Weddings A green wedding
A supplement of the
CommunityAdvocate February 23, 2018
Keep your wedding eco-friendly
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eddings are considered one of the most important days of one’s life, and because of that, it is one of the most lucrative industries out there. We’re talking in the billion-dollar range! While that inevitably employs many people - from the caterers to musicians to the planners and florists - it can also be a major drain on the environment’s resources. However, the DIY business is also growing rapidly, so there are many eco-friendly bloggers with tips and tricks to keep your wedding as green as possible. You can share all your love with your friends and family without leaving a massive carbon footprint. Starting with the invitations - go ahead and skip the whole process of finding the perfect card to mail out, and opt for an evite instead. You can include a link to your personalized website. This
not only helps you keep track of everything in real time but also makes it easier for your guests to RSVP. Some great sites to start with are Greenvelope, Evite and Paperless Post. You’ll also want to set up a website with further information for your guests, like the time and date of the wedding, the location, fun photos and the bride and groom and a story of how they met and links to hotels in the area, etc. One of the most commonly used hubs is The Knot’s website. For flowers and other live arrangements, you can find a farm-to-table option (such as The Bouqs Co.) that avoids pesticides, brings a fresher scent and helps support local businesses. Another great option is to call a delivery service that will pick up your flowers after the event and repurpose them. With Repeat Roses, they immediately grab your used Green wedding page 4
A great way to re-use flowers is to call a delivery service that will pick up your flowers after the event and repurpose them.
2 • Community Advocate •
Weddings • Friday, February 23, 2018
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Community Advocate • Weddings • Friday, February 23, 2018 • 3
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4 • Community Advocate •
Weddings • Friday, February 23, 2018
A green wedding Keep your wedding eco-friendly Green wedding Continued from front page
Rick and Kellie Woodward celebrate at their wedding June 17, 2017 at Sterling National Country Club.
PHOTO/VERONIKA PATTY
flowers post-wedding and redistribute them to homeless shelters, hospice centers, cancer treatment centers and more. Want to go the route of gifting your guests with a to-go plant instead? Try a succulent as your centerpiece. It’s easy to carry and a very easy plant to maintain. When it comes to her dress and his tux, you can find incredible purchases at vintage stores - but you’ve got to be willing to put in the time to look. Maybe you don’t have a schedule that allows you to put time aside for vintage shopping, or the desire to do that sort of digging, so you could try for a rental option like Rent the Runway instead, where women can find designer
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dress options for low prices. For the men, you can also rent a tuxedo or other attire from various sites, including The Black Tux. Moving on to food, hiring an eco-friendly food truck is trendy, cost-effective and sustainable. You may want to start with a simple Google search or asking around to see if there are any recommendations people may have, or view and compare ratings of vendors on Yelp. You can also go with a catering service, and you’ll be able to easily find one that supports local farmers and sustainable agriculture. And finally, the location! Finding an outdoor location with natural light can help cut back on electricity. You can also support your communit y by choosing to hold the ceremony at a wild center, a farmhouse or a botanical garden. In many ways, it’s not about thinking outside of the box, but thinking back to simplicity and celebrating the natural beauties and wonders that already exist, while being conscious and mindful of the effect that humans leave behind. Sometimes it’s the small decisions, like going with evites instead of sending out paper invitations, or taking a few extra minutes to find a catering company that supports local farms, that make a huge difference in the ripple effects they send out into the world.
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Community Advocate • Weddings • Friday, February 23, 2018 • 5
Delegate to celebrate Allocate tasks when you can’t afford a wedding planner
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edding experts say the average couple is engaged for about a year and a half before saying “I do.” From finding a venue to choosing stationery to tasting cakes, there’s a lot of planning for two people to do. Even if you can’t afford a wedding planner, you can still get some assistance for the big day, which will alleviate some of the pressure and stress and make your family and friends feel extra special. These tips from wedding industry specialists will help you delegate smoothly and successfully and stay smiling ‘til you walk down the aisle. Loop in your loved ones Friends and family members want to do their part to make sure your day is perfect, so give them an opportunity to get involved. Couples should handle the wedding specifics that matter most themselves and “delegate the less important tasks to friends and family,” said Katelyn McCullough, co-Founder of Elwynn + Cass, a luxury beauty concierge service. For example, they could send out initial email queries to vendors and then present their findings to the couple, who could then further narrow the choices and interview potential vendors. The ultimate decision-making is left up to the couple, but part of the legwork is handled.
about the project. Everyone should get some joy out of the process, especially for lending a helping hand, and there’s a good chance a task is likely to be done well and
Even if you can’t afford a wedding planner, you can still get some assistance for the big day, which will alleviate some of the pressure and stress.
Helpers could also mail out save-the-date cards, stuff invitations and help with wedding favors. Speak to their skill set New York-based wedding planner Claire Letourneau Stitzer, owner and lead consultant for WedWell consulting ser vices, said you need to align your task list with the skills of your friends and family members. “If your maid of honor is an artist, have her help with floral design,” she said, noting that your artsy friend will be excited if she’s passionate
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6 • Community Advocate •
Weddings • Friday, February 23, 2018
Delegate to celebrate Allocate tasks when you can’t afford a wedding planner their guy helpers a bottle of organic vodka purchased during their Hawaiian honeymoon. There’s no need to make it complicated; just be open and show gratitude.
Delegate Continued from page 5
girls and paying for them to have their wedding hair or makeup done. She and her husband gave one of
If you need more coordination assistance than your friends and family can offer, professional planning may still be an option.
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Delegating tips “Delegate and don’t look back,� said wedding photographer Jimmy Chan of Pixelicious in Montreal. Trust in your friends and family to do their best. “After outlining your requirements, let your wedding party take charge,� he said, nudging brides and grooms not to micromanage the wedding day. Be careful not to overdo it when asking for assistance, too. Chan urges couples to remember that family and friends may not enjoy the wedding as guests if they’re too involved in planning the celebration. “Consider their ideas out of courtesy but it’s best not to have them ‘work,’� he said. Also watch out for clash-
ing points of view. Letourneau Stitzer said, “ I f yo u r m o t h e r - i n - l a w wants roses and you want succulents, asking her to help you with flowers is probably not a good idea.� Make sure everyone helping plan and execute the wedding understands the vision and will be helping, not hindering, the process. Hire help If you need more coordination assistance than your friends and family can offer, professional planning may still be an option. “Many planners, including myself, offer a la carte planning services,� said Letourneau Stitzer. She helped one couple find a venue and stay on track.
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“We worked out an arrangement where I helped them with just that and stayed in their very meager budget.� You can also pay people outside the wedding industry for project assistance. For example, the sites TaskRabbit or Fiverr are online marketplaces that will connect you with individuals who will take on paid projects for negotiable budgets. Th e weight of all your wedding tasks can feel heavy and daunting, but you don’t need to look very far to find assistance. Every little bit of help will make a big difference down the road, so don’t shy away from reaching out. And most importantly, cherish the experiences you share together.
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Community Advocate • Weddings • Friday, February 23, 2018 • 7
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8 • Community Advocate •
Weddings • Friday, February 23, 2018
Tips for planning your wedding menu By Melissa O’Connell Member Services Director Charter Oak Country Club
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lanning the menu for your wedding can be challenging on many levels. It is important to be complimentary to your style and theme while also factoring in the time of year and dietary differences. It will be impossible to please everyone’s palate but ultimately you need to make the decision that works best for your event. Cocktail hour For the selection of Hors d’oeuvres keep in mind they are served during cocktail hour where people are mingling amongst the crowd in formal dress attire. Hors d’oeuvres that require sauces can be hard to consume and handle while in this atmosphere. A selection of neat, classic and easy to handle choices is usually the best route to go. Guests tend to remember the items best executed, not the ones that are most elaborate.
Main course Selecting the perfect main course can be overwhelming to say the least. With so many dietary restrictions and food allergies/sensitivities there is bound to be a conflict with a guest and the menu. It’s important to factor lots of things into your selection, but first and foremost everyone there is celebrating your special day. So choose items that you both enjoy. Compile a list and bring that to the venue and or caterer for guidance and recommendations. When selecting a caterer or deciding on a venue, question the chef or planner carefully. Most are willing to work with you to ensure all your needs are met. With so many options including traditional plated, buffet, tapas, food stations, late night options and more, it allows for a lot of flexibility within planning. Below are some key points to take into consideration when planning your wedding menu: • Choose a menu STYLE that compliments your theme such
as Plated / Buffet/ Tapas/ Stations / Brunch etc. For example: If you are getting married on the beach, you would have a less formal menu then if you were hosting your nuptials in a hotel. • Think seasonally Depending on the time of year the wedding is held you may have the opportunity to showcase some seasonal items in your menu that really wow your guests and leave a lasting impression. • Menu options Although a few guests with allergies/food sensitivities shouldn’t dictate your entire menu, try to have a wide selection of items to satisfy a crowd. Combo Plates are the most popular choice at our facility as they allow for a variety within one dish without the buffet. If there will be several children attending, consider a separate kid friendly option that will satisfy their needs. If there is a unique or specific item that is important to you try to limit those to cocktail hour or a food station rather than the main course.
It’s important to communicate with your venue/caterer to ensure all your questions or needs are properly addressed. Most will guide you in the
right direction and suggest things that will help with proper execution. Wedding menu selection can be difficult but it doesn’t have to be stressful.
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Community Advocate • Weddings • Friday, February 23, 2018 • 9
How to get in the BEST shape of your Life... for more than one day you’re losing, think about what you’re gaining. A new outlook on life, a more confident approach to life. And some really fun memories too, I promise. Happiness is the goal, always, and that happiness will radiate from deep within your heart when the love for yourself is exercised as well as your body and mind.  Check out your local gyms for class schedules and remember, YOU’RE WORTH IT!
By Lauren Caparso Former Bride-to-Be and Owner, Fit FRIENDzy Studios www.bethefitfriend.com
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PHOTO/SUBMITTED
ou’re getting married! This is one of the most memorable events of your life! Decisions will be needed on venue, dresses, flowers, colors, food tastings, and more. How happy you’re going to make friends and family! And, all the things you’ll do for JUST you! Wait, what? ...  It’s easy for a bride-to-be to forget about herself.  Let’s be honest, it’s easy for women to put themselves last, in general. We’re caretakers. Givers. We expect nothing. Right? Well that changes now.  Who really wants to feel “fit� for only one day? No one. The only thing worse than forgetting about yourself during wedding planning, is adding unnecessary stress by forcefeeding a superficial weightloss plan that sucks the life out of you, literally! Besides, you deserve wine!  Lucky for you, I’m here with the MOST REVOLUTIONARY SECRET to long-term health and fitness success ... You ready?  It’s comes down to one simple truth. The truth that the most productive woman is the one who remembers that she, in the most unselfish way, comes first. Her overall well-being ... from physical to mental fitness ... comes first.  When this is in line, she is not only a happy bride, she is able to handle any challenge that comes her way. And when done right, this power is everlasting.  So, make time to get your heart rate up and muscles activated. Make time to meditate. Join a group fitness class with some friends. Join a LIFESTYLE fitness program, not a quick-fix boot camp. These few hours a week will not only strengthen your body, they’ll balance the physical and emotional stress planning can cause. Heck, LIFE can cause. And you’d be surprised how quickly you begin looking forward to the escape!  Commit to you. One hour, 3-5 days a week. Less than 3 percent of your week. And yes, I said “commit�. Why is that word so scary? The word “commit� literally means “the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause.� Um, aren’t you a worthy cause? I think so! As Abraham Lincoln said, “Commitment is what turns a
big secret. You didn’t really expect some superficial easy “quick fix� tip, did you? It’s not quick, and it’s the furthest thing from superficial. But believe it or not, it will become
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promise into reality.� Make that promise, and build the reality you deserve.  Change your life, lady, not just your “big day.�  So, there you have it. The
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the easiest decision you make each day.  And listen, if you do nothing else in this very moment, all I ask is that you shift your focus. Don’t think about what
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10 • Community Advocate •
Weddings • Friday, February 23, 2018
Popping the question Creative engagement stories
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owadays, getting engaged is no longer as simple as getting on one knee, presenting a diamond ring, and asking the important question: Will you marry me? If you’re thinking of popping the question to your loved one any time soon, here are a few creative proposals for inspiration.
Dancing for your love Many of the best proposals are also great performances. Flash mobs are a fun and creative way to propose. The best part? They get family, friends and flash mob-enthusiasts involved in this special moment. Flash mobs are a type of contagious dancing that begins with one person and extends to a larger group, usually organized through social media. With the right planning, this proposal can be done almost anywhere, creating a romantic
element of surprise. One of my favorites was done at Downtown Disney in California. The happy couple was strolling by a stage when the husband-to-be broke away to join in and began dancing to the tunes of Bruno Mars’ “Marry You.” Needless to say, he not only impressed the lucky girl with his dance moves, but he popped the question in a fun and unforgettable way. Her response? Yes, of course! Animating a love story If you’d prefer to have a more intimate proposal, you’re going to love this next one. A graphic designer developed an animation of his and his girlfriend’s love story. Unbeknownst to her, he had rented out an entire theater and played their animated love tale - which she figured out as the narrative progressed. Once the video ended, the lights
Remember to follow your heart when it comes to asking this life-changing question, and try thinking outside of the box.
were switched on and all of their family and friends were sitting in the theater enjoying in this beautiful moment. Although this proposal took some computer program expertise, it is another example one man used his talents to express his love. Plus, who wouldn’t want an
animated short detailing how they fell in love. Capturing the big moment For those of us who may not be as artistically inclined, one of the simplest but greatest proposals came from a man who decided
to propose to his girlfriend for 365 days straight - and she never even knew! How did he do it? Well, each day he wrote down the question on a whiteboard and captured a video or photo of him asking. When the big reveal came on her birthday, she sat on the beach watching a slideshow of the 365 times he asked her to marry him. This proposal was simple, creative and clever. Also, it did not cost much money, require laborious hours of work, or need the coordination of family and friends. However, it did require consistency and forethought, and it made a huge impact. On the 366th day, the photos and videos taken finally give him the answer he’s been waiting for. Remember to follow your heart when it comes to asking this life-changing question, and try thinking outside of the box!
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Community Advocate • Weddings • Friday, February 23, 2018 • 11
Rover the ring bearer What to think about before including pets in your big day
S
omething old, something new, something barking, something blue - wait a second. Something barking? Yes. More couples than ever are bringing pets with them to the ceremony or incorporating farm animals in their rustic wedding venues. For product researcher Kristine, 27, her wedding in September 2017 would not have been the same without her German shepherd, Nittany, as the flower girl. “She’s always been a part of our family,� said Kristine. “We decided it would be strange to have such a large life event without her.� The first step in deciding to add your pet in your wedding day is to reach out to the venue to see what’s possible in advance. Most indoor or religious venues don’t allow fuzzy friends unless
Adding pets, considered by most to be members of the family, is one way to make things more personal.
they are service animals. Also, give your guests a heads-up in case there are people with allergies. No one wants to have a room full of sneezing attendees with itchy eyes. When thinking about in-
corporating your pet, it’s also crucial to consider your pet’s personality. If you have a skittish pet, think about limiting his role to the photo ceremony. On the other hand, if your well-behaved pet doesn’t mind crowds and
loves attention, then perhaps she can stay the whole day ceremony, photos and reception. For Kristine, the boundless excitement of her dog was worrisome. “She has tons of energy and jumps on people. I was worried that I’d be covered in mud for the rest of the night,� said Kristine. So, recognizing her dog’s need to run around, Kristine’s soonto-be mother-in-law “took her to a local pet-boarding place to tire her out� before the lateafternoon ceremony. Having her mother-in-law taking care of the pup left Kristine and her husband free to enjoy their day. Erin Askeland, training manager and behavior expert at Camp Bow Wow, echoed the advice of having a pet chaperone in an article for Mother Nature Network.
“Designate someone as the animal’s sitter who will take on the responsibility of walking and caring for your pet during the wedding,� the article suggested. This will also limit the chance of your pet getting into the food at the reception, snacking on potentially dangerous floral arrangements or taking a dip in the nearby koi pond. Couples, guests and venue staff will all appreciate a smooth transition. Askeland also recommended taking your pet to your wedding location in advance. That way, they’re comfortable in the environment. Too many unknown factors can startle or overstimulate your pet. Much like marriage, incorporating your pets in your big day “just takes some planning, time and effort,� said Kristine. And perhaps a lint roller or two.
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12 • Community Advocate •
Weddings • Friday, February 23, 2018
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