BRIDE
FEBRUARY 2019
Upstate
MAGAZINE
Three unique wedding reception ideas Choosing the perfect wedding shoes
Your checklist
& More!
BRIDE Upstate
MAGAZINE
Upstate Bride Magazine The Daily Star, 102 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY 13820 Š 2019 - All rights reserved. Publisher Fred Scheller Advertising Director Valerie Secor Layout Tracy Bender Interested in advertising in Upstate Bride Magazine? Call toll-free, 1-800-721-1000, ext 235 Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the management of the publication.
Three unique wedding reception ideas.............................................4 Old, new, borrowed and blue: a fresh take on the long-held custom..........6 Non-floral boutonnieres and corsages: reinventing tradition...................8 Choosing the perfect wedding shoes..............................................10 Your wedding checklist..............................................................12 Ways to save money without sacrificing your dream wedding................15 Fabulous wedding favors and unique bridal party gifts.........................16 Destination weddings: are they legally recognized at home?..................18 Three things to consider when planning a destination wedding..............20 How to supplement your wedding invitations with a wedding website.....22 Wedding photography trends you need to know about........................23 February 2019 2 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2019
Three unique wedding reception ideas
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If you’re getting married, but the thought of a traditional wedding reception leaves you cold, try one of these three fun alternatives:
1 2 3
Brunch reception For early birds, a morning ceremony and brunch reception is the way to go. Ask your preferred breakfast spot to cater and then serve all of the breakfast classics with espresso drinks to wake your guests up. Just because it’s early in the day doesn’t mean you have to have a dry wedding — mimosas anyone?
Backyard barbeque If you prefer to spend your Saturday nights drinking beer and hanging out with friends, why not have a backyard wedding? Find a caterer that specializes in barbeque and get dirty with some ribs or pulled pork. Serve local craft beers and set up some old-fashioned lawn games.
Cocktail party Do you find banquets a bore but still want to dance the night away? Host a cocktail party! Your venue can pass around lots of appetizers and you can create a signature cocktail for the night. With this type of reception you can use a smaller space to accommodate your guests.
A wedding reception that breaks with tradition can be more memorable, festive and affordable than the standard dinner and dancing that follows most nuptials.Your options are limited only by your imagination. ª
Old, new, borrowed and blue:
a fresh take on the long-held custom
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Y
ou’ve probably heard the 19th century bridal rhyme: “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” Are you thinking about incorporating the associated traditions into your wedding but want to do so in a modern way? Here are some fresh ideas.
Something old
Something borrowed
• Create a display of vintage photos of loved ones • Incorporate your grandmother’s pearl necklace into your hairdo • Create a broach bouquet from vintage broaches and jewelry to carry instead of flowers
• Rent a designer gown instead of buying a dress you’ll only wear once • Borrow your parents’ wedding song for your first dance • If a married friend has a similar style to you, ask to borrow her veil
Something new
• Forget a French manicure and paint your nails bold blue • Wrap your bouquet with a blue handkerchief or ribbon • If you’re wearing a ball gown, add a layer of blue tulle Given how the rhyme ends, why not tape a quarter to the bottom of your shoe for extra luck? Be sure to choose one minted the year you’re getting married. Afterwards, you can save it as a memento and someday lend it to a loved one as their own something borrowed. ª
• Find some cheeky lingerie to wear under your dress — it can be your little secret • If you’re not the type to wear jewelry, have rings tattooed on your fingers • Have a custom perfume blended just for your special day
Something blue
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FEBRUARY 2019 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 7
Non-floral boutonnieres and corsages:
reinventing
T R A D I T T I O N
raditionally at weddings, women wear corsages while the groom and other men sport floral boutonnieres. The people wearing them often include the groomsmen, the couple’s parents and grandparents and any other family members that the bride and groom want to honor. If you’re not excited about pinning a flower to your lapel or wearing one on your wrist, here are some ways to put a fresh spin on the tradition. Herbs and fruit: berries and herbs look elegant while still being fresh and green. Colorful buttons: you can make unique boutonnieres and corsages with an assortment of buttons. Wooden tees: if the bride and groom are avid golfers, tie a few colorful tees together with a bow. Feathers: they can be as colorful as flowers but are unexpected and whimsical. Ornaments made of twigs: a shooting star, a heart or a simple wreath made of dried twigs would be eye-catching. The best part about most of these options is that, unlike fresh flowers, they can be kept as souvenirs of your big day. ª
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The best part about most of these options is that, unlike fresh flowers, they can be kept as souvenirs of your big day.
FEBRUARY 2019 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 9
Choosing the perfect
wedding shoes W
hen it comes to accessories that complement your wedding dress, your shoes are arguably the most important.You want your footwear to both reflect your personal style and be comfortable enough to wear as you dance the night away. Here’s a guide
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to picking the perfect wedding shoes. Choose your dress first. You’ll want to match the style of shoes to your dress. Make sure they fit. The best time to shop for shoes is in the late afternoon. If they’re comfortable af-
ter a day of work, they’ll fit perfectly on your wedding day. Don’t experiment with high heels. If you’re not used to wearing heels, don’t attempt to wear them at your wedding. There are many flat and wedge styles that make beautiful—and comfortable—bridal shoes.
Make a statement. Shoes are a great way to add a pop of color to your wedding attire. Bring them to your dress fitting. If your dress is long, it’ll need to be adjusted to the height of your shoes. Break them in. Wear your shoes around the house to avoid any nasty surprises on the day of
your wedding. If they’re tight or uncomfortable, bring them to a shoemaker to stretch them out a bit. Lastly, don’t forget to book a pedicure before your wedding. Nothing looks better in stunning shoes than prettily pampered feet. ª
Don’t experiment with high heels. If you’re not used to wearing heels, don’t attempt to wear them at your wedding.
FEBRUARY 2019 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 11
W
edding planning can get overwhelming. In many cases, there are tasks that should be completed up to a year ahead of the event. This handy checklist will help you stay on top of all of the important details right up to the big day.
c Have a tasting with your caterer to set the menu.
Nine to twelve months before
c Select wedding favors and order them.
c Decide on a wedding budget and track all your expenses accordingly. c Set a date. c Make a guest list. c Research venues for your ceremony and reception and book the one(s)
that you like. c Decide if you want a bridal party and choose who you want to be part of your day. c Start collecting your guest’s addresses.
Three months before c Choose and order the groom’s outfit. c Start thinking about the music and choose songs for the ceremony and
the first dance. You may want to make a separate list for party music. c Start planning the rehearsal dinner.
Your
c Shop for and purchase bridesmaid’s dresses. c Order the invitations. c Buy your wedding bands.
Four months before c Reserve transportation to and from the ceremony and reception venues,
if necessary. c Have a cake tasting and finalize the cake design. c Schedule hair and makeup appointments and don’t forget to book trial runs for both. c Make a plan for decorating your ceremony and reception spaces.
c Have the first wedding dress fitting. c Shop for and buy gifts for your bridal party.
c Make sure you have your marriage license. c Start making a list of people who’ve confirmed that they’ll be attending.
c Book your vendors for the day: photographer, DJ or musician, florist,
c Choose an officiant.
c Make sure the bridesmaids and groomsmen have their outfits.
c Meet with your officiant to go through the ceremony.
c Shop for and purchase a wedding gown.
Six months before
c Send out the invitations.
One month before
Eight months before cake maker and caterer (if food isn’t included with your venue). c Register for gifts. c Build a wedding website that your guests can visit for extra information concerning your wedding.
Two months before
c If another dress fitting is required, do it now.
checklist
Two weeks before c Book an appointment to have a manicure and pedicure the day before. c Have the final dress fitting and bring it home. c Book the groom’s suit or tuxedo fitting. c Track down people who haven’t responded yet. c Confirm number of guests with your venue and caterer and don’t forget to
order meals to feed your DJ and photographer.
The week before c Make a seating chart. c Delegate any day-of tasks to your wedding party and family. c Supply your photographer with a list of pictures you want and your DJ with
a detailed playlist. c Write out checks to pay your vendors.
The day before c Relax while you have your nails done. c Give the payment checks to someone you trust in order to pay your vendors. c At the rehearsal dinner, give gifts to your bridal party.
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Your wedding day
c Have the flowers delivered to the venue.
c Make sure the venue is decorated according to your vision.
c Keep calm and enjoy. ª
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Ways to save money without sacrificing your dream wedding
T
raditional weddings can cost an arm and a leg, and sometimes leave the couple in debt before they even begin their lives together. Here are seven ways to save money while still having the wedding of your dreams. 1. Limit your guest list: only request the presence of the people that matter to you. Avoid inviting distant relatives you never see. 2. Find a beautiful location: art galleries and botanical gardens are venue options that won’t need extra decorations. 3. Choose a restaurant: not only will the food be better, but you’ll also
have all the tables, chairs and linens you need. 4. Only serve beer and wine: or if cocktails are your thing, create a signature drink to offer your guests. 5. Get a deal on the dress: buy your dress at a sample sale, or consider renting or buying a used one. 6. Minimize your florist bill: use candles as your centerpieces instead of flowers. 7. Make your own wedding album: find a photographer that will give you all of the day’s pictures on a flash drive and use an online tool to create your own photo book. ª
FEBRUARY 2019 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 15
Fabulous wedding favors and unique bridal party gifts
T
rying to decide on wedding favors? Or maybe you’re wondering what types of gifts to purchase for your bridal party? In either case, here are a few ideas to look into.
guests For the guests
Flip flops: these will be a hit when people’s feet start to hurt from dancing Flower seeds or bulbs: your guests can grow your wedding flowers at home Coaster with your initials: opt for a natural material like cork or wood
bridesmaids groomsmen For the bridesmaids
For the groomsmen
Tote bags: have hemp or canvas bags personalized with their names Jewelry: a dainty necklace or bracelet that matches their dresses Floral robes: they’ll have something to wear while getting ready and they’ll look great in your photos
Flasks: if they’re a group that likes to party, these will get a lot of use Monogrammed pocket watches: a good timepiece never goes out of style Fun socks: men don’t always get a chance to show their personality, so get them some fun socks to wear with their suits
Show some appreciation to your guests and bridal party by giving special wedding favors and gifts. And be sure to accompany the selected token with a simple thank you. ª
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DW DESTINATION WEDDINGS: are they legally recognized at home? The beautiful ocean in front of you, the sand beneath your feet and your friends and family gathered to help you celebrate your love for each other.You’ve always dreamed about getting married on the beach and now that you’re engaged, your destination wedding is within reach. But there’s a little voice in the back of your head telling you to slow down and think about it. What if your dream wedding isn’t valid at home?
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Fortunately, if you’re legally able to get married at home, and if your wedding is legal in the country you choose, the marriage should be valid in the United States. Make sure, however, that you confirm with the embassy or consulate of the destination country to find out what their marriage requirements are.You should also check with the attorney general in your state of residence to see if you need to register your wedding once you’re home. If you’re still not sure about it, there’s nothing stopping you from having a small civil ceremony at home before having a symbolic wedding wherever you choose. ª
Still not sure? Have a small civil ceremony at home before having a symbolic wedding wherever you choose.
FEBRUARY 2019 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 19
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Three things to consider when planning a destination wedding Have you long dreamed about getting married on a tropical beach or at a countryside villa in Tuscany? Wherever you decide to tie the knot, here are a few things to consider when planning your destination wedding.
1. Hiring a coordinator will make things easier Weddings require extensive planning and if yours is out of town, the details can become overwhelming. Hire someone local to the destination—or someone from home with experience coordinating events in your chosen location—to avoid unnecessary headaches.
2. Destination weddings are multi-day affairs Be sure to show your guests you appreciate them traveling to be with you on your big day by organizing a few group activities for them, either before or after the wedding.You can plan a welcome breakfast, for example, or an excursion to take in the local sights.
3. Not everyone you invite will make it Don’t be surprised if some of your loved ones can’t make it to your wedding. While it may not be a problem for all of your guests, it’s important to understand that a jaunt to Europe, a week-long all-inclusive trip to the tropics or even a weekend in the next town over isn’t in everyone’s budget. In addition to the above, think about how you’ll transport wedding essentials to the destination. If you’re traveling by plane, it’s best to pack wedding attire, rings and gifts in your carry-on bag. ª
Think about throwing a party when you get back home. This way, you’ll still be able to celebrate with the people who weren’t able to make it to your destination wedding.
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DID YOU KNOW? A first dance song at the wedding reception often sets the tone for the upcoming festivities and can exemplify just how newlyweds feel about each other. Couples may agonize over which song to choose, but there are many different resources available that can help couples narrow down their options. Spotify, the popular streaming music service, has compiled a list of the most popular wedding songs for 2018, based on global respondents. Their top pick was “Perfect,” by Ed Sheeran, a song that many might suspect was composed with wedding dances in mind. Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” Etta James’ “At Last,” John Legend’s “All of Me,” and Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” filled out the remaining top five spots on Spotify’s list. ª
How to supplement your wedding invitations with a wedding website Wedding invitations traditionally include a few different cards and a whole lot of information. If you’re planning a wedding and want to cut down on the amount of paper you send, a wedding website is the perfect way to communicate with your guests.
What needs to be on the invitation All basic information about your wedding needs to be on the invitation. This includes the full names of the bride and groom to be, the location of the wedding and the date and time it’ll take place. Traditionally, your parent’s names would also be included, but if you’re paying for your own wedding, you can take or leave this tradition. Include the URL to your wedding website so people know how to access it.
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RSVP cards
Building a wedding website is easy and often times free. Use one of the following host sites: ¤ withjoy.com ¤ minted.com ¤ weddingwire.com ¤ theknot.com Alternatively, you can build your wedding website using Wordpress.com; they even offer a free wedding theme.
Your guests need a way to tell you whether or not they can make it to your wedding.You can include this with your invitation, or have people respond on your website. Both options are acceptable, but keep in mind that some of your older guests may not understand the lack of a response card.
What to put on your wedding website Use the website to let your guests know about accommodations, the gift registry and directions to the venue.You can also include some photos of the two of you, introduce guests to your wedding party or add local fun facts for people from out of town. ª
W
hether you spend two weeks or two years planning your wedding, it’ll be over in the blink of an eye. To ensure you capture the event with beautiful photographs you’ll appreciate for a lifetime, take a look at these three inspiring wedding photography trends: 1. Drone photography. If your wedding is taking place in a beautiful outdoor location, a drone can create awe-inspiring photos that are impossible to get from the ground. Since photography drones are basically miniature helicopters with cameras attached to them, be sure to hire an experienced and licensed operator to avoid disaster. 2. Smoke bombs. Photographers are now incorporating colorful puffs of smoke that add an unexpected and untra-
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TRENDS you need to know about
ditional element to wedding photos. Available in any color, smoke bombs can be used in different ways to add touches of whimsy or drama to your pictures. 3. Photojournalistic photos. Also called reportage style photography, these photos have a more candid and natural look than traditional shots. While your photographer will likely still cue you for some pictures, they’ll be using smaller, less obtrusive cameras to capture intimate moments from your wedding ceremony and reception. No matter what type of pictures you eventually want to see framed on your mantle, the key to having beautiful photographs you and your partner will love is to work closely with your photographer. ª
FEBRUARY 2019 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 23
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