With This Ring Bridal Guide and Wedding Planner 2012

with this 2 0 1 2 A publication of the Echo Press, January 2012 Cover photo courtesy of Glimpse Photography

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2 With this Ring ~ January 2012

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With this Ring ~ January 2012 3

W

elcome to the 2012 Echo Press wedding planner.

This publication is meant to be a helpful reference guide for planning your wedding day and preparing for marriage.

In addition to containing information on planning your wedding, financial planning and other aspects of preparing to get married, it also includes handy checklists for all the tasks that need to be done by the bride and groom before the wedding. It also contains information on many of the businesses that specialize in wedding-related services or products.

We hope this wedding planning guide serves as a handy reference to help you plan your most important day!

index Countdown to your wedding day .......5 Top wedding planning questions.......6 Who pays for what?..........................8 Wedding song alternatives .............10 Before you tie the knot ...................12 Money talks for newlyweds.............15 Secrets to a happy marriage ..........16 Echo Press announcements ...........17

Image Courtesy of Glimpse Photography

Services directory.....................19-21 Wedding party roles .......................22 Plan the wedding of your dreams ...24 Surviving wedding expenses...........26 Wedding video advantages.............28 Honeymoon saving strategies.........30 Planning forms, checklists ........31-38

Special Projects Editor: Tara Bitzan • Special Projects Reporter: Lowell Anderson Cover by: Kelsey Langager • Layout and design by Echo Press graphic department Publisher: Jody Hanson • Echo Press • www.echopress.com • (320)763-3133 A Publication of the Echo Press

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4 With this Ring ~ January 2012

Countdown to your wedding day

T

o help you get a better understanding of how to plan a wedding and when you should be making certain decisions, here’s a time frame you can follow that should ensure your wedding goes off as smoothly as possible.

10 to 12 months If you haven’t done it already, this is a good time to announce your

engagement and introduce your respective families. Since most reception halls and churches have busy wedding schedules, it is important to book both as early as possible, preferably at least a year in advance of your wedding day. It’s also a good idea to start putting together a guest list around this time and ask your parents whom they’d like to invite as well. Also, since your budget will determine almost every aspect of your wedding, sitting down and determining what you can spend – and developing a savings plan – should be first and foremost.

6Thistois the9 time months to start booking some

2Finalize to your 3 guest months list and mail out your invitations. If your guest list includes many people who are spread out geographically, mail the invitations as close to 12 weeks in advance as possible. This is also a good time to finalize your menu choices for your guests, and find all your wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, candles, etc. Also, since it is tradition to provide gifts for those in the wedding party as well as the parents of the bride and groom, this is a good time to decide on and purchase those gifts. Just to be safe, confirm that all groomsmen have ordered their tuxedos and finalize all transportation, both to and from the wedding and to the airport for your honeymoon.

1Schedule to 2the first months bridal-gown fitting. Also finalize the readings you’d prefer during the ceremony and mail them out to anyone who has agreed to do a reading. If your family prefers to host a small gathering for close family and friends after the wedding rehearsal, the night before the wedding, this is a good time to order any food or drinks you might want to serve that night, or make a restaurant reservation.

services, such as a florist, caterer, a DJ or band, and a photographer. However, some of the more experienced DJs, bands and photographers might have their schedules Confirm your honeymoon arrangements booked a year in advance, so this is someand see if your wedding rings are ready. This thing you’ll want to consider doing shortly is also when you should get your marriage liafter you choose a wedding date. Also, this cense and check the guest list to see who is a good time to inform any guests who will has and hasn’t sent an RSVP. For those who be traveling significant distances of the date have yet to RSVP, you might want to contact of your wedding. The earlier your guests can them so you can get a closer idea of what book a flight, the less expensive that flight the head count will be. You should also prewill be. This is also a good time to order pare and order your wedding program gowns for both the bride and bridesmaids, Image Courtesy of Glimpse Photography around this time. as some manufacturers require a few months to ship to bridal shops. You might want to ask someone such as your priest or rabbi to be the officiant of your wedding. And just as out-of-town guests will save travel dollars by Get a final attendance count and submit it to the caterer as soon as booking flights early, you will likely save money, too, if you book your you know it, while also providing a final seating chart. Pick up the wedhoneymoon early. ding gown and tuxedo. Make sure the wedding party picks up their attire. Also, finalize your vows and confirm all wedding-day details such as transportation, photo schedules, and addresses. And don’t forget to This is a good time to decide on a wedding invitation. Also, now is pack for your honeymoon. an ideal time to start hunting for a wedding cake by sampling a number of different bakeries and their cakes before ultimately making a decision. Just to be sure, confirm that all of the bridesmaids have ordered their gowns and start looking for tuxedos for the groom and the This is mainly when you rehearse for the ceremony and make any groomsmen. If you haven’t done so already, purchase your wedding final confirmations you might have to make. Also, make sure to get rings and talk to the people that you would like to have participate in some sleep so you’ll look good in all of your wedding-day photos. the wedding ceremony.

(MS)

3 to 4 weeks

1 to 2 weeks

4 to 5 months

The day before

With this Ring ~ January 2012 5

You’re engaged!

NOW WHAT? H Top four wedding planning questions to answer

oliday season is engagement season. But after he pops the question and she says “yes,” the reality of wedding planning sets in. Here are the top four questions you will need to answer to make your wedding planning journey a pleasant experience.

“After Valentine’s Day, the holidays are the most popular time of year for couples to become engaged,” said wedding planning expert Raymond Miller of My Wedding Reception Ideas.com. “Many brides-to-be who get engaged over the holidays will begin their planning efforts in the first months of the new year. Knowing where to start can be overwhelming.”

Brides should begin their planning by answering these basic questions, Miller advises.

What is our budget?

“Funding your wedding can be one of the most expensive undertakings you’ll tackle in your life together as a couple,” Miller says. “Many couples only spend more on buying a house or car, or funding their children’s college educations.” Setting and sticking to a budget for your wedding is an essential step toward starting your married life on a sound financial footing. Determine where your funding will come from – if your parents can help or if you’ll be paying on your own – and decide how much you can spend without going into debt.

What season works?

As soon as you announce you’re engaged, people will start asking what the wedding date will be. To make answering that question as sim-

AhhhhhmericInn

ple as possible, start by considering in what season you would like to be married. Would you prefer a spring ceremony? Or do you dream of a holiday wedding? By narrowing down the season, and selecting it well in advance, you’ll be able to secure a date that will work for everyone.

Where do we want to get married and have our reception?

Will you have a destination wedding? Or do you want to keep it local? While wedding planning is usually most successful when done well in advance, if you’re interested in a destination wedding, planning far ahead is essential. Popular destinations book quickly in prime wedding seasons and you may find venues in the destination of your choice are booked a year or more in advance.

What kind of venue do you want? Do you dream of a big church wedding? Or saying your “I do’s” in a beautiful natural setting? Perhaps you want your reception to be in a grand hotel. Knowing the type of venue you desire will help you refine your options and choose a specific location down the road.

Who do we want to officiate?

Is it important to you to be married by your own church’s minister?

Do you fantasize about being joined in marriage by a ship’s captain?

Or does your mother have her heart set on seeing you married by the rabbi who was there at your bat mitzvah? Just as popular venues book quickly, favorite officiants also have their dance cards fill fast for popular wedding seasons. As soon as you know who you would like to officiate, approach him or her and find out about future availability.

“Of course there are many, many things to consider when planning a wedding,” Miller said. “But these points are the basics you must address, and everything else about your wedding will be planned around your answers to these questions. Once you’ve made these initial decisions, it will be easier to refine your options and decide exactly what will make your wedding wonderful, memorable and perfect for you.” (ARA)

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Who pays for what?

Traditionally, wedding-related expenses are paid for by the bride, the groom and their families as follows:

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BRIDE’S FAMILY •Engagement party (optional). •Ceremony: location, music, rentals, related expenses. •Reception expenses, including food and beverages. •Bride’s wedding attire and accessories. •A wedding gift for the couple. •Invitations, announcements and mailing costs. •Bridesmaids’ bouquets. •Transportation for bridal party to the ceremony. •Bridesmaids’ luncheon. •Photography. •Personal wedding attire. •Floral decorations. •Special items: toasting goblets, ring pillow, etc.

GROOM’S FAMILY •Rehearsal dinner party. •Personal wedding attire. •Travel and accommodations for groom’s family. •Wedding gift for the bride and groom. •Special items: toasting goblets, ring pillow, etc. •Any general expenses they may wish to contribute.

ATTENDANTS •Wedding attire for themselves. •Any travel expenses. •Wedding gift for bride and groom. •Showers given by maid of honor or bridesmaids. •Bachelor party given by best man or ushers.

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Wedding processional song alternatives

N

ot every bride-to-be has visions of walking down the aisle to Wagner’s Bridal Chorus. Some prefer other songs that are romantic or dramatic. There may be a particular song dear to a bride’s heart or one she just fell in love with.

For those looking for something that more accurately reflects the tone of individual weddings, here are some selections, courtesy of The Knot, that can make the wedding even more special.

Contemporary • Sunrise, Sunset (Hamick & Bock) • The Look of Love (Burt Bacharach) • The Vow (Lubbock) • Wedding Processional (Rodgers & Hammerstein)

Here are some other contemporary songs that can be used with lyrics or in instrumental versions as wedding processionals or first dances.

• Take Me As I Am (Love Theme from Jekyll & Hyde) • Marry Me (Train) • Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars)

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• That’s All I Ask of You (Love Theme from Phantom of the Opera) • The Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler) • Con Te Partiro (Andrea Bocelli) • My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme from Titanic) • You Raise Me Up (Josh Groban)

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Traditional • Air (Handel) • Canon in D (Pachelbel) • Procession of Joy (Hopson) • Te Deum (Charpentier) • Wedding March (Mozart) • Canzon V (Gabrieli) • Romeo & Juliet Love Theme (Tchaikovsky) • Winter (Vivaldi)

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With this Ring ~ January 2012 11

Before... S you tie the knot

peak to anyone who has been married for years, and you will find that communication is the key to a successful relationship.

However, many couples enter marriage without really knowing their spouses, or how they feel about certain beliefs, hopes, aspirations, or even financial concerns. After the glow of the wedding is over, couples who haven’t discussed these impor-

tant topics may find that stress or arguments arise from miscommunication or misunderstanding.

Taking time to sit down with your fiancée or fiancé prior to planning the wedding can help you learn even more about your compatibility and potential for a long-lasting marriage.

Here are some of the questions you can ask each other, which may spark meaningful conversation. (Questions courtesy of WeddingPlanningWorksheets.com) – (MS)

Finances/home: • Will we keep our money in joint or individual accounts?

• What kinds of things will we talk about first before buying?

• Who is going to be in charge of paying bills and other expenses?

• How much time do we expect to spend with each other and when?

• Where will we live?

• How much will we be able to afford?

• What if one of us had a career opportunity that required a move to a new city?

• What if one of us, or both of us, got fired or laid-off?

• How important is money to our relationship and marriage?

• What type of material possessions are important to you (each other)?

• What is your definition of financial security?

• How much is enough for a “safety net” or “rainy day” fund?

• How much of our income will we save or invest?

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Entertainment/friends: • Will we have a special “night” together? Once a week, once a month?

• Who is responsible for cooking or will we share that and how?

• Do we have conflicting ideas of style?

• How often do we like to go out with friends alone? Together?

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Family: • What do you like, or dislike about my family?

• Is our individual relationship with our family going to stay the same?

• How will we share time with our families during the holidays?

Intimacy and children: • How do we deal with each other’s sexual expectations and needs?

• Describe your idea of the ultimate sexual experience?

• Will we have children? When and how many?

• What will we do if we can’t have children together (adoption, other options)?

• How might things around the house/home change once a child is born?

• Will one of us give up our career to stay home with our child/children?

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Our relationship: • What do you love about me? • Why are you marrying me?

• How might previous relationships we’ve had affect our marriage, if at all?

• What about me drives you crazy or makes you frustrated?

• What about our personalities is different and might be a source of conflict?

• How would we know we’re having problems and what would we do about it?

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Money talks for newlyweds

T

wo out of three married couples consider money a major source of potential conflicts in their marriages, according to a survey conducted by the non-profit Consumer Credit Counseling Service. As newlyweds prepare to make exciting plans for their new life together, Loretta Abrams, senior vice president of consumer affairs, HSBC-North America, offers the following tips to help couples address the challenges of managing money together:

Develop a financial goal.

Share your plans together. Create a list of short, medium and long-term goals and then compare notes (buying a house or a car, having children, moving to a new city or starting a business). For each goal, figure out how much money you need to get there and how long you think it should take.

Decide how to handle the money.

Will the two of you maintain separate accounts and divide up household expenses, or will you maintain separate discretionary accounts with a combined household account?

Are you willing to merge all finances? Let your individual money personalities dictate the right approach for you. If you share similar habits and priorities, combining all finances may be the perfect approach. However, if your habits are vastly different, it may make sense to maintain separate accounts.

Create a budget.

Check your past spending history and calculate your past debts. You have probably each developed very different money styles. Spend-

ing Thursday night out with your friends or buying season tickets for your favorite team may still be in the cards but talk it through so you’re clear about priorities. Create a budget that will let you maximize your income and track your actual cash flow to make sure you’re staying within the boundaries you’ve set for yourself.

Usually, it’s a month-to-month projection of the amounts allocated to each expense item based on your income. When you make a purchase or pay a bill, write it down and subtract it from the total you planned for that expense.

Sticking to a budget can be difficult and at times frustrating and there’s no guarantee you’ll see huge savings in the short term, but these two suggestions may make the process easier: • Go digital – Budgeting software packages and online resources can help. Most programs can perform basic budgeting tasks as well as sophisticated transactions.

• Keep it simple – Most experts agree that the key to a successful budget is to keep it simple and practical. Most of all, be realistic.

If you love going to the movies, don’t drop them completely. Instead, try to cut back on the number of times you go or start a new tradition of movie nights at home.

Take advantage of tax-saving plans.

If you’re planning to have children, look into some specific tax-saving accounts or the 529 plans now. The cost of a higher education is steadily rising, so the prospect of paying for a four-year college education is not an insignificant obligation.

If you have the option of saving for retirement through an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), open an account immediately. You can defer a certain amount of your pretax salary into the account. In many cases, your employer will match a portion of your savings. In this way, you have the double advantage of saving money on taxes now and building your retirement account for the future.

Build emergency reserves.

Be prepared for unexpected events such as job loss or major household repairs with an emergency account equal to three to six months’ expenses. To build up this account, have between 2 and 10 percent of your paycheck automatically deposited into savings – consider an online savings account, which offers a higher yield and is easy to manage.

(NAPS) With this Ring ~ January 2012 15

Secrets

for a long, happy marriage

S

ome might say a long celebrity marriage is one that endures the duration of the newly betrothed’s trip down the aisle. We’ve seen Britney Spears dissolve a marriage after 55 hours and Kim Kardashian call it quits after 72 days. It seems even money can’t buy matrimonial happiness.

But some couples have been together for 50, 60 years and say they’re still as much in love as they were the day they spoke their “I dos.” What do they know that others do not?

According to clinical psychologist and relationship guru Dr. Phil McGraw, “We all need to be flexible and to compromise in marriage, but you’ve got to be true to your core traits and characteristics, what I call your authentic self.”

Some couples enter a relationship projecting a persona they believe the other person wants – one that really isn’t what they’re all about. This could be a woman trying to fill the role of her husband’s nurturing mom or a guy playing the protector to his wife. In reality, marriage is more of a partnership, and truth and

trust are often at the basis of good marriages.

There are many other secrets that marriage experts will offer to couples seeking the magic formula. Whether you’re pondering marriage or have already tied the knot, consider the following advice to make a marriage endure for the long haul.

• There’s no such thing as the perfect marriage. Some couples create an image of what they think marriage is supposed to be, and that image often goes “poof” once reality sets in. Even soulmates are bound to frustrate or irritate one another from time to time.

• Couples should express their frustrations.

Bottling up frustrations can eat at a person and eventually destroy a marriage. Talking about the things that are bothering you with your partner opens up a discussion and can help you work through things.

• Divorce should not be seen as a viable option. Couples who want to bail on the marriage at every turn could be directing their energy toward divorce as the only solution instead of discovering ways to remove the cause of strife.

Image Courtesy of Glimpse Photography

Divorce can sometimes be the easy way out when you think about the work that goes into keeping a marriage working. Experts say that there are a few issues, like adultery, abuse and drug/alcohol addiction, that may be reasonable catalysts for divorce.

• Make time for romance. It’s easily said but

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not so easily done. Too often married couples forget what it was like to date when all of their attention was spent on each other instead of the house, kids, work, etc. Today there seems to be even more distractions, from e-mails to texts to pressure and obligations at the office. Happy couples find the time to spend quality time with their spouses – even if that’s only 10 minutes of alone time a day.

• Put “we” first. Many people operate on a “me” mentality. When you’re a couple, give more to your spouse than you take. If he or she is doing the same, you’re working collectively for the benefit of the marriage instead of yourselves.

• Respect each other. Often couples having troubles realize they treat strangers better than they treat each other. Would you use the insults or unflattering terms that you sometimes throw at your spouse with a complete stranger? Probably not. Good marriages are based on a foundation of respect and love. It’s easy to lose feelings of love if the respect is gone. (MS)

Echo Press wedding and engagement

announcements E

ngagement and wedding announcements are published Fridays in the Echo Press. Engagement announcements are $10, with a deadline of 5 p.m. the preceding Tuesday. Wedding announcements are $15 and run every Friday as space permits, on a first come basis.

Information, photos and payment may be submitted online at www.echopress.com by double clicking on the “Celebrations” tab along the top bar, and then on the “Celebrations Submission Information” link at the upper right.

Information and photos may also be submitted via e-mail to skimball@echopress.com. Attach the photo as a jpg or tiff. Credit card info may be called in to the Echo Press at (320) 763-3133.

Information, photos and payment may also be mailed to or dropped off at the Echo Press, P.O. Box 549. Payment must be received prior to publication.

Announcements must be typed or neatly printed.

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18 With this Ring ~ January 2012

W edding Services D irectory ACCESSORIES, CCESSORIES SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT CENTRAL LAKES RESTAURANT SUPPLY 1228 N Nokomis St. NE Alexandria • 320-762-8435 GEYER WEDDING & PARTY STORE 217 McKay Ave. • Alexandria 320-762-2138 • Fax 320-762-5427 HPS RENTAL 320-763-3518• 800-996-6881 hpsrental.com

ALTERATIONS ALEX TAILORING 630 Broadway • Alexandria 320-762-0593 Upstairs of Randy’s Mens Wear

BALLOONS & DECORATING GEYER WEDDING & PARTY SERVICE 217 McKay Ave. • Alexandria 320-762-2138 • Fax 320-762-5427

BED & BREAKFAST CEDAR ROSE INN 422 7th Ave. W • Alexandria 320-762-8430 cedarroseinn.com florian@cedarrose.com

BRIDAL GOWN PRESERVATION AMERICAN CLEANERS & LAUNDERERS 401 Broadway. • Alexandria 320-763-4800 AMERICAN CLEANERS & LAUNDERERS 221 S Main St. • Sauk Centre 320-351-4800

BRIDAL SHOWERS ARROWWOOD RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER 2100 Arrowwood Ln. Alexandria • 320-762-1124 BROADWAY BALLROOM 115 30th Ave E • Alexandria 320-763-6565 CARLOS CREEK WINERY Co Rd 34, Just N of Alexandria 320-846-5443 carloscreekwinery.com CORRAL SUPPERCLUB Nelson • 320-762-2416 EAGLES CLUB 526 N Nokomis • Alexandria 320-763-3063 FORADA SUPPER CLUB Forada • 320-763-4400

CAKES ELDEN’S FOOD FAIR Corner of 3rd & Nokomis Alexandria • 320-763-3446 ROERS FAMILY BAKERY 430 Broadway • Alexandria 320-763-4741

CATERING BROADWAY BALLROOM 115 30th Ave E • Alexandria 320-763-6565 CORRAL SUPPERCLUB Nelson • 320-762-2416

DIEKMAN’S JEWELRY 111 6th Ave. W • Alexandria 320-762-0309

CHURCH DECORATING GEYER WEDDING & PARTY STORE 217 McKay Ave. • Alexandria 320-762-2138 • Fax 320-762-5427

DANCE FLOOR & STAGING

Photos courtesy of Glimpse Photography

HPS RENTAL 320-763-3518• 800-996-6881 hpsrental.com

NORTHERN LIGHTS BALLROOM & BANQUET CENTER INC. Milaca • 320-369-4622 northernlightsbanquet.com Winner of “The Knot” Best of Weddings 2012

H HOLIDAY INN OF ALEXANDRIA Hwy 29 & I-94 • Alexandria 320-763-6577

GEYER WEDDING & PARTY STORE 217 McKay Ave. • Alexandria 3320-762-2138 • Fax 320-762-5427

GEYER WEDDING & PARTY STORE 217 McKay Ave. • Alexandria 320-762-2138 • Fax 320-762-5427

DIAMONDS & WEDDING SETS

PARKERS PRAIRIE FLORAL & GREENHOUSE 110 W Lake St. • Parkers Prairie 218-338-6217

BRIDAL SUITE & DECORATING

FESTIVITIES 3969 Co. Rd. 116 • Medina 763-682-4846 festivitiesmn.com

FORADA SUPPER CLUB Forada • 320-763-4400

HERBY’S BAR & GRILL 211 Main Ave. • Downtown Carlos • 320-852-7170

SIXTH AVENUE WINE & ALE 115 6th Ave. E • Alexandria 320-759-2277 sixthavenuewineandale.com

DECORATING RENTAL EQUIPMENT

KARROW JEWELERS Alexandria 628 Broadway • 320-763-3334 Viking Plaza • 320-763-5833 PAFFRATH DIAMOND JEWELERS 410 30th Ave. E • Willow Creek Alexandria • 320-762-8735

DISC JOCKEY DJ JOHN YOUNG 612-597-4499 djjohnyoung.com LIVEWIRE ENTERTAINMENT Kent Kolstad • 320-815-1288 livewiredj.net

MARK ANTHONY DJ PRODUCTIONS GEYER WEDDING Wedding DJ for Your Special Day! & PARTY STORE 217 McKay Ave. • Alexandria 877-657-3737 • 320-295-6497 320-762-2138 • Fax 320-762-5427 markanthonyweddings.vpweb.com HPS RENTAL 320-763-3518• 800-996-6881 hpsrental.com

FLORISTS BROADWAY FLORAL 2307 S Broadway • Alexandria 320-763-3300 broadwayfloralalexandria.com DOWNTOWN FLORAL CO. 504 Broadway • Alexandria 320-762-7292 downtownfloralco.com

With this Ring ~ January 2012 19

W edding Services D irectory FLORISTS FESTIVITIES 3969 Co. Rd. 116 • Medina 763-682-4846 festivitiesmn.com

GROOM’S DINNERS

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ED’S SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE Certified by the State of MN NORTHERN LIGHTS BALLROOM 320-760-9554 • 320-763-4400 & BANQUET CENTER INC. PARKERS PRAIRIE FLORAL Milaca • 320-369-4622 HOLIDAY INN OF ALEXANDRIA MEN’S BRIDAL & GREENHOUSE northernlightsbanquet.com Hwy. 29 & I-94 • 320-763-6577 110 W Lake St. • Parkers Prairie RINGS Winner of “The Knot” Best of SIXTH AVENUE 218-338-6217 Weddings 2012 DIEKMAN’S JEWELRY WINE & ALE 111 6th Ave. W • Alexandria THE PHOENIX EVENT CENTER 115 6th Ave. E • Alexandria 320-762-0309 3904 Co. Rd. 42 NE GIFTS & GIFT 320-759-2277 Alexandria • 320-766-8336 sixthavenuewineandale.com REGISTRIES KARROW JEWELERS thephoenixeventcenter.com DIEKMAN’S JEWELRY V.F.W. Alexandria 111 6th Ave. W • Alexandria Hwy. 27 E • Alexandria 628 Broadway • 320-763-3334 320-762-0309 320-763-9221 INVITATIONS Viking Plaza • 320-763-5833 KARROW JEWELERS GEYER WEDDING PAFFRATH DIAMOND HAIR STYLISTS Alexandria & PARTY STORE JEWELERS 628 Broadway • 320-763-3334 217 McKay Ave. • Alexandria 410 30th Ave. E • Willow Creek LINDA BOEDDEKER Viking Plaza • 320-763-5833 320-762-2138 • Fax 320-762-5427 Alexandria • 320-762-8735 Salon LaBelle 410 30th Ave. E. • Alexandria PAFFRATH DIAMOND 320-759-5660 JEWELERS JEWELERS OUTDOOR 410 30th Ave. E • Willow Creek HAIR PROFILES SALON WEDDING Alexandria • 320-762-8735 DIEKMAN’S JEWELRY & DAY SPA 111 6th Ave. W • Alexandria DECORATING 115 5th Ave. W. • Alexandria 320-762-0309 GOWNS & 320-763-3414 GEYER WEDDING hairprofilesdayspa.com/ DRESSES KARROW JEWELERS & PARTY STORE packages/bridal-packages Alexandria 217 McKay Ave. • Alexandria JACKIE J’S BALLOONS, 628 Broadway • 320-763-3334 320-762-2138 • Fax 320-762-5427 BRIDAL & FORMAL WEAR Viking Plaza • 320-763-5833 HOTELS & 520 Broadway • Alexandria PARTY SUPPLIES MOTELS 320-762-5163 PAFFRATH DIAMOND JEWELERS CENTRAL LAKES AMERICINN THE SPECIAL EVENT 410 30th Ave. E • Willow Creek RESTAURANT SUPPLY 4520 Hwy. 29 S • Alexandria BOUTIQUE Alexandria • 320-762-8735 1228 N Nokomis • Alexandria 2715 S. Hwy. 29 • Midway Mall 320-763-6808 • 800-634-3444 320-762-8435 320-762-0633 ARROWWOOD RESORT specialeventbridal.com JEWELRY GEYER WEDDING & CONFERENCE CENTER & PARTY STORE 2100 Arrowwood Ln. DIEKMAN’S JEWELRY 217 McKay Ave. • Alexandria GROOM’S Alexandria • 320-762-1124 111 6th Ave. W • Alexandria 320-762-2138 • Fax 320-762-5427 DINNERS 320-762-0309 BEST WESTERN 508 Twin Blvd. • Alexandria ARROWWOOD RESORT JACKIE J’S BALLOONS, PHOTOGRAPHY & CONFERENCE CENTER 320-762-5161 BRIDAL & FORMAL WEAR 2100 Arrowwood Ln. 520 Broadway • Alexandria CANDID VIEW PHOTOGRAPHY HAMPTON INN & SUITES Alexandria • 320-762-1124 320-762-5163 Lisa Bettermann, photographer 2705 S Broadway • Alexandria Brandon • 320-815-8776 BROADWAY BALLROOM 320-763-3360 KARROW JEWELERS Visit us on Facebook 115 30th Ave E • Alexandria hamptoninnalex.com Alexandria 320-763-6565 628 Broadway • 320-763-3334 GLIMPSE PHOTOGRAPHY HOLIDAY INN OF ALEXANDRIA Viking Plaza • 320-763-5833 324 Broadway, Ste. 103 CARLOS CREEK WINERY Hwy. 29 & I-94 • 320-763-6577 Alexandria • 218-371-0004 Co Rd 34, Just N of Alexandria PAFFRATH DIAMOND 320-846-5443 JEWELERS INDOOR/ www.carloscreekwinery.com 410 30th Ave. E • Willow Creek OUTDOOR Alexandria • 320-762-8735 CORRAL SUPPERCLUB CEREMONIES Nelson • 320-762-2416 THE SPECIAL EVENT ARROWWOOD RESORT BOUTIQUE EAGLES CLUB & CONFERENCE CENTER 2715 S. Hwy. 29 • Midway Mall 526 N Nokomis • Alexandria 2100 Arrowwood Ln. 320-762-0633 320-763-3063 specialeventbridal.com Alexandria • 320-762-1124 FORADA SUPPER CLUB CARLOS CREEK WINERY Forada • 320-763-4400 carloscreekwinery.com Co. Rd. 34, Just N of Alexandria 320-846-5443 HERBY’S BAR & GRILL 211 Main Ave. • Downtown Carlos • 320-852-7170

Photo courtesy of Glimpse Photography

20 With this Ring ~ January 2012

W edding Services D irectory PHOTOGRAPHY OTOGRAPHY IMAGES FOREVER STUDIO GREGG VIEREGGE, PHOTOGRAPHER Alexandria • 320-763-7265 images-forever.com ZIERDEN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY 320-761-3371 zierdenphotography@gmail.com

RECEPTIONS & DANCES ARROWWOOD RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER 2100 Arrowwood Ln. Alexandria • 320-762-1124 BROADWAY BALLROOM 115 30th Ave E • Alexandria 320-763-6565 CARLOS CREEK WINERY Co Rd 34, Just N of Alexandria 320-846-5443 carloscreekwinery.com CORRAL SUPPERCLUB Nelson • 320-762-2416 EAGLES CLUB 526 N Nokomis • Alexandria 320-763-3063 FORADA SUPPER CLUB Forada • 320-763-4400 HERBY’S BAR & GRILL 211 Main Ave. • Downtown Carlos • 320-852-7170 HOLIDAY INN OF ALEXANDRIA Hwy. 29 & I-94 • 320-763-6577 IN THE PINES EVENT CENTER 3992 Hwy. 27 W. • Alexandria 320-762-2871 NORTHERN LIGHTS BALLROOM & BANQUET CENTER INC. Milaca • 320-369-4622 northernlightsbanquet.com Winner of “The Knot” Best of Weddings 2012

RECEPTIONS & DANCES THE PHOENIX EVENT CENTER 3904 Co. Rd. 42 NE Alexandria • 320-766-8336 thephoenixeventcenter.com

SIXTH AVENUE WINE & ALE 115 6th Ave. E • Alexandria 320-759-2277 sixthavenuewineandale.com V.F.W. Hwy. 27 E • Alexandria 320-763-9221

RECEPTION & DANCE DECORATING GEYER WEDDING & PARTY STORE 217 McKay Ave. • Alexandria 320-762-2138 • Fax 320-762-5427

SHOES JACKIE J’S BALLOONS, BRIDAL & FORMAL WEAR 520 Broadway •Alexandria 320-762-5163 THE SPECIAL EVENT BOUTIQUE 2715 S. Hwy. 29 • Midway Mall 320-762-0633 specialeventbridal.com

SKIN REJUVENATION

ALLURE TAN 3211 Hwy. 29 S • Alexandria 320-762-4057

SPA HAIR PROFILES SALON & DAY SPA 115 5th Ave. W. • Alexandria 320-763-3414 hairprofilesdayspa.com

TABLE DÉCOR CENTRAL LAKES RESTAURANT SUPPLY 1228 N Nokomis • Alexandria 320-762-8435

TANNING ALLURE TAN 3211 Hwy. 29 S • Alexandria 320-762-4057

TEETH WHITENING

ALLURE TAN 3211 Hwy. 29 S • Alexandria 320-762-4057

TENTS & CANOPIES GEYER WEDDING & PARTY STORE 217 McKay Ave. • Alexandria 320-762-2138 • Fax 320-762-5427

JACKIE J’S BALLOONS, BRIDAL & FORMAL WEAR 520 Broadway •Alexandria 320-762-5163

HPS RENTAL 320-763-3518• 800-996-6881 hpsrental.com

THE SPECIAL EVENT BOUTIQUE 2715 S. Hwy. 29 • Midway Mall 320-762-0633 specialeventbridal.com

TRAVEL AGENCIES

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ALEX TRAVEL/UTOPIA TOURS Viking Plaza Mall, Suite 4038 Alexandria • 320-762-0244 800-950-8690

SKY-VIEW VIDEO PRODUCTIONS 320-383-2233 • 507-530-3913 skyviewvideoproductions.com brian@skyviewvideoproductions.com

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JACKIE J’S BALLOONS, BRIDAL & FORMAL WEAR 520 Broadway •Alexandria 320-762-5163 RANDY’S MENS WEAR 630 Broadway • Alexandria 320-762-2475 THE SPECIAL EVENT BOUTIQUE 2715 S. Hwy. 29 • Midway Mall 320-762-0633 specialeventbridal.com

GEYER WEDDING & PARTY STORE 217 McKay Ave. • Alexandria 320-762-2138 • Fax 320-762-5427 JACKIE J’S BALLOONS, BRIDAL & FORMAL WEAR 520 Broadway •Alexandria 320-762-5163 THE SPECIAL EVENT BOUTIQUE 2715 S. Hwy. 29 • Midway Mall 320-762-0633 specialeventbridal.com

Photos courtesy of Glimpse Photography

With this Ring ~ January 2012 21

Roles

of wedding party participants Best man

A

wedding can be a wonderful and memorable experience for all of those involved. That’s why you ask friends or relatives to share in the event and serve in your wedding party.

Your offer is a wonderful honor, one that requires varying degrees of responsibility depending on the role each person will be playing.

To help you decide who to ask to be in your wedding party, here is a list of titles and responsibilities for each participant’s role.

Maid of honor

The maid of honor is a role typically filled by a sister or a very close friend. It is the equivalent of the groom’s best man. The maid of honor’s role, therefore, is typically very involved. Among her many responsibilities, the maid of honor accompanies the bride on

Image Courtesy of Glimpse Photography

shopping trips for her wedding dress, while also planning the bridal shower, bachelorette party and coordinating the bridal party gift for the bride. Also, the maid of honor helps the bride get dressed on her wedding day, holds the groom’s wedding ring during the

wedding and may also help in the writing of invitations. The maid of honor will also typically act as a witness to the wedding and dance with the best man at the reception. If the woman you’re asking is married, her title will be matron of honor.

Perhaps the most well-known responsibilities of the best man are organizing the bachelor party and giving the toast at the reception.

But the best man, who is typically a brother or best friend of the groom, also has many other responsibilities. In addition to helping the groom choose his tuxedo and get dressed before the wedding, the best man also coordinates the couple’s gift from the groomsmen and takes care of the newlyweds’ transportation to the airport after the reception or the next morning. The best man may also hold onto any payment that’s due to the reception site or the donation for the house of worship, and take care of any final financial details. He also holds the bride’s wedding ring during the ceremony.

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22 With this Ring ~ January 2012

Bridesmaids

Parents of the bride

Along with walking in the wedding procession, bridesmaids attend the shower and contribute to the bridal gifts. Bridesmaids, who are typically sisters or friends of the bride or groom, also dance with the groomsmen during the reception. To be further involved, each can be given specific roles, like reading a religious passage at the ceremony, providing assistance with choosing wedding vendors, or helping to address wedding invitations.

The bride’s parents may be responsible for hosting the wedding, if they will be completely financially responsible for the event. In some cases, the father of the bride escorts his daughter down the aisle alone, but in other instances or in religious ceremonies, both parents may accompany the bride. In all cases, it’s her preference. The mother of the bride may help fund or contribute to the planning of the bridal shower if the maid of honor needs assistance. These parents may also foot the cost of an engagement party or dinner to meet the groom’s family

Groomsmen

Groomsmen are the male equivalent of the bridesmaids, typically having nearly identical responsibilities. Sometimes, groomsmen can act as ushers for guests arriving at the ceremony. Groomsmen walk in the wedding processional and attend and help organize the bachelor party as well.

Parents of the groom

Image Courtesy of Glimpse Photography

Flower girl

If the bride has a sister who is especially young, that sister typically fills the role of flower girl. Since most flower girls are very young, their responsibilities are generally limited to carrying a basket of flowers during the processional and, depending on the bride’s preference, tossing flower petals on the ground to mark the bride’s entrance.

Ring bearer

Like the flower girl, the ring bearer is a very young member of the family, only the ring bearer is a male. The ring bearer’s role is to carry a pillow with the rings sewn on it during the processional. Some couples choose to have the ring bearer and the flower girl walk next to one another during the processional.

The groom’s parents should host a rehearsal dinner prior to the wedding. They may also contribute to the wedding if they desire. In most cases, the groom’s parents have limited responsibilities, but can be involved as much as the wedding couple would like. Traditionally, the groom’s mother confers with the bride’s mother on what color gown she is wearing, so as not to go with the same shade. The groom’s parents may walk down the aisle in advance of the rest of the wedding processional and take their seats.

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With this Ring ~ January 2012 23

Realize the wedding of your dreams with

PLANNING here are a few things about weddings that cannot be predicted or controlled, such as what Mother Nature will do on the wedding day. However, there are many items that are well within the control of the bride and groom. Proper planning can help ensure the wedding of their dreams.

One of the best ways to ease wedding-day nerves is for the couple to get organized and begin planning their event the moment the engagement period begins. The earlier preparation starts, the better the chance that vendors will be able to provide what’s needed, or that changes can be made when unforeseen events pop up.

By making a list of things to do, couples can allot time in their schedules for each task, and they can feel a sense of accomplishment and relief each time an item is checked off the list.

Book a band or DJ

Decide on a date

Select and order dresses

T

Couples should select a date for their wedding soon after becoming engaged. After all, it is the countdown to this day that will help organize and determine planning schedules.

Reserve a ceremony location

Traditional weddings take place in a house of worship. It’s best to meet with a pastor, rabbi or other officiant to see if the ceremony site will be available for the wedding. This person will also help guide couples through any religious requirements needed prior to getting married there, as well as any rules and regulations for the ceremony site.

Book a reception site

After securing the ceremony location, couples will have peace of mind knowing they can now book the place where their party will take place.

This may be a catering hall, hotel, cruise ship, or even someone’s backyard. Sometimes the ceremony site is also the reception site, as is the case in many second weddings. Catering directors are typically on hand to talk about pricing and options. They will work closely with the couple to plan and execute the reception.

Another vendor that tends to have a busy schedule will be the wedding entertainer. Early booking ensures your date will be available. Couples should talk about musical selections and the ways to engage the various generations attending the reception.

Choose a florist

Flowers add an elegant touch to the wedding day. A florist will often provide flowers for both the ceremony and the reception. Select a florist who offers helpful, creative ideas about bouquets, corsages and centerpieces – and who will deliver in a timely manner.

Wedding and bridesmaid gowns can take several months to order and be tailored. It can also take some trial and error finding a dress shop that meets the needs of a bride and her attendants. So it’s best if this fun part of wedding planning is done early on. While there are no set rules for gown selection, it may help if the bride and her attendants all use the same shop so that styles will be complementary and service and alterations can be organized with minimal fuss.

Order invitations

With a bevy of styles of invitations, there will be many ideas to consider.

Couples should leave ample time to look through sample books or do research on the Internet. They should decide on a style that best suits their wedding, based on its formality, the time of day and the wedding colors.

Choose transportation

Many couples forget to factor limousine or car rentals into their plans.

Whether it’s a limo, Rolls, horse-drawn carriage, or a party bus, the bride and groom should arrange for transportation for themselves and their attendants to and from the church and reception.

Select a photographer

Photographers tend to book very quickly, particularly if they are well recommended. It pays to research and choose one early in the wedding-planning process. Every photographer has a different style. The couple should select one who will not only be accommodating to their wishes, but who will also suggest ideas that may not have been considered, such as artistic black and white prints or photo journalismtype images. The photographer’s personality is very important. He or she will be spending the entire day with the couple and should be likable and personable. Couples should also find out if the photographer they speak with at the studio will be the one shooting the wedding.

Some companies have several photographers on hand.

24 With this Ring ~ January 2012

Find formal wear

Tuxedo rentals are quite popular for weddings.

If the wedding is taking place during a peak party season, such as prom time, it pays for couples to reserve tuxes several months in advance. All of the groomsmen should rent from the same shop to be uniform.

With these decisions made, the bride- and groom-to-be have only a few things left to do, such as selecting wedding favors, addressing invitations and purchasing thank-you gifts.

(MS) Image Courtesy of Glimpse Photography

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With this Ring ~ January 2012 25

Surviving your wedding

expenses T

he average couple will spend between $20,000 and $30,000 on their wedding, a figure that does not include additional expenses such as an engagement ring or honeymoon. For many, that is 50 percent more than they have actually budgeted for the occasion. Underestimating wedding expenses can lead to financial distress even before the marriage has begun.

In the not-so-distant past, weddings were largely financed by the bride and her parents. Things are much different now. Most weddings now are paid for by the bride and groom with little contribution from family. Young couples just starting out in life may find that weddings are more of a financial commitment than originally anticipated. Planning for the expected – and unexpected – can help couples survive wedding expenses.

Savings plan

With most couples paying for the majority of the wedding themselves, it will be up to them to come up with the bulk of the wedding finances.

Starting to save early is essential. Once you have set the date, begin saving immediately. Even if the wedding won’t be a lavish affair, it will still have some expenses.

• To save, consider curbing recreational spending. Cut dinners out, trips to the movies or non-essential purchases. Place the money you would’ve spent into a wedding account.

• Consider having automatic transfers or deposits into an account for forced savings. Many employers can deposit a portion of your paycheck into a separate account.

• Eliminate debt right away. It may seem counterproductive, but sometimes you have to spend money to save money. Instead of racking up high interest rate charges on credit card balances, pay down credit cards or other bills you have. Once you are in the clear, you can focus more on saving for the wedding.

• If need be, have a long engagement so that you have ample time to save.

Setting a budget

Many couples want a dream wedding but do not have the finances to afford a platinum event. But that doesn’t mean they still can’t have a lavish, beautiful wedding. Setting a budget means you can prioritize what you want and what you will pass up. It also provides a savings goal and a firm deadline.

• Shop around for the average rates of vendors in your area. Work on the big-ticket items first before focusing on the smaller details. Once you have average prices, you’ll have something to base your budget on.

• Add up the average costs of all of the items on your wish list. If it seems out of range, start removing things you can do without. For example, can you have a brunch reception instead of an evening sit-down

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dinner to scale back costs?

• Always set aside a little extra for those incidental expenses, such as tips for the wait staff and donation to the church – items you may not think to factor in.

• Don’t expect wedding gifts to cover the cost of your wedding. While some guests are quite generous, others may not even cover the cost of their meal.

Prioritize

Image Courtesy of Glimpse Photography

HOW TO SAVE FOR A WEDDING:

Consider having automatic transfers or deposits into an account for forced savings. Many employers can deposit a portion of your paycheck into a separate account. Instead of a Christmas club savings plan, you can have a wedding club.

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I

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Cost would be scary, says ALASD

By Al Edenloff editor@echopress.com A sparkling clean Lake Winona.

Is it possible?

Probably not – would cost a and it lot of money just to try , according to a discussion that took place at an Alexandria City Council ing Monday night. meetBut that’s what the Alexandria Lake Area Sanitary District (ALASD) may be to do if the state forced imposes

Plus...

One M on FREE th W

COUNCIL A10 Lake is just 4.5 feet deep

School hires construction management

It’ll oversee possible

hen yo uS Autom et Up atic Debits !

Sports

Jack Johnson was excited

about the chance to get

behind the wheel of a

By Celeste Beam celesteb@echopress.com duction of about $50,000 from the original proAlthough a referen- posal.

Ringdahl dum hasn’t been informed passed school and a new high school board members still a proposed project,is and administrators that contract with a construc-a the agreement is a 24c month contract ttion managemen and that t h has been finalized. firm if the company is still working on the At Monday night’s project reg- after that time, u ular meeting, members there will be no additional o of the Alexandria charge.

School The $1.8 D District 206 board million is a re rectors approved of di- “lump sum” for the 24tr tract agreement a con- month period. with Ringdahl also K Kraus-Anderson noted st struction CompanyCon- that the construction for management co construction agreement manage- closely m ment services mirrors the arfor the po p possible ble new high school chitectural agreement.

Kraus-Anderson pr project. roject. The agreement extensive experiencehas is ffor $1 $1.8 8 million million. in school construction, sucPaul Ringdahl with cessfully Ringdahl completing Architects more spoke to the board than 275 preabout kindergarten-12th the contract, noting Aidan Halvorson, with grade schools for numerous help “We got what we that, see how the remote control from Shawn Klingbiel, had a chance to INSIDE: device worked for a cement for,” and that it wasasked CONSTRUC truck. aCLC re-streak snapped for Card TION A3team volleyball Firm is ranked 15th nationally

B2

WEDNESDAY

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OCTOBER 13

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2010

ECHO PRESS

Runestone in lime light

Card battle Cards topp tteams in Lions Lion Invite

Echo Press photos by Raeshel Betterman fire truck during Big Vehicle Day.

dream

new high school

BIG

By Al Edenloff editor@echopress.com an up-close look at all kinds of vehicles trucks, police and – fire t’s an irresistible iff shercars, a snowplow, combination: little school bus, garbage kids and big vehi- truck, cement mixer, cles.

Alexandria Light And it’s one and been attracting that’s Power’s drill truck, a hun- Zamboni, semi-trailer, dreds of kids in a Alexan- boat, a go-cart and more. dria for 18 years.

“It It was a really The Early Childhood great turnout – even with turn Family Education’s the rainy weather,” nual “Big Vehicle an- rain said Connie Good, ECFE Day” Conn took place dice Saturday at recto rector. “It’s fun the Douglas for the uglas County kids to get up close with Fairgrounds nds.. all th the vehicles.”

Between en 350 and The vehicles people attended 400 and equipment were the equip event, including donated ncluding than 150 children. more by tthe city, county, They enjoyed njoyed getting VEHICLE A10

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B1

Display requests encouraged

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

By Celeste Beam celesteb@echopress.com • Dr. Richard mentary footage. rd Nielsen has been researching research the Kensington Runestone for T o m o r r o w, or the past three decades The Kensington here and abroad and has Runestone is once For more information September 30, again in the limelight. been collaborating Viking Speedway with Professor Henrik about the American the two will be Williams since meeting The controversia feature winners on inspecting the discussion in the l stone is part of a Association for Runic his research on the him in 2002. To further Saturday, October 9, 2010 Kensington Runestone, Kensi Runestone and Lecture Tour, whichNorth American Studies (AARS), visit Nielsen recently initiated began last week www.runicstudies.org. doing more inin California and of the stone using state a 33D imaging project continues this week or send your e-mail terviews for the in Alexandria.

Evaluation of the resultsof tthe art technology. to is ongoing with Prolorainejc@earthlink.net. documentary. fessor Williams.

Participating in the Nielson sor Henrik Williams tour is Profes• Professor Henrik Williams and Nielsen holds the profesversity in Sweden of Uppsala Uni- give a presentationWilliams sorship in Scandinavian will and Dr. Richard Languages at Uppsala at Alexandria Nielsen from Houston, University. He is primarilyLang Technical and Community philologist, teaching College and doing research in a ph Williams and NielsonTexas. on Runology, Old Swedish Runolo will tour the TheThursday from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m.

Abrahamson Swenson town of Kensington and Old Icelandic, but event, which is he along with the MOD 4 STREET Kensington Runestone names, both on persons is aalso interested in the public, is part free and open to Park, Kensof the regularly Echo Pressmeter ington Nelsen file photo mark,” published a book on the and oon places. He has Heritagesaid.

The Kensington Runestone Society and more scheduled Senior College. It will language on Swedish langu “Will will behastoday, improved runestones from the in both of take place in the Technology Wednesday, inspected by experts Viking age, an edition September 29. tomorrow.

Building. his last two They races, of running the Old Swedish romance, ag will be in yet Alexandria this Haerra Ivan, and H another personal evening record. major articles on the doing interviews Williams RUNESTONE conversion of Sweden conversio A3 for docu“Mitch Evink also ran very to Christianity.

B1 3D imaging results PRESS highlighted well, ECHO running his season best 2010 time.

BER 24 I Missing a pair o of varsity Sabraski DAY I SEPTEM Mass Classifieds . . . . . . . .B5 “Zac Bartolomeo had a great FRIDAY FRID For the Record . . . . .A2 runners left the Cardinal Card boys’ last 1,600, passing a multitude Country MM SS Obituaries . . . . . . . .A6 . . . . . . . . . .A7 cross country team finishing of runners and posting his Life . . . . . . . . . . . . .A11 Sports rts . . . . . . . . . . .B1 Opinion . . . . . . . . . .A4 The 10th during the Alexandria official A fastest 5K of newspaper his career.” of Douglas ITYMeet of Champions Lions Cham SatCounty MUN Sieling and • Bartolomeo Alexandria both COM , MN 320.763.31 urday, head he coach earned runner of the meet AR not what ho 33 • News tips Arts Asps s3 Mark Nelsen was hoping 320.760.07 2 0 .7 for. dria Areawill pres760.0777 CALEND honors for their efforts. xandr 77 Alexan ) he Alex “It was not our best bes team ef(A the on (AAAA “There is a tremendous io of Oz at sociation and we ran without wi two amount of preparation and Sept. 24 Wiz d in AlexanFri., fort, he Wizar Th ent The e dria runners, Zach Hodgson varsity Alexan Th Ja. Thoennes is set Mars man hours put into an event of SensiA Theatr AAAA Off Pounds and Mitch Ronning, Ronning who are this magnitude,” said Nelsen. production MODIFIED 9 atLATE MODEL8:30 a.m.: Take Senior T dria. The Alexandria with injuries,” 2, 7, 8 andp.m. struggling at the inju he “The Alexandria cross country 2 ctober 1, bly (TOPS) Octobe for Oc and 10 at Safehopeful said.

“We eare See the complete hopefu that we team and coaching staff would of details Center. ctober 3 the story Octobe p.m.: Someplac and Oc have both of tthese run- like to thank activities director 619 Broadeditionon n of the Echo Press 10 a.m. to 5 will O is in the Friday 7:30 p.m.; of Oz o lives open house, e Safe girl who back by the CLC C champi- Dave Hartmann, student activor visit theEm Viking and Speedway Sp peedway websiteThrift at Store ners The Wizard a young go to Someplac Gale, you her Auntwww.vikingsp www.vikingspeedway.net peedway.net way. Proceedsonships. w wi Dorothy Kansa ities secretary Sheree Oberg ass with group y runs away support services. in i e “The coaches are excited Doroth Alanon a farm and director of technology Church. . When 12:15 p.m.:about Toto, a cyclon Lutheran thes possibilities as we Craig Andrews and his family Uncle Henry he dog, head. This beAnonyh her with meets at Calvary Alcoholic prepare for 503 CLC champi- for all the extra effort. on the Oz. from home Club,the 1, 8:15 p.m.: she iss hit to the Land of meet at the Alano and y hits and journe “This meet is sponsored by mous meetsonships [in Alexandria] rney SPORTS and Toto , the at Section Live music 8AA champi- the Alexandria Evening Lions Dorothy gins their way D Hawthorne.the p.m.: Frost. Falls].” the North onshipsC.[in Fergus 7:30 to 11:30 Lionel Along the Witc of the itc of SCOOP and we could not host this Witch featuring the W d Witch P The 25 paced the boys’ Sieling the Eagles, Will Glinda, event without them. In addiLion. the Wicke Sat., Sept. driaan eighth Tinman, team with place fin- tion, we would like to thank all s Munchkins, Alexan s.com arecrrow, Scarec . p.m.: Alcoholic ish,8:15while Middle Mitch School hoolsFCA 10 a.m., West, the Ozz and others opres Club, Evink fin- the 206 staff, parents, alumni realize up and at the Alano her Zach Bartolomeo and community members that us meets 26th, Discovery Wizard of rothy s@ech om very MiddleAnonymoished y wakesThe appreciates 45th,e. Jimmy Lovrien e Safe 54th, Dan stepped up to make this aweWhen Doroth linead ress.c School Fellowship wship of 503 Hawthorn4 p.m.: Someplac dream, she a dre op ail: than ever. to BroadGorghuber $17 64th 10 a.m.

Christian it was only friend are Athletes hletes • Em e: ech house, 619 e Safeand Elijah some event run so smoothly. frien s more of Oz open and Hartsell 66th.

(FCA) will family meet 10 eetand on Sun- Thrift Store .3133 • Onlin “We also appreciate everyThe Wizard go to Someplac or Th for 763 children “The coaches were very im- thing that the staff at Arrow58 Nichole Roell | Echo Press Tickets ; $10 17 from rombox the 3-4:30 way. Proceeds $1 forday, Oct.call (320) 763.32 at Carlos ation, services. pressed musicthe way Will Siel- wood does to make this the Alexandria’s Will Sieling battled with e-mail for adultsFor inform p.m.

Livewith at the Discovery iscovery tory in Call:a runner 0)from Stillwater for position during the p.m.: 0; Veline.

6 to 2 Matt e 762-830 ing came off the : (32 line and younger. att (320) Direc Middle School websit north ( 38th annual Alexandria Lions MeetFax of Champions.

Winery featuring Sieling ran to an eighth place finthe ol Live music Creek positioned CE visit fields BOYS B3 12:30 a.m.: himself at the 800office s for kicket; orsoftball ish.

8:30 p.m. to featuring Vibe. el.ne TPLA aarts.org. aaaa@gctel.n ball.

Eagles, riaare the KE ille at andr Evansv e Arts www.alexand All 7th, 8th and 9th MAR noon: Evansvill Cast students 10 a.m. to reception for the exgrade ts are inRichards Coalition artists’ng paper art.” to come e and play Amandavited ale – A “Everythi Sept. 26 Byrne Dorothy Gale .com kickball, eat snacks, and hibit, Sun., Glindaa – Becky – Jeff Roste Aunt Em/Glind us Alexandria faith discussion. ssion. nry/city guard–a Ben Stoeck Anonymo More Uncle Henry/cit than 1,000 runners Piepenburg leading the overall.

My Myrin Alcoholics Club, Alc winning the girls’ varsity 503 (farmhand) There e p.m.: is no Gabriel o cost cost.

– d) 6:30 & Lion/Zeke ti i t d in rdiff i the th 38th h an way in i the th girls’ i l ’ varsity it Saurd “Jamie “J i to t k the Alano participated i ht f b 13 ickory (farmhan d) – Cody Saurdiff d Hickory goods meets at Tinman/H Johhnston local to the /Hunk (farmhan – Lindsey Johnston ow/Hunk 201 0 Find Hawthorne. Alanon meets at Scarecrow iss Gulch fast? se! Golace.

24 I Aubrey 6:30 p.m.: Hawthorne. .com Wicked Witch/M sor – Kip SundleeJohnson, BER ething mou Johhnson, Sean 503 Oz/Profes som click of aon Marketp TEM Alano Club, Kensington Wizard of Jacy Roste, Camille Levi Lotti, s: t to find the dinner at AY I SEP kins: Lucas Harstad,sink – coroner; Munchkin Wan ices with m and click 1 p.m.: Fall Rens Lullaby League; Daintree Rensink FRID job 11 a.m. to Runestone Catholic Mayor; serv Press.co Kosters – Guild; Senstad Seenstad – the NTED SS Search Our Lady of Echo Hurlen, Alei Rice – Lollipop Barrister; Marissa O PRE expo easier!

LP WA L a Ki Blaser, Britt Greta nee Evans – ECH

THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

LEARN MORE

Will Sieling’s eeighth place finish paced pac Alexandria to 110th

INSIDE:

Varietyy

stricter phosphorus discharge limits on the treatment plant, according to Paul Nelson, ALASD board chair Bruce Nelson (no and relation), ALASD director.

One idea is to pump all the water out of the killing all the roughlake, in the process and fish installing a carp then trap prevent them from to ting in again. (Carp getcan be destructive to by rooting up a lake aquatic vegetation and stirring up phosphorus, which fuels algae blooms.)

E CHO P RESS .com

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HELP RAL Jodea Johnson, Crew r Sof Sauk 503 Hawthorn Recovery, ntsH resu ent r Sch – Rex Minin position Sean Rice, pute anyone Glen e comry date tion, tend Area 6 p.m.: Celebrate ant director – Lonnie of you apartme GENE Com located support or assistant is 28, program for softwar sala in- plica Superin a tment click on ch; sound ition Ashley Satre; Rindfleis eisch; Now omer puter step recovery aparor hang-up, habit ask Highway pos to: Olejar; choDirector – and Mike petitive ities hers hurt,the for: TICE A custing com com mes – Stacy ia mCovenant designer – who has a Find sibil pher sup- Minnew State 34. This Alexandrs.co dach; set – Mike Gimbel; costumes lookinge IC NO Teac istant grow offering. Respon phone n of 25122 MN 563 . assistant choreogra r destimeets at EchoPres are y, t; makeup .mn Wing; lights– Jackie Noetzelman; Ride PUBL ss pan benefits and tele operatio t in- wood, We Part timaner l filled Discussion rs S es www achel Capistrans – Marlys Church.

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– Leigh Pfeffer; clud on the for inde lican eriNig Attend vers and Dave er – Mary Risner; graphic Teac rt-time is at geta full e Group to meet m s exp eriGre P WAN tem er position producer .com port softwar ncies. App Ser NOUN ia area – Diane Tomoson nd – Greg DeGier; e for ed dow & Pa person brary.

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ELO ickson – flute; – violin II; Travis Weisenser – bass; Kristina person and ft.co soci 78.

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A dream wedding is a marriage between desires and reality. Today it is possible to recreate the look of designer gowns and other details with less-expensive options. Figure out your priorities and work from there. Consider these costsaving options.

• Think about where you will be living after you are married.

A residence takes priority over a lavish wedding.

• Have the wedding party carry fresh-flower bouquets, but use less-expensive silk flowers or even fruit as centerpieces.

• Ask your baker to create a small wedding display cake you can use for your photos and serve guests from a much cheaper sheet cake that is hidden in the kitchen.

• Get married on a weekday or at an earlier time of day.

• Limit the bar to wine, beer and soda to save on the expense of top-shelf liquors.

• Register for unconventional gifts, such as contributing to the honeymoon.

• Handle some items yourself, such as favors or catering, to keep costs down.

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With this Ring ~ January 2012 27

Advantages to a wedding video I

n a financial climate where most people are pinching pennies, it comes as no surprise that many engaged couples seek ways to cut costs with regard to their weddings.

Some couples are undecided whether certain components of their wedding are necessary.

The decision to hire a videographer is one such area couples fret over. After all, with a photographer snapping hundreds of pictures, having a video may seem like an unnecessary luxury. However, people often find that having a wedding video to cherish long after the day has passed is well worth the price.

There are several advantages to hiring a professional videographer to capture the day. A professionally produced wedding video is not the same as Uncle Fred carrying around his archaic camcorder and catching a few embarrassing dance moves during the reception. A professional video will showcase all moments of the wedding from perspectives not easily captured by photography. In addition to showcasing the images of the wedding, the video will also share the sounds and emotions of the day. Here are some things to

think about.

• Choose a videographer who will work in conjunction with the wedding mood and parameters. You probably don’t want a videographer who uses bright lights that can be distracting.

Nor do you want a videographer who pushes the camera in guests’ faces for a less-than-candid interview. Today’s professionals are inconspicuous and simply record the events as they unfold.

• The videographer often works in tandem with the photographer. Some photographers have a videographer on staff. But it is fine to bring in your own.

• A videographer will capture the things you may have missed during the busy day. He or she can serve as the eyes and ears for the things you’re not seeing and hearing.

• Although ours is an increasingly digital world where people capture photos and videos on their smartphones and other devices on a regular basis, a wedding video can serve as a family memento. What other time, apart from the holidays, do you have all of your friends and loved ones together in one place?

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28 With this Ring ~ January 2012

Scan the QR Code!

619 61 9 3rd Ave. E. Ste. 102, Alexandria 320-219-7676 • www.ellassalon.com 32 0-219

• Although no one wants to think of a friend or relative passing away, the fact remains that after a few years some of the people who attended your wedding may no longer be around. Having a wedding video may be the only last moving image and sound of a special person who is no longer in your life.

• Sound is a portion of the wedding that photos simply cannot capture. To relive the music and the words of the day, a videographer is a necessity. Professionals who use wireless microphones will produce a video with the best sound quality.

• You can work with a good videographer so it’s not simply a video with close-up shots of your face or unflattering perspectives. Talk

about your preferences and even fears about being filmed (some people just don’t like watching themselves on TV), and the videographer can no doubt find solutions that will accommodate your needs.

• There are many things that you will not see at the wedding but may have liked to, such as the first gasps of wonder upon guests walking into the reception room, or the tears on the face of an aunt who was sitting too far back in the church pews. This is where a wedding video can prove invaluable.

• Modern videographers offer high-resolution, edited movies. These can be delivered via Blu Ray DVD and ensure the best quality for your package. - (MS)

The

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With this Ring ~ January 2012 29

Honeymoon saving strategies T

hanks to the changing landscape of weddings, today’s newlyweds are typically under more financial stress than the newly married couples of yesteryear. The cost of weddings has risen over the years, and today’s couples are increasingly taking on the bill for their weddings without the help of mom and dad.

Whereas a honeymoon was once a tradition enjoyed by all newly married couples, today’s couples often find there’s not much money left for the honeymoon after paying for the wedding.

But there are ways couples can still enjoy their dream getaway without breaking the bank.

• Shop for all-inclusive packages. An all-inclusive package might be tailor-made for couples with thin budgets. All-inclusive packages commonly include lodging, food, activities, and alcohol. This can make a trip considerably more affordable.

• Put the honeymoon off and travel during the off season. Weddings often take place in warm weather seasons, which also happens to be

tourist season. As a result, couples who get married during peak wedding season typically find it hard to book an affordable honeymoon.

Thankfully, there’s no rule that says a honeymoon must begin immediately after a couple walks down the aisle.

• Find a lesser-known locale. A Hawaiian honeymoon might be a dream for many couples, but it’s also an expensive dream. Couples who are willing to do a little research can find deals in lesser-known locales that won’t be as expensive.

• Take to the Internet. Thanks to the Internet, travel deals are now easier to find than ever before. Some web sites will do cost analysis for their customers, showing customers how certain deals compare to others. Another way to save is to visit airline web sites to investigate fares.

• Consider a shorter trip. Honeymoons don’t have to last a full week. Couples can save considerable amounts of money by choosing a fiveday, four-night package instead of a week-long trip. -(MS)

Make the wedding of your dreams a reality at El Dorado Spa Resorts & Azul Hotels, by Karisma Looking for an ideal Destination wedding location or a romantic honeymoon getaway?

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Experience a Gourmet Inclusive holiday at one of our award winning resorts, and stay in beautiful accommodations, enjoy gourmet food and beverages, and have around the clock service. With wedding coordinators to oversee all the details of your wedding and reception, it can be stress free for the bride and groom, and the perfect place to stay after the wedding for a relaxing 817 Broadway Alexandria, MN honeymoon.

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30 With this Ring ~ January 2012

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Wedding Style Planner

We d d i n g S t y l e (Circle all that apply)

Ceremony Date: 1st Choice __________ 2nd Choice ______________ Size: ❑ Elope 0-4 ❑ Small 50-100 ❑ Med 100-200 ❑ Large 200+ Formality: ❑ Very Formal

❑ Formal

❑ Semiformal

❑ Informal

Time of Day: ❑ Morning ❑ Afternoon ❑ Evening Wedding Theme (if any) ________________________________________ Ceremony Location: 1st Choice ____ 2nd Choice ________________ Reception Location: 1st Choice______ 2nd Choice ________________

Casual Contemporary Country Dramatic Elaborate Elegant Ethnic Family Oriented Fantasy Festive Fun Glamorous Indoor Intimate

Outdoor Personal Private Quaint Relaxed Religious Romantic Simple Sophisticated Spiritual Stylish Traditional Unique Warm

Personalizing Ceremony: style/notes: Processional ________________________ Vows ______________________________ Recessional ________________________ Opening Words______________________ Ring Exchange ______________________ Symbolic Rituals ____________________ Giving Away Blessing ________________

Unity Candle ________________________ Music Choices ______________________

Readings __________________________ Benediction ________________________ Reception Music ____________________ Prayers ____________________________ Closing Words ______________________ Other ______________________________

Plan Your Wedding Day TIME

Your Wedding Day Time Table

TIME

TIME

• Getting Up

• Receiving Line

• Reception Meal

• Dressing

• Formal Group Photos

• Cake Cutting

• Leaving for the Ceremony

• Leaving for the Reception

• Bridal Dance & Dancing

• Photos Before the Ceremony

• Cocktail Hour

• Bride & Groom Change Clothes

• Parents & Guests Arrive

• Arriving At the Reception

• Bride & Groom Leave Reception

• Wedding Ceremony Begins

• Toast By Best Man

• Reception Ends

With this Ring ~ January 2012 31

Bride’s Wedding Planner Checklist The details involved in wedding planning may seem overwhelming at times. Here is a helpful checklist to keep you on track:

6 to 12 months before

2 months before

❒

❒

❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒

Select a wedding date and time.

Make a preliminary budget.

Determine the type of wedding you want.

Reserve your ceremony and reception location.

Determine who will officiate at the ceremony.

Hire a wedding consultant, if you plan to use one.

Decide on your color scheme.

Determine your wedding theme or style.

Determine the size of the guest list.

Start compiling names and addresses of guests.

Select bridal attendants.

Have fiance select attendants.

Plan reception.

Check catering facilities, if at a club or hotel.

Select a caterer, if one is necessary.

Select a professional photographer.

Select a reliable, creative florist.

Select your dress and headpiece.

Announce your engagement in the newspaper.

Select bridesmaids’ dresses.

Select engagement ring with fiance, if he has not already done so.

4 months before ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒

Make final arrangements for ceremony (deposits should be paid, contracts signed).

Make sure all bridal attire is ordered.

Have both mothers coordinate and select their dresses.

Register at a bridal registry in the towns of both families.

Order invitations and personal stationery.

Complete the guest lists and compile them in order.

Select the men’s wedding attire and reserve the right sizes.

Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state.

Make appointment for physical exam (if your state requires one).

Shop for wedding rings.

Start planning the honeymoon.

Decide where you will live after the wedding.

Begin shopping for trousseau.

32 With this Ring ~ January 2012

❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒

Address invitations and announcements. They should be mailed four to six weeks before the wedding.

Finalize all details with caterer, photographer, florist, reception hall manager, musicians, etc.

Order wedding cake, if not supplied by caterer.

Finalize ceremony details with officiant.

Make rehearsal arrangements.

Plan rehearsal dinner.

Plan bridesmaids’ luncheon.

Make appointment with hairdresser.

Arrange accommodations for out-oftown attendants or guests.

Finalize honeymoon plans.

❒ ❒

❒

1 week before ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒

1 month before

❒

❒

❒ ❒

❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒

❒ ❒

Have a final fitting for your gown and bridal attendants’ dresses.

Have a formal bridal portrait done.

Complete all physical or dental appointments.

Get blood test and marriage license.

Make transportation arrangements for wedding day.

Purchase gifts for attendants.

Purchase gift for fiance, if gifts are being exchanged.

Have the bridesmaids’ luncheon.

Purchase going away outfit.

Keep a careful record of all gifts received (write thank-you notes immediately instead of letting them pile up).

Make sure you have all accessories, toasting goblets, ring pillow, garter, candles, etc.

Select a responsible person to handle guest book and determine its location.

2 weeks before ❒

❒

Attend to business and legal details.

Get necessary forms to change names on Social Security card, driver’s license, insurance and medical plans, bank accounts; make a will.

Prepare wedding announcements to be sent to the newspaper.

Reconfirm accommodations for outof-town guests.

Arrange to have possessions and gifts moved to your new home. Give a change-of-address card to the post office.

Finish addressing announcements to be mailed on the wedding day.

❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒

Contact guests who have not responded.

Give the final count to the caterer and review details.

Go over final details with all professional services you have engaged. Inform them of any changes.

Give photographer the list of pictures you want.

Give all musicians the lists of music for the ceremony and reception.

Plan the seating arrangements.

Arrange for someone to assist with last-minute seating errands and to help you dress.

Practice having your hair done to make sure it comes out properly, and determine the time it will take.

Practice using your make-up in the same type of lighting you will have on the wedding date.

Keep up with the writing of your thank-you notes.

Pack your suitcase for the honeymoon.

Make sure you have the marriage license.

Make sure you have the wedding rings, and they fit.

Make sure all wedding attire is picked up and fits.

Have a rehearsal with all participants, reviewing their duties.

Attend a rehearsal dinner party. Stay calm and enjoy yourself.

Congratulations!

You’re ready for a wonderful wedding day!

Source: The Beverly Clark Collection

Groom’s Wedding Planner Checklist The bride is not the only one with planning to do! Here’s what the groom should do before the big day:

6 to 12 months before

4 months before

2 weeks before

❒

❒ ❒

❒

❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒

Purchase the bride’s engagement ring.

Discuss with fiancee the date and type of wedding.

Start on your guest list.

Choose best man and ushers.

Start planning and making necessary arrangements for the honeymoon.

Discuss and plan, with fiancee, your new home together. If fiancee is moving in with you, start cleaning out closets, cupboards and drawers to make room for your bride and wedding gifts.

Don’t forget to honor the groomsmen

W

eddings are all about the brides, or so it would seem.

While all eyes are on the bride, the groom sometimes goes unnoticed.

One person who shouldn’t fail to notice the groomsmen is the groom himself.

Groomsmen can and often do have significant responsibilities. A good groom should recognize the efforts of his groomsmen and give gifts as an acknowledgement of their efforts.

Following are some gift ideas:

❒

❒ ❒

2 months before ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒

❒

Men tend to focus on the celebratory aspects of the day. Grooms can give a personalized gift as a means of commemorating the day.

❒

Back to the bachelor party.

❒

Go the more fanciful route.

For grooms whose wedding will be an elegant affair, celebrate that elegance by giving each of your groomsmen an engraved pocket watch. (MS)

Meet with officiant to finalize ceremony details.

Assist parents with plans for the rehearsal dinner party.

Discuss the amount and the financial arrangement for the flowers that are the groom’s responsibility.

Arrange accommodations for out-oftown attendants.

1 month before

Commemorate the reception.

These days, weekend getaways are a common theme to many bachelor parties.

Consider gifts that evoke memories of that special weekend where you were the guest of honor.

Shop with fiancee for wedding rings.

Complete your guest list, including full names, addresses and ZIP codes with phone numbers.

Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state, or the state in which you are being married.

Select and order men’s wedding attire with your fiancee.

Finalize all honeymoon plans and send in deposits if required (don’t delay — some resorts fill up fast in popular months).

❒

❒

❒

See that all attendants have been fitted and wedding attire has been ordered.

Purchase gifts for best man and ushers.

Purchase wedding gifts for fiancee, if gifts are being exchanged.

Pick up wedding rings. Make sure they fit.

Take care of business and legal affairs (add bride’s name to insurance policies and medical plans, make a new will, add her name to joint checking account or joint charge cards).

If you have both agreed to a pre-nuptial agreement, have it drawn up and signed.

❒ ❒ ❒

❒

Together with fiancee, gather necessary documents and get your marriage license.

Arrange wedding day transportation.

Reconfirm accommodations for outof-town guests.

If moving, give change of address card to post office; arrange to have utilities and phone service turned on in new home. If not moving, finish cleaning and reorganizing your home; help your fiancee move her things.

Have your hair cut.

1 week before ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒ ❒

Discuss all final details with fiancee; offer to assist if needed.

Pick up and try on wedding attire.

See that attendants get their wedding attire.

Pack clothes for honeymoon.

Reconfirm all honeymoon reservations.

If flying, make sure you have plane tickets.

See to it that you and your attendants are at the rehearsal and that they know their duties.

Go over special seating or pew cards with ushers.

Make sure luggage is in the car or the hotel where you will stay your first night.

Attend rehearsal dinner. Relax and enjoy yourself.

Congratulations!

You’re ready for a wonderful wedding day!

Source: The Beverly Clark Collection

With this Ring ~ January 2012 33

Wedding Budget Planner Wedding parties Engagement party Bridesmaids’ lunch Rehearsal dinner Out-of-town guests’ brunch Other

Ceremony $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ TOTAL $ ______

Correspondence Stationery Invitations Announcements Thank-you cards At-home cards Stamps Other

$ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ TOTAL $ ______

Location fee Officiant fee Marriage license Decorations Program printing Aisle runner Rings Pillow Other

Music Ceremony musicians Band/DJ Extra musicians Other

Bridal attire Wedding dress Alterations Headpiece and veil Shoes Accessories Jewelry Dresses for other wedding parties Undergarments Hair styling Manicure/pedicure Cosmetics Skin care Other TOTAL

$ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______

Groom’s attire Tuxedo Shoes Cuff links Hair styling Other

34 With this Ring ~ January 2012

$ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ TOTAL $ ______

$ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ TOTAL $ ______

$ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ TOTAL $ ______

Flowers Ceremony arrangements Bride’s bouquet Groom’s boutonniere Bridesmaids’ bouquets Corsages and boutonnieres Flower girl/ringbearer Reception centerpieces Other

$ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ TOTAL $ ______

Photography/Videography Engagement portrait Wedding and reception Wedding album Parents’ albums Extra prints Videography Other

$ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ $ ______ TOTAL $ ______

Wedding Budget Planner Transportation Limousines Buses/transport for guests Parking Other

Honeymoon $ $ $ $ TOTAL $

____ ____ ____ ____ ____

Reception site fee Decorations Hors d’ oeuvres Main meal Wedding cake Groom’s cake Other dessert Cake top Cake knife Wine Champagne Other beverage Toasting glasses Place cards Monogrammed napkins

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

Rental of tableware, tents, furniture, etc.

$ ____

Reception

$ $ $ $ $ $ TOTAL $

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

$ $ $ $ $ $ TOTAL $

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

Miscellaneous Wedding consultant Guest favors Birdseed or confetti packets Guest book and pen Misc. fees and tips Other

Total Wedding Budget

$ ________

Notes __________________________________ __________________________________

Tips and fees to food servers, doormen, coat check, valet, etc.

Other

$ ____ $ ____ TOTAL $ ____

Gifts Gifts to each other Matron (maid) of honor Best man Bridesmaids/groomsmen Parents Other

Transportation Accommodations Food Clothing Entertainment Other

__________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________

$ $ $ $ $ $ TOTAL $

____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

__________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________

With this Ring ~ January 2012 35

Ceremony Planner Date ______________________________Time ______________

Address ______________________________________________

Officiant(s) ____________________________________________

Contact ______________________Phone __________________

Officiant(s) Phone# ____________________________________

Fee __________________________________________________

Location ______________________________________________

Rehearsal Date ____________________Time ______________

Ceremony Music Selections:

# of rows reserved ______________# of people ____________

______________________________________________________

Pew 1 ____________________ Pew 1 ____________________

______________________________________________________

Pew 2 ____________________ Pew 2 ____________________

______________________________________________________

Pew 3 ____________________ Pew 3 ____________________

______________________________________________________

Pew 4 ____________________ Pew 4 ____________________

Photography

Videography

Photographer __________________________________________

Videographer ____________________________________

Address ______________________________________________

Address__________________________________________

Email ________________________________________________

Email ____________________________________________

Contact ______________________Phone __________________

Contact____________________Phone ________________

Number of Hours Booked________________________________

Number of Hours Booked __________________________

Package Description ________________________ Price ______________

Package Description ____________________ Price ____________

Number of Photos to be taken ________

Number of hours Total Taping________________________

Date Previews Will Be Ready ____________________________

Date Finished Tape Will Be Ready ____________________

Additional Reprints Costs ________________________________

Cost of Additional Copies __________________________

Contacts & Important Phone Numbers

BRIDE’S ATTIRE

FLOWERS Florist ________________________________________________ Phone________________________________________________

Bridal Shop __________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________

Consultant____________________________________________

Contact ______________________________________________

Fitting Date(s) ________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________

CAKE

Phone________________________________________________

Bakery ______________________________________________

PIck-Up Date__________________________________________

Phone________________________________________________

GROOM’S ATTIRE Tuxedo Store__________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________ Contact ______________________________________________

Consultant____________________________________________

STATIONERY

Fitting Date(s) ________________________________________

Printer/Stationer ______________________________________

Address ______________________________________________

Contact __________________________Phone# ____________

Phone________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________

PIck-Up Date__________________________________________

Order Date ____________________ Date Ready ____________ #Ceremony Guests__________ #Reception Guests ________

36 With this Ring ~ January 2012

Reception Planner Date ____________________Time____________________

Location__________________________________________

Phone# __________________________________________

Address __________________________________________

Food Service Time ________________________________

Contact __________________________________________

Cost ____________________Deposit ________________

Cancellation Terms ________________________________

Does the facilty provide...

Dinner/Reception Music

Access for Decorating? ____________________________

Group/Band/DJ __________________________________

Dance Floor? ____________________________________

Contact __________________________________________

Security? ________________________________________

Phone# __________________________________________

Adequate Parking? ________________________________

Playing From ________________to __________________

Setup? ________________Cleanup? ________________ ______________________

Need Early Set-up Time? ____________________________

Servers? ________________How Many? ____________

Cost ____________________Deposit ________________

Bartenders? ______________How Many? ____________

Balance Due __________________When? ____________

Tables & Chairs? __________________________________ Handicap Access? ________________________________ Valet Parking? ____________________________________

Catering Planner Caterer __________________________________________

Address __________________________________________

Phone# __________________________________________

________________________________________________

Service Date______________Time____________________

Contact __________________________________________

Reception Location ________________________________

Price ____________________________________________

Menu

____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Liquor & Beverages

Cost

Supplier __________________Contact ________________

Per Person______________ X # of Guests ____________ =Total $ __________________________________________

Address __________________________________________ Phone# __________________Pick-up/Deliver __________

Does Cost Cover

Open Bar from ____________to ______________________

All Necessary Equipment? __________________________

Cash Bar from ____________to ______________________

China & Flatware? ________________________________

Champagne for Toast ______Wine(s) for Dinner ________

Room Setup? ____________________________________

Other Beverages ____________Cost ________________

Taxes & Gratuity? __________________________________ Cake Cutting? ____________________________________

With this Ring ~ January 2012 37

Gift Registry Store ______________________________________________

Store ______________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________

Phone#______________________________________________

Phone#______________________________________________

Dinnerware

Formal

Informal

Store

__________

__________

Dinner Plates Salads/Dessert Plates Bread & Butter Plates Cups & Saucers Soup Bowls Serving Bowls Platters

Serveware & Giftware

Formal

Informal

Store

__________

__________

Flatware

Formal

Informal

Store

__________

__________

Qty

Qty

Qty

Qty

Qty

Qty

________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________

__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________

__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Teaspoons Salad Forks Place Forks Place Knives Place/Soup Spoons Iced Tea Spoons Butter Spreaders Serving Tablespoons Pierced Tablespoons Cold Metal Fork Butter Knife Sugar Spoon Gravy Ladle

________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________

__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Cocktail Fork Casserole Spoon Pastry Server Hostess Set

________ ________ ________ ________

__________ __________ __________ __________

Serve Set Storage Chest Silver Keepers

________ ________ ________

__________ __________ __________

Kitchenware

Store

Water Goblets Wine Goblets Champagnes/Flutes Juice Glasses Low Tumblers High Tumblers

Table Linen Store

Qty

Salt & Pepper Gravy Boat Platter Bread Tray Serving Tray Vegetable Dish

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Covered Casserole Chafing Dish Salad Bowl Ind. Salad Bowls Salad Server Butter Dish

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Relish Dish Chip n’ Dip Sugar & Creamer Coffee/Tea Set Water Pitcher Punch Bowl Set Demitasse Cups Cordial Set Candlesticks Place Plates Coaster Set

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Vase Bowl

____________ ____________

__________ __________

Trivet

____________

__________

Appliances

Stemware

Store

Qty

Toaster Mixer Blender Food Processor Coffee Maker Electric Skillet Can Opener Slow Cooker

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Popcorn Popper

____________

__________

38 With this Ring ~ January 2012

Runner Cloth Napkins Mats Napkin Rings

Cookware

Store ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

Store

Qty __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Qty

Sauce Pans 1 Qt. 2 Qt. 3 Qt.

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

__________ __________ __________ __________

4 Qt. Double Boiler Skillets Small Medium Large Dutch Oven Roaster Stock Pot Pressure Cooker Tea Kettle Bowl Set

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Wok Baking Sheets

____________ ____________

__________ __________

Decor Table Lamps Floor Lamps Clocks Picture Frames Rugs Magazine Rack Mirrors Artwork

Store ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

Qty __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Qty

Measuring Cups/Spoons ______________

____________

Cutlery Set Cutting Board Nonstick Utensils Colanders Rolling Pin Graters

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

__________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

Garlic Press Ice-Cream Scoop

____________ ____________

__________ __________

Timer Storage Containers

____________ ____________

__________ __________

Linens & Accessories Bath Towels Hand Towels Washcloths Hamper Scale Shower Curtain Bath Mat/Rug Soap Dispenser Toothbrush Holder

Store ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

Qty __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________ __________

l a d i r B ! s s e n i s u B is our

From all of us at Paffrath Diamond Jewelers,

Congratulations on your Engagement or Upcoming Wedding!

Our gift to you:

Co

up o

n

$

50

00

Toward the purchase of any men’s wedding band or diamond jewelry.

Tow Not good with any other offers or coupons.

EXPIRES 3-10-2012 *To be used at a Paffrath Diamond Jewelers, Alexandria, MN only. Valid only on new purchases, and not redeemable for cash. Some restrictions may apply.

Willow Creek Complex 410 30th Avenue E. Ste. 101, Alexandria www.PaffrathDiamonds.com

320-762-8735

Monday–Friday 9am–6pm, Saturday 9am–3pm R001668043

With this Ring ~ January 2012 39

We specialize in outdoor weddings!

• Wedding Tents • Tables & Chairs • Dance Floor • Backdrops • Staging • Linens • Decorating Services • Chair Covers & Sashes • Delivery, Setup, Pick-up One Time Shopping Spree

10% OFF

A L L R E N TA L S Not to be combined with other offers or discounts.

Expires 4-1-12.

Call to set up your appointment 217 McKay Ave. • Alexandria

320.762.2838

w w w. g e y e r- r e n t a l . c o m 40 With this Ring ~ January 2012

R001664712