Bride’s GUIDE
2014
Owatonna.com
Page 2
Bride’s Guide 2014
Bride’s Guide 2014
Bride’s Guide 4 Make the most of your money 5 Think PINK in 2014
Have Your Reception at the
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O w a t o n n a
Country Club
6 Capturing the memories 8 How to find your dream dress 11 Time and place make perfect 12 Tokens of love and affection 13 Find the blooms best suited for your big day 14 Guest information 16 Fueling the party 18 Get your guests moving
O CC
19 Demystifying the dessert 20 Wedding day transportation options 21 Wedding showers continue to break from tradtion 22 Kids or no kids?
YourDestination for Elegance
Publisher - Ron Ensley Advertising Director - Debbie Ensley Media Consultants - Betty Frost, Shawnea Hull, Aaron Louks, David Weeks Graphics and Design - Nikkie Gilmore, Keeley Krebsbach, Jenine Kubista, Kelly Kubista, Matt Roosmalen Cover Design - Keeley Krebsbach ©2014 Bride’s Guide is published by the Owatonna People’s Press 135 West Pearl, Owatonna, MN 55060 and printed by Cannon Valley Printing, Northfield, MN No portion of the advertising or editorial content of the Bride’s Guide may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.
Owatonna.com 135 West Pearl | Owatonna | 507-451-2840
Owatonna Country Club Where Families Belong
1991 Lemond Road | Owatonna Julia Seykora Director of Catering & Service 507-451-6120 JuliaS@OwatonnaCC.com
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Bride’s Guide 2014
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They’re cautious on how they deploy their dollars. In short, they want ot be sure that they and their guests get the most out of what they spend.
Make the most of your money What does it cost to get married these days? Well, it depends on whom you ask. The Wedding Report, the Tucson, Ariz.-based wedding market researcher, says the average spend in 2013 was $25,200. According to
TheKnot.com & WeddingChannel. com Real Weddings Study, $28,427 was the average spend in 2012, the most recent year figures are available. The question, again: What does it cost to get married? The answer: Does it really matter?! It can be, and
often is, a hefty sum. But those aren’t numbers to work toward, they’re numbers to work away from! Today’s couples are more mindful of what they put into their celebrations, using savings and on-hand cash — not going into debt to pay for their events.
Budget Basics To establish your magic number, look at your designated savings, contributions from parents or other relatives, and what of your regular income you can devote toward the wedding, without sabotaging your dayto-day budget. When you’ve come up with your number, plug it in a budget formula to see how much you have to spend in each area of your wedding. Follow these estimates to get started. Remember, the figures are just estimates, so adjust as necessary to fit your wedding’s needs: • Reception – 50% • Music – 10% • Flowers – 10% • Wedding Attire – 10% • Photo/Video – 10% • Stationery – 5% • Miscellaneous – 5% © BRIDES 365
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Bride’s Guide 2014
Think
PINK
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Bride’s Guide 2014
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Capturing the Memories Historically, couples booked a wedding photographer between six and nine months before their
wedding date. All of that has changed, thanks to social media. When they become engaged, a
third of brides-to-be will update their social-media status within a few hours, according to a social-
wedding survey from TheKnot. com and Mashable.com; a quarter will do so within the next 24 hours. A flurry of engagement photos soon will make their way to social media accounts, too. That’s where the photographer comes in. Many wedding photographers often include a complimentary engagement-photo session when couples book their wedding service. This isn’t just a ploy to attract business — it’s beneficial come the actual wedding day. “I tell my clients that engagement photos are a time for us to get to know each other photographically,” says Amanda Patrice, an Orange County, Calif.-based photographer. “We both learn what type of photos they like. I think on the wedding day they’re able to loosen up a bit more. I always recommend an engagement session. There’s nothing but benefits. See MEMORIES 7
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MEMORIES: Couples
need to make sure they are working with professionals
From 6 “They are a great way to show who they are right now, in this time of their lives,” Patrice adds. “I don’t want them to get swept under the rug!” Couples should not rush to book their photographer just so they can share some engagement photos. First, photography and videography are two of the largest wedding expenses — the average cost for photography and videography in 2013 was $1661 and $1,017, respectively, according to The Wedding Report. Second, couples have one chance to capture these memories for the rest of their lives, so they need to make sure they are working with professionals they trust to do the job perfectly. In evaluating potential service providers, make sure to ask the right questions. Inquiries should focus on package details, contractual agreements and final products, whether that is an actual album or digital prints — in addition to making sure your personalities jell (you will be spending all day together!). Consider asking the following questions: • What packages do you offer? • How much time is allotted for the day of the wedding? • Are photographers available all day? • Will you bring an assistant or
second shooter? • Is an album included in the package? If so, who designs the album? How much input do we get in the album’s design? • What quality of paper, color and inks do you use for printed photographs? • Is a DVD with digital negatives provided to order our own prints in the future? • Will we have rights to our photos? If you’re looking to save a few bucks on photographic services, consider looking for an associate to hire. Often times, an associate’s fee is cheaper than the main photographer’s. You also can pinpoint your coverage and only have a professional for certain parts of the day, if you desire. The same rules for choosing the right photographer apply to video, from looking at prior work to establishing a good connection, but there are a few key differences. While many videographers opt for a photojournalistic approach – inconspicuously shooting the day – others may take a more hands-on approach and interview guests or the wedding party, for example, which they use to add a documentary feel to the edited wedding video. Highlight videos or trailers also are popular today, as couples can easily share them via their social media accounts. © BRIDES 365
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Page 8 By Brooke Showell BRIDES 365
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Whether or not you’ve romanticized the idea of twirling around in a cloud of white tulle, the search for The One — the wedding gown, that is! — is one of the most emotional and fun purchases you will make as a bride-to-be. But don’t say yes to the dress before taking care of a few details first. Launch the dress search only after finalizing the wedding venue and date, advises event planner Ariana Stecker of Save the Date, a New Yorkbased firm. After all, what originally was planned as a daytime summer celebration quickly can morph into a winter black tie affair, which calls for an entirely different look. As for starting the shopping process, “six months [prior to the wedding] is really go-time,” Stecker says, to give room for any custom work and two to three fittings. With inspiration coming everywhere from the runway to the red carpet, it’s easy to get lost in a
sea of Pinterest boards and wedding blogs, but for sanity’s sake try to keep the search contained. Think classic over trendy, and consider your wedding style, whether it’s formal, casual, rustic, traditional, vintage or outdoor. Check out websites to view galleries of gowns organized by silhouette, neckline, fabric or designer, says wedding editor Anne Chertoff. Also, pay attention to any patterns in the silhouettes or embellishments that catch your eye. It’s tempting to point and click your way to a $10,000 gown, but if you’re working with a firm budget ($1,211 is the average spent on a wedding dress according to TheKnot. com & WeddingChannel.com 2012 Real Weddings Survey), figure out your price limit before you shop — and decide whether that budget is just for the dress, or if it includes extras like undergarments and accessories. “If you find yourself attracted to a certain designer’s styles, make sure their gowns are See DRESS 10
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Bride’s Guide 2014
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DRESS: Don’t feel pressured to make the final decision until you’ve found the perfect match From 8 within your budget range before proceeding,” says Jessica Bishop, editor of the wedding blog The Budget Savvy Bride. And select bridal boutiques accordingly: “If you know you can spend $1,000 to $2,000 on a wedding dress, don’t go to a store that sells more pricey gowns,” Chertoff says. Not sure what you can spend? It’s helpful to talk about budget openly with a bridal salon—they’ll help you understand how details you’re envisioning like embellishments, beading and lace affect the cost, which may impact your bottom line, notes Stacey Rywelski. “It’s important to educate a bride.” Most brides typically shop at one to three stores, so choose wisely — to
maximize time, arrive armed with the details of your wedding date, venue, overall style and budget. A good consultant will take into account everything from a bride’s outfit and accessories (is she sassy or sophisticated?) to her personality and reception details (does she plan to dance all night or indulge in delicious desserts?) to help find the perfect fit, says Rywelski. “You want to take someone’s style and enhance it,” she adds. “Their personality should come out in a dress.” Armed with the basics of what you do (and don’t) like, a bridal salon’s stylist will be your most helpful guide. The key to being a frock star is keeping an open mind, the experts say. It’s easy to get stuck
on the idea of a sweetheart neckline or a low back, but “sometimes that look just doesn’t work on their body type,” notes Rywelski, who calls the process a “collaborative effort” between bride and consultant. “Try on a variety of silhouettes, necklines and fabrics,” Chertoff says. “You may think you want a ball gown, but once you put one on you may not like the fit.” Adds Stecker: “Be willing to try on one dress that’s out of the box. Pay no mind to what it looks like on the hanger,” she says. But don’t feel pressured to make the final decision until you’ve found the perfect match. “Remember you don’t have to buy the first time,“ Stecker reminds. “You can go back.” © BRIDES 365
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Time and place make perfect Here comes you, the bride, down the aisle. But where? Your hometown church? A
museum or raw loft space, perhaps? A botanic garden? The family farm? Couples getting married today
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followed by hotel ballroom receptions remain the classic go-to, but the morphing wedding landscape is opening the door to more alternative venues – many of which double as both ceremony and reception location. According to a Ceremony and Reception survey from The Wedding Report, the number of samelocation indoor weddings increased nearly 20 percent from 2011 to 2012, with more than 45 percent taking place in an all-in-one spot. Is this to say you must have your ceremony and reception in one spot? No, of course not. But your venue – or venues – help set the tone for your wedding day, complementing your theme in everything from the décor to cuisine. Get Started – Early! Why? Well, popular venues can get booked well in advance. And though you may be engaged for a while – most surveys agree the average engagement period is 14 months See PLACE 12
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Bride’s Guide 2014
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PLACE: Keep your wedding’s theme and style in mind
From 11 – the sooner you start checking out venues, the better chance you have of landing the one you want. If you have your heart set on a specific location, let that dictate your date. If you’re more open on your venues, keep time in mind when deciding on a date; busy periods at work, high-traffic events in your area and nearby holidays are just a few things to consider when deciding if a date is doable, especially if you have a large number of traveling guests that will require accommodations. If you’re getting married in one location, say a house of worship, and having your reception in another, get a list of all available dates for both spots and see which dates align. Style & Simplicity Throughout all the venue-picking, keep your wedding’s theme and style in mind. You obviously don’t
want a large, open space if you’re having an intimate wedding with only a few guests, and vice versa. If you’re going to have a lot of out-of-town guests who aren’t familiar with your area, it may be wise to go with a hotel location or a venue with one nearby, so that the overall logistics of the weekend remain simple. Obviously, budget is a big thing when picking out your venue; overall, anticipate your reception (the space, dinner, drinks) to eat up half your budget. Many venues will have a “wedding package,” which includes obvious things like food and drinks but also some other items that may be less obvious. To get a handle on costs, keep these points in mind: Cost Most places will require that you spend a certain amount of money. Obviously, you’d like to be commit-
ted to the lowest possible tab, especially if your guest list isn’t large. Gratuity and/or service charges often are built in. If you’re spending thousands of dollars, a 1- to 2-percent difference between venues will make a big difference. And if you’re looking at spots in different townships, again, the slight difference in local tax can make a difference on your total bill. Food Your per-entrée price is going to cover pretty much everything that’s included in your package. So, yes, you don’t want to pay more for the same entrée you could get at a different location, but you need to look a bit further. Are you paying a per-item price or at the rate of the highest menu item? Are appetizers included in your per-plate price or are they a separate, per-guest expense? Is there a dessert course in addition to cake?
Drinks How many hours of open bar are included in your package? How many bartenders will you have? How many beer selections do you get? How much is a package upgrade or additional hours of service? Is there wine service during dinner (when the bar typically is closed)? Is it unlimited or is there a limited per-table quantity? Is there a champagne toast and after-dinner coffee service? Are you able to bring in your own alcohol? Cake & Flowers Some venues may partner with local vendors to include your cake and centerpieces as part of your package, or they may have an inhouse expert on staff. You pick out or design your creation, and they make sure it’s set to go for your big day. Does your venue do this? © BRIDES 365
Tokens of love and affection If there’s one thing that symbolizes the wedding, it’s the ring. After all, it’s the first thing a brideto-be shows off after the engagement (60 percent announce the news by posting a photo of the ring to Facebook, according to a joint survey from The Knot and Men’s Health magazine). But at the end of the wedding day — and every day after — your wedding band will have equal billing alongside your engagement ring, even if it may be a little less sparkly. You’ll want to make sure it is cohesive with your engagement ring and, of course, that it fits your style. Start with the metal. White gold was the most popular choice for both engagement and wedding rings in 2013, according to The Wedding Report’s Engagement and Wedding Ring survey, roughly accounting for two-thirds of each. Whether your ring is white or yellow gold or platinum or something else altogether, you’d be in good company sticking with the same base metal for your wedding band. Also keep in mind design elements.
The Wedding Report study found that 94 percent engagement of engagement rings use a diamonds, and 82 percent of wedding rings also have some diamond element. Maybe your engagement ring is a full or partial eternity band, or maybe it features pavé diamonds or accent gemstones. You can carry on these elements into your wedding band. White gold also is popular for the groom, with more than 34 percent of grooms opting for the go-to metal popular with brides. Surprisingly, it’s not platinum (14 percent) or yellow gold (11.6) that is the next popular among grooms but rather tungsten, which makes up more than 18 percent of grooms’ bands. Alternative metals like tungsten and titanium (11 percent) have grown in popularity in recent years, not just because of their unique darker look, but their lower price point. The average spend in 2013 was $702 for the bride’s wedding ring and $488 for the groom’s. © BRIDES 365
2015-2016
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Sculptural flowers like calla lilies can be found in all seasons and make for a simple, elegant, monochromatic bouquet
Find the blooms best suited for your big day
By Yena Lee BRIDES 365
Today there is no shortage on wedding inspiration. From glossy magazines to wedding websites and social media, it’s easy to get swept away by a flood of floral inspirations for your wedding. But as each bride’s wedding theme — and budget — is different, there is no one-sizefits-all flower. Before getting buried in bouquet ideas, check out these tips to get specific inspirations for your wedding flowers. Dream Within Your Budget It’s best to secure your wedding date, venue and major vendors (photographer, catering, entertainment) before booking your florist — this way you’ll have a better idea of how much budget you have to work with and some insight into what type of ambience you want your flowers and
décor to create for your wedding. A good rule of thumb is that flowers will make up around 10 percent of your wedding budget, give or take. How far that budget goes, though, depends a great deal on the size and scope of your wedding. There are bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids, boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen (plus flowers for special guests like parents and grandparents), for example, and a centerpiece for each table at the reception. The cost per each will vary on seasonality on intricacy, as each arrangement will be put together by hand. In 2012, the average amount spent on florists/décor was just under $2,000, according to TheKnot. com and WeddingChannel. com’s annual Real Wedding Survey. Dianne Wagner, a New York-based floral designer and author of “Beautiful Wed-
ding Flowers: 250 Corsages, Bouquets, and Centerpieces” (Hearst, 2011), suggest looking photos and color swatches for inspiration. Plan to meet potential florists about six to nine months out of your wedding date. Once you have an idea of the approach, color palette and price-range you want, meet with a couple florists who seem like a good fit before making your choice. Think Local Most floral experts agree that using in-season (and, if possible, local) blooms is the way to go. Not only will they be more affordable, as they’re not traveling across the country (or further!), but they’ll be best suited to a wedding’s seasonal aesthetic. Here, Wagner suggests suitable flowers for each of three popular wedding styles:
Modern “If you have always dreamed of a formal-style wedding, use monochromatic flowers and minimal foliage” Wagner says. Sculptural flowers like calla lilies and orchids are available in all seasons in a wide variety of colors from pure white to pastels and rich burgundy. Elegant To achieve a lush, romantic wedding, full soft flowers like garden roses and hydrangea with hyacinth are perfect for a spring wedding. Wagner recommends peonies in the summer, dahlias in the fall, anemones and ranunculus in the winter. Brides always crave peonies, but they can be pricey. Big-headed roses, such as an esperance pink rose, can be an affordable substitute, adds See BLOOMS 23
Wedding To-Do List Guest List Invitations Reception Hall DJ Caterer Dresses Flowers Saving for Our Future Together
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Bride’s Guide 2014
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Guest Information Invites, save-the-dates and all the paper essentials. Here’s your stationery survival guide By Timothy R. Schulte CTW Features Your wedding stationery traditionally is your guests’ first impression of your wedding — even though they’re probably plenty
familiar with it thanks to news, photos and status updates shared across your social networks. However informed about the big day your friends and family already may be, everything from your save-
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See INVITATIONS 15
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social networks just yet! Technologies like Facebook, email and iMessage make it simple to track down current mailing address from all your family and friends spread across the country. (Just don’t make your request via a status update; you don’t want to broadcast the message to folks who will not be invited to your wedding!) For savvy couples looking for another technological shortcut edge, online planning and collaborating tools can make it either to information gather. Google also has a suite of Google Docs-based wedding planning tools designed to help couples stay on top of their “I Do” to-dos, including a collaborative guest list. Just email the document to your guests, and they can fill in their information. Check out google.com/weddings for more details. With the hard work out of the way, it’s time to get into the paper details. Whether you’re getting your stationery professionally designed or going the DIY route, take a trip to a local stationery shop to get your hands on some paper and check out design styles. Typically, expect to spend around 5 percent of your budget on your
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INVITATIONS: Send save-the-date-cards as soon as venue is booked From 14 stationery, including postage, but adjust as necessary depending on your guest list and personal paper style preferences. The Save-the-Date As soon as your venue is booked, send all your guests a save-the-date. It doesn’t matter if it’s a year out from the wedding — the point is, you want your guests to get your wedding on their schedules as soon as possible. No need to go overboard on details; just your names and the date to keep open. If you have a wedding website already set up with details about the ceremony, reception and accommodations, include the URL. You also can mention
that a formal invitation will follow. The Wedding Invitation and Enclosures First things first, remember not to include registry information on the invitation! You’re inviting your friends and family to join in your wedding celebration; you’re not inviting them to bring you gifts. (But yes, they do want to give you gifts, so list registry information on your wedding website.) The actual wedding invitation is where you officially invite your guests. Plan to put these in the mail around two months prior to your wedding. The RSVP card — self-addressed and stamped, of course — is
where guests will accept or decline invitation and, if you’re having a seated dinner, mark their dinner selection. List a date by which you’d appreciate their reply, usually four weeks before the wedding date. Although all the pertinent details may be on your wedding website, it’s still customary to include a card separate from the invitation that lays out the wheres and whens for the reception venue (if separate) and accommodations. The Wedding Day Paper Pieces The invitation might be the main attraction, but there are still some paper pieces you need for the big day: • Programs: If you’re
having a ceremony in a house of worship, this will list information on the officiant, readings, the wedding party, etc. • Table numbers/names • Escort cards and Place cards: Escort cards tell the guest at which table they are seated. Place cards show them in which chair they are sitting. • Menus: An outline of dinner, set with each place card, is a nice touch. • Thank-yous: If you want to get a jump on showing your gratitude, it can be worthwhile to invest in stationery that features your newly married name. © BrIdEs 365
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Bride’s Guide 2014
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By Anna Sachse BRIDES 365 With the ceremony complete, all eyes turn to the wedding meal — both to please their palates and power them through a night of dancing. A great party is as simple as finding the right food to match an event’s style.
Fueling the Party How to pick the right food and drinks to fit your wedding’s style
Service Selections Food service options include plated and family-style dinners, buffets, stations and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Each one helps set the tone of an event, says Bridget Pelster, a sales and catering manager for St. Louis-based Butler’s Pantry. Seated dinners are typically more formal and elegant, family-style meals are more intimate, buffets are more relaxed, stations are more interactive and hors d’oeuvres allow a lot of flexibility. First, determine the style of
See PARTY 17
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Bride’s Guide 2014
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PARTY: Play around with menu items based on your budget From 16
service you want based on the vibe you’d like to create, and then start playing around with menu ideas based on your budget and the timing of the event. “If you’re having an evening wedding and you think the reception will last more than three hours, you should plan on serving something fairly significant,” says Molly Schemper, co-owner of Chicago-based FIG Catering. “At the minimum you want heavy hors d’oeuvres with a couple protein options, and it’s a good idea to make sure guests are aware there won’t be a full meal.” If the budget is limited but food is a priority for you, consider opting for a Sunday soirée, an off-season wedding date or an afternoon affair, when you can usually get more for your buck. Pricing the Plates Catering costs can vary widely, from as low as $20 per person at a banquet hall up to $200 per person at a luxury hotel, Schemper says. The city, the venue and the menu all play a part. Big towns are often more expensive; standard venues may have minimums; nontraditional locations may require additional rentals; and no matter where the event takes place, the quantity, variety and style of cuisine will drastically affect price. In general, the most expensive options are multi-course plated dinners and stations, Pelster says. The next level down is typically limited-course plated dinners and family-style meals, followed by buffets. And the most affordable option is heavy hors d’oeuvres, either passed or served buffetstyle. The caterer can help you determine the style that works best for your budget and will often adjust a menu to meet your needs, such as forgoing coffee service in exchange for an additional appetizer or two.
Drink Up! The key elements of a wedding bar include wine, beer, bubbly, cocktails – plus soda, “mocktails” and other nonalcoholic drinks. Determine which you want based on budget and your guests. Fancy, formal affairs may offer premium versions of all beverages all night long. But couples with limited funds might prefer to serve only carefully selected wines and beer and perhaps a signature cocktail, says Chris Tanghe, a master sommelier and co-owner of Elevage, a Seattle beverage consultancy. You also can limit the full open bar to just the cocktail hour, but be aware: many members of the bridal world, from editors to etiquette experts, say a cash bar is the ultimate no-no. Also consider your guest list. If you’ve invited a gaggle of gourmands, you may want to emphasize fine wine. A ton of college friends? Perhaps (a lot of) cheap beer is fine. “Or maybe spirits are a must because the older generation only drinks gin martinis,” Tanghe says. Drinks & Dollars Plan for one drink per person per hour of the reception. If serving a special sparkling wine for the toast – perhaps a budgetfriendly Spanish Cava or Italian prosecco – allot one additional glass per adult. Traditional venues usually have set prices, but you may be able to trim costs by paying a nominal corkage fee to bring in your own vino. If the venue allows you to provide all of the alcohol yourself, kegs are the more affordable beer option at approximately $1 per 12-ounce glass of craft beer, slightly less for domestic. Smaller gatherings are better off with bottles that can be purchased in quantities. When it comes to wine, look for deals on labels from
an up-and-coming region like South Africa, or ask about close-out prices on the last few cases of a vintage. As for liquor, a 750ml bottle contains about 17 drinks, making it a good
deal, but remember that you will also need ice, mixers and more bartenders. © BRIDES 365
The perfect place for you and your wedding guests
Our beautiful, inviting hotel is the perfect place for your incoming wedding guests. We offer discounted rooms for your guests. Ask for details on a free room for the bride & groom. Please visit our website for our special wedding offers. Complimentary Hot Breakfast • Indoor Pool & Whirlpool Small Meeting Room Available for: Gift Openings . Bridal Showers . Anniversary Parties
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Bride’s Guide 2014
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get them? Is there an online song-management system or must you fill out forms? What is the deadline to have your requests submitted? Take a Listening Test Ask what grade of speakers and subwoofers they have and if they have backups, if need be. See how their DJ system works for queuing up songs, fading them in and out and changing the song. Consider it a run-through for your reception.
Get your guests moving! By Timothy R. Schulte BRIDES 365 It’s pretty simple: The key to a great party is great tunes that get your guests on the dance floor. So, it’s up to your DJ to bring out the craziest, funniest and romantic best in you and your family and friends To ensure a night of great music and great memories, ask the right questions when
you start your DJ quest, and make sure you’re all a good fit before you make your music decision. Here is what to keep in mind when meeting with potential DJs. Get a Feelin’ Is DJing a weekend gig for the vendor, or is it their fulltime profession? How do you feel? Is the meeting friendly, or transactional? Do they take the time to get to know you
and your fiancé as a couple, or just dive into the package options? Do they ask about your music tastes? The difference between feeling like a client and feeling like another customer is important, and it may be indicative of the service you’ll receive.
The Fine Details Be sure to review all sound package options – including the services, number of hours, prices and payment schedule. When you’ve found the service that meets your needs, like every vendor, be sure to sign the contract and get a copy. All that’s left to do is dance. © BRIDES 365
Share Your Music Musts Does the DJ have all the songs you want to hear in his catalog? If not, can he
Making Your An Wedding
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Demystifying the dessert By Maggie Flynn BRIDES 365 Wedding cakes have come a long way from the pearly tones and delicate petals of old. Brides-to-be have more options than ever, whether they desire a traditional tiered cake or a tablelength dessert spread. But the one thing all the experts agree on is the bride should know what she’s looking for. “I think the biggest obstacle is when they come in and they have no clue what they want,” says Ilene Frazier McHone, founder of Classic Cakes in Carmel, Ind. She says that bringing in pictures from magazines and sharing Pinterest boards is a huge help to the designer. Couples should start looking
into bakers about four to six months out of the wedding date. The best thing to have when a couple goes for a tasting — besides an empty stomach! — is their budget. According to TheKnot.com & WeddingChannel.com annual Real Wedding Study, the average spend on a cake in 2012 was $560, but certain design work or flavor and filling options can quickly change a sugar high into sticker shock. Though, “there are ways of putting accents on the cake without it being the whole, and that will cut down the cost,” says Yvette Humbert, of Amazing Cakes of Austin in Leander, Texas. “A lot of times, it looks a lot better and more elegant just to have some accents.” Sharokina Pazand, founder
and senior consultant of Citygirl Weddings in Chicago, suggests a “fun” flavor for a small tier of the wedding cake and keeping the rest of the cake to more traditional tastes. For brides on a budget, McHone suggests a smaller traditionally decorated cake accompanied by what she calls “side cakes,” which are simpler cakes that are an affordable way to provide a slice for each guest. A modern dessert trend — in addition to or in lieu of a cake — is a dessert table with a spread of sweet treats like cupcakes, cake pops, brownies or whoopee pies, to name a few. Megan Remo, of District Desserts in Washington, D.C., says to have anywhere from three to five items per guest, since people tend to try some of everything. Many smaller desserts can add up quickly, so Remo suggests filling table jars and
vases with store-bought candies and cookies, to supplement. Constructed properly, a dessert table gives more options to the guests and allows for creativity. Pazand reminds, however, to check with your venue on how long dessert tables can stay out before staff will clear them, as they’re separate from typical cake service. Pazand has seen cotton candy and gelato bars and Remo has seen desserts themed entirely around golf. But, really, “it comes down to what the bride wants,” Humbert says. Pazand agrees. “I always tell clients that any kind of food option they choose is a reflection of them and their wedding,” she says. “If you were hosting somebody at your house, what would you offer?” © BRIDES 365
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Bride’s Guide 2014
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hotel does not provide shuttle service, its manager or concierge might be able to recommend local shuttle companies to couples. • Taxis: Some couples simply can’t afford to foot the bill for their guests’ transportation. That’s perfectly acceptable, but if no transportation will be provided, couples should arrange to have taxi cabs available outside the reception hall. The reception hall manager can help with such arrangements. When opting for taxis, arrange for some to get there as much as an hour before the reception is scheduled to end so guests who want to leave early don’t have to call or hail cabs on their own. Arranging transportation for guests is a nice gesture for couples who want to ensure their family and friends have a fun and safe time at their wedding receptions. SB147324
Wedding day transportation options able to negotiate a rate based on the number of guests registered to stay under their wedding party. The hotel may offer a discount for its shuttle service based on the number of wedding guests staying at the hotel, and couples should broach that subject during the negotiation process. If the
WEDDINGS BY DESIGN
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gather in the lobby of the hotel or the reception hall at designated times to be taken to the party or back to the hotel. Shuttle information should be included in welcome packages provided for guests. • School bus: Couples might be able to find a local school bus company to transport their guests to and from the hotel and the reception. This option may be best suited for couples whose reception hall is only a short distance away from the hotel. That’s because some bus companies may rent couples a school bus that may not be the most comfortable method of travel. Couples who rent a school bus may want to ask the company if they can decorate the bus prior to their wedding day to give it a more festive feel. • Hotel shuttle: Many hotels provide airport shuttle service to and from the airport for their guests, and couples might be able to work out a deal with their wedding hotel manager to use such shuttles to get their guests to and from their receptions. Hotels do not often use their airport shuttle services at night, so it’s entirely possible the hotel manager might be amenable to such an arrangement. Renting the hotel shuttle service won’t be free, but couples might be
Floren
Couples about to tie the knot must make a host of decisions when planning their weddings. When and where to get married may be the most significant decisions a couple has to make, but such selections are only the tip of the iceberg for engaged couples. One important decision couples must make is how to get their guests to and from the reception. Since alcoholic beverages are served at many wedding receptions, it’s a good idea for couples to have transportation available for their guests to ensure everyone safely gets from the reception hall to the hotel after the party has ended. The following are a handful of options couples can consider when arranging transportation for their wedding guests. • Private shuttle: Private shuttle companies are a popular option, especially among couples whose guest lists are extensive. Private shuttle companies typically have a vast fleet of vehicles of various sizes, from 10-passenger vans to small buses to larger buses capable of seating several dozen passengers. Private shuttle companies may run several shuttles to and from the reception and the hotel over the course of the night, and all guests need to do is
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Wedding showers continue to break from tradition
Rain showers on a wedding day may bring good luck, but they are seldom coveted. However, a different type of shower altogether is often highly anticipated and can help couples feel like they’re one in a million. Wedding showers are giftgiving parties held for couples about to get married. The custom began in the nineteenth century and continues to present day, primarily in North America and Australia. Guests traditionally “shower” the bride-to-be with all the necessities (and some fun extras) that she will need after she ties the knot. These gifts will help the soon-to-be-married couple establish a home together. Bridal showers are steeped in tradition, but today’s bridal showers continue to veer off the beaten path. Nowadays, bridal showers feature fun and games much like a party having nothing to do with a wedding. • Couples’ showers: Modern couples who like to be all-inclusive are now planning bridal showers that cater to mixed audiences. Dubbed a “couple shower,” these parties include
female and male friends and relatives. Gifts are still the main focus of the event, but they’re varied and include guy-friendly items within the mix of household goods. • Power showers: Many are familiar with the terms “man cave” and “bromance,” but few may know that there are now wedding showers geared entirely around the groom. Known as “power showers,” these events focus on the groom-to-be, who is showered with a bevy of gadgets and power tools that are certain to stock his future garage. The parties are decidedly more testosterone-friendly and can include golf outings, poker nights or action movie flicks as possible themes. • Destination/activity showers: Rather than having guests hang around a restaurant watching gift after gift get unwrapped, some bridal parties opt to throw an activity shower. These showers are focused around a particular activity. For example, ladies may be treated to a day at the spa. Other ideas include horseback riding at a stable or a day at
the ballpark. Because hosting an activity shower for dozens of people may get expensive,
these types of showers may be reserved for only your closest friends and family members. • Bride-involved showers: The idea of walking into a room and being surprised by friends and family members is appealing to some brides-to-be but not everyone. Some brides prefer not to be surprised by a shower and actually would like to have a role in the planning of the party. However, this is delicate ground on which to tread, considering there may be differences over where the party is held and even the overall experience of the party. These type of showers should be discussed before any plans are made, and tasks should be delegated in accordance with those plans. It is customary for a bridal shower to take place before a wedding. But new trends have emerged that are shaking up the way showers are planned and held. BR141876
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Holiday Inn & Suites I-35, Exit 45, Owatonna
Register Now! Booth Space is Limited! For booth information, please contact Betty Frost: 507-444-2389 or bfrost@owatonna.com
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Bride’s Guide 2014
Page 22
guests. If you will be sending out save-the-date cards, include the phrase “Adults only, please” on the card. You also may want to include the information on a wedding website if you have one. A website affords you more space to explain your stance on young guests. When it comes to the wedding invitation, your indications should already be clear. However, you can reinforce that kids are not invited by addressing the invitations accordingly. Do not include the children’s names or “and family” on the envelope. Invitations should only feature the names of the people being invited. Be consistent if you do not want children at the reception. It is not okay to allow one guest’s kids while excluding another’s. The only exception is children who are members of the wedding party. However, if you prefer
a kid-free wedding, you may want to avoid a ring bearer and flower girl during the ceremony. Chances are word will spread that the wedding is not for child guests. If you do not want to handle inquiries, ask a member of the bridal party to answer any kid-related questions. Children allowed Contrary to popular belief, children can be well-behaved at a wedding and add a youthful component to the celebration. Watching a child twirling on the dance floor or devouring a large piece of wedding cake can make a wedding day more memorable and special. Couples who invite kids to the wedding should expect the unexpected from their youngest guests. Let the small things slide and speak with youngsters’ parents if any See KIDS 23
Kids or no kids?
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Enjoy a wedding that works for you Weddings are a time for celebration and sharing good times. Some couples want to share their love and excitement with as many people as they can fit under one roof, while others may prefer a more intimate affair to enjoy with a select few. One difficult decision couples must face when planning a wedding is whether or not to invite children to join in the festivities. Young guests can bring an energetic spark to the celebration, but kids unaccustomed to dressing up and enjoying a fancy night out may get swept away by the majesty of the night. Adult guests looking to have a good time may find it difficult to
relax and let loose if they have to keep a constant eye on their children. The topic of children at weddings is a tricky subject. Family and friends may have strong opinions on either side of the debate. Ultimately, the couple needs to come to an agreement regarding children at their wedding. Once a decision has been made, couples can employ some strategies to make the wedding as enjoyable as possible for every age group. No children Couples who decide to exclude kids from their guest lists should alert guests well in advance of the “no kids” edict. Be tactful when alerting
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 10am–4pm Thursday: 10am–8pm Saturday: 10am–3pm Sunday: Closed
VILLAGE GUIDED TOURS
The Steele County Historical Society would be
May 1–September 30 Tuesday–Sunday at 1:30 pm
VILLAGE TOUR & HC ADMISSION RATES
honored to be part of your wedding day! Use the SACO CHURCH for your wedding and the HISTORY CENTER Wenger Multi-purpose Room and Outdoor Patio for your reception.
CALL 507-451-1420 for details!
FREE Admission with Historical Society Membership Adult Admission: $5 Children 7-16: $3 Children 6 & under: FREE –Group pricing available–
CALL
DAY TO TO RESERVE YOUR DATE!
Visit us online at SteeleHistoryMuseum.org and on
phone 507. 451.1420 email laura.resler@steelehistorymuseum.org address 1700 Austin Road • Owatonna, Minnesota 55060
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KIDS: Arrange for activities BLOOMS: Location is critical to keep children entertained
From 22 issues arise. Arrange for some activities to keep children entertained and out of trouble. Have the band or deejay incorporate some child-friendly dances or activities. Designate the kids’ table and arrange some small toys or activity books. Be sure to choose some child-friendly foods during the cocktail hour. Hungry children can be that much more fussy. Arrange a special menu with the catering manager and be clear about how many kids are invited. Usually kids’ dinners cost substantially less than adults’. Some reception sites may provide a separate room where children can gather. A television with a favorite movie
or a few video games may be all that’s necessary to pass the time. Hire a babysitter to stay with the children and give adults in the other room peace of mind. Limited children You may want to include older children at the wedding but have younger ones stay home. As you would for a wedding without kids, spread the word that there is an age limit. On save-the-date announcements, request that “No children under age 12” attend the wedding. Be prepared for some opposition from guests whose kids fall under the age limit. Just be firm with your plans. SB147326
Got Engaged?
factor when deciding décor
From 13 Susan Kass, owner of A Fantasy in Flowers in St. Augustine, Fla. Rustic With an organic, rustic theme that is on trend, colorful flowers with abundant seasonal foliage and special seasonal accents will be perfect selection. Consider pussy willow or flowering branches in spring, berried ivy and bittersweet in the fall, berries in the summer and pinecones and juniper in the winter.
Married?
Keep Your Venue In Mind The venue or ceremony location also is critical factor in deciding on the overall look of your décor, says Kass. If the ceremony is taking place in an ornately decorated church or temple there might not be a need for many flowers as there is already so much built-in elegance. Outdoor weddings can be enhanced with a beautiful floral arch or column arrangements that add rather than detract from the natural beauty. © BRIDES 365
Welcomed a Child?
Share your celebrations! Send us your wedding, engagement and birth announcements and we’ll share it with Owatonna and Steele County. Just visit Owatonna.com and click on “submission forms” at the bottom of our home page or email information to news@owatonna.com. You can submit details and a photo for publication in the newspaper and online.
Owatonna.com 135 West Pearl, Owatonna • Phone: 507-444-2379 • Fax: 507-451-6020
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Making Your Wedding Dreams Come True From a grand affair to an intimate setting, Holiday Inn and Suites will customize your special day!
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Wedding Information: Sales & Events Manager: Karla Sherden 507-446-3101