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Bride’s Guide 2012
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The Smart Couple’s Guide to Financially
Planning a Wedding BY TANIESHA ROBINSON CTW Features A dream wedding with all its pomp and circumstance easily can turn into a nightmare if a couple still is paying for it years after walking down the aisle. If there’s one lesson couples should take from the recent recession, it’s this: Get Real. Get real about the bottom line and what mat-
ters most for creating lifelong memories. “In deciding how to fund your wedding, to a certain extent, you’re setting a precedent for how you’re going to manage your finances together when you’re married,”says Linda Leitz, a certified financial planner with Pinnacle Financial Concepts in Colorado Springs, Colo. Here are some smart steps for starting your
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Pre-Wedding Planning It’s important to get a“valuesbased vision”of your wedding first, says William Timpson, a certified financial planner at Financial Focus, in Livingston, N.J.This vision addresses all of the must-haves for the celebra-
tion rather than every whim. “Once you have that vision down, then you can begin financial planning,”Timpson says. He also suggests creating a separate savings account to add to regularly in preparation. Couples who have more time tend to spend more, says Laura West, a certified financial planner with West Financial See BUDGET page 4
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Bride’s Guide 2012
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Table of Contents 2 5 6 8 11 12 16 18 20 22 23
The Smart Couple’s Guide to Financially Planning a Wedding Symbols of Love Get Glamorous from Head to Toe Novel Places for Tying the Knot Retreat & Relax Serve it up With Style Memories Made Easy Give Your Event a Fresh Feel Calling all Guests Party Rockin’ Sweet Treats Publisher - Ron Ensley
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Bride on the Cover: Erynne Reyes Front cover photo courtesy of DeanTollefsrud of Bluestem Photography ©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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Bride’s Guide 2012
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BUDGET: Focus on what’s important Continued from page 2
It’s time to turn to family and friends for help. Timpson suggests couples start with their parents. “They’ll be pleased to see that you’ve put together a budget and that you have a vision and that there’s a reason why you’re doing this,”he says. If the bottom line still lies overhead after exploring all cost-saving options, a smart couple will know it’s time to amend their plans – opt for a longer engagement period to allow for saving more for the wedding. Whatever you do, don’t go into debt,Timpson says.“It’s a really tough way to start a relationship.”
Advisors Certified in Nevada, Iowa. She suggests spending only three to six months planning:“You have to make quicker decisions, and you don’t add as much of those bells and whistles.”
Cutting Costs “All those shows that are on TV really get women thinking that they need to have this offthe-charts wedding,”West says. But budget-friendly elegance is possible when a couple focuses on what’s important to them personally. After finalizing their“valuesbased vision,”they can target areas where costs can really rack up – mainly the dress, flowers and food. Planner Leitz advises couples to travel off the beaten path for deals.Thinking about not only the time of day but the day of the week and the time of year has always been a way to save money on a
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Financial problems are a leading cause of divorce in America. Follow these rules to put your marriage on the path to success. 1. Communicate. “With money, each of you doing what you want to do when you don’t agree ends up catastrophic,” says Linda Leitz, of Pinnacle Financial Concepts.
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Bride’s Guide 2012
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SYMBOLS OF LOVE
Months of planning and thousands of dollars go into this one day, but there are only a few pieces that live on after that.The photos and videos, obviously, but also the ultimate symbol of a wedding ceremony: the rings. Expect to spend just a small percentage of your overall wedding budget on your wedding bands – which should not be too hard, considering how mindful modern couples have gotten about their wedding budgets; according to Brides magazine’s 2011 American Wedding Study, the average cost of an engagement is $4,647, down 27 percent from the 2009 average of $6,348. A 2011 jewelry study from TheKnot.com puts the
average cost of wedding bands at $1,126 for brides and $491 for grooms.White gold remains the popular choice for ring metal, with 70 percent of brides opting and 34 percent of grooms for the blanco band. But in 2011 the price of gold skyrocketed – ending the year up 10 percent.With the price of
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gold up, couples – especially grooms – are looking to alternative metals.TheKnot study reports that in 2011, 27 percent of grooms opted for a tungsten ring (up from 19 percent in 2008) and 16 percent chose titanium (up from 13 percent in ’08); the Jewelry Information Center, an industry trade group,
notes similar increases in non-gold bands. Be aware, though, that some alt-metals cannot be resized the way gold can, though some jewelers may offer a ringreplacement plan for an extra fee. Don’t be shy about adding some personal style, either. Grooms often go for comfort, but in recent years they’ve been open to going for textured styles or bands with diamonds. Eternity bands – those with diamonds embedded the whole circumference – are popular among brides, as are bands with colored gemstones, given the popularity. –Timothy R. Schulte © CTW Features
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Bride’s Guide 2012
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Get Glamorous from Head to Toe BY ANNA SACHSE, CTW FEATURES
With her gorgeous gown, elegant accessories, sleek coiffure and glowing visage, the bride is the quintessential icon of a wedding. But modern women also want their look to reflect their individuality. If that pressure has you in panic, take comfort.These beauty guidelines will get you feeling both chic and unique.
On trend: Short-in-front, long-in-back gowns, like this ivory organza gown with organza silk embroidery and curved hem from BHLDN
You typically need to order a gown from a traditional wedding salon about six months in advance, so start shopping around early, visiting the go-to boutiques and shops in your city. Before you decide on a dress source, it’s helpful to think about details like the formality of your event – for example, if you’re having a church wedding, you should probably skip that backless number.That said, keep an open mind – you might be the avidly anti-strapless type, but it turns out this popular style is especially flattering for your body type. Looking for some fashionforward leads? The latest trends in short dresses are a great ’60s trapeze look and a short-in-thefront/floor-length-in-the-back hemline, which can really showcase a fabulous shoe, says Leonard. She’s also seeing color on the bridal runways, including pale peach, a dark lilac and for the more gothic bride, black or a black-and-nude look. (Vicory says that red and green are the most common requests for color in custom gowns.) Other unconventional trends include low-draped and sheer backs, and
front or side slits – just be sure to avoid ankle straps, as they can make legs look shorter and thicker. “We’re also starting to see an increase in brides who want sleeves for coverage,” says Vicory,“and lace is becoming popular again, which I would say is a direct result of the royal wedding.”
Sugar on Top Shortly after you order your dress, you’ll want to settle on your shoes – you should bring
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them to your first fitting, as they may affect the alterations. It’s possible to push purchasing a wrap and/or clutch to the last minute, but you’ll ideally See GLAMOROUS page 7
Bride’s Guide 2012
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GLAMOROUS: More brides want sleeves want to decide on any hair accessories (a veil, fascinator, hat, crown or clip) and jewelry a few months prior, as they may impact your hair and makeup choices. You want jewelry to complement your gown, not compete with it. If the dress is a showstopper, stick to simple drop earrings and a bold bangle or a striking cocktail ring. But if the dress is simple, a chunky, colorful necklace might be the perfect foil. For headwear, Gina Ludwig, owner of Hair Comes the Bride (which sells all manner of bridal accessories, as well as employs hair and makeup artists across the country), is seeing two trends. First, vintage-inspired birdcage veils and combs, pins or tiaras in
antique silver, typically with rhinestones and/or pearls.“Just make sure you don’t overdo it with vintage hair, makeup and accessories,” she warns.“You want to combine vintage elements with a modern touch.” The second trend she’s seeing is delicate faux flowers – a lovely addition to the softer, more “undone” trend in bridal hairstyles right now, Ludwig says.
Practice Makes Pretty To nab your preferred makeup artist and hair stylist, schedule at least five months out. Just keep in mind that if your wedding is on a Saturday during peak wedding season (late spring through early fall), you should probSee GLAMOROUS page 9
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Bride’s Guide 2012
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BY LINDSEY ROMAIN CTW Features The constantly morphing landscape of weddings means alternative options for venues.While classic church weddings and hotel ballroom receptions are traditional go-tos, brides and grooms looking for a little spice are opening the door to more unique and economical wedding-day locales. Alternative venues also mean an opportunity to combine the ceremony and reception.According to a survey from The Wedding Report, more than 60 percent of ceremonies and receptions were held in the same location in 2011, up about 5 percent from the year before.The same report also showed a decrease in the popularity of some traditional wedding locales – places of worship, country clubs and beaches – and the addition of new, nontraditional categories like museums, art galleries and theme parks. On-site receptions also cut costs for photography, videography and car services, since transportation is not an
issue. “Simplification is always an advantage,” says Meg Keene, author of “A Practical Wedding: Creative Ideas for Planning a Beautiful, Affordable and Meaningful Celebration” (Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2011).“You reduce the stress and cost of decorating and paying for two venues, and you don’t have to transport everyone from one place to another.” This trend towards onsite receptions and unusual venues means a fun opportunity for couples and wedding planners alike. Here are some picks for nontraditional ceremony and reception locations.
Museums or Libraries The nostalgic sentiment of a favorite museum or the quiet atmosphere of a
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Novel Places for Tying the Knot
library can be a great outlet for low-key couples. “If a couple is really into art, they could get married in anything from a See VENUE page 10
Bride’s Guide 2012
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GLAMOROUS: The best look depends on coloring Continued from page 7
ably plan even farther ahead, if possible, says Anni Bruno, owner of NYC Faces in New York, who regularly is booked for weddings a year in advance.You’ll also want to set up consultations/trials – your style preferences may change as you get closer to the big day, so shoot for four to six weeks out. The price for hair and makeup varies drastically based on the vendor’s location and experience, but, in general, you can expect to pay $25 to $150 for a trial and $50 to $400 for the dayof service.You’ll save money going to a beauty school or department store, or doing it yourself, but remember:
wedding pictures last a lifetime. If you’ve opted for trials, Ludwig recommends bringing images from magazines to illustrate design ideas you like (or don’t like).And because your style should jibe with the overall tone of the wedding, it also can be helpful to bring pictures of your dress, bridesmaids’ dresses, flowers, location, etc. For the makeup trial, Bruno advises wearing a white T-shirt to simulate what your face will look like with your gown, or asking the artist to wrap a white towel around your neck.Arrive with a clean, well-hydrated and exfoliated face to ensure that the makeup sits more
evenly on the skin. For the hair trial, Ludwig also likes brides to show up with clean, dry hair.“It’s easy for the stylist to ‘dirty up’ hair with product, but if hair is too dirty or oily, it’s very hard to style,” Ludwig says. The best look for you depends on your coloring, facial features, haircut and personality, but right now Bruno is loving shimmery peach/bronze shadows (especially on blue eyes or for summer soirées), paired with bronzed skin, peachy cheeks and glossy lips, and also retro looks – matte eye shadows with a strong cat eye and maybe even a classic 1940s Hollywood-style red lip.
No matter what style you prefer, she highly advises prepping your “canvas” with airbrush makeup.“It goes on as a superfine mist, so there’s no streaking, and it makes skin look flawless.The silicone-based formula lasts for hours, so you don’t need to worry about touchups.” For hair, Ludwig is currently a fan of the classic styles of the ’20s, ’40s and even ’50s, as well as softer, easy, deconstructed styles, which she feels are more flattering on most brides.“I think it’s important for guests to notice how gorgeous a bride looks, not how gorgeous her hair and makeup looks.” © CTW Features
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Bride’s Guide 2012
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VENUE: Rusted and rugged the new chic Continued from page 8
dings,” says Laura Nedelcu of VOW Wedding Consulting in New York.“A lot of couples are going for more of a vintage feel, so any venue that has that look will do just fine.” A rustic wedding also means an easy transition from ceremony to reception, with nothing more than haystacks and rows of chairs separating guests from the post-wedding festivities. Finding a clean, easy-to-use barn owned by a friend or relative also slashes budgets. “The rental fees alone could save you at least $4,000,” says Austin.
photography museum to an aquarium,” says Wynn Austin, a wedding and event planner in San Diego. Austin says she’s noticed libraries and other public city spaces are becoming more openminded in terms of offering wedding services to interested parties. She suggests looking for something with a touch of sentimentality or a shared memory between the pair.
Farms or Barns “Rusted and rugged seems to be the new chic for wed-
Warehouses or Lofts “I’ve seen couples who love the urban feel who find empty warehouses for their wedding,”Austin says.These large, spartan spaces mean plenty of opportunity for personal decorations, sprawling food services and, most importantly, room to party!
$ave, $ave, $ave The unique, fun location might be set, but it’s important not to go overboard in the little things – that will make even a cost-effective venue unnecessarily pricey.
Nedelcu suggests keeping an eye on menus and rentals.“Off-site catering companies offer many menu options, which allow for a significantly lower food cost per person,” she says.“You can make your wedding as fancy or low-key as you want depending on your budget.” According to Austin, it’s the food that will make or break any budget – and the drinks.“Most caterers will allow the couple to purchase their own alcohol,” she says. © CTW Features
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Bride’s Guide 2012
Retreat &Relax BY LINDSEY ROMAIN CTW Features
Are honeymoons an endangered species? Seemingly. In 2010, 81 percent of married couples went on a honeymoon, down from 93 percent in 2008, according to a study done by The Wedding Report.As couples continue to crunch numbers to make wedding ends meet, honeymoons have become one of the many sacrifices.After all, they have many years of wedded bliss ahead of them in which they can travel. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Loris Fusco, romance and travel planner for Montrose Travel in Glendale, Calif., suggests carving out a budget for
Page 11 the honeymoon in the initial wedding planning process so it isn’t a last-minute expenditure that breaks the bank. Another way to keep honeymoon prices low? Don’t be afraid to travel in the off-season.Try a fall wedding instead of a summer one, especially if a honeymoon is important to you. “June is traditionally popular, but October has become the new June, with couples taking advantage of the off-travel seasons and lower available prices,” Fusco says. According to Fusco, destination weddings are popular for 2012, since they allow the whole family to experience the fun of beaches, spa days, yoga, surfing and scuba diving.This way, the newly married couples can stay in their retreat for the honeymoon while the rest of the guests head home. “Tropical locations remain the most popular destinations,” Fusco says of destination weddings and honeymoons, noting that Mexico is one of the top choices given its many options of allinclusive luxury travel and honeymoon packages at more affordable prices.“Fiji
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BY ANNA SACHSE CTW Features Whether it’s trays of fun gourmet sliders; a chic sushi station; elegant plates of Kobe beef; or a convivial family-style feast in which every ingredient is organic, seasonal and locally grown; the meal you serve at your wedding sets the tone for the entire celebration.The key component of your reception, it deserves a caterer whose professionalism, style and, of course, cuisine reigns supreme.
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According to TheWeddingReport.com, the majority of couples both research and book their caterer six to 12 months prior to the main event – that is, if the caterer isn’t a package deal with your venue. But try to jump on it early if you want the best, as they can only work a limited number of weddings per weekend. You’ll ideally want to
meet with a few of your favorite options and ask a lot of questions, says Sharon Naylor, author of “1001 Ways to Save Money and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding, 3rd edition” (McGraw-Hill, 2008). How creative can they get within your budget? Are they open to modifying their standard menus with special recipes? Can they provide
variety for folks who eat vegetarian or gluten-free? Do they have recent experience with your location? “If you’re having an at-home wedding, ask them to tour your kitchen,” Naylor says.“You might need to rent them a cooking tent, which is actually smart because it keeps the magic out of sight and prevents damage to your house.”
Once you’ve made your decision, Naylor recommends scheduling a tasting that includes appetizers and different sauces that can be used to dress up less pricey entrées. Speaking of financial planning, dinner and drinks typically is your biggest expense – The Wedding Report states that the average couple spends more than $10,000 on food and another $3,000 on the bar – approximately 60 percent of the total budget. But, says Brooke Sheldon, owner of Lilybrooke Events in Kennebunkport, Maine, the cost can vary widely depending on the city, menu, wedding size and how the caterer charges for different styles of service.“A plated dinner involves more staff, but a buffet requires more food because the caterer can’t control portion sizes,” Sheldon says.“And with beverages, some places charge per drink, while others charge for an open bar based on the time.” That said, in general, you can expect to shell out $20 to $80 per person for food, and $7 to $20 per person for a four-hour full bar.
Foodie Fabulous Before you start building your menu, you’ll definitely want to take your venue logistics into account. If the kitchen is far away from the dining area, for example, you may want to pass on a plated dinner (the most forSee STYLE page 13
Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 13
STYLE: Classic or comfort foods continuing trend Continued from page 12
honey and figs. Pair it with a mimosa or Bloody Mary bar, a sparkling rosé, or drinks that feel festive but have a lower alcohol content, such as a refreshing spritz made with orange-flavored Aperol, prosecco and soda water.
mal option, it involves lots of individual servings presented at the same time) in favor of a buffet because the latter can easily be replenished with single platters and requires less staff, says Jenn Louis, chef/owner of Portland, Ore.-based catering company Culinary Artistry. Once you’ve got your parameters, it’s time to get creative! Sheldon suggests incorporating foods that mean something to you – from your heritage, places you’ve visited or local favorites.“Just make sure your caterer is comfortable with the new recipes, and willing to practice and perfect them.” Another continuing trend
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is classic or comfort foods served in unique ways, such as a mac and cheese or mashed-potato station with gourmet add-ons like truffle oil, mushrooms, bacon and lobster.“Stations are growing more and more popular, since the variety appeals to a large number of guests’ particular tastes,” Naylor says.
Comfort foods are great here, but also consider Indian, Mexican, Italian or Asianthemed stations, as are raw seafood bars and a carving table. Decided on a royal wedding-inspired daytime reception? Louis loves elegant, lighter fare like flaky croissants and yogurt with
A full open bar can cost a pretty penny, but, luckily, there are lots of ways to stay within your budget that still have plenty of flair. First off, you can limit the offerings to wine and beer only. If you have tasty labels that are produced locally, guests will feel like they’re partaking in a unique treat. Microbrews in cans have lots of character and typically are less expensive than bottles, See STYLE page 14
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Bride’s Guide 2012
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STYLE: Classic or comfort foods continuing trend Continued from page 13
and kegs are a cost-effective choice for weddings that have more than 150 guests. Skip the expensive champagne and substitute a more affordable Italian prosecco, Spanish cava or California sparkling wine for the toast. If you really want liquor, simply add in a handful of specialty cocktails. Great options include your personal favorites, classics, and seasonal flavors like a mint julep, margarita, sangria or pumpkin martini.“When you serve something creative that guests don’t get very
often, it looks like you spent more,” Naylor says.
Eco Eats Don’t want your I Do dinner to negatively impact the planet? “If every couple committed just half of their food and drink budget to buying local and organic products, it would generate an additional $15-billion worth of green business!” says Kate Harrison, author of “The Green Bride Guide: How to Plan an Earth-Friendly Wedding on Any Budget” (Sourcebooks, 2008). GreenBrideGuide. com is a great resource for
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finding a like-minded caterer; Harrison also recommends looking at DineGreen.com and LocalHarvest.org. Even if you can’t go 100-percent organic, using all or mostly in-season local or regional foods will decrease the carbon footprint of your meal while increasing the yum factor – think lobster or clam chowder in New England, or locally raised barbecue and fresh corn in the south. When stocking a green bar, again, look to local spirit, wine and beer producers, or explore your organic
options. For beer, Harrison recommends Wolaver’s Fine Organic Ales, Peak Organic Brewing Company (try the Nut Brown Ale!) and Fish Brewing Company, which provides links to fish-conservation groups on their website. For wine, she suggests looking to fair trade and/or organic boxed wines – there are now some really good ones available and they’re easier to recycle. © CTW Features
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Let our expert staff help you choose the perfect cake. From your favorite flavor to your wedding colors, we can create the cake of your dreams!
Call Darlene or Roxy at 507-451-7220 (Bakery Department)
Wine & Spirits Champagne • Beer • Wine Cashwise Liquor Offering Case Discounts and Party Planning
Call Dave at 507-451-8440 (Wine & Spirits)
Floral Department The flowers you deserve at a price you can afford!
$99 FLORAL WEDDING PACKAGE
All Red Or White Roses Over $85 1 Bridal Bouquet 12 Roses with greens and sheer ribbon Savings! 3 Bridesmaids Bouquets 6 Roses with greens and sheer ribbon 8 Rose Boutonnieres 1 Groom, 3 Groomsmen, 2 Ushers & 2 Fathers 2 Rose Corsages 2 Mother
Call Jodi at 507-451-8116 (Floral Department)
Photo Processing…
Let our expert staff care for your wedding day photos.
Call Mark at 507-451-7220
Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 16
Memories Made Easy BY LINDSEY ROMAIN CTW Features In this era of foolproof digital cameras, ever-ready smartphone cameras and viral videos, anyone and everyone can be a photographer or videographer. Wedding expenses are going nowhere but up, so relying on a friend or family member to snap a few shots might seem like a way to make ends meet. When it comes to the wedding day, though, finding a professional – repeat, profess-ion-al – photographer or
videographer who can capture the tone and emotion of a wedding is important. Here’s how to ensure great photos and videos without breaking the bank.
Keeping a Modest Budget The recession has slashed the wedding budget for many couples, but one of the positives of such financial turmoil is a focus on the truly talented wedding documentarians. “The recession has weeded out companies that provided inferior customer
service,” says Christopher Figueroa, a New York-based wedding videographer. Figueroa suggests that future brides and grooms use customer-review sites like Yelp and WeddingWire to help find the photographer or videographer that’s perfect for their big day. Reading reviews from other customers can point a finger in the right direction: Do you want something alternative and funky, classic or modern? The web makes it easier to find the right person in that niche. The recession also has
meant a refocus for veteran companies, says Gary Freedline of Video Keepsakes, which operates in Beverly Hills, Calif., and Miami. His company had to rethink packages, pricing and style. This translates to more affordable options for highquality service. Linda Chervenak Maze, a wedding photographer at Art of Affection photography in Gainesville, Fla., says that most of her company’s clients spend about $2,000 to $3,000 on their services, a See MEMORIES page 17
Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 17
MEMORIES: Brides should only hire legal vendors Continued from page 16
little higher than the average $1,515 most couples paid in 2011 for a photographer, according to The Wedding Report’s annual wedding photography and videography report. Maze says she’s noticed that while couples cut costs at all corners, photography is one of the expense categories that has retained its momentum. “Their photographers are the one part of the day that they will be able to share with family and friends for the rest of their lives, and this concept seems to be helping our business maintain its value,” Maze says.
for amateurs that might provide illegitimate service. “What has hurt the industry is amateurs buying cheap DSLR cameras and opening up shops that are not legal, not licensed, not collecting taxes and that do not have experience or proper gear,” Freedline says. And while friends and family members can be extremely helpful resources for a less expensive wedding, it’s the “friend of a friend of a friend” sources that should raise eyebrows. “Brides should only hire legal vendors – their deposits and memories are at stake,” Freedline says.
Look Out For Phonies
Choose a Service That Matters
According to Freedline, it’s important to keep an eye out
Whether you’ve committed to a videographer and
photographer or are still whittling down your choice, focus on the packages and options that will truly capture the magic of the day. Figueroa says his Recap service is his most popular – it’s a four- to five-minute highlight reel of the day’s most memorable moments. An option like this keeps the price more affordable and the video more to-the-point. Freedline also notes that short-form videos are a more popular and modern option, although older family members tend to favor feature-length wedding videos.“[Parents] feel cheated if they end up with a seven hour event that is over in three to five minutes,” Freedline says. For photography, Maze says she’s noticed a trend in
“first look” photographs, or photos that document the pre-wedding festivities, like putting on the dress and getting hair and make-up done. This allows photographers to get more artistic shots and calms the nerves of the bride, who might find these snapshots encouraging. Maze also recommends that brides and grooms look for interesting, inexpensive venues with good photo ops. “It affords us new and interesting subject matter and backdrops for photographs,” she says. © CTW Features
Bridal Fair Owatonna 2013
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FREE ADMISSION For Booth information please contact Betty Frost 507.444.2389 or bfrost@owatonna.com
Owatonna.com 135 W. Pearl | Owatonna Photo courtesy of Dean Tollefsrud of Bluestem Photography
Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 18
Give Your Event a
Fresh Feel BY ANNA SACHSE CTW Features Just as a stunning piece of jewelry can really set off a wedding gown, beautiful blooms are like accessories for your big-day décor. But we’re not just talking decoration here – with countless colors, textures and options for arranging, your florals also are an easy way to create the vibe for your event.
Petal Planning If you’re a fan of flowers, booking the shop or event designer who will create your arrangements may be at the top of your to-do timeline.“But don’t hire the florist until after you’ve selected your venue and date, and secured your main vendors – band, catering, and photographer,” says Karen Bussen, author of the “Simple Stunning Wedding Organizer” (Stewart,Tabori & Chang, 2011), which has a section on what to ask prospective florists and how to calculate costs.“Then you’ll have a better sense of what your décor budget is and what kind of ambience you want to create.” Six or seven months out should be a safe bet. Before meeting with vendors, peruse magazines, books and websites for ideas. Rachel Bowes, owner of Seattle-based Finch & Thistle Event Design, says that blogs are her primary
source of wedding inspiration because there are so many, and they update daily.“But I also like the British Wedding Flowers magazine, which is available at craft stores in the U.S.” As for the average bill, you can expect to pay out about 8 to 10 percent of your total budget for blooms. However, the actual number varies widely, depending on factors like your desired aesthetic (e.g. lush and glamorous versus minimalist and chic versus simple and rustic), the type of See FRESH page 19
Alternative Arrangements Real flowers are glorious, of course, but if you’re crafty, there are numerous ways to personalize your “floral” design. For example, Bussen suggests making all your bouquets out of ribbon remnants, coiling the pieces into rosette-style shapes and wiring them together. Or you could fashion the bride’s bouquet and groom’s bout out of vintage brooches or buttons. Paper blooms provide a rustic look, while fluffy ostrich feathers feel elegant. “Just make sure your
bouquet suits your dress and the overall spirit of your celebration,” Bussen says. As for alternative centerpieces, Bussen recommends collections of different candles (pillar, votive, even floating), stacks of favorite books, vintage picture frames, or mixing and matching these elements. Want a more natural vibe? Bowes likes piles of gourds and pumpkins in the fall or seasonal fruit in clear vases for a modern look year-round.
Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 19
FRESH: Think seasonal and locally to save money Continued from page 18
Flower Forward
flowers (think seasonal and locally grown blooms to save money) and the size of the event. In addition to reception centerpieces, for a traditional wedding you’ll likely want bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids, boutonnieres for groom, groomsmen, ushers and dads, corsages or small posies for MOBs and MOGs, and possibly petals and head wreaths for flower girls. But you can use flowers anywhere, from chair-back garlands, alters and the cake, to windows and restrooms. Once you have an idea of the approach, color palette and price-range you
While the over-the-top, romantic look still resonates with plenty of couples, more and more modern pairs are preferring a simple, clean and/or less formal aesthetic that’s still striking. For example, instead of one large, elaborate centerpiece, Bowes suggests using lots of small-bud vases and bottles in varying heights and shapes.“That way your florist can showcase a few amazing blooms, such as peonies, garden roses and orchids, to their full potential, and use less expensive flowers and foliage as accents in the majority of the vases.”
© CTW Features
Cedar Floral
l Profes a r o l si o ra F
s na l
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want, Bussen recommends meeting with a couple vendors who seem like a good fit before making your choice.
As an alternative, Bussen loves submerging exotic flowers.“One stem of bird of paradise or heliconia makes a great table accent when turned upside down in a glass vase,” she says. For eco-friendly couples, Bowes recommends using a small potted tree (citrus, olive, cypress) in a lovely pot as a unique centerpiece, while Bussen is a fan of live phaelenopsis or dendrobium orchids interspersed with a few votive candles.
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Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 20
Calling All Guests! S TAT I O N E RY I S Y O U R
TIP TIP
guests’ first impression of your wedding, so you want to make sure it’s fun, grabs their attention and gets them excited about your big day. You can look at your stationery in three parts: the save-the-date, the wedding invitation and enclosures, and the dayof pieces. Whether you’re getting your stationery professionally designed or going the DIY route and designing and print-
ing them yourself, you’re going to need to visit a stationery shop to get your hands on some paper and check out design styles.Typically, expect to spend around 5 percent of your budget on your stationery, including postage, but adjust as necessary.
Save-the-Date As soon as you have your wedding date set in stone – the venue is booked – you should send out a
After the invite itself, you should include an RSVP card, which should be self-addressed and stamped. There’s a line where the guests fill in there name and how many will be attending. Don’t
save-the-date. It doesn’t matter if it’s a year out from the wedding or nine months out or seven – the point is you want your guests to get your wedding on their schedules ASAP. You don’t need to go overboard on details; just your names and the date to keep open. If you have a wedding website already set up with details about the ceremony, See GUESTS page 21
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Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 21
GUESTS: Don’t include registry information reception and accommodations, include the URL.And, of course, you can mention that a formal invitation will follow.
Wedding Invitation and Enclosures Let’s get this out of the way right now: Do not include registry information on the invitation – anywhere – it is uncouth! You’re inviting your friends and family to join in your wedding celebration; you’re not inviting them to bring you gifts! (You can list registry info on your wedding website.) The actual wedding invite is where you officially invite your guests. Plan to put these in the mail around two months prior to your wed-
ding. For some more creative ideas for wording your invites (and a quick primer on the basics), visit offbeatbride.com and search “wedding invitation wording.” The RSVP card (selfaddressed and stamped) is where guests will accept or decline invitation and, if you’re having a seated dinner, mark their dinner selection (see sidebar). List a date in which you’d appreciate their reply by, usually four weeks before the wedding date. As mentioned, you might have all the pertinent info on your wedding website, but you’ll want to include a card separate from the invitation that lays out the wheres and whens for your reception and accommodations.
Day-of Pieces The invitation might be the
Got engaged?
You’re Cordially Invited
A classic invite where the bride’s folks are footing the bill might read like this: (Bride’s Dad and Bride’s Mom) Invite you to share in their joy At the marriage of their daughter Bride’s name To Groom Son of Groom’s Dad and Groom’s Mom Date and Time Locations Address
Jovan Petrovic Design
Continued from page 20
main attraction, but there are still some paper pieces you need for the big day: • Programs: If you’re having a ceremony in a house of worship, this will list info for the officiant, readings, the wedding party, etc. • Table numbers/names • Escort cards and Place cards: Escort cards tell the guest which table they are at. Place cards show them
Married?
where at the table they are sitting. • Menus: An outline of dinner, set with their place card, is a nice touch. • Thank-yous: If you want to get a jump on showing your gratitude, it can be worthwhile to invest in stationery with your newly married name. –Timothy R. Schulte © CTW Features
Welcomed a child?
Share your celebrations!
Send us your wedding, engagement and birth announcements and we’ll share it with Owatonna and Steele County. Just visit Owatonna.com and click on “submission forms” at the bottom of our home page or email information to news@owatonna.com. You can submit details and a photo for publication in the newspaper and online.
Owatonna.com 135 West Pearl, Owatonna • Phone: 507-444-2379 • Fax: 507-451-6020
Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 22
Party Rockin’ BY ANNA SACHSE CTW Features
Sure, you want the ceremony to be meaningful and the dinner to be memorable, but what really makes a wedding a party – be it refined or rollicking – is the entertainment. And to get this party started, the most important element, of course, is this music. According to TheKnot. com & WeddingChannel. com’s 2010 Real Weddings Study, most couples begin researching bands and/or DJs nearly eight months before
their wedding, and book the music maker six to seven months out.The study also found that, on average, couples nationwide spent $2,920 for a band and $854 for a DJ. That said, prices vary widely depending on experience, notoriety and location, with large, popular bands in big cities often costing $20,000 or more. To find great, reliable performers, first ask your friends who’ve recently gotten married what they thought of their band/DJ, advises Anne Chertoff, contributing editor
for WeddingWire.com.You also can search the vendor listings in city-specific bridal magazines or on weddingrelated websites. If someone strikes your fancy, try to see them in action at a wedding,
bridal event or individual show; but if a live viewing is impossible, Chertoff recommends requesting a DVD or video so that you can get a good idea of their professionalSee PARTY page 23
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.
Call 451-1420 for more information.
STEELE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Village of Yesteryear 1448 Austin Road, Owatonna • 507-451-1420 www.steelecohistoricalsociety.org • director@steelecohistoricalsociety.com
Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 23
Sweet Treats BY ANNA SACHSE CTW Features If you’re a sucker for sweets, the cake is probably the star of your to-do list. To ensure you get a baker whose culinary and aesthetic abilities you adore, Sharon Alexander, owner of boutique bakery Sweet Sensations in Newnan, Ga., advises booking at least six months prior to the big day. But first, schedule tastings with a few top contenders, inquire if they bake from scratch or use mixes, and ask to see lots of pictures of cakes they did for actual weddings – if a baker clearly specializes in a classic
look, they may not be the best fit for your colorful, topsy-turvy request. In general, plan to order a cake that would serve about 80 percent of your guests,as some people don’t eat cake and others will leave before it’s served.Prices typically range from $400 to $1,600 or more,depending on the town,cake size and ingredients – fondant is more expensive than buttercream, and intricate details like sugar flowers and royal icing can really bump up the bill. In this era of “Ace of Cakes,” couples who are looking to personalize the traditional tower of tiers certainly can have an architectural
masterpiece that replicates their city skyline or a scene from “Star Wars.” But Katelin Gallagher, senior editor for ProjectWedding.com, suggests using textured buttercream and herbal accents for a more organic look, or considering fondant cutouts for a contemporary vibe. Or stick with a simple white exterior
and focus on memorable flavor.Alexander loves Neapolitan and coconut-andlemon-curd cakes, but her top pick is a chocolate cake with dulce de leche filling. “It tastes like a candy bar!” If you want something visually unique, you can add a groom’s cake, the southern tradition that is gaining popularity across the country.“We’ve done just about anything you can imagine, including flooded woods, the groom’s dog, cars, stadiums, computers, mountains, games, etc.,” says Alexander. Need more unique dessert inspiration? Gallagher recommends checking out IAmBaker.net, Bakerella.com and EricaOBrien.com. © CTW Features
PARTY: Ask for experience and play list Continued from page 22
ism and stage presence as well as their sound and musical range. If you find that a particular band or DJ’s vibe is music to your ears, the next step is to set up an interview.“Explain what you’re thinking in terms of musical selections and see if they get excited,” says Anja Winikka, site editor for TheKnot.com. You’ll also want to ask about their experience with weddings (hopefully lots!), what kind of sound system they use, what requirements are included in their contract, if you can create a do-not-play list and if they’re willing to learn/acquire songs that aren’t already included in their repertoire. Have ample funds? In addition to the band or DJ
that can offer something for everyone, personalize your event with a ukulele, harpist or trio for the ceremony (consider classical renditions of rock songs for your walk down the aisle!), and a line dance, swing or salsa band that could play during the cocktail hour and/or part of the reception. But if you’re on a tighter budget, you’ll likely be better off opting for a DJ (who also can emcee and play many genres of music) or springing for a single band that’s capable of playing ceremony, cocktail hour and both dinner and dancing, says Chertoff. Filling up an iPod or laptop with your favorite tunes is another way to save money, and about 9 percent of couples now choose that route, according to the 2010
Real Weddings Study. But take note:You’ll still need an emcee, you should be prepared for technical glitches, and it’s key that you assign a point-person to start and stop the device for special dances and toasts, or to skip
to the next song if the current one just emptied the dance floor. © CTW Features
Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 24
MAKING YOUR
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Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 2
The Smart Couple’s Guide to Financially
Planning a Wedding BY TANIESHA ROBINSON CTW Features A dream wedding with all its pomp and circumstance easily can turn into a nightmare if a couple still is paying for it years after walking down the aisle. If there’s one lesson couples should take from the recent recession, it’s this: Get Real. Get real about the bottom line and what mat-
ters most for creating lifelong memories. “In deciding how to fund your wedding, to a certain extent, you’re setting a precedent for how you’re going to manage your finances together when you’re married,”says Linda Leitz, a certified financial planner with Pinnacle Financial Concepts in Colorado Springs, Colo. Here are some smart steps for starting your
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financial future together on the right foot.
Pre-Wedding Planning It’s important to get a“valuesbased vision”of your wedding first, says William Timpson, a certified financial planner at Financial Focus, in Livingston, N.J.This vision addresses all of the must-haves for the celebra-
tion rather than every whim. “Once you have that vision down, then you can begin financial planning,”Timpson says. He also suggests creating a separate savings account to add to regularly in preparation. Couples who have more time tend to spend more, says Laura West, a certified financial planner with West Financial See BUDGET page 4
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Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 3
Table of Contents 2 5 6 8 11 12 16 18 20 22 23
The Smart Couple’s Guide to Financially Planning a Wedding Symbols of Love Get Glamorous from Head to Toe Novel Places for Tying the Knot Retreat & Relax Serve it up With Style Memories Made Easy Give Your Event a Fresh Feel Calling all Guests Party Rockin’ Sweet Treats 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, Sue Schuster, Paul Ristau
Cover Design - Ashley Ptacek
Bride on the Cover: Erynne Reyes Front cover photo courtesy of DeanTollefsrud of Bluestem Photography ©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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Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 4
BUDGET: Focus on what’s important Continued from page 2
It’s time to turn to family and friends for help. Timpson suggests couples start with their parents. “They’ll be pleased to see that you’ve put together a budget and that you have a vision and that there’s a reason why you’re doing this,”he says. If the bottom line still lies overhead after exploring all cost-saving options, a smart couple will know it’s time to amend their plans – opt for a longer engagement period to allow for saving more for the wedding. Whatever you do, don’t go into debt,Timpson says.“It’s a really tough way to start a relationship.”
Advisors Certified in Nevada, Iowa. She suggests spending only three to six months planning:“You have to make quicker decisions, and you don’t add as much of those bells and whistles.”
Cutting Costs “All those shows that are on TV really get women thinking that they need to have this offthe-charts wedding,”West says. But budget-friendly elegance is possible when a couple focuses on what’s important to them personally. After finalizing their“valuesbased vision,”they can target areas where costs can really rack up – mainly the dress, flowers and food. Planner Leitz advises couples to travel off the beaten path for deals.Thinking about not only the time of day but the day of the week and the time of year has always been a way to save money on a
© CTW Features
wedding. Off-season – late fall, winter or early spring – and weekday plans don’t put you in high competition for venues.
Ask for help
unconventional path down to dust and are still coming up short in funding their wedding.
LET US BE A PART OF YOUR
When couples have beaten the
Top Finance Rules for Newlyweds
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Financial problems are a leading cause of divorce in America. Follow these rules to put your marriage on the path to success. 1. Communicate. “With money, each of you doing what you want to do when you don’t agree ends up catastrophic,” says Linda Leitz, of Pinnacle Financial Concepts.
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3. Set goals. “If you’re not working toward a goal, you’re just spending with no regards to what you want to achieve for your financial situation,” says Laura West of West Financial Advisors. 4. Have what Leitz calls a “checker amount” - how much either spouse can spend without checking with the other. 5. Avoid debt. 6. Take advantage of company benefits.
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Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 5
SYMBOLS OF LOVE
Months of planning and thousands of dollars go into this one day, but there are only a few pieces that live on after that.The photos and videos, obviously, but also the ultimate symbol of a wedding ceremony: the rings. Expect to spend just a small percentage of your overall wedding budget on your wedding bands – which should not be too hard, considering how mindful modern couples have gotten about their wedding budgets; according to Brides magazine’s 2011 American Wedding Study, the average cost of an engagement is $4,647, down 27 percent from the 2009 average of $6,348. A 2011 jewelry study from TheKnot.com puts the
average cost of wedding bands at $1,126 for brides and $491 for grooms.White gold remains the popular choice for ring metal, with 70 percent of brides opting and 34 percent of grooms for the blanco band. But in 2011 the price of gold skyrocketed – ending the year up 10 percent.With the price of
wedding
A great option for all your
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gold up, couples – especially grooms – are looking to alternative metals.TheKnot study reports that in 2011, 27 percent of grooms opted for a tungsten ring (up from 19 percent in 2008) and 16 percent chose titanium (up from 13 percent in ’08); the Jewelry Information Center, an industry trade group,
notes similar increases in non-gold bands. Be aware, though, that some alt-metals cannot be resized the way gold can, though some jewelers may offer a ringreplacement plan for an extra fee. Don’t be shy about adding some personal style, either. Grooms often go for comfort, but in recent years they’ve been open to going for textured styles or bands with diamonds. Eternity bands – those with diamonds embedded the whole circumference – are popular among brides, as are bands with colored gemstones, given the popularity. –Timothy R. Schulte © CTW Features
“We Won’t Just Rent You A Tux” Formal wear for the men in your wedding means more than that.
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Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 6
Get Glamorous from Head to Toe BY ANNA SACHSE, CTW FEATURES
With her gorgeous gown, elegant accessories, sleek coiffure and glowing visage, the bride is the quintessential icon of a wedding. But modern women also want their look to reflect their individuality. If that pressure has you in panic, take comfort.These beauty guidelines will get you feeling both chic and unique.
On trend: Short-in-front, long-in-back gowns, like this ivory organza gown with organza silk embroidery and curved hem from BHLDN
You typically need to order a gown from a traditional wedding salon about six months in advance, so start shopping around early, visiting the go-to boutiques and shops in your city. Before you decide on a dress source, it’s helpful to think about details like the formality of your event – for example, if you’re having a church wedding, you should probably skip that backless number.That said, keep an open mind – you might be the avidly anti-strapless type, but it turns out this popular style is especially flattering for your body type. Looking for some fashionforward leads? The latest trends in short dresses are a great ’60s trapeze look and a short-in-thefront/floor-length-in-the-back hemline, which can really showcase a fabulous shoe, says Leonard. She’s also seeing color on the bridal runways, including pale peach, a dark lilac and for the more gothic bride, black or a black-and-nude look. (Vicory says that red and green are the most common requests for color in custom gowns.) Other unconventional trends include low-draped and sheer backs, and
front or side slits – just be sure to avoid ankle straps, as they can make legs look shorter and thicker. “We’re also starting to see an increase in brides who want sleeves for coverage,” says Vicory,“and lace is becoming popular again, which I would say is a direct result of the royal wedding.”
Sugar on Top Shortly after you order your dress, you’ll want to settle on your shoes – you should bring
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them to your first fitting, as they may affect the alterations. It’s possible to push purchasing a wrap and/or clutch to the last minute, but you’ll ideally See GLAMOROUS page 7
Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 7
GLAMOROUS: More brides want sleeves want to decide on any hair accessories (a veil, fascinator, hat, crown or clip) and jewelry a few months prior, as they may impact your hair and makeup choices. You want jewelry to complement your gown, not compete with it. If the dress is a showstopper, stick to simple drop earrings and a bold bangle or a striking cocktail ring. But if the dress is simple, a chunky, colorful necklace might be the perfect foil. For headwear, Gina Ludwig, owner of Hair Comes the Bride (which sells all manner of bridal accessories, as well as employs hair and makeup artists across the country), is seeing two trends. First, vintage-inspired birdcage veils and combs, pins or tiaras in
antique silver, typically with rhinestones and/or pearls.“Just make sure you don’t overdo it with vintage hair, makeup and accessories,” she warns.“You want to combine vintage elements with a modern touch.” The second trend she’s seeing is delicate faux flowers – a lovely addition to the softer, more “undone” trend in bridal hairstyles right now, Ludwig says.
Practice Makes Pretty To nab your preferred makeup artist and hair stylist, schedule at least five months out. Just keep in mind that if your wedding is on a Saturday during peak wedding season (late spring through early fall), you should probSee GLAMOROUS page 9
BHLDN
Continued from page 6
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Bride’s Guide 2012
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BY LINDSEY ROMAIN CTW Features The constantly morphing landscape of weddings means alternative options for venues.While classic church weddings and hotel ballroom receptions are traditional go-tos, brides and grooms looking for a little spice are opening the door to more unique and economical wedding-day locales. Alternative venues also mean an opportunity to combine the ceremony and reception.According to a survey from The Wedding Report, more than 60 percent of ceremonies and receptions were held in the same location in 2011, up about 5 percent from the year before.The same report also showed a decrease in the popularity of some traditional wedding locales – places of worship, country clubs and beaches – and the addition of new, nontraditional categories like museums, art galleries and theme parks. On-site receptions also cut costs for photography, videography and car services, since transportation is not an
issue. “Simplification is always an advantage,” says Meg Keene, author of “A Practical Wedding: Creative Ideas for Planning a Beautiful, Affordable and Meaningful Celebration” (Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2011).“You reduce the stress and cost of decorating and paying for two venues, and you don’t have to transport everyone from one place to another.” This trend towards onsite receptions and unusual venues means a fun opportunity for couples and wedding planners alike. Here are some picks for nontraditional ceremony and reception locations.
Museums or Libraries The nostalgic sentiment of a favorite museum or the quiet atmosphere of a
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Novel Places for Tying the Knot
library can be a great outlet for low-key couples. “If a couple is really into art, they could get married in anything from a See VENUE page 10
Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 9
GLAMOROUS: The best look depends on coloring Continued from page 7
ably plan even farther ahead, if possible, says Anni Bruno, owner of NYC Faces in New York, who regularly is booked for weddings a year in advance.You’ll also want to set up consultations/trials – your style preferences may change as you get closer to the big day, so shoot for four to six weeks out. The price for hair and makeup varies drastically based on the vendor’s location and experience, but, in general, you can expect to pay $25 to $150 for a trial and $50 to $400 for the dayof service.You’ll save money going to a beauty school or department store, or doing it yourself, but remember:
wedding pictures last a lifetime. If you’ve opted for trials, Ludwig recommends bringing images from magazines to illustrate design ideas you like (or don’t like).And because your style should jibe with the overall tone of the wedding, it also can be helpful to bring pictures of your dress, bridesmaids’ dresses, flowers, location, etc. For the makeup trial, Bruno advises wearing a white T-shirt to simulate what your face will look like with your gown, or asking the artist to wrap a white towel around your neck.Arrive with a clean, well-hydrated and exfoliated face to ensure that the makeup sits more
evenly on the skin. For the hair trial, Ludwig also likes brides to show up with clean, dry hair.“It’s easy for the stylist to ‘dirty up’ hair with product, but if hair is too dirty or oily, it’s very hard to style,” Ludwig says. The best look for you depends on your coloring, facial features, haircut and personality, but right now Bruno is loving shimmery peach/bronze shadows (especially on blue eyes or for summer soirées), paired with bronzed skin, peachy cheeks and glossy lips, and also retro looks – matte eye shadows with a strong cat eye and maybe even a classic 1940s Hollywood-style red lip.
No matter what style you prefer, she highly advises prepping your “canvas” with airbrush makeup.“It goes on as a superfine mist, so there’s no streaking, and it makes skin look flawless.The silicone-based formula lasts for hours, so you don’t need to worry about touchups.” For hair, Ludwig is currently a fan of the classic styles of the ’20s, ’40s and even ’50s, as well as softer, easy, deconstructed styles, which she feels are more flattering on most brides.“I think it’s important for guests to notice how gorgeous a bride looks, not how gorgeous her hair and makeup looks.” © CTW Features
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Bride’s Guide 2012
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VENUE: Rusted and rugged the new chic Continued from page 8
dings,” says Laura Nedelcu of VOW Wedding Consulting in New York.“A lot of couples are going for more of a vintage feel, so any venue that has that look will do just fine.” A rustic wedding also means an easy transition from ceremony to reception, with nothing more than haystacks and rows of chairs separating guests from the post-wedding festivities. Finding a clean, easy-to-use barn owned by a friend or relative also slashes budgets. “The rental fees alone could save you at least $4,000,” says Austin.
photography museum to an aquarium,” says Wynn Austin, a wedding and event planner in San Diego. Austin says she’s noticed libraries and other public city spaces are becoming more openminded in terms of offering wedding services to interested parties. She suggests looking for something with a touch of sentimentality or a shared memory between the pair.
Farms or Barns “Rusted and rugged seems to be the new chic for wed-
Warehouses or Lofts “I’ve seen couples who love the urban feel who find empty warehouses for their wedding,”Austin says.These large, spartan spaces mean plenty of opportunity for personal decorations, sprawling food services and, most importantly, room to party!
$ave, $ave, $ave The unique, fun location might be set, but it’s important not to go overboard in the little things – that will make even a cost-effective venue unnecessarily pricey.
Nedelcu suggests keeping an eye on menus and rentals.“Off-site catering companies offer many menu options, which allow for a significantly lower food cost per person,” she says.“You can make your wedding as fancy or low-key as you want depending on your budget.” According to Austin, it’s the food that will make or break any budget – and the drinks.“Most caterers will allow the couple to purchase their own alcohol,” she says. © CTW Features
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Bride’s Guide 2012
Retreat &Relax BY LINDSEY ROMAIN CTW Features
Are honeymoons an endangered species? Seemingly. In 2010, 81 percent of married couples went on a honeymoon, down from 93 percent in 2008, according to a study done by The Wedding Report.As couples continue to crunch numbers to make wedding ends meet, honeymoons have become one of the many sacrifices.After all, they have many years of wedded bliss ahead of them in which they can travel. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Loris Fusco, romance and travel planner for Montrose Travel in Glendale, Calif., suggests carving out a budget for
Page 11 the honeymoon in the initial wedding planning process so it isn’t a last-minute expenditure that breaks the bank. Another way to keep honeymoon prices low? Don’t be afraid to travel in the off-season.Try a fall wedding instead of a summer one, especially if a honeymoon is important to you. “June is traditionally popular, but October has become the new June, with couples taking advantage of the off-travel seasons and lower available prices,” Fusco says. According to Fusco, destination weddings are popular for 2012, since they allow the whole family to experience the fun of beaches, spa days, yoga, surfing and scuba diving.This way, the newly married couples can stay in their retreat for the honeymoon while the rest of the guests head home. “Tropical locations remain the most popular destinations,” Fusco says of destination weddings and honeymoons, noting that Mexico is one of the top choices given its many options of allinclusive luxury travel and honeymoon packages at more affordable prices.“Fiji
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BY ANNA SACHSE CTW Features Whether it’s trays of fun gourmet sliders; a chic sushi station; elegant plates of Kobe beef; or a convivial family-style feast in which every ingredient is organic, seasonal and locally grown; the meal you serve at your wedding sets the tone for the entire celebration.The key component of your reception, it deserves a caterer whose professionalism, style and, of course, cuisine reigns supreme.
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According to TheWeddingReport.com, the majority of couples both research and book their caterer six to 12 months prior to the main event – that is, if the caterer isn’t a package deal with your venue. But try to jump on it early if you want the best, as they can only work a limited number of weddings per weekend. You’ll ideally want to
meet with a few of your favorite options and ask a lot of questions, says Sharon Naylor, author of “1001 Ways to Save Money and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding, 3rd edition” (McGraw-Hill, 2008). How creative can they get within your budget? Are they open to modifying their standard menus with special recipes? Can they provide
variety for folks who eat vegetarian or gluten-free? Do they have recent experience with your location? “If you’re having an at-home wedding, ask them to tour your kitchen,” Naylor says.“You might need to rent them a cooking tent, which is actually smart because it keeps the magic out of sight and prevents damage to your house.”
Once you’ve made your decision, Naylor recommends scheduling a tasting that includes appetizers and different sauces that can be used to dress up less pricey entrées. Speaking of financial planning, dinner and drinks typically is your biggest expense – The Wedding Report states that the average couple spends more than $10,000 on food and another $3,000 on the bar – approximately 60 percent of the total budget. But, says Brooke Sheldon, owner of Lilybrooke Events in Kennebunkport, Maine, the cost can vary widely depending on the city, menu, wedding size and how the caterer charges for different styles of service.“A plated dinner involves more staff, but a buffet requires more food because the caterer can’t control portion sizes,” Sheldon says.“And with beverages, some places charge per drink, while others charge for an open bar based on the time.” That said, in general, you can expect to shell out $20 to $80 per person for food, and $7 to $20 per person for a four-hour full bar.
Foodie Fabulous Before you start building your menu, you’ll definitely want to take your venue logistics into account. If the kitchen is far away from the dining area, for example, you may want to pass on a plated dinner (the most forSee STYLE page 13
Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 13
STYLE: Classic or comfort foods continuing trend Continued from page 12
honey and figs. Pair it with a mimosa or Bloody Mary bar, a sparkling rosé, or drinks that feel festive but have a lower alcohol content, such as a refreshing spritz made with orange-flavored Aperol, prosecco and soda water.
mal option, it involves lots of individual servings presented at the same time) in favor of a buffet because the latter can easily be replenished with single platters and requires less staff, says Jenn Louis, chef/owner of Portland, Ore.-based catering company Culinary Artistry. Once you’ve got your parameters, it’s time to get creative! Sheldon suggests incorporating foods that mean something to you – from your heritage, places you’ve visited or local favorites.“Just make sure your caterer is comfortable with the new recipes, and willing to practice and perfect them.” Another continuing trend
Good Libations
is classic or comfort foods served in unique ways, such as a mac and cheese or mashed-potato station with gourmet add-ons like truffle oil, mushrooms, bacon and lobster.“Stations are growing more and more popular, since the variety appeals to a large number of guests’ particular tastes,” Naylor says.
Comfort foods are great here, but also consider Indian, Mexican, Italian or Asianthemed stations, as are raw seafood bars and a carving table. Decided on a royal wedding-inspired daytime reception? Louis loves elegant, lighter fare like flaky croissants and yogurt with
A full open bar can cost a pretty penny, but, luckily, there are lots of ways to stay within your budget that still have plenty of flair. First off, you can limit the offerings to wine and beer only. If you have tasty labels that are produced locally, guests will feel like they’re partaking in a unique treat. Microbrews in cans have lots of character and typically are less expensive than bottles, See STYLE page 14
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Bride’s Guide 2012
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STYLE: Classic or comfort foods continuing trend Continued from page 13
and kegs are a cost-effective choice for weddings that have more than 150 guests. Skip the expensive champagne and substitute a more affordable Italian prosecco, Spanish cava or California sparkling wine for the toast. If you really want liquor, simply add in a handful of specialty cocktails. Great options include your personal favorites, classics, and seasonal flavors like a mint julep, margarita, sangria or pumpkin martini.“When you serve something creative that guests don’t get very
often, it looks like you spent more,” Naylor says.
Eco Eats Don’t want your I Do dinner to negatively impact the planet? “If every couple committed just half of their food and drink budget to buying local and organic products, it would generate an additional $15-billion worth of green business!” says Kate Harrison, author of “The Green Bride Guide: How to Plan an Earth-Friendly Wedding on Any Budget” (Sourcebooks, 2008). GreenBrideGuide. com is a great resource for
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finding a like-minded caterer; Harrison also recommends looking at DineGreen.com and LocalHarvest.org. Even if you can’t go 100-percent organic, using all or mostly in-season local or regional foods will decrease the carbon footprint of your meal while increasing the yum factor – think lobster or clam chowder in New England, or locally raised barbecue and fresh corn in the south. When stocking a green bar, again, look to local spirit, wine and beer producers, or explore your organic
options. For beer, Harrison recommends Wolaver’s Fine Organic Ales, Peak Organic Brewing Company (try the Nut Brown Ale!) and Fish Brewing Company, which provides links to fish-conservation groups on their website. For wine, she suggests looking to fair trade and/or organic boxed wines – there are now some really good ones available and they’re easier to recycle. © CTW Features
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Bride’s Guide 2012
Page 16
Memories Made Easy BY LINDSEY ROMAIN CTW Features In this era of foolproof digital cameras, ever-ready smartphone cameras and viral videos, anyone and everyone can be a photographer or videographer. Wedding expenses are going nowhere but up, so relying on a friend or family member to snap a few shots might seem like a way to make ends meet. When it comes to the wedding day, though, finding a professional – repeat, profess-ion-al – photographer or
videographer who can capture the tone and emotion of a wedding is important. Here’s how to ensure great photos and videos without breaking the bank.
Keeping a Modest Budget The recession has slashed the wedding budget for many couples, but one of the positives of such financial turmoil is a focus on the truly talented wedding documentarians. “The recession has weeded out companies that provided inferior customer
service,” says Christopher Figueroa, a New York-based wedding videographer. Figueroa suggests that future brides and grooms use customer-review sites like Yelp and WeddingWire to help find the photographer or videographer that’s perfect for their big day. Reading reviews from other customers can point a finger in the right direction: Do you want something alternative and funky, classic or modern? The web makes it easier to find the right person in that niche. The recession also has
meant a refocus for veteran companies, says Gary Freedline of Video Keepsakes, which operates in Beverly Hills, Calif., and Miami. His company had to rethink packages, pricing and style. This translates to more affordable options for highquality service. Linda Chervenak Maze, a wedding photographer at Art of Affection photography in Gainesville, Fla., says that most of her company’s clients spend about $2,000 to $3,000 on their services, a See MEMORIES page 17
Bride’s Guide 2012
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MEMORIES: Brides should only hire legal vendors Continued from page 16
little higher than the average $1,515 most couples paid in 2011 for a photographer, according to The Wedding Report’s annual wedding photography and videography report. Maze says she’s noticed that while couples cut costs at all corners, photography is one of the expense categories that has retained its momentum. “Their photographers are the one part of the day that they will be able to share with family and friends for the rest of their lives, and this concept seems to be helping our business maintain its value,” Maze says.
for amateurs that might provide illegitimate service. “What has hurt the industry is amateurs buying cheap DSLR cameras and opening up shops that are not legal, not licensed, not collecting taxes and that do not have experience or proper gear,” Freedline says. And while friends and family members can be extremely helpful resources for a less expensive wedding, it’s the “friend of a friend of a friend” sources that should raise eyebrows. “Brides should only hire legal vendors – their deposits and memories are at stake,” Freedline says.
Look Out For Phonies
Choose a Service That Matters
According to Freedline, it’s important to keep an eye out
Whether you’ve committed to a videographer and
photographer or are still whittling down your choice, focus on the packages and options that will truly capture the magic of the day. Figueroa says his Recap service is his most popular – it’s a four- to five-minute highlight reel of the day’s most memorable moments. An option like this keeps the price more affordable and the video more to-the-point. Freedline also notes that short-form videos are a more popular and modern option, although older family members tend to favor feature-length wedding videos.“[Parents] feel cheated if they end up with a seven hour event that is over in three to five minutes,” Freedline says. For photography, Maze says she’s noticed a trend in
“first look” photographs, or photos that document the pre-wedding festivities, like putting on the dress and getting hair and make-up done. This allows photographers to get more artistic shots and calms the nerves of the bride, who might find these snapshots encouraging. Maze also recommends that brides and grooms look for interesting, inexpensive venues with good photo ops. “It affords us new and interesting subject matter and backdrops for photographs,” she says. © CTW Features
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Bride’s Guide 2012
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Give Your Event a
Fresh Feel BY ANNA SACHSE CTW Features Just as a stunning piece of jewelry can really set off a wedding gown, beautiful blooms are like accessories for your big-day décor. But we’re not just talking decoration here – with countless colors, textures and options for arranging, your florals also are an easy way to create the vibe for your event.
Petal Planning If you’re a fan of flowers, booking the shop or event designer who will create your arrangements may be at the top of your to-do timeline.“But don’t hire the florist until after you’ve selected your venue and date, and secured your main vendors – band, catering, and photographer,” says Karen Bussen, author of the “Simple Stunning Wedding Organizer” (Stewart,Tabori & Chang, 2011), which has a section on what to ask prospective florists and how to calculate costs.“Then you’ll have a better sense of what your décor budget is and what kind of ambience you want to create.” Six or seven months out should be a safe bet. Before meeting with vendors, peruse magazines, books and websites for ideas. Rachel Bowes, owner of Seattle-based Finch & Thistle Event Design, says that blogs are her primary
source of wedding inspiration because there are so many, and they update daily.“But I also like the British Wedding Flowers magazine, which is available at craft stores in the U.S.” As for the average bill, you can expect to pay out about 8 to 10 percent of your total budget for blooms. However, the actual number varies widely, depending on factors like your desired aesthetic (e.g. lush and glamorous versus minimalist and chic versus simple and rustic), the type of See FRESH page 19
Alternative Arrangements Real flowers are glorious, of course, but if you’re crafty, there are numerous ways to personalize your “floral” design. For example, Bussen suggests making all your bouquets out of ribbon remnants, coiling the pieces into rosette-style shapes and wiring them together. Or you could fashion the bride’s bouquet and groom’s bout out of vintage brooches or buttons. Paper blooms provide a rustic look, while fluffy ostrich feathers feel elegant. “Just make sure your
bouquet suits your dress and the overall spirit of your celebration,” Bussen says. As for alternative centerpieces, Bussen recommends collections of different candles (pillar, votive, even floating), stacks of favorite books, vintage picture frames, or mixing and matching these elements. Want a more natural vibe? Bowes likes piles of gourds and pumpkins in the fall or seasonal fruit in clear vases for a modern look year-round.
Bride’s Guide 2012
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FRESH: Think seasonal and locally to save money Continued from page 18
Flower Forward
flowers (think seasonal and locally grown blooms to save money) and the size of the event. In addition to reception centerpieces, for a traditional wedding you’ll likely want bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids, boutonnieres for groom, groomsmen, ushers and dads, corsages or small posies for MOBs and MOGs, and possibly petals and head wreaths for flower girls. But you can use flowers anywhere, from chair-back garlands, alters and the cake, to windows and restrooms. Once you have an idea of the approach, color palette and price-range you
While the over-the-top, romantic look still resonates with plenty of couples, more and more modern pairs are preferring a simple, clean and/or less formal aesthetic that’s still striking. For example, instead of one large, elaborate centerpiece, Bowes suggests using lots of small-bud vases and bottles in varying heights and shapes.“That way your florist can showcase a few amazing blooms, such as peonies, garden roses and orchids, to their full potential, and use less expensive flowers and foliage as accents in the majority of the vases.”
© CTW Features
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want, Bussen recommends meeting with a couple vendors who seem like a good fit before making your choice.
As an alternative, Bussen loves submerging exotic flowers.“One stem of bird of paradise or heliconia makes a great table accent when turned upside down in a glass vase,” she says. For eco-friendly couples, Bowes recommends using a small potted tree (citrus, olive, cypress) in a lovely pot as a unique centerpiece, while Bussen is a fan of live phaelenopsis or dendrobium orchids interspersed with a few votive candles.
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Bride’s Guide 2012
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Calling All Guests! S TAT I O N E RY I S Y O U R
TIP TIP
guests’ first impression of your wedding, so you want to make sure it’s fun, grabs their attention and gets them excited about your big day. You can look at your stationery in three parts: the save-the-date, the wedding invitation and enclosures, and the dayof pieces. Whether you’re getting your stationery professionally designed or going the DIY route and designing and print-
ing them yourself, you’re going to need to visit a stationery shop to get your hands on some paper and check out design styles.Typically, expect to spend around 5 percent of your budget on your stationery, including postage, but adjust as necessary.
Save-the-Date As soon as you have your wedding date set in stone – the venue is booked – you should send out a
After the invite itself, you should include an RSVP card, which should be self-addressed and stamped. There’s a line where the guests fill in there name and how many will be attending. Don’t
save-the-date. It doesn’t matter if it’s a year out from the wedding or nine months out or seven – the point is you want your guests to get your wedding on their schedules ASAP. You don’t need to go overboard on details; just your names and the date to keep open. If you have a wedding website already set up with details about the ceremony, See GUESTS page 21
M Will attend Will not attend
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Bride’s Guide 2012
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GUESTS: Don’t include registry information reception and accommodations, include the URL.And, of course, you can mention that a formal invitation will follow.
Wedding Invitation and Enclosures Let’s get this out of the way right now: Do not include registry information on the invitation – anywhere – it is uncouth! You’re inviting your friends and family to join in your wedding celebration; you’re not inviting them to bring you gifts! (You can list registry info on your wedding website.) The actual wedding invite is where you officially invite your guests. Plan to put these in the mail around two months prior to your wed-
ding. For some more creative ideas for wording your invites (and a quick primer on the basics), visit offbeatbride.com and search “wedding invitation wording.” The RSVP card (selfaddressed and stamped) is where guests will accept or decline invitation and, if you’re having a seated dinner, mark their dinner selection (see sidebar). List a date in which you’d appreciate their reply by, usually four weeks before the wedding date. As mentioned, you might have all the pertinent info on your wedding website, but you’ll want to include a card separate from the invitation that lays out the wheres and whens for your reception and accommodations.
Day-of Pieces The invitation might be the
Got engaged?
You’re Cordially Invited
A classic invite where the bride’s folks are footing the bill might read like this: (Bride’s Dad and Bride’s Mom) Invite you to share in their joy At the marriage of their daughter Bride’s name To Groom Son of Groom’s Dad and Groom’s Mom Date and Time Locations Address
Jovan Petrovic Design
Continued from page 20
main attraction, but there are still some paper pieces you need for the big day: • Programs: If you’re having a ceremony in a house of worship, this will list info for the officiant, readings, the wedding party, etc. • Table numbers/names • Escort cards and Place cards: Escort cards tell the guest which table they are at. Place cards show them
Married?
where at the table they are sitting. • Menus: An outline of dinner, set with their place card, is a nice touch. • Thank-yous: If you want to get a jump on showing your gratitude, it can be worthwhile to invest in stationery with your newly married name. –Timothy R. Schulte © CTW Features
Welcomed a child?
Share your celebrations!
Send us your wedding, engagement and birth announcements and we’ll share it with Owatonna and Steele County. Just visit Owatonna.com and click on “submission forms” at the bottom of our home page or email information to news@owatonna.com. You can submit details and a photo for publication in the newspaper and online.
Owatonna.com 135 West Pearl, Owatonna • Phone: 507-444-2379 • Fax: 507-451-6020
Bride’s Guide 2012
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Party Rockin’ BY ANNA SACHSE CTW Features
Sure, you want the ceremony to be meaningful and the dinner to be memorable, but what really makes a wedding a party – be it refined or rollicking – is the entertainment. And to get this party started, the most important element, of course, is this music. According to TheKnot. com & WeddingChannel. com’s 2010 Real Weddings Study, most couples begin researching bands and/or DJs nearly eight months before
their wedding, and book the music maker six to seven months out.The study also found that, on average, couples nationwide spent $2,920 for a band and $854 for a DJ. That said, prices vary widely depending on experience, notoriety and location, with large, popular bands in big cities often costing $20,000 or more. To find great, reliable performers, first ask your friends who’ve recently gotten married what they thought of their band/DJ, advises Anne Chertoff, contributing editor
for WeddingWire.com.You also can search the vendor listings in city-specific bridal magazines or on weddingrelated websites. If someone strikes your fancy, try to see them in action at a wedding,
bridal event or individual show; but if a live viewing is impossible, Chertoff recommends requesting a DVD or video so that you can get a good idea of their professionalSee PARTY page 23
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.
Call 451-1420 for more information.
STEELE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Village of Yesteryear 1448 Austin Road, Owatonna • 507-451-1420 www.steelecohistoricalsociety.org • director@steelecohistoricalsociety.com
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Sweet Treats BY ANNA SACHSE CTW Features If you’re a sucker for sweets, the cake is probably the star of your to-do list. To ensure you get a baker whose culinary and aesthetic abilities you adore, Sharon Alexander, owner of boutique bakery Sweet Sensations in Newnan, Ga., advises booking at least six months prior to the big day. But first, schedule tastings with a few top contenders, inquire if they bake from scratch or use mixes, and ask to see lots of pictures of cakes they did for actual weddings – if a baker clearly specializes in a classic
look, they may not be the best fit for your colorful, topsy-turvy request. In general, plan to order a cake that would serve about 80 percent of your guests,as some people don’t eat cake and others will leave before it’s served.Prices typically range from $400 to $1,600 or more,depending on the town,cake size and ingredients – fondant is more expensive than buttercream, and intricate details like sugar flowers and royal icing can really bump up the bill. In this era of “Ace of Cakes,” couples who are looking to personalize the traditional tower of tiers certainly can have an architectural
masterpiece that replicates their city skyline or a scene from “Star Wars.” But Katelin Gallagher, senior editor for ProjectWedding.com, suggests using textured buttercream and herbal accents for a more organic look, or considering fondant cutouts for a contemporary vibe. Or stick with a simple white exterior
and focus on memorable flavor.Alexander loves Neapolitan and coconut-andlemon-curd cakes, but her top pick is a chocolate cake with dulce de leche filling. “It tastes like a candy bar!” If you want something visually unique, you can add a groom’s cake, the southern tradition that is gaining popularity across the country.“We’ve done just about anything you can imagine, including flooded woods, the groom’s dog, cars, stadiums, computers, mountains, games, etc.,” says Alexander. Need more unique dessert inspiration? Gallagher recommends checking out IAmBaker.net, Bakerella.com and EricaOBrien.com. © CTW Features
PARTY: Ask for experience and play list Continued from page 22
ism and stage presence as well as their sound and musical range. If you find that a particular band or DJ’s vibe is music to your ears, the next step is to set up an interview.“Explain what you’re thinking in terms of musical selections and see if they get excited,” says Anja Winikka, site editor for TheKnot.com. You’ll also want to ask about their experience with weddings (hopefully lots!), what kind of sound system they use, what requirements are included in their contract, if you can create a do-not-play list and if they’re willing to learn/acquire songs that aren’t already included in their repertoire. Have ample funds? In addition to the band or DJ
that can offer something for everyone, personalize your event with a ukulele, harpist or trio for the ceremony (consider classical renditions of rock songs for your walk down the aisle!), and a line dance, swing or salsa band that could play during the cocktail hour and/or part of the reception. But if you’re on a tighter budget, you’ll likely be better off opting for a DJ (who also can emcee and play many genres of music) or springing for a single band that’s capable of playing ceremony, cocktail hour and both dinner and dancing, says Chertoff. Filling up an iPod or laptop with your favorite tunes is another way to save money, and about 9 percent of couples now choose that route, according to the 2010
Real Weddings Study. But take note:You’ll still need an emcee, you should be prepared for technical glitches, and it’s key that you assign a point-person to start and stop the device for special dances and toasts, or to skip
to the next song if the current one just emptied the dance floor. © CTW Features
Bride’s Guide 2012
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