2018 A Bride & Groom’s Handbook
Rustic Bouquets
add natural flair to wedding celebrations
Wedding Costs What to Expect
February 2018 A Special Supplement to the
Serious Style
Wedding styles for short-haired brides
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Real People. Real Life.
Weddings • North County Outlook
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February 14, 2018
A Bride & Groom’s Handbook
Index
3 The benefits of hiring local vendors 4 Wedding costs: What to expect 5 How to handle seating wedding guests 6 Rustic bouquets add natural flair to weddings 7 Wedding styles for short-haired brides
8 What to consider when choosing wedding venue 9 Engagement ring buyer’s guide
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The benefits of hiring local vendors Local vendors are often a go-to choice when couples are planning their wedding ceremonies and receptions. As the “shop local” movement grows in popularity, weddings present a prime opportunity to embrace this movement. Couples may have different ideas regarding where to tie the knot, but local vendors can be hired regardless of geography. Brides magazine says the biggest factor influencing wedding location is the size of the guest list and the number of people
who wouldn’t be able to attend if the wedding was in a particular locale. Hometowns might be the traditional choice regarding wedding location, but the XO Group, which helps plan events, says one in four couples now host destination weddings. Once couples choose a town or city to host their weddings, they can begin exploring the benefits of working with locally-based vendors. Familiarity Local vendors will be
There are a number of benefits for couples who hire local vendors for their wedding.
See LOCAL on page 10
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February 14, 2018
Wedding costs: What to expect Newly engaged couples may experience an array of emotions when they sit down to plan their weddings. Some couples cannot wait to jump into planning, while others may proceed with caution because they don’t know what to expect — particularly in regard to cost. Many couples find it difficult to create their wedding budgets because they have no previous experience to draw on. “I make couples plan out
what is most important to them, in the exact order of the items they want,” said Emily Sullivan, owner of the Marysville wedding planning business Prudence and Sage. After creating a list, Sullivan said to then figure out what the couple will realistically be able to afford. “We figure out in advance what their budget will be, based on what they have saved, what their famSee COSTS on page 11
For many couples, planning for the cost of the wedding can be challenging.
Weddings • North County Outlook
February 14, 2018
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How to handle seating wedding guests
Finding the right seating arrangements for your wedding guests is an important part of planning.
Regardless of the size or style of a wedding, they all share a common element: they will require couples set up seating arrangement for guests. Even though assigned seating isn’t mandatory, selecting seats makes things simpler and reduces confusion. Some reception venues may even require assigned seating so that catering staff can service tables accordingly. Seating guests can be tricky, but employing a few strategies can make the process go quickly and smoothly.
Use a seating chart. A seating chart, whether it’s venue-specific or one couples make themselves, is essential. If you’re using a self-made chart, inquire with the venue about the shape of tables, how many guests each table can seat, and the location of tables around the space. Consider traditional seating arrangements. “Especially for older generations, they are used to reserving the first two rows for the immediate family, See SEATING on page 12
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February 14, 2018
Rustic bouquets add natural flair to weddings
Rustic bouquets can add a natural flair to a wedding.
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Couples opting to get back to basics, streamline their nuptials and create more intimate and less superficial affairs often gravitate toward rustic celebrations to showcase their ideals. Rustic weddings also may appeal to environmentalists and men and women who want their weddings to be as eco-friendly as possible. Rustic weddings may include those ceremonies and receptions that take place outdoors or in abodes, such as barns, wineries, castles, or converted silos or town
factories. In fact, Bridal Guide says that barn weddings have never been more popular — among both urban and rural couples alike. “There are so many local foliage around the Northwest that can be incorporated into bouquets and centerpieces pretty much any time of the year but we like to keep it seasonal depending on the date of the wedding,” David Boulton, owner of Arlingtonbased Flowers By George, said in an email. “We can get pretty much any type of See RUSTIC on page 13
Did you know?
Since Ancient Roman times, June has been a popular month for couples to tie the knot. The month’s namesake, the goddess Juno, was said to be the protector of women in every aspect, but most notably in regard to marriage and childbearing. Therefore, it made sense to get married and take the first step toward creating a family in June. For practical reasons, June also has been a prime month for marriage because the month is neither especially hot nor especially cold in many areas of the world. While dressed in formalwear — whether having an outdoor wedding or an indoor one — no one wants to be overheated or uncomfortably cold. While June is a still a popular month to get married, the wedding resource The Knot indicates that autumn, in particular the months of September and October, has overtaken summer as the most popular wedding season. Warmer-than-average temperatures in autumn over the last few years as well as a dazzling display of natural color help make the fall a popular time for nuptials. Interestingly enough, perhaps due to a slightly cooler climate, a 2015 survey from Wedding Bells found August to be the most popular month to get married in Canada, and that 67 percent of weddings in Canada that year occurred between June and September.
Weddings • North County Outlook
February 14, 2018
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Wedding styles for short-haired brides On a day when all eyes and cameras will be trained on them, it’s natural for brides and grooms tying the knot to want to look their best. As a result, many couples invest a portion of their budgets into spa and beauty treatments, with many even hiring salon stylists to ensure their wedding-day looks are flawless. Women with short hair may lament that they do not have many options when styling their hair for their wedding days. Some may even consider growing out their locks. However, plenty of creative styles exist for ladies without long locks. Lauren Espedal, hairstylist with
Women with short hair have a variety of options when styling their hair for their wedding.
See STYLE on page 14
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February 14, 2018
What to consider when choosing wedding venue
There are many things to consider when choosing the proper venue for your wedding.
Once couples become engaged and share the good news with their friends and families, the next step is to begin planning their weddings. While couples must make a myriad of decisions during the wedding planning process, perhaps none is more significant than where to tie the knot. According to The Knot 2016 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding for couples who married in 2016 was $35,329. That’s a sizable amount, and a big portion of that was spent on the wedding venue. The Real Weddings Study found that couples spent an average of $16,107 on their wedding venues in 2016. That figure easily dwarfs the next biggest expense ($6,163 for the engagement ring) for couples tying the knot. Because the wedding venue comes with such a potentially high sticker price, couples should give ample consideration to a host of factors before choosing where to get married. One of the first things a couple should consider after an engagement is the wedding venue, said Lauren Woodmansee, Cultural Arts Supervisor for the city of Marysville, which recently acquired ownership of the Marysville Opera House. The publicly owned facility hosts weddings and other events throughout the year.
The wedding venue needs to jibe with the couple’s vision for the occasion. Size Until they can agree on a guest list, couples might want to delay even looking for venues. However, some couples might want to first look at some venues so they can determine just how many guests they can afford to invite. Whether they’re hosting small affairs or large parties, couples should choose venues that can comfortably accommodate all of their guests. If possible, look for venues with multiple reception areas, which might allow for some wiggle room if the guest list grows or dwindles during the planning process. Availability Some couples might have an ideal time of year they hope to get married. Some even know the exact date they hope to get married. While that can help with the planning, it can also limit couples with regard to their venue options. Some venues may be booked for as much as a year or more in advance during peak wedding season. The Real Weddings Study found that the most popular months to get married in 2016 were September and October. Couples who hope to follow in the footsteps of many 2016 brides and grooms may See VENUE on page 15
Weddings • North County Outlook
February 14, 2018
Engagement ring buyer’s guide Wedding planning often begins moments after couples get engaged. Once a ring is presented, a new chapter in a relationship is born. While couples remember the sentiments and the style of their engagements forever, the engagement ring serves as the lasting symbol of that momentous occasion. Choosing the right engagement ring is complicated. Such a decision involves knowing what a future spouse desires in a ring and balancing those desires with budget.
Shopping for an engagement ring can be both nervewracking and exciting. But there are ways to make the process go as smoothly as possible. “The key is to develop a relationship with them and don’t make the product the focus,” said Doug Wagner, who co-owns Marysville Wagner Jewelers with his brother, Jeff. “You’re talking about feelings — incredible, emotional feelings.” Wagner Jewelers has been selling jewelry in the
Choosing the perfect engagement ring can be challenging and exciting.
See RINGS on page 16
Gatherings
Wednesday, April 18 6-8pm The Opera House is the perfect location for your wedding, private party, special celebration, business meeting and more! Join us for a fun and informational evening. Vendors will be on hand featuring delicious appetizers, beautiful centerpieces, photo albums and more. Take a tour, chat with staff, check on availability.
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Weddings • North County Outlook
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LOCAL Continued from page 3
familiar with the area and possibly even the location where the wedding will be held. That can help couples avoid having to give directions, discuss venue protocols, and handle other tasks that must be worked out with non-local vendors. “When it comes to hiring wedding coordinators, you’re going to get someone who knows the area,” said Jesica Stickles, president/CEO of the Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce. That could mean greater knowledge of the many sites available. “They will know the pros and cons of each of the wedding sites,” she said. “Also they will know how each kind of weather will affect each of the sites as well,” she said. Familiarity with local resources can also help you plug into the kind of resources you’re looking for, especially with trends that come with weddings, according to Jennifer Egger, executive director of the Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber of Commerce. “Farm-to-table is a big trend right now and we’ve got some really good wedding venues and restaurants that source from local farms,” said Egger. Local photographers familiar with a particular venue will also
know all of the best places to get shots, and some vendors may have preexisting relationships with venue representatives that could ensure wedding day operations go smoothly. Proximity Local vendors can meet with brides and grooms more readily throughout the planning process, making things less stressful on the happy couple. This also makes it easier to drop off deposits, attend meetings, make fitting appointments, or attend styling sessions. Savings Couples who travel for their weddings and employ local vendors will not have to pack as much. Using local vendors eliminates the need to bring along bulky dresses, decorative items, flowers, and much more. Plus, couples needn’t pay to transport and house vendors brought along from back home. Environment Individuals who take great strides to conserve resources by reducing their energy consumption and protecting the environment often find that shopping local is beneficial. Local vendors are more likely to source their materials from other local businesses, reducing their carbon footprints along the way. For example, local caterers may rely on local farmers for their foods, affording couples the chance to host eco-friendly or even farm-to-table weddings.
February 14, 2018
Hiring local vendors for their wedding gives couples a variety of benefits such as savings, proximity and customization.
Customization Working with local vendors often translates into getting more personalized service and attention than mass retailers or merchants can provide. With local caterers and food vendors you’re also able to get food that is fresher and also have more options, said Stickles. “Sometimes sites can be limited in what they have for a kitchen,” she said, so a caterer who is local will have an easier time transporting extra food options to a local venue. Going local when choosing wedding vendors is an increasingly popular choice among couples about to tie the knot.
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Weddings • North County Outlook
February 14, 2018
COSTS Continued from page 4
ily is giving them and what they will plan to save in the months before the wedding,” she said. After that, “then we make sure that we have enough money to allocate to all the top priorities,” she said. The biggest stumbling blocks for couples is not anticipating costs or trying to spend on unnecessary items. “Most of the time what they run into trouble with are things they didn’t think of,” said Sullivan, “or they are trying to spend money on something they didn’t really need.” The wedding planning
advisor CostofWedding. com indicates the average wedding cost in the United States is $26,720, with most people spending between $20,000 and $34,000. Seventh Heaven Event Catering states that, in Canada, the average wedding costs around $30,000. Such costs can vary greatly depending on couples’ preferences. By breaking down wedding expenses, couples can get a clearer picture of how much they may need to pay for their weddings and where they may need to cut costs. Cake: Wedding cakes tend to be multitiered intricate designs, so they will cost more than birthday cakes. According to Statistics Brain, wedding desserts
will come in around $390. Music: The Knot, a wedding planning website, says wedding bands cost around $3,500, which is more than twice as much as hiring a deejay ($1,200). Soloists or ceremony musicians may cost around $650. Wedding planner: Many couples employ wedding planners to make planning their weddings easier. Wedding planners cost an average of $1,300, says Thumbtack, a company that matches professionals with couples. Transportation: Limousines and other transportation prices vary depending on the vehicle(s) couples choose. The Knot notes that budgeting between $400
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and $500 for transportation might be wise. Wedding gown: Bridesto-be should expect their gowns to cost around $1,100 and the veil or headpiece to be roughly $120, according to the Association of Bridal Consultants. Photography and Video: Preserving wedding day memories costs around $2,800 for video and photography services, based on data from Statistics Brain. The smaller details, such as accessories, gifts, officiant fees, stationery, spa services, and favors can quickly add up as well. Couples should be sure to leave some wiggle room in their budgets for incidental expenses that may pop up. Locally Owned & Family Operated 60 Day Guarantee
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Weddings • North County Outlook
SEATING Continued from page 5
When planning the seating for your wedding, start with the wedding party table then move on to the other tables.
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such as the parents and the siblings,” said Tiffani Mondares-Riggs, owner of Upbeat Wedding Officiant and Event Planning Services in Marysville. Start with the wedding party table. Couples can ease themselves into the task of seating by doing the easy tables first. The primary one is the wedding party table. This traditionally can be a dais or a sweetheart table flanked by the wedding party. According to Martha Stewart Weddings, the table should be centrally located and the wedding couple should sit in the middle. A male-female pattern follows on either side of the couple, consisting of the ushers, bridesmaids, best man, and maid of honor. If much of the wedding party is already married, couples may opt to have the wedding party sit with their spouses instead of at the dais. Keep relationships in mind. Some families have division, said MondaresRiggs, especially brides or grooms who come from families that have divorced in the past. “Sometimes parents that have had a divorce have become amicable and sometimes they have not,” she said. It’s important to think about if the people sitting next to each other can get along for a wedding. Organize family tables. Tables for parents, grandparents and immediate fam-
February 14, 2018 ily members of the bride and groom also are high priority. Both families can be combined at one table, or they can be separated into two tables. These tables should be the closest to the bride and groom. Consider mobility issues. Next seat guests who have specific needs at tables. Elderly guests may want to be away from the band, deejay or speakers. Guests in wheelchairs may need an accessible seat near the exit. Get some help. Enlist the help of parents to seat their friends and extended family members. Parents may know best who gets along and who should be separated. Don’t enlist too many opinions though. “Sometimes less opinions is better,” said Mondares-Riggs, as having too many consultants on your seating plan will likely leave you without clear answers. “You’re not going to please everyone,” she said, “so try and keep in mind what is important for you.” Seat dancers near the dance floor. To encourage dancing, place guests who tend to be lively close to the dance floor so others can see them getting up to dance and join in. Couples can use apps, lists or self-made charts to plot their reception seating arrangements. Create place cards or a central chart so guests can find their seats promptly and easily.
February 14, 2018
Weddings • North County Outlook
RUSTIC
Artist’s Outlook
Continued from page 6
flower now year around, so we work with the bride personally to find out a color palette and flower choice.” Coordinating a rustic wedding may mean letting go of perceived notions of how everything from food to favors to flowers should be. In fact, one way to describe rustic weddings — and especially the floral arrangements that adorn them — is “purposely imperfect.” Rustic wedding bouquets may seem like they were plucked right out of the garden or grabbed through a stroll in a meadow. They’re rarely symmetrical or feature the customary flowers of more formal wedding celebrations. When designing rustic bouquets, florists may keep the stems of wildflowers or other blooms untethered for a relaxed feel. Long stemmed arrangements are quite popular, and trends point toward bouquets that are loosely tied with raffia, twine, vines and other natural materials rather than more refined ribbon. When possible, Boulton said they like to use locally sourced flowers for this such as cherry blossom branches, tulips, daffodils, lavender, peonies, hydrangeas, heather, mini-sunflowers, etc. Another way rustic bouquets set themselves apart is with the introduction of other elements into the ar-
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Art Show rangements. Not merely blooms and greenery, rustic pieces may feature twigs, vines, berries, scabiosa pods, ivy, and feathery ferns. The heights of elements in the bouquet are varied, and the bouquets will not have an overly uniform shape. Rustic bouquets are far from pretentious, and brides shouldn’t feel that these bouquets are delicate or will fall apart when handled. Boulton said local plants such as corkscrew willow branches, cherry blossom branches, forsythia, heather or other types of light and airy foliage are also viable additions. Those items depend on the season of the year and what is available at the time of the wedding. When planning a rustic wedding, couples can work with their florists to create bouquets and arrangements that fit with their visions..
March 10th, 2018 12 - 6pm North County Outlook Newspaper 1331 State Ave. Suite A, Marysville Happening throughout the year:
June 9th, 12 - 6 September 8th, 12 - 6 December 8th, 12 - 6 Call Carole Estenson at 425-750-5767 for more information
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STYLE Continued from page 7
Working with a hair stylist can help you create a great hairstyle that can help make your wedding a memorable occasion.
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Spa Violet Ray located in Silvana, said many bridesto-be sporting shorter hair desire an elegant retro look. She said brides like having a braid or some kind of hair clip. Hairstyles will complement a bonnet because Espedal noted, “A lot of women don’t cover their face with a veil anymore.” Sometimes veils get placed behind and are integrated into the train of the wedding dress. She said that brides often browse through Pinterest for ideas on hair styles. However, “Pinterest is our best friend or worst enemy,” she said. It’s best to work with a trusted hairstylist who will help create a great hairstyle that will help make the wedding a memorable, joyous occasion. Other strategies brides can consider are as follows: Experiment with color One way to “tress to impress” is to experiment with some color. Well-placed highlights, balayage treatments, ombre, or peek-aboo underlights can add an extra spark to a bride’s normal hairstyle. Speak with a qualified stylist about what you plan to achieve with a wedding-day look, so color can be applied correctly. Retro glamour Brides may want to harken back to an era when glamour reigned supreme. Replicate one of the short
February 14, 2018 styles of the 1940s or 1950s, paying homage to Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall, or Judy Garland. Braids and plaits Braids can add whimsy to shoulder-length or shorter hair. In addition, braids can anchor short locks when an up-do is desired. Braids can be placed into the front or rear crown of the head to look like a hair halo or crown. Use embellishments If short hair cannot be gathered into a braid or bun, you can opt for adorned pins, barrettes or headbands to add a touch of sparkle to the look. Ask a stylist to tease the crown of your hair to achieve a little more height and impact. Half-up style Many women with short hair find that using bobby pins to pin up select areas of their hair can help achieve a partial up-do look without the need for longer locks. Experienced stylists will know how to manipulate hair effectively to create this look. Small tendrils of hair can be left free and curled for a less structured, more natural effect. Brides-to-be with short hair do not need to fret nor make drastic changes to their hairstyles to look beautiful on their wedding days. Short hair can be manipulated into many beautiful and stylish camera-ready creations that any bride would be happy to have.
Weddings • North County Outlook
February 14, 2018
VENUE Continued from page 8
need to book their wedding venues well in advance. Those who can be more flexible regarding their wedding dates may find it easier to book their dream venues. Woodmansee said couples should be aware of the services a wedding venue provides — can a couple provide their own catering or DJ or do they have to go with a list of vendors that work with a venue. Insurance Ask about the venue’s insurance policies, including the policies the venue has to protect itself. In addition, ask if the venue requires couples to have their own wedding liability insurance for protection in the event of injury, property damage or incidents related to alcohol. Couples may also want to make the investment in cancellation/post-
ponement insurance, and some venues may even require it. If a couple wants to provide alcohol for the wedding reception, then they need to obtain a state banquet permit, which can be ordered online at lcb. wa.gov/licensing/banquet-permits. Financials It’s easy for couples to be focused on the bottom line when choosing wedding venues, but it’s also important that they get a complete grasp of the financials before choosing a wedding venue. Ask about the amount of the initial deposit and if that deposit is refundable. In addition, ask when the deposit is due and when each subsequent payment is due until the balance is paid in full. This can make budgeting easier and planning less stressful. Woodmansee noted that the prices of a venue may be different depending on the day of the week, and whether a date falls on a holiday.
Engagements & Weddings Publish your wedding or engagement announcement at no charge!
To place an announcement: Call 360.659.1100 Email editor@northcountyoutlook.com
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Couples should have fun choosing their wedding venues while recognizing that certain factors must be given ample consideration before signing any contracts.
Weddings • North County Outlook
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RINGS Continued from page 9
Marysville community since 1981. Listen carefully anytime jewelry is discussed. Getting an idea of which style of jewelry the love of your life prefers requires keeping your eyes and ears open anytime jewelry is mentioned. Subtle hints may be dropped and pages to magazines may be folded back to provide a nudge in the right direction. It’s also perfectly fine to ask for your future spouse’s input, particularly if you’ve already spoken about marriage and know that an engagement is on the horizon.
Have a good idea on the shape of the stone. All gemstones need to be cut in particular ways so that they reflect light and sparkle. Stones are also cut in specific shapes that provide the overall form of the stone. These include round, princess, emerald, oval, marquise, and pear, among others. Many people have distinct preferences when it comes to the shape of the ring. Keep in mind that some shapes are more common than others and some may be more expensive as well. According to Long’s Fine Jewelers, round cut diamonds are the most popular today and also some of the most expensive. Marquise and oval also tend to be
pricey. Wagner said rings with a halo effect, where a central round stone is surrounded by several smaller gemstones are currently popular with brides and 90 percent of those rings are also made with white gold. Know all the specs. Buying an engagement ring means being armed with a lot of knowledge. In addition to shape, there are the four Cs to consider. These refer to the stone’s cut, carat, clarity, and color, and will determine the financial value of the gemstone. Take some time to learn about each of the four C’s so you can make a more informed decision when visiting the jeweler to select a ring.
February 14, 2018 Shop around. Not all jewelers are the same, and you want to find one with whom you feel comfortable and believe you will get the best value for your money. Believe it or not, you can purchase the ring in two parts — opting to shop for a setting from one place and a stone from another. Jewelers will often do whatever is necessary to make their customers happy, so don’t be afraid to ask for customization. Wagner said that even after shopping around, the couple’s first choice is often their favorite choice. When shoppers are prepared, the engagement ringbuying process is that much easier.
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