Phoenix AZ 7

INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2023

In life there are constant changes, so too in the world of interior design. Trends are always shifting. The themes for 2023 seem to be: Sustainable living and health & wellness designs. There has been a move away from minimalism to individualism which has created more personalized and decorative styles. In this new, post-Covid world, there have been many changes to the way we live, both inside and outside of the home. Many of us spend much more time in the house, so people have adjusted their priorities in the way the home is used.

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With a new focus on wellness and healthy living, more attention is paid to comfort and overall well-being.

Kitchens are central to this new lifestyle and the open kitchen is an important aspect of this new trend. Most desirable are large islands that seat the family comfortably and provide lots of workspace. Upper and lower cabinets of different colors are in fashion as are stainless steel cabinetry and fixtures. To update a kitchen, a coat of paint can completely change the feel and be extremely cost effective. Lighting is also a key component, particularly if natural light is not available. A growing number of homeowners are installing led lights underneath their cabinets to illuminate the kitchen counter top.

With so many people still working at home, a designated office is often a necessity and needs to be incorporated into the design of your home. First of all, it should be comfortable and functional. It is desirable to have natural light and natural materials wherever possible. Try colors that are inspired by nature for a calming environment. For a more dramatic approach, an interesting background wall color can be useful for

all of your zoom meetings.

Furnishings will feel more organic with the use of cotton, wool, and velvet fabrics. Of course fabric decisions can depend on the location within the home; it’s recommended that the home match its natural environment. There is still a movement toward coordinating the indoor and outdoor environments. Arches and architectural details are in as are soft edges, curved sofas, and personal pieces.

Multi-function rooms that cater to entertainment and exercise are in vogue. More people will want media rooms for movies and games as well as gyms and saunas.

Mud rooms and laundry rooms are no longer just utilitarian spaces. Today, homeowners want these spaces to coordinate with the rest of the home. Sometimes they even want to accommodate a pet with a special tub. Think about maximizing natural light throughout your home. Big open

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The focus of home design in 2023 is a calm, comfortable environment in harmony with nature that incorporates work, entertainment and relaxation spaces.

windows which bring in natural light can improve mood, focus and sleep patterns which will improve one’s health.

It looks like 2023 may bring with it the end of the white wall trend. Currently, designers are reporting

clients wanting jewel tones in blues, greens and even rust, which creates a cozier environment. This is part of the eco-friendly trend of the last few years which incorporates elements of nature. Gold will also be popular as an accent color.

It is important to revisit one’s estate planning periodically, as both circumstances and laws can change without notice. If you do not have an estate plan, it is time to create one. You probably have more assets than you think.

First of all, estate planning is an opportunity to designate who will receive your assets upon death or incapacitation. It will also allow you to designate a guardian for your children. With the advice of counsel, your plan will manage assets to minimize estate

taxes, gift taxes and any other tax issues. And most importantly, a good estate plan will avoid disagreements between heirs and probate which can be time consuming and expensive.

Begin with an assessment of all your assets, including your home and other real estate, art, collections, vehicles, and jewelry. List your checking and savings accounts, investment accounts, life insurance policies, IRA or 401 accounts and ownership interests in any businesses. Estimate the value in order to divide among your heirs.

SEVERAL DOCUMENTS:

A COMPLETE ESTATE PLAN INCLUDES

POWER OF ATTORNEY

A durable power of attorney allows a person of your choosing to handle financial, legal and other matters if you are otherwise incapacitated. It remains in effect until death or revocation.

REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST

A revocable living trust is an instrument that allows the owner (grantor) of assets to establish a trust for beneficiaries with the help of a trustee. You can be your own trustee with an alternate upon death or incapacity. This document can be amended or revoked as needed. The most important aspect of a consuming and expensive probate.

MEDICAL CARE DIRECTIVE

A living will specifies your wishes for medical care. A medical power of attorney gives authority to a trusted person to make decisions if you are unable.

WILL

A will, though desirable, is not essential if you have a revocable trust. The main reason to write a will is to include assets which may not be included in one’s trust. A will is meant to simplify things. You can designate child custody and also the recipients of your most valuable possession, such as cars, jewelry or other personal items.

2023 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATESTOURNAMENT

* Schedule subject to change

DEFENDING CHAMPION

FEB 23 - 26, 2023

MAR 2 - 5, 2023

MAR 2 - 5, 2023

MAR 9 - 12, 2023

MAR 16 - 19, 2023

MAR 22 - 26, 2023

MAR 23 - 26, 2023

MAR 30 - APR 2, 2023

APR 6 - 9, 2023

APR 13 - 16, 2023

APR 20 - 23, 2023

Honda Classic PGA National Resort (The Champion), Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Puerto Rico Open Grand Reserve Golf Club, Rio Grande, PUR Ryan Brehm $666,000

Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, FL

Scottie Scheffler $2,160,000

THE PLAYERS Championship The Country Club of Jackson, Jackson, MS Cameron Smith $3,600,000

Valspar Championship Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course), Palm Harbor, FL Sam Burns $1,404,000

World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play Austin Country Club, Austin, TX

Corales Puntacana Championship Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course), Punta Cana, DOM

Ramey $ 666,000

Valero Texas Open TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course), San Antonio, TX J.J. Spaun $1,548,000

Masters Tournament

Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, GA Scottie Scheffler $2,700,000

RBC Heritage Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, SC Jordan Spieth $1,440,000

Zurich Classic of New Orleans Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, SC P. Cantlay/X. Schauffele $1,199,350

2023 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATESTOURNAMENT

APR 27 - 30, 2023

Mexico Open at Vidanta Vidanta Vallarta, Vallarta, MEX

MAY 4 - 7, 2023 Wells Fargo Championship Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, NC

MAY 11 - 14, 2023 AT&T Byron Nelson TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, TX

MAY 18 - 21, 2023 PGA Championship Q Oak HIll Country Club, Rochester, NY

MAY 25 - 28, 2023 Charles Schwab Challenge Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, TX

JUN 1 - 4, 2023

JUN 8 - 11, 2023

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, OH

* Schedule subject to change

RBC Canadian Open Oakdale Golf & Country Club, Toronto, Ontario, CAN

JUN 15 - 18, 2023 U.S. Open The Los Angeles Country Club (North Course), Los Angeles, CA

JUN 22 - 25, 2023

Travelers Championship TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, CT

Burns $1,512,000

Horschel $2,160,000

Fitzpatrick $3,150,000

Schauffele $1,494,000

JUN 29 - JUL 2, 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic. Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, MI Tony Finau $1,512,000

JUL 6 - 9, 2023

JUL 13 - 16, 2023

JUL 13 - 16, 2023

JUL 20 - 23, 2023

JUL 20 - 23, 2023

JUL 27 - 30, 2023

AUG 3 - 6, 2023

AUG 10 - 13, 2023

AUG 17 - 20, 2023

John Deere Classic PC Deere Run, Silvis, IL J.T. Posto $1,278,000

Barbasol Championship Keene Trace Golf Club (Champions Course), Nicholasville, KY Trey Mullinax $666,000

Genesis Scottish Open The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, SCO Xander Schauffele $1,400,000

Barracuda Championship Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, CA Chez Reavie $666,000

The Open Championship Royal Liverpool, Hoylake, Wirral, ENG

Cameron Smith $2,500,000

3M Open TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, MN Tony Finau $1,350,000

Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, NC

Tom Kim $1,314,000

TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN Will Zalatoris $2,700,000

FedEx St. Jude Championship

BMW Championship Olympia Fields Country Club (North Course), Olympia Fields, IL Patrick Cantlay Patrick Cantlay

2023 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE PHOENIX

JULY

JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY

The Greater Phoenix area is famous for its massive Fourth of July celebrations with spectacular fireworks, tasty barbecues and thousands of people on the streets enjoying their festive family outing. Let’s celebrate America’s birthday with a bang this year! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/35FTcPX

AUGUST

AUG 5 - 6 | CHILI FESTIVAL

If you like to cook chili, compete and have fun... you’re in the right place! Chili Cooks from around the southwest gather to cook and compete for a chance to qualify for the World Championship Chili Cookoff. Red chili, chili verde and salsa winners from each day will go to the WCCC. If you like to cook chili, compete and have fun... you’re in the right place! For more info visit: https://bit.ly/32JnK5I

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 1 - 2 | QUILT CRAFT AND SEWING FESTIVAL

Come join us at our Festival in Scottsdale - At the Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival you will find a wide variety of Sewing, Quilting, Needle-Art and Craft supply exhibits from many quality companies. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3sC0Y9u

SEPT 8 - 17 | RESTAURANT WEEK

This statewide affair offers foodies a wealth of dining opportunities and the chance to get outside their own neighborhood and try something new. From sizzling Southwestern and soothing comfort foods to five-star dining and international fare – it’s all on the table during Arizona Restaurant Week. So prepare your taste buds and dig in. For more info visit: arizonarestaurantweek.com

OCTOBER

OCT 14 | REGGAE FESTIVAL

The Afro-Caribbean Cultural Asso-

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU. (. . .continued on page 26)

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE PHOENIX

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

ciation of Arizona in partnership with Ocho Rios Jerk Spot and Big Dreamz promotions invites you to our 2nd Annual Jamaican Roots, Jerk & Reggae Festival! It’s going to be a fun day full of food, culture, music and vibes from Africa, Jamaica and the Caribbean islands! Come jam with us! For more info visit: https://rb.gy/vwxoyr

ing live body painting, live music, face-painting, and free chocolate! For more info visit: rb.gy/wxaili

NOVEMBER

NOV

4 - 5 | FESTIVAL OF ARTS

OCT 13 - 15 | OKTOBERFEST!

Four Peaks & Tempe Sister Cities invite you to the 2023 Oktoberfest! A weekend full of entertainment for all ages, German food & beers and plenty of Oom Pah Pah! This event is a long standing Tempe tradition celebrating 50 years and benefitting the work of Tempe Sister Cities. For more info visit: fourpeaksoktoberfest.com

The award-winning Litchfield Park Festival of Arts returns to the West Valley the first weekend of November each year, for the past 52 years. Notably, one of the most popular Art & Wine Tasting events in Arizona, the festival attracts thousands of art and wine enthusiast from around the State and across the Country. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2387vt8r

DECEMBER

DEC 1 - 3 | FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

OCT 20 - 21 | CHOCOLATE & ART SHOW

Indulge yourself in some of Phoenix’s finest up-and-coming artists, photographers and creators! There is something for everybody includ-

Artists from all over the country will descend to downtown Tempe for this year’s Tempe Festival of the Arts. This festival keeps it simple and will only feature its 300 artists and a wide array of food vendors. Over the 10-block footprint, this open-air and socially distant event gives the community

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE PHOENIX

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

an opportunity to connect to great art, enjoy our vibrant downtown area, and indulge their appetites with great snacks, cuisines, and more! For more info visit: tempefestivalofthearts.com

DEC 17 | HOT CHOCOLATE 5K

We’re back for another LIVE Hot Chocolate season! Join the movement that’s taken over the racing world, the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k is headed to Phoenix! Start and finish amongst Phoenix’s biggest chocolate aficionados. Train, race, and celebrate with us all the way to the finish line. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3u3lotM

food vendors, chill out at our Beer Garden, shop for interesting items from our merchandise vendors, check out our Koi and other exhibits, and participate in our many hands-on activities! For more info visit: phoenixchineseweek.org

FEBRUARY FEB TBA | CULINARY CLASSIC

JANUARY Jan TBA | Chinese Culture FESTIVAL

Enjoy continuous live entertainment including Dragon and Lion Dances, Folk Dances, Musical and Cultural Performances, Tai Chi and Martial Arts Demonstrations. Sample a variety of delicious Asian food from our food trucks and

The most anticipated culinary event in the region, Devour Culinary Classic brings together the culinary and beverage leaders that are establishing Arizona as a sought-after destination. Enjoy Arizona’s best food and beverage amidst the beautiful backdrop of the largest botanical garden in the Southwest. In addition to tastings, the event will offer multiple opportunities for all attendees to learn skills and tips from some of their favorite local chefs and food producers. For more info visit: devourphoenix.com

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE PHOENIX

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

FEB 4 - 28 | RENAISSANCE FEST

Don’t miss Raucous Revelry at the Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival! This unique outdoor event combines entertainment and wares reminiscent of what may have been found in a 16th Century European village market celebrating the arrival of the King and Queen to their shire. Walk through the gates to be transported back in time. For more info visit: arizona.renfestinfo.com

and suspense for an unforgettable weekend of fellowship and competition. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4deund4f

MARCH MARCH TBA | FILM FESTIVAL

FEB 17 - 18 | HOOP DANCE CONTEST

The art of hoop dance honors cultural traditions shared by multiple Indigenous communities. With roots in healing ceremonies, traditions and practices, today hoop dance is shared as an artistic expression to celebrate and honor Indigenous traditions throughout the U.S. and Canada. Through stunning performances of those women and men competing to be named the next World Champion Hoop Dancer, the event combines artistry, athleticism, tradition

Our mission is to support and develop the artistic appreciation, educational opportunities and growth of independent film within Arizona. So grab your popcorn and enjoy these amazingly curated independent films! For more info visit: phoenixfilmfestival.com

MARCH 16 | ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

The Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade began in 1984. It’s purpose is to preserve and enhance the heritage and traditions of Irish Culture as well as share that culture with the citizens of Arizona. The Parade has marching bands, Irish step dancers, bagpipers, police and fire vehicles, government dignitaries, floats and a whole lot more! For more info visit:

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE PHOENIX

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

stpatricksdayphoenix.org

APRIL

APRIL TBA | TACO FESTIVAL

Enjoy the best tacos at the Arizona Taco Festival. Festival highlights include lucha libre wrestling, a live music stage, interactive photo booths, a hot chili pepper eating contest and more! For more info visit: aztacofestival.com

MAY

May 1 - 30 | BREAKING UP

Through a wide selection of paintings, photographs, installations, and digital media works drawn from the collection of Phoenix Art Museum, the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation collection, and various private collections of local artists, Breaking Up examines how contemporary artists explore different types of fragmentation, or “breaking up,” through their work. For more info visit:

April 10 - 14 | County Fair

The Maricopa County Fair is held annually at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. The Fair features the largest county fair carnival in Phoenix with over 35 rides. Foodies will appreciate the wide selection of fair food. Like to shop? The shopping pavilion is filled with over 60 vendors plus there are over 25 more vendors outside. Agriculture and livestock are a part of the fair’s history and tradition and is a mainstay at the fair. For more info visit: maricopacountyfair.org

https://tinyurl.com/yvv6swxw

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

19Wed, January 24, 202411:00

20Wed, January 24, 20247:30

21Thu, January 25, 202411:00

22Thu, January 25, 20247:30

23Fri, January 26, 20243:00 pm

24Sat, January 27, 20247:30 pm

25Sun, January 28, 20247:30 pm

Mixed Doubles Semi /Women’s Doubles Final / Men’s Singles Semifinal

Women’s Singles Final /Men’s Doubles Final

Mixed Doubles Final /Men’s Singles Final

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

Sun, July 07, 2024

Mon, July 08, 2024

Tues, July 09, 2024

2023-24 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

AM Men's Singles Quarterfinals; Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Wed, July 10, 202411:00 AM Men's Singles Quarterfinals; Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Thurs,

2023 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

- TRAVEL TO -

If you haven’t been to Africa and are looking for an amazing experience, consider a safari. The only question is where to start, as there are many African countries with amazing national parks and various wildlife, all of which can provide a once-in-alifetime vacation. The top countries for safaris are Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.

MASAI MARA

JUNE - OCTOBER

Masai Mara National Reserve is the most famous. It is known for its herds of plains’ game which include Masai lions, African leopards and Tanzanian cheetahs. The park is also home to the annual migration of zebra, gazelle and wildebeest to and from the Serengeti in Tanzania.

Lake Nakuru National Park is known for pink flamingos flocking along the shore of the lake. Also notable are the park’s white rhinos, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, ostriches and lions.

Amboseli National Park is best known for its view of Mount Kilimanjaro and over 300 species of birds. You will also see zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, jackals, giraffes and leopards.

Tsavo National Park, which is made up of two smaller parks, is the largest in Kenya and also the most remote. Famous for elephants playing in the Galana River, you will also find 500 species of birds and also giraffes, gazelles, lions, antelopes, impalas, hyenas and oryx.

Samburu Game Reserve is known for rare species such as Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and the Beisa Oryx. It is also home to around 900 elephants as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs and over 450 bird species. It is also famous for Kamunyak, the lioness that adopted 6 baby oryx.

Tanzania

There are 22 national parks in Tanzania, making it difficult to decide where to go. Serengeti, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, and Ngorongoro are the largest and most popular destinations and are often toured together along with Lake Manyara National Park. You will spot the big five mammals - buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, leopards and lions as well as giraffes, zebras, hippos and 500 species of birds on your nature walk, game drive, or in a hot air balloon.

LAKE MANYARA

JUNE - OCTOBER

Lake Manyara Park was established to protect large herds of elephants and is also famous for tree-climbing lions. With its beautiful setting on the lake, it is perfect for viewing pink flamingos and over 400 species of birds.

NGORONGORO

APRIL - MAY

The Ngorongoro Conservation Centre (world heritage site) is known for the Crater which was formed when an ancient volcano exploded and collapsed on itself, creating vast plains that attracted wild life. The big five can be viewed here as well as black rhino. The Massai tribe still grazes their livestock here. Also, the Olduval Gorge is found here. This is where the Leakeys, in 1959, discovered evidence of human origins, fossilized bones, and stone tools dating back millions of years.

TRENDS FOR 2023 Health Food

Rarely do we think about what is trending in the world of food and drink, but there are organizations that study this issue constantly, including Whole Foods, Innova Market Insights and even Martha Stewart herself. The current trend seems to be towards a focus on healthier eating due to an interest in sustainable agriculture, climate change and possibly as a result of correcting those bad habits acquired during Covid lock down.

In the drink space, mocktails, or virgin cocktails, have become more and more popular for health reasons, even spawning a number of new establishments devoted exclusively to alcohol-free night life. This trend expands well beyond Shirley Temples and there is an emphasis on alcohol free cosmopolitans, margaritas, mojitos

and other more original creative drinks. As an example, Whole Foods points to yaupon, a caffeinated plant, to be brewed for tea and also used in new mocktail creations. Also growing in popularity are milk substitutes like oat, soy, almond, and even potato. They are typically lower in fat, sugar and are also cholesterol free.

In the world of foods, there has been significant and growing interest in nutrition and sustainability. We will be interested in more natural less processed foods as well as more traditional ethnic menus. Plant based foods will be a growth area as the number of vegans has increased significantly and most of us have cut down on meat consumption for health and environmental concerns. We will want more locally produced ingredients due to interest in climate change. There is actually a new word for this - glocal. Think global and eat local!

Plant based pasta made from chickpeas, cauliflower and zucchini are already popular but new ones made from hearts of palm and green

bananas are coming. And of course there is spaghetti squash which is the true vegetable pasta. Plant based meats have been available for quite some time but expect to see more plant based chicken and cheese.

Interestingly, mushrooms are of particular interest as they are actually a super-food and contain so many necessary nutrients such as vitamins B and D, potassium, and antioxidants that can reduce signs of aging. With over 400 species, there is always a new one to try and the latest trend is toward oyster and trumpet mushrooms. What makes mushrooms such a versatile substitute is they are naturally chewy, crisp up when cooked, and absorb a variety of sauces. Don’t forget the portobello, which is a great meat replacement or even king oyster mushrooms as a replacement for scallops.

COUNTRY CLUB Weddings

Looking for an elegant and classic wedding venue to celebrate your big day? Country clubs are ideal for a variety of reasons.

Here are some reasons why country club wedding venues are among our favorites.

IT’S A CLASSIC VENUE.

A country club wedding has long been a time-honored tradition for couples with family ties to a members-only venue. Childhood memories of playing tennis or learning to expertly hit 18 holes can add sentimental meaning to a country club wedding. A country club also provides a familiar, picturesque venue. Expansive green spaces pair up with a stately ballroom to offer a magazine-worthy setting for a large indoor-outdoor wedding. Not a member of a nearby club? Some clubs are open to the public for

events, while some private clubs will allow non-member weddings if the couple is “sponsored” by a member—meaning you just have to know someone who can connect you with the club’s in-house wedding planner.

IT OFFERS A ONE-STOP-SHOP.

Like a hotel, a country club often has many wedding services on-site. Catering, flowers, linen rentals and even the wedding planner may all be available for one package price that can reduce planning time and stress. All you have to do is worry about finding the perfect country club-appropriate wedding attire for you and your wedding party.

IT’S A GREAT PLACE TO HAVE A RAIN BACKUP PLAN.

Maybe you’ve always dreamed of getting married in an outdoor ceremony—but then the skies open up right before you walk down the outdoor aisle. A country club offers the peace of mind of a rain plan with multiple ballrooms, dining rooms and other suitable indoor venues that can work as a stand-by on your big day.

IT CAN ACCOMMODATE MANY SIZES OF WEDDINGS.

Those aforementioned outdoor spaces, ballrooms and dining rooms also mean a country club can accommodate a variety of wedding sizes. Want an intimate wedding for 20? That gazebo in the formal gardens might make a great place for your I Do’s. Is a wedding for 250 of your friends and family more your style? Many country clubs can host very large weddings in their wow-worthy ballrooms, too.

TWO WORDS: LAWN GAMES

Those green spaces can do a lot more than hold chairs for your wedding ceremony. The large swaths of grass at a country club are a great space to entertain your guests with classic games like croquet, boccie ball and corn hole. And don’t let the golf course go to waste! A round of golf for your guests should definitely be in order at some point during the wedding weekend.

Bianco, Katie (2017, March 8). 5 Reasons to Get Married ... at a Country Club [Web log post]. Retrieved from https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/5-reasons-to-get-married-at-a-country-club