Winter Bridal 2024

A LOCAL GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR PERFECT DAY

To Have To Hold

&

• ideas • photos • advice • fashion • receptions

...and more A publication of

Rock Valley Publishing WINTER

2024

BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2024

Reasons to hire a

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wedding planner

The average cost of a wedding in 2022 in the United States came out to roughly $30,000, according to a survey of 12,000 couples compiled by wedding planning site The Knot.

When committing to as significant a financial investment as a wedding, couples may want to do all they can to ensure their big day is a hit. There are many advantages to hiring a professional wedding planner, who can take the stress out of a process that should be fun.

Here are several reasons to consider hiring a wedding planner:

appointments, dealing with vendors, conducting walk-throughs of locations, and more. This can be a big asset to couples who work full-time.

Serves as a sounding board

Helps couples save money

Wedding planners can take couples’ ideas and turn them into reality. Seasoned planners know how to help a couple’s vision come alive.

Knowledge and experience also comes with contacts in the industry that can help couples save money.

The planner likely knows where to get the best deals and may be privy to insider pricing and other discounts.

Lightens the responsibility load A wedding planner takes time-consuming responsibilities off couples’ plates.

These can include scheduling

Offers a wealth of knowledge A good wedding planner has years of experience handling weddings and will know which aspects will work and which may not.

Also, a wedding planner can likely handle tasks expeditiously, while couples with no experience planning a wedding may not work so quickly.

Serves as a buffer While everyone wants weddings to be incident-free, conflicts can and do arise. A

wedding planner can serve as a mediator or run interference between challenging family members or even vendors.

Reduces overall stress levels There’s a measurable difference between the stress experienced by couples who don’t hire wedding planners and those who do.

The main goal of a wedding is for it to be memorable and for couples and their guests to enjoy themselves. By leaving the planning to someone else, couples can arrive at the big day feeling more relaxed and ready to have fun.

There is an extra person around Wedding planers can field questions or handle tipping and other tasks on the wedding day, freeing up time for couples to have fun.

Wedding planners can provide support, expertise, company, and industry contacts to make weddings go smoothly.

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There are many advantages to hiring a professional wedding planner, who can take the stress out of a process that should be fun.

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Capturing the memorable moments of a wedding is a necessity. Hiring a talented photographer is an important component of wedding preparations.

The best way to preserve a wedding day for years to come is through photographs and videography.

The Knot 2022 Real Weddings Study indicates 88 percent of survey respondents hired photographers for their weddings, and the average cost for a professional photographer is around $2,600.

When couples begin to vet local photographers, they quickly will learn that many photographers bundle their services into packages. Each package will contain some standard offerings, which typically expand as the price goes up.

Although each photographer will

TO andHAVE to hold A publication of Rock Valley Publishing

do things a little differently, here is a generalized idea of what wedding photography packages may entail.

package and price.

Proofs and processed photos typically are shared through an online link.

Base photo package

Intermediate photo package

The base package likely will include the services of one photographer and potentially a helper. The photographer will be available for a predetermined period of time to capture both the ceremony and the reception.

This package will include an agreed upon number of edited proofs, of which the couple can choose a specific number that will be processed for viewing, sharing or printing.

The photographer may sign over print rights, or you may need to use them exclusively for prints depending on the

An intermediate photo package will build on the base and will include additional services. The photographer may take photos at a set number of alternative locations. This can be advantageous if you’d like to take photos at a nearby park or seaside location.

This package also may extend how long the photographer will be with you, with some arriving early to take “getting dressed” photographs.

Intermediate packages may include

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BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2024

Popular wedding photography packages

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Tips to plan a perfect

honeymoon

Couples have much to look forward to when planning their weddings. In addition to the momentous occasion when they say, “I do,” couples can look ahead with excitement as they anticipate spending time with family and friends in a fun setting.

Though the wedding day is the focal point of couples’ planning efforts, the postwedding honeymoon also merits ample consideration.

A honeymoon is the first trip many couples take together after tying the knot, and many will never forget this special excursion.

As couples pore over the details of wedding planning, they may want to consider these tips to ensure their honeymoon is a trip to remember for a lifetime.

Identify your dream trip There are no rules regarding honeymoons. Though couples’ budgets and professional obligations may factor into where they can go and how long their honeymoon can be, couples can discuss their dream trips and then determine if they can make those dreams come true on their honeymoon.

Couples who have always aspired to backpack through Europe should consider that a possible honeymoon trip. If a food tour of Italy is on couples’ bucket list, then investigate how feasible that might be for your honeymoon.

Stay up on current events

BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2024

It can be easy for couples to get lost in the weeds while planning their weddings and miss what’s going on across the globe.

However, knowledge of current events can be vital when planning a honeymoon.

Faraway and exotic locales may seem tailor-made for a honeymoon, but that’s only the case if such destinations are not plagued by civil unrest, conflict, natural disasters, or other events that can affect how safe it is to visit such places.

The U.S. Department of State maintains a free, easily accessible list of travel advisories at travel.state.gov.

Couples are urged to visit the site before booking their honeymoon, particularly if they hope to travel internationally.

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Consider amenities and all-inclusive packages

As couples pore over the details of wedding planning, they may want to consider these tips to ensure their honeymoon is a trip to remember for a lifetime.

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All-inclusive packages can be a great deal, particularly for couples who want their honeymoon to be all about relaxing at a single resort destination.

Packages that are all-inclusive cover the cost of food and most beverages, making these options both convenient and budget friendly. When going this route, couples also should decide which amenities they want to access on their trip.

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Area bridal fairs offer ideas and solutions For those planning a wedding – whether it is this year, next year or even two years from now – it’s not too soon to begin the process of choosing a venue, dress, tuxedo, and all the other details needed to make the wedding of your dreams become a reality.

For many couples, finding businesses in the area that provide the many small details for a successful wedding requires research, time, and travel to a variety of venues.

The traditional bridal fair or expo, which provides an easy one-stop shop for a variety of venues and vendors, remains an attractive option for couples getting started in the planning process. Bridal fairs put attendees in touch with latest trends and styles.

Here are a couple area shows planned:

Lake Geneva Winter Bridal Expo On Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Lake Geneva Winter Bridal Expo will be held at the Riviera Ballroom, 812 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Whether you’re a bride-to-be, a groomin-waiting, or part of the wedding party, this in-person event is worth a stop,

according to organizers.

Discover the latest trends in wedding fashion, decor, and more. Meet talented local vendors who can turn your dream wedding into a reality.

From stunning venues to delectable cakes, you’ll find everything you need to plan your special day. Get inspired by breathtaking displays, sample delicious treats, and take advantage of exclusive deals.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to kick-start your wedding planning journey. Mark your calendars and get ready to say “I do” to the Lake Geneva Winter Bridal Expo 2024.

For more information, including tickets, visit lgwinterbridalexpo.com.

wedding vendors.

The event will feature great giveaways and two fashion shows.

Veteran’s Terrace Bridal Show On Saturday, Feb. 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Veteran’s Terrace Bridal Show will be held at 589 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington, Wisconsin.

Come to the beautiful Veteran’s Terrace Bridal Show. It’s sure to make your wedding planning easier, organizers said.

Visit local wedding vendors, tour the beautiful venue and meet the area’s finest

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Access to a gym and/or spa, activities like parasailing, and other perks are just some of the potential amenities couples can look for as they choose a honeymoon destination.

Collaborate

BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2024

A honeymoon may be the first trip couples take after tying the knot, and it can lay the foundation for future collaborative efforts.

Planning travel is not always so easy, so couples can work together and make any necessary concessions, so each person gets what they want out of the trip.

Some simple strategies can help couples plan and enjoy a honeymoon they are likely to remember for a lifetime.

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Dig into these wedding cake options

Something sweet comes near the end of a wedding reception and that is the joy the couple experiences knowing they have their entire lives ahead of them to enjoy together. However, there is another sweet treat that is shared during the celebration and it is typically served with tea and coffee: the wedding cake.

Wedding cake traditions can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Cakes represented good luck and fertility for the couples tying the knot.

The first wedding cakes were rather bland and breadlike, representing purity and virginity. Some were quite like the fruitcake now enjoyed during the holiday season.

Eventually wedding cakes transformed into the sweet confections that are known today.

The modern wedding cake as most know it debuted at the 1882 wedding of Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany. His wedding cake was actually the first to be completely edible.

Previously, some cakes featured wooden broomstick pillars covered in icing, but the Duke’s cake used a hardened type of icing, according to Edible Art Bakery and Dessert Café.

Couples today have many options when picking their wedding cakes. The following are some wedding cake tidbits to chew on.

BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2024

Couples can choose among various cake styles

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Many opt for a classic style, which is typically a white or ivory tiered cake with simple, elegant decorations.

Rustic cakes may be much less ornate, while modern cakes may be rectangular or square and feature clean lines and minimalist decoration.

The cake should fit the overall theme and scope of the wedding as it is another complementary component of the larger celebration.

Wedding cakes can be quite costly Wedding Wire estimates the average wedding cake costs around $500. One way for couples to save on their cake is to have a faux cake on display, with one tier that is made from cake and can be cut.

Guests will then be served slices of a

Couples today have many options when picking their wedding cakes. From various cake styles to cake and frosting flavors as well as cost, there are plenty of choices to take into consideration.

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sheet cake that is much less expensive.

Couples have many flavors to choose from Vanilla is classic and quite popular because it appeals to a vast number of people.

Lemon, chocolate, and carrot are some other popular cake flavors.

Frosting When it comes to frosting a cake, there are various outer coatings that will encapsulate the cake to make it both beautiful and durable.

Buttercream, Swiss meringue, fondant, cream cheese, and ganache all can be used in various applications. Some bakers attest that Swiss meringue, due to the addition of egg whites, makes it a more stable option over traditional

buttercreams, particularly during warm weather.

Of course, couples can opt for a “naked cake,” which usually has a scant amount of frosting so that the cake underneath peeks through.

Groom’s cake A groom’s cake used to be tradition, but largely fell out of favor, although it is still alive and well in the American South.

The groom’s cake typically is less ornate than the wedding cake, and favors the groom’s choices in style, interests and flavors.

Couples and their guests look forward to indulging in wedding cake during the reception. The looks and flavors of a wedding cake can be as unique as the couple saying, “I do.”

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Plenty of love and effort goes into coordinating a dream wedding. Although the happy couple garners most of the spotlight on such momentous occasions, they’re not the only ones who will feature prominently in the wedding.

The wedding party is made up of bridesmaids, groomsmen, a ring bearer, a flower girl, ushers, and other guests of honor, such as a couple’s parents.

The wedding resource The Knot reports that old school etiquette once indicated there should be one groomsman and one corresponding bridesmaid for every 50 guests, although four bridesmaids and four groomsmen tend to be the average nowadays.

Choosing who will be included in the wedding party requires forethought and should not be rushed. The rule of thumb is to ask roughly a year to eight months before the wedding so those asked have time to prepare.

When that time comes, these fun ideas

can help couples invite loved ones to be in the wedding party with style.

SAY IT WITH A TREAT

items into gift bags for those special people you want to stand by your side on your wedding day.

High-end grooming products, jewelry, electronics accessories, and more can be great gifts for those who are likely to be in your wedding party.

Remember those heart-shaped candies that come out at Valentine’s Day that are printed with various sentiments, like “Be mine”?

GIFT ROBES OR T-SHIRTS Replicate the idea by giving prospective wedding party members cookies iced to Plan ahead for staged and coordinated look like tuxedos and bridesmaid gowns photos by purchasing matching robes or with a phrase like “Will you?”

T-shirts for all the besties in the wedding party.

GIVE PERSONALIZED DRINKWARE Those who are up for having a good time will have no problem wearing the Whether it’s wine glasses or flasks, matching outfits when out for weddinghave drinkware engraved with the names of who is being asked so that everyone can related events. toast when they say yes.

In the event that someone declines, that person will still have a thoughtful momento.

MAKE CUSTOM SCRATCH-OFF CARDS This is one gamble that is likely to pay off when you present loved ones and friends with scratch-off tickets that reveal the question, “Will you be my bridesmaid/ groomsman?”

PUT TOGETHER SWAG BAGS Take a page out of fashion shows or celebrity parties and package some luxury

FILL BALLOONS WITH CONFETTI AND MESSAGES Ask friends and loved ones to pop balloons to reveal your request that they be in the wedding party.

Engaged couples may have many close friends and loved ones they want to stand by their side during the wedding. There are plenty of fun ways to ask them to be part of the celebration.

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There are a wide variety of fun ideas that can help couples invite loved ones to be in the wedding party with style.

BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2024

Clever ways to invite people to be in your wedding party

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PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGES • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 a full printed and bound wedding album for the couple and print rights to even more processed photos in an online gallery for sharing.

This package also may allow couples to share the gallery with others so they can view and print their own photos.

Advanced photo package A soup-to-nuts photography package is often the most expensive and extensive package a photographer offers. It may include an all-day commitment from the photographer and an assistant, unlimited locations for photo shoots, exclusive print rights to the couple for any photos that have been captured and processed, and other perks like extensive retouching and photo editing of photographs.

More inclusive packages also may include engagement photo sessions and even after-wedding bookings for post-honeymoon or first anniversary shoots.

In addition to online galleries and a printed wedding album, an advanced package may feature albums for parents and matted and framed portraits.

If the photographer contracts with a videographer, packages also may combine photo and video services and share the digital files accordingly.

Photographers often have various packages that can accommodate couples working on budgets of various sizes.

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With so much on their dockets in relation to wedding planning, engaged couples can be forgiven if certain components garner less attention than others.

The ceremony and reception are bound to stay on couples’ radar, but what about the time in between saying, “I do” and cutting a rug on the reception room dance floor?

Cocktail hours are a great way to keep guests entertained between the ceremony and the reception. Many couples use this period to take their bridal party wedding photos, so offering guests a little food and some drinks during a cocktail hour can benefit everyone.

Planning a cocktail hour is not a significant undertaking, but couples can keep a few pointers in mind as they plan

OPT FOR AN OUTDOOR COCKTAIL HOUR WHEN POSSIBLE Couples tying the knot in spring, summer or fall at a venue with ample outdoor entertaining space can choose to host the cocktail hour outside.

This reduces the likelihood that guests will feel cramped and it also sets a positive tone for the remainder of the evening. A balcony, patio or rooftop entertaining area can be great spaces for guests to mingle prior to the reception.

OFFER SEATING Cocktail hours tend be stand-up affairs where guests mingle with long-lost friends or relatives while enjoying some light hors d’oeuvres. However, older guests or guests with small children will appreciate some seating.

Couples need not ensure there’s a seat for each guest, but some strategically located high-tops and more traditional tables for guests with mobility issues can ensure anyone who needs to sit down can do so.

GIVE GUESTS SOMETHING TO DO If the cocktail hour will be a full hour or more, couples can consider ways to help guests pass the time. Some may be

content to relax and chat with friends and family over a drink, but others may grow a little bored as the hour drags on.

A photobooth or selfie station so couples can have a ready-made wedding album before the reception begins can be fun for guests. For less formal affairs, consider providing some popular outdoor games, like cornhole and bocce.

SET A TONE WITH MUSIC Music can help set the tone for a cocktail hour, which is not meant to get the ball rolling on the dancing-heavy revelry to come during the reception.

Some simple instrumental music, whether it’s provided by a live string quartet or pre-recorded, can establish the cocktail hour as a peaceful period to relax, chat, eat a little, and enjoy a drink before the reception begins.

Reserve the dance music for when the reception hits full swing.

It’s easy to overlook the cocktail hour when planning a wedding. However, some simple tips can ensure guests enjoy the time between the ceremony and reception.

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Planning a cocktail hour is not a significant undertaking, but couples can keep a few pointers in mind as they plan this interim period between the ceremony and reception.

BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2024

Simple tips to plan a fun and relaxing cocktail hour

this interim period between the ceremony and reception.

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Though it’s been a while since the poll was conducted, in 2017 the data-tracking firm Wedding Report surveyed couples who had recently tied the knot, and one of the questions participants answered concerned who officiated their weddings.

Roughly 25 percent of couples indicated a friend or family member had served as their wedding officiant, and that figure pales in comparison to older studies, one of which determined the number was around 40 percent.

But anyone who has attended more than one wedding in recent years has likely noticed that it’s no longer unique to see laypersons officiate a wedding instead of more traditional officiants, which historically has meant clergy or other individuals with some formal affiliation with a house of worship.

Though local or provincial governments may have their own unique rules and restrictions, in many places it’s easy and open to anyone to become a licensed officiant.

Couples who want a friend or family member to officiate their wedding are urged to make that request well in advance of their wedding, which can assure the person has ample time to complete the licensing process.

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Roughly 25 percent of couples indicated a friend or family member had served as their wedding officiant.

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Origins of time-honored wedding traditions Weddings are special events that celebrate two individuals’ love for one another. Weddings bring together friends and family to witness couples share vows and devote their lives to each other.

Wedding guests recognize that certain components are commonplace in ceremonies and receptions. Perhaps you were once a ring bearer or caught the bouquet? There’s a rich history behind the traditions that feature prominently at many weddings. Here’s a look at traditions past and present and the meaning behind these customs.

MARRIAGE The custom of marriage can be traced back thousands of years to when hunters and gatherers started coming together to form societies and farm land. In order to ensure the success of communities, couplings were developed to produce offspring and maintain households.

TIE THE KNOT Getting married is sometimes referred to as “tying the knot.” This stems from the custom of “handfasting,” which is a common practice among various cultures around the world, and notably in ancient Rome. The bride

and groom’s hands are tied together for the duration of the ceremony, not to be released until the wedding is made official. This isn’t something you see too often at modern weddings, but can be something unique couples may want to consider.

BRIDAL BOUQUET

A bouquet of beautiful flowers is held by the bride on her wedding day. Roses, orchids, peonies, and other fragrant blooms are often included, but in ancient times brides’ bouquets were likely made of herbs. According to the resource Minted Weddings, these aromatic herbs were used to ward off evil spirits.

VEIL Evil spirits also were the basis for the wearing of bridal veils, as they were utilized to hide brides from these miscreants. Veils now are more style than substance.

BRIDESMAIDS In ancient Rome, bridesmaids were tasked with protecting the bride. They wore the same dresses as the bride to confuse evil spirits from finding the soon-to-be-betrothed and cursing her. Today’s bridesmaids are less decoy and more helper. They may wear

similar dresses to the bride and one another, but they aren’t trying to fool any spirits.

TOSSING RICE

Rice and grains were long regarded as signs of prosperity and fertility, according to the gifting company Personal Creations.

Therefore, couples were showered with rice to ensure their good fortune. Consumption of uncooked rice has been proven to be detrimental to some wildlife, so rice has now been widely replaced with bubbles or birdseed.

CUTTING THE CAKE At the reception, many couples link hands and make the first cut in their wedding cakes. Wedding Wire says it’s a tradition that around 80 percent of wedding couples partake in. It is believed this tradition symbolizes the couple’s first official task performed together, and marks the promise to support and take care of one another throughout the marriage.

However, in the past, brides were responsible for cutting the wedding cake alone and distributed slices to guests to aid in fertility, according to BakingNook.com.

Weddings are full of traditions with interesting histories.

A number of variables affect how much engaged couples will spend on their weddings. Personal preferences, location and the season in which couples get married are just some of the factors that can affect the final cost of a wedding.

However, one aspect couples can count on regarding wedding spending is the reception will likely require the most significant financial investment.

The Knot 2022 Real Weddings Study found that the average cost of a wedding that year was $30,000. The study also found that the biggest investment couples make is the venue.

Couples indicated they spent about 37 percent of their overall budget on a wedding venue. Obviously, it varies as some couples may spend more than that while others may spend less.

However, engaged couples currently planning their weddings should know that the cost of the venue where they will tie the knot will likely end up requiring the most significant investment of any component related to their wedding.

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A study by The Knot Real Weddings found that the average cost of a wedding in 2022 was $30,000. It also revealed that the biggest investment couples make is the venue.

BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2024

Did you know?

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BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2024

What to know when picking a wedding reception menu

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Lots of details require a decision when planning a wedding. Engaged couples may or may not enjoy tending to much of the minutiae involved in wedding planning, but the reception menu is typically one popular point of interest.

When picking a wedding reception menu, couples typically get to sit down with their venue operator or caterer and take a taste test so they can decide what to include and exclude come the big night.

That typically results in some happy hearts and full bellies.

But there’s more to picking a reception menu than taste, and the following are some pointers couples can consider as they aim to provide a tasty meal for their wedding guests.

• Resist the urge to make the menu reflect your personal preference. Couples, particularly those footing the bill for their own weddings, may be tempted to pick exclusively foods they like for the reception.

Though it’s important that couples get to enjoy their first meal together after tying the knot, it’s good to ensure

that guests get to have an enjoyable meal as well. Resist any urge to let personal preferences dictate the menu, particularly if you have a restrictive diet.

For example, vegans need not insist everyone eat a vegan meal at the reception nor should meat lovers insist that every plate end up with some red meat on it.

Diversify the menu so people with various preferences can fill up and enjoy their dinner.

• Inquire about food allergies. When inviting guests, ask them to cite any food allergies they may have when they RSVP. Many banquet halls and caterers are now accustomed to accommodating diners with food allergies, but the earlier that information is communicated, the more time couples have to pick delicious foods that won’t compromise the health of guests who must avoid certain dishes or ingredients.

• Align food with degree of formality.

It’s important that couples consider the ambiance of the wedding when picking a reception menu.

A pig roast might be ideal for a backyard wedding, but something more formal is called for when dining in a lavishly decorated banquet hall. Couples can keep this in mind when choosing the menu.

It’s also notable that caterers tend to have a creative side, so they might be able to present certain foods in ways that match the vibe of the wedding even if those dishes would not ordinarily align with the ambiance of the reception.

• Leave the experimentation to the

cocktail hour. If couples have certain exotic foods in mind, they can still serve those items but do so during the cocktail hour.

Guests can simply turn down the chance to try exotic foods during the cocktail hour without going hungry. But a sit-down dinner should ensure every guest has something to fill their belly.

Picking a reception menu is a fun and filling component of wedding planning.

Keeping some simple pointers in mind can help couples pick a menu everyone can enjoy.

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There are numerous pointers couples can consider as they aim to provide a tasty meal for their wedding guests.

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How to pick the perfect wedding dress

DON’T GET HUNG UP ON PERFECTION Many brides get caught up as they search for the one dress they consider perfect. No dress is likely to check every box. Getting hung up on a desire to

find a dress that has it all may make it hard to see the beauty in other dresses.

Remember, with the talents of an experienced tailor or seamstress, most dresses can be tweaked to suit your vision of the ideal gown.

CONSIDER THE SEASON Getting married during the hazy and humid days of summer is an entirely different experience than tying the knot during the heart of winter. The fabric of the wedding dress should complement the season, whether it’s lightweight and breezy for a warm day, or more substantial and cozy when darting to the ceremony in snowfall.

FLATTER YOUR FIGURE Chances are brides-to-be know which cuts and styles are most flattering. Mimic those style choices in the wedding dress.

If you want to take focus off of full hips, choose a basque or asymmetrical waistline.

Gowns with substantial straps or higher necklines may be better if you have a larger chest. Sheath and mermaid style gowns are options if you are confident

with your figure and want to show off your curves.

TRY A BIT OF THIS AND THAT Don’t go into a wedding dress appointment with firm parameters.

Although you may have a ball gown style in mind, after trying on other options something with a less voluminous silhouette may actually catch your eye.

Many brides also automatically defer to strapless gowns, when various straps and sleeves can be very appealing.

ARRIVE WITH A FIRM BUDGET Weddings can be costly. It’s important to set a budget for the wedding dress just as you will with other expenses.

There are plenty of dress designers across a wide spectrum of price points.

A willingness to consider and ultimately purchase a less costly dress can help you stay on budget.

Browsing through magazines and looking online can provide wedding dress inspiration as well. Also, when in doubt, defer to the experts at bridal shops who have experience choosing dresses that brides are inclined to love.

Many brides also automatically defer to strapless gowns, when various straps and sleeves can be very appealing.

BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2024

Planning a wedding requires making many different decisions. The choice of wedding attire is among the most crucial decisions that couples must make.

Whether the wedding is traditional or customized to suit couples’ personalities, brides and grooms want to look their best when they say, “I do.”

Many brides-to-be spend a significant amount of time looking for their ideal wedding dresses. What defines the right gown depends on personal preference and is unique to the person doing the search.

For example, a dress that sets a fairy tale scene for one bride may not necessarily align with the tastes of another.

According to Bridal Atelier, the average bride-to-be tries on try three to seven dresses before finding the right one. The following tips can help those shopping for dresses find a look that makes their big day even more special.

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A guide to wedding day floral arrangements Various elements come together to complete a wedding day visual. Floral arrangements are one such component that can create a special and awe-inspiring ambiance.

Flowers appeal to at least three of the senses.

Their delicate aroma can help a venue smell fresh and inviting. And it’s hard to deny the visual appeal of a stunning floral arrangement. There are colors, sizes, textures, and much more that can cater to any theme.

In addition, flowers can add a tactile element, even if guests do not going around touching the blooms.

Flowers convey so much during weddings that it’s important to make finding a florist a priority, according to the wedding resource The Knot. The following is a guide to understanding floral arrangements that may be included in a wedding.

BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2024

BOUQUETS, CORSAGES AND BOUTONNIERES

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The wedding party, bride, groom, and parents of the couple are set apart from others at the wedding ceremony by the special flowers on their attire and in their hands, among other indicators.

Boutonnieres are a single bud pinned to the left side of a gentleman’s jacket.

Corsages can be attached to a dress, but are now often worn on the wrist.

Bouquets are held in hand. They can be a few flowers gathered together, or more extensive displays. Bouquets may feature bare stems, or stems may be bound and hidden beneath ribbon and fabric.

Some couples also have a small tossing bouquet to use later in the day. Flower petals for a flower girl to drop down the aisle also may be part of the floral plan.

CEREMONY FLOWERS Guests often are first introduced to floral arrangements at the wedding ceremony.

Potted or vase-encased flowers may bookend the couple at the altar. Seats or pews may be adorned with flower sprays to draw attention to the aisle, known as aisle markers. These are subtle choices that enhance the ceremony space.

RECEPTION COMPONENTS

hanging like a floral backdrop for photo opportunities.

TIPS AND TRICKS Couples should create a list of everywhere they would like to use flowers and present it, along with magazine clippings or planning boards, to show florists what they have in mind when shopping services, according to Hummingbird Wedding Advice. A 2021 survey from The Knot reported that the average cost for wedding flowers was $2,300. It’s important to set a strict budget so florists can present ideas that are in line with what couples can spend. Many expensive looks can be replicated with inseason flowers or less costly alternatives.

Flowers are an important part of the wedding day and should be incorporated into couples’ budgets.

Flowers may truly shine during the reception. They’re one of the most important components when decorating the space.

Flowers serve as centerpieces, so the guest list and the number of tables will dictate how many centerpieces are required. These centerpieces can be elaborate or simply a few loose flowers in vases.

Florists can customize the look depending on couples’ budgets. Some additional reception flowers can include installations on arches or on anything

Flowers are an important part of the wedding day and should be incorporated into couples’ budgets.

METRO CREATIVE PHOTO Winter Bridal

Tips when toasting the happy couple

INTRODUCE YOURSELF Unless it’s a very intimate affair with only a handful of well-acquainted guests, introduce yourself before beginning your

toast. This not only ensures everyone recognizes who you are, but also provides a simple way to begin your comments without feeling a need to impress.

KEEP THINGS LIGHTHEARTED Though it’s best to avoid being too informal, a lighthearted toast with a funny anecdote and/or a joke or two can help to maintain the jovial vibe of the reception.

EXPLAIN YOUR RELATIONSHIP Maids of honor and best men are often chosen because they have a special relationship with the bride or groom. So it’s alright to give a brief explanation of that relationship and explain how much it means to you during the toast.

TOAST THE COUPLE Even though most people toasting at a wedding have a special connection with just one half of the newly married couple, it’s normal to toast the new couple and their happiness before closing your remarks. If you want to toast each person when delivering your remarks, speak to your counterpart (i.e., a maid of honor if you’re the best man, or vice versa) for some special insight.

KEEP YOUR TOAST SHORT Toasts need not be lengthy. In fact, toasts should be on the shorter side so everyone tasked with delivering a toast can do so in a reasonable amount of time.

AVOID WINGING IT Plan your remarks ahead of time, even writing down your toast or at least organizing your ideas before you’re handed the microphone. Winging it might seem like an option, but if you speak off-the-cuff you’ll likely find yourself rambling and going off course. Planning also allows time to practice your remarks before the big day, which also can help to calm your nerves.

REMEMBER YOU’RE AMONG FRIENDS If need be, remind yourself before your toast that you’re among friends. Speaking to a room full of people you know or are at least familiar with should help you avoid the nervousness that can come with speaking to a room filled with strangers.

Toasts are a beloved wedding tradition.

People tasked with toasting the happy couple can follow some simple strategies to stay calm and deliver remarks couples will remember forever.

As a couple’s big day draws near, those trusted with toasting the newlyweds can consider these tips.

BRIDAL GUIDE - WINTER 2024

Many special moments unfold during a couple’s wedding day. A bride’s walk down the aisle, a married couple’s first dance together and, of course, the moment couples say “I do” are just a few of the many memorable moments to take place during a wedding.

Another memorable moment, and one that couples have little to no control over, is the wedding toast. Toasting is a tradition that some historians trace to ancient Greece, which should give nervous toasters-to-be a little more confidence as the wedding day approaches. After all, given the lengthy history of toasting, it’s likely that millions of people have toasted happy couples over the years. If millions of others can do it, then so can this year’s crop of best men, maids of honor and proud parents who will be asked to raise a glass to happy couples. As a couple’s big day draws near, those trusted with toasting the newlyweds can consider these tips.

METRO CREATIVE PHOTO Winter Bridal

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