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Saturday, January 25, 2020

The Times - Bridal Magazine

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FROM ONE BRIDE TO ANOTHER August bride Dana Prusa gives a behind-the-scenes look into planning her wedding day at Starved Rock State Park

SHOULD YOU HIRE A BAND OR DJ? There’s actually room for both. Read more about the role each plays.

PLANNING THE HONEYMOON A travel agent shares tips to plan ahead for a trip after the wedding.

MAKING A STATEMENT Couples are opting to make a statement with their reception confections.

GOING — AND GROWING —BIG Flowers have an increasingly significant role in ceremonies, from the bouquet to major decorations.

LEARNING THE LINGO OF THE WEDDING INDUSTRY This glossary will help couples brush up on common phrases heard during the planning process.

A DAYTIME WEDDING How to plan a perfect daytime ceremony.

Robert and Dana Prusa were married on Aug. 14, 2019, at Starved Rock Lodge. Dana shares details about her wedding and tips for brides on page 10.

Kathy Casstevens Photography

PRIVATE VOWS Instead of the exchange of vows being a public moment, some couples are opting for a private setting.

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BY STEPHANIE JAQUINS For The Times

nce the chaos of wedding planning and the wedding itself are behind the bride and groom, many newlyweds decide to take a trip to relax and have fun.

Honeymoon destinations and budgets vary greatly, said Karen Lewis, owner and travel consultant at All Points Travel in Ottawa. Some are looking to travel far with larger budgets and others are looking to stay closer to home with smaller budgets.

“We get anything from someone wanting a quick getaway for three nights to just kind of chill after all of the craziness of wedding planning, to someone who may do a European trip for two weeks and travel to Spain or Italy,” she said.

European travel is gaining in popularity as well as visiting several locations, Lewis said.

“It’s not just going to one set place and staying there for the week, but to travel

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throughout several countries.”

The majority of Lewis’ clients book to travel right after the wedding, she said, but some couples do a honeymoon later.

“I do see more waiting, whether that be because of a job or just because of a particular destination they have in mind to travel that is a better destination if they wait.”

Once you’re engaged, Lewis said it’s important to see her early for the honeymoon — it could save money.

“It’s always a good idea to start early, even if you’re not ready to book,” she said. “At least we know what you’re looking for.”

Every day she and her staff receive

specials for pricing and deals to different destinations.

“If you want to travel to a particular destination and we know this is a great deal now, we would advise you, yes, go ahead and get your deposit down and you can start making payNeed a ments.” passport?

All Points Travel offers a gift See page 4. registry, so those who attend a shower or wedding can purchase gift certificates to be applied to the honeymoon. Lewis said she is seeing gift registries become more popular, particularly with older couples who don’t need to register for the home staples younger couples need.

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Need a passport?

While a passport could be expedited within a few weeks, Karen Lewis, owner and travel consultant at All Points Travel in Ottawa, advises her clients to plan ahead.

Four to six weeks prior to travel is the recommendation, Lewis said.

If you’re traveling internationally and already have a passport, you need six months validity on your passport from your returned flight.

“Your passport can’t be expiring a month after your return travel or you could be denied boarding at the airport. There’s a lot of little things like that we assist you with,” she said.

— Stephanie Jaquins

4 factors to consider before choosing honeymoon destination n Distance. A remote, exotic island might sound like the perfect place for couples to visit on their honeymoons. However, couples who spent more than a year planning their weddings may prefer somewhere less remote than an exotic isle that requires multiple flight transfers and possibly even days of travel to get to. Couples should discuss how much travel they’re willing to endure during their honeymoons, and then find somewhere that both partners are excited about. n Amenities. Many resorts offer honeymoon packages that include a host of amenities, including all-inclusive food and beverage, spa access, access to water sports, and even airport pickup and dropoff. Such packages can save couples substantial amounts of money, which can help those who might have spent more on their weddings than they initially intended. n Recreation. Couples also may want to consider the accessibility of local recreational activities before choosing a honeymoon destination. Some couples may just want to spend the duration of their honeymoons unwinding on a beach, while others may want to mix relaxation with exploration.

All-inclusive resort packages may or may not include off-site resort activities. Couples who want to do some exploring away from their resorts should investigate both the accessibility and safety of doing so. n Budget. If budgets were stretched for the wedding, couples should not discount the benefits of planning a post-wedding weekend getaway and then saving some money for a more traditional honeymoon down the road. This option still affords couples a chance to spend a few post-wedding days away from home and can help them save for a honeymoon trip they will never forget.

— Metro Creative Services

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Wedding flowers becoming larger than life

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ove 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.

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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.

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 individu-

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

Welcome wreaths 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.

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

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 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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Saturday, January 25, 2020

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Get Schooled on Wedding Terminology

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ouples 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. n Blusher: A short, single-layer veil that covers the bride’s face before the ceremony. n Boutonnière: A single flower bud worn by the men in the bridal party. n Canapés: Bite-sized appetizers served during the cocktail hour of a reception. n 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. n Cocktail hour: Typically an hour-long interlude between the wedding ceremony and the main dinner of the reception.

Metro Creative Graphics Guests have time to arrive and mingle before being seated. n Corkage fee: A fee some establishments charge to allow guests to bring their own wine. n Dais: A podium or platform raised from the floor where the bride and groom are seated. n Deposit: A percentage of the total cost of service given to a vendor to secure a date for their services. n Dragées: Round, small edible balls of sugar that appear on wedding cakes. n Escort (seating) cards: Printed cards that direct reception guests to their seats. n Fondant: A sweet, plyable product used to decoratively cover layered cakes.

It can be used in lieu of straight buttercream. n Handle wrap: Ribbon or fabric that wraps around the stems of a bouquet the bride and wedding party carries. n 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. n Master of ceremonies: An individual who will work with the DJ or band to announce the various components of the wedding reception. n Nosegay: A small bouquet or flower arrangement typically given to the mothers of the bride and groom before the ceremony. n Processional/Recessional: Musical pieces that mark the entrance and exit from the wedding ceremony. n Receiving line: A line of the key people in the wedding who welcome and greet guests. n Stationery: All of the paper products used at the wedding, including invitations, programs and enclosures. n Tablescape: A word that describes the multiple components of centerpiece designs.

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KathyCasstevensPhotography

Wedding Profile

Robert and Dana Prusa 10

R Saturday, January 25, 2020

BY STEPHANIE JAQUINS For The Times obert and Dana Prusa were married on Aug. 14, 2019, at Starved Rock Lodge. Dana, who grew up in LaGrange, is an account executive at NSA Media, and Robert, who grew up in Brookfield, is a Tables Game dealer at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. The couple reside in Lisle with their dog, Nova.

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KathyCasstevensPhotography

Q. How did the two of you meet?

Dana: We started talking at a mutual friend gathering and hit it off instantly; it was love at first sight.

Q. How did he propose?

A. My husband proposed to me in Las Vegas on the trip we had planned for my 30th birthday at my favorite Italian restaurant.

Afterwards, we celebrated with friends and family that had flown in for the surprise.

Q. How did you choose your reception hall?

A. I had previously attended a wedding at Starved Rock that was phenomenal, so I wanted the same for me and my husband. It is also a beloved hiking spot for my relatives, so everyone was very excited about the location once we announced the details.

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t Dana and Robert Prusa shared their wedding day with their dog, Nova. The trio live in Lisle.

Dana and Robert were married in August 2019 at Starved Rock State Park.

KathyCasstevens Photography

Q. How did you find the right dress?

A. Finding the right dress was hard for me. I looked at what felt like a million dresses online but found that you can only really judge how it will look once you see it in person. So, after trying a few shops I ended up finding the perfect dress for myself at the Bridal Boutique of Naperville. They have designer dresses that are off the rack and affordable if you are on a budget like we were.

Q. How did you prioritize your budget? What was most important to you?

A. It was important to us that our guests had a good time, so we prioritized the bar and DJ first to help that goal along. The celebration ended up going off without a hitch, so we were very pleased with our decisions!

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t Dana Seliga married Robert Prusa at Starved Rock State Park in August 2019.

The bride said she bought her dress at the Bridal Boutique of Naperville.

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‘I looked at what felt like a million dresses online but found that you can only really judge how it will look once you see it in person.’

Q. Are there any vendors you were especially happy with that you’d recommend to other brides?

A. Kathy Casstevens and her daughter, Stephanie, are fabulous photographers that showed up early and went above and beyond to make my day special!

Pete the DJ is fantastic and ran the show exceptionally well! Also, Maria’s Floral Studio in LaGrange put together my bouquets that came out just as I had imagined. These vendors helped make the wedding of my dreams a reality!

Q. Lastly, what advice would you give to future brides?

A. Surround yourself with friends and family who will strengthen and support your marriage.

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A Guide to Hosting A

Daytime Wedding Metro Creative Services

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

Couples are increasingly customizing their weddings to be a reflection of their personal styles. One of the ways couples are customizing their festivities is by moving the wedding to various hours of the day that meet the couple’s needs. A wedding that takes place in the late morning or afternoon may be the perfect fit for some couples. Here’s how to navigate the specifics of a daytime wedding. · Secure accommodations.

An early wedding means guests may have to travel from afar the evening before to be able to attend the festivities. Daytime weddings can be complemented by working with a hotel or bed and breakfast to ensure guests will have a place to stay and get ready to arrive at the early wedding in time. · Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices. The wedding resource Bridal Guide says that vendors are typically more amenable to price discounts or offering greater value for daytime weddings. That’s because demand for their

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services is reduced during the day. Similarly, venues may have more availability during the day than at night, and, as a result, they’re more flexible on prices, especially since brunch foods generally cost less than dinner entrees. · Hire the right photographer. Be sure to contract with a photographer who is a pro at handling photos in daylight and natural light. While many photographers are skilled in any light, many are used to shooting in churches and venues with low lighting.

Be sure to see picture samples taken during the daytime to gauge a photographer’s daytime experience and skill level. · Employ color to add dimension. During evening weddings, lighting or candles help set the mood. Those same elements will be ineffective in daylight. Choose bright colors for your decor and flowers to brighten up spaces. · Choose alternative entertainment. Chances are guests are not going to feel as comfortable dancing during daylight hours. Consider other entertainment, such as lawn games, karaoke, or a comedian. A guitarist or pianist may be a nice musical touch. · Plan food accordingly.

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

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Metro Creative Services 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 seam-

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 Metro Creative Services when live music can accompany There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to the meal. After that, a DJ can take setting the soundtrack for a wedding. A band, DJ or over and drive the festivities up combination thereof can make the occasion even another notch with a late-night dance party. more memorable.

Some music vendors also do a combination of live and prerecordlessly mix music to create the mood and ed music. They may have live singers really keep the party going. Couples who accompany recorded tracks, or who prefer to hear original versions of digital instruments like keyboards and particular songs — especially for their drum pads that can enhance recorded first dance song — often prefer DJs. The songs. These also are options when popular wedding planning resource The selecting wedding music.

Knot also says that it is often no problem

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

Many couples now eschew the classic three-tiered white cake in favor of a dessert that garners instant attention. Whether the cake is brightly colored or hand-painted, a towering architectural marvel or shimmering in metallics, couples are opting to make a statement with their confections. Apart from clever cake-toppers, here are ways to stand apart when dessert is served.

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n 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. n 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. n 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. n Hand-painted tiles on a cake are another way to add panache. A bride and groom may be inspired by a European vacation or the stained-glass effects of religious windows and want to add that feel to the tiers of the cake. x 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. n 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. n 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.

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.

There are believed to be around 7.9 million people in the United States who follow a vegetarian-based diet. In addition, NYU Langone Health says one-third of Americans are trying to avoid gluten. Toss in the scores of people with peanut or other allergies and even more caution is needed when designing wedding menus.

The following are some ideas to consider when planning wedding menus. n Consider a buffet-style service. 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. n 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. n 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.

Perhaps a groom’s cake can be revamped into gluten-free cookie bars or a nut-free trifle.

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A Push for

Private

Vows Metro Creative Services

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eddings 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. n You do not like being in the spotlight or become shy in front of crowds. n 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. n You do not want to censor your thoughts or words.

n You desire an intimately private and personal moment together before all of the fanfare and rush of the wedding. n You’d like to recite loving words in a native language that some guests may not understand. n You desire the potential for some very great candid photos if you invite the photographer to be there at a distance. n 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.

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