2021 Wedding Planner by The Mining Journal

The Mining Journal’s

Wedding Planner 2021 Edition

What’s inside 4 - Marriage in the time of COVID 5 - Precautions to keep guests safe 6 - Throwing a safe bachelor or bachelorette party 7 - 3 tools for keeping wedding guests informed 8 - How to host a socially distant wedding 9 - Questions to ask before booking a photographer (Photo courtesy of Metro Creative)

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Marriage in the time of COVID By KATIE SEGULA Journal Staff Writer MARQUETTE — The ritual celebration of marriage has been traced as far back as ancient Mesopotamia. The purposes behind the union have changed quite a bit since then, but the celebration has never been in question. Weddings symbolize a life-changing union and give reason for people to come together to celebrate. Now, some 4,000 years later, and wedding ceremonies are being challenged once again. If we have learned one thing during the times of COVID-19, uniting is more than a complicated issue, let alone fulfilling the childhood dreams of the perfect family union. Luckily, brides and grooms of 2020-21 come well equipped to this battle to create union, with technology and a whole lot of willpower. Many couples find the challenge of a marriage during a pandemic can put a unique twist on their spe-

Wedding Planner

cial day. Others are finding it is a way to get out of the hullabaloo of organizing a party, and they are jumping to follow the more modern tradition of eloping. Other couples are in no way worried about the timeframe and plan to wait it out like a marathon of engagement. A local blushing bride, Corey Kelly of Marquette, has her own unique COVID-19 story. On Dec. 24 at Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette, Corey and her groom, Craig Wiseman, looked over the evergreens as the fog settled in from Lake Superior. Craig proposed that day after five years of dating Corey and she happily said yes. The two decided to postpone the preparation for a few more months until the dust of family weddings and holidays had settled. Then, on March 24, three months after the couple were engaged, the social gathering nightmare began. Of course, no one knew how long the See COVID p.5

Craig Wiseman, left, gives a masked kiss to his fiancee, Corey Kelly, of Marquette. (Photo courtesy of Corey Kelly)

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COVID from page 4 COVID-19 pandemic would require social isolation and not-so-attractive personal protective equipment, but the couple tried to keep an open and considerate mind. Corey had to consider family medical predispositions and the changing social dynamic, too. They entertained options to have a small, socially-distanced wedding. So she called around and found many venues were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, she heard stories from her friends about caterers and venues needing to cancel bookings, while other friends had entire families who weren’t able to make it to their wedding that had taken a year to organize. “It’s impossible to guarantee people’s safety during this time over something as simple as gathering,” Corey said. Though love is timeless, Craig and Corey are still awaiting the end of this pandemic so they can embrace the celebration of their future with a little more ease and social safety. Brides and grooms have found many ways to celebrate their union with their partners through these times. A wedding is just as unique as the couple it is uniting. We all know that as adults, our first priority should be the safety of every guest and worker who helps make dreams for the big day come true. Courthouse weddings have been a simple solution for uniting since long before the social distancing. It is an option that can still be romantic and have a bit of a traditional touch. The most original experience for a wedding that seems to be trending is a COVID19 virtual wedding. This could be the time for some couples to explore their originality. As long as guests have phone service, the entire family can be there. The couple can live stream their wedding and guests can tune in from anywhere possible.

Precautions that can keep wedding guests safe during the pandemic Story, photo by Metro Creative Happy couples planning to tie the knot in 2020 confronted a challenge they likely never saw coming. While many couples fear inclement weather on their wedding days, 2020’s prospective brides and grooms had to contend with something far more fearful than rain clouds. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus that began in the winter of 2019-20 and was ultimately declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization put many couples’wedding plans in peril. In an effort to stop the spread of the virus and protect those most vulnerable to it, governments across the globe placed restrictions on social gatherings, including weddings. Those restrictions prompted some couples to postpone their nuptials until 2021, while others tied the knot at considerably smaller ceremonies than they initially planned for. Couples planning to tie the knot in the months ahead can still do so, but the WHO recommends they take certain precautions as they organize their ceremonies and receptions. - Confirm local regulations. Restrictions related to COVID19 differ greatly by region. Areas that were not hit hard by the virus may not have as many restrictions in place as those that were devastated by the out-

break. In addition, cities or regions whose responses to the virus have been successful may have relaxed restrictions more than areas that are still struggling. The WHO notes the importance of checking local guidelines prior to planning an event, and that’s especially important for couples who hope to get married in towns or cities where they do not currently reside. - Keep guests up to date about precautions. Include detailed information about the safety measures that will be implemented during the wedding on your wedding website. Insert a card detailing this information into your invitation envelopes as well so all guests know what to expect when they accept the invitation. In addition, remind guests of the safety precautions throughout the ceremony. - Provide sanitary supplies.

Make sure hand sanitizer, soap, water, and masks are readily available for all guests. Social distance markers also can be placed on the ground throughout the venue to make it easy for guests to stay six feet apart from one another. - Choose an outdoor venue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the COVID-19 virus spreads very easily through person-toperson contact and that the risk of spreading the virus is greater when spending time indoors. Couples can mitigate some of that risk by tying the knot outdoors and then hosting an outdoor reception where tables are kept at least six feet apart. Weddings will be different until the world puts COVID-19 in its rearview mirror. In the meantime, it’s up to happy couples to keep their guests safe come the big day.

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Throw a safe bachelor or bachelorette party Story, photo by Metro Creative The concensus from public health professionals around the world is to maintain continued social distancing to help prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus. Various events have been modified due to the pandemic, and weddings and bachelor/bachelorette parties have proven no exception. Couples may need to make certain changes to traditional gatherings like bachelor and bachelorette parties to stay safe. Wedding parties average four to five close friends or family members on each side, according to Martha Stewart weddings. Gatherings of five will likely comply with the limitations set for gatherings for indoor and outdoor venues. However, it’s essential to check local regulations before planning festivities. Even if gathering with your wedding party is doable, you may have to think outside the box when it comes to how to enjoy these last hoorahs before the wedding. Host it outdoors The likelihood of spreading respi-

ratory viruses like COVID-19 is greatly reduced in outdoor settings where respiratory droplets are more likely to be dispersed rather than concentrated. Restaurants and bars still offer outdoor seating options in many areas, and an intimate gathering for food and drinks outside can be a low-key way to spend an evening. Try an “extreme” activity Weekend travel has become a standard option for many bachelor and bachelorette parties. But travel

restrictions or personal health preferences may mean it’s not prudent to take a trip to Las Vegas or Cancun. Booking activities that are a little edgy can add some adventure to the festivities if travel is a nonstarter. Some amusement parks are still open, so an evening of riding zero-gravity coasters or free-fall bungee jumps could satisfy everyone’s adventurous side. Race tracks offer tourist options where novices can take high-speed spins around the course. When traveling in small

groups, these activities can be possible. Virtual karaoke In-person karaoke nights may be unavailable, but there’s a bevy of online sing-a-long apps that enable participants to sing with backing tracks either for solo performances or with others — even people around the world. Each member of the bachelorette or bachelor party can download the same app and then sing together. Laugh along to renditions of classic tunes or modern favorites. Celebrate at home It may not seem as glamorous as a night out, but home cocktail parties can be customized. Hire a mixologist to whip up special drinks for the occasion. Caterers may be available to cook personalized meals in your home, providing lessons along the way. Bachelor and bachelorette parties may have to change as the world continues to confront the pandemic. With a few tweaks, these events can still be enjoyable and memorable.

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Three tools for keeping wedding guests informed Story, photo provided by Metro Creative Weddings give couples an opportunity to share the joy of joining their lives together with a host of friends and family members. Guests liven up the party and help make the celebration that much more memorable. According to The Knot 2019 Real Weddings Study, the average wedding in the United States hosts 131 people. Data indicates this number has been slowly decreasing over the years, after the average wedding size reached an all-time high of 153 in 2007. No matter how big or how small the guest list, keeping guests informed of what’s happening regarding the upcoming nuptials is a courtesy couples can provide. Couples can explore various avenues for keeping guests informed and ensuring they’ll be able to take part in the festivities.

Save-the-date announcements Save-the-date announcements have become an increasingly popular component of wedding planning. Instead of waiting on the wedding invitation, which traditionally arrives one or two months prior to the wedding itself, savethe-date cards provide guests with an advanced advertisement of the celebration to come. According to the photo and invitation specialists at Shutterfly, it’s customary to send save-the-date notes around six months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, which will require extra travel plans, an eightto 12-month advance can be helpful. Save-the-date cards generally have basic information, including the wedding date and the venue. Many will feature a photo of the couple as well. If you’re planning See Guests p. 8

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Guests from page 7 on sending save-the-date announcements, coordinate with your photographer to have a photo taken exclusively for these cards. Wedding website Couples are increasingly embracing technology as they plan their weddings. Brides magazine states that, during the typical 15-month engagement period, 48 percent of couples will launch a wedding website. A wedding website is a versatile tool that can help answer questions that guests may have. The website can spell out specifics, including dress code, whether children are invited, the names of wedding party participants, overnight accommodations, transportation providers, and even restaurants near the hotel for a quick bite between ceremony and reception. Wedding websites also can be used as fun ways to keep guests engaged. “Throwback Thursday” photos or funny memories and anecdotes can be included. Video conferencing apps As the world continues to adapt in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, video conferencing applications like Facetime, Zoom and Microsoft Teams enable people involved in the planning process to routinely “gather” and go over details about the wedding, helping to limit in-person meetings as much as possible. These apps also can prove invaluable when conferring with wedding vendors, such as florists or musicians. You also can schedule smaller meetings with specific guests who may be playing key roles in the wedding, such as those giving speeches, doing readings, escorting guests, or serving in other capacities. Certain resources can help couples keep guests informed about what’s to come in regard to their weddings.

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How to host a socially distant wedding Story, photo by Metro Creative It’s likely that few people heard of “social distancing” prior to 2020. That changed as the novel coronavirus COVID19 spread rapidly across the globe and the world found itself in the midst of a deadly pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines social distancing as keeping a safe distance of at least six feet between yourself and other people who are not from your household. Public health officials continue to champion social distancing while acknowledging the fatigue that many people have experienced as the pandemic stretched on for months. Though much of the world hit the proverbial pause button, life went on during the pandemic. Perhaps nowhere was that more evident than at the altar, where many couples still tied the knot, albeit in scaled back ceremonies that adhered to social distancing guidelines in their communities. Engaged couples who have yet to tie the knot no doubt recognize that planning a socially distant wedding will not be the same as organizing more traditional ceremonies and receptions. While planning a socially distant wedding presents some unique challenges, couples can take certain steps to ensure their big day is memorable and safe. - Spread the socially distant word. Let guests know what they’re in for should they decide to take part in the festivities.

Many people have strictly followed social distancing guidelines, while others have been reluctant to do so. Couples intent on keeping themselves and their guests safe from COVID-19 should emphasize that their weddings will be socially distant affairs so there’s no confusion come the big day. - Stream the wedding online. Stream the wedding online for those guests who won’t be in attendance. By the end of 2020, millions of people had already “attended” weddings via platforms like Zoom, so loved ones may be experienced virtual guests by the time couples walk down the aisle in 2021. Couples who may need some help planning virtual affairs can visit the virtual wedding coordinators at Wedfuly.com, who recently partnered with Zoom to help couples bring their ceremonies

online. - Pare down the in-person guest list. Couples who planned large weddings prior to the pandemic can still invite all of their loved ones to witness the festivities online, but pare down the in-person guest list to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Limit in-person guests to immediate family and those people who are part of your social distancing bubble. - Plan a party for down the road. Couples can still celebrate their nuptials with family and friends down the road. Plan a post-pandemic reception and let guests know you will fill them in on the details once social distancing restrictions have been lifted. Socially distant weddings may require couples to take some unusual steps as they try to tie the knot while keeping themselves and their loved ones safe.

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Questions to ask before booking a photographer Story, photo provided by Metro Creative Various components combine to make weddings beautiful and memorable. Couples rely on photographers to capture the smiles and moments that helped make their events unique and to ensure the big day is remembered for years to come. The trusted wedding resource The Knot notes that an internal study found that, among 27,000 couples who got married in 2019, an average of $2,400 was spent on a wedding photographer to document their big day. Couples who want to find the best photographer for their wedding day can ask several questions before making their final decision. What style do you

specialize in? Photographers may be able to shoot various styles of photos, but may specialize in a specific type. For example, some photographers specialize in photojournalism, while others may excel at portraiture. Going with a photographer who has the most expertise shooting the style you prefer will help produce the desired results. Who will be shooting my wedding? Certain photography studios have several photographers working under one roof. Just because you meet with one does not necessarily mean that photographer will be on site, unless it is specified in the contract. Have you ever

See Photos p. 10

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Photos from page 9 worked at my venue before? Photographers may be familiar with several local wedding venues and houses of worship. A photographer who has experience working in the locations where couples will tie the knot and subsequently celebrate might produce the best results, but lack of experience with particular venues need not exclude other professionals. Can we see a full gallery of a recent wedding? According to Brides magazine, unlike an album or a highlight gallery, a full gallery provides a better sense of a photographer’s style and attention to detail. Will photos be color balanced and retouched? Skilled photographers are capable of capturing winning photos. But photos can be enhanced further in the studio with retouching software to bring out specific effects. Some photographers will polish all proofs, while others only will work on the images ultimately ordered. Confirm retouching details before signing the

contract. What’s included in the photo packages? A detailed price list helps you compare one photographer to another and decide which elements are covered. Additional prints, having a photographer’s assistant, ordering albums for the parents, or ordering a large framed print can alter costs significantly. Explore all prices to ensure you’re getting the best value. In addition, consider how many hours of event coverage are included in the price. What is the payment timeline? Photographers may accept deposits for their services but expect a different timeline of payment. Some may require payment in full before the wedding, while others may offer a payment plan that includes a final payment when picking up proofs or albums. Wedding photography is one of the essential elements of a wedding and helps tell the story of couples’ special day. Asking key questions can help couples find a photographer who will produce the desired results.

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