Brides Guide Summer 2018

Bride’s Guide Summer 2018

7 Wedding Tricks to Make the Big Day Easier

Unity

Wedding Unity Ceremony Ideas

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BRIDE'S GUIDE

Thursday, June 14, 2018

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Thursday, June 14, 2018

BRIDE'S GUIDE

Bride’s Guide

4 5 6 8 9

The 4 Cs of Diamonds

PAGE 3

Have Your Reception at the O w a t o n n a

Country Club

5 Great Reasons to Take Engagement Photos How to Create a Wedding Day Schedule 7 Wedding Tricks to Make the Big Day Easier

Things to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Party

10 Tips for Choosing a Wedding Reception Menu 11 How to Curtail Wedding Spending and Still Impress Guests

13 Wedding Unity Ceremony Ideas 14 Cut Blooms that will Last the Longest 15 Overcome Wedding Weather Obstacles

Bride’s Guide 2018 Publisher: Tom Murray Advertising Director: Ginny Bergerson Media Consultants: David Granlund, Emily Kahnke, Lisa Richmond, Erin Rossow, Kyle Shaw Advertising Design: Nikkie Gilmore, Jenine Kubista, Kelly Kubista Cover Photo By: Brittney & Caleb Bride’s Guide is published by the Owatonna People’s Press and printed by Cannon Valley Printing, Northfield, MN. No portion of the advertising or editorial content of the Bride’s Guide may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

All Rights Reserved. ©2018.

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BRIDE'S GUIDE

Thursday, June 14, 2018

The 4 Cs

Diamonds are the stone of choice for engagement rings and wedding jewelry.

Diamonds are durable and remain a timeless way to complement every style.

Anyone who is about to purchase a diamond is encouraged to do their research about selecting quality diamonds. At the heart of the diamond grading process are the 4 Cs of diamond quality. The Cs refer to carat weight, color grade, clarity grade, and cut grade. The Gemological Institute of America helped to create the Diamond 4 Cs and the International Diamond Grading System®. These benchmarks are used to classify all diamonds.

The following is the GIA's explanation of each component of the system. · Carat: Diamond carat weight is the measurement of how much the diamond

of diamonds

weighs and is equivalent to 200 milligrams per carat.

Each carat is subdivided into 100 points. Therefore, a one-carat diamond is 1.00 or 100 points, while a twenty-five point diamond is .25 carats. Naturally, larger diamonds can be more rare and desirable. · Color: A white diamond is more valuable the less color it contains.

norm. The closer the gem comes to being perfectly pure without inclusions or blemishes, the greater the value. · Cut: To transmit light and sparkle, diamonds have to be cut precisely and with great artistry. A diamond will be further graded based on symmetry and proportions, as well as how the stone returns light. Brightness, which is the internal and external white light reflected; fire, or the scattering of white light GIA uses a D-to-Z gradinto rainbow colors; and ing system to determine scintillation, or the sparkle a diamond's color value. the diamond produces, are D would be a colorless factored into how the cut diamond and Z the most is valued. saturated with color.

Diamonds are a major · Clarity: Diamonds are investment. Consumers formed by carbon exposed who do their research and to heat and pressure. verify diamond grading Natural internal charactercan get the best value for istics known as inclusions their money. and external components called blemishes are the

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5 great reasons to take engagement photos

During their engagements, couples will make many decisions in regard to their weddings. Wedding planning can sometimes seem like a runaway train of appointments, schedules and deadlines. As a result, some couples do not take the time to enjoy being engaged, which is a special and unique time in their lives.

Engagement photo shoots can be a unique way for couples to commemorate and enjoy the months preceding their weddings. Engagement photos memorialize the engagement and provide many additional benefits as well.

1. Engagement photo shoots give couples a chance to connect with their photographers. Booking an engagement photo shoot provides helpful information to both the couple and the photographer. The photographer gets to see how the couple interacts in front of the lens and can determine any insecurities or strengths and weaknesses couples may have. These lessons can be filed away and help make wedding day photos look better. Similarly, spending time with the photographer gives the couple an opportunity to develop a rapport with their photographer. If couples and their photographer don't click, scheduling an engagement shoot well in advance of the wedding gives couples a chance to

find someone else to take their photos.

2. An engagement photo shoot gives couples time to spend together. An engagement photo shoot is an ideal time to spend an afternoon in a special location focusing on each other without wedding planning taking up your time.

3. Photo shoots provide a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera.

Professional photographs taken before the wedding enables couples to view how they will appear in pictures.

Seeing these photos might help couples grow more comfortable in front of the camera. This practice can help couples temper their anxieties prior to the wedding. An engagement shoot also can be a great time for couples to speak with their photographers about angles or styles they prefer or dislike.

4. The bride and groom have save-the-date or social media photos. Engagement photographs can be used for save-the-date cards or social media postings (check with the photographer for licensing agreements). This can be a great way to spread excitement about the upcoming nuptials.

5. Photo shoots provide a chance to experiment with vivid backdrops. Engagement photography gives couples plenty of opportu-

nities to experiment with different locales, which may not be possible come the wedding day.

Engagement photography can be a worthwhile inclusion in pre-wedding celebrations.

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Thursday, June 14, 2018

e t a e r c o t How

g n i d d e w a e l u d e h c s day

Wedding days can be hectic. In fact, many couples note after tying the knot that their wedding days were so busy that the ceremonies and receptions were over before they knew it.

Creating a wedding day schedule can seem like a daunting task. Couples tend to have lots of things to do before saying "I do," and organizing everything so ceremonies begin on time can seem as puzzling as a brain teaser. But certain scheduling strategies can help couples ensure they look their best and make it to the altar on time. ¡ Start with the ceremony. Couples can establish a framework for their wedding day schedule by working back from the

opens early for the wedceremony. Once the cer- done at the ceremony ding party. emony time is set, couples sight, but that may only be possible if the venue See WEDDING Schedule page 7 who plan to take photos before their ceremonies can then work with their photographers to determine how much time they will need for photos and where they want to take the photos. Bridal parties may need transportation to the photo session, so determining when and where to take photos before the ceremony gives couples an idea of when to arrange for pickup. ¡ Confirm when the wedding venue is open to the wedding party. famous for diamonds since 1919 Before booking hair and makeup appointments, 115 north cedar ave couples should confirm owatonna, mn 55060 when they will be able 507.451.6644 to access their wedding www.kottkejewelers.com venue. Brides may want to get their hair and makeup

Thursday, June 14, 2018

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PAGE 7

Wedding Schedule From Page 6

If it does not, then brides must account for transportation time to the ceremony sight when making their wedding day schedules. · Determine how much time is needed for hair and makeup. Weddings that feature large bridal parties will require more time for hair and makeup than ceremonies with small bridal parties.

Grooms and groomsmen often take care of their own hair, though some grooms might want to schedule hot shaves for themselves and their groomsmen. Grooms should ask groomsmen if they want a hot shave and then work with their barbers to determine how much time it will take to tend to all participants.

Brides with large bridal parties may need to book more than two hair and makeup artists so everyone can get done on time. Wedding hair and makeup sessions can last several hours for large bridal parties, so brides should schedule their sessions early if their parties are big. · Make lunch arrangements. Some couples choose to tie the knot and host their receptions at the same venue.

In such instances, if brides are getting their hair and makeup done at the venue, ask the venue representative if lunch can be provided to the bridal party. Some venues may include small lunch buffets in their reception costs, while others might

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be as extensive as brides', but grooms should still be kept in the loop regarding the schedule so they can help if anyone has questions or if something goes awry. Sharing the schedule with the wedding party decreases the chances of someone being late or missing an appointment.

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Thursday, June 14, 2018

7 wedding tricks

to make the big day easier

Wedding planning is no small task. From sending out engagement announcements to gifting guests with take-home favors, a couple will pour over scores of details as they plan their weddings.

As if selecting a photographer or choosing the right passed appetizers isn't challenging enough, some unknown variables are sure to pop up on the big day as well. Couples can take their cues from others who have walked the aisle before them with these tricks of the trade, which may help couples' wedding days go smoothly.

1. Host everything at a single location. Couples who want to simplify their wedding day can select a site that can host the ceremony and reception and also house guests.

The cost of such facilities may be more affordable than couples think, as transportation costs will be minimal and the venue may offer discounts on group packages.

2. Think about a day coordinator. Couples who cannot afford a wedding planner to handle all of the details often find that a day-of-service provider is

within their budget. This person can handle all of the details of the wedding day so brides and grooms can fully immerse themselves in the festivities.

3. Bring extra cash.

Unexpected expenses may pop up. Couples may have to feed an extra member of the band or a guest who was able to get a babysitter at the last minute. Brides and grooms may want to offer a bigger tip than anticipated to the waitstaff or deejay who went above and beyond.

4. Learn how to bustle.

Walking around with a free-flowing train all day can become tiring for brides. Brides should make sure that one person practices how to bustle the train and will step in to do so for the reception. Also, it may not be the height of fashion, but

having a garbage bag on hand can keep the train clean during inclement weather, or if the bride has to trek across grass or soil for photo opportunities.

5. Give an outgoing person a job. Enlist a boisterous friend or family member to wrangle guests for photo opportunities. He or she can be the photographer's helper and give the happy couple one less thing to do.

6. Stock the bathroom.

Some venues will have courtesy items for their

guests, but couples also should bring their own necessities, such as breath mints, toothpaste, extra pantyhose, hairspray, lip gloss, and/or sanitary pads.

7. Be all smiles. Couples can't predict everything that will happen on their wedding day, but they can help create the mood.

Smiling couples can make things better for everyone, even when zippers break or someone gets the chicken instead of the salmon.

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PAGE 9

Things to consider when

choosing a wedding party

Making the important decision to get married can fill couples with joy and excitement as they imagine spending the rest of their lives together. Naturally, brides- and grooms-to-be are anxious to share the good news with others and include family and friends in the festivities. One way couples exemplify inclusion is by asking their closest acquaintances to be part of their wedding parties.

Being asked to serve as a bridesmaid or groomsman is an honor. Some couples may be tempted to ask every friend, sibling or cousin they have to be in their wedding parties, and some do. In fact, ancient Roman law required 10 witnesses to be part of the wedding ceremony. However, the larger the wedding party, the more people couples have to coordinate and the more personalities they must manage.

While large wedding parties are in style, there isn't any one-size-fits-all formula to decide which size party is right for a particular situation. Trends vary based on geography and culture.

These tips can help couples decide on the size of their wedding parties. 路 Match it to scope and style. Wedding planners may use a standard ratio for a proportion of guests

of input from their wedding parties, asking distant friends or family to be included may be impractical. 路 Select reliable, easygoing people. Wedding party members should be people couples can rely on, and it only helps if wedding party members are not prone to overreacting. Choose a wedding party that can be trusted and people with whom you get along. to wedding party memfrom their wedding parties.

Wedding party sizes are bers. That ratio is one pair Do couples want their loved up to the couple, but bigger of wedding attendants for ones to be very hands-on isn't always better every 50 guests. This creates or waiting in the wings? a balanced feel where the For those who want a lot more people in attendance, the larger the wedding party and vice versa. 路 Consider your expenses. Wedding party members may be asked to spend considerable amounts of money to be in the wedding, but the couple will have certain expenses tied to the wedding party as well. These can include limousines to ferry people between the ceremony and reception, photography costs to arrange and photograph large wedding parties, the cost of boutonnieres and bouquets, attendants' gifts, as well as extra mouths to feed at the rehearsal dinner. Small wedding parties can be Pine Island, MN easier on couples' budgets. 路 Know your expectations. Couples should At Pondview Barn, you get the whole weekend to set up discuss what they expect

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Thursday, June 14, 2018

Tips for choosing a

wedding reception menu

Weddings are memorable for a host of reasons. While couples remember their weddings because they mark the day they officially tied the knot, guests may remember weddings for other reasons, including the food served at the reception.

Some wedding venues are known for their stunning landscapes, while others build their reputations on unique interiors that provide unforgettable ambiance. But regardless of where weddings take place, guests are liable to discuss the food served at the reception.

Guests might rave about the escargot or complain that the fish was flaky, but couples who choose reception menus wisely can go a long way toward ensuring there are more compliments than complaints once the dinner bell rings. · Don't zero in on specialties. According to The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, a survey of nearly 13,000 brides and grooms who tied the knot in 2017, the average wedding hosted 136 guests. While couples might be tempted by specialty dishes when choosing their wedding menus, couples who are hosting dozens, if not hundreds, of guests should keep things simple. · Consider potential allergies. In regard to entrées, make sure guests with

food allergies can choose something that won't make them sick. According to Food Allergy Research & Education®, an organization devoted to improving the quality of life of individuals with food allergies, some common foods cause the majority of allergic reactions. Peanuts, soy, sesame, and shellfish are among the most common food allergies, according to FARE®.

FARE also notes that allergies to wheat, milk and eggs are common in children.

While such foods can still be served at wedding receptions, make sure to also include foods that are unlikely to trigger allergic reactions.

Couples can even ask guests to inform them of any food allergies.

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PAGE 11

How to curtail wedding spending

and still impress guests Tying the knot can be an expensive endeavor. According to The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, which surveyed nearly 13,000 brides and grooms in the United States who got married in 2017, the average cost of a wedding was more than $33,000.

That figure may surprise some couples planning their weddings, many of whom may not be able to afford spending so much on their ceremonies and receptions.

Couples may feel pressure to compete with friends and relatives whose weddings

Reception From Page 10

· Don't hesitate to offer a favorite food. While specialty entrées might not be a great choice, especially at large receptions where lots of mouths must be fed, a couple who has a favorite food that's symbolic of their relationship should not hesitate to offer it during the cocktail hour. For example, a couple who met in Thailand may want to offer a favorite Thai dish. · Offer an elaborate dessert. The last bite guests will take is dessert, so couples who want their guests to go home raving about the food

may want to offer something special after the entrées have been taken away. Some guests may not indulge, but those who do might end their nights thinking about the delicious dessert they enjoyed as the festivities drew to a close. If the dessert is especially unique, offer something more traditional alongside it for more hesitant guests.

Choosing a wedding menu should be fun. Menus should reflect not only couples' tastes but also include some popular foods so no one goes home hungry.

they have attended in the past, and that may compel some to stretch their budgets and even go into debt to finance their nuptials.

However, there are ways for couples to curtail their wedding spending and impress guests at the same time. · Trim the guest list. A 2017 wedding study found that couples spent an average of $268 per guest in 2017.

Many couples are recognizing that smaller guest lists are a great way to lower wedding spending.

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Thursday, June 14, 2018

Spending From Page 11 The study found that the average guest count decreased from 149 in 2009 to 136 in 2017. Trimming the guest list may seem harsh, but couples who work together need not cut their guest lists in half. By working together, couples can likely find between 10 and 15 acquaintances on their initial lists who won't be offended if they're not invited. Couples who spend the 2017 average per guest can save nearly $3,000 by removing just 10 people from their guest lists. · Expand your venue horizons. A greater number of couples are looking beyond

traditional wedding venues and opting for more unique locales to tie the knot. The 2017 Real Weddings Study found that 15 percent of 2017 weddings were held on farms, ranches and even in barns, while just 2 percent of weddings were hosted in such venues in 2009.

The growing popularity of unique wedding venues may make some locations more expensive than couples anticipate, but a willingness to tie the knot in a unique venue greatly increases couples' options, improving the chances they will find more affordable venues.

· Cut back on guest entertainment. Customizing experiences for guests is a major reason why today's couples are spending so much more per guest than their predecessors. Spending for customized guest entertainment, which includes things like photo booths, sparklers and video booths, tripled between 2009 and 2017. Couples may want to give their guests unique experiences, but should not stretch their budgets or go into debt to do so. · Tie the knot in winter.

Summer and fall were the most popular wedding sea-

sons in 2017, and that does not figure to change anytime soon. Couples can take advantage of those trends by getting married in winter, a slow season for wedding venues and vendors, who might be more flexible with their prices. The most popular months to tie the knot in 2017 were September, June and October, so couples who don't want to wed in winter but want to avoid paying top prices should avoid those three months.

Weddings are expensive, but couples can find ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

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BRIDE'S GUIDE

PAGE 13

Wedding unity

Couples often participate in unity ceremonies, which may include lighting a candle or pouring sand.

Weddings celebrate the joining together of hearts, families and homes. The unification of a couple pledging vows to each other is the key component of the ceremony, and unity rituals are common during both traditional and nontraditional weddings.

Unity ceremonies represent the magic of two people coming together as one.

Unity rituals may be built into certain religious or cultural weddings as a normal part of the festivities.

Other couples may want to embrace the idea of a unity ceremony to add something extra special to their ceremonies.

Couples seeking creative options for unity rituals as part of their wedding ceremonies can explore these clever ideas. · Candle lighting: The lighting of a unity candle is

ceremony ideas allowing the different hues to mix together. This ritual can be expanded to include other family members, with a rainbow of colors blending for a now unified joining of families. · Unity cross: Christians may enjoy a unity cross ritual at their ceremony. A unity cross is a decorative cross with a holder, and the cross is held in place by three pins, which symbolize the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. During this ritual, the bride, groom and officiant one of the more recognizable will each set a pin in place. and traditional unity rituals. · Tree planting: Planting a During this ritual, the bride tree or shrub that can grow and the groom each light with the marriage is a green an individual candle and idea and one that takes then together light a larger unity rituals to a different candle, which celebrates level. Couples can place the them coming together as sapling in a decorative pot one. and then take turns water· Sand pouring: The pouring it. Later the tree can be ing of sand into a vessel also planted outside the couple's is a popular unity ritual. In first home. this ritual, couples choose · Lasso ceremony: This two sands of different colors ritual is traditional in many and then pour their respecSpanish- and Filipino-speaktive colors into a vessel, ing countries. After vows

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are exchanged, the officiant wraps a floral garland or rosary around the couple. At the end of the ceremony, the garland is saved as a symbol of unity and love. · Handfasting: This ritual comes from an ancient Celtic tradition that bounds the bride and groom's right hands together during the wedding ceremony. Handfasting symbolizes couples' commitments to one another. · Flower ceremony: In this ritual, couples can exchange roses or a favorite flower and then place them in a vase or basket. All members of the family also are invited to place a single flower into the vessel, which ultimately results in a beautiful floral display.

Couples can create their own unique unity ceremonies. The blending of any two materials, such as wine, tea, glass beads, or paint, or even the traditional tying of knots will convey the symbolism of joining as one.

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BRIDE'S GUIDE

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Cut blooms

that will last the longest

Flowers may look beautiful in gardens and even when snipped and brought inside to brighten up a mantel or dining table.

Unfortunately, cut flowers have a finite shelf life. While cut blooms can't live forever, certain varieties will outlast others. Choosing flowers wisely for wedding centerpieces or keepsakes can help couples enjoy selected flowers longer. · Peonies: Peonies can last for about a week or two when brought indoors.

HGTV says to snip the stems when the buds are tight, wrap them in newspaper and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to arrange. · Zinnias: These bright blooms can last for three to four weeks and are best harvested in summer. Related to the sunflower, zinnias are available in a wide range of colors. · Chrysanthemums: Widely referred to as "mums," these midsummer to late-fall flowers can last between three and four weeks after being cut. Mums can be used to fill out floral displays because they tend to be inexpensive but durable flowers. · Coneflower: The purple coneflower is popular, but coneflowers are available in many colors aside from purple. Coneflowers attract butterflies and are beautiful in cut displays. · Ranunculus: Ranunculus mimic the look of roses and

able in yellow, peach, pink, white, and other hues. These bulb-based plants can last up to two weeks after being cut and add variety and texture to floral displays.

Although advice varies on how to keep cut flowers fresh the longest, veteran florist Nic Faitos, senior partner at Starbright Floral Design in New York, who has provided his floral expertise for Reader's Digest, says the best approach is to keep vase water clean. In addition, ProFlowers suggests keeping cut blooms in a cool room away from direct sunlight and heat.

display layer after layer of is sometimes referred to as silky, crepe-like petals. These the "sword lily," are availblooms can last a week or more in vases if they're put in water right after being cut. · Carnations: Another budget-friendly flower, carnations are popular from early spring until late summer. Available in many hues, they can be used in conjunction with other blooms to create well-rounded floral displays that may last between two and three weeks. · Lilies: Lilies are traditional flowers that are beautiful to behold. Lilies are available in various sizes and colors and can be bought fresh year-round.

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PAGE 15

Overcome

weather wedding obstacles

Summer approaches with the promise of warm temperatures. Weather is one reason why summer is such a popular season to tie the knot. But just because sunny skies and rising mercury are par for the course, that does not mean Mother Nature won't invite herself to the festivities - and attempt to upstage happy couples in the process.

Some feel it's good luck for couples to get rain on their wedding days, but many couples would trade in a little of that luck for clear skies.

However, weather can be fickle, and couples who build contingency plans into their wedding festivities are much more likely to overcome inclement weather than couples without such

plans. · Have solutions for sun and heat. Couples don't want their wedding guests or bridal party members passing out due to heat exhaustion. Make sure to offer shade if the ceremony or reception is outside. Stock the area with cold bottles of water or a chilled lemonade stand.

Have fans and umbrellas available just in case guests need a way to protect themselves from the sun. · Strong storms. Over the course of hot and humid days, storm clouds can develop and roll in. Afternoon thunderstorms are quite common on summer days. Accommodate for sudden downpours by hosting early luncheon receptions or ensure there is a plan

B that includes a covered area.

Couples can stash spare shoes or even rain slickers in a car to keep their wedding attire protected against rain as they dash between venues or take photos. · Embrace the rain. Vivid skies with lightning or overcast days can make for unique and striking wedding photography.

Couples needn't look at the downside of rain, but rather they should see the opportunities for one-of-a-kind memories. · Keep a generator on standby. Storms may knock out power. Some reception halls or banquet facilities may have their own backup power, but be sure to address how power outages are handled. If need be, bring in a portable generator to

keep the reception room cooled by fans. · Plan for wind. Coastal outdoor weddings present beautiful backdrops for weddings. But being near the shore may mean accepting windy conditions.

Tie down tents and use weights to keep wedding programs or other papers from catching a current. The bride and her wedding party should opt for free-flowing tresses so they needn't worry about intricate updos coming undone.

· Maintain a sense of humor. It's impossible to predict wedding day weather, but staying calm, going with the flow and laughing at things they can't control can help couples make memories that last a lifetime.

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Thursday, June 14, 2018

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BAKERY

cakes, cupcakes and sweet treats created by our own artisan bakers and decorators

CATERING to make your reception dinner memorable from appetizers to full menu options FLORAL

bridal bouquets, centerpieces, church bouquets, table arrangements and more 495 WEST NORTH STREET OWATONNA, MN 55060 (507) 451-7220

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