Wedding Planner_Winter 02.10.2023

The

Florist

How to go about picking the right flowers

The Planning

A checklist to plan your wedding

The Ring

How to find the right ring

Tips to help master your wedding guest list

Weddings are such momentous occasions that it’s no wonder couples want to share their big days with as many people as possible. Though a wedding where all friends, family members and acquaintances are in attendance may be a dream scenario, reality often calls for a more carefully curated guest list.

Data from The Wedding Report indicates that the average cost of a wedding is slightly more than $20,000, though that figure could be substantially higher, or even lower, depending on where couples tie the knot. Both The Wedding Report and The Knot report that a wedding venue and catering make up a significant percentage of the overall cost of a wedding, with some figures indicating that these expenses account for around 65 percent of the final price tag. The number of guests couples will host on their wedding day will affect which venue they book and how much food and beverages they’ll need to satisfy guests.

Creating a wedding day guest list is

no small task. However, couples can try various approaches to keep a guest list more manageable and less expensive.

♦ Accept input. Parents may no longer foot the entire bill for their children’s weddings, but couples who are accepting some financial help from parents must also accept Mom’s and Dad’s input regarding the guest list. Even if parents’ desired guests do not ultimately make the cut, it’s best to

respect their wishes and consider who they want to invite. Couples who are financing their own weddings without outside help need not feel beholden to invite anyone who does not meet their invitation criteria.

♦ Make a preliminary list without regard to budget. Couples can have fun making preliminary guest lists without considering their budgets. A preliminary list can serve as a solid starting point, and

couples may even realize that their list is within budget. Once the preliminary lists have been created, couples can categorize guests (e.g. distant cousins, coworkers, etc.) and then work together to determine if any categories can be eliminated from the invitation list. For example, couples who may be going over budget with their guest lists can each agree to remove distant cousins from their prospective invitees.

♦ Seek advice. Many couples face difficult decisions regarding their wedding day guest lists, so it can be helpful to speak to a recently married friend or relative to see how they handled paring down their guest lists. Some might have done it by category, while others might have limited guest lists to local friends and family. When taking this approach, couples can speak to friends about how they approached handling people who were surprised that they were not on the final list of invitees.

♦ Throw a less formal party down the road. A less expensive backyard barbecue within weeks of tying the knot can serve as a less costly alternative to a large wedding reception. Couples who take this approach can keep their wedding day guest lists to a minimum, but invite everyone they hope to see to a post-wedding day backyard barbecue or potluck picnic so they can celebrate with everyone they love.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Photo credit: Ron Essex

Photo credit: Rick Felix Photography

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Couples who hope to stay within budget can consider these tips as they try to build a guest list that won’t break the bank.

Planning your Valentine’s Day proposal

Feb. 14 is a day dedicated to love. And for couples who are pondering their futures together, Valentine’s Day may seem tailormade for wedding proposals.

According to a survey of 1,000 married adults by James Allen, an online diamond and bridal jewelry retailer, people really love getting engaged on Valentine’s Day. Forty-three percent of millennials report favoring Valentine’s Day for proposals - whether they’re doing the asking or being asked.

There are a few things to keep in mind when considering whether or not to pop the question on Valentine’s Day. Here are some ideas for planning the proposal.

Make it your own

Even if the proposal is taking place on one of the most popular days of the year to get engaged, interject some personality into the occasion. Include important elements that are dear to the person to whom you are proposing, such as favorite flowers or a preferred restaurant. Restaurant reservations may be hard to come by on Valentine’s Day, so you may want to select a more private meal at

Have the ring at the ready

Valentine’s Day is a popular time for wedding proposals. With a little planning, the occasion can be even more special.

Jewelry shops are in demand around Valentine’s Day, so be sure to choose and have the ring sized well in advance of the proposal. This ensures the ring will be ready in time. If the ring will be a surprise, get hints beforehand to understand your loved one’s design tastes. Consider bringing a friend along when shopping to offer support and advice.

Use chocolate to your advantage

Boxes of chocolate are ubiquitous on Valentine’s Day. Nestle the ring inside of a box of truffles or another favorite confection and have the question “Will you marry me?” attached to the inside of the box.

Hire a photographer

home or something catered unless you want to share your proposal with a crowd.

Visit possible locations in advance

Think about where you would like to

Discovery Bay Golf & Country

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propose and visit those areas at different times of the day. Timing a proposal during sunset with the rays creating a warm glow on a park bench or on the incoming tide can make it more magical. Adjust proposal area plans for bigger crowds expected on Valentine’s Day.

Work with a photographer to capture the moment, whether it’s a professional photographer or a friend enlisted for the task. This way you can be fully immersed in the moment as it unfolds, and then look back on the experience from a different perspective when the photos are printed. – Courtesy of Metro Creative

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Photos courtesy of Kelly Boitano Photography

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Brides magazine says the perfect engagement period is 12 to 14 months, which affords ample time to get organized and work with vendors.

With that in mind, here’s a 12-month timeline for couples getting ready to say “I do.” See checklist below.

How to find your local wedding florist

Weddings join the lives of two loving individuals so they can share their future with one another. Various elements help make weddings both momentous and magical.

Some weddings adhere to themes that are designed to make an impression and showcase couples’ personalities. Floral arrangements are key components of wedding themes, as they help to establish ambiance at both the ceremony and reception.

Flowers can easily help couples achieve a desired vibe, whether that’s rustic, romantic, modern, or even whimsical. Skilled florists may use a variety of flowers and foliage, as well as dramatic displays to help create the couple’s wedding day vision. According to an internal study from the wedding advice and planning resource The Knot, which surveyed more than 27,000 couples who got married in 2019, the average cost of wedding flowers was $2,000 in 2019. However, the cost of floral arrangements can vary depending on the scope of the arrangements and choice of flowers, including whether they’re in season or not.

Couples should spend time vetting potential florists to find one who will

produce their desired vision at a price that fits their budget. These guidelines can make the process go more smoothly.

♦ Establish your theme early on. Floral arrangements will complement and enhance other elements of the wedding, including color scheme and the wedding theme. If your wedding theme ties into a specific season, you will work with the florist to find blooms and other pieces that coordinate. For example, winter weddings with white, ice blue and silver color schemes may coordinate with white ranunculus flowers, dahlias, dusty

miller foliage, and viburnum berries.

♦ Bring swatches and photographs to consultations. It is easier to explain color palettes to a florist with examples in hand. Show the florist the types of arrangements you prefer and have actual fabric swatches from bridesmaid gowns or groomsmen vests so that colors can be complemented.

♦ Create a list of desired items. Florists may sell items a la carte or have packages of common floral pieces for wedding celebrations. Types of floral arrangements include bridal bouquet, bridesmaids’ bouquets, maid

of honor bouquet, corsages for mothers/ grandmothers, boutonnieres for groomsmen and fathers/grandfathers, flower girl headpiece, petals to sprinkle, table centerpieces, altar arrangements, pew or chair decorations, and cake decorations.

♦ Go easy on aroma. Tread lightly when selecting blooms that have strong aromas. They may be beautiful, but many people are sensitive to smells. Allergies also may be worsened by flowers with strong aromas. Discuss options with the florist before proceeding.

♦ Explain your budget. Research the average cost of floral arrangements and let the florist know what you can afford. This can help the florist narrow down options or make substitutions that fit your theme and your budget.

Couples can take certain steps as they choose floral arrangements for their weddings. Cost should not be the only factor in the decision, even though it is an important one.

Area florists that can help with your special day include:

Brentwood Florist

925-634-4313 or 925-634-1593

8335 Brentwood Blvd.

www.brentwood-florist.com

Paula’s Family Florist

925-756-6000

1412 A Street, Antioch

www.paulasfamilyflorist.com

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Couples should spend time vetting potential florists to find one who will produce their desired vision at a price that fits their budget.

Area venues ready to handle your wedding

After saying, “yes” to a marriage proposal, the next hardest decision is saying ‘yes’ to the venue.

While some couples choose to have different locations for each, many appreciate the ease and convenience of an all-inclusive venue, where guests can stroll from the ceremony to dinner. East County is home to several such sites that offer attractive backdrops, various options and a financial range of packages.

In the middle of Brentwood’s agricultural setting lies McCauley Estate Vineyards, an all-inclusive event venue. Co-owner Marissa McCauley said she and her team handle everything for a couple’s big day.

“We take care of all the big things like venue, DJ, catering and the bar,” McCauley said. “We have two different event spaces with two different styles.”

Couples can choose from the vineyard’s Barrel Room, with an intimate, rustic feel, or the pavilion, which McCauley said has a classic “wedding” look. She said many of her couples choose her winery because it combines the best of modern and rustic aesthetics.

She also said their packages are priced competitively, often saving couples money without sacrificing the beauty of their big day.

Her advice to couples? “Have an idea of what you want when you come in,” McCauley said. “That is helpful to us, and having a specific date, or at least a month, can help, too.”

A few miles east of McCauley Estate is the Discovery Bay Country Club, an event venue and golf course in Discovery Bay. Jenelle Josephsen, the club’s wedding and event director, said the Country Club’s policy of hosting only one wedding per weekend offers guests privacy and venue access.

“There’s no rush and lots of privacy, with unlimited access to the venue on their wedding day,” Josephsen said. “They can be here hours prior to the ceremony to take pictures, set up, decorate, whatever they need. We

like to make it a stress-free experience for them.”

As an all-inclusive venue, the Country Club offers the setting, as well as food, beverage, staff and planning services to their couples. Josephsen said their kitchen makes food at the same level offered to club members and has a 37-year history to back up its offerings.

“This is a private facility, not public, and it’s in a gated community on top of that,” she said. “Our members are very respectful of the weddings, so couples get a sense of privacy and security. We are also steps away from the Discovery Bay Marina, and we’ve had brides and grooms take pictures on the water.”

The Country Club offers two different ceremony site

options with views of Mt. Diablo or the club’s grounds. Josephsen noted prices don’t change all year, so no one feels pushed to choose a date based on cost. So she suggests that engaged couples is to pick a date and book a venue.

“We are here, and they would be in good hands here,” she said. “Couples that want to have a beautiful wedding should come take a look.”

McCauley Estate Vineyards is at 2525 Sunset Road, in Brentwood. For more information, call 925-516-3300 or visit www.mccauleyestatevineyards.com

The Discovery Bay Country Club is at 1475 Club House Drive in Discovery Bay. For more information, call 925-634-0700 or visit www.dbgcc.com

DAWNMARIE FEHR

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

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Buying gems in person is safer than online

Mark Broder of Broder

Jewelry Design brings a personal approach to jewelry, especially for couples who come in for advice when planning their wedding.

He tells them to search around online to get some idea of what styles and gems they are partial to. For example, “what size of diamond they are considering,” is a good starting point.

“But the financial budget is a big decider,” Broder said recently. “It’s not the romantic part of the process,” he admits.

Broder says he tries to steer his customers to a reliable diamond source, the Gemological Institute of America. The GIA website describes itself, established in 1931, as “the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls.”

“Start with their website and start educating yourself on gem quality standards, sizes, cuts, colors and more,” Broder said.

He also cautions his customers to be wary of purchasing gems, particularly

diamonds, online. “This is one exercise that requires you to actually see the gem with your own naked eyes,” he said recently. “Otherwise, all you’ve got to inspect is a piece of paper.”

He also noted that a lot of ring designs were not put together by jewelers. “A computer design doesn’t mean it can be built by an artist,” he said.

The jeweler admitted that his business suffered through the COVID-19 pandemic but survived by switching to a by-appointment sales approach at his shop at 640 Harvest Park Drive in Brentwood. “But jewelry repairs and rebuilds kept us afloat,” he said.

“In fact, last year was one of our busiest years ever,” he added. “We specialize in unique designs.”

Broder has been hand-crafting fine jewelry for 32 years. He is a second-generation jeweler, apprenticing for his father in a small shop in San Francisco in 1983. He later worked for a custom jeweler in Walnut Creek for 17 years where he became a master stone setter and hand engraver.

To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/ multimedia

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CHRIS CAMPOS

Photo by Chris Campos

Mark Broder of Broder Jewelry Design examines some rings at his shop on Harvest Park Drive in Brentwood.