400 Life February 2021

400 LIFE February 2021

BRIDAL GUIDE

Tips for planning a socially distant wedding Find the perfect florist, photographer Use social media to get friends, family involved

Also: Fountain’s Food Adventures takes on brunch | Books to inspire you while planning a wedding

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contents Inside the Bridal Guide * Hosting a socially distant wedding * Creative ways to use social media * Throw a safe bachelor, bachelorette party * How to find your wedding florist * Make a statement with wedding cake * What to look for in a photographer * Music key for celebration * The evolution of wedding favors * Seating for a reception * ‘Plus one’ etiquette

contributors Publisher Stephanie Woody

Director of Revenue Leah Nelson

Managing Editor Tracie Pike

Advertising Tim Anderson Stacy Clark

Special contributors Becky Cahill Cover photo Victoria Priessnitz, Photo above Christiana Rivers, Unsplash; Bridal content MetroCreative

This magazine is a product of the www.ForsythNews.com Sign up for daily newsletters at ForsythNews.com

10 David Fountain and Fountain’s Food Adventures set out to explore local brunch options, similar to the challenge of searching for Forsyth’s best pizza in 2019.

14 400 Reads: Books for wedding fans that will warm your heart February 2021 | 400 LIFE | 3

While planning a socially distant wedding presents some unique challenges, couples can take certain steps to ensure their big day is memorable and safe.

How to host a socially distant wedding It’s likely that few people heard of “social distancing” prior to 2020. That changed as the novel coronavirus COVID-19 spread rapidly across the globe and the world found itself in the midst of a deadly pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines social distancing as keeping a safe distance of at least six feet between yourself and other people who are not from your household.

Public health officials continue to champion social distancing while acknowledging the fatigue that many people have experienced as the pandemic stretched on for months. Though much of the world hit the proverbial pause button, life went on during the pandemic.

Perhaps nowhere was that more evident than at the altar, where many couples still tied the knot, albeit in scaled back ceremonies that adhered to social distancing guidelines in their communities.

Engaged couples who have yet to tie the knot no doubt recognize that planning a socially distant wedding will not be the same as organizing more traditional ceremonies and receptions. While planning a socially distant wedding presents some unique challenges, couples can take certain steps to ensure their big day is memorable and safe.

• Spread the socially distant word. Let guests know what they’re in for should they decide to take part in the festivities.

Many people have strictly followed social distancing guidelines, while others have been reluctant to do so. Couples intent on keeping themselves and their guests safe from COVID-19 should 4 | 400 LIFE | February 2021

emphasize that their weddings will be socially distant affairs so there’s no confusion come the big day.

• Stream the wedding online. Stream the wedding online for those guests who won’t be in attendance.

By the end of 2020, millions of people had already “attended” weddings via platforms like Zoom, so loved ones may be experienced virtual guests by the time couples walk down the aisle in 2021.

Couples who may need some help planning virtual affairs can visit the virtual wedding coordinators at Wedfuly.com, who recently partnered with Zoom to help couples bring their ceremonies online.

• Pare down the in-person guest list. Couples who planned large weddings prior to the pandemic can still invite all of their loved ones to witness the festivities online, but pare down the inperson guest list to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Limit in-person guests to immediate family and those people who are part of your social distancing bubble.

• Plan a party for down the road. Couples can still celebrate their nuptials with family and friends down the road. Plan a postpandemic reception and let guests know you will fill them in on the details once social distancing restrictions have been lifted.

Socially distant weddings may require couples to take some unusual steps as they try to tie the knot while keeping themselves and their loved ones safe.

Useful ways to incorporate social media in wedding planning

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ince its inception decades ago, social media has changed the world. As the popularity of social media exploded in the early part of the 21st century, various platforms emerged and ultimately affected movements pertaining to everything from politics to social justice to charitable efforts.

Social media also has emerged as a great tool for couples on the cusp of getting married. The following are some useful ways that couples can employ social media into their wedding planning.

• Create your own hashtag. A couple-specific hashtag can be a great and simple way to share information on Twitter, which remains one of the most popular social media platforms across the globe. Your own hashtag can alert friends and family who are on Twitter whenever you post new information and photos.

• Share a photo album online. Photographers serve as something akin to unofficial documentarians on couples’ wedding days. Many photographers are there from the moment the bride begins to get ready until the last person leaves the dance floor at the end of the night.

Many couples love leafing through their wedding albums for the rest of their lives together, but guests also may enjoy reliving the night. The photo sharing social media platform Instagram is a great way for couples and their guests to relive the special moment a couple ties the knot

and all the ensuing fun at the reception. Create a wedding-specific Instagram page and post all the photos you want to share.

• Include guests who could not attend the festivities. No matter how hard couples may try to pick a date that’s convenient for all of their guests, some invitees will inevitably decline the invitation. That’s especially true while the world continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. Elderly guests or loved ones with underlying medical conditions that make them more vulnerable to getting seriously ill from COVID-19 may be forced to reluctantly decline their invitations. But couples can utilize social media platforms like Facebook Live to include loved ones who couldn’t make it in real time.

• Encourage others to pitch in with the planning. Planning a wedding should be fun, and what better way to add to the fun factor than encouraging loved ones to share their ideas via a social media platform like Pinterest? Couples can create a Pinterest board and ask interested friends and family members to share ideas on everything from attire to decor to floral arrangements. This can be an especially effective way to involve bridesmaids and groomsmen if social distancing guidelines and travel restrictions related to the pandemic are still in place when planning your wedding.

Make a statement with your wedding cake

Brides and grooms may pour over every detail of their weddings, but few components of the festivities may be as fun, especially for foodies, as deciding what the wedding cake will look like. Couples who want to deliver show-stopping visuals often express some measure of their creativity and personalities through statement wedding cakes.

Many couples now eschew the classic threetiered white cake in favor of a dessert that garners instant attention. Whether the cake is brightly colored or handpainted, a towering architectural marvel or shimmering in metallics, couples are opting to make a statement with their confections. Apart from clever cake-toppers, here are ways to stand apart when dessert is served.

• According to the Perfect Wedding Guide, a rising trend in cakes is to cover a white or naked cake with translucent glaze tinted in the couple’s wedding colors.

This artistic expression can be especially stunning in boho-chic weddings.

• Statement tiers also are popular. The cake may be traditional in nearly every way, but couples then set the cake apart by featuring an elaborate design or a different hue in one tier.

• Martha Stewart Weddings advises that more than just color can be used to make a statement.

Lifelike sugar flowers can really set cakes apart.

Guests may not be sure if they can consume all aspects of some cakes. But

delicate sugar flowers taste as good as they look.

• Hand-painted tiles on a cake are another way to add panache. A bride and groom may be inspired by a European vacation or the stained-glass effects of religious windows and want to add that feel to the tiers of the cake.

• Sometimes a statement comes by way of texture.

Even an all-white cake can be dressed up with interesting textural effects. Ruffles, lace, embossing, and 3-D rosettes are different textural components that can be incorporated in cake designs.

• Couples also may want to tell their unique stories with cake. Individual tiers designed to reflect various milestone moments from the couple’s relationship can be quite engaging.

• Capitalizing on the trend of edgier weddings, couples may opt for darker hues on their cakes — even a black tier — or nontraditional geometric shapes to the cake itself or its design elements.

Statement cakes can really say something about the couple getting married.

Much like other wedding elements, cakes provide a window into the minds of happy couples.

February 2021 | 400 LIFE | 5

Couples who want to find the best photographer for their wedding day can ask several questions before making their final decision.

Questions to ask before booking a photographer What style do you specialize in?

Have you worked at my venue before?

V arious components combine to make weddings beautiful and memorable. Couples rely on photographers to capture the smiles and moments that helped make their events unique and to ensure the big day is remembered for years to come.

The trusted wedding resource The Knot notes that an internal study found that, among 27,000 couples who got married in 2019, an average of $2,400 was spent on a wedding photographer to document their big day. Couples who want to find the best photographer for their wedding day can ask several questions before making their final decision.

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Photographers may be able to shoot various styles of photos, but may specialize in a specific type.

For example, some photographers specialize in photojournalism, while others may excel at portraiture. Going with a photographer who has the most expertise shooting the style you prefer will help produce the desired results.

Photographers may be familiar with several local wedding venues and houses of worship. A photographer who has experience working in the locations where couples will tie the knot and subsequently celebrate might produce the best results, but lack of experience with particular venues need not exclude other professionals.

Who will be shooting my wedding?

Can we see a full gallery of a recent wedding?

Certain photography studios have several photographers working under one roof. Just because you meet with one does not necessarily mean that photographer will be on site, unless it is specified in the contract.

According to Brides magazine, unlike an album or a highlight gallery, a full gallery provides a better sense of a photographer’s style and attention to detail.

Will photos be color balanced and retouched?

Skilled photographers are capable of capturing winning photos. But photos can be enhanced further in the studio with retouching software to bring out specific effects.

Some photographers will polish all proofs, while others only will work on the images ultimately ordered. Confirm retouching details before signing the contract.

What’s included in the photo packages?

A detailed price list helps you compare one photographer to another and decide which elements are covered.

Additional prints, having a photographer’s assistant, ordering albums for the parents, or ordering a large framed print can alter costs significantly. Explore all prices to ensure you’re getting the best value. In addition, consider how many hours of event coverage are included in the price.

What is the payment timeline?

Photographers may accept deposits for their services but expect a different timeline of payment. Some may require payment in full before the wedding, while others may offer a payment plan that includes a final payment when picking up proofs or albums. Wedding photography is one of the essential elements of a wedding and helps tell the story of couples’ special day. Asking key questions can help couples find a photographer who will produce the desired results.

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February 2021 | 400 LIFE | 7

How to avoid wedding reception seating mistakes

The evolution of wedding favors Wedding favors have changed — and in many cases for the better.

Favors have evolved from the inexpensive trinkets purchased in bulk into more personalized mementos that guests can cherish.

Today’s couples are interested in customizing their weddings and offering guests something meaningful, or at the very least, edible, so that favors don’t immediately get relegated to the trash can. Wedding planners from across the country offer these wedding favor trends that couples may want to incorporate into their own celebrations.

Welcome bags Rather than take-home bags, welcome bags have replaced the traditional favor trinket at some weddings. Many weddings have become multi-day events that ask guests traveling from out of town to attend a wedding weekend. To help greet them and make their experience memorable, couples may fill a gift bag with items guests can use or enjoy during their stay — like a bottle of locally sourced maple syrup or some handmade soaps from a nearby shopkeeper.

Experience gifts Instead of a candle or a monogrammed cake server, think of experiences to offer guests. A coupon for free drinks at a nearby brewery, a tour of a local attraction while guests are in town or a group excursion for guests attending a destination wedding can be fun and will help guests create lasting memories.

Charitable donations Some couples feel that favors are wasteful and would rather set aside a portion of their wedding budgets toward giving back. In such situations, a donation to charity in guests’ names can be the way to go. Guests can vote on two favorite charities advertised on a special table at the wedding reception. The one with the most votes will get the proceeds.

Late-night snacks After a night of celebrating, some guests may want the festivities to continue, but may need some extra sustenance to make it through a few more hours. Some couples are eschewing traditional favors in lieu of making room for extra food or beverage expenses that can include after-party treats. These may run the gamut from wood-fired pizzas to food truck vendors to extra desserts. A tasty take-home option also may be given, such as fresh zeppolis or beignets, or even a personalized bottle of wine. Even if the food and drink is not consumed right away, there’s a good chance it will hit the spot when guests return to their hotel rooms.

Wedding favors are changing to keep up with the times and keep guests feeling extra special.

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Weddings are great opportunities for people to gather and celebrate the melding of two families into one. Weddings are a melting pot, and while the ultimate goal is for all guests invited to mingle and have a good time, preexisting relationships may cause some wedding-day interactions to be strained. However, with careful planning and some best behavior on the parts of all involved, getting hitched can go off without a hitch.

It’s possible for guests who may have tumultuous pasts to keep the peace, but this also can be ensured through careful seating arrangements. This is just one factor couples need to consider when deciding where guests will sit and dine at receptions. It’s important to avoid some common mistakes.

Mistake #1: Not having a seating plan. Let guests sit where they want and chaos may ensue. People may think they’re entitled to certain seats, may hop into seats vacated by someone getting up to use the restroom or any number of other scenarios.

Seating arrangements also ensure everyone is accounted for across the room.

Mistake #2: Seating families separately. Unless there are rifts between certain family members, it’s best to seat parents and children at the same tables.

Mistake #3: Trying to force new friendships. Avoid trying to figure out who will get along by creating a potpourri table. A cousin in a band will not necessarily want to sit next to your coworker who plays guitar simply because they have a shared love of music. A wedding is not the time to try to create new friendships. If it’s meant to be, they’ll connect in a more organic way.

Mistake #4: The dreaded kids’ table. Young children can probably get away with sitting at a dedicated kids’ table, although it may mean their parents have to interrupt their experiences by checking on their kids throughout the night. A bigger faux pas is to sit teenagers or twentysomethings at the kids table even if they seem like youngsters to you. Set a strict cutoff age for a children’s table.

Mistake #5: Being too strict in seating. It’s one thing to direct couples or singletons to specific tables, quite another to assign specific seats. Do not dictate exactly where at the table a guest should sit. Some people arrive early, others late, and it is up to them to work out how to arrange themselves at the table.

Mistake #6: Failing to get family feedback. Always check with your parents and future in-laws as resources about how to seat certain guests. They’ll likely know who will make the best table-mates, especially if couples are not familiar with everyone on the guest list.

Mistake #7: Not being aware of disabilities or needs. Be conscious of guests’ needs. An elderly relative may not be comfortable in front of the DJ table. A person in a wheelchair may need easy access to and from the reception room. It’s important to be mindful of these special needs.

How to find your wedding florist

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eddings join the lives of two loving individuals so they can share their future with one another. Various elements help make weddings both momentous and magical.

Some weddings adhere to themes that are designed to make an impression and showcase couples’ personalities. Floral arrangements are key components of wedding themes, as they help to establish ambiance at both the ceremony and reception.

Flowers can easily help couples achieve a desired vibe, whether that’s rustic, romantic, modern, or even whimsical. Skilled florists may use a variety of flowers and foliage, as well as dramatic displays to help create the couple’s wedding day vision.

According to an internal study from the wedding advice and planning resource The Knot, which surveyed more than 27,000 couples who got married in 2019, the average cost of wedding flowers was $2,000 in 2019. However, the cost of floral arrangements can vary depending on the scope of the arrangements and choice of flowers, including whether they’re in season or not.

It is essential for couples to spend time vetting potential florists to find one who will produce their desired vision at a price that fits their budget. These guidelines can make the process go more smoothly.

• Establish your theme early on. Floral arrangements will complement and enhance other elements of the wedding, including color scheme and the wedding theme. If your wedding theme ties into a specific season, you will work with the florist to find blooms and other pieces that coordinate. For example, winter weddings with white, ice blue and silver color schemes may coor

dinate with white ranunculus flowers, dahlias, dusty miller foliage, and viburnum berries.

• Bring swatches and photographs to consultations. It is easier to explain color palettes to a florist with examples in hand.

Show the florist the types of arrangements you prefer and have actual fabric swatches from bridesmaid gowns or groomsmen vests so that colors can be complemented.

• Create a list of desired items. Florists may sell items a la carte or have packages of common floral pieces for wedding celebrations. Types of floral arrangements include bridal bouquet, bridesmaids’ bouquets, maid of honor bouquet, corsages for mothers/grandmothers, boutonnieres for groomsmen and fathers/ grandfathers, flower girl headpiece, petals to sprinkle, table centerpieces, altar arrangements, pew or chair decorations, and cake decorations.

• Go easy on aroma. Tread lightly when selecting blooms that have strong aromas. They may be beautiful, but many people are sensitive to smells. Allergies also may be exacerbated by flowers with strong aromas. Discuss options with the florist before proceeding.

• Explain your budget. Research the average cost of floral arrangements and let the florist know what you can afford. This can help the florist narrow down options or make substitutions that fit your theme and your budget.

Couples can take certain steps as they choose floral arrangements for their weddings. Cost should not be the only factor in the decision, even though it is an important one.

February 2021 | 400 LIFE |

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Never Enough Thyme Trying to keep a business afloat during the pandemic was hard enough, but opening your restaurant at that time? It almost seems impossible, but Michelle Doyle, co-owner was able to do it. “Never Enough Thyme was definitely the most satisfying experience for this adventure.”

The environment, food, and people (family) were all right-on.

Our favorite the Shrimps and Grits with Chef Robert’s twist on this southern classic including Andouille sausage giving it an amazing flavor. Kind of like a creamy soup of shrimp, grits and sausage — that was good to the last spoon-full.

The French toast had berries and cream stuffed in between each piece and dusted with powdered sugar for a lovely presentation and great taste. This special Stuffed treat also can be ordered with apples and cinnamon, bacon egg and cheese or how about it with Nutella and bananas — yum!

Village Italian

Tam’s Tupelo

This restaurant you might recall won a spot in David Fountain’s Pizza Adventure in 2019, a Favorite Family Pizzeria. Now they earned another nod, which is all about their Benedetto — a blessed benedict. The Italian twist to the traditional eggs benedict hit the spot with taste and presentation.

A made to order omelet for the veggie or meatlover and the classic French toast were another picture-perfect meal of comfort. While for the bacon-lovers, certainly don’t miss a mason jar full of their candied bacon — which is ohh so sweet and spicy.

David and the other foodies also were impressed by the breakfast pizza with two sunny-up eggs. The bottomless mimosa, a crafted bloody Mary or a cappuccino are a few other reasons to find a comfortable spot inside or out on the patio.

David Fountain fell in love with this restaurant for their southern hospitality, inviting environment and the culmination of their Cajun Memphis focused cuisines. The Chicken & Waffles is a favorite. The waffles are topped with pecans, homemade honey butter (from the Tupelo tree), and the yummy pecan syrup and the hand-breaded chicken tenderloins fried to perfection — great honey mustard too!

Another excellent choice thanks to Chef Abel Munoz is the Lobster Benedict with a special spiced hollandaise sauce and the dessert like hash browns and bacon.

The stack of three pancakes with two eggs and bacon is a pleaser or if you’re more like David go all-in for the Tupelo Brisket Burger made with a combination of chuck, brisket, short rib, with fried green tomato, homemade pimento cheese, and David says “please add a couple slices of that heavenly bacon.”

Montaluce Winery & Restaurant Known for their first-class Tuscan winery and accompanied with an award-winning restaurant, Le Vigne, is perched on top of Montaluce Winery and nestled in the mountains of North Georgia.

While the menus are seasonal, we found several favorites. Like the flavorful and pleasant Pasta Bolognese, with fresh pasta, shredded parmesan, filet meat sauce and crushed red pepper. Or the Tonga Toast, fried banana stuffed French toast, cinnamon sugar, strawberry jam, maple syrup and serving of steel-cut oatmeal. The Wagyu flank steak, fried egg, peppercorn demi and arugula salad or the Duck Confit Gravy covering house-made buttermilk biscuits were a few other treats.

BRUNCH AT HALCYON

CT Cantina & Taqueria

HOBNOB We were wowed by the Bloody Mary inspiration options, Mosa menu and many other brunch cocktails. David went with Hobnob’s Garden Mary with the addition of two slices of applewood smoked bacon, which was a sight to see! The favorite brunch fare of our adventure was their 12 Hour Short Rib Hash, with an exciting presentation while also packed with flavor from the beer braised shortrib, breakfast potato, red pepper, red onion, scallions, cheddar cheese and sriracha rem. The Lemon Ricotta Griddle Pancakes and Million Dollar Omelet paired well for a little indulgence and fun brunch.

Ocean & Acre A beautiful laid out restaurant, gorgeous dining room inside and relaxing outdoor seating. As you can image, we found that their Crab Benedict, a noodle crab cake, brioche bread, potato hash with ‘nduja oil was our favorite from the sea. Another with the Smoked Salmon platter with whipped cream cheese, dill, capers, red onion and with a heirloom tomato salad.

CT was another Favorite in that February article last year too, a couple weeks before National Margarita Day (February 22 mark your calendar!) Yes, it is hard resist one of those famous margaritas when at a great Mexican restaurant.

A frozen Spicy Jalapeno Margarita got David warmed-up before digging into the Chilaquiles.

The platter is filled with fried tortilla strips simmered in red salsa, topped with chorizo, cheese and side of hash browns. Or another favorite is their three red Enchiladas filled with Mexican cheese and onion with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.

Follow the adventure at Fountain’s Food Adventures on Facebook and Instagram 10 | 400 LIFE | February 2021

It has only been a couple of weeks and this year is certainly looking to be as unpredictable as 2020 was. Meanwhile our communities Best of Forsyth financial planner, David Fountain is at it again on a mission to uncover FoCo’s culinary favorites.

“Brunch is probably the best meal hands-down! With so many great options from an enhanced breakfast like eggs benedict, stuffed French toast, and slices of candied bacon – to a shrimp & grits, short rib hash, chicken & waffles or my favorite breakfast pizza!”

THE BEST OVER-ALL BRUNCH Never Enough Thyme (Halcyon)

OTHER FAVORITE BRUNCH SPOTS Favorite Traditional Brunch: Village Italian (Vickery Village) Favorite Brunch with Southern Flare: Tam’s Tupelo (Buford Rd/Hwy20)

WORTH THE DRIVE Most Romantic Brunch: Montaluce Winery & Restaurant (Dahlonega mountains)

BRUNCH AT THE HALCYON “Where Celebration Happens Freely” - the slogan of Halcyon, this idyllic 135-acre gathering place of next generation living, shopping and dining. In addition to Never Enough Thyme our Best Overall Brunch, we discovered three others Favorites that also deserve mentioning.

Favorite Tavern Brunch: Hobnob Favorite Seafood Brunch: Ocean & Acre Favorite Brunch with Mexican Spice: CT Cantina & Taqueria Favorite Brunch with Healthy Twist First Watch (across from The Collection)

You can read the complete brunch review, or reach David, at www.FountainsFoodAdventures.com.

Follow the “Food Adventure” on Facebook and Instagram.

Tastings made possible and Sponsored by

Music is an important component of wedding celebrations

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ew things set the mood of a wedding more effectively than music. Beautiful songs often are incorporated into wedding ceremonies, and romantic or upbeat songs intermingle to create a festive mix at receptions.

Playlists curated specifically for weddings can be found online to help couples narrow down their options. According to Wedding Forward, a wedding planning guide, wedding planning experts and modern couples agree that wedding playlists should be have a 60/40 split of classics and new wedding songs.

Music is a personal choice, but couples may benefit by considering who will be in attendance at their weddings. In so doing, couples can ensure the music played at their weddings reaches as many people as possible there: • Wedding processional song: The wedding processional is the moment the wedding party walks down the aisle. Music may be a traditional hymn, classical music or a favorite contemporary song.

• Bridal processional song: In many traditional wedding ceremonies, the bride walks down the aisle separately, with her father or both parents. She customarily will have a different song from the rest of the wedding party. While “Bridal Chorus/Wedding March” is a traditional choice, some brides may prefer a different tune.

• Wedding recessional song: Again, depending on the ceremo12 | 400 LIFE | February 2021

ny location and choices, the recessional may be a classical piece or a hymn. Some couples choose an upbeat song for their first official promenade as a married couple.

• Wedding party entrance song: Couples can ask their music vendor to put together the majority of the songs for their reception, but they may want to choose their own wedding party entrance. This song typically is a fast-paced, upbeat song that gets the crowd pumping and ready for a fun night. Think “Dynamite”

by Taio Cruz or “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake.

• First dance: The first dance song is another personal choice for the couple. Slow songs traditionally are chosen, but couples who want something a little different have increasingly selected faster songs and paired them with rehearsed choreography.

“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran has become a popular first dance song.

• Other songs: Couples also will select songs to complement dances with their parents, cake cutting, garter toss, and any other special traditions or moments. They also can make requests to include songs of different eras to appeal to guests of all ages.

Music is an important component of wedding celebrations and deserves some extra consideration to ensure everyone has a great time while cutting a rug.

Throw a safe bachelor or bachelorette party The concensus from public health professionals around the world is to maintain continued social distancing to help prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus. Various events have been modified due to the pandemic, and weddings and bachelor/ bachelorette parties have proven no exception.

Couples may need to make certain changes to traditional gatherings like bachelor and bachelorette parties to stay safe. Even if gathering with your wedding party is doable, you may have to think outside the box when it comes to how to enjoy these last hoorahs before the wedding.

Host it outdoors The likelihood of spreading respiratory viruses like COVID-19 is greatly reduced in outdoor settings where respiratory droplets are more likely to be dispersed rather than concentrated. Restaurants and bars still offer outdoor seating options in many areas, and an intimate gathering for food and drinks outside can be a low-key way to spend an evening.

Try an ‘extreme’ activity Weekend travel has become a standard option for many bachelor and bachelorette parties. But travel restrictions or personal health preferences may mean it’s not prudent to take a trip to Las Vegas or Cancœn. Booking activities that are a little edgy can add some adventure to the festivities if travel is a nonstarter. Some amusement parks are still open, so an evening of riding zero-gravity coasters or freefall bungee jumps could satisfy everyone’s adventurous side. Race tracks offer tourist options where novices can take high-speed spins around the course. When traveling in small groups, these activities can be possible.

Virtual karaoke In-person karaoke nights may be unavailable, but there’s a bevy of online sing-a-long apps that enable participants to sing with backing tracks either for solo performances or with others — even people around the world. Each member of the bachelorette or bachelor party can download the same app and then sing together. Laugh along to renditions of classic tunes or modern favorites.

Celebrate at home It may not seem as glamorous as a night out, but home cocktail parties can be customized. Hire a mixologist to whip up special drinks for the occasion. Caterers may be available to cook personalized meals in your home, providing lessons along the way.

Dos and don’ts of caring for wedding and engagement rings

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ewelry is a key component of weddings. The financial resource CreditDonkey notes that, in the United States, the average amount spent on an engagement ring is $5,500, while Canadians spend an average of $3,500.

Jewelry costs can add up, especially when adding in the cost of wedding bands, which can cost as much as $1,000. The cost of jewelry only underscores the importance of learning how to care for it and preserve its value.

The best way to maintain jewelry depends on the makeup of the rings. The online jewelry guide Jewelry Notes says gold rings without gemstones can be cleaned effectively with only soap and water. Simply prepare a solution of lukewarm water and mild dish soap in a small bowl. Soak the rings for 20 to 30 minutes. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean the jewelry of dirt. Rinse the residue under clean water.

Rings with diamonds can be treated similarly with a mild soap-andwater solution. The Diamond Information Center also says to soak the diamond ring in equal parts cold water and ammonia for half an hour and let it air dry. Brand name jewelry cleaner also is another good option. This method only should be used with diamonds; ammonia can’t be used with other gemstones.

Maintaining jewelry also should include twice yearly visits to a jeweler who can check the prongs and make sure the setting is not loose; otherwise, the diamond can become dislodged, according to Martha Stewart Weddings.

Avoid touching diamonds and other gemstones as much as possible when putting rings on and taking them off. Precious stones often are magnets for dust, dirt and body oil, according to Taylor Lanore, diamond consultant and engagement ring designer for Lauren B. Fine Jewelry and Diamonds. Grab the ring by the band.

Use discretion when wearing rings while engaging in hands-on activities. Activities like cleaning dishes, moving furniture, gardening, or diving through waves at the beach warrant caution; otherwise, you risk damaging or making jewelry unnecessarily dirty. Store the ring in a safe location until you can safely wear it again.

One of the most important steps to safeguard wedding and engagement rings is to insure the jewelry. The description of the ring, its cut, carat weight, metal, and other information offered through a certified independent jewelry appraisal will be needed to insure the ring. Take a close-up photo of the jewelry as well. Other items like laser inscription or a home security system can qualify jewelry owners for discounts on insurance. Consumers also can add a jewelry rider to a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.

These are some ways to care for wedding jewelry. Always consult with a jeweler before attempting to clean items made of various materials.

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Couples need to carefully consider which guests will be extended the option to bring a “plus one” to the wedding.

‘Plus one’ etiquette for wedding guests Making a wedding guest list is seldom an easy task. Couples often find that many people are worthy of an invitation, which can make creating a guest list tricky for those with budgets in mind.

According to data from the online wedding resource The Knot, the average wedding catering cost per guest is roughly $70. However, catering costs will vary depending on the reception venue, the number of guests, the foods chosen, and the region of the country where the wedding takes place.

When creating their guest lists, couples may wonder if they have to offer all guests the option of bringing a “plus one” to the occasion.

As with other wedding day etiquette questions, the plus one concept is not set in stone.

Any guest who is married It’s typically standard to invite a couple as a whole to the wedding, even if you’ve never met the spouse. This often comes up when inviting work friends, according to Vogue magazine. Even if you have never interacted with a coworker’s spouse, etiquette dictates that all married guests be allowed to bring their spouses along.

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Any guest who is engaged or is in a serious long-term relationship It can be challenging to know the relationship status of everyone who will be invited to the wedding, but chances are you’ll have a good idea of those people closest to you. Include a plus one for guests who are engaged or in long-term relationships.

Consider guests who may not know others Weddings often are times when childhood friends reconnect, or people who haven’t seen each other in a while come together. If there’s a good chance someone who is single and is invited to the wedding may not know anyone else there except the couple, extend a plus one as a courtesy.

Include the wedding party All members of the wedding party should be offered the option of bringing a date to the wedding.

Apart from these guidelines, couples can establish any other rules, such as no plus ones for guests under a certain age or those who are not in serious relationships.

The Knot also says it is polite to find out who the plus one will be so that wedding reception seating cards include that person’s name instead of “and guest.”

400 reads

I love reading, and with the recent holiday season, I have been able to enjoy books that have been on my list for months. I will admit, none of those books had anything to do with weddings. I am in a reading season in my life when my interests lean toward historical and political non-fiction, so this month’s theme was a good opportunity to expand beyond my current mindset. For wedding fans of all ages, I have included three books that revolve around the celebration of marriage. Two of the books are fiction and include the prerequisite happily-ever-after endings. The third book is non-fiction and focuses on two of the most important aspects of any wedding celebration, the dress.

It is not a spoiler to state that The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory will have a happy ending.

In fact, it is a component of traditional romance novels, which lets readers get caught up in the story and the characters with only love awaiting them at the end.

Jasmine Guillory includes some other romance troupes, a “meetcute,” ongoing miscommunication, and even some angst, but she does so in a way that feels fresh and modern.

Drew is headed to a wedding without a date, when fate intervenes, and his elevator gets stuck. The only other passenger in the elevator, Alexa, eventually agrees to attend the wedding with Drew as his fake girlfriend. The comedy and romance grow from that moment on.

This is an “open-door” romance, which means there are some steamy sections. This is the perfect quick read that will give you a respite from reality without requiring too much thinking.

The Grace Kelly Dress by Brenda Janowitz could be mistaken as a traditional romance novel, but there are more layers at work in this novel.

Brenda Janowitz is able to weave several love stories into her book, two of those are specifically marriage related, but she also focuses on relationships between friends and family.

The novel has three main characters and is told in alternating chapters, the storylines come together slowly, and you are able to get a full understanding of the characters and their relationships. The first chapter introduces Rocky, a modern bride who is not traditional and dreads wearing the dress that has been passed down by her grandmother and mother.

Joanie is a bride who is hyper focused on wearing the dress that her mother wore, so much so that the other parts of the wedding and marriage become secondary. Rose, is a dressmaker in Paris who is not focused on her own wedding, but rather creating couture dresses for her wealthy clients. The Grace Kelly Dress is a fun read, which examines the family we have and those who become our family.

with

Becky Cahill

In a nod to my current non-fiction addiction, I included a book that I found thoughtful and stimulating, even though the history of wedding attire is not in my wheelhouse.

The Way We Wed: A Global History of Wedding Fashion by Kimberly ChrismanCampbell examines the importance of the clothing associated with wedding celebrations.

Chrisman-Campbell presents research and images that guide the reader through the meaning of different pieces of attire, as well as the importance placed on the weddings of the rich and famous.

The focus of this book is not on the marriage or the ceremony itself, but rather the reason that certain fashion choices were seen as crucial and how those choices changed over the centuries.

This book would be of interest to readers with a love of weddings, but also to those who are interested in the history of social conventions.

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Becky Cahill is a career educator and an avid reader. She reads extensively in her free time and you can follow along on Instagram at beckycahill25.

February 2021 | 400 LIFE | 15

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