Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 8
Bouquet Bravado Brides have been carrying bouquets for hundreds of years. In ancient times, bridal bouquets generally consisted of garlic, herbs and spices to keep evil spirits away. By Victorian times, fresh flowers had replaced the garlic, herbs and spices, and many of these flowers carried special meanings, like innocence, faith and love. Floriography, the language of flowers, continues to this day, with some brides researching flower meanings and basing their bouquet selections on those meanings. Floriography isn’t the only trend in bridal bouquets. There are many others. Here is a brief review.
Bridal bouquets are traditionally pale in color, but today’s brides are branching out and choosing bolder colors, like burgundy, red and purple. Bouquet color schemes can be monochromatic— all shades of purple, for example—or complementary. With bouquets getting brighter, they have become a real feature in wedding photography, in particular black and white photography with selective coloring. Roses remain a bridal bouquet standard, but other flowers are starting to make their way into the mix. Daisies, hydrangeas, lilies, peonies and tulips are popular choices, as are orchids.
Many brides, in fact, are asking for more tropical flowers in their bouquets, either because of their theme or for a unique twist. While cascades of flowers were once the norm in bridal bouquets, many brides today are opting to take a simpler route. Hand-tied bouquets are a popular choice. With the flowers gathered together and wrapped in ribbon, the bouquets are easier to handle and have a contemporary look to them. While today’s bridal bouquets might be somewhat simpler in design, brides can still add some dazzle to them with beads, crystals, feathers, pearls, sequins
and other accessories. Brides with themed weddings can take it a step further and incorporate extra special touches into their bouquets, like miniature seashells, pinecones or butterflies. Bouquets featuring vintage brooches are also becoming popular. Bridal bouquets can run the gamut from the traditional all-white hand-tied rose bouquet drenched in crystals to the sassy gold, red and purple bouquet cuffed by feathers. It is up to the bride how she wants her bouquet to be. Brides should check out some samples, talk to their florist and select a bouquet design that speaks to them.
VALENTINE'S DAY BLOWOUT 30%-40% off
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Special Price Merchandise Excluded
25% OFF Sale Good Thru February 15, 2014
2516 Northbridge Mall • Albert Lea, MN • 507-377-8515 Custom Designs • Diamonds & Precious Gems • Full Service Jeweler Since 1988
OPEN: Monday-Friday 10 to 9, Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday 12 to 5
Wedding Guide
2014
A Couple's Guide to Planning the Perfect Wedding! A Special Supplement To THE FREEBORN CO. SHOPPER February 11, 2014
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 2
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 7
Save-the-Date Card Etiquette
Did You Know? Symbolic gestures are commonplace during wedding ceremonies. The exchange of rings, stomping on a glass and lighting of candles are each among the various traditions associated with different faiths. Couples who would like to try something a bit different can opt for pouring sand. Choose two different colored sands and decorative vessels that can hold the sand until a special time in the ceremony. You also
will need another large, clear container that will contain the sand once it is poured. A glass vase or heart-shaped vessel works well. To symbolize the joining of two lives together, both the bride and
groom can take one of the colors of sand and begin pouring them together into the larger container. The ribbons of sand will join and meld together, much as the couple's separate lives will now
Stay with us for your Wedding & Special Events
Come Out for a Free Fun Afternoon with Your Sweetheart 2-4 pm
Couples Day Sat., Feb. 15 • Fun Trivia & Competitions • Prizes & Food
Plus we can show you how to get the body & skin you want for your wedding!
www.americinn.com
Mention This Ad For Group Discounts
Nutrition
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Many couples ďŹ nd that tradition reigns supreme when planning weddings. Certain traditions, such as fathers walking their daughters down the aisle and grooms sharing a dance with their mothers at the reception, are moments to cherish. Though such traditions have withstood the test of time, couples still have some opportunities to embrace relatively recent traditions. One such recent tradition is the savethe-date card, a precursor to wedding invitations that simply lets guests know when the wedding is so they can clear their calendars and be there on a couple's big day. While save-the-date cards are best kept simple, there are a few rules couples
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of all ages can see the cards. So while cards can be light-hearted, they should still be family-friendly. For example, photos of the bride- and groom-to-be decked out in swimsuits should be avoided.
* Don't overdo it with information. Savethe-date cards don't need to include as much information as the more formal invitations, which tend to include information about the ceremony, reception, hotel, directions, and other relevant wedding details. A save-the-date card only needs to include the date of the wedding, including the month, day and year so guests are not confused if the cards are going out well in advance of the wedding day. Couples can include a link to their wedding Web site on the backs of their save-the-date cards, * Keep things appropriate. Save-the-date which makes it easier for guests to learn cards need not be as formal as wedding more details about the wedding without invitations, but they should still be approinundating them with information too priate. Guests often keep save-the-date early. cards on their refrigerators, where people MJLF )FJEFNBO ÄŠ .JLF 5SZUUFO ÄŠ NJLFTQIPUPCPPUI!ZBIPP DPN
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* Finalize the guest list before sending save-the-date cards. Couples must ďŹ nalize their guest lists before sending their savethe-date cards. Doing so avoids the potentially messy situation that would no doubt arise if a person were to receive a save-thedate card but then not make the ďŹ nal guest list. Trimming the guest list often comes down to ďŹ nances, so couples also want to agree on their budget before sending out their save-the-date cards. Once the guest list has been ďŹ nalized, couples can send out their save-the-date cards as soon as possible.
* ConďŹ rm addresses. Couples should conďŹ rm their loved ones' addresses before mailing any save-the-date cards. This can be easily accomplished by sending mass emails to friends and family members or contacting individuals via private messages sent on social media sites. Postage to send save-the-date cards can be costly, especially for couples with large guest lists. ConďŹ rming addresses can save couples money on potentially wasted postage should the cards be returned because they were sent to the wrong address. In addition, conďŹ rming addresses ensures everyone gets their cards and no one feels left out when relatives receive cards and they don't because a couple did not have their correct address.
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should follow before sending their cards out to loved ones.
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become one. The ďŹ nished sand art can be kept on a mantle as a remembrance of the wedding day for years to come.
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Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 6
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 3
Twelve to Eighteen Months ❏ Set the date ❏ Determine wedding budget ❏ Select wedding site ❏ Select officiant(s) ❏ Select & reserve a reception site ❏ Choose a caterer ❏ Select ceremony musicians ❏ Select reception entertainment ❏ Choose attendants ❏ Choose ushers and helpers ❏ Select photographer ❏ Select videographer ❏ Choose a wedding consultant Six to Twelve Months ❏ Choose wedding style and color scheme ❏ Decide on the size of the wedding ❏ Determine guest list ❏ Choose a florist ❏ Order your wedding dress ❏ Select & order bridesmaid dresses ❏ Confirm delivery date for dresses ❏ Update your passports, if needed ❏ Plan rehearsal/grooms
dinner with fiance & all parent Three to Six Months ❏ Purchase gifts for attendants & fiance ❏ Select men’s formal wear ❏ Choose reception decorations ❏ Reserve rented items ❏ Order invitations & announcements ❏ Select & order the wedding cake ❏ Purchase wedding bands ❏ Select a transportation service ❏ Plan the honeymoon, make reservations ❏ Register with bridal registries ❏ Arrange out-of-town guest accommodations ❏ Buy your trousseau ❏ Have mothers buy dresses ❏ Make wedding day salon appointment ❏ Have a complete physical exam One to Three Months ❏ Select wedding reception music ❏ Have final dressing fittings
Look Tan-Tastic
Day-Of Wedding Kit Essentials
Wedding Day Countdown ❏ Address wedding invitations ❏ Mail wedding invitations 4 to 6 weeks, no later than 3 weeks ❏ Get marriage license ❏ Confirm appointments & arrangements ❏ Confirm honeymoon arrangements ❏ Prepare and send newspaper announcement ❏ Make arrangements for parking, traffic Two Weeks ❏ Confirm details with photographer and videographer ❏ Pick up wedding rings (if engraved) ❏ Organize your trousseau and pack ❏ Purchase travelers checks ❏ Plan a seating arrangement for reception One Week ❏ Talk with caterer, give final guest count ❏ Have groom’s formal wear fitting ❏ Have groomsmen try on
and pick up their formal wear ❏ Confirm duties and time schedule with attendants and helpers ❏ Firm up any last minute arrangements for music, flowers, cake Your Wedding Day ❏ Bring your wedding guide for important names & phone numbers ❏ Stay calm and enjoy, this is your wedding day!
Aspirin (or pain reliever of choice) Band-Aids Bottle of water Chalk (to cover up smudges on wedding dress) Clear nail polish (for stocking runs) Corsage pins Dental floss/toothpicks Eye drops Extra earring backs Extra panty hose Hair pins/ponytail holder Hand towelettes Hem tape Matches
Mini sewing kit Safety pins Scotch tape Sedatives (don't ask!) Small folding scissors Smelling salts (while we don't expect anyone to faint, it has been known to happen) Spot remover Static-cling spray Straws (so the bride can stay hydrated without messing up her lipstick) Tissues Tweezers Matron or maid of honor essentials for the bride:
Breath mints/spray Cellular phone Comb/brush Cash (because you never know) Hair spray Linen handkerchief Makeup (for touch-ups) Mirror Nail file Perfume Tampons/sanitary napkins Optional Items: Granola bars or other easy-to-carry snacks, Sunblock, Krazy Glue (for nail fixes, shoe heels, decorations, even jewels)
on your special day!
• 12 min. • 15 min. • 20 min. • Red Light • Airbrush Find Your Honeymoon • Hydro Look • Lotions New BoinutOiqurue
ETC Etcetera
Tanning & Clothing e
outiqu B 1663 W. Main Albert Lea Skyline Plaza 507-377-TANS (8267)
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Stay with us for your Wedding & Special Events
Nutrition
Hot Breakfast
105 N. Broadway | Albert Lea | 507-402-8555
Keurig Coffee
Want to have a great body and glowing skin for your wedding and honeymoon? Come & Let Us Show You How to Make Yours Even Better! We all want to feel confident for our big day, we can help you achieve that inner and outer beauty. Plus, contact us for information on a fun and glamorous spa party for you and your bridesmaids!
Groom ✓ Dress ✓
Body ...
Look your Best In Your Dress with help from Anytime Fitness!
Free Enrollment, One Free Month & One Free Personal Training Session for the Happy Couple to Be. See Store for Details.
2508 Bridge Ave. • Albert Lea Northbridge Mall • 507-377-8451
Pillow-Top Beds Meeting Room
Mention This Ad For Group Discounts
821 East Plaza St., Albert Lea, MN (507) 373-4000
For your special day, choose the
American Legion
Post 56 *Dance Floor & Stage available *Linens & Select Decor *Meals to Fit any budget, Buffet or Served *Full-sized, event only bar
Call Jenny at
507-373-7993 142 N. Broadway • Albert Lea
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 4
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 5
Wedding Dress Silhouettes Few wardrobe decisions are scrutinized as much as a bride-to-be's choice of wedding gown. Finding the perfect gown that flatters the future bride's figure while stunning her guests and soon-to-be husband is a labor of love for many brides. The Bridal Association of America estimates a bride-to-be will spend between $1,500 and $2,000 total on her gown, veil and accessories. Brides often spend months, if not years, shoping for the right gown. Finding the right gown means having an understanding of what silhouettes are available and what flatters certain body types. After all, you want to look like the best version of yourself when
getting married. Here is a look of some of the common types of gown silhouettes and why choosing this shape might be right for you. BALLGOWN A ballgown dress is truly a classic style, evoking images of fairy tale princesses. With a fitted bodice and full skirt that flairs at the waist, this silhouette is usually good for all body types. Because the full skirt, typically poofed-up by crinoline and will hide the hips and thighs, women with a pear shape might gravitate toward this style. The ballgown style may not be ideal for petite women, as the skirt may over-
more form-fitting may select a trumpet silhouette. This dress is fitted through the body and then the gown flares out at midthigh level. Women with taught stomachs and hourglass figures can benefit from this style gown, but those who do not want anything tight in the hips and thighs will want to select something else.
whelm their figures. A-LINE Another silhouette very forgiving or appropriate for many body types is the A-line gown. A-line cut dresses should be the go-to style for anyone looking to minimize perceived flaws. The cut of the dress will fit to the waist and gradually fan out from the hips to form the outline of an uppercase "A." When in doubt, A-line gowns are classic and sensible and a favorite among brides.
MERMAID A bit more fitted than the trumpet, this silhouette is close to the body from the chest down to the knee. The skirt then flares out slightly by the knee. Tall, thin women generally look best in this type of gown.
TRUMPET Women who prefer something a little
Pre-Booking
MODIFIED A-LINE
A balance between a traditional A-line and a more fitted gown, the modified A-line does not flare out as much. But it does flare out enough from the waist to hide areas around the hips and thighs. This is another good choice for a wide array of figures. TEA LENGTH Brides who do not want a gown that reaches the floor can opt for a tea length dress, on which the skirt generally falls between the ankle and the knee. SHEATH Lean brides who want simplicity in their
gowns can opt for a sheath silhouette. The narrow shape of the gown from the neckline to the hem will definitely accentuate the body shape. Therefore, women who are shy may want to select a different option. Petite women who may be overwhelmed by more fabric can usually wear a sheath gown with success. Although a bride may have a wedding gown style in mind, it is a good idea to try on a number of different silhouettes to find the one that is most flattering. Bridal salon employees are usually wellversed in matching body type to a gown and can prove invaluable when selecting a dress.
see us for more
Custom Framing Ideas Custom Picture Framing Downtown • Albert Lea • 377-0848
Register Your 2014 Calendar Year Wedding by March 31 and Receive
Special
40off
$
Each Tux Rental And
A FREE Grooms Tux Valid with wedding party of 6 or more. See store for details.
For Booking Information Call 507-461-1387 204 2nd St. SW, Waseca, MN
Leutholds
Complete Tux Packages Starting at $99
Men’s & Ladies Fine Apparel
Northbridge Mall, Albert Lea, MN (507) 373-3142
Investing in Your Future Checking/Savings Online Banking Online Bill Pay Retirement Accounts Health Savings Home Loans Home Equity
Home Improvement Auto Loans Personal Loans Debit Cards Safe Deposit Boxes Business Loans Senior Club & More
Hours: M-F 10:00 to 5:00 Sat 10:00 to 4:00 Walk-ins Welcome!
Full Service Banking! Excellent Customer Service – Locally Owned
55 Main St., Easton, MN 56025 Albert Lea 437 Bridge • 373-1481
“We’re Here to Grow With You” www.securitybankmn.com
Emmons 201 Main St. • 297-5461
Inc.
507-787-2211 www.SilhouetteWedding.com
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 4
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 5
Wedding Dress Silhouettes Few wardrobe decisions are scrutinized as much as a bride-to-be's choice of wedding gown. Finding the perfect gown that flatters the future bride's figure while stunning her guests and soon-to-be husband is a labor of love for many brides. The Bridal Association of America estimates a bride-to-be will spend between $1,500 and $2,000 total on her gown, veil and accessories. Brides often spend months, if not years, shoping for the right gown. Finding the right gown means having an understanding of what silhouettes are available and what flatters certain body types. After all, you want to look like the best version of yourself when
getting married. Here is a look of some of the common types of gown silhouettes and why choosing this shape might be right for you. BALLGOWN A ballgown dress is truly a classic style, evoking images of fairy tale princesses. With a fitted bodice and full skirt that flairs at the waist, this silhouette is usually good for all body types. Because the full skirt, typically poofed-up by crinoline and will hide the hips and thighs, women with a pear shape might gravitate toward this style. The ballgown style may not be ideal for petite women, as the skirt may over-
more form-fitting may select a trumpet silhouette. This dress is fitted through the body and then the gown flares out at midthigh level. Women with taught stomachs and hourglass figures can benefit from this style gown, but those who do not want anything tight in the hips and thighs will want to select something else.
whelm their figures. A-LINE Another silhouette very forgiving or appropriate for many body types is the A-line gown. A-line cut dresses should be the go-to style for anyone looking to minimize perceived flaws. The cut of the dress will fit to the waist and gradually fan out from the hips to form the outline of an uppercase "A." When in doubt, A-line gowns are classic and sensible and a favorite among brides.
MERMAID A bit more fitted than the trumpet, this silhouette is close to the body from the chest down to the knee. The skirt then flares out slightly by the knee. Tall, thin women generally look best in this type of gown.
TRUMPET Women who prefer something a little
Pre-Booking
MODIFIED A-LINE
A balance between a traditional A-line and a more fitted gown, the modified A-line does not flare out as much. But it does flare out enough from the waist to hide areas around the hips and thighs. This is another good choice for a wide array of figures. TEA LENGTH Brides who do not want a gown that reaches the floor can opt for a tea length dress, on which the skirt generally falls between the ankle and the knee. SHEATH Lean brides who want simplicity in their
gowns can opt for a sheath silhouette. The narrow shape of the gown from the neckline to the hem will definitely accentuate the body shape. Therefore, women who are shy may want to select a different option. Petite women who may be overwhelmed by more fabric can usually wear a sheath gown with success. Although a bride may have a wedding gown style in mind, it is a good idea to try on a number of different silhouettes to find the one that is most flattering. Bridal salon employees are usually wellversed in matching body type to a gown and can prove invaluable when selecting a dress.
see us for more
Custom Framing Ideas Custom Picture Framing Downtown • Albert Lea • 377-0848
Register Your 2014 Calendar Year Wedding by March 31 and Receive
Special
40off
$
Each Tux Rental And
A FREE Grooms Tux Valid with wedding party of 6 or more. See store for details.
For Booking Information Call 507-461-1387 204 2nd St. SW, Waseca, MN
Leutholds
Complete Tux Packages Starting at $99
Men’s & Ladies Fine Apparel
Northbridge Mall, Albert Lea, MN (507) 373-3142
Investing in Your Future Checking/Savings Online Banking Online Bill Pay Retirement Accounts Health Savings Home Loans Home Equity
Home Improvement Auto Loans Personal Loans Debit Cards Safe Deposit Boxes Business Loans Senior Club & More
Hours: M-F 10:00 to 5:00 Sat 10:00 to 4:00 Walk-ins Welcome!
Full Service Banking! Excellent Customer Service – Locally Owned
55 Main St., Easton, MN 56025 Albert Lea 437 Bridge • 373-1481
“We’re Here to Grow With You” www.securitybankmn.com
Emmons 201 Main St. • 297-5461
Inc.
507-787-2211 www.SilhouetteWedding.com
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 6
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 3
Twelve to Eighteen Months ❏ Set the date ❏ Determine wedding budget ❏ Select wedding site ❏ Select officiant(s) ❏ Select & reserve a reception site ❏ Choose a caterer ❏ Select ceremony musicians ❏ Select reception entertainment ❏ Choose attendants ❏ Choose ushers and helpers ❏ Select photographer ❏ Select videographer ❏ Choose a wedding consultant Six to Twelve Months ❏ Choose wedding style and color scheme ❏ Decide on the size of the wedding ❏ Determine guest list ❏ Choose a florist ❏ Order your wedding dress ❏ Select & order bridesmaid dresses ❏ Confirm delivery date for dresses ❏ Update your passports, if needed ❏ Plan rehearsal/grooms
dinner with fiance & all parent Three to Six Months ❏ Purchase gifts for attendants & fiance ❏ Select men’s formal wear ❏ Choose reception decorations ❏ Reserve rented items ❏ Order invitations & announcements ❏ Select & order the wedding cake ❏ Purchase wedding bands ❏ Select a transportation service ❏ Plan the honeymoon, make reservations ❏ Register with bridal registries ❏ Arrange out-of-town guest accommodations ❏ Buy your trousseau ❏ Have mothers buy dresses ❏ Make wedding day salon appointment ❏ Have a complete physical exam One to Three Months ❏ Select wedding reception music ❏ Have final dressing fittings
Look Tan-Tastic
Day-Of Wedding Kit Essentials
Wedding Day Countdown ❏ Address wedding invitations ❏ Mail wedding invitations 4 to 6 weeks, no later than 3 weeks ❏ Get marriage license ❏ Confirm appointments & arrangements ❏ Confirm honeymoon arrangements ❏ Prepare and send newspaper announcement ❏ Make arrangements for parking, traffic Two Weeks ❏ Confirm details with photographer and videographer ❏ Pick up wedding rings (if engraved) ❏ Organize your trousseau and pack ❏ Purchase travelers checks ❏ Plan a seating arrangement for reception One Week ❏ Talk with caterer, give final guest count ❏ Have groom’s formal wear fitting ❏ Have groomsmen try on
and pick up their formal wear ❏ Confirm duties and time schedule with attendants and helpers ❏ Firm up any last minute arrangements for music, flowers, cake Your Wedding Day ❏ Bring your wedding guide for important names & phone numbers ❏ Stay calm and enjoy, this is your wedding day!
Aspirin (or pain reliever of choice) Band-Aids Bottle of water Chalk (to cover up smudges on wedding dress) Clear nail polish (for stocking runs) Corsage pins Dental floss/toothpicks Eye drops Extra earring backs Extra panty hose Hair pins/ponytail holder Hand towelettes Hem tape Matches
Mini sewing kit Safety pins Scotch tape Sedatives (don't ask!) Small folding scissors Smelling salts (while we don't expect anyone to faint, it has been known to happen) Spot remover Static-cling spray Straws (so the bride can stay hydrated without messing up her lipstick) Tissues Tweezers Matron or maid of honor essentials for the bride:
Breath mints/spray Cellular phone Comb/brush Cash (because you never know) Hair spray Linen handkerchief Makeup (for touch-ups) Mirror Nail file Perfume Tampons/sanitary napkins Optional Items: Granola bars or other easy-to-carry snacks, Sunblock, Krazy Glue (for nail fixes, shoe heels, decorations, even jewels)
on your special day!
• 12 min. • 15 min. • 20 min. • Red Light • Airbrush Find Your Honeymoon • Hydro Look • Lotions New BoinutOiqurue
ETC Etcetera
Tanning & Clothing e
outiqu B 1663 W. Main Albert Lea Skyline Plaza 507-377-TANS (8267)
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Stay with us for your Wedding & Special Events
Nutrition
Hot Breakfast
105 N. Broadway | Albert Lea | 507-402-8555
Keurig Coffee
Want to have a great body and glowing skin for your wedding and honeymoon? Come & Let Us Show You How to Make Yours Even Better! We all want to feel confident for our big day, we can help you achieve that inner and outer beauty. Plus, contact us for information on a fun and glamorous spa party for you and your bridesmaids!
Groom ✓ Dress ✓
Body ...
Look your Best In Your Dress with help from Anytime Fitness!
Free Enrollment, One Free Month & One Free Personal Training Session for the Happy Couple to Be. See Store for Details.
2508 Bridge Ave. • Albert Lea Northbridge Mall • 507-377-8451
Pillow-Top Beds Meeting Room
Mention This Ad For Group Discounts
821 East Plaza St., Albert Lea, MN (507) 373-4000
For your special day, choose the
American Legion
Post 56 *Dance Floor & Stage available *Linens & Select Decor *Meals to Fit any budget, Buffet or Served *Full-sized, event only bar
Call Jenny at
507-373-7993 142 N. Broadway • Albert Lea
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 2
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 7
Save-the-Date Card Etiquette
Did You Know? Symbolic gestures are commonplace during wedding ceremonies. The exchange of rings, stomping on a glass and lighting of candles are each among the various traditions associated with different faiths. Couples who would like to try something a bit different can opt for pouring sand. Choose two different colored sands and decorative vessels that can hold the sand until a special time in the ceremony. You also
will need another large, clear container that will contain the sand once it is poured. A glass vase or heart-shaped vessel works well. To symbolize the joining of two lives together, both the bride and
groom can take one of the colors of sand and begin pouring them together into the larger container. The ribbons of sand will join and meld together, much as the couple's separate lives will now
Stay with us for your Wedding & Special Events
Come Out for a Free Fun Afternoon with Your Sweetheart 2-4 pm
Couples Day Sat., Feb. 15 • Fun Trivia & Competitions • Prizes & Food
Plus we can show you how to get the body & skin you want for your wedding!
www.americinn.com
Mention This Ad For Group Discounts
Nutrition
105 N. Broadway | Albert Lea | 507-402-8555
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811 East Plaza St., | Albert Lea, MN | (507) 373-4324
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Many couples ďŹ nd that tradition reigns supreme when planning weddings. Certain traditions, such as fathers walking their daughters down the aisle and grooms sharing a dance with their mothers at the reception, are moments to cherish. Though such traditions have withstood the test of time, couples still have some opportunities to embrace relatively recent traditions. One such recent tradition is the savethe-date card, a precursor to wedding invitations that simply lets guests know when the wedding is so they can clear their calendars and be there on a couple's big day. While save-the-date cards are best kept simple, there are a few rules couples
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of all ages can see the cards. So while cards can be light-hearted, they should still be family-friendly. For example, photos of the bride- and groom-to-be decked out in swimsuits should be avoided.
* Don't overdo it with information. Savethe-date cards don't need to include as much information as the more formal invitations, which tend to include information about the ceremony, reception, hotel, directions, and other relevant wedding details. A save-the-date card only needs to include the date of the wedding, including the month, day and year so guests are not confused if the cards are going out well in advance of the wedding day. Couples can include a link to their wedding Web site on the backs of their save-the-date cards, * Keep things appropriate. Save-the-date which makes it easier for guests to learn cards need not be as formal as wedding more details about the wedding without invitations, but they should still be approinundating them with information too priate. Guests often keep save-the-date early. cards on their refrigerators, where people MJLF )FJEFNBO ÄŠ .JLF 5SZUUFO ÄŠ NJLFTQIPUPCPPUI!ZBIPP DPN
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* Finalize the guest list before sending save-the-date cards. Couples must ďŹ nalize their guest lists before sending their savethe-date cards. Doing so avoids the potentially messy situation that would no doubt arise if a person were to receive a save-thedate card but then not make the ďŹ nal guest list. Trimming the guest list often comes down to ďŹ nances, so couples also want to agree on their budget before sending out their save-the-date cards. Once the guest list has been ďŹ nalized, couples can send out their save-the-date cards as soon as possible.
* ConďŹ rm addresses. Couples should conďŹ rm their loved ones' addresses before mailing any save-the-date cards. This can be easily accomplished by sending mass emails to friends and family members or contacting individuals via private messages sent on social media sites. Postage to send save-the-date cards can be costly, especially for couples with large guest lists. ConďŹ rming addresses can save couples money on potentially wasted postage should the cards be returned because they were sent to the wrong address. In addition, conďŹ rming addresses ensures everyone gets their cards and no one feels left out when relatives receive cards and they don't because a couple did not have their correct address.
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should follow before sending their cards out to loved ones.
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become one. The ďŹ nished sand art can be kept on a mantle as a remembrance of the wedding day for years to come.
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Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 11, 2014/Page 8
Bouquet Bravado Brides have been carrying bouquets for hundreds of years. In ancient times, bridal bouquets generally consisted of garlic, herbs and spices to keep evil spirits away. By Victorian times, fresh flowers had replaced the garlic, herbs and spices, and many of these flowers carried special meanings, like innocence, faith and love. Floriography, the language of flowers, continues to this day, with some brides researching flower meanings and basing their bouquet selections on those meanings. Floriography isn’t the only trend in bridal bouquets. There are many others. Here is a brief review.
Bridal bouquets are traditionally pale in color, but today’s brides are branching out and choosing bolder colors, like burgundy, red and purple. Bouquet color schemes can be monochromatic— all shades of purple, for example—or complementary. With bouquets getting brighter, they have become a real feature in wedding photography, in particular black and white photography with selective coloring. Roses remain a bridal bouquet standard, but other flowers are starting to make their way into the mix. Daisies, hydrangeas, lilies, peonies and tulips are popular choices, as are orchids.
Many brides, in fact, are asking for more tropical flowers in their bouquets, either because of their theme or for a unique twist. While cascades of flowers were once the norm in bridal bouquets, many brides today are opting to take a simpler route. Hand-tied bouquets are a popular choice. With the flowers gathered together and wrapped in ribbon, the bouquets are easier to handle and have a contemporary look to them. While today’s bridal bouquets might be somewhat simpler in design, brides can still add some dazzle to them with beads, crystals, feathers, pearls, sequins
and other accessories. Brides with themed weddings can take it a step further and incorporate extra special touches into their bouquets, like miniature seashells, pinecones or butterflies. Bouquets featuring vintage brooches are also becoming popular. Bridal bouquets can run the gamut from the traditional all-white hand-tied rose bouquet drenched in crystals to the sassy gold, red and purple bouquet cuffed by feathers. It is up to the bride how she wants her bouquet to be. Brides should check out some samples, talk to their florist and select a bouquet design that speaks to them.
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Wedding Guide
2014
A Couple's Guide to Planning the Perfect Wedding! A Special Supplement To THE FREEBORN CO. SHOPPER February 11, 2014