Wedding Guide
SUMMER 2021
A special supplement to The Mitchell Republic
2021 SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE
2 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021
Options abound when it comes to
wedding flowers
Being prepared with ideas helpful, florist says BY ERIK KAUFMAN Mitchell Republic
There is a lot that goes into planning a wedding. A guest list must be created, a venue booked and meals catered. Travel plans must be organized and lodging for guests must be considered. And then there’s the flowers. An ubiquitous presence at weddings for centuries, the tradition of the bridal bouquet and decorative arrangements continues today in the
modern era of weddings, where brides and grooms have more options than ever before. Renee Polreis, the head floral designer at Nepstads Flowers in Mitchell, has been providing arrangements for weddings for two decades, and after a slow 2020 wedding season, the pace is picking up again and floral ideas are once again flowing as weddings make a return after many were delayed by COVID19 last year. “We have been busy, a
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lot busier than last year because of COVID-19,” Polreis told the Mitchell Republic. When planning for wedding flowers, Polreis always starts with the bride and her vision for the overall wedding. Some have had ideas in their head for years, others have a more vague vision in mind, but types of flowers, sizes and arrangements can be figured out as they Erik Kaufman / Republic go along in the planning Renee Polreis, florist at Nepstad’s Flowers in Mitchell, recommends starting wedding flower stages. FLOWERS: page 3 plans between three and six months before the wedding date.
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2021 SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE
FLOWERS
flower during any time of year, but requested flowers From page 2 that are out of season “That’s where I start with will be more expensive to my weddings. Everything is obtain than those that are based on the bride. So I get selected during the prime a feel for what she’s looking growing period. Off season for in a bouquet, style and tulips, for example, my her dress. And you can’t cost significantly more forget about the groom, than they would in the too,” Polreis said. “That is springtime. the basis for everything.” It’s something to She maintains a checkoff consider if cost is factor, list of questions that she said. need to be decided when “(Brides) don’t typically bouquets and flowers are come in in October and selected, but brides often ask for tulips, necessarily, come in with their own although you can get them. ideas. Those can be based They’re expensive,” Polreis on longtime dreams or said. ideas culled from other Polreis recommends weddings or internet sites booking flower services such as Pinterest. Polreis between three and six said she will do whatever months in advance. That she can to make the vision gives her time to work a reality. with the bride and groom to deliver what they’re “Since we can both see expecting for their big what’s on the sheet of day. Starting the process paper, we’re both on the same page. It makes it a lot months in advance also increases the chances easier,” she said. that the florist can Polreis said she can obtain virtually any type of book the wedding into
their schedule, she said, especially during the busy wedding season. When the wedding is over, some couples may wish to preserve the flowers. There are options to do so, but options like freeze drying are expensive, often ranging into the thousands of dollars. Polreis recommends preserving portions of a bouquet for a scrapbook by drying them using the type of silica packets that often come with purses or clothing. The packets remove moisture from the flowers and help preserve the color. It’s a simple way to keep a little bit of that special day to share with future family and friends. “You can buy those in bulk, and I’ve had people take out certain flowers or even the whole bouquet (to preserve),” Polreis said. “It’s just one of those pieces of something you can add to your photo album.”
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021 | 3
Negotiating prices with
wedding vendors A couple’s wedding day is likely to be the most expensive party they ever host. The average cost of a wedding is $33,931, according to The Knot’s 2019 Real Wedding Study. However that final cost can vary widely depending on where the wedding is held. In fact, in 2019, New Jersey was the most expensive state for getting hitched, at an average cost of $53,400, followed closely by Rhode Island at $49,800. The average cost of a Canadian wedding, according to the lifestyle resource Slice, is around $31,000. Engaging in a dialogue with prospective vendors can help couples curtail the cost of their weddings. That’s especially so during the pandemic, as so many businesses have faced financial uncertainty due to the global pandemic. Vendors who already have been operating under less-than-ideal circumstances may be more flexible with their pricing schedules. Then again, struggling businesses may have to increase prices to cover losses. Negotiation may be necessary as couples look to get married without breaking the bank. VENDORS: page 4
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2021 SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE
4 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021
‘Plus one’ etiquette for
VENDORS: From page 3
wedding guests
BE OPEN AND HONEST
► Negotiating with vendors should not be mistaken for aggressive haggling as one might do at a garage sale or auction. Rather, it’s more about having a discussion about what can be modified to work with the budget. A vendor may not be able to dramatically drop his price, but may be accommodating in another respect. For example, florists may be able to throw in an extra floral arrangement or a DJ may agree to stick around for an extra hour at no additional cost.
BE GRACIOUS
► Letting a vendor know you’re a fan of their work or have received glowing recommendations from past customers may make them more inclined to work with you if the budget doesn’t quite align with the pricing.
FIND WORK-AROUNDS
► Even if the price seems out of reach, there are ways to negotiate with vendors to get things close and where all parties are in agreement. For example, a florist may be able to make suggestions on another type of bloom that looks similar to the desired flower but at a fraction of the cost. Vendors may be willing to discount some costs if the couple handles some of the work themselves, such as picking up and delivering materials to the reception or ceremony sites or handling alterations. Couples should speak freely with wedding vendors and discuss what they can spend after some careful research in regard to what standard services and products cost.
Making a wedding guest list is seldom an easy task. Couples often find that many people are worthy of an invitation, which can make creating a guest list tricky for those with budgets in mind. According to data from the online wedding resource The Knot, the average wedding catering cost per guest is roughly $70. However, catering costs will vary depending on the
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reception venue, the number of guests, the foods chosen, and the region of the country where the wedding takes place. When creating their guest lists, couples may wonder if they have to offer all guests the option of bringing a “plus one” to the occasion. As with other wedding day etiquette questions, the plus one concept is not set in stone. GUESTS: page 5
2021 SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE
GUESTS: From page 4 ► ANY GUEST WHO IS MARRIED It’s typically standard to invite a couple as a whole to the wedding, even if you’ve never met the spouse. This often comes up when inviting work friends, according to Vogue magazine. Even if you have never interacted with a coworker’s spouse, etiquette dictates that all married guests be allowed to bring their spouses along. ► ANY GUEST WHO IS ENGAGED OR LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP It can be challenging to know the relationship status of everyone who will be invited to the wedding, but chances are you’ll have a good idea of those people closest to you. Include a plus one for guests who are engaged or in long-term relationships. ► CONSIDER GUESTS WHO MAY NOT KNOW OTHERS Weddings often are times when childhood friends reconnect, or people who haven’t seen each other in a while come together. If there’s a good chance someone who is single and is invited to the wedding may not know anyone else there except the couple, extend a plus one as a courtesy. ► INCLUDE THE WEDDING PARTY All members of the wedding party should be offered the option of bringing a date to the wedding. Apart from these guidelines, couples can establish any other rules, such as no plus ones for guests under a certain age or those who are not in serious relationships. The Knot also says it is polite to find out who the plus one will be so that wedding reception seating cards include that person’s name instead of “and guest.”
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021 | 5
outdoor wedding Features to look for in an
venue
Couples will remember their wedding day for the rest of their lives. The day a couple says “I do” is often the culmination of months of planning, and much of those efforts are dedicated to creating a special ceremony that will create cherished memories. The choice of venue is a significant decision, and today’s couples have more options regarding where to tie the knot than ever before. Many couples on the cusp of getting hitched are looking to do so in the great outdoors. OUTDOOR: page 6
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6 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021
2021 SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE
OUTDOOR: From page 5 Nature took center stage at weddings in 2020, as many couples moved their ceremonies outdoors to adhere to government guidelines issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Couples considering outdoor venues for their weddings can look for certain features that can make the big day as special as it is safe. ► BACKDROP: An awe-inspiring backdrop, whether it’s the natural beauty of a mountaintop or a beach with the sound of ocean waves crashing into the shoreline, can make for great photos and a ceremony couples and their guests will never forget. ► PLAN B: Couples may work hard to ensure everything goes off without a hitch, but ultimately the elements are in control during outdoor wedding ceremonies. So couples hoping to host an outdoor ceremony may want to look for sites that have a readily accessible indoor option just in case Mother Nature is not cooperating. Many reception venues are capable of hosting indoor and outdoor ceremonies as well as dinners, so this might be the best option for couples who want to have outdoor weddings during times of the year when weather is typically inclement or unpredictable, such as winter, early spring or late fall.
► LIGHTING: What’s awe-inspiring in person may be hard to capture on film. Couples may want to bring their wedding photographers along as they search for outdoor ceremony sites. Professional photographers can help couples determine which sites will make for great photos and which ones might make it hard to capture the beauty of the site’s surroundings. ► ACCESSIBILITY: Couples will want to make sure all of their guests can be there to witness the ceremony. Before choosing an outdoor ceremony site, consider those guests who may have mobility issues, such as grandparents. A midday hike up a mountain might be doable for most guests, but it may exclude others from witnessing the ceremony. Try to find an outdoor ceremony site that’s readily accessible to everyone. In addition, keep in mind that the more accessible a site is, the easier it is to get away and get indoors if the weather takes a sudden, unexpected turn for the worse. Outdoor weddings are wildly popular. Couples who find outdoor ceremony sites with certain features may rest easier knowing they and their guests are safe and sound no matter what Mother Nature has in store come the big day.
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2021 SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE
strategies for weddings
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 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 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 unforeseen expenses. Saving for a wedding can be challenging. But various strategies can help couples plan their dream weddings without breaking the bank.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021 | 7
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8 | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021
2021 SUMMER WEDDING GUIDE
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