AUGUST 2020
Upstate
MAGAZINE
Wedding registry tips
WEDDINGS by the numbers
Small ceremony, big crowd
BRIDE Upstate
MAGAZINE
Upstate Bride Magazine The Daily Star, 102 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820 © 2020 - All rights reserved.
Publisher Fred Scheller
Advertising Director Valerie Secor
ON THE COVER:
Layout Tracy Bender
William and Alexandra Weinert were married on October 5, 2019, at The Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown. The photographer was Amanda Lee Popp, owner of Popp’s Topps and Snapshots. The florist was Jackie Hull, owner of A Rose is a Rose Florist. Best wishes to the couple!
Interested in advertising in Upstate Bride Magazine? Call toll-free, 1-800-721-1000, ext 235 Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the management of the publication.
Consider wedding insurance............................................ 3
Weddings by the numbers..............................................12
Tips for a successful marriage proposal............................... 4
Storing your wedding dress............................................14
Alternatives to engagement rings...................................... 5 Embrace technology...................................................... 6 Second marriage guide................................................... 8 Wedding registry tips..................................................... 9
Selecting the right space................................................16 Small ceremony, big crowd.............................................18 Make a statement with your wedding cake..........................20
Make healthy habits a part of wedding prep.........................10
Get schooled on wedding terminology...............................22
A wedding day shaving guide for grooms............................11
Communicating with vendors.........................................23
August 2020 2 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020
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Consider wedding insurance W
ithout much notice, many couples across the world were forced to improvise and change their plans when adjusting things for their big day. But what is wedding insurance and how can it help you reduce your risk of losing money when planning your wedding? Basically, wedding insurance covers a problem with the venue or a supplier. It can also offer financial coverage in the case of a key wedding party member falling ill. You can work with your local insurance providers to look at the various options on the marketplace. In most cases, depending on the type of coverage a couple takes out, a wedding will be cov-
Never has wedding insurance been such a hot topic than throughout the COVID-19 global pandemic. ered by insurance policies for the following: • A venue cancels on you. • A supplier changes plans. • Cancellation required due to a key guest not being able to attend due to poor health. • Personal liability and legal expenses. • Lost, stolen or damaged goods. • COVID-19-related cancellations.
Protect Yourself Let’s face it. Weddings are expensive. In order to be covered against the risk of losing a big portion of your budget, wedding venues will often actually require that you secure liability insurance to protect yourself and the venue during your big event. This insurance provides you with protection if someone is injured at your wedding or one of your guests causes property damage to the venue. Many of these policies offer high limits and come with zero deductible.
Cancellation or Postponement Insurance One portion of wedding insurance includes cancellation or postponement policies. This gives you an extra level of protection throughout the wedding planning process.Your provider may be able to reimburse you for lost deposits and non-refundable payments if you are forced to postpone or cancel your wedding due to circumstances out of your control. Many policies will also cover you if a wedding vendor cancels on you and you need to hire a new, more expensive vendor. This can include additional coverage against loss or damage to wedding photographs and videos, wedding gifts, wedding rings or wedding day attire. ª AUGUST 2020 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 3
While there is no proposal playbook, these guidelines can assist those ready to take the leap.
Tips for a successful
MARRIAGE PROPOSAL
P
eople ready to “pop the question” may wonder about the right way to initiate an engagement proposal. Because a marriage proposal is such a memorable moment in a couples’ lives together, those doing the proposing often go to great lengths to ensure things go smoothly. While there is no proposal playbook, these guidelines can assist those ready to take the leap. • Add a personal touch. It’s easy to get caught up in making a marriage proposal a spectacle or something worthy of a social media post. But taking a sweetheart back to a special place that recalls a significant moment can set the backdrop for a memorable proposal. Incorporating the place you first met or a special song into the proposal can
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make it that much more personal and meaningful. • Embrace the old fashioned. It may be romantic to step back in time and followed the traditions of yesteryear. Show respect to future in-laws by speaking to them about intentions to propose and ask for their blessings. Get down on bended knee when asking for a sweetheart’s hand. Such gestures add up to meaningful expressions of love. • Consider timing. A person may be so excited to propose that he or she fails to consider how the other person in the relationship is feeling. If that person is overwhelmed by work projects or stressed about upcoming events, consider waiting to propose at a more relaxed time. • Enlist help from others. It can
be a challenge to keep your excitement hidden while collecting information about a future spouse’s likes and dislikes. Ask friends and close family members to be your accomplices so that information can be gathered without generating suspicion. This can be especially helpful when finding the perfect ring. • Keep it simple. The more complex a proposal, the more opportunities for things to go wrong. Simplicity, even if it means keeping the proposal to yourself until the question has been popped, can make for an extra special moment. Marriage proposals happen every day. With humor, confidence and a heart full of love, popping the question can be a success. ª
Alternatives to engagement rings Engagement rings are often sizable investments. Money magazine reports the average engagement ring costs around $5,800. An engagement ring symbolizes the start of a lifelong commitment and may even set the tone for a couple’s wedding day. Jewelry styles are personal, and grooms-to-be should carefully research their significant others’ preferences in terms of precious metals, colors and gemstones. Even though tradition holds that a diamond gemstone is classic for engagement rings, these precious stones are not the only options. In fact, before World War II, just 10 percent of proposals involved diamond engagement rings. That number jumped to 80 percent by 1990. However, many modern couples now lean toward other offerings not only for the uniqueness they provide, but also for the potential cost savings. Those seeking something unique can embrace these engagement ring options. • Amethyst: This vibrant, lavender-hued stone can be breathtaking when cut the correct way. Purple shades have long been associated with royalty, making an amethyst fitting for such an occasion as special as an engagement. Because amethysts, which are less expensive than diamonds, are a seven on the Mohs scale for gemstone hardness, they can be very durable. • Knot rings: These rings do
not have a center stone. Rather, they’re designed to be a tied knot or infinity symbol. These rings can be particularly sentimental as they represent true, unbroken love. • Opal: Gemstones, like flowers, have been assigned certain meanings. Tying the engagement ring to one of them can infuse more symbolism into the relationship. Opal, for example, represents love, passion, creativity, spontaneity, and inspiration. Those traits seem tailor-made for surprise proposals. • Sapphire: While sapphire stones often are blue, they can also be yellow, green, pink, and white. Sapphires are the third hardest mineral. A white sapphire can be the perfect diamond replacement. • Garnet or ruby: Red is the definitive color of love. A Valentine’s Day proposal can be made even more special by presenting an engagement ring with a red gemstone. • Moissanite: The jewelry source Brilliant Earth says moissanite is a gemstone first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan in a meteorite that fell to earth. It is remarkably similar to a diamond in appearance and strength. Moissanite also has heightened brilliance, with a refractive index higher than that of a diamond. Couples have many beautiful alternatives to diamonds that they can explore when shopping for engagement rings. ª
Many modern couples now lean toward other offerings not only for the uniqueness they provide, but also for the potential cost savings. Those seeking something unique can embrace these engagement ring options. AUGUST 2020 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 5
Embrace technology
T
here are a slew of online companies offering digital solutions that can bring your wedding planning to the next level, while also making things easier and more convenient for you and your soonto-be spouse.
your options through the internet. Once you whittle down your list of favorites to a select few venue options, you can devote your time and energy to actually visit them for your final decision-making process.
Book a Venue Tour
Take advantage of at-home try-on services for attire. This is a great way to sample the latest trends in wedding dresses, veils, tuxedos, vests, shoes and other options. Search online to find cost-effective companies offering free trials and flexible policies. Renting wedding attire is always the cheapest option, unless you plan on passing down the clothing to future generations.
Many venues will let you book a tour ahead of time, giving you a peak into their environment and atmosphere from the comfort of your own living room. This type of digital tour can even get your parents, grandparents or friends into the mix. Ask any venue you are considering if they offer a virtual tour and start getting to know
Try-On Services
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Technology is one of the greatest tools at our disposal today. That goes for everything from working online to educating your kids with videos and lesson plans. If used correctly, it can also elevate the wedding planning experience.
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Many companies offer rental solutions that let you return items when you’re finished trying them out with convenient packaging and free shipping.
Digital Invitations One way to save money on your wedding planning is to think digital. Paper printing is expensive, especially if you’re inviting a smaller number of guests and can’t take advantage of bulk pricing. You can find online invitation solutions that send digital invites to your guests in classy, sophisticated designs. You can add animations and design the invite in your wedding colors for a completely custom look. Technology companies have improved their offerings, which may make it easier to announce your engagement and invite faraway guests to experience your ceremony. ª
Wedding website dos and don’ts Technology continues to infiltrate all areas of life. So it should come as no surprise that apps and digital organization play a prominent role in many couples’ weddings. Couples may now feel it is necessary to design a wedding website to keep their guests up-to-date. Though they’re useful when planning a wedding, websites are not a must-have, according to bridal etiquette experts. However, those who choose to delve into the world of wedding websites can keep these pointers in mind when navigating. DO use the wedding website as a central hub for putting pertinent information about the wedding that may not be covered on invitations or save-the-date cards. DON’T ignore the potential for identity theft and privacy. Wedding websites can put quite a deal of personal information out for public consumption. Not only will the website advertise when the wedding takes place (when your home and the homes of all your guests will be empty), but also it could include birthdays, maiden names, and other information that would normally be more difficult to track down. DO use a wedding website provider that gives you the option to password protect your website. Urge guests not to share this protected information with others. DON’T caption engagement photos, bachelorette party photos and more with dates and names on the wedding website and on other social media. DO skip the wedding website if you are strongly opposed to it. When properly composed, a wedding invitation will convey all the pertinent details. A group email or phone calls can alert guests to any changes after the fact. DON’T forget to link to gift registries. DO use the wedding website to collect responses and then make a table seating arrangement online. This will help you stay more organized and streamlined. Wedding websites are yet another tool couples can use to stay organized as they plan their weddings.
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Second marriage guide Taking a chance on love and marriage for the second (or third) time is certainly worthy of celebration. The Pew Research Center reports that at least four in 10 new marriages now include at least one partner who has been married before, a trend that is on the rise. Planning a second wedding can be challenging, as individuals may be worried about proper etiquette, superstitions or meeting the expectations of others. But there are no hard rules governing second weddings. Now that couples are older and a bit more experienced, wedding planning may be met with greater enthusiasm and patience. These tips can help the process along. • Dress it up. Brides need not eschew white if they prefer to wear it for their second weddings. White, cream, ivory, or other shades are perfectly acceptable. Also, brides can make their gowns as lavish or as simplistic as they desire.The length and style of the dress should reflect the formality and scope of the event. • Make it unique. Couples who have been married before may want to set this new occasion apart from their previous weddings. Brides magazine experts suggest discussing previous celebrations and what can be done differently this time around. Couples can use this opportunity to get to know each other more intimately by personalizing their festivities. • Don’t feel beholden to intimate affairs. Second weddings tend to be more intimate, as guest lists tend to be smaller and couples tying the knot again may prefer more intimacy and less hustle and bustle. But couples should not avoid inviting people simply because second weddings are typically small affairs. Invite as many friends and family as you want and as your budget allows. • Set up a registry. Established couples may have the household basics already in place, but registries can include fun or entertaining gifts that speak to couples’ interests. These may include home
theater systems, fancy cookware, athletic equipment, or even funds for travel. • Involve the children. Couples who have children can make them a special part of their second wedding celebrations. Kids can play any role in the ceremony, depending on their age. If the second marriage comes after an amicable divorce, couples can invite their former spouses to provide support to their children so they can feel comfortable in the wedding. • Be prepared. The marriage application process is similar the second time around, but additional documents, such as a divorce decree or death certificate, may be necessary. These legal documents also will be needed for men and women who intend to change their last names after getting married. A second marriage deserves as much celebration as the first and gives couples an opportunity to express their love for each other and their appreciation to their friends and families. ª DJ SERVICES - LIGHTING - HEATERS FLOORING - AV RENTALS - GENERATORS DANCE FLOORS - SOUND SYSTEMS PHOTO BOOTH - FURNITURE RENTAL EVENT PLANNING - FABRIC AND DECOR RESTROOM TRAILERS
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WEDDING REGISTRY TIPS
Building a wedding registry is a task unlike any other couples may encounter during their lifetimes. Wedding registries are invaluable resources that provide engaged couples’ loved ones with gift suggestions. In spite of that value, couples may find it daunting and even a little uncomfortable to build their wedding registries. Building a wedding registry can feel like walking a tightrope. Couples likely won’t want to ask for too much or for gifts that are too expensive, but a poorly built registry can be a major inconvenience for guests. The following tips can help couples build adequate registries that benefit them without asking too much of their guests. • Register with more than one store. It’s important to register with more than one store. Doing so makes things as convenient as possible for guests and increases the chances they will be able to shop at stores they’re familiar with. Unless your guest list is predominantly local, try to register with at least one national chain so guests who live in different regions can shop for gifts in-person if they prefer to do so. • Make a large list. Some couples are hesitant to make large wedding registries, feeling that doing so gives the impression that they’re asking for too much. But large registries simply give guests more options to choose from. Many industry insiders advise registering for two to three gifts per guest. That might seem like a lot, but guests will appreciate having all of those options. • Don’t hesitate to include expensive items on your registry. Couples also may be hesitant to include especially expensive items on their wedding registries. However, the couples’ parents and other close relatives may be honored to purchase more expensive items, so couples should not feel embarrassed to include them on their lists. It’s also important to note that many retailers, after couples’ wedding days have come and gone, discount registry items that weren’t purchased. So even if no one purchases the more expensive items, including them on a registry may significantly reduce their cost for couples who want to buy such items themselves after tying the knot. • Vary the prices of items on the list. In addition to including more expensive items on the registry, make sure to include moderately priced and inexpensive items. This gives guests more options and ensures guests who might be spending a lot to travel to and from the wedding can still purchase gifts without digging too much deeper into their pockets. • Periodically update the registries. Periodically update your registries to remove items you have already received and to add items if many of the less expensive ones have already been purchased. This also makes things more convenient for guests. Building a wedding registry is a unique task that couples can embrace as their wedding day draws near. ª AUGUST 2020 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 9
Make healthy habits a part of wedding prep After the big question is popped and loving partners decide to spend their lives together as a married couple, a whirlwind of activity will ensue. Although wedding planning is exciting, some couples may feel overwhelmed with all the decisions that need to be made before they can tie the knot. In this state of increased pressure, stress may build and health could falter. According to a Cornell University study, more than 70 percent of brides-to-be have weight loss on the brain, but shedding pounds shouldn’t be the only health factor to consider. Here are some easy ways to stay mentally and physically fit in advance of a happy wedding day. • Get daily exercise. Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy body weight and keeping stress levels in check. Exercise also can boost mood. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. Strength training exercises performed at least twice a week complete a well-balanced exercise regimen. • Slow down and relax. Those who go full-throttle with all of their responsibilities – including wedding planning – may burn out. Stress can weaken the immune system and make people vulnerable to illness. Schedule some time for date nights with your fiancé, and don’t overlook the benefits of hanging out with friends and getting away from wedding planning for a bit. • Eat body-boosting foods. The foods we eat can impact everything from energy levels to skin radiance. Foods like berries, sweet potatoes, broccoli, greens, green tea, and dark chocolate all contain antioxidants that boost the immune system, states The Food Network. Avoid drastic diets that can do more harm than good. Simply cutting 500 calories a day can help the average person lose a pound per week if weight loss is a goal. Simple ways to trim calories are to choose skim milk over whole milk and choose low-calorie snacks. • Cut down on alcohol consumption. Toasting to the future with a glass of wine may become rote in the months leading up to the wedding, but alcohol is a diuretic and a source of liquid calories. Alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body and cause it to hold onto water. When imbibing, stick to low-calorie cocktails like a vodka spritzer (60 to 80 calories) instead of a calorie-laden frozen margarita (300 calories). Feeling and looking one’s best starts long before the wedding day. By making health a priority, couples can start their new lives together on healthy footing. ª 10 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020
A wedding day shaving guide for grooms Grooms are often content to let their brides-to-be shine on their wedding day. But weddings are a showcase of the two people getting married – and grooms matter! Grooms can take steps to look handsome and polished, but may wonder what they can do to put their best feet forward when all eyes and cameras are facing their way. Addressing skin care and proper shaving techniques is essential. Although shaving is a seemingly simple task, some men struggle through the process because they haven’t mastered the basics for a clean, comfortable shave. Grooms who do not already have beards should be clean shaven for their wedding days. Brickell Men’s Products advises that the first step to a good shave is to shower before shaving. The warm water and steam will open up pores and follicles, allowing the hair to protrude as much as possible out of the skin. The more it sticks out, the cleaner the shave will be. Many men fail to prep their skin before shaving. It is important to rinse the face with a pre-shave soap and warm water to remove excess oil and dead skin that clogs razor blades. Try a non-lathering or natural shave cream that does not
contain the potentially irritating chemicals that create the lathering effect, but will still offer lubrication to help get a closer shave. The right razor can make all the difference. While an electric shaver can serve in a pinch, come the day of the wedding, work with a traditional razor, either disposable or cartridge style. Start with a fresh, new and sharp blade so it is effective. Some men prefer a single blade for a close shave, while others like razors with multiple blades. Grooms should use what has worked for them in the past, as now is not the time to experiment. While shaving, go with and against the grain, or what feels comfortable to take off the hair without having to go over areas repeatedly and risk irritating the skin. Gillette advises rinsing blades often during shaving. However, do not tap the razor against the sink to dislodge the whiskers, as this can damage or dull the razor. Finish up by rinsing with cool water and applying a moisturizer or specially designed aftershave product. It can take up to 48 hours for skin to heal after a shave and keeping it hydrated can diminish irritation. ª
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AUGUST 2020 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 11
C
onsider the following research statistics, facts and figures, reported by the award-winning travel information website, TripSavvy. Some of the numbers may surprise you or even inspire you when it comes to planning your special day.
Engagement Statistics • 99% of grooms do the proposing. • 16% of proposals occur in December. • The average American engagement lasts 15 months. • The average diamond engagement ring is $6,163.
99%
WEDD
by the n
Wedding Statistics
• Every year, an average of 2.4 million weddings are performed in the U.S. • Today’s median age for brides is 29 years. For grooms, it’s 31 years. • The median age for remarriage is 34 for brides and 37 for grooms. • Each weekend an average of 44,230 weddings takes place. • The most popular months for weddings are September and October.
Cost Statistics
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• $35,329 is the average amount spent on a traditional American wedding. • Per-guest cost is $268. • Bachelor party attendees spend on average $738. Bachelorette party spending averages $472. • The average amount each guest spends to attend the wedding is $703.
$268
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Weddings and honeymoons are big b handsomely on these events to en
DINGS $70
• The average amount spent on a wedding gift is in the $70-$100 range. • In 19% of cases, the brides’ parents pay for the wedding. • 32% of brides and grooms pay for the wedding themselves.
numbers
business. People are willing to spend nsure the experience of a lifetime.
Destination Wedding Statistics • 25% of marriages are destination weddings. • 340,000 destination weddings take place each year. • The destination wedding market accounts for $16 billion in annual spending. • The average budget for a destination wedding is $28,000. • The average number of guests at a destination wedding: 48. • 9 out of 10 couples say the weather is a key factor in selecting a destination. • 60% of destination weddings take place in a domestic location and 40% international.
25%
Destination Wedding Locations
The leading destinations for out-of-town weddings are: • Las Vegas (80,000) • Hawaii (20,000) • U.S. Virgin Islands (5,100) • Jamaica (5,000) • Bahamas (4,000) ª
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5,000
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Storing your
WEDDING DRESS If you receive your wedding dress well in advance or are experiencing a wedding postponement, you may be wondering how to properly store your dress.
Gowns are a big expense and keeping them properly maintained can give you confidence that you are protecting your investment. There are some steps to take to ensure your gown is in flawless condition for your special day. Your boutique or local bridal salon will be able to give you specific instructions on best care and storage, but the best guidance is typically in a dark, dry spot that doesn’t have access to direct light. Something else to keep in mind is that humidity and direct sunlight can cause bleaching or fabric decay. Follow the tips below to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your gown in perfect shape.
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Closet Storage If you plan on storing your wedding dress in your closet, experts recommend you use the hanger straps to keep everything in the best shape possible. You should also utilize a breathable fabric storage bag instead of a plastic bag, especially throughout the warmer months. This will help keep moisture buildup to a minimum, which will help reduce the chance of stubborn odors creeping in.
Storing Heavier Gowns Some experts provide specifications for even heavier material, which can include ornate beading or structured lace.These extra items can weigh down the dress and damage it if it’s hanging for too long a time period. In that case, you may be better off taking the gown off the hanger, placing a sheet down on your bed and folding the gown into the sheet for flat storage. Once you have it folded it up, you can place it in your closet or under your bed for safe-keeping.
Don’t Forget Your Bridesmaids The same dress storage rules apply for other members of your bridal party. And on top of storage, experts recommend that you try your dress on once per month, every month until the event. This will help ensure a proper-fitting dress come wedding time. This can be particularly important advice if you have a dress that has been altered. ª
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Selecting the right space
nd while large-group restrictions may be a barrier in being able to secure one of these venues in the short-term, it’s never too early to start mapping out how you’d like your perfect day to go.
Consider the Guest Experience Before landing on a specific venue, think about how the day will unfold. Will you want the ceremony and reception in the same location? Will you be allowed to design and decorate the space the way that you want? Is the cost of the venue within your budget? These are all critical questions that can help you narrow down your choices to a select few. 16 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020
When it comes to your wedding reception venue, there’s plenty of creative options to make sure all of your needs are met. From churches to barns, boutique hotels or restaurants, your options are limitless. Talk to a Planner First If organization is not typically your thing, you may consider talking to a wedding planner about getting these key details ironed out. Planners are likely more familiar with the capabilities of a space, the layout and the requirements needed to decorate it according to your needs. Planners likely have information on the decision-makers within each space, as well, and are more likely to have a history with negotiating costs with them.
Consider Your Goals If you’re planning a modern wedding, look at venues that fit your vision. Places like art galleries or warehouses can be transformed to fit your design specifications. If you’re planning a more natural or rustic wedding, outdoor venues such as
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parks or a stylish backyard may be a better fit. Never settle and always research every option to make sure you can secure the best venue for your budget and goals.
Know Your Accommodations There is no need in securing a giant venue if you’re planning on keeping your guest list small. Alternatively, if you choose a venue that is too small for your guest list and more guests attend than you were originally expecting, you may be caught in an awkward situation. The number of expected guests should be a key factor in researching the size and layout of your venue. ª
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Small ceremony,
BIG CROWD
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here are many benefits to a smaller ceremony, including reduced cost, stress and logistics if you pull it off correctly. You can also get more value for your dollar when it comes to paying for vendors, food and drink. Your wedding planner and decorator may also thank you for a smaller ceremony because there will be less hassle than having to decorate a larger space. When weighing the options of hosting a smaller wedding, be sure to talk it over with your future spouse. A smaller, more intimate setting means you’ll likely have to limit the number of invitations you send out, which can be a stressful experience on its own because you’ll need to deal with the potential of leaving important people off your guest list.
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More Connection With Your Guests
The small wedding ceremony is all the rage across the United States as couples look to get back to more intimate celebrations with those closest to them.
One of the main benefits of a smaller wedding is a more manageable crowd size. You may feel like you are able to spend more time with your guests by limiting the invite list. Many brides and grooms will tell you their wedding day was a blur and they regret not spending more time with specific friends or members of their families. A smaller ceremony can help lessen the amount of people you feel obligated to entertain on your special day.
Deciding on the Guest List Typically, a small wedding lends itself to about 50 people. That’s 25 people on each side. If the thought of limiting your list to these numbers makes you cringe, then maybe a smaller wedding isn’t for you.
Consider if you want to extend guests to the reception following the ceremony, or if you prefer to keep your wedding party small and exclusive. Finally, be sure to have a plan to address those who don’t make the invite list.
Be open and honest with them about your thoughts behind a smaller ceremony and let them know this doesn’t make them any less special to you. As a special gesture, you can send post-wedding photographs or videos to make them feel like they were part of your day. ª
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Make a statement with your
WEDDING CAKE
Brides and grooms may pour over every detail of their weddings, but few components of the festivities may be as fun, especially for foodies, as deciding what the wedding cake will look like. Couples who want to deliver show-stopping visuals often express some measure of their creativity and personalities through statement wedding cakes. Many couples now eschew the classic threetiered white cake in favor of a dessert that garners instant attention. Whether the cake is brightly colored or hand-painted, a towering architectural marvel or shimmering in metallics, couples are opting to make a statement with their confections. Apart from clever cake-toppers, here are ways to stand apart when dessert is served. • According to the Perfect Wedding Guide,
a rising trend in cakes is to cover a white or naked cake with translucent glaze tinted in the couple’s wedding colors. This artistic expression can be especially stunning in bohochic weddings. • Statement tiers also are popular. The cake may be traditional in nearly every way, but couples then set the cake apart by featuring an elaborate design or a different hue in one tier. • Martha Stewart Weddings advises that more than just color can be used to make a statement. Lifelike sugar flowers can really set cakes apart. Guests may not be sure if they can consume all aspects of some cakes. But delicate sugar flowers taste as good as they look. • Hand-painted tiles on a cake are another way to add panache. A bride and groom may be inspired by a European vacation or the stained-glass effects of religious windows and want to add that feel to the tiers of the cake. • Sometimes a statement comes by way of texture. Even an all-white cake can be dressed up with interesting textural effects. Ruffles, lace, embossing, and 3-D rosettes are different textural components that can be incorporated in cake designs. • Couples also may want to tell their unique stories with cake. Individual tiers designed to reflect various milestone moments from the couple’s relationship can be quite engaging. • Capitalizing on the trend of edgier weddings, couples may opt for darker hues on their cakes – even a black tier – or nontraditional geometric shapes to the cake itself or its design elements. Statement cakes can really say something about the couple getting married. Much like other wedding elements, cakes provide a window into the minds of happy couples. ª SENIVPETRO|WWW.FREEPIK.COM
20 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020
Couples about to embark on their wedding journeys will likely learn a thing or two about party planning once their engagements are over and they are newly married. Wedding planning can seem overwhelming and a tad confusing at times, but a crash course in wedding terminology can help couples make more informed choices along the way. ¥ Blusher: A short, single-layer veil that covers the bride’s face before the ceremony. ¥ Boutonnière: A single flower bud worn by the men in the bridal party. ¥ Canapés: Bite-sized appetizers served during the cocktail hour of a reception. ¥ Civil ceremony: A marriage ceremony conducted by a council official or justice of the peace at a municipal location rather than in a house of worship. ¥ Cocktail hour: Typically an hourlong interlude between the wedding ceremony and the main dinner of the reception. Guests have time to arrive and mingle before being seated. ¥ Corkage fee: A fee some establishments charge to allow guests to bring their own wine. ¥ Dais: A podium or platform raised from the floor where the bride and groom are seated. ¥ Deposit: A percentage of the total cost of service given to a vendor to secure a date for their services. ¥ Dragées: Round, small edible balls of sugar that appear on wedding cakes. 22 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2020
Get schooled on wedding terminology
¥ Escort (seating) cards: Printed cards that direct reception guests to their seats. ¥ Fondant: A sweet, plyable product used to decoratively cover layered cakes. It can be used in lieu of straight buttercream. ¥ Handle wrap: Ribbon or fabric that wraps around the stems of a bouquet the bride and wedding party carries. ¥ Maid/matron of honor: The title given to the woman who assists the bride and stands closest to her at the altar. “Maids” are those who are unmarried, while “matrons” are women who are. ¥ Master of ceremonies: An individual who will work with the DJ or band to announce the various components of the wedding reception. ¥ Nosegay: A small bouquet or flower arrangement typically given to the mothers of the bride and groom before the ceremony. ¥ Processional/Recessional: Musical pieces that mark the entrance and exit from the wedding ceremony. ¥ Receiving line: A line of the key people in the wedding who welcome and greet guests. ¥ Stationery: All of the paper products used at the wedding, including invitations, programs and enclosures. ¥ Tablescape: A word that describes the multiple components of centerpiece designs. Learning some basic wedding terminology can simplify wedding planning. ª
© ADOBE STOCK
Communicating with vendors
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During the planning phase of your wedding, you’re going to get to know your vendors very well. They will come to understand the most intricate plans of your special day and will be committed to making them all happen for you.
hen it comes to communicating with them, your main goal should be staying on the same page all the way up to your wedding day. The last thing you want to happen is a mix-up about how many people your caterer will be serving or how many chairs you need for the ceremony. Communication is key when it comes to wedding vendor management. Ask your vendors what their preferred method of communication is to minimize delays on important decisions and details. Make yourself available as much as possible in case a time-sensitive question comes up during the planning phase.
Organization is Critical You will accrue multiple documents and emails from your vendors throughout the planning process. If you are sent digital files, be sure to print them out and keep all important documentation, including contracts, inside a labeled binder, drawer or box. You’ll probably need to refer back to these documents as you continue through the planning process, so it’s imperative you have quick,
easy access to them. When it comes to email, make sure you’re checking your inbox and even your spam folder frequently to make sure you’re not missing important messages. Create a wedding folder for an easy, convenient way to keep your emails organized.
Short on Time? Assign a Point of Contact Dealing with multiple people can confuse the process in a hurry. If you’re not the one who will be managing interactions with your vendors, make sure to appoint someone as that key point of contact. If you decide to hire a wedding planner, this is their role. If you are going with a smaller, more intimate wedding ceremony that doesn’t require a planner, ask someone on your bridal party or in your family if they can take on the task of helping bridge the gap between you and your vendors. A single point of contact will help streamline the process and keep everyone on the same page. ª AUGUST 2020 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 23
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