A supplementspecial to TheSummerRepublicMitchell2022 Wedding Guide 12 plannerweddingmonthSavingstrategiesWeddingstyles Inside
2 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022 2022 SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE
MITCHELL REPUBLIC
3 TOOLS FOR KEEPING wedding guests informed SOUTH DAKOTA AMONG
INFLATION DRIVES UP COSTS UNIVERSALLY
Weddings give couples an opportunity to share the joy of joining their lives together with a host of friends and family members. Guests liven up the party and help make the celebration that much more memorable. According to The Knot 2019 Real Weddings Study, the average wedding in the United States hosts 131 people. Data indicates this number has been slowly decreasing over the years, after the average wedding size reached an all-time high of 153 in 2007. No matter how big or how small the guest list, keeping guests informed of what’s happening regarding the upcoming nuptials is a courtesy couples can provide. Couples can explore various avenues for keeping guests informed and ensuring they’ll be able to take part in the festivities.
Though the venue they used was already locked into a contract, the couple, who live in Reliance, pointed to increasing gas prices as a costly inconvenience.“Wewereallowed to drop things off on Thursday, but couldn’t stay that night. So you drive there and back Thursday, and then drive there again on Friday,” Josh said. “We had family come from all over. … Sara had a sister come from South Africa.”
SAVE-THE-DATE ANNOUNCEMENTS
With other family from Idaho, Iowa and Illinois, Josh said it’s tough to realize what guests are spending until it’s tallied up after the fact. “I don’t think you really notice how much you spend on travel until the end of the month, [when] you add it up and compare it to just last year at this time,” Josh said. While the costs of a wedding always seem high, South Dakota sits wellbelow the national average rate. From 2017 until now, the couples marrying in the state have spent 44.8% less on their weddings than the national average.Asaresult of the below-average spending for a South Dakota wedding, it ranks 42nd in the United States for average wedding costs, according to The Wedding Report. Those ranked cheaper include, in order, New Mexico, Montana, Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Arkansas.
METRO CREATIVE
Josh and Sara Garry, who tied the knot May 28 in Alexandria, had planned their wedding well in advance, but saw the impact of inflation through one of their vendors. “The catering service saw an increase in price,” Josh said. “We did pulled pork sandwiches, and when we originally talked, it was around $11 a plate and ended up being around $13.50.”
cheapest states to get married
Inflation rates rose an additional one percent in May 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, reaching an overall 8.6% increase in inflation over the past year — a number not seen since December 1981. Until that number begins to drop, dollars spent on weddings won’t go as far. Though the cause of rising inflation is highly debated, it means couples will spend more on travel, venues, catering, decorations, vendors and more.
Brides and grooms spent significantly more on their weddings in South Dakota in 2021 than they have since 2017. Despite the increase in spending, the state still remains one of the ten cheapest to tie the knot. According to The Wedding Report, couples who wed in South Dakota, whether local or not, spent an average of $18,300 on their big day in 2021, a significant jump from 2019’s $15,400 average. Until 2021, wedding spending in the state was steadily decreasing year over year, dropping from $16,000 in In2019.2020, the pandemic caused countless weddings to cancel or transform. Though South Dakota mostly avoided imposing COVID-19 restrictions, the industry still felt a massive hit, as couples dropped their average spending to roughly $13,000.
Save-the-date announcements have become an increasingly popular component of wedding planning. Instead of waiting on the wedding invitation, which traditionally arrives one or two months prior to the wedding itself, save-the-date cards provide guests with an advanced advertisement of the celebration to come. According to the photo and invitation specialists at Shutterfly, it’s customary to send save-the-date notes around six months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, which will require extra travel plans, an eight- to 12-month advance can be helpful. Save-the-date cards generally have basic information, including the wedding date and the venue. Many will feature a photo of the couple as well. If you’re planning on sending save-the-date announcements, coordinate with your photographer to have a photo taken exclusively for these cards.
WEDDING WEBSITE Couples are increasingly embracing technology as they plan their weddings. Brides magazine states that, during the typical 15-month engagement period, 48 percent of couples will launch a wedding website. A wedding website is a versatile tool that can help answer questions that guests may have. The website can spell out specifics, including dress code, whether children are invited, the names of wedding party participants, overnight accommodations, transportation providers, and even restaurants near the hotel for a quick bite between ceremony and reception. Wedding websites also can be used as fun ways to keep guests engaged. “Throwback Thursday” photos or funny memories and anecdotes can be included.
VIDEO CONFERENCING APPS As the world continues to adapt in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, video conferencing applications like Facetime, Zoom and Microsoft Teams enable people involved in the planning process to routinely “gather” and go over details about the wedding, helping to limit in-person meetings as much as possible. These apps also can prove invaluable when conferring with wedding vendors, such as florists or musicians. You also can schedule smaller meetings with specific guests who may be playing key roles in the wedding, such as those giving speeches, doing readings, escorting guests, or serving in other capacities. Certain resources can help couples keep guests informed about what’s to come in regard to their weddings.
A seating plan for wedding receptions is an important consideration so that every guest can feel comfortable.
Mistake #2: Seating families separately. Unless there are rifts between certain family members, it’s best to seat parents and children at the same tables. Mistake #3: Trying to force new friendships. Avoid trying to figure out who will get along by creating a potpourri table. A cousin in a band will not necessarily want to sit next to your coworker who plays guitar simply because they have a shared love of music. A wedding is not the time to try to create new friendships. If it’s meant to be, they’ll connect in a more organic way.
Mistake #6: Failing to get family feedback. Always check with your parents and future in-laws as resources about how to seat certain guests. They’ll likely know who will make the best table-mates, especially if couples are not familiar with everyone on the guest list.
Mistake #7: Not being aware of disabilities or needs. Be conscious of guests’ needs. An elderly relative may not be comfortable in front of the DJ table. A person in a wheelchair may need easy access to and from the reception room. It’s important to be mindful of these special needs.
Mistake #4: The dreaded kids’ table. Young children can probably get away with sitting at a dedicated kids’ table, although it may mean their parents have to interrupt their experiences by checking on their kids throughout the night. A bigger faux pas is to sit teenagers or twentysomethings at the kids table even if they seem like youngsters to you. Set a strict cut-off age for a children’s table. Mistake #5: Being too strict in seating. It’s one thing to direct couples or singletons to specific tables, quite another to assign specific seats. Do not dictate exactly where at the table a guest should sit. Some people arrive early, others late, and it is up to them to work out how to arrange themselves at the table.
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Mistake #1: Not having a seating plan. Let guests sit where they want and chaos may ensue. People may think they’re entitled to certain seats, may hop into seats vacated by someone getting up to use the restroom or any number of other scenarios. Seating arrangements also ensure everyone is accounted for across the room.
An analysis of your spending habits will likely reveal areas where you can scale back so you 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.
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
4 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022 2022 SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE Save the date! Have your family & friends come meet at our place! AmericInn Lodge & Suites for your precious life moments. Staci Santiago • sales.chamberlain.sd@americinn.com605-234-0985 Present this coupon for10% OFF BOOKING CONVENTION SPACE AND CATERING AVAILABLE. AmericInn Lodge & Suites 218 North Main St, Mitchell SD • 605-996-5502 WeddingEngagement•Anniversary To Have. To Hold. To Sparkle 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.Awedding 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
AVOID OVERSPENDING
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.
SAVINGS STRATEGIES for
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 unforeseen expenses. Saving for a wedding can be challenging. But various strategies can help couples plan their dream weddings without breaking the bank. weddings
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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 closeup 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.
DOS AND DON’TS OF CARING FORwedding and engagement rings
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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-and-water 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 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, 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.
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BEACH WEDDING Beach weddings often are casual, laid back affairs. Dresses may be less structured and flow with sea breezes, while guys may even don shorts with linen shirts or jackets. Guests can expect the party to be much more free-flowing and the traditions of classic weddings may not be part of the celebration.
Explore variouswedding styles DURING PLANNING
MODERN WEDDING
Brides and grooms who crave contemporary and current trends may prefer a modern wedding. Graphic color schemes, clean lines and minimalistic flowers might be part of a modern wedding. Attire may be angular and edgy, and the venue may run the gamut from sleek museum to a city rooftop.
CLASSIC WEDDING Classic weddings are the storybook traditional weddings that many people dream about for years. Key elements include a tuxedo for the groom and a white gown for the bride. Formal attire is reserved for the rest of the wedding party. The ceremony is conducted in a place of worship before everyone retires to a fancy catering hall for the reception. Traditional weddings also may include the time-honored customs like toasts, cake cutting, bouquet toss, and parent-child dances.
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METRO CREATIVE Every wedding is different, even if many share some common components. As couples plan their weddings, learning about some popular wedding styles can help them create a ceremony that suits them.
BOHEMIAN WEDDING Free-spirited individuals may dive head first into a bohemian style wedding. According to wedding planner David Tutera, a boho wedding is casual and comfortable. It tends to come off chic but appears that way with minimal effort. Decor is typically humble and blends harmoniously with nature. A boho wedding may take place outdoors or in another less traditional venue, such as a farmhouse or botanical garden. Wedding party attire may be mismatched and showcase each person’s individual style.
DESTINATION WEDDING Couples who love to travel and don’t want to worry about the minutiae of wedding planning may find a destination wedding is a good fit. Destination weddings last more than one day and focus on relaxation, activities and lots of fun. Destination weddings tend to be less formal and less traditional than classic weddings. Due to the remote locations, destination weddings also can be smaller and more intimate, as many invitees may be unable to attend. Yet those who can attend often get to enjoy tropical islands or mountain retreats.Wedding styles are as unique as the people getting married. Choosing a theme that has the right feeling can help couples make the most of their special days.
12 MONTHS OUT At the start of the planning process, establish your budget, hire a wedding planner (optional), choose the wedding party, pick a date, and start to assemble a cursory guest list. This also is a great time to begin touring venues to get a feel for potential ceremony and reception locales.
8 MONTHS OUT Reception halls may have their own schedules, but you should think about setting your menu at this time, including deciding if you will host a seated dinner, a buffet or something else. Eight months out also is a good time to finalize the guest list and send save-the-date cards. This also is a good time to visit stores to create registry gift lists.
Wedding planning involves many movable pieces that ultimately need to come together on the big day. Planning is typically a months-long process, and adhering to certain do.”gettingtimelinemind,vendors.organizedaffords12engagementofferscouplesbenchmarksmonthlycanhelpstaythecourse.Bridesmagazinethattheperfectperiodisto14months,whichampletimetogetandworkwithWiththatinhere’sa12-monthforcouplesreadytosay“I
6 MONTHS OUT Meet potentialwithflorists and other vendors, like transportation companies and hotels, to secure these arrangements. Your place of worship also may require certain classes or preparatory meetings, so be sure to inquire about these.Meet with a makeup and hair stylist and book a trial. Choose attire for groomsmen and give them a deadline for fittings and orders. If you will not be getting married in a place of worship, hire an officiant at this time.
2 MONTHS OUT Secure your wedding license and buy wedding party gifts. Address and mail the wedding invitations. Undergo a second gown fitting and work with the seamstress for the final fitting date just before the wedding. Finalize any song selections with the DJ or band. The final details will occur in the last weeks before the wedding. Buy all the small accessories and items, undergo final fittings and check in with all vendors for final payments and to ensure they are on schedule. Notify the reception hall of the final guest count. Once the wedding day arrives, couples who have done their best to stay on schedule can relax and have a great time with family and friends.
11 MONTHS OUT Now is the time to get a firm handle on the theme and scope of the wedding. Start picking wedding colors and overall design. Also, interview and hire vendors, such as photographers, bands and videographers. These vendors tend to book up quickly as wedding season draws near, so it’s never too early to book them.
4 MONTHS OUT Grooms traditionally arrange the honeymoon, so this is a fine time to get those travel plans in order. If you need passports, you should secure them as early as possible, and no later than four months prior to the wedding to ensure processing times. Book cake tastings and order the cake if it is not part of the venue food and beverage package. If you haven’t already done so, the bride should have an initial gown fitting, and wedding invitations should be ordered at this time.
Your weddingTIMELINE guide
10 MONTHS OUT This is a good time to start shopping for a wedding gown because it might take some trial and error to find the perfect dress. You also can start shopping for wedding party attire at this time. Check with formalwear vendors to see how long it will take for the gowns to arrive in the shop for alterations. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to book the wedding venue.
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