Fall Wedding Planner 2023 by Lewiston Tribune

Wedding Planner

FALL 2023

Kamm & Dorian Mangun

Courtesy: Jessie Frost Photography

-Grand Weddings-

Flavor

Fun

Romance

Book your wedding catering, venue and/or bar service from the Hells Canyon Grand! Our catering services are creative, flavorful, reliable, and can be delivered to any venue within 30 miles. Need bar service? We got you.

STUNNING OUTDOOR LAWN WITH VIEW OF VALLEY LARGE BALLROOM WITH CHANDELIER CATERING AND BAR DELIVERY TO ANOTHER VENUE

Incorporating Holidays

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Fall holidays are great times to plan a celebration, and that includes a wedding.

Some fall holidays you can consider working into your big day are Halloween and Thanksgiving, but you should probably be aware that a date around a holiday may mean that some people may opt not to show. Let’s look at the pros and cons of fall holiday weddings.

Benefits

A long weekend could mean that more friends and family would be available to attend

your ceremony, especially if it’s a destination wedding. You may also be able to score hotel deals for that weekend, but be aware that travel and traffic might be a nightmare.

All that said, look to the holidays for inspiration for your wedding. You can pick out cozy cocktails, color palettes and a menu that all pay homage to your holiday of choice.

Difficulties

Holiday weddings mean that, of course, some people will have other plans. When you set your date, talk to those most important to you and make sure you choose a date where they

will be able to attend. Some vendors may also be unavailable for your big day because they’ve already planned to take off themselves or give their staff a day off. Some travel may also be more expensive, making attending prohibitive for outof-town friends and family.

Weather

When we think of fall weather, we typically think of cool, crisp mornings with falling leaves. But the reality is that in some parts of the country, fall can also mean winter weather and storms. Along the east and Gulf coasts, early fall is still hurricane season, so weddings

in that part of the country should have backup plans in case of foul weather.

Your wedding planner or other professionals can tell you about insurance plans that will cover you in case you have to call it off altogether. Otherwise, make sure that your venue, caterer, florists and other vendors have an act of God or force majeure clause in their contract. This part of the contract will explain what you’re responsible for should an unforeseeable circumstance such as poor weather prevent that vendor from fulfilling their responsibilities or if the ceremony has to be canceled.

Courtesy Jessie Frost Photography

Courtesy Red Barn Farms

R RegistryIdeas

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egistries have come a long way since the days of the stand mixer and towels, though that’s still acceptable.

Here are some registry trends that go past the pots and pans.

Travel

Several services offer registries that allow couples to ask friends and families to help pay for their honeymoon or other travel. WithJoy.com, for instance, is a registry that allows couples to register for travel and doesn’t take a fee on cash gifts and honeymoon funds. Honeyfund says it’s helped couples raise more than $1 billion and says it can also help fund other adventures, such as babies and anniversaries.

First Home

Some couples may choose to ask guests for money but instead of a trip, they want a down payment on their first home together. Zola is one registry that allows you to ask for a home fund as a registry item. Zola allows group gifting, where a group of coworkers, friends or family members can go in together on a gift. It can even group gifts together from unrelated friends and family.

Charitable Donations

A charity registration is a

great solution for the couple that already has many of the standard newlywed items.

“We simply believe starting your marriage off with the ritual of generosity is a good thing,”

Beth Helmstetter, founder of The Good Beginning, a charity registry platform, told Brides magazine. “It’s also a great way to make a bigger impact than the couple could do on their own by pooling the resources of their guests … (and) a great resource to consider if the couple feels they already have all they need but know their guests will still want to give a gift in some way.”

Pet Registries

Pet owners are making sure their furry friends are taken care of, too, and including pet gifts and related items on their wedding registries. The Knot says some popular gifts are automatic pet feeders and everyday essentials, such as pet food.

Sustainable Products

More consumers these days are concerned with purchasing items and supporting brands that are committed to sustainability. They’re stacking up registries with brands that give to charities, work to reduce their carbon footprint or work with underserved communities.

Courtesy Red Barn Farms

Reception Ideas

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ith its cozy vibes and warm flavors, fall inspires a variety of moods. There’s a lot of inspiration for your wedding reception out there. We weed through it and pluck out some of the best ideas just for you.

WColor Palettes

This year, look for classic fall oranges and browns paired with warm cream, dusty blues and deep pinks. Bold jewel red and deep greens are also popular choices, and navy and orange are lovely combinations that are proving popular for fall 2023.

Centerpieces

Fall has plenty of fodder for your centerpieces, too. Incorporate pumpkins, pinecones, seasonal flowers,

Reception

continued on page 25

Courtesy Thirsty Traveler

Courtesy Red Barn Farms

Venue Ideas

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Avenue is one of the first wedding items you should check off your list.

And because it sets the tone for so much of the ceremony or reception, it’s an important one. Here are some venues you may not have considered for your big day.

Local Parks

City, state and national parks often offer some stunning backdrops for your wedding, your reception or both. Visit the park several times before your big day, if you can, and make note of how busy the park is and the position of the sun. You don’t want your

guests squinting to see you in the afternoon glare, nor do you want them peering into the gloom of a forest glade.

Also make notes about the park’s facilities. Is there plenty of parking? Bathroom access? Does it also have sports fields or other activities that may be in use the day of your wedding?

Once you have a few potential spots picked out, reach out the to city, state or federal department responsible for that park. Make sure they allow weddings, fill out any necessary paperwork, pay the fees and make sure you get a copy of the rules (there are going to be rules).

Look for any restrictions on the number of guests, chairs, toilets, cleanup and more.

Wineries & Breweries

These venues may have an event space that they are happy to let you use for your ceremony, your reception or both. For a fee, of course, but you may also get plenty of booze to use, too. Either location lends itself to plenty of décor ideas, menus and, of course, cocktails. Also ask if the

grounds will be available to you for photo shoots before your big day. Vineyards, in particular, have a striking natural backdrop that your photographer will be happy to make use of.

Just like with any other venue, ensure you know the local rules for holding a wedding at the winery or brewery; the event planner at the venue should be able to help you. Also talk to your vendors about the setup at the location and, if possible, meet them there beforehand.

Gardens

Botanical gardens, arboretums and other natural settings make stunning venues, even in the fall. The key to pulling off these weddings is to let the natural landscape carry most the weight of décor and florals. Talk to your florist about more subtle arrangements to make the most of your setting. Because many of these spaces are exclusively outdoors, you should have a Plan B should the weather go south. Ask the venue what they suggest; they may have a pavilion or other space that can give you shelter.

Courtesy Red Barn Farms

Courtesy Big Canyon Acres

The Latest in Cakes

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The cake is a small, but critical, part of any wedding reception.

Towering confections, bitesized cupcakes, doughnuts, all have had their day. These are the top wedding cake trends for 2023.

Maximalist Delights

Big cakes are still all the way in 2023.

“Maximalism is still having a moment and I think we’ll see this expressed through grand wedding cakes with intricate details and impressive heights,” cake artist Kelly Gray told Brides. “I think this is a beautiful way for couples to create a celebratory moment with their wedding guests and to incorporate details from their décor or theme.”

Icing Ikebana

These tilted, bending cakes bring a whimsical flair to your wedding day. These cakes feature longer-stemmed blooms atop the cake that seem as if they are growing naturally out of the sponge. These cakes are perfectly imperfect, are a little wild and are very much en vogue.

Pressed Flowers Finery

These pressed blooms add

color, texture and a touch of nature to the cake. Your baker can even choose edible blooms that go with your wedding’s palette. Ask them to pair it with fresh fruit for an explosion of natural flavor. Fall fruits to consider are pears, apples, pomegranates and figs. In later fall, citrus comes into play, too, and dried or candied fruits can add to the windowpane effect of the flowers.

Custom Flavors

While the confection gets most of the attention, the cake still has to taste good. Many bakers are going beyond the traditional wedding cake flavor and tailoring their cakes to the theme, décor, palette and even venue of the wedding.

Cakes Go Remote

Think you can’t get a cake from a baker thousands of miles away? Think again. The pandemic taught us the ways. Couples planning destination weddings or those who just want a particular artist can have tasting cakes shipped overnight and hold online design meetings.

“Not only does it allow couples to sample their cake at home and mull things over, but oftentimes they’re able to create an inclusive tasting experience for family and friends to get involved in the process,” says cake artist Gray in Brides.

Honoring .Friends & Family

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Sometimes, we have friends and family who won’t make it to the ceremony because they’ve passed on.

However, you can still pay homage to them and make sure they’re there in spirit, if not in person.

Displaying Photos

Include favorite photos to remember your friends and family. Talk with your venue or wedding planner about arranging the photos artfully in a place where you can see them and honor the memories of your loved ones during your ceremony.

A Moment of Silence or a Special Song

During your reception, have the emcee or

the maid of honor or another special guest call for a moment of silence for your loved ones. People can choose that time to hold up pictures, read a list of names, or even a quote from a religious book or other special passage. If silence doesn’t feel right, you can play a special song and have the band or DJ announce that it is in honor of your loved ones.

Honoring

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The Lewis Clark Hotel

Event Venue & Home of Crystal and Twigs

Event Decor, Design & Rentals.

The Lewis Clark Hotel is a very elegant and romantic venue that will make any bride happy! And there’s even more… Cryst al and Twigs is now located inside the

Courtesy Big Canyon Acres

Having Kids at Your Wedding

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There are many factors that go into the decision whether to include children in the invites for your wedding.

Sometimes, the venue, time and theme is more appropriate for an adults-only gathering (think in a bar, after 5 p.m., etc.). Or you may have chosen to celebrate in a place such as museum or other setting that’s not exactly kid friendly.

However, you may have friends and family with children, children of your own or it may be important to you that those guests with children come to your ceremony. Here are some ways to keep those little hands busy and out of mischief.

Offer Child Care

The easiest way to keep kids busy during your wedding is to offer on-site alternative

arrangements. This may be especially nice at destination weddings or at ceremonies in a museum, bar or other venue where there are areas that would be off-limits. In this scenario,

you would have guests RSVP for the number and ages of their children, then provide babysitters, activities and kidfriendly meals for those guests. The parents could then cut loose and party without the worry of having their children underfoot the whole time.

Put Them in the Ceremony

Give those little hands a job!

There are the traditional roles of flower girl and ring bearer, but they can also help pass out ceremony programs, hold the veil or dress train, carry signs, hand out favors and more. Invite the children who will participate before the ceremony, just like you do the wedding party, and it is acceptable, but not necessary, to prepare a small gift for them

as well. Make sure the children are of the appropriate age and maturity level to independently handle the tasks at hand.

Give Them Their Own Meals

Kids usually don’t have sophisticated palettes and may not appreciate your prime rib au jus or other sophisticated food. Make sure your menu includes some traditionally child-friendly options such as mac ‘n’ cheese, sliders, sandwiches or wraps. And don’t be surprised to see some adults reaching for them, too.

You can ask your venue and caterer to set a kids’ table that gets their food before the adults to help keep them occupied and keep them from getting too cranky.

Courtesy Red Barn Farms

Winter Florals

At first blush, it may seem like winter flowers don’t have the pizzazz of summer and spring bouquets.

However, no matter what climate you live in, there are some stunning blooms out there to fill out your winter wedding bouquet.

On-Trend Petal Palettes

Winter adds a layer of texture to your bouquet in that frosty hues and accents are perfectly acceptable. This year, white and blue are great colors to work with. Frosty roses and ranunculus pair perfectly with

blooms in all ranges of blue and deep greens. Pine cones make great accents, as do fir branches and other fragrant greens appropriate for the season.

A white and green palette is also great to work with, especially for bridges on a budget. Greenery takes up much of the bouquet, and you’d be surprised at the shades of green your florist can get their hands on. From the whisper whites of dusty miller to the pale blues of evergreen to the deep, glossy greens of fern and other foliage, a green bouquet can be a perfect accent to your perfect day.

Go Red

Red is another stunning holiday color. There’s the classic

blooms of red roses, but also look to berries, holly, carnations and other stunning blooms to make up your bouquet. Deep red looks great against a white wedding dress and a snowy backdrop, and it’s the perfect season to go all out with this darker jewel tone. You can also mix red in with pops of red-tinted leaves, ribbons and other accents.

Add a Personal Touch

A winter wedding can also be a good time to think about mixing in unique but personal items into your bouquet. Think peacock feathers, cotton bolls, succulents, trailing ribbons and more. Work with your florist to understand what will hold up in your bouquet and what might be more at home in a centerpiece.

Other Florals to Consider

While most of the attention might be on the bride and her bouquet, remember that there are other floral arrangements to plan for at a wedding. The groom and groomsmen will need boutonnieres, the bridesmaids traditionally carry small bouquets, and the flower girl will need her petals. Also think about centerpieces, altar arrangements and other bouquets that will need to be made.

Talk with your florist and the manager of the space where you plan to hold your wedding to determine what you can and cannot add and what is typically used in weddings at that venue and in your area.

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Courtesy Jessie Frost Photography

Courtesy Red Barn Farms

Courtesy Big Canyon Acres

Plan A Destination Wedding

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With travel restrictions easing, destination weddings are back.

But even without pandemic protocols in much of the world, destination weddings can be their own kind of planning nightmare. Here’s how to make your destination wedding the dream you deserve.

Choosing a Location

When picking a location, Brides

Destination

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ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT FORM

Return form to: The Lewiston Tribune, PO Box 957, 505 Capital St., Lewiston ID 83501

Contact: Jeanne M. DePaul, (208) 848-2221 or jdepaul@lmtribune.com Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday

THE BRIDE-ELECT

Full legal name of bride-elect

Her city of residence

Her place of employment (include city)

Her parents’ names and city of residence

Telephone

Her educational background (include high school, college or trade school, location and year of graduation)

THE BRIDEGROOM-ELECT

Full legal name of bridegroom-elect

His city of residence

His place of employment (include city)

His parents’ names and city of residence

Telephone

His educational background (include high school, college or trade school, location and year of graduation)

Wedding date and place if set

Photo submitted? (Include self-addressed stamped envelope for return)

Contact name for billing

Contact e-mail address

Telephone

Engagement information/photo must be submitted to the Tribune no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday to be considered for publication in the Sunday A.M. Section. Please see page 16 for more information.

WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT FORM

Return form to: The Lewiston Tribune, PO Box 957, 505 Capital St., Lewiston ID 83501

Contact: Jeanne M. DePaul, (208) 848-2221 or jdepaul@lmtribune.com Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday

THE BRIDE

Full legal name

Did bride change her last name to the bridegroom’s name?

Her city of residence

Her place of employment (include city)

Occupation:

Her parents’ names and city of residence

Telephone

Her educational background (include high school, college or trade school, location and year of graduation)

THE BRIDEGROOM

Full legal name

His city of residence

His place of employment (include city)

Occupation:

His parents’ names and city of residence

Telephone

His educational background (include high school, college or trade school, location and � year of graduation)

Wedding date and place (include city)

Name and title of person who performed ceremony

If minister, list his/her church affiliation (include city)

If judge or other official, list city of residence

Continued on page 17

WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT FORM

ATTENDANTS’ NAMES CITY; STATE; RELATIONSHIP

Maid/matron of honor

Bridesmaid

Best man

Usher/groomsman

Flower girl

Ring bearer

Candlelighter

Organist/pianist

Vocalist

Other musicians

Place of reception (include city)

Couple’s new city of residence

Photo submitted? (Include self-addressed stamped envelope for return)

Contact name for billing

Contact e-mail address

Telephone

Wedding information and photo must be submitted to the Tribune no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday to be considered for publication in the Sunday A.M. Section. Please see page 15 for more information.

Winter Honeymoons

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orget the beach. Winter weddings call for a honeymoon where it’s cold outside.

FIf the thought of frolicking in the snow warms your heart as much as your honey does, then keep reading. We’ve got the honeymoon trip for you.

Finland

Get cozy with a honeymoon in the winter paradise of Finland. The Lapland region in the country’s north offers a gorgeous winter landscape lit by Northern Lights for more than half the year. Look for excursions like reindeerdrawn sleigh rides, skiing and sled dog adventures. Take time to meet the Sami, the only indigenous people in the European Union.

Wyoming

Nature lovers can enjoy

the grandeur of Yellowstone National Park or Grand Teton National Park. Or hit the snow in places like Jackson Hole, home to some of the best skiing in the country. Watch the elk pour into the National Elk Refuge

during the winter migration, or go wildlife watching for black bears, eagles, bison and more.

Japan

Winter is a quiet travel season for Japan, meaning you may be able to snag some great

off-season rates and won’t see as many crowds in popular places like Mount Fuji. There are also beautiful snow festivals

Honeymoons continued on page 23

Courtesy Jessie Frost Photography

Engaging Rings for 2023

An engagement ring is meant to last a lifetime, but there are definitely some trends year-toyear.

And if you think that the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t reached into even this market, you’d be wrong. Experts say that, after two years of postponements and uncertainty, more couples are tossing the rules and going with their gut when it comes to engagement ring purchases.

Toi et Moi

Multistone rings are big this year. Double- and even

triple-stone rings are popular, as are combinations with precious stones and pearls.

“Specifically, the double stone visually showcases the coming together of two people,” Katie Zimmeran, chief merchandising officer at Blue Nile, told Brides magazine. “We’ve increasingly seen people choose unique diamonds and gemstones to further elaborate on the love story that’s being told with the two gemstones.”

A three-stone ring can represent the past, present and future of the relationship. More stones also allow for more creativity.

Colored Gemstones

Colorless diamonds are

moving over in favor of bold, bright gemstones, with emerald, morganite and sapphire particularly popular options. Black stone engagement rings are also making a statement. When the “Sex and the City” reboot, “And Just Like That” aired, fans were reminded of Carrie Bradshaw’s black diamond engagement ring. Onyx-hued stones saw an accompanying uptick in popularity.

Bigger is Better

When it comes to traditional diamonds, bigger is better this year, including bold shapes and halo cuts, where a ring of smaller diamonds surrounds a larger stone, packing a huge visual punch. Oval shaped

stones are also more popular. The soft, oblong shape draws attention and makes the fingers appear longer. Oval solitaires, in particular, are a feminine shape with a timelessness that’s attractive to today’s buyers.

Vintage Rings

In the same vein as thrifted and vintage clothing are vintage rings. Heirloom pieces are often one-of-a-kind, unique pieces that are a great expression of love for modern couples. If it’s a family piece, vintage rings can offer an emotional connection to past generations. Add a modern band that compliments it and make it your own. You can also have a jeweler add a new diamond or other stone to make a special piece your own.

Courtesy Jessie Frost Photography

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Marriage Licenses

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The ceremony may be beautiful, the bride a vision in white, but the wedding itself isn’t legal unless there’s a marriage license.

This is the document that legally binds the couple together and clears the way for the marriage certificate, which is proof that you are officially married. Here’s what you need to know about both documents.

Marriage Licenses

You will typically have to file your marriage license in the county in which you plan to

get married. Some counties and states have expiration dates on their licenses, so you’ll not only need to know the place where you plan to get married, but also the date. There may also be a waiting period from the time you file to the time you get your license. In Texas, for instance, you must wait to get married for at least 72 hours after applying for a license.

You’ll most likely get your license from the county clerk, and that office will tell you everything you’ll need to bring

Licenses

continued on page 23

Courtesy Lodge at River’s Edge

Photographer: Matt Leitholt

Hiring a Photographer

Awedding photographer is one of the most important vendors you’ll hire for your big day.

They’ll capture the memories of your wedding day and, if you don’t like the finished product, it’s not like you can go back and do it again. You’ll also be spending a lot of time with your photographer, so it’s important that you work well with them. Here are some questions to ask to make sure you get the right person for your once-in-alifetime photos.

Are you available on my wedding day? While this seems like a no-brainer, you want to check photographer availability as soon as you possibly can. If you have any flexibility with your date, let the photographer know. If an associate is going

to shoot your wedding, ask to meet the photographer as early as possible so you can make sure you’ll work well with them.

Have you ever shot a wedding or a reception at our venue? If the photographer regularly works in your area, the answer is probably yes. Ask to see a full wedding gallery from that venue to make sure your photographer can handle all lighting and social situations. Look for a cohesive wedding gallery that has the feel you’re looking for. If they haven’t shot at your venue, ask to see a recent gallery at a similar venue and make sure they’re available to walk through the venue with you before your wedding day.

What is included in your most popular wedding package? Have a clear understanding of your budget, what you can afford, and what is included in the package

that you choose. Some photographers may include all images in your final wedding gallery while others will just give you a certain number and sell you more. Confirm how many hours of shooting is included in your package, if an engagement shoot is included, and how many photographers are included in that price. Some special wedding moments require more than one photographer to capture the full scene.

Also make sure you understand how and when the photographs will be delivered. If there’s a print permit, make sure you understand how that will be delivered. Lastly, ask if that package includes any travel and accommodation

fees. If you’re planning a destination wedding, you should understand how your photographer will be getting to your venue and where they’ll be staying — and if you’re expected to pay for it.

What happens if you’re unable to shoot our wedding? Things happen. Equipment breaks, people get sick.

Make sure you know if your photographer requires a retainer, what the refund and cancellation policy is, if they use backup equipment and what the quality of that equipment is, what will happen if they can’t shoot your wedding personally, and, lastly, if the photographer has liability insurance should anything happen.

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Courtesy Lodge at River’s Edge

Courtesy Jessie Frost Photography

Courtesy Lodge at River’s Edge

Licenses

continued from page 20

with you. Each county is different, but generally, this is information such as proof of identity, such as a drivers license or passport; a birth certificate; a certificate of divorce or death certificate if this isn’t your first marriage; information about your parents, such as their full names, birthdates and birthplaces; and cash for the license fee.

Three people will generally need to sign the marriage license, usually after the ceremony. That’s the couple themselves, the officiant and one or more witnesses. The officiant will then turn in the marriage license to the county.

Marriage Certificates

After the officiant turns in the marriage license and the county processes it, you’ll receive a marriage certificate. This document usually comes several days after the ceremony, after the county clerk files your completed license with your state’s vital records bureau. In Florida, for instance, the filing process takes an average of 60 days.

Marriage certificates often include much of the same information as the license and are acceptable proof that a marriage has taken place, was finalized and is recorded with the state. In other words, it’s proof that you’re legally married.

Honeymoons

continued from page 18

to see, as well as world-class skiing. Don’t forget to hit up a natural hot spring spa for the experience of a lifetime.

Lake Tahoe

Crystal waters and beautiful mountain vistas make Lake Tahoe a natural honeymoon destination. This California hotspot is known for its hiking and skiing. Visit Squaw Valley, home to the 1960 Winter Olympics and have a drink at the glass-walled Terrace Restaurant and Bar while taking in some epic views.

New Zealand

If you’re getting married in the summer but still want a winter honeymoon, never fear, New Zealand is here. Glaciers, ski slopes and more await during America’s summer months, where it’s winter Down Under. Explore geothermal hot springs, bright blue lakes and a breathtaking shoreline. Queenstown, where bungee jumping was invented, is called the adventure capital of the world for good reason.

Maine

Want to hit the snow but not head out West? Then try the slopes at Camden, Maine, where you can gaze out at the frosty Atlantic from the ski run. If nature is your thing, head up to Acadia National Park. For food, definitely try the Maine lobster any and every time you can, and the state is full of charming bed-and-breakfasts and cabins for rent for a romantic getaway.

Courtesy Jessie Frost Photography

Destination

continued from page 14

magazine says it’s best to pick a place that’s safe and has all of the resources you need, including places for your guests to stay, childcare arrangements

and more. Make sure that there are no recent travel warnings and that all of your guests will feel welcome regardless of their religion, gender or sexual preference. Also consider how traveling into and around this destination will be for your oldest or least-traveled guests.

Complicated travel plans may not be very forgiving to elderly guests or those unused to travel.

Pick A Pro

Professionals are critical when planning a destination wedding. Planners can help all types of weddings, but none more so than destination weddings, which will find you far from home if anything goes wrong. If you can’t afford a professional planner on the ground, choose a resort or venue with a strong onsite coordinator that’s willing to help you wrangle vendors, overcome language barriers and finalize last-minute details.

Guest

Accommodations

You don’t need to pay for your guests’ lodging, but it’s kind of you to think of accommodations at a variety of price points and

lifestyles. Make a range of suggestions within 15 minutes of your chosen venue. Cover all of the price points and amenity options your guests may require, including handicapped accommodations and all-inclusive options, if possible. A room block at one venue that has it all covered may help you negotiate a better rate for your guests.

Visit Beforehand

It may seem a little like unwrapping a gift early, but you really should visit your destination and venue beforehand. Ideally, experts at Brides magazine say, visit once before booking and again three to four months before the wedding. If you can’t make a second trip, allow plenty of time for you to see it in the days before the wedding to make final decisions.

Courtesy Jessie Frost Photography

Reception

continued from page 5

branches and other natural material to provide a seasonal touch to your arrangements. Your florist can advise you on what is available in your area and on your budget.

Food

Get ready for a warm, cozy menu. There’s plenty of inspiration for fall menus. Work with your food vendors to choose seasonal fruits, veggies and flavors. Take cues from nearby holidays. You can work fall flavors such as apples and pumpkins into not just your entrees, but also into cocktails and desserts.

Photos

Fall’s got some gorgeous natural color, so work with that. Ask your photographer to suggest places where you can take in the colors of fall. Look for pumpkin stands, farm stands and seasonal vistas.

Favors

Look to the flavors of fall for

creative wedding favors that your guests will love. Mason jars filled with locally made treats in fall colors and flavors, tiny jars of sweet fall honey, apple cider, and, of course, anything pumpkin will fit the bill.

Flowers

There are plenty of flowers with blooms that match this fall’s hottest hues. And despite what you might think, many of them are also in season (read: cheaper), too. Pansies and chrysanthemums are at their peak in fall, and you can also find plenty of greenery that fits the season. Talk with your florist about what posies are best for your area and your budget.

Blanket Bank

For outside receptions, consider offering baskets of cozy blankets so your guests can snuggle up. This will help take the chill off (literally) any cool temps and give your party a cozy vibe that can’t be beat.

Honoring

continued from page 9

Memory Tables

Have special places at your reception or ceremony where you fill tables with special photos of friends and family, along with mementos and a sign to explain. You can also include a memory book for your guests to share their favorite memories.

Provide Special Favors

If your loved ones had special food, flowers or other favorite items, make it part of your favors. Include a sign to explain or have someone explain during the reception.

Make a Donation

Instead of favors, make a donation to a charity that was close to the heart of your loved one. Have a sign that announces the donation and invites your guests to do the same. You can also invite your guests to donate instead of giving you gifts, especially if you’re combining two fully functional households and already have more than you can handle.

Dedicate an Empty Chair

Have an empty chair in a conspicuous spot, such as in the front row, that is dedicated to the loved ones that can’t be with you in person. You can mark that chair with a candle, flowers or another special marker.

Courtesy Thirsty Traveler

Courtesy Red Barn Farms