MT Wedding Planner 2018 - Watertown Daily Times · the average wedding cost in the United States is...

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Page 1: MT Wedding Planner 2018 - Watertown Daily Times · the average wedding cost in the United States is $26,720, with most people spending between $20,000 and $34,000. ... Every Body

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PlannerFebruary

2018

Wedding

Supplement to

Page 2: MT Wedding Planner 2018 - Watertown Daily Times · the average wedding cost in the United States is $26,720, with most people spending between $20,000 and $34,000. ... Every Body

Metro

Newly engaged couples may experience an array of emotions when they sit down to plan their weddings. Some couples can-not wait to jump into planning and want to catalog every aspect of the process, 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 bud-gets because they have no pre-vious experience to draw on. 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 de-pending on couples’ preferenc-es, including where they hope to tie the knot.

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.

n Reception site: According to The Knot, a premiere wed-ding planning resource, cou-ples can expect their receptions to eat up the largest chunk of their wedding budgets. Wed-ding reception venues may cost between $10,000 and $15,000. The average price for catering per person is roughly $70. Bar service may be around $2,000 for a three- to four-hour party.

Some reception sites combine the room cost with the food and beverage costs, while others have ̂ la carte fees.

n Cake: Wedding cakes tend to be multitiered intricate de-signs, so they will cost more than birthday cakes. According to Statistics Brain, wedding des-sert will come in around $390.

n Music: The Knot says wed-ding 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.

n Wedding planner: Many couples employ wedding plan-ners to make planning their weddings easier. Wedding plan-ners cost an average of $1,300, says Thumbtack, a company that matches professionals with people who require their ser-vices.

n Transportation: Limou-sines and other transportation prices vary depending on the vehicle(s) couples choose. The Knot notes that budgeting be-tween $400 and $500 for trans-portation might be wise.

n Wedding gown: Brides-to-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.

n Photography and Video: Preserving wedding day memo-ries costs around $2,800 for vid-eo and photography services, based on data from Statistics Brain.

The smaller details, such as accessories, gifts, officiant fees,

stationery, spa services, and fa-

vors can quickly add up as well.

Couples should be sure to leave

some wiggle room in their bud-

gets for incidental expenses that

may pop up.

What to expect when it comes to wedding cost

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Thursday, February 15, 2018 3WEDDING PLANNER

Metro Creative Connection

In a perfect world, men and women invited to weddings would respond promptly and, for unmar-ried guests, indicate wheth-er or not they’re taking a date. But not all guests re-spond quickly, and some may forget to respond at all, even if they intend to make the wedding.

According to various wedding advice experts, including the book “Count-down to Your Perfect Wed-ding,” couples should assume 80 percent accep-tance for a traditional wed-ding and 60 to 70 percent for destination weddings. Weddings that fall during weekdays, take place on holidays or during times of the year when the weather can be difficult may affect attendance as well.

Some couples may be tempted to create a “B” in-vitation list of people who may not make the first cut due to budgetary con-straints, but can be invited if family members cannot attend. This is a delicate situation, and some people may be offended if they find out they were not among the initial list of invitees. As a result, it can be better for couples to narrow down guest lists early on and mail all invitations at once.

Send the invitations early enough so adjustments can be made with vendors, in-cluding the receptive ven-ue and the caterer. When estimating costs based on wedding guests, it’s safer to round up than down so couples are not caught un-aware. Overbuy and save receipts as items can be re-turned later.

Estimating attendance

at your wedding

Metro Creative Connection

Invitations are a key compo-nent of wedding planning. Not only can invitations set the tone for a wedding — giv-

ing guests an idea of whether it is formal or casual while offering clues to the theme — but also they are essential for conveying important information about the festivities.

While it was once common to work with a specialized printing and engraving company when ordering wedding invinations, couples tying the knot now have more options. Due in large part to computer and internet ac-cess, and myriad user-friendly design applications, it’s easier than ever to design high-quality wedding invitations.

START WITH THE PAPERThe heavier the stock, the

more luxurious the invitations will feel. Quality stock also costs more. Wedding invitations should be printed on substan-tial stock so they don’t bend or feel flimsy. Industry experts say that 100 percent cotton paper is the most costly paper. Couples can choose from linen stock and textured surfaces as well. Ex-

pect to pay more for natural or handmade papers. Those con-cerned about price can choose the highest-quality stock within budget and then play with other invitation elements to conserve funds.

ENGRAVING AND LETTERPRESSEngraving and letterpress

techniques are an art form and create unique wedding invita-tions. Engraving creates raised lettering while letterpress press-es the lettering into the paper. Many people do not have the equipment necessary to pro-duce these designs at home, and if they want a truly high-end invitation, they’ll need to use a professional printing service. Thermography is an alternative that can deliver raised print us-ing heat and special inks.

PRINTING COMPANIESOptions abound in regard

to in-store and online printing companies. Many companies offer self-service design tem-plates that enable customers to tweak text and placement of some graphic elements and then have the invitations print-ed and shipped to their homes.

Companies may provide stock samples and examples of let-tering so that couples can touch and see the invitations prior to placing an order.

AT-HOME PRINTINGOne of the more accessible

invitation production methods is at-home printing. However, there are some limitations when printing at home. For example, couples who do not have a high-end printer may find that the text on their invitations is not as crisp and the ink may smudge. Also, paper options may be lim-ited to what the tray feeder can

accommodate. Stock that is 80 pounds or 12-point stock is preferable, but anything more may jam around the print head. It may take some trial and error (and wasted paper) to perfect alignment and achieve the de-sired look.

DIYers also need to know about “bleed” designs. Accord-ing to the advice site A Practical Wedding, bleed is a printing term for design elements or im-ages extending beyond the trim edge so that unwanted white space is eliminated. Again, it may take some practice to get the desired look.

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4 Thursday, February 15, 2018 WEDDING PLANNER

Metro Creative Connection

Brides and grooms un-derstandably feel a little stress when planning their weddings.

Adding to the pressure is the fact that, according to a Wed-dingWire.com report, the aver-age couple in their 30s spends $32,000 on their wedding. That is a lot of money riding on one day.

But planning a wedding can be even more fun than it is stressful, especially for those couples who employ a few tricks of the wedding planning trade.

1. Fake the cake. Save some money by asking the bakery cake artist to decorate a foam-tiered “mock” cake for pictures and display, and serve guests from an inexpensive sheet cake in the kitchen.

2. Use labels. Once the guest list is finalized, create a data-base of guests’ addresses. Print out two sets of labels: One for addressing the invitations and the other to address the thank-you cards.

3. RSVP tricks: Number the back of RSVP cards and corre-spond the numbers to the guest list. If one or more responses is illegible, refer to the number to figure it out.

4. Embrace inexpensive decor. Dollar stores and craft stores are great places to find inexpensive decorative items. Empty wine bottles can be painted or glazed to serve as vases. Candle lanterns can be

picked up at low cost at many retailers.

5. Create an email address. To have all of the wedding-re-lated details in one place, create a separate email address exclu-sively for wedding correspon-dence.

6. Use veil weights. These weights can be sewn into veils to prevent fly-aways during outdoor ceremonies or photo-shoots.

7. Keep bugs at bay. Spray chair and reception table legs with insect repellent. Dryer sheets also can be tucked into inconspicuous spots to keep bugs away.

8. Save money on favors. Un-less the favor is something to eat or something especially practi-cal, you may consider skipping the favors altogether, as many guests tend to forget to take

them home anyway.9. Use page markers for

seating. Use multicolored, self-sticking page markers to create easy seating arrange-ments. Each color can rep-resent a category: His, Hers, Friends, Work.

10. Make a photo clothesline. A clever and inexpensive idea is to pin photos of the couple to a string, cataloguing how they

met and their time together leading up to the wedding.

11. Use loose flower center-pieces. Loose flowers in a vase are easier to sort and transport home for guests who want a memento. Make precut butch-er’s paper or cellophane avail-able to make bouquets.

12. Stock up on string lights.

Lights can be wrapped around trees outdoors, strung indoors around windows or draped along buffet tables to create a romantic ambiance.

Weddings can be expensive and stressful; therefore, couples can use all the tips they can to corral their expenses and tame their nerves.

12 wedding tricks add ease to planning and fun

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Page 5: MT Wedding Planner 2018 - Watertown Daily Times · the average wedding cost in the United States is $26,720, with most people spending between $20,000 and $34,000. ... Every Body

Thursday, February 15, 2018 5WEDDING PLANNER

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 childbear-ing. 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 es-pecially cold in many areas of the world. While dressed in for-malwear — 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 par-ticular the months of September and October, has overtaken summer as the most popular wedding season. Interestingly enough, perhaps due to a slightly cooler climate, a 2015 sur-vey from Wedding Bells found August to be the most popular month to get married in Canada.

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6 Thursday, February 15, 2018 WEDDING PLANNER

Metro Creative Connection

Local vendors are often a go-to choice when couples are planning their wedding ceremonies and receptions. As the “shop local” move-ment grows in popularity, weddings present a prime opportunity to embrace this movement.

Couples may have differ-ent ideas regarding where to tie the knot, but local vendors can be hired regardless of geography. Brides magazine says the biggest factor influ-encing 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 particu-lar locale. Hometowns might be the traditional choice re-garding wedding location, but the XO Group says one in four couples now host desti-nation weddings.

Once couples choose a town or city to host their wed-dings, they can begin explor-ing the benefits of working with locally-based vendors.

FAMILIARITYLocal vendors will be fa-

miliar with the area and pos-sibly 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-lo-cal vendors. For example, local photographers familiar with a particular venue will know all of the best places to get shots, and some vendors may have preexisting rela-tionships with venue repre-sentatives that could ensure wedding day operations go smoothly.

PROXIMITYLocal vendors can meet

with brides and grooms more readily throughout the plan-ning 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 styl-

ing sessions.

SAVINGSCouples 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, cou-ples 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 con-sumption and protecting the environment often find that shopping local is beneficial. Local vendors are more likely to source their materials from other local businesses, reduc-ing their carbon footprints along the way. For example, local caterers may rely on lo-cal farmers for their foods, affording couples the chance to host eco-friendly or even farm-to-table weddings.

CUSTOMIZATION

Working with local vendors often translates into getting more personalized service and attention than mass re-tailers or merchants can pro-vide.

Going local when choos-ing wedding vendors is an increasingly popular choice among couples about to tie the knot.

How couples can benefit from hiring local vendors

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Page 7: MT Wedding Planner 2018 - Watertown Daily Times · the average wedding cost in the United States is $26,720, with most people spending between $20,000 and $34,000. ... Every Body

Metro Creative Connection

Weddings can be expen-sive. Various sources estimate the average cost of weddings is anywhere from $26,000 to $31,000. Couples and their parents may bear the brunt of wedding expenses, but those who have accepted a role in the wedding party also can ex-pect their share of expenses.

Taking into account gifts, wardrobes, makeup, bridal showers, and travel, including getting to and from the bach-elor/bachelorette party, brid-al party members are on the hook for a lot of money when their friends or family mem-bers tie the knot. Many men and women like to travel for their bachelor/bachelorette parties, and cost-conscious bridal party members may be concerned about how ex-pensive such parties can be. Pulling out all the stops can be exciting, but there’s no guar-antee these types of parties will be more enjoyable than simpler soirees.

Taking steps to control costs can help cost-conscious couples and their friends. The following are some affordable ideas that can be fun for all in-volved.

• Bar or winery crawl: Party-goers typically want to enjoy a night out on the town, and traveling from one establish-ment to another can be a fun way to do just that. Everyone invited can set themselves apart with a signature item (hat, T-shirt, or colored cloth-ing), and make the rounds.

• Attend a group event: Group events include sport-ing events, concerts, theater shows, or a night at a comedy club. Investigate discounted tickets for large groups.

• Belt out the tunes: Open mic nights at restaurants, bars and other establishments around town may make for a fun way for friends to share a few laughs together. Partici-pants need not be profession-al singers to join in on the fes-tivities.

• Camp out: Get in touch with nature by enjoying a camping trip, complete with a campfire and a few brews. Spending time in the wilder-ness can restore focus and let stress melt away.

• Poker or game night: Groups can gather around the poker table to test their skills in

poker and other card games.

With some free-flowing bever-

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Affordable bachelorette and bachelor party ideas Metro Creative Connection

Couples researching potential reception sites for their parties should be sure to schedule tastings and confirm how the foods will look upon being served. Based on da-ta compiled by The Knot, She Knows, Delish, and various food bloggers, the following food trends are worthy of no-tice.

• Food stations: Food stations encourage interaction between a chef/server and the guests. Food stations can include a ceviche bar, fondue cart, quesadilla maker, or custom sliders station.

• Colorful foods: Guests are often first tempted by the appearance of foods, and bold colors can set dishes apart.

• Brunch items: Recognizing that daytime weddings can be much less expensive than evening affairs, couples may want to have brunch-themed weddings, featuring omelets, pancakes, French toast, and other tasty breakfast foods.

• Fancier “ordinary” fare: Although chicken fingers and meatballs aren’t normally given gourmet status, they can be dressed up and repackaged for weddings. Whole-grain breadings, Kobe beef meatballs and Asian dipping sauces give foods some flair.

• Family feel: Some weddings are now served “family style” where guests can share from larger passed plates. This serves to connect everyone at the table and encourag-es conversation, helping to establish a warm atmosphere.

• Food trucks: Trendy couples can treat guests to anoth-er special component toward the end of the reception. A takeout style food truck order can serve as a fourth or fifth course.

Did you know?

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Bachelor and bachelorette parties can be affordable without

sacrificing fun.

Thursday, February 15, 2018 7WEDDING PLANNER

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Page 8: MT Wedding Planner 2018 - Watertown Daily Times · the average wedding cost in the United States is $26,720, with most people spending between $20,000 and $34,000. ... Every Body

8 Thursday, February 15, 2018 WEDDING PLANNER

Metro Creative Connection

Engagements precede wed-ding dresses, flower arrange-ments, limousines, and even a couple’s wedding vows. And no proposal is complete with-out a ring. Knowledge of rings and stones is essential for those who plan to propose in the near future.

A recent survey from the wedding resource The Knot in which 12,000 brides and 1,200 grooms in the United States were asked about their rings, found that people spend an average, of $5,978 on engage-ment rings. Recognizing the potential cost of engagement rings can help ring shoppers prepare for their purchases.

In addition to considering costs, couples can employ the following tips to shop with confidence.

• Cut costs with style. En-gagement rings can be costly, but many couples feel they are worthwhile investments. According to In Style maga-zine, a ring with a classic sol-itaire of one carat weight can cost thousands of dollars, while a band covered in just under one carat of tiny pave diamonds will offer plenty of sparkle for a lot less money.

• Know your settings. How the diamond is framed can af-fect how big it looks and even how much it sparkles. Gems framed with a bezel can give the illusion of a larger stone.

• Get the desired cut. A skilled jeweler knows how to properly cut a stone to bring out its best radiance. From round to princess to emerald to marquise cut, cut styles can affect how the stone looks as well as the price.

• Know ring metals. Plat-inum and gold are some of the most popular ring set-ting metals. Platinum costs considerably more than gold or silver, but is long-lasting. Couples should weigh the cost versus benefit of splurging on a more expensive metal, or speak with a jeweler about a suitable substitute.

• Investigate personal style. Men should pay attention to the jewelry their girlfriends wear so the engagement rings complement their style. Some women love modern jewelry, while others gravitate toward vintage pieces.

• Come in under carat. Buying just shy of the next carat weight can save be-tween 20 and 30 percent, of-fers The Knot. Plus, the size discrepancy probably will not be visible to the naked eye.

• Think about trading up. Some couples like to replace engagement rings with a more elaborate ring for a big anniversary. Some jewelers will accept the purchase of the engagement ring toward the price of a future ring.

What to consider when shopping for rings

Metro Creative Connection

Many people rely on bridal registries when buying wedding gifts for their loved ones. But for those who put off buying wed-ding gifts until registries have been picked clean, finding the right gift can sometimes be dif-ficult. Shoppers who do know what to get the happy couple can consider the following gift ideas.

n Luggage: Many couples put luggage on their wedding registries, so shoppers should double check before purchas-ing any luggage for the happy couple. Couples about to go on their honeymoons may love a new set of sturdy luggage for their travels, while others with a love of travel may appreciate being able to replace luggage that’s bore the brunt of their globetrotting in recent years.

n Airline miles: Though it might be unconventional, gift-ing airline miles to the happy couple may save them hun-dreds of dollars. Men and wom-en with ample airline miles should determine if their agree-ment allows them to transfer those miles to a loved one. If so, transferring the miles won’t cost the person doing the gift-ing any money out of pocket, but it can save couples substan-tial amounts of money on their next trip, including their hon-eymoon if they have yet to book one.

n Experience: Many people have embraced gifting an expe-rience instead of an item to their loved ones. Some companies even facilitate such gifts to new-lyweds. Websites like Traveler’s Joy allow couples to establish honeymoon registries, building them with activities and expe-riences they hope to enjoy on their trips.

n Cash: Cash may seem im-personal, but couples tying the knot will no doubt appreciate an infusion of cash after saying “I do.” According to The Knot, the average wedding cost more than $35,000 in 2016.

Great wedding gift ideas

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

When purchasing engagement rings, couples can discuss their desires in regard to a ring, as well as their budgets.

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Thursday, February 15, 2018 9WEDDING PLANNER

Metro Creative Connection

Getting married is an ex-citing time in a couple’s life together. Wedding planning is the next

logical step after the engage-ment announcement, and while couples often get swept up in planning their dream parties, it’s important to note that ultimate-ly the ceremony is the star of the day.

Before booking a wedding re-ception venue or getting one’s heart set on a particular date, couples need to secure their ceremony sites as well as apply for a marriage license. In some instances, ceremonies are held at the same site as the wedding reception, while some couples choose to tie the knot in their church or synagogue. Each of these types of ceremonies will be governed by the schedule of the house of worship or civil site.

FINDING A VENUEOnce couples choose a wed-

ding date, it is a good idea for them to visit their ceremony site of choice to check the calendar. It helps to have some flexibility in the wedding date in case the first choice is unavailable. Al-though summer weddings used to be the most popular, today’s couples are tying the knot more often in September and Octo-ber than other times of year.

Even though a couple’s wedding is special and unique

to them, ceremony locations handle hundreds of weddings. Couples must recognize that competition for certain venues may be steep, so it helps to keep more than one venue in mind when planning a wedding.

GETTING A MARRIAGE LICENSE

While laws may vary from state to state within the United States, getting a marriage li-cense generally involves filling out the application and paying a fee at the county clerk’s office. Both applicants are typically required to bring identifica-tion, such as a driver’s license, passport or birth certificate. There may be a waiting period between submitting the appli-cation and the license being is-sued. Couples can pick up the li-cense or have it mailed to them.

Canadian requirements vary by province. For example, in Ontario, applicants need to be at least 16 years old to mar-ry and must show two forms of government-supplied identi-fication to apply. The license is valid for 90 days from when it is issued.

A marriage license is not the same thing as a marriage certif-icate. The marriage certificate typically becomes available after the ceremony has taken place and the witnesses and officiant have signed off on the preceedings.

Securing wedding venues, licenses

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Receptions may be big or small, lavish or casual. But re-gardless of their size or style, receptions all share a common element: They will require cou-ples set up seating arrange-ment for guests. Even though assigned seating isnÕt man-datory, selecting seats for a sit-down dinner makes things simpler and reduces confu-sion. 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 quick-ly and smoothly.

n Use a seating chart. A seating chart, whether it’s venue-specific or one couples make themselves, is essential. If you 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.

n Start with the wedding party table. Couples can ease themselves into the task of seating by doing the easy ta-bles 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 cou-ple should sit in the middle. A male-female pattern fol-lows on either side of the cou-ple, consisting of the ushers, bridesmaids, best man, and maid of honor. If much of the wedding party is already mar-ried, couples may opt to have the wedding party sit with their spouses instead of at the dais.

n Organize family tables. Ta-bles for parents, grandparents and immediate family mem-

bers of the bride and groom also are high priority. Both families can be combined at one table, or they can be sepa-rated into two tables. These ta-bles should be the closest to the bride and groom.

n Consider mobility issues. Next seat guests who have specific needs at tables. El-derly guests may want to be away from the band, deejay or speakers. Guests in wheel-chairs may need an accessible seat near the exit.

n 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.

n 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.

How to handle seating wedding guests

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Page 10: MT Wedding Planner 2018 - Watertown Daily Times · the average wedding cost in the United States is $26,720, with most people spending between $20,000 and $34,000. ... Every Body

10 Thursday, February 15, 2018 WEDDING PLANNER

Metro Creative Connection

The tradition of wedding cakes has endured since an-cient times, and cakes have been presented in many in-carnations since their intro-duction. In fact, some have not been cake at all. One of the first wedding “cakes” was made in ancient Rome and was comprised of bread. This bread was broken over the bride’s head to symbolize fu-ture fertility and good luck for the couple.

Until the 19th century, wed-ding cakes were actually bridal pies. A “bride’s pie” was made of flaky pastry and filled with oysters, pine kernels, cocks-combs, lambstones, sweet-breads, and spices. According to Gastronomica, a journal of food studies, humble ver-sions of wedding cakes were also created with mutton and mincemeat.

Bridal pies eventually gave way to sweeter offerings, in-cluding fruited cakes that served as symbols of fertility and prosperity.

Today, wedding cakes run the gamut from all-white, fondant-covered confections to simple sheet cakes. Some couples even opt to serve their guests cupcakes or cookies.

Although white is the pre-ferred color of wedding cakes, couples may opt for hues that evoke the color schemes of their weddings. Queen Victo-ria of England was one of the first people to have pure white icing on her wedding cake. It is believed that this is how “royal icing” received its name.

Wedding cake prices can range anywhere from $1.50 per slice and upward. Cou-ples can budget around $300 to $500 for moderately priced wedding cakes for parties with 150 to 200 people.

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Once couples have tied the knot, hit the reception dance floor and thanked their friends and family for joining them, their thoughts

might start looking ahead to their honey-moons.

Statistics vary in regard to how much couples spend on their honeymoons, but those heading overseas can expect to pay thousands of dollars on such getaways. Couples planning their honeymoons want to get the most for their money while also ensuring their first trip together as new-lyweds is as memorable as possible. The destination couples choose can go a long way toward making that happen, and cou-

ples can consider various factors as they work together to choose a locale for their honeymoons.

ACTIVITY LEVELSome couples might want their hon-

eymoons to be filled with activities, while others might prefer more low-key trips spent relaxing at seaside resorts. Couples can discuss which types of trips they prefer and be willing to compromise if their de-sires differ.

TRAVELSome couples may prefer to travel

throughout their honeymoons, while oth-ers may want to stay at the same resort for

the duration of their trips. Couples who want to travel may find a backpacking trip to Europe is a romantic way to indulge their sense of adventure, while those who prefer something more quiet may find a beach resort more to their liking.

BUDGETBudget is a strong consideration for ma-

ny couples as they plan their honeymoons. Because honeymoons can be expensive, couples who don’t want to sacrifice on their first trip together as a married cou-ple can begin planning their trips early, even looking for ways to cut costs on their ceremonies and receptions if their honey-moons are a bigger priority.

Choosing a honeymoon destination

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Page 11: MT Wedding Planner 2018 - Watertown Daily Times · the average wedding cost in the United States is $26,720, with most people spending between $20,000 and $34,000. ... Every Body

Thursday, February 15, 2018 11WEDDING PLANNER

Metro Creative Connection

Couples’ wedding days are momentous occa-sions, and couples want their memories of the

day they tied the knot to endure long after the final guest has de-parted.

Weddings can be amazing, but they only last a few hours. Memories can be forever if they are effectively documented. The following are some ways for couples to permanently memo-rialize their wedding days.

n Dry the bouquet. Wedding bouquets can be freeze-dried and/or chemically preserved so that the colors, textures and the volume of the blooms can appear just as vibrant as they were on couples’ wedding days. After preservation, the bouquet can be displayed in a vase or in a specially prepared shadow box with other mementos.

n Create a custom locket. Brides can wear a piece of their wedding gown day after day with a custom necklace or lock-et. All they need to do is trim a small piece of the lace or other

embellishment from the gown and enclose it in the locket. Jew-elry designers also may be able to convert a section of the gown pattern into metal through a casting process.

n Have guests sign the la-bel. Purchase a special bottle of wine or champagne and ask guests to sign the label or the bottle itself. Store the bottle un-til a special occasion, such as a memorable anniversary, and then toast to a happy marriage.

n Make a cake replica. Ask an artist to make a miniature replica of the wedding cake out of pottery. Put the clay cake out for display or ask for it to be made small enough to serve as a Christmas tree ornament.

n Teddy bear transforma-tion: Have tuxedo fabric or wedding gown material turned into a keepsake teddy bear. Bowman Bears produces such bears, which can be passed down to future generations.

n Create bouquet jewelry. Encapsulate favorite wedding flowers into a resin pendant, bracelet or earrings.

n Frame the invitation. Dis-play the wedding invitation in a beautiful frame with custom matting.

n Revisit the site. On their anniversaries, couples can vis-it their ceremony site or have brunch or dinner at the venue where the reception took place. Take an “after” picture to dis-play with the “before” shot from the wedding day.

n Make an invitation orna-ment. Cut the wedding invita-tion into strips and place it in-side of a hollow glass ornament. Seal the top and hang with a ribbon.

n Design a greeting card

scrapbook. Turn all of those special handwritten messages and well-wishes into a scrap-book so that memories can be revisited time and again.

The planning may take months and the wedding mere hours, but well-documented wedding day memories can last forever.

Take these tips to preserve your wedding memories

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Page 12: MT Wedding Planner 2018 - Watertown Daily Times · the average wedding cost in the United States is $26,720, with most people spending between $20,000 and $34,000. ... Every Body

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