Planning Your Wedding

Another year, another wedding season! Many couples have already begun preparing for their nuptials in 2016, and many more recently got engaged over the holidays and are just getting started with their wedding planning. What’s more, with brides and grooms tying the knot year-round and the diversity among modern wedding ceremonies and receptions, there is much in store for 2016 and along the same lines, a lot of ducks to get in a row! Utilizing the professionals is a must, and we’ve consulted with our local experts to bring you some of the latest wedding tips, trends, and key information.

THE RINGS:

First thing’s first, if you’re popping the question you’re going to need the perfect ring!  Sartor Hamann Jewelers (sartorhamann.com) is home to Nebraska’s premier diamond selection and offers bridal customers their choice of popular brand names such as Hearts on Fire, A JAFFE, Beverley K., Parade, Sylvie, True Romance, Benchmark and more.  They also offer custom design services, and you can check out all of the options that are available at sartorhamann.com.  Making the right choice can involve a lot of pressure, but with the help of the experienced staff at Sartor Hamann and a large selection of high quality fine jewelry at your fingertips, you can be assured that you’ll find the perfect piece that’s on the cutting edge of style, fashion and technology.

THE DRESS:

There’s little else that gets as much focus as the bride looking absolutely stunning in her wedding dress—as we are all well aware, it’s a big deal! Dress shopping is particularly fun because there are so many different styles to choose from and looks that can be put together depending on any number of chic accessory pairings. Most ladies enjoy hitting the local bridal boutiques as well as various bridal outlets to survey the territory, and that’s a smart idea because there is a lot out there to choose from and seeing things in person is much different than online or fully styled in the pages of a magazine. However, the latter is fantastic for inspiration and can be brought along to show the professionals who are helping you exactly what you have in mind.

As one of the most valuable keepsakes from a wedding, it’s also important to plan ahead for the proper cleaning and preservation of the gown so it can be enjoyed by future generations.

“We always advise our clients to bring their gown in as soon as it is possible, whether they bring it in themselves or have a family member or friend transport it to us,” says  Quintin Yallaly, co-owner and manager of the Starcrest Cleaners Lincoln location (starcrestcleaners.net/home) . “Even with wearing the gown only once, stains from food or beverages along with oils from the skin will cause damage or weakness to the fabric over time. In the event that someone else brings it in, we can meet ahead of time to make sure that all of the bride’s wishes are taken into account and expectations are met. At Starcrest we understand the importance of all of the details and our staff of professionals operate with specific cleaning protocol in line with the preservation of your gown for generations to come.

Specifically when having your wedding gown preserved, also keep in mind that certain items can be included in the preservation box in addition to the gown and veil.  Some examples include: the program, an invitation, photos, shoes, jewelry, letters or a family heir loom.

In addition to offering wedding gown cleaning and preservation service, we also provide professional cleaning and finishing of any garments worn to a wedding.  Starcrest can generally accommodate short notice and rush requests when needed.”

He further emphasizes, “With your wedding gown, or any garment that is especially important to you, expect to receive special attention at the professional cleaners, whether in Lincoln or elsewhere.  Emphasize that the garment is important to you and ask to speak to the owner, manager or individual that will be working on the garment. Once you have made contact with a knowledgeable person, they should be able to explain: how the garment will be cleaned, anticipated outcome of soiled areas (such as the hem line) and possible risks associated with cleaning. If you are not confident after speaking with the individual about your special garment, continue your search until you are comfortable. Above all, leave your special garment with someone you trust. Wedding gowns are prized possessions and quite often family heirloom so they should be treated accordingly.”

THE VENUE:

There are many fantastic wedding venues in the area and each has something unique to offer. Therefore, finding the right fit is much more about what you envision as the setting for your big day and your own personal style and identity as a couple.

“As a rule of thumb, you’ll want to fit your venue to your vision,” advises Deborah Carroll of Country Inn & Suites and Beacon Hills (www.countryinns.com) . “Not every venue is right for everyone, so do your research. You’ll also want to contemplate what is most important to you as a couple because the answers you arrive at will determine which venue you’ll ultimately book. Is it more important to plan around your budget?  More important to plan around your guests?  More important to plan around your theme?

Traditional wedding or totally nontraditional, make sure the venue you choose can help you achieve your vision of your day.   If you have special entertainment or special decorating needs, ask those questions early.  I know that securing your ceremony site and reception site are always top of the list when planning your wedding, but it is so helpful if you also have your vision in place so that you can be assured the venue will be able to help you make that happen.

Our team at Country Inn & Suites can help with all aspects of your event planning, decorations, food and menu planning, bar options, room setup, as well as lighting. Based upon the specifics, we can also recommend companies that we have a great working relationship with for anything that we can’t provide in-house, including chair cover companies, rental companies, speaker and entertainment companies, as well as DJ’s and photographers.

Particularly with specialized event planning, we work with each bride personally to make sure the day is just what she and her groom are expecting. Each wedding is as individual as the bride herself, so we feel it’s of great importance to give each one the attention it needs to be as close to perfect as it can.  Couples really love that we offer so many ‘extras’ with our venue too. The linens, the options of centerpieces, the lighting, candles and parking are all part of our venue package. Another distinctive quality that we are consistently given compliments on is the quality of our food. Our Executive Chef is incredibly talented, which gives us a lot of freedom in designing the menu. We’ve seen that with the meal served at the reception, food stations still remain popular. It’s not one buffet with select items, but rather several themed stations that feature different types of fare – some past themes have been ‘South of the Border,’ ‘Sliders,’ and even ‘Mac & Cheese & Fixins.’ Your guests can choose their favorite or sample a bit of everything!”

Choosing to host your reception at a hotel continues to be one of the most traditional choices because of the ideal amenities and capabilities for entertaining large groups. Furthermore, the convenience of guests being able to retire safely to their rooms after the celebration has ended is a nice perk and allows everyone to enjoy themselves.

“One of the most important things that couples look for at their wedding, is that everyone is having fun,” says BreAnna Jensby, Wedding Coordinator at Embassy Suites (embassysuites3.hilton.com). “A lot of times ‘fun’ at a wedding reception equals drinking alcoholic beverages, and there is nothing more stressful than worrying about how all of your guests are going to get home or get back to their hotel after the reception. This is the very reason that having your reception at a hotel is such a brilliant idea!

She continues, “One of the best things about Embassy Suites-Lincoln is that we can plan and host all aspects of a wedding all under the same roof. You name it, we can do it! From the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, to the ceremony, the reception or day after gift opening, we can do it all. Having all your wedding activities in one location makes your event more convenient for you and your guests. Family and friends avoid having to travel all over town and it keeps your special day right on schedule. There are also cost savings benefits on bundling your venue and hotel accommodations together. Embassy Suites can put together a package that fits almost any budget.

Furthermore, our network of vendors allows us to orchestrate every detail for your wedding. Whether it is coordinating flowers, music, lighting, cakes or limousines, we make it convenient for you and can arrange it all. Call or email me at (402) 473-4712 or breanna.jensby@jqh.com for a private tour!”

Moving away from the typical hotel reception, you’ll find a wealth of other options that vary in size and offerings. The Holthus Convention Center, located in nearby York, NE is another great space to consider. “Our venue provides several flexible spaces to accommodate weddings and receptions, rehearsal dinners and bridal showers,” says Terri Carlson, Director of Holthus Convention Center (holthusconventioncenter.com) . “No matter the size of your party, we can provide a setting that will fit the needs of any bride and groom! Our convenient location right off of I-80 in York also makes it very accessible for your guests, no matter where they are travelling from.

In addition to our beautiful grand ballroom, our glass front lobby has become a favorite among our clients for smaller groups wanting a more intimate setting. A unique feature in the facility which our couples have also been excited about is limo access into the grand ballroom through an overhead door. Wedding parties are able to pull their limo directly into the ballroom for a grand entrance! We also now offer an outdoor space that would be perfect for an outdoor wedding or reception.”

She adds, “Planning a wedding should be one of the most exciting times in your life. Lean on the wedding professionals to help make planning your wedding a smooth and stress-free process. Space does book quickly, so be ready to plan ahead. In some cases a year or more may be necessary to accommodate your date and space requirements.”

Not all venues are created equal, so make sure to do your research on what they have to offer vs. what you will have to provide yourself.  To fill in the gaps, an event rental company is your go-to resource for just about anything you can think of that’s wedding-related.

THE ENTERTAINING:

In making the wedding reception memorable and enjoyable for all, all of the special touches that come together to result in an incredible event is key.  When it comes to setting the tone for your wedding reception, along with the décor, the live entertainment will be a major determining factor in creating the right atmosphere.

For a great party atmosphere, whether you’re looking for high energy or a more relaxed vibe, an experienced, professional deejay is a must.

“At Finch on the Run, it’s important to us to go the extra mile with the wedding entertainment we provide, because we aim to make it an unforgettable, amazing experience,” says Brian Finch, owner of Finch on the Run (fotrentertainment.wix.com/finchontherun) .  “The entertainment truly will make or break your party! We don’t just deejay in terms of standing there and hitting play on the songs; we are professional entertainers. In meeting with each couple, we get a feel for their individual style while taking into account any and all preferences and special requests. Being client centric and service oriented, we don’t just focus on our role but rather, we look at the whole picture and contact vendors we’ll be working with to coordinate our efforts. We’re available for any wedding-related events, and we bring plenty of personality with us! Attitude is another important characteristic of an entertainer, because that largely sets the tone, and ours is fun, friendly and upbeat.

With almost 20 years of experience in the business, I’ve seen a lot over the years and have expanded my offerings as the industry has evolved. We’ve been honored to host a wide variety of unique wedding-related events including private parties for bachelor/bachelorette parties with dancing or karaoke, hype for the bar crawl, entertainment for rehearsal events or even just keeping the party in check, bridal showers, and even the latest trend, groomsmen showers, which are a fun twist on the traditional bridal shower because guys want to get pampered and enjoy each other’s company too!”

He also offers a few pieces of advice to consider. “We always suggest doing at least one thing that will make grandma and grandpa smile. One of my favorites is an anniversary dance with all of the married couples, who then stay on the floor based upon how many years they’ve been married. Or maybe it’s simply bringing back some meaningful songs. It’s all about sharing all of the special moments throughout the evening and making memories that will last forever.

Also, have fun with the planning! Is it stressful? Of course it is. But you’re marrying your best friend! Make sure to meet with your deejay early and maybe even often. Pass questions or ideas by them and you’ll be surprised at how quickly they’ll be able to provide answers or feedback. Before you stress on it, just ask!”

Alternatively, you may opt for live musicians at your reception and even during your wedding ceremony.

“Since Harris began in 2004, our instructors have provided talented, professional music performances for a wide variety of special events, including many weddings,” says Vicki Harris, owner of Harris Academy of the Arts (harrisacademyofthearts.com) . “No event is the same, so we provide our clients with flexibility available through the choice of ensemble, style of music and price.

Ensembles consist of solos, duets, trios, quartets and small ensembles, with styles of classical, Broadway, easy listening, jazz, pop and more. Harris Academy of the Arts has the luxury of providing two to three ensembles simultaneously, offering a variety of instrument options such as voice, piano and keyboard, guitar, strings, woodwinds and brass. Our musicians are available to perform for weddings and events within a four hour radius of Lincoln, no matter the size of the venue or whether it’s indoor or outdoor.

For some, selecting music for the ceremony or reception can be tough. Walking down the aisle to ‘Here Comes the Bride’ may have been your parent’s choice, but perhaps it’s not for you.  Our string quartet has been in high demand as we not only perform the traditional wedding or classical music of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Gershwin, and others that are most commonly selected for that of a typical string quartet.  More and more, wedding ceremonies, cocktails and event dinners are requesting Harris Academy of the Art’s String Quartet for upbeat, popular music by artists such as:  Bruno Mars, Coldplay, U2, One Direction, Lorde, Five For Fighting, Snow Patrol, One Republic, Imagine Dragons, Jason Mraz, Passenger, Adele, Bastille, Five For Fighting, John Legend, Rihanna and more.  Or, perhaps your personality is to the beat of the favorites from groups such as:  Beach Boys, Freddie Mercury, Journey, The Police, Beatles, Elvis, Elton John, and Billy Joel.  Raised lighters and singalongs with our string quartet have become frequent. With the variety of song options our string quartet can perform, you’re sure to find the music that fits your story and personality.”

When it comes to planning, she further advises, “Plan ahead—the earlier, the better!  Most of our weddings are booked at least 8-12 months in advance, while the more popular wedding months (e.g., June, July, August, etc.) tend to book at least a year or more in advance.  As we perform many ensemble types it is not at all uncommon for us to book multiple weddings within one weekend.

Our professional musician’s coordinator will meet with you FREE of charge, and/or conduct phone or skype interviews in order to put together a musician’s timeline, and assist with finalizing the plans as you submit the wedding music details no later than two months prior to the big day.  The more information we acquire early on, the better we can prepare by hiring the best suited musicians, locating the preferred repertoire and providing ample rehearsal time for our musicians so they may provide an exceptional performance for your special event.”

Next, you’ll also be making arrangements for hosting your guests in style. This includes catering and the bar service, which are both ways to get creative in putting together signature dishes and unique craft cocktails.

If you’re looking for something new and exciting, you’ll be happy to hear what’s been in the works at Venue!

“We are very excited to announce the new Jasmine Room by Venue Catering & Events will make its opening debut on March 1,” says Kelli Pilkington of Venue Restaurant & Lounge (www.yourvenue.net) . “The Jasmine Room has been a historic gem for brides throughout the years and we want to keep that passion alive.  Having five private dining rooms with Venue, combined packages allow brides to have their rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, engagement parties, and now receptions, all working with one company.

We are extremely excited to have a large vintage room such as The Jasmine Room by Venue Catering & Events that can accommodate up to 400 people.  We take pride in our exquisite food presentation and hospitality, so having a place for our larger parties is the icing on the cake!

We also have a Luxury Limo Bus as one of our newest features.  This platinum transportation includes a state-of-the-art sound system, leather seating, track lighting, HD TV, room for 14 guests, and iPad music selection.  Travel with your wedding party in luxury still working with only one company, Venue.

All are welcome to attend our first Bridal Fair as The Jasmine Room by Venue Catering & Events, which will be held on March 6 from noon to 4 p.m.!”

She also offers a bit of advice for those who will be planning their upcoming weddings. “Being a bride is a special thing and that fairy-tale day needs to be perfect, not stressful.  We love being that outlet that gives bride the sigh of relief that everything is always taken care of.  With Event Planners having 30+ years of experience and a highly trained and friendly staff, along with one of the most historic venues in Lincoln now partnered with the finest cuisine, it’s truly everything in one perfect package.  It’s all about making a memory of everything – the day is going to go by quickly so soak up everything little thing you can!”

There’s also a new catering company in town—longtime Omaha-area caterer Attitude on Food has opened up a Lincoln location and is now able to schedule more events in the Star City for 2016! Here are a few things that you need to know about Attitude on Food’s catering offerings for weddings:

“Our name says it all!” emphasizes Nathan Newhouse, owner of Attitude on Food. “Attitude on Food is all about food—whether our clients want traditional comfort food, high end hors d’oeuvres, or fun stations with a variety of small plate choices, AOF can make it happen.  The amazing amount of creativity found within our staff allows us to go above and beyond. We want our guests and their clients to walk away from one of our events thinking, ‘Wow! What an experience that was!’ We even have an amazing builder on our team that creates unique pieces for us, such as our donut wall and pizza slides. These pieces add to the overall guest experience, coupling with our flavorful food!

To give you a small taste of our fare options, our most popular items have been our Cabernet Braised Beef Short Ribs and Gourmet Mac ‘n Cheese, and our Idaho Nachos are always a favorite too.  To take advantage of everything we have to offer, the more time clients give us to assist them in creating the perfect wedding reception, the better.  Also, make sure to utilize the expertise of the vendors you’ve chosen. They have a lot of experience and want to help you create an event where all guests leave happy.  Attitude on Food works closely with all of our clients to make their event a one-of-a-kind experience!  Our sales team is in close contact with clients via email, phone, and face-to-face meetings, so we are able to execute our clients’ wishes flawlessly. We can assist with everything from menu creation and beverage services to rentals and floor plan creation.

A wedding is one of the most special days in a couple’s life, and the reception is a joyous celebration of beginning a new life together.  As such, it’s important to choose vendor partners who you are confident will do a good job and can guide you toward the best reception you can have!”

In being a good host throughout your wedding events, providing safe transportation may also land on your list of things to nail down. Particularly for venues that don’t accommodate overnight stays, you may want to consider hiring a bus to shuttle guests from your reception to a nearby hotel. Also, in customary bachelor and bachelorette party fashion, there’s no better (and easier) way to get everyone together and out for a good time than by hiring a party bus for the night. Safety first, especially when it comes to affairs like these when everyone is enjoying the party!

THE TRENDS:

Weddings have become much more of a mix of traditional and unique, with the popularity of Pinterest among future brides a testament to how much emphasis is put on making your special day stand out as something all your own. Creating a signature look is one of those trends for 2016, largely because couples want a fun, authentic experience for their guests that won’t look or feel dated—now, or ever.

Destination Décor – Did you get engaged while on a trip to Paris or New York City? Or is there a certain place that has special meaning to you as a couple? There’s a new twist on the “Destination Wedding” that’s big for 2016: Recreate the moment as the theme of the décor, with special touches that reflect the location.

Lighting Design – The best way to set the mood, with a creative range of options that are simple and affordable depending on what your venue or party rental resource has available.  People are really going for amazement here; the trend is to make a bold statement with a stunning design.

Layout Strategy – While seating your guests is pretty straightforward, pay attention to ways that you can give it a more intimate feel.  Table décor and lighting will also play a large part in this.

Rose Gold — It’s the metallic hue that’s been popular in fashion recently, which has also spilled into the bridal world. From the table linens to the rings, rose gold accents are in followed by copper or gold and surprisingly, silver has been declining in popularity. Even the food and drinks can get in on the rose gold craze, with shiny icing ribbons and blush wine or rose-hued cocktails.

AND Accent Colors in Rich Hues – While there will always be pastels-a-plenty, more couples are incorporating jewel tones or at least one rich color into their color scheme.

Non-Traditional Bridal Parties – Just take all of the rules and throw them right out the window. Your bridal party can be as big as you want, ladies and gentlemen can be on either side, and age isn’t a factor either.

Mix-and-Match Design – You don’t just have to commit to one “style” of wedding either. Rustic meets glam is the perfect example of this. Barns remain a strong venue trend, as the relaxed setting lets couples put their own spin on rustic chic.

Amazing Entertainment – This is one of the top things that your guests will ultimately remember about their experience, so many are now thinking outside the box.

Making More Memories – Many couples are opting to entertain guests in the “in between” times. This includes a cocktail hour reception for guests arriving at the venue or instead of departing after the reception, continuing the party at the after-party is also becoming more common.

Wedding Dress Separates – This is making a big splash in wedding attire, with fashion-forward styles that are modern and chic, remaining elegant while also being youthful, sexy and playful.

So for those who will be planning for their future nuptials this year and beyond, keep in mind that the professionals you work with will make all of the difference in the final product, which should be the wedding you’ve always dreamed of.  Make sure to use your resources wisely and rather than putting everything squarely on your shoulders, let the experts do what they do best while you take it all in.  With that, we wish each of the brides and grooms tying the knot this year all the best!