Wedding Planner 02.15.19

FEBRUARY 15, 2019

The Press Special Edition • Winter 2019

2B

|

WWW.THEPRESS.NET

Wedding Planner

FEBRUARY 15, 2019

FEBRUARY 15, 2019

Wedding Planner

WWW.THEPRESS.NET

|

Choosing that special venue for the big day DAWNMARIE FEHR

C

hoosing the right venue for the day you tie the knot can seem like an overwhelming task.

Current trends, location and cost all come into play when making the all-important decision. Some wedding venues are known for their stunning landscapes, while others build their reputations on unique interiors and an unforgettable ambiance.

Two local venues, which offer blank slates for couples to paint their dreams on, are Brentwood’s Community Center and Senior Activity Center. Diva Santiago books these facilities for couples and offers some advice.

“If you are planning a wedding and looking at one of our facilities for a venue, Brentwood residents get to choose 18 months out and nonresidents can choose one year out,” Santiago said. “Our best tip would be to come and view our venues to see what you like because our venues only supply tables and chairs.”

For 2019, trends are moving away from rustic settings and expansive vineyards toward more industrial sites. If you choose a location with harsh lines and dark colors, soften it with pastel flora and bright greenery.

Small venues with inclusive deals offer a one-stop-shop for busy brides. If you want something different, and your guest list stays in

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

When you are considering a venue, send a detailed inquiry first to ensure that your needs can be accommodated, then set up a tour. the double digits, a local brewery will give your day a whole new look and feel, or your favorite restaurant or bookstore may be willing to shut its doors for you. The Knot suggests looking at distilleries, ranches and greenhouses as they pick up steam for 2019.

When you are considering a venue, send a detailed inquiry first to ensure that your needs can be accommodated, then set up a tour. If possible, schedule it at the same time of the year you will be getting married so you can see what the backdrop will look like on your wedding day.

Allyson Westlund, office manager for the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center says couples should never shop outside of their budget.

“Know what your budget is before you even start shopping,” Westlund said. “It will save everyone a lot of time.” Her venue provides a location and in-house catering, but brides are able to bring in everything else, avoiding a cookie-cutter wedding.

Backyard BBQs can be a down-to-earth, low cost way to celebrate your big day. If you have access to a large yard, either through family or close friends, a backyard wedding

3B

For 2019, trends are moving away from rustic settings and expansive vineyards toward more industrial sites. If you choose a location with harsh lines and dark colors, soften it with pastel flora and bright greenery. and reception can save money and still accommodate both guests and fun. Consider hiring a caterer or a tent with the money you saved.

Choosing a wedding venue should be fun. The venue can reflect not only couples’ tastes but also offer a starting point for a memorable occasion.

For information on booking the Brentwood Community Center call 925-5165444. For the Brentwood Senior Activity Center call 925-516-5380.

For more information on booking the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center call 925-706-4220.

4B

|

Wedding Planner

WWW.THEPRESS.NET

FEBRUARY 15, 2019

Things to consider when choosing a wedding party

M

Being asked to serve as a bridesmaid or groomsman is an honor. Some couples may be tempted to ask every friend, sibling or cousin they have to be in their wedding parties, and some do.

aking the important decision to get married can fill couples with

joy and excitement as they imagine spending the rest of their lives together.

Naturally, brides and grooms are anxious to share the good news with others and include family and friends in the festivities.

One way couples exemplify inclusion is by asking their closest acquaintances to be part of their wedding parties.

Being asked to serve as a bridesmaid or groomsman is an honor. Some couples may be tempted to ask every friend, sibling or cousin they have to be in their wedding parties, and some do. In fact, ancient Roman law required 10 witnesses to be part of the wedding ceremony. However, the larger the wedding party, the more people couples have to coordinate and the more personalities they must manage.

While large wedding parties are in style, there isn’t any one-size-fits-all formula to decide what size party is right for a particular situation. Trends vary based on geography and culture. These tips can help couples decide on the size of their wedding parties. ♦♦ Match it to scope and style. Wedding planners often use a standard ratio for a proportion of guests to wedding party

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

While large wedding parties are in style, there isn’t any one-size-fits-all formula to decide which size party is right for a particular situation. members. That ratio is one pair of wedding attendants for every 50 guests. This creates a balanced feel where the more people in attendance, the larger the wedding party and vice versa. ♦♦ Consider your expenses. Wedding party members may be asked to spend considerable amounts of money to be in the wedding, but the couple will have certain expenses tied to the wedding party

as well. These can include limousines to ferry people between the ceremony and reception, photography costs to arrange and photograph large wedding parties, the cost of boutonnieres and bouquets, attendants’ gifts as well as extra mouths to feed at the rehearsal dinner. Small wedding parties can be easier on couples’ budgets. ♦♦ Know your expectations. Couples should discuss what they expect from their

Artistique.com

Ron Essex

wedding parties. Do couples want their loved ones to be very hands-on or waiting in the wings? For those who want a lot of input from their wedding parties, asking distant friends or family to be included may be impractical. ♦♦ Select reliable, easygoing people.

Wedding party members should be people couples can rely on, and it only helps if wedding party members are not prone to overreacting. Choose a wedding party that can be trusted and people with whom you get along.

Wedding party sizes are up to the couple but bigger isn’t always better.

– Courtesy Metro Creative

Rick Felix Photography

Ron Essex

Experience the Magic of Lone Tree Golf & Event Center Reception Space for 300+ ~ Outdoor Ceremony Sites ~ Award Winning Cuisine

4800 Golf Course Road Antioch

www.LoneTreeGolfCourse.com 925.706.4232

Wedding Planner

FEBRUARY 15, 2019

WWW.THEPRESS.NET

Cut blooms that will last the longest

F

lowers may look beautiful

snipped and brought inside

to brighten up a mantel or dining Choosing flowers wisely for wedding centerpieces or keepsakes can help couples enjoy selected flowers longer.

table. Unfortunately, cut flowers have a finite shelf life. While cut blooms can’t live forever, certain varieties will outlast others.

Peonies:

Chrysanthemums:

Widely referred to as “mums,” these midsummer to late fall flowers can last between three and four weeks after being cut. Mums can be used to fill out floral displays because they tend to be inexpensive but durable flowers.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Ranunculus:

Ranunculus mimic the look of roses and display layer after layer of silky, crepe-like petals. These blooms can last a week or more in vases if they’re put in water right after being cut.

Coneflower:

The purple coneflower is popular, but coneflowers are available in many colors aside from purple. Coneflowers attract butterflies and are beautiful in cut displays.

Trust in your stylist

A

wedding is a tough time to experience a bad hair day.

Clothing styles, time of day and weather all can dictate a wedding hairstyle, but ultimately, one of the most important factors in a wedding hairstyle is finding a stylist who understands you and can exercise your vision. A patient, understanding stylist who is open to viewing different photographs and drawing inspiration from various places, as well as running through a few trial styles, can help

Lilies:

Lilies are traditional flowers that are beautiful to behold. Lilies are available in various sizes and colors and can be bought fresh year-round. Lilies often last longer than a week after being cut. Look for lilies with tight buds, as such flowers tend to last the longest.

Gladioli:

Peonies can last for about a week or two when brought indoors. Television station HGTV says to snip the stems when the buds are tight, wrap them in newspaper and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to arrange.

These bright blooms can last for three to four weeks and are best harvested in summer. Related to the sunflower, zinnias are available in a wide range of colors.

5B

until late summer. Available in many hues, they can be used in conjunction with other blooms to create wellrounded floral displays that may last between two and three weeks.

in gardens and even when

Zinnias:

|

brides (and grooms) look their best.

In fact, trials are a must to ensure that a chosen style will work with your hair texture. If you plan to get your hair colored, professionals recommend doing so about three weeks in advance of the big day, so it looks natural and any potential snafus can be remedied beforehand. Your stylist may suggest a light trim prior to the wedding, so the ends are fresh and healthy.

Since you’re putting your faith in a qualified stylist, trust their expertise and vision. Keep an open mind to their suggestions. You may fall in love with one of the options you hadn’t considered.

LIMOUSINE SERVICE

Carnations:

Ally’s Rentals

Another budget-friendly flower, carnations are popular from early spring

The lovely flowers of the verticalgrowing gladiolus, which is sometimes referred to as the “sword lily,” are available in yellow, peach, pink, white, and other hues. These bulb-based plants can last up to two weeks after being cut and add variety and texture to floral displays.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

We rent: • Jumpers • Linens • Tents • Tables • Chairs and More!

AAgood smile good smilecan canopen opendoors. doors.AASheffield SheffieldSmile Smilecan canchange changelives. lives.

Floral Arrangements for Special Events

(925) 775-4790

www.AllysFlorist.com Delivery Available

A good smile can open doors.

A good smile can open doors. A Sheffield Smile can change lives.

A Sheffield Smile can change lives.

Wedding Packages Available Call Calltoday todaytotoschedule scheduleyour yourFREE FREEexam examand andconsultation consultation  

AIRPORT • WINE TOURS SAN FRANCISCO TOURS WEDDINGS • BIRTHDAYS • CONCERTS SPORTING EVENTS • CORPORATE www.FinesseLimo.com • 925

634-7303

TCP-9438

Professional and Personalized Service 24/7 • 23 Years Experience

Braces Bracesor orInvisalign Invisalignfor forChildren Childrenand andAdults Adults Flexible finanacing … choose your own Flexible finanacing … choose your ownpayment paymentplan plan Two locations, same great team Two locations, same great team

Call today to schedule your FREE exam and consultation Call today to schedule your exam and consultation • Braces or Invisalign forFREE Children and Adults Antioch 757-9100 Antioch 757-9100 • Flexible financing... choose your payment plan  Braces or Invisalign for Children andown Adults Brentwood 634-4446 Brentwood 634-4446 • Two locations,… same great your team  Flexible finanacing choose own payment plan www.sheffieldortho.com  Two Antioch locations, 757-9100 samewww.sheffieldortho.com great •team Brentwood 634-4446

www.sheffieldortho.com Antioch 757-9100 Brentwood 634-4446

MEDAL LD AWARD

2018

GO



6B

|

Wedding Planner

WWW.THEPRESS.NET

FEBRUARY 15, 2019

How to create a wedding day schedule

W

Couples can establish a framework for their wedding day schedule by working back from the ceremony.

edding days can be hectic.

In fact, many couples note after tying the knot

that their wedding days were so busy that the ceremonies and receptions were over before they knew it.

Creating a wedding day schedule can seem like a daunting task. Couples tend to have lots of things to do before saying “I do,” and organizing everything so ceremonies begin on time can seem as puzzling as a brain teaser. But certain scheduling strategies can help couples ensure they look their best and make it to the altar on time. ♦♦ Start with the ceremony. Couples can establish a framework for their wedding day schedule by working back from the ceremony. Once the ceremony time is set, couples who plan to take photos before their ceremonies can then work with their photographers to determine how much time they will need for photos and where they want to take the photos. Bridal parties may need transportation to the photo session, so determining when and where to take photos before the ceremony gives couples an idea of when to arrange for pickup. ♦♦ Confirm when the wedding venue is open to the wedding party. Before booking hair and makeup appointments, couples should confirm when they will be able to access their wedding venue. Brides may want to get their hair and makeup done at the ceremony sight, but that may only be possible if the venue opens early for the wedding party. If it does not, then brides must account for transportation time to the ceremony sight when making their wedding day schedules. ♦♦ Determine how much time is needed for hair and makeup. Weddings that feature large bridal parties will require more time for hair and makeup than ceremonies with small bridal parties. Grooms and groomsmen often take care of their own hair, though some grooms might want to

schedule hot shaves for themselves and their groomsmen. Grooms should ask groomsmen if they want a hot shave and then work with their barbers to determine how much time it will take to tend to all participants. Brides with large bridal parties may need to book more than two hair and makeup artists so everyone can get done on time. Wedding hair and makeup sessions can last several hours for large bridal parties, so brides should schedule their sessions early if their parties are big. ♦♦ Make lunch arrangements. Some couples choose to tie the knot and host their receptions at the same venue. In such instances, if brides are getting their hair and makeup done at the venue, ask the venue representative if lunch can be provided to

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Before booking hair and makeup appointments, couples should confirm when they will be able to access their wedding venue. the bridal party. Some venues may include small lunch buffets in their reception costs, while others might charge extra. Confirm the availability and costs, and if it’s unavailable or too expensive, then arrange for lunch to be delivered. Either way, couples should not skip lunch, as it may be their only chance to eat until after the ceremony. ♦♦ Distribute your schedule to one another and the bridal party. Once the

Did you know?

W

hen you hear that a couple “tied the

knot,” you immediately know that they got married.

But just when and where does the term “tying the knot” come from? The phrase “tying the knot” is steeped in tradition, though the origins of the phrase remain open for debate. One origin story states that tying the knot can be traced back to the Roman Empire, when brides wore girdles that were tied in knots, and the groom had to eventually untie those knots to consummate the marriage. Tying the knot also may be traced to the custom of handfasting when the marriage contract was established between a bride and groom by joining their hands together

is ad

ion th Ment

for

FF! 10% O

HAIR

TANNING

MAKEUP

FOR ALL YOUR WEDDING NEEDS •(925) 679-4111 • 2465 Discovery Bay BLVD, suite 202, Discovery Bay CA • www.luxandlbvd.com

wedding day schedule has been devised, couples should share it with each other and their wedding parties. Grooms’ wedding day to-do lists might not be as extensive as brides’, but grooms should still be kept in the loop regarding the schedule so they can help if anyone has questions or if something goes awry. Sharing the schedule with the wedding party decreases the chances of someone being late or missing an appointment.

and tying them. Although accounts vary as to whether the hands were tied only during the ceremony or later, this is believed to be an ancient Renaissance or Celtic tradition. Others speculate that the phrase traces its origins to Hindu weddings in which brides and grooms tied a necklace of flowers as part of their wedding tradition. Yet another theory suggests the phrase can be traced back to the knotted string that supported beds prior to the use of metal springs. Therefore, in order to make a marriage bed, couples first needed to tie the knot. Knots also represent a difficult-to-break bond, which is why they have long been associated with marriage.

In one unity tradition, couples may braid or knot together three strands, with one representing the bride, one symbolizing the groom and the third representing God as they join together in faith. Similarly, the phrase “getting hitched” is associated with knot-tying as well. The saying implies two people are being tied together just like a horse is tied, or hitched, to a wagon.

– Courtesy of Metro Creative

Here Comes the Bride

R Flowers and Baskets offers a wide selection of bridal bouquets, wedding ceremony flowers and centerpieces.

Flowers and Baskets

(925) 214-6346 www.rflowersandbaskets.com

Wedding Planner

WWW.THEPRESS.NET

Wedding registry tips

3981 Walnut Blvd., Brentwood

Whether it’s your first or 100th visit with us, we will treat you like family.

Craig Chlebicki DDS Christopher Charles DDS

Call Us Today:

Got a Smile of the week? Submit to ads@brentwoodpress.com

Deer Ridge Family Dental

Brought to you by

FREE Whitening! New Patients Welcome

(925) 308-7444 www.deerridgefamilydental.com Most Insurances Accepted. Se Habla Español.

For more information, call 634-7742

925-513-1950

3181 Balfour Road, Suite H Brentwood www.RoyalManeSalon.com

Now Featuring

Currently accepting qualified stylists

Custom Framing & Matting

“We can frame just about about anything!”

700 Harvest Park Dr. Brentwood • 634-7742

INCLUDING JERSEYS AND BASEBALLS

www.CRFraming.webs.com

18*

$

per month Unlimited

THERE IS NO OFF SEASON!

(925) 234-9224 deltavac.com

120 Guthrie Lane, Brentwood

Expires 2/28/19 *Certain restrictions apply. See membership for details.

Call 634-1441 Formerly known as Carol Carey Salon

MEDA L LD AWARD

2008

email crframing@aol.com or visit crframing.webs.com.

Advertise your Business Here TODAY for as low as $50!

Call TODAY to schedule your appointment!

MEDA L LD AWARD

CR Framing

CR Framing takes pride in their service For second-generation framer Chris Ramos, it’s all in the family.

CR Framing serves local artists and residents at wholesale prices, with excellent quality and quick turnaround. They offer an array of services, including custom framing, shipping, shrink-wrapping, matting and framing. The business is located at 700 Harvest Park Drive, Unit I, in Brentwood, and hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Dental Care for Teens & Adults • Comfortable • Convenient

R MEDA VE AWARD

20112010

w w w. b re n t c o u r t d e n t a l g ro u p . c o m

Dr. Joseph J. Sipin • 2201 Balfour Road, Suite B

• Caring • Comprehensive

R MEDA VE AWARD

2013

L

L

E MEDA NZ AWARD

2016

L

BrentCourt Professional Building: 1140 2nd St., Ste. A, Brentwood

Smile of the Week auren is our Smile of the Week. She attends Liberty High School and loves to play volleyball. She hopes to become a teacher and what she loved best about Brentwood Orthodontic’s treatment was the great staff.

925-634-3503

FA MILY. C O M M UN I T Y. H E ALT H .

L

Wedding registries are invaluable resources that provide engaged couples’ loved ones with gift suggestions. In spite of that value, couples may find it daunting and even a little uncomfortable to build their wedding registries.

Building a wedding registry can feel like walking a tightrope. Couples likely won’t want to ask for too much or for gifts that are too expensive, but a poorly built registry can be a major inconvenience for guests. The following tips can help couples build adequate registries that benefit them without asking too much of their guests. ♦♦ Register with more than one store. Doing so makes things as convenient as possible for guests and increases the chances they will be able to shop at stores they’re familiar with.

Unless your guest list is predominantly local, try to register with at least one national chain, so guests who live in different regions can shop for gifts in-person if they prefer to do so. ♦♦ Make a large list. Some couples are hesitant to make large wedding registries, feeling that doing so gives the impression that they’re asking for too much. But large registries simply give guests more options

516-7664 • www.gotapartyinc.com

GO

during their lifetimes.

Tables, chairs, tents, inflatables and much more!

GO

couples may encounter

Weddings • Special Occasions Holidays • Birthday Parties

SIL

is a task unlike any other

to choose from. Don’t hesitate to include expensive items on your registry. Couples also may be hesitant to include especially expensive items on their wedding registries.

However, the couples’ parents and other close relatives may be honored to purchase more expensive items, so couples should not feel embarrassed to include them on their lists.

It’s also important to note that many retailers, after couples’ wedding days have come and gone, discount registry items that weren’t purchased. So even if no one purchases the more expensive items, including them on a registry may significantly reduce their cost for couples who want to buy such items themselves after tying the knot. ♦♦ Vary the prices of items on the list. In addition to including more expensive items on the registry, make sure to include moderately priced and inexpensive items.

This gives guests more options and ensures guests who might be spending a lot to travel to and from the wedding can still purchase gifts without digging too much deeper into their pockets. ♦♦ Periodically update the registries.

Periodically update your registries to remove items you have already received and to add items if many of the less expensive ones have already been purchased. This also makes things more convenient for guests.

Building a wedding registry is a unique task that couples can embrace as their wedding day draws near.

7B

Serving Brentwood Since 1998

SIL

B

uilding a wedding registry

|

Party Equipment Rentals

BR O

FEBRUARY 15, 2019

Smile of the Week

SPECIALIZING IN MEN’S, WOMEN’S & KID’S HAIRCUTS

(925) 240-0333

1145-C Second St., Brentwood http://www.facebook.com/tangles.brentwood

tangles_salon_brentwood

Make your home safe!

Grab Bar Specialist $10 OFF Any New Installation

Showers • Bathrooms • Floor to Ceiling Poles Jess Llamas (925) 872-1789 ALL ABOUT SAFETY!

Lic#395140

45 Years Experience Fully Bonded & Insured

8B

|

WWW.THEPRESS.NET

Wedding Planner

FEBRUARY 15, 2019

Community Center

Beautiful outdoor wedding site Indoor banquet seating for 330 guests Caterers dream kitchen Elegant pre-function area Ample parking

Photos courtesy of Wedding Bug Studios

Brentwood Parks & Recreation 35 Oak Street, Brentwood, CA www.brentwoodca.gov/gov/parks/rentals 925.516.5444