The Beginning Bridal Magazine, Chippewa Valley 2015

2015 issue • Gratis

The

Beginning

Bridal Magazine and Workbook

Serving Couples in the Chippewa Valley and Surrounding Communities Th e Be ginning ‌| 1

Beautiful, elevated clubhouse with spectacular views of the course!

Chippewa Valley’s Premier Wedding Venue for Everyone! (members and non-members alike)

Let our experienced Banquet Manager help you make your event truly special! w Weddings

w Receptions

w Rehearsal

dinners w Anniversaries w Portable dance floor w Accomodates 100-250

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The area’s best full service facility for your event.

T h e Begin n in g ‌| 2

Photo credit: Fishtale Photography

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real wedding

46 48

Have

a

Karley & Vince Backyard Wedding Emily & Jared White’s Wildwood Retreat

Real Wedding

to

Submit?

Brides or Vendors: We want to share and enjoy your best day.

We are looking to highlight your DIY, vintage, unique, and stunning weddings.

Requirements:

Photos: 25-35 images—We want to see all the details, the party after, and, of course, the beautiful couple.

Photos must be: high resolution, 300 dpi, from the photographer Vendor List: Please send along details about who helped with the wedding.

Florists, caterers, venues, and anyone else that will be featured in the photographs.

Details: Send along 300 words about the day, the excitement, the grace and elegance.

We want to hear from brides, grooms, mothers, photographers.

Submit to: beginningsbridalmagazine@gmail.com

T h e Begin n in g ‌| 4

in this issue

<<<

7 8 12 14 16 18 21 24 25-40 39 40 41 44 45 54 58

Distinctly Yours Wedding Planner

Grand Ideas

The Still Farm Inn Greener Pastures Tansy’s on Main Strike A Pose Vintage Appeal Dress for Success Wedding Workbook

Reception Guide

Bridal Shows

Beyond Cake DJ Jamie, Kaleidoscope Entertainment Dress for Your Body Type A Toast to Vineyard Weddings

RSVP and So Much More

Front Page Photo: Stancy Bengs Photography This page from top down: Avesha Michael Photography, Boesl Portrait Design, Leah Dunbar Photography Th e Be ginning ‌| 5

Publisher: Arwen Rasmussen Graphic Design: Kathy Nelson Advertising Sales: Arwen Rasmussen Writers: Amber Erickson Gabbey, Abbie Burgess, Chelsea Rickert, Jan Carroll and local professionals Printer: W.D. Hoard & Sons, Co., Fort Atkinson, WI The Beginning Bridal Magazine Š 2015 All Rights Reserved Published by AKRE Enterprises 3315 Nimitz Street Eau Claire, WI 54701 Arwen Rasmussen, Publisher Materials in The Beginning Bridal Magzine including artwork and articles may not be reprinted without permission of the publishers.

Photo This Page: Suzanne Wynveen Photography

T h e Begin n in g â&#x20AC;&#x152;| 6

Contact Info Distinctly Yours Wedding Planner M a r s h a Va n A r k stevenspointweddingplanner.com

715 - 3 4 7 - 3 56 6

W hen picking a dress, where do I start? Style or silhouet te?

First, I would start with style. A bride should figure out what style of dress best fits and flatters her body type. Then, decide what other dress elements are important or special. Would you like a long or short train? Do you prefer a dress with sleeves, small strapless or strapless?

Here is a list of things I communicate with my brides that are about to go dress shopping: 1. Go dress shopping with an open mind. Communicate with the dress clerk/designer what is important to you as in the elements of the dress. Yet, be open to letting the “professional” pick out a few dresses she would recommend. Enjoy and have fun!

2. Choose someone (one or two people) to go with you that would be honest yet not too opinionated.

Remember, this is supposed to be fun and exciting. Not stressful.

3. Pick a dress that is flattering to YOUR body type...not someone else’s or what is popular. I have seen so many brides choose a dress that is beautiful but not fitting or flattering to their body type.

4. Make sure the dress is comfortable. You are going to wear it a really, really long time.

Planning Q&A 5. Make sure your dress fits.

Nothing is worse than seeing a bride hiking up her dress in front of everyone throughout the day. The last month or after your last dress fitting is not the time to lose those 10 to 20 pounds.

Do I have to wear white or ivory? Can I wear another color?

No...I have had only one bride wear another color. It was burgundy and gold. It was perfect for a fall wedding.

I have had many brides wear mainly white or ivory (very traditional) but add a touch of color as part of the dress, for example in the train, trim, jewelry, hairpiece, or shoes. I love to see touches of color added.

It adds style and a touch of personality.

W hat are my options when it comes to rehearsal dinners?

Oh, my...the sky’s the limit here. I have coordinated so many.

Here are my top recommendations: 1. You want to be considerate to those you are giving their time (and money) to be part of your wedding day and to treat them to a meal. It doesn’t need to be very elaborate.

Something simple is just fine.

2. Rehearsals are usually the day before and after a long day of work or travel. It is respectful to have something planned for everyone coming to be part of the ceremony.

3. I usually recommend the dinner be casual, with not too much planned. This is the first time everyone is seeing each other, and sometimes it is just great to let people reconnect and catch up.

4. After a long day of work or travel, they are so hungry! I recommend a meal that doesn’t have to be ordered off the menu and require them to wait an hour and half to be served.

My in-laws have given me a ridiculously long list of guests they want at the wedding? How do I tell them I don’t want to invite all of their friends?

My motto is to major on the majors and minor on the minor. It is more important to keep relationships intact through all the wedding decisions. I recommend the two of you discuss it together first before discussing it with the in-laws. The bride and groom need to be in unity about whatever the decision is.

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Take a tax deduction — on your wedding You can get a tax deduction for donating some of your wedding purchases to a qualified charitable organization that qualifies or even just by having your wedding ceremony at certain venues.

If you think you’ll have leftover food from your reception, contact a local homeless shelter and see if you can donate it. If you’re not going to reuse your flowers, contact your church to ask if you can donate them (if you had a church wedding, you may be able to leave your flowers there as a donation) or reach

out to a local hospital or nursing home. If you have a wedding in a church or synagogue, or at a government-owned locale like a state park, you may be able to deduct the fee paid for the ceremony (check with the locale to make sure it’s tax deductible).

Mother of the bride is the last person seated at the ceremony and the first guest to exit after the recessional.

▪ The best man is the person the groom asks to take care of any details, such as returning his formal wear, while he is honeymooning.

▪ Deliver the ceremony officiant’s fee.

▪ Traditionally does not stand in the receiving line.

MAKE SURE THE PHOTOGRAPHER HAS A SHOPPING LIST OF MUST-HAVE PHOTOS.

The bride’s guests usually sit on the left side and the groom’s guests on the right side. These sides are reversed in an Orthodox Jewish ceremony.

Not the ballroom rental type?

Consider other ideas like state fairs or when the circus is in town. Of course it may require more planning to plan around local fairs or circuses, but you’d certainly have the party that everyone remembered.

I know I’m Forgetting One Thing

By Richard Marano, Hypnosis Center of Eau Claire You’ve got the date, the cake and the ring...the gowns and tuxedos...invitations are sent and you’ve got a gazillion details set in motion. You’ve taken care of everything and everyone. So what could you have forgotten? Perhaps it’s YOU! Are you overly stressed about what is supposed to be your best day ever? Are you thoroughly enjoying the planning and anticipating? You should be. If not, have you ever considered hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a safe, natural, and relaxing way to become the best version of yourself...now and forever.

T h e Begin n in g ‌| 8

Hypnosis can empower you to de-stress in literally just a few seconds...anyplace and anytime things get tense or overwhelming. Of course we all know that hypnosis is a fast and fun way to lose unwanted pounds, stop smoking just like that, or even stop biting your nails. Anything really.

“In my twelve years in full-time practice, I have had the pleasure of helping many, many brides-to-be get more out of their wedding experience...sometimes grooms, too!” says Marano, certified hypnotherapist.

Could you use a bit of this kind of help? You may be quite glad you did.

Photo by Stacy Bengs Photography

Best Man Duties

The “B list” If there are a handful of guests that you can’t include in your original invitation list, consider making a “B list” to whom you can mail invitations as you receive negative RSVPs. This option gives you a little wiggle room on your list, but try to send your “B list” invites as soon as you can to avoid hurt feelings (as no one wants to know that they’re on the “B list”).

Think outside of the Banquet Room

Rent out campsites or rustic woodsy cabins for an entire weekend and send out fun invitations giving guests a headsup that they are going to be heading off to summer camp.

After the ceremony, everyone can huddle around a crackling bonfire, sip apple-cider spiked with whiskey, and dance almost until dawn.

Consider creating different “rooms” so that guests can lounge in one area, have fun at a photo booth in one corner, maybe play table games in another, and so on.

Instead of a standard guest book, have everyone sign something that has meaning to the new couple like baseballs, custom t-shirts, squares of cloth for a quilt, etc.

Consider on-site babysitters for your reception. Someone to entertain and take care of smaller children during dinner or dance. Try to find a few friends of your friends who aren’t so close to the bride that they will be sorry to miss the wedding and reception but someone who is close enough that they can be trusted to watch the children of the reception.

Put a “15-minute warning” into your contract with the photographer.

A lot of photographers and videographers charge big-time fees if your wedding goes longer than the time you’ve booked them for. To prevent that unexpected bill, put a “15-minute warning” clause into your contract stating that they must give you a 15-minute heads up before they begin charging you overtime, and that if they don’t, you will not have to pay for those overages.

Marsala is the 2015 Color of the Year.

Grey is the new black in tuxedos!

Who Pays for What?

Establishing the budget for your wedding should be one of the first things you do, because all the planning that comes after that will depend on the budget. How much, if any, will your families contribute?

How much do the two of you have to spend? If families are going to help financially, they may decide to pay for certain things, or they may decide to offer a certain amount of money for you to spend where needed. Be careful not to underestimate all the expenses that will occur.

Even if family members do help out, costs incurred are ultimately the responsibility of the couple.

Make a budget that includes all the expenses you anticipate—and maybe even a “miscellaneous” fund.

Decide how much you are able to spend on each budget area. When working with vendors, be sure to get everything in writing, rather than just relying on a verbal agreement.

You don’t want any misunderstandings to suddenly wreak havoc with your plan.

Traditionally, there are certain things the bride or bride’s fami-

ly pays for and certain things the groom or groom’s family pays for.

Here is a sampling: Bride/bride’s family: invitations, bride’s wedding dress and accessories, some flowers for wedding party and decoration, engagement and wedding photography, music at wedding and reception, meal and wedding cake, groom’s gift and ring.

Groom/groom’s family: marriage license, rehearsal dinner, fee for whoever officiates, some flowers for wedding party, bride’s gift and rings, honeymoon, groom’s wedding clothing.

Th e Be ginning ‌| 9

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THE STILL FARM Downing, Wisconsin

T

he Still Farm, a charming wedding venue, is located in Downing, Wisconsin. Nestled behind century-aged trees and a 1920s farmhouse, you will find a beautifully landscaped yet rustic white barn. It sits in a valley surrounded by over 400 acres of prairies, horse pastures, and farmed fields.

More than Just a Barn

Owners, Jay and Cindy didn’t need a visionary to create or reconstruct this barn. The nearly 100-year-old barn was structurally sound and beautiful in itself, but it was filled with aged hay, windows were broken out, it had no power, and it was in need of a good cleaning. “We purchased this property as a weekend getaway. It was a short driving distance from the Twin Cities. A place to escape from our hurried lives.”

They fell in love with the property and what the small town life offered. After purchasing the 23-acre farm, the couple began the process of planning their own wedding to be held in the upper hay loft of the barn.

“Together, we were planning our wedding while working fulltime jobs in the Cities, gutting and remodeling the farmhouse, cleaning and restoring the barn.” After a year-long labor of love, the farmhouse and barn came to life.

Together with family, friends, and local neighbors, the couple married in August of 2012. “Our wedding day was a dream come true. In our hearts we knew we had to share the beautiful imperfections that this aged barn had to offer with other couples seeking a true vintage farm/barn venue. There isn’t a more elegant way to symbolize a promise forever between two people than to couple it with a vintage place in time. That shows longevity of a timeless symbol of family and love. A true farm and barn.”

The Still Farm is entering its third season of hosting ceremonies, receptions, anniversaries, and corporate events. They offer many custom packages so that everyone can include this beautiful, rustic white barn in creating their own one-of-a-kind event. Visit www.thestillfarm.com to find out more.

T h e Begin n in g ‌| 1 2

We Provide Personalized Catering Services for Your Wedding Tansyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on Main, is a small, family-owned restaurant, bakery and catering service located in Alma Wisconsin. If you are looking for unique and high quality food for your wedding, with a very personal touch, give us a call and let us help you plan the perfect wedding meal!

We can also accommodate food allergies and special diets.

Thinking about having a baby?

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Inn Greener Pastures Che te k , Wi sco n si n GREETINGS from

INN GREENER PASTURES GREETINGS

By Chelsea Rickert

from f a wedding in the wilderness is your dream, then look no further than Inn Greener Pastures of Chetek, Wisconsin. Located in an idyllic country setting, this fairpriced bed-n-breakfast-style venue is quite the romantic getaway for those on a budget.

For $3,000, a couple can rent the venue in its entirety, including a “converted barn-turned-pavilion,” an updated farmhouse, picturesque grounds, and fun amenities like an 18-hole mini golf course. With several ceremony sites to choose from on the property, a bride and groom can choose a location to fit their idea of a perfect wedding.

The venues Instagram photo portfolio reveals functional rock formations perfect for photo shoots, pristine bodies of water surrounded by woodland, fairytale pathways through the woods, and sprawling countryside sprinkled with wildflowers and artful landscaping.

I

“We just want people to have the wedding that they envision,” says Grace Romanowski, one of the family proprietors of the inn. “Our place is not your ordinary ‘barn.’

It has way more to offer than just your ‘rustic’ look.”

Inn Greener Pastures opened in 1999 and is a family-owned venture adapted from farmlands that had been destroyed during a big storm.

The resulting wood debris is what built the business to what it has become today.

Versatility is a big selling point for Inn Greener Pastures. Whether patrons seek to rent the entire property or just the farmhouse, the Romanowskis are happy to accommodate. Rent out the house room by room or in its entirety, complete with full kitchen, sauna, hot tub, bar, and entertainment room. The iconic silo room can be booked for $70 a night and is perfect for a romantic getaway. It overlooks the scenic 360 acres of pasture

land and allows for star-gazing and wildlife watching.

Romanowski says their low prices are intentional.

“We want people to wake up the next day and not think, ‘Oh my gosh, we are now in debt $10,000!’”

The venue has been booked for intimate vacations, graduations, family reunions, conventions, and other large gatherings. With romance in mind, the Romanowskis began hosting weddings two years ago.

“Every wedding is special in its own way. We get to experience the dreams of all sorts of different couples,” says Romanowski. “We are excited to bring Inn Greener Pastures into the wedding world, and hope the bride and groom love it!”

Visit their website for more information on the venue, and how to book your dream wedding: InnGreenerPastures.net.

INN GREENER PASTURES

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Contact Info info@tansysonmain.com 6 0 8 - 6 8 5 - 3 3 3 2 / 6 0 8 - 7 9 7 - 19 9 0 tansysonmain.com

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ansy’s on Main, in Alma, Wisconsin, is a small, family-owned restaurant, bakery, and catering service located in Alma, Wisconsin. We provide personalized catering services for your wedding. Whether you are looking for a small, intimate event or a large outdoor buffet event, we can meet your needs. Let us know your budget, and we can build a menu around it!

We source as much of our food as we can from within 100 miles of Alma. Utilizing local farmers and producers, we provide you with the highest quality we can.

We strive to make the food a stress-free part of your wedding planning.

We can also accommodate food allergies, special diets such as vegan, vegetarian, raw, gluten-free, or paleo.

From one of our recent brides:

“Hello Jennifer, I wanted to pass on a BIG THANK YOU for helping make a wedding so successful. It was the perfect day, and everyone just loved the food. We are so thankful that we connected with you and that you were able to make our farm-to-table vision come to life.” Signed P. From one of our regular customers: “Hi Jennifer, Chef, and the Tansy’s Crew!

THANK YOU!! We had a fabulous time on Saturday night. Thanks for encouraging us to have the Chef’s tasting menu—perfection!” Cory J. If you are looking for unique and high-quality food for your wedding, with a very personal touch, give us a call and let us help you plan the perfect wedding meal!

The

Beginning

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Don’t miss the next issue.

Call us today to reserve your space.

715.831.0325 beginningsbridalmagazine@gmail.com

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Strike A Pose

B

y now you’ve probably been to some event that featured a photo booth. It was fun, and you confess to posing for several shots in silly getups while making faces. You are toying with the idea of having one at your wedding, but you’re also wondering if it’s now an old and tired idea (read: boring!). First of all, it’s your day, so if you think it would be fun, go for it! Second, there are good reasons for going ahead and booking a booth.

1. It’s downright good entertainment. Dancing and catch-

ing up with friends and relatives IS fun, but after a while, some other type of activity is a welcome option for your guests. People can let go and be silly while also socializing around and in the photo booth.

2. It creates a wedding keepsake. For one, any guest that ventures into the booth can walk away with a pretty neat memento of the great time they had at your reception. For another, if you think of it more like a modern-day guest book and set it up in a way that T h e Begin n in g ‌| 1 8

ensures most if not all guests will step in for a photo, you will have a great visual record of all those special people that came to share your special day.

3. Your photo booth can be customized to your tastes and preferences. Yes, other weddings, and even other events, have had photo booths, but none of them were exactly like yours. You can arrange for the booth to reflect the theme, colors, and tone of your wedding and reception.

4. There are always new developments in photo booths. For example, slow-mo-

tion photos are the hot trend now.

Special cameras allow slo-mo photos to be taken. People are often given things like bubbles to blow, silly string to shoot at each other, or confetti to throw. The slow-motion creates interesting effects. Check to make sure the booth you choose offers this hot option.

Tiny Photos, LLC (www.tinyphotosllc.com), in Chippewa Falls, reports that their record for maximum number of people in a booth at once is currently ten. Maybe your group

can break their record! Tiny Photos offers a 22-inch screen on which you can see your current pose, along with a countdown to when the next picture will be snapped. I can hear your guests counting down now!

Guests can toggle between black and white and color, and a picture is printed out in less than ten seconds.

Tiny Photos provides lots of props and accessories.

The Joy Booth, a local photo booth company who services Wisconsin, Minnesota, and beyond (thejoybooth.com), offers full customization of photo strips, backdrop colors, and a memory album. They provide unlimited photos for all guests and offer one of the largest photo booths in the area to capture those large groups. They offer not one, but two professional on-site attendants. They bring a premium prop selection to all of their events. After the event, the couple is given a USB drive that allows them access to all the pictures in a digital format.

For those that would like to use the photo booth as a wedding “favor,” The Joy Booth can design customized favors and provide vinyl protectors to help the guests preserve their memories for years to come.

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Vintage Appeal

By Heather Rothbauer-Wanish Photos by Andi Stempniak Photography

P

lanning a memorable wedding requires time, commitment, and a strong attention to detail. Trends may come and go, but a successful wedding will be remembered for years to come. Many of today’s weddings are leaning toward a more rustic feel with vintage decorations that capture the feelings of a bygone era. Fortunately, for local brides and grooms, Designs by Lucianne is a business that is striving to provide vintage items, antique accents, and customized signs that meet the unique needs of the couple.

Lucianne Boardman retired from the Eau Claire School District in 2011. After two years of collecting and selling antiques, she founded Designs by Lucianne during summer 2013. “I had been completing commissioned calligraphy jobs and teaching calligraphy for a number of years and offered to create some signs for my niece’s wedding in 2012,” Boardman said. “I was excited about the responses I received and thought I would try to supplement my antique sales with the signs to rent for special occasions,” she continued.

Designs by Lucianne offers signs to rent as well as an option for custom designed signs, silk flower bouquets and boutonnieres, antique and vintage accessories, and wedding accents. “Our pieces are really available to help express the distinctive style of each bride and groom,” Boardman explained. “Couples are excited to see that they can easily rent signs and accessories to enhance their memorable day. With all of the planning and preparation for a wedding, they appreciate being able to rent from one place,” she said. Rather than purchasing items and wondering what to do with them in the future, Designs by Lucianne can provide a stress-free alternative for many couples.

Typically, couples will meet with Lucianne to discuss the individual needs of their weddings. “In most situations, the bride will indicate a package

T h e Begin n in g ‌| 2 0

of signs that would complement her style. In fact, a number of brides have ordered custom signs that have the program written out in lieu of printed programs,” Boardman said. The most popular signs include “Welcome,” “Thank You,” “Please Sign Our Guest Book,” signs to indicate to choose a seat (rather than choosing a side) and those indicating cupcake flavors.

A recent wedding package included antique and vintage books, small cupcake flavor signs, bar signs, table numbers, a Mr. and Mrs. Paper flag banner, large empty frames for a do-it-yourself photo booth, a window screen divider for family photos, a custom-designed program on a large easel, and containers for candy bars. “Prices for individual items can range from $5 to $50. It is much more affordable for couples to order packages to receive discounted prices,” Boardman said.

The Designs by Lucianne studio is currently located in Banbury Place in Eau Claire. “Our studio has become the perfect backdrop for wedding photography. We

have staged our space as a small wedding/elopement venue to showcase what we have available to couples,” she said. “We also offer a unique vintage and industrial setting for weddings with twenty-five or fewer guests.

These wedding packages include the vintage accessories, flowers, signage, wedding cake, and sparkling cider toast,” Boardman continued. “While the majority of the couples I work with are in the Chippewa Valley, I have partnered with couples in the Twin Cities, Winona, Rice Lake, and Madison areas,” she explained.

Even though trends may ebb and flow, a vintage wedding can capture the elegance and style of a simpler time while keeping the focus on the happy bride and groom. And, for those couples in the Chippewa Valley, Designs by Lucianne can provide the accessories and signs to make the occasion memorable for everyone. “I truly enjoy working with couples and helping to capture the vintage feeling that they will remember for years to come,” Boardman concluded.

The Be ginning ‌| 21

Offering a Personalized & Health.

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CATERING ON OR OFF CAMPUS Call 715.232.3463 www.uwstout.edu/dining/catering

MEMORIAL STUDENT CENTER uwstout.edu/studentcenter/reservations T h e Begin n in g ‌| 2 2

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Occasions  The Be ginning ‌| 23

Contact Info

Dress for Success

Muldoon’s Men’s Wear www.muldoons.com 1-800-942-0783

By John Muldoon

W

hen couples come in looking for wedding attire, some come in knowing exactly what they want for their wedding. They know the color, style, fit—everything. All we do is take the order and measure the guys. Others have no clue as to what they want. That’s where we can help. The first thing I like to do is determine what color tux or suit they want. From there we can add the vest and ties to match the bridesmaid dresses. Many times the first thing brides ask is whether we have a certain color in vests. We have so many colors available, including at least two shades of camouflage, so color is seldom an issue. The next thing we need would be the guys’ measurements. If the guys can’t make it in to get measured, they can go to any Jim’s Formal Wear, Tip Top Tux, Savvi, or Nedrebo’s Formal Wear. They have locations throughout the United States.

Something to consider for your wedding: should you rent or buy a tux or suit?

Rental prices can be as much as buying a suit. For that reason some couples consider buying suits. When you rent a tux or suit, you are getting the latest style and the best fabric available. They have to be well made. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t hold up to weekly dry cleaning. If you were to purchase one of these, it would cost $500 or more. You can buy a suit from us starting at $129.99, and we will include a dress shirt, tie, and pocket square.

Other Considerations: Fit

Some people think they know how to wear a suit or tuxedo, but can be way off.

First of all, pull your pants up to your navel. If you can’t keep them there, ask for suspenders. I have seen many men wear their tux or suit pants the same way they wear their blue jeans. This would be incorrect for about 90 percent of the guys, including myself. I wear

T h e Begin n in g ‌| 2 4

a 34–35-inch waist in blue jeans but wear a 36-inch (at least) in suit pants. Jeans tend to run big in the waist and short in length. So when a guy says he wears a 34 X 34, he probably wears a 36 X 32 in dress pants. Blue jeans give a little while suit pants don’t give at all. The trend in pant length is to wear them shorter than years ago. In fact as the pant legs get narrower, the length should get shorter otherwise the pants will bunch up at the bottom. I have heard some guys say that they want their pants long because they don’t want any sock to show when they sit down. This is not the way to wear dress pants.

The suit or tux coat fit is changing these days also. You all have heard of the slim fit suit. It is not for everybody.

First of all, do not confuse slim fit for athletic fit. A slim fit is for the man that is slim in the chest and arms but not necessarily slim in the waist. Athletic fit is for those whose chest, shoulder, and arms are big and their waist is small in comparison. For instance, if your chest is 38 inches and your waist is 34 inches, you should wear a 40 slim. If your chest is 38 inches and your waist is 30 inches, then you should wear a 38 athletic. When buttoning the jacket, always button the top button and never the bottom button. It is just there for looks. Some tuxedo coats only have one button. If the coat is a three button, then button the top two.

If you are renting a tux and cannot get to the store that you are renting it from, come see us. There is no charge to measure, and it only takes five minutes. If you can’t get to any store but you have a cloth tape measure, then you should take these measurements or have someone else do it: chest, chest over arms, waist, hips, and outseam. If you are renting shoes, we’ll need that size too. Rental shoes come in medium and wide (3X) width.

12-18 Months Before ����� Determine wedding style ����� Select location and reserve dates for ceremony and reception ����� Decide on budget and expense sharing ����� Begin compiling guest list ����� Select your attendants ����� Select caterer ����� Select reception entertainment

9-12 Months Before ����� Register at bridal registries ����� Reserve rental supplies ����� Visit officiant to discuss ceremony plans ����� Choose gown and accessories ����� Choose bridesmaid dresses and accessories ����� Select and book ceremony musicians ����� Select and book florists ����� Select and book photographer ����� Select and book videographer ����� Discuss honeymoon plans

4-6 Months Before ����� Select men’s formalwear ����� Order wedding invitations and stationery ����� Finish compiling guest list ����� Check marriage license requirements ����� Select baker and order wedding cake ����� Reserve accommodations for out of town guests ����� Help mothers select dresses ����� Make final floral decisions ����� Arrange wedding day transportation

2-4 Months Before ����� Start addressing invitations ����� Confirm ceremony plans with officiant ����� Plan rehearsal and rehearsal dinner ����� Arrange for decorations ����� Finalize honeymoon plans ����� Plan ceremony music with musicians

1-2 Months Before ����� Mail invitations to arrive 4-6 weeks before wedding ����� Confirm details with all contracted services ����� Have final gown fitting ����� Have final fittings for attendants ����� Get marriage license and blood tests (if necessary) ����� Purchase gifts for attendants ����� Get your accessories ready: ring pillow, candles, guest book, etc. ����� Maintain record of gifts received and mail thank you notes immediately ����� Confirm pre-nuptial dinner arrangements

2 Weeks Before ����� Confirm rehearsal time and date with all wedding party members ����� Arrange name and address changes on bank accounts, credit cards, drivers license, etc. ����� Contact guests who have not yet R.S.V.P.’d ����� Keep up with thank you notes

1 Week Before ����� Provide final guest count to caterer ����� Plan seating arrangements ����� Confirm honeymoon reservations, pick up tickets ����� Pick up wedding attire and check fit

Wedding Day ����� Rings and marriage license ����� If pictures are being taken before the ceremony, the entire wedding party should be ready two hours before ����� Bring all accessories and an emergency kit including spare stockings, sewing needs, safety pins, etc. ����� Give officiant’s fee to best man for presentation after the ceremony The Be ginning ‌| 25

Bride’s Checklist Bridal Shop _______________________________________________

_Phone # _____________________

Fitting Date _____________________________ 2nd Fitting ______________________________________ Final Fitting _____________________________ Pick-up Date_ _____________________________________ Dress Description __________________________________________________________________________ Accessories _____________________________________________________________________________ Headpiece/Veil ___________________________ Price __________________ Date Ready ______________ Bra/Bustier ______________________________ Price __________________ Date Ready ______________ Stockings & Garter _______________________ Price __________________ Date Ready ______________ Shoes _____________________ Size _____________ Price ____________ Date Ready ______________ Jewelry ________________________________ Price __________________ Date Ready ______________ Wrap/Cape _____________________________ Price __________________ Date Ready _______________ Other __________________________________ Price __________________ Date Ready _______________

Something Old ______________________________ Something New _______________________________ Something Borrowed ____________________________ Something Blue ____________________________

Notes

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

T h e Begin n in g ‌| 2 6

Bridal Shop_________________________ Consultant___________________ Fitting Date _____________ 2nd Fitting Date________________ Final Fitting______________ Phone #____________________________ Dress Description _________________ Style ____________________________ Price _________________ Shoe Description __________________ Style ____________________________ Price _________________

Size Shoe Size Pick-up Maid of Honor ______________________________________ __________ ___________ ____________ Bridesmaid ________________________________________ __________ ___________ ____________ Bridesmaid ________________________________________ __________ ___________ ____________ Bridesmaid ________________________________________ __________ ___________ ____________ Bridesmaid ________________________________________ __________ ___________ ____________ Bridesmaid ________________________________________ __________ ___________ ____________ Flower Girl ________________________________________

__________ ___________ ____________

Store _______________________________________

Store ___________________________________

Consultant ___________________________________

Consultant _______________________________

Phone # _____________________________________

Phone # _________________________________

Address _____________________________________

Address _________________________________

Description ___________________________________

Description _______________________________

Fitting _______________________________________

Fitting ___________________________________

Pick-up ______________________________________

Pick-up __________________________________

Barn Venue Wedding Ceremonies, Receptions & Parties

The Still Farm www.stacybengs.com stacy@stacybengs.com

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Fitting Deadline _________________ Bridal Shop _______________________Phone #______________ Fitting Date_________________________ Final Fitting ____________ Pick-up Date ______________ Package Includes:______________________________________________________________________ Accessories__________________________________________________________________________ Style/Color____________________________________________________________________________ Sizes: Coat _____________ Trousers_____________ Shirt_____________ Shoes___________

Style/Color____________________________________________________________________________

Coat Trousers Shirt Shoes Size Size Size Size

Groomsman_______________________ ____________ ________ ________ ________ Groomsman_______________________ ____________ ________ ________ ________ Groomsman_______________________ ____________ ________ ________ ________ Groomsman_______________________ ____________ ________ ________ ________ Groomsman_______________________ ____________ ________ ________ ________ Usher____________________________ ____________ ________ ________ ________ Usher____________________________ ____________ ________ ________ ________ Usher____________________________ ____________ ________ ________ ________ Ring-bearer_______________________ ____________ ________ ________ ________

Style/Color____________________________________________________________________________

Phone # Coat Trousers Shirt Shoes

Size Size Size Size

Bride’s Father_____________________ ____________ ________ ________ ________ ________ Groom’s Father____________________ ____________ ________ ________ ________ ________ Other Special Men__________________ ____________ ________ ________ ________ ________ T h e Begin n in g ‌| 2 8

Invitations & Stationery Stationery _________________________________

Response Cards _____________________________

Phone ____________________________________

Place Cards ________________________________

Order Date ________________________________

Escort Cards ________________________________

Date Ready ________________________________

Table Cards/Menus ___________________________

Notes _____________________________________

Guest Book _________________________________

__________________________________________

Rehearsal Dinner Invitations ____________________

__________________________________________

Thank You Cards ____________________________ Napkins ___________________________________

Stationary Checklist __________________________

Favors ____________________________________

Items ______________________________________

Other _____________________________________

Price ______________________________________

__________________________________________

Quantity ___________________________________

__________________________________________ __________________________________________

Save the Date _______________________________

__________________________________________

Invitations __________________________________

__________________________________________

Wedding Announcements ______________________

__________________________________________

Programs __________________________________

___________________________________

Favors

Wedding Rings

Favor item _________________________________

Jeweler ___________________________________

Favor item _________________________________

Phone ____________________________________

Store From _________________________________

Address ___________________________________

Date Ordered _______________________________

__________________________________________

Date Ready ________________________________

Description of Ring ___________________________

Notes _____________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

Price _____________________________________

The Be ginning â&#x20AC;&#x152;| 29

Bakery ________________________________ Address __________________________________________ Phone ___________________________ Contact _______________________________________________ Consult/Sample Date __________________ Date Ordered _____________ Date Promised ______________ Price ________________________________ Number Served ______________________________________ Delivery Info ______________________________________________________________________________

Other Confections Store _______________________________ Address ____________________________________________ Phone ____________________________ Contact _______________________________________________ Consult/Sample Date _________________ Date Ordered _______________ Date Promised _____________ Price _______________________________ Number Served ______________________________________ Delivery Info ______________________________________________________________________________ ________Cupcakes __________Cookies __________Candies __________Pies ___________Ice Cream Notes ___________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________

Company Name _____________________________________ Phone _______________________________ Contact/Driver ____________________________ Limo __________________ Carriage _________________ PIckup Time ____________________________ Length of Rental Time ______________________________ Capacity _________________________ Price ____________ Additional Price/Time ____________________

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Included _______Bachelor/ette Party ________Bride and Groom to Ceremony ________Bride and Groom to Reception _________Bride and Groom to Hotel ___________Others to Ceremony _________Others to Reception Other Transportation ________________________________________________________________________

T h e Begin n in g â&#x20AC;&#x152;| 3 0

Date_______________________________________ Time_______________________________________ Site _________________________________ Address ___________________________________________ Phone _______________________ Contact _____________________ Menu Price ___________________

Guest List Guest Name___________________________________________________ Invite Sent ________________ Guest Name___________________________________________________ Invite Sent ________________ Guest Name___________________________________________________ Invite Sent ________________ Guest Name___________________________________________________ Invite Sent ________________ Guest Name___________________________________________________ Invite Sent ________________ Guest Name___________________________________________________ Invite Sent ________________ Guest Name___________________________________________________ Invite Sent ________________ Guest Name___________________________________________________ Invite Sent ________________ Guest Name___________________________________________________ Invite Sent ________________ Guest Name___________________________________________________ Invite Sent ________________

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Ceremony

Musical Selection

Musician 1 __________________________________ Phone _____________________ Price ___________

Musician 2 __________________________________ Phone _____________________ Price ___________

Bride and Groom First Dance ___________________ Wedding Party Dance _________________________ Parents Dance _______________________________ Dollar Dance Songs ___________________________

Other Entertainment

Songs Processional ________________________________ Ceremony __________________________________ Recessional _________________________________

Photobooth __________ Flipbooks_______________ Other ______________________________________ Company ___________________________________ Phone _____________________________________ Contact ____________________________________

Reception

Date Ordered _____________ TIme On __________

Musician 1 __________________________________

Date Promised _______________________________

Phone ___________________ Price _____________

Price ______________________________________

Musician 2 _________________________________

Details _____________________________________

Phone ___________________ Price _____________

___________________________________________

Notes

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Richard Marano, B.S., C.H. The Chippewa Valley’s most experienced Hypnotherapist

Wedding Video & Photo Services www.Iconostar.com ▪ 715-210-1859

Florist____________________________________ Contact__________________________________ Address__________________________________

Phone #__________________________________

Date Ordered______________________________

Delivery Date/Time/Place____________________

Floral & Decor Checklist Item ______________________________________ Quanitity __________________________________ Price _____________________________________ Bride’s Bouquet ____________________________ Flowers in Bride’s Hair _______________________ Corsages (Pin On/Wrist/Hand Tied; Mothers, Grandmothers, Attendants, Honored Guests) ______

Reception Entrance __________________________ Guest Table ________________________________ Place Card Table ____________________________ High Top Cocktail Tables ______________________ Hors d’Oeuvres Area _________________________ Head Table ________________________________ Centerpieces _______________________________

__________________________________________

Buffet Line _________________________________

Toss Bouquet _______________________________

Cake Table ________________________________

Maid of Honor Bouquet _______________________

Ceiling ____________________________________

Bridemaid’s Bouquets # _______________________

Bar Decor _________________________________

Flower Girl _________________________________

Bathroom Decor _____________________________

Boutonniere (Groom, Groomsmen, Ushers, Fathers, Grandfathers, Ringbearer, Godparents, Honored Guests) ___________________________________

Lounges ___________________________________

Ceremony Entrance _________________________

Others ____________________________________

Aisle ______________________________________

__________________________________________

Alter Arrangements __________________________

__________________________________________

Unity Candle _______________________________

__________________________________________

Memorial Flowers (in honor of deceased relatives)

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

__________________________________________

Bridal Suite ________________________________

The Be ginning ‌| 33

Studio_____________________________________________________ Phone_____________________ Contact________________________________________

Price_________________________________

Take List to Photographer: Discuss Which Stops Are Posed, Candid, in Color or Black and White.

Before Ceremony

□ Bride Alone □ Bride and Her Mother □ Bride and Her Father □ Bride and Both Parents □ Bride and Maid/Matron of Honor □ Bride and Bridesmaids □ Fixing Hair/Makeup

□ Groom Alone □ Groom and His Mother □ Groom and His Father □ Groom and Both Parents □ Groom and Best Man □ Groom and Groomsmen □ Other

At Ceremony

□ Guests Outside the Church □ Guests Being Seated □ Giving Away the Bride □ Groom Watching Bride Coming Down the Aisle □ Alter During Ceremony □ Saying Vows □ Rings Exchange

□ Flower Girl/Ring Bearer □ The Kiss □ Recession Up the Aisle □ Leaving Church □ Getting into Car □ Other

Before Reception

□ Bride and Groom’s Hands □ Flower Arrangements □ Bride and Groom

□ Bride with Parents □ Groom with Parents □ Group Picture

□ Other

□ Place Cards □ Favors □ Cake/Desserts □ Cutting Cake Toasts

□ Throwing Bouquet □ Dancing

At Reception

□ Bride and Groom Arriving □ Going into Reception □ Receiving Line □ Tables Videography

Studio___________________________ Phone ___________ Contact_______________ Price_________ Notes__________________________________________________________________________________

T h e Begin n in g ‌| 3 4

Location__________________________________ Phone #__________________________________ Address_________________________________ Officiant(s) & Phone #’s______________________

Contact & Phone #_________________________

Rehearsal Date/Time________________________ Fee_____________________________________ Ceremony Time____________________________

Arrival Time_______________________________

Does the Facility Provide Aisle Runner ______ Canopy ______ Candles_______ Rice/Birdseed______ Dressing Rooms_______

Items to Bring to Ceremony Marriage License __________ Vows_____________ All Clothing__________ All Jewelry____________ Unity Candle________ Programs__________ Flowers___________ Decorations__________________ Send Off Items (birdseed, bubbles, balloons, sparklers)________________________________________ Other_______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

Notes ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________

The Be ginning ‌| 35

Caterer___________________________________ Address__________________________________ Phone #__________________________________

_________________________________________

Service Date/Time__________________________ Contact___________________________________ Reception Location_________________________ Price_____________________________________

Cost Per Person______________ x # Guests__________ = $_____________________________________

Menu ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

Does the Cost Cover . . .

All Necessary Equipment?___________________

Room Setup?______________________________

China & Flatware?__________________________

Cake Cutting?_____________________________

Servers (how many)?_______________________

Setup & Cleanup?__________________________

Taxes & Gratuity?__________________________ Other?___________________________________

Liquor Supplier__________________________________ Address__________________________________ Phone #__________________________________ Contact___________________________________ Pickup or Deliver?__________________________ Ice______________________________________ Open Bar from_____________________________ to_______________________________________ Cash Bar from_____________________________ to_______________________________________ Champagne for Toast_______________________

Wine(s) for Dinner__________________________

Other Beverages Punch___________________________________

Soft Drinks________________________________

Non-Alcoholic Wine/Beer/Champagne______________________________________________________

T h e Begin n in g â&#x20AC;&#x152;| 3 6

Date/Time________________________________ Address__________________________________ Phone #__________________________________

_________________________________________

Food Service Time__________________________ Contact___________________________________ Cost_________ Deposit____________________

Cancellation Terms__________________________

Does the Facility Provide . . .

Catering Service?__________________________

Servers (how many)?________________________

Liquor?___________________________________ Bartenders?_______________________________ Access for Decorating?______________________

Tables & Chairs?___________________________

Dance Floor?______________________________

Ample Power Outlets?_______________________

Security?_________________________________

Handicapped Access?_______________________

Adequate Parking?_________________________

Valet Parking?_____________________________

Cleanup?_________________________________

Representative During?______________________

Notes ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________

Dinner/Reception Music

Dance Music

Group____________________________________ Band/D.J._________________________________ Contact__________________________________ Contact___________________________________ Phone #__________________________________

Phone #__________________________________

Playing from____________ to ________________

Playing from___________ to _________________

Types of Music_____________________________

Continuous Music or Breaks?_________________

Musicians Attire____________________________

How Often? ___________ How Long?__________

Need Early Set-Up Time?____________________

Overtime Policy____________________________

Cost _______________ Deposit______________

Types of Music_____________________________

Balance Due When?________________________

Musicians/DJ’s Attire________________________

________________________________________

Early Set-Up Time__________________________

Notes__________________________________

Is Leader/DJ Going to Emcee?________________

_________________________________

Cost _______________ Deposit_______________

________________________________________

Balance Due When?________________________ The Be ginning ‌| 37

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Get a copy of your new marriage certificate from the Register of Deeds. Take the certificate to the Social Security Office and change your name there. Take the certificate to the Department of Motor Vehicles and change your name. Update the following with your new name. ◆ Banks ◆ Contracts ◆ County tax assessor ◆ Credit cards ◆ Employer (fill out new W-2) ◆ Insurance ◆ Investment ◆ Lease/Mortgage company ◆ Legal documents (wills, powers of attorney, etc.) ◆ Medical care provider ◆ WI Department of Revenue ◆ US Passport ◆ US Postal Service

Emily Bethel Wedding Stylist

715-835-3510

303 South Barstow St. Eau Claire, WI

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Changing Your Name

T h e Begin n in g ‌| 3 8

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◆ Utility company ◆ Voter registration ◆ Any other companies you get mail or bills from

Wisconsin Marriage License Laws Application may be made before the County Clerk of the county in which either party has resided for at least thirty days. The marriage may take place anywhere in the state, except that non-residents must apply and marry in the same county. Both parties must appear in person and supply identification (certified copy of birth certificate), social security numbers, and proof of residence.

You will need to know parents’ full names (mother’s maiden name), where and when the ceremony will be, and who will officiate.

No blood test is required, and the application fee varies depending on the county. There is a five-day wait-

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ing period, and the license is valid for thirty days from the date of issuance.

If either of you have been previously married, special requirements may apply. For more information call one of the numbers listed below.

CHIPPEWA COUNTY County Clerk’s Office 711 N Bridge St. Chippewa Falls, WI (715) 726-7980 DUNN COUNTY County Clerk’s Office 800 Wilson Ave., Menomonie, WI (715) 232-1677 EAU CLAIRE COUNTY County Clerk’s Office 721 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire, WI (715) 839-4801

For a Day that Deserves Beautiful Music Harpist

Serena O’Meara

Weddings & Receptions Popular & Classical Music harp@omearamusic.com

715-830-5070

Yes

Yes

Emerald Ridge Outdoor Weddings & Receptions Menomonie ▪ 715-308-4868 www.emeraldridgeweddings.com

Up to 340/ 100 on Patio

Varies

Yes

Yes

Fanny Hill 3919 Crescent Ave., Eau Claire 715-836-8184; 800-292-8026 fannyhill.com

10 to 300

Varies

Yes

400

Varies

Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub Eau Claire ▪ 715-835-6621 www.houligans.net

10 to 70

Metropolis Resort Eau Claire ▪ 715-852-6000 MetropolisResort.com

Patio

Yes

Complimentary

Capac

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

BYOB

Yes

2

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Patio

Yes

Up to 300

Varies

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Schultz’s Country Barn Eleva ▪ 715-287-4684 www.schultzcountrybarn.com

50 to 200

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center Eau Claire ▪ 715-874-2900 www.sleepinneauclaire.com

Up to 400

Varies

Yes

No

Yes

Varies

No

Yes

St. Mary’s Community Center Altoona ▪ 715- 835-1012 www.stmary-altoona.com/community-center

450

Varies

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Up to 500

Varies

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Varies

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

N/A

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Holiday Inn Eau Claire South featuring Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse 715-830-9779

Stout Ale House/Off Broadway Banquet Center Menomonie ▪ 715-233-3333 www.stoutalehouse.com

UW-Stout Conference & Events Up to Menomonie ▪ Catering: 715-232-3463 540 Room Reservation: 715-232-5132 www.uwstout.edu/studentcenter/reservations.edu Westgate Sportsman Club Eau Claire ▪ 715-832-4548 www.ecwestgate.com

350

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Rehea r Dinne sal rs

Varies

Yes

Outdo o Facili r t ie s

280

No

Cake C Servic utting e

Clarion Hotel Campus Area Eau Claire ▪ 715-835-2211 www.choicehotels.com/hotels.wi211

Yes

r

Yes

Liquo

Varies

OK ?

Up to 400

Privat e Cater ing

In-Ho us Cater e ing/B ar

Dance Floor

Avalon Hotel & Conference Center Chippewa Falls 715-723-2281, 888-727-5288 www.avalonhotelchippewafalls.com

Guide

it y

Room Renta l Fee

Reception and Rehearsal Dinner

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January 25, 2015 Beginnings Bridal Show The Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, fashion show at 1:30 Tickets are $6 in advance and $8 at the door.

February 8, 2015 Marry Me Bridal Expo & Fashion Show UWEC Davies University Center 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm with a 3:00 pm Fashion Show $6 in advance/$8 at the door marrymebridalshow.co February 22, 2015 Creating Lasting Memories Bridal Show Florian Gardens Conference Center Brides get in for FREE $10 in advance/$12 at the door. floriangardens.com February 22, 2015 Menomonie Wedding Fair VisionQuest Entertainment Center Menomonie, WI 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm menomonieweddingfair.com March 1st, 2015 Metropolis Resort Bridal Fair Metropolis Resort; 5150 Fairview Drive, Eau Claire, WI 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm $7/person in advance or $9/person at the door April 19, 2015 Family Farms Bridal Show Eleva, WI 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm $15 at the door www.familyfarmsmarketelevawi.com September 20, 2015 (alternate date Sept. 27, 2015 see website for more information) Her Impressions Bridal Fair Menard’s Old Mill Expo Center 11:00 am - 4:00 pm; Over 90 vendors on-site Tickets $6 in advance or $8 at the door www.impressionsbridalfair.com October 25, 2015 Emerald Ridge Outdoor Weddings & Receptions Emerald Ridge - Rustic Oaks Venue 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Over 30 vendors Free Admission T h e Begin n in g ‌| 4 0

Making the Most of Bridal Shows Prepare. Before you even head out to the fabulous bridal show you saw advertised, do some important prep work. First of all, you can save money by buying tickets ahead instead of at the door. Keeping your budget and overall plan in mind, decide what products and services you need and how much you’re willing to spend. This will help you narrow down what vendors you’ll want to spend time talking with. Another good idea is to create and print out labels ahead of time that have your name, wedding date, and contact information listed clearly. This will make it fast and easy to sign up for lots of drawings for discounts and/or free services and products. Also, arrange to have key wedding-plan decision makers attend with you. With all of you there, you will be able to make decisions on the spot if a good deal or perfect service comes up.

Special email. It’s a good idea to create an email account that is totally just for wedding-related correspondence. This assures that you don’t miss a wedding-planning email in the midst of all your other email.

Optimize the show’s program. Use it to mark fashions you like that you saw during the fashion show. Look it over when you first arrive, or even ahead of time if possible, and circle vendors you especially want to visit. Use the contact info listed in the program to later contact those vendors that you want to talk with further.

Enjoy it! Yes, you have many plans to make, things to buy, and venues to rent.

But the main thing is that you are getting married. Have fun at the show!

Beyond Cake

By Jan Carroll

Y

our wedding day is one of the most important days in your life. As much as you are able, you’d like every aspect of the wedding and reception to reflect who you are as a couple—including the dessert you serve. The traditional dessert, a layered cake, is fine for some, but you and your significant other feel that a more unique dessert would better contribute to the overall awesomeness of your special day.

Nina Daniels, at Buttercream Wedding Cakes and Desserts (2751 London Road) in Eau Claire, says that most couples who decide to serve a non-cake dessert to guests choose to also have a small 6-inch cake they can use for the traditional photo op of feeding each other a bite of cake and to have some cake to put in the freezer until their first

Whether your reception is casual or fancy, you can find a great noncake dessert to wow your guests. anniversary. Daniels advises that if you decide to go with a non-cake dessert for your guests, serve them all the same dessert, rather than serving some of them one kind of dessert and the rest of them another kind. She also suggests—to make the dessert part of your day go smoothly and successfully—delegate one person to be the contact with your dessert provider.

Whether your reception is casual or fancy, you can find a great non-

cake dessert to wow your guests.

Daniels reports that vintage barn weddings are a huge trend right now, as is the use of tree trunks of different heights on which to serve platters of desserts. For a fancy presentation, you could arrange desserts on glass tables of various heights, lit with fancy thin candles in crystal candlesticks.

Here are some of the current top non-cake wedding dessert trends.

◆ S’mores. If you’re having an outdoor evening reception, why not place safe fire pits around the grounds and let guests toast marshmallows and make s’mores?

This idea would go over especially well if there will be lots of children attending—or lots of those who are young at heart! ◆ Ice cream sundae bar. This is another dessert that kids of all The Be ginning ‌| 41

ages will enjoy, and a good way to go if you’ll be in a setting where it’s ok to be a little messy. Choose two or three types of ice cream, a few delectable syrups, and a tempting selection of toppings like chocolate chips, nuts, strawberries, and of course whipped cream. If you know of a guest that is lactose-intolerant, be sure to provide an alternative.

You could also have waffle cones available, in case some guests prefer to just have a cone.

any flavor or type of cake you can imagine can also be made into these more bite-sized prizes, but you could possibly serve some of them without plates and forks, which saves on money and cleanup time. Cake shooters are individual servings of cake presented in glasses. This is one of the most popular non-cake dessert choice, according to Daniels, who says these desserts are usually arranged on tiered serving trays.

Lauren Schultz, owner of Milwaukee’s Purple Door Ice Cream, suggests no more than four toppings, so as to not slow down the line with too many choices. She also suggests that you staff the sundae bar so that someone is making sure ice cream isn’t melting all over the place, and staff can also assist guests in compiling their cool, sweet treat.

Are you wishing for a fancier way to serve ice cream? How about ice cream sandwiches? There are dozens of recipes for them online, and they could be assembled ahead of time and kept frozen if you had enough freezer space at your venue.

◆ Donut bar. If breakfast is your favorite meal, and you’re serving quiche and bacon on your big day, maybe a donut bar would work well. These, like the mini cupcakes and cake balls, can be displayed in tiers or in special designs for a great presentation. I’m sure someone will be glad you included some with sprinkles! Or, if you like the breakfast theme idea, consider ordering up some beautiful Danish kringles and either precutting them into single servings or have your Aunt Eda and your second cousin cut them on the fly. One good source of kringle is Sue’s Bakery on 1319 Birch Street in Eau Claire.

◆ Cupcakes, mini cupcakes, cake shooters, or cake balls.

◆ Mini milkshakes. You could use either old-fashioned milkshake glasses or more contemporary glassware to serve these fun treats.

This is a way to have your cake but have it more casually. Almost T h e Begin n in g ‌| 4 2

Start by dipping the top of the glass in melted chocolate and then into a bowl of sprinkles or colored sugar that matches your wedding colors.

Let that set—you could do this part ahead and have the glasses stored in a cool place. When it’s dessert time, servers can pour in the milkshake, top with mini marshmallows, and add a decorative straw. See www.weddingsbylilly.com/wedding-food/mini-milkshake-shooters/ for directions.

◆ Homemade pie banquet.

To be sure to provide something everyone likes, why not serve a wide variety of homemade pies, including favorites like apple, pumpkin, and cherry, but also throwing into the mix some less common pies like pecan, lemon chiffon, or coconut cream. Pies could be pre-sliced so servers could easily and quickly serve each guest their requested piece of pie. Don’t forget the whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for toppers. Prefer your pie on a stick for easy eating (and easier cleanup)? See www.bakerella.com/ easy-as-pie/ to see how. Or, especially for a fall wedding, how about simple hot apple crisp served with a scoop of cool vanilla ice cream?

◆ Cheesecake or mini cheesecakes. If you are a big fan

of cheesecake, you could have a nice spread of different types of yummy cheesecake, again already pre-cut and ready to go, along with fruity or chocolatey toppings. Or, have cheesecake made in square pans and cut into smaller pieces, thus allowing guests to sample a few different types. Or have them made in individual-serving-size containers, such as small mason jars with the rims screwed on but no lids (see CutiePiesDefined on Facebook).

thing to take home with them. For fancier candy offerings, consider serving chocolate-dipped strawberries (using dark, milk, and white chocolate) or a nice variety of truffles.

casual display, find several tin boxes, line them with wax paper, and show off your baking prowess.

◆ Baked goods bar. Your guests will enjoy choosing from a mouth-watering assortment of baked goods. It’ll be like being at a bake sale, but they won’t have to pay.

This idea would pair really well with either a casual or a fancy wedding, depending on the type of cookies and bars you serve. The nice thing about it is you could make everything ahead and freeze them until the day before, and then all you’d need to do is arrange them on either beautiful glass or china platters, or for a more

◆ Candy collection. Is your wedding near Halloween? Christmas?

Valentine’s Day? Actually candy is wildly popular any day. Your guests would be like kids in a candy shop!

You could have the pre-wrapped smaller size candy bars or other types of candy. Or you could buy candy in bulk and set up a little sweet shop, where servers could scoop into guests’ decorative bags whatever sweet treats were pointed to—with a pretty please. This is a nice way to also give folks some-

◆ Ooo la la—Macarons! These fancy little meringue-based cookies originated in Paris, but they are often available in the United States now too. If you can’t find a bakery near you that makes them (and you aren’t able to jet over to Paris and back to purchase some), try Martha Stewart’s recipe (www.marthastewart.com/318387/french-macaroons).

These are classy, sophisticated treats, and because they are quite rich, you’ll only need to plan on two or three per guest. Maybe serve with some fine after-dinner coffee or espresso.

So, if the idea of serving the usual cake at your reception isn’t doing it for you, go ahead and think outside the box and serve a unique dessert— lots of other couples are too!

Cakes & Desserts At Buttercream, we will help you create a wedding cake that is unique and perfect for your event.

Whether you choose one of many designs, or have a custom creation of your own, it’s our mission to ensure that your cake will not only look beautiful, but it will taste even better. We are happy to create custom designs taking inspiration from your wedding dress, your invitations, or your linens.

OUR EAU CLAIRE LOCATION: Bridal Shoppe Mall, 2751 London Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 Telephone: 715-832-4048 or 651.430.9654 Email: buttercream.eauclaire@gmail.com The Be ginning ‌| 43

Contact Info

DJ Jamie

K a l e i d o s c o p e d j @ c h a r t e r. n e t 715.225.3533

with

G

et to know your DJ. I always encourage meeting my clients ahead of time to learn more about their plans for their big day. Meeting with clients helps to develop a great rapport. I especially enjoy learning about how couples meet.

A good DJ will be able to adapt to almost any situation. The more experienced DJ will probably have dealt with many situations in the past and will be more adaptable to changes in plans.

Ask how much experience your DJ has.

The foundation for any DJ ought to start with music knowledge. A good DJ will know what music to play at the right times. The goal is to play

T h e Begin n in g ‌| 4 4

a large variety of music to keep the dance floor rotation flowing smoothly throughout the reception. ”Do you play requests?” I get this question all the time. I’m not sure why. Of course I play requests. That’s what DJs are supposed to do. If your DJ is not keen on playing your requests or the requests of your guests, you may want to request a different DJ! Make sure your DJ has a comprehensive contract. That will protect both you and them. Likewise, you’ll also want to make sure they have liability insurance...just in case.

If you’re able to, ask your DJ if you can come and see them perform before

you commit. It’s always nice to be able to see your DJ in action before you make any decisions. If you see a good DJ at a friend or relative’s wedding, you’ll already have a great idea of how they will perform. Ask them for a business card or brochure.

Most couples choose a DJ based on budgets. You can get a great DJ for a very reasonable price and not break the bank. Sure, you can always find a cut-rate DJ, but beware, you get what you pay for in most cases.

A good DJ will be open and honest about their pricing. They will also not pressure you into signing a contract on-the-spot.

What Dress Is Best for Your Body Type?

Pear or Triangle: small bust with full hips Pear

You want dressed that emphasize your upper half. Think capped, poufy sleeves. Add appliqué or beading to the bodice.

In contrast, chose a dress with a plain skirt and high waistline.

Ball Gown

Do NOT choose clingy fabric or cuts, and steer away from dresses with ruffly skirts or bustles.

Apple or Full-figure: full bust, hips, and waistline Simple design is your friend. A fuller skirt, angled lines, V-neckline and waist. Princess A-line dresses work well for you.

Don’t go with form-fitted dresses or ones with lots of detailing.

Apple

Petite: short height, overall smaller bust, hips, and waistline Vertical lines will add height visually. Try mermaid or sheath dresses. Use high necklines to lengthen the torso. Try Princess style or dresses with an empire waist.

Empire

Avoid large, poufy dresses. They will only make you look wider not taller.

Rectangle: proportional bust and hips, undefined waistline Rectangle

Look for a dress that will add curves to your body, such as the Princess style. Or try an empire waistline and lots of detail on the bodice. Off-the-shoulder necklines provide horizontal lines to break up the straighter line of your figure.

Sheath

Better not to choose a dress that clings or one requiring you to fill it out (like a darted bustline).

Inverted Triangle: full bust with small hips Seek to highlight your lower half while de-emphasizing your upper half. Stick with a simple bodice. Try a dropped waist design, or use bows, pleats, or beading to emphasize the skirt.

Inverted Triangle

Don’t go with low-cut bodices, high waistlines, slim skirts, or decorated, accented sleeves.

Mermaid

Hourglass: full bust and hips, small waistline You can go with almost any style of dress. A mermaid style dress would show off your curves. Or to downplay your curves, go with a simple, classic look.

Just be sure to avoid very high necklines, and avoid too much decoration because it may make you look heavier than you really are.

Hourglass

A-line The Be ginning ‌| 45

real wedding

Karley & Vince Backyard Wedding Cumberland, WI Photography by Stacy Bengs Photography From the Photographer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Working with Vince and Karley was fantastic. There was so much emotion sprinkled in throughout the day. She was the first girl in a group of siblings to get married and had been dreaming about her wedding since she was a little girl. She was married at her parents' home down along the lake. Everything was perfect!

T h e Begin n in g â&#x20AC;&#x152;| 4 6

The Be ginning â&#x20AC;&#x152;| 47

real wedding

Emily & Jared White’s Wildwood Retreat

Chippewa Falls, WI

Photography by Kate Bentley Photography

From the Bride — Even though I lived in Milwaukee and my fiancé lived in Minneapolis, we decided to get married in Chippewa Falls. Eau Claire was where we met and fell in love. It seemed fitting to begin the rest of our lives in that area as well. The best advice I received while planning our wedding was to treat the big day as if you were inviting each guest into your home.

This mentality helped Jared and I plan a day that felt intimate and personal, even though we were surrounded by nearly 200 of our family and friends. It was important to us that our wedding reflected our personalities.

Jared and I both love spending time outdoors, and we couldn’t imagine spending our wedding day inside. We loved the beautiful location and rustic log cabins at White’s Wildwood Retreat in Chippewa, so we chose

T h e Begin n in g ‌| 4 8

a day in August and hoped for good weather. It was an incredibly hot day that faded into the loveliest of summer evenings. I wish I could relive our wedding day over and over again. Everything was perfect­—even the details that didn’t go according to plan. We loved that our guests could relax by a campfire and make s’mores under the stars. I was thrilled with the romantic flowers and my HUGE bouquet. The personalized signs made by my aunt, my sister, and me. Wearing my mother’s veil.

Walking down the aisle to the same song my parents played at their wedding twenty-nine years earlier. We made sure to leave plenty of time for laughter and dancing on our wedding day. We’ve made sure to leave plenty of time for laughter and dancing in our marriage as well.

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venue // White’s Wildwood Retreat flowers // Chippewa Valley Floral T h e Begin n in g ‌| 5 0

cake // Simply Cakes

The Be ginning â&#x20AC;&#x152;| 51

T h e Begin n in g â&#x20AC;&#x152;| 5 2

Jennifer Larson-Independent Consultant Visit our website to view our entire fleet. www.codylimousines.com or call 715-577-7777

Order online www.tastefully.com/web/jlarson5 jennlarson75@gmail.com 715-797-1627

The Be ginning â&#x20AC;&#x152;| 53

Harves t th e c h ar m a n d b ea u ty o f Wi sco n si n ’s w i n e ri e s

Munson Bridge Winery, Photo by James Stokes Photography

By Abbie Burgess

E

xclusive wines, romantic hillsides painted with linear rows of grapevines, and architecture with old-world charm—couples don’t need to trek all the way to Sonoma or Tuscany to have their dream vineyard wedding. The romance of a destination wedding can be found right at home at one of Wisconsin’s many vineyard wedding venues.

When Erika Hitchcock and Steve Ferraro tied the knot on September 20, their outdoor ceremony was held amidst a backdrop of green rows of grapes at Villa Bellezza Winery and Vineyards in Pepin, Wisconsin. The winery’s Tuscan-style architecture comprised of stucco, stone, and clay tile roofs made an ideal wedding location for the couple, who had one of their first dates at a wine tasting event. “It does not feel like you’re in Wisconsin,” the bride said of her wedding venue. Guests wondered why the couple chose Pepin, a town neither Erika nor her husband are from. “Then they got there and realized why,” she said of the picturesque Villa Bellezza grounds and the region’s gorgeous Mississippi River views with eagles soaring over the bluffs.

T h e Begin n in g ‌| 5 4

About an hour east of Villa Bellezza is another of Wisconsin’s winery wedding destinations. Bob and Connie Dubiel run Sandstone Ridge Vineyard and Winery, a 100-acre property high up on a ridge overlooking their flourishing vineyard. “It was always our dream to own a Wisconsin winery,” Bob Dubiel says. They found the perfect location in Osseo, its sandy, light soil ideal for growing grapes. Sandstone Ridge is willing to support a wedding any time throughout the year, but July and August are especially good for outdoor weddings as they tend to be drier.

Sandstone Ridge is also quite popular in autumn. “Who wouldn’t want to be outside in those months?” Dubiel says.

“There are changing colors and the grapes are ripening.”

Choosing an outdoor venue, such as a vineyard for a wedding, comes with logistical considerations. Most vineyards, Sandstone Ridge included, do not offer catering or tent rentals onsite and will refer couples to local vendors. Yet these venues often can offer couples flexibility and options for customizing their day that they may not get elsewhere. The Dubiels know that every wedding is unique, and they are committed to working

with the needs of each couple. “We tell couples, ‘Here’s our property— how can we use that to meet the idea of your perfect day?’”

That customization can also extend to incorporating the theme throughout the décor and wedding day activities.

At Sandstone Ridge, the Dubiels will let clients use their table grapes and grape leaves as décor. Guests can also opt to participate in winery activities.

“We have [wedding] customers who get into the idea of a grape stomp,” Dubiel elaborated. One memorable wedding party participated in the stomp in their formal wear. “It was risky, but they were able to do it without getting it on their dresses and they had a good laugh out of it.”

That couple was Ashley and Matthew Smith, who were married at Sandstone Ridge September 14, 2013.

Ashley Smith notes that many of their guests weren’t wine drinkers or were unfamiliar with Wisconsin wineries, so the experience of watching the grape stomp and tasting the wines and grapes was especially unique. “It’s something we think about being a California thing, but it can be experienced right here in Wisconsin,” Smith says. She chose wine-themed

Munson Bridge Winery, Photo by James Stokes Photography

wedding invitations and centerpieces too. “If you’re going to do a winery wedding, why not go all out, right?”

Erika Hitchcock also extended the vineyard theme down to the tiniest details of her wedding. The craft lover made wine charms for each guest with their name on it. She also created a card box out of wine corks. “It was a Pinterest idea, but I think ours turned out way better.”

According to wedding planner Marsha VanArk of Distinctly Yours Wedding and Event Planning in Stevens Point, the natural setting and old-world ambience of a vineyard is an ideal backdrop for what she calls the “rustic chic” wedding trend that is wildly popular. She’s helped couples accessorize with vintage place settings and antique decorations. Others like the contrast of rustic surroundings with upscale linens, china, and silver.

VanArk emphasizes the need for a contingency plan for any outdoor wedding. “Because we’re in Wisconsin, you’ll always need a plan B. It’s my job to always think about what the backup plan might be.” Usually that involves renting tents from an outside vendor and communicating with the venue to solidify what will happen in the case of rain. At Munson Bridge Winery, owner Sheri Rohland says that the landscaped outdoor gardens are

most couples’ first choice, but they have the option of using the loft of a remodeled dairy barn in the case of rain. Rohland describes the loft as “shabby chic, country elegant.”

Also available for weddings at Munson Bridge Winery: a 140-foot tent that stays up through the wedding season. Fourteen different chandeliers illuminate the tent, and windows line each wall. “Even on a rainy day, it’s still pretty,” Rohland says. This year, twenty-four couples have said “I do”

on the property, some coming from out-of-state locations such as Minneapolis and Chicago in search of rustic, old-world winery elegance.

Dubiel thinks that the typical vineyard wedding couple has a love for the outdoors and is drawn to the agricultural aspect of grape growing.

“We want couples who really love the experience of being in a vineyard,” Dubiel says. “The couples who enjoy our site the most are the ones who have a passion for wine and grapes

Sandstone Ridge Vineyard, Photos above by Falls Studio Photography The Be ginning ‌| 55

like we do.”

Worried about whether the flower girl and other underage guests will be allowed on site? Although the official winery premise is restricted to those above age twenty-one, most vineyards provide private wedding space that is open to all ages. Winery venues usually do require only their own wine to be served at events. “We didn’t mind because we loved it,” explains Hitchcock. So did their guests. “We bought a ton of cases of beer and expected to have too much wine. We have a ton of beer in our garage now—even his uncles who aren’t wine drinkers were drinking [wine].” Dubiel explains that at Sandstone Ridge they will also sup-

ply other alcohol not made on premises, such as champagne, the same way a country club would.

According to the Wisconsin Winery Association, historically only fruit wines such as apple and strawberry were produced in Wisconsin. Some wineries, including Munson Bridge, continue that tradition—in addition to fruit and berry wines, Munson Bridge is one of the only wineries in the country to make maple syrup wine!

But in the last twenty years, vineyard agriculture has blossomed in our state due to the development of grapes varieties able to withstand cold winter temperatures. Wisconsin’s accelerated vineyard growth within the last

Photos this page of Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyards T h e Begin n in g ‌| 5 6

five to ten years has led to the state’s ranking as one of the nation’s emerging winery regions. Wisconsin is home to around 100 functioning wineries.

Anna Maenner, executive director, estimates that most have facilities that can be used for small wedding-related functions such as bachelorette parties and groom’s dinners, with a smaller number of wineries equipped to host full weddings. The Wisconsin Winery Association will offer any interested bride who contacts them a free brochure on vineyard weddings resources.

“Everyone had so much fun,” Hitchcock says of her vineyard wedding.

“You couldn’t really ask for much more.”

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R S V P

and so much more!

every invitation is custom designed just for you—no templates and no one else with your same invites.

We talked with three local wedding invitation designers about how to get the invites of your dreams and why it pays to go local and custom with your invites.

Here’s what Juliann Ford from Mint For Hue, Andra Christianson from Andra Delores Designs, and Lindsay McNierney from Writefully Simple had to say: Q: Why are invitations so important?

Juliann: Invitations are the first impression guests get of the wedding. You get dresses, flowers, decor, etc., but guests don’t see that until the day of. Invitations create an impression long before the actual wedding day. They set the tone and feeling. The invitations tell guests what they can expect.

Andra: The invitations are the initial thing people see. They are

Photos by Writefully Simple

By Amber Erickson Gabbey

Wedding invitations, although often considered just another task to take care of, are really very important to the success of your wedding. Marsha VanArk, owner and lead wedding planner at Distinctly Yours Wedding & Event Planning in Stevens Point, says invitations are the information-givers but are also much more than that. They tell the time, date, location, directions, and all the key elements that guest need to know. And guests want to know these details so that they can adequately prepare. Invites are really more about the guests than we think, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be unique, personalized, and exactly what you’ve been dreaming about.

To make sure you get the best invitations for your wedding, consider working with an expert on custom invitations, save-thedates, RSVPs, thank yous, programs, table cards, and all other paper products. One big benefit to working with a designer is that

T h e Begin n in g ‌| 5 8

Q: Can you explain the process of custom invitations?

J: The first step is talking with clients about their vision of the day—the dress, themes, venue, colors, etc., and how formal or casual the event will be. I give them a questionnaire and everything is covered in it, even the variations in wording. The questionnaire gives them all the options up front, and they get to pick so there’s no guesswork. The design is based off of the ques-

tionnaire answers and examples from a source such as a Pinterest board. Often clients aren’t sure what they want so there’s always some tweaks to layouts, colors, and fonts between the first draft and final version. From initial inquiry to printed, the turnaround is about 3 to 5 weeks.

A: The first step is to set up a consultation. This gives us an opportunity to discuss what is needed in person. We talk about what they want, what they need, the feel, inspirations, and go from there. We also go over services I offer. After they book, we go through more specific details and inspiration and start the design process. It’s an open process.

I send a mock-up and am open to any changes because I want them to love every part of the invitation. The goal is to design something they love.

L: The first step is a consultation. If you are doing save-thedates as part of your package,

Tips for Invitations ◆ Be sure to order invitations, announcements, envelopes, and any other add-ons at the same time, as it will save you money. ◆ Be sure to accurately estimate how many guests you’ll invite. ◆ Be sure to order extras for those times when you make mistakes in addressing or you spill a bit of coffee on one. It’s cheaper than special ordering extras later.

Photos by Andra Delores Designs

important because they not only tell the details, but they set the tone.

Lindsay: Invitations set the tone and give guests insight on what to expect—whether it’s formal, laid-back, rustic, destination, etc. It gives them the info they’ll need. Invites are often thought of as a throw-away, but in reality they are one of the most important pieces of your wedding.

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Photos by Mint For Hue

the initial consultation could be around 6 to 8 months before the wedding, so this could be a year-long relationship. It generally takes 1 to 2 months from initial consultation to getting your completed, printed invitations, depending on complexity.

Because the relationship can be so long, it’s important to find a designer you like and trust.

Q: Many weddings these days have their own brand of sorts. How do invites fit into the brand?

J: In a perfect world, everything should be branded and include the same theme, feeling, and tone. The whole package of wedding stationary should have the same theme, be cohesive, and everything should blend well.

A: Most people do the whole branding experience so everything matches.

It becomes their own brand for the wedding. Everything matches. Mixand-match is ok, but people seem to like the idea of creating their own brand and having everything coordinate. No matter what you choose, I recommend working with one vendor to keep everything organized.

L: Most clients do the full package of invitations, RSVPs, information cards, programs, thank yous, etc.

Consistency helps maintain the same feeling throughout all materials.

Q: Why does it pay off to get your invitations from a dedicated design-

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er?

J: With custom invites, nobody will have the same invitations. With templates, you have to stick to the layout and wording, which can feel like settling. With your wedding, you don’t want to compromise exactly what you want. Plus, clients can be as involved as they want in the process, and getting custom invitations is affordable. I see no other way to do invites.

A: Brides want everything to be what they envision. They want their day and all details of it to be unique and special. Pre-packaged invites aren’t unique and special to you. Many people see it as this is our wedding and it’s something special so it’s worth it. They love the process of creating exactly what they want.

L: It’s important to work with an expert. They can watch your back, give advice on resources (like calligraphers), and take care of the details for you. Custom invites are more affordable than you might think, but it depends on what you want and how detailed the finished product is.

Q: Finally, what advice do you have for brides thinking about invites?

J: The biggest thing is invites tend to be really overwhelming, with all the choices like envelope liners, RSVPs, info cards, colors, stamps, etc., not to mention figuring out what information to include and wording.

Leave it to an expert—whether me or someone else. The last thing you want to deal with is an invitation problem when they should be getting sent out.

At the 4-month mark, you have bigger things to worry about. Also don’t DIY your invitations. By the time you get all the materials and supplies together and plan out the design, then realize they aren’t working out how you had envisioned, you have to scramble to do something else. Everything seems so much easier than it actually is. Plus DIY-ing invitations isn’t necessarily cheaper or easier than getting custom invites.

A: Come to the process with an open mind and heart. Trust the expertise of your designer. Most were trained and are experienced in design and know what to do. Even if you have ideas of what you love, be willing to create something exceptional.

L: Use Pinterest boards and photos as inspiration and to help clearly define what you want. Then, you never know what to expect, so go with the flow.

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MEN’S WEAR

1506 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire 800-942-0783 The Be ginning ‌| 63

Hampton Inn Hampton Inn 2622 Craig 2622 CraigRoad Road Eau Claire, WI Eau Claire, WI54701 54701 715.833.0003 715.833.0003 jessica.sather@olivercompanies.com teresa.gammon@olivercompanies.com

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