Bridal tab 2018

SPECIAL BRIDAL & WEDDING GUIDE

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February 8, 2018

State of the Union

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor • February 8, 2018 Page 3

Congratulations to all our Berthoud brides and grooms The Surveyor welcomes engagement and wedding announcements.

INDEX Frosting-free cakes, the latest trend ....

Cupcakes, dessert bars offer more options than traditional wedding cakes..............

Wedding travel - honeymoons to destination weddings and finding the perfect fit...............................................

Bride’s to do list.....................................

Weddings by the numbers...................10 Hiring a wedding consultant saves time reduces stress ......................................11 Please support the advertisers in this special bridal magazine: Academy for Dental Assistance

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Page 4 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor • February 8, 2018

Frosting-free cakes the latest trend

Special to the Surveyor

A new trend is taking hold both in North America and on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Cakes are being pared down so that frosting and fondant coverings are now nearly absent from the confections.

They’re called “naked cakes,” and these simplified desserts showcase the texture of the cakes and their fillings. According to culinary experts, the idea for the naked cake came from Christina Tosi, owner of Momofuku Milk Bar. It’s an awardwinning bakery with locations across the United States and Canada. Now many other pastry chefs and bakers are hopping on the naked cake bandwagon, with the trend being highlighted by the likes of Martha Stewart and

the respected wedding resource The Knot.

Just because these cakes may be short on exterior buttercream doesn’t mean they fall flat on flavor or visual appeal.

Cakes can be embellished with fresh blooms, gum paste-molded flowers, edible pearls and gems, fresh berries, and much more. The Knot notes many naked cakes are garnished with flavors that are included in the cake, such as chocolate chips, crumbs, cookie dough, or candy sprinkles.

Couples who are stripping down their weddings to include more basics and natural effects may be drawn to these naked cakes. They’re also an option for those who find frosting, buttercream and fondant too sweet for the palate. Naked cakes enable the interior flavors to really shine.

State of the Union

State of the Union

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor • February 8, 2018 Page 5

Cupcakes, dessert bars offer more options than traditional wedding cakes

By Shelley Widhalm The Surveyor Weddings are not all about the cake — at least not anymore.

Couples are opting for cupcakes and dessert bars as they plan their big day, not only to save on expense but to give their guests more of a treat with lots of variety.

“It’s so much easier,” said Suzanne Doles, executive wedding planner and owner of Let’s PLANet, a Berthoud-based wedding consultation business that plans destination weddings worldwide and regional weddings in Northern Colorado. “You don’t have to pay a caterer to cut the cake and put it on a plate.”

In the last five years Doles saw more couples ordering cupcakes and other types of desserts. Tiered and sheet cakes are more expensive and require additional catering fees, plus guests don’t need plates and forks for the cupcakes and can pick them up and take them to their tables.

Guests also don’t have to wait for the bride and groom to cut the cake before they enjoy dessert, unless the couple opts for a six-inch cake to go with the

cupcakes, Doles said. They can retain the traditional look of a cake by placing the smaller cake in a dummy cake or tiered cake form with only the top layer being real. They still can take home the cake to eat while opening their wedding presents or engaging in other traditional activities.

“They still have a special cake moment where they can cut into the cake and take it with them after the wedding,” Doles said.

Brides and grooms opting for non-cake options select either an assortment of cupcakes displayed on tiered stands or placed directly on a serving table or a dessert bar with anything from truffles to donuts.

The cupcakes can come in a variety of flavors and options, such as gluten-free or sugar-free.

Couples typically select three or four flavors, which is more expensive for tiered and sheet cakes. “The presentation is beautiful. You have a variety of cupcakes, and it goes over much better,” Doles said. “When you do a cake, you have to be more basic.”

The cupcakes typically are displayed with the flavors grouped together, said Linda O’Hare, owner

of Elegant Events by Linda, a wedding and event planning business that opened in Berthoud in 2010 and relocated to Platteville last year. The most common flavors include chocolate and vanilla, followed by other popular flavors like red velvet cake and lemon poppy seed, and the cupcakes can be traditional or mini-sized.

“If you go with the minis, the guests are more likely to eat more flavors,” O’Hare said.

Cake, too, doesn’t make for a good leftover.

“You can’t get rid of it,” Doles said.

Dessert bars, also called sweet tables, can include the cupcakes, along with a variety of other items, such as cake pops, donuts, individual pies, lemon bars, brownies, chocolate-covered strawberries, truffles and fruit trays. Couples wanting to reflect their backgrounds may bring in items like baklava, cannolis and tiramisu.

“I saw a lot of donuts last year,” O’Hare said. “Cupcakes, donuts and cake pops were a real hit, too.”

Other options include brownie bars with all the extras to put on top and candy bars with eight to 12 varieties of candy from chocolates to suckers.

“They display them in beautiful jars,” O’Hare said.

“It’s very pretty.”

Guests can pick up a variety to eat there or put the candy and treats in bags or boxes as a party favor.

“They don’t have to worry about party favors, and it goes over huge. It’s becoming more and more of a thing.”

Page 6 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor • February 8, 2018

State of the Union

Wedding travel - honeymoons to destination weddings and finding the perfect fit

By Amber McIver-Traywick The Surveyor

Travel and weddings go hand-inhand. Whether it’s planning a honeymoon or taking off for a destination wedding, the possibilities are almost endless. Narrowing down those options, not only for what fits the budget, but also what is compatible with the happy couple and is an expression of what is important to them, is the end goal to either a honeymoon or destination wedding. Whether it’s a tried-and-true destination favorite or new and trending locale, travel is a fun and exciting part of wedding planning.

Trends come and go, but some popular honeymoon and wedding destinations stand the test of time and remain on top for good reason. Destinations like Hawaii and Mexico have been favorites for decades for their scenic beauty and abundance of wedding and honeymoon options. ina Palmer, a travel agent expert and owner of Travel Hound in Berthoud, when asked about trends for honeymoons and destination weddings said, “Mexico is always a big one, especially from Colorado.” Palmer said she doesn’t see that trend ending anytime soon because of Mexico’s affordability. All-inclusive resorts are a popular option for many couples in places like Cancun and the iviera Maya on the Caribbean. These resorts offer relatively hassle-free travel as well as complete wedding packages that make the process of a destination wedding simple. The Pacific coast of Mexico is also seeing an upswing of attention since Hollywood A-listers like wyneth Paltrow, ustine Timberlake, Jennifer Aniston, and Matt Damon have all frequented resorts there in recent years. If snorkeling and enjoying calm water is your ideal, stick with the Caribbean and, if you happen to be traveling during hurricane season, you may want to go to the Pacific, as major hurricanes are much less frequent on that coast.

“Hawaii is another big one,” Palmer said. A sentiment echoed by theknot. com, that placed Hawaii as its number-one destination-wedding location.

The Big Island is home to 11 of the world’s 1 climatic zones, so everything from wet tropical regions to polar tundra, thanks to the elevation of the massive Maunakea volcano, can be found on one island. A honeymoon favorite beginning shortly after WWII, each of the islands has its own distinct personality. Many couples are looking for a scenic place for a ceremony, and Hawaii certainly doesn’t disappoint.

From rugged off-the-beaten-path locations to coffee plantations, to beautiful

resort beaches, the island has wedding locations galore. Another selling point for Hawai is the moderate climate and nearly year-round temperatures in the 70s and 80s. To save money, avoid the winter months and early spring, as that is high season for tourism.

Some less-frequented destinations that are gaining popularity include Costa ica and the Dominican epublic.

Travel industry leader Weddings by Funjet has reported seeing an uptick in interest for Costa ica over the past several years. This Central American country is perfect for couples looking for adventure and affordability. The tropical climate year round and a rich eco-tourism industry make Costa ica a great choice, as it is known internationally for its biodiversity as well as its beautiful beaches. uanacaste is becoming home to many resorts that offer full wedding packages and all-inclusive amenities. For the truly adventurous, treehouse hotels are available that give couples a front-row seat to the amazing canopy of lush rainforest where a visit from toucans and monkeys is common. With an exchange rate of 1 SD 1C C (Costa ican Colon) you can get a lot of wedding or honeymoon value for any size budget.

The Dominican epublic (D ) is located in the Caribbean and shares the island of Hispaniola with the nation of Haiti (although the two nations are vastly different due to geographic, historic, political and economic differences). “Punta Cana (D ) was a big one last year too,” Palmer said of the resort town on the eastern side of the island. Affordable and beautiful, the D has beaches that face both the Caribbean and the Atlantic, making it ideal for a variety of activities including catamaran cruises, deep sea fishing, windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving.

If one destination just isn’t enough, you might consider a cruise. “Cruising is always one that especially young couples choose, because they aren’t old enough to rent cars,” (many car rental companies don’t rent to the under-2 crowd). Many cruise lines offer wedding packages convenient for couples of any age that can include guests who won’t be sailing coming to a ceremony onboard before you embark, a wedding at sea, or on whatever island or destination to which you’re cruising.

It bears to mention, although the

allure of an exotic destination may be tempting, Colorado does reach the top of many lists for destination weddings and honeymoons, including ones found on theknot.com and Brides.com. So, if breathtaking mountain views sound like a perfect backdrop for your nuptials, keeping things local might just be the way to go.

If paying for wedding expenses means sacrificing your dream honeymoon, Palmer said she’s seen a trend for her clients, “ ... instead of rushing through the wedding, and everything is all at once, they’re waiting and going on their honeymoon a year later to do something really nice.”

To make the planning of either a honeymoon or the destination wedding a breeze, using an expert travel agent is your good bet. Palmer said what she offers her clients is, “Personal service, getting the fine-tuning done, taking away the headaches of planning and getting everything done especially for a wedding, it’s one less thing you have to think about.” Palmer also said she helps a wide variety of clients and takes each client on a case-by-case basis, booking everything from simple boutique hotels to a luxury all-inclusive, and everything in-between. To contact Travel Hound call 0 - 02or visit travelhound.us.

State of the Union

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor • February 8, 2018 Page 7

Page 8 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor • February 8, 2018 10 – 12 months to go ...

• Work out your budget and establish your top priorities — where to save/where to splurge.

• Find ideas. Start browsing Pinterest, bridal websites, bridal blogs and magazines to identify your wedding style and color palette.

• Compile your preliminary guest list (you’ll need that guest count).

• Choose your wedding party — who do you want by your side at the altar?

• Find a venue for your ceremony and reception, and reserve your date. Know what questions to ask when evaluating a wedding venue.

• Do you need wedding insurance? It’s something to think about. Check with your venue about liability insurance and consider other options, like cancellation insurance.

• Now that you have a date, tell everyone to save it! For destination weddings or weddings around a holiday, consider sending out Save-the-Date cards or emails. Or create your own wedding website and let your invitees know about it.

• Find a dress and begin assembling the perfect accessories. Need inspiration? Attend a wedding dress trunk

show or bridal fair.

• Find a vendor. Assemble an all-star vendor team. We’d start with: Caterer Photographer/videographer Officiant When you hire a vendor, get all the details in writing.

• Already feeling overwhelmed? Consider hiring a wedding planner.

• Another way to minimize stress: Start dreaming up your honeymoon ... and check out the Plan A Honeymoon section on HereComesTheGuide.com.

6 – 9 months to go ...

• Continue researching, interviewing and booking vendors. And don’t forget: When you hire one, make sure to put everything in writing.)

• Decide on arrangements with your floral designer.

• Do a tasting and choose your wedding cake with your cake designer.

• Hire the DJ/entertainment for your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception.

• Discuss the style and wording of your wedding invitations with a stationer.

• Create your gift registry (and don’t forget to update your wedding website).

• Arrange hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests and book your own suite for the wedding night.

• Shop for bridesmaid/flower girl dresses and give your attendants clear instructions on how to place their orders.

• Arrange and book any necessary transportation.

• Go over bridal shower/bachelorette details and the guest list with the person(s) hosting your party.

3 – 5 months to go ...

• Book the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner location(s). If you’re including entertainment or specialty details like a groom’s cake, now’s the time to lock in these elements.

• Put together your rehearsal dinner guest list.

• Make child care arrangements for your guests’ kids.

• Reserve all necessary party rentals and linens.

• Order wedding favors for your guests.

• Shop for and reserve men’s formalwear.

• Concentrate on finalizing the guest list. Get everyone’s mailing address.

• Invitation wording. Confirm your invitation text with the stationer, and consider additional stationery (programs, menu cards, place cards, thank-you cards, etc.). Schedule a pickup date for your invites.

• Ceremony readings and vows.

• Menu, beverage and catering details.

• Timeline of the reception formalities.

• Do a makeup and hair trial and book your stylists. While you’re at it, come up with your own beauty and fitness regimen to be camera-ready for the big day.

• Shop for and purchase your wedding rings.

• Finalize honeymoon plans and obtain all necessary documents (are you sure your passports are up to date?).

6 – 8 weeks to go ... You’re getting close ...

• Mail out those invitations. Have a game plan for recording the RSVPs and meal choices.

• Touch base with your vendors to confirm date, deposits and details.

• Start researching marriage license requirements and name - change paperwork.

• Begin your dress fittings. Be sure to buy the appropriate undergarments beforehand.

• So you think you can’t dance? Consider taking a dance lesson with your fiancé — a good way to break in your bridal shoes.

• Give the wedding party a nudge — make sure they’ve ordered all necessary attire.

• Write thank-you cards for shower gifts and any early wedding gifts received.

3 – 5 weeks to go ...

• Send out rehearsal dinner invitations. If your get together will be informal, feel free to send an Evite.

• Finalize and confirm: Wedding vows and readings with your officiant Shot list with your photographer/videographer Song list for ceremony and reception with your DJ and/or band/musicians

State of the Union Timeline for the reception and who’s giving the toasts Wedding night and honeymoon accommodations • Obtain marriage license and complete name - change documents, if applicable.

• Pick up your wedding rings and proofread any engraving.

• If you’re the traditional type, do you have something old, new, borrowed and blue?

• Purchase your guest book, toasting flutes, cake servers, unity candle, and all that good stuff.

• Buy gifts (optional) for the wedding party and parents of the bride and groom.

• Have your final dress fitting. Bring your shoes and accessories for the full impact.

• Sigh. Hunt down whoever hasn’t RSVP’d yet.

1 – 2 weeks to go …

• Give your caterer/venue the final guest count.

• Arrange seating and create the seating chart and/or place cards.

• Pick up your gown. Swoon.

• Confirm arrival times and finalize the wedding timeline with vendors and the wedding party — make sure your maid of honor has a copy too.

• Put together your own bridal emergency kit.

• Speaking of emergencies: Check the weather report, and if things look iffy contact your venue to make sure a contingency plan is in place.

• Start packing for your honeymoon. (See “weather report” above.)

• In desperate need of a facial or massage? Now’s the time to squeeze one in.

The day before …

• Make sure all wedding-day items are packed/laid out and ready to go. (Don’t forget the rings and marriage license.)

• Figure out tips and final payments for vendors. Put them in clearly marked envelopes and give them to the best man or another person you trust to hand out at the reception.

• Assign someone to pack up your gifts/belongings after the reception (don’t forget the top tier of your cake).

• Thank your BFF for agreeing to return your groom’s tux and other rental items the day after the wedding.

• Enjoy a mani-pedi.

• Attend the rehearsal and dinner. Now’s the time to give out wedding party gifts.

• Try to go to bed early ... you need your beauty sleep tonight.

Wedding-day advice • Allow plenty of time to get ready.

• Do the rounds at your wedding — greet everyone and thank them for coming.

• Take a deep breath. Stop to appreciate your new spouse and the day you spent so much time planning.

• After the honeymoon/back to reality. Write and send thank-you cards. (Don’t procrastinate.)

• Complete your registry and exchange any unwanted or duplicate gifts.

• Have your wedding dress cleaned and preserved by a reputable company.

• Keep in touch with your photographer/videographer to work on albums, DVDs, etc.

• Enjoy wedded bliss ...

State of the Union

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor • February 8, 2018 Page 9

Page 10 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor • February 8, 2018

State of the Union

Weddings by the numbers

By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer The Surveyor Weddings are wonderful and loving affairs, but start breaking them down by the numbers and it’s obvious they are also big business.

Much of the material in this article is from a study conducted in 2016 by The Knot, a leading wedding brand and marketplace. The study, released in February 2017, revealed brides and grooms are spending more than ever on their big day. In fact, this 10th annual comprehensive report by The Knot concluded the average cost of a wedding reached an all-time high of $35,329.

According to Conde Nast Bridal Media, a wedding in 1990 cost just $15,000. So what are today’s couples spending their money on?

The Knot study indicates custom entertainment is a huge part of the wedding bill. Photo booths represent 78 percent of entertainment costs, games are 18 percent, musical performances are 12 percent, and fireworks represent eight percent.

Interestingly, the study shows while the expenditure on the big event has increased, the number of invited guests has decreased. Wedding coordinators report it’s all about creating an unforgettable experience for a few rather than a run-of-the-mill wedding for the many.

In 2009 the cost per wedding guest was $194, while that number increased to $245 in 2016.

A financial tradition that has not changed over the years is parents are still footing most of the wedding bill. Today, on average, the bride’s parents con-

tribute 44 percent of the overall wedding budget, the groom’s parents contribute 13 percent and the bride and groom cover the rest.

Only 10 percent of couples paid for their entire wedding by themselves in 2016, with just eight percent contributing nothing. Again, according to the study by The Knot, 42 percent of couples reported spending more on their nuptials than they had planned to spend.

One number that’s gone down over the last decade is the number of destination weddings taking place, although the statistic has only dropped from 24 percent to 20 percent in the last five years. Top destination wedding locations are Hawaii, California, Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico.

While summer used to be the most popular season for weddings, fall is now number one, with 40 percent of couples celebrating an autumn wedding. September and October are the most popular months, followed by June.

New Yorkers spend the most on their weddings, with a Manhattan affair costing an average of $78,464. The least expensive place to be wed is Arkansas, with an average spent of just $19,522.

The cost of a wedding dress can range from under $100 to thousands of dollars. For instance, when President Trump married Melania Knauss, her wedding dress reportedly cost $100,000 (Forbes.com). The average American, however, spends about $1,500.

For more fascinating wedding statistics from 2016, including the average age of brides and grooms and a breakdown of the average wedding budget, visit www.xogroupinc.com/pressreleases/theknot2016realweddings_costofweddingsus/.

State of the Union

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor • February 8, 2018 Page 11

Hiring a wedding consultant saves time reduces stress

By Shelley Widhalm The Surveyor

Hiring a wedding consultant helps couples not only find the right vendors, learn about the latest trends, and get behind-the-scenes expertise, it often saves them money as they plan their special day.

“We just ease their mind. We just coordinate the entire day from start to finish,” said Linda O’Hare, owner of Elegant Events by Linda, a wedding and event planning business that opened in Berthoud in 2010 and relocated to Platteville last year. “The week before the wedding it can get very crazy for the bride. I’ll take care of it, so she can completely focus on her special day.”

Once the day arrives, the bride and groom can leave the details up to the consultant without worrying about anything except enjoying the results, their guests, and each other. The consultant coordinates the setup, décor and cleanup, and all of the other components of the wedding, from selecting the venue to arranging the photography.

Hiring a consultant is a way to achieve an overall vision, know about trends, themes and color schemes, and get “professional advice on all the latest and greatest that’s out there,” said Suzanne Doles, executive wedding planner and owner of Let’s PLANet in Berthoud.

“Having a planner allows the bride and groom the freedom to live their moment while letting the wedding planner help bring vision and important details of this perfect day to life,” Doles said. “There’s a lot of meticulous planning and details that can help tremendously with reducing stress … and saving from costly mistakes along the way.”

Consultants help the couple create a budget, develop a timeline, and make selections based on what they can spend, while still getting the wedding they want, Doles said. Their first choice typically centers on the venue, often the most expensive item, with everything else in the planning phases following from there, including the selection of vendors.

The consultant can recommend photographers, caterers, florists and deejays, and coordinates their activities. Most consultants have two or more preferred vendors in each category and can negotiate better prices.

“Any discounts I get, I pass it along to the bride,” O’Hare said. “We know where to go and who has the best prices for their needs. We already have a network for them.”

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Doles has a preferred vendor list of Northern Colorado’s “best of the best” and is able to weed out those that fail to do an “excellent job,” she said. She can get discounts and added free sessions for couples if they select from her preferred list. She also is aware of reduced prices for weddings planned on less popular days, such as Thursday instead of Friday, or lunch instead of dinner, with discounts from venues and vendors when they are not as busy.

“While some people may be hesitant to take the plunge due to the perceived costs, the benefits far outweigh the financial obligations,” said Doles, who plans destination weddings worldwide and regional weddings in Northern Colorado. “Hiring a wedding planner can actually save you more money than it costs you to plan your wedding on your own.”

The day of the wedding the consultant manages the entire event, including the timeline, floor plan and ceremony. If the couple chooses, the consultant also oversees the pre-ceremony events leading up to the day, such as the bridal shower, bachelor and bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinner and honeymoon planning.

The consultant communicates with the vendors about late arrivals or any problems or issues that arise, such as a rip in a dress or a need for hairspray, while also providing instruction for each step of the ceremony.

“A lot of things we improvise and switch at the last minute with nobody knowing about it,” Doles said. “I come prepared with anything they might need. I make sure they have safety pins, glue guns and basic stuff.”

At the end of the day, the consultant helps organize getting items back to the couple, such as the guest book, décor, leftover desserts and other items not provided by the venue or caterer.

Sometimes couples will organize the wedding on their own and hire a consultant for the day of the wedding, O’Hare said.

“Do they want to be bothered on their wedding day with questions from vendors or enjoy the day and make memories, dance until their feet hurt?” she said. “If (the bride) doesn’t have a contact person she’s going to have all the vendors come to her.”

Doles has taken several surveys and finds the biggest regret for couples is not having someone coordinate their wedding, because of the work and pressure involved and the mistakes that can be made without someone running their event.

“This is the most important day of their whole life. They shouldn’t have the overall stress that comes with planning a wedding,” Doles said.

Plus, once the lights come on, the wedding magic is gone, O’Hare added.

“I want her to remember the ambience. I want her last picture to be how beautiful the wedding looked.”