SECTION
DATE | 1
2021 Spring
Wedding Guide
A special supplement to The Mitchell Republic
Spring Wedding Guide
2 | Febrruary 24, 2021
Planning a successful wedding reception dinner is an art Personal taste, tone of event can make a meal to remember
BY ERIK KAUFMAN Mitchell Republic
WESSINGTON SPRINGS — Planning a wedding can be both an exciting and frustrating process. There are invitations to send out, a wedding party to be outfitted, venues to be selected and budgets and prices to be balanced. And often, there is a reception meal to plan. While traditional wedding receptions often host
hundreds of guests celebrating the big day, COVID19 upset many of those plans during the 2020 wedding season, causing postponements or outright cancellations out of concern for health and safety. Now, as active cases of the disease continue to ebb and vaccine distribution is ramping up, some couples are hoping to celebrate their big day with a group reception. Heather Larson, owner
1305 West Havens, Mitchell
996-8393
www.countyfairfoodstores.com
of Sweet Grass in downtown Wessington Springs, has been catering large events for years after she opened her eatery and bakery in 2012. She has catered many weddings, receptions and graduations, as well as other events such as cattle shows and bull sales. The COVID-19 pandemic took Erik Kaufman / Republic a cut out of her catering Heather Larson, owner of the Sweet Grass eatery and bakery in Wessington business last year, but that Springs, decorates cookies at the restaurant recently. The business, which Larson has owned and operated since 2012, features lunch and dinner dining, a bakery DINNER: Page 3 and catering services.
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Spring Wedding Guide
DINNER From Page 2
aspect of her business has slowly begun to pick up again. Larson gave some advice recently for first-time wedding planners on some of the ins and outs of creating a successful reception meal. She said it is good to have a general idea of the style of meal the planning party wants served. “Most of the time, people come to us and ask us about prices and what we cater. One of the questions I have for them is — is this a sit down event that is being served, or a buffet line where we’re trying to hold food?” Larson said. “That can depend on what kind of meat I recommend, as some hold better on a buffet line than others.” Another consideration is where the event will be
held. Some venues require receptions to use their own in-house catering. So if the future bride and groom prefer to work with a particular caterer, it is prudent to coordinate to make sure the caterer and venue will work together. Sweet Grass will cater events within a 150-mile radius, Larson said. “We go out pretty far, but of course some venues require that you actually purchase the meal from them. That’s another thing to consider,” Larson said. “You may have to consider a different venue or catering option.” Once those decisions are made, it comes down to the personal taste of the planners and the desired tone of the meal. Larson said she prefers to have the food and tone of the event to be in close harmony. “It is down to individual tastes. What is their style of wedding? If you
have a laid back event, you may want to go with smoked meats. If you have a more upscale event, you may want the prime rib or French dip. It depends on the atmosphere of the wedding,” Larson said. “I like everything to match. I like (the food and style) to all collaborate together — the designs match the wedding cake and the feeling to match the food.” Some caterers can replicate particular family recipes or other dishes the couple may request, Larson said. Requests for specific recipes have increased as people explore online sources like Pinterest or shows on the Food Network. “For us, in general, we do (recreate requested dishes). If someone has an actual recipe for the wedding, we will do it,” Larson said. “We tailored one that was all based on Argentine food choices. Working with smaller caterers can allow
you to specialize.” There are other things to consider, as well. Larson said planners should consider their catering options as far as eight months out before the wedding, to allow for flexibility in booking and coordination with potential venues. She also said planners should really only prepare for who is expected to attend and not worry as much about those who may show up or those who may have to bow out at the last minute. “On the dessert and cake side, don’t plan on extras, just stick to who you have coming. For the meals, maybe just go slightly above the number of people you have reserved,” Larson said. “There are always people who don’t show up, and it’s about the same number of people who show up unexpectedly. To avoid extra cost, just stick with the number you have and it should regulate itself out.”
Febrruary 24, 2021 | 3
Dos and don’ts of caring for wedding and engagement rings BY METRO CREATIVE
Jewelry is a key component of weddings. The financial resource CreditDonkey notes that, in the United States, the average amount spent on an engagement ring is $5,500, while Canadians spend an average of $3,500. Jewelry costs can add up, especially when adding in the cost of wedding bands, which can cost as much as $1,000. The cost of jewelry only underscores the importance of learning how to care for it and preserve its value. The best way to maintain jewelry depends on the makeup of the rings. The online jewelry guide Jewelry Notes says gold rings without gemstones
can be cleaned effectively with only soap and water. Simply prepare a solution of lukewarm water and mild dish soap in a small bowl. Soak the rings for 20 to 30 minutes. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean the jewelry of dirt. Rinse the residue under clean water. Rings with diamonds can be treated similarly with a mild soap-andwater solution. The Diamond Information Center also says to soak the diamond ring in equal parts cold water and ammonia for half an hour and let it air dry. Brand name jewelry cleaner also is another good option. This method
RINGS: Page 4
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Spring Wedding Guide
4 | Febrruary 24, 2021
Say ‘sew long’ to ill-fitting wedding attire BY METRO CREATIVE
Seamstresses and tailors are sometimes the unsung heroes of weddings. These individuals often work tirelessly under pressure to ensure that tuxes are taken in at the right places and that gowns are hemmed to perfection. People may underestimate the importance of good wedding ensemble alterations, but having someone who’s skilled with a needle and thread is essential to looking your best on such a momentous day. Proper fit can be as important as the gown or suit. Although some couples will spend thousands of dollars on wedding attire, many will not research the person to handle any necessary alterations. Few, if any, wedding ensembles can be purchased right off the rack and worn without custom
tailoring. The scope of the alterations will depend on the desired changes and how well the clothing initially fits. Timing is crucial, and these guidelines can facilitate the process of wedding alterations. Length of time
It’s difficult to say how long alterations will take, as it depends on the extent of the work and how busy the seamstress or tailor is. And until the alterations have begun, seamstresses and tailors may not know how long the job will take. The bridal resource The Knot advises allowing between two and three months from a first fitting to the last as an ideal timeline to make all of the alterations. For complicated gowns, brides or bridal party members may need three or four fittings, with the last occurring a few weeks before the wedding.
Alteration costs
Cost alone should not dictate where to go for alterations. The costs can include many factors, including which fabrics are used in the gown or suit, which types of alterations are requested (minor tweaks or a major overhaul), proximity to the wedding date, and even geographical location. Brides also can add straps, beading, lace, or other detailing, but it will affect the cost. Whom to choose
Many bridal salons and formalwear retailers will have someone on staff who can handle alterations. If a store doesn’t have a tailor or seamstress, or if this person isn’t able to provide what is needed, take clothing to a professional who specializes in wedding wear. Gowns can be complex, with wedding gowns featuring bustles, intricate
hems, boning, beading, and much more, so try to work with experienced professionals who have seen it all. Ask friends and family for recommendations, or find out if wedding planners or retailers who sold you the dress recommend anyone. When attending a fitting, bring along the shoes and undergarments that will be worn on the wedding day so the fit can be matched accordingly. Also take one friend or family member who can offer an extra opinion on how the clothing falls and fits. Brides may want to bring a maid-(matron)-ofhonor if she needs to learn how to bustle a gown. Skilled tailors or seamstresses help couples look their best on their wedding days, and finding reliable professionals should be part of wedding planning.
RINGS From Page 3
only should be used with diamonds; ammonia can’t be used with other gemstones. Maintaining jewelry also should include twice yearly visits to a jeweler who can check the prongs and make sure the setting is not loose; otherwise, the diamond can become dislodged, according to Martha Stewart Weddings. Avoid touching diamonds and other gemstones as much as possible when putting rings on and taking them off. Precious stones often are magnets for dust, dirt and body oil, according to Taylor Lanore, diamond consultant and engagement ring designer for Lauren B. Fine Jewelry and Diamonds. Grab the ring by the band. Use discretion when wearing rings while engaging in hands-on activities. Activities like cleaning dishes,
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moving furniture, gardening, or diving through waves at the beach warrant caution; otherwise, you risk damaging or making jewelry unnecessarily dirty. Store the ring in a safe location until you can safely wear it again. One of the most important steps to safeguard wedding and engagement rings is to insure the jewelry. The description of the ring, its cut, carat weight, metal, and other information offered through a certified independent jewelry appraisal will be needed to insure the ring. Take a close-up photo of the jewelry as well. Other items like laser inscription or a home security system can qualify jewelry owners for discounts on insurance. Consumers also can add a jewelry rider to a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. These are some ways to care for wedding jewelry. Always consult with a jeweler before attempting to clean items made of various materials.
Spring Wedding Guide
Febrruary 24, 2021 | 5
The steps involved in securing Make a statement with your wedding venues, licenses wedding cake
BY METRO CREATIVE
the wedding date in case the first choice is unavailable. Getting married is an Although summer wedexciting time in a couple’s dings used to be the most life together. Wedding popular, today’s couples are planning is the next logical tying the knot more often step after the engagement in September and October announcement, and while than other times of year. couples often get swept up Even though a couple’s in planning their dream wedding is special and parties, it’s important to unique to them, ceremony note that ultimately the locations handle hundreds ceremony is the star of the of weddings. Couples must day. recognize that competition Before booking a wedfor certain venues may be ding reception venue or steep, so it helps to keep getting one’s heart set on more than one venue in a particular date, couples mind when planning a need to secure their cere- choose to tie the knot in Finding a venue mony sites as well as apply their church or synagogue. Once couples choose a wedding. for a marriage license. In Each of these types of cer- wedding date, it is a good Getting a marriage license While laws may vary some instances, ceremo- emonies will be governed idea for them to visit their nies are held at the same by the schedule of the ceremony site of choice to from state to state within site as the wedding recep- house of worship or civil check the calendar. It helps the United States, getting tion, while some couples site. to have some flexibility in a marriage license generally involves filling out the application and paying a Treat Your Tastebuds with fee at the county clerk’s office. Both applicants are typically required to bring identification, such as a driver’s license, passport Custom menus exclusively designed or birth certificate. There may be a waiting period for your special event will elevate any between submitting the occasion. From weddings to reunions, application and the license graduations to even bull sales. being issued. Couples can pick up the license or have to them. From Texas-style, smoked beef it mailed Canadian requirements brisket to fresh-made buns and vary by province. For breads, hand-crafted desserts example, in Ontario, applicants need to be at least and sides. 16 years old to marry and We even individually design must show two forms of wedding cakes. government-supplied identification to apply. The license is valid for 90 days Serving within 150 miles from from when it is issued. our location in the heart of A marriage license is not Wessington Springs. the same thing as a marriage certificate. The marriage certificate typically becomes available after the ceremony has taken place Wessington Springs, SD and the witnesses and officiant have signed off on 605-539-1330 Eatery • Bakery & Coffee Shop • Catering the proceedings.
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BY METRO CREATIVE
Brides and grooms may pour over every detail of their weddings, but few components of the festivities may be as fun, especially for foodies, as deciding what the wedding cake will look like. Couples who want to deliver show-stopping visuals often express some measure of their creativity and personalities through statement wedding cakes. Many couples now eschew the classic threetiered white cake in favor of a dessert that garners instant attention. Whether the cake is brightly colored or hand-painted, a towering architectural marvel or shimmering in metallics, couples are opting to make a statement with their confections. Apart from clever cake-toppers, here are ways to stand apart when dessert is served. ► According to the Perfect Wedding Guide, a rising trend in cakes is to cover a white or naked cake with translucent glaze tinted in the couple’s wedding colors. This artistic expression can be especially stunning in boho-chic weddings. ► Statement tiers also are popular. The cake may be traditional in nearly every way, but couples then set the cake apart by featuring an elaborate design or a different hue in one tier. ► Martha Stewart Weddings advises that more than just color can
be used to make statement. Lifelike sugar flowers can really set cakes apart. Guests may not be sure if they can consume all aspects of some cakes. But delicate sugar flowers taste as good as they look. ► Hand-painted tiles on a cake are another way to add panache. A bride and groom may be inspired by a European vacation or the stainedglass effects of religious windows and want to add that feel to the tiers of the cake. ► Sometimes a statement comes by way of texture. Even an all-white cake can be dressed up with interesting textural effects. Ruffles, lace, embossing, and 3-D rosettes are different textural components that can be incorporated in cake designs. ► Couples also may want to tell their unique stories with cake. Individual tiers designed to reflect various milestone moments from the couple’s relationship can be quite engaging. ► Capitalizing on the trend of edgier weddings, couples may opt for darker hues on their cakes — even a black tier — or nontraditional geometric shapes to the cake itself or its design elements. Statement cakes can really say something about the couple getting married. Much like other wedding elements, cakes provide a window into the minds of happy couples.
Spring Wedding Guide
6 | Febrruary 24, 2021
Savings strategies for weddings
BY METRO CREATIVE
The question was popped; the engagement ring presented. What’s the next step on the road to the wedding? Saving should definitely be on couples’ minds. A wedding is likely the most costly party couples will ever throw. According to The Knot’s 2019 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding in 2019 was $33,900. There are many different costs associated with weddings. Some are predictable, while others are unexpected. Investopedia says the vast majority of couples budget too little for their weddings and also end up spending more than they had planned. Various strategies can make it easier to save for a wedding and avoid a post-wedding financial hangover. Get informed
It’s impossible to budget for
a wedding and ultimately save without knowledge of what services and items cost in the region where you live. A wedding in New York City will be expensive, while a wedding in Mississippi will cost a lot less, indicates SuperMoney’s guide to wedding costs. Conduct some research and find out what photographers, florists, transportation providers, reception halls, and wedding wardrobe vendors charge for common services. This will paint a vivid picture of what a wedding may cost in your area. Flesh out the budget
Once you have gathered estimates, you can then figure out a financial goal. This also is when you can determine where to rein in spending and where you might want to splurge. If having a video memory of the wedding is not a top priority, you can
skip videography services. If you have a special flower that you like, you may want to budget more for that bloom even if it isn’t in season. Set up a dedicated savings account
One of the easiest ways to save for big-ticket items like a wedding, home purchase or other financial goals is to use an automatic savings account that may be available through your bank or employer. An automatic savings plan will pull a set amount from a personal checking account into a savings account through auto-draft. The bride and groom can link individual checking accounts to one savings account to contribute jointly. Avoid overspending
An analysis of your spending habits will likely reveal areas where you can scale back so you
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can devote more funds to wedding savings. Do you need a takeout coffee in the morning or can you brew a pot at home? Might you be able to scale back on streaming services? Do you feel comfortable buying less expensive store brand groceries over name brands? Small cost savings can quickly add up. Add up gifts
Factor in deduction of expenses that other people will commit to covering for wedding expenses, but only if you have concrete confirmation. A parent may host the rehearsal dinner. One’s relative may offer to pass down an antique wedding gown to wear. But rather than simply
removing these gifts from your savings calculations, keep them as a safety net to put toward unforseen expenses. Saving for a wedding can be challenging. But various strategies can help couples plan their dream weddings without breaking the bank.
Spring Wedding Guide
Febrruary 24, 2021 | 7
Second marriage guide
Taking a chance on love and marriage for the second (or third) time is certainly worthy of celebration. The Pew Research Center reports that at least four in 10 new marriages now include at least one partner who has been married before, a trend that is on the rise. Planning a second wedding can be challenging, as individuals may be worried about proper etiquette, superstitions or meeting the expectations of others. But there are no hard rules governing second weddings. Now that couples are older and a bit more experienced, wedding planning may be met with greater enthusiasm and patience. These tips can help the process along. ► Dress it up. Brides need not eschew white if they prefer to wear it for their second weddings. White, cream, ivory, or other shades are perfectly acceptable. Also, brides can make their gowns as lavish or as simplistic as they desire. The length and style of the dress should reflect the formality and scope of the event.
► Make it unique. Couples who have been married before may want to set this new occasion apart from their previous weddings. Brides magazine experts suggest discussing previous celebrations and what can be done differently this time around. Couples can use this opportunity to get to know each other more intimately by personalizing their festivities. ► Don’t feel beholden to intimate affairs. Second weddings tend to be more intimate, as guest lists tend to be smaller and couples tying the knot again may prefer more intimacy and less hustle and bustle. But couples should not avoid inviting people simply because second weddings are typically small affairs. Invite as many friends and family as you want and as your budget allows. ► Set up a registry. Established couples may have the household basics already in place, but registries can include fun or entertaining gifts that speak to couples’ interests. These may include home theater systems, fancy
cookware, athletic equipment, or even funds for travel. ► Involve the children. Couples who have children can make them a special part of their second wedding celebrations. Kids can play any role in the ceremony, depending on their age. If the second marriage comes after an amicable divorce, couples can invite their former spouses to provide support to their children so they can feel comfortable in the wedding. ► Be prepared. The marriage application process is similar the second time around, but additional documents, such as a divorce decree or death certificate, may be necessary. These legal documents also will be needed for men and women who intend to change their last names after getting married. A second marriage deserves as much celebration as the first and gives couples an opportunity to express their love for each other and their appreciation to their friends and families.
WHERE MEMORIES ARE MADE
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Amenities: Event Center can seat up to 299 with additional seating on a covered patio and deck area. The dining room/meeting room in the main lodge seats up to 65, Commercial kitchen - Cook your own or cater in, Lounges with big screen TVs, Private lake to fish & swim, Nature trails to enjoy the beautiful views. Lodging: Main lodge with 9 bedrooms (Sleeps 40), Cottage (4 bedroom and loft sleeps 25), 7 cabins (Sleeps 4 per cabin), Villa (5 separate rooms and will sleep up to 16) and 6 camping sites. Private lake to swim, kayak and fish. Nature trail to enjoy the beautiful views. Heated dog kennels also available.
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8 | Febrruary 24, 2021
Spring Wedding Guide
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