Weddings FOREVER - SPRING 2021 - Mt. Airy News
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SPRING 2021 FOREVER Weddings The Mount Airy News The Yadkin Ripple
Castle McCulloch Captures Your Attention From
The Moment You Turn Off The Main Road &
Begin The Enchanting Drive Down The Winding
Wooded Entrance. The Castle Is One Of The
Most Unique Wedding Venues In The U.S.,
Offering An Enviable Range Of Unparalleled
Romantic & Intimate Onsite Locations, Both
Indoors & Outdoors. Nothing Makes For A
More Romantic Wedding Backdrop Than A
Grand Ballroom In A Centuries-Old Venue,
Or An Intimate Dinner Under An Enormous
Crystal Chandeliers, Surrounded By Beveled
Glass Windows, And A Spectacular View Of
The Romantic McCulloch Valley And Pond.
The Great Hall’s Vibrant History, Unique Stone
Architecture, And Warm Hardwood Flooring
Can Make Your Wedding As Legendary As
The Venue Itself! We Are Firm Believers That
Everyone Should Feel Like Royalty On Her Or
His Wedding Day. Contact Us Today For A Tour
And A Custom Quote. 336.887.5413
Info@CastleMcCulloch.Com
BN-44827
70046868
2 | BRIDAL GUIDE
Wedding Day Calm:
HOW TO TAME THE BUTTERFLIES, AND BE READY FOR “I DO”
By Melissa Hayes
Serre Vineyards
Your wedding day: Possibly
the most memorable and
wonderful day of your entire
life.
Every family member and
friend you love, gathered in
one place. Declaring your
devotion to your person in
front of all of your people.
An entire day dedicated to
celebrating you and your One
& Only.
• You’ve planned this magical
day for months, and it’s here.
• Have you ever been this
excited? Lee Bottoms Photography
• The butterflies are
a’fluttering! While a small dose of butter- feel more grounded and calm. bring you back to the present
• Actually, wait a second... flies can be dreamy, it’s a good Hiking, kayaking, or even moment. This can manage
how you ever been this ner- idea on your wedding day outdoor yoga are all great stress and anxiety that cause a
vous? to keep the nervous system ways to move your body on butterfly-filled stomach. Deep
Turns out, our bodies have somewhat calm if you can, your big day. belly breaths can be especially
the same response to excite- to prevent the fight-or-flight (Hint hint: Serre Vineyards helpful to bring calm to the
ment, and nervousness, response from taking over. offers bridal parties hiking entire body — especially
thanks to our Autonomic Here are some tips on calm- trails and outdoor yoga dur- when those deep belly breaths
Nervous System. When you ing the wedding day nerves, ing wedding weekends.) are accompanied by serene
get nervous or excited, a nerve and avoid pulling a Maggie Speaking of yoga… mountain views.
is stimulated that activates the Carpenter.
GET INVERTED TAKE IT EASY ON
gut and causes that fluttering GET MOVING Yes, we mean get your body THE COFFEE
feeling in It’s no longer a surprise that upside down, which can help The caffeine can fuel nervous-
your stom- there’s a proven link between correct blood flow to the ness and anxiety, making it
ach. But physical exercise and mental stomach, thus calming the worse. Coffee can also have a
your body health. Exercise produces butterflies. There are a lot major impact on the stomach,
can’t tell endorphins, and can actually of great yoga poses for this, which is already twisty with
the dif- counteract the nerves you’re like downward dog, shoulder nerves.
ference feeling in your tummy. Doing stand, or bridge pose. Not But guess what?
between jumping jacks, push-ups, or into yoga? Try laying on your Alcohol is a-okay!
de- going for a run can release back in front of a wall, with Alcohol is a sedative and a
light and some tension. your legs up against the wall. depressant that affects the
anxiousness. If Bonus points if that exercise nervous system. A moderate
either feeling is sustained long TRY DEEP BREATHING
is in nature! Spending time in amount of drinks can calm
AND MEDITATION
enough, our favorite response nature can help relieve stress you down and put you at
is going to kick in: fight-or- Mental exercises help you
and anxiety, improve your See CALM | 4
flight. focus on your breath and
mood, and overall make you
BRIDAL GUIDE | 3
Index
Castle McCulloch................................. 2 13 Bones & White Sulphur Springs.. 11
Legacy Creek......................................... 4 Turman Hardwood Flooring............ 13
Mount Airy Media Group................... 5 Mt. Vale Highlands Event
Serre Vineyards..................................... 6 & Lodging Venue................................ 13
Welcome Home Decor & Gifts........... 6 Mullins Pawn Shop............................. 15
Aunt Bea’s.............................................. 9 Cooke Rentals..................................... 15
Creative Designs................................. 10 Scenic Lincoln..................................... 16
Calm this is your day. ing, custom-built farmhouse
tables, luxurious décor,
only comfortable; they’ll feel
like it’s their special day, too.
REMEMBER WHAT indoor/outdoor bar, fire pit, We’re here to make sure that
From page 3 THE DAY IS ALL ABOUT and wedding coordinator on your wedding day, you
You’re excited and nervous; to help plan it all will make feel on top of the world —
ease. In fact, alcohol’s effects because this is an incredibly sure your loved ones are not and on top of the mountain.
can be similar to those of important day. But remind
antianxiety medications. yourself that it’s a day to en-
Time to pour the mimosa! joy and to celebrate. A day
(And when you get married to look into the eyes of your
at Serre Vineyards, there will fella or lady and remember... 276-238-8597
be plenty of mimosas.) the butterflies are worth it.
legacycreekevents.com
At Serre, we believe life is Newly Renovated Rustic Barn Venue
FIND SPACE FOR meant to be celebrated, and Located in Baywood in between
YOURSELF TO RELAX Galax and Independence, Virginia
we’d love to celebrate with
Taking a little time to clear
your head and take control
you on your special day. &
Serre’s 70-acre grounds with Indoor Venue located inside
of your nervousness, even breathtaking scenery, rustic Downtown Galax (Main St.)
if it must be totally alone meets modern barn that Indoor Venue great for Micro-Weddings,
time, might do just the accommodates up to 200 Bridal Showers, Receptions & More
trick. Don’t be afraid to
70045678
guests, covered patio seat- TUXEDO RENTAL NOW AVAILABLE
excuse yourself for a bit —
4 | BRIDAL GUIDE
THROW A SAFE BACHELOR OR BACHELORETTE PARTY
The concensus from public ues. However, it’s essential to food and drinks outside can satisfy everyone’s adventurous
health professionals around the check local regulations before be a low-key way to spend an side. Race tracks offer tour-
world is to maintain continued planning festivities. Even if evening. ist options where novices can
social distancing to help pre- gathering with your wedding take high-speed spins around
vent further spread of the CO- party is doable, you may have the course. When traveling in
VID-19 virus. Various events to think outside the box when TRY AN “EXTREME” small groups, these activities
have been modified due to the it comes to how to enjoy these ACTIVITY can be possible.
pandemic, and weddings and last hoorahs before the wed- Weekend travel has become
bachelor/bachelorette parties ding. a standard option for many VIRTUAL KARAOKE
have proven no exception. bachelor and bachelorette In-person karaoke nights may
Couples may need to make parties. But travel restrictions be unavailable, but there’s a
certain changes to traditional HOST IT OUTDOORS or personal health preferences bevy of online sing-a-long apps
gatherings like bachelor and The likelihood of spreading may mean it’s not prudent that enable participants to
bachelorette parties to stay respiratory viruses like CO- to take a trip to Las Vegas or sing with backing tracks either
safe. Wedding parties average VID-19 is greatly reduced Cancún. Booking activities for solo performances or with
four to five close friends or in outdoor settings where that are a little edgy can add others — even people around
family members on each side, respiratory droplets are more some adventure to the fes- the world. Each member of the
according to Martha Stewart likely to be dispersed rather tivities if travel is a nonstarter. bachelorette or bachelor party
weddings. Gatherings of five than concentrated. Restaurants Some amusement parks are can download the same app
will likely comply with the and bars still offer outdoor still open, so an evening of and then sing together. Laugh
limitations set for gatherings seating options in many areas, riding zero-gravity coasters or along to renditions of classic
for indoor and outdoor ven- and an intimate gathering for free-fall bungee jumps could tunes or modern favorites.
Your Partner
in Planning the
Perfect Wedding
Get ideas, inspiration and the scoop on the
latest wedding trends in our bridal guide!
• Local vendors • Special offers • Style inspiration • Unique
touches • Menu & cocktail trends • Bridal shows & events
Announce your engagement and
place your gorgeous wedding in
your local newspaper.
The Mount Airy News
336.786.4141 | mtairynews.com 336.835.1513 | elkintribune.com 336.679.2341 | yadkinripple.com
276.728.7311 | thecarrollnews.com 336.591.8191 | thestokesnews.com
70046624
BRIDAL GUIDE | 5
How to
find your
Weddings join the lives of two
loving individuals so they can
Wedding Florist
share their future with one an-
other. Various elements help
make weddings both momen-
tous and magical.
Some weddings adhere to
themes that are designed
to make an impression and
showcase couples’ personali-
ties. Floral arrangements are
key components of wed-
ding themes, as they help to
establish ambiance at both the
ceremony and reception.
Flowers can easily help
couples achieve a desired vibe,
whether that’s rustic, roman-
tic, modern, or even whimsi-
cal. Skilled florists may use a
variety of flowers and foliage,
as well as dramatic displays to
help create the couple’s wed-
ding day vision. According
Metro Creative Services
to an internal study from the
wedding advice and planning It is essential for couples to spend time vetting potential florists to find one who will
resource The Knot, which produce their desired vision at a price that fits their budget.
surveyed more than 27,000 ding, including color scheme to a florist with examples in bouquet, bridesmaids’ bou-
couples who got married in and the wedding theme. If hand. Show the florist the quets, maid of honor bouquet,
2019, the average cost of your wedding theme ties into types of arrangements you corsages for mothers/grand-
wedding flowers was $2,000 a specific season, you will prefer and have actual fabric mothers, boutonnieres for
in 2019. However, the cost of work with the florist to find swatches from bridesmaid groomsmen and fathers/grand-
floral arrangements can vary blooms and other pieces that gowns or groomsmen vests fathers, flower girl headpiece,
depending on the scope of coordi- petals to sprinkle, table
the arrangements and choice nate. For centerpieces, altar
of flowers, including whether example, “Flowers can easily help couples achieve a arrangements, pew or
they’re in season or not. winter desired vibe, whether that’s rustic, romantic, chair decorations, and
It is essential for couples to weddings modern, or even whimsical.” cake decorations.
spend time vetting potential with white, • Go easy on aroma.
florists to find one who will ice blue Tread lightly when
produce their desired vision at and silver color schemes may so that colors can be comple- selecting blooms that have
a price that fits their budget. coordinate with white ranun- mented. strong aromas. They may be
These guidelines can make the culus flowers, dahlias, dusty • Create a list of desired items. beautiful, but many people
process go more smoothly. miller foliage, and viburnum Florists may sell items a la are sensitive to smells. Aller-
• Establish your theme early berries. carte or have packages of com- gies also may be exacerbated
on. Floral arrangements will • Bring swatches and photo- mon floral pieces for wedding by flowers with strong aromas.
complement and enhance graphs to consultations. It is celebrations. Types of floral Discuss options with the
other elements of the wed- easier to explain color palettes arrangements include bridal florist before proceeding.
6 | BRIDAL GUIDE
CONNECT WITH
WELCOME BOXES
Your big day is all about you and your partner. But them in the welcome
if guests are coming from afar or if you’re having a bags. Make the notes
destination wedding, you need to show some love to special by hand-
your guests, too. writing them and
personalizing them to
each guest. Tell them
Put together welcome bags, reception locations, along how thankful you
boxes or baskets to make your with transportation informa- are that they traveled
attendees feel like they’re a tion. You can include tickets to be a part of your
special part of your wedding. to popular local attractions, festivities.
ideas for sightseeing and a list
START WITH SNACKS of your favorite restaurants. SOWING SEEDS be seen on the grounds during
Start off with things to make Toss in travel-sized goodies OF LOVE the ceremony. You can also
your guests feel more at home like sunscreen for a beachy For an outdoor wedding, con- include gardening gloves or a
on the road. These can in- locale or handwarmers for a sider dropping in packets of small pot with your monogram
clude snacks, candies, bottled snowy destination.
water, specialty coffees, or seeds or young plants that will and the date of your nuptials.
tiny bottles of bubbly to kick PARTY TIME
off your celebrations. Lend Another clever addition to
a local flavor to your gifts by your welcome boxes is a
choosing local brands. Ven- post-wedding recovery kit.
dors may even be willing to Put in travel-sized bottles of
add a monogram and date to Advil or Tylenol, cooling eye
the labels to make your gifts masks, do-not-disturb signs
more special. and anything else your guests
might need to recover from a
GET OUT little too much fun.
Also include travel guides
and suggested destinations DROP A NOTE
for guests who aren’t familiar Get ahead of the game by
with the area. Include direc- writing thank-you notes to • Bridal Registry
tions to the ceremony and your guests and including • Unique Decorative Styles
• Retail Shop
• Home Accessories
70 acres of breathtaking scenery with mountain
• and much, much more!
views accompanies our rustic-modern barn venue. Located in the historic district
Our venue accommodates up to 200 guests, and of Downtown Mount Airy, Welcome
comes complete with covered patio seating,
Home Decor & Gifts offers a curated
collection of unique, decorative accessories
custom-built farmhouse tables, outdoor bar, fire pit,
to suit a variety of tastes.
and a wedding coordinator to help plan it all.
In addition to home products, we can also connect
you to local interior design professionals who are
available for consultation. With a dash of Southern
hospitality, we hope to create a relaxed shopping
environment where everyone feels at home.
70046760
235 Market St. • Mount Airy, N.C.
70045615
LEARN MORE + BOOK AT TOUR AT WWW.SERREVINEYARDS.COM
336.648.8025 • welcomehomedecor235.com
BRIDAL GUIDE | 7
PLAN THE PERFECT OUTDOOR WEDDING Outdoor weddings are gor- vendors and guests. This can • Check on noise rules and • Plan for hydration and geous and romantic. But they be a note on your wedding regulations. Check on local shade. If you’re in a warmer present a special challenge website or on social media, laws and venue rules when it locale, you’ll want to provide when it comes to planning. or you can turn over all the comes to volume and times cooling shade and drinks for Follow this easy checklist to responsibility to your wedding for your musicians and DJs. your guests to keep everyone make your outdoor wedding planner or coordinator. Set • Restrooms. Does your locale safe. day as stress-free as possible. up a plan to have bridesmaids have ample restrooms for the • Plan for the pandemic. • Have an alternative location. or other trusted friends mind number of guests you’ll have? Outdoor weddings are par- No one likes to think of it the phones if you don’t have a If not, you can rent portable ticularly attractive to those raining on their wedding day, planner or coordinator. restrooms for your guests. hoping to gather safely despite but it’s a possibility that must • Have a plan for parking. • Consider electricity needs. COVID-19. Make sure you be considered. Have a backup This is especially true if you’re Outdoor weddings usually have hand sanitizing stations, plan if you wake up and the getting married in a backyard don’t have convenient power consider hosting groups in weather is out of sync with or at a restaurant or park. plugs hidden amongst the shifts, and have guests that are your plans. If you don’t have enough trees and grass. Check with able to stand so that there’s • Have a communication plan. space, try to make an arrange- your vendors to see what their more distance between them. If anything big comes up (like ment with a nearby school electrical needs are, including Minimize sharing of items that big location change), have or church and include the the caterer, baker and florist. such as photo booth pops, a quick and easy way to com- parking info on your wedding Then coordinate their needs serving utensils and guestbook municate those changes with website. with your location. pens. 8 | BRIDAL GUIDE
Go Cheesy
Cheese is definitely hav- Gruyere, sharp cheddar sauces with your guests’ CHEESE CAKE
ing a moment. As part and gooey fontina. Next, choices of pasta and Instead of a multi-tiered
of charcuterie boards, consider the bread. Think toppings. Pasta shapes confectionary glory of a
displays and other elegant sourdough, rye and other to look at include maca- wedding cake, consider
meals, the cheesier the easily sliceable breads. roni, cavatappi, rotini or stacking up wheels and
better. Put this trend front You can also add a variety penne. Sauces can include servings of cheese for an
and center at your recep- of fruits – apple is a great eye-catching and delicious
a creamy alfredo, clas-
tion with these ideas. choice – herbs, aromatics, wedding cake alternative.
veggies and more. sic cheddar, Swiss and
Gruyere, or blue cheese. Garnish with fresh fruits
GRILLED CHEESE BAR and flowers. This is a great
Talk to your caterers For toppings, think about
crispy bacon or pancetta, idea if either the bride
about a custom grilled MACARONI AND or groom is gluten-free
cheese bar with different CHEESE BAR cool diced tomatoes,
or low carb. Note: Make
flavors of breads, spreads Similarly to the grilled steamed broccoli, spicy sure you precut your cake;
and cheeses. Choose cheese bar, this station jalapenos and chopped those wheels can be really
melty cheeses like nutty combines different cheese herbs. tough to cut.
cAtEring to fit EvErY BudgEt.
Our catering features an array Of enticing appetizer trays, hOrs d’Oeuvres, small bites,
chOpped pOrk bbq, smOked bbq chicken, smOked fried chicken, marinated grilled chicken,
prime rib, sirlOin steaks and hamburger steaks, just tO name a few. we alsO Offer a wide
variety Of side items and desserts guaranteed tO please yOur guests. we cater tO any crOwd!
Book You focus on tHE EvEnt,
Your wE’ll HAndlE tHE food!
EvEnt
now!
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Pre-Wedding Meal
• Appetizers
Mt. AirY, HwY. 52n. | 336-789-0388 • Reception
www.AuntBEAsBBq.coM Wedding Bundle Discount Availabile
70045696
BRIDAL GUIDE | 9
According to the photo Brides magazine states that,
TOOLS FOR KEEPING and invitation specialists at during the typical 15-month
WEDDING GUESTS INFORMED Shutterfly, it’s customary engagement period, 48
to send save-the-date notes percent of couples will
Weddings give couples an ing regarding the upcoming around six months before launch a wedding website.
opportunity to share the joy nuptials is a courtesy couples the wedding. For a destina- A wedding website is a
of joining their lives to- can provide. Couples can tion wedding, which will versatile tool that can help
gether with a host of friends explore various avenues for require extra travel plans, an answer questions that guests
and family members. Guests keeping guests informed and eight- to 12-month advance may have. The website can
liven up the party and help ensuring they’ll be able to can be helpful. spell out specifics, including
make the celebration that take part in the festivities. Save-the-date cards gener- dress code, whether children
much more memorable. SAVE-THE-DATE AN- ally have basic information, are invited, the names of
According to The Knot 2019 NOUNCEMENTS including the wedding date wedding party participants,
Real Weddings Study, the Save-the-date announce- and the venue. Many will overnight accommodations,
average wedding in the ments have become an feature a photo of the couple transportation providers,
United States hosts 131 increasingly popular compo- as well. If you’re planning and even restaurants near
people. Data indicates this nent of wedding planning. on sending save-the-date the hotel for a quick bite
number has been slowly Instead of waiting on the announcements, coordinate between ceremony and
decreasing over the years, wedding invitation, which with your photographer to reception.
after the average wedding traditionally arrives one or have a photo taken exclu- Wedding websites also can
size reached an all-time high two months prior to the sively for these cards. be used as fun ways to keep
of 153 in 2007. No matter wedding itself, save-the-date WEDDING WEBSITE guests engaged. “Throwback
how big or how small the cards provide guests with Couples are increasingly Thursday” photos or funny
guest list, keeping guests an advanced advertisement embracing technology as memories and anecdotes can
informed of what’s happen- of the celebration to come. they plan their weddings. be included.
Bridal Bouquets | Ceremonies | Receptions | Showers
Let us add the perfect touch
of natural beauty to your
wedding with breathtaking
custom florals designed to
complement the style and
color palette of your
special day. Flowers & Gifts
1220 S. Main St., Mount Airy, NC 27030
336.719.2333 | creativedesignflowersandgifts.com
70046276
10 | BRIDAL GUIDESETTING UP A
Charity Registry
A charity registry gives your beginning and give their check their site to confirm There are several websites
wedding guests the option to guests a great way to honor the status. that can help you set up a
give to your selected charity their love. Take a look at the charity’s charity registry that’s easy for
in lieu of giving you a wed- Here are some things to finances. Healthy organiza- you to use and for guests to
ding gift. consider when looking for tions are financially effi- give. MyRegistry.com allows
With more couples opting charities for your guests to cient and sustainable. The you to add charity links
for minimalist weddings and support on your behalf. organization should also be using a simple browser but-
lifestyles, charity registries accountable and transpar- ton. The Good Beginning
are growing in popularity. EVALUATING CHARITIES ent. Charities should be an allows couples to choose
Furthermore, couples are liv- The charity evaluation site open book, the site says, organizations and gives them
ing together before marriage Charity Navigator said to and follow good governance a simple dashboard for iden-
and getting married later make sure the charity you practices. Other than that, tifying, giving and tracking
in life. These couples don’t are considering is a tax- make sure to choose an orga-
exempt 501(c)(3) public gifts. Blueprint allows guests
need or want the traditional nization that supports causes
charity. You can ask for the to give a custom cash gift
wedding gifts on most regis- that are close to your heart.
tries, but donating to charity organization’s Employer that you can donate to the
can give them an auspicious Identification Number and CHOOSE A SITE charity in your own name.
Come Taste
the Simpler
Life at White
Full-Service catering Sulphur
For Special occaSionS Springs!
We are committed to
providing every opportunity
for our customers to
"get out" and enjoy all the
70046065
Baby Back Ribs, Chopped BBQ,
Ribeyes, Prime Ribs, BBQ Chicken, wonderful
Pasta Primavera, New Orleans Chicken amenities we
Pasta & More! have to offer.
133 White Sulphur Springs Rd
Mount Airy, North Carolina
(336) 786-6769 ReNtAl CAbiNS
502 S. Andy Griffith Pkwy • Mt. Airy, NC
336-786-1313 • www.eat13bones.com NoW opeN!!
BRIDAL GUIDE | 11TOP WEDDING COLORS
OF 2021
Picking your wedding colors GREEN pale lilac and lavender paired YELLOW
is a huge decision in planning A recent trend of tropical with pastel yellow and mint Unlike other colors, yellow is
your special day. Here are the themed weddings has brought green for a whimsical, ethereal going more vibrant for 2021.
top trendy colors for 2021 green shades back into the wedding palette. Incorporate Look for a sunflower yellow
from the wedding experts at spotlight. For 2021, look for a these hues’ namesake flowers that’s also popping in roses,
The Knot. more retro look with mid- in your bouquet and use edible lemons and peonies. Accent
range greens. Pistachio and flowers in your cake and treats your tables with bright yellow
BLUE for maximum punch.
avocado greens will give your candles and linens or gold
In the past few years, jewel
nuptials a cool vibe. Look for ORANGE flatware.
tone blues in deep blues have
green dresses, ties and other ac- Coral and peach have been
been all the rage. But this year,
cessories because green’s range the hit oranges, but this year NEONS
look for lighter tones to take
makes it flattering for almost they’re making way for a We’ve seen the 1980s back in
the stage. The dark blues will
any skin tone. Look for flowers fashion, now it’s in wedding
stay around as accent colors to darker, warmer papaya orange.
such as palms and ferns to add palettes. Look for screaming
set off powder blue, cornflower This orange is also not as dark
more green to your floral ar- hot fuchsia, teal and cobalt
and French blue hues. Light as a rust orange, making it a
rangements. blue in trendy 2021 weddings.
blues work great with other great middle ground if you’re Don’t just pick one neon for
pastels and even earth tones. PURPLES wary of this bold color. Think your wedding, choose a whole
Choose light blue ribbons, Once again, these aren’t the terracotta vases, orchids and pack of them to go together
glassware and flowers such as punchy, bold purples popular lilies to work this vibrant color for a bold, non-traditional
sweet pea and hydrangeas. in the past. Instead, look to into your big day. look.
12 | BRIDAL GUIDEGoing Green
FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY
Your wedding can be green with great vintage vibes. emissions reduction, indoor or mirrors, send them to local
without a single splash of the environmental quality and thrift stores.
color appearing. Making your RECYCLABLE INVITATIONS stewardship of resources.
big day sustainable and eco- Pick wedding stationery that’s RENT, DON’T BUY
friendly gets easier every year as printed on recycled paper or DON’T TRASH YOUR DECOR Look into renting items instead
the wedding industry hops on uses alternatives like upcycled Find ways to reuse, recycle or of buying single-use dispos-
board the green trend. fabrics or even wood. Seed donate the decorations you ables. Some of the things you
Here are some tips for having paper, a biodegradable mate- use in your wedding. Send the can rent are glassware, linens
a big day with a little carbon rial that sprouts into flowers flowers to local hospitals, senior and more. If you do have to use
footprint. when planted in a pot of soil, centers and homeless shelters. disposables, try to choose paper
is a great and whimsical choice Gift food and favors to your things that you can recycle
RESPONSIBLE RINGS for your wedding invitations, venue’s service staff, family or or will biodegrade instead of
Well before getting to the de- RSVP cards, thank-you notes guests. For things like lanterns plastics.
tails of your wedding day, you and more.
can make sure your engagement
and wedding bands are sourced
responsibly. Use the Kimberly CHOOSE AN
Process Certification Scheme to ECO-FRIENDLY VENUE
track your stones and ask your Look for hotels and event
jeweler if they’re committed spaces that are LEED certified
to using conflict-free stones. and have Energy Star ratings.
Lab-created stones may have a LEED means Leadership in
bad rap, but they’ve got a lower Energy and Environmental
impact on the environment. Design, and it’s an independent
And recycling isn’t just for the verification that a venue was
empty bottles of bubbly. Reus- designed and built using` strate-
ing estate jewelry is an envi- gies that try to improve energy
ronmentally responsible choice savings, water efficiency, carbon
We invite you to plan your special event in a
beautiful private setting at the foothills of the
Blue Ridge mountains in Galax, VA
Mt. Vale Highlands Event and Lodging Venue
3222 Meadow Creek Rd.
Galax, VA 24333
252-269-0559
Est. 2002
Galax, VA Facebook: Mt Vale Highlands
Instagram: @mtvalehighlands
www.mtvalehighlands.com
Quality Appalachian Hardwood flooring
available at a Distributer near you.
www.turmanhardwoodflooring.com 70046452 Photos by Randi Shutte Photography
70046362
BRIDAL GUIDE | 13Tiny is Big
Your wedding is a big day, but
what’s really huge right now
are things that are tiny. Min-
iature foods, drinks, favors
and even cakes are all the rage.
Here are some ideas to help
you incorporate this trend
into your wedding.
FINGER FOODS
Finger sandwiches are a great
idea for a garden wedding, but
you can take this even farther.
Mini tacos, sliders, pigs in a
blanket all can be miniatur-
ized. Serve these tiny dishes as the tiny train. Keep your tiny and offers couple a stunning ability but still wanted those
passed dishes or on distanced favors local to give your guests backdrop for their big day. Instagram-worthy photos,”
tables. a great memento of the day. “When we first came up with said Jamie Gray, the farm’s
this, a pandemic not being marketing and communica-
A TASTE OF CAKE CLOTHING considered, we said it was tions manager, in The Detroit
Wedding cakes have been Even clothes are getting in on designed for couples who News. “They kind of get the
shrinking lately. Full cakes the trend, including shorter wanted simplicity and afford- best of both.”
became cupcakes and are skirts that bare knees and legs
now cake pops and cake for warmer days for brides
balls. These tiny treats can be and bridesmaids.
stacked in layers and arranged
in adorable ways to comple- CROWDS
` and theme.
ment your decor As the pandemic rolls on,
couples are trimming guest
DRINKS lists to accommodate local
We all know a tiny drink rules on gatherings and to
is most commonly a shot. make their ceremonies safer.
There are ways, however, that And it’s a trend that may
your bartender can craft little stick, experts say.
specialty shots that are more It also plays into a more
elegance and less frat party. enduring trend of minimalism
and choosing experiences over
FAVORS
expense.
Think little bottles of local Cornman Farms in Michi-
honey or wine, miniature gan offers a small wedding
chocolate bars with your package and noticed the
monogram and the date, itty trend before COVID-19. It
bitty bottles of liquor —all accommodates a tiny crowd
are great ideas for jumping on
14 | BRIDAL GUIDESAVING STRATEGIES
FOR WEDDINGS
The question was popped; the services and items cost in the SET UP A DEDICATED AVOID OVERSPENDING
engagement ring presented. region where you live. A wed- SAVINGS ACCOUNT An analysis of your spending
What’s the next step on the ding in New York City will One of the easiest ways to habits will likely reveal areas
road to the wedding? Sav- be expensive, while a wed- save for big-ticket items like where you can scale back so
ing should definitely be on ding in Mississippi will cost a a wedding, home purchase or
you can devote more funds to
couples’ minds. lot less, indicates SuperMon- other financial goals is to use
A wedding is likely the most ey’s guide to wedding costs. an automatic savings account wedding savings. Do you need
costly party couples will ever Conduct some research and that may be available through a takeout coffee in the morn-
throw. According to The find out what photographers, your bank or employer. An au- ing or can you brew a pot at
Knot’s 2019 Real Wed- florists, transportation provid- tomatic savings plan will pull home? Might you be able to
dings Study, the average cost ers, reception halls, and wed- a set amount from a personal scale back on streaming ser-
of a wedding in 2019 was ding wardrobe vendors charge checking account into a sav- vices? Do you feel comfortable
$33,900. There are many for common services. This will ings account through auto- buying less expensive store
different costs associated with paint a vivid picture of what a draft. The bride and groom
brand groceries over name
weddings. Some are predict- wedding may cost in your area. can link individual checking
able, while others are unex- accounts to one savings ac- brands? Small cost savings can
pected. count to contribute jointly. quickly add up.
FLESH OUT THE BUDGET
Investopedia says the vast Once you have gathered
majority of couples budget estimates, you can then figure
too little for their weddings out a financial goal. This also
and also end up spending is when you can determine
more than they had planned. where to rein in spending
Various strategies can make and where you might want
it easier to save for a wedding to splurge. If having a video
and avoid a post-wedding memory of the wedding is not
financial hangover. a top priority, you can skip
videography services. If you Providing quality equipment and event rentals to Mt. Airy NC, Pilot
GET INFORMED have a special flower that you Mountain NC, Dobson NC, Hillsville VA, Galax VA and surrounding counties
It’s impossible to budget for a like, you may want to budget in Northwest North Carolina and Southwest Virginia.
wedding and ultimately save more for that bloom even if it
without knowledge of what isn’t in season.
Wedding Equipment Rentals
Timeless
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Jewelry
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BRIDAL GUIDE | 15Travel in style in a
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16 | BRIDAL GUIDEYou can also read
