just a portion of it.
Jessica and Brent Williams of Fabuluster on etsy have been making jewelry for years. They have developed a unique process unlike any other. The fingerprint is not engraved or etched, it is crafted into the ring. Think sculpture. Here is how it works: you decide which ring you want, they send you the kit for your fingerprint, then you ship it back. Your fingerprint ring will be at your doorstep within 8-10 weeks. It couldn't be easier!
There are several different designs and metals available. Personally, I love the idea of the fingerprint on the inside of the band. If you want to wear your fingerprint proudly, then you may want it on the outside. It is totally up to you!
So, are you already married, but love this idea? What about a child's fingerprint? Or yours on a necklace? They even have the option to remember your beloved pet.
Leave us a comment with your thoughts. We would love to hear from you!

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