Bridal W rld Spring/Summer 2023
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EXTRAORDINARY WEDDINGS ROCK HER DON'T JUST HAPPEN, THEY ARE S T A G E D . WORLD. Ask us about our upcoming Bridal & Wedding discounts and get the ring she really wants. JUNE BERRY MEDIA R AMSDELLTHEATER.ORG sanbornsjewelers.com 231.398.9770 | 101 MAPLE ST. | MANISTEE, MI 49660 2 • Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 • 3
Wedding & engagement ring care J ewelry is a key component of weddings. The fi- nancial resource CreditDonkey notes that, in the United States, the average amount spent on an dish soap in a small bowl. Soak the rings for 20 to 30 minutes. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean the jewelry of dirt. Rinse the residue under clean water. es, moving furniture, gardening, or diving through waves at the beach warrant caution; otherwise, you risk damaging or making jewelry unnecessarily dirty. engagement ring is $5,500. Jewelry costs can add Rings with diamonds can be treated similarly with Store the ring in a safe location until you can safely up, especially when adding in the cost of wedding a mild soap-and-water solution. The Diamond Infor- wear it again. bands, which can cost as much as $1,000 or more. mation Center also says to soak the diamond ring in One of the most important steps to safeguard wed- “Fashion trends come and go and jewelry is also equal parts cold water and ammonia for half an hour ding and engagement rings is to insure the jewelry. affected. Make her engagement ring timeless,” Vicki and let it air dry. Brand name jewelry cleaner also is The description of the ring, its cut, carat weight, met- Drzik of Victoria’s Jewelry recommends. another good option. This method only should be al, and other information offered through a certified 10% The cost of jewelry only underscores the impor- used with diamonds; ammonia can’t be used with independent jewelry appraisal will be needed to in- MEDIA tance of learning how to care for it and preserve its other gemstones. sure the ring. Take a close-up photo of the jewelry as value. The best way to maintain jewelry depends on Maintaining jewelry also should include twice year- well. Other items like laser inscription or a home secu- OFF the makeup of the rings. The online jewelry guide ly visits to a jeweler who can check the prongs and rity system can qualify jewelry owners for discounts Jewelry Notes says gold rings without gemstones can make sure the setting is not loose; otherwise, the di- on insurance. Consumers also can add a jewelry rider be cleaned effectively with only soap and water. Sim- amond can become dislodged, according to Martha to a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. ply prepare a solution of lukewarm water and mild LUDINGTON DAILY NEWS | OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL Stewart Weddings. | WHITE LAKE BEACON These are some ways to care for wedding jewelry. Avoid touching diamonds and other gemstones as Always consult with a jeweler before attempting to • GIA Graduate Gemologist and Appraiser much as possible when putting rings on and taking clean items made of various materials. • Jewelry repair and restoration expert MEDIA them off. “An engagement ring is usually the single most im- Precious stones often are magnets for dust, dirt and portant piece of jewelry one purchases. Although it • Redesign and Custom Jeweler on site body oil, according to Taylor Lanore, diamond consul- tant and engagement ring designer for Lauren B. Fine may not be the most expensive piece of jewelry she will own in her lifetime, it will likely be the piece she • Finely crafted heirloom quality jewelry Jewelry and Diamonds. Grab the ring by the band. will wear for decades. Make it special! At Victoria’s in gold and platinum LUDINGTON Use discretion DAILY rings when wearing NEWS | OCEANA’S while engaging HERALD-JOURNAL | WHITE Jewelry we have LAKE BEACON the experience to work with you to • Flexible Private appointment scheduling in hands-on activities. Activities like cleaning dish- create (and maintain) her perfect ring,” Drzik said. COURTESY OF VICTORIA’S JEWELRY • Showroom open April - December published by MEDIA MEDIA © kendrastanley-millsphotography LUDINGTON DAILY NEWS OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL LUDINGTON DAILY NEWS OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL OPEN: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11AM to 6PM WHITE LAKE BEACON WHITE LAKE BEACON 103 W. Loomis Street, Ludington, MI 49431 www.shorelinemedia.net 231-425-9300 Publisher: Mike Hrycko Ludington Daily News 202 N Rath Ave., Sales: Monica Evans, Shelley Kovar, original shoreline media Jan logoThomas, Stacie Wagner, Brad Johnson, Greg Cooke P.O. Box 340, Ludington, MI 49431 (if you would rather just have the three (231) 845-5181 Graphics: Judy Lytle, Julie Eilers, (231) 843-4011 fax paper names added to that?) Robin Moline, Candy Bryant, Oceana’s Herald-Journal Shanon McDowell 123 State Street, PO Box 190, News: David Bossick – Ludington Hart, MI 49420 Jeff Kiessel – Ludington (231) 873-5602 Amanda Dodge – Hart (231) 873-4775 fax Andy Roberts – Whitehall White Lake Beacon 231 737-7368 PO Box 98 Whitehall, MI 49461 kristin@redirental.com or brandi@redirental.com (231) 894-5356 (231) 894-2174 fax © Copyright 2023 Shoreline Media 4 • Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPTIVATING CREATIONS PHOTOGRAPHY Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 • 5
From getting ready Wedding party roles P articipating in a wedding party is an honor. Couples invite many people to their weddings, and the select few asked to be in the party are typ- hold the rings on the day of the ceremony. A best man toast is common during the reception, and some grooms ask their best men to distribute tips ically those individuals with whom the couples to vendors at the end of the night. shares a strong and special bond. The role of the wedding party is not merely sym- BRIDESMAIDS bolic. Though it’s up to the happy couple to deter- Bridesmaids often help the maid of honor plan the mine how involved they want their wedding party bachelorette party, and they also help to organize to be, individuals asked to be in the party should the bridal shower if the bride chooses to have one. know that their acceptance of these roles carries Bridesmaids can offer input on wedding planning, with it a certain level of responsibility. particularly if they’re already married, though that is not necessarily required. Bridesmaids also can help relieve stress on the bride by being as agree- to a dreamy ceremony able as possible when scheduling dress fittings. GROOMSMEN Groomsmen help to plan the bachelor party and may be asked to provide some support prior to the ceremony. For example, on the day of the wedding, groomsmen may be asked to show guests, partic- ularly elderly friends and family of the couple, to inviting cocktail hour their seats. Like their bridesmaid counterparts, groomsmen can be especially helpful by doing what’s asked of them without resistance. Arriv- ing on time to tuxedo fittings and offering insight when they think it might help are some simple ways groomsmen can pitch in. romantic dinner FLOWER GIRL/RING BEARER Often reserved for children, the roles of flower girls and ring bearers only require some simple par- MAID OF HONOR ticipation during the ceremony. Flower girls drop The maid of honor may bear the most responsi- petals as they precede down the aisle ahead of the bility of any wedding party member. Maids of hon- wedding party, while the ringer bearer carries the or typically help with the planning of the wedding, ring down the aisle. If these roles will be filled by offering advice and opinions on everything from especially young children, couples may choose to and dancing the night away the bride’s gown to the bridesmaid dresses and have them walk down the aisle together. anything else a couple might need help with. If the bride asks, the maid of honor may be asked to orga- PARENTS OF THE COUPLE nize dress fittings and attend them as well. A maid Parents of the bride and groom typically play sup- of honor typically plays an active, and often the portive roles but may be asked to give speeches dur- lead, role in planning the bachelorette party. Come ing the rehearsal dinner or the reception. The father of the day of the wedding, the maid of honor helps the the bride typically walks her down the aisle, while bride prepare and may organize the bridesmaids to the mother will likely spend the day of the ceremo- ensure everyone stays on schedule. A maid of hon- ny at the bride’s side as they get ready. Parents of We have the perfect space or typically toasts the happy couple during the re- the groom do not have any traditional responsibili- ception as well. ties, though the groom and his mother customarily share a mother/son dance during the reception. to make your special day BEST MAN Couples need not feel compelled to assign bridal Like the maid of honor, the best man has some party members these duties if they don’t feel com- extra responsibilities before the wedding and dur- fortable doing so. However, sharing some of the re- ing the festivities. A best man may organize tux fit- tings, plan the bachelor party, help make arrange- ments if the groom requests help, and be asked to sponsibilities of wedding planning can help couples enjoy the process more and keep party members engaged a dream come true! 231-830-7825 6 • Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 • 7 www.heritageweddingbarns.com
A guide to wedding day floral arrangements V arious elements come together to complete a wedding day visual. Floral arrangements are one such component that can create a special and CEREMONY FLOWERS Guests often are first introduced to floral ar- rangements at the wedding ceremony. Potted or click with is key to having the wedding you envi- sioned,” Bush noted. “Real flowers add a special touch, and a wow factor. They can also double as awe-inspiring ambiance. vase-encased flowers may bookend the couple at a party favor that will not be forgotten.” Flowers appeal to at least three of the senses. the altar. Seats or pews may be adorned with flow- Their delicate aroma can help a venue smell fresh er sprays to draw attention to the aisle, known as TIPS AND TRICKS and inviting. And it’s hard to deny the visual appeal aisle markers. These are subtle choices that en- Couples should create a list of everywhere they of a stunning floral arrangement. There are colors, hance the ceremony space. would like to use flowers and present it, along sizes, textures, and much more that can cater to with magazine clippings or planning boards, to any theme. In addition, flowers can add a tactile ele- RECEPTION COMPONENTS show florists what they have in mind when shop- ment, even if guests do not going around touching Flowers may truly shine during the reception. ping services, according to Hummingbird Wed- the blooms. They’re one of the most important components ding Advice. A 2021 survey from The Knot re- Flowers convey so much during weddings that it’s when decorating the space. Flowers serve as cen- ported that the average cost for wedding flowers important to make finding a florist a priority, ac- terpieces, so the guest list and the number of ta- was $2,300. It’s important to set a strict budget cording to the wedding resource The Knot. The fol- bles will dictate how many centerpieces are re- so florists can present ideas that are in line with lowing is a guide to understanding floral arrange- quired. These centerpieces can be elaborate or what couples can spend. Many expensive looks ments that may be included in a wedding. simply a few loose flowers in vases. Florists can can be replicated with in-season flowers or less “Babies breath is trending this year, lots of ba- customize the look depending on couples’ bud- costly alternatives. bies breath,” Melissa Flanagan, owner of Shelby Flo- gets. Some additional reception flowers can in- Flowers are an important part of the wedding ral, said. “Choosing your wedding date around the clude installations on arches or on anything day and should be incorporated into couples’ flowers you love will provide you with your favorite hanging like a floral backdrop for photo oppor- budgets. blooms at the best price.” tunities. “Do what makes you smile, because looking “It’s okay not to be sure of what specific flo- back at your big day you want to still smile years BOUQUETS, CORSAGES AND BOUTONNIERES rals that you want for your wedding day. Starting from now,” Bush said. The wedding party, bride, groom, and parents the process early and booking with a florist you COURTESY OF FLOWERS BY MARY ANN of the couple are set apart from others at the wed- ding ceremony by the special flowers on their attire and in their hands, among other indicators. Bou- For one of the most “historic” tonnieres are a single bud pinned to the left side of moments in your lives a gentleman’s jacket. Corsages can be attached to Start your celebration at the Jae’ Laimee Bridal a dress, but are now often worn on the wrist. Bou- 4756 Airline Rd., Muskegon quets are held in hand. They can be a few flowers Swedish Covenant Church 231-798-4062 gathered together, or more extensive displays. Bou- quets may feature bare jaelaimeebridal.com stems, or stems may be bound and hidden be- Jae’ Laimee neath ribbon and fabric. Some couples also have Two locations for all Bridal Outlet a small tossing bouquet to use later in the day. your bridal needs! 5669 Harvey St., Muskegon (Next to Kohl’s and Joanne Fabric) Flower petals for a flower 231-798-4062 girl to drop down the aisle also may be part of the Prices from $99 to $999! floral plan. This picturesque church, located in the “Buy one extra corsage Oceana County’s Historical Society’s or boutonniere, it’s amaz- Mears Museum Complex, is perfect ing how any situation can for your smaller weddings and celebrations. quickly be defused by handing a person a flow- Other museum buildings are available er and saying thanks for for pre and post wedding celebrations as well. coming,” Mary Ann Bush, Call 231-873-2600 for further information owner of Flowers by Mary 5809 West Fox Road, Mears MI Ann, recommends. 8 • Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 • 9 COURTESY OF SHELBY FLORAL
How to find the right reception venue for you E very decision engaged couples make in regard to their weddings is significant, but some may affect the day more than others. Perhaps no deci- choose your wedding date based on the availability of the venue. This is especially important for cou- ples who already have an ideal venue in mind, and said. “We’ve recently added string lights and patio furniture to our large patio so you and your guests can enjoy cocktail hour and dancing the night sion will help couples set the tone they hope to es- it also provides some flexibility as couples search away!” tablish more than their choice of reception venue. for the venue. For example, couples working with- • Consider your budget. The Knot 2021 Real Wed- Reception venues are where couples and their in a strict budget may not be able to afford a pre- dings Study found that couples typically spend guests will spend the vast majority of their time ferred venue during the height of wedding season, around 30 percent of their overall budget on the on the wedding day, which is why choice of venue but that venue could be less costly during slower venue, which makes this decision the biggest one bears such significance. With that in mind, couples times of year. By waiting to pick a date until you’ve in terms of the financial commitments a couple will can consider these tips as they look for the perfect chosen a venue, you’re increasing your options. have to make. Couples may be tempted to choose place to host their receptions. • Consider your guests. Though couples, partic- an awe-inspiring, costly venue for their reception, • Decide what you want out of a venue. Prospec- ularly those footing the bill on their own, should but they should consider how devoting so much of tive brides and grooms may have vastly different prioritize their desires when choosing a reception, their budget to the venue will affect the rest of their ideas regarding how they want their weddings to it’s important they also consider their guests be- big day. The best reception venue might be one that go, and it’s imperative that couples discuss their fore making a final decision. A venue that’s acces- won’t eat up too much of your budget. ideal weddings prior to looking for a venue. Do you sible and located near transit hubs like airports and • Consider the package. Venues vary in terms of want to get married in a place of worship? Or do train stations will increase the likelihood that more their reception packages. Some may offer catering, COURTESY OF HERITAGE WEDDING BARNS you prefer a venue that can host both the ceremony people can attend. In addition, if children will be including beverages, with each of their packages, and reception? Do you want an indoor, outdoor or invited, a venue that includes family restrooms, in- while food and beverage might not be part of other hybrid ceremony and reception? Define what you cluding at least one with a changing table, can make venues’ offerings. If you find a venue you love but it ers have had no trouble after choosing a venue and both want before looking for a venue and make the parents’ nights much easier. doesn’t offer catering services, seek estimates from separate caterer. necessary concessions if you have different ideas “At Heritage Wedding Barns we host weddings area caterers to determine how much it will cost to The bulk of a couple’s wedding day and night will in mind. May through October. Our beautiful and serene Wil- feed and serve your guests. Many couples find it be spent at the reception, making choice of venue • Consider picking a venue before setting a date. It low Tree ceremony site is the perfect place to say more convenient and less stressful to pick a venue one of the more fun and important decisions they’ll can be wise to pick a reception venue first and then your vows,” Sarah Riley of Heritage Wedding Barns that offers on-site catering, though plenty of oth- have to make. Customizing a Carol Waller Owner/Stylist delicious meal for you and your guests! Serving family, friends, Let us be your something New! business and events Cindi Fekken Stylist DOWNTOWN Meals 222 W. Ludington Ave. Cluck Bucket Special ..................................................$12.95 231-425-3705 • cluckbucketmi.com Cluck & Pits ................................................................... $8.50 Tenders & Pits............................................................... $8.95 Cluck Nachos ..................................................................$7.95 Plan your perfect day with the Cluck Stack (Rice Bowl) ................................................$7.95 U-Pick Meal..................................................................$13.95 Our New Facility Built in 2021 Offers: perfect dessert options! Cluck & Mac................................................................... $8.50 Spicy Cluck & Pits......................................................... $8.50 • Seating capacity 220 Carol & Co. will pamper Cluck & Sweet ............................................................... $6.95 • Tables and chairs furnished for your use We offer more than just cake Keto Cluck .......................................................................$7.95 • Access to kitchen for Caterer use your whole wedding Handhelds Cupcakes, Cake Pops, • Raised stage with podium family... Especially the Original Chicken Sandwich “The O” .......................... $5.50 Brownies, Cookies, and more! • Access to the beautiful outdoor gazebo making for a perfect Bride and Groom with a Pulled Chicken Sandwich ............................................ $5.00 Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich....................................... $6.50 extended area to your party, ceremony or picture backdrop personal touch to make Chicken Salad Sandwich ............................................. $5.50 InquireHouse today to WEST MICHIGAN Wrap.................................................................... $6.50 your SPECIAL DAY a Chicken Salad Wrap ..................................................... $6.50 BEAUTIFUL MEMORY and HONEYMOON ready! start planning Tacos your Chicken bigTaco day. 5185 N. Oceana Drive Hart, MI 49420 33 W. 5th St. • Shelby 231.861.0375 231-852-9787 .................................................................. $3.00 Cluck Taco....................................................................... $3.00 Spicy Taco ....................................................................... $3.00 RESEARCH STATION (231) 225-0443 Tues & Thurs 3:30-8 pm; Fri & Sat 9am-3pm Hawaiian Taco ............................................................... $3.00 Serving Oceana, Mason & Newaygo Counties www.westmichiganresearchstation.org britters.ordering@gmail.com Drinks Fresh-made Lemonades and Iced Tea Iced Coffee, Lattes, and Mochas 10 • Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 Pop, Water, and Juice Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 • 11
A guide for your wedding timeline W edding planning involves many movable pieces that ultimately need to come togeth- er on the big day. Planning is typically a months- ly as wedding season draws near, so it’s never too early to book them. like transportation companies and hotels, to se- cure these arrangements. Your place of worship also may require certain classes or preparatory long process, and adhering to certain monthly 10 MONTHS OUT meetings, so be sure to inquire about these. benchmarks can help couples stay the course. This is a good time to start shopping for a wed- Meet with a makeup and hair stylist and book a Brides magazine offers that the perfect engage- ding gown because it might take some trial and trial. Choose attire for groomsmen and give them ment period is 12 to 14 months, which affords error to find the perfect dress. You also can start a deadline for fittings and orders. If you will not ample time to get organized and work with ven- shopping for wedding party attire at this time. be getting married in a place of worship, hire an dors. With that in mind, here’s a 12-month time- Check with formalwear vendors to see how long officiant at this time. line for couples getting ready to say “I do.” it will take for the gowns to arrive in the shop for alterations. If you haven’t already done so, be sure 4 MONTHS OUT Your love celebrated 12 MONTHS OUT At the start of the planning process, establish your budget, hire a wedding planner (optional), to book the wedding venue. 8 MONTHS OUT Grooms traditionally arrange the honeymoon, so this is a fine time to get those travel plans in order. If you need passports, you should secure your way. choose the wedding party, pick a date, and start to Reception halls may have their own schedules, them as early as possible, and no later than four assemble a cursory guest list. This also is a great but you should think about setting your menu months prior to the wedding to ensure processing Let us help you break down your time to begin touring venues to get a feel for po- at this time, including deciding if you will host a times. Book cake tastings and order the cake if it is wedding print & digital essentials. tential ceremony and reception locales. seated dinner, a buffet or something else. not part of the venue food and beverage package. Eight months out also is a good time to finalize If you haven’t already done so, the bride should SAVE THE DATES 11 MONTHS OUT Now is the time to get a firm handle on the theme the guest list and send save-the-date cards. This also is a good time to visit stores to create have an initial gown fitting, and wedding invita- tions should be ordered at this time. INVITATIONS and scope of the wedding. Start picking wedding registry gift lists. PROGRAMS colors and overall design. Also, interview and hire “We can provide information on the types of pa- vendors, such as photographers, bands and vid- 6 MONTHS OUT per and printing methods available for wedding WELCOME SIGNS eographers. These vendors tend to book up quick- Meet with potential florists and other vendors, invitations, as well as any design options or cus- tomization possibilities. We can help with word- GUEST BOOK ing,” Mary Lulich, owner of Pixel Grafix Studio, NAPKINS said. “We create custom graphics that will set the A Stitch in Time tone from wedding for the entire wedding station- BANNERS Bridal Boutique ary suite, as well as charts, retractable banners, ta- ble place settings, programs and thank you note cards.” THANK YOU CARDS SEATING CHART NEW & Resale Gowns size 0-30 2 MONTHS OUT WEDDING WEBSITE in stock Buy wedding party gifts. Address and mail the wedding invitations. Undergo a second gown fit- NEW 2ND OFFICE - LUDINGTON LOCATION! For the entire 5941 WEST U.S. 10, LUDINGTON, MI 49431 OR ting and work with the seamstress for the final wedding party 112 E. MAIN STREET, SUITE 2, DOWNTOWN HART fitting date just before the wedding. Finalize any Prom • Formals Bride • Flowergirl song selections with the DJ or band. 1 MONTH OUT 231-861-0022 PRINTS@PIXELGRAFIXSTUDIO.COM Mother of the Bride The final details will occur in the last weeks be- fore the wedding. Secure your wedding license. Also featuring Buy all the small accessories and items, undergo Jewelry final fittings and check in with all vendors for fi- - Alterations & Gown Preservation Available - nal payments and to ensure they are on schedule. Notify the reception hall of the final guest count. Over 1,000 Gowns in stock! YOUR WEDDING DAY Call Sharon Briggs for an appointment • 231-894-8753 Once the wedding day arrives, couples who have 9494 S. Oceana Dr., 3 miles N. of Montague GARDEN CENTER • LANDSCAPING done their best to stay on schedule can relax and have a great time with family and friends. 231.894.4742 | email jancarr@weesies.com | www.weesies.com 12 • Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 • 13 FREEPIK.COM
Tips for finding your dress Did you know? Shelby Floral & Gifts Planning a wedding requires making many dif- 1. DON’T GET HUNG UP ON PERFECTION ferent decisions. The choice of wedding attire is among the most crucial decisions that couples Many brides get caught up as they search for the one dress they consider perfect. No dress is G etting engaged is an exciting moment in the lives of a couple. One might think Delivering the wedding of your must make. Whether the wedding is tradition- likely to check every box. Getting hung up on a that excitement would lead to couples hurry- dreams by pairing your unique al or customized to suit couples’ personalities, desire to find a dress that has it all may make it ing their way down the aisle to tie the knot, but brides and grooms want to look their best when hard to see the beauty in other dresses. Remem- studies have shown that couples spend a signif- style with our creative design. they say, “I do.” ber, with the talents of an experienced tailor or icant amount of time between getting engaged Many brides-to-be spend a significant amount seamstress, most dresses can be tweaked to suit and saying, “I do.” According to The Knot 2021 of time looking for their ideal wedding dress- your vision of the ideal gown. Real Weddings Study, the average engagement es. What defines the right gown depends on per- length among couples in the United States is 16 sonal preference and is unique to the person do- 2. CONSIDER THE SEASON months. Though those figures were likely af- ing the search. For example, a dress that sets a Getting married during the hazy and humid fected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which un- fairy tale scene for one bride may not necessar- days of summer is an entirely different experi- doubtedly contributed to longer engagements ily align with the tastes of another. According ence than tying the knot during the heart of win- as couples waited to get married until large to Bridal Atelier, the average bride-to-be tries ter. The fabric of the wedding dress should com- gatherings were deemed safe, it’s worth noting on try three to seven dresses before finding plement the season, whether it’s lightweight and that lengthy engagements are not specifically a the right one. The following tips can help those breezy for a warm day, or more substantial and COVID-related phenomenon. In fact, The Knot shopping for dresses find a look that makes cozy when darting to the ceremony in snowfall. reports that the average length of engagement their big day even more special. in 2019 was 14 months. Taking more time to 3. FLATTER YOUR FIGURE get to know one another also seems to be a pop- Chances are brides-to-be know which cuts and ular approach among modern couples, as The styles are most flattering. Mimic those style Knot Jewelry and Engagement Study found choices in the wedding dress. If you want to take that three-quarters of all couples who wed in focus off of full hips, choose a basque or asym- 2021 had dated for two or more years prior to metrical waistline. Gowns with substantial straps getting engaged. or higher necklines may be better if you have a Your Perfect larger chest. Sheath and mermaid style gowns are options if you are confident with your figure and want to show off your curves. 4. TRY A BIT OF THIS AND THAT Honeymoon Begins Here Don’t go into a wedding dress appointment with firm parameters. Although you may have a PROVIDING EXCELLENT ball gown style in mind, after trying on other op- CUSTOMER SERVICE BEFORE, tions something with a less voluminous silhou- ette may actually catch your eye. Many brides DURING AND AFTER TRAVEL also automatically defer to strapless gowns, when various straps and sleeves can be very ap- CRUISES • ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTS pealing. EUROPE AND MORE 5. ARRIVE WITH A FIRM BUDGET Weddings can be costly. It’s important to set a budget for the wedding dress just as you will with other expenses. There are plenty of dress design- ers across a wide spectrum of price points. A willingness to consider and ultimately purchase a less costly dress can help you stay on budget. Browsing through magazines and looking on- Meryl Smith line can provide wedding dress inspiration as Visit us at our new location well. Also, when in doubt, defer to the experts Free Quotes 231-613-0099 • Yourturntravel@gmail.com 3093 W. M-20, New Era, MI 49446 at bridal shops who have experience choosing dresses that brides are inclined to love. Yourturntravelagency.com 231-861-5390 shelbyfloralshop.com 14 • Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 • 15
Plan ahead for a perfectly romantic honeymoon E ach couple has a different definition of what constitutes a romantic getaway for a honey- moon. For some, simply enjoying a night alone and Ireland,” Meryl Smith from Your Turn Trav- el said. “Using a travel agent can take the stress out of planning and save you time so you can fo- to book a room with a scenic view. If that room also has a balcony where you can sit and enjoy the view, even better. Make a date each night to sit and is romantic enough. Others may feel resort vaca- cus on your wedding plans. I can have options and watch the sunset or get up early one morning and tions are the epitome of romance. quotes for you usually within a week and do not watch the sunrise together hand-in-hand. When planning a romantic getaway for their charge any service fees.” honeymoon, couples should first identify what • Investigate cruises. Cruises are beneficial to is important to them in a trip. Some may want a • Avoid school breaks. Another set of dates to couples looking to escape stressors because they bevy of activities, while others are simply looking avoid is when schools tend to break for holidays are floating resorts. Once you pay for your trip, to soak up some sun on the beach. A budget also or conferences. You may not want to share the re- there’s little else you need to do but enjoy your- should be established so destinations can be cho- sort pool with crying toddlers or splashing ado- self. sen based on affordability. Below are seven tips lescents if romance is the name of the game. that can help couples plan the perfect romantic • Research spots for cuddling when choosing honeymoon. • Consider couples-only resorts. Sandals® has hotels. A room with a fireplace, hammocks on the established itself as a leading couples-only chain beach, dual beach loungers, and loveseats for two • Book outside of the high season. When re- of resorts that cater to romantic honeymoons. But are some cozy places to get up close and personal. searching locales, try to avoid peak tourist sea- you can book stays for just about any reason with- sons. For example, you don’t want to be in New out bumping into families and children. Several “Many people ask why they should use a trav- Orleans during Mardi Gras or heading to Florida other brands and individual hotels cater exclu- el agent when everything is on the internet. The beaches during spring break. Instead, find a quiet sively to adults depending on the destination. advantage mostly is the customer service one re- time when you can take advantage of amenities ceives when using a travel agent,” Smith explained. and get individualized attention. • Disconnect and reconnect. Leave devices and digital distractions at home and try to be in the Various strategies can help couples plan roman- “Popular honeymoon destinations are Hawaii, moment as much as possible during the trip. tic getaways they won’t soon forget. Mexico and the Caribbean. But many couples choose overseas destinations such as Greece • Get a room with a view. Spend a little more Create memories somewhere in time at The Shelby Loading Dock Celebrate your wedding at our beautifully restored, spacious, two level event hall. Classic and Romantic to complement the most important day of your life. 20 W. Third Street • Shelby, MI • 231-414-7469 231.206.2167 16 • Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 • 17
Unveiling a tradition T hough couples can plan wedding ceremonies and receptions how they see fit, many wed- dings are steeped in tradition, some of which may Historians differ regarding the origins of the bridal veil, but some trace this tradition all the way back to Ancient Greece. Others suggest be more subtle than others. One longstanding wed- bridal veils were first popularized within the ding tradition revolves around a bride’s attire. Roman Empire by people who believed that the veil protected the bride from evil spirits as she walked down the aisle. Traditions surrounding bridal veils even dif- fer within various faiths, so the veil may signify one thing at a Jewish wedding and something entirely different at a Christian ceremony. Veils also have long been seen by some as symbolic of purity. Despite their long-held position in wedding lore and tradition, veils are no longer seen as a must-have. Nor are brides who choose to wear a veil beholden to having it cover their face as they walk down the aisle. In fact, many modern brides now flip their veils over their head as they walk down the aisle en route to saying, “I do.” Regardless of how brides who opt for veils choose to wear them, there’s no denying the enduring popularity of this tradition. Send a smile with Flowers & Love with... Schedule Your Event Today! Weddings & Events Add that special touch to your event, Special Moments with the natural beauty of flowers. There are so many reasons We make the process easy when to send and celebrate with planning an event close to home flowers. Our favorite is just or a West Michigan destination. because it’s Tuesday. Let us Local Delivery to Oceana and Mason Counties help add a little extra to your and Flower Subscriptions Available celebration. 231-923-6910 flowersbymaryann.com flowersma247@gmail.com 18 • Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 • 19
Exquisite Jewelry Design & Quality Trust your local wedding and engagement ring specialists for the finest in quality, service and style. More than 40 years of experience in Jewelry Repair, Design & Manufacturing Jewelry in every price 1000’s of styles range available Our sincerest goal is to provide you with the ring you’re dreaming of! Check us out on 327 S. James St. Ludington 20 • Bridal • Spring/Summer 2023 231-845-5257
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