weddings north magazine fall 2011

Brainerd Lakes Area Bridal Publication www.upnorthweddings.com Fall 2011

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C O N T E N T SC O N T E N T SI N T H I S I S S U E

4 AN EASY BREEZY WEDDINGFEATURED VENUE: BREEZY POINT RESORT

By Sheila Helmberger

6 A GOWN FOR EVERY BODY By Sheri Davich

10 TUXEDOES By Danae Blanck Anderson

12 SEASONAL SELECTIONSMENU OPTIONS FOR EVERY SEASON

By Meredith Holt

14 A HOMETOWN DESTINATION WEDDING By Louise Hunt

18 VEILS THE FINAL WEDDING ACCESSORY

By Danae Blanck Anderson

22 REAL COUPLES: NICK & LISA MILLER

26 WEDDING BLINGTHE HISTORY AND TRENDS

By Rachel Reabe Nystrom

28 KIDS IN THE WEDDING PARTY TIPS EVERY BRIDE SHOULD KNOW By Carolyn Corbett

30 BUDGET IDEASA FABULOUS WEDDING WITHOUT

BREAKING THE BANK By Joan Hasskamp

cover photo provided by Christina Johnson Photographycontents photo provided by Tim Larson Photography

STAFF:STAFF:Publisher ........................................... Tim BogenschutzVP of Revenue Development ......... Sam SwansonMarketing Coordinator .............................. Nikki LyterLayout & Design ..........................................Lisa HenryAdvertising Design........Jeff Dummer, Andy Goble, Jennifer Fuchs, Lisa Henry, Angie Hoefs, Cindy Spilman and Sue StarkAdvertising Sales.....Linda Hurst, Kristine Roberts, Carla Staffon, Jill Wasson, Dave Wentzel and Ashly Wiersgalla

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506 JAMES STREET, P.O. BOX 974BRAINERD, MN 56401

(218) 829-4705 • www.brainerddispatch.com

Weddings North

An Easy BreezyBreezy Wedding

Featured Venue

By Sheila Helmberger

The Breezy Bell A Breezy Point Resort wedding can be

a mini vacation for your guests.

Photos Provided by Sheila Helmberger

4 Weddings North • Fall 2011

A Breezy Point Resort wedding can be a a m mininii avacacatitionon f foror yoourr ggueseststs.

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O f all the decisions you’ll make for your wedding day, choosing a location to hold the ceremony will be one of the most important.

Breezy Point Resort has been hosting weddings for couples for more than 80 years. Bonnie Tweed, director of marketing and group services, has helped brides coordinate their dream weddings at the resort for 28 of those.

“I’ve worked with every color combination,” she says. Breezy Point hosts over 60 weddings a year and with all

that experience Tweed said they are able to help arrange almost anything.

Breezy Point Resort offers multiple locations to choose from, meaning it can accommodate even the smallest to the largest of guest lists and every style of ceremony. Choose from a breathtaking view on the lawn next to Pelican Lake, an outdoor ceremony at Antler’s Pavilion surrounded by the most breathtaking of views or exchange your vows on the Breezy Belle, a festive paddle boat, with a wedding ceremony right on the lake. A paddle boat wedding is a unique experience, said Tweed. “It’s very quiet and soothing,” she said.“It’s very peaceful out there.” The Breezy Belle holds about 100 guests and offers a buffet-style meal with a variety of choices to enjoy on the water following the ceremony.

Menu options for receptions at the other resort locations include everything from roast turkey with all the fi xings and chicken breast with cream sauce to prime

rib or walleye. Create a package that includes side dishes and beverage arrangements that suit the tone of your day. Seating and serving can be done formally or a more relaxed buffet style depending on the location and size of the guest list. Make a night of it and offer a late-night snack of sandwiches or pizza for wedding guests that will end the evening in style.

Once you arrive at the resort before the ceremony neither you nor your guess will have to leave until they’re ready to go home. Breezy Point Resort offers accommodations for the before ceremony groom’s or rehearsal dinner, the reception and even the honeymoon.

For the guests at a resort wedding it can mean a mini-vacation for them as well. This can include scheduling an afternoon round of golf, a leisurely boat ride or fi shing outing and a chance to gather informally with other acquaintances on a lakeside deck.

There are n u m e r o u s recrea t iona l options for c h i l d r e n as well and winter w e d d i n g s meaning an oppor tun i ty

to do some snow tubing, snowmobiling, skiing, ice skating and ice fi shing.

“We’d love to have more winter weddings,” Tweed says, noting that there is a price savings in off-season ceremonies and that the area is beautiful all year around.

On Jan. 28 the resort will host its third annual wedding fair. The fair offers brides one-stop-shopping with a chance to tour the resort’s ballrooms, taste some of the offerings from the menu and talk to vendors such as cake decorators, fl orists, photographers and other representatives that may become a part of the wedding. Brides and grooms are admitted to the wedding fair free of charge.

With everything the resort has to offer its wedding couples and their guest the resort is becoming a popular destination wedding site. Tweed said the resort has already booked a few ceremonies for next year and has a couple of weddings on the calendar for 2013.

To register for the upcoming wedding fair and for more information on a wedding ceremony at Breezy Point Resort log on to www.breezypointresort.com. The site includes everything from menus and prices to special packages and a collection of photographs of past weddings held at the resort. ■

Sheila Helmberger has a journalism degree. She is a mother of three, and contributes regularly to various local publications.

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Weddings North • Spring 2011


The dress is the key.

Every woman is beautiful in the

right wedding gown. Photo Provided by LAURA RADNEICKI

Photo Provided by KRISTI PATNODE

A Gown For Every Body

She is photographed like a target of paparazzi. She is the focus as she walks down the aisle, the toast of the party,

the most popular dance partner at the reception. Before during and after the “I Do’s”, the center of attention, a bride should feel her most attractive and confi dent on her wedding day.

Brides come in differing shapes and sizes — voluptuous, athletic, statuesque, diminutive. What brides share is sensitivity about body image. It’s part and parcel of being female. And on this day, when she is the star, a bride wants to feel comfortable in her own skin. The dress is the key. Every woman is beautiful in the right wedding gown.

Nancy Gates of Arlene’s Bridal and Tuxedo Shop says that ultimately the right dress is the one that puts a smile on the bride’s face, “No matter the style, if the bride is comfortable she will carry herself proudly and wear it well.” Gates will give advice when asked, and offers some helpful suggestions here.

By Sheri Davich

Weddings North • Fall 2011 7

It’s all in the illusion A Thick Waist

You’re not the classic hourglass? An Empire waist de-emphasizes the waist and lends a long, lean look. Another possibility for you is a dress that cinches in at the smallest point on the waistline, fl aring out into a gradual “A” shape. Opt for a bodice with a lot of texture to it like lace detailing, for example. Something that will camoufl age and fi t snugly, creating a corset-like effect. The most slenderizing neckline for you is one with a deep V, which will draw eyes toward the vertical, not the horizontal.

A Pear ShapeWith a larger bottom than top, a good choice for you

is a skirt that gradually fl ares out in an “A” formation from the natural waist to the fl oor, high-lighting the narrowness of your midsection and fl oating away from hips and thighs. A fuller skirt will camoufl age a larger-than-you-would like derriere.

A spaghetti-strap bodice or a V neckline will also showcase a more slender upper body. A sheath would be a dress to avoid for you.

Photo Provided by KRISTI PATNODE

Continued on next page...

An Athletic Build The goal is to create curves where there are none. A ball

gown that cinches in at your natural waist and descends into a full, fl owing fl oor-length skirt can do that. It will capitalize on your slenderness and camoufl age a lack of hips. Show off those arms!

Gates says the trend right now is rouging, a dress featuring asymmetrical lines. This look can simulate curves and is also particularly forgiving to other issues, including the afore-mentioned thicker waists and larger bottoms.

Full-Figured An Empire-style dress with a skirt that begins just under

the bust and fl ows into a gradual fl oor-length A-line looks great on a plus-size lady. The Empire seam should begin under the chest and not on the chest. The dress should play up your shape; if it’s too loose, it will add pounds. If you love the romantic look of airier fabrics, choose a gown with a stiffer fabric, then add an lighter overlay. A sheath will make you appear heavier, and avoid spaghetti straps.

Thin or PetiteFind a style

with a waistline above your natural waist, to make the lower half of the dress (and therefore you) appear longer. The detailing should be small (no huge bows) and limited to the bodice, to draw the eye upward.Gates cautions that a big, elaborate, overly ornate gown can overwhelm a petite girl. “You want to wear the dress. The dress should not be wearing you!” she said with a laugh. “And be wary of dresses with a dropped waist, which will make your legs seem shorter.” Calf-length gowns make your legs appear shorter as well. Shoulder or halter styles are a no-no if your slenderness verges on a bonier appearance.

A smaller bust Consider a gathered bodice. Extra fabric up top will help

fi ll out your upper body and create the illusion of curves. Lightly padded halter styles will also do the trick. The right bra can provide a boost, but as many wedding dresses are strapless or backless your undergarment options may be limited. You can try self-adhesive silicone bra cups.

And, of course, because we’re never satisfi ed with what we have….

A larger bust A dress with a scooped neckline will open up your

face and display your décolletage without showing too much cleavage. If you love the look of strapless gowns, choose one that has a slight dip along the neckline (a sweetheart neckline) rather than a style that goes straight across, which will make your bust appear even larger and more shelf-like.

Tall Look for a simple silhouette. The strategy is to

emphasize your natural shape, so every aspect of the dress should refl ect your longer proportions For

example a lower waistline or a fl oor-sweeping hem. Because you are statuesque, you’ll want to err on the

side of simplicity when it comes to embellishments.

Empire - Hallmark is a high

waistline, just under the bust,

falling to the fl oor in a slim but not fi tted skirt.

A fi t and fl are trumpet skirt,

gradually fl ares from mid thigh. Example

of rouging.Asymetrical lines de-emphasizewaist and hips.

ghtt, oorot


Sheath - Closely follows the line of the

body.(not shown)

h d l h ld b ll h

Mermaid -

Ball gown - a fi tted waistline with

full skirt.

A-Line - Close at the hip

with slight fl are at the hem, thus an “A” shape. (This

is a universal style, fl attering to just about every

woman).

The bridesmaidsJust as with brides, bridesmaids come in all shapes

and sizes, with the added dilemma that they are all in the same wedding party. One dress and style will not suit all. So what to do? Gates suggests fi nding the most fl attering choice for the bigger girls and those with average profi les will generally be pleased, too. The principle being that the average girl looks good in just about anything.

A more stylish alternative is to focus in a common color palette and let the ladies pick and choose styles that will fl atter individually. Inevitably if women wear the same outfi t there will be comparisons. Just as in those magazine features, “who wore it best” creates winners and losers.

“It’s all in the smile. If it’s the right dress, the bride’s face lights up.” Gates concluded.

Simply confi dent smiles — beautiful! ■


Sheri Davich is a free-lance writer living in Pequot Lakes. Her work has appeared in local, regional, and national publications including Guideposts and Marathon and Beyond.

SLaM


T he tuxedo, the tux, the penguin suit.

Some men say they loathe this but we women know that with the right tux it can

literally transform any man to outrageously handsome or, dare I say, hotstatus.

So, guys, the perfect tux is very important on your big day! Yes, it might seem like just a suit but it’s really not. It is tailored and more stylized with satin or grosgrain on the lapels and buttons of the jacket and a matching stripe of fabric located on the outseam of the trousers. The tux especially lends itself to be worn for an ultra special event, like a wedding.

I wondered how the tux got its name so thank goodness for Wikipedia .The tuxedo originally came about in the 1860s when a tailor (Henry Poole & Co. now Savile Row) for the then-Prince of Wales transformed a short smoking jacket into a sharp looking suit to be worn for less formal( for the prince) occasions. Later in 1886 the prince invited a New York millionaire and his actress wife (James and Cora Potter) to his hunting estate. Potter asked for a dinner dress recommendation and the prince sent him to his London tailor where of course he received the new style jacket. After arriving back to the states, Potter wore the jacket to his New York country club, Tuxedo Park Club, where it then became popular and many men copied the style, hence the name tuxedo.

The original tuxedo jacket had a shawl collar like a standard smoking jacket did but soon the peaked lapel became popular. Both are still available and used today.

I stopped into V.I.P. Weddings, “Your One Stop Wedding Shop” which does everything from fl owers to offi ciating ceremonies to ask the owner, Nila Patrick, for her thoughts on the latest tuxedo trends for this area.

Patrick mentioned how there are a lot of hunters in our neck of the woods so a rustic northwoods wedding is often the theme. Therefore, she does offer camoufl age (yes, camoufl age) vests, ties and cummerbunds (even sashes for the girls) to blend right into that theme. From mossy oak to classic camo the choice is yours.

For the Men

TuxedosNo longer your standard tailsBy Danae Blanck Anderson, ASID, CID

Photo Provided by LAURA RADNEICKI


However, to ensure the groom is not completely concealed, the camoufl age vests are reversible so you can choose another color like a nice chocolate brown, black or moss green to coordinate with the camo. Think about going more formal for the wedding ceremony and cutting loose for the reception just by fl ipping your vest!

Patrick recommended the groom’s tux should compleiment the bridal gown so often times she helps select the tuxedo. Most of the time, it is a classic black tux with a white shirt and colored vest and tie. The groomsmen typically match the bridesmaid dresses and the groom either does the same or stands apart with a black or white vest and tie.

Notable colors include bronze, chocolate, eggplant and mocha in the fall. Reds and deep pinks in the winter (especially around Valentine’s), blue tones are used a lot in January and then lavenders and greens are picked up again in the spring.

The most noteworthy concept Patrick mentioned was to be sure to get measured correctly. The proper measurement ensures the proper fi t. Don’t just grab a metal tape measure and call it good! V.I.P. offers professional measures for free if the tux is rented from them or for just fi ve bucks if the wedding is in another city. This is well worth the peace of mind to know that you will feel comfortable in your tux. In addition, if the tux is rented there they help put everything together, adjust the sides of the pants, fi x the sleeves, you name it, V.I.P. can do it. Even hemming can be done on site if need be.

Or you can check out another site for tuxedo rental just a few blocks down Laurel street on the north side at Arlene’s Bridal. Slip off your shoes, get comfortable and engage your eyes on the variety of choices Nancy Gates, proprietor, has to offer. Arlene’s has been a family business for 25-plus years which Nancy took over for her mom and she prides herself in friendly service.

As far as tux trends go, Gates stated she is seeing the groom take a more active role in the selection process, which she likes. The tuxedo is typically chosen based upon what coordinates with the wedding gown and what color choices are available to match the bridesmaid dresses.

Color options for the tuxes are available if the groom or bride decides they’d like something other than black. Charcoal gray has been a favorite, along with brown and beige tones.

To create a more casual look some guys are even opting for no jacket. But when a jacket is selected a lay down or shawl collar has been more popular than a wing or peaked one.

Another noteworthy trend is losing the tails. Most of the tuxes rented these days do not include tails. Although there are a few grooms that still want that traditional look, but the majority rented are tailless. Longer ties are selected over bow ties in our area, Gates said. However, the latest from Esquire reveals that the bow tie is making a strong comeback. In fact,

the tie-yourself style seems to be preferred, it’s OK to have it not be perfect because that means you actually did tie it yourself!

Another key accessory that gets overlooked are the cuff links and stud sets. You could personalize your ensemble with a creative cuff link or stud set that sparks your personality. Arlene’s had some fun compass cuff links that are not only stylish but even functional.

Don’t forget to complete your attire, making a statement with a button down shirt. A variety of shirt options are available from pleated fronts to curved collars and hidden buttons.

Finally…shoes. A black patent leather shoe is the traditional route. Lace ups have become the norm but feel free to walk your own way. The best trend today is there is no absolute rule!

Remember, guys, it’s your wedding, too. Select a tux that fi ts your style, be empowered by looking great and enjoy being prince for the day! ■

Danae Blanck Anderson is a certifi ed interior designer(CID), a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers(ASID) and owns I.D. Your World, a residential and commercial interior design consulting fi rm. Anderson has practiced design for 14 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in both interior design and mass communications/public relations from Minnesota State University, Mankato and enjoys writing freelance articles about various topics. She lives in Brainerd with her

husband Jarrett, son Jace and yellow lab Maxine.

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Story & Photos provided by Merideth Holt

We tend to associate certain foods with each season. When we think of fall, we might think of cranberry sauce or pumpkin pie.

Winter brings to mind beef stew or hot cocoa. Spring inspires fresh salads or citrus-spiked seafood. Come summertime, our thoughts turn to brats on the grill or buttery corn on the cob.

The seasons can also play a role in planning a menu for a wedding. Michele McFeters, group sales manager at Breezy Point Resort t, says it’s something couples take into consideration.

Carrie Hofmann, food and beverage manager and wedding and event coordinator at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake, agrees. “Many couples will plan from the salad to dessert different options based on the season,” she says.

Here are some menu suggestions in keeping with the season.

Fall ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

For a traditional fall meal, Breezy Point offers a roast turkey dinner with whipped potatoes, home-style gravy and herb stuffi ng. A roast turkey dinner is included in the resort’s What Minnesotans Like special buffet, along with a salad bar, fresh fruit platter, pasta salad, wild rice salad, broiled walleye pike over sautéed wild rice, prime rib, corn on the cob, rolls and butter and cranberry sauce.

“An entrée of roasted pork loin and sautéed apple slices with a side of roasted carrots, raisins and beans practically screams ‘fall wedding,’ ” Hofmann says, adding she also has requests for lobster bisque and pasta fagioli for fall and winter.

McFeters suggests including acorn squash for fall. “It’s not something that you see a lot,” she says.

Winter ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

“Hearty meals are our recommendations for winter,” Hofmann says. She suggests smoked salmon with sautéed potatoes and stir-fried vegetables or medallions of tenderloin served with roasted potatoes and honey-glazed carrots.

Breezy Point’s grilled chicken breast and broiled Atlantic

salmon duo served on a bed of wild rice would also work well on a winter wedding menu.

Hofmann says Cragun’s has had a lot of requests for family-style service featuring more comfort foods, and we tend to crave comfort foods in wintertime.

Spring ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

“You want something fresh and new” for spring and summer, McFeters says. She suggests starting with a spinach

salad.Hofmann says spring “is a great time of year to do something fun and bold,” or

to “make a statement with your food.” She suggests Thai curry chicken with jasmine rice or pork medallions with sautéed apples and an applesauce glaze.

Chicken is a safe option year-round, and Breezy Point serves two chicken

dinners that do well in spring, McFeters says.Chicken Breast Duxelle - “beef Wellington only

with chicken” - is chicken stuffed with mushrooms and shallots in a rich, creamy sauce and wrapped in puff pastry. “It’s wonderful,” she says.

Roast chicken breast with mornay sauce is another popular choice. “It’s a very light sauce, not heavy, and it has a little bit of Parmesan cheese fl avor to it,” McFeters says. The dish is also available with a basil pesto cream sauce, sun-dried tomato sauce or champagne cream sauce.

Summer ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

“One of the more popular salads we are seeing this summer is mixed greens with apples, walnuts and strawberry garnish served with our homemade raspberry vinaigrette, which is great for summer,” Hofmann says. Breezy Point offers a similar salad of spinach with mandarin oranges, sliced strawberries, green onions and candied almonds with raspberry vinaigrette.

Other salad ideas for summer include potato or mozzarella salad. Breezy Point’s potato salad features Minnesota-grown baby reds, celery, onions and hard-boiled eggs with tangy Dijon dressing, and the resort’s mozzarella and grape tomato

Seasonal Selections

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salad features ciligiene mozzarella, whole grape tomatoes and fresh basil with balsamic vinaigrette.

For the main course, “beef kabobs are a great summer item,” Hofmann says. They can be paired with vegetable kabobs with peppers and onions or fruit kabobs with pineapple and apples.

“Another classic is our fresh Minnesota walleye served with a lime-zest tartar,” she says. Or “try it with a twist and make it walleye au gratin (topped with a mixture of Parmesan, capers and mayo).”

For a summer theme wedding, Breezy Point offers a luau-themed menu or a clam bake-themed menu. The luau includes slow-roasted, chef-carved whole pig and island jerk chicken, and the clam bake features clam chowder, a seafood bucket, lobster and shrimp.

Popular sides for summer include asparagus spears and corn on the cob.

Desserts and extras ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

No matter the season, McFeters says a lot of couples are opting for cupcakes or even brownies instead of traditional wedding cakes. “Cupcakes are huge,” she says.

Caramel apples make a fun fall dessert. “White-chocolate-dipped caramel apples are a favorite, or host a build-your-own caramel apple bar,” Hofmann says.

“We are seeing many themed items for events,” she says, such as s’mores bars and hot cocoa varieties. Hot cocoa would be a warm welcome for guests at a winter wedding.

Frozen desserts, like Cold Stone Creamery ice cream cakes and ice cream cupcakes, are popular for summer. “A lot of people use Cold Stone,” McFeters says.

The signature drink trend has really taken off. “My personal favorite is when the couple host four drinks from the bar with the themes something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue,” Hofmann says. “You can even do a great non-alcoholic spritzer or pomegranate sherbet slushy,” which would be a refreshing addition to a summer wedding.

If you’re worried your guests haven’t had enough to eat, or if they’ve worked up an appetite throughout the evening drinking and dancing, offer them a late-night snack! “Ninety percent of our weddings are now doing that,” McFeters says.

She says pizza is an inexpensive way to top off the evening. Breezy Point offers specialty pizzas such as the “Elvis,” with pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives, onions and extra cheese, or chicken Alfredo. “It’s a lot of fun,” she says.

Remember: “No matter the season, there is no right or wrong,” Hofmann says. “I suggest you

choose something you love and enjoyyour special day!” ■

Meredith Holt is a full-time copy editor and freelance writer. She has a mass communications, print journalism degree from Minnesota State Uni-versity Moorhead. She lives in Fargo.

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It was offi cial! The call came one February night that our daughter, Heather, and her boyfriend, John, were engaged. We had seen it

coming, and were joyful about the relationship that they had developed and how happy they made each other. We liked John from the start. He had met with my husband, Jim, to ask for Heather’s hand. And though John and Heather had been talking marriage for a while, he managed to surprise her in a big way with a very romantic proposal.

Thus began the planning for a wedding. Jim and I were very hopeful that the wedding might be in the Brainerd lakes area, but knew there was a good chance that Heather and John might prefer to have it in the Twin Cities area where both of them lived and worked. (Heather is a school psychologist in the Centennial School District and John is a mortgage

specialist for Home Services Lending in Minneapolis.) Both the bride and groom were 34, and Heather had been away from home since her St. Olaf College days.

Jim and I grew up in southern Minnesota small towns and we moved to Brainerd in summer of 1972, myself a recent bride, so that Jim could start a new job as assistant principal at Brainerd High School. Almost 40 years later, the Brainerd lakes area feels like it is truly home to us. Our three children have grown up and moved out of the area, two to St. Paul and one to Boston. With most of our relatives in the Twin Cities area or farther south, we have spent much time on the road and have even had many of our own celebrations (graduation parties, anniversary parties, and retirement parties) in southern Minnesota. This made it feel even more important to us that the wedding of our only daughter be here.

By Louise Hunt

A Hometown “Destination” Wedding

Photos by Woody’s Photography


Fortunately, Heather and John also liked the idea of a wedding in the Brainerd area. They knew that many guests would come from a great distance, with much of John’s family from the St. Louis area, friends from several different states, and many friends from the Twin Cities area and southern Minnesota. They liked the idea of a wedding facility where guests could stay right there, and where the beauty of the lakes and woods would be a major part of the atmosphere. So we began planning a “destination wedding” of sorts, within our area.

As our planning progressed, we were assisted by the many wedding vendors in the area. What impressed us was how helpful everyone was, with vendors that we didn’t choose, or who were unavailable for our date, willingly giving us tips or advice on how to make the event extra-special.

We planned the wedding in less than 6 months, a timeline that most wedding planners would not advise, but by being organized and fl exible, and with good communication between Heather and myself, we were able to make that time-line work. It also helped that I was only working part-time, and had time to devote during the day for making calls and contacts.

Of course, our fi rst task was fi nding a place for the wedding and reception. Many churches and venues are booked up to a year to a year and a half in advance, but nonetheless, we were able to set up appointments with most of the major resorts and hotels in the area which had appropriate facilities for a large group to stay in a beautiful setting, and large enough reception rooms to accommodate the crowd we anticipated.

Our choice for the reception was Cragun’s main lodge,

chosen mainly because of the close proximity of beautiful Gull Lake to the dining room and deck, and the wide availability

of rooms on the date we had chosen. (Our wedding guests booked 60 rooms on the night of the wedding, and about 40 on the Friday before, with some guests choosing to stay a few days longer.)

When we discovered that the date of our choice was not available within our own church parish, we were able to arrange for the wedding to take place at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Nisswa.

Heather and John, along with John’s parents, Ed and Jane, from Woodbury, came up for a weekend of meetings with vendors, and a tasting session at Cragun’s. Diane Heinlen, the wedding planner at Cragun’s, was very helpful on many of the fi ner details. Heather and I kept in close touch through e-mail, and everything progressed nicely.

Was our wedding successful? By every criteria, it was! Heather and John glowed the whole weekend!

The beauty of the Brainerd lakes area

shone clearly...


The beauty of the Brainerd lakes area shone clearly, and the weather even cooperated, with sunshine and highs in the low 80s, and just one brief shower. Father George Zeck presided over a touching spiritual ceremony, with melodic music from the musicians of St. Christopher and Heather’s friend, Alecia. Large numbers of guests danced joyfully from start to fi nish of the wedding dance. Cragun’s provided delicious food, a grand atmosphere, and comfortable accommodations; and all of the vendors in turn did their part to make it a very special day!

But the best gauge was the delighted responses of guests who sang high praise for the Brainerd lakes area and frequently expressed a desire to come back to vacation here in the future. A New York cousin of John’s pronounced it the best wedding she had ever attended, and e-mails and Facebook postings were equally fl attering.

Heather and John are happily settled into their new home in the Como Park area of St. Paul, but will refl ect often on their happy memories of their Brainerd Lakes area wedding. Thanks from our family and from John’s family to all who made it possible! We hope that others can be blessed with a similar experience! ■

Vendors we used:Cragun’s Resort- Accommodations and Reception- 218- 825-2700Woody’s Photography- Photographs- 219-825-8894Terri’s Floral Treasures- Flowers- 218-330-6496Absolute Elegance- Ceiling Decorations- 218-575-2944Social Butterfl y- Decorations- 218-454-0717Chrisa’s Confections- Wedding Cake- 218-963-7704Bistro Favors- Wedding favors- 612-386-3111Steve Walczak DJ Productions- DJ- 218-831-4084Madden’s East Golf Course- Friday Golf Outing- 829-2811Cut Above- Hairstyles- 829-1234Panache- Spa Services- 218-855-1327City Looks- Manicures- 218-829-4775Iven’s on the Bay- Rehearsal Dinner- 218-829-9872Prairie Bay- Bridesmaid’s Luncheon- 218-824-6444

A more complete list of wedding vendors in the area can be obtained from the Brainerd Wedding Association atwww.brainerdweddingassociation.com.


Louise Hunt retired from teaching in the Brainerd School District in 2010, after a 30-year plus career as a teacher of primary literacy (mostly reading) and special education. This is her fi rst published article, but she has always perceived herself as a writer, and hopes to do more free-lance writing in the future.


Wedding Budget WorksheetDESCRIPTION ESTIMATE ACTUAL DESCRIPTION ESTIMATE ACTUAL

RECEPTIONFacility

COST STATIONERY COST

Food

Cake

Entertainment

Bride’s Wedding Ring

Groom’s Wedding Ring

Beverages

Decorations

RINGS COST

WEDDING ATTIRE COSTBridal Dress

Tuxedos

Accessories

Alterations

Headpiece/Veil

FLOWERS COSTCeremony/Reception

Bouquets

Boutonnieres

CEREMONY COSTChurch/Location

Clergy/Judge

Musicians

Decorations/Rentals REHEARSAL DINNER COST

Location

Other

Announcements

Wedding Invitations

Thank You’s

Stamps

Programs

Albums

Other

PHOTOGRAPHER COST

VIDEOGRAPHER COSTOther

Gifts for Attendants

Wedding Favors

GIFTS COST

Gifts for Parents

Gifts for Each Other

TRANSPORTATION COSTTo Ceremony

To Reception

Guest Transportation

MISC. COSTMarriage License

Taxes

HONEYMOON COSTHoneymoon Trip

Wedding Night Accomodations

Splurge Money

Tips

VeilsT

he veil has symbolized many ideas over the ages. Elite Persian women in the 13th century wore veils to show their nobility. During

Roman times the veil was thought to ward off evil spirits from taking possession of the bride. The veil can be traced back to the Crusades where women were veiled at weddings to hide themselves from their potential husband due to fear of the groom backing out of an arranged marriage. The Victorian era made it a status symbol of the well off to protect a fair maidens complexion from the sun so as to not look like a “rosy cheeked” commoner.

In addition, the veil has symbolized virtue or purity, along with the groom “taking possession” of the bride once the veil is removed. And let’s not forget how a veil makes it a little more tantalizing for the groom since he can’t wait to see his beloved be unveiled.

Another theory of the veil is to show respect. One removes their protective attire, be it a coat, veil or hat when reaching home or a safe environment. This shows respect to the hosts that their house is better than the elements outside and within a church or mosque; it shows respect to God’s house. Similarly, the bride wears a veil and lifts it when seeing her groom to show respect to him and the new home they will create together.

Today brides are expressing themselves by creating their own look and selecting a veil as a fi nal accessory to decorate their ensemble, making their wedding day more special and memorable. Once the dress has been chosen, then a veil style is selected that complements the wedding gown.

In fact, Nancy Gates, owner of Arlene’s Bridal in downtown Brainerd, said, “The veil needs to complement the dress and not take away from it.” Gates explained that single-layer veils are what have been selling in her shop, if at all. Some brides are actually opting out of the veil concept all together while others are choosing a tiara either with or without a veil.

“Destination weddings seem to be the theme of the year,” said Gates, and in that case there is usually no veil or something extremely simple.

Currently, one of the simple veil styles Gates has seen used the most in our area is an accent trim on the veil with a color to match the bridesmaid dresses. The wedding gown may also have a sash or splash of color that ties in with the trim on the veil.

With so many styles, lengths and embellishments available for a veil, V.I.P. Weddings, also located in downtown Brainerd, ownerNila Patrick said the height of the bride should be taken into consideration to help the veil look proportional to the dress and the bride’s fi gure.

The common veil lengths are called elbow, fi ngertip, ballerina-to the ankles, chapel-reaches the fl oor and cathedral-extends to a graceful train. The longer veils creating a traditional silhouette and adding a bit of formality seem to be trendier right now after Kate and William’s Royal wedding.

Patrick said that in the lakes area she is selling veils with simplistic beaded, silver or crystal edges and defi nitely not a lot of lace. Brides seem to be using the veil during the

The fi nal wedding accessory


By: Danae Blanck Anderson, ASID, CID

Laura Radneicki PhotographyTim Larson Photography

Tim Larson Photography

Tim Larson Photography

Laura Radneicki Photography


ceremony and removing it for the reception. Also for the reception, some choose to keep a head piece in as decoration while others do not.

One fun style that is slowly making a comeback from the roaring 20’s is the bird cage veil (both Gates and Patrick confi rmed this). Fashion runways are showing a lot of this and it’s starting to be more of a hot commodity here. This vintage look consists of heavy (usually Russian or French) netting that covers the face approximately 9 to 12 inches and is attached to a hat, commonly known as the visor veil. The hat can be low profi le or glammed up with feathers, jewels or whatever else goes with your wedding theme.

“Do a simpler dress and add a birdcage veil,” said Patrick. The vintage birdcage veil works perfectly to add a new touch of understated or overstated (bride’s choice) elegance.

Other vintage veil styles to choose from include the 1920’s lace cloche (bell shaped hat) with fl owers, the 30’s loose hung veil (like the mantilla veil), the crown or tiara with rhinestones from the 40’s, the velvet and satin skull cap of the 1950’s or last but not least the fl ower child inspired natural look of fl owers braided in the hair or encircled on the head. Why not try one of these vintage looks to go with a retro wedding? George Hausler Photography


Bird cage veil

Ceremony:Ceremony:Groom ushering in parentsBride going up aisle with parent(s)Assorted ceremonyExchanging of ringsLighting of unity candleBride & Groom coming back down aisleBride & Groom kissing at back of churchAssorted receiving lineExterior of ChurchBride & Groom leaving church in bridal vehicle

Outdoors:Outdoors:Brine & groom full lengthBride & Groom close upBride aloneGroom aloneWedding party

Reception:Reception:Bride & Groom with cakeBride & Groom feeding each other cakeClose-up of cakeToastingHead tableDance

ormals:Formals:Bride & Groom full length Bride alone full lengthBride & Groom close up

Wedding Party:Wedding Party:Bride & Groom w/ring

bearer & ower girlBride w/ ower girlGroom w/ring bearerBride & Groom w/maid of honor and best manBride with maid of honorGroom with best manBride & Groom w/wedding partyBride & Groom, wedding party and ushersBride with bridesmaidsGroom w/groomsmen and ushersBride w/groomsmenGroom with bridesmaids

Window Light: Window Light: Bride & Groom close upBride & Groom with ringsBride alone Groom alone Close up of rings w/ owers and/or license

Bride’s Family:Bride’s Family:Bride & Groom with Bride’s parentsBride with immediate familyBride & Groom with extended familyBride with brothers and sistersBride’s parents

Groom’s Family:Groom’s Family:Bride & Groom with Groom’s parentsGroom with immediate familyBride & Groom with extended familyGroom with brothers and sistersGroom’s parents

Additional:Additional:Bride & Groom with both sets of parents

Bride & Groom with GrandparentsBride & Groom with GodparentsBride & Groom with musiciansBride with personal attendant(s)Bride & Groom with minister(s)

FFFF

If you’re not doing a retro wedding, The Knot states four trends from the past few years in wedding veils are as follows:

■ Veiled Hats look great with a classic bun or low profi le ponytail, can be dressed up or down.

■ Crystal Studded Headbands are perfect for ultra simplistic dresses, draws the eye up, great for up or down do’s, adds bling.

■ Enamel Plated Flowers are an intricate comb with a fl oral pattern which can be easily popped in for long or short hair, the comb itself can be used as a keepsake later and attached to a veil for the ceremony then detached later for the reception.

■ Feathers. Anything with feathers added to it seems to be all the rage, go over the top with a huge plume or add a few feathers next to your bun.

Whatever style veil you choose… retro, vintage, classic, custom D.I.Y., or none at all ... be sure to love the way you look and feel. Feeling you look great on your wedding day means you can fully enjoy yourself, your guests and most of all… your new husband! ■


Danae Blanck Anderson is a certifi ed interior designer(CID), a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers(ASID) and owns I.D. Your World, a residential and commercial interior design consulting fi rm. Anderson has practiced design for 14 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in both interior design and mass communications/public relations from Minnesota State University, Mankato and enjoys

writing freelance articles about various topics. She lives in Brainerd with her husband Jarrett, son Jace and yellow lab Maxine.

DDDDDddddddSSWcyaM


Wedding Calendar ChecklistUpon Engagement

Choose wedding style Dates for wedding and reception set Expense sharing Guest list and number of guests

6-12 Months Book fl orist, photographer,

videographer, reception entertain ment, ceremony musicians

Gown and accessories Bridesmaid dresses and accessories Honeymoon plans

4-6 Months Order invitations and supplies Guest list completed Marriage license and blood test

requirements Select caterers, bakers, etc. Order wedding cake(s) Register at Bridal Registry

2-3 Months Men’s formal wear chosen Wedding transportation for you and

guests

Address invitations Mothers’ dresses Confi rm services Confi rm ceremony detail with

clergy/judge Plan rehearsals Accommodiations for out-of-town

attendants and guests Reserve rental equipment Finalize honeymoon plans Arrange for decorations Mail invitations 4-6 weeks before

wedding Make an appointment with your

skin care and make-up consultant

1 Month before Final gown fi tting Final attendant fi ttings Marriage license and blood tests Gifts for attendants Accessories ready? Ring, candles, etc. Record of gifts received and mail

thank you notes immediately Confi rm pre-nuptial dinner

arrangements

2 Weeks Before Confi rm rehearsal

time and date with all wedding party members

Name and address change on bank accounts, credit cards, drivers license

Contact guests who have not yet RSVP’d

Keep up with thank you notes

1 Week Before Final guest count to caterer Seating arrangements Confi rm honeymoon reservations,

pick up tickets, etc. Pick up wedding attire and check fi t

Wedding Day Rings and marriage license Emergency kit, sewing needs,

safety pins, etc. Give offi ciant’s fee to best man for

presentation after the ceremony If pictures are being taken before the

ceremony, the entire wedding party should be ready two hours before.

By Sarah Bach-Bergs

It’s that time again to feature a real couple right here in the Brainerd Lakes area. Find out how local couples met, proposed and how they planned their wedding. They’ll share their real worries as a couple, wedding day surprises, future

plans and much more! Meet Nick and Lisa Miller...

Occupations: Lisa is a fi rst-grade teacher at Pioneer Elementary in Pierz as well as a waitress at Prairie Bay in the summers. (Nick’s mom was the one who hired her.) Nick is the general manager at Prairie Bay.

Hobbies: Lisa enjoys sports: volleyball, softball, in-line skating, cooking, gardening, crafting and reading. Nick enjoys reading, biking, collections, painting and cooking. Together ,they enjoy gardening, cooking, playing games, puzzles, biking, racquetball, hanging out with our friends and family.

Guilty pleasures: Lisa loves her cheese; and Nick his candy. Together they love to get out and enjoy as many great restaurants as we can when they get out of town.

Pets: No pets as of yet, although at some point they would like to get a dog.

The proposal: Nick and Lisa were on their way to Chica-go for a quick weekend vacation. Nick picked Lisa up from school a little early. As they were leaving school Nick said he wanted to go to the Pierz Golf Course and check on prices,

Lisa thought this was a little weird because Nick didn’t even golf much. At this time they had plenty of time to get to the cities to catch our fl ight and she didn’t want to argue after being at work all day.

So, they got down to the Pierz park and Nick pulls off to the side by the pond. Lisa asked why he was parking over there and not by the clubhouse. He said he wanted to park in the shade, so she just went with it. Nick started to get out and he told Lisa to come with. And she started to refuse, but then realized what was going on and she told herself to not be diffi cult and get out of the car.

He took her over by a stump near the pond and wrapped his arms around her and started to tell Lisa how much he loved her and so on. Nick was so nervous. He then got down on one knee and pulled the box out of his pocket. He started to talk about the rest of their lives, but to be honest neither one of them remember what he said.

Then, he said, “Lisa, will you marry me?” All she could say was, “mmhhm!”He then asked if that was yes and she replied with the

same response. It takes a lot to take the words away from Lisa and he did. Nick then proceeded to try to put the ring on the wrong hand, which has become their little joke. They then went to show Lisa’s mom and were on the phone the whole way to the cities and almost missed their fl ight to Chicago because they got so caught up in time.

Real Couples

Ages: Lisa 29, Nick 31 Together: 2 1/2 years. Married: Since June 11, 2011

Nick & Lisa Miller

Continued on next page 24...


Details of the big day: Nick and Lisa were married June 11, 2011, at the church that Lisa grew up in, in Flensburg followed by an outside reception at The Farm on St. Mathias.

Most memorable moments: The couple agrees that seeing each other for the fi rst time that day and having all of our friends and family there to celebrate with them. They also had an exciting wedding game of kickball.

The most fun of planning their wedding: Creating a day together that their family and friends would enjoy. Of course the fi rst thing they talked about was the menu. They decided to have a country and city wedding together. Coming from different backgrounds, Lisa being a country girl and Nick growing up in the city, they wanted to create a wedding, which would be welcoming for both of our families. The wedding was at “ The Farm on St. Mathias, but with white linens and lots of lights. The couple also had a choice of country style food or food for the advanced palette. Everyone seemed to feel very welcomed.

Most diffi cult thing about planning their wedding day: Being in agreement about everything for the day, since they both had certain things in which they valued more.

Wedding advice: Compromise! Pick a few things that mean a lot to you and stick to them, but be willing to compromise on the other things. Have a plan and try to get as much done early on, so when it gets closer you won’t have as much to stress out about and remember everything will work out. Honeymoon: Nick and Lisa went to Washington, D.C., for a short trip in June right after the wedding. Then, in October they are going to Maui, to celebrate their honeymoon and a friends wedding. It all started like this: Nick and Lisa met for a drink at Black Bear to talk about work for the upcoming summer. They started hanging out and found that they valued many of thesame things in life and the rest is history.


the rest is histore rest is history.

W ddi N h F ll 2011

Biggest worry as a couple: Being able to juggle the demands of life like their jobs, kids, day to day routines and still being able to fi nd quality time for each other.

Baby clock: Nick and Lisa plan to start trying to have children within the next year.

Biggest future splurge: Their trip to Hawaii and remodeling the house/yard.

Best thing about being married: No more planning! Actually being able to just be themselves and enjoy their time together without having a task to complete. Knowing that at the end of the day they can come home to each other and vent or snuggle up and end our day with the person who means the world to us.

Biggest challenge about being married: Just like everything in life there are challenges in marriage, too. It is very diffi cult for Nick and Lisa to always agree, they are both stubborn and with age, they have both created their own way of doing things. The couple is learning to compromise and trying to handle life situations as an “us” instead of just “me”.

Decorating style: Cozy and traditional. A place where the couple loves to spend time together, or a place for entertaining their friends and family.

Arguments/disagreements: Nick and Lisa say that not having enough time to spend together can lead to some arguments, and have a minor disagreement about closing the cupboard doors.

In the future: The newlyweds hope to have a happy, healthy family, be successful in their careers and continue to grow in their love for each other for years to come. ■


Want to be featured in Wedding North for our Real Couples section? Contact Nikki Lyter, [email protected]

By Rachel Reabe Nystrom

Wedding Bling


The Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy when he asked to marry her in 1477. Centuries later,

men around the world continue the tradition by popping the question and presenting the ring.

If only it was that easy. Selecting “The Ring” is monumental because it is

expected to go the distance and only to death do us part. Figuring out which ring at what price is perhaps the opening challenge of married life.

The fi nalists on the latest season of the “Bachelorette” had it easy. J.P. Rosenbaum and Ben Flajnik had just six rings to pick from. Each made their selection and confi dent of Ashley’s love, they pocketed the rings in preparation for the proposal.

First of all, they didn’t have to pay for the ring, so there was no budget to consult. Secondly, they knew whichever ring they picked, it would be a winner. Bachelorette Ashley Hebert picked out her favorite rings long before she met any of the bachelors. She presented celebrity jeweler Neil Lane with a wish list and they collaborated on six hand-made stunners. Lane reported that Hebert wanted a “fantasy princess ring that was delicate but had a presence.”

Translation: a huge central diamond set on a diamond-covered band.

Months and buckets of tears later, Lane fl ew halfway across the world with the fi nished products so J.P. and Ben could “pick the perfect ring” for Ashley. She actually got to see both rings since she allowed Ben to propose and fl ash the bling before she dispatched him to the friend zone. Ashley knew another gorgeous ring was coming along with J. P.’s declaration of love. He dropped to his knee and snapped open the velvet box revealing the 3.5-carat, central cushion-cut sparkler accented with 162 small, hand-set diamonds around a platinum band. “It has a vintage, 19th-century romantic feel, with soft edges, but with a contemporary look,” Lane says of the ring, valued at $60,000. “Whichever way Ashley moves her fi nger, she sees sparkles.”

Celebrity rings produce a tidal wave of trends. Ed Menk, owner of E.L. Menk Jeweler in downtown Brainerd, said Lane’s studio was swamped with copy-cat orders immediately after the “Bachelorette” episode aired. “People want to emulate popular, successful people.”

Unfortunately, this particular diamond-loaded bling can be a maintenance nightmare. Menk says all those tiny diamonds with equally tiny

prongs will keep jewelers busy for the next 20 years fi xing them. “All the magazines are showing that style so stores want to push it,” he said. “But to keep the cost of the ring down, they sacrifi ce the workmanship.”

Princess diamonds, square-cut, remain a popular trend for today’s brides, usually set on a white-gold band. “In the 90’s, the hot style was the marquise or canoe-shaped diamond and before that it was the emerald-cut was popular in the 50’s,” said Menk. “The round diamond is always a steady favorite and remains very popular.”

Earlier this year when Prince William of England presented his fi ancé with his late mother’s stunning sapphire engagement ring, colored stones took a jump

forward. When Jennifer Lopez fl ashed a six-carat pink diamond ring from fi ancé Ben Affl eck years ago, colored diamonds became hot. Other ring trends include twisted bands, vintage glamour with old European style and eco-friendly, confl ict-free diamonds.

In the last 20 years, white gold is the undisputed metal of choice for brides, according to Menk. Platinum enjoyed a surge of popularity but is more expensive and not as sturdy as white gold. Yellow gold was the original jewelry metal but dwindled in popularity in the 1990s.

“We are in the love business.”

~ Michael Brown

“The round diamond is always a steady favorite and remains very popular.” ~ Ed Menk


With so many choices, Michael Brown, manager of Riddell’s Jewelry in Baxter, says usually couples come in together to look at rings. “Sometimes they bring along friends or family members,” he said. “It’s a big decision. An average engagement ring and wedding band might cost $2,500. We show them different styles.”

Ed Menk says when a guy wants to pick out a ring to surprise his beloved, Menk offers to sell him a diamond and a basic setting that can later be swapped for another style. Surprisingly, he says only about 10 percent return to look for a different style. “Most gals are so appreciative of their boyfriend picking out something for them that they are just thrilled. Other brides want to be involved in the process. It depends on the personality of the two people.”

Other couples opt for a new setting for a heirloom stone, one that has passed down in the family. Menk says they all have a story. When he got engaged 42 years ago, his bride’s aunt donated the diamond from her wedding ring. “Her late husband was a barber and we wondered how many haircuts it took to buy that ring,” Menk laughed. “Sue still wears that ring. It has a lot of sentimental value.”

Other brides trade up their original rings as the decades go by. “Maybe when they married, they couldn’t afford much and started out with a small diamond,” Menk explained. “There is always an option to trade in for a larger stone down the road.” He remembers one couple coming in with a ring sporting a

tiny diamond you could hardly see. “They traded to a larger version and have continued to come back. Ever so often, the guy come sin and says it’s time. Pick out another stone,” Menk said. He says the original diamond chip has grown into a robust 2-carat plus stunner. “Women are very sentimental about their diamonds. They might want a bigger stone but usually want to keep their original and make into a pendant or another jewelry piece. Diamonds are a commodity but they also are history and sentiment and providence.”

With all the fuss over the bride’s engagement ring and wedding band, the groom’s much more limited choices for a wedding band come as a relief. Most couples don’t match the groom’s band to the bride’s ring. Choices for men’s wedding bands have expanded to include tungsten carbide and titanium. Brown says they even offer a camofl auge-etched ring for avid hunters. “These rings are durable, scratch-resistant and less expensive.”

Brown says jewelers have the best jobs in the world. “You are dealing with people who are in love,” he said. “We are not in the diamond business.

We are in the love business.” ■

A journalist, Rachel Reabe Nystrom worked as a reporter and talk show host on Minnesota Public Radio for almost 20 years. She currently serves on the Crow Wing County Board as a commissioner.

ArRC

By Carolyn Corbett

Ki sdIn the wedding party

Any bloopers

on the part of little

people will likely

be considered

adorable.

Photo Provided by Kristi Patnode

Have you heard the one about the wedding where the little boy carrying the rings up the aisle

stopped every few feet to growl and make fi erce faces? He was the ringbearer.

Why include children in a wedding ceremony? For just that reason. They are cute. They add charm and spontaneity. They are full of surprises. If those two “s” words – spontaneity and surprises – make a couple nervous, though, including youngsters in the wedding might not be a great idea. There’s no predicting what young children might do so, like all other wedding-related decisions, this is an important one. Consider that the child is being asked to besurrounded by strangers, rehearse new behaviors, wear unusual clothes, pose for endless pictures, hold a basket of fl owers or pillow with rings and not lose them, walk slow without talking, and – hours later – still be clean, good-natured and well-behaved!Yet many brides and grooms know their wedding wouldn’t be complete without their favorite children sharing the day. Here are some tips to help ensure a joyful day for little folks and adults alike!

Whom to pickThe younger the child, the more one has to be prepared

to be OK with whatever happens. That said, a child’s demeanor and overall behavior are prime considerations. Shy or outgoing? Sweet or tantrum-throwing? No one is better able to predict children’s behavior than the parents. If they are doubtful, think of another child to fi ll the role. Also, if a child is reluctant to participate, honor that and move on.

Kids are unpredictable. All the practice and preparation in the world doesn’t mean they will perform perfectly, but any bloopers on the part of little people will likely be considered adorable. The wedding might not be fl awless, but it will probably be cute and entertaining.

A perfect wedding job for an outgoing child is to walk down the aisle just before the bride appears, ringing a bell and proclaiming, “The bride is coming! The bride is coming!”

Read all about itStart talking to the fl ower girl

and ringbearer about what the whole wedding day will be like well before the

event. Tell them what they will wear and what they will do. A wonderful way to get the kids ready for the big day is to buy them a special book that tells all about weddings and explains their “job”. Some good titles include:■ “The Little Flower Girl” - Linda Trace Brandon■ “One Little Flower Girl” - Jennifer Dussling■ “When I Was a Flower Girl” - Antonia Swinson■ “The Most Special Flower Gir”l - Linda Griffi th ■ “10 Cool Things about Being a Ring Bearer” - Penelope C. Paine■ “When I Was a Ring Bearer” - Leigh Crandall■ “The Best Ever Ring Bearer: All the Best Things About Being in a Wedding” - Linda Griffi th

Comfy clothes = happy kidsChoose comfortable clothing – nothing scratchy or

pinching. Children who are old enough can participate in choosing their own outfi ts. Stores that rent tuxedos should have children’s sizes available for the ring bearer. Fabrics should be soft and silky for the little fl ower girl who wants to be just like the bride. Young girls may trip over a long dress, so the hem should be at least two to three inches off the fl oor. Shoes should be well worn in. A quick fi tting of the suit or dress followed by a pizza or ice cream treat will be appreciated by kids.

Buddy upThere is safety in numbers for little people, so consider

letting the fl ower girl(s) and ring bearer(s) go down the aisle together. They will be adorable and they won’t be quite so focused on all those eyes staring at them. They can walk down in a group or holding hands, and may well encourage each other along their way. Also consider assigning a “Big


Buddy” too — one bridesmaid or groomsman to each child in the wedding party. This gives the young people a go-to person who will watch out for them throughout the rehearsal and ceremony when mom and dad aren’t around.

Rehearse the rehearsalRehearsals should be frequent and repetitive. Like

anything else, the children will need more practice than the adults. Let the children practice walking down the aisle several times before the “real” rehearsal starts. Family members and the rest of the wedding party can act as “guests” to simulate the reality of walking down an aisle of people on both sides watching them. Some families have had impromptu rehearsals in their backyards with neighbors as guests, music playing and fake fl ower petals. Explain to little folks exactly what they should and shouldn’t do. If the child is supposed to stand at a certain spot during the wedding, mark that spot with a masking tape X or the child’s initials. If they are old enough, explain the traditions involved and the roles of the others in the ceremony.

Where’s my mom? Show children exactly where their parents will be seated

and have the parents sit in that spot during the rehearsal(s).

The ideal spot is on the aisle, near the front, where the children will see them as they walk down the aisle. There is comfort in seeing those beloved faces waiting at the end of that long walk. It may be better in some cases to have the children sit with their parents during the actual ceremony itself, then return to walk out with the rest of the bridal party.

Picture perfectTry to have the pictures with children taken as early in

the process as possible, preferably before the ceremony. Have the parents bring their clothes to the photo shoot to avoid dirty, torn or wrinkled outfi ts. Have some safety pins or a sewing kit just in case.

And fi nally, plan for…1. a good night’s sleep or nap before the wedding2. NO sugar 3. a potty break immediately before the

ceremony begins! ■

Carolyn Corbett Before playing with words for a liv-ing, Carolyn Corbett taught elementary school for 14 years. At 35, she resigned and sailed off into the sunset. Literally. Today, as a free-lance writer/editor, she has been published in cruising, parenting and general interest magazines. Her website is at www.carolyncorbett.com



Is it possible to have a beautiful wedding and not bust the bank? Yes!

With careful planning and preparation, weddings can be done on a limited budget. Most wedding planners suggest you start saving money out of your monthly income the minute you’re engaged. By putting away 10-20 percent of your income, you will have a decent nest egg to work with as the special day approaches.

Once you’ve determined the amount you can spend, the fi rst step is to create a budget with set dollar limits for each part of the wedding (reception, attire, photography etc.) According to know.com, it’s easy to become caught up in the excitement and stray from your set plan. Be honest about

what you can afford. While it might be thrilling to have 300 people

celebrate your big day with you, a shortened invitation list of 150 will probably suffi ce to cover all your close family and friends.

Kathie Malloy of Brainerd found several

ways to live within her wedding budget.

She discovered that most churches charge around $200-$300 so it was more cost effective to hold an outdoor wedding. She booked the Gull Lake Recreation Pavilion for $40. The cost included the use of the building. She rented chairs from Party World and during the ceremony she played recorded music on a boom box. “It was a beautiful setting and done for a very reasonable cost,” she explained.

In addition, she asked a friend to offi ciate. “That saved us money, plus it was more personal,” she said.

While Kathie held her wedding on a Saturday, the trend is to utilize other days of the week for wedding ceremonies. Fridays and Sundays are less expensive while weekdays are even cheaper. That’s because many facilities charge far less during off peak times. Another consideration should be given to the time of year. Summer is the busiest time and therefore, the most expensive. By picking a date during the fall or winter, it may be possible to save sizable amounts of cash.

While Kathie went the conventional route and purchased her gown at a bridal shop, Teresa Wooden of Brainerd found her dress in the employee want ads at work. For a mere $35 she picked up a gently used dress. It pays to look around.

Another option when dress hunting is to check out area thrift stores and consignment shops. Goodwill, Salvation Army and Common Goods occasionally have bridal gowns coming in their doors. Or, look in the regular dress section at local retailers. They may carry white dresses that can serve as wedding attire.

Budget IdeasBy Joan Hasskamp


Continued on next page 34...

A date during the fall or winter may A date during the fall or winter may save sizable amounts of cash. save sizable amounts of cash.

With the addition of a sash or a few minor alterations, they are a low cost alternative.

Kathie rented the tuxedos for her wedding party from the Social Butterfl y in Baxter. She compared their prices to stores in and out of the area and found their prices to be extremely reasonable.

The more tasks you’re willing to do yourself, the greater the savings. For example, when it came to decorating, Kathie used white Christmas lights that she borrowed from a friend. She purchased miscellaneous decorations from stores around the area and constructed her own centerpieces. Also, she bought fl owers in bulk and designed her own arrangements.

Kathie held her reception at the Brainerd American Legion. She was very pleased with their service and said her guests raved about the food. She chose the buffet option which she felt was very reasonable. When looking at catering choices, she also considered Kentucky Fried Chicken and Famous Dave’s. “People may not realize these restaurants cater but they are very good options for those looking for lower cost catering,” she said.

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Because receptions are one of the most costly parts of a wedding, there are other alternatives. For an afternoon ceremony a dessert buffet is a possibility. Offerings can include cupcakes, bars and cookies. To add a touch of elegance, champagne and fruit juices can be served. Or, an appetizer buffet is also a popular option. Both are economical, yet classy and crowd pleasing. There is no requirement that a full meal needs to be served. Creative food ideas are a great way to trim costs.

While multi tier wedding cakes look fantastic, they are also expensive. As a cheaper alternative, Kathie chose to serve cupcakes at her reception. She ordered them from Schaefer’s Foods in Nisswa. Store personnel delivered them and provided setup. Kathie said the guests loved the cupcakes and no one missed the cake.

Kathie chose to have her hair done at Trendsetters in Baxter. She said they specialize in up-do hairstyles.

“My hair looked fantastic and I only paid around $30.” Brides looking to scrimp even further could opt to do their own hair and makeup.

Other ways to save money could be to ask a trusted friend take photos and shoot video. Also, instead of hiring a band or disc jockey, music could be recorded on a computer or iPod and hooked up to a sound system.

Weddings should be beautiful and special. With proper planning they can be economical as well! ■

d fantastic and I only

Cupcakes are a cheaper alternative to a wedding cake.

You can save by doing your own hair and makeup.

of the momomommostststststststtststtt costly “

Play music from an iPod, computer or disc player.

iBB

More ways to save...

Photo Provided by Laura Radneicki


Joan Hasskamp has a degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota. She lives in Crosby and is a fi nancial assistance supervisor in the Income Maintenance Division of Crow Wing County Community Services.

weddings north magazine fall 2011

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