Upstate Bride Spring 2018

BRIDE FEBRUARY 2018

Upstate

MAGAZINE

Six inspiring wedding dress trends

Four good reasons to get married during the winter

A bouquet for every bride

& More!

BRIDE Upstate

MAGAZINE

Upstate Bride Magazine The Daily Star, P.O. Box 250, 102 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, New York 13820 Š 2018 - All rights reserved.

Publisher Fred Scheller Advertising Manager Valerie Secor Layout Tracy Bender Interested in advertising in Upstate Bride Magazine? Call toll-free, 1-800-721-1000, ext 235 Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.

Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the management of the publication.

February 2018

Four good reasons to get married during the winter........Page 3 Accessorizing your bridal attire.................................Page 4 Eleven-step guide to the perfect wedding.....................Page 6 A bouquet for every bride.......................................Page 8 How to plan a kid-friendly wedding............................Page 9 Wedding Reception goodies to keep the party going..... Page 10 Six inspiring wedding dress trends........................... Page 12 Master wedding reception seating charts.................... Page 14 Four tips for a crowd-pleasing wedding meal............... Page 16 Wedding invitation essentials.................................. Page 18 What to consider when shopping for rings................. Page 19 Choosing the right date for a bachelor party............... Page 21 Honeymoon - A destination with your name on it......... Page 22

2 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2018

Four good reasons to get married during the winter

The idea of getting married during the winter might sound rather bold, if not outright grim. But winter weddings actually have quite a few upsides! Here are just a few.

1. Lower costs Getting married in the wintertime will save you money. How? For one, you’ll be purchasing your attire at a slow time of the year for merchants. What’s more, florists, decorators and caterers may be more willing to negotiate.

2. Scheduling flexibility It’ll be a lot easier to secure reservations for your big day: churches, reception halls, caterers and entertainers are all usually less busy during the winter.

3. Seasonal magic Get inspired by the magic of winter to add a special touch to your wedding.

Turn heads by making a grand entrance aboard a horse-drawn sleigh or a dogsled, and have your photographer capture the wedding party under sparkling, frosted trees.

4. Cozy memories Treat your guests to the coziest of weddings by serving them hot beverages by the fire or giving them warm blankets as a gift.

Winter weddings are both highly romantic and budget-friendly.

FEBRUARY 2018 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 3

Accessorizing your

BRIDAL ATTIRE

J

ewelry and accessories have the power to take your wedding-day attire from dainty to absolutely dazzling. Here are a few runwayinspired trends to try for your big day.

1. Earrings

2. Shoes

3. Pearls

4. Black

5. Embellished gloves

Asymmetrical earrings are all the rage this year, with some brides even choosing to sport a single, bold dangler.

Feathers and other boho-chic touches are also on trend.

Decorate your feet with elegant ankle-strap shoes. This season’s most popular models are delicate and feminine and bear a resemblance to anklets.

Pearls are making a comeback. Include them in your ensemble with earrings, a necklace or pearl-embellished gloves.

All-black accessories are popping up in weddingthemed fashion shows the world over. Surprise your guests with a black necklace, broach or belt.

Long or short, gloves are definitely trending this season. Choose a pair that’s embellished with lace or rhinestones for an elegant, romantic touch.

4 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2018

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Eleven-step guide to the Every couple wants their wedding to be absolutely flawless. Achieving perfection, however, requires quite a bit of organizing. Here are a few things to remember when planning your big day.

1. Choose the date Make sure your closest friends and family members will be able to attend. If your sister’s pregnant or your best friend is planning a trip, choose your date strategically to avoid disappointment.

2. Draft the guest list Make a list of all the people you’d like to see at your wedding. But keep your budget in mind, as more people means 6 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2018

PERFECT WEDDING

higher costs.

3. Make your reservations It’s a good idea to book the venues for your ceremony and reception as soon as possible, especially if you’re getting married during the summer. Popular venues are often reserved up to a year in advance.

invitees to RSVP. This is also a good time to designate bridesmaids and groomsmen.

5. Draw up a floor plan

4. Send out invitations

Make sure to visit the venue as many times as you need to. If you’re planning to hire a band, display a slideshow or organize a karaoke session, confirm that the location allows it.

The earlier you send out your save the date cards and invitations, the better. Be sure to ask

Get in touch with your florist and decorator to discuss your

6. Decorate the venue

ideas and ask for advice. If you’re on a tight budget, consider taking care of the decorating yourself—just make sure you start early.

7. Choose an MC Who will be the master of ceremonies for the event?

Someone you know, or a hired pro? Also think about the music: band or DJ?

8. Shop for your attire Don’t forget about makeup and hair trials, and start shopping as early as possible so you can find all the best deals.

Also think about how you’ll accessorize your outfit for the ceremony.

9. Go to the jeweler’s Choose your wedding bands wisely—after all, you’ll be wearing them for the rest of your life!

10. Choose the menu Is your goal to please as many people as possible or to step off the beaten path? Do you need to plan vegetarian options or kid-friendly snacks? Determine what type of meal will be served at your wedding, and don’t forget drinks and desserts.

11. Immortalize the day Photobooths and disposable cameras are great for capturing candid memories, but you’ll probably want to have a professional wedding photographer on location as well.

Lucky for you, your loved ones will be in charge of planning the bachelor and bachelorette parties.

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FEBRUARY 2018 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 7

A BOUQUET FOR

EVERY

BRIDE

T

he perfect bouquet is one that highlights the bride’s attire without stealing the spotlight from her. Here are a few popular bridal bouquet styles to consider: * Round. Ideal if you’re on the petite side. Keep it simple, delicate and short. As a general rule, avoid dense foliage, cascading bouquets and long stems. That being said, longer stems can be flattering if you’re quite curvy. * Cascading. Perfect for tall, thin brides. Choose a bouquet with long stems

and cascading foliage to highlight your waist. * White. Great if your dress is colorful; not so great if it’s white or off-white. * Colorful. For energetic brides who aren’t afraid to turn heads. If your dress is also colorful, make sure you show it to your florist to avoid unfortunate clashes.

Brides should choose their bouquet according to their body type, their personality and their dress.

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HOW TO PLAN A

KID-FRIENDLY WEDDING A re there children on your wedding-day guest list? If so, make sure the event is as fun for them as it is for the adults.

Hire a babysitter Take care of your young guests as soon as they arrive.

Employing an experienced babysitter will allow parents to fully enjoy the day themselves. A good rule of thumb is one babysitter per five children, but this will vary depending on the kids’ ages.

During the ceremony Don’t seat all the kids together. Instead, ask that parents keep their children close by to ensure they stay

calm and quiet.You may also choose to ask kids to participate in the ceremony, for example by throwing rose petals or blowing bubbles as you walk down the aisle.

During the reception Take care of your young guests as soon as they arrive.

If the reception is taking place outside, set up bouncy castle or an obstacle course. Makeup artists, clowns and magicians are other options to keep the little ones entertained.

During the meal Keep children in mind when planning your menu.

They’ll prefer well-known dishes like chicken or pasta.

Also, request that they be served first—to most kids, a five-course meal is a long, boring affair. Help them stay patient by providing some toys or coloring books.

During the evening Make sure the children have access to a quiet, comfortable spot where they can play while the adults finish their meal.You may also want to bring a few movies for the little ones to watch when it starts to get late.

FEBRUARY 2018 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 9

Wedding reception goodies to keep the party going If you’re worried about an empty dance floor at your wedding reception, why not treat your guests to wedding favors that’ll get them in a festive mood?

Bubbly duo Give your guests a bottle of sparkling wine to open during the evening and attach a jar of bubbles to complete the gift. Kids in attendance will have a ton of fun with the bubbles while the adults raise their glasses. For breathtaking photos, request that attendees blow bubbles as you start your first dance.

Slippers Put slippers at your guests’ disposal. As the evening progresses, those in high heels will be happy to have something more comfortable to wear on the dance floor.

DIY cocktails Give each guest a personalized glass to take home. Include a miniature bottle of liquor and a note inviting them to create their own cocktail. All that’s left is a trip to the bar to find some mixers.

Late-night bites Whip up a homemade treat to munch on as the evening nears its end. Lay out cookies, chocolates or assorted candies for the sweet-toothed among your guests, and prepare seasoned popcorn (try dusting it with curry, paprika or chili powder) for those who prefer a salty snack.

Glow sticks! Streamers! Beach balls! Provide your guests with fun party accessories and watch the dance floor light up.

10 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2018

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Six inspiring wedding dress

TRENDS

Whether you dream of an endless train, a bold two-piece or a ballerina-inspired crinoline, there’s a wedding dress out there that’s just right for you. Here are a few trends to inspire your wedding-day attire.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Keep it light This year, light, airy fabrics are everywhere. Stay clear of thick, compact materials, which weigh down the silhouette. Embroidered feathers are a great way to add an ethereal touch to your gown.

Daring necklines Transparency and lace are popular this season, as are illusion necklines (covered by a light, sheer fabric) and deep, plunging V-necks.

Corsets are as essential as ever.

3D details

light & airy

These days, the biggest names in haute couture have been showcasing a variety of dresses featuring 3D floral embellishments. Lace and rhinestones are also stylish ways to add texture to your gown.

Bold black Black has been making an appearance on runways worldwide. While most designers use it in small touches (on hats, sashes or gloves, for instance), some are daring to unveil all-black dresses. Silver, grey-blue and light blue are also fashion show mainstays this season.

Show-stopping shoulders Bare shoulders are on trend. Popular dress styles include strapless, halter and off-shoulder.

Don a bow Oversized bows are stealing the spotlight, especially as belts. Worn over the shoulders or in the back, they can even replace the traditional train.

What style of wedding dress will you be wearing when you walk down the aisle?

12 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2018

transparency & lace FEBRUARY 2018 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 13

Master wedding reception

SEATING CHARTS C

How to make seating arrangements a breeze

ouples may find it challenging to lay out seating arrangements at their wedding receptions.

After the vows have been exchanged and couples have donned their wedding rings, newly married couples and their guests often enjoy some well-deserved fun at the wedding reception.

Though wedding receptions are all about fun, couples may find it difficult to plan the reception seating arrangements.

Such a task requires a good deal of time, sorting through guest responses and an intimate knowledge of which personalities will mesh and which will not. But some patience, diplomacy and even a little help can make the process of planning seating arrangements much easier.

Group related people together.

This relation does not have to be familial. For example, seat work friends together rather than scattering them at various tables. It’s easier for wedding guests to mingle when they have some 14 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2018

common connection.

Younger guests are more flexible.

Recognize that younger guests are less likely to complain about where they are seated than older guests, so you have more wiggle room when arranging their tables. They can be placed at tables closer to the dance floor, near the entertainment or by the kitchen door, while older guests might want to be closer to the bride and groom and further away from distractions.

Seat immediate family members nearby.

Seat immediate family members closest to the bride and groom. Guests who fall under the acquaintance category as opposed to the family category can be seated further away.

Place friends or party animals near the entertainment.

Guests who are up for a good party may appreciate being seated close to the dance floor or within arm’s length of the refreshments.

Address mobility concerns.

If a guest is elderly or needs to be close to exits or the restroom, make those accommodations.

Embrace the kids’ table.

Seat young guests together if there are a number of them. Kids will have more fun sitting with one another than with adults or their parents. And seating kids together makes it easier for servers if children will be ordering from a special menu.

Expect the unexpected.

Some seating arrangements may not work out. Be sure the reception site is flexible and can easily put another place setting together if an unexpected guest arrives or if someone needs to be moved to another table.

Couples must map out seating arrangements when planning their wedding receptions. Learn to master the techniques and etiquette to make the process easier.

Group related people together. This relation does not have to be familial. For example, seat work friends together rather than scattering them at various tables. It’s easier for wedding guests to mingle when they have some common connection.

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Four tips for a crowd-pleasing wedding meal

16 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2018

Putting together a wedding menu that aims to please everyone is no easy task. Here are a few tips to maximize your chances of success.

1. Avoid strong-tasting meat. Not everyone is a fan of lamb, game meat or fish. Poultry, on the other hand, is usually a sure bet. Provide more than one meal option if you can.

2. Mix it up. If you’re serving beef as a main, consider vegetarian appetizers or seafood hors d’oeuvres. Avoid serving the same protein in more than one course.

3. Trust the experts. Don’t be afraid to ask your caterer for suggestions. If you’ve hired a chef, include his or her specialty dishes on the menu.

4. Have a plan B. If there are children, picky eaters or people with dietary restrictions among your guests, try to accommodate their preferences as much as you can. They’ll definitely appreciate the thought.

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Wedding invitation

ESSENTIALS A

re you about to have your wedding invitations printed?

Here’s a list of things you’ll need to include:

The save-the-date card This optional complement to the wedding invitation should be sent out six to eight months before the event.

It’s especially important for destination or multi-day weddings and should include the following information: • The names of the bride and groom • The date of the event • The city in which the wedding will take place

The invitation card The invitations themselves should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding and contain further in-

18 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2018

formation on the event, including: • The date and time of the wedding • The location and schedule of the reception • Driving instructions • The wedding’s theme, if applicable • An indication of whether children are welcome or not • Contact info (email address, website, phone number)

The RSVP card It’s crucial to include an RSVP card with your wedding invitations so that invitees can confirm whether or not they’re able to attend the event as well as indicate if someone will be accompanying them. Be sure to provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Location, theme, driving instruc-

Location, theme, driving instructions — make sure your wedding invitations aren’t missing any key information.

tions — make sure your wedding invitations aren’t missing any key information.

What to consider when shopping for rings

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E

ngagements precede wedding dresses, flower arrangements, limousines, and even a couple’s wedding vows. And no proposal is complete without a ring. Knowledge of rings and stones is essential for those who plan to propose in the near future.

A recent survey from the wedding resource The Knot in which 12,000 brides and 1,200 grooms in the United States were asked about their rings, found that people spend an average, of $5,978 on engagement rings. Recognizing the potential cost of engagement rings can help ring shoppers prepare for their purchases.

In addition to considering costs, couples can employ the following tips to shop with confidence.

• Cut costs with style. Engagement rings can be costly, but many couples feel they are worthwhile investments. According to In Style magazine, a ring with a classic solitaire of one carat weight can cost thousands of dollars, while a band covered in just under one carat of tiny pavé diamonds will offer plenty of sparkle for a lot less money.

• Know your settings. How the diamond is framed can affect how big it looks and even how much it sparkles. Gems framed with a bezel can give the illusion of a larger stone.

• Get the desired cut. A skilled jeweler knows how to properly cut a stone to bring out its best radiance. From round to princess to emerald to marquise cut, cut styles can affect how the stone looks as well as the price.

• Know ring metals. Platinum and gold are some of the most popular ring setting metals. Platinum costs considerably more than gold or silver, but is long-lasting. Couples should weigh the cost versus benefit of splurging on a more expensive metal, or speak with a jeweler about a suitable substitute.

• Investigate personal style. Men should pay attention to the jewelry their girlfriends wear so the engagement rings complement their style. Some women love modern jewelry, while others gravitate toward vintage pieces.

• Come in under carat. Buying just shy of the next carat weight can save between 20 and 30 percent, offers The Knot. Plus, the size discrepancy probably will not be visible to the naked eye.

• Think about trading up. Some couples like to replace engagement rings with a more elaborate ring for a big anniversary.

Some jewelers will accept the purchase of the engagement ring toward the price of a future ring.

Jewelry stores are in the business of developing relationships with their customers.When purchasing engagement rings, couples can discuss their desires in regard to a ring, as well as their budgets.

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Did you know?

Brides prefer their wedding guests purchase wedding gifts from their registries. According to a poll conducted jointly by The Knot and Kohl’s Bridal Aisle, nearly 85 percent of the 15,000 brides polled said they want their guests to buy items from their registries.

Wedding guests need not worry about the accessibility of those registries, as the poll also found that 98 percent of brides have at least one registry online or in a store. Brides-to-be can improve their chances of getting gifts from their registries by registering with nationwide stores their guests can visit regardless of where they live and/or by linking their registries to their wedding websites. Couples who do not plan to create wedding websites can include registry information with their wedding invitations.

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Choosing the right date for a bachelor party

ne of your duties as best man is to plan the groom’s bachelor party. But before you book the venue, you’ll need to carefully consider the date on which the party is to take place. The wedding’s success might depend on it!

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the event for the weekend before the wedding is a bad idea.Your friend might be too stressed out by lastminute preparations to fully enjoy his evening. And you can forget about making it the night before the big day: no one wants to walk down the aisle with a hangover.

Your best bet is to set the date two or three weeks before the wedding.

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FEBRUARY 2018 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 21

honey A destination with your name on it

I

f you want your honeymoon to be everything you’ve always dreamed of, choose your destination carefully. Whether you’re outdoor enthusiasts, insatiable foodies, hopeless romantics or something in between, there’s sure to be a little corner of paradise that suits you to a T. Here are a few ideas.

Romantic Paris is the poster child of romantic honeymoon destinations. From exploring Montmartre hand in hand, to contemplating the Seine, to immortalizing your love on the Pont des Arts, the City of Lights has infinite potential for tender moments.

Venice, with its gondolas, palaces and art scene, is another option for a romantic getaway. Fall under the spell of Casanova’s hometown, where some of history’s most famous love stories were set.

22 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2018

MOON Epicurean

Choose a honeymoon destination that matches your shared interests and passions.

San Sebastian in Spain is internationally renowned for its culinary scene. With one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-rated restaurants in the world, honeymooners definitely won’t run out of spots to enjoy a romantic dinner.

Mexico, Vietnam, and Italy’s Amalfi Coast are also excellent choices for a flavorful honeymoon.

Intimate

If your idea of a perfect honeymoon involves you, your new husband or wife, and no one else, fly away to the Maldives! Located at the center of the Indian Ocean, this republic encompasses more than 1,190 islands, most of which are uninhabited.You’re sure to find a secluded spot where you can enjoy turquoise waters and endless white sandy beaches.

Adventurous If you’re always on the hunt

for new experiences, Iceland may be just the destination for you. With its wideopen deserts, awe-inspiring volcanoes and numerous hot springs, this Nordic paradise is the perfect place to explore and relax with your better half.

The Peruvian Andes, the Moroccan desert and the Japanese Alps may also have what it takes to satisfy your thirst for adventure.

FEBRUARY 2018 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 23

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