2019 BRIDE

2019

BRIDE A special publication by The Shawnee News-Star

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What’s trending in bridal flowers

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

W

hen it comes to wedding floral trends, engaged couples are making up their own traditions with everything from more-organic bouquets to floral statement walls.

“Bouquets have come a long way, and now people are choosing to go bigger with more elaborate flowers and bouquets that are so large they almost cover the whole dress,” said Audra Danzak, owner of A Garden Floral in Las Vegas. “With their own personal style, brides can throw tradition to the wind.”

On the other hand, some brides are taking a note from the smaller bouquet Meghan Markle carried as she married England’s Prince Harry, said Diane Joyal, owner and head floral designer at Bowerbird Flowers in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

“Bouquets have evolved from tightly bound to a more organic free-flowing style featuring greenery,” said Danielle Gonzalez, spokeswoman for Blooms by the Box, an online wholesaler of wedding flowers. “Dahlias and ranunculus are both on the rise, and with good reason. Dahlias come in wide variety of colors, from vibrant solids to a softer pastel, which makes them universally popular no matter your color palette. Ranunculus adds whimsy and romance with their paper-thin petals.”

Greenery and arches

Something on-trend right now is bouquets with only greenery as opposed to flowers, said Samantha Rodgers, in-house florist for Vegas Weddings in downtown Las Vegas.

“Everyone is looking for oversized, boho-style bouquets with loose arrangements. When it comes to details, lace ribbon is the most popular and on every bride’s must list,” she said.

“When it comes to color palettes, pastels have returned in place of

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2019 BRIDE

blush. I’m seeing floral designers using a range of pastel colors to create a soft, but impactful, painted effect in bouquets,” Joyal said.

Also of-the-moment is fern greenery in garlands, bouquets and boutonnieres, and to add texture to any tablescape, Gonzalez said.

“Wreaths are a perennial favorite, but now they are coming at us in an unexpected way: Think mini wreath boutonnieres for the guys,” she said.

Circles are a symbol of eternal love, and a ring or hoop of flowers brings this message to life.

“If you truly want to make a statement, this is the pièce de resistance.

A ring or arch of flowers makes a beautiful focal point, a great conversation starter and a photo backdrop everyone will be lining up for,” said Vito Russo, vice president and artistic director at Carl Alan Floral Artistry in Philadelphia.

“An archway dripping in layers of flowers and greenery, used for the ceremony and then moved to a reception space, is a wonderful way to create a photo op for your guests while getting more bang for your buck,” Joyal said. “If you’re all about a statement wall, using tropical foliage in a living wall is something that will really impress.”

Pro tips

• Don’t forget and order flowers at the last minute, Russo said. Florists and bridal experts recommend at least a month for basic bouquets, and up to nine months before the wedding for intricate, large-scale designs.

• Keep in mind what flowers will be in season so that you don’t break your budget. Ever-popular peonies can be sourced in fall and winter, but you will likely pay a premium, Gonzalez said.

• Be realistic about your budget. Do your research into floral

designers and pick one whose work resonates with you, Joyal said.

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Anything goes

Lasting memories

By Sarah Nance Sarah Nance Photography

Okay ladies (and gentlemen), I am here to hopefully be able to offer up some helpful tips and tricks to help make your wedding planning a little easier (at least the photography). I have been in the wedding game for over 10 years now. I have seen it all; stressed brides, frazzled staff, you name it. My hope with this small article is to help alleviate any worries you might have regarding choosing your photographer for your big day.

Firstly, hiring a photographer should be a very personal experience. It should also be one of the first things you do once you start planning, as the photographer will most likely not only be shooting your wedding, but also bridal shoots and any other sessions you might need, as it pertains to the wedding.

Interviewing potential photographers can either be done in person or over email correspondence, but I definitely recommend conducting the interview in person so you can get a feel for the person. Once you feel comfortable with someone or feel that connection, it is a great sign! Also, references and samples/portfolios should be readily available with any reputable, experienced photographer.

Let us help you find the perfect location for your wedding or honeymoon. Whether it’s on a sandy beach or mountaintop, we can help.

We have tons of brochures and literature to assist you in finding the most romantic place for your big day.

Once you find your perfect photographer, let them guide you.

You definitely have the vision in mind of what you want for your special day, and make that known, but give the photographer some creative licenses. An experienced photographer will know how to give you exactly what you want. It is going to be difficult not to worry, but if you've found that perfect fit creatively, you should feel as if you're in good hands. That should definitely alleviate some of that stress.

Lastly, have fun!! You have stressed and planned over your wedding for months, or even YEARS! After saying those vows, let everything else go and concentrate on your spouses beaming smile! You've done all the hard work and all you need to do now is let everyone else sweat the small stuff.

Enjoy YOUR day and have the time of your lives!

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Expert

beauty tips for the big day For a more statement look, go for a heavy eye or a bold lip — but stick to just one, Alexander said.

“A nice timeless red lip can make a great statement. If you choose the eyes to make a statement, maybe do a smoky eye, big lashes but not fake-looking, and keep the lip natural,” Alexander said.

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

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eauty trends may come and go, but looking beautiful on your wedding day will always be in style. Whether you’re newly engaged or getting married this weekend, the No. 1 piece of advice is to try to eliminate stress.

“Stress plays a lot on our outer beauty, on our skin and hair.

Stress-free, it’ll shine through any makeup,” said professional makeup artist and hairstylist Shannon Alexander of Omaha, Nebraska. “Hire a professional!

They will be able to help you with the look you are trying to achieve. Quality over quantity for your big day.”

Flawless hair

Textured chignons are a modern take on a classic hairstyle.

“Chignons are beautiful. Very classy,” Alexander said. “One thing with the chignon is, you don’t need to add much to it to update it. It’s always in style. Maybe add flowers or jewels, but keeping it simple is just classy.”

For something a bit more extravagant, many brides are choosing a half-up, half-down look with curls. It’s a style that looks timeless yet brides still feel like themselves, Alexander said. Bring it over the top by adding jewels, flowers, tiaras or a long beautiful veil, she said.

From oversize blooms to delicate

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Stylist tips

blossoms, flowers real and artificial add a sweet touch to a bride’s look.

“They can easily be placed in the hair and secured with bobby pins.

Pinning the hair up in a low loose bun with curls and adding some floral is a high request,” Alexander said.

For the ceremony, a veil can be placed on top of or below the curls and florals placed accordingly, Alexander said.

Stunning makeup

A radiant complexion with glowy skin is the perfect face-forward look.

“Beautiful, flawless, airbrushed makeup is a good choice for her big day,” Alexander said.

She suggests a subtle soft smoky eye using browns and adding lashes to makes eyes pop.

“Add some highlight and color to the cheeks and keeping it natural, you have a bride that will just glow,” Alexander said.

• “Before your wedding day, taking care of your hair and skin is important,” Alexander said. “Some brides feel FREEPIK.COM growing their hair long and not getting haircuts for their wedding day will help their stylist. It’s not absolutely necessary to have long locks for an updo.

Sometimes extra-long hair can be even harder to put all in an updo.” Extensions can help make hair longer and fuller and be absolutely beautiful, Alexander said.

• Clean, dry hair is a must. Because a stylist will be adding products to increase texture, brides should wash their hair the day before to avoid greasy hairlines, Alexander said.

• The night before the wedding, be sure to remove all makeup. “A good base will have a beautiful end result and help makeup stay on. This starts with skin.

Exfoliate, even treat yourself to a facial a week before. This will help eliminate dead skin cells, hydrate the skin and give a nice canvas for makeup,” Alexander said.

• Make sure to have your eyebrows waxed as well. “Eyeshadow will look 10 times better,” she said.

PHOTO COURTESY THE BLACK TUX

What the

SMART GROOM

is wearing

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

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hile all eyes tend to be on the bride, a groom’s style needs to be on point, too.

“While the bride will be stunning, the groom should feel just as special on his wedding. A well-tailored suit or tuxedo will surely turn some heads as well,” said Joseph Abboud, chief creative director at Men’s Wearhouse.

Continued on page 7

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Bridal suite

essentials

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

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or the best wedding day, don’t leave anything to chance. Stock the bridal suite with the essentials to be sure you look good, feel great and head to the altar relaxed and in style.

Pamper yourself pretty

Freshen up quickly with express teeth whitening kits, essential oils and skin lotion, said Wendy Dahl, president and principal planner at Chic Productions, a wedding and event planning company with locations in Huntington Beach and Palm Desert, California.

“Be sure you are not in your gown when using any beauty product,” Dahl said.

An amenity kit with nail files, fashion tape, mints and any other type of item that wouldn’t typically be included with the use of the suite is also a great idea, Dahl said.

Be ready for emergencies

Items that can save the day are safety pins, heel protectors, shoe insoles, moleskin bandages for blisters, petroleum jelly for anything that rubs against your skin and baby powder to protect against chafed skin under tight gowns, Dahl said.

Go for less stress

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“If gowns have a lot of buttons down the back, bring a crochet hook and leave it for the couple at the end of the evening. A portable steamer is also a good idea to have on hand to get rid of any wrinkling that happened during transport,” Dahl said.

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Have fun

“I love when I see bridesmaids set up mimosa bars or champagne service. They bring everything from the champagne flutes and all of the drink ingredients to photoworthy trays and vintage props,” Dahl said.

One of her favorite ideas came from a bridesmaid who added flowers to the floral order to make the bridal suite super-girly.

“Music sets the tone in the room, so a portable speaker with a fun playlist is always a good idea. You can use music to calm down nerves or get everyone excited before you head out for the day,” she said.

Keep the energy up

The wedding day can be so busy a bride may not even have time to eat, so set up a brunch to be served in the suite.

“Wraps and sandwiches work well because you don’t need plates.

Cheese boards and charcuterie boards are also great to have on hand because they are easy to eat a little here or a little there,” Dahl said.

Work like a pro

Beauty teams work in front of windows to create the best look in natural light, so power strips are always a great idea to allow more mobility in the room, as are directors chairs so you sit higher and closer to the stylist, Dahl said.

“If the room doesn’t have a fulllength mirror, I’d request one to be brought in along with a rolling garment rack for all of the gowns,” she added.

Good advice

“Never hang your gown on the sprinkler heads in the room. You could set off a fire alarm, and everything you brought with you will get soaked in water,” Dahl said.

GROOM continued Start by thinking about what the ideal wedding looks like, said Brice Pattison, fashion director at The Black Tux, a suit rental company with store and online options.

“If the vision is formal, wear black tie. If not, wear a suit,” he said. “Once that is determined, then I would suggest considering set and setting — meaning rural versus urban, day versus evening, spring versus autumn — and opting for color, pattern and material that complements. A simple rule of thumb I use is the more sunlight there is at the event, the lighter the color of suit.”

“While tuxedos and suits are the most popular attire for a groom, they don’t always have to be black,” Abboud agreed. “They can be navy, charcoal or light gray and are all equally as elegant, but offer an unexpected twist.”

Non-tux options

A suit is a great choice for a wedding.

“Dress it up by adding a vest or take a non-traditionalist approach by pairing it with a fun bow tie, a sweater or a pair of suspenders. This is the perfect choice for those who are looking for a more modern option,” Abboud said. “We are

also seeing a lot of mixing and matching with different patterns and texture, with beautiful dinner jackets on the red carpet.”

“If you can’t decide between tux or suit, there’s a third option that’s been gaining popularity in recent years,” said Chris Easter, co-founder of The Man Registry. “A tuxedo-suit hybrid is perfect for grooms who want a formal look but love the feel of a suit. This hybrid features aspects from each style, boasting satin on the lapels and cloth buttons down the front of the jacket.”

One big question to be answered is, rent or buy.

“Budget always plays a factor.

It will be cheaper to rent, although you may get long-lasting value out of purchasing,” Easter said.

A well-tailored garment is the most important fashion trend, so consider having one custom made if possible, Abboud said.

Personalize it

Men shouldn’t be afraid to stand out.

“We have seen more wedding couples opt for bolder outfits for the groom than in past years, such as wearing a

rose shawl collar tuxedo,” Pattison said. “Additionally, more grooms are changing into a new dinner jacket from the wedding ceremony to the reception, which aligns with many brides changing their dresses for the reception.”

“My favorite way to add a dash of personality to a suit or tux is to accessorize the lapel,” Easter said. “Lapel decor can range from the basic boutonniere to a pin that represents the groom’s personality, interest or family. Think guitar, airplane, deer antlers, sports team insignias, etc.

This is instant personality that’s subtle enough to not take over the look.”

Just don’t wait until the last minute.

“The groom should complete his suit or tuxedo fitting no later than 60 days prior to the wedding,” Abboud said.

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Picture perfect Photo booths offer more options than ever

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

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n the age of selfies and Instagram, where almost every guest has the ability to take and share digital pictures, photo booths continue to be a popular addition to weddings.

“Photo booths are guest entertainment,” said photojournalist Dave Tamez, owner of Snap Me Crazy Photo Booths in Edmond, Oklahoma. “Not everyone likes to dance, but when they see a photo booth people of all ages get in line. And usually they

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2019 BRIDE

don’t mind waiting. It breaks the ice and gets people talking and mingling.”

The traditional photo booth is still a novelty, Tamez said.

“With selfies and Facebook, people just don’t print pictures anymore,” he said.

A 2-by-6-inch strip or postcard-sized photo printout is so old it almost seems like a fresh idea.

“People really like to bring them home, put them up on the fridge or on their desk at work. Not only is it fun, it’s a great keepsake of the day,” Tamez said.

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Video enhancements

Photo booths have become an integral part of weddings, but they’re not simply four-walled booths where guests can duck in for a few shots and a keepsake strip of photos to take home.

“Besides static photos, GIFs and boomerangs have become very popular. These videos can be projected onto walls, or shared via social media with the wedding’s hashtag,” said Brooklyn, New York-based wedding photographer Diana Zapata of Bluespark Photography.

Fun and shareable on social media, animated photo booth creations offer guests something a little different. More of an investment for photo booth operators, these upscale booths have a camera or cameras that take a burst of photos, Tamez said. The images are mashed together and can be looped forward or backward into a two- or three-second clip that can be shared on social media or by email or text.

In the same vein but opposite direction, slow-motion photo booths can dramatically capture signature wedding elements such as a champagne pop or a crowded dance floor.

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Props and keepsakes

Another alternative to the nostalgic photo booth is one that doubles as a photo op.

“For example, we recently worked with two unique photo booths, one a super-cute trailer and the other a vintage Volkswagen bus. This unique twist on the photo booth has definitely helped it stay current and keep guests excited for something a little different,” said Stephanie Brown, owner of Off the Beaten Path, a full-service wedding/event planning company with in-house photography services in Napa, California.

The classic photo booth can also serve as a scrapbook station. A double of each photo is printed, then compiled into a keepsake for the bride and groom, Tamez said. An attendant can even ask guests to sign or comment on the pages to make it more personalized, he said.

Photo booths can even serve as the distribution point for a couple’s wedding favors.

“As guest pick up favors they can stop in at the photo booth and use the favors as props. Unique favors like custom sunglasses can be a unifying factor in your photo booth images to bring out your color scheme or theme,” said Rachel Stephens of Totally Promotional, an online retailer and manufacturer of custom printed promotional products and wedding favors.

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Lace

&

grace

On-trend gowns reflect a bride’s personality, from traditional to daring g

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

B

rides should eembody their personal best on their wedding wedd day, whether that means taking the roy royal route in a princess-worthy ball gown or wearing a trendy jumpsuit or somethin something with a touch of color.

“Brides are now get getting their inspiration from a variety of plac places, everywhere from celebrity weddings to traditional magazines,” said Cassandra Sethi, New York City personal stylist and founder of Next Level Wardrobe.

Pinterest and Instagr Instagram are major sources of inspiration, said Seth Sethi, who offers personalized wedding styling services from engagement shoots to the bi big day and brunch after.

Embellishments and accessories

PHOTOS: MASATO ONODA, COURTESY WATTERS BRIDAL

Options abound in gown styles, from fashi conventional to fashion-forward.

“While weddings aare an exciting time in one’s life and a major moment, it can be a nod th culture and family,” to traditions within their Sethi said. “They may choose to wear traditional outfits from th their culture and do tradicerem tional religious ceremonies.

For those brides that want to be more fashion-forward, I noticed expe that they usually experiment with incorpoand rating some color and/or choose a design that traditio may not be as traditional, such as cutouts, 3-D super-in applique and super-intricate beadwork.”

Designers are going bold with embellishments,

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2019 BRIDE

Sethi said.

“The 3-D applique is a detail that will really make your gown stand out. It is also a great way to incorporate additional colors or metallics into your gown,” she said.

Gold, pink, mauve and lavender may not seem like bridal colors, but maybe that’s why they look so good.

“I advise for brides that want to incorporate color somehow to think about how much they want to do. Some want full-on color and some just want a touch of it. What’s most important is that they feel amazing in whatever they choose,” Sethi said.

Beautiful bows are on trend.

“From small, large, multiple — you name it, it is out there,” Sethi said.

Sequins add sparkle and a fun twist on the traditional white dress.

“My wedding gown was all-white sequin for my outdoor wedding and was the perfect amount of bling for me. I was also (pleasantly) surprised to discover that it was very lightweight to wear so it didn’t feel weighed down as I greeted guests, sat down for dinner or danced the night away,” Sethi said.

Intricate lace and beading can take a gown to the next level.

“Berta Bridal is the top example of a designer that falls within this world. Their gowns are absolutely stunning and for the woman who wants to create an unforgettable look through intricate beading details

and interesting lacework,” Sethi said.

Capes are giving wedding gowns a regal vibe, and the longer the better.

“The cape look is more modern and has an edge to it. Capes can also serve as an alternative to a veil and adds dimension to your gown,” Sethi said.

Gown alternatives Some modern brides are looking for an alternative to tradition when it comes the wedding and their gowns, but Sethi advises first considering the season and context.

“I would highly recommend a jumpsuit or pantsuit when in doubt about what to wear,” she said. These are comfortable and look elegant and sophisticated on many body types, Sethi said. Plus, it’s a great trend if you have multiple wedding events and want to switch up your looks throughout, and better for a destination wedding from a packing perspective, she said.

“At the end of the day, this is your special day along with your partner’s. It is important to feel beautiful, comfortable and authentic in whatever you decide to wear,” Sethi said.

“Also, remember that there will most likely be a lot of video and photos taken, so it is worthwhile to make sure every little detail is taken care of, from your clothing, coordination to your partner, hair, makeup and everything in between.”

2019 BRIDE

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Attendant

gift ideas

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

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S

tanding with you on your wedding day, attendants deserve your thanks and a thoughtful gift. Presents for bridesmaids and groomsmen don’t need to be expensive, but they should show a personal touch. Check out these ideas:

Marinella Fringe Drop Earrings $42 Baublebar.com Enhance the impact of her look with these trendy fringe earrings. This collectable pair features a glint of gold to immediately elevate everything from favorite denim to a little black dress.

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2019 BRIDE

Tervis tumblers $16.99 Tervis.com Tervis is the perfect gift for your wedding attendants as they are reusable, insulated, unbreakable and come with a lifetime guarantee. These 16-ounce tumblers with lids are made in the USA. You can even have them personalized with names for your wedding party to add a more personal touch.

Briggs & Riley Express Toiletry Kit $55 Briggs-riley.com Whether they’re headed for a destination wedding or will use it for future travel, this unique toiletry kit has all the functionality needed. It features a spacious interior, wet and dry pockets and a hanging strap, with a unique cylindrical design to keep it compact. The round shape is convenient for packing purposes, and the kit is available in black or blue.

Pretty Plum Sugar robe $68 Plumprettysugar.com The Romantic Soul flutter robe by Pretty Plum Sugar is fun, flirty and so feminine. It features ruffle edging along each sleeve hem as well as along the bottom edge of the robe.

A little sash wraps around and ties the robe closed.

Jet Men’s Grooming Kit $35 Jet.com From great-smelling cologne to ultra-hydrating skin care, up your groomsmen’s grooming game with this kit that is valued at over $70. Kit includes: V76 energizing shampoo and detox bar soap, Bevel priming oil, The Art of Shaving sandalwood shave cream, Brickell face moisturizer and Eight & Bob The Original cologne for men.

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2019 BRIDE

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Something old, something new Modern weddings blend traditions, personal touches

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

W “The first dance is a perennial favorite. It’s such a great way to start off the reception.

You really can’t beat that initial excitement as the couple is introduced for the first time onto the dance floor.”

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Kylie Carlson, International Academy of Wedding & Event Planning

14

hen it comes to the special day, a wedding should be what the couple wants it to be, not what tradition requires.

Rather than doing things by the book, today’s brides and grooms tend to take their own individual needs and circumstances into account, said etiquette expert Lizzie Post, host of the Awesome Etiquette podcast and co-president of the Emily Post Institute.

“Do what makes sense to you,” Post said.

Couples are moving away from formal affairs to create weddings that truly represent who they are as a couple, said Kristen Maxwell Cooper, editor in chief of The Knot. Couples want to bring their personalities into the wedding and choose to tie the knot in nontraditional venues such as barns and farms, historic homes and wineries, museums and parks, according to the The Knot 2017 Real Wedding Study. Additionally, many are nodding to cultural and religious traditions and adding flavor with elements such as a Chinese tea ceremony or traditional Horah Jewish dance, The Knot survey found.

“The good news about wedding parties these days is that there are no rules,” said Kylie Carlson, owner and chief executive officer of the International Academy of Wedding & Event Planning.

2019 BRIDE

eryone dressed head-to-toe in teal, so instead, see if there are accessories that can be incorporated to complement one another,” she said.

Letting attendants choose their own outfits allows them to show off their personal style, but you’ll want to communicate the level of formality so everyone complements one another in that manner, Carlson said.

Traditional for a reason

Unique, but cohesive

Having honor attendants of the opposite gender is no big deal, but they still need to coordinate.

“Couples should have whomever they want on ‘their side.’

Stick with a similar color palette, even if that means just elements for a tux or the dress,” Carlson said. “Make sure the level of formality is consistent with each of the members of the wedding party. Work with your florist so that the boutonnieres and bouquets have complementary blooms.”

Mix-and-match attire is a nontraditional look couples are embracing. Focusing on a color palette will keep the wedding party look cohesive, Carlson said.

“Decide early on how much the hues should impact clothing selections. It may not make sense, for example, to have ev-

However, some traditional elements will never go out of style.

“The first dance is a perennial favorite. It’s such a great way to start off the reception. You really can’t beat that initial excitement as the couple is introduced for the first time onto the dance floor,” Carlson said.

Registries are traditional, but an invitation should not include registry information or what gifts are wanted, Post said.

“The focus always should be on inviting guests to celebrate the event with you — not for an expectation of a gift,” she said.

“Honeyfunds” have been embraced by wedding guests because they want to give couples the gift of a vacation together or an activity, Post said.

“Experiential registry gifts are quite popular right now,” Carlson said. “Memberships to museums (art, science, etc.) are a great addition to any wedding registry. They typically last a full calendar year and include a number of perks, giving you plenty of excuses for a regular date night. We’re also seeing tickets to events, wine of the month clubs and gift certificates to have one’s house cleaned.”

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Wedding party expenses What to consider, when to communicate

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

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eing an attendant is not only a big responsibility, it can be a huge expense.

“Finances are always a touchy topic, so it’s important to have conversations about expectations early on to avoid any tension or surprises between to-be-weds and their wedding parties,” said Maggie Seaver, assistant digital editor at The Knot.

Wedding party members spent an average of $928 on gifts, travel and accommodations, attire and accessories if they traveled for a wedding, according to The Knot’s 2018 Wedding Guest Study.

“It’s no surprise that figuring out where that money is coming from can be stressful and a sensitive topic among members of the wedding party,” Seaver said. “While being a wedding attendant can be an expensive honor, couples typically are very understanding and sensitive to the financial constraints of being in a wedding party, especially if they’ve had the honor of being in a wedding party themselves.”

Discuss expectations

Most couples choose wedding details that are budget-friendly or give wedding party members the option to participate in an expensive hair and makeup treatment or destination bachelor or bachelorette party, Seaver said.

“If they don’t, then the wedding party members can kindly discuss their thoughts and potential solutions with the couple directly,” she said.

Who pays for what is a common cause of confusion. Agreeing to be in the wedding party means a person is agreeing to some level of financial commitment, often including costs for attire, travel (if needed) and a gift for the newlyweds.

“In fact, wedding attendants often spend much more on the

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wedding gift than other guests. Additionally, members of the wedding party are also oftentimes expected to cover the costs of bridal showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties,” Seaver said.

But every wedding and wedding party is unique.

“While some to-be-weds expect their wedding party to help plan various pre-wedding events like bridal showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties, and at times cover the costs of those events, others may be more laid-back with their wedding party’s involvement,” Seaver said. “We definitely encourage couples to maintain open lines of communication with their wedding party and discuss expectations for who is paying for what as early as possible.”

Typical costs

Tension arises when the bride selects things such as dresses and jewelry that are on the pricier side, said certified wedding planner Kevin Dennis, owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services in Livermore, California.

Typical costs covered by an attendant include attire, shoes and accessories, Dennis said. The bride will often cover the bouquet and transportation on the wedding day, he said.

However, there are some blurred lines when it comes to who pays for what.

“Professional hair and makeup can be tricky. If it’s optional, then the bridesmaid can decide whether or not she wants to invest in it, and the bride will want to be upfront early about the costs. If the bride is requiring it, then she should foot the bill,” Dennis said.

Bachelorette parties have evolved with increased personalization and destination events, which raises the stakes financially, the experts said.

“If you’re concerned about the cost to be involved with being a member of the wedding party, you should be honest and upfront with the couple to-be-wed about what you can commit to, both financially and with respect to your time,” Seaver said.

What to know about ring insurance

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

W

FREEPIK.COM

hen you start rocking a ring on your left hand, the first thing you think about probably isn’t insurance, but an engagement ring is one of the most important and valuable items a person owns.

Most often consumers “are truly not informed of the implications of their engagement ring not being properly insured,” said Tyler Krowiorz, brand marketing manager at Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group. The average value of an engagement ring is $5,700, according to a 2017 The Knot survey.

“It makes sense to do due diligence around insurance options for that new engagement ring before making a decision,” Krowiorz said. “It’s worn every day, everywhere. And the bride-to-be

may not be used to wearing a ring. So the chances of it getting lost or damaged during day-to-day activities as seemingly benign as washing your hands, going to the gym or removing gloves in cold weather are quite high.”

Policies vary from carrier to carrier, but an engagement ring is usually covered under a standard homeowners insurance or renters policy.

“However, the limits are what becomes

important here,” Krowiorz said.

The standard limit ranges between $1,500 and $2,500.

“That means if your ring is over that value, and you lose it, you’ll be responsible for the balance out of pocket if you want to replace it,” Krowiorz said.

One option is to add a “floater” or “rider” to your policy that provides additional coverage specific to the ring and its amount, Krowiorz said. The danger is if you make a claim on a lost, damaged or stolen ring, it could raise your rates, he said.

“An additional option would be insuring your engagement ring with a carrier who specializes in jewelry. This ensures you’re getting comprehensive coverage specific to your piece that would cover you against loss, theft, damage and mysterious disappearance,” Krowiorz said.

Still Meadows’ interior, designed by the owners Keith & Chandi Russell, reflects the clean, modern, and rustic vibe. The multi-purpose event venue offers the choice to hold your wedding or event outdoors in the beautiful meadow, in the front or on the side patio of the modern barn, or inside with white ship lap walls and modern finishes. The possibilities are endless and we will do our best to accommodate all of your wishes and requirements.

29250 Leo Road, Macomb, OK 74852 • (405) 435-3467 stillmeadowsevents.com • hello@stillmeadowsevents.com

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Make healthy habits a part of wedding prep go full-throttle with all of their responsibilities — including wedding planning — may burn out. Stress can weaken the immune system and make people vulnerable to illness. Schedule some time for date nights with your fiancé, and don’t overlook the benefits of hanging out with friends and getting away from wedding planning for a bit.

• Eat body-boosting foods. The foods we eat can impact everything from energy levels to skin radiance. Foods like berries, sweet potatoes, broccoli, greens, green tea, and dark chocolate all contain antioxidants that boost the immune system, states The Food Network. Avoid drastic diets that can do more harm than good. Simply cutting 500 calories a day can help the average person lose a pound per week if weight loss is a goal. Simple ways to trim calories are to choose skim milk over whole milk and choose low-calorie snacks.

A

fter the big question is popped and loving partners decide to spend their lives together as a married couple, a whirlwind of activity will ensue. Although wedding planning is exciting, some couples may feel overwhelmed with all the decisions that need to be made before they can tie the knot. In this state of increased pressure, stress may build and health could falter.

According to a Cornell University study, more than 70 percent of brides-to-be have weight loss on the brain, but shedding pounds shouldn’t be the only health factor to consider. Here are some easy

ways to stay mentally and physically fit in advance of a happy wedding day.

• Get daily exercise. Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy body weight and keeping stress levels in check. Exercise also can boost mood.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. Strength training exercises performed at least twice a week complete a well-balanced exercise regimen.

• Slow down and relax. Those who

• Cut down on alcohol consumption. Toasting to the future with a glass of wine may become rote in the months leading up to the wedding, but alcohol is a diuretic and a source of liquid calories.

Alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body and cause it to hold onto water. When imbibing, stick to low-calorie cocktails like a vodka spritzer (60 to 80 calories) instead of a calorie-laden frozen margarita (300 calories).

Feeling and looking one’s best starts long before the wedding day. By making health a priority, couples can start their new lives together on healthy footing.

BR191583

2019 BRIDE Publisher Kent Bush Graphic Designers Reita Easley Brooke Jones Cheyenne Meadows

Advertising Sales Elissia Greer Aaron McDonald Tawny Ransom

This magazine is a special publication by The Shawnee News-Star. © Copyright 2019 Gatehouse Media, LLC, 215 N. Bell Street, P.O. Box 1688, Shawnee, OK 74802-1688. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent from the publisher.

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2019 BRIDE

Facts and figures about modern engagements

G

etting engaged has and always will be a big deal. While marriage proposals are often steeped in tradition, some facts and figures about modern day engagements, courtesy of the 2018 Newlywed Report from WeddingWire, show just how much this special moment and all that surrounds it is changing.

• The pressure to make marriage proposals extraordinary appears to be on the rise, at least for Millennials. Of the nearly 18,000 respondents who shared their stories via WeddingWire’s 2017 Newlywed Survey, 72 percent of Millennials said they feel pressured to make their proposals highly unique, while only 45 percent of Gen X respondents indicated feeling such pressure.

• Proposals might be changing, but getting down on one knee appears to be an enduring tradition that Millennials plan to keep in style. Eighty-two percent of Millennials indicated they got down on one knee to propose. In addition, the tradition of asking for parents’ blessing also remains popular among Millennials, 72 percent of whom sought such blessings before proposing marriage.

• The average cost of an engagement ring was $5,000.

• The pressure to pick out the right engagement ring appears to be subsiding. That’s because 50 percent of survey respondents

indicated they picked out the ring together.

• Married-couples-to-be also appear to like comparison shopping in regard to engagement rings. The majority of purchasers looked at between two and seven rings before making a purchase.

• While online shopping has changed consumer behavior in myriad ways, couples still prefer brick-and-mortar stores when buying engagement rings.

Thirty-one percent of purchasers bought rings online, but 63 percent made their purchases in-person at brick-and-mortar stores.

• Christmas Day is the most popular day to pop the question, followed by Valentine’s Day. Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve round out the top five.

• How to spread the news of an engagement is perhaps the biggest change surrounding engagements. Engagement parties were once the go-to way to spread the good news, but just one in four couples now have engagement parties. Nowadays, 86 percent of couples spread the news via social media. In fact, 10 percent of parents find out about their children’s engagements via social media.

• The days of a short engagement seem to be a thing of the past.

The average engagement now lasts 13 months, and 28 percent of couples are engaged for 16 months or longer. BR191610

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