Bridal Bliss 2020

— A LTO O N A M I R R O R P R E S E N T S —

A targeted delivery product of the Altoona Mirror

2020

Effortlessly elegant Couple create a simple, vintage wedding vibe | Pg 18

AWA R D W I N N I N G D E S I G N E R

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— A LTO O N A M I R R O R P R E S E N T S —

A targeted delivery product of the Altoona Mirror

2020

On the cover: Cody & Karlie Shook Photo sponsored by

Learn about reception lighting rentals

4

How to plan a wedding ceremony

6

Effortlessly elegant Couple create a simple, vintage wedding vibe | Pg 18

Make a statement with your wedding cake 7 Be a Palette Pro

8

Band or DJ? How about both?

10

Cater wedding menus to guests’ dietary needs

11

Wedding flowers becoming larger than life

12

Headgear is back

14

Effortlessly elegant Couple create a simple, vintage wedding vibe 16

Get Creative with Favors

18

Bachelorette Party Planning

19

A push for private vows

20

Inside out

21

Perfect Winter wedding photos

22

Winter wedding style tips

23

How much should your wedding cost 24 The evolution of wedding favors

24

Silicone: It’s a Ring Thing

27

Getting here to there on your wedding day 28

The Bridal Bliss magazine is an annual publication printed by the Altoona Mirror.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.

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All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.

Pick up Wedding and Engagement forms at the Altoona Mirror 301 Cayuga Ave, Altoona, PA or email couples@altoonamirror.com BRIDAL BLISS 2020 • 3

Learn about reception lighting

W

hen you’re looking for a wedding venue, you may not think of adding lighting. Depending on the venue’s rules and regulations, you may be able to add some extra wattage to your ceremony. Keep reading for tips on how to get the best and brightest big day.

Go Big or Think Small Lighting can be as simple as adding candles or lanterns (look for battery-operated LEDs if your venue doesn’t allow open flames). Or it could be as big as color washes on the walls, disco balls and a labyrinth of neon. Either way, you need your lighting to fit your budget and your venue. You need a

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lighting designer. Your venue may be able to recommend someone who has worked there in the past, or one of your other vendors may be able to point you in the right direction.

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the sunlight comes in at different times of day so you don’t overwhelm any one space. If you’re outside, go after dark so you can make sure the areas that need illumination, both for looks are for safety, get it.

Also talk to your planner and venue personnel about electricity needs. You don’t want a blown fuse to flip off the lights just as you hit the dance floor. Ask if you’ll need any permits, especially for extra lighting outside, and be mindful of the neighbors.

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600 Central Ave. • Johnstown, PA 15902

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Get It In Writing Of course, as with all your other vendors, get all the details of your lighting package in writing, along with a complete estimate of costs.

Don’t be afraid to ask any questions up front and lay out all your expectations before signing on the dotted line.

Also make sure your lighting vendor is property insured and permitted.

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BRIDAL BLISS 2020 • 5

How to plan M

onths of planning is par for the course for couples about to tie the knot.

Much of that planning concerns the reception, and rightfully so. Receptions last longer than ceremonies, and couples are often involved in every reception detail, from picking the appetizers to serve during cocktail hour to choosing the final song before everyone calls it a night. But it’s equally important that couples devote considerable attention to their wedding ceremonies.

A wedding ceremony might not last long, but it is the most crucial component of a couple’s wedding day and can even set the tone for the rest of the festivities. From choosing readings to honoring loved ones to immersing oneself in his or her faith, these tips can help couples plan their perfect ceremony.

a wedding ceremony

• Give the ceremony equal footing with the reception. Spend time trying to put a personalized spin on the preceedings, whether that entails writing your own vows or choosing moving music that means something to you. When given ample attention, seemingly minor details can make for a special, memorable ceremony.

• Choose a ceremony location that is close to the reception site. If a ceremony will take place in a house of worship, try to choose a reception venue close to the ceremony site. This keeps guests, some of whom may be out-of-towners who have already traveled extensively, from spending too much time on the road during the day of the wedding.

• Get to know the officiant. The officiant should be someone with whom you both feel comfortable. This person should know you well enough that he

or she can preside over the ceremony and add sentiments that come across as authentic and personalized.

• Do your best to avoid especially lengthy ceremonies. Couples will need to meet the religious requirements if they are getting married in the faith, and there may be some aspects of the ceremony that you cannot cut short or modify. But if you have wiggle room, try to keep the ceremony to around 30 minutes; otherwise, you run the risk of guests getting antsy, especially if children are in the audience.

• Decorate the ceremony space.

While the altar and aisle are key places to draw attention, couples also can dress up the chairs/pews, ceiling (if allowed), and entrance to the space to make it welcoming and romantic.

Even wedding ceremonies that likely won’t run long can benefit from some pre-wedding planning.

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Make a statement

with your wedding cake

B

rides and grooms may pour over every detail of their weddings, but few components of the festivities may be as fun, especially for foodies, as deciding what the wedding cake will look like. Couples who want to deliver show-stopping visuals often express some measure of their creativity and personalities through statement wedding cakes.

Many couples now eschew the classic three-tiered white cake in favor of a dessert that garners instant attention.

Whether the cake is brightly colored or hand-painted, a towering architectural marvel or shimmering in metallics, couples are opting to make a statement with their confections. Apart from clever cake-toppers, here are ways to stand apart when dessert is served.

• According to the Perfect Wedding Guide, a rising trend in cakes is to cover

a white or naked cake with translucent glaze tinted in the couple’s wedding colors. This artistic expression can be especially stunning in boho-chic weddings.

• Statement tiers also are popular. The cake may be traditional in nearly every way, but couples then set the cake apart by featuring an elaborate design or a different hue in one tier.

• Martha Stewart Weddings advises that more than just color can be used to make a statement. Lifelike sugar flowers can really set cakes apart.

Guests may not be sure if they can consume all aspects of some cakes. But delicate sugar flowers taste as good as they look.

• Hand-painted tiles on a cake are another way to add panache. A bride and groom may be inspired by a European vacation or the stained-glass effects of religious windows and want

to add that feel to the tiers of the cake.

• Sometimes a statement comes by way of texture. Even an allwhite cake can be dressed up with interesting textural effects. Ruffles, lace, embossing, and 3-D rosettes are different textural components that can be incorporated in cake designs.

• Couples also may want to tell their unique stories with cake. Individual tiers designed to reflect various milestone moments from the couple’s relationship can be quite engaging.

• Capitalizing on the trend of edgier weddings, couples may opt for darker hues on their cakes — even a black tier — or nontraditional geometric shapes to the cake itself or its design elements.

Statement cakes can really say something about the couple getting married. Much like other wedding elements, cakes provide a window into the minds of happy couples.

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BRIDAL BLISS 2020 • 7

Be a Palette Y

ou can have your dream day draped in shades of blush and bashful, but there are a range of other colors out there you may have not thought of pairing up.

Take a look at these palettes for some great ideas for your summer wedding.

Magenta, Poppy and Yellow Wedding site The Knot recommends this palette for an outdoor summer wedding, and they’re spot on. With colors this bold, though, dress the rest of your ceremony and reception in neutrals.

Flowers: Clematis (magenta), water lily (yellow), roses (magenta and yellow), anemone (magenta, poppy), tulips (magenta, poppy, yellow), dendrobium orchid (magenta), snapdragon (yellow), ranunculus (magenta, poppy, yellow), nerine (poppy), Icelandic poppy (magenta and, well, poppy), peony (magenta, poppy, yellow).

Pro

Coral and Green Cool off a hot coral with cool, sagey greens. Martha Stewart Weddings recommends accents in shades of orange and yellow.

Flowers: Spirea (a green, flowering branch), fritillaria (light green), Icelandic poppy (coral), mokara orchid (green), mini calla lily (coral), rose (coral), sweet pea (coral), lady’s slipper orchid (green), Florida beauty (speckled green leaf), snake grass (green, good for tying), eucalyptus (green), ferns (green), viburnum (green).

Gold, Green and White Pair these classic colors with warm rattan and for an inviting daytime ceremony, suggests Sunset magazine, maybe even a brunch. Keep your golds classy, not glitzy.

Flowers: Anemone (white and green), agapanthus (white), gardenia (white and green), calla lily (white and

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green), ranunculus (white and green), stephanotis (white), phalaenopsis orchid (white, green), veronica (white and green).

Dove Gray and Ecru This neutral natural palette is great for upscale rustic weddings, The Knot says. Let wood, rock and other natural elements into your ceremony to set off this elegant palette, along with bouquets of white flowers.

Flowers: Succulents (gray), Oriental lily (white), cherry blossom (white, woody), peony (white), lisianthus (cream), rose (white, ecru), Queen Anne’s lace (white).

As always, your local florist can help you pick flowers and arrange a palette that best suits you, your ceremony and your venue. And don’t forget the budget.

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Band or DJ? how

F

ew elements can make or break a couple’s wedding day more than entertainment. While factors like the weather are beyond couples’ control, ensuring guests have an opportunity to dance or sing along to some good music is something couples can emphasize as they plan their weddings.

When it comes to music, the two main options for weddings are a live band or a disc jockey. Each has its share of advantages and disadvantages. A live band may be more expensive, but it can get the crowd excited. A good bandleader also acts as a master of ceremonies and can pay attention to the vibe of the room, tailoring a playlist around that overall mood. Plus, bands offer live performances, which adds an extra special element to the occasion that can’t be replicated at home.

10 • BRIDAL BLISS 2020

about both?

A DJ is a popular choice, and today’s DJs are often artists in their own right. They know just how to select and seamlessly mix music to create the mood and really keep the party going. Couples who prefer to hear original versions of particular songs — especially for their first dance song — often prefer DJs. The popular wedding planning resource The Knot also says that it is often no problem for a DJ to find and play a song from an extensive digital library, while bands may not be able to learn and perform a song in time.

Couples who can be flexible with their entertainment budgets may be able to enjoy the best of both worlds. There is nothing that says a wedding cannot feature both a live band and a DJ. Such a wedding may just take a little more

planning. Consider the scenario of bringing in a band for the cocktail hour and perhaps an hour or more during the dinner service of the reception when live music can accompany the meal.

After that, a DJ can take over and drive the festivities up another notch with a late-night dance party.

Some music vendors also do a combination of live and prerecorded music. They may have live singers who accompany recorded tracks, or digital instruments like keyboards and drum pads that can enhance recorded songs.

These also are options when selecting wedding music.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to setting the soundtrack for a wedding. A band, DJ or combination thereof can make the occasion even more memorable.

Cater wedding menus to guests’ dietary needs

G

one are the days when wedding reception menus were limited to the one-sizefits-all offerings of meat, chicken or fish. Thanks to modern diets, couples hoping to accommodate guests may need to provide a wide array of food choices.

It is impossible to pinpoint an exact number, as there are no definitive surveys classifying all dietary preferences, but there are believed to be around 7.9 million people in the United States who follow a vegetarianbased diet. Of those people, around one million are strictly vegan, according to data in The Economist. In addition, NYU Langone Health says one-third of Americans are trying to avoid gluten.

The Gluten Free Agency, which is a consulting group dedicated to helping advertisers, says some nine million

people in Canada are going glutenfree now for medical or personal reasons. Toss in the scores of people with peanut or other allergies and even more caution is needed when designing wedding menus.

Savvy couples who have guests’ health and comfort in mind recognize the importance of offering a varied meal plan for wedding-related parties and receptions. The following are some ideas to consider when planning wedding menus.

• Consider a buffet-style service.

Although couples might like the tradition and flair that a seated/plated meal offers, it creates a much more limited selection of meal options. Buffetstyle dinner service often provides couples with multiple choices, and it’s much more likely they can come up with a combination that caters to any

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• Opt for food stations. In lieu of one long buffet table, a modern approach is to have staffed food stations. Foods as well as their ingredients can be clearly stated on food table placards so guests can make appropriate choices.

• Offer alternatives for dessert.

Wedding cake can be a challenge to someone with a gluten sensitivity or an egg or a nut allergy. While not every guest indulges in dessert, make it a point to offer an alternative to cake. Perhaps a groom’s cake can be revamped into gluten-free cookie bars or a nut-free trifle.

Couples who know in advance which types of dietary restrictions their guests have can work with caterers to devise a menu that suits everyone.

Customize the

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Wedding flowers becoming

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ove over bouquets and centerpieces. Flowers are taking over weddings in a big way.

While wedding trends come and go, flowers will always have a place at the wedding table.

The blooms brides and grooms choose and how they decide to display them can say much about the couple’s style. Many modern couples are opting for statement pieces with their flowers to rival the big and bold ideas they’re incorporating elsewhere into their occasions, such as in cakes and clothing. In fact, floral designer Tom Uberuaga says traditional hurricane vase centerpieces are outdated and only focus the eye on the middle of the table. He prefers guests enter the wedding and have their senses stimulated by flowers from all angles. Large flower installations, as well as blooms popping up in unexpected places, are some of the hot trends for couples to keep their eyes on.

Floral chandeliers There’s no need to worry about seeing over table centerpieces or flowers getting in the way of photo moments. Thanks to hanging flowers and floral chandeliers, flowers are quite literally moving up in the world.

Hanging floral pieces can add instant drama and make a large visual impact. Florists can hang flowers from beams over tabletops to increase visual impact, whether as individual baskets, single stems or floral swags.

Hanging floral chandeliers are dramatic but naturally expensive. Think about a large installation that forces guests to look up into a sea of greenery and flowers. The smell and the sight can be breathtaking.

Welcome wreaths Why should wreaths only be reserved for 12 • BRIDAL BLISS 2020

front doors and holiday decor? A welcome floral wreath can be placed by the entryway to a chapel or reception hall with a heartfelt sentiment that shows guests how much they’re appreciated.

Fairy-tale flowers A floral curtain of hanging flowers can line a chuppah or drape the altar in beautiful blooms. Couples who would like a fairy-tale entrance also can make their debut as a couple by coming through a flower curtain at the reception. Martha Stewart Weddings says a cascade of flowers and greens can be romantic and elegant.

Dance floor blooms Who says flowers have to be overhead or on a table? With a plexiglass dance floor, or one made from some other transparent material, flowers can be underfoot, creating a magical floral carpet.

Floral necklaces Brides needn’t carry their bouquets, they can wear ethereal and whimsical floral pieces around their necks or on their waists instead.

Couples are urged to speak with their florists about the innovative ways they can make flowers an even more awe-inspiring component of their weddings.

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Headgear is back

O

ne wedding trend making its way back down the aisle is the bridal chapeau. There are lots of reasons for this, like a spate of royal weddings, but no matter what moves you to pick up a new hat, we’re glad you did. Here are some tips for picking the perfect hat for your wedding.

How To Pick a Hat For these hat tips, we turned to Good Housekeeping UK because, as we saw at the royal weddings, the British are obviously the professionals.

The magazine says the first step is to pick the rest of your outfit, as the hat should complement the look in color, size and proportion. Make sure your hat accentuates the silhouette of your outfit and the shape of your face. People with a round face, for instance, should choose an angular hat.

Some rules: Wear your hair up with most hats and never don sunglasses with a hat.

Consider the Venue For most venues, Good Housekeeping says, avoid a floppy hat in favor of a structured hat, like a pillbox. Mothers of the bride and groom should make sure their faces are visible under their hats, and the mother of the bride always gets to wear the larger hat, unless both bride and groom are hosting the ceremony.

Only guests going to an outdoor country wedding may choose a floppier hat with loose locks. Guests at an evening ceremony should choose smaller accessories, like an elegant comb.

Headbands This year’s head accessories aren’t your heavy 1990s tiara. Sleek bandeaus with minimal embellishments are in, as are smaller tiaras. It’s more elegant than blingy. Your bridal boutique will be able to recommend pieces to perfectly accentuate your dress.

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Effortlessly elegant Couple create a simple, vintage wedding vibe

By Amanda Drumm Bridal Bliss

K

arlie Travis Shook, 28, met her now husband, Cody, 30, when they were both working for the same company in State College. The pair knew each other and were friendly with one another — and that is how their relationship remained for years.

Throughout that time, though, those who worked with them thought they would make a great couple and would remind them both of that.

“A lot of people tried to get us together. They’d say ‘Aw, we think you two would be great together.’ They kept pushing it,” Karlie said.

The coworkers did not wear down the duo until four years later when Cody, now a welding instructor, and Karlie, now the assistant business director at the Appalachia IU08, decided on their own to go out together. A short while later the two became engaged at Bethany Beach in Delaware in September of 2018.

“We were with a couple of friends who also started dating when we did.

They all knew he was going to propose at some point during the trip. Day two into our vacation we were sitting by the water. As he sat next to me he asked if I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. He pulled out the ring and I said, ‘That’s what you’re talking about!’ and said ‘Yes,’” Karlie recounted.

The two planned the wedding for a little more than a year later, tying the knot on November 2, 2019. Throughout their planning process the couple, who now live in Alexandria, had a clear theme in mind; they wanted the wedding to be simple, elegant and vintage.

The duo were able to borrow Cody’s

16 • BRIDAL BLISS 2020

friend’s 1955 Chevy to help them create the classic wedding feel they were trying to achieve. “We left the church driving it after we were married, drove it to the reception and took pictures with it,” said Cody.

Chuck Meyers, owner of Two 20 Studios in Hollidaysburg, was the photographer who captured the Shook wedding and the stunning shots of the twosome in front of the automobile.

“The hand built classic car certainly stood out and set the scene for the vintage vibe,” Meyers said.

Karlie agreed. “The matte black color and the engine that sticks up fit our idea of the vintage, old school feel,” she said.

Adding to that timeless look were the colors the couple chose for their wedding, a deep wine burgundy and black.

The groomsmen wore black pants and suspenders with burgundy bowties while Cody sported black pants and a burgundy tuxedo jacket with a black bowtie. The bridesmaids donned sophisticated black dresses.

Karlie wore a chic and classy satin dress with a sweetheart neckline. “It had a hoop look type thing and there were buttons down the back. It was not lacy, but had a vintage, classic feel because it was not super decorative or over the top. It was plain and simple, resembling simpler times,” said Karlie.

She styled her hair herself, creating a partial French twist with curls that hung down swept over bangs and a large, jeweled barrette. She paired the hair jewels with large jewel earrings to add sparkle to her ensemble.

Karlie also completed her make up herself for her wedding day. “I liked being able to do it myself so I could enjoy the time with my girls,” she said.

The two were married at Heritage

Baptist Church, with Karlie’s mom walking her down the aisle. Her bouquet was comprised of faux calla lilies.

“We are very cost effective. My flowers were from Amazon and they were tied together with fake eucalyptus. A woman from Cody’s mom’s church arranged the bouquets for us,” Karlie said.

Calla lilies were also used to decorate at the couple’s reception at the Huntingdon Country Club. Wine bottles were spray painted a matte black with baby’s breath and calla lilies sticking out of the centerpieces and along the windowsills.

Additionally, there were tea light votive candles placed around the room.

“There were photos of us. We had a table of photos of us at different football games and holiday parties. We also had a table with photos of our grandparents who passed that said ‘If heaven wasn’t so far away,’” Karlie said.

Adding to their traditional wedding vibe ambiance was the music. Karlie and Cody danced to their first song as husband and wife to the classic tune “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers. Karlie and her mom danced to “I’ll be there” by the Jackson Five.

The fun-loving couple likewise danced to modern music. “Karlie instructs dance so she loves new music, too. We played some of those songs for her,” Cody said.

Karlie and Cody exuberantly danced the night away in an elegant, classic setting. They treasure their memories of their union that day—and their photographer enjoyed the time he spent with them.

Meyers said, “I always enjoy meeting new people when shooting a wedding and love for it to be a fun day. The Shook wedding was definitely a fun and easy going group; we had a blast.”

BRIDAL BLISS 2020 • 17

Get Creative with Favors

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edding favors of yore were almost always consigned to the bottom of a drawer or, worse, the trash bin. The new trend is for usable, creative wedding favors. Keep reading for some great ideas.

For the Kiddos If there are going to be little ones at your ceremony, have special favors just for them. A bag full of toys, a pack of crayons and a table covered in paper tablecloths ensure little hands stay busy.

Coffee, Tea, Candy and More There is no better usable gift that one you can eat. Or drink. Even better if it has a sense of place. Does the town where you met or married have a great coffee shop? Order up some bags of beans, personalized with your special date. Same with tea bags, candies, beer or anything else.

Sun’s Out Keep your guests cool in the shade with favors they can use to beat the heat at your summer ceremony. Sunglasses, parasols, paper fans and water bottles all rank high on this list, and are easily customized and good for the bottom line.

Grow the Love Bags of wildflower seeds, tiny pots of succulents or a transplantable native plant all make perfect wedding favors that also give back. Bonus points if you used whatever plants you’re giving out in your arrangements.

To-Go Snacks This is an even better idea if you expect your party to go late into the night. Ask your caterer to set up boxes of snacks for your guests to take with them on the way out. Chocolate chip cookies, macarons, homemade chips — as long as it’s portable, it’s a possibility.

Charity Donations Here’s one that’s sure not to end up in the trash bin. Take the money you would’ve spent on favors for your guests and make a donation to your favorite charity instead.

Leave room in the budget for printing cards to place on tables explaining your donation.

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18 • BRIDAL BLISS 2020

Bachelorette Party

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ne of the most enjoyable parts of your wedding planning experience is taking a breath to get some quality time with your girlfriends.

A well-organized bachelorette party can take your mind off the day-to-day stresses of getting your wedding day put together.

It can also be a great way to reconnect with your besties one last time before your marriage kicks off. When it comes to setting the details for your bachelorette party, that responsibility should fall on your maid of honor and bridesmaids.

Share these tips with them to make sure your special girl time ends up being one of the most memorable moments of your last days of singlehood.

Who Should Host the Party?

There are no rules set in stone as to who should host a bachelorette party.

Often the maid of honor and bridesmaids do the honors but you can also

Planning

pick any of your other friends, relatives or co-workers who may want to get involved.

The key is to set the expectation with how you would most like to spend your day or weekend with the ladies. Are you looking for some adventure with hiking, water skiing or ziplining? Maybe you’re more of a cabin in the woods kind of girl surrounded by quiet nature and modern amenities. Or perhaps you’d like a night out in the big city with multiple stops at local restaurants and bars.

Whatever your preference, it’s important that you share this with whoever is planning your party. That way you’re not surprised or disappointed when your party turns into something you’re not typically into.

Who Should Be Invited?

This can be a tricky proposition, especially if you’re expecting a large group of attendees at your wedding. The

last thing you want to do is to let down someone who may have been expecting to attend your bachelorette party. Work with your party hosts to make sure everyone you’d like to invite makes the cut.

Anywhere from 10 to 20 guests at your bachelorette party is usually ideal.

Are Gifts Necessary?

The bachelorette party is not a gift party like your bridal shower is, so presents aren’t necessary. That said, this is a great opportunity for guests to give the bride silly or memorable gifts.

You might ask everyone to bring a gag gift or maybe something nostalgic tied to an inside joke or past experience together. As the bride-to-be, make sure to let your party know that gifts are not required and that you’re just looking forward to everyone celebrating with you.

The staff at Tame Your Mane would be honored to help give you that extra special look for your big day!

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BRIDAL BLISS 2020 • 19

A push for

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private vows

eddings are very special occasions for two people who are in love. That’s why many couples want close family and friends nearby when they tie the knot. But even the happiest couples may express some nervousness about one particular part of traditional wedding ceremonies.

Wedding vows are a way for couples to profess their love for each other.

However, many couples who want to write their own vows are hesitant to say them aloud in front of an audience. If couples are intimidated by a heartfelt recital of their vows in front of a crowd, then exchanging vows in private may be for them.

Wedding planners and industry experts say that private vows have become very popular. While the vows do not replace the public exchange that seals the marriage from a legal standpoint, they can be words shared in a private moment before the actual ceremony itself. A quiet moment alone

allows couples to shed private tears and share a special moment before they make haste for the altar.

The Knot, a premier wedding planning resource, notes that there are many reasons to share private vows.

• You do not like being in the spotlight or become shy in front of crowds.

• There are words you would like to share with your future spouse that are deeply private, and you don’t want to express those feelings to every person at the wedding.

• You do not want to censor your thoughts or words.

• You desire an intimately private and personal moment together before all of the fanfare and rush of the wedding.

• You’d like to recite loving words in a native language that some guests may not understand.

• You desire the potential for some

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very great candid photos if you invite the photographer to be there at a distance.

• You want to create a lasting memory that is only yours as a couple to share.

The popularity of private vows exchanged before a wedding ceremony is growing. This growing trend provides yet another way for couples to personalize their weddings.

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Dancing DJ’s specializes in weddings, large corporate, and social events. We will work with you well before your event date to understand your preferences and plan just the right music for your celebration.

We alse provide our couples with a complimentary CD of their special music with two wedding photos as a little memory of their special day.

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O

Inside Out

utdoor weddings, especially in the balmy days of summer, are always a great choice. You can go one of two ways: Playing up the natural, or, in a new trend, setting it off by bringing traditionally inside elements out. Keep reading to learn more about one of 2019’s hottest wedding trends.

Upholstered Furniture See you later, folding chairs. Try bringing out upholstered pieces, like wingback chairs in luxe fabrics for the bride and groom. Create conversation areas with pretty settees and benches.

Make sure to put them in spots where the pieces won’t be soiled, especially if it’s something borrowed.

Rugs Scatter rugs around to create warm, inviting areas. Choose palettes and designs that accentuate your venue and your theme. Don’t get too attached to any of these pieces; this may well be your only use.

Tables The easiest (and possibly most budget friendly) way to bring inside elements out is to place tables. Use coffee tables to create gathering places, dining tables for food and drink service. Side tables can be landing spots for drinks, plates and lighting.

Lighting Speaking of lighting, in addition to your usual outdoor string lights,

put some lamps around. Have your lighting vendor or venue check your electrical connections for safety.

Considerations This is an excellent and visually appealing idea, but there are some things to think about. Acquiring these pieces (unless you have lots of very good friends) may stretch your budget. There’s also the matter of getting all this furniture to and fro.

You might have to scale back plans to just chairs for the bride and groom, or one vintage dining table for the guestbook. If you do borrow or rent the furniture, see if you can get an insurance policy to cover it in case disaster strikes.

BRIDAL BLISS 2020 • 21

Perfect Winter

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reat photographs can make your wedding day live on forever, so don’t skimp on their importance when you’re planning out your wedding budget.

Depending on how much you’re willing to spend, you can find local professionals who will take care of both photography and videography services. Decide how important quality photos and videos are to you, and then reach out to at least three local vendors to see who best fits your personalities and budget goals.

Read on for a few more tips that will make finding your perfect wedding photographer a snap.

Ask the Right Questions Before engaging with potential photographers, compile a list of questions that will show you they are the right fit for you.

Have they taken winter wedding pho-

wedding photos

tos before? It gets dark much earlier in the winter so you’re looking for a photographer with experience adjusting to these conditions.

Do they offer print and online access to your photos? Understanding how your photos will be delivered once they are edited is a key detail to hammer out now.

Research Online When you’re looking for your perfect winter wedding photographer, take a look at their websites for testimonials and sample photography. Make sure their style works with what you’re envisioning for your wedding photos.

If you don’t like the way their photos look online, you’re probably not going to like how yours turn out. Pay attention to testimonials so you can get a sense of the photographer’s skill set, customer service and experience shooting winter weddings.

If the vendor checks all your boxes, request a free quote you can talk over with your future spouse. Make sure there is a signed contract that outlines both parties’ responsibilities, including payment, arrival time, length of the photography session and number of locations.

Think Local Even if you’re looking to splurge on your wedding photography, you may find the best talent right in your own backyard. Start small by asking your family and friends about photography services they have used in the past.

Referrals are usually the bread and butter for wedding photography businesses. Someone with great testimonials and strong word of mouth will be your best bet as you try to land on a vendor you can trust.

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Winter wedding

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inter weddings allow for some of the most breathtaking backdrops for your special day.

You can choose to get married in the mountains or a snowy, sleepy countryside. You can also go glam with highend city buildings that provide enthralling views of your favorite downtown.

Whatever you decide, your winter wedding style should match whatever theme or look you’re going for with your overall wedding experience.

Footwear: Stay Warm and Stylish Boots can be a stylish bridal shoe option for winter weddings, especially since you may not be able to predict the weather. Rain and snow can do a number on heels, so boots may be your best bet.

And with today’s trendy boot options, you don’t have to sacrifice function

style tips

for fashion. Find a stylish tall boot that compliments your dress and gives you adequate protection from the elements. Remember that your dress is likely going to cover your boots from view, so don’t feel like you need to match your colors or overall theme.

Glitter Glam Looking to add some pop to your wedding party’s dresses? Add glitter or sequins to help them stand apart.

These materials are easy to find in the winter time, and they add a great deal of depth to dresses, scarves or other accessories.

Remember, simple is better. Overdoing it with glitter is a surefire way to take the attention off the simplicity of your overall design and can make your theme look tacky. Work with your local wedding planner to devise ways to incorporate glitter into your wed-

ding party’s dresses, accessories and flowers.

Bring in Natural Elements One way to make your winter wedding one with Mother Nature is by integrating various materials from the great outdoors. Wreaths of pine branches or berries are perfect for adorning the bride and groom’s chairs or buffet tables.

Look for unexpected ways to sneak in a little green to really make a statement, no matter what your color scheme is. Seasonal prints are also natural and in style this year. Consider implementing flannels or bold stripes into some of your decor pieces, including table runners or bouquet ribbons.

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How much should your

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hen planning your wintertime wonderland of a wedding, one topic probably surfaces to the top of your mind: Cost.

The national average wedding cost is $33,931, according to The Knot’s 2018 Real Weddings Study, and this number excludes the honeymoon.

Stick with credible local vendors and start the process of mapping out your wedding costs months in advance. The more preparation time you give yourself, the better chance you’ll have at finding great deals and sticking to your budget.

Start with Quotes To estimate how much you’ll spend, get quotes based on your wedding style, date and location.

Here is a collection of the average vendor costs for weddings in the United States, according to The Knot.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Reception venue: $15,439 Photographer: $2,679 Wedding/event planner: $2,002 Reception band: $4,247 Reception DJ: $1,292 Florist/decor: $2,411 Videographer: $2,021 Wedding dress: $1,631 Groom attire: $283 Wedding cake: $528 Ceremony venue: $2,382 Ceremony musicians: $797 Officiant: $286 Catering (price per person): $70 Transportation: $856 Favors: $245 Rehearsal dinner: $1,297 Engagement ring: $5,680 Invitations: $386 Hairstylist: $123 Makeup artist: $102

Stick to a Budget Even once you plan how much you’ll be spending on your wedding, it can be difficult to stay on track. The problem is that those extra dollars add up in a hurry. Before you know it, you may be forced into a tough spot of having to choose between vendors or accessories.

24 • BRIDAL BLISS 2020

wedding cost

The best way to stay on budget is to keep a detailed journal of all your spending. From the minute your wedding purchases begin, save the receipts and log them into a spreadsheet. There are multiple mobile applications available that make this as easy as entering them into your phone.

Extra Costs Don’t forget that you’ll need to also budget for a marriage license. Application fees vary by state, county, city or other conditions. The standard license fee is $27.50 in New Orleans, $50 in Boston and $100 in Santa Barbara, California, to give you an idea of what a license may run for you in your local region.

The evolution of

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edding favors have changed — and in many cases for the better. Favors have evolved from the inexpensive trinkets purchased in bulk into more personalized mementos that guests can cherish.

Today’s couples are interested in customizing their weddings and offering guests something meaningful, or at the very least, edible, so that favors don’t immediately get relegated to the trash can.

According to Heather Jones of Wente Vineyards in California, favors have moved from “goodie bags” toward items that are experimental and fun. Wedding planners from across the country offer these wedding favor trends that couples may want to incorporate into their own celebrations.

Welcome bags Rather than take-home bags, welcome bags have replaced the traditional favor trinket at some weddings. Many weddings have become multi-day events that ask guests traveling from out of

wedding favors

town to attend a wedding weekend. To help greet them and make their experience memorable, couples may fill a gift bag with items guests can use or enjoy during their stay — like a bottle of locally sourced maple syrup or some handmade soaps from a nearby shopkeeper.

Experience gifts Instead of a candle or a monogrammed cake server, think of experiences to offer guests. A coupon for free drinks at a nearby brewery, a tour of a local attraction while guests are in town or a group excursion for guests attending a destination wedding can be fun and will help guests create lasting memories.

Charitable donations Some couples feel that favors are wasteful and would rather set aside a portion of their wedding budgets toward

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giving back. In such situations, a donation to charity in guests’ names can be the way to go. Guests can vote on two favorite charities advertised on a special table at the wedding reception.

The one with the most votes will get the proceeds.

Wedding favors are changing to keep up with the times and keep guests feeling extra special.

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BRIDAL BLISS 2020 • 25

Think of your

Y

our guests deserve the best experience possible when celebrating your special day with you. There are many ways you can keep them top of mind to show they you’ve been thinking about them just as much as the overall day.

Considering you may have multiple generations coming to your wedding, including grandparents and young children, how you make them feel comfortable can be very different. Work with your local wedding planner to analyze your list of guests to make sure you’ve got all your bases covered when it comes to giving everyone a day to remember.

Give Them Time Snowy or rainy weather means bad traffic, so build in extra time for guests to get from your ceremony to your reception. If possible have your ceremony and reception in one venue. This would make transport in bad weather even easier.

Consider building in extra time into the festivities at your reception as well.

Many weddings are slammed with backto-back mini events like the speeches, parent-child dances and dance-offs. Why not give your guests a more elegant, peaceful reception experience by starting off low key?

Especially if they have had to battle wintery weather during their travel, a nice break in the action will be well-received.

Keep Guests Warm Looking for a way to keep your guests nice and warm? A hot drink on arrival is a considerate idea. Hot chocolate or tea is the perfect treat on a wintry day.

When it comes to your wedding party, you can outfit them in bold color peacoats or neutral capes to help them fight the chill. Your friends will be thankful that you thought of their comfort ahead of time.

Keep the Kiddos Comfy What wedding ceremony or reception would be complete without a bunch of children running around? If you’re using kids for your ring bearer or flower girl, 26 • BRIDAL BLISS 2020

guests

then you’ll need to consider their warmth and comfort for your winter wedding.

Think cozy, chic blankets for any children in the audience and shawls for any kiddos in your wedding party. You want them remembering how special this day was, not how cold they were throughout.

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Silicone: It’s a Ring Thing

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edding rings have been exchanged for thousands of years.

But today’s rings tend to be more space age than the traditional gold and silver bands. The latest trend, perfect for active lifestyles, is a silicone band.

What Is It? Silicone bands are very light, and they stretch, bend and break away, so if you work in a field that’s hazardous to your digits, you can still wear your ring. Or if you play sports, work out or maybe just have fingers that tend to swell, a silicone band may be right for you.

Unlike traditional metal bands, silicone rings come in a dazzling array of colors and finishes, even iridescent. They also come in different widths, patterns and textures, and can even be engraved. Some are meant to be stackable, and they come with different edges for your comfort. Several companies also offer limited edition designs by artists for a once-in-a-lifetime band at an affordable price.

This may also be a good option if you have an expensive or heirloom wedding set you don’t want on you at all times. You can have the permanent, traditional set, and then a silicone ring for everyday wear.

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Silicone bands are much cheaper than bands made of precious metals, starting at around $20. Customization such as engraving or fancy finishes, of course, cost more. If you’re prone to losing jewelry, these bands may be a cost-effective solution for you.

Where Do I Get Them?

Some jewelers have started carrying silicone bands as an option for their customers, but you can also find them at local sporting goods and outdoors stores.

Things to Think About Just like with any ring, you may prove to be allergic to the material. If you have a silicone allergy, obviously, this isn’t the ring for you.

You also need to make sure your sizing is on point; a too-snug ring of any kind will cause irritation.

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BRIDAL BLISS 2020 • 27

Getting here to there on your wedding day Y ou’ve planned the date, met with the officiant, decided on what to wear, and booked the venue. But how are you going to arrive in style?

Arranging wedding transportation can be tricky, even if it seems like it’s a relatively minor detail. However, getting not only the bride and groom, as well as the rest of the bridal party and guests, from point A to point B and even point C is often a taller task than it seems.

The wedding planning resource The Knot says couples should begin focusing on transportation between four and six months before their weddings. If the wedding will be held during prom or graduation season, couples may want to reserve vehicles even earlier due to high demand.

While rented transportation is not

28 • BRIDAL BLISS 2020

necessary, it’s a luxury many couples prefer, as it allows them to leave the driving to someone else. Generally speaking, hired cars will pick up the bride and groom separately before the ceremony; otherwise, they will arrive to the ceremony by other means and then utilize a limo or other vehicle afterward.

The transportation will then take the married couple and typically members of the bridal party and immediate family to the reception venue.

Depending on the head count and how many other people will be getting a lift, two or more vehicles may be necessary. And since the limos will leave after the reception drop off, some other form of transportation will be necessary to take the couple and whomever else rode to the reception back home (or to the airport). This may require dropping off one or more personal cars at the

reception venue in advance.

Budget also will dictate if transportation is provided for other guests.

The majority or guests will drive their own cars to the wedding. However, if the ceremony and reception site are far apart or if the journey is arduous and out of the way, some well-meaning couples will arrange for transport.

Many times couples will have to opt for function over form when tasked with transporting a large number of people.

Pricing out different options can yield the most cost-effective route, which very well may be a school or charter bus instead of several limousines.

Couples can start the process by asking their reception venue for transportation recommendations. Or if there are hotel accommodations after the party, the hotel may have connections or offer shuttle services.

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1546 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16601 | 814-201-2374 BRIDAL BLISS 2020 • 29