Winter Wedding Guide 2015 by Mitchell Republic

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THE DAILY REPUBLIC FEBRUARY 2015

Gray is the new black

Local retailers say vintage look is in style for weddings By CANDY DENOUDEN The Daily Republic

Shades of gray. That’s still a popular color scheme for grooms, according to local bridal retailers. It’s in keeping with brides leaning toward lace, tulle and a vintage feel, according to Sandra Slama, owner of Sandra Rose in Tyndall. Slama said a few years ago, brown was the big choice for men’s tuxedos. Now, gray is still on the rise. “Gray is huge,” she said. “I guess it’s the new black.” It was popular last year, but said it’s only gotten more popular. She’s also seeing a trend toward a more informal feel for guys, as many choose not to wear the full tux. Renee Michael, co-owner of Michael’s Toggery in Mitchell, added that she’s seeing an increase in people buying suits instead of tuxedos. She agrees that light-colored tuxes and suits, from charcoal or light gray, to tan and khaki for spring weddings. Michael also said she’s noticing a comeback for bowties rather than long ties, and

cumberbuns over vests. She said it’s about a 50-50 split between cumberbuns or vests. “For prom I think we’re going to see a lot of it,” she said. Slama said she’s also seeing more brides choose straps and sleeves for their gowns. As brides favor the soft, romantic style, Slama said they’re veering from the traditional veil for side pieces, and noted that head jewelry is growing in popularity. “That whole Kim Kardashian look across the forehead,” Slama said. “A lot of things very vintage inspired.” Those trends tend to continue with the bridesmaids, she said, but noted that tulle is being utilized more as a fabric for bridesmaids. “Not necessarily that big ballgown; it’s a very soft, flowy fabric,” she said. Megan Sabers, owner of Bliss Bridal in Mitchell, said she hasn’t noticed any particular trends for local brides, but agreed lace is still popular. Ballgowns are coming into style at market, but said it usually takes a while before those trends come to Mitchell. “Everybody that comes in has something different,” Sabers said.

THE DAILY REPUBLIC FEBRUARY 2015

On the cover Cover design by Stacey Schleich/Republic. Metro Creative photo. Layout by Kella Rodiek/Republic.

Matt Gade/Republic

Formal wear is pictured recently at Michael’s Toggery in Mitchell.

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First comes love, then comes the photos Make this important photoshoot a success by following these helpful picture-taking tips By Metro Creative

Engagement photos vary depending on the couple. Often reserved for save-the-date cards and now commonly used to spruce up wedding websites, engagement photos can range from formal shoots in which couples are dressed to the nines to more laid back shots featuring couples in more everyday attire. When planning an engagement shoot, couples should give themselves carte blanche with regard to style, as the photoshoot need not follow many of the more accepted rules that the wedding itself will ultimately adhere to. Once couples have settled on a style for their photoshoot, there are additional ways to ensure the session is a success. Find a photographer who shares your sensibilities. Photographers can vary greatly in style, and an engagement photoshoot will be most successful when couples find a photographer whose style matches the theme they are looking for

Metro Creative photo

Before you hire anyone, ask for samples of their work.

with their photoshoot. You likely would not hire a nature photographer to photograph a basketball game, so don’t hire someone who specializes in posed shots if you

want your photos to be more lively and spontaneous. Before you hire anyone, ask for samples of each photographer’s work to be certain you’re getting someone who has

A Reception to Remember...

experience shooting the type of photos you want to take. Solicit ideas from the photographer. Some couples already know exactly where they want their engagement photos to be shot and which poses they want to be arranged. However, many couples have little or no experience with professional photoshoots, and such couples should solicit ideas from each photographer they are considering hiring. A skilled and/or seasoned photographer should propose several ideas. Be wary of photographers who offer little input, as you may ultimately be dissatisfied with their work once the shoot has come and gone. Avoid studio shots. Many couples prefer their engagement photos be taken somewhere they have a personal connection to, such as the sight of their first date or a park they frequently visit. Studio photoshoots might provide the best lighting, but couples have no connection to such spaces, and

down the road they may regret not taking the photos in someplace that’s a little more meaningful. In addition, a photoshoot outside the studio affords couples and their photographer more opportunities to experiment and improvise, which can produce a wider array of shots than a studio photoshoot is likely to deliver. Don’t forget candid shots. Candid shots make the photoshoot more fun and loosen couples up a little bit. Many engagement photos will never be seen by anyone other than the photographer and the couple he or she is shooting, so don’t be bashful during candid shots for fear of being embarrassed down the road. Have fun with the candid shots, and your other photos are likely to come out better as a result. An engagement photoshoot should be fun and reflect the personalities of the couple. A few simple strategies can ensure couples’ shoots accomplish both of those things.

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2015 bridal showcase called off Fire causes event to be canceled By The Daily Republic

Sometimes, the show can’t go on. Bliss Bridal’s annual bridal showcase was canceled this year, due to a November fire at 304 N. Main St. The building included three businesses on the first floor and numerous apartments on the second and third floors, including Bliss Bridal and Tickled Pink, both owned by Megan Sabers. Sabers said she had to cancel the showcase after the fire because she didn’t have time to plan it in the middle of getting her businesses reopened following the fire.

What to do with your wedding dress after you’ve said ‘I do’ By MEREDITH HOLT Forum News Service

FARGO, N.D. — So much stress is put into “the dress,” but what do you do with it after you say “I do”? Some brides carefully clean and preserve their wedding dresses for keepsake or future generations. Others trash ’em for the camera. Here are a handful of ideas from local brides and people who work in the wedding industry:

Wear it again Why not? That’s what Lisa Schuster and her friends and family thought. Schuster, her mother and about a dozen other women took their dresses out of their garment bags and put them on one more time for a group brides’ night out. “There were five of us girls who

wanted to do it, then it turned into 10, then 15,” says Schuster, 28, of Minto. They started the night with cake and punch, then took a party bus to small-town bars near Grand Forks. The women had so much fun they plan to do it again. “I think we definitely have started something. Everybody’s on board to do it year after year,” Schuster says. She also has a friend who wore her wedding dress on her anniversary while she cooked dinner for her husband.

‘Trash’ it Rumored to have started with a Vegas photographer in the early 2000s, “trash the dress” shoots give brides free rein.

Fargo-based photographer Shawn Coulter was one of the first in the area to offer them, and he’s still doing them. “Some of the stuff seems so ridiculous, but it turns out really cool,” he says. He’s had brides rolling around on the beach, posing in the water, riding a Jet Ski, working under a truck, leaning on a bulldozer, all in the name of fun, fashionable photos. The sessions are booked separate from wedding packages and typically shot a few weeks or months after the actual ceremony. “Basically I get to shoot what I really want to shoot on the wedding day without restrictions,” Coulter says. There are no time restraints, no guests to seat, and the whole thing’s much more relaxed.

Plus, he says most of the brides’ dresses come clean afterward so they can still be saved. Stacey Larson, 35, of Fargo, first heard about trash-the-dress shoots when her friend did one, and she decided to do one, too. She posed in a park, on train tracks and in a patch of dandelions. “A lot of people say, ‘Oh, I want to save it for my daughter,’ but it seems like most people these days want their own dress anyway, and I don’t have a daughter, so it wouldn’t have mattered,” she says.

Repurpose it Maria Simon, of Fargo-based Sew Special, turns wedding dresses into christening gowns. “I could not make myself cut a See DRESS Page 7

THE DAILY REPUBLIC FEBRUARY 2015

Continued from Page 5

wedding gown unless it was for another heirloom,” she says. She primarily alters wedding dresses and prom dresses, but during the off-season she has time to repurpose the gowns. Twin sisters Kaja and Zoe Foat, of Foat Design in Minneapolis, also work with heirloom dresses. They incorporate elements of old dresses into new ones, using the bride’s vision as a guide. “They don’t necessarily like the dress — it might not even fit them — but they like the idea of using parts of history,” Kaja Foat says. The designers can also start from scratch and offer off-the-rack, too. If you’re crafty and not too worried about what happens to your dress or its parts, try a DIY craft like a bear or a pillow.

If you don’t know what you want to do with it but you know you want to keep it, your best bet is to have it cleaned and preserved. Rhonda Bauer, receiving manager for David’s Bridal in West Fargo, learned that the hard way. Her wedding dress, which was originally her stepmom’s, is hanging in her closet, and it’s not in good shape. “It’s not something my daughter will even be able to use a part of,” she says. So, the sooner, the better. David’s offers preservation kits for $189.99 or $99 if you buy it the same day as your dress. The price of cleaning and preservation ranges at Fargo’s Wedding Elegance, but brides get $25 off if they bought their dress at the store. Brides who bought their dresses from Alan Evans Bridal in Moorhead get $50 off preservation through partner Tip Top Tux, which

more the stains set in and the harder they are to get out,” she says. You can also work directly with a dress preservation company like BridalKare International (www.myweddinggownpreservation.com). Based in Buffalo, N.Y., BridalKare sells kits with a lifetime warranty for $119 plus $17 shipping. Even preserved, don’t keep your dress in a musty basement, unless it’s in a plastic tub with a lid, Bauer recommends.

Donate or sell it

Metro Creative photo

Donating to charity is one of several options for your dress.

sends dresses to Marshall, Minn., to undergo the process. The discount also applies to brides whose grooms rented tuxes from the shop.

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Kacie Weber, area leader for Tip Top Tux, advises brides to bring their dresses in when they return their tuxedos. “The longer you wait, the

There are plenty of online charities that take wedding dresses. Brides Against Breast Cancer (www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org) accepts donations from designers, manufacturers, bridal shops and individuals, including slips and veils. BABC’s Nationwide Tour of Gowns raises $2 million for cancer support programs annually. Gently used designer

gowns can be dropped off at one of the organization’s events (the next and nearest is Nov. 1-2 in Minneapolis) or mailed to their headquarters. Dresses are available in sizes 4 to 18, with an average price of $600. Other charities that take used wedding dresses include: • Brides for Haiti: www. st-josephs-haiti.com. • Brides Across America: www.bridesacrossamerica. com. • The Bridal Garden: http://bridalgarden.org. • Wish Upon a Wedding: http://wishuponawedding. org. • St. Anthony’s Bridal: www.stanthonysbridal.com. If you’d like to get some cash back for your dress, check out Tradesy (www. tradesy.com). The online style hub allows users to list new and gently used dresses. When a sale is made, they keep 9 percent and the rest goes to the seller via Paypal.

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FEBRUARY 2015

Wed without the debt By Metro Creative

Couples in the midst of planning a wedding often find themselves overwhelmed by the cost of such a meaningful yet expensive undertaking. The average wedding is as expensive as a new car or a down payment on a new house, so it’s no surprise many couples experience sticker shock when they first begin to negotiate with vendors. But as shocking as the cost of saying “I do” in front of family and friends can be, there are some tried-and-true ways to drastically reduce that cost without making the big day any less special.

Guests Many couples save the most money by reducing the number of people they invite to their wedding. Couples who come from large families may not be able to cut family members from their guest lists without

causing a significant stir, so such men and women can look for other areas to trim. Professional colleagues and old acquaintances who you no longer keep in touch with are unlikely to be offended if they don’t make the cut, and removing them from the guest list can save couples substantial amounts of money.

Venue Perhaps no element of wedding planning is more open to negotiation than the venue where the reception will take place. Many couples now choose venues that can host both the wedding and the reception, and that can save couples the cost of booking two separate locations and transporting out-of-town guests from one location to another. Venues are typically open to negotiation with regard to the price per person for the reception, and few will not

have some wiggle room built into their initial quote. If young children and teenagers will be attending the wedding, negotiate lower rates for their meals, as they won’t be drinking alcohol and therefore won’t cost the venue as much as adult guests.

Location Where a couple decides to tie the knot will have a significant impact on their bottom line. Certain locales, such as large cities, are more expensive than others. Couples who come from small towns may benefit from tying the knot close to home, as vendors tend to charge less the further they are from large metropolises. Waterfront venues, regardless of which city they happen to be in, also tend to be more expensive than venues with less impressive surroundings. Couples willing to sacrifice city lights and breathtaking views of the water are likely to

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT VIDEO?

find more affordable venues for ceremonies and receptions.

Timing The timing of a wedding also affects a couple’s bottom line. Couples hoping to get married when wedding season hits its peaks, which is generally considered the months of May and June and then also late-September into October, can expect to pay substantially more than couples willing to get married at other times of the year. Couples also can save money by choosing to get married on Friday or Sunday nights or Saturday afternoon, when many venues charge considerably less per person than they do on Saturday night, which remains the most popular night of the week to get married. The cost of a wedding is considerable, but couples can cut those costs in several ways if they’re willing to be flexible and negotiate with vendors.

Tips on giving cash as a wedding gift By Metro Creative

Whether it’s for a couple on their wedding day, a youngster just graduating high school or as a birthday gift to a beloved family member, cash has become an increasingly popular gift in recent years. • Put it on plastic. In many ways, carrying cash has become less convenient than swiping debit or credit cards when making purchases big and small. This is especially true when gifting recently minted grads or newlyweds about to head overseas, where swiping a credit or debit card is far easier than waiting in currency exchange lines at airports or hotels. Gifters who want to make their cash gifts even more convenient can purchase a prepaid debit or credit card that recipients can use anywhere. • Pool your resources with loved ones. Plumfund.com does not restrict the number of people who can contribute to a given account. This is especially convenient when loved ones have expensive big-ticket items on their holiday wish lists or wedding registries.

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Wise up about your makeup

THE DAILY REPUBLIC FEBRUARY 2015

etting

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Metro Creative photo

Hiring a professional for makeup and hairstyles is reccomended.

Correct application can save face on big day By Metro Creative

All eyes are on the bride and groom on their wedding day. Feeling beautiful and dapper can boost a couple’s confidence and ensure they look back on their wedding photographs and videos with pride. Certain beauty basics and makeup and hair strategies can help any bride look spectacular on her wedding day. The following are some dos and don’ts of wedding day beauty preparations. • DO employ the services of a professional hairstylist and makeup artist. Professionals have the experience and tools of the trade to help you to look your best. From contouring to make your face seem slimmer to enlarging the appearance of small eyes, some tricks of the trade are best left to the pros. • DON’T forget to schedule a trial run. Make this appointment several months before the wedding day so you have ample time to work with your stylists and experiment with colors and hair arrangements to fit your personality and the style

of your gown. Take plenty of pictures and notes so you will remember what needs to be on hand for the wedding day. • DO allot enough time for the wedding day beauty appointment. If you will be going to a salon, block out two or more slots instead of one. This way the stylist does not overbook and will not feel rushed. Many brides opt to have stylists come to their homes. There may be an extra charge for this service, but it may be well worth the cost. • DON’T make any drastic changes to your appearance right before the wedding. This includes changing your hair color or texture, extreme tanning, using colored contact lenses, or chopping off all of your hair. It’s better to wait until after the wedding to change your style. • DO bring a veil, headpiece, hair extensions, and any other accessories to your hair consult. This enables the stylist to practice working with these items. • DON’T tweeze or wax brows too close See MAKEUP, Page 10

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MAKEUP Continued from Page 9

to the start of the ceremony. Redness and swelling are common side effects of tweezing and waxing, and they can be difficult to mask with makeup. Instead, take care of hair removal a day or two prior to the wedding. • DO exfoliate your skin prior to the wedding. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should endure a harsh fruit acid peel or another procedure. You can exfoliate with a gentle washing of your skin with a nubby washcloth to remove any dryness and errant flakes. Moisturize well to ensure a smooth palette for makeup application. • DON’T wash or condition hair the day of the wedding. Intricate styles tend to stay better when hair has a little grip. “Dirty” hair is easier to work with than shiny, freshly washed locks. If you must wash, remember to thoroughly dry your hair before going to your appointment. • DO wear a little extra makeup than you are accustomed to wearing because it will show up better in photos. However, do not wear so much

that you look clownish. A makeup artist can help you achieve the right balance. • DON’T have bridesmaids wear makeup that is bolder than yours, especially red lips. No one should upstage the bride. • DO experiment with any products you haven’t used before to test for allergic reactions and see how well they wear. • DON’T wear too much under-eye concealer or one that is too light of a shade. This can draw more attention to problem areas than remedy them. • DO bring a pain relief medication in case a tight hairstyle or headpiece causes a headache. • DON’T forget that men need a little help as well. Exfoliation and moisturization can help dry skin. Guys should use a new razor and plenty of cream before shaving to avoid irritation. A dusting of finishing powder can banish shiny noses and foreheads for photo-ready faces. Chances are more photographs will be taken of a newlywed couple than at any other moment in their lives. Certain beauty dos and don’ts should be followed so couples put their best faces forward.

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THE DAILY REPUBLIC FEBRUARY 2015

Preserve memories through flower arrangements

the pages of a book so they are not jostled. Leave the blooms for a week or two and then check on them before putting them in a shadow box or photo frame.

By Metro Creative

A bride’s gown may garner its share of attention come her wedding day, but floral arrangements also tend to impress guests. Fresh flowers make a wedding and the ensuing reception more inviting and appealing. According to The Knot.com, couples can expect to spend 8 percent of their wedding budget on flowers. For the average wedding, that equates to roughly $2,000 for various arrangements and bouquets. That can be a considerable expense for fragile flowers with a shelf life of only a day or two. But instead of tossing beautiful bouquets and other flowers into the garbage once the wedding day has come and gone, couples can employ various methods to preserve those impressive displays for years to come.

Chemical drying

Air drying One of the easiest ways to preserve flowers is to dry them out. This is best done by hanging blooms upside down so they will remain straight and not warp or wither while drying. Secure flowers in small bundles and hang from an out-of-the-way spot in a cool, dry area. The flowers may need to remain hanging for up to three weeks before they are completely dried out. After which, gently remove the flowers and

Metro Creative photo

Couples spend roughly 8 percent of their wedding budget on flowers.

arrange them in a vase or another container. Otherwise, reassemble a bouquet how it was and carefully display.

Pressing Pressing is another way to preserve flo-

ral bouquets and arrangements. To press flowers, find a few heavy books to stack or another weighted object. Place the flowers between parchment paper or waxed paper and lay the heavy items on top. You also can place the flowers in tissue paper between

Silica gel, borax and regular sand can be used to dry and preserve flowers as well. These can be handy for people who desire to preserve an entire bouquet as-is. Silica gel is a desiccant commonly found in small packets inside of new shoes and purses. It also can be purchased at home improvement retailers and is used to dry out musty basements and other areas. Fill a deep container halfway with the silica gel or other drying material. Put in the bouquet and then gently add more product to the top of the flowers so they are completely submerged. Place a snug cover over the top of the container and let everything sit for about a week. Slowly the moisture will be absorbed from the flowers. Some people choose to spray dried flowers with a sealant to keep them looking nice longer. An all-purpose craft spray might work. You also can ask for recommendations from the florist who handled your arrangements, and that florist may even preserve the flowers for you for an additional fee.

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Wed outdoors the right way THE DAILY REPUBLIC FEBRUARY 2015

By Metro Creative

Outdoor weddings are romantic when done right, and a growing number of couples are exchanging vows amid an expansive garden or with the splendor of the pounding surf providing a picturesque backdrop. If Mother Nature cooperates, outdoor weddings can go smoothly. But even if the weather does not cooperate, there still are ways couples can enjoy a memorable ceremony. Preparation and planning help keep outdoor weddings moving along. Weather can be unpredictable and unforgiving, so it is always best to account for various scenarios. The following are some tips to consider. • Be mindful of hot weather. Many outdoor weddings occur when temperatures are at their warmest. As anyone who has

had to sit outdoors in the blazing sun for an extended period of time can attest, it can grow quite uncomfortable, especially when everyone is dressed to the nines. Advise guests in advance that the wedding will be taking place outdoors and to dress accordingly. Arrange to have shaded areas for guests who may struggle with the heat. Keep chilled bottled water nearby so guests can stay cool and refreshed. Ask the officiant to keep the ceremony brief so that guests are not melting away in their seats. • Keep wind in mind. A stiff breeze can upset tents and wreak havoc on hairstyles. Be sure everything outdoors is properly secured and weighted down. Avoid light fabrics on a wedding gown that will get swept away by wind. A short, blusher veil may be more appropriate than a

Metro Creative photo

It’s best to account for various weather scenarios when planning an outdoor wedding.

sweeping train. Couples should advise their hairstylists that they will be getting married outdoors, and looks should be well secured by bobby pins and gel to keep

THE Your first choice

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS AND GIFTS

hair in place. Stick to real dishes for food service, as plastic or lightweight materials may get blown away. • Check for power sources.

Char’s Party Center

Choose a wedding location with easily accessible power outlets. Guests will certainly want to hear the vows, and that may require See OUTDOORS, Page 13

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OUTDOORS Continued from Page 12

the use of microphones and a sound system. Having power available also makes it easier for bands and musicians to set up their equipment for an outdoor reception. If the wedding will be stretching into the evening hours, electricity will be needed to power supplemental lighting that illuminates the festivities. • Ensure accessibility. Outdoor terrain can prove tricky, especially for older guests or those with mobility issues. When scouting locations, select a wheelchair-accessible spot that can be easily traversed. Understand that turf can become waterlogged and challenging to walk over should it rain the day of the wedding or prior. Plastic or fabric runners may make things easier. Also, choose a location that isn’t too far off the beaten path. It should be close enough to a parking lot and not require guests to have to take an extended hike through nature. • Face away from the sun. Glares can make it difficult for guests to see the ceremony. Be sure to arrange seats so that guests do not have to look into the sun. This is best achieved by having the sun behind everyone for the ceremony. It also ensures that you won’t end up with washed-out photos or pictures of everyone squinting. • Ensure food is properly chilled or

heated. Dining outdoors means keeping food safety in mind. Food that is supposed to be kept cool should remain on ice or be refrigerated until served. Hot foods should remain hot. Food in chafing dishes or served buffet-style also should be protected from insects. Improper handling of food can result in foodborne illnesses. No one wants to remember a wedding for intestinal discomfort. • Use fresh ﬂowers in potted plants. Cut flowers tend to wilt prematurely in hot weather. Rather than waste money and beautiful flowers, choose potted plants that will thrive if well-tended. Guests can then take the plants home and continue to cherish the wedding long after it is over. • Budget for a tent. It is always better to have a contingency plan. Even if you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, have a backup plan in place if the weather is uncooperative. A tent with surrounding sidewalls may be sufficient. Otherwise, determine if there is an indoor location that can be kept on standby. • Mix up the candles. Intersperse citronella candles with the decorative ones to help keep bugs at bay. You can also consider placing small bottles of insect repellent on the tables. Guests will appreciate the gesture when biting flies or mosquitoes want to join in the fun. Make sure Mother Nature doesn’t rain on your outdoor wedding. Plan for all the possibilities so that an outdoor ceremony or reception goes as smoothly as possible.

Things to consider for a destination wedding By Metro Creative

Guest list The XO Group study found that destination weddings have an average of 86 guests. When sitting down to organize their guest lists, many couples realize they have well over 100 guests on their lists. Such couples may find a destination wedding especially difficult to pull off, as resorts may or may not be able to accommodate such a substantial number of guests. In addition, couples who hope to invite children to their weddings might want to reconsider a destination affair, as those youngsters’ parents will have to foot the bill for additional airfare and accommodations and, depending on when the wedding takes place, pull the kids out of school for an extended period of time. Couples with smaller guest lists might See DESTINATION, Page 14

Destination weddings with Delta Vacations Romance. Start your lives together surrounded by beautiful scenery. With a destination wedding package from Delta Vacations, you can focus on the important things — making memories surrounded by your nearest and dearest on your big day. When you book a ﬂight and hotel vacation to select destinations, you can book a complimentary wedding package or upgrade to a more elaborate wedding package. There’s also sweet savings for you and your guests. This special offer allows your family and friends to save up to $225 per booking when they attend. And when they use the offer, you get money back, up to the total cost of your own reservation. Where can you get married? You can choose to have your wedding in many romantic destinations, including: • Mexico: Cancún, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Los Cabos • The Caribbean: Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Antigua, Saint Lucia and Turks & Caicos • United States: Hawai‘i and Las Vegas

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According to a study from XO Group Inc., creator of wedding websites TheKnot. com and WeddingChannel.com, 350,000 destination weddings take place annually. Such figures reflect a growing trend of couples who want to tailor their weddings to their own personalities, even if that means tying the knot in exotic or unusual locales. But as popular as destination weddings have become, couples who have had such weddings can attest that planning a destination wedding is not necessarily easier than planning a more traditional ceremony close to home. Though destination weddings can make for memorable affairs, there are some factors couples must consider when mulling whether or not to have a destination wedding.

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DESTINATION

are often familiar enough with local weather patterns to choose a wedding date that likely won’t be interrupted by harsh weather. But choosing an overseas or distant locale erases that comfort level, and couples may find themselves worrying about storms or other inclement weather conditions as their wedding days draw nearer. Before choosing a locale for their destination weddings, couples should thoroughly research each potential destination’s weather patterns. Brides, grooms and guests alike don’t want to do all of that traveling only to end up indoors because it just sohappens to be tropical storm season.

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find a destination wedding much more manageable than those whose guest lists crack triple digits. Another thing to consider is that the larger the guest list, the more likely many of those guests will not be able to afford to attend or get enough time off from work to make it to a destination wedding. Couples who want to ensure all of their loved ones can be there with them on their big days might be better off avoiding destination weddings.

Accessibility Accessibility is a common concern for couples considering destination weddings. Destination weddings typically ask guests to travel far to attend the ceremony and reception, but there are ways to make that travel less of an ordeal. When choosing a location for their destination weddings, couples should consider the cost and convenience of travel. Remote islands are not very accessible, and as a result guests will likely have to pay a pretty penny for their flights and lodging. In addition, the more remote a destination wedding locale is, the less convenient getting there figures to be. Nonstop flights likely won’t be a possibility. Before choosing a locale for a destina-

Competition

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Consider carefully when planning a destination wedding.

tion wedding, research flights, making sure that affordable flights are available within spitting distance of loved ones’ homes and that they won’t have to suffer through multiple connecting flights when traveling to and from the wedding.

Weather Weather is another factor couples

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must consider before choosing to have a destination wedding. The XO Group study found that 30 percent of American couples who have destination weddings choose to tie the knot outside of the continental United States. That’s a distinct disadvantage for couples who likely are not very familiar with weather patterns overseas. Couples who choose outdoor weddings close to home

As destination weddings have grown in popularity, the competition for idyllic locales and top-notch venues has increased. That competition is great for venue owners’ bottom lines, but it might not be so great for couples looking to keep their wedding costs down. Costs might be considerably less in the off-season, but that’s also when storms and inclement weather tend to take hold, Booking a venue early can help couples mitigate some of the costs of a destination wedding, but the growing popularity of destination weddings might make them out of reach for couples working on tight budgets

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Transportation tips

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Safety is an utmost concern after the reception.

Don’t overlook getting to and from your wedding the question of how a couple will return home from the reception or get to the airport. The best man may offer to drive the bride and groom where they need to go. But if the best man is from out of town, he may not have a chariot awaiting to escort the newly christened husband and wife to the airport. As a result, all members of the wedding party should discuss their post-wedding travel plans in advance. Any person who will be arriving in a hired car will need to make arrangements to have their own vehicle available at the end of the wedding or be

Did you know? By Metro Creative

The timing of when a couple cuts the wedding cake can have a specific meaning. Long ago, the cake was usually cut at the very end of the reception and would signal to the guests that it was the end of the festivities. Today, cutting the cake is an unspoken signal that represents that the formal

able to call a taxi or car service to get a safe ride home. Some wedding party members may decide to park a car at the reception site or a hotel the day prior to the wedding so they will have a return ride. It’s also a good idea to ask friends or family members who are not in the bridal party for a ride home. Safety is an utmost concern after the wedding. Even if wedding party members have a car available, no one should drive when intoxicated. Couples may want to include the phone number of a local taxi service in their hotel gift bags just to be safe.

Cake cutting timing sends signal

wedding is nearing a close, and guests who would like to leave can do so without worry of being rude. Many couples will cut the cake right after dinner as a courtesy to older guests who may want to get started on their trips home. This affords them the chance to make an earlier exit, rather than staying through the dancing that could

extend into the wee hours of the night or missing the cake entirely. Cutting the cake mid-reception also serves another practical purpose for couples who are paying a photographer by the hour. Photographers typically go home after the cake-cutting, so a mid-reception cutting can save couples a substantial amount of money.

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By Metro Creative

Transportation can be easily overlooked when couples plan their weddings. Couples may recognize they may have to hire a car or limousine to get them to their ceremonies and then their receptions, but what happens when the limousine calls it a night? While some couples immediately depart for their honeymoons after saying good-bye to their wedding guests, many build a day in between the wedding and honeymoon, giving them a chance to rest, take stock of their wedding gifts and finish packing. That leaves

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The man needs his party, too Tips for groomsmen to keep tradition of bachelor festivities alive and well By Metro Creative

A bachelor party is a tradition that some might be surprised to learn extends far beyond North America. Though bachelor parties go by many different names, these get-togethers held for a man shortly before he gets married are enjoyed in Great Britain, Ireland, Australia and South Africa. The responsibility of planning a bachelor party traditionally falls on the shoulders of the groom-tobe’s best man, who can choose to plan the party on his own or enlist the help of his fellow groomsmen. Immortalized in films such as 1984’s “Bachelor Party” and the 2009 comedy “The Hangover,” bachelor parties range from the tame to the relatively raucous to the outrageous. While best-mento-be might be nervous about planning a bachelor party, the following are a handful of tips for

men who want to make a friend or family member’s bachelor weekend as memorable as possible. • Don’t go it alone. Just because you are the best man does not mean you need to plan the entire bachelor party on your own. While you might want to add a few special and personal touches to the festivities, that does not mean you can’t enlist the help of your fellow groomsmen or the groom’s friends who are not included in the bridal party. Enlisting the help of others can be especially helpful when planning a party for a large group, which can be difficult to organize. If the group is large and spread out, ask someone to represent each particular group of friends, such as childhood friends, college buddies and any professional See PARTY, Page 18

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Enlisting the help of others can be especially important when planning a bachelor party for a large group.

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PARTY

Continued from Page 17

associates who will be joining in the festivities. If the groom is your family member, you can take on the responsibility of coordinating with family members. Breaking things down can make it easier to organize and help the groom’s other close friends and family members feel like they are more involved in the festivities. • Ask the groom for a list of invitees. While it’s tradition to prevent the guest of honor from participating in the planning, it is a good idea to ask the groom for a list of people he wants to invite. This can help a best man who is not familiar with all of a groom’s friend’s or associates to organize the party, and it also ensures that friends who were not invited to the wedding are not mistakenly invited to the bachelor party. In addition, the groom may want certain people excluded from the festivities for personal reasons, so asking him for a list of invitees can help avoid any confusion or conflicts

down the road. • Choose a different locale for the bachelor and bachelorette parties. Many couples have their bachelor and bachelorette parties on the same weekend, and such parties are meant to be a chance for the groom to spend time with his male friends while the bride spends time with her female friends. So when planning the bachelor party, the best man should ensure he does not choose the same locale as the maid of honor chooses for the bachelorette party. While many couples have abandoned traditional bachelor and bachelorette parties in favor of one big party for everyone a couple of nights before the wedding, those who are sticking to tradition likely want to keep the festivities separate. A best man can work with his female counterpart, the maid of honor, to ensure the parties don’t cross paths. • Plan at least one special event for the weekend. While many men would be content to enjoy one last weekend hanging out with their male friends before tying the knot, one way to make the weekend

even more memorable for the groom-to-be is to plan at least one special event, which can act as the centerpiece of the weekend. This special event may include a group trip to attend a sporting event or an evening seeing the groom’s favorite band perform live. The event should cater to one of the groom’s interests, and if possible, keep things a surprise to make it even more memorable. • Limit the groom’s ﬁnancial responsibility. Chances are the groom has enough on his plate with regard to paying for his wedding, so it’s best to limit the groom’s financial responsibility as much as possible. Don’t let him buy any drinks or food all weekend, and if you can afford to do so, foot the bill for his transportation and lodging as well. While such gestures are certainly not obligatory, they are thoughtful and will mean a lot to the groom-to-be. Planning a bachelor party might come with some pressure, but men tasked with such a responsibility should remember to have fun and enlist others’ help when necessary.

The stamp of love

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Invitations are key for keeping guests informed.

Invitations, postage all need to be planned for By Metro Creative

Whether a couple is planning a lavish wedding or a more low key affair, the wedding invitations are an essential part of keeping guests informed about the big day. While couples can now share details of their wedding through email or even digital invitations, many still prefer to go the traditional route and send paper invitations. In addition to the cost of the

invitations themselves, couples need to factor postage into their wedding budgets. It may not seem like much, but the cost of postage can add up quickly. The following are a few postage pointers for couples about to tie the knot. • Choose envelopes wisely. The size of your envelopes contributes to the cost of the postage necessary to mail your invitations. See INVITATIONS, Page 19

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INVITATIONS Continued from Page 18

Invitations often weigh more than a typical card or letter.

Brea Nelson

Kim Weitala

up a conversation with the person behind the counter and ask advice on the best way to mail invitations and ensure they arrive looking beautiful. Choose an off-peak time so the postal employee can give you his or her full attention and will not feel rushed by a line forming behind you. The employee may suggest hand-canceling envelopes, which means the invitation will be processed by hand rather than run through machinery to avoid damage. • Stamp the return envelope. Invitations typically include response cards that guests will send back to confirm if they will be attending the festivities. To facilitate the RSVP process, stamp the response card. • Prep invitations six to eight weeks in advance. Invitations should be mailed nearly two months prior to the wedding. This allows guests time to plan and respond accordingly. • Double-check envelopes before sending. Ensure that postage is sticking well and that envelopes are well-sealed. In addition, verify that you have the most current addresses for recipients. If invitations get returned to sender, they can cost you even more time and money to resolve any issues.

• Consider custom postage. The post office should carry several attractive options for wedding invitation stamps. However, you also may be able to go online and purchase custom postage that features a graphic or an uploaded image to make the invitations even more special. • Do a test run. You may want to send a complete invitation to yourself just to see how it arrives in the mail. This way you can check the level of damage and have an opportunity to make any changes, such as adding a piece of vellum to prevent ink from smudging or to place bows or adornments in another area. • Give your mail carrier a headsup. Let your assigned mail carrier know that response cards will be on the way. They tend to be small and can get lost in among other letters and mail. A small token of gratitude, such as a gift card, for your mail carrier may ensure all of your response cards arrive. A wedding just isn’t the same without the guests. Make sure friends and family are well informed about the wedding by sending out invitations in advance and ensuring the proper postage will get those invites where they need to go.

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All you need is

Postal services have specific size and shape parameters that govern postage. Envelopes that are oddly shaped or fall outside of these strict measurements are usually susceptible to additional postage charges. That’s because the envelope cannot run through standard sorting machinery and must be hand-processed. • Consider the weight. Mailings that exceed one ounce will require additional postage, even if they are in standard envelopes. Invitations, with their various components and thick card stock, typically weigh more than one ounce. Never purchase postage in advance, as you will not know what the completed invitation costs prior to mailing. Always weigh the invitation with all inserts included to get an accurate estimate of postage. Then purchase stamps accordingly. • Get to know your local postal employee. Many postal employees, especially those who work at the smaller branches, grow accustomed to seeing the same customers over and over. They can be very helpful and good resources when it comes to saving money on postage. Strike

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