INSIDE
ore See m ison d of Ma outique B re Squa Bridal’s and owns ive g -5 s u l c ex ges 4 on pa
2020
WEDDING PLANNER a special supplement of the Messenger-Inquirer
table of contents
PREPARATION ........................................................ 3 GOWNS ....................................................................... 4 CEREMONY .............................................................. 5 RECEPTION . . ............................................................ 8 PLANNING GUIDE ............................................. 10 TASK MANAGER ................................................. 16 TRANSPORTATION ............................................ 17 DESSERT ................................................................ 19 CATERING ............................................................. 20
Come in today forAward Winning BBQ & Burgoo*
Weddings, Birthdays,& Special Occasions
Mutton • Chicken • Pork • Ribs Beef • Ham Dine In • Carry Out • Banquet Room Custom Cooking & Catering
Six Generations of Quality BBQ 338 Washington Ave. 926-9000 *Messenger-Inquirer Reader’s Choice Awards
Give Us A Call For All Your Baked Goods 3152 Commonwealth Ct., Owensboro
(270) 684-1108
Honeymoon Planning with
WHITEHOUSE WANDERER TRAVEL AGENCY
WHITEHOUSE WANDERER
We can plan for ANY Honeymoon destination. NO service charge or planning fee!
Lori Whitehouse Owner/Advisor
POPULAR ALL-INCLUSIVE DESTINATIONS INCLUDE:
CARIBBEAN, HAWAII, & EUROPE
EMAIL US TO RECEIVE A HONEYMOON PLANNING FORM TODAY! loriwhitehouse911@gmail.com • www.whitehousewanderer.com Owensboro, KY
Internationally-awarded, all-inclusive wedding venue Elopements & Intimate Weddings 325 Kirchdorfer Road, Brandenburg, KY 270-422-7974 • thebarnatsoutherngrace.com
BEAUTIFULLY EVER AFTER Book your expert makeup service today.
2785 Veach Rd., C • (270) 685-2259 Owensboro, KY • Debbie Abney, Owner merlenorman.com Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios have been independently owned and operated since 1931. © 2018 Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc.
Sunday, January 26, 2020 Messenger-Inquirer 1
THE SILO EVENT CENTER
PHOTO BY: KATE PHELPS PHOTOGRAPHY
2 Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, January 26, 2020
preparation Planning a wedding is no small task, but many couples find they enjoy the work that goes into making their special day a success. It’s hard for newly engaged couples who have never before planned a wedding to know what awaits them. But the following tips can help make the wedding planning process go smoothly.
See a ive, s rehen comp onth 12-m wn do break ding d e of w ons on rati prepa 10-14. pages
take your time Do not — we repeat, DO NOT — rush to the altar. Feel free to extend the engagement long enough to keep stress levels down and get the location and ceremony of your dreams. Many recently engaged couples feel pressured to get married right away, but stretching out the engagement to save money or give yourself more time to plan will save you stress, uncertainty and regret in the long run.
find your organization method Organization is the key to pulling off the wedding of your dreams. Whether your organizational style is best served by jotting details like dates and deposit deadlines down in a notebook or utilizing an online spreadsheet or smartphone app, choose your method early on. Keeping information and reminders in one place can make it easier to manage all the tasks that lie ahead.
decide on guest list
!
STAY HAPPY & UNDER BUDGET
Make your list of priorities and the costs of those first, so you then know where you need to trim from other expenses later.
Planning decisions are often based around the projected number of guests. You’ll need to have a ballpark figure regarding guests before you should commit to a venue and make other decisions, such as where guests will stay. And if the majority of guests are coming from a certain area, such as your hometown, you may want to bring the wedding to them instead of asking them to come to you. Sunday, January 26, 2020 Messenger-Inquirer 3
gowns find the dress of your dreams at madison square boutique and bridal
!
SHOPPING TIP
To ensure the best shopping experience for a bride in search of her gown, the team at Madison Square Boutique and Bridal sticks to a set of rules: 1) Groups should be limited to only three or four people accompanying the bride. 2) Only the bride and the fitter are allowed in the dressing room. 3) Minimal makeup should be worn to reduce the likelihood of transfer to the gowns. 4) No food is allowed during shopping. 5) Appointments to try on gowns are also encouraged, and they come with a perk: With enough notice, Anne has time to visit the Leitchfield store and pull dresses from there for a bride’s appointment in Owensboro. 4 Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, January 26, 2020
Area brides know that, while online dress shopping is abundant, opportunities to find a gown in-store are slim. That’s where Madison Square Boutique and Bridal, with one location in Leitchfield and a new, expanded location opening soon in Owensboro, comes in. “(The shop) gives me the opportunity to offer dresses that (brides) wouldn’t get anywhere else,” owner Anne Gonzales says. And she delivers on that promise: Many of her bridal gowns are bought straight from her suppliers and come from all over the world. The shop carries high-quality bridal brands such as Katherine Joyce, Victoria Soprano, Moonlight Bridal, DaVinci Bridal, Pronovias Bridal-The White One and Fiore Couture exclusively, and Madison Square Boutique and Bridal is the only store in the U.S. where a bride can try on any of those gowns. The shop also carries dresses by Val Stefani, Beso and Philippe Matthew Gowns. That exclusivity is an impressive service to offer, and Anne says that’s intentional: “We offer a big-city bridal experience without having to go all the way to a big city.” To truly get a feel for what they’re looking for in their wedding day attire, “we encourage brides to try on about 15 dresses,” Anne says. Even dresses of the same size and brand can fit differently, so making an appointment to actually see yourself in some
STORY BY JODI KEEN
gowns is crucial. The shop carries gowns in sizes 2-34, and Anne and her employees make sure shoppers move around and sit down in the dresses they try on to confirm that brides can actually — and comfortably — move in the gowns they have their eye on. Dresses for sale at Madison Square Boutique and Bridal are new and straight from the supplier. The shop does not purchase or sell used gowns, nor does it keep gowns for more than three years, ensuring that brides have a fresh selection of styles to choose from. The shop employs Linda Drwal, an alterations specialist with more than 50 years of experience, for tailoring and customizing gowns. And every shop employee gets to help choose the dresses that are brought into the shop, as well as add design input to customized dresses. Madison Square Boutique and Bridal also offers fittings for tuxedo rentals, bridal attendant and mother-of-the-bride and -groom dresses, and final fittings. Most of all, Anne says, Madison Square Boutique and Bridal is about helping brides find the look they want for their big day. “It’s not about what size you wear,” Anne says. “It’s about how you wear your size. How you look, how you feel. It’s your day; that’s what matters.”
WE ARE MOVING!
303 E. 14TH STREET SUITE 1A CORNER OF E 14TH & J.R. MILLER 270-570-5684
Sunday, January 26, 2020 Messenger-Inquirer 5
THE SILO EVENT CENTER
PHOTO BY: J. PHOTOGRAPHY
6 Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, January 26, 2020
ceremony Months of planning is par for the course for couples about to tie the knot. Much of that planning concerns the reception, and rightfully so. Receptions last longer than ceremonies, and couples are often involved in every reception detail. But it’s equally important that couples devote considerable attention to their wedding ceremonies.
don ’ t forget ceremony details
Spend time trying to put a personalized spin on the proceedings, whether that entails writing your own vows or choosing music that means something to you. While the altar and aisle are key places to draw attention, couples can dress up the chairs/pews, ceiling (if allowed), and entrance to make the space welcoming. When given ample attention, seemingly minor details can make for a special, memorable ceremony.
location matters If a ceremony will take place in a house of worship, try to choose a reception venue close to the ceremony site so guests don’t have to spend too much time on the road. That said, if you’re able to secure the same venue to comfortably serve dual roles — such as The Barn at Southern Grace in Brandenburg, Kentucky — all the better!
get to know your officiant The officiant should be someone with whom you both feel comfortable. This person should know you well enough that he or she can preside over the ceremony and add sentiments that come across as authentic and personalized. If you’re not well acquainted at the time the officiant is chosen, schedule a relaxed meeting so the three of you can get to know each other. DON’T FORGET! Review vow plans with officiant 3 months prior
avoid especially lengthy ceremonies Couples may need to meet specific religious requirements if they’re getting married in the faith, and there may be some aspects of the ceremony that you can’t cut short or modify. But if you have wiggle room, try to keep the ceremony to 30 minutes or less; otherwise, you run the risk of guests getting antsy, especially children. Sunday, January 26, 2020 Messenger-Inquirer 7
reception According to The Knot, nearly half ($15,439) of wedding money is spent on the reception venue alone. Here’s how to reduce reception costs without sacrificing fun.
research venues ’ versatility
Search for a venue that meets your needs to a T. For example, the Home Builders Association of Owensboro offers two rooms with different amenities and facility schematics so couples know exactly how much space they’ll have to work with.
choose food wisely Pour over the details of catering costs. The Knot says the average price for catering will be $68 per person. Opting for an appetizers and cocktails reception may shave some money off the bill. Find out if the catering hall can work within your budget to provide cost-conscious options, like familiar comfort foods instead of gourmet fare.
book your event ( s ) on a weeknight Couples can save thousands of dollars by hosting weeknight weddings and receptions instead of weekend affairs. Book the venue from Monday through Friday, as even Sunday prices have escalated. The further from the weekend, the lower the prices.
OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER
PHOTO COURTESY OF: OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER
8 Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, January 26, 2020
LEAVE YOUR WEDDING IN STYLE, Limos By Knight style!
270-684-4688 877-836-5842
Owensboro’s Leading Limousine Company Since 1998
3023 Highland Pointe Dr, Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 926-2555
Free Wedding Consultation Kegs!
Case Discounts
New 2nd location! Val-U West on Hwy 60! Sunday, January 26, 2020 Messenger-Inquirer 9
12
month planning guide Use this handy guide to keep important notes as you decide the details of your event. Keep these notes for reference so no details are missed.
12 months
size of tables_______________________
RECEPTION SITE
china/linens rental fee________________
___________________________ contact/phone ______________________ setup date/time______________________ reception time/length_________________ minimum/maximum # guests______________
parking____________________________
PHOTOGRAPHY
wedding albums_ ____________________
photographer_________________________
additional prints_ ___________________
address____________________________
engagement photo_
phone_____________________________
wedding announcement photo___________
contact____________________________
special requests_____________________
arrival time/place_
__________________ hours of work_ _____________________ photography cost____________________ developing cost_ ____________________ travel cost_________________________
who owns rights? disc?________________
VIDEOGRAPHER
special requests_____________________
videographer_________________________
_________________________________ _________________________________ who owns rights? disc?________________ total cost of video___________________ deposit amount_________ date due _____ balance amount_ _______ date due _____ date video will be ready_ _____________
tables/chairs rental fee_______________
address
address____________________________ phone_____________________________ contact____________________________ arrival time/place_
__________________
hours of work_ _____________________ travel cost_________________________
!
handicap accessible?__________________ total cost of venue_ _________________ deposit amount_________ date due balance amount_ _______ date due
__________________
total cost of photography_____________ deposit amount_________ date due
_____ _____ date album will be ready______________ balance amount_ _______ date due
READ THE FINE PRINT
Some venue packages may seem like they cost significantly more, but check to see if they include chairs, linens, etc. Sometimes paying more for the venue will end up saving you.
10 Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, January 26, 2020
_____ _____
9 months
headpiece__________________________
THE GOWN
gloves_ ___________________________
store_ ______________________________
earrings___________________________
address____________________________
necklace__________________________
phone_____________________________
slip_______________________________
contact____________________________
shapewear_ ________________________
style_
____________________________ train length________________________ color_____________________________ size_______________________________ order date_________________________ expected date_______________________ fitting dates________________________ total gown cost_____________________
total accessory cost
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
punch and soft beverages______________
caterer_
__________________________ contact/phone_______________________ price range of menu__________________ menu______________________________ price each_ ________________________ child price_________________________
alcohol_ __________________________
FLORALS
flowers
florist____________________________
flowergirl basket
contact____________________________ address____________________________ phone_____________________________
shoes_ ____________________________
_________________ _____ balance amount_ _______ date due _____ alteration name ____________________ alteration contact __________________ alteration dropoff date ______________ alteration pickup ___________________ total alteration cost ________________ deposit amount_________ date due
bartender
________________________
hors d’oeuvres______________________
___________________ _____ balance amount_ _______ date due _____ total cost of food
deposit amount_________ date due
___________________________ __________________ color scheme _______________________ deposit amount_________ date due _____ balance amount_ _______ date due _____
6 months
headpiece__________________________
BRIDAL ATTENDANTS
sizes/colors_
store_ ____________________________
gloves_ ___________________________
dress_ ____________________________
jewelry_ __________________________
style_
____________________________ color(s)____________________________ sizes______________________________ flowergirl(s) ______________________
order date
TRANSPORTATION
hours needed_______________________
____________________ contact/phone_______________________ make/model_________________________ # of vehicles/passengers_______________
_________________________________ total transportation cost______________ deposit amount_________ date due _____ balance amount_ _______ date due _____
limousine service
shoes_ ____________________________
_______________________
________________________ ___________________ fitting dates________________________ total attendant cost _________________ expected arrival_
Sunday, January 26, 2020 Messenger-Inquirer 11
_________________________
6 months
envelopes
INVITATIONS AND PRINTING
stationery
printer____________________________
pew cards__________________________
address____________________________
programs
phone_____________________________
change-of-address cards______________
contact____________________________
date ordered_ ______________________
thank you cards_____________________
________________________ ________________________
_______________
date expected_______________________
invitation style______________________
total printing cost___________________
enclosures_________________________
deposit amount_________ date due
responses
_________________________ announcements _____________________
balance amount_ _______ date due
BEAUTY
hairdresser_ _______________________
_ _____________________ contact/phone_______________________ address ___________________________ practice date/time____________________ # of people_________________________ deposit amount_________ date due _____ balance amount_ _______ date due _____
contact/phone_______________________
WEDDING CAKES
decoration/top______________________
bakery____________________________
tiers/servings_______________________
contact/phone_______________________
groom’s cake flavor/shape_ ____________
setup date/time______________________
servings___________________________
cake flavor/shape____________________
total cost of cakes___________________
filling/icing_ _______________________
deposit amount_________ date due
side/icing toppings____________________
balance amount_ _______ date due
HONEYMOON
car rental company
travel agency_______________________
estimated taxi cost
save the dates yes no (CIRCLE
ONE)
makeup artist
address____________________________ phone_____________________________ destination
_ _______________________
passport or visa needed_ ______________
________________ __________________ airline ____________________________ flight numbers _________ cost_________ departure date & time return date & time
_____ _____ total postage cost ___________________
address____________________________ practice date/time____________________
_________________________ ___________________ deposit amount_________ date due _____ balance amount_ _______ date due _____ # of people
day of start time_
_____ _____
______ cost________ _ _________________ hotel name ________________________ address ___________________________ phone ____________________________ meals included _ ____________________ spending money estimate _ _____________ total cost of honeymoon ______________ deposit amount_________ date due _____ balance amount_ _______ date due _____
TRAVEL MUST KNOW!
Names on airline tickets and passports MUST match. Since those tickets are bought pre-wedding, order each under your maiden name. If your passport was issued less than a year ago, there is no fee to get the last name changed. If it was issued more than a year ago, then you need to apply for a passport renewal and pay the appropriate fee. The specialists at Whitehouse Wanderer Travel Agency can help with the details. 12 Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, January 26, 2020
GIFT REGISTRY registered at_______________________ registered at_______________________ registered at_______________________
_ ________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ top items registered
3 months
# of vehicles/passengers_______________
TRANSPORTATION
_________________________________ total transportation cost______________ deposit amount_________ date due _____ balance amount_ _______ date due _____
____________________ contact/phone_______________________ make/model_________________________ limousine service
hours needed_______________________
song details________________________
_________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ total cost of ceremony music___________ deposit amount_________ date due _____ balance amount_ _______ date due _____
RECEPTION MUSIC
song details________________________
recorded music______________________
hours of play_______________________
_________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ total cost of ceremony music___________ deposit amount_________ date due _____ balance amount_ _______ date due _____
GROOMSMEN
shirt style/color_ ___________________
store_ ____________________________
cummerbund/vest style/color___________
address____________________________
tie style/color______________________
phone_____________________________
shoe style/color_____________________
contact____________________________
total tuxedo cost____________________
ringbearer(s)_ ______________________
deposit amount_________ date due
jacket style/color___________________
balance amount_ _______ date due
CEREMONY MUSIC recorded music______________________ soloist/group_ ______________________ contact____________________________ address____________________________ phone_____________________________ time of arrival______________________
band/dj____________________________ contact____________________________ address____________________________ phone_____________________________ time of arrival______________________
_____ _____
2 months
WEDDING BANDS
MISCELLANEOUS
sizes
mail invitations
pickup date_________________________
create a schedule for vendors
ring costs__________________________
create schedule for wedding party
warranty cost_ _____________________
finalize timeline for ceremony & reception_
alteration cost
appoint jobs
total cost__________________________
budget_ ___________________________
______________________________
____________________
Sunday, January 26, 2020 Messenger-Inquirer 13
__________________ __________________ groom’s attendants’ boutonniere _________ ring bearer boutonniere _______________ fathers’ & grandfathers’ boutonnieres_____ mothers’ & grandmothers’ corsages_______ review ceremony detail with officiant ____ set day of lunch plan _________________ flower girl bouquet
6 weeks
groom’s boutonniere
CEREMONY delivery times_
_____________________ ________________________ pew markers________________________ bridal bouquet______________________ attendants’ bouquets_ ________________ altar decor
REHEARSAL
mail rehearsal invites by
_ _______________________ address____________________________
catering/dinner location_______________
date & time
______________
catering/dinner time__________________
RECEPTION
beverage table______________________
room/hall__________________________
tossing bouquet_ ____________________
head table_________________________
going-away corsage_
___________________ guest tables/number__________________ favors ___________________________ cake table_ ________________________
others_ ___________________________
sweetheart table
_________________
total cost of flowers_________________ deposit amount_________ date due balance amount_ _______ date due
_____ _____
ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
SKIN CARE
call the m-i at 270-926-0123 or visit messenger-
call owensboro dermatology
inquirer.com/bridal/ to announce your engagement.
to set up a skin care regimen.
4 weeks MARRIAGE LICENSE
________________________
apply for marriage license_____________
pickup date
1-2 weeks
set aside vendor payments
MISCELLANEOUS follow-up on unaccounted rsvp’s________ write wedding vows
__________________
_____________ _____________ finalize seating arrangements _________ social media filter __________________ pack for honeymoon _________________ review vendor contracts
after the wedding
GOWN CARE
WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT
help keep your gown in good shape
call the m-i at 270-926-0123 or visit messenger-
by entrusting swan cleaners with
inquirer.com/bridal/ to announce your wedding.
its cleaning and preservation.
SEND THANK YOUS send these promptly after the wedding or honeymoon. if you have a gap between the wedding and honeymoon departure, try setting a goal to wrap those up before you leave.
14 Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, January 26, 2020
frequently forgotten ACCOMODATIONS
• Make sure plates, cutlery and
• Is your wedding out of town for a
napkins are available for food and
lot of family and friends? Consider
cake tables, as well as something to
blocking out rooms at a nearby
cut and serve the cake.
hotel for them. These often come at discounted prices.
BEAUTY • Never wait until the day or two prior to get hair colored, to tan, have lashes done or teeth whitened. If something goes wrong, allow time to correct it without inducing panic.
RECEPTION • Some venues require you to obtain insurance for the event; others may only request it if bartenders will be serving the reception. Don’t forget to ask if insurance is included or not and budget accordingly.
• Bring the cake topper if it wasn’t left with the cake baker.
PETS • If your pet isn’t in or attending the wedding, remember to have accommodations set for them.
CEREMONY • Don’t forget to bring the marriage license. • Have someone seated up front be in charge of prompting people to stand and sit at the proper times.
BRIDAL • Popular for bridal parties are
• Venues may require cleanup before
emergency kits stocked with extra
the end of the night. Assign cleaning
bobby pins, pain relievers, no show
duties to the wedding party or others
socks, etc.
who are able to help prior to event. • Rental companies or venues may ask that tables and chairs be stacked and ready for pickup. Check with yours to see what they require.
OTHER • Tradition calls for the bride and groom to purchase gifts for their parents. • There are miscellaneous jobs that
FOOD
you can assign to family and friends.
• Have plenty of water available.
See the task chart on page 16.
Sunday, January 26, 2020 Messenger-Inquirer 15
TASK
tracts If con ver co don’t , then ases the b sure make o. you d
manager task
Set up reception area Disperse favors Coordinate wedding party Guest book/take it to reception Gather ceremony decorations Cut and serve wedding cake Pack up gifts Money/Card box Clean up after reception
16 Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, January 26, 2020
who
when
transportation
PHOTO COURTESY OF: LIMOS BY KNIGHT
Transportation may seem like a relatively minor detail to factor into wedding planning, but it’s a critical step that shouldn’t go overlooked — after all, you do have to get from Point A to Point B. And you definitely don’t want to delay in booking your reservation. “Usually, I tell to-be brides (to book transportation) about six months in advance,” says BJ Burton, owner of Limos by Knight.
!
PLANNING TIP
Begin focusing on transportation between four and six months before
Check that the company has a fleet of options, so you can select a vehicle that aligns with your needs. For example, Limos by Knight has super-stretch limousines with all the amenities, while its limobuses offer more of a party vibe. “Our stretches are nice because they have more of the bling,” BJ says. “But our limobuses are easier to get in and out of for the bride and the bridesmaids in their dresses.”
We Don’t Just Serve BBQ!
Fried or Smoked Chicken • Pulled Pork Ribs • Taco Bars • Baked Potato Bars Appetizers • Desserts & More
the ceremony and sooner in graduation, prom and peak wedding seasons.
1527 11th St., Tell City billanddavesbbq.com Sunday, January 26, 2020 Messenger-Inquirer 17
THE FAMILY BAKERY
PHOTO COURTESY OF: THE FAMILY BAKERY
18 Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, January 26, 2020
dessert Brides and grooms may pour over every detail of their weddings, but few components of the festivities may be as fun, especially for foodies, as deciding what their wedding dessert will be. Couples have long looked to multi-tiered cakes as their wedding dessert, but according to Donna Wedding, owner of The Family Bakery, more and more duos are opting for smaller elements and mixed items that make a statement. Here are some of the trends she’s seeing.
naked cakes
doughnuts
“What’s really popular are naked cakes, where you ice them and then scrape the icing back off so that the cake still shows through,” Donna says. “It’s sort of rustic,” an especially stunning complement to boho-chic weddings.
“Several times, we’ve done weddings that were nothing but doughnuts,” Donna says. “The customer has to supply the stand, but we layer them and put them in the shape of a cake.” Couples even request custom doughnut holes.
cupcakes
cookies
Some couples choose to combine the individuality of cookies with the tradition of cakes and opt for cupcakes as their wedding dessert.
Donna says that some couples eschew cakes almost entirely in favor of something smaller and more individualized, such as delicately decorated cookies.
combining ideas Why stick to just one dessert at your wedding when you can combine elements? Donna says she’s seen lots of variety at receptions. “Some weddings will be almost all cookies, and then there’ll be maybe a small cake with it,” she says. “They’ll do a three-tiered (display) and make it all cupcakes, and then the top tier is a cake that they can cut.” There have even been times where couples will offer platters of doughnuts for their guests, with a different flavor of doughnut featured on each platter.
!
SPECIAL TWIST
A wedding cake can also be a perfect avenue for couples to tell their story. Individual tiers can be designed to reflect various milestones from the couple’s relationship, resulting in a dessert that is beautiful and engaging. Sunday, January 26, 2020 Messenger-Inquirer 19
catering
consider a buffet - style service
PHOTO BY: GREG EANS
Although couples might like the tradition and flair that a seated/plated meal offers, it creates a much more limited selection of meal options. Buffet-style dinner service often provides couples with multiple choices, and it’s more likely they can come up with a combination that caters to any food allergies or dietary restrictions guests may have. Many area eateries, including Old Hickory Bar-B-Que and Real Hacienda Mexican Restaurant, offer full buffet catering for parties, which allows a unique experience for guests while keeping billing a breeze for the bride and groom.
opt for food stations In lieu of one long buffet table, a modern approach is to have staffed food stations. Foods as well as their ingredients can be clearly stated on food table placards so guests can make appropriate choices. Another perk of food stations is the ease with which they can highlight different foods and styles of cooking. A barbecue lover can arrange several stations featuring different cuts from Bill & Dave’s Smokin’ Pit out of Tell City, Indiana, so that guests can customize the savory grub that goes on their plates. But why keep the station, well, stationary? Call in Real Hacienda’s Express food truck and offer guests sizzling street tacos, custom nachos and fresh arroz con pollo.
serve a custom - made cocktail A themed drink, such as punch or a classic spirit with a reimagined, wedding-friendly name, can be less expensive than offering full open bar service. Some couples also opt to pay for only wine and beer rather than a full open bar that includes liquor and mixed drinks. Buying in bulk from shops such as Val-U Liquors can also help keep costs down. If your wedding is smaller or more casual, lots of couples also embrace a BYOB policy so there’s enough alcohol for exactly the number of people who want it. 20 Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, January 26, 2020
Reserve the Banquet Room for Receptions & Meetings Accommodates up to 150 people. 270.688.0353 www.hbao.com
10% OFF BRIDAL CATERING
Since 1946
n a w S
CLEANERS AND SHIRT LAUNDRY
684-0268 • 1228 Walnut St. www.swancoupons.com
Preserve the memories of your special day
2019
OI
D
S’
C
H
REA
ER
CE
ER
M E
GER-INQU EN IR SS
P L AT I N U M
3023 Highland Pte. (off Hwy 54), 270-684-5595 4820 Frederica St. 270-685-5950
Now order online! www.real-hacienda.com
$99 Wedding Gown Special Cleaned and Preserved
Gowns cleaned on site and can be viewed before boxing. Expires September 30, 2020
$59 Cleaned & Pressed Expires September 30, 2020
Sunday, January 26, 2020 Messenger-Inquirer 21
favors Today’s couples are interested in customizing their weddings and offering guests something meaningful, or at the very least edible, so that favors don’t immediately get thrown away. WELCOME BAGS. To help greet guests and
LATE-NIGHT SNACKS. After a night of
make their experience memorable, couples
celebrating, some guests may want the
may fill a gift bag with items guests can use
festivities to continue but need some extra
or enjoy during their stay — like exclusive
sustenance to make it through another few
makeup from Merle Norman Cosmetics or a
hours of the party. Call Real Hacienda’s Express
EDIBLE GIFTS. The Family Bakery has
EXPERIENCE GIFTS. A coupon for free drinks
supplied bridal parties with cookies in the
at a nearby brewery, a tour of a local attraction
shape of wedding cakes, dresses and hearts
while guests are in town or a group excursion for
that couples then wrap in cellophane and pass
guests attending a destination wedding can be
out to guests as party favors.
fun and will help guests create lasting memories.
gift card to Old Hickory Bar-B-Que.
food truck and bring the party to you.
2821 New Hartford Road Owensboro, KY 42303 | (270) 685-5777 2821 New Hartford Road Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 852-4785