Valley bridal guide

Miama

FEBRUARY 2017

Le Center Leader | Le Sueur News Herald | St. Peter Herald

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BRIDAL GUIDE

BRIDAL GUIDE

A special publication of the Le Center Leader, Le Sueur News-Herald and St. Peter Herald Publisher Chad Hjellming Media Consultants Kathleen Davies Missy Daschner Gayle Stelten Advertising Design Mary Jo Blanchard

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hello,

BEAUTIFUL.

Grooms are the unsung heroes of weddings. They often put others first, including letting their own mothers shine on the dance floor.

Tips for a

(Metro) Weddings celebrate the unions of happy couples ready to pledge their lives to each other. In theory, the wedding day spotlight should be shared equally by brides and grooms. But brides often eclipse their grooms, as guests are drawn to stunning bridal gowns.

Though grooms might play second fiddle for much of their wedding days, there is one moment when all eyes are on the groom and a special lady in his life. The mother/son dance is a wedding tradition that many grooms embrace as their opportunity to show their mothers how much they love and appreciate them. The mother/son dance is an ideal time to create a special moment, and the following are some tips to personalize the dance.

•Precede the bride and her

mother/son dance father. Make your own tradition and switch up the timing of the dances. Be the first to take a spin on the dance floor and set the tone for the other traditional songs to come.

•Create a photo montage.

Work with an entertainment company or photographer to create a slideshow of images showing you and your mother together and separately. If possible, include some photos that were shot during the wedding ceremony, asking the photographer to capture the look on your mother’s face during pivotal moments of the ceremony.

•Show off your dance skills.

One increasingly popular wedding trend is for fathers and brides to choreograph the father/ daughter dances. Grooms and their mothers can follow suit, particularly if you both have

some stellar dance moves.

•Let Mom choose the song.

Give your mother the opportunity to express her sentiments to you, as mothers of the groom do not typically toast their sons during weddings or even rehearsal dinners.

•Invite other son/mother duos up. If the idea of dancing alone with your mother is a bit intimidating, give other mothers in attendance an opportunity to share the spotlight. Celebrate all mothers in attendance, encouraging any mothers and sons who are present to dance together.

Grooms may not garner the bulk of guests’ attention on their wedding days. But they can take steps to make their special dances with their mothers more memorable and unique.

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BRIDAL GUIDE

FEBRUARY 2017

Incorporate flowers in various ways (Metro) Weddings are special moments for couples and the guests they invite to share their happiness on their big days.

Beautiful weddings require substantial planning, as every last detail must be considered for couples to enjoy the wedding of their dreams.

Flowers play a big role in many weddings, and couples can

add beauty and ambiance to the event by using floral arrangements in various ways. Modern floral arrangements are stunning, and many couples may not know that herbs, spices and flowers have been used in weddings for centuries.

Today, flowers are used to decorate wedding venues, impart sweet fragrances and

complement formal attire, but in ancient times they were used differently. Flowers were used to bestow good luck on the couple and keep bad omens away.

Brides carried aromatic flowers and spices to keep evil spirits from spoiling the festivities, and some even tucked bulbs of garlic into their bouquets. In ancient Greece and Rome, both the bride

and groom wore garlands made out of strong-smelling herbs flowers around their necks or heads. These wreaths were considered gifts of nature, and thus extremely appropriate for a wedding. Traditionally, bridesmaids would be responsible for fashioning these floral components.

In ancient Sweden, young girls would carry small bouquets of

fragrant herbs down the aisle and the groom would put thyme in his pocket. These aromatics were thought to help keep trolls at bay.

Besides warding off spirits or hungry trolls, flowers also served more practical purposes throughout history. During the Middle Ages, people bathed less frequently than they do today.

Bathing might only have occurred twice a year, once during summer and then again at Christmastime. Because many weddings took place in the

of twine so that the bride and groom can wear these flowers in the way they were worn by ancient Greeks and Romans. When coupled with Grecian-styled wedding gowns, brides can look like beautiful goddesses on their wedding days.

• ragrant avors uck dried rose petals and other fragrant flowers into sachets that are embroidered with the wedding date and couple’s names. Guests can use these sachets to keep clothings smelling fresh in drawers or

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Apart from bouquets, flowers can enhance weddings in several different ways and take their cue from historical traditions. spring, flowers were used to mask bodily odors. Not only were flowers and herbs carried, but they also would be sewn into clothing.

Modern brides and grooms may no longer see their wedding days as times for opportunistic evil spirits. But that doesn’t mean that couples cannot borrow from ancient traditions and incorporate flowers into their weddings in various ways.

• reaths and garlands Ask the florist to weave small flower buds, berries and vines to a headband, wreath or piece

as subtle air fresheners around the house.

• dible owers sk the caterer to make meals flowerfriendly by including some edible blooms in the salad or as a garnish on meals.

• aining petals In lieu o bubbles or birdseed, guests can shower the newlyweds with rose petals after the ceremony.

•Memorial Some couples like to honor departed family members. Floral arrangements with small placards can make for fitting memorials.

FEBRUARY 2017

BRIDAL GUIDE

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Weddings and

(Metro) Families come in all shapes and sizes. During special events - particularly those steeped in tradition, such as weddings - blended families may have to employ certain tactics to ensure the events go off without a hitch.

When planning their weddings, couples must give consideration to the needs of their families. Even though a wedding is about the union of two people, oftentimes couples engaged to be married must contend with the politics of divorce or other familial issues. This includes if and how to incorporate stepparents and stepsiblings into the ceremony and celebration.

There are no traditional rules regarding how to handle blended families, so brides- and grooms-to-be can customize their decisions

s o respect based on their own unique situ- Here’s how to navigate the and courtesy should be ofprocess. ations. Even when families have fered.

If there is any linger •Consider stepparents and been happy through the years, ing animosity, extend the olive branch on this day and try not to let anyone be made to feel as if they are unimportant. A simple announcement of who stepparents are at the wedding reception or inclusion of their names on wedding itineraries can help smooth over any potential bumps.

•Put others needs be ore your own. While the wedding may be about you and your future spouse, you must consider the feelings of others. Biological parents and stepparents may act the unique circumstances and stepsiblings VIPs. Brides and defensively if they feel uncomtraditions surrounding the nup- grooms who are not particu- fortable or hurt, and that can cretials can dredge up former inse- larly close to their stepfamilies ate an air of negativity to the day. curities, and certain aspects may still have to recognize the role Try to avoid this by considering require extra patience and tact. they play in the family dynam- potential areas of conflict. For exics. These people are still family, ample, mothers might be hurt if

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their ex-husbands’ new girlfriends are asked to be in a group family photo.

Instead, select separate times to have everyone included.

Remember to give parents and stepparents priority seating as well, and they each should be seated next to someone they love and someone with whom they can converse comfortably. You may think everyone can play nice, but it’s best not to push the issue just to make a point at the wedding.

• ecogni e that some ami lies break the mold. Recently, a father made waves on the Internet when a video of him pulling the bride’s stepfather up to assist in walking her down the aisle went viral. This was a wonderful image of families making it work despite their differences or the

awkwardness that can result when brides or grooms have parents and stepparents in attendance. Although this scenario might not play out for all, find ways to impart a special touch, especially if you’re close to both your biological parents and your stepparents. For example, your biological father may walk you down the aisle, while your stepfather may enjoy the first dance.

• rder owers and gi s or all. Purchase flowers and wedding party gifts for all of the special people in your lives, including your stepfamily.

Weddings can be complicated affairs when factoring in blended families. With patience and compassion, such families can enjoy a beautiful and happy day.

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BRIDAL GUIDE

FEBRUARY 2017

Merging finances after getting married (Metro) Couples can spend months or even years planning their weddings. While planning a wedding requires lots of hard work, couples may also want to give some thought to life beyond their wedding day.

One of the more important matters couples must consider is how to manage their finances once they tie the knot. Discuss-

ing money can be a tricky issue, particularly when couples have long been accustomed to handling their own accounts and being responsible for their own income and expenditures.

Bringing another party into the equation can complicate matters, particularly when one spouse may not have the full picture of the other’s spending and saving

habits. In fact, the financial resource Bankrate.com says some of the most common financial problems newly married couples encounter include overspending and managing debt.

When deciding how to merge their finances, couples can experiment to see what works best for them. It may take some trial and error before couples

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find a solution that works for them, but it’s important that couples keep the lines of communication open and express a willingness to compromise with regard to managing money. The following are some additional tips for couples who want to make the transition to sharing finances go as smoothly as possible.

Start the conversation early According to a recent poll by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, more than two-thirds of engaged couples had negative attitudes about discussing money with their soonto-be spouses, with 5 percent saying even having the conversation would cause them to call off the wedding. If money is causing this type of issue before the wedding, delaying the conversation until after tying the knot can be a big mistake. It’s better for couples to begin financial discussions and start brainstorming longterm goals and plans as soon as they get engaged. Don’t hide negative financial information from

a prospective spouse. Being open and honest - even though it can be challenging - is the best way to proceed.

Deal with debt Hiding debt is a big mistake. Discuss debt early on and come up with a way to pay it off together. The experts say, like it or not, once you’re married, your spouse’s debts become your problem. His or her credit score can impact your ability to get credit as a couple. It’s best to handle debt efficiently regardless of who is responsible for the debt.

Decide who is the money manager One person may be better or more organized when it comes to paying bills. Whether you keep separate accounts or combine them, it is easier for one person to take the lead and manage the finances from month to month. Money can funnel into a joint account specifically established to pay bills.

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Newly married couples should make every effort to be on the same page with regard to handling their finances.

to be merged, but so, too, do lifestyles. Couples must be on the same page regarding their spending habits and keep luxury or personal expenditures in check.

Work out a budget and savings plan together.

Managing finances is a conversation that newlyweds need to have as soon as possible.

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STUNNING

Make proposals special and successful (Metro) A marriage proposals is a couple’s first official step toward the altar. Tradition dictates that men pop the question, with their surprised - and hopefully soon-to-be-fiancées ultimately deciding if wedding bells will be on the horizon.

Proposing marriage can be nervewracking. However, if the time seems right and love is in the air, popping the question can be exciting. Regardless of who is proposing marriage, the following strategies can help make proposals memorable and successful.

ENGAGEMENT RING (Metro) White diamonds have been the traditional engagement ring stones for decades.

While shoppers have experimented with gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals for ring bands, the star of the show has long been that twinkling, pristine diamond.

Even though diamonds may be a ‘girl’s best friend,’ they may not fit every woman’s style, particularly the bride who likes to buck tradition and think outside the box. According to Money magazine, the average engagement ring costs more than $5,800. In addition to being one of the most expensive gemstones, diamonds have become quite commonplace. Some women even eschew diamonds for moral reasons.

Whatever the driving force behind shopping for alternative gems, women who want to set themselves apart from others - and men who want to ‘wow’ their significant others with unique and eye-catching rings - may opt for other dazzling stones.

MOISSANITE: This crystal naturally occurs in meteorites and is nearly as hard, dense and scuff-resistant as a diamond. Some feel moissanite offers more brilliance and fire than diamonds. Moissanite is a white-colored stone, so it can mimic the look of a diamond.

And since it can be made in the laboratory at a fraction of the cost of even lab-made diamonds, it’s a frugal option. A nearly flawless one-carat moissanite gem can cost less than $1,000.

LEMON QUARTZ: This is the trade name for a lemonyellow stone that is a variety

of color-enhanced transparent quartz. Quartz is turned into this sunny hue through an artificial gamma ray irradiation process.

Like other quartz gemstones, lemon quartz is considered to be very durable and is therefore suitable for all types of jewelry.

SAPPHIRE: Sapphires tend to be blue stones (of varying intensity), but they also come in peach, pink, yellow, green, and white. Sapphire may not sparkle as much as a diamond or even moissanite. However, with the right cut, it can be hard to distinguish any lack of luster. Sapphires are the third hardest mineral, and at about one-third the price of diamonds, they make an ideal diamond substitute.

MORGANITE: According to the blog Bridal Musings, morganite is currently one of the most popular choices for engagement rings. Its pretty pink hue is romantic and feminine. It also sits at around the same hardness as sapphires, ensuring the rings will endure.

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opt for rings without gemstones, such as traditional Claddagh or ‘true lover’s knot’ rings to signify their union.

need not wait for the next leap year to propose.

Many women view proposing as an empowering action that is tied to the evolving view of independent women. Couples are negotiating more in the marriage process, and the dissolution of commonly held practices is occurring more often.

and personality. Take your partner jewelry shopping and see which types of jewelry he or she is most drawn to. Certain preferences can serve as a jumping off point for ring designs.

ASK FOR THE FAMILY’S BLESSING Men no longer need to ask their girlfriends’ fathers for ‘permission’ to wed their daughters.

However, asking your partner’s family for their blessing is a sign of respect and can add a romantic and heartfelt touch to the proposal.

CHOOSE A SENTIMENTAL LOCATION Couples will remember the proposal for the rest of their lives. So choose a proposal location that has sentimental connections. Think about where the first ‘I love you’ was uttered CAPTURE THE MOMENT TURN THE TIDES An old Irish tradition or where a first date occurred.

Though we live in an age known as ‘The Lady’s Privilege’ These can be prime locations to when every moment of people’s was established in the fifth cen- pop the question. lives is documented with videos tury by a nun named St. Brigid. and photographs posted to soShe decided to create an oppor- NOTE HER STYLE cial media, proposals still stand Engagement rings play a out as extra special moments. tunity for women to propose marriage. This day fell on every big role in many couple’ pro- Hire a professional photograleap year, February 29. Centu- posals. One person’s style is not pher to discreetly capture the ries later, women can still use necessarily what his partner will proposal and your partner’s rethis tradition as the impetus to like. Bigger isn’t always better. action so it can be cherished for take the marriage reigns into Rather, choose a ring that re- years to come. their own hands. But women flects your partner’s preferences

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FEBRUARY 2017

ways to recycle a wedding gown

IS THE NEW JUNE (Metro) According to the 2015 Real Weddings Study from the premier multiplatform wedding resource The Knot, the most popular month for couples to get engaged is December.

Sixteen percent of survey respondents became engaged in the final month of the calendar year. The survey also found that the average length of a couple’s engagement is now 14.5 months.

Where June once was the most popular month of the year to tie the knot, today’s couples are now heading down the aisle most often in October. Seventeen percent of weddings now occur in October, closely followed by 15 percent in September. And at what age are couples saying their ‘I dos’? The average marrying age for a bride is 29 and it is 31 for the groom.

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(Metro) When planning their weddings, many bridesto-be devote a large portion of their wedding budgets to their wardrobes. Statistics released by The Knot in 2014 indicated the amount the average woman was willing to spend her gown was $1,281.

Wedding gowns are among the most costly wedding expenditures. Because wedding gowns can be so expensive, many brides elect to have their gowns cleaned and preserved. Reusing a wedding gown is a cost-effective and earth-friendly idea. Women have many options when it comes time to putting their wedding gowns to use after they have tied the knot. The following are just some of the great ideas couples can explore.

1. Save it for younger generations. One of the primary reasons to preserve a wedding gown is to save the dress for a daughter, granddaughter or another relative to wear at her own wedding.

2. Transform it into other attire. There are a number of different occasions when wearing white is acceptable. Religious ceremonies such as baptisms and communions qualify, and a wedding gown in the hands of an experienced seamstress or

tailor can be transformed into a baby’s Christening ensemble or a beautiful dress for a youngster about to receive First Holy Communion.

3. Donate the gown. Brides in need may not have the funds to purchase their own beautiful gowns. Work with an organization that will provide dresses to the less fortunate. Or donate it to an organization that can sell the gown to fund projects for others in need. Another option is the Mary Madeline Project, which uses wedding dress fabrics to create burial outfits for stillborn infants.

4. Cut it up into usable fabric. Wedding gown fabrics can be used in various applications.

Dresses can be transformed into decorative pillows or other wedding mementos. Stretch the fabric across a frame and use it as a blank canvas for a photo keepsake. The fabric also can work for baby cribs and infant basket skirting.

5. Use it as a Halloween costume. Dress as a bride for Halloween. Otherwise, tailor the dress to fit a child and she can use it for any number of dress-up opportunities.

6. Donate it to a costume archive. Theatrical companies may

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Wedding gowns can be donated or transformed into other uses.

be able to use the fabric to create costumes for their productions.

7. Create a keepsake. Cut a small piece of the fabric and put it into a pendant or locket. A piece of tulle or lace also can be placed inside a clear Christmas ornament and hung on the tree for years to come.

Wedding gowns can be up-

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(Metro) Wedding anniversaries provide opportunities for couples to reflect and relive the excitement of their wedding days. Anniversaries can easily be forgotten amid the hustle and bustle of daily life, but many couples are making concerted efforts to ensure their anniversaries are celebrated as the special occasions they are.

A first wedding anniversary is a special one. Some couples celebrate their first anniversaries by enjoying a piece of wedding cake that has been properly preserved in the freezer. Couples may also dance to their wedding songs or enjoy a nice dinner at a favorite restaurant. The first anniversary also is a time to pull out the wedding video or photo album and reminisce about the wedding day.

Anniversaries are a great way for couples to celebrate their time together by stepping away from emails, text messages, work obligations, and even mundane everyday tasks to once again remember a day and moment that changed their lives forever.

Those who may need a little inspiration celebrating their anniversaries can consider these suggestions.

• ave dinner at your recep tion site. Find out if the reception site, which may be a catering hall or restaurant, serves dinner or brunch. Make a reservation and enjoy celebrating

in the spot where the memories all began.

• ake a second honey moon. Honor wedding memories by booking a second honeymoon at a special location.

• row a party. se your anniversary as an excuse to have friends or family over for a party.

Be sure to include your wedding song on the music playlist.

•Create a romantic evening.

Rekindle the romance by pulling out all the stops, complete with a nice homecooked meal, candles and mood music.

Wedding anniversaries present ideal opportunities for couples to reminisce about their trip down the aisle and all the entertaining moments from the wedding. They’re also opportunities to connect as a couple and focus on each other.

Different roles for the father of the bride (Metro) Popular movies and televisions shows give the impression that the job of the father of the bride in a wedding is ultimately about making sure the festivities are adequately funded. In the movies, fathers fret about the costs of everything from flowers to photos.

But gone are the days when the father of the bride bankrolls his daughter’s entire wedding.

The Knot’s ‘2014 Real Wedding Survey’ reported that, on average, the bride’s parents contribute 43 percent of the total cost of a wedding; the bride and groom contribute another 43 percent; the groom’s parents spend 12 percent; the remaining 2 percent of the budget is paid for by family members or friends. That frees up Dad for other roles in wedding planning. With some creativity, couples can find ways to incorporate the father of the bride into the festivities in even

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more productive ways.

WEDDING SITES: Assign dear old dad the important task of looking at potential wedding reception sites prior to visiting them yourself. He may have certain connections through work or attended business or leisure occasions at catering halls and other venues. Dad’s connections can pay off. Let him impart his negotiating skills and find the best deals with the ideal backdrop for the festivities.

WARDROBE: Let your father assist the best man and other groomsmen in securing their tuxedos or other wardrobe essentials. Dad also can step in and return rented items following the wedding.

BEVERAGES: Dad may be fitting to keep tabs on what is occurring at the bar during the reception, ensuring that guests’ needs are being met. He also can keep an eagle eye trained

on anyone who may have overindulged and needs to take a break.

SPEECH: Give your father an opportunity to shine by letting him make a speech. Remember, this is a momentous day for Dad as well, as he may be trying to come to terms with his daughter starting a new life.

FAT H E R - DAU G H T E R SONG: Let Dad pick fatherdaughter song, and go with his choice even if you had something else in mind.

CEREMONY: Even if you prefer a less traditional wedding ceremony, let your father walk you down the aisle. This will likely be a moment he’ll remember for years to come.

Expand the father of the bride’s role in the wedding by assigning him tasks where he can put his style, experience and excitement to good use.

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BRIDAL GUIDE

Hotel How-To: Tips for guests looking for lodging

(Metro) Couples about to tie the knot often arrange for discounted hotel rooms for their wedding guests. Many hotels offer substantial discounts to wedding parties, but some guests and bridal party members might still want to examine their options before booking rooms. The following tips can help guests find the right room so they can en oy their loved ones’ wedding weekends to the fullest.

• ont overlook the wedding hotel. Many couples put a lot of thought into the hotel where their guests will be staying. Couples may have already done the legwork with regard to finding a hotel that’s closest to the wedding ceremony and receptions sites and still within arm’s-length of other attractions guests can en oy while in town. ive ample consideration to the hotel or hotels affiliated with the wedding prior to beginning your search, even if the hotel is a chain you have never used before or have not liked in the past.

• Prioriti e pro imity. Its important to consider factors

aside from cost when searching for a place to stay for a loved one’s wedding. The most affordable option is not always the most ideal.

Pro imity to the ceremony and reception venues should be a priority, as guests won/t save much money, if any, if their hotel is so far away from the weekend/s activities that they must rent cars or take taxis all weekend.

• Share rooms to reduce costs. If the wedding rates are unaffordable, float the idea of sharing rooms with fellow guests.

Splitting the cost of a double room instead of booking a single room by yourself can save substantial amounts of money. And staying in the hotel with many of the other guests will make you feel like you are not missing out on anything during your stay.

• Look or lower rates in the wedding hotel. Room rates are locked in once couples choose a particular hotel or hotels, but guests might be able to find more affordable rates at the same hotel by waiting to book and perusing discount hotel websites and apps.

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Selecting a comfortable wedding gown (Metro) Many brides-to-be visit bridal shops with specific goals in mind regarding the style of their wedding gowns. Some women come equipped with magazine tear-outs or pull up ideas on their mobile phones.

Others may have an entire scrapbook filled with various ideas they’ve been compiling for years.

Much consideration is given to wedding gowns. The cost and silhouette of the dress may garner the bulk of that consideration, but brides might want to spend more time considering comfort.

Depending on the time of day their weddings take place, brides can spend 12 hours or more in their wedding gowns on their wedding day. However, when shopping for their gowns, brides may prioritize beauty over comfort, even though it’s entirely possible to find a gown that’s both stunning and comfortable.

When staff and friends or fam-

ily who have come along to offer advice start to blush over wedding gowns, brides-to-be may feel pressured to downplay any discomfort they feel.

To make sure brides look flawless and elegant but are still comfortable in their wedding gowns, consider the following tips.

• now what to highlight and what to cover up. No two body types are the same, and many women feel certain parts of their bodies are their best assets while they want to downplay others. Try on gowns that play up your best features. If you have shapely legs, consider a dramatic gown with a slit to show them off.

Certain gowns can enhance the decollete or show off an hourglass shape. Remember, many gowns can be modified so that you feel secure and confident.

Sleeves can be added or fabric placed to cover up any perceived flaws. Confidence and pride are important parts of the comfort factor.

• et si ed correctly. ridal gown sizes do not coincide with street sizes. Depending on the

manufacturer, brides may have to select gowns that are several sizes larger than they would normally wear. This should not be a cause or alarm. rides should go by their measurements. Attempting to squeeze into a dress that is too small will only lead to discomfort on the wedding day.

•Purchase the right undergarments.

Improperly fitting bras, shapewear and other undergarments can lead to discomfort as well. Some seamstresses can sew in supportive cups to remove the need or separate bras. rides can explore various options to reduce the visibility of certain accoutrements.

•Move around in the gown. rides should not ust stand in

front of the mirror and smile when trying on gowns. Put them through their paces. Try sitting, bending and even a little dancing. Make sure the dress is comfortable to move around in.

• ry different options. e gown brides have in mind may not be the one they ultimately go home with.

Explore different styles and materials. Choose cooler, breezier fabrics and lightweight g o w n s , like crêpe, georgette or organza, for summer weddings.

Heavier fabrics, such as brocade, may be more comfortable in the winter.

Wedding gowns can be both beautiful and comfortable for those who know how to shop.

Mankato Location: 1601 Adams St. • 345-4558 St. Peter Location: 1618 S. Minnesota Ave. • 931-6100

www.wellsfederal.com

FEBRUARY 2017

(Metro) Couples are returning to the altar in increasing numbers, as second and third weddings are becoming ever more popular. Pew Research Center indicates that, as of 2014, 64 percent of divorced or widowed men have remarried, compared with 52 percent of previously married women.

Lavish second weddings were once uncommon, but that trend is also shifting. Couples who are taking another crack at marriage are tying the knot with renewed vigor and with weddings that may rival some firsttimers’.

Men and women who are remarrying after divorce or being widowed may not know how to approach planning their upcoming nuptials. The following are some guidelines to making the wedding sequel a success.

BRIDAL GUIDE

WARDROBE Couples who have been married before often find that they have more leeway with regard to their wedding wardrobes than they did when tying the knot for the first time. Brides may choose something less traditional than a long, white dress. In fact, this can be a time to let loose and select something that is festive or even funky. This also may provide a great opportunity to choose clothing styles from different cultures or ties into one’s heritage. This freedom also allows brides to broaden their horizons with regard to where to buy their wedding wardrobes.

Grooms may opt for something more casual than a tuxedo or coordinate with their bridesto-be so they are on the same creative page. Colored tuxedos and vintage suits are acceptable, even though such attire might have raised a few eyebrows the

first time around.

GUEST LIST The guest list doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. Others will understand that there may be a melange of people at a second wedding. Children from previous marriages as well as divorced spouses or former parents-inlaw are not out of the question.

Even if exes will not be included, make sure they know about the nuptials in advance of others.

It’s common courtesy, and it can help head off feelings of ill-will.

Some couples choosing to tie the knot again scale back the size of the wedding this time around, feeling something smaller and more intimate Ñ with only the closest of friends and family - is more suitable.

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GUIDE TO A SECOND MARRIAGE

been married previously likely have many of the housewares and items for daily living that first-timers may not, registering for these gifts is not necessary.

What’s more, some of the same guests may have been present at first marriages and gifted then.

In lieu of gifts, couples may ask guests to donate to a specific charity or forgo gifts altogether.

VOWS Couples can use experience to draft vows that have personal meaning to their unique situations and make the wedding ceremony even more special.

People getting married again can impart their own personalities into the ceremony and party to follow. There are no hard rules governing second weddings, so couples can plan REGISTRIES AND WEDDING their weddings with good times in mind.

GIFTS Considering couples who have

Prevent wedding day foot pain (Metro) While some couples may get cold feet on their wedding days, there’s no reason for anyone, including brides who don high heels in the name of fashion, to endure foot pain.

Foot pain is a common complaint for those unaccustomed to wearing stilettos or formal footwear. Wedding attire is not worn every day, so it’s no surprise that wedding footwear

may contribute to some aches and pains.

Podiatrists warn that heels between one and two inches in height are the best to maintain foot health. But that heal size does not work for all brides. Brides-tobe, bridesmaids and others can employ these tips to keep their feet pain-free throughout the ceremony and reception.

• ive your eet a break.

Swap out a higher heel with a lower one every couple of hours.

Do not wait until you start feeling pain to switch to a lower heel or more comfortable shoe.

• Choose shoes that t and leave a little room. Standing and dancing can cause feet to swell, sometimes as much as one halfsize larger. Make sure the shoes you plan to wear to the wedding afford potentially swollen feet a

little breathing room.

• Slip in a pair o insoles.

Stores carry a variety of insoles that can add cushioning, distribute weight and prevent rubbing or chafing of the feet.

• reak in the shoes. Its not a good idea to wear a brand new pair of shoes when you know you’ll be on your feet most of the day. Instead, purchase wedding shoes several weeks in advance

of the event. Wear them around the house with a pair of socks to stretch out straps and enable them to mold to your foot shape.

Wearing them in advance also helps identify spots that rub or are likely to cause blisters.

• Consider wearing stockings. It’s now less of a fashion faux pas to attend formal events with bare legs thank it once was, but it may be in your best interest to

wear a pair of stockings to a wedding. The thin material will help alleviate rubbing and hot spots from skin-on-shoe direct contact.

• Stretch and soak eet prior and afterward. Wearing heels can put strain on your calves, creating extra pain. Stretch your feet and legs whenever possible. And after a long night, make sure a pedicure is one of the first spa experiences you enjoy on your honeymoon.

507-386-0861 311 N Riverfront Dr., Mankato M-F: 10-6 Sat: 10-4 Sun: 12-4 www.encoremankato.com Visit our Mankato showroom at 1521 Madison Ave. or our New Prague showroom at 201 4th Ave. SW. Mankato (507) 625-3238 • GKRENTAL.COM • New Prague (952)758-5715

PAGE 12

BRIDAL GUIDE

FEBRUARY 2017

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