Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 27, 2018/Page 8
Unconventional Wedding Menu Ideas Taste reigns supreme at weddings featuring creative menus. Traditionally, one of the more memorable aspects of wedding receptions is the food. Whether it was fun, tasty or something entirely new for guests, food tends to leave a lasting impression. The experts at Boho Weddings say that, more than ever before, couples are seeking menu ideas that reflect their personalities as a couple as they seek to make a statement at their events. Celebrating with delicious, unique foods can make receptions that much more amazing.
Bite-sized bursts
Food trucks/carts
Tapas and a movement toward small bites has started to take hold at wedding receptions. Such a choice allows guests to try many different flavors without filling up too quickly. From sliders to mini grilled cheese to soup shots to bite-sized pizzas, many of these small bites feature flavors borrowed from familiar comfort foods — just presented on a miniature scale.
Outdoor weddings can be enhanced with the addition of trendy food trucks. These restaurants on wheels can inject burgers, sandwiches, international delights, crĂŞpes, noodles, and so many more flavors into a wedding.
Comfort stations and bars Couples who love comfort food can put it on display with a crostini station, a mashed potato bar, a chicken and waffles station, a gourmet popcorn snack station, or a ramen noodle bar.
High-end options Couples may want to give guests a taste of the lavish with olive oil and vinegar tasting stations, whiskey bars, French hors d'oeuvres, Kobe beef sliders, lobster tails, risotto stations, and more. Childhood favorites
couples opt to avoid or downplay wedding cakes in favor of something simpler. A cookie-and-milk bar, doughnut holes, soft pretzel stations, pie pops, or dessert shot jars push creativity and sweetness to new levels. Do-it-yourself dessert stations, such as s'more-making and ice cream sundae stations, also can be big hits. Couples are increasingly feeling less beholden to traditional wedding reception menus as they look to infuse their personal tastes into the foods they plan to serve their guests. Many catering managers and chefs welcome the chance to work with couples looking to create unique reception menus.
When it comes time for dessert, some
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1550 Blake Ave., Albert Lea, MN
507-377-2998
A S p e c i a l S u p p l e m e n t To T H E F R E E B O R N C O U N T Y S H O P P E R F e b r u a r y 2 7 , 2 0 1 8
DECORATIONS RENTALS DRESSES/TUXES SAVE THE DATE CARD FLORAL WEDDING REGISTRY
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 27, 2018/Page 2
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 27, 2018/Page 7
Wedding Transportation Trends Couples planning their weddings routinely rely on professional transportation to bring them to and from the ceremony and reception. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study 2016, roughly half of all engaged couples will hire a transportation service such as a limousine or party bus for their weddings. Wedding transportation options abound, and some are more popular than others. The following are some of the ways couples are getting to the altar on time. • Shuttles and buses: Investing in the guest experience means couples are seeking ways to provide comfort and convenience for their guests and wedding party members.
Rather than asking guests to get themselves to and fro, couples may employ buses or shuttles stocked with amenities to transport a greater number of people. The Real Weddings Study indicates this type of transport has grown considerably more popular in the last six years. • Exotic limousines: The chauffeur-driven limousine continues to be one of the most popular methods of transportation. However, to set their weddings apart, couples are trending away from traditional stretch limousines and renting something more trendy, such as limos built upon sports cars. SUV-based limos are still popular, with Hummers, Escalades and Navigators offering the wow factor.
Looking Beyond Gender for Modern Wedding Parties
• Vintage cars: For that A-list look right out of a classic movie, stepping out of a vintage vehicle creates red-carpet moments. Dream cars for this type of glamorous arrival and departure include Rolls Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin and others. Many private companies rent classic vehicles. Couples also may contract with those who attend classic car shows.
Couples are increasingly bucking longestablished trends to make weddings uniquely their own. One of today's more popular tradition-busting trends is not adhering to gender lines when couples select friends and family members for their wedding parties. Until recently, the vast majority of wedding couples selected members of the same sex to fill the roles needed for the ceremony and reception. For example, grooms would choose fellow males to serve as their groomsmen while brides choose other females for their bridal parties. The wedding resource The Knot says the days of having men on one side and women on the other are gone. Coed wedding parties enable brides
• Water transport: Couples celebrating by the ocean, a lake or a river can make a grand entrance aboard a vessel. Water taxis, pontoon boats and even sleek speedboats may be the transportation of choice. The Knot says that couples spend around 6.5 months researching their wedding day
Dawson Limousine
and grooms to have their favorite people by their side, regardless of gender. According to The Daily Mail, over the past year, weddings across Australia and other areas of the world have seen a rise in "groomswomen" and "bridesmen," blurring the lines of wedding traditions. Couples have often said that choosing whomever they desire to stand beside them during the wedding is more authentic than separating people simply because of gender. Take for example a groom-to-be who is especially close to his sister. Such siblings may serve as bridesmaids, but grooms may want to have their sisters by their sides on their big day.
Foregoing gender roles may make for a unique, customized wedding. However, it does create the question of what wedding party members will wear. Again, there are no firm rules, but coordination can make for better photos. A woman standing on the groom's side can coordinate with the color of the bridemaids dresses, but wear a different style. Or she can wear a dress that matches the color of the groomsmen's suits. A man standing with the bride can have accessories, such as tie, vest and pocket square, that match bridesmaid dresses.
Let Us Help You Make Your Wedding Reception PERFECT!
Contact Brad 507-402-0606
Weddings & Events 21573 45th St., Waldorf, MN 507-327-7047 www.jrsbarn.com
• Receptions & Dances • Seating For Up To 200 Guests • Unique Menu Selections • Large Dance Floor All the Best Value for Your Dollar Call for More Details Email: albertleaeagles@eagles2258.com
EAGLES
205 W. William, Albert Lea 373-1162
PARTY IN MOTION 402 Broad st Rolfe IA 50581
LICENSED INSURED DOT AUTH #2314884
For pricing and booking contact All busses have: Dan Brod 507-525-2176 Air conditioning Matt Welter 712-848-3295 Perimeter seating On Facebook Sound and light shows 6 to 50 passenger
partyinmotion.us
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wedding. However, couples can discuss their bridal parties to select people who they think might prefer couples adhere to tradition. Another possible snag is with bachelorette parties and bachelor parties. A solution to this dilemma may be to simply organize a getaway weekend for the entire bridal party, and not separate parties for each side. Couples are increasingly deviating from tradition for their weddings by looking beyond gender when picking wedding party members.
One of the areas where mixing and matching genders may get a tad sticky is with older, more traditional guests. They may not understand the freedom of choice in the
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transportation options and will make their decision and a reservation five months before their weddings. The more exotic the transportation option, the earlier couples should make their decisions to ensure they can book their first choice.
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1330 W. Main, Albert Lea, MN 507-377-2852
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Day-Of Wedding Kit Essentials Aspirin (or pain reliever of choice) Band-Aids Bottle of water, snacks 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 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 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: Assorted snacks, Sunblock, Krazy Glue (for nail fixes, shoe heels, decorations, even jewels)
FARM
LIFE
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 27, 2018/Page 6
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 27, 2018/Page 3
Choosing Wedding Color Palettes
Wedding Day Countdown 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
SKYLINE PLAZA 1741 W. Main St. Albert Lea, MN
507-369-5208
❏C onfirm delivery date for dresses ❏ Update your passports, if needed ❏ Plan rehearsal/grooms dinner with fiance & all parent Three to Six Months ❏P urchase 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
❏M ake wedding day salon appointment ❏ Have a complete physical exam One to Three Months ❏S elect wedding reception music ❏ Have final dressing fittings ❏ 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!
Some brides may feel beholden to the color white on their wedding days, at least in regard to their gowns. Those who do often embrace the opportunity to showcase their personal styles and set the mood for their nuptials by embracing various colors throughout their ceremonies and receptions. Color can be a critical component when establishing the ambiance for a wedding. Color can evoke certain moods and set the tone for the day. Some colors work better together than others, so while choosing a color scheme may seem like an easy undertaking, some couples may find it requires more careful consideration than they first imagined. According to the bridal guide A Practical Wedding, wedding colors can give couples a starting-off point for all of the other details of their weddings. This ensures the wedding ultimately has a cohesive look. Colors need not
necessarily match, but borrowing on similar hues can make it easier to plan wedding party wardrobes, flowers, table linens, and much more. Colors can come from anywhere, but many couples try to coordinate their color schemes with the season in which the wedding takes place. In fact, couples who are finding it difficult to decide on a palette can look to seasonal colors for inspiration. For example, pastels and blooming flowers can set the scene for spring weddings, while jewel tones and rich reds and greens may be fitting for winter ceremonies. Some couples opt for more loosely defined color palettes, such as neutral and natural colors. Country and garden weddings can borrow ideas from the landscape, with natural linens paired with wildflowers. Using whites, grays and beiges enables couples to add a pop of color without overwhelming the setting.
NORTHBRIDGE MALL 2536 Bridge Ave. Albert Lea, MN
507-373-1076
Professional Nails & Spa Services
10% OFF (Discount) ALL SERVICES
Bridal Parties Only – With Minimum $25 or More
Weddings of Impeccable
Taste
Let us design the perfect cake for your special day! Custom Cakes for All Occasions
CHIC SugarCake Designs 507-369-0272
1417 St. John Ave., Albert Lea, MN
www.sugarchiccakes.com
Looking for a Truly Unique & Memorable Wedding Venue Your entire weekend in one facility! • Courtyard Ceremony and/or Reception • Complimentary Suite for Wedding Couple • Decorating Services • Discounted Hotel Rates for your Guests • Event Coordinator Dedicated to Your Event Land Between The Lakes
EVENT CENTER
Call for a Tour Today 507-373-6471 2306 E. Main St., Albert Lea, MN
Groom ✓ Dress ✓
Body ...
Look your Best In Your Dress with help from Anytime Fitness!
Free Enrollment, One Free Month & FREE Tanning with Your Membership for the Happy Couple to Be! See Store for Details.
2508 Bridge Ave. • Albert Lea Northbridge Mall • 507-412-5020
On-Site Wedding Hair and Make-Up Formal Up-Do
$75
Flower Girls and Mothers
$40-$75 Make-Up
$30
Brides magazine suggests that couples avoid choosing too many colors. A maximum of three with one metallic can ensure that things look cohesive without being over-the-top. Also, brides and grooms needn’t feel pressured by the “hot” colors of the moment. As with clothing and hairstyles, trends change. It is better to select colors that will stand the test of time and look good for years to come. Couples may have to incorporate colors already at their wedding venues into their style. Fortunately many reception sites are outfitted in neutral tones to enable customization. Having a basic knowledge of the color wheel can help. Typically, colors that pair well together are those that are opposites on the color wheel. Also, colors that share proximity on the color wheel will have similar tones and play well together. Examples of opposite colors include purples and yellows, reds and greens, and oranges and blues. Couples should not be afraid to take some chances with their color palettes, especially if they want to make a bold and modern statement.
Have the Beautiful Rustic Wedding You’ve Always Dreamed Of
Booking Now for 2019 & 2020 Weddings and Receptions
$10
fabulous • Look with a custom air brush tan.
• Be flawless with Red Light Therapy.
ETC Etcetera
Tanning & Clothingue
outiq B Albert Lea Skyline Plaza
507-377-TANS (8267)
1663 W. Main
A Gift Suggestion from Clothing Care
Wedding Gown Preservation*
Make the most important garment of your life last for years to come. Bring In This Ad For 10% Off
Trust Your Wedding Dress To Us! See us before the wedding to have all bridal attire pressed.
Mileage Fee
507-377-2249
• G et sunkissed in a 10, 12, 15 or 20 minute bed.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Lashes
2211 E. Main St. Albert Lea, MN
Weddings are beautiful... your skin should be too!
C
Your full service dry cleaners & launderers.
504 Lake Chapeau Dr., Albert Lea, MN
507-383-8878
www.thebarnofchapeaushores.com info@thebarnofchapeaushores.com
“The Professionals”
lothing 116 S. Washington, Albert Lea, MN are 373-2318 enter Mon.-Fri. 6:00-5:30, Sat. Closed
Locally Owned & Operated by Robin Carstens
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 27, 2018/Page 4
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 27, 2018/Page 5
Wedding Costs, What to Expect Newly engaged couples may experience an array of emotions when they sit down to plan their weddings. Some couples cannot wait to jump into planning and want to catalog every aspect of the process, while others may proceed with caution because they don’t know what to expect — particularly in regard to cost.
Many couples find it difficult to create their wedding budgets because they have no previous experience to draw on. The average wedding cost in the United States is $26,720, with most people spending between $20,000 and $34,000. Such costs can vary greatly depending on couples’ preferences, including
where they hope to tie the knot. By breaking down wedding expenses, couples can get a clearer picture of how much they may need to pay for their weddings and where they may need to cut costs. • Reception site: Couples can expect their receptions to eat up
the largest chunk of their wedding budgets. Some reception sites combine the room cost with the food and beverage costs, while others have à la carte fees. • Cake: Wedding cakes tend to be multitiered intricate designs, wedding dessert will come in around $390.
• Music: Wedding bands in general cost twice as much as hiring a deejay. Soloists or ceremony musicians cost vary. • Wedding planner: Many couples employ wedding planners to make planning their weddings easier. Wedding planners cost an average of $1,300.
• Transportation: Limousines and other transportation prices vary depending on the vehicle(s) couples choose. Budgeting $400 and $500 for transportation might be wise.
according to the Association of Bridal Consultants.
• Wedding gown: Brides-to-be should expect their gowns to cost around $1,100 and the veil or headpiece to be roughly $120,
The smaller details, such as accessories, gifts, officiant fees, stationery, spa services, and
• Photography and Video: Preserving wedding day memories costs will vary for video and photography services.
favors can quickly add up as well. Couples should be sure to leave some wiggle room in their budgets for incidental expenses that may pop up. Check around the area you live in for pricing and referrals on your local wedding vendors. This will help you in planning your perfect wedding.
wedding budget
Estimated Actual
For All Your Floral Needs
Paid Due
Tell us your dream & we’ll handle the details
Wedding Announcements Save-The-Dates Wedding Invitations & RSVP's Thank-Yous Postage Rings Photographer (Wedding & Engagement) Videographer Rehearsal Dinner Food/Caterer Beverages/Liquor Cake & Cake Topper Bride’s Dress & Veil Alterations Bride’s Hair & Make-Up Accessories/Shoes Grooms Tux Flowers Rentals Decorations Transportation Reception Site Fee Church Fees/Officiant Entertainment/Musicians/DJ Attendants Gifts Marriage License Honeymoon Wedding Programs Favors Other
Totals
Announce Your Engagement, Wedding Dance and More in the
Accents
Jolene Bute - Owner/Designer 155 S. Broadway • Alden, MN 507-874-3425
Freeborn County Shopper $18 • $28 • $43 1x1 • 1x2 • 1x3 Sizes Deadline Friday at Noon for the Following Tuesday Publication
Stop In at 110 Pearl St. in Albert Lea 507-373-1310
Inc.
55 Main St., Easton, MN 56025
507-787-2211
Hours: M-F 10:00 to 5:00 • Sat 10:00 to 4:00 Walk-ins Welcome!
Ask us about our FREE Alterations
www.SilhouetteWedding.com
Here’s a Party Just Waiting to Happen Tents Tables/ Chairs Glassware
Flatware Linens Decorating And More!
Mankato: (800) 322-0072 New Prague: (952) 758-5715 1707 Madison Ave. 56001 Jct. Hwy. 13 & 19, 5607
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 27, 2018/Page 4
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 27, 2018/Page 5
Wedding Costs, What to Expect Newly engaged couples may experience an array of emotions when they sit down to plan their weddings. Some couples cannot wait to jump into planning and want to catalog every aspect of the process, while others may proceed with caution because they don’t know what to expect — particularly in regard to cost.
Many couples find it difficult to create their wedding budgets because they have no previous experience to draw on. The average wedding cost in the United States is $26,720, with most people spending between $20,000 and $34,000. Such costs can vary greatly depending on couples’ preferences, including
where they hope to tie the knot. By breaking down wedding expenses, couples can get a clearer picture of how much they may need to pay for their weddings and where they may need to cut costs. • Reception site: Couples can expect their receptions to eat up
the largest chunk of their wedding budgets. Some reception sites combine the room cost with the food and beverage costs, while others have à la carte fees. • Cake: Wedding cakes tend to be multitiered intricate designs, wedding dessert will come in around $390.
• Music: Wedding bands in general cost twice as much as hiring a deejay. Soloists or ceremony musicians cost vary. • Wedding planner: Many couples employ wedding planners to make planning their weddings easier. Wedding planners cost an average of $1,300.
• Transportation: Limousines and other transportation prices vary depending on the vehicle(s) couples choose. Budgeting $400 and $500 for transportation might be wise.
according to the Association of Bridal Consultants.
• Wedding gown: Brides-to-be should expect their gowns to cost around $1,100 and the veil or headpiece to be roughly $120,
The smaller details, such as accessories, gifts, officiant fees, stationery, spa services, and
• Photography and Video: Preserving wedding day memories costs will vary for video and photography services.
favors can quickly add up as well. Couples should be sure to leave some wiggle room in their budgets for incidental expenses that may pop up. Check around the area you live in for pricing and referrals on your local wedding vendors. This will help you in planning your perfect wedding.
wedding budget
Estimated Actual
For All Your Floral Needs
Paid Due
Tell us your dream & we’ll handle the details
Wedding Announcements Save-The-Dates Wedding Invitations & RSVP's Thank-Yous Postage Rings Photographer (Wedding & Engagement) Videographer Rehearsal Dinner Food/Caterer Beverages/Liquor Cake & Cake Topper Bride’s Dress & Veil Alterations Bride’s Hair & Make-Up Accessories/Shoes Grooms Tux Flowers Rentals Decorations Transportation Reception Site Fee Church Fees/Officiant Entertainment/Musicians/DJ Attendants Gifts Marriage License Honeymoon Wedding Programs Favors Other
Totals
Announce Your Engagement, Wedding Dance and More in the
Accents
Jolene Bute - Owner/Designer 155 S. Broadway • Alden, MN 507-874-3425
Freeborn County Shopper $18 • $28 • $43 1x1 • 1x2 • 1x3 Sizes Deadline Friday at Noon for the Following Tuesday Publication
Stop In at 110 Pearl St. in Albert Lea 507-373-1310
Inc.
55 Main St., Easton, MN 56025
507-787-2211
Hours: M-F 10:00 to 5:00 • Sat 10:00 to 4:00 Walk-ins Welcome!
Ask us about our FREE Alterations
www.SilhouetteWedding.com
Here’s a Party Just Waiting to Happen Tents Tables/ Chairs Glassware
Flatware Linens Decorating And More!
Mankato: (800) 322-0072 New Prague: (952) 758-5715 1707 Madison Ave. 56001 Jct. Hwy. 13 & 19, 5607
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 27, 2018/Page 6
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 27, 2018/Page 3
Choosing Wedding Color Palettes
Wedding Day Countdown 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
SKYLINE PLAZA 1741 W. Main St. Albert Lea, MN
507-369-5208
❏C onfirm delivery date for dresses ❏ Update your passports, if needed ❏ Plan rehearsal/grooms dinner with fiance & all parent Three to Six Months ❏P urchase 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
❏M ake wedding day salon appointment ❏ Have a complete physical exam One to Three Months ❏S elect wedding reception music ❏ Have final dressing fittings ❏ 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!
Some brides may feel beholden to the color white on their wedding days, at least in regard to their gowns. Those who do often embrace the opportunity to showcase their personal styles and set the mood for their nuptials by embracing various colors throughout their ceremonies and receptions. Color can be a critical component when establishing the ambiance for a wedding. Color can evoke certain moods and set the tone for the day. Some colors work better together than others, so while choosing a color scheme may seem like an easy undertaking, some couples may find it requires more careful consideration than they first imagined. According to the bridal guide A Practical Wedding, wedding colors can give couples a starting-off point for all of the other details of their weddings. This ensures the wedding ultimately has a cohesive look. Colors need not
necessarily match, but borrowing on similar hues can make it easier to plan wedding party wardrobes, flowers, table linens, and much more. Colors can come from anywhere, but many couples try to coordinate their color schemes with the season in which the wedding takes place. In fact, couples who are finding it difficult to decide on a palette can look to seasonal colors for inspiration. For example, pastels and blooming flowers can set the scene for spring weddings, while jewel tones and rich reds and greens may be fitting for winter ceremonies. Some couples opt for more loosely defined color palettes, such as neutral and natural colors. Country and garden weddings can borrow ideas from the landscape, with natural linens paired with wildflowers. Using whites, grays and beiges enables couples to add a pop of color without overwhelming the setting.
NORTHBRIDGE MALL 2536 Bridge Ave. Albert Lea, MN
507-373-1076
Professional Nails & Spa Services
10% OFF (Discount) ALL SERVICES
Bridal Parties Only – With Minimum $25 or More
Weddings of Impeccable
Taste
Let us design the perfect cake for your special day! Custom Cakes for All Occasions
CHIC SugarCake Designs 507-369-0272
1417 St. John Ave., Albert Lea, MN
www.sugarchiccakes.com
Looking for a Truly Unique & Memorable Wedding Venue Your entire weekend in one facility! • Courtyard Ceremony and/or Reception • Complimentary Suite for Wedding Couple • Decorating Services • Discounted Hotel Rates for your Guests • Event Coordinator Dedicated to Your Event Land Between The Lakes
EVENT CENTER
Call for a Tour Today 507-373-6471 2306 E. Main St., Albert Lea, MN
Groom ✓ Dress ✓
Body ...
Look your Best In Your Dress with help from Anytime Fitness!
Free Enrollment, One Free Month & FREE Tanning with Your Membership for the Happy Couple to Be! See Store for Details.
2508 Bridge Ave. • Albert Lea Northbridge Mall • 507-412-5020
On-Site Wedding Hair and Make-Up Formal Up-Do
$75
Flower Girls and Mothers
$40-$75 Make-Up
$30
Brides magazine suggests that couples avoid choosing too many colors. A maximum of three with one metallic can ensure that things look cohesive without being over-the-top. Also, brides and grooms needn’t feel pressured by the “hot” colors of the moment. As with clothing and hairstyles, trends change. It is better to select colors that will stand the test of time and look good for years to come. Couples may have to incorporate colors already at their wedding venues into their style. Fortunately many reception sites are outfitted in neutral tones to enable customization. Having a basic knowledge of the color wheel can help. Typically, colors that pair well together are those that are opposites on the color wheel. Also, colors that share proximity on the color wheel will have similar tones and play well together. Examples of opposite colors include purples and yellows, reds and greens, and oranges and blues. Couples should not be afraid to take some chances with their color palettes, especially if they want to make a bold and modern statement.
Have the Beautiful Rustic Wedding You’ve Always Dreamed Of
Booking Now for 2019 & 2020 Weddings and Receptions
$10
fabulous • Look with a custom air brush tan.
• Be flawless with Red Light Therapy.
ETC Etcetera
Tanning & Clothingue
outiq B Albert Lea Skyline Plaza
507-377-TANS (8267)
1663 W. Main
A Gift Suggestion from Clothing Care
Wedding Gown Preservation*
Make the most important garment of your life last for years to come. Bring In This Ad For 10% Off
Trust Your Wedding Dress To Us! See us before the wedding to have all bridal attire pressed.
Mileage Fee
507-377-2249
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504 Lake Chapeau Dr., Albert Lea, MN
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Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 27, 2018/Page 2
Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 27, 2018/Page 7
Wedding Transportation Trends Couples planning their weddings routinely rely on professional transportation to bring them to and from the ceremony and reception. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study 2016, roughly half of all engaged couples will hire a transportation service such as a limousine or party bus for their weddings. Wedding transportation options abound, and some are more popular than others. The following are some of the ways couples are getting to the altar on time. • Shuttles and buses: Investing in the guest experience means couples are seeking ways to provide comfort and convenience for their guests and wedding party members.
Rather than asking guests to get themselves to and fro, couples may employ buses or shuttles stocked with amenities to transport a greater number of people. The Real Weddings Study indicates this type of transport has grown considerably more popular in the last six years. • Exotic limousines: The chauffeur-driven limousine continues to be one of the most popular methods of transportation. However, to set their weddings apart, couples are trending away from traditional stretch limousines and renting something more trendy, such as limos built upon sports cars. SUV-based limos are still popular, with Hummers, Escalades and Navigators offering the wow factor.
Looking Beyond Gender for Modern Wedding Parties
• Vintage cars: For that A-list look right out of a classic movie, stepping out of a vintage vehicle creates red-carpet moments. Dream cars for this type of glamorous arrival and departure include Rolls Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin and others. Many private companies rent classic vehicles. Couples also may contract with those who attend classic car shows.
Couples are increasingly bucking longestablished trends to make weddings uniquely their own. One of today's more popular tradition-busting trends is not adhering to gender lines when couples select friends and family members for their wedding parties. Until recently, the vast majority of wedding couples selected members of the same sex to fill the roles needed for the ceremony and reception. For example, grooms would choose fellow males to serve as their groomsmen while brides choose other females for their bridal parties. The wedding resource The Knot says the days of having men on one side and women on the other are gone. Coed wedding parties enable brides
• Water transport: Couples celebrating by the ocean, a lake or a river can make a grand entrance aboard a vessel. Water taxis, pontoon boats and even sleek speedboats may be the transportation of choice. The Knot says that couples spend around 6.5 months researching their wedding day
Dawson Limousine
and grooms to have their favorite people by their side, regardless of gender. According to The Daily Mail, over the past year, weddings across Australia and other areas of the world have seen a rise in "groomswomen" and "bridesmen," blurring the lines of wedding traditions. Couples have often said that choosing whomever they desire to stand beside them during the wedding is more authentic than separating people simply because of gender. Take for example a groom-to-be who is especially close to his sister. Such siblings may serve as bridesmaids, but grooms may want to have their sisters by their sides on their big day.
Foregoing gender roles may make for a unique, customized wedding. However, it does create the question of what wedding party members will wear. Again, there are no firm rules, but coordination can make for better photos. A woman standing on the groom's side can coordinate with the color of the bridemaids dresses, but wear a different style. Or she can wear a dress that matches the color of the groomsmen's suits. A man standing with the bride can have accessories, such as tie, vest and pocket square, that match bridesmaid dresses.
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Contact Brad 507-402-0606
Weddings & Events 21573 45th St., Waldorf, MN 507-327-7047 www.jrsbarn.com
• Receptions & Dances • Seating For Up To 200 Guests • Unique Menu Selections • Large Dance Floor All the Best Value for Your Dollar Call for More Details Email: albertleaeagles@eagles2258.com
EAGLES
205 W. William, Albert Lea 373-1162
PARTY IN MOTION 402 Broad st Rolfe IA 50581
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wedding. However, couples can discuss their bridal parties to select people who they think might prefer couples adhere to tradition. Another possible snag is with bachelorette parties and bachelor parties. A solution to this dilemma may be to simply organize a getaway weekend for the entire bridal party, and not separate parties for each side. Couples are increasingly deviating from tradition for their weddings by looking beyond gender when picking wedding party members.
One of the areas where mixing and matching genders may get a tad sticky is with older, more traditional guests. They may not understand the freedom of choice in the
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transportation options and will make their decision and a reservation five months before their weddings. The more exotic the transportation option, the earlier couples should make their decisions to ensure they can book their first choice.
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Day-Of Wedding Kit Essentials Aspirin (or pain reliever of choice) Band-Aids Bottle of water, snacks 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 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 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: Assorted snacks, Sunblock, Krazy Glue (for nail fixes, shoe heels, decorations, even jewels)
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Supplement to The Freeborn Co. Shopper/Tuesday, February 27, 2018/Page 8
Unconventional Wedding Menu Ideas Taste reigns supreme at weddings featuring creative menus. Traditionally, one of the more memorable aspects of wedding receptions is the food. Whether it was fun, tasty or something entirely new for guests, food tends to leave a lasting impression. The experts at Boho Weddings say that, more than ever before, couples are seeking menu ideas that reflect their personalities as a couple as they seek to make a statement at their events. Celebrating with delicious, unique foods can make receptions that much more amazing.
Bite-sized bursts
Food trucks/carts
Tapas and a movement toward small bites has started to take hold at wedding receptions. Such a choice allows guests to try many different flavors without filling up too quickly. From sliders to mini grilled cheese to soup shots to bite-sized pizzas, many of these small bites feature flavors borrowed from familiar comfort foods — just presented on a miniature scale.
Outdoor weddings can be enhanced with the addition of trendy food trucks. These restaurants on wheels can inject burgers, sandwiches, international delights, crĂŞpes, noodles, and so many more flavors into a wedding.
Comfort stations and bars Couples who love comfort food can put it on display with a crostini station, a mashed potato bar, a chicken and waffles station, a gourmet popcorn snack station, or a ramen noodle bar.
High-end options Couples may want to give guests a taste of the lavish with olive oil and vinegar tasting stations, whiskey bars, French hors d'oeuvres, Kobe beef sliders, lobster tails, risotto stations, and more. Childhood favorites
couples opt to avoid or downplay wedding cakes in favor of something simpler. A cookie-and-milk bar, doughnut holes, soft pretzel stations, pie pops, or dessert shot jars push creativity and sweetness to new levels. Do-it-yourself dessert stations, such as s'more-making and ice cream sundae stations, also can be big hits. Couples are increasingly feeling less beholden to traditional wedding reception menus as they look to infuse their personal tastes into the foods they plan to serve their guests. Many catering managers and chefs welcome the chance to work with couples looking to create unique reception menus.
When it comes time for dessert, some
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1550 Blake Ave., Albert Lea, MN
507-377-2998
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