The Globe Bridal Guide Summer 2017

Bridal Guide SUMMER 2017

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE GLOBE

The Perfect Setting Elegance. Fun. Your Day. Your Way. We are the perfect place to host your event — large or small. We offer meeting spaces for any size group from 20 to 500 people. The Worthington Event Center is conveniently connected to the Comfort Suites via an enclosed walkway, providing a relaxing retreat for guests before and after your event. We have the whole package — everything you need.

Join us for our

Bridal Event Sunday, November 19th, 2017 1 to 4 PM Runway Show 3:30 PM

001587575r1

Food, drinks, giveaways and more!

507-295-9185 ◆ 1447 Pr airie Dr. ◆ Worthington

BRIDAL GUIDE

The Globe

• Wednesday, June 7, 2017 • S3

Wiertzemas charmed by winter wedding, Worthington Event Center Family and friends insert perfect touches for warm wedding

Mandy and Brian are blessed with a bountiful bunch of friends and family members, many of whom ended up playing important roles in their WORTHINGTON — Winter weddings aren’t hot special day. with every couple, but Mandy and Brian Wiertzema “My sister, Meghann Westover of Studio West were totally chill about their January date.

Photography in Westbrook, took our engagement “Both of us are fans of cooler weather,” photos last summer when we were on a fishing explained Mandy, “and I always thought a vacation in Canada,” Mandy explained. wedding around Christmastime would be beautiful, “And a friend, Steph Van Dyke of Van Dyke especially with fresh snow, but we didn’t want it Studios, took our formal wedding photos while my aunt and uncle, Marilyn and Scott Korsten, to be right during the holidays, either.

“We landed on Jan. 7, and Brian jokes it’s a good took candids and shot the video of our wedding ceremony.” date for him because it’s so easy to remember — The couple’s late afternoon ceremony took 1-7-17,” she laughed.

Mandy, the daughter of Mark and Linda Warner, place at Mandy’s home church — Old Westbrook Special to The Globe Lutheran Church — in rural Westbrook. grew up in the Westbrook/Walnut Grove area Brian and Mandy Wiertzema pose on their wedding while Brian, the son of David and Jerre Wiertzema, WIERTZEMA, S4 date of Jan. 7, 2017. now of Adrian, spent his formative years on the family farm east of Ellsworth.

Today, the couple makes their home on the Wiertzema family farm, with Brian commuting to Minnesota Soybean Processors in Brewster for his job as a commercial merchandiser and Mandy driving to Harrisburg, S.D., where she is a sales manager for Showplace Wood Products.

“We actually met online,” revealed Mandy, noting they became engaged about nine months after their first date. “We were both waiting for the right person to come along.”

Choosing to wed during an “off-season” month had definite advantages, the Wiertzemas soon discovered.

“There was less competition for wedding services and vendors,” Mandy agreed. “There was nobody we contacted that said, ‘That date doesn’t work for me.’”

But Mandy also quickly learned that most brides find it can take months to locate, order and alter wedding gowns.

“One of the first things I did was call bridal shops in the area to see what the timing looked like,” Mandy said; with only about eight months from engagement to wedding, time was of the essence.

Fortunately, Mandy found the perfect dress at T�e�d�y - S�t�r�a� Infinity by Sisters Bridal in Marshall.

1�a� - C�o�e “My mom actually stopped in the shop and called to tell me I should look there,” said Mandy.

“I’d thought I wanted a halter-style dress, but I fell in love with an ivory ball gown with a sweetheart neckline, lace straps and lots of 1�1� 2�d A�e�u�  S�b�e�, I�w� Monday - Friday: 10am-7pm • Saturday: 10am-3pm ruffles.”

For Memories That Last A Lifetime...

CATERING SERVICES AVAIL ABLE FOR GROOM DINNERS AND W E DD I N G RECEPTIONS

001588596r1

(�1�) 7�4�3�4�

001584007r2

By Jane Turpin Moore The Globe

S4 • The Globe • Wednesday, June 7, 2017

BRIDAL GUIDE

WIERTZEMA

“winter wonderland” effect she wished to achieve.

Also helpful to the Wiertzemas was Maddy Westra, From page S3 director of sales at the Worthington Event Center.

“Maddy is so responsive and communicative, “We had more guests [around 300] at the such a detailed person,” complimented Mandy. reception than at the ceremony because it’s a “She listened to us and helped us bring everything smaller country church,” she shared. to life, and all our guests were really comfortable Mandy appreciated that a Sioux Falls, S.D.-based throughout the evening. friend and stylist (with another stylist in tow) “Everything was really great all the way around.” drove to the church early on her wedding day to Unfortunately, the Wiertzemas’ good luck ceased fashion Mandy’s blond hair into an attractive and at the airport when they arrived the next day to becoming up-do that worked beautifully with her depart for a honeymoon get-away to California veil. The pair also styled hair for other wedding wine country. party members on-site.

“Our flight was cancelled at midnight, and our Mary Osland of A Place in the Country (“It’s a cute travel agent ended up having to reschedule us to little shop in the country, just like its name suggests,” Savannah, Ga. — which we settled on around said Mandy) near Westbrook took care of all the 2:20 a.m.,” laughed Mandy. flowers, as well as the wedding cake and cupcakes.

“Then, I wasn’t feeling the best, and it turned “My bouquet had dark purple calla lilies, white roses and winter greens,” she listed. “Our colors were out I had the flu, but we still ended up having a good time eventually.” an eggplant purple with silver and white accents.

While the Wiertzemas may choose to visit Napa “And Mary did a fantastic job with everything.”

The top tier of Mandy and Brian’s wedding cake Valley for a future anniversary, each learned how was a luscious German chocolate with buttercream well their new partner coped with a frustrating, stressful situation — a gratifying lesson in itself. frosting, while Osland concocted several different “You can only control certain things,” observed flavors of cupcakes for the guests.

Mandy, “and sometimes you just have to roll with it.”

“Cupcakes are just a little easier for serving,” Mandy advises other brides to keep their preopined Mandy. wedding stress levels low by letting the appointed Because the couple has a relatively large family vendors associated with their weddings do the (Mandy has two younger sisters, one of whom is jobs they were selected to perform. married, while Brian is a middle child who has two sisters, both of whom are married), they “You hired them for a reason, so trust that they managed to incorporate a total of nine nieces and know what they’re doing,” counseled Mandy.

Special to The Globe nephews into their bridal party.

“Share your vision and let them run with it “We each had five attendants, plus an older niece rather than stressing over the little things. You Brian and Mandy Wiertzema are pictured on their was a junior attendant, two of Brian’s nephews only get to have your special day once.” wedding day at Old Westbrook Lutheran Church. were junior groomsmen, and we had three flower girls and three ring bearers,” Mandy detailed.

“It was a big crew,” she laughed.

The Wiertzemas were favorably impressed with a cousin’s reception at the Worthington Event Center in late 2015, so they opted for the relatively new venue for their own celebration.

“We’d really liked it, and it was a middle ground for us, with my family from the Westbrook area and north and Brian’s family from Adrian, Ellsworth and beyond,” said Mandy.

“It was nice that the event center is attached to a hotel because once they arrived, people didn’t have to drive around again.”

A social hour began at 5:30 p.m. (“Standing outside in the cold was not an option,” observed Mandy) and the couple took pains to accommodate all their guests’ preferences.

“Some were beer drinkers, some liked cocktails or wine, so we purchased two kegs of beer that were open for the night and gave out drink tickets to cover those who didn’t care for beer,” Mandy detailed.

“It was a combination approach, and it worked 106 W. Front St., Fulda, MN 56131 out well.”

Jeff Erickson, who works for Christensen Broadcasting of Slayton, served as the dance DJ, and Brian’s Supper Club of Fulda catered the meal, which included two meats and side dishes.

“They [Brian’s Supper Club staff] were super accommodating, very easy to work with and had a great price point for us,” endorsed Mandy.

Because Mandy had a vision of how she wanted her wedding to unfold but didn’t want to stress herself out over the details, she enlisted Rockin’ Red Barn Events of Wanda, Minn., to create the 001584002r2

Wedding Receptions Anniversaries Air Conditioning Full Service Kitchen Licensed Full Service Bar

Fulda American Legion Community Hall For reservations call 507-425-2162

BRIDAL GUIDE

The Globe

• Wednesday, June 7, 2017 • S5

Weddings and non-traditional families Metro Creative Graphics Families come in all shapes and sizes. During special events — particularly those steeped in tradition, such as weddings — blended families may have to employ certain tactics to ensure the events go off without a hitch.

When planning their weddings, couples must give consideration to the needs of their families.

Even though a wedding is about the union of two people, oftentimes couples engaged to be married must contend with the politics of divorce or other familial issues. This includes if and how to incorporate stepparents and stepsiblings into the ceremony and celebration.

There are no traditional rules regarding how to handle blended families, so brides- and groomsto-be can customize their decisions based on their own unique situations. Even when families have been happy through the years, the unique circumstances and traditions surrounding the nuptials can dredge up former insecurities, and certain aspects may require extra patience and tact. Here’s how to navigate the process. ► Consider stepparents and stepsiblings VIPs. Brides and grooms who are not particularly close to their stepfamilies still have to recognize the role they play in the family dynamics. These people are still family, so respect and courtesy should be offered. If there is any lingering animosity, extend the olive branch on this day and try not to let any-

one be made to feel as if they are unimportant. A simple announcement of who stepparents are at the wedding reception or inclusion of their names on wedding itineraries can help smooth over any potential bumps.

► Put others’ needs before your own. While the wedding may be about you and your future spouse, you must consider the feelings of others. Biological parents and stepparents may act defensively if they feel uncomfortable or hurt, and that can create an air of negativity to the day. Try to avoid this by considering potential areas of conflict. For example, mothers might be hurt if their ex-hus-

For all things bridal Stunning Diamond Engagement and Wedding Rings affordably priced.

Weddings • Banquets • Class Reunions We cater for all events!

“No event too big or too small!”

Heron Lake, MN 507.793.2651

JOHNSON JEWELRY “Known For Fine Diamonds” 1009 4th Ave. Worthington • 507-376-4313

001583987r2

Jean Leopold & Misty Willhite

•ENGAGEMENT RINGS •WEDDING BANDS •ATTENDANT’S GIFTS •IN STORE ENGRAVING • WEDDING ACCESSORIES

001588402r1

P&J’s Cafe & Mini-Mart

Huge Selection for Men & Women

Summer Hours: Monday - Friday • 9am-5:30pm Tuesday • 9am-7pm Saturday • Closed

bands’ new girlfriends are asked to be in a group family photo. Instead, select separate times to have everyone included. Remember to give parents and stepparents priority seating as well, and they each should be seated next to someone they love and someone with whom they can converse comfortably. You may think everyone can play nice, but it’s best not to push the issue just to make a point at the wedding. ► Recognize that some families break the mold.

Recently, a father made waves on the Internet when a video of him pulling the bride’s stepfather up to assist in walking her down the aisle went viral.

This was a wonderful image of families making it work despite their differences or the awkwardness that can result when brides or grooms have parents and stepparents in attendance. Although this scenario might not play out for all, find ways to impart a special touch, especially if you’re close to both your biological parents and your stepparents.

For example, your biological father may walk you down the aisle, while your stepfather may enjoy the first dance. ► Order flowers and gifts for all. Purchase flowers and wedding party gifts for all of the special people in your lives, including your stepfamily.

Weddings can be complicated affairs when factoring in blended families. With patience and compassion, such families can enjoy a beautiful and happy day.

S6 • The Globe • Wednesday, June 7, 2017

BRIDAL GUIDE

Worthington Event Center offers full-service flair Westra stands ready to serve, advise

By Jane Turpin Moore The Globe

Special to The Globe

The Worthington Event Center is shown prior to a wedding at the facility.

included, from the venue rental to the caterer to the DJ,” she continued.

“I often hear, ‘We appreciate that you laid it all out there right away,’ because nobody wants unpleasant budget surprises down the road.” ► Know your decorating options.

“We have some options for rental décor — backdrops, centerpieces, simple décor — but some

EVENT CENTER, S8

Celebrate Flavor - Savor Life • Over 25 Entrees to Choose From • Private Tasting for the Bride and Groom upon Booking We’ll help make your occasion tasteful!

DOWNTOWN WORTHINGTON Open Friday Nights

001588589r1

WORTHINGTON — When it comes to anniversaries, four years isn’t usually a big deal.

But as the Worthington Event Center (WEC) recently marked its fourth year since opening in 2013 and is embarking on its fifth season of hosting summer weddings, it has become a go-to in the region for bridal couples seeking sites to accommodate dozens, or even hundreds, of guests.

That’s clear when considering the WEC is booked for weddings, or other events, for every weekend from now through late fall 2017.

“We’re booking weddings into 2018, but some dates are still available for later this year,” assured Maddy Westra, WEC’s director of sales. The WEC can seat up to 500 guests for a formal event, and the facility is versatile enough to divide the space up comfortably for smaller gatherings as well.

Although Westra is not an official wedding planner, she’s been on the job at WEC for over a year and a half and has quickly become proficient at guiding bridal couples through the many options available to them as they organize their receptions — or, in some cases, an all-in-one wedding plus reception.

Here is a list of information and tips from Westra, most of it specific to the WEC, for brides and grooms: ► Schedule your reception hall, whether that’s the WEC or another venue, first.

“It’s really helpful for couples to check with us about which dates are available before contacting other vendors,” said Westra. “Sometimes, a bride will contact her church, a caterer, a DJ, florist and photographer and then come to me, only to find the date they’ve been counting on is already taken.

“Make sure the dates available here, or at other reception venues, fall in line with everything else.” ► Consider an off-season wedding date.

“The WEC now has a new schedule for off-season pricing, which can work to a couple’s advantage from a budget perspective,” said Westra. ► Choose a caterer who will provide the menu you desire at a price-point you can afford.

“We have a list of premier caterers that are familiar with the WEC and that we can recommend as knowledgeable and capable,” said Westra.

“They’re on our list for a reason, and we know they will take care of you, that there’s real value in what they’re providing.

“The premier caterers are experienced with the facility and its flow, so it’s not a guessing game as to whether they can do the job.”

That said, Westra notes the WEC will allow anyone with a catering license to offer catering services at the facility.

“We’re willing to work with anyone who has a valid catering license,” she said.

► Ask about options for “adult beverages.”

The WEC offers an array of choices for bridal couples when it comes to serving alcoholic drinks at receptions; the only option that does not exist is bringing in one’s own alcohol.

“We can customize ‘signature drinks’ for couples, and some people have fun with that,” said Westra.

“For instance, a bride might choose a fruity colored drink and a groom might have a more gin and tonic-based concoction, and then they enjoy seeing which drink was more popular with the guests.”

Other choices include having a full open bar, a limited open bar, a cash bar or providing drink tickets.

“And the WEC provides one bartender for every 100 guests, with a manager on duty as well throughout the event,” said Westra. ► Consider the range of amenities available, and included, in a site’s overall cost.

“The WEC is one of the more inclusive venues around,” recommended Westra. “We have tables, chairs, a dance floor, risers, real silverware, china, glassware and table linens,” she listed.

“It’s really important for couples to know how much everything will cost when everything is

Excellence on the prairie Because details matter 602 E Main St. | Luverne, MN (507) 449-2583 | www.the-bluestem.com

S8 • The Globe • Wednesday, June 7, 2017

BRIDAL GUIDE

Selecting a comfortable wedding gown Metro Creative Graphics Many brides-to-be visit bridal shops with specific goals in mind regarding the style of their wedding gowns. Some women come equipped with magazine tear-outs or pull up ideas on their mobile phones.

Others may have an entire scrapbook filled with various ideas they’ve been compiling for years.

Much consideration is given to wedding gowns.

The cost and silhouette of the dress may garner the bulk of that consideration, but brides might want to spend more time considering comfort.

Depending on the time of day their weddings take place, brides can spend 12 hours or more in their wedding gowns on their wedding day. However, when shopping for their gowns, brides may prioritize beauty over comfort, even though it’s entirely possible to find a gown that’s both stunning and comfortable. When staff and friends or family who have come along to offer advice start to blush over wedding gowns, brides-to-be may feel pressured to downplay any discomfort they feel.

To make sure brides look flawless and elegant but are still comfortable in their wedding gowns, consider the following tips. ► Know what to highlight and what to cover up.

No two body types are the same, and many women feel certain parts of their bodies are their best assets while they want to downplay others. Try on gowns that play up your best features. If you have shapely legs, consider a dramatic gown with a slit to show them off. Certain gowns can enhance the

EVENT CENTER From Page S6

bridal

Say “I Do” to

GIFT REGISTRY

Bridal Beauty.

Smile for the aisle with

a stunning look for the big day! Unveil your beauty with a free makeover, and invite your bridesmaids. I can even help you and your mother choose great gifts for your bridal party.

CONTACT ME TO SCHEDULE A PARTY.

Come register your Wedding & Bridal Shower with us today.

Home Decor • Giftware Small Appliances • Gift Certificates Available

SCHWALBACH ACE HARDWARE

Teresa Widboom Independent Sales Director

1131 Oxford Street • Worthington, MN

HOURS: MON-FRI 7:30 AM TILL 8:00 PM SAT 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM • SUN 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

acehardware.com

507.376.4555

www.marykay.com/teresawidboom 001583997r2

brides choose an outside decorator to do it all while other brides are do-it-yourselfers and involve the bridal party and family in decorating,” observed Westra.

“It all depends on the bride’s preference and budget, and we are more than happy to assist.” ► Rooms on site vs. required travel to hotel(s).

“Being attached to the Comfort Suites makes the WEC a very handy place for guests, bridal parties and family members,” endorsed Westra. “The average wedding blocks about 30 rooms, and all of the rooms are suites to make things flexible.

“Once people arrive for the reception, there is no need to drive anywhere else.”

Westra mentioned that bridal couples often rent the Comfort Suites’ “Tower Suite” for use as a convenient place for the bride and her entourage to prepare and dress. ► Overall, ask for help if/when needed.

“Every wedding is a similar concept, although each one has some unique angles to it,” said Westra. “We have a lot of expertise that can lend itself to helping your occasion run smoothly, and we’re more than happy to assist if asked.”

Contact the Worthington Event Center, located at 1447 Prairie Drive, Worthington, at 295-5102, visit worthingtoneventcenter.com for more information, or contact director of sales Maddy Westra at 295-9185 or maddy.westra@outlook.com.

Wedding gowns can be both beautiful and comdecollete or show off an hourglass shape. Remember, many gowns can be modified so that you feel fortable for those who know how to shop. secure and confident. Sleeves can be added or fabric placed to cover up any perceived flaws. Confidence and pride are important parts of the comfort factor. ► Get sized correctly. Bridal gown sizes do not coincide with street sizes. Depending on the manufacturer, brides may have to select gowns that are several sizes larger than they would normally wear.

This should not be a cause for alarm. Brides should go by their measurements. Attempting to squeeze into a dress that is too small will only lead to discomfort on the wedding day. ► Purchase the right undergarments. Improperly fitting bras, shapewear and other undergarments can lead to discomfort as well. Some seamstresses can sew in supportive cups to remove the need for separate bras. Brides can explore various options to reduce the visibility of certain accoutrements. ► Move around in the gown. Brides should not just stand in front of the mirror and smile when trying on gowns. Put them through their paces.

Try sitting, bending and even a little dancing. Make sure the dress is comfortable to move around in. ► Try different options. The gown brides have in mind may not be the one they ultimately go home with. Explore different styles and materials. Choose cooler, breezier fabrics and lightweight gowns, like cr pe, georgette or organza, for summer weddings.

Heavier fabrics, such as brocade, may be more comfortable in the winter.

507-370-0669

Hearts and Wine: Kremers celebrate February nuptials

Special to The Globe

Adam and Aletha Kremer are shown on their wedding day at Round Lake Vineyards & Winery.

Royal Limousine, Inc. “YOUR WEDDING SPECIALIST SINCE 1983”

BRIDAL GUIDE

Round Lake Vineyards & Winery prove perfect setting for afternoon

By Jane Turpin Moore The Globe WORTHINGTON — With sunny skies and a high temperature of nearly 60 degrees, guests at the Feb. 18 nuptials of Aletha and Adam Kremer were hard-pressed to believe they were attending a winter wedding.

“It was a beautiful day,” agreed Aletha, “the complete opposite of what we could have experienced in February.”

Because Aletha’s maternal grandparents (Betty and the late Richard Mulder) were married decades earlier on Feb. 14, the couple thought it would be a great date for their wedding, too.

“I thought it would be kind of cool to be married on their anniversary, but Feb. 14 was a Tuesday and that wasn’t convenient for family to attend,” explained Aletha. “So we chose Saturday, Feb. 18, instead.”

Having become formally engaged on the preceding Christmas Eve, the Kremers ultimately had six weeks available for planning.

But with a theme of “simplicity rules,” everything came together with relatively little fuss.

“We didn’t want anything that would be too complicated,” assured Aletha. “If it wasn’t simple, we weren’t going to do it.”

The Globe

• Wednesday, June 7, 2017 • S9

Even so, the Kremers wished for a memorable and unique occasion — and they managed to achieve that while simultaneously remaining true to their desire for simplicity.

In casting about for a wedding site, the pair landed on Round Lake Vineyards & Winery, located in rural Round Lake.

“It was something different, and we’d heard from other people who’d been there that it was just a beautiful venue,” Aletha related.

“We’d thought of having the reception at our home but weren’t sure it would hold all the guests — so we went with St. Columba Hall in Iona, which was close to our house but large enough for our group.”

With a mid-afternoon start, warm sunbeams lit the great room at Round Lake Vineyards & Winery and afforded guests a lovely view of slowly melting lake ice and flying geese.

“It was just pristine for a February wedding,” said Aletha gratefully.

The relaxed mood was aided by the availability of a bar prior to the ceremony.

“We hadn’t really been planning on that, but the winery offered a bartender as part of their services since we were their first winter wedding, and guests paid for their own drinks if they wanted something,” mentioned Aletha.

“It was a very pleasant way for people to enjoy the ceremony.”

The Kremers found the Round Lake Vineyards & Winery staff members with whom they worked to be accommodating and helpful, even as everything was scheduled and planned within six weeks.

HEARTS, S10

Heron Lake Community Center • • • •

Graduations • Large Hall 55’x82’ Wedding Receptions • Table seating up to 400 Meetings • Seniors Room seats Family Gatherings around 50 for dining

Call for reservations 507-793-2826

SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA Let our professional chauffeurs treat you like royalty.

AVAILABLE FOR...

Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays and Quinceañera Parties THE FLEET INCLUDES...

•6-14 Passenger Super Stretches •SUVs 14-24 Passenger Limo Coaches •27 - 56 Passenger Motor Coaches

Let us make that special day last forever!

Phone 1-800-695-LIMO (5466) or 605-332-7952 www.sodakroyallimo.com sdrlimo@midconetwork.com

001584488r2

001587865r1

BRIDAL GUIDE

S10 • The Globe • Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Wedding planner tricks for a polished event on budget

HEARTS

From page S9 “We figured, you can either stress about wedding plans for six months or more, or for only six weeks, so we chose six weeks,” laughed Aletha.

Their desire for simplicity and local vendors extended to the reception, too.

“We had a pizza supper, with the pizza delivered from Antonio’s in Fulda,” said Aletha. “They made three to four trips out, so there was always fresh pizza available.

“The Antonio’s staff was absolutely great to work with.”

Dessert took the delicious form of brownies and carrot cake from Hy-Vee, and the Kremers said their guests appreciated the low-key touches, which included no DJ or dance but plenty of time to talk.

“Our friends and family members were able to visit with one another without any noise to talk over, and it made for a casual, relaxed atmosphere where everyone was in a good mood,” Aletha related.

Aletha was happy to discover the perfect wedding dress at Elegant Expressions in Sioux Falls, S.D. “My mother and I found it right after Christmas, and it happened to be the first dress I tried on,” she shared. “It was a simple gown — strapless with a sweetheart neckline — and that fit the theme of our wedding.”

Adam’s two daughters (Ellie, 10, and Mia, 5) were enthusiastic junior attendants at the ceremony.

“We shopped at Main Street Kids with their grandma and aunts, and they tried on every dress in the shop,” smiled Aletha. “They ended up choosing the same one — a cream high-low dress with a red sash — and it worked out so well.”

The Kremers were also grateful for photographer Holly Zins of Studio Z in Fulda.

“She took our engagement and wedding photos, and because of the nice weather we were able to get outdoor photos on our wedding date, too,” said Aletha.

“Holly has a knack for making everyone comfortable; she has an easy-going personality that put everyone else at ease, and we ended up with absolutely wonderful photos.”

So do Aletha and Adam recommend winter weddings?

“Certainly,” assured Aletha. “I mean, this is Minnesota and you’re always taking a chance, but people can be so busy at other times of the year.

Winter allows everyone the chance to get together and enjoy each other’s company.

“Because of the nice weather, our guest count increased the week prior to our wedding when people realized they’d be able to attend. Both the winery and our reception site were able to accommodate those changes without any issues on short notice.”

Blessed with a sunshine-filled February day, the Kremers are pleased with the way their purposefully simple wedding allowed family bonds, conversation and warm feelings to prevail.

Assured Aletha, “It was a very joyous occasion.”

Brandpoint

Planning your wedding is one of the most important management jobs you’ll ever take on. A professional wedding planner could help make the day go smoothly, but you can also achieve the same effect yourself for less money.

According to TheKnot.com, the average cost for a professional wedding planner is just under $2,000, but many couples don’t have that kind of wiggle room in their budgets. In fact, 74 percent of couples didn’t hire a wedding planner in 2015, the website says. You can still pull off a polished wedding if you borrow a few tactics from a wedding planner’s bag of tricks.

Make the rental store your playground Professional wedding planners don’t stockpile wedding items, they rent what they need to make a wedding run smoothly and look great. From tents and outdoor heaters, tables and chairs, to glassware, dishes, dance floors and décor, rental stores supply the wedding industry with the basics, luxuries and everything in between.

Emphasize organization Professional wedding planners use their organizational skills to ensure weddings go smoothly despite any surprises that arise. You can employ many of the same organizational tricks they use to

help yourself manage the numerous details that go into a wedding, including: ► Create an inspiration board. Gathering your color choices, theme elements and inspirations in one spot can help your decision-making process.

For example, not sure which floral arrangement will look right for your wedding? Refer back to your inspiration board and see which of your choices best matches your inspiration. ► The budget can be the most challenging aspect to manage, so be sure to talk with your partner about your budget before you sign any contracts.

Set a budget and use a budgeting worksheet (readily available for free online) to help control costs. ► Numerous types of planning helpers are available, from online worksheets to apps, books and old-fashioned paper planners. Find one that’s easy for you to use and stick with it. Your planner should include a checklist with a timeline, and allow you to store all pertinent information, including estimates and contracts, in one place.

Work your connections

Professional wedding planners have networks of vendors to choose from. You can also network to find vendors for your wedding. Ask family, friends and co-workers for recommendations. Talk to any couples whose wedding you recently attended to see who they recommend.

001583970r1

Stop by and see us for your wedding needs.

And don’t forget, our meat & cheese trays, sandwiches, bridal selection, invitations, decorations, balloons and gift registry are also available.

Store: 507-376-6446 Bakery: 507-376-3262 walmart.com 1055 Ryan’s Road, Worthington

Say “I DO” To Homeownership!

Established 1935 Member FDIC

WORTHINGTON FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK, F.S.B.

Worthington Federal Savings Bank, f.s.b.

418 11th Street Worthington, MN 56187 worthingtonfederalsavings.com 507-372-2131 001584004r2

001583990r2

001588046r1