Bride's Guide

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HIGH-TECH PLANNING

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MIXING TECH WITH TRADITION

ROSES

Material World

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Wedding Planner 2012

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Wedding Planner 2012

Table of Contents 4 8 10 12 15 17 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 30 31 31

Living in a Material World Today’s Tiaras Wedding Techs Do’s and Don’ts Bands of Outsiders The Recession Registry Simple and Slightly Perfect Coming Up Roses A Bun, A Braid or Curls? Radian Makeup for Your Special Day Trends for the Groom The Flower Girl Countdown to a Fantastic Wedding Fashion: Keeping Up Flowers: A Key Element of Any Wedding By Invitation Only The Perfect Gift for the Couple

Publisher - Ron Ensley Advertising Director - Debbie Ensley Advertising Consultants - Betty Frost, Rachel Ebbers, Luke Brown, Diane Gengler, Deb Theisen Graphics and Design - Jenine Kubista, Kelly Kubista, Kerri Lynch, Sue Schuster, Loralea Baldwin Cover Design - Kerri Lynch Bride on the Cover: Kerri Lynch

owatonna.com

©2012 Bride’s Guide is published by the Owatonna People’s Press 135 W. Pearl, Owatonna, MN 55060 and printed by Cannon Valley Printing, Northfield, MN. No portion of the advertising or editorial content of the Bride’s Guide may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

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Living in a Material World By Nola Sarkisian-Miller CTW Features

The best wedding dress is the one made with a fabric that reflects a bride’s personality and flatters her body. Here, designers open up about their go-to textiles and which styles of gowns they work best for

e

verybody knows that strapless gowns are the favored silhouettes of brides. But, what about the fabric of the gown? Should brides opt for something like a heavy duchess satin, which lends itself well to beading, or a silk tulle for an incredible fairy tale ball gown, or a sheer chiffon for a soft, drapey feel? For spring 2012, bridal designers are thinking about the lightness of being. Sheerer staples like chiffon, crepe back satin, silk tulle and charmeuse are some popular fabrics at New York-based Sarah Jassir, such as the silk crepe back satin dress with lace trim or silk taffeta ball gown in tulle and lace. Romantic embroidered lace and silk embellished with metallic lace for a bit of sheen are key in See GOWNS, page 5


Wedding Planner 2012

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GOWNS: Pick a fabric that reflects your personality or venue Continued from page 4

Ivory washed silk organza strapless gown with draped sweetheart neckline, flutter over skirts and handcrafted leather and matte organza belt from Watters Brides.

the collection by Los Angeles-based designer Tadashi Shoji.And, textured organzas and cotton voiles are favorites of designer Hayley Paige, the new designer behind JLM Couture’s Blush line and an upcoming namesake line, which will have a soft launch in spring. “The airy and gauze-like qualities cater to my favorite type of fabric manipulations,” Paige says.“It’s a form of happy drama and tangibility.” For the non-initiated, sifting through fabric choices can sound daunting.A number of factors can help brides whittle down the fabric list: Think about all the activities you will do at the wedding – dancing, eating, drinking and more – Jassir says. Pick a fabric that reflects your venue. A formal event typically calls for something grand, such as a ball gown or mermaid silhouette, created out of silk tulle, says Shoji. Fluid silk chiffon gowns are ideal for beach affairs. Search for a fabric that reflects your

personality, says bridal designer Heidi Elnora. It doesn’t hurt if it also flatters your body. For instance, silk chiffon moves with the body, and sturdier fabrics, such as taffeta, won’t cling to your bottom half. If necessary, Paige says to “embrace your inner Carrie Bradshaw and pull inspiration from your own closet!” Notice the fabrics of your favorite cocktail dress or visit the eveningwear section of a department store to try on some gowns and get a better feel of what fabrics imbue you with confidence. Here’s a cheat sheet to all your fabric options:

Silks Silk is the revered fabric when it comes to bridal gowns. Prized for its luster, drape and hand, it’s made from silkworm cocoons and woven with different fabrics to net various lusters and finishes. See GOWNS, page 6

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GOWNS: Chiffon is one of the most beautiful fabrics Continued from page 5

Silk duchesse satin – This heavier fabric exudes luxury with a sheen and richness. Its structural stability makes it a great canvas for designer ornamentation. Silk charmeuse – Renowned for its drape, durability and shine, silk charmeuse is a fabric that feels like heaven to brides with its smooth, freeflowing texture. Great for sheaths, this gown creates an elegant silhouette and emphasizes the curves of the body. Silk dupioni – A lustrous fabric crisp to the touch with a nubby texture. It comes in medium- to heavy-weight and doesn’t wrinkle, which it makes it great for a free-flowing gown. Silk taffeta – This flat fabric rustles as it moves and is instrumental in creating fuller-bodied gowns.

Sheers Chiffon – With a see-through quality, this elegant fabric gives with a slight stretch and crepe-like texture. Available in silk and polyester, chiffon can keep brides warm or cool with its absorbency and ability to keep temperatures at bay. Organza – Lightweight and sheer, this fabric is a workhorse both in silk and polyester. Its stiffness lends itself to great architectural styles and provides interest as a layering piece. Tulle – This lightweight fabric, made from silk, nylon or rayon, is often starched for stiffness. Soft and airy, tulle is great for layering for a voluminous effect without the weight.

temperamental and require the deftest of hands when used to create their bridal gown masterpieces. Elnora, a “Project Runway” alum based out of Birmingham,Ala., loves working with organza for its movement and raw silk for its natural texture. On the downside, she says, silk organza can wrinkle easily, and if it’s held too close to a steamer, it can singe.Also, the slubs in raw silk can provide an uneven surface. “[The slubs] vary in thickness in certain parts of the dress,” Elnora says. “This can be unappealing to some brides.” Working with chiffon is like working with a rose for its pros and cons, says Jassir. “It’s one of the most beautiful fabrics, because it moves with the body,” she says.“However, chiffon is also one of the hardest fabrics to work with because it’s so delicate and fragile.” See GOWNS, page 7

Laces Alencon – A French needlepoint with a floral design on a sheer net background. Its light, delicate appearance belies its strength. Chantilly – A lighter lace on a mesh background usually done in elaborate floral patterns and outlined in heavy silky thread. As beautiful and plush as these fabrics are, designers know they can be

Ivory lace bateau neck gown with corseted under bodice and soft A-line skirt with sweep train, from Watters Brides.

Ivory thin taffeta rouched oneshoulder gown with jewel detail from Tadashi Shoji


Wedding Planner 2012 Ivory tulle sculpted strapless gown with draped bodice and shirred skirt, with black beaded grosgrain and organdy ribbon sash with brooch details from Watters Brides

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GOWNS: Fabrics getting makeovers Continued from page 6

A fabric can make a specific silhouette sing. Elnora suggests buying a sheath in chiffon or allover lace for a romantic effect. Body-conscious styles, such as the mermaid silhouette, take to silk taffeta, Shoji says, while he prefers to use silk crepe or embroidered lace in his slip gowns. Designers also love to manipulate and modify fabrics. Paige says she isn’t afraid to meld unconventional combinations out of contrasting fabrics, such as pairing those known for structure with their lightweight counterparts. “A soft silhouette can be toughened up by an origamiinspired taffeta flower just as a tailored fit-to-flare can be

charmed by a trickling petal arrangement.” At Watters, fabrics are getting makeovers.The spring line includes a v-neck gown in hammered silk charmeuse, a silk mousseline gown in a textured chiffon and a separates ensemble with a skirt crafted from washed silk organza. “It’s about creating fabrics that are formal, yet not fussy,” says Maria Prince, vice president at Dallas-based Watters. “These fabrics provide a beautiful relaxed feel that’s not stiff and invites movement and ability to mold and shape the bride.” © CTW Features

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Lorenz Baumer’s “Diamond Spray” tiara for Princess Charlene of Monaco, above left, featured rounded and calibrated diamonds on white gold, with 11 encrusted diamond pears.

Today’s

Tiaras

Once a fusty, out-of-date hair adornment, modern tiaras multitask, serving as brooches or shoulder jewelry well after the ceremony By Catherine Phelan CTW Features Not long ago tiaras were reliable mainstays of beauty contests and dowagers at hunt balls, but two royal weddings helped bring these sparklers back into the bridal spotlight this year. Now even fashionforward brides are searching beyond recent trend headpieces like feathery hair combs and French veils to give tiaras a second look. The fresh tiara styles Princess Charlene of Monaco wore last July during her wedding to Prince Albert and for her gala evening reception not only helped dust the cobwebs

from this classic ornament but may also help reinvent the form. Noted Paris jeweler Lorenz Baumer’s design for Charlene’s reception undeniably brought tiara style into the 21st century.The glittery creation, a modern spray-like masterpiece studded with diamonds, won raves from the fashionable crowd assembled for the Monte Carlo nuptials. Baumer says the wave and foam allusion was intended to reflect the bride’s love of the sea. (The Princess, an avid surfer, was once an Olympic swimmer.) Dubbed the “Diamond Foam”Tiara, this hip piece multitasks, too. It can be taken apart and worn as a brooch or smaller hair decoration.

Silver floral spray comb accented with freshwater pearls and crystals, from David’s Bridal

While Baumer created the tiara especially for Charlene, brides without a See TIARAS, page 9


Wedding Planner 2012

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“We Won’t Just rent you a tux”

Peaked crystal tiara with silvertone setting and side combs, left, and floralinspired tiara of Austrian crystals, rhinestones and pearls, both from Princess Bride Tiaras.

TIARAS: Seeing an increase in sales Continued from page 8

royal budget and interested in a spray-style hair accessory may want to check out David’s Bridal new fabric flower clip with crystal sprays, style C8020. Baumer’s tiara wasn’t the only headpiece winning raves during the two-day gala fete. For the church ceremony Princess Charlene had diamond flower brooches styled to form a luminous diadem rimming her chignon. After the wedding ceremony, her tulle veil cascaded from this brooch arrangement at the nape of her neck. Tina Gutierrez, owner of Princess Bride Tiaras, Cincinnati, says Charlene’s brooch look can be easily recreated, with silvertoned crystalstudded wedding combs positioned to form a back-ofthe-head-style tiara. For brides opting for more classic styles, heirloom tiaras a la Kate Middleton are now big.After the British royal weddings, Gutierrez saw an increase in sales,“especially for pieces like Kate’s tiara,” a 1930s Cartier halo-style piece on loan from the queen. Even bridal accessories compa-

nies that don’t offer tiaras are adapting certain styles to meet increased demand.Alexandra Augustine, co-owner of Brides Head Revisited, New York says,“We’re introducing wider headbands for a more formal, tiara-style feel.” For brides choosing tiaras – whether cutting edge or traditional – Gutierrez recommends focusing on gown style and face shape first. Many brides like to “match the type of sparkle,” she says, pairing crystal appliqué fabrics with crystal-embellished tiaras; pearl lace embroidery with pearly diadems. Sometimes tiaras serve as counterpoint. “A simple dress with a lavish hair accessory and vice versa,” says Alexandra Augustine. For face shapes, as with choosing eyewear, there are some general rules.Avoid peaked-top tiaras if you have an oval face, but try them if your face shape is round, Gutierrez suggests.The wedding gown’s color – its whiteness, how deep the ivory hue – influences whether a tiara should be gold or silverSee TIARAS, page 10

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Wedding Planner 2012

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Wedding Tech Do’s and Don’ts

Thanks to technology, planning a wedding has never been easier! But before you go sending evites, here’s what you need to know about mixing technology with tradition By Lindsey Romain CTW Features The virtual world is endless. Naturally, implementing virtual assistance into wedding planning is equally endless. How do curious brides and grooms-tobe decide what fun Internet wizardry to utilize on the big day and what’s better left alone? Here are some wedding tech dos and don’ts.

DO:

Websites can hold more information than phone apps, so the majority of the planning and organization can take place there.

Websites like Google Wedding,The Knot and Wedding Wire are great places for wedding planning and inspiration, with ideas for themes and lists of vendors and registries, says Jeff Kear, founder of My Wedding Workbook, another online planning resource.

DON’T:

Use online services to help plan a wedding.

Send evites instead of invites. Breaking tradition might be tempting, See WEDDING TECH, page 11

TIARAS: Consider the lavishness or simplicity of your hair accessory Continued from page 9

toned, as does hair color. (See “How to Select a Wedding Tiara” on PrincessBrideTiaras.com.) As for other bridal jewelry,Alexandra Augustine says that while some brides like to bling out,“you should really consider the lavishness or simplicity of your hair accessory when selecting an earring or necklace for

your wedding day.” Even with all the royal wedding buzz, tiaras may be not for everyone. Regina Shafir, of Regina B., a New York firm specializing in custom bridal jewelry, says 1920s Deco-style hair combs and flapper-style headbands are popular with her trend-conscious clients. And for those who can’t settle for one

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WEDDING TECH: Print invitations are the only way to go Continued from page 10

but print invitations really are the only way to go. “You want your guests to take your wedding as seriously as you do,” says Anna Post, co-author of “Emily Post’s Etiquette” (William Morrow, 2011). Not everyone uses the Internet, so evites threaten to seclude older guests and relatives that are less techsavvy. Also, the novelty of the printed invitation is something many guests will appreciate. “A computer screen just doesn’t have the same gravitas,” Post says.

DON’T:

showing it to? All of the people who are not invited? It’s not even the traditional aspect – it could hurt someone’s feelings.” Adds Kear:“If people are responding to you via Facebook, other Facebook friends might see messages and wonder why they weren’t invited, causing lots of unnecessary stress. It’s best to keep the RSVP process private so you can control it.”

DON’T:

Just use phone apps to help plan a wedding. There are hundreds of apps available for use, ranging in price and in-depth features, but trying to fit every detail into a phone can be jarring and complicated. “Real planning requires a fair amount of data entry, and mobile phones are ill-fit for that,” Kear says.

Use Twitter or Facebook to track RSVPs. When it comes to the RSVP, avoid social media. “I do not recommend a situation when your wedding guest list is public,” Post says.“Who are you

DO:

Webcast your wedding. Services like Ustream make it possible for long-distance or disabled invitees to sit in on a wedding from home. “I think it can be a really cool way to keep the day focused on the people you love,” Post says. Kear agrees.“Although there’s no substitute for being there in person, the people who can’t make it will still appreciate the gesture.”

DON’T:

Let a webcam dictate the ceremony. Post recalls a story she heard about a grandmother watching a wedding See WEDDING TECH, page 12

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Bands of Outsiders

The price of gold skyrocketed more than 200 percent in the past five years, paving the way for alternative-metal jewelry and placing further emphasis on the importance of appraising and insuring your jewelry

BY MARILYN KENNEDY MELIA CTW Features “With this ring I thee wed.” Yes, a band is integral to the wedding ceremony, but there’s no dictate on what it should be made of or how it should look. As the cost of gold has climbed over the past few years, more couples are sealing their vows with bands of

Two tone White gold band inlaid with titanium

WEDDING TECH Continued from page 11

via webcam and complaining about the sound the whole time. It’s wise to think ahead so that the technology doesn’t threaten the peaceful mood of the ceremony. “If you’re using a webcam, it needs to be planned, and it needs to be pretty discreet,” says Post, who suggests having someone assist with taking the video and worrying about the technical difficulties so the wedding party doesn’t have to.“Definitely have your rent-a-geek on standby.” © CTW Features

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“emerging” or “alternative” metals like titanium, tungsten carbide and cobalt. According to TheKnot. com’s 2011 Engagement and Jewelry Study, the average wedding-band cost was $1,126 for brides and $491, and that 70 percent of brides and 34 percent of groom choose white gold See RINGS, page 13


Wedding Planner 2012

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RINGS: More couples are choosing matching bands Continued from page 12

rings. Jewelers report that many of these emerging-metal bands retail for anywhere from around $100 to a few hundred dollars. “There has been a big jump in emerging metals since 2008 for men’s bands,” observes Amanda Gizzi, spokeswoman for Jewelers of America, an industry trade group. Gizzi points to an independent report showing “that in 2008 just 8 percent of men’s bands were made of tungsten carbide and now it is 20 percent, and now titanium makes up 13 percent of men’s bands.” Made of industrial-sounding metals, men like the rugged image these alternatives convey, says Gizzi.Adds David Craig Rotenberg, a certified gemologist and owner of David Craig Jewelers, Langhorne, Pa.:“And some men work a lot with their hands, and they’re saying, ‘I don’t want to damage an expensive ring,” Moreover, many men are worried

BlackTi band from Edward Mirell

But whatever your ring is made of, if it’s costly, you’ll probably want to insure it against theft or loss. Here, a look at the growing popularity of non-traditional materials, and how to protect your precious choice:

The Gold Rush

about the costs of their marriage, and are attracted to the lower price tag, Rotenberg notes. While men are the main market, more couples are choosing matching bands made of a mix of titanium and gold, relates Edessa Kerkinni of WeddingBands.com. To be sure, all that glitters may not be gold.

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The price of an ounce of gold has climbed during the past years of economic turmoil, rising by some 28 percent in the first nine months of 2011. Jewelers must keep buying gold, and that’s why their price tags also rise. The price of a gold ring will depend on its weight and design, Rotenberg explains. Some plain, narrow bands of 14-karat gold may be relatively inexpensive, perhaps in the $300 range for a woman and $600 for a man, but they See RINGS, page 14

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RINGS: Alternative metals are usually hypoallergenic Continued from page 13

can rise considerably from there. Besides price, there are many attractive attributes to alternatives, a primary one being “that they are usually hypoallergenic so they can be worn by people allergic to other metals,” notes Brenna Neal, Sears jewelry marketing officer. The Jewelers of America’s online arm, the Jewelry Information Center (jic.org), lists titanium, stainless steel and tungsten under “white metals,” a category that also includes sterling silver, platinum, white gold and palladium. Cobalt, another white metal, also is gaining popularity, notes Glenn Miller, vice president of contemporary metals at Stuller, a jewelry manufacturer. Edward Mirell, a contemporary-metal designer, offers lines of wedding bands in BlackTi, a titanium that has been treated to change its natural color, and Timoku, a “wood-grain metal” that combines both black and gray titanium. One important caveat: Should your ring size change, these rings can’t be made smaller or larger. However, many jewelers offer a ring replacement plan for an extra fee, Gizzi adds. Ceramic is another option that tends to be favored by women, adds Miller, since it comes in colors and is lighter, but it could shatter or chip if dropped on hard surface.

The Right Protection Indeed, experts advise asking about the properties and

Titanium with texture Multi-textured titanium, inset in white gold

ers insurance to obtain coverage, some companies offer specific jewelry policies, says Gizzi.

The Current Value

care of any ring you consider. “The first thing I did after I got engaged last year was to call my [insurance] agent,” relates Nicole Mahrt Ganley, who, as spokeswoman for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, says she knows the importance of establishing special coverage for a valuable ring. At typical homeowners or renter’s insurance policy will pay for theft of jewelry. But reimbursement amounts are limited, and may not be enough to compensate for an expensive ring, notes Joseph Harrington of the American Association of Insurance Services. For broader coverage, add specific endorsements to your policy, or a separate “floater” policy specifically for jewelry coverage, says Harrington. For either, ask your agent what specific risks are covered --such as “mysterious disappearance,” Harrington suggests. The extra costs for endorsements vary, but Mahrt Ganley shares:“I pay $50 extra annually for an extra $4,000 in coverage.” Moreover, you don’t have to have renter’s or homeown-

An insurer will want to know that it’s compensating you for a piece that is worth what you say it is. Often, if you’ve recently purchased a ring, the receipt is proof enough of value, relates Mahrt Ganley. With the escalation in the price of gold and other precious metals, its important to have an independent appraisal to verify current worth about every two years, says Howard Rubin, secretary

of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers in Rego Park, N.Y., a trade group which provides referrals of certified appraisers who charge by the hour. Insurance firms vary in how they want to establish jewelry values, says Harrington. Some policies, he explains pay an “agreed value”, whereby the insurer and insured agree to an amount that would be paid in the event of a loss, while others may specify an appraisal. © CTW Features

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Wedding Planner 2012

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The

Recession

Registry

Get cooking – and keep your budget in check – with these go-to kitchen tools By Timothy R. Schulte CTW Features Wßsthof Classic Black 7-inch Nakiri Knife,

Plain and simple,Americans eat out too much. With all the “50 percent off!� offers sent to our inboxes, it’s no wonder.According to the first ever “Dining Out� survey conducted on behalf of daily-deals site LivingSocial, the average American eats 4.8 meals per week (dining in and carryout). Um, aren’t we in a recession? Well, your pending nuptials – and the inherent gift-registering process – is a great time to get reacquainted with your kitchen. Or introduced. Focus on a few items that offer quality and functionality, without cluttering the kitchen,

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Wedding Planner 2012

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REGISTRY: Don’t get stuck with knives you will never use Continued from page 15

iron design offers great heat retention and long-lasting wear protection, so you’ll have plenty of years of soups and pasta sauces, or fried eggs and stir fry, depending on how you use it. Of course, the smart design means it takes up minimal cupboard space. No grill? No worries.A cast iron skillet will sear the heck out of a steak, giving it a great caramelized crust, and will roast it to perfection in the oven.The next morning it will fry up bacon and eggs for breakfast.And it will work just as good 50 years from now as it does today.There isn’t a more versatile pan you can have in the kitchen.

There’s no sense in getting stuck with a bunch of knives you’ll never end up using. Go for a starter block that only comes with kitchen shears and a knife sharpener, then build your knife collection to suit your needs. A great Chef’s or Japanese-style Santoku knife is a great go-to, but this Nakiri knife is the best of both worlds, offering the all-around versatility of a Chef’s knife with the slice ‘n’ dice quickness of a scalloped-blade Santoku. As you find yourself needing specificneed knives, go for ‘em.You’ll have about a dozen knife slots to fill, after all.

Name Recognition

No-Nonsense Knives

It’s OK to name-drop ‌ or name-scan, if you will.There is an abundance of celebrity chef-emblazoned cookware available these days, and that’s a good for two reasons. One, the name adds an assurance of quality (Giada DeLauren-

Kitchen novices armed with a registry scanner are quick to zap the knife block with the most handles sticking out of it.They should be doing the opposite.

perfect

I love this Country.SM

The

Le Creuset 2-in-1 pan.

tiis says this pan is awesome!).Two, it gets you excited to use it (I’m going to go braise some beef like Mario Batali!). In addition, going back to multifunctionality, there’s nearly limitless possibilities on what you can do with a piece, whether it’s a grill pan, roasting pan or dutch oven.And, for oven-totable readiness, they look good, too. Š CTW Features

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Wedding Planner 2012

Page 17

Cakes

Simple, and

Slightly Perfect

These desserts eschew the showy details and put flavorful cake front and center By Anna Sachse CTW Features Sure, towering tiers of woven fondant blooming with handformed sugar flowers and topped with a chocolate diorama of the city where you live make for quite a spectacle, but they can also take up a sizeable portion of your wedding budget. Instead, consider opting for a simple or “rustic chic” design and make the actual cake – what’s inside – the star of your big-day dessert. By focusing on fantastic flavor instead of over-the-top flair, not See CAKES, page 18 A Cake to Remember

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Wedding Planner 2012

Page 18

CAKE: A simple design means you are making smart choices Continued from page 17

only will you save money, you’ll have a nice cake that you actually want to eat it, too.

and pesticide-free. Other sweet decorative options include: fresh fruit, such as berries, champagne grapes, miniature pears, plums or apricots arranged around tiers enrobed in a softly-rough cream cheese frosting that evokes tree bark; feathery ferns fanning up from the cake’s base; or, for a beach wedding, small (and thoroughly cleaned) pebbles or seashells arranged in a pattern on smooth, white buttercream. You can also opt to forgo the icing altogether and simply showcase the colorful layers of cake and filling like the famous frosting-free tiers from Momofuku’s Milk Bar in New York City. Marilyn DeVault, owner of Portland, Ore.-based Piece of Cake Bakery, has done an elegant version topped with fresh strawberries swirled in white chocolate. Can’t imagine cake without frost-

Design Within Reach

whatever you choose, ask your florist first to be sure your flora is nontoxic

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A simple design doesn’t mean you have to forfeit character or style – it just means making smart choices. If you want to make a bold statement, for example, pass on the expensive techniques like detailed piping or elaborate monograms and look to color, suggests Sally Kilbridge, deputy editor of Brides magazine.“A brilliant orange cake with simple white stripes would be stunning.� But for a more rustic feel, fresh flowers are a perfect fit and will be less expensive than sugar, gum-paste or marzipan versions, Kilbridge adds. Over-sized blossoms or branches with tiny buds look especially chic, but

The Steele County Historical Society would be honored to be part of your wedding day! Use the Saco Church for your wedding and the History Center Wenger Multi-purpose Room and outdoor patio for your reception.

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Capturing the

Moment

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Wedding Planner 2012

Page 19

CAKE: You want your wedding sweets to be unique Continued from page 18

ing but still want your wedding sweets to be unique? DeVault recommends playing around with size – consider a spread of three single-tier cakes in your favorite flavors, a smaller two-tier cake paired with luscious fruit pies, or a simple three-tier cake that looks grand thanks to risers that augment the height. Or you can just concentrate on decorating the table on which your simple cake sits, suggests Kara Buntin, owner of Richmond,Va.-based A Cake to Remember.Teapots filled with flowers, mason jars filled with sparklers, mismatched vintage votive holders and slices of trees that serve as cake stands are all great options.

Impeccable Taste Even if your cake is about $19,800 cheaper than Kim Kardashian’s $20K treat, you’re wasting your money if it doesn’t taste good – all you’ve done is

You’re wasting your money if it doesn’t taste good – all you’ve done is pay for a lot of cake that nobody wants to eat. — Kara Buntin

pay for a lot of cake that nobody wants to eat, Buntin says. To prevent a flavor fiasco, Buntin advises asking bakers if they use “preweighed dry ingredients” (i.e. a cake mix) and if they make their own fillings and buttercream.“Pre-made components are usually more chemical than natural, and the taste reflects that.” In addition, she recommends asking background questions, such as how many years of experience the baker has, if they went to culinary school for pastry and if they will bake and decorate the

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cake themselves or if a staff person will handle it. You’ll also want to ask about what flavors they offer and, if applicable, whether or not they can accommodate special dietary needs in a special way. Piece of Cake Bakery, for example, specializes in gourmet vegan, wheat-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free wedding cakes that come in flavors that are just as tasty and varied as “normal” cakes – think red velvet, lemon coconut, chocolate raspberry, chocolate mint, chocolate peanut butter, blueberry and See CAKES, page 20

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Wedding Planner 2012

Page 20

CAKE: Simple cakes aren’t necessarily lower in cost Continued from page 19

pumpkin. Of course, tastings are a helpful (and fun!) way to find more interesting flavor profiles and the most delicious cake, but there may be a fee involved, warns Kilbridge.As an alternative, she suggests selecting a bakery that you already love – chances are the cake will taste fantastic and since you’re going for a simple or rustic look anyway, it isn’t necessary that they be pros with a pastry bag.

Budget Basics Just because a cake seems “simple,” it won’t necessarily be lower in cost – a three-tier Momofuku cake that serves 60 to 75 people starts at $400, for example, even without frosting. If budget is a concern of yours, keep in mind that buttercream is typically less expensive than fondant because it

requires less work, says Kilbridge.“Just be sure the cake stays refrigerated until it’s time to cut it, as a melted cake isn’t a bargain at any price.” You’ll also want to note that while most bakers will charge more for liqueurs, additional fillings, fancy techniques and off-the-menu flavors, some will actually charge extra for every change to a yellow cake batter or anything other than basic border piping, Buntin says. She advises shopping around and warns against ordering too much – you only need servings for about 80 percent of your guests, as some folks don’t eat cake and others will leave before it’s cut.“But the best thing you can do is tell a baker what your budget is and ask what they can do to help you stay within it.” © CTW Features

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Wedding Planner 2012

Page 21

Coming Up

Roses

With so many colors and varieties, roses are a true classic that always shine – especially for weddings. Preston Bailey, author of ‘Preston Bailey Flowers,’ opens up about the little black dress of wedding flowers

By Timothy R. Schulte CTW Features Some things are perennially en vogue. Like roses. The iconic floral may have a reputation for red, but it’s the versatility in its vast spectrum of varieties that led floral couturier, Preston Bailey, to dub the rose “the little black dress of floral design.” Like the classic closet piece, roses just always work. “They have become this really standard thing that you see – but not just boring red roses,” says Bailey, author of the new book “Preston Bailey Flowers” (Rizzoli, 2011). But ubiquity doesn’t mean they can’t serve as wedding florals. In fact, it’s an invitation to. It just means taking the rose and using it in an unexpected way, Bailey says.

Bouquets, Bouts and Centerpieces

In a world of hydrangeas and gerbera daisies, a bouquet of white or cream roses might seem unexpected enough, but Bailey also likes the idea of incorporating a little bit of bling to add another dimension.

“Just add a little crystal to them, so whenever the bride is walking down the aisle she has a little extra sparkle,” Bailey says. For boutonnieres, the rose blossom should stay in proportion to the lapel on the groom’s jacket. For a slimmer lapel, that means peeling the petals to get it to the right size, or just not allowing the bloom to open as fully. With centerpieces, Bailey likes to go high and low on tables – “it gives the room a lot of movement.” He even suggests creating different designs for different tables, that way guests get to see different arrangements.

Dashes of Drama The escort card table is a great place to add a dramatic statement with flowers. One

method Bailey has found effective is to tie a rose so that it can be worn as a corsage and placing it next to the card.When women take their card, they also get a keepsake they can wear. A similar touch, if the event has valet parking, is to have the valet attendant simply hand women a rose at the end of the evening. “It’s just a nice, special touch,” Bailey says.

Color Coordination The standard of what roses represent is romance, says Bai-

ley, but the color of the rose is what really exudes a mood. The vibrants – hot pink and fuchsia roses – are all about celebration.“It just says party, it says passion, all the great things,” Bailey says. Lavender and purple roses imbue an air of softness; cream and white roses, elegance.Apricot or peach roses strike a balance: not passionate, not understated. Bailey’s one rule on color: monochromatism. “I tend to like them in bunches of the same color,” he says.“I’m not big on mixing.” © CTW Features

Take IT SLOW Preston Bailey’s secret for fantasic-looking roses? Let them open slowly. “Get them at least seven days before [the event],” he says. “The idea is that they want to be as fully open as possible on the day they’re being used.” When tending to them, be very careful in removing leaves from the stem, Bailey warns. Like a straw, if you puncture the stem, it won’t get any oxygen, which will prevent it from opening properly. Beyond that, give them a daily dose of clean, tepid water, and they should be ready to go.


Wedding Planner 2012

Page 22

PHOTO: DESIGN PICS / PETE STEC / THINKSTOCK

A Bun, A Braid, or Curls?

A bun, curls, or a loose braid? Choose a hairstyle that complements your gown and the shape of your face.

A bride’s hairstyle is essential to the look she wishes to create for her wedding day. Choosing among this year’s trends is one way to find the perfect style. The classic bun is a popular choice, especially because it fits with the retro chic trend. In 2012 we will see lots of elegant buns and twists, just like Audrey Hepburn wore. Brides with fine hair can opt for a cut and style, with a square cut or a plunging bob. If they want to keep their hair long, extensions are ideal for filling out some volume. Braids are also making a comeback, but, for a more natural look, they should be soft and loose, with a few locks falling around the face to create a slightly tousled look.The shape of the face must be taken into consideration before creating a hairstyle with

a part. If the bride has a round face, a middle part will not be flattering; inversely, thin, longer faces are particularly suited to a middle part. Choose an accessory to add a more personal touch to a hairstyle.Tiaras or headbands are lovely; some wrap partially or completely around the head and come decorated with flower and leaf patterns, curves, arabesques, pearls, or Swarovski crystals. Such jewels are as perfect in loose hair as they are with loose braids or buns. With the help of your hairdresser, you can create the hairstyle you’ve always dreamed of. Be sure to make an appointment well ahead of your wedding day for a consultation about options and styles.

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Wedding Planner 2012

Page 23

If wedding bells will soon be ringing for you and your beloved, here are a few practical makeup tips to help you look radiant on your big day. If you have the means, entrust your makeup to an aesthetician that you know and trust. If you don’t know one, ask around for recommendations. Make an appointment several weeks before the wedding for a trial makeup session.You will be able to try a couple of looks, such as natural, glamorous, or dramatic, and the aesthetician will better know which kinds of products will suit you best on the big day. If you’re good at doing your own makeup and prefer to do it yourself, don’t forget that you should still do a practice run before the big

event. Keep in mind that your makeup for the wedding day is likely going to be different from what you wear to the office.Above all, you’ll want to make sure you choose products that will help you look fresh all day long. For your wedding day makeup, prepare your skin by applying a good moisturizer and then the makeup base. That will allow it to last longer and will also give it a better finish. Choose a good quality foundation that is not orangey and that blends perfectly with the colour of your skin. Opt for waterproof mascara. It will be useful if your dad’s speech brings tears to your eyes! And for a seductive pout that lasts all evening, choose a longlasting lipstick and touch it

PHOTO: JUPITERIMAGES / THINKSTOCK

? Radiant Makeup for Your Special Day

For perfect makeup, treat yourself to a session with an aesthetician.

up throughout the day with a quick swipe of lip gloss. A final touch: a few sprays of makeup fixative to keep you from looking wilted

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Wedding Planner 2012

Page 24

Trends for the Groom: Tone-On-Tone On the wedding day, it may be true that all eyes are on the bride, but a well-dressed groom will still be appreciated. He is one of the main stars of this celebration, after all! A classy and unique suit is on the agenda; after those criteria, the groom should choose a suit he feels comfortable in, one that corresponds to his personal style and that is tailored to his body shape. For an impeccably fitted suit, the groom should have a last fitting at the tailor’s, two or three weeks before the wedding. The fabric of the groom’s suit should be chosen according to the season and its overall style should match the tone of the wedding; a suit is perfect for an

Real

afternoon wedding, while a tuxedo is required for an evening event. When choosing a suit, think of it as an investment; it should signal sophistication and elegance rather than office-job functionality. Once a suit has been chosen, the next secret to a refined look lies in the tie.A contemporary finish requires a tone-on-tone tie that matches the colour of the shirt; it is a very attractive look, especially if both are pale in colour. Pale tone-on-tone will brighten up the complexion and highlight the smile.

Dressed to the hilt in all his finery, the groom will shine on his big day. (Photo Club Uomo — Joseph Abboud)

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Wedding Planner 2012

Page 25

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Whether your wedding is going to take the traditional or modern and minimalist route, you can honour a young friend, sister, niece, or cousin by asking her to be your flower girl. If you’re planning on a big wedding party, with several bridesmaids and groomsmen, a flower girl is a lovely inclusion. If you want to keep the pomp to a minimum, having just one little flower girl to stand with you is a great strategy to avoid disappointing adult women friends! The flower girl is usually placed at the head of the procession and leads the bride down the aisle towards her future husband. Because all eyes will be riveted on this little person, special thought should be given to her outfit.

Flower girl dresses can be found in most department stores and in wedding dress boutiques.A frilly and white little ball gown will make your flower girl feel like a princess for a day — you can bet that she’ll have a hard time waiting for the big day to finally arrive! You might prefer to let your flower girl choose her own outfit or you may want to provide one that is inspired by your own gown.Whatever the style, be sure to choose a bouquet for your flower girl that is a reflection in miniature of the one you will be holding. Another option is to ask her to carry a basket of flower petals, which she will scatter on the floor as she walks down the aisle.

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Wedding Planner 2012

Page 26

Countdown to a

Fantastic Wedding

Getting Started • Discuss finances with everyone contributing to the event and set a budget. • Set the date and ceremony/reception locations. • Establish a guest list.

• Start thinking about the style and theme of your wedding. • Start shopping for a gown.

6-9 months before

• Interview and book your vendors; don’t forget to get a signed contract. • Choose your attendants; shop for their dresses. • Order your stationery. • Start looking into honeymoon locales. • Register for gifts.

4-6 months before • Book your hair/makeup help. • Plan the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. • Shop for wedding bands. • Reserve a block of hotel rooms for your guests. • Finalize your honeymoon plans.

2-4 months before • Buy attendants’ gifts. • Get the men’s fashions in order. • Choose readings/music for the ceremony. • Check marriage-license requirements. • Meet with your caterer to discuss menu and drinks.

• Mail out Save-the-Dates

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See COUNTDOWN, page 27

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Wedding Planner 2012

Page 27

COUNTDOWN: What you need to do in the last month Continued from page 26

• Order the cake. • Pick out favors. • Plan and shop for welcome bags. • Arrange party rentals, if necessary. • Book your wedding-night room.

4-8 weeks before • Mail out your invites. • Do a hair/makeup run-through. • Discuss insurance/bank account changes you’ll need to make. • Send ceremony programs, reception menu and place cards to be printed.

• Pack for your honeymoon. • Organize your payments and decide who will distribute them.

1 day before • Get a mani-pedi. • Enjoy the rehearsal and dinner. • Get plenty of sleep. © CTW Features

2-4 weeks before • Submit a shot list to your photographer and setlist to your DJ. • Finalize the seating chart and prepare escort/place cards. • Confirm details with your vendors. • Get your final dress fitting.

1 week before • Give your caterer the final head count. • Pick up your dress; break in your shoes.

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Wedding Planner 2012

Page 28

Fashion

Keeping Up Ivory georgette mermaid gown with draped straps and Chantilly lace appliqués at bodice. Dramatic skirt features basket-weave organza blossoms and petal embroideries, inspired by one of Kim Kardashian’s reception gowns

Sneaky style Brides are on their feet all day, but they don’t have to spend their big day balancing in heels.Vouelle, the French designer shoe line, partnered with Twins for Peace, the Parisian shoe company that donates a pair of shoes for each purchased, on a capsule collection of bridal tennis shoes. The six-shoe collection features Keds-like kicks in silk satin (one pair leather) in either white or ivory. They’re perfect for all-day wear or as less fussy pre-ceremony footwear. At 110 to 130 euros, they’re a bit pricier than Keds, but each with each purchase a pair of shoes is donated to an all-girls orphanage in Cambodia.

Ivory tulle ball gown with Chantilly lace appliqués at bodice, basque waist and cathedral train, inspired by Kim Kardashian’s ceremony gown

The red carpet is a great source of inspiration for everyday fashion, but for the wedding fashion, there’s only one place to look: the aisle. For her Spring 2012 White by Vera Wang collaboration with David’s Bridal, now in its second year, the designer included two gowns inspired by the custom gowns she designed for reality start Kim Kardashian’s lavish nuptials. The two styles, a tulle ball gown and a georgette mermaid gown, are both price at $1,500.


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Fair

O W A T O N N A

2 0 1 2

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15TH 10:00 AM TO 3:00 PM Holiday Inn & Suites Interstate 35, Exit 45, Owatonna

Fashion Show 2:00 PM

Featuring the latest in formal wear ST. CLAIR’S FOR MEN WEDDINGS BY DEB

Grand Prize Packages Only engaged couples are eligible to register for grand prize packages.

Package One Banquet Hall Rental ($1500 value) Gift Certificate towards a purchase of a Wedding Gown Gift Certificate towards Wedding Tuxedo Rental One Year Unlimited Tanning Package Donated by: Holiday Inn & Suites of Owatonna, St. Clair’s for Men, Weddings by Deb and Haute Tanning Total Package Value $3000

Package Two

Banquet Hall Rental ($1600 value) Gift Certificate towards a purchase of a Wedding Gown Donated by: Owatonna Country Club and Weddings by Deb Total Package Value $2100 Photography Courtesy of Brandon Portrait Design

Wedding Singer BECKY DALTON Performing at 11 AM & 1 PM Center Stage


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Flowers: A Key Element of Any Wedding In many people’s minds, a successful wedding event often rests on the choice of flowers.The most beautiful of Mother Nature’s offerings, they are essential for setting the tone of the day.The trend in 2012 is towards smaller bouquets and less imposing floral centrepieces on the tables. Vases are appearing in all shapes, sizes, and materials: ceramic, zinc, glass, and stoneware, for example.Two timeless favourites, the rose and the orchid, adapt perfectly to all these different vases. Just imagine the elegant yet contemporary look these flowers have when arranged in a huge glass vase on a guest-book table or beside an altar. The trend in bouquets is turning towards natural simplicity rather than extravagance.White, cream, and ivory flowers form the base, with lots of greenery to set them off. Branches and leaves matched to different types of flowers are used to top off a glorious monochrome bouquet.

Regardless of the colours, tradition still rules the size of a bouquet. Choose a simple bouquet if your outfit is fairly ornate. If your gown is simple, exoticism and creativity can run wild. Round bouquets go well with tapered dresses, and cascading bouquets are perfect for

gowns with trains. Lastly, one small hint to help you avoid a truly outdated effect: don’t try to match the colour of the flowers with the groom’s outfit or with the bridesmaid’s dresses.

How Do You Feel About Coloured Wedding Shoes? Every girl knows that shoes give the perfect finishing touch to an outfit, whether it’s for business, a movie night, or her wedding. Finding the right shade to match a bridal gown can be a difficult one, especially as brides continue to move away from traditional whites. The trend towards colour began about five years ago with metallic tones, especially gold or silver, both of which lend a glamorous touch to any dress. Golden shoes are perfect with gowns ranging from ivory to cream, while silver is gorgeous with pure whites and bluish whites. In 2012, the trend has gone even further. Striking contrasts are in, as brides wear red, orange, turquoise, or yellow!

The current trend is to wear brightly coloured shoes, such as red, orange, turquoise, or yellow!

These shoes can be found in bridal boutiques as well as in regular shoe shops. If you find yours in a designer line-up, such as Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy

Choo, or Prada, you’ll be able to wear them proudly, long after your wedding day is just a happy memory. One thing to remember about this trend is that the days of matching shoes to cummerbunds are past: don’t choose shoes that match the colour of your groom’s tie or your reception tablecloths. It may seem like a good idea initially, but you will end up looking rather ridiculous. And unless you have a nice tan already, be sure to wear top-quality sheer stockings to even out the skin tone of your legs. When you slip off your garter at the reception, you won’t want to be shy about showing some leg!


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By Invitation Only Before you can choose the right invitation for your big day you will need to have decided on the tone and theme of your wedding. Not only will you have to carefully consider your cardstock and script, you will want to choose your wording very carefully. Your guests need to know all the important details: where, when, how? The last thing you want is for your cousin’s high heels to sink into the sand because you forgot to mention the reception was a potluck at the beach! If both families are contributing financially to the wedding, it is appropriate to specify that they are co-hosting the event.That is typically expressed the following way:“(Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Jane Smith), parents of the bride, and (Mr. John Smythe and Mrs. Jane Smythe), par-

ents of the groom, are pleased to invite you to the marriage of...” If the bride and groom are footing the bill, the names of the parents shouldn’t be mentioned. Double check the spelling of all the names, and make sure the bride’s name precedes the groom’s. If you want to invite your aunt and uncle to your wedding but not their five children, omit the words “and family” after their names and cross your fingers that they’ll get the message! Send out the invitations at least six weeks before the wedding so that your guests will have time to clear their calendars and arrange for travel. Including a self-addressed, stamped envelope with every reply card will help your guests with the job of getting back to you.After all, if you want to keep a tight tally of your guest numbers for

The invitation you design should indicate the tone and the theme of your dream day.

the caterer, it is absolutely essential that you facilitate your RSVP request in every way.

The Perfect Gift for the Couple

It’s hard to go wrong with a gift of cash; the bride and groom will be able to buy exactly what they need.

Choosing a wedding gift is not always an easy task.You might not know the couple well,which means you don’t really know their tastes or style, and you might not be sure how much money to spend. A reasonable solution is to offer a gift certificate from a department or specialty store,or even cash. This kind of gift allows the couple to choose exactly what they need.Alternatively,you could offer them an item from a bridal registry at a department store. You can ask the bride or groom where they’re registered or ask at a store if the couple has set one up. If you’re close to the bride or groom,you might consider a more intimate gift.A pair of him-and-her spa passes makes a nice outing for the couple as wedding prep stress begins to build,or you could offer a gift certificate for an evening out at a chic

Celebrate With Flowers From your bridal bouquet to the boutonniere to the centerpieces, flowers help set a joyous mood and are the finishing touch on your ensemble. Let us help you create the Wedding Day of your dreams. Call now to set up a free consultation. 330 E Main Blooming Prairie 507-583-7637 www.atouchofcharmonline.com

restaurant for when they return from their honeymoon. Wedding guests often wonder how much they should spend on a gift.If your budget is limited, there are many ways to be generous without breaking the bank.You could offer a shared gift along with some friends,which would allow you to offer a single large item that none could afford alone.You could make a gift of your time and help with the wedding preparations,or compose a song dedicated to the new couple.Or,you could offer a symbolic gift,such as a tree that they can plant and watch grow over the years. Whatever the gift,be sure to include a card with your name and return address;that makes things easier for the couple when the time comes to send out thank-you notes.

Here’s a Party Just Waiting to Happen Tents Tables/Chairs Glassware Flatware Linens Decorating And More!

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Mankato: (800) 322-0072 New Prague: (952) 758-5715 1707 Madison Ave. 56001 Jct. Hwy. 13 & 19, 56071


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Wedding Planner 2012


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