What makes a great wedding venue in SoMinn
By ASHLEy HANLEy Guest Contributor
Love is in the air. For those lovebirds in Southern Minnesota and beyond, the area has a variety of unique and traditional venues for the wedding of your dreams. One such place is the Gardens of Castle Rock- a wedding and event venue in Northfield.
Glenn Switzer has been the owner
and designer since they opened in 2014.
“The Gardens of Castle Rock is more than just one building or space. It is a collection of gardens, landscape structures, and buildings creating an outdoor wedding venue where authentic craftsmanship and the natural environment are at the very center,” Switzer said.
Switzer is the third generation to help people incorporate the natural environment into their lives. Close to a century ago, Glenn’s grandfather owned a nursery business on the property. Glenn’s father later joined the business as a landscape architect adding landscape design services. At
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The Capitol Room is a popular spot for weddings. (Kadence + Cole Photo and Films)
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an early age, Glenn joined the nursery and landscape business leading him into a 30+ year career of designing and creating beautiful outdoor environments through landscape design and construction.
In 2012, a friend of Glenn’s was looking for a place to hold an outdoor wedding. Half-jokingly, Glenn offered his friend the opportunity to get married at the nursery. The rest is history.
Currently, The Gardens of Castle Rock host 60 weddings and events from early May until the end of October.
“Each year, preparations for the upcoming wedding season are done in November through April. This includes new construc-
tion or remodeling projects, revisions to processes, hiring of event staff, building vendor partnerships, and strengthening marketing methods,” Switzer said.
Switzer said couples who choose The Gardens of Castle Rock are looking for the ability to create a wedding day that is uniquely theirs.
“With four ceremony sites, open catering, the ability to bring your own alcohol, numerous table and chair options, and having the entire venue for the entire day just to themselves, no two weddings have ever been the same at The Gardens,” Switzer said. “If couples are looking to book during prime season we recommend booking at least 18 months before the event date. June, September and October are very popular wedding
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The Gardens Pavilion at The Gardens of Castle Rock is the setting of an outdoor wedding.
(Submitted photo)
months, especially in Minnesota. If couples are looking to book during the standard season (May, July & Aug), we recommend between 6-12 months before the event date. Since The Gardens only hosts one event per day, if there is a specific date a couple wants, it is never too early to book.”
On the wedding day, couples are assigned
a Set-Up Lead from The Gardens who works with the couple and their required professional Day-of Coordinator to ensure the venue is set up to match their wedding day requests. In the morning, the Set-Up u
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Bhargavi and Nick get married at The Gardens of Castle Rock. (Submitted photo)
The Capitol Room has the flexibility to be set up for a variety of different themes for weddings, galas, shows and other events.
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Lead, along with the Gardens Set-Up Team, work to arrange both the ceremony site and the Wedding Reception Tent. Before the ceremony, the Set-Up Lead and Set-Up Team leave, and the Gardens Closing Team comes on until the end of the event.
The Gardens works with couples from the very beginning to ensure their day is exactly how they’ve always dreamed it would be. For more information, visit The Gardens of Castle Rock’s website at TheGardensofCastleRock.com or call 651-264-9510.
The Gardens of Castle Rock: 26601 Chippendale Ave., Northfield; 651-264-9510; thegardensofcastlerock.com
The Capitol Room
Now if you’re looking for an indoor venue, another blooming location is the Capitol Room in St. Peter.
armory built in Minnesota. The building not only predated World War I but was important because it served as a center of military and social affairs in St. Peter. The Armory was used by the National Guard until about 1983 when the new armory was completed at the northern edge of town. In 1997 the
The Capitol Room was originally the home of the St. Peter Armory, which was built in 1913. It was the first state-owned
armory was added to the National Register of Historic Places.From 1983-2014, the Armory was used as a sales office, call center, etc. for multiple different businesses. In late
8 Southern Minnesota Weddings | 2024
The Capitol Room in St. Peter offers a beautiful indoor setting for weddings. (Photo by Studio KH)
An Inspire Bridal show took place at The Capitol Room in 2021. (File photo/southernminn.com)
2016, The Capitol Room started to take shape. They opened their doors for the first wedding on Sept. 23, 2017.
Megan Bennett Felber is the General Manager. She’s been a part of the venue since they opened six years ago.
She said their main focus is on hosting wedding ceremonies and receptions.
“But we also do a large number of corporate/company holiday parties/gatherings, non-profit events, and we like to throw a party or two of our own every year,” she added.
She said that surprisingly, February is a busy time of year for them,
“For a lot of venues/wedding vendors, winter is a slow time for them, but we have been booked almost every weekend in February since we’ve opened. Our space is the perfect backdrop for a cozy winter wedding.”
Bennett Felber said it is the historic charm that sets them apart and makes them a go-to destination for couples.
“Complemented by a backdrop of exposed brick and plaster and all under the beautiful original wooden barrel vaulted ceiling, the ballroom is resplendent with over 20 vintage chandeliers and hundreds or twinkling Edison bulbs. We have two amazing suites for the bridal party and an eclectic space for a social hour. The bridal and groom suites have been carefully curated with a max of modern and vintage furniture and the walls are covered with funky art that is flirtatious and nostalgic,” she added.
She said they also choose the Capitol Room, because it’s versatile.
“It’s classic but elegant, mid-century but modern. The brick walls mixed with the lighting provide so much warmth and character that little decor is needed but adding it won’t overwhelm the space either. Couples choose this space because it’s easy. You walk in the doors at 8:00am to start getting ready and you don’t need to leave until the party is over. Having everything in one place makes it easy for not only the couples but also their guests. The town of St. Peter is also such a great destination for weddings. With plenty of hotels/lodging, cute little shops and restaurants, this town has proven to be the best little spot for our venue. We have a team of about 6-8 on every
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wedding day. Those include: bartenders, event leads, and support staff. Our support staff is the team that comes in between ceremonies and receptions and helps transition the room,” she said.
The Capitol Room averages about 65 weddings a year. In February, they do about 4-6. September and October are their busiest months where they’ll do about 10 weddings a month. They book about 1-year to a yearand-a-half in advance of the wedding date.
“Our team here truly cares about not only the venue, but each and every one of our couples. Our team knows that this is not just a “job” this is someone’s happiest of days. We’re here to create a magical environment/experience for each and every one of our couples. I have a very open and honest approach to each and every wedding day and I know my couples appreciate it. Being able to be such a large part of my couples days is a rewarding experience and I am incredibly thankful to have the team and couples that I have been fortunate to work with,” Bennett Felber said.
The Capitol Room: 419 S Minnesota Ave., St. Peter; 507-380-0220; capitolroom.com
The 3 Ten Event Venue
Ryan Ernster is the owner of The 3 Ten Event Venue in Faribault. They opened their first location in 2017 and now the second location, The 3 Ten Rooftop Loft (right next door) in 2021.
Like marriage, Ryan and his wife started the company through love and a dream.
“My wife Jenny owned a wedding decor company, Sitting Pretty Decor, for about 15 years and we always dreamed of owning our own event venue. We also thought that Faribault was a perfect place for an event venue due to its historical downtown, and location between the metro area, Owatonna, Rochester, Mankato and Northfield,” Ryan said.
Typically, they have between 50-100 weddings a year. He said historical nostalgia is what draws people in.
“Both of our venues are super unique due to the historical nature of the city, building exterior and interior finishes. We reclaimed all of the doors, windows, tin ceiling, wood floors, brick walls and many more of the
10 Southern Minnesota Weddings | 2024
The Gardens of Castle Rock in Northfield specializes in weddings and other large events. (Submitted photo)
The Faribault Chamber of Commerce Gala was held at the 3 Ten Event Venue in Faribault in 2021. (File phoot/ southernminn.com)
original building elements and components. The building was previously a Kresge Department Store. Kresge corporation eventually changed its name to KMart. Kresge has a long history dating back to 1907,” Ryan added.
Thye primarily host weddings but they do host funerals, Quinceanera’s, high school reunions, proms, private parties and more. The services they provide at these events include full bar service, decor, day of coordination, as well as set up and take down/clean up prior to and after events.
“Most brides select our venue due to its unique ascetics. We are not your typical hotel windowless basement ballroom. We also provide class leading service before and during the event. We have a large enough
space in both venues to host their ceremony as well as the reception. Brides love that they can have both the ceremony and reception at the same location,” Ryan said. “Both venues have private outdoor space for cocktail hours, ceremonies and receptions. The Rooftop Loft has a rooftop patio and The 3 Ten has an Alley Patio. In spring, summer and fall, brides and their guests really enjoy spending time on the patio. We also boast large getting ready suites for both the bride and the groom which is included in the
Southern Minnesota Weddings | 2024 11 3,500 + SqFt.Eventspaceforrent Bookyourowncatering oronsitefoodtruck Largeoutdoorpatiowithfireplaces scanformoreinformation WEDDINGS | PARTIES | MEETINGS N OWBOOKINGEVENTS www.corksandpintsfaribault.com|corksandpints@gmail.com
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Ryan Ernster owns 3 Ten Event Venue with his wife Jenny Ernster. (File photo/ southernminn.com)
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rental fee.”
The shortest timeframe for booking the venue is about 30 days. Some brides up to two years out, Ryan said.
Most of their brides (and grooms) come from the Metro Area. However, they do attract brides from all over southern Minnesota including but not limited to Austin, Owatonna, Rochester, Mankato, Northfield and of course, Faribault.
The 3 Ten Event Venue can host 430 guests seated. The 3 Ten Rooftop Loft can host 150+ seated.
“We love being a part of the community in Faribault and love hosting events for our clients. We are excited to see what events 2024 brings.”
The 3 Ten Event Venue: 310 Central Ave. N., Faribault; 651-2536584; 3teneventvenue.com R Ashley Hanley is a wife and mom of three kids under the age of five in North Mankato. When she’s not handing out snacks or kissing boo-boos, you can find her cheering on her favorite Minnesota sports teams and is a firm believer they will win a championship in her lifetime!
Other wedding venues in Southern Minnesota:
Chankaska Creek, Ranch and Winery
1179 E Pearl St, Kasota
507-931-0089
chankaskawineryweddings.com
JR’s Barn
21573 45th St, Waldorf
507-327-7047 • jrsbarn.com
North Star Farm
Event Center
34234 322nd St, Le Sueur
612-275-7195
northstarfarmevents.com
Oak View Weddings and Events
7921 County Hwy 45 S., Owatonna
507-456-4404
oakviewweddingsandevents.com
Owatonna Country Club
1991 Lemond Rd, Owatonna, MN 55060
507-451-6120
owatonnacc.com
Shepherd’s Hill Farms
10970 Cody Lake Trl, Montgomery 612-889-9963
shepherdshillfarmmn.com
Starfire Event Center
206 Second Ave. SW, Waseca 507-461-1387
starfire-event-center. business.site
The Mill Event Center
310 2nd Ave SW, Waseca 507-461-1434
facebook.com/themillwaseca
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Here are a few bridal websites for more ideas on how to incorporate 2024 trends into your wedding day. And don’t forget to fill your Pinterest board with ideas that you can go back to as you are planning.
The Knot: theknot.com
Brides: brides.com
Bridal Guide: bridalguide.com
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Something sweet comes near the end of a wedding reception and that is the joy the couple experiences knowing they have their entire lives ahead of them to enjoy together. However, there is another sweet treat that is shared near the conclusion of the wedding and it is typically served with tea and coffee: the wedding cake.
Wedding cake traditions can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Cakes represented good luck and fertility for the couples tying the knot. The first wedding cakes were rather bland and breadlike, representing purity and virginity. Some were quite like the fruitcake now enjoyed during
the holiday season. Eventually wedding cakes transformed into the sweet confections that are known today. The modern wedding cake as most know it debuted at the 1882 wedding of Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany. His wedding cake was actually the first to be completely edible. Previously, some cakes featured wooden broomstick pillars covered in icing, but the Duke’s cake used a hardened type of icing, according to Edible Art Bakery and Dessert Cafe.
Couples today have many options when picking their wedding cakes. The following are some wedding cake tidbits to chew on.
• Couples can choose among various cake styles. Many opt for a classic style, which is typically a white or ivory tiered cake with simple, elegant decorations. Rustic cakes may be much less ornate, while modern
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cakes may be rectangular or square and feature clean lines and minimalist decoration. The cake should fit the overall theme and scope of the wedding as it is another complementary component of the larger celebration.
• Wedding cakes can be quite costly. Wedding Wire estimates the average wedding cake costs around $500. One way for couples to save on their cake is to have a faux cake on display, with one tier that is made from cake and can be cut. Guests will then be served slices of a sheet cake that is much less expensive.
• Couples have many flavors to choose from. Vanilla is classic and quite popular because it appeals to a vast number of people. Lemon, chocolate, and carrot are some other popular cake flavors.
particularly during warm weather. Of course, couples can opt for a “naked cake,” which usually has a scant amount of frosting so that the cake underneath peeks through.
• A groom’s cake used to be tradition, but largely fell out of favor, although it is still alive and well in the American South. The
• When it comes to frosting a cake, there are various outer coatings that will encapsulate the cake to make it both beautiful and durable. Buttercream, Swiss meringue, fondant, cream cheese, and ganache all can be used in various applications. Some bakers attest that Swiss meringue, due to the addition of egg whites, makes it a more stable option over traditional buttercreams,
groom’s cake typically is less ornate than the wedding cake, and favors the groom’s choices in style, interests and flavors.
Couples and their guests look forward to indulging in wedding cake near the end of the reception. The looks and flavors of a wedding cake can be as unique as the couple saying, “I do.” R
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French queen Marie Antoinette is credited with a phrase that loosely translates to “Let them eat cake.” Guests at a wedding certainly will have their chance to enjoy cake, but it’s likely that wedding planners will need to offer a bit more sustenance to guests than this confectionary creation to keep them happy.
Many things stand out as memorable on a wedding day: the dress, the music, the adorable children who trip up or do some sort of zany antics down the aisle, and the food. Guests often look forward to a wedding to wish a couple well in their new lives together, but also to enjoy a great meal. Couples should give careful consideration to their wedding reception menu so everyone ends the night with great memories and full bellies.
Decide on the type of service
Buffet, plated dinner, server-passed foods, or food stations are the options at couples’ disposal when planning reception dinners. The type of service often dictates the formality of the event. For example, a cocktail party where guests mingle and sample small bites throughout the night may be a more casual affair, while a plated multi-course meal is much more formal. Couples can decide which type of service fits their budgets and ideas of for the reception.
Expand your options
Largely gone are the days when guests select dishes on the R.S.V.P. months in advance and then are locked into their choices. Now guests have more options and flexibility, particularly because couples and catering venues offer greater variety. A buffet-style meal gives guests chances to sample various foods in one sitting. However, even if couples choose a plated meal, they can select packages that offer guests the greatest number of options. Be sure to include a vegetarian or vegan option, a fish option, and a standard beef or chicken option to appeal to most.
Confirm food allergies or sensitivities
It’s likely someone on the guest list will have a food allergy or sensitivity. Making sure there is no cross-contamination is a serious consideration for such guests. The person or persons should be consulted about what the person can and cannot eat, and then those requirements should be conveyed to the catering manager.
Certain people with food allergies are so leery about eating out that they may prefer to bring their own food to ensure it is safe. In this instance, ensure that the kitchen staff will be able to safely heat up or plate the food.
Food will likely be on the minds of wedding guests. Couples can ensure that their guests are satiated by making food a priority at their events. R
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Apost-wedding brunch is a nice way to wrap up a wedding weekend and gives a newly married couple a chance to spend more time with close friends and family, particularly if the couple isn’t immediately leaving for the honeymoon. A brunch is the perfect way to send guests on their way with a few extra hugs and full bellies.
A brunch is not a necessity by any means, but it is a nice gesture and a good way to wrap up a wedding weekend. Couples who plan on hosting brunches can consider these tips.
• Delegate: The happy couple already has a lot of details on their plate to ensure the wedding occurs with minimal hiccups. A parent or member of the bridal party may want to take on the task of planning the brunch to alleviate stress on the newly betrothed.
• Funding: There are no hard rules about who will pay for the brunch, but typically it is the person who hosts it. Couples may want to set aside funds in their budgets for the brunch, or parents of the couple may want to contribute.
• Timing: Seeing as it likely was a late evening prior, the brunch should occur as late as possible in the morning, with 11 a.m. or noon a good start time so everyone has a chance to sleep in and recuperate.
• Ease: The brunch planner should make
it easy on himself or herself by finding a venue that is close by. Sometimes that venue may be a lodging location if the couple arranged for overnight accommodations. For example, if overnight guests stayed at a hotel near the reception site, that hotel may have a small conference or party room where brunch can be held. The brunch planner can work with the hotel staff to cater the brunch; otherwise, find a nearby restaurant that specializes in breakfast or brunch foods that is convenient to most.
• Invites: For those with big budgets, anyone can be invited to the wedding brunch, but it may be more manageable if it is restricted to only close friends and family, or only those who opted for the overnight wedding accommodations.
• Gifts: There is no need to offer another favor at the wedding brunch. However, if any favors from the wedding were left behind, they can be displayed at the brunch in case any guests forgot to take theirs.
• Duration: A 2- to 21/2-hour brunch is sufficient.
• Food: Brunch implies a mix of breakfast and lunch treats, which can include bagels, muffins, omelets, waffles, cold cuts, and quiches. While cocktails like mimosas or bellinis may be offered, they’re not necessary after a night of indulgence. In fact, coffee and tea may be more coveted.
A post-wedding brunch is the perfect way to wrap up a successful wedding celebration. R
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As any married couple can attest, a wedding day has a tendency to fly by. Couples have much to do on the day they tie the knot, which can make the day feel like a whirlwind. Certain skills can come in especially handy on a wedding day, and the ability to manage time is certainly one of them. As their big day draws closer, couples can employ these time management tips to slow the day down a little bit.
• Create and distribute a schedule. A schedule can ensure the happy couple and all members of the bridal party know when and where they need to be at certain times during the day. Include all pertinent information on the schedule, including when and where hair and makeup appointments begin, when transportation to and from the ceremony and reception site will arrive and, of course, the start time for the ceremony. A printed copy can help, but a digital copy sent via text or email can guarantee the schedule is accessible via smartphone at all times during the day.
• Collaborate with your photographer in advance of your wedding day. Couples can streamline wedding day photography sessions by collaborating with their photographer in advance. During these sessions, identify the bridal party shots you want to take and then create a schedule of photos so all party members know where they need to be and when. Some couples choose to schedule bridal party photoshoots before the ceremony, while others prefer theirs after the couple has made it official. Regardless of which option couples prefer, schedule these photos so no time is wasted finding bridal party members.
inclined to forget hair and makeup appointments and photo sessions because such components are integral to wedding planning. But couples should not forget to leave time for themselves and their bridal party to eat. Schedule a breakfast for all bridal party members (separate ones if couples insist on avoiding each other until the ceremony) to ensure no one sleeps in and throws off the day’s timeline. Include time to eat lunch if the ceremony is in late afternoon or early evening. If you forget to schedule time to eat, the timeline will almost certainly be thrown off when everyone gets hungry and requires some sustenance.
Maintaining and distributing a schedule of the day’s events, including hair appointments, can help engaged couples keep their wedding day timeline on track.
• Don’t forget to set aside time to eat. Anything can derail a wedding day schedule if it’s forgotten when couples devise their initial plan for how the day will unfold. Couples might be less
• Go over schedules with your vendors. In the weeks prior to your wedding, reach out to your vendors to confirm the day’s timeline. Do this prior to handing out a schedule to your bridal party so no one is confused if any lastminute changes are made.
Couples have much to manage on their wedding days. Perhaps no component is more important to manage effectively than time. R
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Plenty of love and effort goes into coordinating a dream wedding. Although the happy couple garners most of the spotlight on such momentous occasions, they’re not the only ones who will feature prominently in the wedding.
The wedding party is made up of bridesmaids,
groomsmen, a ring bearer, a flower girl, ushers, and other guests of honor, such as a couple’s parents. The wedding resource The Knot reports that old school etiquette once indicated there should be one groomsman and one corresponding bridesmaid for every 50 guests, although four bridesmaids and four groomsmen tends to be the average nowadays.
Choosing who will be included in the wed-
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THE DRESSSHOP
ding party requires forethought and should not be rushed. The rule of thumb is to ask roughly a year to eight months before the wedding so those asked have time to prepare. When that time comes, these fun ideas can help couples invite loved ones to be in the wedding party with style.
• Say it with a treat. Remember those heartshaped candies that come out at Valentine’s Day that are printed with various sentiments, like “Be mine”? Replicate the idea by giving prospective wedding party members cookies iced to look like tuxedos and bridesmaid gowns with a phrase like “Will you?”
• Give personalized drinkware. Whether it’s wine glasses or flasks, have drinkware engraved with the names of who is being asked so that everyone can toast when they say yes. In the event that someone declines, that person will still have a thoughtful momento.
• Make custom scratch-off cards. This is one gamble that is likely to pay off when you present loved ones and friends with scratch-off tickets that reveal the question, “Will you be my bridesmaid/ groomsman?”
• Put together swag bags. Take a page out of fashion shows or celebrity parties and package some luxury items into gift bags for those special people you want to stand by your side on your wedding day. High-end grooming products, jewelry, electronics accessories, and more can be great gifts for those who are likely to be in your wedding party.
• Gift robes or T-shirts. Plan ahead for staged and coordinated photos by purchasing matching robes or T-shirts for all the besties in the wedding party. Those who are up for having a good time will have no problem wearing the matching outfits when out for wedding-related events.
• Fill balloons with confetti and messages. Ask friends and loved ones to pop ballons to reveal your request that they be in the wedding party. Engaged couples may have many close friends and loved ones they want to stand by their side during the wedding. There are plenty of fun ways to ask them to be part of the celebration. R
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Trendy sock for the groomsmen make a fun and creative gift.
The average cost of these gifts, according to The Knot wedding website, is several hundred dollars. Still, that’s worth it. They let guests know that you care, while providing them with a small special memory of their own from the big day. Here are a few gift ideas:
Go green
Giving plants as a wedding favor is hip and eco-friendly, and they’re especially attractive if your wedding is being held in an outdoor setting. Match with local flora or fauna, and you’re literally allowing your friends and family to take a piece of your wedding home with them. Once it’s home, their plant will become a living memory. Succulents are on trend, and also easy to care for. Stop by a local nursery to ask for specifics, keeping in mind that some native plants may not transfer well when brought back home.
Get going
Destination weddings offer a great opportunity to match the event with a travel theme. Pick fun items like luggage tags, maps and travel snacks, then arrange them in attractive totes. Or go hyper-local, giving your guests things that are only found in the area where you’re getting married. That might be a special food, handmade good, or art object. Having a beach wedding? Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Time to indulge
Trendy items this year include coffee mugs and miniature candles. For the more offbeat, consider heart-shaped tea bags or mini-pizza cutters. Edible wedding favors like small chocolates, jars of honey or cupcakes can both surprise and delight. If you’re already indulging in plenty of flowers, add floral-inspired lollipops in flavors like champagne and roses, lemon and thyme, and rosemary and mint. One memorable offering even has seeds infused into the sticks, so they can be planted afterward.
Fun and games
Add flair with personalized items like napkins, plastic cups, shot glasses, wine glass charms and miniature bottles of liquor, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages with your names and the wedding date. Other personalized options
include koozies, matchboxes, playing cards and mugs which can be made with messages, names, dates or even pictures. Everyone can enjoy them right away at the reception, or bring things home as a special memento from your nuptials R
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Weddings can be as novel or traditional as couples prefer.
Couples who go the traditional route will undoubtedly include certain spotlight dances in the reception.
The father-daughter dance is a staple of a wedding reception. According to the experts at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, the history of father-daughter dances can be traced back decades. The dance once was one last nod to Dad before the bride’s husband became the most important man in her life. Now it’s more symbolic of general love and affection.
Times have certainly changed from the first father-daughter dances and this tradition no longer carries the same meaning. In fact, despite what the name may imply, father-daughter dances needn’t take place with a father at all, especially if he passed away or is not in the bride’s life. She can choose any special person, whether a father figure, uncle, brother, mentor, etc. to honor during the dance.
Traditionally the father-daughter dance (and mother-son dance) takes place immediately following the newlyweds’ first dance together. However, some opt to have it after the toasts or before the cake cutting. Couples can make their preferences known prior to the reception and schedule these dances any time they desire, especially since they are frequently
preceded by a special announcement.
While many brides prefer to dance to a slowpaced, heartfelt song, this needn’t always be the case. In recent years, some daddy-daughter duos have opted to put on shows with humorous dances or even entertaining showcases of fancy footwork to songs of all types. The song should match the vibe of the wedding. That said, certain
songs seem tailor-made for the times during the reception when love and gratitude are expressed during these bittersweet dances. R u u u
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formeetingsandspecialevents!
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The idea, then as now, was to provide a list of things like china, silverware and crystal to make wedding gift buying easier for friends and family. Back then, a registry was created in person and kept in a special notebook. Today, much of this is handled online. But that’s not the only way that the bridal registry has changed. The latest trends include some very high-tech items.
Smart choices
Couples register for a wide variety of things to complete their new household. Perhaps the hottest recent trend involves smart appliances. Coffee pots, refrigerators, vacuums, and even toasters are now outfitted with technology that allows them to connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to your phone. This allows you to control them remotely and to set certain scheduled actions. Turn the air-conditioning or heat on before you arrive, or off while you are away. Have a hot cup of joe waiting when you wake up. There’s even a toaster with more than 60 settings, following intelligent algorithms to heat things your precise desires.
The first bridal registry was said to have been created in 1924 at Marshall Field’s in Chicago.
Going places
You’ll probably start dreaming of the next getaway not long after returning from your honeymoon. Arrive in style with all-new luggage that fits the modern lifestyle and aesthetic. Hardsided bags now have built-in phone chargers, for instance. New compartmentalization options make organizing and packing a breeze. If you’re more adventurous or love to camp, be sure to mark down back-packs and duffel bags in the registry.
At home
Maybe you’re more of a homebody. Gift registries can help you quickly build a warm and inviting atmosphere for one another. Registry standbys like sheets and towels make timeless gifts, the more comfy the better. The latest trend is high-tech fabrics that are both sustainable and longer lasting than the products of yesteryear. Just remember to make pattern and color choices that will fit into your life on a longer-term basis. Neutrals are always in fashion.
Other ideas
Round out your registry with items that will make your first years together more carefree. Soundbars help bring your home theater to life. Convection toaster ovens bring the food to your table in the blink of an eye. Espresso machines will make getting out of bed something to look forward to. R
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Country
• “The Man Who Loves You the Most,” Zac Brown Band
• “My Little Girl,” Tim McGraw
• “Just Fishin’,” Trace Adkins
Big Band
• “Unforgettable,” Nat King Cole
• “The Way You Look Tonight,” Frank Sinatra
• “Swinging on a Star,” Bing Crosby
Indie/Singer-Songwriter
• “You’ve Got a Friend,” James Taylor
• “Let it Be Me,” Ray LaMontagne
• “Father and Daughter,” Paul Simon
• “Wildflowers,” Tom Petty
• “Constellations,” Jack Johnson
Rock
• “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” Guns N’ Roses
• “When You Need Me,” Bruce Springsteen
• “Scarlet Begonias,” Grateful Dead
R&B
• “Ain’t that Love,” Ray Charles
• “Daddy,” Beyoncé
• “Dance with My Father,” Luther Vandross
• “Love of My Life,” Brian McKnight
Tried and True
• “Butterfly Kisses,” Bob Carlisle
• “Wonderful World,” Louis Armstrong
• “Hero,” Mariah Carey
• “You Are So Beautiful,” Joe Cocker
• “Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel),” Billy Joel
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Weddings are special events that celebrate two individuals’ love for one another. Weddings bring together friends and family to witness couples share vows and devote their lives to each other.
Wedding guests recognize that certain components are commonplace in ceremonies and receptions. Perhaps you were once a ring bearer or caught the bouquet? There’s a rich history behind the traditions that feature prominently at many weddings. Here’s a look at traditions past and present and the meaning behind these customs.
Marriage
The custom of marriage can be traced back thousands of years to when hunters and gatherers started coming together to form societies and farm land. In order to ensure the success of communities, couplings were developed to produce offspring and maintain households.
Tie the knot
Getting married is sometimes referred to as “tying the knot.” This stems from the custom of “handfasting,” which is a common practice
among various cultures around the world, and notably in ancient Rome. The bride and groom’s hands are tied together for the duration of the ceremony, not to be released until the wedding is made official. This isn’t something you see too often at modern weddings, but can be something unique couples may want to consider.
Bridal bouquet
A bouquet of beautiful flowers is held by the bride on her wedding day. Roses, orchids, peonies, and other fragrant blooms are often included, but in ancient times brides’ bouquets were likely made of herbs. According to the resource Minted Weddings, these aromatic herbs were used to ward off evil spirits.
Veil
Evil spirits also were the basis for the wearing of bridal veils, as they were utilized to hide brides from these miscreants. Veils now are more style than substance.
Bridesmaids
In ancient Rome, bridesmaids were tasked with protecting the bride. They wore the same dresses as the bride to confuse evil spirits from finding the soon-to-be-betrothed and cursing her. Today’s bridesmaids are less decoy and more helper. They may wear similar dresses to the
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bride and one another, but they aren’t trying to fool any spirits.
Tossing rice
Rice and grains were long regarded as signs of prosperity and fertility, according to the gifting company Personal Creations. Therefore, couples were showered with rice to ensure their good fortune. Consumption of uncooked rice has been proven to be detrimental to some wildlife, so rice has now been widely replaced with bubbles or birdseed.
Cutting the cake
At the reception, many couples link hands and make the first cut in their wedding cakes. Wedding Wire says it’s a tradition that around 80 percent of wedding couples partake in. It is believed this tradition symbolizes the couple’s first official task performed together, and marks the promise to support and take care of one another throughout the marriage. However, in the past, brides were responsible for cutting the wedding cake alone and distributed slices to guests to aid in fertility, according to BakingNook.com. R
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Couples have much to look forward to when planning their weddings. In addition to the momentous occasion when they say “I do,” couples can look ahead with excitement as they anticipate spending time with family and friends in a fun setting.
Though the wedding day is the focal point of couples’ planning efforts, the post-wedding honeymoon also merits ample consideration. A honeymoon is the first trip many couples take together after tying the knot, and many will never forget this special excursion. As couples pore over the details of wedding planning, they may want to consider these tips to ensure their honeymoon is a trip to remember for a lifetime.
• Identify your dream trip. There are no rules regarding honeymoons. Though couples’ budgets and professional obligations may factor into where they can go and how long their honeymoon can be, couples can discuss their dream trips and then determine if they can make those dreams come true on their honeymoon. Couples who have always aspired to backpack through Europe should consider that a possible
honeymoon trip. If a food tour of Italy is on couples’ bucket list, then investigate how feasible that might be for your honeymoon.
• Stay up on current events. It can be easy for couples to get lost in the weeds while planning their weddings and miss what’s going on across the globe. However, knowledge of current events can be vital when planning a honeymoon. Faraway and exotic locales may seem tailor-made for a honeymoon, but that’s only the case if such destinations are not plagued by civil unrest, conflict, natural disasters, or other events that can affect how safe it is to visit such places. The U.S. Department of State maintains a free, easily accessible list of travel advisories at travel.state. gov. The Government of Canada maintains a similar list at travel.gc.ca. Couples are urged to visit these sites before booking their honeymoon, particularly if they hope to travel internationally.
• Consider amenities and all-inclusive packages. All-inclusive packages can be a great deal, particularly for couples who want their honeymoon to be all about relaxing at a single resort destination. All-inclusive packages cover the cost of food and most beverages, making these options both convenient and budgetfriendly. When going this route, couples also should decide which amenities they want to access on their trip. Access to a gym and/or spa, activities like parasailing, and other perks are just some of the potential amenities couples can look
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for as they choose a honeymoon destination.
• Collaborate. A honeymoon may be the first trip couples take after tying the knot, and it can lay the foundation for future collaborative efforts. Planning travel is not always so easy, so couples can work together and make any necessary
concessions so each person gets what they want out of the trip.
Some simple strategies can help couples plan and enjoy a honeymoon they are likely to remember for a lifetime. R
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