The 2020 Eastern Jackson County Wedding Guide

PLUS TIPS FOR THE FIRST KISS PHOTO FLOWERS WEDDING BUDGETING HACKS »

»

2020

»

FROM A

fairy tale Romantic touches and bold statements define 2020 bridal trends Section C

Friday, February 14, 2020

The Examiner

@EJC_Examiner

facebook.com/examiner.net

Tips for a perfect first-kiss photo 2020 CONTACT US Phone: 816-254-8600 Fax: 816-836-3805

ADVERTISING displayads@examiner.net

The Easter Jackson County Wedding Guide (BRIDE) is created annually by GateHouse Media LLC, and is distributed with various newspapers across the country and by King Features. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the management of the publication.

Cover photo: FreePix.com ©2020 GANNET ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

T

he first kiss is something to remember.

“A first kiss at the end of your wedding ceremony is a totally singular moment in your life.

You’ve probably never really kissed in front of an eager crowd before, and it is also such a symbolic beginning of a married life,” said wedding photographer Becca Dilley of Minneapolis-based Becca Dilley Photography. “That puts a lot of pressure on anyone to have a meaningful and fun first kiss, and photographers definitely feel that pressure, too.”

To make sure your photographer gets a great shot, follow this expert advice.

Ask the officiant to step away The bride and groom should be the

only stars of the shot.

“Ask the officiant to stand back a few feet or to move to the side before announcing the first kiss. That way they will be blurred out and you will have a clear and uncluttered background,” said Mike Busada, lead photographer at Mike B Photography, a Maryland-based photography studio.

Slow it down “Every couple is different, but make the kiss warm and passionate — just not too passionate,” Busada said. “Don’t overdo it.

Don’t get messy.” Guests do not want to see an R-rated embrace.

After shooting more than 500

weddings, Busada said he’s seen many things, including couples with stage fright.

Instead of a killer first kiss, a groom might lean in for a peck on the cheek.

“Practice makes perfect. Couples talk about every part of their wedding. They should talk about the first kiss and practice, too,” Busada said.

Get bridal party to smile The photo will look better if the wedding party celebrates with you, Dilley said.

“A first kiss is a perfect time to cheer or clap, so let them know if you’d like them to participate in that way,” she said.

Weddings: Our Specialty!

From the bride’s bouquet to reception centerpieces, we’ll make sure your flowers are perfect right down to the last petal!

Eat, Drink &

Be Married

For the past 26 years, we’ve helped over 2,500 brides design their ideal reception. We are a full-service catering company that prides itself on our promise of “Simple Goodness.” When we say “full service” that not only means providing plenty of delicious food, but pairing it with exceptional service and helping to design a flow that keeps your guests engaged throughout the reception.

For details about our menus and services, please call, email or visit us online today!

P.O. Box 325 Wellington, MO 64097 (816) 240-8124 nadlers@aol.com www.nadlerscatering.com

1424 SW 40 Highway, Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-295-1930 | www.kellysposies.com

Call to schedule your wedding consultation today!

Wedding

Break it down Start with a spreadsheet and break it down into three sections: wedding is usually the bigexpenses prior to the wedding, gest and costliest party of a day-of expenses and after-thecouple’s life. Plan accordwedding expenses, Game said. ingly and set a solid budget.

When budgeting be sure to “Setting a wedding budget is quite add in honeymoon costs. a challenge. While there are a lot of “Most people do neglect includcosts you can predict, like how much ing the honeymoon on their budget, the venue will cost, there are other which can be a sizeable expense,” she factors not so easy to predict, like said. “If you are paying out of pocket how many guests will show up,” said for the trip, you want to make sure certified financial planner Shannah and include not only your airfare but Compton Game, host of Millennial the hotel, food, activities and any Money Podcast. “Most wedding bud- transportation on your budget.” gets turn out to be a loose guideline of how much the wedding will cost, Where to cut which is why I always suggest adding If costs are adding up, cuts need to a 20% to 30% pad in your budget.” be made.

No matter how well-planned and “The most expensive costs for well-intentioned a budget is, things any wedding are the location, food, change, so it’s important to stay flowers and photography. Anytime on top of expenses, Game said. a vendor hears the word ‘wed“Set a goal number that you ding’ they immediately add a surdon’t want to cross. If you are charge to the price,” Game said. inching close to that number there There are hacks to cut costs. are always ways to be resource“My suggestion is to pick one or ful and save money,” she said. two that really matter to you and then find ways to be resourceful in Finding funds the other areas. For instance, you While parents are often the could go to a flower mart and get No. 1 source of financing, couyour flowers on the day of the wedples also dip into personal savings, ding for a fraction of the price, or use credit cards and even turn have guests use a wedding photogto crowdfunding, Game said. raphy mobile app to snap pictures “Credit cards offer so many amaz- and then utilize your photographer ing perks these days that it’s hard for a half-day or select pictures,” to pass up. If you plan on using a Game said. “You could also turn credit card to bank points for your to Airbnb or other vacation rental wedding expenses, always make sites to book an alternative wedsure you can pay off the balance ding venue or reception location.” in full within 30 days so you never incur interest expenses,” she said.

Take the long view Plan wisely, and you might be able “I definitely discourage couples to bank enough points to use for from going into debt for their wedyour honeymoon costs or a one-year ding. It simply isn’t worth it at the anniversary celebration, she said. end of the day,” Game said. “Figure

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

A

out how much money you can realistically spend and create an amazing wedding within that dollar amount. ... Be realistic and remember marriage is about the lifelong commitment and not just the wedding day.”

FREEPIK.COM

budget hacks

FROM A

fairy tale Romantic touches and bold statements define 2020 bridal trends

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

F

rom big, ruffled wedding gowns to sophisticated bridal blazers, boho-chic to floral fantasies, today’s designers offer brides the opportunity to express their individuality when they step up and say, “I do.”

For inspiration, the vast majority of brides turn to Pinterest and Instagram because it’s easy to search by hashtags or designers, while others still like to flip through magazines to see what’s in style, said Laura Calderone, owner of Laura & Leigh Bridal in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Blurring the line “The main trend for 2020, which really has been consistently building for the last five years or so, is the blurring of the line between ready-to-wear and bridal,” said Kpoene’ Kofi-Nicklin, creative director of Mignonette Bridal in Chicago. “For some companies, like BHLDN, this means offering separates (tops, bottoms and overlays that can be mixed and matched) so that brides can personalize a look, and for other companies like Cecilie Bahnsen that can mean offering pieces that blur the line between bridal and ready-to-wear completely and really can be worn again.”

Affordability is important to the modern bride, Kofi-Nicklin said. This concept offers a bride new ways to make her wedding outfit unique and looks that can be worn multiple ways and on multiple occasions.

Return to romance “If there was a prize for a bridal trend that is truly timeless and classical, it would definitely go to off-the-shoulder wedding dresses,” said Valeria Istomnia, content manager at Wedding Forward, an online

wedding gowns in the last few years,” Kofi-Nicklin said.

Want to embrace florals in a delicate way?

“Picking a gown in shades of blush or champagne with floral embroidery is a great way to look like you just stepped out of a romantic garden,” Kofi-Nicklin said. A gown with a subtle floral lace detail is a great way to nod to the trend while keeping the overall look very classic, she said. guide for wedding planning, ideas and inspiration.

“Their romantic image is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a fairy-tale princess attire.”

Fun florals “I love that florals, especially in bold colors, are having a moment, and the best part is that anyone can look beautiful in this trend,” Kofi-Nicklin said.

Want to make a floral splash?

“Choosing a gown with a large floral print or even just a single large floral pattern on the skirt is a great way to show off your personality. Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera have shown some truly amazing floral

Mix it up “2020 has a great mix of trends” like “fun necklines, low plunges, crescent necklines or off-the-shoulder, Calderone said. “There is also a lot of sparkle and fun laces with layers of shimmery tulle and bold modern laces.

You’re going to probably see some keyhole backs and clean/classic A-lines have a little comeback, too.”

“Bohemian style has been on top for more than one year, and it remains one of the hottest weddings dresses for 2020,” Istomnia said.

COURTESY OF MIGNONETTE BRIDAL

Show off your silhouette “Your silhouette has never been more attractive,” Istomnia said.

A-line dresses or mermaid gowns give a bride the perfect opportunity to show off all of her curves.

“Its low back will open up your fragile shoulder blades. The skirt will highlight your hips. Flowing fabric, delicate patterns, gentle lace: These dresses are sure to turn heads,” Istomnia said.

A-lines and fit and flares are are some of the most requested styles.

“It’s easy to see why. Fit and flares show off a bride’s curves without being too heavy or dramatic, and A-lines show off a bride’s tiny waist in an airy way,” Calderone said.

Add some sparkle “Sequins are a spectacular choice,” Istomnia said. “For more traditional brides craving glamour, elaborate beading, pearl detailing and rhinestones make for an ultra-glitzy gown, from bridal white shades to shimmering silver and gold hues. Also, a glitzy gown is a perfect second look for a wedding reception,” Istomnia said.

Cover up Long-sleeved gowns remain one of the hottest trends because they look classy, Istomnia said. For examples, see Meghan Markle’s wedding gown from 2018 and one of Hailey Baldwin Bieber’s three choices from October.

Other options include a leather jacket for the chill bride who wants to have fun, or a beautiful faux or a vintage fur, Kofi-Nicklin said.

“Capes in drapey tulle and net have been huge this year, and are an incredibly romantic way to make a statement without feeling like you are actually covering up your gown,” she said.

Trending

floral ideas Circular flo ral table arr angements and photog designed b raphed by y Ed Libby Brett Matt COURTESY hews Photo LLG EVENTS graphy. [PH ] OTOS

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

F

rom the bouquet to the boutonniere, table centerpieces to photo opportunities, flowers are a defining part of a wedding and a classic way to set the tone of the day. They may be always in style, but as trends change designers add new floral techniques to keep things fresh.

“Floral designers have been bringing the outdoors in for a while now, creating trees and floral installations for luxury weddings,” said Lauren Grech, CEO and co-founder of LLG Events and adjunct professor in event production and design at New York University. “However, in 2020, we’re going to see this expand beyond the table arrangements to include more flower walls for photo booth backdrops, overhead installations either with flowers dangling from the ceiling or bridging over the tops of tables, and trails of flowers such as along the entire length of an aisled mirror.”

Uniquely shaped low table arrangements, such as crescent-shaped structures and floral rings, are another emerging trend, Grech said.

n

by Tantawa ay created was ck n Fi g This archw re tured by G p ca d n a Bloom ding. er the wed donated aft

Reuse, recycle One of the hottest wedding floral trends is sustainability. In addition to choosing locally sourced flowers, more couples are opting to donate their flowers and extend the life of their blooms through companies like Repeat Roses or BloomAgainBklyn, organizations that recover floral arrangements that otherwise would have ended up in the trash, Grech said. It’s a service Grech offers all her clients “because some may not realize the legacy they can leave with their love by having their wedding flowers recreated into arrangements for people in need or nursing homes or hospitals,” she said.

“Another way to do this is to have someone gift wrap your florals for guests to take home as a favor at the end of the night. It’s a beautiful remembrance from your special day,” Grech said.

No bouquets Brides are also getting more creative with their bouquets, with some ditching the nosegay altogether. Some brides opt for elaborate floral crowns so they don’t have to worry about handing it off to their maid or man of honor, Grech said.

“This is perfect for outdoor ceremonies

Some brides are opting for a floral crown instead of a bouquet so they don’t have to worry about handing it off to a maid or man of honor.

or couples who want a bohemian feel. Others are opting for smaller bouquets so that they can spend on bigger decor statements like a ceremony arch or chuppah with canopies of single, hanging flowers,” Grech said.

Instagram-worthy backdrops are all the rage, but a full floral wall can be expensive. Budget-conscious couples can opt for a flower frame instead of a full flower backdrop, Grech said.

Customize it with tiny fairy lighting throughout or LED lights with wording mixed in, Grech said.

Natural look Popular wedding flowers like calla lilies, peonies and roses are mainstays of many weddings, but are now being passed over or accompanied by ornamental grasses and dried flowers.

“Last year, pampas grass spread like wildfire. It was the floral trend for sure,” Grech said. “Elaborating on that, in 2020 you’ll continue to see a lot of mixed floral elements like feathers, berries, branches, eucalyptus, dried elements and vines.”

Color makes an impact, and many couples are opting for more bold pops of color rather than muted neutral tones, Grech said.

FREEPIK.COM

TRY A

‘minimoon’

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

F

or many couples a “minimoon” is a happy medium between a splurge vacation and nothing.

Sometimes a honeymoon is a luxury that doesn’t fit into a couple’s lifestyle. Maybe they can’t afford it, are not able to take the time away from work, or would rather take the vacation at a different time of year. For these couples a “minimoon” can be ideal.

“A minimoon is typically when a couple takes a weekend or a few days away from work after their wedding to either travel somewhere or to have a staycation,” said Elizabeth Babinski, founder of Vows Well Traveled, a wedding and elopement planner based in Minneapolis. “A traditional honeymoon involves a couple traveling somewhere to celebrate their marriage after a wedding, but often times a minimoon will happen within the same state or country the couple lives in.”

The biggest benefit of a minimoon is that it usually happens over two to three days, meaning that a couple has a greater chance of taking the time off work, Babinski said.

“Depending on the location they choose, it can also be a great way to take a vacation and bask in some of the newly married discounts while also still saving either for a larger honeymoon later or saving for other life events after marriage,” she said. “The downside is that it still costs something, and if

it’s not planned well, the couple may end up spending more money on the minimoon rather than having saved the money for a larger honeymoon. It can also take away funds for any other vacations they have planned.”

The minimoon isn’t really new, but perhaps newly named.

“Many couples I’ve worked with have done something similar for a while, but with the Instagram age giving it a trendy name is very in-style,” Babinski said. “A minimoon is a great way to relax after a wedding, away from all the hustle and bustle of life, without having to feel forced to spend a lot of money or go somewhere luxurious.”

When it comes to planning a minimoon, couples are getting creative.

“Maybe it’s taking a road trip to another city just to get away, going to a waterpark with the kids or even going somewhere totally remote to step away from the world for a while. A minimoon can be anything a couple wants,” Babinski said. “It doesn’t necessarily have to fit into what society says it should be. It could even be a staycation.”

The key is to go where you want to go and do what you want to do.

“If you can’t afford a vacation after the wedding, that’s fine. You don’t need to spend money just because that’s what’s expected.

You can have as much fun as you want with the minimoon or not have one at all,” she said.

“Whatever you choose, do it for you and not for anyone else.”

HOURS: Walk in Hours - Mon - Thurs 9:30AM - 3:30PM After 3:30PM M - Th & all day Friday and Saturday - Appointment only.