Wedding Fall 2019

Going Local How couples can benefit from hiring local vendors

Dinner is Tips for choosing a wedding reception menu

Destination: Marital Bliss A guide to a successful destination wedding

Weddings September 2019 A Special Supplement to

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September, 2019 • Manistee News Advocate

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Weddings 4

How couples can benefit from hiring local wedding vendors

5

Did you know?

5 6 6 8 9 9

10 11 12 12 13 13 14 14

Wedding Costs: What to Expect

Cut blooms that will last the longest

Living centerpieces set receptions apart

Tips for choosing a wedding reception menu Unconventional wedding menu ideas Frosting-free cakes the latest trend

7 wedding tricks to make the big day easier Did you know?

Things to consider when choosing a wedding party

Looking beyond gender for modern wedding parties Wedding transportation trends Live wedding music

Guide to a successful destination wedding Popular destination wedding locales

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September, 2019 • Manistee News Advocate

How couples can benefit from hiring local wedding vendors

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ocal vendors are often a go-to choice when couples are planning their wedding ceremonies and receptions.

As the “shop local” movement grows in popularity, weddings present a prime opportunity to embrace this movement.

Couples may have different ideas regarding where to tie the knot, but local vendors can be hired regardless of geography. Brides magazine says the biggest factor influencing wedding location is the size of the guest list and the number of people who wouldn’t be able to attend if the wedding was in a particular locale. Hometowns might be the traditional choice regarding wedding location, but the XO Group says one in four couples now host destination weddings.

Once couples choose a town or city to host their weddings, they can begin exploring the benefits of working with locally-based vendors.

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Local vendors will be familiar with the area and possibly even the location where the wedding will be held. That can help couples avoid having to give directions, discuss venue protocols, and handle other tasks that must be worked out with non-local vendors.

For example, local photographers familiar with a particular venue will know all of the best places to get shots, and some vendors may have preexisting relationships with venue representatives that could ensure wedding day operations go smoothly.

Proximity

Local vendors can meet with brides and grooms more readily throughout the

planning process, making things less stressful on the happy couple. This also makes it easier to drop off deposits, attend meetings, make fitting appointments, or attend styling sessions.

Savings

Couples who travel for their weddings and employ local vendors will not have to pack as much. Using local vendors eliminates the need to bring along bulky dresses, decorative items, flowers, and much more.

Plus, couples needn’t pay to transport and house vendors brought along from back home.

Environment

Individuals who take great strides to conserve resources by reducing their energy consumption and protecting the environment often find that shopping local is beneficial. Local vendors are more likely to source their materials from other local businesses, reducing their carbon footprints along the way. For example, local caterers may rely on local farmers for their foods, affording couples the chance to host ecofriendly or even farm-to-table weddings.

Customization

Working with local vendors often translates into getting more personalized service and attention than mass retailers or merchants can provide.

Going local when choosing wedding vendors is an increasingly popular choice among couples about to tie the knot.

Manistee News Advocate • September, 2019

WEDDING COSTS:

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WHAT TO EXPECT N ewly engaged couples may experience an array of emotions when they sit down to plan their weddings. Some couples cannot wait to jump into planning and want to catalog every aspect of the process, while others may proceed with caution because they don’t know what to expect — particularly in regard to cost.

Many couples find it difficult to create their wedding budgets because they have no previous experience to draw on. The wedding planning advisor CostofWedding. com indicates the average wedding cost in the United States is $26,720, with most people spending between $20,000 and $34,000. Seventh Heaven Event Catering states that, in Canada, the average wedding costs around $30,000. Such costs can vary greatly depending on couples’ preferences, including where they hope to tie the knot. By breaking down wedding expenses, couples can get a clearer picture of how much they may need to pay for their weddings and where they may need to cut costs.

Reception site: According to The Knot, a premiere wedding planning resource, couples can expect their receptions to eat up the largest chunk of their wedding budgets. Wedding reception venues may cost between $10,000 and $15,000. The average price for catering per person is roughly $70. Bar service may be around $2,000 for a three- to four-hour party.

Some reception sites combine the room cost with the food and beverage costs, while others have à la carte fees.

Cake: Wedding cakes tend to be multitiered intricate designs, so they will cost more than birthday cakes. According to Statistics Brain, wedding dessert will come in around $390.

Music: The Knot says wedding bands cost

around $3,500, which is more than twice as much as hiring a deejay ($1,200).

Soloists or ceremony musicians may cost around $650.

Wedding planner: Many couples employ wedding planners to make planning their weddings easier.

Wedding planners cost an average of $1,300, says Thumbtack, a company that matches professionals with people who require their services.

Transportation: Limousines and other transportation prices vary depending on the vehicle(s) couples choose. The Knot notes that budgeting between $400 and $500 for transportation might be wise.

Wedding gown: Brides-to-be should expect their gowns to cost around $1,100 and the veil or headpiece to be roughly $120, according to the Association of Bridal Consultants.

Photography and Video: Preserving wedding day memories costs around $2,800 for video and photography services, based on data from Statistics Brain.

The smaller details, such as accessories, gifts, officiant fees, stationery, spa services, and favors can quickly add up as well. Couples should be sure to leave some wiggle room in their budgets for incidental expenses that may pop up.

•••

Did you know?

The per person average couples spend on guests at their weddings has risen considerably since 2009, as more and more couples seek to provide unique guest experiences.

According to The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, which surveyed nearly 13,000 U.S.-based brides and grooms who tied the knot in 2017, per-guest spending increased from $194 in 2009 to $268 in 2017.

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September, 2019 • Manistee News Advocate

Cut blooms that will

last the longest

F

lowers may look beautiful in gardens and even when snipped and brought inside to brighten up a mantel or dining table. Unfortunately, cut flowers have a finite shelf life. While cut blooms can’t live forever, certain varieties will outlast others. Choosing flowers wisely for wedding centerpieces or keepsakes can help couples enjoy selected flowers longer.

Coneflower: The purple coneflower is popular, but coneflowers are available in many colors aside from purple.

Coneflowers attract butterflies and are beautiful in cut displays.

Lilies: Lilies are traditional flowers that are beautiful to behold. Lilies are available in various sizes and colors and can be bought fresh year-round. Lilies

often last longer than a week after being cut. Look for lilies with tight buds, as such flowers tend to last the longest.

Ranunculus: Ranunculus mimic the look of roses and display layer after layer of silky, crepelike petals. These blooms can last a week or more in vases if they’re put in water right after being cut.

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

Living centerpieces set receptions apart W

eddings are special occasions for all involved. Guests may look forward to the ceremony and festivities to follow, and couples who are hosting do not want to disappoint.

Brides and grooms often look for new and innovative ideas to set their weddings apart from ones they may have attended in the past.

While budget often determines what couples can and can’t do at their wedding receptions, brides- and grooms-to-be can prioritize certain components if they are looking to impress.

Centerpieces is one aspect of the reception where couples can get creative without breaking the bank.

Flowers are popular centerpieces at weddings. But even with cost-cutting measures, such as choosing in-season blooms, bumping up the filler-to-flower ratio and opting for low-profile centerpieces instead of towering alternatives, couples can expect to pay around $2,000 on wedding flowers, offers The Knot, a go-to resource for wedding planning. But opting for the following clever living centerpiece alternatives might not only impress guests, but also do so on budget.

Choose potted plants. Potted plants can serve as both favors and reception centerpieces. Live plants also can be an eco-conscious decision for couples who are interested in incorporating “green” elements into their weddings. Couples tying the knot in the autumn can place mums inside of a hollowed pumpkin or gourd. Spring and summer weddings can be enhanced by miniature rose bushes. Winter weddings may be dressed up with small evergreen trees or potted holly.

Marine life draws attention. Couples can opt for inexpensive freshwater fish to add ambiance and a focal point for the reception tables. Small goldfish bowls can be decorated with gravel that matches the color of the wedding theme. One lucky guest at each table can take home the miniature aquarium after the festivities.

Butterflies are whimsical. Some cultures or religions view butterflies as a symbol of endurance, change, hope, and vitality. Incorporating butterflies into reception centerpieces can make guests feel like they are stepping into a living garden. Small, mesh-lined cages filled with foliage and butterflies might add that special touch.

Living centerpieces offer something different from floral centerpieces. However, because live plants and animals may be part of the display, couples need to account for their welfare. This means ensuring they will be cared for after the wedding, or in the event of butterflies, released into the evening sky.

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September, 2019 • Manistee News Advocate

Tips for choosing a

wedding reception menu W

eddings are memorable for a host of reasons.

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

Some wedding venues are known for their stunning landscapes, while others build their reputations on unique interiors that provide unforgettable ambiance. But regardless of where weddings take place, guests are liable to discuss the food served at the reception. Guests might rave about the escargot or complain that the fish was flaky, but couples who choose reception menus wisely can go a long way toward ensuring there are more

compliments than complaints once the dinner bell rings.

Don’t zero in on specialties.

According to The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, a survey of nearly 13,000 brides and grooms who tied the knot in 2017, the average wedding hosted 136 guests. While couples might be tempted by specialty dishes when choosing their wedding menus, couples who are hosting dozens, if not hundreds, of guests should keep things simple.

Consider potential allergies.

In regard to entrées, make sure guests with food allergies can choose something that won’t make them sick. According to Food Allergy Research & Education®, an organization devoted to improving the quality of life of individuals with food allergies, some common foods

cause the majority of allergic reactions. Peanuts, soy, sesame, and shellfish are among the most common food allergies, according to FARE®. FARE also notes that allergies to wheat, milk and eggs are common in children. While such foods can still be served at wedding receptions, make sure to also include foods that are unlikely to trigger allergic reactions. Couples can even ask guests to inform them of any food allergies.

Don’t hesitate to offer a favorite food. While specialty entrées might not be a great choice, especially at large receptions where lots of mouths must be fed, a couple who has a favorite food that’s symbolic of their relationship should not hesitate to offer it during the cocktail hour.

For example, a couple who met

in Thailand may want to offer a favorite Thai dish.

Offer an elaborate dessert.

The last bite guests will take is dessert, so couples who want their guests to go home raving about the food may want to offer something special after the entrées have been taken away.

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

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

Regardless of where weddings take place, guests are liable to discuss the food served at the reception.

Unconventional wedding menu ideas

T

raditionally, one of the more memorable aspects of wedding receptions is the food.

Whether it was fun, tasty or something entirely new for guests, food tends to leave a lasting impression.

The experts at Boho Weddings say that, more than ever before, couples are seeking menu ideas that reflect their personalities as a couple as they seek to make a statement at their events. Celebrating with delicious, unique foods can make receptions that much more amazing.

Bite-sized bursts

Tapas and a movement toward small bites has started to take hold at wedding receptions. Such a choice allows guests to try many different flavors without filling up too quickly. From sliders to mini grilled cheese to soup shots to bite-sized pizzas, many of these small bites feature flavors borrowed from familiar comfort foods — just presented on a miniature scale.

Comfort stations and bars

Couples who love comfort food can put it on display with a crostini station, a mashed potato bar, a chicken and waffles station, a gourmet popcorn snack station, or a ramen noodle bar.

Manistee News Advocate • September, 2019

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Food trucks/carts

Outdoor weddings can be enhanced with the addition of trendy food trucks. These restaurants on wheels can inject burgers, sandwiches, international delights, crêpes, noodles, and so many more flavors into a wedding.

High-end options

Couples may want to give guests a taste of the lavish with olive oil and vinegar tasting stations, whiskey bars, French hors d’oeuvres, Kobe beef sliders, lobster tails, risotto stations, and more.

Childhood favorites

When it comes time for dessert, some couples opt to avoid or downplay wedding cakes in favor of something simpler. A cookie-and-milk bar, doughnut holes, soft pretzel stations, pie pops, or dessert shot jars push creativity and sweetness to new levels.

Do-it-yourself dessert stations, such as s’moremaking and ice cream sundae stations, also can be big hits.

Couples are increasingly feeling less beholden to traditional wedding reception menus as they look to infuse their personal tastes into the foods they plan to serve their guests. Many catering managers and chefs welcome the chance to work with couples looking to create unique reception menus.

Frosting-free cakes the latest trend

A

new trend is taking hold both in North America and on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Cakes are being pared down so that frosting and fondant coverings are now nearly absent from the confections.

They’re called “naked cakes,” and these simplified desserts showcase the texture of the cakes and their fillings.

According to culinary experts, the idea for the naked cake came from Christina Tosi, owner of Momofuku Milk Bar. It’s an award-winning bakery with locations across the United States and Canada. Now many other pastry chefs and bakers are hopping on the naked cake bandwagon, with the trend being highlighted by the likes of Martha Stewart and the respected wedding resource The Knot.

Just because these cakes may be short on exterior buttercream doesn’t mean they fall flat on flavor or visual appeal. Cakes can be embellished with fresh blooms, gum paste-molded flowers, edible pearls and gems, fresh berries, and much more. The Knot notes many naked cakes are garnished with flavors that are included in the cake, such as chocolate chips, crumbs, cookie dough, or candy sprinkles.

Couples who are stripping down their weddings to include more basics and natural effects may be drawn to these naked cakes. They’re also an option for those who find frosting, buttercream and fondant too sweet for the palate.

Naked cakes enable the interior flavors to really shine.

Taste reigns supreme at weddings featuring creative menus.

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September, 2019 • Manistee News Advocate

7 wedding tricks to make the big day easier

W

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

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

1. Host everything at a single location. Couples who want to simplify their wedding day can select a site that can host the ceremony and reception and also house guests. The cost of such facilities may be more affordable than couples think, as transportation costs will be minimal and the venue may offer discounts on

group packages.

2. Think about a day coordinator.

Couples who cannot afford a wedding planner to handle all of the details often find that a day-of-service provider is within their budget. This person can handle all of the details of the wedding day so brides and grooms can fully immerse themselves in the festivities.

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

4. Learn how to bustle. Walking around with a free-flowing train all day can become tiring for brides. Brides should make sure that one person practices how to bustle the train and will step in to do so for the reception.

Also, it may not be the height of

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

5. Give an outgoing person a job.

Enlist a boisterous friend or family member to wrangle guests for photo opportunities. He or she can be the photographer’s helper and give the happy couple one less thing to do.

6. Stock the bathroom. Some venues will have courtesy items for their guests, but couples also should bring their own necessities, such as breath mints, toothpaste, extra pantyhose, hairspray, lip gloss, and/or sanitary pads.

7. Be all smiles. Couples can’t predict everything that will happen on their wedding day, but they can help create the mood. Smiling couples can make things better for everyone, even when zippers break or someone gets the chicken instead of the salmon.

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Manistee News Advocate • September, 2019

Did you know?

Since Ancient Roman times, June has been a popular month for couples to tie the knot. The month’s namesake, the goddess Juno, was said to be the protector of women in every aspect, but most notably in regard to marriage and childbearing. Therefore, it made sense to get married and take the first step toward creating a family in June. For practical reasons, June also has been a prime month for marriage because the month is neither especially hot nor especially cold in many areas of the world. While dressed in formalwear — whether having an outdoor wedding or an indoor one — no one wants to be overheated or uncomfortably cold.

While June is a still a popular month to get married, the wedding resource The Knot indicates that autumn, in particular the months of September and October, has overtaken summer as the most popular wedding season.

Warmer-than-average temperatures in autumn over the last few years as well as a dazzling display of natural color help make the fall a popular time for nuptials. Interestingly enough, perhaps due to a slightly cooler climate, a 2015 survey from Wedding Bells found August to be the most popular month to get married in Canada, and that 67 percent of weddings in Canada that year occurred between June and September.

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September, 2019 • Manistee News Advocate

Things to consider when choosing a wedding party

M

aking the important decision to get married can fill couples with joy and excitement as they imagine spending the rest of their lives together.

Naturally, brides- and grooms-to-be are anxious to share the good news with others and include family and friends in the festivities. One way couples exemplify inclusion is by asking their closest acquaintances to be part of their wedding parties.

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

While large wedding parties are in style, there isn’t any one-size-fits-all formula

to decide which size party is right for a particular situation. Trends vary based on geography and culture. These tips can help couples decide on the size of their wedding parties.

Match it to scope and style. Wedding planners may use a standard ratio for a proportion of guests to wedding party members. That ratio is one pair of wedding attendants for every 50 guests. This creates a balanced feel where the more people in attendance, the larger the wedding party and vice versa.

Consider your expenses. Wedding party members may be asked to spend considerable amounts of money to be in the wedding, but the couple will have certain expenses tied to the wedding party as well. These can include limousines to ferry people between the ceremony and reception, photography costs to arrange and photograph large wedding parties, the cost of boutonnieres and bouquets, attendants’

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gifts, as well as extra mouths to feed at the rehearsal dinner. Small wedding parties can be easier on couples’ budgets.

Know your expectations. Couples should discuss what they expect from their wedding parties. Do couples want their loved ones to be very hands-on or waiting in the wings?

For those who want a lot of input from their wedding parties, asking distant friends or family to be included may be impractical.

Select reliable, easygoing people.

Wedding party members should be people couples can rely on, and it only helps if wedding party members are not prone to overreacting. Choose a wedding party that can be trusted and people with whom you get along.

Wedding party sizes are up to the couple, but bigger isn’t always better.

Looking beyond gender for modern wedding parties C ouples are increasingly bucking longestablished trends to make weddings uniquely their own. One of today’s more popular tradition-busting trends is not adhering to gender lines when couples select friends and family members for their wedding parties.

gender.

According to The Daily Mail, over the past year, weddings across Australia and other areas of the world have seen a rise in “groomswomen” and “bridesmen,” blurring the lines of wedding traditions.

Couples have often said that choosing whomever they desire to stand beside them during the wedding is more authentic than separating people simply because of

One of the areas where mixing and matching genders may get a tad sticky is with older, more traditional guests. They may not understand the freedom of choice in the wedding. However, couples can discuss their bridal parties to select people who they think might prefer couples adhere to tradition.

Until recently, the vast majority of wedding couples selected members of the same sex to fill the roles needed for the ceremony and reception. For example, grooms would choose fellow males to serve as their groomsmen while brides choose other females for their bridal parties. The wedding resource The Knot says the days of having men on one side and women on the other are gone. Coed wedding parties enable brides and grooms to have their favorite people by their side, regardless of gender.

Take for example a groom-to-be who is especially close to his sister. Such siblings may serve as bridesmaids, but grooms may want to have their sisters by their sides on their big day.

Foregoing gender roles may make for a unique, customized wedding. However, it does create the question of what wedding party members will wear. Again, there are no firm rules, but coordination can make for better photos. A woman standing on the groom’s side can coordinate with the color of the bridemaids dresses, but wear a different style. Or she can wear a dress that matches the color of the groomsmen’s suits.

A man standing with the bride can have accessories, such as tie, vest and pocket square, that match bridesmaid dresses.

Live

Manistee News Advocate • September, 2019

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wedding music B

Wedding transportation trends

C

ouples planning their weddings routinely rely on professional transportation to bring them to and from the ceremony and reception.

According to The Knot Real Weddings Study 2016, roughly half of all engaged couples will hire a transportation service such as a limousine or party bus for their weddings.

ooking a live band for a wedding or another special event can be a great idea. The atmosphere live musicians can provide is unmatched. Live musicians offer a level of excitement that may not be met by other musical options. But some couples may find the prospect of booking live entertainment a bit challenging, especially if they’ve never hired musicians for an event before. Here are some tips to make the process go smoothly.

Exotic limousines: The chauffeur-driven limousine continues to be one of the most popular methods of transportation.

However, to set their weddings apart, couples are trending away from traditional stretch limousines and renting something more trendy, such as limos built upon sports cars. SUV-based limos are still popular, with Hummers, Escalades and Navigators offering the wow factor.

Vintage cars: For that A-list look right out of a classic movie, stepping out of a vintage vehicle creates red-carpet moments. Dream cars for this type of

Discuss the theme. Make sure musicians understand the type of atmosphere you’re hoping to create. A band that customarily plays swing or big-band era songs may not fit in at weddings with more modern themes.

Understand the fees. Musicians may have fees related to their agents, cartage (extra given to musicians who carry large equipment), mileage costs, travel time, lighting, and other factors that affect the overall price. Discuss these fees before signing any agreements.

Get recommendations. Just like you might before booking other vendors, seek advice from friends or family members who have recently gotten hitched or had live performers at their events. They may have wonderful things to say about particular bands or performers. Individuals also can consider a resource such as HireLiveMusicians.com, a global musician database that can help couples narrow down their options.

Be sure the venue fits. Live musicians are great but not if the space is too small.

Otherwise, the music can be too loud and overpowering, or the band will not have adequate space to set up. Consider these factors before making any decisions.

Decide on when the musicians play. Live musicians can entertain guests throughout

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Wedding transportation options abound, and some are more popular than others.

The following are some of the ways couples are getting to the altar on time.

Shuttles and buses: Investing in the guest experience means couples are seeking ways to provide comfort and convenience for their guests and wedding party members. Rather than asking guests to get themselves to and fro, couples may employ buses or shuttles stocked with amenities to transport a greater number of people. The Real Weddings Study indicates this type of transport has grown considerably more popular in the last six years.

the ceremony and reception, but the longer musicians play, the more they’re likely to cost.

Work with musicians to develop a schedule that suits your budget.

glamorous arrival and departure include Rolls Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin and others. Many private companies rent classic vehicles. Couples also may contract with those who attend classic car shows.

Water transport: Couples celebrating by the ocean, a lake or a river can make a grand entrance aboard a vessel. Water taxis, pontoon boats and even sleek speedboats may be the transportation of choice.

The Knot says that couples spend around 6.5 months researching their wedding day transportation options and will make their decision and a reservation five months before their weddings. The more exotic the transportation option, the earlier couples should make their decisions to ensure they can book their first choice.

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September, 2019 • Manistee News Advocate

Popular

destination wedding locales

25% of couples tying

the knot choose to have destination weddings.

successful destination wedding

Guide to a

I

magine reciting vows along the Mediterranean coast or amid pastel-hued homes and swaying palm trees. For the travel-inclined, destination weddings present the perfect opportunity to meld wedding and honeymoon all into one — with family and friends around to enjoy the magic.

The Knot Real Weddings Study, the largest survey of its kind, surveys thousands of American brides and grooms to determine the latest wedding trends. In its 2017 report, The Knot revealed 25 percent of weddings that took place that year were destination weddings. Couples are increasingly leaning on entertainment and personalization to create memorable experiences for their guests, and destination weddings are great ways to create those unique experiences.

While planning a wedding inevitably involves some obstacles and even some stress, planning a destination wedding presents a unique set of obstacles. Before couples commit to a destination wedding, it’s important to first consider a few factors to ensure knots get tied without a hitch.

Pick a meaningful location (but one that

works for guests, too). Exchanging vows at a favorite hiking spot can give guests an inside view into what makes you tick as a couple, but the location of the ceremony should not come at the expense of practicality. Choose a locale that speaks to you but will also offer the convenience and amenities that work for the guests who will be traveling.

See the place in person. If budget allows, book a trip to the intended destination to see the facilities and location, advise the experts at Brides magazine. Working with vendors in person also can simplify sorting out certain details.

Send save-the-date cards promptly. Unlike traditional weddings in which reminders can be sent roughly six months before the wedding, save-the-date cards for destination weddings should be mailed at least nine months to a year in advance of the big day.

Hire a professional. Professional wedding planners may prove invaluable when it comes to destination weddings. Rather than organizing everything on your own, you can hire a wedding planner to take care of itineraries, obtain information about necessary

travel documents, coordinate with local vendors, and much more.

Consider tourist seasons. Weather tends to be best during tourist seasons. Therefore, make sure to reserve hotel room blocks and venues promptly. Slightly before or after peak season may still be fine, but ensure that vendors will be available and look into weather trends carefully before choosing a date.

Research the legality. According to The Knot, many countries have residency requirements, which means you must live in that country for a certain period of time before the ceremony. Factor this into budget and availability.

Scale back on DIY. Handling many of the details while getting married close to home can be challenging, but doing so for a destination wedding can be difficult to organize. Scale back on DIY, leaving many of the details to the professionals.

Destination weddings require extra planning, but they can be memorable ways for couples to start their new life together.

Dominican Republic: Home to 800 miles of sandy beaches, the Dominican Republic features a host of all-inclusive resorts, many of which offer wedding packages.

Couples who want to tie the knot under the warm sun need look no further than the Dominican Republic, which boasts average temperatures in the 70s and 80s year-round.

Costa Rica: A popular honeymoon destination, Costa Rica also makes a great place to host a tropical wedding. Couples can take advantage of stunning mountaintop views or enjoy their weddings on any of Costa Rica’s many white sand beaches.

Dense rain forests, numerous nature preserves and national parks make Costa Rica a great place for guests to explore, especially during the dry season between December and April (rain falls throughout the year on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica).

Maine: Couples who want waterfront weddings with a little something different may want to consider Maine. Lighthouses might provide the perfect backdrop for couples’ nuptials, and guests can indulge in fresh lobster and various outdoor activities. Maine’s tourist season is July and August, but Maine’s famous fall foliage can be used to create a beautiful look for couples who tie the knot in September.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Another destination that won’t require couples or their guests to dust off their passports, Jackson Hole is nestled in the awe-inspiring Teton mountain range. Summer and early fall are the best times to tie the knot in Jackson Hole, which is home to numerous rustic ranches that can make for ideal wedding settings.

Ireland: Couples who don’t mind a rain shower here or there may want to tie the knot in Ireland, where weather is usually most welcoming between May and September. Idyllic seaside villages dot the Irish landscape, as do rolling green hills and towering cliffs that can make for beautiful backdrops for wedding ceremonies. Castles can be found throughout Ireland, giving couples unique spaces to host their weddings and receptions.

Manistee News Advocate • September, 2019

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September, 2019 • Manistee News Advocate

Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts Weddings & Events

Considered the most elegant facility in Northwest Michigan For Information or Reservations

Call 231-398-9770

About the Ramsdell

Over one hundred years old, and following an extraordinary restoration, The Ramsdell Theatre is considered the most elegant facility in Northwest Michigan. The facility, known as a Regional Arts Center, is a special place for many occasions, celebrations, and events of all varieties.

The Theatre at the Ramsdell is one of the most beautifully restored classic theatre facilities in Michigan.

Plush seating, originally restored frescoes and elegant finishes are sure to give you the atmosphere you desire for your special day.

Amenities: Maximum Capacity: 500

• Air Conditioned • Handicap Accessible • State of the art audio visual equipment • Full Support Staff (including light/sound)

The Grand Ballroom

Situated on the second floor of the Ramsdell is a bright, beautiful space, flooded with natural light. The ambiance is created by the original fireplace, delicate chandeliers, beautifully crafted woodwork and restored tin ceiling.

This space will turn your event into an everlasting memory.

Amenities:

• Maximum Capacity: 290 (seated) • Catering Kitchen Available • Air Conditioned • Handicap Accessible • Table & Chairs Available

Hardy Hall From a small intimate anniversary celebration to an elegant cocktail hour, Hardy Hall is a beautiful space situated on the main level of the Ramsdell Facility. Natural light and beautifully restored finishes make this space a perfect balance between modern chic and classic sophistication.

Amenities:

Maximum Capacity: 100 (seated) • Air Conditioned • Baby Grand Piano • Handicap Accessible • Tables & Chairs Available

Photos courtesy of Monson Photography, Broadbent Photography and Photography by Aubry Healy