inside:
Go Big Adding Local Flavor
Wedding Colors
wedding planner 2013
door county advocate & kewaunee county star-news
Saturday, January 19, 2013 2013 Wedding Planner | Saturday, January 19, 2013 | 1
Britta Rawlins went all-out for bold colors in her Door County wedding this past summer, with vibrant paper flowers and deocrations and bright ties with matching boutonnieres in a variety of colors for the groomsmen. Photo courtesy Britta Rawlins
Wedding Colors
Go Big Bold color choices help couples make a statement about their weddings, themselves
By Pamela Parks/Advocate and Star-News correspondent Couples are infusing bold colors into their wedding day in unexpected ways to showcase their unique personalities and create an extra special event for family and friends. Wedding Colors Go Big continued on page 3...
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Wedding Colors Go Big continued from page 2
Bold colors are being introduced into wedding ceremonies by adding bright hues to the bridal party, reception decorations and floral arrangements, or by adding pops of color in surprising, nontraditional ways.
sonality and their bright future as a couple. “I love color; it defines who I am. I am bright, cheerful, happy, warm and sunny. I wanted all that and more for our wedding day,” said Britta Rawlins. “Forget the muted and subdued color — bring on full color, bold, bright and sassy.”
The bride of a Door County wedding this past summer that included bold color — including fuchsia, orange, and yellow paper flowers decorating the ceremony and reception — said the reason she chose such brilliant hues was to reflect her per-
Infusing
Bold Colors
According to Morgan Mann, co-founder and editor of Door County Bride, a stylized online blog at www.doorcountybride.com, a dramatic emerald green is the hot wedding color for the 2013, and brides are getting creative in using the color on their big day. “The most interesting way brides are using this color, especially in mid-summer, is by using the green spaces as their emerald green and then accenting it with color. They feature nature, and being Door County, it is a natural fit as it is one of our major selling points,” Mann said. Mann also said that couples are incorporating color throughout the wedding ceremony and reception by adding it from round paper lanterns in the
Corsage created for a Door County wedding by Helene Ingsten-Anderson of Flora Special Occasions Flowers of Sister Bay. Photo courtesy Helene Ingsten-Anderson
reception tent to selecting interesting and bold patterns for table coverings. “In Door County, it is fairly laid back. It is still high-end but not such a strict formal elegance. It’s a causal elegance,” Mann said. Although most brides select traditional white or ivory for their bridal gown, some brides are going bold by adding a touch of color such as light gold, blush pink or deepening ombré effect, a recent popular design choice that moves from a lighter to a darker shade of color, said Tina Marie from Tina Marie’s Boutique in Algoma. Bridesmaids’ dresses are an easy way to add bold color to the wedding ensemble and each bride has her favorite choice. Tina Marie said that some popular choices include using two different colors on half of the bridal party, incorporating jewel tones like emerald, teal and plum, or selecting a modern vintage style with interesting but muted colors. Summer seems to inspire some bold color choices with melons, fuchsias and turquoises topping the list, while other couples are selecting gray for the dresses and tuxedos and bringing in color with flowers. “More are going into more color now,” Tina Marie said. “My advice to brides is to put a color on the wedding party that looks good around you … It is like putting makeup on. Go into a palette that will be beautiful around you and have something beautiful standing next to you.”
Accessories, flowers other places to colorize Shoes are another trend where brides are adding color.
“Brides will wear some really interesting colored shoes under their dresses, like cute, high-heel red shoes with a white gown. Or, they have their bridesmaids wear an altogether different color shoe than the dresses, like a red dress with a blue shoe. It is about having fun, and sometimes girls feel a fun-colored pair of shoes is something they might be able to easily wear again,” said Shirley Ehlers of Concepts Bridal and Formalwear in Sturgeon Bay. Some couples are selecting a more informal look — a shirt, pants and a tie — and incorporating colorful ties, bright argyle socks and even Converse tennis shoes. Wedding Colors Go Big continued on page 8...
Wedding planner is published by the Door County Advocate and Kewaunee County Star-News. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior consent of the Door County Advocate or Kewaunee County Star-News. For information, contact Dale Larson at 920-743-3321 or e-mail dlarson@doorcountyadvocate.com. Kevin Corrado/Publisher Dale Larson/General Manager, Advertising Director Scott Domalick/Circulation Director Warren Bluhm/Associate Editor Christopher Clough/Section Editor
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I‘ do’
What to do before
Congratulations, you’re engaged! And now … what?
There’s a lot to do between saying “Yes” and saying “I do,” but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Planning ahead and getting tasks done early, and in an orderly manner, helps make it much easier. As the old saying goes, “An elephant can be eaten – one bite at a time.” So start digging into the elephant, a bite or two now, another few bites next week, until it’s all gone and you’re ready for the ceremony.
Here’s a when, what and who of getting ready for your wedding day; some items are optional, but many are mandatory, or at least really good ideas.
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the
checklist
12 to 16 months ahead
❍ Set the wedding date ❍ Announce the engagement to family and friends ❍ Plan an engagement party ❍ If they do not already know each other, arrange to introduce your fiance’s family to your own ❍ Discuss who is responsible for what with your fiance (and your and his families, if necessary) ❍ Register a wedding website to keep family, friends and guests up to date on event details ❍ Decide how much you are willing to spend and make a budget ❍ Decide on a theme for the wedding ❍ Attend a local bridal show or two; take notes on vendors you like and would consider using ❍ Find a clergyman or civil official to marry you ❍ Reserve a place to be married and a location for your reception ❍ Hire a wedding consultant if you plan to use one; wedding planning software also is available ❍ Choose your attendants and make sure they are available to participate in your wedding ❍ Shop for your wedding dress ❍ Shop for gowns for your attendants. If they live far away, ask them for their measurements and sizes ❍ Start your guest list. Talk with your fiance’s parents about the guests they would like you to invite. Give them a deadline for submitting their list ❍ Interview photographers and videotaping companies ❍ Register your gift preferences with a wedding gift registry at a department or specialty store ❍ Choose a caterer and a menu ❍ Choose a florist ❍ Book musicians and/or a DJ for the
ceremony and reception ❍ Send an engagement announcement and photo to the newspaper
6 to 9 months ahead
❍ Finalize your wedding gown order and buy undergarments to wear with it (bring these to all fittings) ❍ Order other gown accessories (shoes, gloves, veil) ❍ Make sure your groom has selected wedding attire for himself and his groomsmen ❍ Discuss your chosen color scheme with your mother and your fiance’s mother so they can choose their gowns ❍ Finalize your guest list ❍ Order invitations, announcements, stationery and thank-you cards ❍ Order the wedding cake ❍ Arrange transportation to and from the wedding and reception for your bridal party
4 to six months ahead
❍ Arrange fittings for yourself and your attendants ❍ Make appointments for physical exams and blood tests ❍ Decide on your honeymoon destination and make reservations with your travel agent. If you need a passport, get one or have it updated. Make sure your husband-to-be does the same ❍ Reconfirm date with the caterer, florist, musicians, and photographers ❍ Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests ❍ Arrange the rehearsal dinner
2 months ahead
❍ Send out the invitations ❍ Schedule the wedding rehearsal and firm up details of any rehearsal party that is planned ❍ Meet with the officiant to discuss ceremony details and wedding vows ❍ Order wedding rings and arrange for any engraving O Shop for gifts with each other for the attendants ❍ Select and purchase wedding favors and
accessories ❍ Shop for a gift for your future spouse ❍ Meet with the florist to decide on flowers ❍ Reserve equipment such as glasses, tables, linens and tents if you will need to rent them ❍ Schedule a trial hair appointment with your hairdresser. Take your headpiece/ veil ❍ Book ahead for hairstyling and manicure appointments near the wedding date
❍ Have the post office hold your mail during your honeymoon if necessary
1 month ahead
❍ Enjoy your special day!
❍ Get your marriage license ❍ Get any accessories you need to complete your bridal attire: shoes, jewelry, hosiery. Bring them with you to your final fitting ❍ Compile and complete name-change documents if necessary; bridal namechange kits are available online ❍ Send change-of-address cards if necessary ❍ Plan your honeymoon wardrobe and shop for any items you may need ❍ Confirm accommodations for out-of-town guests ❍ Reconfirm all transportation arrangements ❍ Write thank-you notes as the gifts arrive
2 weeks ahead
❍ Take a count of your RSVPs and give a preliminary number to your caterer ❍ Make a seating chart and write place cards ❍ Wrap presents for groom and for attendants ❍ Address and stamp wedding announcements if you’ll be sending them ❍ Reconfirm the details with the services you are using: caterer (with final guest count); musicians/DJ; florist; and baker
1 week ahead
❍ Try on your wedding gown to check the fit and make sure it is properly pressed ❍ Make sure your attendants have their dresses and accessories, and that they were tried on ❍ Remind the wedding party about the rehearsal ❍ Pack for the honeymoon and confirm travel arrangements
Wedding Day
❍ Wake up early and do a little exercise or take a quiet walk ❍ Eat a healthy breakfast – it’ll be a long and bust day, and you’ll need the energy ❍ Set aside time before the festivities for yourself or close family members
Finally
Beware when shopping online for wedding attire Door County Advocate/Kewaunee County Star-News Today, finding exactly what you want for your wedding (and pretty much any goods or services, for that matter) can be so much easier because of online shopping. But beware. Just as with other webbased shopping, recent years have seen a rise in ripoffs of brides, grooms and bridesmaids shopping online for wedding attire. Tina Marie, of Tina Marie’s Boutique in Algoma, said counterfeit website scams are a serious risk to consumers now, especially when purchasing such important and valuable item as a bridal gown. Websites will use a picture of a designer gown, but what arrives is far from what was intended or is shoddily sewn together. Then, it is almost impossible to return the item and get your money back. Tina Marie urged brides and grooms to purchase from a reliable store owner, so they know the quality of the item being purchased and avoid counterfeit designs, loss of money and serious disappointment, often on short notice.
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Adding Local
Flavor Options abound for wedding receptions with locally sourced foods By Pamela Parks/Advocate and Star-News correspondent
The “farm-to-table” movement — bringing locally sourced foods to restaurant menus — is sweeping the nation, and it’s beginning to be seen around here in wedding reception menus. Locally sourced cheeses were used to create this plate at a wedding reception last summer at Hollyhock House and Gardens in Kewaunee, which offers “Taste of Wisconsin” buffet tables at its receptions. Submitted photo
In Door and Kewaunee counties, brides and grooms can find plenty of options of locally sourced produce and specialty products to make their reception an unforgettable Wisconsin tasting event. “Quite a few people are asking about farm-to-table,” said Joe Fahrenkrug, coowner of Wickman House in Ellison Bay. “There is a movement to support local agriculture and to buy local and support your neighbor. It may not be in the Adding Local Flavor continued on page 7...
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mainstream consciousness of Door County right now, but I think it is getting there. People are becoming more aware and farm-to-table is a growing trend.” At the historic Wickman House, a farm-to-table wedding menu is likely to include local produce as well as locally grown meat and fresh caught fish. The artisan house salad is made of greens, tomatoes, beets and radishes grown just down the road. Chicken entrées are paired with seasonal vegetables such as asparagus or fall greens, and beef and pork is sourced from Waseda Farms. It’s a trend that more caterers and venues are incorporating. At the Farm Market Kitchen in Algoma, brides and grooms can create an elegant and special wedding event that features flavors local to the region. “Couples want to have the traditional foods that they enjoy, and they want it to be fresh and local. They also want it to be something different and unique, and that is exactly what we try to do as an event venue,” said Farm Market Kitchen director Mary Pat Carlson. “We have plenty of items available to us locally to choose from, like smoked fish, fresh trout, wine and more. And we try to keep it as local as possible with regional recipes.” Just down the road a bit at the Hollyhock House and Gardens in Kewaunee, couples can also create an extraordinary Wisconsin experience for guests. The premier destination wedding location sits on two acres of romantic English gardens with an exquisite Victorian home available to the wedding party as well.
The rural setting lends itself well to the farm-to-table wedding theme, and sisters and co-owners Karen Howlett and Kathy Howlett-Despot let couples settle in and get creative. “We haven’t established a lot of rules so they can pretty much do what they want, and we encourage them from the beginning to think outside of the box and be creative,” Karen Howlett said. Part of that creativity often includes enjoying local foods at the reception. In a garden setting, buffets work well, and many couples incorporate them with local flavors. “(There are) buffet tables with a ‘Taste of Wisconsin’ theme so they can introduce the local items to their guests,” Karen Howlett said. Items on the buffet usually include smoked salmon, locally produced cheeses and wines, sausage and, of course, Wisconsin-crafted beer. Howlett said that fish boils and pig roasts are also popular. “At a venue like ours, it is absolutely perfect for fish boils or pig roasts,” Karen Howlett said. “It is fun for the couple and not terribly expensive either, which is really nice.”
Some couples are even taking the “table” from the farm-to-table movement and setting it back on the “farm” for their events. “People are even asking to host their wedding in farm fields or in family places in the Door County area with barns,” Fahrenkrug said. “They are looking to set their event in a farm environment.” Answering that special request in Door County is Woodwalk Gallery, south of Egg Harbor. The barn and farmstead,
converted to art gallery and studio, is a whimsical event venue for weddings. The farm setting of the gallery is so popular that in 2012, 18 weddings or receptions were held there; it is fully booked for 2013. The venue was also featured in Martha Stewart Living Magazine in 2012. “We are getting a significant amount of interest because people are responding right now to having something simpler, something more real,” Woodwalk co-owner Allin Walker said. “On the farmstead, people get a sense of relaxation, the sense of it being a little bit of a place set aside.” Couples often set up a big tent just outside the barn to enjoy dancing. Dinner is catered in, often using locally grown and in-season produce and products from culinary experts such as Serves You Right Catering of Sturgeon Bay. “More and more couples are requesting locally sourced menus or are at least trying to give their guest options such as local produce or vegetarian or vegan menus. They are requesting items that are fresh and local, and in season,” said Morag Hornsby, co-owner of Serves Your Right. “We buy seasonally as much as we can, at farmers markets or directly from local farmers, and include items like organic butters and milks, especially when the bride and groom request it.” Hornsby said that regional items are prominent on the wedding menu, such as artisan cheeses from Door County and all over Wisconsin, fresh fruits and vegetables and locally sourced meats, fish and baked goods. “Whether it’s local cheese, a cherry sauce, whitefish or salmon,” Hornsby said, “most brides and grooms want at least a little something that is Door County.”
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Wedding Colors Go Big continued from page 3
Wedding flowers is where many brides and grooms are getting a lot of colorful bang for their buck.
chromatic color schemes throughout the entire year, especially toward the summer into fall transition … and large amounts of ribbon and lace will be used throughout the bouquets and decor.”
Colors and styles match the personality of the couple and also take their cues from the season the wedding is held in, but couples are definitely looking for unique and bold uses of flowers.
Color has also taken a leap from clothing, shoes and tablecloths to the wedding cake.
“Either there was a lot of white or green in weddings or there was a lot of color,” said Helene Ingsten-Anderson of Flora Special Occasion Flowers in Sister Bay. For bold flowers, brides and grooms were selecting from every branch of the rainbow – bright purples, hot pinks, oranges, yellows and reds. “People want unique and they are looking for a certain look with a lot of contrasts in colors and textures,” Ings te n -A n d e rson said. Brides looking for a pop of color with flowers may use a more neutral-colored dress for the bridesmaids, such as a frosty gray or soft green, and let the flowers do their magic. S u m m e r lends itself well to a burst with color, which is fully expected in wedding floral trends in 2013. “We are going to see larger flowers in bolder colors. Two of the most popular summer bouquet styles are … airy, gardenstyle bouquets and composite bouquets to allude to the rising popularity of ‘Fantasy Flowers’ or larger-than-life flowers,” Jeremy Stichman, of Door County Floral in Sturgeon Bay, said. “We will find mono-
Bold color is often added using fresh flowers but some brides and grooms are getting creative with use of icing as well as embellishments, such as feathers and jewels. “There is a lot of color coming in; not a lot of people doing a straight white cake anymore,” said Sarah Basch of Flour Girl Patissier in Fish Creek. “People are bringing in more fun ideas as everybody gets inspiration from Pinterest these days. They can use it to help make their wedding personal and unique, and bringing in color is always a neat way to do that.” Some of Basch’s bold favorites include a peacock-inspired cake that mixed teal and purples with the polka dots, fancying the colorful plumes on top. “The colors just popped,” said Basch. “It was really bold and pretty.” Another favorite was a cake that was iced in gray with color added to the cake with bright fresh flowers. “It was colorful, young and hip,” Basch said. “It was not traditional by any means.”
The traditional white wedding cake gets splashes of color with teal and purple dots and a peacock feather in this peacock-themed creation by Sarak Basch of Flour Girl Pattissier in Fish Creek. Photo courtesy Sarah Basch
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