WEDDING GUIDE JAN 2021

SOUTHERN MINN

2021

WEDDING SAVInG StrAteGIeS For WeDDInGS MAKE A STATEMENT WITH YOUR WEDDING CAKE FLOWERS AND THEIR VARIOUS MEANINGS

Dos and don’ts of

caring for wedding and

The evolut of wed ion ding favors

Southern MINN WEDDING Guide

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January 20 & 21, 2021

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Dos and don’ts of caring for wedding and

an option for couples planning unique weddings Normal took on an entirely new connotation in 2020. As the world reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic, people across the globe had to adjust how they live their lives. The way people work, attend school and eat their meals changed seemingly overnight, as did the way couples tie the knot.

Engaged couples planning to get married in 2020 and 2021 faced and continue to face unique challenges. According to the online wedding resource WeddingWire, in 2020 roughly 450,000 weddings were scheduled to take place between March and May in the United States. Social distancing guidelines and fluctuating virus rates led many couples to get married in small ceremonies with only a handful of people on hand to witness them say “I do” in person. Virtual ceremonies shared through conferencing apps like Zoom soon became the new “normal,” but planning such events can be just as difficult as planning more traditional affairs. Thankfully, couples can work with an assortment of virtual vendors as they confront the challenges of planning weddings during the pandemic.

The online resource SimplyEloped was initially created to provide couples with an alternative to traditional weddings and all the stress and difficulty that comes with planning such affairs. The service offers advice on everything to planning small ceremonies featuring 20 guests or less to coordinating photography, videography and floral arrangements.

Similarly, the online resource Wedfuly assists couples with the planning of virtual weddings, helping to coordinate guests on as many as 1,000 devices.

Couples tying the knot during the pandemic may need to confront some unique challenges en route to saying “I do.” Relying on the services of virtual vendors can help such couples overcome these challenges and create memories that will last a lifetime. n

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ewelry is a key component of weddings. The financial resource CreditDonkey notes that, in the United States, the average amount spent on an engagement ring is $5,500, while Canadians spend an average of $3,500. Jewelry costs can add up, especially when adding in the cost of wedding bands, which can cost as much as $1,000. The cost of jewelry only underscores the importance of learning how to care for it and preserve its value.

The best way to maintain jewelry depends on the makeup of the rings. The online jewelry guide Jewelry Notes says gold rings without gemstones can be cleaned effectively with only soap and water.

Simply prepare a solution of lukewarm water and mild dish soap in a small bowl. Soak the rings for 20 to 30 minutes. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean the jewelry of dirt. Rinse the residue under clean water.

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Rings with diamonds can be treated similarly with a mild soap-and-water solution. The Diamond Information Center also says to soak the diamond ring in equal parts cold water and ammonia for half an hour and let it air dry. Brand name jewelry cleaner also is another good option. This method only should be used with diamonds; ammonia can’t be used with other gemstones.

Maintaining jewelry also should include twice yearly visits to a jeweler who can check the prongs and make sure the setting is not loose; otherwise, the diamond can become dislodged, according to Martha Stewart Weddings.

Avoid touching diamonds and other gemstones as much as possible when putting rings on and taking them off. Precious stones often are magnets for dust, dirt and body oil, according to Taylor Lanore, diamond consultant and engagement ring designer for Lauren B. Fine Jewelry and Diamonds. Grab the ring by the band.

Use discretion when wearing rings while engaging in hands-on activities. Activities like cleaning dishes, moving furniture, gardening, or diving through waves at the beach warrant caution; otherwise, you risk damaging or making jewelry unnecessarily dirty.

Store the ring in a safe location until you can safely wear it again.

One of the most important steps to safeguard wedding and engagement rings is to insure the jewelry. The description of the ring, its cut, carat weight, metal, and other information offered through a certified independent jewelry appraisal will be needed to insure the ring. Take a close-up photo of the jewelry as well. Other items like laser inscription or a home security system can qualify jewelry owners for discounts on insurance.

Consumers also can add a jewelry rider to a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.

These are some ways to care for wedding jewelry. Always consult with a jeweler before attempting to clean items made of various materials. n

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he question was popped; the engagement ring presented. What’s the next step on the road to the wedding? Saving should definitely be on couples’ minds.

A wedding is likely the most costly party couples will ever throw. According to The Knot’s 2019 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding in 2019 was $33,900. There are many different costs associated with weddings. Some are predictable, while others are unexpected.

Investopedia says the vast majority of couples budget too little for their weddings and also end up spending more than they had planned. Various strategies can make it easier to save for a wedding and avoid a post-wedding financial hangover.

Get informed

Savings strategies

for weddings

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It’s impossible to budget for a wedding and ultimately save without knowledge of what services and items cost in the region where you live. A wedding in New York City will be expensive, while a wedding in Mississippi will cost a lot less, indicates SuperMoney’s guide to wedding costs.

Conduct some research and find out what photographers, florists, transportation providers, reception halls, and wedding wardrobe vendors charge for common services. This will paint a vivid picture of what a wedding may cost in your area.

Flesh out the budget

Once you have gathered estimates, you can then figure out a financial goal. This also is when you can determine where to rein in spending and where you might want to splurge. If having a video memory of the wedding is not a top priority, you can skip videography services. If you have a special flower that you like, you may want to budget more for that bloom even if it isn’t in season.

January 20 & 21, 2021

Set up a dedicated savings account

One of the easiest ways to save for big-ticket items like a wedding, home purchase or other financial goals is to use an automatic savings account that may be available through your bank or employer. An automatic savings plan will pull a set amount from a personal checking account into a savings account through autodraft. The bride and groom can link individual checking accounts to one savings account to contribute jointly.

Avoid overspending

An analysis of your spending habits will likely reveal areas where you can scale back so you can devote more funds to wedding savings. Do you need a takeout coffee in the morning or can you brew a pot at home? Might you be able to scale back on streaming services? Do you feel comfortable buying less expensive store brand groceries over name brands? Small cost savings can quickly add up.

Add up gifts

Factor in deduction of expenses that other people will commit to covering for wedding expenses, but only if you have concrete confirmation. A parent may host the rehearsal dinner. One’s relative may offer to pass down an antique wedding gown to wear. But rather than simply removing these gifts from your savings calculations, keep them as a safety net to put toward unforseen expenses.

Saving for a wedding can be challenging. But various strategies can help couples plan their dream weddings without breaking the bank. n

and their various meanings

lowers can represent various emotions. Flowers play a prominent role in many and holidays, perhaps none more than Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day is a busy day for florists.

ProFlowers says it accounts for most of the industry’s fresh flower sales. Around 78 percent of the flowers purchased for Valentine’s Day are cut flowers, and men are the top consumers.

Roses are the go-to flower on Valentine’s Day, but shoppers can look to various blooms to send the right message to that special someone in their lives. In fact, each type of flower conveys its own unique message.

ProFlowers and Pickup Flowers note that the following are some popular blooms and the messages those flowers are traditionally associated with. · Amaryllis: This flower is symbolic of

splendid beauty and can be used to indicate worth. · Aster: The aster symbolizes patience, elegance and daintiness. · Calla lily: This bloom symbolizes magnificence and beauty, as well as purity and innocence. That is why Calla lilies are often the flower of choice in wedding bouquets. · Carnations: These are one of the most popular flowers in the world and are generally symbolic of love and fascination. · Daffodil: Daffodils symbolize regard and chivalry. They also can be indicative of rebirth, new beginnings and eternal life. A single daffodil can signal misfortune, while a bunch expresses joy and happiness. · Gerbera daisies: With large, beautiful blooms in a wide assortment of vibrant colors, gerbera daisies are a favorite flower for cheerful sentiments. · Gladioluses: These tall, striking flowers

are eye-catching and make great gifts for significant others. The gladiolus symbolizes honor, infatuation and strength. · Iris: Irises represent faith, hope and wisdom and are cherished for their big, beautiful blooms. · Peony: This flower, which resembles a rose, symbolizes a happy life, happy marriage, prosperity, and good health. · Rose: Roses symbolize love in its various forms, and different colors of roses symbolize different things. For example, yellow roses represent care and friendship, while pink roses are given as a token of admiration.

Flowers are popular gifts come Valentine’s Day. Choosing a flower that best represents the feelings gift-givers want to convey can incorporate even more meaning into a bouquet or basket. n

January 20 & 21, 2021

Southern MINN WEDDING Guide

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Make a statement with your wedding

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rides and grooms may pour over every detail of their weddings, but few components of the festivities may be as fun, especially for foodies, as deciding what the wedding cake will look like. Couples who want to deliver show-stopping visuals often express some measure of their creativity and personalities through statement wedding cakes.

Many couples now eschew the classic three-tiered white cake in favor of a dessert that garners instant attention. Whether the cake is brightly colored or hand-painted, a towering architectural marvel or shimmering in metallics, couples are opting to make a statement with their confections. Apart from clever cake-toppers, here are ways to stand apart when dessert is served. · According to the Perfect Wedding Guide, a rising trend in cakes is to cover a white or naked cake with translucent glaze tinted in the couple’s wedding colors. This artistic expression can be especially stunning in boho-chic weddings. · Statement tiers also are popular. The cake may be traditional in nearly every way, but couples then set the cake apart by featuring an elaborate design or a different hue in one tier. · Martha Stewart Weddings advises that more than just color can be used to make a statement. Lifelike sugar flowers can really set cakes apart.

Guests may not be sure if they can consume all aspects of some cakes. But delicate sugar flowers taste as good as they look. · Hand-painted tiles on a cake are another way to add panache.

A bride and groom may be inspired by a European vacation or the stained-glass effects of religious windows and want to add that feel to the tiers of the cake. · Sometimes a statement comes by way of texture. Even an all-white cake can be dressed up with interesting textural effects. Ruffles, lace, embossing, and 3-D rosettes are different textural components that can be incorporated in cake designs. · Couples also may want to tell their unique stories with cake.

Individual tiers designed to reflect various milestone moments from the couple’s relationship can be quite engaging. · Capitalizing on the trend of edgier weddings, couples may opt for darker hues on their cakes - even a black tier - or nontraditional geometric shapes to the cake itself or its design elements.

Statement cakes can really say something about the couple getting married. Much like other wedding elements, cakes provide a window into the minds of happy couples. n

January 20 & 21, 2021

Questions to ask before booking a

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arious components combine to make weddings beautiful and memorable.

Couples rely on photographers to capture the smiles and moments that helped make their events unique and to ensure the big day is remembered for years to come.

The trusted wedding resource The Knot notes that an internal study found that, among 27,000 couples who got married in 2019, an average of $2,400 was spent on a wedding photographer to document their big day.

Couples who want to find the best photographer for their wedding day can ask several questions before making their final decision.

What style do you specialize in?

Photographers may be able to shoot various styles of photos, but may specialize in a specific type. For example, some photographers specialize in photojournalism, while others may excel at portraiture. Going with a photographer who has the most expertise shooting the style you prefer will help produce the desired results.

Who will be shooting my wedding?

Certain photography studios have several photographers working under one roof. Just because you meet with one does not necessarily mean that photographer will be on site, unless it is specified in the contract.

Have you ever worked at my venue before?

Photographers may be familiar with several local wedding venues and houses of worship. A photographer who has experience working in the locations where couples will tie the knot and subsequently celebrate might produce the best results, but lack of experience with particular venues need not exclude other professionals.

Can we see a full gallery of a recent wedding?

According to Brides magazine, unlike an album or a highlight gallery, a full gallery provides a better sense of a photographer’s style and attention to detail.

Will photos be color balanced and retouched?

Skilled photographers are capable of capturing winning photos. But photos can be enhanced further in the studio with retouching software to bring out specific effects. Some photographers will polish all proofs, while others only will work on the images ultimately ordered. Confirm retouching details before signing the contract.

What’s included in the photo packages?

A detailed price list helps you compare one photographer to another and decide which elements are covered. Additional prints, having a photographer’s assistant, ordering albums for the parents, or ordering a large framed print can alter costs significantly. Explore all prices to ensure you’re getting the best value. In addition, consider how many hours of event coverage are included in the price.

What is the payment timeline?

Photographers may accept deposits for their services but expect a different timeline of payment. Some may require payment in full before the wedding, while others may offer a payment plan that includes a final payment when picking up proofs or albums.

Wedding photography is one of the essential elements of a wedding and helps tell the story of couples’ special day. Asking key questions can help couples find a photographer who will produce the desired results. n

Southern MINN WEDDING Guide

January 20 & 21, 2021

Useful ways to incorporate social media in wedding planning

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ince 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

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married. The following are some useful ways that couples can employ social media into their wedding planning. · Create your own hashtag. A couplespecific 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. · Share a photo album online.

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 Instagram page and post all the photos you want to share. · Include guests who could not attend the festivities. 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 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.

Social media has changed the world, and it also has changed how couples plan their weddings. n

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January 20 & 21, 2021

The evolution of wedding favors 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 multi-day 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.

Features to look for in an

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ouples will remember their wedding day for the rest of their lives. The day a couple says “I do” is often the culmination of months of planning, and much of those efforts are dedicated to creating a special ceremony that will create cherished memories.

The choice of venue is a significant decision, and today’s couples have more options regarding where to tie the knot than ever before. Many couples on the cusp of getting hitched are looking to do so in the great outdoors.

Nature took center stage at weddings in 2020, as many couples moved their ceremonies outdoors to adhere to government guidelines issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Couples considering outdoor venues for their weddings can look for certain features that can make the big day as special as it is safe. · Backdrop: An awe-inspiring backdrop, whether it’s the natural beauty of a mountaintop or a beach with the sound of ocean waves crashing into the shoreline, can make for great photos and a ceremony couples and their guests will never forget. · Plan B: Couples may work hard to ensure everything goes off without a hitch, but ultimately the elements are in control during outdoor wedding ceremonies. So couples hoping to host an outdoor ceremony may want to look for sites that have a readily accessible indoor option just in case Mother Nature is not cooperating. Many reception venues

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 are capable of hosting indoor and outdoor ceremonies as well as dinners, so this might be the best option for couples who want to have outdoor weddings during times of the year when weather is typically inclement or unpredictable, such as winter, early spring or late fall. · Lighting: What’s awe-inspiring in person may be hard to capture on film. Couples may want to bring their wedding photographers along as they search for outdoor ceremony sites. Professional photographers can help couples determine which sites will make for great photos and which ones might make it hard to capture the beauty of the site’s surroundings. · Accessibility: Couples will want to make sure all of their guests can be there to witness the ceremony. Before choosing an outdoor ceremony site, consider those guests who may have mobility issues, such as grandparents. A midday hike up a mountain might be doable for most guests, but it may exclude others from witnessing the ceremony. Try to find an outdoor ceremony site that’s readily accessible to everyone. In addition, keep in mind that the more accessible a site is the easier it is to get away and get indoors if the weather takes a sudden, unexpected turn for the worse.

Outdoor weddings are wildly popular. Couples who find outdoor ceremony sites with certain features may rest easier knowing they and their guests are safe and sound no matter what Mother Nature has in store come the big day. n

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 sustenance 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. n

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negotiating prices with wedding vendors

couple’s wedding day is likely to be the most expensive party they ever host. The average cost of a wedding is $33,931, according to The Knot’s 2019 Real Wedding Study. However that final cost can vary widely depending on where the wedding is held. In fact, in 2019, New Jersey was the most expensive state for getting hitched, at an average cost of $53,400, followed closely by Rhode Island at $49,800. The average cost of a Canadian wedding, according to the lifestyle resource Slice, is around $31,000.

Engaging in a dialogue with prospective vendors can help couples curtail the cost of their weddings. That’s especially so during the pandemic, as so many businesses have faced financial uncertainty due to the global pandemic.

Vendors who already have been operating under less-than-ideal circumstances may be more flexible with their pricing schedules. Then again, struggling business may have to increase prices to cover losses. Negotiation may be necessary as couples look to get married without breaking the bank.

Be open and honest

Negotiating with vendors should not be mistaken for aggressive haggling as one might do at a garage sale or auction. Rather, it’s more about having a discussion about what can be modified to work with the budget. A vendor may not be

Wednesday, January 20 & 21, 2021 able to dramatically drop his price, but may be accommodating in another respect. For example, florists may be able to throw in an extra floral arrangement or a DJ may agree to stick around for an extra hour at no additional cost.

Be gracious

Letting a vendor know you’re a fan of their work or have received glowing recommendations from past customers may make them more inclined to work with you if the budget doesn’t quite align with the pricing.

Find work-arounds

Even if the price seems out of reach, there are ways to negotiate with vendors to get things close and where all parties are in agreement.

For example, a florist may be able to make suggestions on another type of bloom that looks similar to the desired flower but at a fraction of the cost.

Vendors may be willing to discount some costs if the couple handles some of the work themselves, such as picking up and delivering materials to the reception or ceremony sites or handling alterations.

Couples should speak freely with wedding vendors and discuss what they can spend after some careful research in regard to what standard services and products cost. n

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Did you know?

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wedding is a tough time to experience a bad hair day.

Clothing styles, time of day and weather all can dictate a wedding hairstyle, but ultimately one of the most important factors in a wedding hairstyle is finding a stylist who understands you and can exercise your vision. A patient, understanding stylist who is open to viewing different photographs and drawing inspiration from various places, as well as running through a few trial styles, can help brides (and grooms) look their best. In fact, trials are a must to ensure that

PAGE 11

a chosen style will work with your hair texture. If you plan to get your hair colored, professionals recommend doing so about three weeks in advance of the big day so it looks natural and any potential snafus can be remedied beforehand. Your stylist may suggest a light trim prior to the wedding so that the ends are fresh and healthy. And since you’re putting your faith in a qualified stylist, trust their expertise and vision. Keep an open mind to their suggestions. You may fall in love with one of the options you hadn’t considered. n

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214 Central Avenue, Faribault www.weddingsbydeb.com • 507.332.7171

Michelle Lund, D.D.S. Bethany Whittier, D.D.S. Kyle J. Rasmussen, D.D.S.

217 Nassau Street, St. Peter (507) 931-5646

We welcome new patients!

If you like dining with us, then you’ ll love the way we cater your wedding!

Custom Menus, Desserts, Linens, Dishware, Flatware, and Wait Staff Available Full Service Catering Menu and Bar In House, On Location Service Available

Now takiNg reservatioNs for our baNquet room that overlooks beautiful dowNtowN owatoNNa

Largest Drink Selection In Southern Minnesota Including A Unique Reserve Wine List and Specialty Martini Menu 208 N. cedar owatoNNa (507) 455.9260 toreys.Net