Wedding Guide
Feb. 2020
Arenac County Independent | Ogemaw County Herald | Oscoda County Herald Sunrise Printing & Publishing, Inc © 2020
2 • 2020 Wedding Guide
Index
3 .................. Valentine’s Proposals 4 ........... Wedding Planning Guide 5 ................... Preparing Your Hair 6 ........... Wedding Ring Symbolism 7 ................................. Jewelry Care 8 ....................... Preferred Vendors 10 ............................. Ask the Bride 12 ................. Catering Your Menu
13 ........................... Handling Rain 14 .... Wedding Planning Checklist 17 ........ Planning a Green Wedding 18 ................ Customize Your Ring 19 ... Make Your Anniversary Count
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2020 Wedding Guide • 3
Is a Valentine’s Day proposal right for you? Valentine’s Day is a special day when thoughts turn to love and romance. Couples contemplating tying the knot may feel like Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to pop the question and begin their journeys toward marriage. Even though Valentine’s Day is a very popular day to propose, it’s tricky to keep such a proposal from becoming a cliché. By considering some dos and don’ts, Valentine’s Day proposals can be unique. DO ensure that you’re both on the same page. It’s one thing for couples who have already been talking about marriage to build on the romance of Valentine’s Day with a proposal. But it’s quite another if this is a push to wow him or her and you don’t have the same goals; it may not go according to plan. Couples are urged to have honest
conversations about key topics (i.e., children, compatibility, finances, living arrangements) to see if marriage is a desire they both share. DON’T overlook the element of surprise for the proposal. Sure it is easy to have a waiter bring the ring after a meal at a favorite restaurant, but it can be even more special to catch your sweetheart off guard. Why not propose before you get to the restaurant, such as in front of where you first met, and then you can enjoy your meal without butterflies? DO consider your sweetheart’s personality before the proposal. A shy person may not like the attention of a crowd. However, someone who loves to be the center of attention may feel that more is merrier. DON’T go overboard with the details. One or two big surprises is all it takes.
The more details, the more things that can potentially go wrong, which can adversely affect the overall proposal. DO get input from friends and family, but do not feel pressured to do it exactly as they say. A close friend can help select a ring or contribute to the surprise by keeping the special someone unaware of the plans at hand. Having a helper can make the proposal go more smoothly. DON’T feel pressured to propose on Valentine’s Day or a birthday, Christmas, or other big holiday because it’s “what you’re supposed to do.” A proposal and a marriage are unique to each couple, and individuals should abide by their preferences when making such important decisions. Only propose when it feels completely right. Valentine’s Day can be a perfect day to propose if the timing and planning is right.
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4 • 2020 Wedding Guide
Wedding Planning: Where to start By Andrea Dantzer andread@ogemawherald.com
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task for even the most seasoned party planner. You can make it much easier on yourself by taking it one step at a time. Whether you have a whole year to plan or just a few months, breaking the process down into manageable steps will save you time and stress. Step one: set your budget Your budget is going to be the driving force and deciding factor for almost every detail of your wedding. Start by figuring out your overall budget, and don’t forget to include a 10% splurge cost for any unaccounted for additions or must-haves you come across along the way. This will also help you to avoid falling in love with a venue or dress that you can’t afford. Step two: set the date Once you have your budget set, it is a good time to set your big day. If you have a tighter budget, setting your wedding day farther out can help alleviate the stress of having to fork over large sums of cash all at once. Most of the time, you will set your wedding day according to the availability of your chosen venue, so have a few favorable dates selected so that if your venue is booked on your day of choice, you have alternatives available. Step three: set your style With your budget and date settled, now is the time to set the style of your wedding. There are countless tools available online and in bridal magazines to help you decide if you want a totally glamorous affair, a shabby chic wedding, a country celebration, a traditional church wedding or anything in between. Consider the season in which you will wed to draw inspiration for color schemes, decor ideas, flowers and more. Step four: set your wedding party and guest count You don’t have to worry about a finalized guest list quite yet, but you will want some idea of how big or intimate of a wedding you want, and this will help you in later steps as well. There is quite a big difference in a 50-person wedding and a 500-person wedding, not only with the costs involved but size of the venue, available caterers and how many guest favors are needed are also affected. You will also want to choose your wedding party at this time, so that you can start delegating later tasks to your maid of honor and best man. Step five: set your venue
Now that you know your budget, have a few dates in mind, your style and your guest count, you can start to look for the perfect venue to host your wedding. Be sure to read reviews of any potential venues and read the contract carefully. Some venues include items such as tablecloths or chair covers and you don’t want to buy them if they are already provided. Additionally, some venues have hidden charges or cleaning fees that you will want to be aware of to ensure you are staying within your budget. Step six: set your vendors According to Zola, the average couple hires 13 vendors for their wedding. This may seem a lot, but there are countless vendors available for every aspect of the wedding day. From caterers to DJs to florists to cake bakers, you will want to book your favorite vendors as soon as you have an official venue and wedding date. Don’t forget to book a judge, minister or officiant at this time as well and find out if they require any premarital counseling. Step seven: set a registry Almost as soon as you announce your engagement, brace yourself to be asked where you are registered multiple times. Many retailers have created online registries, which are convenient for the busy bride and groom. Your friends and family can also use the registry to purchase bridal shower or engagement party gifts as well. Step eight: set the bridal attire This is the favorite time for brides all over the world - choosing the dress. You will want to discuss wedding attire with your betrothed and decide how formal or casual you want your wedding to be. It can take months for custom tailoring and getting your bridal gown or tuxedo properly fitted, so leave
yourself plenty of time for fittings and alterations. Now, you just need to say yes to the dress of your dreams, and the tuxedos or suits and what your bridal party will wear as well. Step nine: set the final guest list and send out save-the-date cards You are getting farther into the process and now is a great time to sit down and finalize your guest list. Once you have it finalized, use your guest list to send out save-the-date cards to all your family, friends and loved ones and let them know to mark their calendars for your big day. Step ten: set the honeymoon Whether you choose an adventurous honeymoon in Greece or a relaxing beach vacation in St. Barts, you will want a separate budget for your honeymoon to ensure that you are getting the most bang for your buck. Booking travel accommodations early can save a great deal of money compared to booking at the last possible minute and will prevent you missing out on sold out flights or hotels. Step eleven: set the details Now is a good time to start shopping for all the decorations and accessories that are going to help set the ambiance for your big day. You will want to have flowers chosen, table pieces and center pieces set as well as any other decor. If the bulk of your wedding decor is DIY, set specific work days and times and delegate tasks to family and friends willing to help. Additionally, think about other small details like if you want a massage the day before or the day of your wedding. Any appointments for hair, makeup, waxing and manicure and pedicure should also be booked. Step twelve: set invitations It is time to choose your wedding sta-
tionary and get those invitations in the mail. Typically, wedding invitations are sent out 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding day. Step thirteen: set the bands Not the musical bands, that should have already been done in step six. Now is the time to go shopping with your betrothed and choose the wedding bands you will exchange during the ceremony. Wedding bands are an important symbol for many couples and you will want to give yourself adequate time to shop around and find your favorite since you will be wearing it for the rest of your life. Step fourteen: set the seats Figuring out where to sit Aunt Bertha and how to keep cousins Mike and Joe from sitting too close together is one of the least fun parts of the wedding planning process, but creating a wedding seating chart can save you from enduring drunken brawls, in-law fights and family dynamics in tact. Step fifteen: set the license You need to apply for a marriage license at least three days before your wedding day as Michigan has a three-day waiting period before issuing the license. You don’t want to get it too soon in advance however, marriage licenses also have an expiration date. Step sixteen: set your confirmations In all likelihood you have kept in constant communication with your vendors, but it is still a good idea to confirm all the details and make sure everything is paid for and good to go for your wedding at least one month in advance. Make sure all loose ends are tied and all your carefully selected options are still available. Step seventeen: set your vows Whether you are writing your own vows, having prescripted vows or something in between, you will want to get those finalized and the flow of the ceremony planned out. Talk with the judge, pastor or officiant of your wedding to find out which parts of the ceremony must be included legally so that you don’t accidentally skip any proceedings that you need in there to be considered legally wed. Step eighteen: set your I do’s Now, is the last and final step: saying your I do’s and marrying the person of your dreams. You have come through a long and arduous process, but in the end, you have a beautiful wedding, a day full of warm and happy memories to cherish for a lifetime and you married the person you have chosen for life.
2020 Wedding Guide • 5
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The big day:
prepare for a good hair day By Autumn Hunter
Owner, Grand Illusion Salon
Your wedding day is important. You don’t want to worry about your hair. In order to have a relaxed and fun morning at the salon on the big day, here is a timeline to ensure that you are completely prepared. One year ahead: save the date Brides-to-be should not put off booking their wedding-day hair appointments, especially if they have a stylist preference. Most regular clients book six to eight weeks in advance, so bridal clients should secure their specific days and times well in advance. Three months ahead: setting expectations Schedule a bridal hair and make-up trial. It’s important to bring inspiration photos and an image of your gown and veil. Stylists need to get a full picture to achieve the entire look. This is the time
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to discuss hair extensions or other pieces that may be needed to achieve your desired hair design. Six to eight weeks ahead: purchase necessities … like accessories Floral accents and romantic hair accessories are the perfect way to add a little something extra to an up-style. This is also a great time to do a final trial. I encourage you to try on your gown with your up-style to ensure your approval. Two weeks ahead: freshen up I suggest that brides-to-be schedule a fresh cut and color and any planned hair extensions two week before their wedding day. Wedding Day Today is the day! Arrive at the salon with your hair freshly shampooed and dry. Freshly cleansed hair is much easier for the stylist to curl, pin and manipulate. If you follow all of these great tips, you can sit back and enjoy your wedding day at the salon!
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6 • 2020 Wedding Guide
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Wedding rings are symbolic gestures of commitment Couples adhere to many traditions on their wedding days, including the exchange of wedding rings. Wedding rings symbolize the union of two people and their pledge to remain faithful to each other. No one is exactly sure just when the tradition of exchanging wedding rings originated, but some say it can be traced back to ancient Egypt, when the oldest recorded exchange of wedding rings was made. Reeds growing along the Nile were twisted and braided into rings and given during betrothal ceremonies. The round ring symbolized eternity, and the hole within the center meant a gateway to things unknown. Since reeds were not very durable, soon ivory, leather and bone were used to create wedding rings. As new lands were explored and territories expanded, traditions from one culture were adopted and modified by other cultures. The same is true with wedding rings. According to the Diamond Source, wedding rings were adopted by Romans and incorporated into Western wedding ceremonies. Romans’ rings were highly decorated, and some historians believe wedding rings were given to represent ownership over brides instead of symbolizing love. These rings were made of iron and called “Anulus Pronubus,” or “betrothal ring.” Rings have been simplified since those days and ultimately made of
many materials. Throughout history, wedding rings were worn on various fingers and even both hands, whereas many married people in Western cultures now wear their wedding rings on the left hand and on the fourth finger. Romans once believed that this finger contained a vein, called the “Vena Amoris,” that ran directly to the heart. Though that is not true, the tradition has prevailed. Other legends say that, when blessing a Christian marriage, priests would bind the marriage by saying, “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” simultaneously touching the ring to the recipient’s thumb, index finger and middle finger, before slipping it on the fourth finger while saying, “Amen.” Another theory on ring placement is that wedding rings are worn on the ring finger because that finger isn’t used as much as the rest of the hand, ensuring delicate ring materials won’t be damaged.
2020 Wedding Guide • 7
Jewelry care and cleaning guidelines Bridal gowns and tuxedos may get their fair share of attention at weddings, but the subtle details of brides’ and grooms’ wedding attire also garner guests’ attention. Breathtaking jewelry worn by the bride, groom and members of the bridal party looks great on the day of the wedding and in photos couples will keep for decades to come. Naturally, engagement rings and bridal bands are the shining stars of the celebration. However, other pieces of jewelry also make for cherished accessories for weddings. Bridal jewelry is an investment worth maintaining. According to a 2013 report by the Jewelers of America, couples spend an average of $4,000 on engagement rings and more money on wedding bands. Considering several thousands of dollars may adorn
the necks, fingers, ears, and wrists of bridal party members, individuals should learn how to keep their jewelry investments looking pristine. Remove jewelry during hard work Exercise caution when wearing jewelry during strenuous activities or when jewelry can be damaged. Also, watch when handling slippery substances such as soaps and oils, as jewelry may fall off and become lost. Instead, remove precious jewelry and store it in a safe location, such as in a jewelry chest or a drawer. Use caution with beauty products Apply lotion, cosmetics, perfume, cologne, and hairspray before putting on jewelry. These substances can discolor certain metals or even damage stones.
Prolonged contact with perspiration and bodily oils also can cause discoloration over time. Gently wipe down jewelry with a soft cloth after wearing it to remove oils and sweat. Be careful around swimming pools, spas and the ocean Couples should remove jewelry before partaking in water-based activities on their honeymoons. According to jewelry retailer Zales, chlorinated water can react with the metals found in jewelry, causing color changes and even structural changes. Don’t risk jewelry falling off in the ocean. Store it in a secure location before diving in. Beware the sun, too The Gemological Institute of America, Inc. states that sunlight can affect the durability and color of colored gemstones. Over time
and in excess, the sun and heat can fade or damage some stones, such as amethyst, topaz and pearls. Other stones can darken with exposure to the sun. Clean jewelry with care Rely on mild detergents and a light touch when cleaning jewelry. Use products specifically designed for jewelry care, and read labels to ensure safety. The International Gemological Institute says seriously soiled jewelry should be professionally cleaned. Inspect and know your jewelry Routinely inspect jewelry to test for any structural issues that can result in breakage or lost stones. Make sure any suspected problems are repaired promptly. Ensure jewelry will last for years to come. Exercise caution when wearing pieces and clean and care for them properly.
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8 • 2020 Wedding Guide
The preferred vendor By Jenni Bjurstrom
Wedding planner at Vision and Veils, member of State Street Bridal Suites
If you have met with a wedding vendor before, then you have more than likely heard the term “preferred vendor.” These businesses are usually promoted with pomp and circumstance, touted as being the best-ofthe-best vendors, based on their own personal experience. What does that actually mean for you? The good news is that they can be a very helpful way to discover other high quality vendors you might not have known about. Usually these preferred vendors are well-vetted, with the experience and high ratings expected in the industry. Unfortunately, there are times when this isn’t true. These preferred vendor lists can be based on many other factors such as monetary kick-backs, friendships, and anything but professionalism. How can you be sure that the recommended vendors listed or given to you are ones you should trust? How
do you know if you are falling for a scam? The first thing you should do before hiring any vendor is to look for reviews. Is this a new business? How many years of experience do they have? Have these vendors actually worked together before? Vendors who work well together are worth their weight in gold. For example, The State Street Bridal Suites in Saginaw are able to work together seamlessly as they have almost 5+ years of working alongside each other. They know the needs and wants of each other, and there is absolutely no vendor competition between them. They work together as if they are one group, and have a shared expectation of putting their focus on the clients above all else. Another red flag to look out for is how many preferred vendors are listed. If they list eight different photographers, chances are they are not listed out of true faith in that business. Vendors who recommend
one to two vendors in any category are usually doing so out of true admiration for their talent and their dedication to the wedding day. Many times, if many vendors are listed that person is receiving a kick-back. They recommend many photographers or videographers because they have an agreement to share their fee with each other. Preferred vendors should be given because they know they will deliver a quality product or service, and not because they will earn a bonus. With the knowledge above, you should ask what exactly makes that business stand out to them. Feel free to ask questions, and inquire about their experiences. Listen carefully for true experiences and not a general statement. It is very easy to say “They are amazing. I like to work with them.” If they can not give you a reason, then you should be wary. When I recommend my preferred DJ, I tell brides how he saved the wedding cake without the bride ever find-
ing out there was a problem. Noticing that the top tier had fallen, he went out of his way to contact the cake maker to come and fix the issue before the guests arrived. This attention to detail, even when it has nothing to do with his own image, is why he will continue to be on my preferred vendor list. He is not just “amazing.” He has proven time and time again he cares about the day going well, and not just himself. So should you ignore preferred vendor lists? Absolutely not. With the knowledge from above, and knowing what to ask, you will be able to find the perfect vendors who will work together to make your wedding perfect. Experienced wedding vendors will be able to list others that consistently give quality service. If you follow these guidelines, you can be sure that the preferred vendors are listed truly for their mutual shared expectations of excellence, and not solely for personal reasons.
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2020 Wedding Guide • 9
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10 • 2020 Wedding Guide
From the bride: Justine Grezeszak Morris By Amy Hensel
amyhensel@ogemawherald.com 989-387-8929
Justine Grezeszak and Deven Morris were married September 14, 2019 in the chapel at Pioneer Power on M-55, near Campbell Road and their reception was held at Ogemaw County Fairgrounds in the exhibit building. Deven proposed in May, 2018. He arranged the proposal so felt it spontaneous, but he got the details right. “He had two of our best friends there to share the moment with us. They were supposed to be taking our picture when he proposed. They got it on video and took tons of pictures! It was perfect. He even made sure our one friend took me to get my nails done before we went up. He pulled it all off perfectly,” said Justine. The couple spent 13-14 months planning the wedding. “I didn’t finish some details until the week of or the week before,” said Justine. Deven and
PHOTOS BY BACKWOODS PHOTOGRAPHY
Justine knew that food, pictures and memories were the priorities. “It’s important to have good food. I feel like people
always remember the food,” said Justine. “I was lucky enough to have my family cater, and we hired a family friend to serve food so all family could still enjoy the day.” The couple got help from their families and members of the bridal party. They wanted them to “have fun and help us celebrate this new step. They also helped with set-up, cleaning the ceremony site, making decor and being our support system.” Kylie Reilly from Backwoods Photography in Hale provided “pictures for us to reminisce and just the memories of everybody being there to celebrate with us.
It was perfect!” said Justine. Fashion for the wedding is from The Glass Slipper. “They ordered a dress I had found elsewhere so I could still shop local and support the business,” said Morris. “The Glass Slipper helped with decor too. They knocked everything out of the park!” Bre and Chass from Stylistic Hair Design did hair and make-up for the bride and her attendants. How did she know he was the one? “I was always smiling and laughing around him and always felt safe. Everything’s better when he is around,” said Justine.
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2020 Wedding Guide • 11
12 • 2020 Wedding Guide
Cater wedding menus to guests’ dietary needs Gone are the days when wedding reception menus were limited to the one-size-fits-all offerings of meat, chicken or fish. Thanks to modern diets, couples hoping to accommodate guests may need to provide a wide array of food choices. Food from a culture that doesn’t rely on wheat is a good way to go when catering to special diets. “A vegetable fajita is a great choice for vegans because there’s no cheese,” said Krystal Cabrera of Rancheros Mexican Grill. “Most of our entrees are gluten-free already. Usually the only gluten is the flour tortilla and we can easily substitute a corn tortilla.” It is impossible to pinpoint an exact number, as there are no definitive surveys classifying all dietary preferences, but there are believed to be around 7.9 million people in the United States who follow a vegetarian-based diet. Of those people, around one million are strictly vegan, according to data
in The Economist. In addition, NYU Langone Health says one-third of Americans are trying to avoid gluten. The Gluten Free Agency, which is a consulting group dedicated to helping advertisers, says some nine million people in Canada are going gluten-free now for medical or personal reasons. Toss in the scores of people with peanut or other allergies and even more caution is needed when designing wedding menus. “At the Golden Glow Ballroom, food is a top priority for all guests. We always encourage our couples to let us know if any of their guests have any dietary restrictions that way we can label our buffets and action stations accordingly, as well as offer the guests with restrictions a special plate made from Chef just for them,” said Golden Glow does not let anyone leave hungry. On the lighter side of the evening, See MENU, 15
How to handle rain on your wedding day Brides and grooms fear the prospects of rainy wedding days. But even couples who have contended with everything from a few drops to an all-out deluge on their wedding days look back fondly on the ceremonies and receptions. In fact, how couples handle any precipitation can affect how happy the festivities may be. • Have a rainy day game plan. Rain affects outdoor weddings more than any other type of ceremony or reception. If the goal is to exchange vows outdoors, work with the venue to make this possible with a tent or gazebo. However, if the weather is especially foul and windy, move it indoors. • Invest in golf umbrellas. Couples who live in notoriously damp climates can purchase golf umbrellas, which tend to be larger than the average umbrella, and keep them stationed in decorated stands to ease transitions between wedding sites and keep everyone as dry as possible. • Wear waterproof cosmetics. Women in the bridal party, including the bride, can ask their makeup artists to use durable, waterproof products. This can help salvage beautifully composed looks should
some drops begin to fall. • Know vendors’ rain policies. Some live musicians will not play in damp weather. Florists may need to make accommodations for arrangements blowing in the wind. Couples need to understand what they’re responsible for and what may be covered if a weather event occurs. Wedding insurance may help cover the costs of nonrefundable cancellations. • Move past it quickly. It is okay to get upset if the weather turns for the worse. But don’t dwell on it. Guests will sense negative energy, and couples should set the tone of sticking it through despite a little adversity — which can be a good lesson for the marriage as well. • Embrace the rain. While a couple probably won’t wish for rain, there are some benefits to overcast skies, say the wedding professionals at Brides magazine. Flowers are less likely to wilt in rainy conditions. In the absence of bright sunlight, outdoor photographs can really pop. Rain is romantic and may compel couples and their guests to cuddle close. Don’t let rain on a wedding day become a drag. With preparation and perspective, couples can handle rainy wedding days.
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Menu
FROM PAGE 12
our bar options are endless. We have many different concoctions of cocktails and beers that we can offer to our gluten free guests!” - Jessica Cloutier Golden Glow Ballroom Banquet Coordinator. Savvy couples who have guests’ health and comfort in mind recognize the importance of offering a varied meal plan for wedding-related parties and receptions. The following are some ideas to consider when planning wedding menus. • Consider a buffet-style service. Although couples might like the tradition and flair that a seated/plated meal offers, it creates a much more limited selection of meal options. Buffet-style dinner service often provides couples with multiple choices, and it’s much more likely they can come up with a combination that caters
to any food allergies or dietary restrictions guests may have. I can customize just about anything once I know the client’s requirements. Gluten free brownies and cookies are a simple and delicious choice,” said Amy Fullerton, ownwe of Amy’s Confection Connection. “Cupcakes that meet dietary requirements are a good idea to serve beside a conventional wedding cake, but I can make the cake vegan or gluten free as well.” • Opt for food stations. In lieu of one long buffet table, a modern approach is to have staffed food stations. Foods as well as their ingredients can be clearly stated on food table placards so guests can make appropriate choices. • Offer alternatives for dessert. Wedding cake can be a challenge
to someone with a gluten sensitivity or an egg or a nut allergy. While not every guest indulges in dessert, make it a point to offer an alternative to cake. Perhaps a groom’s cake can be revamped into gluten-free cookie bars or a
nut-free trifle. Couples who know in advance which types of dietary restrictions their guests have can work with caterers to devise a menu that suits everyone.
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16 • 2020 Wedding Guide
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2020 Wedding Guide • 17
Planning a “Green Wedding” By Mallory Reetz mallory@ogemawherald.com
As we leave 2019 behind, we look forward to the new positive and eco-friendly trends that 2020 will set. According to British Vogue, one of the top wedding trends for 2020 is a “sustainable wedding.” Even Princess Eugenie planned for a plastic-free wedding back in 2018, showing an increasing awareness and popularity of the idea of a “green wedding.” There are many ways to create a beautiful and memorable wedding while still making it sustainable, and, it can be even cheaper to produce than what is considered a typical “white wedding.” Here are some of the most notable popular trends within the eco-friendly world of weddings. First, and arguably most important, are the engagement/wedding rings. We’ve all seen the movie Blood Diamond starring Leonardo Dicaprio and Djimon Hounsou, and if you haven’t, that would be a good one to watch before picking out the rings. To sum it up, the movie is about, you guessed it, blood diamonds, which are mined in war zones and sold to finance conflict, benefit warlords, and provide an enormous profit for diamond companies. The film follows the Sierra Leone civil war and how the war was funded through selling these blood diamonds. To avoid this and find a guilt-free diamond, there are many companies now that sell conflict-free diamonds for rings which means they are either locally and ethically mined in non-war zone areas, or are manufactured in a lab. Since the conflict-free diamond is more well-known now than it once was, many jewelry shops now work to ensure they sell conflict-free. Ken Branham, owner of Branham’s Jewelry in East Tawas and West Branch, said their manufacturers are under a written contract that they abide by the best practices to not deal with conflict diamonds. Finding that perfect ring without the guilt attached to it can be easier to find than you think with more companies committing to this practice. Another way to have a sustainable wedding is by ordering organic, locally grown flowers,
or go for potted flowers that you can later replant. According to the online wedding blog, Green Wedding Shoes, it is important to request that no floral foam be used on your flowers. Floral foam contains toxic chemicals and even if the flowers are biodegradable, the chemicals will still linger. With potted flowers, they make great centerpieces and are easy to reuse or donate or you could simply replant them. If you would like to keep your flowers as memorabilia, purchasing fake flowers would be a good way to go since they will last forever. A noticeable trend that goes along with most of these wedding tips is shopping locally. Local shops will have the freshest options as well as containing the least amount of chemicals. This will also save you on the cost of long-distance travel and won’t use as much gas, which is also helpful for the environment. On that note, moving on to the food. Again, local is your best option when thinking green. According to Green Wedding Shoes, the food will be more
fresh, it will cut down on transportation costs, and because there won’t be as much travel needed, the food won’t be covered in preservatives to make it last longer. And to top it all off, you are supporting local businesses! Also, a good way of getting rid of any leftovers would be to contact local shelters and food pantries to see what their donation policies are. While some eco-friendly couples opt to send out wedding invitations via email, many still prefer a tangible invitation- something they can keep for their photo albums. Green Wedding Shoes recommends purchasing biodegradable invitations made of recycled paper, ensuring no new trees get cut down to make your invitations. Wedding dresses may be a little bit harder to shop for when thinking about sustainability, as many already have a dream dress they have had picked out since they were a child, but, going vintage and wearing a hand-me-down dress from a loved one would save you on cost and would save you from purchasing a dress you only plan on wearing once. But, if that perfect dress is out there calling your name, a way to ensure someone else’s dress doesn’t just get worn once, is by letting your bridesmaids pick out their own dresses. This way, they will pick one they are likely to wear again. Same thing goes for the groom and groomsmen. Renting tuxes instead of purchasing new ones will save on cost and you won’t have to worry about having to find another special occasion to wear it again. Finally, the last tip to having the ultimate green wedding, would be to find an outdoor venue where you can use natural lighting. While outdoor weddings can be hard to plan around mother nature, they can be beautifully organic as they mostly rely on nature as the decor. What better way to promote going green than starting the rest of your life surrounded by that which gives you life. These are just a few tips on how we can take “going green” into 2020 and plan a whole wedding out of it. There is always a better and more sustainable way of planning things, if we take the time to figure out what the best option would be.
18 • 2020 Wedding Guide
“If you can dream it … we can make it!” Courtesy of Branham’s Jewelry
Creating custom jewelry is fun, easier and more affordable than you might think! So you want a piece of jewelry unique, personal and really super special to you and only you! You can picture it perfectly in your mind, but, you’re worried it might be difficult to create or maybe even too expensive so you just keep dreaming about it instead of taking the next step. It’s time to put your worries away and have some fun with the design team at Branham’s Jewelry. They have been jewelers in Michigan since 1959 and have a state of the art custom jewelry department that can help make your jewelry dreams a reality. Technology has helped make the creation of custom jewelry easy, fun and affordable. So where do you start? Step 1: Dream a little! Assume nothing is impossible. If you get a little too wild with your idea, the team will help you reel things back in. They can help you to design something that represents your vision and can still be crafted using precious metal and gemstones. To help translate your dream to the design team, sketch something out on paper. Even a cocktail napkin will do if paper isn’t handy! The important thing is, don’t be shy. Don’t worry about being an incredible artist. Just have fun and do your best to sketch out your ideas. Another great way to share your vision is to create a collection of images of jewelry that has elements that you like. Creating custom jewelry is a wonderful opportunity to blend elements from several different styles that you like! Step 2: Meet the design team. Schedule an appointment ahead of time so that your visit is more convenient for you or simply drop by one of Branham’s two locations. Be prepared to take a couple minutes to share your story with your designer. They don’t want to just build an item of jewelry,
they want to create YOUR jewelry. The jewelry YOU envision. So they will want to get to know you a bit and learn more about what you want your custom piece of jewelry to represent and the story you would like it to tell. Step 3: Share your sketches or collection of images with your designer. Don’t worry about having the perfect sketch or images. Branham’s designers are experts at interpreting their client’s jewelry wishes. They will help you blend ideas and overcome any obstacles, real or perceived. Step 4: Time to watch your dream come to life using technology! Together, you and your designer will use the latest software to build your jewelry. The possibilities are ENDLESS! Your designer will make changes in real time based on your feedback. Changes could include, metal type, gemstone type, shape, number of gemstones and more. Again, the possibilities are endless. The process is fun, interactive
and engaging. You are truly part of the design team. Not only was it your vision that you brought to the party, you are directing changes to be made right there live on screen! Step 5: Finalization of your vision is the next step. Sometimes this can be done during your first visit. Other times, your designer will ask to have a day or two to tidy up your design. In these instances, another appointment will be scheduled so that you can review the final draft for approval. Step 6: Your ring is brought to life as a wax model! You can opt in at this time to see your creation in wax form or you can wait for the final big reveal in completed form! Step 7: A master craftsman uses the wax form to create a rough casting in precious metal. The craftsman then uses great care to polish the casting to ensure that it is ready to receive gemstones if gemstones are part of your design.
Step 8: Time for final assembly and polish. Your dream has now truly come to life! However, before you get to see the big reveal … it has to pass three critical inspections to ensure your dynamic new piece of jewelry is ready for you to wear and enjoy every day! Step 9: This step is the most fun … the BIG REVEAL! You might want to sit down for this one. It’s not only the step that is the most fun for you, but for your design team as well. The look on someone’s face when they first see their dream creation is absolutely priceless and one of the most rewarding things we experience as jewelers. We have literally seen tears of joy, jumping for joy and even an awkward happy dance or two! Step 10: Wear, enjoy and share your dream jewelry! You will love the reaction you get when you show your new piece of jewelry and share the story behind it. Who will you show first?
2020 Wedding Guide • 19
Make every anniversary count Wedding anniversaries provide opportunities for couples to reflect and relive the excitement of their wedding days. Anniversaries can easily be forgotten amid the hustle and bustle of daily life, but many couples are making concerted efforts to ensure their anniversaries are celebrated as the special occasions they are. A first wedding anniversary is a special one. Some couples celebrate their first anniversaries by enjoying a piece of wedding cake that has been properly preserved in the freezer. Couples may also dance to their wedding songs or enjoy a nice dinner at a favorite restaurant. The first anniversary also is a time to pull out the wedding video or photo album and reminisce about the wedding day. Anniversaries are a great way for couples to celebrate their time together by stepping away from emails, text messages, work obligations, and even mundane everyday tasks to once again remember a day and moment that changed their lives forever. Those who may need a little inspiration celebrating their
Wedding gifts they will never re-gift! Rose City
anniversaries can consider these suggestions. • Have dinner at your reception site. Find out if the reception site, which may be a catering hall or restaurant, serves dinner or brunch. Make a reservation and enjoy celebrating in the spot where the memories all began. • Take a second honeymoon. Honor wedding memories by booking a second honeymoon at a special location. • Throw a party. Use your anniversary as an excuse to have friends or family over for a party. Be sure to include your wedding song on the music playlist. • Create a romantic evening. Rekindle the romance by pulling out all the stops, complete with a nice homecooked meal, candles and mood music. Wedding anniversaries present ideal opportunities for couples to reminisce about their trip down the aisle and all the entertaining moments from the wedding. They’re also opportunities to connect as a couple and focus on each other.
Hardware 2727 S. M-33, Rose City, MI
989-685-3945
Open: Monday - Saturday 8 am - 6 pm; Sunday Closed
Starting April 5th we will be open 9-3 on Sundays!
Getting Married? Keep your Engagement Announcement forever. Let us put it in print.
A premiere Northern Michigan Event Destination A full service event venue • Meetings, Restaurant, Gym
Indoor space : 13,000 sq. ft. Outdoor space : 30,000 sq. ft
Call for details.
989-345-0044
989-846-4531
989-826-5047
2nd Annual “Northern Slipper” Wedding Expo Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020 • 12:30-3 p.m. $5 for pre-registered brides and guests, $10 at door $$-Prizes-$$ • Vendors • Cash Bar Free soft drink or mimosa for pre-registered brides 12:30 - Doors, 2 pm - Runway Show, 2:30 Grand Prize Drawing Bride Registration - 989-202-4888 • www.nmbec.net/wedding-expo Vendor Registration - 989-345-4125 • theglassslipper@netzero.com
Hosted by: The Northern Center (Houghton Lake, MI) and The Glass Slipper (West Branch, MI)
7784 Stone School Rd., Houghton Lake, MI • 989-202-4888 events@nmbec.net • www.nmbec.net
20 • 2020 Wedding Guide
