GLOBE GAZETTE
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020 |
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Diamond Oak Events in Clear Lake is one of the first in the area to offer a country wedding venue. Owners Scott and Gwen Bultje said that in the past four years, the venue has staged about 160 weddings. GLOBE GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Rich in
rustic venues North Iowa offers plethora of sites for memorable weddings
ELDA STONE
F
Farm Girl Wedding
Special to the Globe
or generations, North Iowa farm families have celebrated special events in grandpa’s spiffed-up barn, the largest indoor gathering place available. Today, several local venues offer rustic space for ceremonies and receptions in beautiful rural settings, even if you don’t own a farm. Ranging from rescued barns to new pavilions, the venues provide a blank canvas for weddings, from casual to elegant, with country views for miles. Diamond Oak Events near Clear Lake is one of the first in the area to offer a country wedding venue. “We were kind of at the forefront, in the right time and right place,” said Scott Bultje, who operates the business with his wife, Gwen. “We bought the property in 2005 and moved another barn onto it and converted it to our home. Then I was looking to make a career change, and my wife came up with this idea.” Native prairie and mature oak trees grace Diamond Oak’s 107 acres, which has staged about 160 weddings in the past four seasons – mid-May to mid-October. Church pews on the grass, a pergola, and a variety of chandeliers create mem-
GRACE ZAPLATYNSKY, THE SUMMIT-TRIBUNE
Mary Lovstad, owner of Farm Girl Weddings, leans against a bar in her barn where she hosts wedding receptions. She said recently that she designed her most popular package for couples who use the venue like a destination wedding. orable outdoor ceremonies. “We have an exceptional sound system for outdoor weddings,” Scott said. The 3,200 square-foot pavilion with modern amenities specifically for weddings was designed by Gwen. That includes everything for food and beverage service. Scott said they have their own trolley bus to shuttle guests and the wedding party from local hotels.
They’re surprised how far people are willing to travel to have events here. “We’ve had couples from Chicago, Minneapolis, even New York City,” Scott said. “Iowa has the second-highest average number of attendees at weddings – 204 people. But couples spend two and a half times as much on the coasts as Iowa weddings, so our cost per head here is more reasonable.”
Farm Girl Weddings, near Forest City, appeals to the bride and groom who want more help with planning and set-up. Owner Mary Levad Lovstad designed her most popular package for couples who use the venue like a destination wedding. “I had a bride who lives in Hawaii, but has family here. With this package, they can just show up and enjoy the weekend,” Levad Lovstad said. “It’s a different business model.” Mary and her staff do all the set-up, decorating, and clean-up; provide snacks for arriving guests; serve non-alcoholic beverages; and help find the caterer and other services. “I act like a wedding planner. I meet with the couple and ask a lot of questions to find out what they like and don’t like. I have a Pinterest site where we can share a board to get inspiration.” The farm has been in her family for 147 years. The barn has a rock floor and big doors that can be opened up for a country view and fresh air. It includes a catering room and a bar on wheels. Tents and canopies with lights extend the party outdoors. “Most people get married outPlease see VENUES, Page C2
The ‘perfect’ place for a bachelorette party Mason City pottery studio offers fun, creativity, memories ELDA STONE
Special to the Globe
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For your bachelorette party, come together with girlfriends over a glass of wine and a fun creative project at Turtle Creek Pottery. The pottery studio is open seven days a week at Market 124, located at 124 N. Delaware Ave. in Mason City. It welcomes individuals and groups to drop in or schedule a party for creating pottery, fused
glass, or paintings. Owner Katie Wold says bachelorette parties have been popular at the studio since it opened in 2012. “Sometimes, they all paint pieces for themselves, or sometimes the bride picks her colors and the guests paint items for her, and the bride then has dishware for herself,” Wold said. On the premises, Three on the Tree Coffee and Cafe offers handcrafted coffee and tea drinks, breakfast, and homemade baked goods. Specialty baked goods for parties can be pre-ordered. The market has an Iowa wine license, to sell by the bottle to customers over 21. Parties guests can pay for their
own refreshments and pottery or sometimes the hostess covers all costs, according to Wold. “We can fit easily up to 40 people in the pottery room, but usually have 15 to 20,” she says. “We’re open to both large and small groups.” The pottery studio was originally in the Market 124 building, but Wold recently bought the building to the west and knocked through a wall to connect them and add space. “We have a huge array of pottery,” she says, going on to list just some of the items available for
LISA GROUETTE, LISA.GROUETTE@GLOBEGAZETTE.COM
Turtle Creek Pottery & Glass, a paint-your-own pottery studio, is open Please see PARTY, Page C2 seven days a week inside Market 124 in Mason City.
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Globe Gazette
Venues
Party
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side, among the trees with lanterns,” said Mary, who plants flowers for each bride’s colors. “I also have a huge garden.” After a career in teaching and information technology, Mary began with family weddings and rented out her barn for the first time in 2011. The business started in earnest about five years ago. She does eight to ten weddings a year, usually in May/June and September/ October.
painting. “(We have) dishware, mugs, ornaments, figurines, boxes, animals, Ski-Doos, four-wheelers, gnomes, dragons, dinosaurs, princesses, plaques.” The studio orders its bisque ware – molded clay that has been fired once – and each guest chooses an item to paint with glaze during the party. Then they leave the object there for Wold to dip in a finishing glaze and fire in the 10-cubic foot kiln. The process takes a week or two, depending on the number of pieces. “The final glaze helps gloss it up and makes it shiny and bright,” she said. The finished products are food-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Each piece is individually priced. They range from $4.95 for small items up to $120 for large platters, with most under $30. There are no studio fees during regular hours, but there is a charge for after-hours private parties, depending on how long. The length of a typical painting party varies depending on the age of participants, but Wold says a group of adults painting, drinking wine, and enjoying being together might end up hanging out for three hours. Wold also takes orders for custom platters, which she paints and hand-letters with
Lanterns and Lace
Located on the edge of Manly, Lanterns and Lace opened in the summer of 2019. It’s operated by Mary and Steve Wise and their daughter and son-in-law, Katy and Barry Troe. “The hall is an old barn that used to be our auction house. We’ve had the building about 25 years,” Mary said. It once housed Tom Fretty’s musical museum, a well-known local attraction. “It was too pretty of a building to let it sit empty, and we had people ask to use it a few times, so we decided to start this,” she said. The 4,875-square-foot facility seats approximately 300 people and is climate-controlled, with new heating and air conditioning. Paneled in knotty pine, it includes a kitchen area and grand stage. Mary said the building has nice bathroom facilities, and they hope to add dressing rooms this summer. The venue accommodates indoor or outdoor ceremonies, with the use of arches, church pews, and a variety of backdrops and lighting. “We appeal to the bride who doesn’t have a huge budget but wants a nice wedding,” Mary said.
Country View Acres
Country View Acres, near Joice, is five miles away from Diamond Jo Casino. Sara and Warren Brackey started the business after their daughter got married on their home acreage three miles away. “We did a lot of work to get the barn ready,” Sara said. “Then we had a few people rent it for parties. We thought if you just had a building meant for this, that’s the way to go.” They bought a 17-acre property down the road with a large shed but no house. The Brackeys re-tinned and insulated the building, added bathrooms, kitchen, and patio, dug a pond, and turned two grain bins into dressing rooms. The buildings are heated and air-conditioned, making it a yearround venue. Off-season pricing is available. Country View Acres, which has been through two full seasons, can seat 500 people indoors and offers two outdoor ceremony sites amid established oak trees. A golf cart is available to help individuals get around the property. Amenities include shuttle service to hotels by the casino and a projector and screen for photos. Their daughter Josie Brackey manages the bar, and daughter Jordynn Weiland handles marketing and social media. “We’re enjoying it,” Sara said. “One of the things that
GLOBE GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Diamond Oak Events is an open-air, barn-like pavilion.
North Iowa wedding venues Costs for wedding packages at rural event centers in North Iowa depend on a number of variables, including number of guests, day of the week, how many days, and season. All of the rustic wedding sites provide basics like tables, chairs and table coverings, and have facilities for food and beverage service. Most owners say they have collected tons of decor and lighting for the bridal couple to choose from. Each place has its own unique touches, views and available added services. Families often book a venue for long weekends, allowing time to set up before the big day and clean up afterwards. In most cases, they arrange their own catering, music, and other services. DIAMOND OAK EVENTS 9400 Wheelerwood Dr. Clear Lake, Iowa 50428 641-357-1075 diamondoakevents.com
COUNTRY VIEW ACRES 628 430th St. Joice, Iowa 50446 641-590-5960 countryviewacres.com
FARM GIRL WEDDINGS 23478 375th St. Forest City, Iowa 50436 641-512-8710 iowafarmgirlweddings.com
LANTERNS AND LACE 3584 Orchid Ave. Manly, Iowa 50456 641-420-1074 www.facebook.com/LanternsandLaceVenue/
RUSTIC ACRES 1331 120th St. Nora Springs, Iowa 50458 641-430-1661 rusticacres.myfreesites.net
WINAN CREEK BARN 708 342nd St. Hanlontown, Iowa 50444 641-529-2520 winancreekbarn.com
names and dates for special occasions like weddings. The kiln can be used to make fused glass mosaics. “They arrange a mosaic out of cut colored glass, it gets glued down, and then it’s fired into a plate or a sun-catcher,” she said. “It’s something we don’t do every day, only in a class or scheduled party.” The studio also can arrange painting parties, with an instructor leading the guests in creating a picture on canvas. With a bachelor’s degree in ceramics, Wold said she’s “a potter by trade.” She first opened a shop in St. Ansgar, where she lives with her husband and family. When that went well, Wold wanted to give other artists the opportunity to sell their work without having to pack up for remote shows, so Market 124 was born. “It’s ever-growing,” Wold said. To keep up on the business end, she hired April Eckard, who has a retail background. “She is the yin to my yang,” Wold said. “She’s very organized and keeps me on track.” Turtle Creek Pottery and Market 124 is now open at 9 a.m. every day. Closing time is 3 p.m. Sunday, 7 p.m. Thursday, and 5 p.m. the rest of the week. Call 641-423-0929 to schedule a party. Both have Facebook pages with current happenings.
we never thought would be Clear Lake while contrac- barn loft, equipped with part of the business was the tors remodel the barn for a foosball table and other friends that we’ve made.” weddings, adding a wing comforts. Three different locations on either side. The Lesters Rustic Acres Event plan to hold an open house are available for outdoor before the first event. ceremonies, with photo opCenter Improvements include portunities along the natuRustic Acres Event Cen- heated floors and air con- ral beauty of Winan Creek, ter, near Nora Springs, pro- ditioning. With round ta- which winds through the vides catering and camping bles, the barn will seat 300 back of the 12-acre propas extra amenities for wed- people. A full kitchen allows erty. “We’re putting in a coudings. Owners Mike and families to choose a caterer Karla Gordon also operate or provide their own meals. ple of small bridges,” Angie GG’s Place restaurant in Beer or wine can be said. served from an open wintown. Winan Creek Barn offers a “We can do anything dow between the kitchen weekend package for Friday from small plates or a taco and hall. The bride and her through Sunday, to cover a LISA GROUETTE, LISA.GROUETTE@GLOBEGAZETTE.COM bar, all the way up to rib din- attendants have a suite for rehearsal dinner, wedding, ners, and we can supply the getting dressed, while the and gift opening. Shuttle Katie Wold, owner of Turtle Creek Pottery & Glass inside beer,” Mike said. groom’s party can hang out service to hotels is available Market 124 in Mason City, says bachelorette parties have Their restaurant, opened before the ceremony in the as an add-on. been popular at the studio since it opened in 2012. five years ago, offers homemade food from breakfast to dinner. Two years ago, they added the country wedding venue because it seemed like a good fit with the restaurant. Families also can arrange their own caterer or provide their own food. The Gordons are adding more campsites this year, with wiring. “With us being nine miles from Mason City, families can bring campers for the weekend and enjoy evening campfires,” Mike said. The Rustic Acres barn, which includes dressing rooms and a full buffet center, can seat up to 300 guests. The building has infloor heating, but they plan Clothiers to have it completely heated by next year for all-season 1 South Federal, use. Wedding ceremonies Mason City can be set up outside, with a huge grove area as natural 641-423-5222 backdrop for photographs. 777 Diamond Jo Lane,
Winan Creek Barn
Winan Creek Barn, in rural Hanlontown, is the newest local venue for rustic weddings. Angie and Mike Lester will host their first event on June 6. The Lesters owned acreage across the street from the picturesque barn and dreamed of making it into a house. After buying the property and starting renovation, Angie said they realized that it would be “a good opportunity to share the land with other people.” Now they’re living in
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RENTALS
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Globe Gazette
Here’s a checklist for everything you need! JESS DEHAVEN
St. Joseph News-Press, Mo.
6 to 12 months before the wedding Determine budget. Decide type of wedding: formal, semi-for-
mal or informal. Choose ceremony location. Discuss dates with clergy or officiant. Choose attendants. Select gown style. Select veil style. Select attendants’ apparel. Compile bride’s and groom’s invitation list. Select reception site. Select caterer. Select wedding planner. Plan details of reception. Select photographer. Have engagement photos taken. Select music for reception. Select videographer. Select florist. Discuss gown colors and styles with mothers of bride and groom. If composing own vows, inform officiant.
4 to 6 months before wedding Select men’s formalwear and arrange for
final fitting a few days before wedding. Select ceremony musicians and music. Make honeymoon plans. Print map to include with invitations. Reserve hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. Have physical exams and update immunizations. Buy wedding rings and order engraving. Finalize invitation list with families. Visit hairdresser and manicurist; make wed
ding day appointments for bridal party.
Order all printed items, including invita-
tions, thank-you notes, programs and napkins. Order needed utensils, which may include engraved cake knife, personalized champagne glasses and a box for monetary gifts.
2 to 4 months before wedding Reserve rental items: candelabra, arches,
canopy, lines, etc.
Arrange rehearsal dinner. Shop for trousseau and apparel for honey-
moon and prenuptial parties.
Reserve limousine, carriage, trolley or
coach transportation.
Review florist’s arrangements and finalize
order.
Buy attendants’ gifts. Experiment with hairstyle and makeup
changes.
Buy bride’s and attendants’ shoes; send to
be dyed. Order wedding and groom’s cakes. Plan the ceremony and select music for the service. You should receive your invitations at least three months before the wedding; send them out immediately. Don’t forget to request a reply date of at least five weeks before the wedding. Register for wedding gifts at the stores of your choice. Decide on reception menu and select beverage options; decide if there will be an open bar.
1 to 2 months before wedding
Final bridal fitting. Final attendants’ fittings. Confirm honeymoon reservations. Select reception decorations: balloons, candles, table favors, etc.
Select ceremony accessories: unity candle,
ring pillow, guest book, etc. Select personal accessories: handbag, garter, engraved goblets, guest mementos, etc. Finalize arrangements with officiant. Finalize arrangements with musicians taking part in the ceremony. Arrange bridesmaids’ lunch or brunch. Finalize arrangements with photographer and videographer. Discuss any special shots you want. Finalize arrangements with musicians, disc jockey and master of ceremonies for the reception. Finalize arrangements with florist, specifying time and place of delivery. Finalize transportation arrangements. Make sure all clothes for bridesmaids, groomsmen and ushers will be ready on time and that they have the appropriate accessories. Apply for marriage license. Formally inform employer of leave of absence.
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Prepare envelopes with payments for the
officiant, reception hall, musicians, disc jockey, etc. Ask officiant when he/she would like to receive your marriage license. Begin packing for honeymoon. 1 week before wedding Pick up wedding rings and check engravings and sizes. Final consultations with florist, musicians, photographer, videographer, etc. If you are having a rehearsal, present attendants with gifts. Men have final fitting two to three days before the wedding and pick up formalwear and shoes. Make a wedding day schedule and give everyone copies at the rehearsal dinner. Relax the day before; keep personal appointments; finish honeymoon packing.
Day of the wedding Give payment envelopes to the best man,
who will deliver them after the ceremony and at the reception. 2 weeks before wedding Go to hairdresser, makeup artist and manicurist. Invite guests to rehearsal dinner. Make sure the car keys, wedding rings, Move your belongings into new home. marriage license, keys to the new house, Review reception seating and place cards. airplane tickets, hotel confirmations and Confirm lodging for out-of-town guests. honeymoon spending money are all as Record gifts as you receive them and write sembled. thank-you notes. Arrange for your car, your going-away out Arrange for gown cleaning and bouquet fits and your luggage to be delivered to the preservation after the wedding. reception hall. Finalize arrangements with hall and caterer, confirming final number of guests (prefera- Arrange for someone to bring tissues, lipstick and any other personal items to the bly in writing). reception. Finalize arrangements with baker regarding Be dressed and ready for the picture-taking cake. two hours before the ceremony or accord Pick up wedding dress and bridesmaids’ ing to the arrangements made with your dresses. photographer. Groom or best man arranges final fittings for men in the wedding party. Relax and enjoy your big day.
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info@moormanclothiers.com Find Moorman Clothiers on any of these social media forums to stay on top of the latest in fashion and formalwear! 00 1
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This February 2018 photo provided by Etsy seller Lady Birdesign shows a model wearing a Bridal Fanny Pack in Tel Aviv, Israel.
GLOBE GAZETTE
This February 19, 2017 photo provided by The Light & Glass, shows neon wedding decor at Six01 Studio in Burbank, Calif.
This photo shows a model wearing Butterfly Clips, in Santa Barbara, Calif. WILD AND FREE JEWELRY
THE LIGHT & GLASS/THE KNOT WORLDWIDE/ THE KNOT VIA AP
LADY BIRDESIGN
EMILY REITER
This couple displays custom his and hers jean jackets at a wedding at The Holland Ranch in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
F
MOLLY SPRAYREGEN
Associated Press
rom butterfly clips to polka dots, 1990s trends have been making a fashion comeback. Now, as ‘90s babies increasingly reach average marrying age, these trends are popping up all over the wedding industry as well. An Etsy 2019 wedding trends report declared ‘90s nostalgia a top trend of the year, with over 300,000 searches for both rhinestones and polka dots on the site in the three months before the report’s release in February. Etsy has also seen a 14 percent increase in butterfly clip searches since last year. Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson says a ‘90s resurgence doesn’t mean we’ll suddenly be seeing huge puffy sleeves and oversize hair. Rather, popular ‘90s trends are being modernized and updated. “They give some nod to those styles but they are so much more sophisticated,” Johnson says, adding that today’s butterfly clips, for example, look more whimsical and romantic than they did in the ‘90s. And although wedding-dress sleeves may not be as puffy as they were 25 years ago, statement sleeves are big again. Dresses are breaking from the modern tradition of a sweetheart neckline silhouette, giving brides the opportunity to better express their personal style. Lauren Kay, deputy editor at The Knot, says she has seen an increase in holographic and iridescent decor, chokers, disposable cameras on tables, and ‘90s music. Jeffra Trumpower, creative director at WeddingWire, cites the return of ‘90s styles like neon signs, macramé, and custom jean jackets with monograms or calligraphy on the back. Los Angeles wedding planner Beth Helmstetter of Beth Helmstetter Events has noticed a return to bridesmaids wearing color block dresses — combining two or more large blocks of bold, typically clashing colors. And Chicago wedding planner Nicole Hensley of Sto-
rybook Weddings and Events notes more couples incorporating their favorite ‘90s snacks into their special days. “As most of our couples are now in their 30s,” Hensley says, “they lived through childhood eating dunkaroos, pop tarts, ice pops and so many other nostalgic treats. It’s been so fun sourcing these items for late-night snack stations or having our caterers put a fun twist to pop tarts... or creating an ‘adult’ alcoholic version of the ice pops!” Perhaps the most surprising ‘90s trend that is resurgent both in weddings and beyond is the fanny pack. A 2018 report by the NPD Group found that fanny packs account for almost 25 percent of overall growth in the fashion accessories industry. Etsy reported a whopping 62 percent increase in searches related to “bridal fanny packs” in the three months before its trends report was released. At bachelorette parties, a bride and her crew might wear bedazzled or glittery fanny packs that say “Bride” and “Squad.” Couples also are incorporating more chic, fashionable versions of fanny packs into the wedding itself. These classier versions may be referred to as hip or belt bags. Brides and grooms aren’t necessarily wearing them down the aisle, but they are using them at the reception or other wedding events to carry phones and other items. Johnson sees fanny packs as part of a broader trend toward functionality and reusability. Not only are they handy during the celebration, but fanny packs can be used long after the wedding is over. Experts agree that couples who want to invoke a little ‘90s nostalgia into their weddings should do so tastefully and sparingly. Many suggested thinking about no more than one or two motifs from the ‘90s and putting a more modern spin on them. “If it’s neon fanny packs for example,” says Hensley, “take that idea and go a step above! Reinvent the idea. Give fanny packs out as favors filled with a hangover kit for surviving the next morning. Fill it
with a mini water bottle, some pain reliever, eye drops and maybe a little ‘hair of the dog’!” In essence, a full-on ‘90s-themed
wedding might be overkill, but including flashes of the decade here and there can make for a beautiful and nostalgia-filled event.
Coming of2020! 2020! ComingSpring Spring of
Winan Creek Barn Event Venue Winan Creek Barn Event Venue
“Every love story is beautiful but yours should be unique. ” should be unique.” “Every love story is beautiful but yours Mike and Angie Lester, owners and operators of Mike and Angielove Lester, and make operators of WCB, would WCB, would toowners help you your day special love help you Call make to your and unique. Call to set andtounique. setday upspecial a tour today. Currently up a tour today. Taking bookings for Spring 2020. taking reservations for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Book with andlove mention thisup ad.our We will you access We WCB would to fill firstgive season! to the barn for July a Sunday shower free. June and 2020bridal specials are now available.
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708 342nd St., Hanontown, IA 708 342nd St. Hanlontown, IA 641-529-2520 641-529-2520 www.winancreekbarn.com www.winancreekbarn.com
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EVENT SOLUTIONS 111 6th St. SE, Mason City
(641) 424-4949
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BRIDAL 2020
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020 |
T HE PER FECT PL ACE...
Wedding desserts trend toward fun, variety
Elegant accommodations in our event center,
p professional wait staff and full in-house catering. g
KIM COOK, ASSOCIATED PRESS
hile the big, traditional wedding cake shows no signs of going away, many couples are also including an array of sweet little bites at their receptions. It’s an opportunity for newlyweds to show who they are, says Jennifer Cress, digital director at Martha Stewart Weddings. “We’re seeing many couples include sweets that say something about their relationship, like a family cookie recipe, or their go-to ice cream flavor,” she says. “Every couple wants to personalize their wedding day as much as possible, and dessert is an easy way to do that.” Los Angeles couple Lauren Aust and Sonny Yuen did just that for their Kansas City, Missouri, wedding this summer. “We used food as a vehicle to help tell our story,” Aust says. “Dinner stations were themed after some of our favorite New York food adventures. “I saw the same opportunity with dessert. When our caterer mentioned they used doughnut holes from Lamar’s (a Kansas City shop) to do a flambee station, if seemed a nice way to give guests a taste of my hometown and create a moment that was experiential.” Desserts allow for culinary creativity — things like cake lollies, mini milkshakes, churros and alcoholic ice pops. And they give guests the chance to sample quick treats before getting back to the center of the party. Meghan Leese, who plans and runs weddings in Chicago and New Jersey, says, “The cake is only important for about half of the weddings we do. It’s more about the dessert bar, with the cake as one of the options.” WeddingWire’s creative director Jeffra Trumpower agrees. “Couples want to make things less pretentious and more fun,” she says. Among her favorite trends for the wedding sweet table is one she calls “breakfast for dessert” — mini waffles, pancakes or crepe stacks decked out with fresh fruit, whipped cream and other accompaniments. “It’s the perfect ‘wake-up call’ for a surge of energy,” she says. “You can easily pop these treats in your mouth and head back to the dance floor.” Trumpower says comfort and nostalgia
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are in. There are make-your-own s’mores stations, self-serve hot chocolate, and topyour-own mini pies with seasonal fruits. New Yorker Amanda Scott went to a wedding on Long Island recently where nobody wanted to sit and eat. “Servers came around the dance floor with apple pie shooters and little macaroons. People loved it!” Margaret Foster of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, attended a September wedding in which the couple did without the cake entirely, to save money, concentrating their budget on venue, photographer and DJ. “There was a table with plates of mini desserts like cannolis, doughnuts, cheesecake and brownie bites. I loved how unique and intimate it all was — more about the bride, groom and their loved ones than wedding traditions,” she says. “They also provided little pastry bags for guests to take desserts home.” Cress says the dessert-as-wedding-favor is another trend. As are food stations. “They’re entertaining, and make the day feel a little more bespoke,” Cress says. “Other than makeyour-own options, one-bite desserts seem to be growing in popularity. I think with couples offering so many different food choices, guests want to be able to sample it all.” And don’t overlook the social-media value of a decked-out dessert table: “Desserts tend to be one of the most Instagrammable moments of the night,” says Cress.
mara
This photo shows desserts at Lauren Aust and Sonny Yuen’s wedding in Kansas City, Mo. SARA REED STUDIOS
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GLOBE GAZETTE
Sylvester recommends aiming for interesting calligraphy, or hiring a calligrapher to handwrite names and addresses beautifully for you.
KATHERINE ROTH
W
Associated Press
hether formal or casual, wedding invitations these days are meant to set the tone for the celebration, reflecting the themes of the weddings themselves. Heavier, more expensive papers reflect fancy black-tie weddings. Simple textured invitations with interesting fonts reflect celebrations in a more contemporary style. And florals reveal more classically romantic events, experts say.
Websites
today reflect varying styles of celebrations
Destinations
“One of the biggest trends we’ve been seeing are printed envelope liners, particularly for destination weddings. So if you’re getting married on a beach, there are liners printed with seashells, or maybe light blue with waves,” says Rachel Sylvester, senior lifestyle editor for Real Simple magazine.
Websites are a must now, experts agree, and can be mentioned on whatever type of invitation you choose. “Your website is a catch-all place for wedding information that is very detailed, and an important way of getting news about any last-minute event changes to your guests,” Sylvester says. “It’s poor form to include anything about your registration in your invitation,” she adds. “A wedding website is a more appropriate place to include a link to a registry, if you go that route.” It’s also a good place for links to maps and hotels, and a place to post photos after the event.
This invitation features a moutnainscape which is part of Paper Source’s large assortment of destination themed invitations.
Florals and greenery
“Florals and greenery are really working right now. It’s really more about the execution. The trend started a few years ago with leaf motifs, and now we see it in lilacs, lavender and eucalyptus leaves,” Williams says.
Kyle Williams, lead merchant for wedding stationery at the Chicago-based, design-oriented Paper Source, which has 130 stores across the country, says, “Destination weddings are a huge trend now, and we’re responding with invitations that speak to various destinations, like beach scenes, or mountain vistas, or grapes and flowers for Napa Valley weddings.”
Eco-friendly
Colors
No matter what kind of celebration it is, couples are becoming more creative with color, experts say. “You often see a color-on-color approach to invitations, with a lot of couples pairing blush pink with orchid, for example. In addition to invitations, there’s an attraction to a range of colors reflected in things like bridesmaids dresses, which are increasingly in any array of related colors instead of all the same color,” she says.
Luxe materials
“When couples come in to look at in-
HONS (PAPER SOURCE VIA AP)
This photo provided by Paper Source showcases the launch of four new colors added to Paper Source’s invitation assortment in March 2019. Whether formal or casual, wedding invitations these days are meant to set the tone for the celebration and reflect its themes. vitations, paper quality is the first thing they look at,” Williams says, adding that thicker papers and fancy envelopes and liners are hot items. “If it’s a black-tie wedding, for example, it’s top-quality thick paper and envelopes with a bit of shimmer,” he adds.
Crafty
You can design and print your own invitations, use a professional designer or stationer, or go with an in-between option, using online retailers like Shutterfly or Minted. If you decide to make your own,
“All of our paper is mostly recycled, and that’s something people really expect now,” says Williams. “Plantable wedding invitations embedded with seeds are a great sustainable option, as is vegetable-based ink. And for those who want to go beyond paper, there are even rustic-looking invitations made of thin, laser-cut wood,” says Sylvester, of Real Simple. “E-cards are certainly less expensive and more environmentally friendly, but paper is by far more popular,” she says. “At the end of the day, aside from the photos, you have your dress and your invitation suite (invitations, R.S.V.P. cards and thank you notes) that encapsulate who you are and what the wedding was like, and will remain a memento for years to come.”
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