Bridal Guide 2015
Content
2015
Bridal Guide
C2 • Bridal Edition • Thursday, January 1, 2015
Local travel agent reveals popular honeymoon getaways Las Vegas, Hawaii and Aruba are among top picks by MARIE ZIMMERMAN News Editor When it comes to honeymoons, couples have very different ideas of what a perfect getaway looks like. Whether the pair is searching for idle relaxation or is in the market for brisk outdoor fun, Michelle Eckert has suggestions to fit any vacation style. Eckert, manager of the Southwest To u r a n d Travel office in Jackson, Michelle researched Eckert the top 10 honeymoon destinations listed on the Web, and following is her travel advice: With 80-degree weather every day and a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean, Acapulco, Mexico, makes an excellent tropical getaway. The major seaport city is an ideal place for swimming and snorkeling and has plenty of night life, Eckert said. “And, actually, Acapulco is very affordable,” she said. The Mexican vacation mecca is about a six-hour flight from Minnesota. “No. 2 on the list I would say is probably Las Vegas,” Eckert said. That’s because Sin City has some wicked deals on airfare and hotels, as well as
a myriad of entertainment options, gambling optional. The famous Bellaggio and Venetian resorts offer special honeymoon packages, Eckert said, and there are lots of shows, tours of the Hoover Dam and spa amenities such as couples messages. Las Vegas is ideal for a bit shorter stay, with its proximity and reasonable airplane ticket rates out of Sioux Falls, S.D., Eckert said. For the couples who want to celebrate their nuptials by getting outdoors, Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada, is a good destination. The picturesque lake and town of the same name are nestled in the Rocky Mountain Range about five hours north of Montana’s border, part of Banff National Park. Alpine and cross-country skiing, heli-skiing and snowboarding are popular, as are ice fishing, skating, dog sledding and ice climbing. In summer, the area attracts visitors to its trails, waters and rock faces. “It’s considered a romantic getaway,” Eckert said. A top honeymoon spot that surprised Eckert during her research was Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. “A lot of people go there because you can combine it with a Caribbean cruise,” she said. For example, a couple could spend one or two days at the theme park then three to five days on a cruise. “You get the whole fairytale experience there,” Eckert said. Another good place to visit in the Caribbean is Aruba, an
island off the north coast of Venezuela. “If you want to just relax and do nothing all day long and go dancing in the evening,” Aruba is the perfect spot, Eckert said. Featuring crystal-clear water, beautiful weather and stunning beaches, the island is known for several all-inclusive resorts that pamper vacationers and cover everything from rooms to drinks. “Sandals resorts are very popular there,” Eckert said. While those are known as a fairly upscale, Aruba is “pretty economical,” she said. Saving the best for last, Eckert recommended Hawaii. “The one thing about Hawaii is if you’re going to go, you want to spend seven to 10 days because the flight is so long,” Eckert said. She listed Waikiki, a beachfront neighborhood of Honolulu on the south shore of the island of Oahu, and the island of Maui as the most popular places to stay. Waikiki is best known for Waikiki Beach, the whitesand shoreline fronting the neighborhood. Maui has its own beautiful beaches and offers activities from golf to whale watching. There is one catch. “Of the ones that I’ve listed, Hawaii would probably be the most expensive. It’s probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Eckert said. When considering any of the international destinations, Eckert cautions travelers to check into passport requirements and whether
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Couples looking for some honeymoon sun and surf can stay in Aruba or Acapulco, Mexico — and not break the bank, said Michelle Eckert, manager of the Southwest Tour and Travel office in Jackson. or not special immunizations They stayed at the historic just wanted a couple-day St. James Hotel, a four-story getaway.” are needed. And for the couple who One bonus suggestion for Italianate structure opened those looking to stick a lot in 1875. The getaway was fo- has everything, Southwest closer to home: Eckert re- cused on a bed-and-breakfast Tour and Travel offers honcently planned an anniver- experience in the Victorian- eymooners a bridal registry. “People can stop in and sary retreat for a local couple themed hotel and included a contribute to vacation packin Red Wing, located on couples massage. “They were very impressed age” for the bride and groom, the Mississippi River along Minnesota’s eastern border. with it,” Eckert said. “They Eckert said.
Where does ‘honeymoon’ term come from anyway? There are various theories as to the origin of the word “honeymoon.” One such theory suggests the word traces its origins to the Old English phrase “hony moone,” which suggests the honeymoon was initially steeped in cynicism. “Hony” is a reference to honey and, the theory suggests, refers to the strong feelings of af-
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fection and sweetness newly married couples harbor and display for each other. However, “moone” is a reference to how fleeting this period of time is and how it is likely to change as quickly as the moon changes. One rosier theory as to the origin of the word “honeymoon” suggests the word dates back to the fifth cen-
tury, when calendars were based on the moon cycle. During this period, newly married couples drank mead (which accounts for the “honey”) throughout their first month of marriage (or for a full cycle of the moon), as mead was a beverage many believed to be an aphrodisiac.
Together we can create a reception that is unforgettable and uniquely yours. “My goal for every one of my brides is that on the day of her wedding, she will be able to enter the reception with great confidence, knowing that every detail has been taken care of.” ~ Nadine Malchow, Event Planner ~ Bridal Showers ~ Licensed Professional Bar Service ~ Rehearsal Dinners ~ Gift Opening Brunches ~ Wedding Receptions ~ Professional Wedding Reception Planner Dear Nadine, Syd, & the Hi-Lo staff: Thank you! Thank you! Our daughter, Lynsey and son-in-law Cody’s wedding is now a wonderful memory for us, made possible by you and your staff. We heard comment after comment from our guests about how great the prime rib was . . . “The best we’ve ever had!” We had guests from Denver, the Twin Cities, Omaha, and the Sioux Falls areas tell us that they had never experienced a reception dinner with such a beautiful presentation and high quality food as we had at our reception. The Hi-Lo staff was very efficient, and assisted us with everything quickly and cheerfully. Nadine’s creativity in decorating went above and beyond what we even imagined. Everything was so beautiful! Thank you so much for everything you did to make Lynsey and Cody’s wedding reception an unforgettable evening! We highly recommend Hi-Lo Restaurant & Catering to everyone because we know from experience that they will be taken care of by the very talented and professional staff. You make special events extra special! ~ Rich & Dee Haglund, Mountain Lake, MN Check out our newly updated website for photos and testimonials.
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Lakefield, MN www.hiloclub.com (507) 662-5992 or 888-TRY-HILO [email protected]
Thursday, January 1, 2015 • Bridal Edition • C3
Local business owner offers a ride for the party Chauffeured bus offers worry-free wedding transport
of a last-minute request, it never hurts to ask. “If I can find a driver, I’ll
rent it,” Menke said, but with a late request there are “no guarantees.”
In addition to weddings, Menke has rented out the bus for an office Christmas
party and even a trip to Shakopee’s Trail of Terror. “We’re open to anything
… if you need to transport a bunch of people,” Menke said.
by MARIE ZIMMERMAN News Editor With space for up to 20 passengers, a stereo system to play music from personal mobile devices and even room for a cooler, the new Pillars Pub and Eatery bus is perfect for any party, but especially for a wedding party. Pillars owner Troy Menke previously had a smaller version of the Chevy bus and upgraded to the larger model in 2014. Menke rents out the bus by the hour, driver included, for local events. Longer trips will include the cost of gas. Some have used the bus to take the wedding party from the ceremony to the reception. Others have booked it to provide rides home after the wedding dance. “Everybody can enjoy it and get home safe,” Menke said. The bus has two sections of permanent seats in front, then space in the back for more chairs and even a cooler. It’s fully heated and airconditioned and even has a stereo system that can be hooked up to an iPhone or iPod so riders can pump their own jams. To reserve the bus, it’s best to contact Pillars at least two to three weeks before the event, although in the event
PHOTOS BY MARIE ZIMMERMAN
Troy Menke, Pillars Pub and Eatery owner, purchased this Chevy bus in 2014 to rent out for parties. Rental includes a chauffeured ride for about 20 people.
FORMALWEAR HEADQUARTERS We have served thousands of satisfied customers for over 50 years, and look forward to assisting you to make your wedding day special.
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with 5 paid tuxes in your wedding party. The Pillars bus has two sections of permanent seats in front, then space in the back for more chairs and even a cooler. It’s fully heated and air-conditioned and even has a stereo system that can be hooked up to an iPhone or iPod so riders can pump their own jams.
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Call city clerk’s office at 507-793-2826
Appointments Available To Fit Your Time Schedule.
Contact Steve at 507-841-2260 or Brad at 507-841-1229 9688
STROM’S FORMALWEAR Jackson, MN 507-847-2110
C4 • Bridal Edition • Thursday, January 1, 2015
Weddings of today take a modern approach to the disposable camera My first wedding memories are not of an extravagant ceremony or over-thetop reception, but rather of me pulling some of the shenanigans I sometimes did as a kid (and maybe still do from time to time as an adult). Back in the 1990s, I attended a wedding reception in the basement of the HiLo Club in Lakefield and took advantage of what my siblings and I thought was something pretty awesome. There were disposable cameras on every table for guests to capture candid moments from the evening. Our 24 clicks were used in what we determined the best way possible: by taking the goofiest pictures of ourselves we could. Some included table decorations formed into eyeglasses, some featured spoons dangling from our noses and others were just our silliest faces.
Looking back, that’s probably not what the bride and groom had in mind, but it probably brought a smile to their faces when they had those cameras developed sometime after the wedding. At a more recent wedding, the same concept was in place, but in a much more current format. One of my high school friends, Adam Stegemann, tied the knot with Jackie Trolio in 2013 and called on guests to use the WeddingParty app to upload pictures from throughout their big day. There are other similar apps, all designed to round up photo opportunities otherwise missed by the couple as they celebrate. Photos are added to a timeline and all who are logged in to that particular wedding can see them. The photos are all taken on phones, so they are far from replacing professional photos, but they provide a behind-the-scenes look into the wedding day for the bride and groom and their family and friends. A few I uploaded were of my family and me with Adam, but some of the photos uploaded by others reminded me of the pictures I took on that disposable camera some 20 years ago.
The pictures offer a unique look into the day. My wife and I have just two pictures from our wedding seven years ago hanging in our house, but the hundred or so others we have in an album always bring a smile to my face when I browse through them. I’m the type of person who loves to look at pictures — whether new or old — so those moments captured by a professional are irreplaceable. For some, however, a family friend with a decent camera is enough to snap a few pictures of their wedding. Whatever you choose, make sure the moments of your big day are captured to help recall a day that will be one of the happiest of your life.
FROM WAY DOWNTOWN Dan Condon
For the perfect wedding and reception,
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Plan your special event at the AmericInn. We offer two gathering rooms that can accommodate gift openings, bridal showers, small weddings, groom’s dinners, pool parties, anniversary parties, meetings and reunions Beautiful guest rooms, including whirlpool and two-room suites Spacious indoor recreation center with pool and whirlpool Complimentary enhanced continental breakfast with waffles Free wireless and high-speed Internet Beer pub and eatery Welcoming lobby with cozy fireside conversation area Cable TV with Showtime Ask about wedding services and group room blocks
• Bridal bouquets • Wedding party flowers • Brass candelabras • Church and reception decorations • Candles, balloons, party supplies • Wedding and shower gifts
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After parties are growing in popularity. Those planning on celebrating into the early hours of the morning can start thinking creatively.
After party planning pointers Nowadays, many wedding guests are not ready to call it a night after the DJ plays the last dance at the reception. After parties have grown increasingly popular, but planning an after party is not necessarily as simple as pointing guests to a nearby watering hole. After parties can be anything a couple wants them to be. They can be a bunch of friends toasting marshmallows over a fire pit or a night of dancing at a club. But it pays for couples to heed a few after party pointers. • Choose a place within walking distance or close by to the reception hall or ho-
tel. Guests have likely been indulging in alcohol during the wedding, and safety should always be a priority • Limit the food and drink choices. Ask servers to bring a few pitchers of beer or sangria and finger foods. This will help avoid disagreements over trying to tally up and split the bill afterward. • Go comfortably. If you’re ready to get out of wedding finery, by all means change into something more comfortable. You probably will enjoy yourself more at the after party if you can mingle in more comfortable attire. • Take advantage of hotel services. Many hotels have
conference rooms or attached bars and restaurants that make perfect gathering places for an after party. Make arrangements with the hotel concierge or the front desk in advance. • Delegate responsibilities. A busy bride and groom may not have the time or the inclination to plan another party. If guests want to continue celebrating, put the task in the hands of a third party or volunteer. • Leave whenever you want. Partygoers will eventually need some sleep. Feel free to leave the after party whenever you want. Usually once a few people begin to disperse, the rest of the group will call it a night.
When best to cut the cake? 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 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
Mon. through Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Available after hours and Saturdays by appointment
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The timing of when a couple cuts the wedding cake can have a specific meaning. hours of the night or missing the hour. Photographers typically go home after the cakethe cake entirely. Cutting the cake mid-recep- cutting, so a mid-reception tion also serves another prac- cutting can save couples a tical purpose for couples who substantial amount of money. are paying a photographer by
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Thursday, January 1, 2015 • Bridal Edition • C5
Be smart about wedding beauty preparation 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 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.
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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.
Many music mistakes to avoid on your wedding day Wedding guests are usually anxious to head to the reception, where they can let loose and party. Music is an essential component of a lively and fun wedding reception, and there are some musical miscues couples should look to avoid to ensure the music is not memorable for all the wrong reasons. • Blocks of silence: Nothing makes time seem interminable more than silence. Always have a constant flow of music to avoid awkward silences. This includes the time guests are waiting prior to the ceremony, as well as when they’re entering the cocktail hour. Music will help everyone feel comfortable, and it creates a pleasing atmosphere, so make sure music plays throughout the festivities.
• Second-guessing a professional: In an effort to curb costs, some couples provide their own playlists via an mp3 player or a streaming service for the music. This is often a mistake. Hiring a professional means you will not have to worry about managing music on top of your many other wedding day responsibilities. A band or DJ usually also serves as the master of ceremonies for the event, announcing key moments of the reception as well as getting guests up on the dance floor. • Playing only one type of music: Playing too many songs from one genre of music will alienate some of the guests who simply are not interested in that type of music. Professional DJs or performers know how to offer a great mix that will
appeal to the masses, and they are often well worth the cost. Try to span different decades and genres to keep as many of your guests on the dance floor as possible. • Failure to make a song list: Some songs you may feel are essential to the wedding and others may be on a do-not-play list and are associated with negative memories. Band leaders and DJs are not mind readers. Give your band leader or DJ ample time to review your requests so that he or she has time to find a song that may not be in his or her collection. • Dancing to long songs: Pay attention to a song’s length, and choose spotlight dance songs wisely. Remember guests will be watching you dance with parents or each other, and
a five-minute song can seem never-ending while others are waiting around. Avoid very long songs, as the mix of music should be upbeat. The wedding isn’t the time to play “American Pie” by Don McLean, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhap-
sody” or Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.” • Inappropriate lyrics and volume: Keep the music at an acceptable volume, and avoid songs with suggestive language or curse words that are inappropriate in a family
setting. Music is a key element of any good party, including a wedding reception, and it is essential couples take steps to avoid any musical miscues.
A Toast to the Bridal Couple
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• Keg Beer • Cordials • Liqueurs
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Make your wedding day the most beautiful day of your life with our professional beauty services. We can assist the entire wedding party in getting ready for that special day! AS A FULL-SERVICE SALON, WE OFFER: • Cuts and Styles • Perms • Color and Highlights • Wedding Styles • Acrylic Nails • Manicures • Pedicures • Eyebrow and Leg Waxing • Spray Tanning • Tanning Beds • Facials
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Steering clear of wedding music mistakes means couples have a greater likelihood of throwing spectacular parties.
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303 Main Street • Lakefield • 662-6291
C6 • Bridal Edition • Thursday, January 1, 2015
Your guiltless guide to choosing great groomsmen they are not asked to walk a bridesmaid up the aisle. Choosing groomsmen should not be taken lightly. Grooms-to-be who are facing some difficult choices with regard to that decision can follow a few pointers to ensure they make the right call. • Pick a number. Before you even consider who you
Grooms-to-be face many decisions regarding their pending nuptials, but few may prove as delicate as choosing the groomsmen for the big day. Friends who expect to be groomsmen may be disappointed if they are not ultimately chosen, while brothers may feel left out if
want your groomsmen to be, speak to your fiancée about how many bridesmaids she hopes to have. The number of groomsmen and bridesmaids typically matches, so your fiancée’s intentions may make your decision a lot easier. For example, if you have two brothers and several friends you’re con-
sidering, but your fiancée only intends to have a maid of honor and one bridesmaid, then you can just ask both of your brothers to serve as groomsmen. Friends are unlikely be offended if family members get the nod ahead of them, so discuss numbers with your fiancée before you begin trimming your list of
candidates. If you already have an idea of who you want to be your groomsmen but your choices outnumber your fiancée’s, see if she has anyone else she can add to her party so no one is left out. • Choose the best man for the job. Many grooms pick a brother to serve as their best man, and while that’s a nice
sentiment, it’s important that grooms recognize that being a best man carries with it some responsibility. A best man will organize the bachelor party, give a toast at the wedding and handle any post-wedding duties, such as returning the tuxes or arranging for the newlyweds’ See GROOMSMEN on C7
Hidden expenses that can sink your wedding budget In the days of yore, the responsibility of paying for a wedding fell to the bride’s parents. But that tradition has largely fallen by the wayside in recent years, when more and more couples have used their own savings to finance their weddings. Few couples enter the process of planning
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on the day of the wedding as well. • Postage: Traditional paper invitations often include return envelopes that tradition suggests should also be stamped. Save-the-date cards have grown in popularity as well, and these cards must also be stamped and mailed. Depending on the size of your guest list, postage can cost several hundred dollars before you mail your last invitation. And don’t forget to save some money for postage to mail thank-you cards
once the big day has come and gone. • Overtime: Overtime fees for reception hall staff and additional outside vendors are typically written into contracts, but few couples imagine needing more than the predetermined allotment of time noted in their contracts. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, as unanticipated events such as a misplaced wedding license or heavy traffic on the way to the venue can force the party to start late and thus
extend past its deadline. Set aside some money for overtime so you don’t find yourselves scrounging for dollars or charging the extra few hundred dollars on your credit cards. Weddings are expensive, and even more so when hidden fees start to make their presence felt. Couples who build such fees into their budgets will find it easier to avoid breaking the bank than those who don’t.
9691
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their weddings unaware of just how expensive weddings can get, but costs can easily begin to escalate if couples are not careful. Couples know that certain wedding expenses, such as the cost of booking a reception hall, will eat up a large portion of their budgets. But there are some hidden expenses that couples must build into their budgets to avoid finding themselves in debt as they walk down the aisle as husband and wife. • Taxes: Sales tax might not seem so significant when you’re buying everyday items, but the taxes add up quickly when paying for a wedding. Before signing contracts with any vendors, couples should get the price including sales tax written into their contracts, as failing to do so may result in a several thousand dollar surprise when the time to pay up arrives. • Gratuities: Gratuities are another potentially hefty expense that often takes engaged couples by surprise as they start to plan their weddings. Some reception halls build gratuities for staff into their estimates, and these tips for the staff can be as high as 25 percent at some venues. But even if gratuities for reception hall staff are already accounted for, don’t forget to include tips for additional vendors the day of the wedding. Couples may be expected to tip the florist, photographer, band or DJ and even the reception hall maître d’ if his or her gratuity is not included in the aforementioned staff tip. Brides-to-be typically tip their hairstylist and makeup artist
Catering
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Couples should remember to build hidden expenses into their budgets when planning their weddings.
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Five Lakes Centre, Fairmont, MN • 507-238-1006 Chuck and Peggy Haugen ~ Owners ~ Russ and Mindy Thompson
Thursday, January 1, 2015 • Bridal Edition • C7
GROOMSMEN: Guide to choosing
Fort Belmont
Continued from C6 transportation to the airport. If your brother is already incredibly busy or if you doubt he is up to the task of being a best man, then you might be better off asking him to be a groomsman and finding another best man who’s more capable of juggling the numerous responsibilities that come with being best man. • Don’t forget your fiancée’s family. While you should not feel pressured to pick anyone in particular as your best man, if your fiancée has any brothers, ask her if she had her heart set on including any of them in the bridal party. Some
brides want their brothers to be groomsmen, so discuss this with your fiancée before asking anyone to line up beside you. This discussion can go both ways as well, as you can ask your bride-to-be to include a favorite sister in her bridal party if you so desire. • Confirm their availability. When asking friends or family members to be groomsmen, it’s best to ensure they can actually make it to the ceremony. This is a concern for grooms who are planning a destination wedding or those getting married in their fiancée’s hometown and not their own, as some
guests, including potential groomsmen, may not be able to afford to attend an overseas or faraway ceremony. When asking, explain the situation to them, and let them know you fully understand if they cannot commit to being a groomsmen due to travel or financial concerns. Confirm their availability as soon as possible, as you don’t want to be down one groomsman come your big day. For those who you want to be a groomsmen but are unable to make it, it can be a nice gesture to buy them a groomsmen gift as a token of your appreciation for their friendship.
How to preserve wedding bouquets and arrangements 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. 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.
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
Pressing Pressing is another way to preserve floral 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 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.
Weddings
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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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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 arrange them in a vase or another container. Otherwise, reassemble a bouquet how it was and carefully display.
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C8 • Bridal Edition • Thursday, January 1, 2015
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Bridal Guide
C2 • Bridal Edition • Thursday, January 1, 2015
Local travel agent reveals popular honeymoon getaways Las Vegas, Hawaii and Aruba are among top picks by MARIE ZIMMERMAN News Editor When it comes to honeymoons, couples have very different ideas of what a perfect getaway looks like. Whether the pair is searching for idle relaxation or is in the market for brisk outdoor fun, Michelle Eckert has suggestions to fit any vacation style. Eckert, manager of the Southwest To u r a n d Travel office in Jackson, Michelle researched Eckert the top 10 honeymoon destinations listed on the Web, and following is her travel advice: With 80-degree weather every day and a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean, Acapulco, Mexico, makes an excellent tropical getaway. The major seaport city is an ideal place for swimming and snorkeling and has plenty of night life, Eckert said. “And, actually, Acapulco is very affordable,” she said. The Mexican vacation mecca is about a six-hour flight from Minnesota. “No. 2 on the list I would say is probably Las Vegas,” Eckert said. That’s because Sin City has some wicked deals on airfare and hotels, as well as
a myriad of entertainment options, gambling optional. The famous Bellaggio and Venetian resorts offer special honeymoon packages, Eckert said, and there are lots of shows, tours of the Hoover Dam and spa amenities such as couples messages. Las Vegas is ideal for a bit shorter stay, with its proximity and reasonable airplane ticket rates out of Sioux Falls, S.D., Eckert said. For the couples who want to celebrate their nuptials by getting outdoors, Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada, is a good destination. The picturesque lake and town of the same name are nestled in the Rocky Mountain Range about five hours north of Montana’s border, part of Banff National Park. Alpine and cross-country skiing, heli-skiing and snowboarding are popular, as are ice fishing, skating, dog sledding and ice climbing. In summer, the area attracts visitors to its trails, waters and rock faces. “It’s considered a romantic getaway,” Eckert said. A top honeymoon spot that surprised Eckert during her research was Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. “A lot of people go there because you can combine it with a Caribbean cruise,” she said. For example, a couple could spend one or two days at the theme park then three to five days on a cruise. “You get the whole fairytale experience there,” Eckert said. Another good place to visit in the Caribbean is Aruba, an
island off the north coast of Venezuela. “If you want to just relax and do nothing all day long and go dancing in the evening,” Aruba is the perfect spot, Eckert said. Featuring crystal-clear water, beautiful weather and stunning beaches, the island is known for several all-inclusive resorts that pamper vacationers and cover everything from rooms to drinks. “Sandals resorts are very popular there,” Eckert said. While those are known as a fairly upscale, Aruba is “pretty economical,” she said. Saving the best for last, Eckert recommended Hawaii. “The one thing about Hawaii is if you’re going to go, you want to spend seven to 10 days because the flight is so long,” Eckert said. She listed Waikiki, a beachfront neighborhood of Honolulu on the south shore of the island of Oahu, and the island of Maui as the most popular places to stay. Waikiki is best known for Waikiki Beach, the whitesand shoreline fronting the neighborhood. Maui has its own beautiful beaches and offers activities from golf to whale watching. There is one catch. “Of the ones that I’ve listed, Hawaii would probably be the most expensive. It’s probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Eckert said. When considering any of the international destinations, Eckert cautions travelers to check into passport requirements and whether
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Couples looking for some honeymoon sun and surf can stay in Aruba or Acapulco, Mexico — and not break the bank, said Michelle Eckert, manager of the Southwest Tour and Travel office in Jackson. or not special immunizations They stayed at the historic just wanted a couple-day St. James Hotel, a four-story getaway.” are needed. And for the couple who One bonus suggestion for Italianate structure opened those looking to stick a lot in 1875. The getaway was fo- has everything, Southwest closer to home: Eckert re- cused on a bed-and-breakfast Tour and Travel offers honcently planned an anniver- experience in the Victorian- eymooners a bridal registry. “People can stop in and sary retreat for a local couple themed hotel and included a contribute to vacation packin Red Wing, located on couples massage. “They were very impressed age” for the bride and groom, the Mississippi River along Minnesota’s eastern border. with it,” Eckert said. “They Eckert said.
Where does ‘honeymoon’ term come from anyway? There are various theories as to the origin of the word “honeymoon.” One such theory suggests the word traces its origins to the Old English phrase “hony moone,” which suggests the honeymoon was initially steeped in cynicism. “Hony” is a reference to honey and, the theory suggests, refers to the strong feelings of af-
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fection and sweetness newly married couples harbor and display for each other. However, “moone” is a reference to how fleeting this period of time is and how it is likely to change as quickly as the moon changes. One rosier theory as to the origin of the word “honeymoon” suggests the word dates back to the fifth cen-
tury, when calendars were based on the moon cycle. During this period, newly married couples drank mead (which accounts for the “honey”) throughout their first month of marriage (or for a full cycle of the moon), as mead was a beverage many believed to be an aphrodisiac.
Together we can create a reception that is unforgettable and uniquely yours. “My goal for every one of my brides is that on the day of her wedding, she will be able to enter the reception with great confidence, knowing that every detail has been taken care of.” ~ Nadine Malchow, Event Planner ~ Bridal Showers ~ Licensed Professional Bar Service ~ Rehearsal Dinners ~ Gift Opening Brunches ~ Wedding Receptions ~ Professional Wedding Reception Planner Dear Nadine, Syd, & the Hi-Lo staff: Thank you! Thank you! Our daughter, Lynsey and son-in-law Cody’s wedding is now a wonderful memory for us, made possible by you and your staff. We heard comment after comment from our guests about how great the prime rib was . . . “The best we’ve ever had!” We had guests from Denver, the Twin Cities, Omaha, and the Sioux Falls areas tell us that they had never experienced a reception dinner with such a beautiful presentation and high quality food as we had at our reception. The Hi-Lo staff was very efficient, and assisted us with everything quickly and cheerfully. Nadine’s creativity in decorating went above and beyond what we even imagined. Everything was so beautiful! Thank you so much for everything you did to make Lynsey and Cody’s wedding reception an unforgettable evening! We highly recommend Hi-Lo Restaurant & Catering to everyone because we know from experience that they will be taken care of by the very talented and professional staff. You make special events extra special! ~ Rich & Dee Haglund, Mountain Lake, MN Check out our newly updated website for photos and testimonials.
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Lakefield, MN www.hiloclub.com (507) 662-5992 or 888-TRY-HILO [email protected]
Thursday, January 1, 2015 • Bridal Edition • C3
Local business owner offers a ride for the party Chauffeured bus offers worry-free wedding transport
of a last-minute request, it never hurts to ask. “If I can find a driver, I’ll
rent it,” Menke said, but with a late request there are “no guarantees.”
In addition to weddings, Menke has rented out the bus for an office Christmas
party and even a trip to Shakopee’s Trail of Terror. “We’re open to anything
… if you need to transport a bunch of people,” Menke said.
by MARIE ZIMMERMAN News Editor With space for up to 20 passengers, a stereo system to play music from personal mobile devices and even room for a cooler, the new Pillars Pub and Eatery bus is perfect for any party, but especially for a wedding party. Pillars owner Troy Menke previously had a smaller version of the Chevy bus and upgraded to the larger model in 2014. Menke rents out the bus by the hour, driver included, for local events. Longer trips will include the cost of gas. Some have used the bus to take the wedding party from the ceremony to the reception. Others have booked it to provide rides home after the wedding dance. “Everybody can enjoy it and get home safe,” Menke said. The bus has two sections of permanent seats in front, then space in the back for more chairs and even a cooler. It’s fully heated and airconditioned and even has a stereo system that can be hooked up to an iPhone or iPod so riders can pump their own jams. To reserve the bus, it’s best to contact Pillars at least two to three weeks before the event, although in the event
PHOTOS BY MARIE ZIMMERMAN
Troy Menke, Pillars Pub and Eatery owner, purchased this Chevy bus in 2014 to rent out for parties. Rental includes a chauffeured ride for about 20 people.
FORMALWEAR HEADQUARTERS We have served thousands of satisfied customers for over 50 years, and look forward to assisting you to make your wedding day special.
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with 5 paid tuxes in your wedding party. The Pillars bus has two sections of permanent seats in front, then space in the back for more chairs and even a cooler. It’s fully heated and air-conditioned and even has a stereo system that can be hooked up to an iPhone or iPod so riders can pump their own jams.
Register your wedding with us for anytime in 2015 by March 31 and
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Enjoy your special day in our 55' x 82' air-conditioned hall. Seats up to 400! Senior’s room also available for rental, seats approx. 50. Heron Lake Community Center 312 10th St., Heron Lake 5753
Call city clerk’s office at 507-793-2826
Appointments Available To Fit Your Time Schedule.
Contact Steve at 507-841-2260 or Brad at 507-841-1229 9688
STROM’S FORMALWEAR Jackson, MN 507-847-2110
C4 • Bridal Edition • Thursday, January 1, 2015
Weddings of today take a modern approach to the disposable camera My first wedding memories are not of an extravagant ceremony or over-thetop reception, but rather of me pulling some of the shenanigans I sometimes did as a kid (and maybe still do from time to time as an adult). Back in the 1990s, I attended a wedding reception in the basement of the HiLo Club in Lakefield and took advantage of what my siblings and I thought was something pretty awesome. There were disposable cameras on every table for guests to capture candid moments from the evening. Our 24 clicks were used in what we determined the best way possible: by taking the goofiest pictures of ourselves we could. Some included table decorations formed into eyeglasses, some featured spoons dangling from our noses and others were just our silliest faces.
Looking back, that’s probably not what the bride and groom had in mind, but it probably brought a smile to their faces when they had those cameras developed sometime after the wedding. At a more recent wedding, the same concept was in place, but in a much more current format. One of my high school friends, Adam Stegemann, tied the knot with Jackie Trolio in 2013 and called on guests to use the WeddingParty app to upload pictures from throughout their big day. There are other similar apps, all designed to round up photo opportunities otherwise missed by the couple as they celebrate. Photos are added to a timeline and all who are logged in to that particular wedding can see them. The photos are all taken on phones, so they are far from replacing professional photos, but they provide a behind-the-scenes look into the wedding day for the bride and groom and their family and friends. A few I uploaded were of my family and me with Adam, but some of the photos uploaded by others reminded me of the pictures I took on that disposable camera some 20 years ago.
The pictures offer a unique look into the day. My wife and I have just two pictures from our wedding seven years ago hanging in our house, but the hundred or so others we have in an album always bring a smile to my face when I browse through them. I’m the type of person who loves to look at pictures — whether new or old — so those moments captured by a professional are irreplaceable. For some, however, a family friend with a decent camera is enough to snap a few pictures of their wedding. Whatever you choose, make sure the moments of your big day are captured to help recall a day that will be one of the happiest of your life.
FROM WAY DOWNTOWN Dan Condon
For the perfect wedding and reception,
JACKSON, MINNESOTA
see our friendly and experienced staff!
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Plan your special event at the AmericInn. We offer two gathering rooms that can accommodate gift openings, bridal showers, small weddings, groom’s dinners, pool parties, anniversary parties, meetings and reunions Beautiful guest rooms, including whirlpool and two-room suites Spacious indoor recreation center with pool and whirlpool Complimentary enhanced continental breakfast with waffles Free wireless and high-speed Internet Beer pub and eatery Welcoming lobby with cozy fireside conversation area Cable TV with Showtime Ask about wedding services and group room blocks
• Bridal bouquets • Wedding party flowers • Brass candelabras • Church and reception decorations • Candles, balloons, party supplies • Wedding and shower gifts
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After parties are growing in popularity. Those planning on celebrating into the early hours of the morning can start thinking creatively.
After party planning pointers Nowadays, many wedding guests are not ready to call it a night after the DJ plays the last dance at the reception. After parties have grown increasingly popular, but planning an after party is not necessarily as simple as pointing guests to a nearby watering hole. After parties can be anything a couple wants them to be. They can be a bunch of friends toasting marshmallows over a fire pit or a night of dancing at a club. But it pays for couples to heed a few after party pointers. • Choose a place within walking distance or close by to the reception hall or ho-
tel. Guests have likely been indulging in alcohol during the wedding, and safety should always be a priority • Limit the food and drink choices. Ask servers to bring a few pitchers of beer or sangria and finger foods. This will help avoid disagreements over trying to tally up and split the bill afterward. • Go comfortably. If you’re ready to get out of wedding finery, by all means change into something more comfortable. You probably will enjoy yourself more at the after party if you can mingle in more comfortable attire. • Take advantage of hotel services. Many hotels have
conference rooms or attached bars and restaurants that make perfect gathering places for an after party. Make arrangements with the hotel concierge or the front desk in advance. • Delegate responsibilities. A busy bride and groom may not have the time or the inclination to plan another party. If guests want to continue celebrating, put the task in the hands of a third party or volunteer. • Leave whenever you want. Partygoers will eventually need some sleep. Feel free to leave the after party whenever you want. Usually once a few people begin to disperse, the rest of the group will call it a night.
When best to cut the cake? 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 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
Mon. through Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Available after hours and Saturdays by appointment
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The timing of when a couple cuts the wedding cake can have a specific meaning. hours of the night or missing the hour. Photographers typically go home after the cakethe cake entirely. Cutting the cake mid-recep- cutting, so a mid-reception tion also serves another prac- cutting can save couples a tical purpose for couples who substantial amount of money. are paying a photographer by
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Junction of I-90 and Hwy. 71 Jackson, MN 56143 507-847-2444 800-634-3444 www.americinn.com 5766
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Thursday, January 1, 2015 • Bridal Edition • C5
Be smart about wedding beauty preparation 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 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.
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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.
Many music mistakes to avoid on your wedding day Wedding guests are usually anxious to head to the reception, where they can let loose and party. Music is an essential component of a lively and fun wedding reception, and there are some musical miscues couples should look to avoid to ensure the music is not memorable for all the wrong reasons. • Blocks of silence: Nothing makes time seem interminable more than silence. Always have a constant flow of music to avoid awkward silences. This includes the time guests are waiting prior to the ceremony, as well as when they’re entering the cocktail hour. Music will help everyone feel comfortable, and it creates a pleasing atmosphere, so make sure music plays throughout the festivities.
• Second-guessing a professional: In an effort to curb costs, some couples provide their own playlists via an mp3 player or a streaming service for the music. This is often a mistake. Hiring a professional means you will not have to worry about managing music on top of your many other wedding day responsibilities. A band or DJ usually also serves as the master of ceremonies for the event, announcing key moments of the reception as well as getting guests up on the dance floor. • Playing only one type of music: Playing too many songs from one genre of music will alienate some of the guests who simply are not interested in that type of music. Professional DJs or performers know how to offer a great mix that will
appeal to the masses, and they are often well worth the cost. Try to span different decades and genres to keep as many of your guests on the dance floor as possible. • Failure to make a song list: Some songs you may feel are essential to the wedding and others may be on a do-not-play list and are associated with negative memories. Band leaders and DJs are not mind readers. Give your band leader or DJ ample time to review your requests so that he or she has time to find a song that may not be in his or her collection. • Dancing to long songs: Pay attention to a song’s length, and choose spotlight dance songs wisely. Remember guests will be watching you dance with parents or each other, and
a five-minute song can seem never-ending while others are waiting around. Avoid very long songs, as the mix of music should be upbeat. The wedding isn’t the time to play “American Pie” by Don McLean, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhap-
sody” or Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.” • Inappropriate lyrics and volume: Keep the music at an acceptable volume, and avoid songs with suggestive language or curse words that are inappropriate in a family
setting. Music is a key element of any good party, including a wedding reception, and it is essential couples take steps to avoid any musical miscues.
A Toast to the Bridal Couple
Let us assist you with selections for your wedding reception and all your special celebrations. • Champagne • Wine • Beer
• Keg Beer • Cordials • Liqueurs
• Wine Coolers • 1919 Root Beer Kegs
Jackson Municipal Liquor Store 205 Second Street, Jackson 9578
507-847-2826
Make your wedding day the most beautiful day of your life with our professional beauty services. We can assist the entire wedding party in getting ready for that special day! AS A FULL-SERVICE SALON, WE OFFER: • Cuts and Styles • Perms • Color and Highlights • Wedding Styles • Acrylic Nails • Manicures • Pedicures • Eyebrow and Leg Waxing • Spray Tanning • Tanning Beds • Facials
Cutting Image Hairstylists
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Steering clear of wedding music mistakes means couples have a greater likelihood of throwing spectacular parties.
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303 Main Street • Lakefield • 662-6291
C6 • Bridal Edition • Thursday, January 1, 2015
Your guiltless guide to choosing great groomsmen they are not asked to walk a bridesmaid up the aisle. Choosing groomsmen should not be taken lightly. Grooms-to-be who are facing some difficult choices with regard to that decision can follow a few pointers to ensure they make the right call. • Pick a number. Before you even consider who you
Grooms-to-be face many decisions regarding their pending nuptials, but few may prove as delicate as choosing the groomsmen for the big day. Friends who expect to be groomsmen may be disappointed if they are not ultimately chosen, while brothers may feel left out if
want your groomsmen to be, speak to your fiancée about how many bridesmaids she hopes to have. The number of groomsmen and bridesmaids typically matches, so your fiancée’s intentions may make your decision a lot easier. For example, if you have two brothers and several friends you’re con-
sidering, but your fiancée only intends to have a maid of honor and one bridesmaid, then you can just ask both of your brothers to serve as groomsmen. Friends are unlikely be offended if family members get the nod ahead of them, so discuss numbers with your fiancée before you begin trimming your list of
candidates. If you already have an idea of who you want to be your groomsmen but your choices outnumber your fiancée’s, see if she has anyone else she can add to her party so no one is left out. • Choose the best man for the job. Many grooms pick a brother to serve as their best man, and while that’s a nice
sentiment, it’s important that grooms recognize that being a best man carries with it some responsibility. A best man will organize the bachelor party, give a toast at the wedding and handle any post-wedding duties, such as returning the tuxes or arranging for the newlyweds’ See GROOMSMEN on C7
Hidden expenses that can sink your wedding budget In the days of yore, the responsibility of paying for a wedding fell to the bride’s parents. But that tradition has largely fallen by the wayside in recent years, when more and more couples have used their own savings to finance their weddings. Few couples enter the process of planning
Bridal Travel
REGISTRY Couples getting married today often find they already have the household items traditionally given as gifts. The Bridal Travel Registry offers friends and family an alternative way to purchase something for you... a dream honeymoon! STOP IN OR CALL FOR DETAILS!
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on the day of the wedding as well. • Postage: Traditional paper invitations often include return envelopes that tradition suggests should also be stamped. Save-the-date cards have grown in popularity as well, and these cards must also be stamped and mailed. Depending on the size of your guest list, postage can cost several hundred dollars before you mail your last invitation. And don’t forget to save some money for postage to mail thank-you cards
once the big day has come and gone. • Overtime: Overtime fees for reception hall staff and additional outside vendors are typically written into contracts, but few couples imagine needing more than the predetermined allotment of time noted in their contracts. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, as unanticipated events such as a misplaced wedding license or heavy traffic on the way to the venue can force the party to start late and thus
extend past its deadline. Set aside some money for overtime so you don’t find yourselves scrounging for dollars or charging the extra few hundred dollars on your credit cards. Weddings are expensive, and even more so when hidden fees start to make their presence felt. Couples who build such fees into their budgets will find it easier to avoid breaking the bank than those who don’t.
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their weddings unaware of just how expensive weddings can get, but costs can easily begin to escalate if couples are not careful. Couples know that certain wedding expenses, such as the cost of booking a reception hall, will eat up a large portion of their budgets. But there are some hidden expenses that couples must build into their budgets to avoid finding themselves in debt as they walk down the aisle as husband and wife. • Taxes: Sales tax might not seem so significant when you’re buying everyday items, but the taxes add up quickly when paying for a wedding. Before signing contracts with any vendors, couples should get the price including sales tax written into their contracts, as failing to do so may result in a several thousand dollar surprise when the time to pay up arrives. • Gratuities: Gratuities are another potentially hefty expense that often takes engaged couples by surprise as they start to plan their weddings. Some reception halls build gratuities for staff into their estimates, and these tips for the staff can be as high as 25 percent at some venues. But even if gratuities for reception hall staff are already accounted for, don’t forget to include tips for additional vendors the day of the wedding. Couples may be expected to tip the florist, photographer, band or DJ and even the reception hall maître d’ if his or her gratuity is not included in the aforementioned staff tip. Brides-to-be typically tip their hairstylist and makeup artist
Catering
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Call us for . . . Weddings • Meetings • Anniversaries Banquets • Birthday Parties • And Much More! No event too big or too small!
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Couples should remember to build hidden expenses into their budgets when planning their weddings.
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Your life together starts with us! Stop in and see our great selection!
891 First Ave., Heron Lake Call Jean at 507-793-2651 or 507-793-2757 9821
THOMPSON
HAUGEN
Jewelers
9684
Five Lakes Centre, Fairmont, MN • 507-238-1006 Chuck and Peggy Haugen ~ Owners ~ Russ and Mindy Thompson
Thursday, January 1, 2015 • Bridal Edition • C7
GROOMSMEN: Guide to choosing
Fort Belmont
Continued from C6 transportation to the airport. If your brother is already incredibly busy or if you doubt he is up to the task of being a best man, then you might be better off asking him to be a groomsman and finding another best man who’s more capable of juggling the numerous responsibilities that come with being best man. • Don’t forget your fiancée’s family. While you should not feel pressured to pick anyone in particular as your best man, if your fiancée has any brothers, ask her if she had her heart set on including any of them in the bridal party. Some
brides want their brothers to be groomsmen, so discuss this with your fiancée before asking anyone to line up beside you. This discussion can go both ways as well, as you can ask your bride-to-be to include a favorite sister in her bridal party if you so desire. • Confirm their availability. When asking friends or family members to be groomsmen, it’s best to ensure they can actually make it to the ceremony. This is a concern for grooms who are planning a destination wedding or those getting married in their fiancée’s hometown and not their own, as some
guests, including potential groomsmen, may not be able to afford to attend an overseas or faraway ceremony. When asking, explain the situation to them, and let them know you fully understand if they cannot commit to being a groomsmen due to travel or financial concerns. Confirm their availability as soon as possible, as you don’t want to be down one groomsman come your big day. For those who you want to be a groomsmen but are unable to make it, it can be a nice gesture to buy them a groomsmen gift as a token of your appreciation for their friendship.
How to preserve wedding bouquets and arrangements 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. 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.
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
Pressing Pressing is another way to preserve floral 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 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.
Weddings
Flower Market
Let us help you create your bridal bouquets that capture the spirit and style of your special day.
Rent the Delafield Church, an ideal place for your intimate wedding ceremony.
516 16 S South h Hi Highway, h JJackson, k MN
www.FortBelmont.org
Call 507-847-3867
9683
507-847-3610 1-800-757-3611
9685
LOOK THE PART
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.
We offer convenient and affordable designer tux rental service for grooms and groomsmen.
UP TO
10
%
OFF
plus groom FREE for wedding anytime in 2015. Some exclusions apply.
Book now through March 31.* OFFERING THE LARGEST SELECTION OF TUXEDO STYLES AND VEST AND TIE COLORS IN THE AREA. We have the experience to guide you through the selection process and are committed to helping each customer look, and feel, their best for the most important occasions of their lives.
PLAN AHEAD FOR PROM! Whether you are looking for traditional or fun and funky . . . we are your prom headquarters!
ENDERSON Clothing for men and women Downtown Fairmont • 507-238-2342 www.endersonclothing.com
9703
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• Wedding Receptions • Dances • Anniversaries • Birthdays
We can design and print . . . • Invitations • Wedding programs • Address labels • Save the date cards • Place cards • Thank you cards
Creative, Efficient and on Budget!
• Benefits • Holiday Parties • Any Special Occasions
Weddings . . . we can do it all! We have a catering kitchen and a liquor license.
www.tristaterental.com
1-507-372-7669
Decorations available for rent!
1474 Humiston Avenue Worthington, MN
Don’t buy it – Rent it! • Table Linens/ Chair Covers
• Glassware
Chemical drying
• Tables/Chairs
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
• Punch Bowls/ Fountains
• Food Service Equipment
• Archways/ • Canopies/Tents Candelabras
Downtown Jackson • 507-847-3771 Downtown Lakefield • 507-662-5555 www.livewireprinting.com
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Thursday: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Make It An Event To Remember . . . Book Your Party Now!
Wedding Rentals
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 arrange them in a vase or another container. Otherwise, reassemble a bouquet how it was and carefully display.
available for
• Cake Stands/ Cupcake Tiers 9707
BOO EAR K LY!
Windom Community Center 1750 Cottonwood Lake Drive Windom, MN (507) 831-6149 [email protected]
• Columns • Lanterns 5736
www.windom-mn.com/facilities /cc/index.htm
C8 • Bridal Edition • Thursday, January 1, 2015
Small Town Friendly,
BIG CITY WILD!
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