Valley Bride's Guide Winter 2020

GUIDE February 2020

Le Sueur County News | St. Peter Herald

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BRIDAL GUIDE

February 2020

The evolution of wedding favors

(Metro) Wedding favors have changed - and in many cases for the better. Favors have evolved from the inexpensive trinkets purchased in bulk into more personalized mementos that guests can cherish.

Today’s couples are interested in customizing their weddings and offering guests something meaningful, or at the very least, edible, so that favors don’t immediately get relegated to the trash can.

According to Heather Jones of Wente Vineyards in California, favors have moved from “goodie bags” toward items that are experimental and fun. Wedding planners from across the country offer these wedding favor trends that couples may want to incorporate into their own celebrations.

Welcome bags

Rather than take-home bags, welcome bags have replaced the traditional favor trinket at some weddings. Many weddings have become multiday events that ask guests traveling from out of town to attend a wedding weekend.

To help greet them and make their experience memorable, couples may fill a gift bag with items guests can use or enjoy during their stay - like a bottle of locally sourced maple syrup or some handmade soaps from a nearby shopkeeper.

Experience gifts

Instead of a candle or a monogrammed cake server, think of experiences to offer guests. A coupon for free drinks at a nearby brewery, a tour of a local attraction while guests are in town or a group excursion for guests

attending a destination wedding can be fun and will help guests create lasting memories.

Charitable donations

Some couples feel that favors are wasteful and would rather set aside a portion of their wedding budgets toward giving back. In such situations, a donation to charity in guests’ names can be the way to go. Guests can vote on two favorite charities advertised on a special table at the wedding reception. The one with the most votes will get the proceeds.

Late-night snacks

After a night of celebrating, some guests may want the festivities to continue, but may need some extra suste-

Like many other elements of the wedding, favors are evolving to help give weddings a custom feel. nance to make it through a few more hours. Some couples are eschewing traditional favors in lieu of making room for extra food or beverage expenses that can include after-party treats. These may run the gamut from wood-

fired pizzas to food truck vendors to extra desserts. A tasty take-home option also may be given, such as fresh zeppolis or beignets, or even a personalized bottle of wine.

Even if the food and drink is not consumed right away,

there’s a good chance it will hit the spot when guests return to their hotel rooms.

Wedding favors are changing to keep up with the times and keep guests feeling extra special.

A brief history of wedding flowers

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(Metro) While flowers certainly add beauty and a wonderful aroma to wedding ceremonies and receptions, there are other reasons behind their inclusion in such festivities. In ancient Rome, brides carried or wore flower garlands because the Romans believed flowers signified hope, fertility and new beginnings. In the Middle Ages, brides did not carry flowers, but rather strong-smelling spices and herbs. The rationale was that the herbs and spices would drive away bad luck and evil spirits. Flowers also served another practical purpose.

In eras when bathing was a luxury, different flowers and herbs helped mask body odors.

It wasn’t until the Victorian era, when flowers were used to symbolize romantic love, that they became part of wedding ceremonies, according to Modern Weddings magazine.

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February 2020

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Getting here to there on your wedding day A push for private vows

a(Metro) Weddings are very special occasions for two people who are in love. That’s lwhy many couples want close -family and friends nearby when they tie the knot. But -even the happiest couples smay express some nervousaness about one particular part of traditional wedding ceremonies.

private vows have become very popular. While the vows do not replace the public exchange that seals the marriage from a legal standpoint, they can be words shared in a private moment before the actual ceremony itself. A quiet moment alone allows couples to shed private tears and share a special moment before they make haste for Wedding vows are a way the altar. for couples to profess their love for each other. Howev- The Knot, a premier wedding er, many couples who want planning resource, notes that to write their own vows are there are many reasons to hesitant to say them aloud share private vows. in front of an audience. If • You do not like being in the couples are intimidated by a spotlight or become shy in heartfelt recital of their vows front of crowds. in front of a crowd, then ex- • There are words you would changing vows in private may like to share with your future be for them. spouse that are deeply private, and you don’t want to Wedding planners and express those feelings to evindustry experts say that ery person at the wedding.

• You do not want to censor your thoughts or words.

• You desire an intimately private and personal moment together before all of the fanfare and rush of the wedding.

• You’d like to recite loving words in a native language that some guests may not understand.

• You desire the potential for some very great candid photos if you invite the photographer to be there at a distance.

• You want to create a lasting memory that is only yours as a couple to share.

The popularity of private vows exchanged before a wedding ceremony is growing. This growing trend provides yet another way for couples to personalize their weddings.

Bride’s Guide

A special publication of the Le Sueur County News and St. Peter Herald Publisher Steve Fisher Media Consultants Kathleen Davies Gayle Stelten

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bridal party and immediate family to the reception venue.

(Metro) You’ve planned the date, met with the officiant, decided on what to wear, and booked the venue. But how are you going to arrive in style?

and six months before their weddings. If the wedding will be held during prom or graduation season, couples may want to reserve vehicles even earlier due to high demand.

Arranging wedding transportation can be tricky, even if it seems like it’s a relatively minor detail. However, getting not only the bride and groom, as well as the rest of the bridal party and guests, from point A to point B and even point C is often a taller task than it seems.

While rented transportation is not necessary, it’s a luxury many couples prefer, as it allows them to leave the driving to someone else. Generally speaking, hired cars will pick up the bride and groom separately before the ceremony; otherwise, they will arrive to the ceremony by other means and then utilize a limo or other vehicle afterward. The transportation will then take the married couple Here to There and typically members of the Continued on page 5

The wedding planning resource The Knot says couples should begin focusing on transportation between four

Depending on the head count and how many other people will be getting a lift, two or more vehicles may be necessary. And since the limos will leave after the reception drop off, some other form of transportation will be necessary to take the couple and whomever else rode to the reception back home (or to the airport). This may require dropping off one or more personal cars at the reception venue in advance.

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BRIDAL GUIDE

February 2020

More couples are embracing edgy, adventurous weddings (Metro) Brides and grooms once felt compelled to conform to the trappings of traditional weddings. From uber-romantic vows to pastel colors to the penultimate

white tiered cake, various wedding components were long considered must-haves.

But modern couples are increasingly expressing their individuality, and even em-

bracing more edgy and ad- information site, today’s wedventurous elements, when dings are not what they were planning their weddings. just a few years ago. Bold colors, exotic cakes and nonAccording to The Knot, a traditional foliage, are just leading bridal resource and some of the elements modern couples are embracing to set their weddings apart.

Adventurous locales

Vineyards and catering halls can be great places to tie the knot, but couples who like to push the envelope are looking to more adventurous locales to impart their unique spin on their weddings. Sharing vows atop a mountain crest at the end of a favorite hiking trail or on a roller coaster at a theme park that harkens back to a first date are some adventurous places to tie the knot.

Outside-the-box menus

Couples may want to break with tradition by offering a wide selection of foods at their receptions. These foods can include items that fit with their specific ethnic cuisines, gourmet comfort foods (think cocktail franks wellington), or foods that fit with their dietary choices, such as organic or vegan options. Work with a caterer to provide a variety of tasty choices.

Bold wardrobe choices

Brides can put new spins on their gowns by adding color and texture. Sequins, bold embroidery, shorter hemlines, and whatever adventurous fashion style you want to impart can be considered. If white isn’t your thing, that’s

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okay, too. Yellow and slate gray look great together.

Gentlemen can choose to wear a black suit or any combination of color and style they want to make a dramatic impression.

Full of flavor

Cakes don’t have to be white with white buttercream. In fact, couples can make things even more tasty by incorporating favorite flavor combinations into their cakes. For example, a chocolate and caramel filling reminiscent of a candy bar might be something to consider.

Modern couples are embracing bold, unique and edgy components when planning their weddings. Putting an individualized spin on the ceremony and reception can make couples even more excited to tie the knot.

Ring in the New Year, and a Wedding!

(Metro) December may not mark the peak of wedding season, but many couples tie the knot at the culmination of the holiday season. According to The Knot, a leading wedding industry resource and information site, New Year’s Eve weddings are popular. A poll from The Knot found that 7,230 weddings were scheduled for December 31, 2017.

Flowing champagne, extra vacation days during the holidays and long weekends, as well as the merry atmosphere of the holiday season can make New Year’s Eve a great time to get hitched.

February 2020

BRIDAL GUIDE

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Learn about reception lighting rentals (Metro) Couples experiment with various trends to make their wedding receptions unique. One of the more popular trends in recent years involves utilizing light-

ing in innovative ways.

While lighting may have not been on many couples’ raModern couples are using dars in the past, it is now lighting to add drama and being used to create a wow other special effects to their factor. weddings in various ways.

Couples interested in adding extra lighting to their weddings can utilize these tips to make their receptions a sight to behold.

that are put on the floor around the perimeter of the space or underneath key design elements. The lights will shine up and create immediate drama.

or other architectural elements of a reception hall, these lights can be breathtaking. It Girl Weddings suggests hanging them against an exposed brick wall to light up the space and add drama.

Illuminated letters/ Bistro lights are similar to Gobo projector: words: string lights and can be used Many people have probably Illuminated letters can be as well. never heard of a gobo. Also used as a trendy monogram known as monogram lighting, in lieu of ice sculptures or gobo, which stands for “goes Hanging candles: framed initials. Illuminated before optics,” is a growing, The warming glow from words that describe how you special effects-heavy trend. candles can be used to transfeel as a couple or words A gobo projector projects form spaces instantly and that describe you both are an image on a wall or dance create great photo opportufun, too. floor. It can be used to show- nities. Candles can be hung case a monogram, names or as makeshift chandeliers over wedding date. banquet tables or used as Uplighting: sconces on walls for antique Uplighting is a popular lightappeal. ing trend and a great way to String lights: transform a venue, accord- Christmas-inspired lights are ing to the wedding resource not exclusive to the holiday Lighting can transform a Rent My Wedding. Uplights season. When strung around wedding reception venue are essentially small lights tree boughs, ceiling rafters and has become a focal point for many couples.

Here to There

Continued from page 3 Budget also will dictate if transportation is provided for other guests. The majority or guests will drive their own cars to the wedding. However, if the ceremony and reception site are far apart or if the journey is arduous and out of the way, some well-meaning couples will arrange for transport. Many times couples will have to opt for function over form when tasked with transporting a large number of people. Pricing out different options can yield the most Renting transportation is not mandatory, but many couples cost-effective route, which find it a convenient way to get around on their wedding days. very well may be a school or charter bus instead of several Full Service Bridal Alterations • Hemming of any style dress limousines.

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BRIDAL GUIDE

February 2020

A guide to hosting a daytime wedding (Metro) Weddings dot the social calendars of millions of people across the globe.

The Association for Wedding Professionals International says every year an average of 2.4 million weddings are performed in the United States and approximately 150,000 per year are performed in Canada. Evenings are the most common time of the day to host a wedding, but that does not mean a daytime wedding cannot be a beautiful event and make for a party to remember.

Couples are increasingly customizing their weddings to be a reflection of their personal styles. One of the ways couples are customizing their festivities is by moving the wedding to various hours of the day that meet the cou-

ple’s needs. A wedding that takes place in the late morning or afternoon may be the perfect fit for some couples.

Here’s how to navigate the specifics of a daytime wedding.

Secure accommodations.

An early wedding means guests may have to travel from afar the evening before to be able to attend the festivities. Daytime weddings can be complemented by working with a hotel or bed and breakfast to ensure guests will have a place to stay and get ready to arrive at the early wedding in time.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices.

The wedding resource Bridal Guide says that vendors are typically more amenable to price discounts or offering greater value for daytime weddings. That’s because demand for their services is reduced during the day. Similarly, venues may have more availability during the day than at night, and, as a result, they’re more flexible on prices, especially since brunch foods generally cost less than dinner entrees.

Hire the right photographer.

Be sure to contract with a photographer who is a pro at handling photos in daylight and natural light. While many

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daylight. Choose bright colors for your decor and flowers to brighten up spaces.

Choose alternative entertainment.

Plan food accordingly.

Just because the wedding is early does not mean the food should be. Guests still will need to eat. If you are only opting for light appetizers and cocktails, be sure to mention this on the invitation so guests can plan ahead and won’t go hungry.

Chances are guests are not going to feel as comfortable dancing during daylight hours. Consider other Employ color to entertainment, such as lawn add dimension. games, karaoke, or a come- Daytime weddings can be During evening weddings, dian. A guitarist or pianist successful with a little tweaklighting or candles help set may be a nice musical touch. ing of traditional evening the mood. Those same elewedding planning. ments will be ineffective in

February 2020

BRIDAL GUIDE

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Alternatives to engagement rings (Metro) Engagement rings are often sizable investments.

Money magazine reports the average engagement ring costs around $5,800. An engagement ring symbolizes the start of a lifelong commitment and may even set the tone for a couple’s wedding day.

Amethyst:

This vibrant, lavender-hued stone can be breathtaking when cut the correct way.

Purple shades have long been associated with royalty, making an amethyst fitting for such an occasion as special as an engagement. Because amethysts, which are less expensive than diamonds, are a Jewelry styles are personal, seven on the Mohs scale for and grooms-to-be should gemstone hardness, they can carefully research their sig- be very durable. nificant others’ preferences in terms of precious metals, colors and gemstones. Even Knot rings: though tradition holds that a These rings do not have a diamond gemstone is classic center stone. Rather, they’re for engagement rings, these designed to be a tied knot or precious stones are not the infinity symbol. These rings only options. In fact, before can be particularly sentimenWorld War II, just 10 per- tal as they represent true, uncent of proposals involved broken love. diamond engagement rings.

That number jumped to 80 Opal: percent by 1990. However, Gemstones, like flowers, many modern couples now have been assigned certain lean toward other offerings meanings. Tying the engagenot only for the uniqueness ment ring to one of them can they provide, but also for the infuse more symbolism into potential cost savings. the relationship. Opal, for example, represents love, pasThose seeking something sion, creativity, spontaneity, unique can embrace these and inspiration. Those traits engagement ring options. seem tailor-made for surprise proposals.

Sapphire:

While sapphire stones often are blue, they can also be yellow, green, pink, and white.

Sapphires are the third hardest mineral. A white sapphire can be the perfect diamond replacement.

Garnet or ruby:

Red is the definitive color of love. A Valentine’s Day proposal can be made even more special by presenting an engagement ring with a red gemstone.

Moissanite:

The jewelry source Brilliant Earth says moissanite is a gemstone first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan in a meteorite that fell to earth.

It is remarkably similar to a diamond in appearance and strength. Moissanite also has heightened brilliance, with a refractive index higher than that of a diamond.

Couples have many beautiful alternatives to diamonds that they can explore when shopping for engagement rings.

LAS VEGAS:

The Marriage Capital of the World (Metro) One of the more popular tourist attractions in the United States is also a popular place to tie the knot. The bright lights of the Las Vegas strip and the surrounding area have drawn visitors for decades. Las Vegas also is home to more than 100,000 weddings per year, according to Clark County Clerk marriage license records. Weddings may be performed at local churches or other houses of worship, inside lavish casinos, or at the bevy of small chapels in and around Las Vegas. Las Vegas is sometimes referred to as ‘The Marriage Capital of the World’ thanks in part to the ease of acquiring a marriage license in the city and the minimal costs involved to tie the knot. But Las Vegas is more than just a popular place to tie the knot. According to data gathered by Facebook in 2014, when the social media service compiled data from users ‘check ins,’ Las Vegas also has grown into a popular honeymoon destination. In addition, Las Vegas also has evolved into a popular spot to celebrate one last hurrah before the big wedding day.

Individuals frequently plan bachelor or bachelorette party weekends that incorporate all of the fun Las Vegas has to offer.

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BRIDAL GUIDE

Wedding planning tips and tricks (Metro) Recently engaged couples are often so swept up in the excitement surrounding their engagements that they can be forgiven for initially overlooking all the wedding planning that awaits them. Planning a wedding is no small task, but many couples very much enjoy all the hard work that goes into making their special day a success.

It’s hard for newly engaged couples who have never before planned a wedding to know what awaits them. But the following tips can help make the wedding planning process go smoothly.

Find your organization method.

easier to manage all the tasks need to have a ballpark figure regarding guests before that lie ahead. you can choose a venue and make other decisions, such as Take your time. where guests will stay. And There’s no rush to the altar. if the majority of guests are Feel free to extend the encoming from a certain area, gagement long enough to such as your hometown, you keep stress levels down and may want to bring the wedget the location and cereding to them instead of askmony of your dreams. Many ing them to come to you. recently engaged couples feel pressured to get married right away. Stretching out the Create a priorities engagement to save money list. or give yourself more time to Make a list of at least three plan can make for a wonderthings that are most imporful wedding day. tant for each of you. It may be the ceremony location, Discuss the the food or another factor. what is important budget openly and Knowing can help you negotiate prices honestly. and understand what to look Did you know a New York City for when planning. wedding can cost $77,000, according to Money maga- These are some of the conzine? Wedding costs can vary siderations couples should widely, and couples should make while planning their sit down together to decide weddings. While it’s imporwhat they can afford and are tant to consider these factors willing to pay for. and others, it’s also important that couples have fun Decide on a guest when planning their nuptials.

Organization is the key to pulling off the wedding of your dreams. Whether your organizational style is best served by jotting details like dates and deposit deadlines down in a notebook or utilizing an online spreadsheet list. or smartphone app, choose Planning decisions are often your method early on. Keep- based around the projected ing information and remind- number of guests. You’ll ers in one place can make it

February 2020