Fall Wedding Guide 2017

Wedding GUIDE

October 2017 A special supplement to The Daily Republic and Advisor

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Fall Wedding Guide

October 2017

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Planning a perfect wedding

Mitchell venues recommend booking site early for dream wedding

By Sara Bertsch The Daily Republic In Mitchell, June is the most popular month around for a wedding.

But according to several area venues, early fall — especially October — is gaining in popularity.

“I think April to October is the prime time with exception of July,” said Sean Moen, owner of the OverTime Event Center in Mitchell.

OverTime Event Center has been open for approximately a year and a half in Mitchell, and already the dates are booking up, according to Moen. In its first year, Moen said the center held 14 weddings, and this year is already proving to be way ahead. June was already fully booked nearly a year in advance.

And Moen recommends any couple in the Mitchell area looking for a venue for their wedding — reception or ceremony — to begin looking right away.

“As soon as they get engaged, I’d start looking for the venues. For ours, a year out is good and we fill our event center with not only weddings,” Moen said.

And the events manager at the Highland Conference Center in Mitchell agrees. Jill Larson, the sales and event manager at the center, said each year varies and in 2017, the center has booked weddings from Jan. 7 to Dec. 30. She recommends couples begin booking 12 to 18 months in advance.

And, like Moen, Larson says people

Getting a marriage license

Photo courtesy of MetroCreative

Although summer weddings used to be the most popular, today’s couples are tying the knot more often in September and October than other times of the year. are more apt to pick a summer or fall date.

“People really like to do summer, and early fall weddings,” Larson said.

Larson said the Highland Conference Center — which has been open for nearly 10 years — is a popular venue because of its location to hotels. The center is attached to both the Comfort Inn and Suites and the Hampton Inn. This feature alone, she said, really sets the center apart from other Mitchell venues.

Moen realizes the lack of a nearby hotel can hurt the Overtime Event Center, but to stay competitive with

places like the Highland, he said the venue offers other accommodations.

One of these accommodations is providing a shuttle service to and from Mitchell hotels, providing OverTime with a “little competitive advantage.”

And their location in the heart of downtown helps, Moen said.

“We’re the only ones downtown, and that was a big thing for us,” Moen said. “We really love Mitchell, we enjoy the downtown and invigorate anything we can in town. So being right in the middle of the city, we have advantages that others don’t.”

While couples often get swept up in planning their dream parties, it’s important to note that ultimately the ceremony is the star of the day.

Booking a venue well in advance of the chosen date is an important factor in planning. But before getting one’s heart set on a particular date, couples need to apply for a marriage license.

While laws may vary from state to state within the United States, getting a marriage license generally involves filling out the application and paying a fee at the county clerk’s office. Both applicants are typically required to bring identification, such as a driver’s license, passport or birth certificate. There may be a waiting period between submitting the application and the license being issued. Couples can pick up the license or have it mailed to them.

A marriage license is not the same as a marriage certificate.

The marriage certificate typically becomes available after the ceremony has taken place and the witnesses and officiant have signed off on the proceedings.

Getting married is a multistep process that begins with determining where the ceremony will take place and acquiring a marriage license.

With these items in check, couples can focus on creating memorable wedding days.

— MetroCreative contributed to this report.

Content Planning a perfect wedding.......................................................3 Unique groomsmen gift ideas.................................................. 4 Engagement ring buyer’s guide.................................................5 Wedding website do’s and don’ts............................................ 6

Crunching dollars and planning weddings............................7-8 How to host a casual wedding................................................. 9 Strategies to keep weight off once it’s gone............................. 11 Men can get manicures for their wedding, too....................... 13

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Unique groomsmen gift ideas Photo courtesy of MetroCreative

Weddings are steeped in tradition, and one of the more enjoyable ones is the custom of gifting members of the bridal party.

With regard to picking out tuxedos and planning the wedding, grooms may not spend as much time with their groomsmen as brides do with their bridesmaids. But that does not mean grooms don’t want to go above and beyond when gifting their groomsmen. The following are a handful of unique groomsmen gift ideas.

► Guys’ day out: While it’s customary to gift groomsmen with mementos of the wedding that they can keep for years to come, there’s no law forbidding grooms from gifting an experience. Grooms can book a guys’ day or night out for after the wedding, buying each groomsmen a ticket to a ballgame and paying for dinner for the whole crew. Or consider a more adventurous outing, such as a group bungee jump or whitewater rafting trip.

Provide a memento by ordering a handful of specially designed commemorative T-shirts. ► Commemorative photo: Many grooms ask relatives and friends they have known for much of their lives to be their groomsmen.

So it’s not uncommon for groomsmen to know each other very well. If each member of the party has known one another for years, grooms can try to find a photo of all of them together when they were much younger. Have the photo professionally framed, noting the date of the wedding with an engraving on the frame. If each groomsman is from a different period in the groom’s life, then the groom can

find a photo from early in each relationship to present as a gift. ► Commemorative beer: Many grooms and groomsmen bond over beer, so grooms who have raised many a pint with their groomsmen might want to create their own commemorative beers to show their love and appreciation for their best guy friends. Many craft breweries offer brewing classes that teach beer aficionados the finer points of making beer. Grooms can attend such classes on their own and create their own batch specifically for their groomsmen or pay for the whole group to attend the class together. ► Movie poster: Grooms with a creative side and a love of movies can create movie posters that mimic those of iconic guy films like “Goodfellas” or “Animal House,” swapping out images of the film’s stars with likenesses of themselves and their groomsmen. Have the finished products framed before presenting one to each groomsman.

— MetroCreative

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October 2017

Engagement ring buyer’s guide Wedding planning often begins moments after couples get engaged.

Once a ring is presented, a new chapter in a relationship is born.

While couples remember the sentiments and the style of their engagements forever, the engagement ring serves as the lasting symbol of that momentous occasion. Choosing the right engagement ring is complicated.

Such a decision involves knowing what a future spouse desires in a ring and balancing those desires with budget.

Shopping for an engagement ring can be both nerve-wracking and exciting. But there are ways to make the process go as smoothly as possible. ► Listen carefully anytime jewelry is discussed. Getting an idea of which style of jewelry the love of your life prefers requires keeping your eyes and ears open

anytime jewelry is mentioned.

Subtle hints may be dropped and pages to magazines may be folded back to provide a nudge in the right direction. It’s also perfectly

fine to ask for your future spouse’s input, particularly if you’ve already spoken about marriage and know that an engagement is on the horizon.

Photo courtesy of MetroCreative

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► Have a good idea on the shape of the stone. All gemstones need to be cut in particular ways so that they reflect light and sparkle. Stones are also cut in specific shapes that provide the overall form of the stone.

These include round, princess, emerald, oval, marquise, and pear, among others. Many people have distinct preferences when it comes to the shape of the ring. Keep in mind that some shapes are more common than others and some may be more expensive as well.

According to Long’s Fine Jewelers, round cut diamonds are the most popular today and also some of the most expensive. Marquise and oval also tend to be pricey. Princess and emerald cut diamonds may be more affordable, offers Genesis Diamonds.

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RING

From Page 5

· Know all the specs. Buying an engagement ring means being armed with a lot of knowledge.

In addition to shape, there are the four C’s to consider. These refer to the stone’s cut, carat, clarity, and color, and will determine the financial value of the gemstone. Take some time to learn about each of the four Cs so you can make a more informed decision when visiting the jeweler. · Shop around. Not all jewelers are the same, and you want to find one with whom you feel comfortable and believe you will get the best value for your money. Believe it or not, you can purchase the ring in two parts — opting to shop for a setting from one place and a stone from another. Jewelers will often do whatever is necessary to make their customers happy, so don’t be afraid to ask for customization.

Engagement ring buyers may also want to consider gemstones other than diamonds.

Buyers also must know their beloved’s ring size before buying the ring. Brilliant Earth jewelry says 6 to 6.5 are the most common ring sizes.

When shoppers are prepared, the engagement ring-buying process is that much easier.

— MetroCreative

October 2017

Wedding website dos and don’ts Technology continues to infiltrate all areas of life. So it should come as no surprise that apps and digital organization play a prominent role in many couples’ weddings.

Couples may now feel it is necessary to design a wedding website to keep their guests up-to-date.

Though they’re useful when planning a wedding, websites are not a must-have, according to bridal etiquette experts.

However, those who choose to delve into the world of wedding websites can keep these pointers in mind when navigating.

DO use the wedding website as a central hub for putting pertinent information about the wedding that may not be covered on invitations or save-the-date cards.

DON’T ignore the potential for identity theft and privacy. Wedding websites can put quite a deal of personal information out for public consumption. Not only will the website advertise when the wedding takes place (when your home and the homes of all your guests will be empty), but also it could include birthdays, maiden names and other

We work OverTime to make your day special.

information that would normally be more difficult to track down.

DO use a wedding website provider that gives you the option to password protect your website. Urge guests not to share this protected information with others.

DON’T caption engagement photos, bachelorette party photos and more with dates and names on the wedding website and on other social media.

DO skip the wedding website if you are strongly opposed to it. When properly composed, a wedding invitation will convey all the pertinent details. A group email or phone calls can alert guests to any changes after the fact.

DON’T forget to link to gift registries.

DO use the wedding website to collect responses and then make a table seating arrangement online. This will help you stay more organized and streamlined.

Wedding websites are yet another tool couples can use to stay organized as they plan their weddings.

— MetroCreative

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Crunching dollars and planning weddings: How to financially plan for the big day

Photo courtesy of MetroCreative

Attending most weddings, with the exception of your creepy uncle’s third marriage, is great.

You eat free food, get to dance to music and leave without having to take part in the cleanup or the costs.

It gets a little different when you’re the one footing the bill.

Then you’re confronted with 127 different invitation styles, a guest list that keeps growing and awkward phone calls to cousins to tell them they can’t bring their bratty 7-year old twins.

Falling in love might have been easy and making the decision to spend the rest of your life together was probably a no-brainer.

However, celebrating your love

and funneling all that joy into one beautiful ceremony and one memorable party is where things get a little more complicated.

As a leader in creating credit scoring models and educating consumers on credit, VantageScore Solutions shares how important it is for couples to agree on how to manage their finances.

So let’s get into it and look at some of the financial topics you and your partner should go over. ► Paying for your wedding. No doubt how to pay for your dream wedding will be one of the first conversations you’ll have with your loved one. Some people have

PLANNING: Page 8

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PLANNING From Page 7

months, sometimes even more than a year to plan and save up for the big day. Other times you may need to make a deposit or pay for something upfront and you might not have the cash to do it.

This is when you reach for your credit card.

Even if you don’t plan to use a credit card, it’s more than likely you’ll have to put some things on credit. This might include just about anything you purchase online, from the cute decorations you find on Etsy or novelty gifts you find on Amazon. In addition, many venues require you to have a credit card on file.

The point is, it’s likely that at some point you’ll use credit to pay for your wedding. When you do this, both you and your partner need to be aware of the potential perils of racking up debt. Provided you can responsibly manage the

Photo courtesy of MetroCreative

debt and have a plan to do so, your credit score won’t decline, which can lead to more purchasing opportunities in the future.

But first, you need to talk about

credit with your partner. ► The talk. Talking about credit might not exactly be a champagne and strawberries moment, but it is probably one of the most

October 2017

important discussions you can have.

Because it might be hard to get started on this topic, many couples find it’s easier to start by taking The Credit Score Quiz.

This 12-question quiz is easy to take and can do a lot to reveal the knowledge gaps you and your partner may need to fill.

While the quiz is a great way to get started, resources like The Score, a monthly newsletter from VantageScore Solutions that covers all things credit, can help you continue on your conversation and guide you on your journey.

So while you’re debating what shade of off-white is right for your invitations, take the time to talk and use these credit-related resources. After the big day has come and gone, you’ll be glad that together, both of you were smart about your finances.

— MetroCreative

Fall Wedding Guide 9

How to host a casual wedding

Photo courtesy of MetroCreative

Weddings tend to be formal affairs, but there are no laws prohibiting happy couples from hosting more casual affairs. In fact, many couples confronted with the rising costs of tying the knot are doing just that.

According to The Knot 2016 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding in 2016 exceeded $35,000, and that price tag does not even include couples’ honeymoons. Some couples may not have the means to finance such lavish affairs, while others may want to save for larger expenses, such as a house, while still being able to celebrate their nuptials with family and friends.

Casual weddings can provide that opportunity. However, while casual weddings are less formal, couples will still need to keep

some things in mind to make their ceremonies and receptions both fun and memorable. ► Let guests know the wedding will be casual. Perhaps the most important thing couples can do when hosting a casual wedding is inform their guests that the ceremony and reception will not be formal affairs. Be as specific as possible regarding the dress code so guests don’t feel embarrassed if they overdress. ► Don’t abandon tradition entirely. Couples hosting casual weddings may not feel beholden to all the traditions associated with more formal affairs, but that does not mean tradition should be abandoned entirely. For example, fathers-of-the-bride may still

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CASUAL From Page 9

hope to share a spotlight dance with their daughters, while siblings or friends may still hope to serve as bridesmaids or groomsmen.

Just because a wedding is less formal does not mean it has to be completely void of tradition, especially those traditions that can let couple’s closest loved ones know how much they are loved and appreciated. ► Create your own traditions.

Embracing some tradition does not mean couples cannot simultaneously create their own wedding traditions. Guests at casual weddings will likely be expecting something different than they’re used to, so couples should not hesitate to provide that. Couples should strive to keep things tasteful but not shy away from unique ideas that fit into the casual theme. ► Plan to feed guests. While couples having casual weddings may choose to have their receptions somewhere other than banquet halls, they should still plan to feed their guests. Some guests may be traveling and staying in hotels to attend the wedding, and it’s a nice gesture to show appreciation for their efforts by providing them with a meal. A meal also offers a great chance for guests to mingle with the married couple and fellow guests. Something simple like a backyard barbecue or a catered meal at home fits nicely with a casual setting. ► Don’t overlook logistics.

Small details, like transportation, parking and lodging will still need to be arranged. If hosting guests at home after the ceremony, make sure guests will have ample places to park their vehicles. In addition, make the same efforts regarding lodging for guests that you would if planning a formal wedding, as out-of-town guests will still need a place to sleep.

— MetroCreative

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Strategies to keep weight off once it’s gone Losing weight requires hard work and determination.

Oftentimes, men and women hoping to lose weight must commit to healthier lifestyles than the ones they’ve grown accustomed to. That can be a big adjustment, and it’s important that men and women about to embark on their weight loss journeys recognize that keeping lost weight off can sometimes be as challenging as losing the weight.

Some people are inspired to lose weight before their weddings, while others may want to shed some pounds before beach season.

While there’s no wrong reason for people who are overweight or obese to lose weight, people who tie their weight loss efforts to something as temporary as beach season may overlook the longterm benefits of maintaining healthy weights, unknowingly increasing their risk of putting weight back on after reaching their short-term goals.

According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, maintaining a healthy weight lowers a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and various cancers. Maintaining weight loss can be an uphill battle, but men and women can employ various strategies to ensure the weight they lose stays lost for years to come. ► Continue your weighins. Weigh-ins may seem like the enemy as men and women make their initial efforts toward losing weight. However, weighins gradually become something to look forward to as pounds start to drop off. Routinely weigh yourself even after reaching your weight loss goals, as the scale can be just as motivational for people trying to maintain healthy weights as it is for people trying to lose weight. ► Stick to your diet. When

Photo courtesy of MetroCreative

Maintaining weight loss can be an uphill battle, but men and women can employ various strategies to ensure the weight they lose stays lost for years to come. trying to lose weight, adults often combine diet and exercise. That’s a great weight loss strategy, and it’s also a great way to maintain a healthy weight. Recognize that weight won’t stay off if you exercise but don’t eat right.

Rather, maintaining a healthy weight over the long haul requires both a healthy diet and regular exercise. ► Eat slowly. While it might not work for everyone, eating slowly has been linked to lower calorie consumption. A study from researchers at Texas Christian University found that participants who were instructed to take small bites, chew thoroughly and pause and put their spoons down between bites consumed, on average, 88 fewer calories

per meal than participants who were told to take large bites, chew quickly and continue eating without putting their spoons down. Study participants who were overweight, however, ate just 58 fewer calories on average. ► Document your efforts.

Whether it’s in a journal, on a blog or by emailing a loved one, documenting your efforts to maintain a healthy weight may provide the motivation you need to stay on course.

Maintaining a healthy weight after substantial weight loss is a challenge that men and women can overcome by staying as vigilant in their efforts to keep weight off as they were while working to lose weight.

— MetroCreative

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October 2017

Men can get manicures for their wedding days, too A variety of wedding day cosmetic preparations are geared toward the bride-to-be. Gentlemen generally limit their wedding pampering to a haircut and possibly a selftanning product to have a golden glow in their wedding photos.

As social norms continue to relax and guys grow more comfortable and confident taking care of their skin, hair and bodies, the list of

services men undergo in advance of special occasions may widen.

One service that many men have already embraced is the manicure.

Manicures neaten the fingernails, treat the skin and cuticles of the fingers and can be just as beneficial for men as women. In fact, male-geared hand and foot grooming have already sprouted a niche market,

including the Hammer & Nails Grooming for Guys franchise that was featured on the popular show “Shark Tank.”

Nail technicians can help guys achieve a clean look and alert men to possible underlying health issues present on their hands and feet. According to Dr. David E. Bank, a clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, technicians are trained to recognize possible fungus and other infections within the nails.

Depending on his profession, a man’s hands may be on display and the appearance of those hands can help close deals or present a more professional look. Manicures can help men achieve that. They’re also ideal for special occasions like weddings, when guys want to be groomed to perfection.

GQ magazine advises that the occasional professional manicure can offer nice, even nails without

out-of-control cuticles — no polish or gel tips necessary.

First-timers may be hesitant to give manicures a try. While salon services can differ, here’s what a typical manicure will entail. ► Nails are cut and filed. ► Hands will be soaked in warm water and/or oil to soften skin and cuticles. ► Cuticles are pushed back or trimmed. ► Moisturizer may be applied, and hands are given a brief massage. ► Clear polish can be used if desired. However, a thorough buffing also can create a healthy shine to the nail.

Men may want to visit nail salons during off-peak times if they are shy about requesting services. Otherwise, they can visit businesses that cater to men’s grooming.

— MetroCreative

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Fall Wedding Guide

October 2017

Tips for planning the perfect honeymoon

Photo courtesy of MetroCreative

Honeymoons are big business.

According to a recent Conde Nast Bridal Infobank survey, the average couple spends more than $5,000 on their honeymoon, indicating just how much meaning couples assign to their first official trip as newlyweds.

If the average spending on honeymoons seems high, it’s important for couples working on budgets to realize that there are plenty of ways to plan memorable getaways without breaking the bank. Couples can keep the following strategies in mind as they plan their honeymoons. ► Plan and book early. In its 2016 Real Weddings Study, online wedding resource The Knot found that the average engagement length was 15 months. That gives couples plenty of time to plan their weddings, but also a great chance to book their honeymoons well in advance of their wedding days. Fifteen months affords couples the chance to piece

together the perfect honeymoon on their own or shop around for package deals. ► Delay the honeymoon. Couples without much wiggle room in their budgets or those who simply want to save money can delay their honeymoons, choosing to take their getaways months after they tie the knot.

This provides couples with more traveling flexibility. And depending on when couples get married, delaying the honeymoon may push the trip into the vacationing off-season, when more affordable deals can often be found. ► Don’t shy away from your newlywed status. Resorts might not advertise it, but many offer special amenities to honeymooning newlyweds. Some may provide complimentary spa services, while others might offer free room upgrades if they have any vacancies.

Such amenities may be grand or small, but no matter their size, they can make honeymoons feel more special.

► Give ample consideration to all-inclusive honeymoon packages. Whether couples are working on tight budgets or planning their honeymoons without regard to cost, allinclusive packages may be worth the extra money upfront. All-inclusive packages tend to include meals, some beverages and fun activities that couples would otherwise have to pay for a la carte. All-inclusive packages may also remove some of the work of planning the honeymoon because couples wonÕt need to tirelessly research activities and find the most affordable local vendors. Couples can examine the nuts and bolts of all-inclusive packages to make sure they include activities and foods they’re likely to enjoy.

Planning a honeymoon takes work, but much of that work is fun, and couples who do their due diligence can save substantial amounts of money.

— MetroCreative

October 2017

Fall Wedding Guide 15

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October 2017

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