Bridal Edition 2020

Bridal

Edition 2020

A READERSHIP SERVICE OF

Page 2 • Friday, January 31, 2020 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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Engagement Announcement Return the information on this form and a color photo of the couple to 121 W. Summer St., Greeneville, or email to lifestyles@greenevillesun.com to have a free engagement announcement published. Deadline is 2 weeks prior to ceremony. For more information call 359-3156.

Bride-Elect’s Full Name, City/State__________________________________________________________________ Groom-Elect’s Full Name, City/State_________________________________________________________________ Ceremony Date___________________________________Time____________________Place__________________ Bride-Elect’s Parents, City/State_____________________________________________________________________ Bride-Elect’s Grandparents, City/State________________________________________________________________

Groom-Elect’s Parents, City/State____________________________________________________________________ Groom-Elect’s Grandparents, City/State_______________________________________________________________

Bride-Elect’s Education/Occupation/Clubs_____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Groom-Elect’s Education/Occupation/Clubs___________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature____________________________________________Phone Number______________________________

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WELCOME

TO THE GREENEVILLE SUN’S 2020 BRIDAL EDITION

T

his annual special edition contains useful information about local vendors, wedding trends and more for prospective wedding parties.

As you browse, you’ll find tips from vendors and experts about how to make your big day the perfect, stress-free wedding you’ve been dreaming about.

Featured throughout this guide are inspiring photos of local couples married in 2019. We’re thankful that they answered our request to share their favorite wedding photographs with readers throughout Greeneville and Greene County and online at GreenevilleSun.com.

There’s also information about working with The Greeneville Sun to announce your engage-

St., along with copies of the Wedding Announcement form for after the big day. You can also pick up extra copies of this helpful guide if you need them or know someone who does.

Engagement and wedding announcements can also be submitted by visiting the “Lifestyles” section of GreenevilleSun.com.

It has been a treat working with the happy couples SARAH R. GREGORY who grace the pages of this very special annual edition. ment and wedding. These We look forward to announcements are a free working with you to share service the Sun provides to your exciting news, too! Feel make it easier to share your free to contact the Sun at special news with your fami- 423-359-3156 or lifestyles@ ly, friends and neighbors. greenevillesun.com with any On page 2, you will find questions you may have. a copy of the Engagement All the best, Announcement form to get Sarah R. Gregory you started. Additional copBridal Edition ies are available at the Sun’s Managing Editor offices, at 121 W. Summer

THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION•Friday, January 31, 2020 • Page 3

How To Submit Engagement, Wedding Announcements

All engagement and wedding announcements in The Greeneville Sun’s Lifestyles pages are published free of charge.

Fill-in-the-blank forms are available for both types of announcements.

Printed versions of the forms may be picked up at The Greeneville Sun’s offices, 121 W. Summer St. Online forms are available at GreenevilleSun.com, under the “Lifestyles” menu heading.

ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS To ensure that a photo will appear with an engagement announcement, all necessary information must be submitted two weeks prior to the ceremony date.

Abbreviated announcements will be published for engagements with weddings occurring in less than one week if space allows. Engagement photographs must be of the couple only.

WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENTS To ensure that a photo will appear with a wedding announcement, all necessary information must be submitted within one month following the legal

About The 2019 Bridal Edition Cover Lyndsey Cutshaw and Nathan Norris, of Chuckey, were married Sept. 28, 2019, at Grace Meadows Farm. Photo by Nunn Photography special to The Greeneville Sun.

wedding date.

This deadline is strictly enforced.

However, alternate arrangements due to delays in professional photo availability may be made by contacting the Lifestyles editor at 359-3156 or lifestyles@greenevillesun.com prior to the one-month deadline.

MORE INFORMATION Engagement and wedding announcements are considered news items and written in accordance with the Sun’s stylistic guidelines.

The Sun’s Advertising Department offers a variety of “congratulatory” ads for those wishing to convey a different message.

Every effort to ensure accuracy will be made, but the Sun is not responsible for errors made due to illegible handwriting on announcement forms.

All items are published at the editors’ discretion.

For more information, call 359-3156 during office hours, email lifestyles@ greenevillesun.com or write to Lifestyles Department, The Greeneville Sun, 121 W. Summer St., Greeneville, TN 37743.

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5 Great Reasons To Take Engagement Photos

D

uring their engagements, couples will make many decisions about 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

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Engagement photo shoots can be a unique way for couples to commemorate and enjoy the months preceding their weddings.

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-thedate 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 opportunities 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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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION•Friday, January 31, 2020 • Page 5

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Following a few simple tips can help make the wedding planning process go smoothly.

Wedding Planning Tips And Tricks 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. 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 or smartphone app, choose your method early on. Keeping information and reminders in one place can make it easier to manage all the tasks that lie ahead.

• Take your time. There’s no rush to the altar. Feel free to extend the engagement long enough to keep stress levels down and get the location and ceremony of your dreams. Many recently engaged couples feel pressured to get married right away.

Stretching out the engagement to save money or give yourself more time to plan

can make for a wonderful wedding day.

• Discuss the budget openly and honestly.

Did you know a New York City wedding can cost $77,000, according to Money magazine? Wedding costs can vary widely, and couples should sit down together to decide what they can afford and are willing to pay for.

• Decide on a guest list. Planning decisions are often based around the projected number of guests. You’ll need to have a ballpark figure regarding guests before you can choose a venue and make other decisions, such as where guests will stay. And if the majority of guests are coming from a certain area, such as your hometown, you may want to bring the wedding to them instead of asking them to come to you.

• Create a priorities list. Make a list of at least three things that are most important for each of you. It may be the ceremony location, the food or another factor. Knowing what is important can help you negotiate prices and understand what to look for when planning.

These are some of the considerations couples should make while planning their weddings. While it’s important to consider these factors and others, it’s also important that couples have fun when planning their nuptials.

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Wedding Dress Fitting Guide Because fashion preferences were once ornate and dependent on precise fits, ready-to-wear clothing really did not become widely available until the early 20th century. Such attire is now available in just about any retail store.

Because ready-to-wear clothing is so readily available, the average person may be unfamiliar with custom-made or tailored items. In fact, a couples’ wedding may be the only instance in their lives when they require the services of a seamstress or tailor.

Fittings are a part of wedding planning, and here’s how bridesto-be can navigate the process of finding and being fitted for a dress.

• Try on sample gowns. The first step is to make your rounds to various gown shops and try on the samples they have available. Most sample sizes will not be the size you wear every day,

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Fittings are a part of wedding planning, and here’s how brides-to-be can navigate the process of finding and being fitted for a dress.

so expect them to be ill-fitting.

Do not be discouraged. Once a gown is chosen, the dress shop will take your measurements and order the gown according to the manufacturer’s sizing guide.

Again, this can be shocking, since the size will likely be larger than what you wear in street clothes. Some shops will also order a little larger to allow for adequate tailoring.

• Schedule the first fitting.

The first fitting should be anywhere from eight to 12 weeks before the wedding date, according to experts at WeddingWire, an online wedding information provider. This is the time it takes to complete most standard alterations. Complex customizations can take even longer. Brides should also budget a minimum of $500 for alterations, which may or may not be included in the price of the dress.

• Bring shoes and undergarments. Remember to bring

along the exact shoes and undergarments you will wear with your gown. A change in shoes or bra/corset can result in the alterations fitting poorly the next time. Bring these items along to all subsequent fittings.

• Speak up. Martha Stewart Weddings suggests speaking up at fittings if anything is uncomfortable or needs tweaking.

Seamstresses are masters at their crafts, but only if they understand the desires of the bride.

• Check the details. The second fitting is designed to check that all issues from the first fitting have been addressed, the gown is comfortable and you can move freely. At the last fitting, ask the maid of honor to come along so that she understands how to bustle or help you handle complicated straps or closures.

Open communication with a seamstress and bridal shop can ensure brides-to-be get a dress that fits like a glove.

A Growing Trend: Private Vows Weddings are very special occasions for two people who are in love. That’s why many couples want close family and friends nearby when they tie the knot. But even the happiest couples may express some nervousness about one particular part of traditional wedding ceremonies.

Wedding vows are a way for couples to profess their love for each other. However, many couples who want to write their own vows are

hesitant to say them aloud in front of an audience. If couples are intimidated by a heartfelt recital of their vows in front of a crowd, then exchanging vows in private may be for them.

Wedding planners and industry experts say that 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 the altar.

The Knot, a premier wedding planning resource, notes that there are many reasons to share private vows.

• You do not like being in the spotlight or become shy in front of crowds.

• There are words you

would like to share with your future spouse that are deeply private, and you don’t want to express those feelings to every 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.

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION•Friday, January 31, 2020 • Page 7

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 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 dia-

The 4 Cs Of Diamonds

monds can be more rare and desirable.

• Color: A white diamond is more valuable the less color it contains. GIA uses a D-to-Z grading system to determine a diamond’s color value. D would be a colorless diamond and Z the most saturated with color.

• Clarity: Diamonds are formed by carbon exposed to heat and pressure. Natural internal characteristics known as inclusions and external components called blemishes are the 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 into rainbow colors; and scintillation, or the sparkle the diamond produces, are factored into how the cut is valued.

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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.

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SPECIAL TO THE SUN SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Chris and Melanie Webb Carter, of Mosheim, share a smile after their Oct. 20, 2019, wedding at the Heritage in Jonesborough.

2019 WEDDING PHOTOS PHOTO BY DEVYN MOODY

Greeneville natives Michael and Davina Hensley were married May 18, 2019, at Looking Glass Falls in North Carolina. “We had an intimate ceremony filled with love,” Davina said.

Miranda Charlene Ervin Castle, of Mosheim, and Curtis Earn Castle, of Virginia, were married June 7, 2019, at Encompass Church in Bulls Gap.

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION•Friday, January 31, 2020 • Page 9

Types Of Wedding Officiants Many people play a role in a wedding.

The bride and groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring bearers, and flower girls are front and center on the day a couple ties the knot.

Another central, and very important, figure on a couple’s wedding day is the officiant. Officiants perform the wedding ceremony and are the first to introduce the newlyweds to their guests as an officially married couple.

Various types of officiants can officiate a wedding, and understanding each type can help couples find the right one for them.

couples who just want to get hitched without a grand ceremony.

PROFESSIONAL OFFICIANT Professional officiants are not affiliated with a particular religious organization.

That makes them great choices for couples who aren’t religious as well as those who come from different religious backgrounds and won’t be converting to the same faith.

Professional officiants typically meet with a couple once or twice to get to know them before writing the speech they will give during the ceremony. Many will share the speech with the couple in advance of the big day, and some even allow couples to write the speech.

RELIGIOUS OFFICIANT Couples who want traditional religious ceremonies often choose a religious officiant, such as a parish priest or rabbi, with whom they’re familiar. For example, couples who grew up attending a particular church might choose the priest who’s been preaching to them since they were children, while others might choose the priest at their current place of worship.

Religious officiants may be governed by certain rules that restrict them to performing ceremonies in a house of worship, which might rule them out for couples who want outdoor or destination weddings.

Couples should inquire about such restrictions as early as possible in the planning

LOVED ONES METRO CREATIVE

Various types of officiants can officiate a wedding, and understanding each type can help couples find the right one for them.

process so they aren’t caught off guard.

CIVIL OFFICIANT Civil officiants are officers of the court, such as a judge or justice of the peace.

Many couples who are planning destination weddings abroad still choose to have a civil officiant perform a wedding ceremony

at home.

This is because some overseas officiants may not be authorized to marry couples in their home countries, meaning their marriages won’t be recognized once they return home.

Civil officiants make sure marriages are legal, and they also make great options for

Many couples ask a friend or family member to officiate their weddings, which can add a fun and very personal component to the ceremony. Couples who want to take this route should research local laws to determine the steps loved ones must take to become ordained ministers who will be recognized by the state or country where the ceremony will take place.

Officiants play a significant role during a wedding, and couples can choose one who best fits their personalities and ceremony preferences.

How To Plan A Wedding Ceremony Months of planning is par for the course for couples about to tie the knot. Much of that planning concerns the reception, and rightfully so. Receptions last longer than ceremonies, and couples are often involved in every reception detail, from picking the appetizers to serve during cocktail hour to choosing the final song before everyone calls it a night. But it’s equally important that couples devote considerable attention to their wedding ceremonies.

A wedding ceremony might not last long, but it is the most crucial component of a couple’s wedding day and can even set the tone for the

rest of the festivities. From choosing readings to honoring loved ones to immersing oneself in his or her faith, these tips can help couples plan their perfect ceremony.

• Give the ceremony equal footing with the reception. Spend time trying to put a personalized spin on the proceedings, whether that entails writing your own vows or choosing moving music that means something to you. When given ample attention, seemingly minor details can make for a special, memorable ceremony.

• Choose a ceremony location that is close to the reception site. If a ceremony will take place

in a house of worship, try to choose a reception venue close to the ceremony site. This keeps guests, some of whom may be out-of-towners who have already traveled extensively, from spending too much time on the road during the day of the wedding.

• Get to know the officiant. The officiant should be someone with whom you both feel comfortable. This person should know you well enough that he or she can preside over the ceremony and add sentiments that come across as authentic and personalized.

• Do your best to avoid especially lengthy

ceremonies. Couples will need to meet the religious requirements if they are getting married in the faith, and there may be some aspects of the ceremony that you cannot cut short or modify. But if you have wiggle room, try to keep the ceremony to around 30 minutes; otherwise, you run the risk of guests getting antsy, especially if children are in the audience.

• Decorate the ceremony space. While the altar and aisle are key places to draw attention, couples also can dress up the chairs/pews, ceiling (if allowed), and entrance to the space to make it welcoming and romantic.

Page 10 • Friday, January 31, 2020 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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Make Your Wedding Registry Easy With A Few Simple Tips Building a wedding registry is a task unlike any other couples may encounter during their lifetimes. Wedding registries are invaluable resources that provide engaged couples’ loved ones with gift suggestions. In spite of that value, couples may find it daunting and even a little uncomfortable to build their wedding registries.

Building a wedding registry can feel like walking a tightrope. Couples likely won’t want to ask for too much or for gifts that are too expensive, but a poorly built registry can be a major inconvenience for guests. The following tips can help couples build adequate registries that benefit them without asking too much of their guests.

• Register with more than one store. It’s important to register with more than one store. Doing so makes things as convenient as possible for guests and increases the chances they will be able to shop at stores they’re familiar with. Unless your guest list is predominantly local, try to register with at least one national chain so guests who live in different regions can shop for gifts in-person if they prefer to do so.

• Make a large list. Some couples are hesitant to make large wedding registries, feeling that doing so gives the impression that they’re asking for too much. But large registries simply give guests more options to choose from. Many industry insiders advise registering for two to three gifts per guest. That might seem like a lot, but guests will appreciate

having all of those options.

• Don’t hesitate to include expensive items on your registry. Couples also may be hesitant to include especially expensive items on their wedding registries.

However, the couples’ parents and other close relatives may be honored to purchase more expensive items, so couples should not feel embarrassed to include them on their lists.

It’s also important to note that many retailers, after couples’ wedding days have come and gone, discount registry items that weren’t purchased. So even if no one purchases the more expensive items, including them on a registry may significantly reduce their cost for couples who want to buy such items themselves after tying the knot.

• Vary the prices of items on the list. In addition to including more expensive items on the registry, make sure to include moderately priced and inexpensive items. This gives guests more options and ensures guests who might be spending a lot to travel to and from the wedding can still purchase gifts without digging too much deeper into their pockets.

• Periodically update the registries. Periodically update your registries to remove items you have already received and to add items if many of the less expensive ones have already been purchased. This also makes things more convenient for guests.

Building a wedding registry is a unique task that couples can embrace as their wedding day draws near.

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Wedding registries are invaluable resources that provide engaged couples’ loved ones with gift suggestions. In spite of that value, couples may find it daunting and even a little uncomfortable to build their wedding registries.

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION•Friday, January 31, 2020 • Page 11

Get Schooled On Wedding Terminology Couples about to embark on their wedding journeys will likely learn a thing or two about party planning once their engagements are over and they are newly married.

Wedding planning can seem overwhelming and a tad confusing at times, but a crash course in wedding terminology can help couples make more informed choices along the way.

• Blusher: A short, single-layer veil that covers the bride’s face before the ceremony.

• Boutonnière: A single flower bud worn by the men in the bridal party.

• Canapés: Bite-sized appetizers served during the cocktail hour of a reception.

• Civil ceremony: A marriage ceremony conducted by a council official or justice of the peace at a municipal location rather than in a house of worship.

• Cocktail hour: Typically an hour-long interlude between the wedding ceremony and the main dinner of the reception. Guests have time to arrive and mingle before being seated.

• Corkage fee: A fee some establishments charge to allow guests to bring their own wine.

• Dais: A podium or platform raised from the floor where the bride and groom are

used in lieu of straight buttercream.

• Handle wrap: Ribbon or fabric that wraps around the stems of a bouquet the bride and wedding party carries.

• Maid/matron of honor: The title given to the woman who assists the bride and stands closest to her at the altar. “Maids” are those who are unmarried, while “matrons” are women who are.

• Master of ceremonies: An individual who will work with the DJ or band to announce the various components of the wedding reception.

• Nosegay: A small bouquet or flower arrangement typically given to the mothers of the bride and groom before the ceremony.

• Processional/Recessional: Musical pieces that mark the entrance and exit from the wedding ceremony.

• Receiving line: A line of the key people in METRO CREATIVE the wedding who welcome and greet guests.

A crash course in wedding terminology can help couples make more informed choices along • Stationery: All of the paper products the way. used at the wedding, including invitations, programs and enclosures. seated. sugar that appear on wedding cakes.

• Tablescape: A word that describes • Deposit: A percentage of the total cost of • Escort (seating) cards: Printed cards that the multiple components of centerpiece service given to a vendor to secure a date for direct reception guests to their seats. designs. their services.

• Fondant: A sweet, plyable product used Learning some basic wedding terminology • Dragées: Round, small edible balls of to decoratively cover layered cakes. It can be can simplify wedding planning.

To Pick A Band Or DJ? How About Both?

Few elements can make or break a couple’s wedding day more than entertainment. While factors like the weather are beyond couples’ control, ensuring guests have an opportunity to dance or sing along to some good music is something couples can emphasize as they plan their weddings.

When it comes to music, the two main options for weddings are a live band or a disc jockey.

Each has its share of advantages and disadvantages. A live band

may be more expensive, but it can get the crowd excited. A good bandleader also acts as a master of ceremonies and can pay attention to the vibe of the room, tailoring a playlist around that overall mood. Plus, bands offer live performances, which adds an extra special element to the occasion that can’t be replicated at home.

A DJ is a popular choice, and today’s DJs are often artists in their own right. They know just how to select and seamlessly mix

music to create the mood and really keep the party going. Couples who prefer to hear original versions of particular songs — especially for their first dance song — often prefer DJs. The popular wedding planning resource The Knot also says that it is often no problem for a DJ to find and play a song from an extensive digital library, while bands may not be able to learn and perform a song in time.

Couples who can be flexible with their entertainment

budgets may be able to enjoy the best of both worlds. There is nothing that says a wedding cannot feature both a live band and a DJ. Such a wedding may just take a little more planning.

Consider the scenario of bringing in a band for the cocktail hour and perhaps an hour or more during the dinner service of the reception when live music can accompany the meal. After that, a DJ can take over and drive the festivities up another notch with a late-night dance party.

Some music vendors also do a combination of live and prerecorded music. They may have live singers who accompany recorded tracks, or digital instruments like keyboards and drum pads that can enhance recorded songs. These also are options when selecting wedding music.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to setting the soundtrack for a wedding. A band, DJ or combination thereof can make the occasion even more memorable.

Page 12 • Friday, January 31, 2020 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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2019 WEDDING PHOTOS

SPECIAL TO THE SUN

Bryce and Danielle Ricker Cutshaw share a smile after their June 8, 2019, wedding ceremony on the bride’s family farm, Greystone Springs Farm, in Greeneville.

BONNIE WID PHOTOGRAPHY

Terrence James R. Reed and Lindsey Michelle Patterson Reed, of Afton, were married Nov. 16, 2019, in Clyde, North Carolina.

The Reeds share a kiss at the ceremony on the cliff at Buzzard’s Roost.

SAVANNAH LE PHOTO

Christian Francis and Katie Green Francis share a kiss outside First Baptist Church of Greeneville after their July 27, 2019, nuptials.

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION•Friday, January 31, 2020 • Page 13

Factors That Can Affect The Length Of Your Engagement Each year, millions of couples around the world tie the knot. But before couples walk down the aisle, the proposal to get married must take place. Many couples mutually agree to get engaged, while the experience may be a surprise for others who have thought about it, but may not have been sure when one partner or another would “pop the question.”

Upon getting engaged, couples may ponder how long their engagement should last. There is no perfect answer, and engagement length typically depends on personal preference and the needs of the couple. In fact, according to The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, the average length of an engagement is 14.5 months.

A number of factors affect the length of a couple’s engagement, and couples should not feel as if they need to hurry down the aisle.

For example, couples who will be financing their own weddings may need a longer engagement than those whose parents will be chipping in. In such instances, longer engagements give couples more time to save and may help them ensure their weddings are everything they hoped for.

Others may prefer a shorter engagement if they are financially stable and prepared to tie the knot. Couples in their late 30s may feel the tug of a biological clock and want to ensure there is ample time to get married and have children. A shorter engagement can facilitate that.

Some couples may have little choice in the matter, as the length of their engagements may be dictated by the availability of their favorite venues.

Military deployment, work commitments, medical issues, or travel responsibilities also may affect the length of an engagement.

Some couples may feel that an especially lengthy engagement diminishes their excitement about getting married. That “new engagement shine” can wear off as family and friends wait months or years for the wedding to take place.

Couples generally are advised to stick with what feels right to them regarding the length of their engagements. Just like all aspects of the wedding, couples can weigh the opinions of others but follow through with what works best for them.

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Upon getting engaged, couples may ponder how long their engagement should last. There is no perfect answer, and engagement length typically depends on personal preference and the needs of the couple.

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Page 14 • Friday, January 31, 2020 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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Get The Most Out Of Bridal Shows And Wedding Events Recently engaged couples may be excited to get a jump on wedding planning. Bridal shows can be a great way for couples to meet and familiarize themselves with local wedding professionals, all the while introducing themselves to the terminology of wedding planning.

Though they’re a great source of information, contacts and samples, bridal shows also can be a bit overwhelming. Learning how to maximize time spent at shows can help couples plan their weddings as efficiently as possible.

• Start small. If the idea of large crowds is unappealing, attend the more intimate, boutique shows that are often held at local reception halls and restaurants instead of the larger installations at convention centers and hotels.

• Scout out vendors. Check the bridal show’s website for lists of exhibitors and see if your desired

METRO CREATIVE

Learning how to maximize time spent at bridal shows can help couples plan their weddings as efficiently as possible.

vendors are on the list. But even if they’re not, keep an open mind and use the show as a chance to compare offerings. If an event map is available, marking off must-visit booths can help save time.

• Pre-register. Pre-registering for bridal events saves time at check-in, and doing so may make you eligible for discounted tickets.

• Come prepared. Chances are each vendor is going to ask couples for information so that they can follow up with a phone call or email with more detailed offerings and estimates. Couples attending the show can expedite the process by coming equipped with labels that feature their names, contact information and wedding date. They can then stick the labels on sign-in sheets or use them like business cards.

• Dress comfortably. Bridal expos involve a lot of walking

and roaming around. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Consider a backpack or handsfree bag so you are not weighed down when collecting the swag and other handouts throughout the day.

• Ask questions. When faceto-face with vendors, rely on their expertise but don’t hesitate to ask questions concerning themes, colors, recommendations for honeymoon locations, invitation paper suggestions, and much more.

• Stay for the fashion show.

Many shows will offer a runway experience to present the latest gown and tuxedo offerings. This can be an entertaining way for couples to formulate their wedding styles.

Wedding shows introduce couples to vendors and set them on the path to making decisions regarding the planning of their weddings.

Make Candles An Illuminating Part Of The Ceremony The warm, undulating light cast off by a candle adds an unmatched ambiance to a space. Multiply that candle by many and it can create a truly awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Candlelight is a must at any evening wedding and can be a key to a successful party as guests tend to loosen their inhibitions in a dimly lit room. While candlelight can add a warming glow to post-wedding festivities, it can play a significant role during the ceremony itself.

Flickering flames within a dimly lit chapel or alternative ceremony site can establish an intimate setting in which a couple exchanges vows.

Candles can even become a focal point of the ceremony. For example,

some couples may opt to light a unity candle during their ceremonies.

The unity candle symbolizes the joining of the families and merging of two individuals into one blended family. Representatives from both families, typically the parents of the couple, come up and light a candle for each side of the family.

Then the bride and groom will light a center candle from these two candles. The center candle then represents the unity of the new family and their commitment to each other.

Apart from the unity candle, there may be other ways candles play a role in the ceremony. They can be religious and secular.

Candles can symbolize different

things, including: • casting away darkness and showing how love can brighten life, • candles can provide direction and draw couples together, • a candle can represent the love that lights up the couple’s world, and • the warmth of a relationship mirrored in the warmth of the candle.

Apart from symbolism and ambiance, there is an added benefit to including candles in a wedding ceremony. Brides magazine says that the amber light given off can make for beautiful photos as well. Speak with a photographer about the best ways to arrange candles to fully take advantage of their photographic potential.

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Candlelight can add a warming glow to post-wedding festivities and play a significant role during the ceremony itself.

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION•Friday, January 31, 2020 • Page 15

Secrets To At-Home Weddings Many couples preparing for their trip down the aisle follow the familiar sentiments expressed by Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.” Such couples feel “there’s no place like home” when hosting a wedding ceremony or reception.

There are many benefits to hosting a wedding at home. Homes often hold couples’ most cherished memories, and hosting a backyard celebration or an intimate indoor ceremony at your own home or the abode of a loved one can be a cost-effective way to have a good time.

Here are some tips to help couples navigate hosting an at-home wedding.

ASSESS THE SPACE The average home is not equipped to handle hundreds of guests, wait staff, caterers, and parked cars. Concessions in regard to comfort and safety will have to be made when drawing up the guest list.

The wedding resource The Knot advises the general rule is six- to 10 square-feet of floor space per guest for row seating. You’ll probably need even more space for buffet tables, seating and a dance floor.

You will likely need to temporarily move furniture to comfortably fit everyone indoors — or rent a large enough tent for a backyard wedding.

HIRE A CLEANING SERVICE It’s important to present a clean, inviting space when hosting a wedding at home. A cleaning service will conduct a thorough cleaning before and after the festivities, freeing up your time for last-minute tasks or to embark on your honeymoon.

BOOK AN OFFICIANT EARLY Confirm with an officiant that they can oversee the wedding proceedings at your

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Homes often hold couples’ most cherished memories with family and friends, and hosting a backyard celebration or an intimate indoor ceremony at your own home or the abode of a loved one can be a cost-effective way to have a good time.

home. Many religious officials are not able to perform ceremonies outside of a place of worship.

coordinate parking at a nearby lot (like a school closed on the weekend) and shuttle people to your home.

LEARN IF IT’S LEGAL

CONSULT WITH AN INSURANCE CARRIER

Certain municipalities may require permits for parking on street, noise past a certain hour, closing of streets, and much more. Do your research. You may need to

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Inquire if having such a large party at home is covered by your homeowner’s

insurance policy, particularly if your home is damaged or someone gets injured during the festivities. Supplemental liability insurance or an umbrella policy may offer greater protection.

Weddings at home can be a unique opportunity for couples who love the comfort and familiarity of their homes.

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Page 16 • Friday, January 31, 2020 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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Make A Statement With Your Wedding Cake Brides 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 stainedglass 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.

METRO CREATIVE

Beyond clever cake-toppers, there are many ways to make your wedding cake stand apart from others.

Wedding Flowers Becoming Larger Than Life Move over bouquets and centerpieces.

Flowers are taking over weddings in a big way. While wedding trends come and go, flowers will always have a place at the wedding table.

The blooms brides and grooms choose and how they decide to display them can say much about the couple’s style. Many modern couples are opting for statement pieces with their flowers to rival the big and bold ideas they’re incorporating elsewhere into their occasions, such as in cakes and clothing.

In fact, floral designer Tom Uberuaga says traditional hurricane vase centerpieces are outdated and only focus the eye on the middle of the table. He prefers guests enter the wedding and have their senses stimulated by flowers from all angles. Large flower installations, as

well as blooms popping up in unexpected places, are some of the hot trends for couples to keep their eyes on.

sea of greenery and flowers. The smell and the sight can be breathtaking.

Martha Stewart Weddings says a cascade of flowers and greens can be romantic and elegant.

WELCOME WREATHS FLORAL CHANDELIERS There’s no need to worry about seeing over table centerpieces or flowers getting in the way of photo moments.

Thanks to hanging flowers and floral chandeliers, flowers are quite literally moving up in the world. Hanging floral pieces can add instant drama and make a large visual impact.

Florists can hang flowers from beams over tabletops to increase visual impact, whether as individual baskets, single stems or floral swags. Hanging floral chandeliers are dramatic but naturally expensive. Think about a large installation that forces guests to look up into a

Why should wreaths only be reserved for front doors and holiday decor?

A welcome floral wreath can be placed by the entryway to a chapel or reception hall with a heartfelt sentiment that shows guests how much they’re appreciated.

DANCE FLOOR BLOOMS Who says flowers have to be overhead or on a table? With a plexiglass dance floor, or one made from some other transparent material, flowers can be underfoot, creating a magical floral carpet.

FLORAL NECKLACES FAIRY-TALE FLOWERS A floral curtain of hanging flowers can line a chuppah or drape the altar in beautiful blooms. Couples who would like a fairy-tale entrance also can make their debut as a couple by coming through a flower curtain at the reception.

Brides needn’t carry their bouquets, they can wear ethereal and whimsical floral pieces around their necks or on their waists instead.

Couples are urged to speak with their florists about the innovative ways they can make flowers an even more awe-inspiring component of their weddings.

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION•Friday, January 31, 2020 • Page 17

5 Ways To Cut Wedding Reception Costs Weddings have a tendency to be expensive endeavors. According to The Knot’s 2018 Real Weddings Study, the national average cost of a wedding is $33,931. Nearly half of that ($15,439) is spent on the reception venue alone.

As expensive as wedding receptions can be, couples should know that there are many ways to reduce reception costs without sacrificing fun.

Choose foods wisely. Pour over the details of catering costs. The Knot says the average price for catering will be $68 per person. If you opt for an appetizers and cocktails reception, you may be able to shave several dollars off the bill. Look closely at the pricing for buffet versus plated meals. Buffet service often means having a greater quantity of food on hand, which could drive up the cost.

Serve a custom-made cocktail. A themed drink, such as punch or a classic spirit with a reimagined, wedding-friendly name, can be less expensive than offering full open bar service. Some couples also opt to pay for

only wine and beer rather than a full open bar that includes liquor and mixed drinks.

Book a weeknight. Weekend weddings are easier on guests’ schedules, but not on couples’ budgets. Couples can save thousands of dollars by hosting weeknight weddings instead of weekend affairs. Book the venue from Monday through Friday, as even Sunday prices have escalated.

Fake the cake. The Knot indicates a wedding cake runs roughly $530. Consider displaying a mock cake for photos and then serve a sheet cake during dessert hour.

Decorating foam tiers to look like an extravagant cake can save a few hundred dollars, and guests won’t know the difference when they’re biting into a delicious, less costly dessert.

Skip the extras. Reception venues may up-charge for all the little details, such as linens in custom colors or chair covers. If you can live without these extras, do so. Ask for a list of itemized extras so you can assess what you want to pay for and what you’d prefer to avoid.

Cater Wedding Menus To Guests’ Dietary Needs Gone are the days when wedding reception menus were limited to the one-size-fits-all offerings of meat, chicken or fish. Thanks to modern diets, couples hoping to accommodate guests may need to provide a wide array of food choices.

It is impossible to pinpoint an exact number, as there are no definitive surveys classifying all dietary preferences, but there are believed to be around 7.9 million people in the United States who follow a vegetarian-based diet. Of those people, around one million are strictly vegan, according to data in The Economist. In addition, NYU Langone Health says one-third of Americans are trying to avoid gluten. The Gluten Free Agency, which is a consulting group dedicated to helping advertisers, says some nine million people in Canada are going gluten-free now for medical or personal reasons. Toss in the scores of people with peanut or other allergies and even more caution is needed when designing wedding menus.

Savvy couples who have guests’ health and comfort in mind recognize the importance of

offering a varied meal plan for wedding-related parties and receptions. The following are some ideas to consider when planning wedding menus.

• Consider a buffet-style service. Although couples might like the tradition and flair that a seated/plated meal offers, it creates a much more limited selection of meal options.

Buffet-style dinner service often provides couples with multiple choices, and it’s much more likely they can come up with a combination that caters to any food allergies or dietary restrictions guests may have.

• Opt for food stations. In lieu of one long buffet table, a modern approach is to have staffed food stations. Foods as well as their ingredients can be clearly stated on food table placards so guests can make appropriate choices.

• Offer alternatives for dessert. Wedding cake can be a challenge to someone with a gluten sensitivity or an egg or a nut allergy. While not every guest indulges in dessert, make it a point to offer an alternative to cake.

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Page 18 • Friday, January 31, 2020 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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ALISSA JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Angela Simmons and Wesley Rose pose for a photograph after their Nov. 16, 2019, wedding ceremony at The Barn at Chestnut Springs.

2019 WEDDING PHOTOS

SPECIAL TO THE SUN ALISSA JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Keristin Laws and Alex Garstkiewicz, of Greeneville, were married during a Nov. 2, 2019, ceremony at Hidden Meadows in Afton.

Joshua Landon Idell and Madison Elaine Taylor Idell, of Greeneville, were married Sept. 22, 2019, at The Homeplace at Johnston Farm in Greeneville.

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION•Friday, January 31, 2020 • Page 19

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.

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 Rather than take-home bags, welcome may need some extra sustenance to make it bags have replaced the traditional favor through a few more hours. trinket at some weddings. Many wedSome couples are eschewing traditional dings have become multi-day events that favors in lieu of making room for extra ask guests traveling from out of town to food or beverage expenses that can include attend a wedding weekend. after-party treats.

To help greet them and make their These may run the gamut from woodexperience memorable, couples may fill a fired pizzas to food truck vendors to extra gift bag with items guests can use or enjoy desserts. A tasty take-home option also during their stay — like a bottle of locally may be given, such as fresh zeppolis or sourced maple syrup or some handmade beignets, or even a personalized bottle of soaps from a nearby shopkeeper. 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 EXPERIENCE GIFTS Instead of a candle or a monogrammed hotel rooms. cake server, think of experiences to offer Wedding favors are changing to keep guests. A coupon for free drinks at a up with the times and keep guests feeling nearby brewery, a tour of a local attraction extra special.

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How To Handle Rain On Your Wedding Day Brides and grooms fear the prospects of rainy wedding days. But even couples who have contended with everything from a few drops to an all-out deluge on their wedding days look back fondly on the ceremonies and receptions. In fact, how couples handle any precipitation can affect how happy the festivities may be.

• Have a rainy day game plan. Rain affects outdoor weddings more than any other type of ceremony or reception. If the goal is to exchange vows outdoors, work with the venue to make this possible with a tent or gazebo.

However, if the weather is especially foul and windy, move it indoors.

• Invest in golf umbrellas. Couples who live in notoriously damp climates can purchase golf umbrellas, which tend to be larger than the average umbrella, and keep them stationed in decorated stands to ease transitions between wedding sites and keep everyone as dry as possible.

• Wear waterproof cosmetics. Women in the bridal party, including the bride, can ask their makeup artists to use durable,

waterproof products. This can help salvage beautifully composed looks should some drops begin to fall.

• Know vendors’ rain policies. Some live musicians will not play in damp weather.

Florists may need to make accommodations for arrangements blowing in the wind.

Couples need to understand what they’re responsible for and what may be covered if a weather event occurs. Wedding insurance may help cover the costs of nonrefundable cancellations.

• Move past it quickly. It is OK to get upset if the weather turns for the worse. But don’t dwell on it. Guests will sense negative energy, and couples should set the tone of sticking it through despite a little adversity — which can be a good lesson for the marriage as well.

• Embrace the rain. While a couple probably won’t wish for rain, there are some benefits to overcast skies, say the wedding professionals at Brides magazine. Flowers are less likely to wilt in rainy conditions.

Don’t let rain on a wedding day become a drag.

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Page 20 • Friday, January 31, 2020 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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PETER R. NELSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Mr. and Mrs. Nathanael James Renner and Kaylea Michelle Ottinger Renner walk down the aisle for a photo after their Sept. 28, 2019, wedding ceremony at The Homeplace at Johnston Farm.

2019 WEDDING PHOTOS NUNN PHOTOGRAPHY

Mr. and Mrs. Nathan and Lyndsey Cutshaw Norris share a kiss under nighttime fireworks after their Sept. 28, 2019, wedding. The ceremony at Grace Meadows Farm was followed by a honeymoon in Jamaica.

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION•Friday, January 31, 2020 • Page 21

Invitations Today Reflect Varying Styles Of Celebrations

BY KATHERINE ROTH ASSOCIATED PRESS Whether formal or casual, wedding invitations these days are meant to set the tone for the celebration, reflecting the themes of the weddings themselves.

Heavier, more expensive papers reflect fancy black-tie weddings. Simple textured invitations with interesting fonts reflect celebrations in a more contemporary style.

And florals reveal more classically romantic events, experts say.

DESTINATIONS “One of the biggest trends we’ve been seeing are printed envelope liners, particularly for destination weddings. So if you’re getting married on a beach, there are liners printed with seashells, or maybe light blue with waves,” says Rachel Sylvester, lifestyle editor for Real Simple.

Patrick Priore, chief merchant officer at the Chicago-based, design-oriented Paper Source, which has 130 stores across the country, says, “Destination weddings are a huge trend now, and we’re responding with invitations that speak to various destinations, like beach scenes, or mountain vistas, or grapes and flowers for Napa Valley weddings.”

COLORS No matter what kind of celebration it is, couples are becoming more creative with color, experts say.

“You often see a color-on-color approach to invitations, with a lot of

mentioned on whatever type of invitation you choose.

“Your website is a catch-all place for wedding information that is very detailed, and an important way of getting news about any last-minute event changes to your guests,” Sylvester says.

“It’s poor form to include FLORALS AND GREENERY anything about your registra“Florals and greenery are tion in your invitation,” she really working right now. adds. “A wedding website is It’s really more about the a more appropriate place to execution. The trend started include a link to a registry, if a few years ago with leaf you go that route.” motifs, and now we see it in It’s also a good place for lilacs, lavender and eucalyp- links to maps and hotels, and tus leaves,” Priore says. a place to post photos after the event. couples pairing blush pink with orchid, for example. In addition to invitations, there’s an attraction to a range of colors reflected in things like bridesmaids dresses, which are increasingly in any array of related colors instead of all the same color,” Sylvester says.

LUXE MATERIALS “When couples come in to look at invitations, paper quality is the first thing they look at,” he says, adding that thicker papers and fancy envelopes and liners are hot items.

“If it’s a black-tie wedding, for example, it’s top-quality thick paper and envelopes with a bit of shimmer,” he adds.

ECO-FRIENDLY

“All of our paper is mostly recycled, and that’s something people really expect now,” says Priore.

“Plantable wedding PAPER SOURCE invitations embedded with seeds are a great sustainable Whether formal or casual, wedding invitations these days are meant to set the tone for the option, as is vegetable-based celebration and reflect its themes. ink. And for those who want to go beyond paper, there are even rustic-looking invitations made of thin, CRAFTY You can design and print laser-cut wood,” says Sylyour own invitations, use vester, of Real Simple. a professional designer or “E-cards are certainly PAPER SOURCE stationer, or go with an less expensive and more The Moutnainin-between option, using environmentally friendly, scape Wedding online retailers like Shutter- but paper is by far more Invitation is fly or Minted. If you decide popular,” she says. “At the part of Paper to make your own, Sylvester end of the day, aside from Source’s large assortment recommends aiming for the photos, you have your of destination interesting calligraphy, dress and your invitation themed invitaor hiring a calligrapher to suite (invitations, R.S.V.P. tions. handwrite names and adcards and thank you notes) dresses beautifully for you. that encapsulate who you are and what the wedding was like, and will remain WEBSITES Websites are a must now, a memento for years to experts agree, and can be come.”

Page 22 • Friday, January 31, 2020 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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Creative Ways To Steer Guests To Their Seats In Style so people wouldn’t get the wrong impression.”

Nature lovers might attach seating The most memorable special cards to a vintage paddle or potting occasions often have some elements bench, or place the cards on sticks that are a little offbeat. At weddings, inserted into fruits, small potted one easy place to add a creative and plants or trays of sand. You can print personal touch is the escort cards, names and seat assignments on seed seating charts and place cards that packets or paper leaves. steer guests to their seats in style.

For a coastal wedding, Dallas de“Getting creative with seating signer Rachel Carl has done calligchart and place card displays raphy on small pieces of driftwood allows couples to tell their story, and oyster shells, giving tablescapes bring in unique details from their a note of seaside flavor and soft, hometowns, or convey their internatural color. ests,” says WeddingWire’s creative A nautical couple might consider director, Jeffra Trumpower. “They’re pieces of sea glass for the cards, or — essentially a blank slate to showcase if they’re displaying a larger seating what makes them unique.” chart — colorful life preservers or Couples should think about what buoys as a backdrop. their interests are, she advises, For a more glam look, MaryAnne and what they like to do together.

Ducut-Moochun of Hamilton, Escort cards — the little cards that Ontario, who founded Enamoured tell guests what table they should Calligraphy , hand-letters seating go to — don’t have to be paper. Seat charts onto mirrors, plexiglass or assignments could be printed or tied chalkboard. to all manner of objects. Get creative Or, for a rustic affair, display the and make the “cards” yourself, or seating chart on an antique ladder, look at the work of designers online. vintage wagon wheel, weathered It’s all part of a larger trend toshutters or wooden pallet. Create ward personalization in weddings. escort or place cards out of sanded “Couples this year want every detail slices of wood or pretty earthenware of their wedding to be completely tiles, lettered with permanent inks. customized and Instagram-worthy, Avid travelers might consider down to the seating charts,” says placing seating assignments on an Etsy.com trend expert Dayna Isom antique suitcase or steamer trunk.

Johnson.

Attach seating cards to mini comFor their April 2018 Montauk passes, or on leather-look luggage wedding, Jamie Ianello and Dan tags. Jennifer Minch of Anthologie Morrissey, who both work with aniPress in Bend, Oregon, designs seatmals professionally, found a way to ing cards that look like retro paper play off that mutual interest. Jamie luggage tags, complete with grombought an array of small plastic met and twine tie. animals from online shop Safari Ltd San Francisco wedding planner Er., spray-painted them copper and put ica Rose helped one couple combine escort cards in small top slits. their love of animals and music for “I chose animals I liked and that their Napa Valley affair. Seating aswould stand up easily,” Jamie says. signments were put on cards printed “I matched people I knew really well with vintage-style animals, and chair with their favorite animals, but I also rows were delineated by placards tried to keep it somewhat random, printed with favorite song lyrics.

BY KIM COOK

ASSOCIATED PRESS

AARON AND JILLIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Macaron place cards direct guests to their seats during a wedding in Charleston, South Carolina.

At weddings, one easy place to add a creative and personal touch is the escort cards, seating charts and place cards that steer guests to their seats in style.

PAPERANDPINECO.ETSY.COM

A wedding seating chart by Paper & Pine Co. uses sheets of stained plywood for a rustic vintage vibe. At weddings, one easy place to add a creative and personal touch is the escort cards, seating charts and place cards that steer guests to their seats in style.

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THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION•Friday, January 31, 2020 • Page 23

Wedding Registries Expand To Adventures, Charities And More 2018 event, but relatives persuaded them to provide an option. The couple from Rowayton, ConnectiWhen Lila Chess and Aron Kancut, decided to use their happy del were planning their 2018 wedoccasion to help a favorite charity. ding, the New York City couple was Using The Good Beginning, a regwary of acquiring too much stuff. istry for couples seeking charitable They lived in a small apartment donations in lieu of gifts, the Schiwith limited storage. Lila opted not mentis solicited donations for The to have a shower in order to keep Carver Foundation of Norwalk, gifts at a minimum.

Connecticut, which provides youth But the couple knew that friends programming. and family would want to celebrate “To us, our wedding was always their nuptials with presents. They about celebrating our love and the found a registry that included tracoming together of everyone we ditional gift options but also things both love,” she said. “We have all other than stuff — donations to that we need, and giving back was charity and to their honeymoon the least we could do.” adventures in Fiji and New ZeaIt makes sense that millennials land. would redefine traditional wedding “People were really excited about registries, said Karen McGrath, the chance to help with our honeyco-author of “The Millennial Mindmoon,” recalled Lila Chess Kandel. set: Unraveling Fact from Fiction” “Friends and family who know us and a professor at the College of PHOTO VIA AP BY FAIRMONT ORCHID Saint Rose in Albany, New York. said, ‘That’s awesome. You guys are super-adventurous. We want to A couple canoes at the Fairmont Orchid resort along the Kohala Coast, Hawaii. Some resorts that cater to Millennials tend to prioritize giving honeymooners offer registries, and at the Fairmont Orchid couples can request that friends and relatives chip in back, taking care of the environsupport that.’” toward spa treatments, romantic dinners and sunrise canoe outings.

As couples strive to infuse their ment, and doing things rather than weddings with personal touches, intend to spend the money. Rethis option with success and have that the couple isn’t sure they will owning them, she said. Everything changing up the registry is a natquests range from down payments enjoyed their once-in-a-lifetime ever use. about fancy china and crystal — ural, said Ashlie Lynch, commuon a house to in vitro fertilization dream honeymoons as a result,” Before their 2016 wedding, from storing it to the packaging it nications chair for the American treatments. That information said resort spokeswoman CatherBrady and Erica Robertson had comes in — would be a turn-off for Association of Certified Wedding “makes guests feel better about ine Cambra. a talk with one relative to ensure many young couples, she said.

Planners. Many brides and grooms handing over cash,” Kay said. “It’s Kayleigh and Daniel Caskey, she did not “surprise” them with Many millennials also choose to are forgoing formal dinnerware reframing the way we think about who were married in 2017, had no china they would never use. “When live in smaller or shared spaces, and household goods and replacgifts.” problem asking guests to contribfriends and family visit, we are and move often, she said, which ing them with asks for money to It also suits the lifestyle of ute to their honeymoon. more likely to order pizza and eat makes it difficult to have a lot of fund experiences or significant millennials — those born be“It was a way of saying, ‘Hey you off paper plates than to provide stuff. purchases. tween 1981 and 1997. Three out of were part of our wedding day and an elaborate meal,” said Erica, of “It’s a completely different mindCouples are becoming increasfour millennials said they prefer now you’re a part of a time when Columbus, Ohio. “We didn’t want set,” she said. “They’re much more ingly comfortable asking guests for spending money on experiences we’re celebrating our marriage a lot of extraneous gifts because we mobile.” money, added Lauren Kay, deputy over things, according to a 2017 together that you can follow on didn’t have a lot of room to store And even newlyweds who want editor at TheKnot.com, a wedding Eventbrite survey.

Facebook,’” Kayleigh said. Many everything.” fine things for their homes may planning website.

Some resorts that cater to traditional gifts “will break or wear Charity wedding registries more already have them, added Beth Between 2011 and 2017, the honeymooners offer registries. At down and have to be replaced. than tripled in popularity last year, Helmstetter, a wedding planner number of couples who had cash the Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii, We’ll never have a honeymoon Kay said, from 3 percent of couples who in 2016 founded The Good registries increased from 1 percent couples can request that friends again. We will always remember in 2016 to 10 percent in 2017.

Beginning. With couples marryto 6 percent, according to a survey and relatives chip in toward spa those experiences.”

Initially, Sarah Mulvaney and ing later in life and often sharing

by TheKnot.com. In many cases, treatments, romantic dinners and Most of their friends and relaMatthew Schimenti intended to tell a home before exchanging vows, couples provide detailed explanasunrise canoe outings. “We’ve seen tives understood, she said, but a wedding guests they did not wish they often have all they need, she tions on the registry of how they many couples who’ve exercised few still bought traditional gifts to receive any gifts for their June said.

BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON ASSOCIATED PRESS

Page 24 • Friday, January 31, 2020 • THE GREENEVILLE SUN BRIDAL EDITION

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