Come rain or come shine
With imagination and determination, the wedding goes on
The Desser t Bar is all about impeccable flavor and presentation, specializing in decadent desser ts. We will help you create a spectacular event that will dazzle your guests.
Gina Kelly 413-441-6029 www.thedesser tbar.biz
How to speak wedding dress
visual glossary of fashion terms Useful ways to incorporate social media in wedding planning
Social media has changed the world, and it also has changed how couples plan their weddings.
Vow
By KimBerly Kirchner
Part of pulling off a successful wedding is being prepared for everything to go wrong. Bad weather, unexpected guests, a groomsman with the stomach flu, a flower girl with stage fright are all entries on a long list of problems wedding planners are ready to address at a moment’s notice. Notably absent: a viral pandemic that shuts down social gatherings and offers no hint at an end date.
In the long months since the phrase “social distancing” first entered our everyday vocabulary, more and more couples have had to confront the reality that their carefully orchestrated weddings simply can’t go on as planned. The many businesses making up the wedding industry, from caterers and florists to venues and deejays, have had to develop new products and services to keep revenue flowing.
But love, as they say, finds a way, and both wedding pros and would-be-weds have
made the best of a bleak situation with optimism, ingenuity and plenty of patience.
Even with the logistical challenges and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, few couples have given up entirely on holding some sort of wedding celebration. According to a survey by The Wedding Report, a research company covering the wedding industry, only 7% of couples who had planned to marry in 2020 had called off the event entirely, as of June 30. In the same time period, 41.5% of couples had postponed their wedding to 2021 or later, while a surprising 30.5% still planned to marry on their original date — a percentage that has certainly gone down as the pandemic stretched through the fall and into 2021.
Oskar Hallig, president of South Egremont-based Only in My Dreams Events, has seen clients tackle the issue in a variety of ways. Some stuck to their original wedding
date, adapting the ceremony and reception to comply with the current restrictions and public health guidelines, while others opted to wait out the pandemic in order to hold the large wedding they had originally planned.
“A lot of them did small ceremonies and got mar-
ried, and are waiting then to have the big party next year,” Hallig said. Elopements and courthouse weddings have become increasingly popular, with impatient couples making their commitments in private ceremonies and holding off on the celebratory side of the wedding until friends and
families can be present in full.
The wait for a full-fledged wedding may be getting longer as time goes on, however — partly due to the pandemic pushing on beyond original predictions, but also because the wave of rescheduling is filling up vendors’ calendars into 2022.
“There’s a limited number of resources,” Hallig explains. “There’s only so many venues, there’s only so many tents, there’s only so many caterers. I have yet to find the dates opening. People are contacting me a lot about 2022. That’s why I’ve really been trying to convince people to stick with it and keep everything planned as is until we absolutely need to make the change.”
Newly-engaged couples may find themselves looking at dates deep into 2022 or even 2023. A 2021 event may be possible, depending on the
course the virus takes in the coming months, but would call for some flexibility. “A lot of it would depend on what kind of a wedding you were envisioning,” Hallig says. “I would dig deep into the type of wedding, and then, with trepidation, start trying to gather information on what the cost situations would be. Finding a place that would be available as a venue, finding a caterer, things like that, but being very clear that anything would be up for change.”
Vendors, many of whom make most of their revenue from weddings and other large events, have also had to adjust to the changing circumstances. Fortunately, Hallig says, navigating the unexpected is just part of the job for most of them.
Saturday, January 30, 2021
“It’s a creative group anyway. We have to be, dealing with things in the middle of an event.” He pointed to tent rental providers working with restaurants to set up outdoor, COVID-compliant seating, and caterers starting up a meal delivery service. While they won’t make up for a missed wedding season, the extra projects bring in some much-needed revenue to help keep doors open and employees on the payroll.
Hallig’s own company branched out from event planning to launch a retail operation, The Shop, selling locally-made gifts and themed gift baskets.
The “buy local” movement has been building in the Berkshires for years, but the pandemic has made residents even more aware of where — and to whom — their money goes, to the benefit of area businesses. “There’s been that real push about ‘local’,” Hallig said. “We found that very
strongly in our store. I was shocked how well it did. Then we looked at what was selling, and it was mostly the stuff that was made here. People really love that idea of. “Okay, I’m not just keeping a business going, I’m also helping someone else while I’m doing it.”
Hallig doesn’t expect wedding planning to be back to normal any time soon, but
he’s optimistic about the industry’s ability to carry on. “I think people will need to continue this year to reinvent, and find new and creative ways to use whatever it is that they’re offering,” he says. “I think partnerships are going to be a big thing — working together with different parts of the wedding industry, whether that be connecting
to a venue, connecting to a caterer or supporting a local little group.”
Ultimately, it’s a matter of making it work, whether the problem is a rip down the back of the bride’s dress, or a worldwide health emergency. “Sometimes you’ve got to flip the script,” Hallig says. “Put on the happy face, and get through it.”
Bell: Flaring out from the shoulder to a wide opening at or above the wrist.
Dolman: Sleeves with a very deep armhole that narrows up the wrist, forming a wing shape.
Butterfly: A bell-like sleeve that stops above the elbow.
Bishop: Loose, flowy sleeves that gather at the wrist.
Flutter: Similar to a butterfly sleeve, but shorter, fuller and gathered to form ruffles.
Juliet: Big and puffy at the top, then tight from the elbow down. Straight out of the Renaissance.
Sleeveless:
Wide shoulders that extend to just where a sleeve would go
Cap: A very short sleeve that doesn't extent below the armpit.
Puffed: Short and gathered at the opening to form a rounded "puff" at the shoulder
Spaghetti Straps: Thin, string-like straps over the shoulders. Rarely made of actual spaghetti.
Strapless: No straps, no sleeves. Just a healthy disregard for gravity
A-line: Fitted at the shoulder to the natural waist, then widening out to the hem, like the letter "A."
Sheath: Sleek and fitted, with a skirt that falls straight from hip to floor Also called a column dress.
Empire: Cinched in just below the bust, above the natural waist, then flowing loose to the hem. Think Grecian goddess or Jane Austen heroine.
Ballgown: Tight on top, then poofing out into a full, bell-shaped skirt in the style of an old-school animated princess.
Mermaid: Fitted from the neck to just above the knee, then flaring out dramatically like a mermaid's fins.
Trumpet: Similar mermaid, but skirt starts
higher the about mid-thigh.
High Neck: A neckline that reaches partially up the neck itself. Also known as a mock neck.
Sweetheart: A neckline that dips down at the center, like the top of a candy heart.
Off-shoulder: An extra-wide neckline that hangs off the shoulders.
rumpet: Similar to a mermaid, but the skirt starts to flare higher up leg, at about mid-thigh.
Fit and flare: A more relaxed version of a mermaid dress, fitted through the hips and thighs before flaring gently to the hem.
Crew: A round, t-shirt style opening, close to the base of the neck.
Bateau: A high, wide neckline, that follows the collar bones. Also called a boat neck.
Scoop: Rounded and usually hitting just above the bust
Plunge: A very spicy v-neck, usually ending at or below the bust line.
Square: A neckline cut in straight lines down from the shoulder and across the bust.
Surplice: A v-shaped neckline formed by one side of the dress wrapping over the other, cutting diagonally across the bust.
Jumpsuit: Pants and a shirt, but connected in the middle. Like a very fancy onesie.
Halter: Two pieces that come up from the bust and connect behind the neck.
Illusion: A neckline constructed from different material than the rest of the bodice, usually sheer, mimicking the look of a strapless dress without the anxiety
Separates: An outfit made up of an independent top and bottom. May feature some exposed midriff between the two.
Mini: A dress with a hemline hitting several inches above the knee, or higher.
Jewel: A round neckline cut between a crew neck and a scoop, just low enough to show off a necklace.
V-neck: Triangular neckline that starts wide at the neck and narrows to a point at the center of the bust.
Asymmetric: Technically, any neckline that is higher on one side than the other Often refers to a neckline running from below one armpit up and over the opposite shoulder
Cowl: A rounded neckline with extra fabric that drapes around the neck.
Tea-length: A hemline that lands below the knee and above the ankle.
High-low: A skirt cut above the knee in the front and angling down to ankle- or floor-length at the back. Less elegantly referred to as the "mullet skirt."
Social media has changed the world, and it also has changed how couples plan their weddings.
Since its inception decades ago, social media has changed the world. As the popularity of social media exploded in the early part of the 21st century, various platforms emerged and ultimately affected movements pertaining to everything from politics to social justice to charitable efforts.
Social media also has emerged as a great tool for couples on the cusp of getting married. The following are some useful ways that couples can employ social media into their wedding planning.
A couple-specific hashtag can be a great and simple way to share information on Twitter, which remains one of the most popular social media platforms across the globe. Your own hashtag can alert friends and family who are on Twitter whenever you post new information and photos.
Photographers serve as something akin to unofficial
documentarians on couples' wedding days. Many photographers are there from the moment the bride begins to get ready until the last person leaves the dance floor at the end of the night. Many couples love leafing through their wedding albums for the rest of their lives together, but guests also may enjoy reliving the night. The photo sharing social media platform Instagram is a great way for couples and their guests to relive the special moment a couple ties the knot and all the ensuing fun at the reception. Create a wedding-specific In-
stagram page and post all the photos you want to share.
No matter how hard couples may try to pick a date that's convenient for all of their guests, some invitees will inevitably decline the invitation. That's especially true while the world continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. Elderly guests or loved ones with underlying medical conditions that make them more vulnerable to getting
Saturday, January 30, 2021
seriously ill from COVID-19 may be forced to reluctantly decline their invitations. But couples can utilize social media platforms like Facebook Live to include loved ones who couldn't make it in real time.
Encourage others to pitch in with the planning.
Planning a wedding should be fun, and what better way to add to the fun factor than encouraging loved ones to share their ideas via a social media platform like Pinterest?
Couples can create a Pinterest board and ask interested friends and family members to share ideas on everything from attire to decor to floral arrangements. This can be an especially effective way to involve bridesmaids and groomsmen if social distancing guidelines and travel restrictions related to the pandemic are still in place when planning your wedding.
By KimBerly Kirchner
All due respect to “At Last” and “Unchained Melody,” the last 20 years have turned out plenty of first dance options that can hold their own against the old wedding standards. Here are ten tunes from the 21st century worth considering for your ceremony.
(Sentimental Version)
The Avett Brothers (2004)
This stripped-down ballad by altcountry outfit The Avett Brothers pairs picked guitars and swoon-inducing
lyrics like “with your heart my soul is bound/ and as we dance I know that heaven can be found.”
Iron & Wine (2016)
Folk act Iron & Wine recorded this
Cr e ating W edding M agic in the heart of the ber k shir es
Saturday, January 30, 2021
acoustic cover of the 1983 Cyndi Lauper classic for, of all things, a McDonald’s commercial.
Alabama Shakes (2012)
Lead singer Brittany Howard brings a fierce edge to “Be Mine,” a bluesy declaration of devotion. Just a warning: all that passion comes out in some strong language, so be careful if there are any delicate ears on your guest list.
Arctic Monkeys feat. the 747s (2006)
One of the more faithful covers on this list, Arctic Monkeys’s version retains the vintage flavor of Barbara Lewis’ original 1965 recording.
Hozier (2014)
With its gospel undercurrent and sweepingly poetic lyrics, Hozier’s ode to redemption is nothing short of worshipful.
Sigala and Paloma Faith (2018)
Lullaby hit the charts as an upbeat dance single. Its acoustic counterpart trades the synth for swelling violins but keeps the joyful lyrics.
Ray Lamontagne (2004)
Singer/songwriter has more than his fair share of romantic folk-pop melodies, but this track from his debut album is particularly warm and tender.
| hampgolf.com
For your elopement, you will want a special place that you will remember forever.
Few places in the Berkshires are more charming than the Devonfield Inn.
Majestic white birch trees, 32 acres with a backdrop of the Berkshires Mountains. Luxurious suites and gardens. The perfect location anytime of year.
8. No One
Alicia Keys (2007)
With a thumping rhythm reminiscent of a heartbeat in the background, “No One” is Alicia Key’s most romantic usagainst-the-world anthem.
9.
Jeremy Glinoga (2018)
Laugh if you want, but 20 years from now, NSYNC’s 2000 hit “This I Promise You” will be on every “timeless love songs” list. If you’re not ready to reembrace the boy band, Filipino singer Jeremy Glinoga’s piano-backed cover offers a slightly more elegant take.
10. Lucky
Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat (2008) When it comes to putting love to music, nothing beats a duet. This joint effort by pop artist Jason Mraz and singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat celebrates the beauty of finding your best friend and the love of your life, all in one person.
Outdoor Chapel: Located in rural West Stockbridge, our outdoor chapel is set atop a sloping grassy hillside surrounded by stately pines and flowering trees. Lovely stone walls, terraces, stairs, and aisle lead up to a simple stone and marble altar. With birds singing and heavenly scents in the air, the Chapel is a perfect location for a romantic wedding.
The Chapel may be explored at its location 3.1 miles south of Rte. 102 on West Center Road. Bench seating is available on site.
West Stockbridge Congregational Church: A National Historic Landmark, and prominently located at 45 Main Street in West Stockbridge, this traditional New England Church has been a popular setting for weddings for many decades. The interior is full of rich woodwork and dominated by the pipe organ with ornately decorated pipes. An intimate atmosphere.
The Church also has a newly remodeled Social Hall and stage downstairs with a capacity of 90 people. Receptions, showers, rehearsal dinners, and other events can be held there. A Certified Commercial Kitchen is attached and available for rent as part of an event or other food preparation purposes.
Tours of the sanctuary, social hall, and kitchen are available. For an appointment or inquiries regarding the Church or Outdoor Chapel, please contact Joanne Wodecki at 413-454-0054
The West Stockbridge Congregational Church is pleased and proud to be an Open and Affirming Congregation and welcomes ALL sorts of couples and celebrations!
(Covid-19 regulations are observed in all our venues.)
