Winter Bridal 2021/22

&

To Have To Hold A LOCAL GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR PERFECT DAY

• ideas • photos • advice • fashion • receptions • honeymoons

...and more

A publication of

Southern Lakes Newspapers WINTER

2022

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BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2022

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How to give weddings a

modern touch weddings by doing everything they can to eliminate waste and promote conservation.

Send electronic invitations and save-thedate cards in lieu of paper alternatives and choose a reception venue that serves only locally sourced food and beverages.

In lieu of wedding favors, which tend to be individually wrapped, make a donation in guests’ names to a local environmental group and share that information with loved ones. When picking a hotel for guests, find lodging that incorporates sustainability into its day-to-day operations.

Retire certain traditions

Couples need not feel pressured to incorporate traditions that no longer reflect modern sensibilities. It’s up to couples to determine which traditions to retire, but customs like the garter toss and bouquet toss may no longer resonate with modern couples or their guests.

In addition, brides who want to be Eco-conscious couples can embrace an walked down the aisle by both of their environmentalist ethos when planning their parents, as opposed to just their father,

Leave a small carbon footprint

TO HAVE and to hold

A publication of Southern Lakes Newspapers

1102 Ann Street, Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 728-3411 FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES: Call (262) 763-2575 EDITOR: Tracy Ouellette CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Heidi Schulz PAGE DESIGN: Jen DeGroot ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Vicki Vanderwelff

should not hesitate to do so.

Look for a modern venue

One of the most awe-inspiring ways to give a wedding a modern touch is to choose a venue that reflects a modern aesthetic. Vaulted ceilings, white walls and floor-to-ceiling windows can create a clean, modern feel. Outdoor ceremonies also can create a modern ambiance.

Adjust your attire

Black tuxedos and white wedding dresses are among the first things to come to mind when imagining traditional weddings.

Couples can stay formal but embrace a more modern look by choosing more colorful tuxes for grooms and groomsmen and picking a wedding gown with a flair of color. Brides also can allow bridesmaids to pick their own bridesmaid dresses to expand the modern look even further.

There’s no shortage of ways for couples to give their weddings a modern touch.

(METRO CREATIVE)

BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2022

No two weddings are the same. Some couples go to great lengths to personalize their weddings, while others make a few minor tweaks to traditional components to make ceremonies and receptions more reflective of their style and the sentiments they hope to convey.

Embracing modern trends is one way couples have looked to set their weddings apart from traditional ceremonies. There are no rules governing weddings, and that affords couples certain freedoms as they seek to incorporate a modern sensibility into the festivities.

For example, couples can modernize certain components of their weddings while remaining loyal to more traditional elements, or they can fully embrace a modern aesthetic.

That choice of how modern to make a wedding is up to the couple tying the knot, but the following are some ways to give weddings a modern touch.

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BUDGET WORKSHEET

? t s o c g n i d d we

WHAT WILL YOUR

Total Wedding Budget: $______________ CEREMONY Location fee $_______ Officiant fee $_______ Marriage license $_______ Rings $_______ Pillow $_______ TOTAL CEREMONY: $_______

TRANSPORTATION

RECEPTION Reception site $_______ Food $_______ Drinks $_______ Rentals $_______ Cake $_______ Favors $_______ TOTAL RECEPTION: $_______

FLOWERS Ceremony $_______

MUSIC Musicians $_______ Band/DJ $_______ Extra musicians $_______ TOTAL MUSIC: $_______

Limousines

$_______

Buses/transport for guests

$_______

TOTAL TRANSPORTATION: $_______

Bride’s bouquet

$_______

Bridesmaids’ bouquets $_______ Corsages and boutonnieres $_______ Reception centerpieces $_______ Flower girl basket

$_______

TOTAL FLOWERS: $_______

ATTIRE Gown $_______ Headpiece/veil $_______ Undergarments/ hosiery $______ Shoes $_______ Accessories $_______ Jewelry $_______ Makeup $_______ Hair $_______ Tuxedo $_______ Shoes $_______ Cuff links $_______ Men’s grooming $_______ TOTAL ATTIRE: $_______

PHOTOGRAPHY Photographer’s fee $_______ Videographer’s fee $_______ TOTAL PHOTOGRAPHY: $_______

STATIONERY Invitations $_______ Postage $_______ Thank-you cards $_______ TOTAL STATIONERY: $_______

GIFTS Wedding party $_______ Parents $_______ Other $_______ TOTAL GIFTS: $_______ HONEYMOON Accommodations Food TOTAL HONEYMOON:

$_______ $_______ $_______

Use this convenient list to figure out the costs involved in planning your special day.

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Weddings Horticultural Hall has rich history as a local institution

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

For those walking along Broad Street in downtown Lake Geneva, it’s difficult to miss the distinct arts and crafts style building known as Horticultural Hall.

This uniquely styled building was designed by the architectural firm of Spencer and Powers who had also designed the Lake Geneva Country Club.

While the construction of Horticultural Hall actually took place in 1911, the history that led to its construction began as early as 1887, with the formation of

the Lake Geneva Fresh Air Association.

The association was comprised of residents with estates along the shore of Geneva Lake who donated money for the support of Holiday Home Camp. This camp provided a fresh air experience for underprivileged children from Chicago.

In addition to their donations, these summer residents with the help of their gardeners and landscapers, would hold summer fairs on the estates. Fruits and vegetables would be auctioned at high prices for the benefit of the Holiday Home Camp. One report written by Mrs. Edward Petersen about the history of Horticultural Hall stated that a watermelon sold for $100 while a bunch of grapes sold for $75 – a very large sum at the time.

Gardeners unite

With the growing number of summer cottages – actually mansions built on large

estates on the shores of Geneva Lake – the wealthy owners hired professional gardeners to plant and care for the horticulture on these large properties. So many gardeners were hired in the area, that by the early 1900s they organized in a group known as the Gardeners and Foremen’s Association. They would hold flower shows and exhibits along with the fairs on the estates of Levi Leiter and Herbert Moore to showcase their talents and skills.

While the area generally had good weather for these shows and fairs, it became obvious that they needed a place to meet that would not be dependent on weather and where they could hold meetings year-round.

Simeon Chapin who had a summer home on Geneva Lake, along with additional summer residents formed the Lake Geneva Horticultural Society.

• CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

The courtyard at Horticultural Hall provides a beautiful setting for a summer wedding. With Horticultural Hall built to surround the courtyard, it protects the space from the outside noise and traffic of busy Lake Geneva in the summer.

COURTESY OF HORTICULTURAL HALL Bridal Guide

BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2022

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Under the direction of Chapin, 100 shares of stock were issued and sold with a $100 par value to raise funds to build a home for the new Lake Geneva Horticultural Society. An additional 100 shares were later authorized and sold to cover the cost of the building. The shares did not offer any dividends or increase in value.

The purpose of the organization, according to the founders, would be “encouragement and promotion of the practice of horticulture in all its branches and the fostering of an increased love of it among people.”

Chapin had purchased and donated the land at 330 Broad Street to the Lake Geneva Horticultural Society for the building of a home for the Society. The structure was built on that space and remains the home of the Horticultural Society today. The building was completed and dedicated on June 15, 1912.

The building was a unique structure with the great hall emulating an English Guild Hall with high-beamed ceilings and a parquet floor. Robert Malasch and his two sons are credited with building Horticultural Hall at a cost of $3,500.

The building was built around a large grassy courtyard and enclosed to maintain privacy by arcades. In one of the arcades a number of the original stalls for their farmer’s markets lined the way.

“These original stalls are still in place here in the arcade,” said Beth Gallagher, Director of Horticultural Hall.

”Farmers markets continue to be held at Horticultural Hall on Thursdays, in the summer from May to October.”

In 1915 a garden club was organized under the direction of Mrs. Charles Hutchinson. Charles Hutchinson was the president of the Art Institute of Chicago and the owner of a summer home on Geneva Lake known as Wychwood. Because of their love of flowers, Wychwood became known for its beautiful floral displays. The Lake Geneva Garden Club supported

Horticultural Hall and was responsible for elegant flower shows held regularly at the Hall, which continued until 1990.

Horticultural Hall was used for a variety of local events, earning enough money for upkeep of the building but just barely. When the donations from the original stockholders also decreased due to the depression, the building began to fall into disrepair.

By 1947, many of the original stockholders had moved away from the area. Shares of the original stock had been

from top: Pots of flowers are among the items offered at the weekly Farmers Market hosted by Horticultural Hall.

The market is held from weekly from May through October; The inner garden at Horticultural Hall is set up for a wedding.

The garden is a popular spot for couples to say “I do.”

BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2022

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SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Bridal Guide

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mislaid by the owner, some certificates long forgotten, or had become owned by estates. By the 1940s it became increasingly difficult to obtain a quorum of stockholders necessary to conduct the business that would affect the future of Horticultural Hall.

A new direction

The Lake Geneva Garden Club had adopted Horticultural Hall and held flower shows, luncheons, and lectures at the hall for many years. In the late 1940s, there was an attempt to sell Horticultural Hall to the city, as it was becoming more difficult each year to raise enough money to pay taxes and make the repairs necessary to the building.

The city was considering purchasing Horticultural Hall for $17,000 and converting it into a bus station. With the help of the Lake Geneva Garden Club, the plan was defeated.

William Spencer, who was the treasurer of the Horticultural Society, traced down the outstanding shares of stocks and worked with their owners to From the outside, Horticultural Hall, 330 Broad St., Lake Geneva, looks much the same as it did in 1912. Later in the summer green ivySouthern will beLakes seen climbing the building.

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either sell them or release them so that a not-for-profit foundation could be formed.

On April 26, 1952, the Geneva Area Foundation took title to the Hall from the Lake Geneva Horticultural Society.

“Today Horticultural Hall is owned by the Geneva Area Foundation, a 501(C3) corporation. This not-for-profit foundation oversees Horticultural Hall,” said Gallagher. “Profits from any rentals for activities such as weddings are not paid out to anyone. Any such profits go back into repairing and updating the facility.

Recent works have included upgrading lighting and fire warning alert system.”

They are currently replacing the floor in the hall and as it was originally, the new hall will be a parquet floor.

Horticultural Hall is not only known for its unique building but for the beautiful gardens that surround it. Much of the work is provided by volunteers who turn the grounds into a cavalcade of color.

This year a new garden is being added to the north side of the building along with a bench, in honor of Harry Hartshorne a longtime volunteer.

Over the years, the flower shows produced by the Lake Geneva Garden Club attracted area residents and visitors to Horticultural Hall. While they no longer hold flower shows, the Farmer’s Market attracts large crowds who come to purchase fresh locally grown vegetables and flowers along with homemade crafts.

“Our Farmer’s Market does not allow reselling of items. Everything is either grown nearby or made nearby. Many unique crafts can be enjoyed and there are always beautiful flowers for sale,” said Gallagher.

Weddings at the hall

The stately main hall is decked out for a wedding. Horticultural Hall hosts weddings from June to September and remains popular for its distinct architecture and impressive grounds.

COURTESY OF HORTICULTURAL HALL Bridal Guide

almost daily at Horticultural Hall. Perhaps one of the most recognized activities was the first Gen Con organized by Gary Gygax whose company TSR was responsible for the creation of Dungeons and Dragons. They continued to hold Gen Con here until 1978 when it moved to a larger locale.

According to Gallagher, many activities held by local residents including meetings of the Master Gardeners and lectures in conjunction with Black Point Estate.

This year, Gallagher has several projects on her to-do list. These include putting labels on plants so visitors can identify the plant for their own gardens

and reviving education programs, which were discontinued last year because of the pandemic.

Horticultural Hall was honored by a listing on the National register of Historic places in 1999.

The Mission Statement of Horticultural Hall is: “Preserving the architecture, history and beauty of Horticultural Hall for generations to come, while remaining a vibrant community gathering place.”

For more information about Horticultural Hall, 330 Broad St., Lake Geneva, call 262-248-4382, e-mail at direc-tor@horticulturalhall.com or visit www.horticulturalhall.com.

BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2022

Weddings at horticultural Hall remain popular. They provide the hall and tables and chairs for the event. The bridal party chooses their own caterer or can even prepare their own food in the commercial kitchen. The couple can decorate in their own décor patterns or themes.

“Weddings are held from June to September, on Friday and Saturday nights with occasional Sunday weddings,” added Gallagher. “The room will hold up to 160 guests depending on the way it is arranged. The private garden is a beautiful site for the wedding ceremony.”

Baby and wedding showers, unicameral, family reunions, and anniversaries, business dinners, along with community and non-profit events are also enjoyed in the hall. School proms were often held here in the early days. For smaller groups, up to 20, meetings may be held in the arts and crafts style library.

The library was founded as a reference center on horticulture. For weddings this room is used as a bride’s room.

Prior to the pandemic, a large variety of community-based events were held

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Picture perfect wedding day photography tips Few things document weddings more effectively than photographs. Carefully curated wedding albums and portraits hung on walls serve as daily reminders of a couple’s special day.

Photography is often left in the very qualified hands of professional photographers. However, couples can pitch in to make their photos really pop. These picture pointers from industry insiders can help couples put their best smile forward.

Leave ample time

A carefully orchestrated timeline can ensure photos are the best they can be.

Why? Because a couple who is relaxed and not overwhelmed will notice that attitude translates to their photographs.

When planning wedding timelines, couples should leave ample opportunities for getting dressed, chatting with the wedding party and going through various photography settings to grab great photos, advise the experts at Martha Stewart.

Put together a short list

The photographer will have his or her ideas of which shots to cover, but a couple with specific goals in mind should relay that information to their photographer.

For example, if a grandparent is getting up in years, request some solo photos of that person so you can look back on happy times together. Certain couples want to be snapped posing with a beloved pet. Putting that on the list helps ensure it will happen.

Enlist a family photo coordinator

BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2022

If the photographer does not have his or her own assistant, recruit someone who is assertive to help wrangle everyone for the family shots. Attempt to get family photos when family members are relaxed but not too far rumpled by dancing or having a good time.

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Play your style safe

A wedding day is not a time for the bride or groom to try a dramatic new style, according to photographer Amanda Lamb.

Resist the urge for a daring cut or color.

It’s also likely not the place to try out new facial hair or heavy makeup. A couple unaccustomed to the way they look may be shy in front of the camera.

Delve into the details

Prepare wedding details, like gowns, shoes, accessories, etc., in advance to save time once the photographer arrives, suggests Desi Mendoza, a pro from Dez and Tam Photography. Invest in a beautiful hanger for the wedding gown as well,

because you may want to photograph that on its own.

Learn to pose

Couples can practice posing in front of mirrors to get a feel for body positions that put them in their best light. A photographer’s advice in regard to posture is invaluable as well. Create space between arms and the body and learn how to angle the body so you look your best.

Photos will capture wedding day memories forever. Couples can put themselves in the best positions for success by following some photography guidelines.

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It’s all details

IN THE

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

nce the marriage proposal has been made, the engagement ring has been firmly placed on the bride-to-be’s finger and family and friends have been notified of the engagement, it is time to plan the wedding.

While it is a fun and exciting time to bring the wedding of the bride’s dreams to reality, it is also a difficult job to pull everything together for that perfect wedding day. There are so many details to remember that it is not surprising that what should be a fun and exciting time often becomes a stressful event for the couple.

While the obvious items are easily remembered, the dress, the tux, the venue, the caterer, and the DJ or band, the less obvious items are often forgotten until it may be too late to secure them in time for the wedding.

To help walk the couple through this maze that will end with a day dreams are

made of, the help of a wedding planner may be just what is needed to make certain that every detail is in its proper place.

Weddings today are very different from those of years past. Styles range from formal to themed events, such as a Disney wedding, to the currently popular barn weddings – some with a barbecue or country flair.

Wedding planners offer a variety of services from initial planning through the day itself. Usually, they are the first persons to arrive at the venue on the day of the ceremony and the last to leave at night once they are certain that everything has been completed.

Costs and considerations

The cost of hiring a wedding planner should be considered in the total wedding budget. Costs can range from as little as $500 for small event to upwards of $2,500 for total wedding planning. In most cases, however, the money will be well-spent, as the wedding planner will save the couple

time and frustration.

A wedding planner can lead couples to responsible vendors and be certain that everything is ordered in plenty of time for the event so there is no surprise the day of the wedding.

Before hiring a wedding planner couples are advised to sit down and think about their needs. If it is a wedding with many details, hiring a wedding planner to help you develop a timeline and perhaps to handle certain or all aspects of the wedding might be what is needed. For others they may just need help with day of the event activities or just early planning. The number of services required will determine the cost.

If it is time to plan a wedding and it seems overwhelming, a consultation with a wedding planner will help couples decide how much assistance will be needed and how to time the planning. With many weddings postponed to this year because of the pandemic, some couples have had to plan their weddings twice. This year, venues are very busy as they absorb last

Outdoor weddings are popular in the summertime. Many of the venues, such as this one, create a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony.

COURTESY OF EVERLASTING DETAILS Bridal Guide

BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2022

Wedding planners offer advice on pulling off the perfect day

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year’s delayed weddings as well as those originally planned for this year. Bookings for next year are also filling up quickly.

Many venues have what is known as a wedding coordinator or banquet manager working with you but they differ from a wedding planner. The wedding planner is hired separate from the venue and works with all the details leading up to the day and oversees the day of the event.

The wedding coordinator from the venue generally works with the bridal couple on things that the venue is providing. Often their team may leave once the dinner is completed. Most wedding planners stay until the event is complete.

Couples are advised to meet with a wedding planner before hiring to be sure that your personalities and visions complement each other. For the next year or so a wedding planner will become a friend and confidant as you work together to design your dream wedding.

Spirit magazine spoke to two area wedding planners about their services and advice for couples about to take the plunge.

Simply Detailed

Kelly Kunes, Owner www.simplydetailedwedding.com 262-749-4065

Mother-daughter team Debbie and

Kelli Kunes, owners of Simply Detailed, are experienced in organizing large events.

Coming from a large family, they know every party requires a large amount of planning and coordination.

Kelli said that although she had much help planning her own wedding, she realized how much work was involved and recognized the need for wedding planners to assist the bride.

“It became obvious that it was important to take some of the stress off the bride so that planning the wedding was as enjoyable as the day itself,” Kelli said.

“Most bridal couples don’t want to have to set up and take down decorations the day of their wedding. They will enjoy having someone they know and trust completing those tasks while they are able to sit and visit with family and friends.”

Simply Detailed has had experience with wedding planning in a variety of venues in the Geneva Lakes area.

“Whether we are planning a wedding at one of the in-town venues such as Lake Lawn, the Abbey, Stone Manor, the Country Club or in a tent on the grounds of a private lake estate, we are aware of what works best in each venue and will work with the couple to see that their vision is carried through, whichever venue is used,” Kelli said.

She recommends starting the search for the venue at least a year to a year-and-a-

half before the event.

“We prefer to start working with the couple as soon as they decide to marry.

We will help them find a venue that meets their style and budget, and set up a timeline for everything that needs to be considered and ordered, especially blocking in key vendors.”

They will meet to share design ideas including the overall aesthetic of the event, type and design of cake, color and type of chairs, flowers for the wedding party and for the venue, colors to be used in the décor and things such as linens.

They will even deal with details such as sending napkins out to be embroidered if desired.

“Having worked with many of the vendors, we can often get the couple discounts which will help them stretch their budgets. “ On the day of the event, timing is often the most important thing, according to Kelli.

“We are there to be certain that everyone finds the ceremony site if it is at the venue and to get them to their seats in time,” she said. “The photos of the bridal party preparing for the day must be scheduled and allowed ample time; timing of arrival at the venue along with the rental of limousines if needed; keeping the DJ on schedule to announce arrival of the bride and groom and to be certain that the

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A wedding planner is always ready to provide whatever service is needed to keep the wedding on pace. Here Rebekah Schmidt, wedding planner, places a young ring bearer in a wagon to get him ready for the ceremony.

special dances are on the musicians’ lists; cake cutting, speeches and other activities must also be worked into the schedule to keep the party going smoothly.

“And, as we said before, we will be the last to leave, certain that everything is in order.

“Hiring a wedding planner for your wedding is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a wedding that is just as you dream it will be.”

Everlasting Details

5700 312th Avenue • Salem, WI www.everlastingdetails.com 262-497-3112

Rebekah Schmidt opened Everlasting Details in 2016 just a year after her own wedding when she realized the stress of pulling together all the details of a wedding by herself.

While everyone has specific ideas about their wedding, many do not know how to find and organize everything needed to bring that vision to reality.

Rebekah began with a brick-and-mortar store in space that she rented on the grounds of Stein Farms, in Salem, where her wedding was held.

“I have a large collection of décor items, linens, china, and flatware that can

be rented to get the look that the couple wants,” she said. “Seeing the pieces in person makes it easier for some brides to make their choices rather than looking at catalogues.

“Stein Farms is my home venue and most of the weddings I provide the services of wedding planner are held here. And while I do provide wedding planner services to brides planning to use this venue, I do not work for the venue as a wedding planner, just for the bridal couple.”

She does however work for Stein Farms giving tours to prospective brides of the facilities and does provide information about her services but they are free to choose another wedding planner or none at all and do the planning themselves.

“We begin to plan the wedding as soon as they sign the contract with us,” Rebekah said. “It can never be too soon to start collecting the couple’s ideas on how they expect their special day to work.

Many brides are very busy at this time of their lives. Some may be just finishing school out of state making it difficult to look for all the items needed for the wedding.

“Having a wedding planner who starts with a timeline and keeps the couple on track is needed.”

There are various plans to choose

from when hiring a wedding planner. The budget and the amount of help needed will help determine whether the couple just needs minimal help – such as organizing the guest list which includes sending out invitations, communicating guest counts to vendors and arranging out of town guest accommodations and transportation and other services – or do they prefer to have full day of the event coordination.

“We will meet with the couple and help them determine how to best be certain that their wedding is perfect,” Rebekah said.

“Day-of coordination is really more involved than the name sounds. We will begin planning for the day several months in advance,” she explained. “This service includes the rehearsal as well as the day of the service where every movement and event are tracked to make sure that everything happens as needed and no one forgets anything.

“A detailed day of service timeline will be created together. I will keep the flow of the guests moving through each phase of the wedding. Rehearsal is not limited to just one run-through but can be repeated as needed until everyone knows when to walk and when to pause and are comfortable with their role.”

A wedding planner can also do the complete wedding planning starting

BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2022

COURTESY OF EVERLASTING DETAILS Bridal Guide

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BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2022

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COURTESY OF SIMPLY DETAILED Bridal Guide

with working with the couple to find a venue and every little step needed from there until the culmination of the important day. In addition to the packages offered by Everlasting Details, custom packages can be created to meet the needs of the individual bridal couple.

“The important thing is that the wedding day be as beautiful and perfect as the couple dreams of,” Rebekah said. “The most rewarding is receiving feedback from the couple that reflects their happiness with their wedding day.”

A romantic and very dramatic way to arrive at your wedding venue is in a boat lined with beautiful flowers while guests observe from the shore. inset: Timing of events the day of the wedding is important and the wedding planner makes certain that everything is scheduled on time such as this “getting ready” photograph of the bride before the wedding ceremony.

KRISTINE LORRAINE PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SIMPLY DETAILED Bridal Guide

microwedding

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been far-reaching. People from all walks of life have had to confront the pandemic and the changes it wrought, and many of those changes could have some staying power.

Wedding industry experts note that one of the more noticeable and potentially long-lasting effects of the pandemic has been the rise of microweddings. The 2020 Real Weddings Study (COVID-19 Edition) found that 58% of couples who planned to get married in 2020 ended up reducing their guest list by a significant percentage. The average reduction was 41%, and some suspect small ceremonies may be the new normal in the years ahead.

Microweddings

Microweddings are not necessarily a new trend, as couples have always had the option of getting married with only a small number of family and friends in attendance.

However, microweddings could be an emerging trend, and cost may have a lot to do with that. The Wedding Planner Institute notes that microweddings cost anywhere from $1,600 to $10,000, though

the group notes that most microweddings fall somewhere in the middle of that range.

A 2020 survey from TD Ameritrade found that 47% of respondents felt that cost of living was the biggest threat to their financial security and long-term investments. Engaged couples confronting the well-documented post-pandemic increase in cost of living, including an unprecedented rise in housing costs, could see expensive weddings as luxuries they simply can’t afford. Microweddings could be viewed as a cost-effective way to combat the rising cost of living that still allows couples to share their big day with their closest friends and family members.

The WPI has urged wedding planners to offer microwedding packages in an effort to capitalize on this emerging trend.

Data from The Wedding Report indicated that the total number of weddings would rise to 2.77 million in 2021, an increase of roughly 650,000 over the yearly average.

Even if only a fraction of couples who tie the knot in 2022 opt for a microwedding, a preexisting microwedding package can help wedding planners secure their business. Couples

who opt for microweddings may do so to save money, but also to avoid the effort and save the time required to plan more lavish affairs. Such couples may be especially excited to work with wedding planners who can plan their weddings regardless of how small the affair may be.

What goes into a microwedding

Nothing should be off the table when planning a microwedding. The fewer the people who will be there, the more freedom planners and couples may have.

The WPI notes that microweddings afford planners and couples the chance to get personal in ways that may not be possible when organizing larger affairs.

Planners can focus on small details and allow couples to make their ceremonies and receptions as personal as they would like.

Couples who prefer microweddings tend to emphasize minimalism, so keeping things simple is something to keep in mind when planning microweddings.

Microweddings are an emerging trend that make for a realistic option for couples and the people they hire to help them plan their big day.

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BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2022

THE RISE OF THE

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Plan your special wedding reception at the Rotary River Center in beautiful Riverside Park, Beloit, Wisconsin

BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2022

The Rotary River Center is a beautiful 3,000 sq. ft. structure that overlooks the scenic Rock River. It is the perfect setting for events of all kinds and is provided at an incredibly low rate! The center is equipped to seat 120, but has a maximum capacity of 266. You are welcome to bring in additional chairs and tables to accommodate your needs. There is a serving kitchen with a coffee maker, large refrigeration unit and sinks, two restrooms, central air conditioning, storage closets and furniture including: 120 chairs, 3 round tables, 9 oval tables and 8 banquet tables. The building is also equipped with a public address system, floor lectern, and a screen for overheads, slide shows or films.

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• Excellent facilities indoors and outdoors • Located on the beautiful Rock River and Riverwalk • Turtle Island Playland nearby • Excellent photo opportunities • Reasonable Rates For Formore moreinformation information and andreservations: reservations: City of of Beloit Parks Services City Beloit Parks&&Leisure Recreation PleasantCourt, St., Beloit 23511003 Springbrook Beloit

(608) (608)364-2890 364-2890

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