bride's guide 2014

12
PAGE 1 BRIDE’S GUIDE Wednesday, June 18 & Thursday, June 19, 2014 Summer/Fall 2014 bride’s guide June 18 & 19, 2014

Upload: kate-noet

Post on 06-Mar-2016

220 views

Category:

Documents


3 download

DESCRIPTION

 

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Bride's Guide 2014

PAGE 1 BRIDE’S GUIDE Wednesday, June 18 & Thursday, June 19, 2014

Summer/Fall 2014

bride’s guide

June 18 & 19, 2014

Page 2: Bride's Guide 2014

PAGE 2 BRIDE’S GUIDE Wednesday, June 18 & Thursday, June 19, 2014

819 Spruce Pl

527 W College St

1416 S Minnesota 1439 Loren St 719 Fair St

1203 Lloyd Lane 1107 Wrigley Ct

316 W Broadway 216 5th St

5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms

3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

$149,000

$118,500

$139,000

$145,000

$145,000

$229,000

$101,500

$165,000

Lee Pell 931-1703 (after hours) 931-9097Matt Brostrom 931-1703 (after hours) 507-514-3307Shari Brostrom 931-1703 (after hours) 931-9468

507-931-1703 St. Peter, MNpellinc.com

Start your new life together in a new home

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms$205,000

PENDING

Page 3: Bride's Guide 2014

PAGE 3 BRIDE’S GUIDE Wednesday, June 18 & Thursday, June 19, 2014

We’re Here For You...• Groom’s Dinners• Bridal Showers• Bachelor Parties• Bachelorette Parties• Catering

125 S. 3rd St. St. Peter 931-9051

www.patricksonthird.com

Let Nicollet County Bank help you start your new life together with a new checking account. We have several different plans available to meet your needs. Visit with Peggy, Tracey or Deb in our Customer Service Department to �nd the plan best suited for your needs.Call us at 931-3310 to schedule an appointment today!

801374

220 South Third Street • Telephone 931-3110 • St. Peter, Minnesota

New Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New BeginningsNew Accounts For New Beginnings

bride’s guide

A special project of the Le Center Leader, Le Sueur News-Herald, and

St. Peter Herald.

Publisher:Stephanie Hill

Managing Editor:Suzy Rook

Media Consultants:Kathleen Davies, Kacie Karels,

Stephanie HillAd Design:

Nikkie Gilmore, Mary Jo BlanchardCover Design:Nikkie GilmorePage Design: Nikkie Gilmore

Bride’s Guide is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Le Center Leader, Le Sueur News-

Herald, and St. Peter Herald at no additional charge. All rights reserved. ©2014. All advertising contained

herein is the responsibility of the advertiser. No portion of the advertising or editorial may be

reproduced without permission of the publisher.

• Budget: Make the Most of Your Money

• Rings: Tokens of Love and Affection

• Fashion: How to Find Your Dream Dress

• Catering: Fuel the Party

• Cake: Demystifying the Dessert

• Marriage and Money

• Venue: Time and Place Makes Perfect

Summer/Fall 2014

bride’s guide

June 18 & 19, 2014

table of contents

Page 4: Bride's Guide 2014

PAGE 4 BRIDE’S GUIDE Wednesday, June 18 & Thursday, June 19, 2014

1201 South BroadwayNew Ulm, Minnesota

507-359-7204

A full-service wedding and

formal wear store119 W. Broadway

507-934-4944

Need a fun place for a groom’s dinner, bridal shower or any other party?

Check out our

PARTY ROOM!

What does it cost to get married these days? Well, it depends on whom you ask. The Wedding Report, the Tucson, Ariz.-based wed-ding market researcher, says the average spend in 2013 was $25,200. According to TheKnot.com & WeddingChan-nel.com Real Weddings Study, $28,427 was the average spend in 2012, the most re-cent year � gures are available.

The question, again: What does it cost to get married? The answer: Does it really matter?! It can be, and often is, a hefty sum. But those aren’t numbers to work to-ward, they’re numbers to work away from!

Today’s couples are more mindful of what they put into their celebrations, using sav-ings and on-hand cash — not going into debt to pay for their events. They’re cautious on how they deploy their dollars. In short, they want ot be sure that they and their guests get the most out of what they spend.

To establish your magic number, look at your designat-ed savings, contributions from parents or other relatives, and what of your regular income you can devote toward the wedding, without sabotaging your day-to-day budget.

When you’ve come up with your number, plug it in a budget formula to see how much you have to spend in each area of your wedding. Follow these estimates to get started. Remember, the � gures are just estimates, so adjust as necessary to � t your wed-ding’s needs:

• Reception – 50%• Music – 10%• Flowers – 10%• Wedding Attire – 10%• Photo/Video – 10%• Stationery – 5%• Miscellaneous – 5%

© Brides 365

Establishing a budget early on, and sticking to it, will help couples start marriage on the right � anancial foot

budget: make the most of your money

Page 5: Bride's Guide 2014

PAGE 5 BRIDE’S GUIDE Wednesday, June 18 & Thursday, June 19, 2014

St. Peter Rental

For all your Wedding Rental Needs

Tents • Tables • Lights • Chairs • Fans & More

• Weddings

• Rehearsal Dinners

• Gift Opening

200 S. Front Street • St. Peter, MN • www.StPeterRental.com

507-931-9669

Make your reservations today!

If there’s one thing that symbolizes the wedding, it’s the ring.

After all, it’s the �rst thing a bride-to-be shows off after the engagement (60 per-cent announce the news by posting a photo of the ring to Facebook, according to a joint survey from The Knot and Men’s Health magazine). But at the end of the wedding day — and every day after — your wedding band will have equal billing alongside your engage-ment ring, even if it may be a little less sparkly. You’ll want to make sure it is cohesive with your engagement ring and, of course, that it �ts your style.

Start with the metal. White gold was the most popular choice for both engagement and wedding rings in 2013, according to The Wedding Report’s Engagement and Wedding Ring survey, roughly accounting for two-thirds

of each. Whether your ring is white or yellow gold or platinum or something else altogether, you’d be in good company sticking with the same base metal for your wedding band.

Also keep in mind design elements. The Wedding Report study found that 94 percent engagement of engagement rings use a diamonds, and 82 percent of wedding rings also have some diamond element. Maybe your engagement ring is a full or partial eternity band, or maybe it features pavé diamonds or accent gemstones. You can carry on these elements into your wed-ding band.

White gold also is popular for the groom, with more than 34 percent of grooms opting for the go-to metal popular with brides. Surprisingly, it’s not platinum (14 percent) or yellow gold (11.6) that is the

next popular among grooms but rather tungsten, which makes up more than 18 percent of grooms’ bands. Al-ternative metals like tungsten and titanium (11 percent) have grown in popularity in recent years, not just because of their unique darker look, but their lower price point.

The average spend in 2013 was $702 for the bride’s wedding ring and $488 for the groom’s.

© Brides 365

the rings: tokens of love and affection

Page 6: Bride's Guide 2014

PAGE 6 BRIDE’S GUIDE Wednesday, June 18 & Thursday, June 19, 2014

AT THE NICOLLET COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS400 W. UNION ST. - SAINT PETER

AVAILABLE FOR• WEDDINGS • WEDDING RECEPTIONS • BIRTHDAYS

• FAMILY REUNIONS • EVENTS • TRADE SHOWS

CATERING KITCHEN AVAILABLE ~ EXCELLENT SOUND SYSTEM

ACCOMMODATES LARGE OR SMALL GROUPS

For more informationCALL 934-2684

JOHNSON HALLJOHNSON HALL

CALL 507-934-2684 OREMAIL NICOLLETCOUNTYFAIR

@GMAIL.COM 400 South 3rd Street, St. Peter 507-931-6174 • Sheila Michels

Weddings

Honeymoons

Leisure Packages

hometown-travel.com

We specialize in international travel

Complete Bridal Alterations

$500 OffOne coupon per customer.

· Wedding Gowns· Bridesmaid · Flower Girl· Mothers of the couple

Custom Made Veils and Garters

Pins and Needles Alterations507·625·5163 . 728 N. Riverfront Dr.· Mankatowww.katobears.com . Monday-friday 9-6

Like us on Facebook!

Whether or not you’ve romanticized the idea of twirling around in a cloud of white tulle, the search for The One — the wedding gown, that is! — is one of the most emotional and fun purchases you will make as a bride-to-be. But don’t say yes to the dress before taking care of a few details � rst.

Launch the dress search only after � nalizing the wed-ding venue and date, advises event planner Ariana Stecker of Save the Date, a New York-based � rm. After all, what originally was planned as a daytime summer celebra-tion quickly can morph into a winter black tie affair, which calls for an entirely differ-ent look. As for starting the shopping process, “six months [prior to the wedding] is really go-time,” Stecker says, to give room for any custom work and two to three � ttings.

With inspiration coming everywhere from the runway

to the red carpet, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of Pinterest boards and wedding blogs, but for sanity’s sake try to keep the search contained. Think classic over trendy, and consider your wedding style, whether it’s formal, casual, rustic, traditional, vintage or outdoor. Check out websites to view galleries of gowns orga-nized by silhouette, neckline, fabric or designer, says wed-ding editor Anne Chertoff. Also, pay attention to any patterns in the silhouettes or embellish-ments that catch your eye.

It’s tempting to point and click your way to a $10,000 gown, but if you’re working with a � rm budget ($1,211 is the average spent on a wedding dress according to TheKnot.com & WeddingChan-nel.com 2012 Real Weddings Survey), � gure out your price limit before you shop — and decide whether that budget is just for the dress, or if it includes extras like undergar-

ments and accessories. “If you � nd yourself attracted to a certain designer’s styles, make sure their gowns are within your budget range before proceeding,” says Jessica Bishop, editor of the wedding blog The Budget Savvy Bride. And select bridal boutiques accordingly: “If you know you can spend $1,000 to $2,000 on a wedding dress, don’t go to a store that sells more pricey gowns,” Chertoff says. Not sure what you can spend? It’s helpful to talk about budget openly with a bridal salon—they’ll help you understand how details you’re envisioning like embellishments, beading and lace affect the cost, which

may impact your bottom line, notes Stacey Rywelski, general manager of the David’s Bridal � agship store in Manhattan. “It’s important to educate a bride.”

Most brides typically shop at one to three stores, so choose wisely — to maxi-mize time, arrive armed with the details of your wedding date, venue, overall style and budget. A good consultant will take into account everything from a bride’s out� t and ac-cessories (is she sassy or so-phisticated?) to her personality and reception details (does she plan to dance all night or indulge in delicious desserts?) to help � nd the perfect � t,

says Rywelski. “You want to take someone’s style and enhance it,” she adds. “Their personality should come out in a dress.”

Armed with the basics of what you do (and don’t) like, a bridal salon’s stylist will be your most helpful guide. The key to being a frock star is keeping an open mind, the experts say. It’s easy to get stuck on the idea of a sweet-heart neckline or a low back, but “sometimes that look just doesn’t work on their body type,” notes Rywelski, who calls the process a “collabora-tive effort” between bride and consultant.

“Try on a variety of silhou-

ettes, necklines and fabrics,” Chertoff says. “You may think you want a ball gown, but once you put one on you may not like the � t.” Adds Stecker: “Be willing to try on one dress that’s out of the box. Pay no mind to what it looks like on the hanger,” she says.

But don’t feel pressured to make the � nal decision until you’ve found the perfect match. “Remember you don’t have to buy the � rst time,“ Stecker reminds. “You can go back.”

© Brides 365

out of many, one:how to fi nd your dream

dress

Page 7: Bride's Guide 2014

PAGE 7 BRIDE’S GUIDE Wednesday, June 18 & Thursday, June 19, 2014

310 South Minnesota Avenue • St. Peter, MN (507) 931-1198 • (888) 836-6631

SWEDISH KONTURIMPORTS, INC.

Free gift for registering.

Wedding Registry20 Budget Priced Quality Rooms

In Room• Cable TV• Microwave• Refrigerator• Coffee Maker• Free High Speed InternetMajor Credit Cards Accepted

Junction of 169 S & 99 WSt. Peter

(507) 931-3081 • (800) 221-6406vikingjrmotel.com

Viking Jr. Motel

Let’s make your wedding Bloom with flowersWe rent Savvi formalwear.Check out our prices – you can’t beat them!

Le Center FloralYour full-service florist and gift shopJenniffer Smisek, Owner/Designer44 E. Minnesota St. | Le Center, MN507-357-6732

[email protected]

By Anna SachseBrides 365

With the ceremony com-plete, all eyes turn to the wed-ding meal — both to please their palates and power them through a night of dancing. A great party is as simple as � nding the right food to match an event’s style.

Service SelectionsFood service options

include plated and family-style dinners, buffets, stations and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Each one helps set the tone of an event, says Bridget Pelster, a sales and catering manager for St. Louis-based Butler’s Pantry. Seated dinners are typ-ically more formal and elegant, family-style meals are more intimate, buffets are more relaxed, stations are more interactive and hors d’oeuvres allow a lot of � exibility.

First, determine the style of service you want based on the vibe you’d like to create, and then start playing around with menu ideas based on your budget and the timing of the event. “If you’re having an evening wedding and you think the reception will last more than three hours, you should plan on serving some-thing fairly signi� cant,” says Molly Schemper, co-owner of Chicago-based FIG Catering. “At the minimum you want heavy hors d’oeuvres with a couple protein options, and it’s a good idea to make sure

guests are aware there won’t be a full meal.”

If the budget is limited but food is a priority for you, consider opting for a Sunday soirée, an off-season wedding date or an afternoon affair, when you can usually get more for your buck.

Pricing the PlatesCatering costs can vary

widely, from as low as $20 per person at a banquet hall up to $200 per person at a luxury hotel, Schemper says. The city, the venue and the menu all play a part. Big towns are of-ten more expensive; standard venues may have minimums; nontraditional locations may require additional rentals; and no matter where the event takes place, the quantity, variety and style of cuisine will drastically affect price.

In general, the most expensive options are multi-course plated dinners and stations, Pelster says. The next level down is typically limited-course plated dinners and family-style meals, followed by buffets. And the most afford-

able option is heavy hors d’oeuvres, either passed or served buffet-style.

The caterer can help you determine the style that works best for your budget and will often adjust a menu to meet your needs, such as forgoing coffee service in exchange for an additional appetizer or two.

Drink Up!The key elements of a

wedding bar include wine, beer, bubbly, cocktails – plus soda, “mocktails” and other nonalcoholic drinks. Determine which you want based on budget and your guests.

Fancy, formal affairs may offer premium versions of all beverages all night long. But couples with limited funds might prefer to serve only carefully selected wines and beer and perhaps a signature cocktail, says Chris Tanghe, a master sommelier and co-owner of Elevage, a Seattle beverage consultancy. You also can limit the full open bar to just the cocktail hour, but be aware: many members of the

bridal world, from editors to etiquette experts, say a cash bar is the ultimate no-no.

Also consider your guest list. If you’ve invited a gaggle of gourmands, you may want to emphasize � ne wine. A ton of college friends? Perhaps (a lot of) cheap beer is � ne. “Or maybe spirits are a must because the older genera-tion only drinks gin martinis,” Tanghe says.

Drinks & DollarsPlan for one drink per per-

son per hour of the reception. If serving a special sparkling wine for the toast – perhaps a budget-friendly Spanish Cava or Italian prosecco – allot one additional glass per adult.

Traditional venues usually have set prices, but you may

be able to trim costs by paying a nominal corkage fee to bring in your own vino.

If the venue allows you to provide all of the alcohol yourself, kegs are the more affordable beer option at ap-proximately $1 per 12-ounce glass of craft beer, slightly less for domestic. Smaller gatherings are better off with bottles that can be purchased in quantities.

When it comes to wine, look for deals on labels from an up-and-coming region like

South Africa, or ask about close-out prices on the last few cases of a vintage. As for liquor, a 750ml bottle contains about 17 drinks, making it a good deal, but remember that you will also need ice, mixers and more bartenders.

© Brides 365

catering: fueling the party

How to pick the right food and drinks to � t your wedding’s style

Page 8: Bride's Guide 2014

PAGE 8 BRIDE’S GUIDE Wednesday, June 18 & Thursday, June 19, 2014

By Maggie FlynnBRIDES 365

Wedding cakes have come a long way from the pearly tones and delicate petals of old. Brides-to-be have more options than ever, whether they desire a traditional tiered cake or a table-length dessert spread. But the one thing all the experts agree on is the bride should know what she’s looking for.

“I think the biggest ob-stacle is when they come in and they have no clue what they want,” says Ilene Frazier McHone, founder of Classic Cakes in Carmel, Ind. She says that bringing in pictures from magazines and sharing Pinter-est boards is a huge help to the designer.

Couples should start look-ing into bakers about four to six months out of the wedding date. The best thing to have when a couple goes for a tasting — besides an empty stomach! — is their budget. According to TheKnot.com & WeddingChannel.com annual Real Wedding Study, the aver-age spent on a cake in 2012 was $560, but certain design

work or �avor and �lling options can quickly change a sugar high into sticker shock. Though, “there are ways of putting accents on the cake without it being the whole, and that will cut down the cost,” says Yvette Humbert, of Amaz-ing Cakes of Austin in Leander, Texas. “A lot of times, it looks a lot better and more elegant just to have some accents.”

Sharokina Pazand, founder and senior consultant of City-girl Weddings in Chicago, sug-gests a “fun” �avor for a small tier of the wedding cake and keeping the rest of the cake to more traditional tastes.

For brides on a budget, McHone suggests a smaller traditionally decorated cake accompanied by what she calls “side cakes,” which are simpler cakes that are an af-fordable way to provide a slice for each guest.

A modern dessert trend — in addition to or in lieu of a cake — is a dessert table with a spread of sweet treats like cupcakes, cake pops, brown-ies or whoopee pies, to name a few.

Megan Remo, of District Desserts in Washington, D.C., says to have anywhere from

three to �ve items per guest, since people tend to try some of everything.

Many smaller desserts can add up quickly, so Remo suggests �lling table jars and vases with store-bought can-dies and cookies, to supple-ment. Constructed properly, a dessert table gives more options to the guests and allows for creativity. Pazand reminds, however, to check with your venue on how long dessert tables can stay out before staff will clear them, as they’re separate from typical cake service.

Pazand has seen cotton candy and gelato bars and Remo has seen desserts themed entirely around golf. But, really, “it comes down to what the bride wants,” Humbert says.

Pazand agrees. “I always tell clients that

any kind of food option they choose is a re�ection of them and their wedding,” she says. “If you were hosting some-body at your house, what would you offer?”

© Brides 365

cake: demystifying the dessert

Page 9: Bride's Guide 2014

PAGE 9 BRIDE’S GUIDE Wednesday, June 18 & Thursday, June 19, 2014

Michelle Lund, D.D.S.Zachary Lechner, D.D.S.

217 Nassau Street, St. Peter(507) 931-5646We welcome new patients!

Teeth whitening – We can create custom whitening trays to use in the comfort of your home. Call our offi ce for an appointment to learn which option is best for your smile.

Congratulations! You've found the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, and you're getting mar-ried. There is no question an abundant supply of resources is available to help you plan every aspect of your special day—from the invitations all the way to the honeymoon—many with handy checklists and timelines. I’m sure there is an app to help keep you fo-cused, on task and on budget, with periodic reminders and a countdown to the big day.

One area that couples often overlook in the planning process is the � nancial aspect of their union. I know, � nances aren’t as exciting and thrilling as planning the bachelor/bachelorette party, or planning that once in a lifetime trip to an exotic romantic location. However, � nances are con-sistently sited as one of the leading strains on the marital relationship. Understanding the details of each other’s � nancial lives and how they will mesh together before the “I dos” have been exchanged may reduce stress, prevent complications later in the mar-riage, maybe even extend the honeymoon phase! Here are some guidelines you can use to help navigate the � nancial aspects of getting married.

AssetsCashDecide if bank accounts

will be retained as separately owned accounts or if they will be combined to form a joint account.

• Separate accounts require some additional deci-sions be made–who will be

responsible for paying the jointly incurred expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, utilities, etc.? How will the other individual reimburse their share?

• Joint accounts can add a level of simplicity to the � nances—fewer accounts to track and balance monthly; one account for paying ex-penses.

Tangible PropertyTangible property (homes,

cars, recreational vehicles, etc.) owned individually prior to the marriage can remain titled to the individual, or it can be changed to joint ownership. This decision is largely depen-dent on the value each party brings to the union and the type of assets. For example, an asset that has been passed down through generations of a family and is intended to stay within that family, or an ownership interest in a family business, may not be have ownership restrictions making joint ownership with a spouse not possible. It is also important even in a Separate Property state (as opposed to Community Property states) such as Minnesota, to under-stand how the use of assets and earnings from an asset during your marriage may be viewed as a joint marital asset despite being titled individu-ally.

Prenuptial agreements are not at the top of the list of ro-mantic things to do before you get married, but they could

save your � nancial future. Pre-nuptials are generally useful when one or both parties have substantial premarital assets, an expected inheritance, fam-ily wealth or a business.

DebtsPremarital debts generally

remain the responsibility of the individual borrower even after marriage. While you may not be � nancially responsible for your spouse’s debt, poor credit or heavy debt load will de� nitely have an impact on future decisions such as pur-chasing a new home or having children.

TaxesMarital status is deter-

mined at the end of the calendar year. If you were married as of December 31, you are considered married for the entire year. When complet-ing your tax return, your � ling status will be Married Filing Jointly (MFJ) or Married Filing Separately (MFS). MFJ fi ling status calculates tax based on the net of the combined income and deductions of both parties whereas the MFS fi ling status calculates tax based on the net of the income and deductions of each party separately. In most circum-stances, the MFJ status results in a lower overall tax. Your accountant will be able to run an analysis to determine which � ling status is more advantageous.

Other tax changes after the marriage certi� cate is inked:

• Standard deduction dou-bles – For 2014, the standard deduction for a single taxpayer is $6,200 and married � ling joint taxpayers is $12,400

• Tax Brackets double – For 2014, the 25% tax bracket for a single taxpayer is $36,900 - $89,350; for mar-ried � ling joint taxpayers, the 25% tax bracket is $73,800 - $148,850

• Home Sale exclusion doubles from $250,000 for a single taxpayer to $500,000 for married taxpayers.

Similar to the process you go through when merging your living space (i.e., whose couch reigns supreme) meshing your � nancial lives can be challenging. Be prepared, and leverage the expertise of an accountant to help navigate the union of your monies. Be-ing prepared and clear on your � nancial situations will help ensure you’re starting your future on solid ground.

Heather Thielges, CPA, CVA is a Partner at Eide Bailly LLP specializing in business and individual tax consulting and compliance, business valua-tions, and litigation support.

marriage and

money

Page 10: Bride's Guide 2014

PAGE 10 BRIDE’S GUIDE Wednesday, June 18 & Thursday, June 19, 2014

Tents • Tables/Chairs • GlasswareFlatware • Linens • Decorating

Portable Fence RentalAnd More!

MANKATO & NEW PRAGUE, MNWWW.GKRENTAL.COM

Mankato: (800) 322-00721521 Madison Ave. 56001

New Prague: (952) 758-5715Jct. Hwy, 13 & 19, 56071

Here’s a party just waiting to happen!

507-787-2211

For the Best Wedding Experience Possible…

Largest selection of gowns in Southern MN & Northern IowaSpecializing in personal service for

over 33 yrs.

Southern MN & Northern IowaSpecializing in personal service for

Southern MN & Northern IowaSpecializing in personal service for

Experience Possible… Experience Possible… Experience Possible… Experience Possible…

OPEN: M-F 10-5 • Sat 10-4www.SilhouetteWedding.com | Weekday evenings by appointment.

Here comes you, the bride, down the aisle. But where?

Your hometown church? A museum or raw loft space, perhaps? A botanic garden? The family farm?

Couples getting married today have more options than ever for deciding where to get married. Church or synagogue weddings followed by hotel ballroom receptions remain the classic go-to, but the morphing wedding landscape is opening the door to more alternative venues – many of which double as both ceremo-ny and reception location.

According to a Ceremony and Reception survey from The Wedding Report, the number of same-location indoor weddings increased nearly 20 percent from 2011 to 2012, with more than 45 percent taking place in an all-in-one spot. Is this to say you must have your ceremony and reception in one spot? No, of course not. But your

venue – or venues – help set the tone for your wedding day, complementing your theme in everything from the décor to cuisine.

Get Started – Early!Why? Well, popular venues

can get booked well in advance. And though you may be engaged for a while – most surveys agree the average engagement period is 14 months – the sooner you start checking out venues, the bet-ter chance you have of landing the one you want. If you have your heart set on a speci� c location, let that dictate your date. If you’re more open on your venues, keep time in mind when deciding on a date; busy periods at work, high-traf� c events in your area and nearby holidays are just a few things to consider when deciding if a date is doable, especially if you have a large number of traveling guests that will require accommoda-

tions.If you’re getting married

in one location, say a house of worship, and having your reception in another, get a list of all available dates for both spots and see which dates align.

Style & SimplicityThroughout all the venue-

picking, keep your wedding’s theme and style in mind. You obviously don’t want a large, open space if you’re having an intimate wedding with only a few guests, and vice versa.

If you’re going to have a lot of out-of-town guests who aren’t familiar with your area, it may be wise to go with a hotel location or a venue with one nearby, so that the overall logistics of the weekend remain simple.

Obviously, budget is a big thing when picking out your venue; overall, anticipate your reception (the space, dinner, drinks) to eat up half your

budget. Many venues will have a “wedding package,” which includes obvious things like food and drinks but also some other items that may be less obvious. To get a handle on costs, keep these points in mind:

CostMost places will require

that you spend a certain amount of money. Obviously, you’d like to be committed to the lowest possible tab, es-pecially if your guest list isn’t large. Gratuity and/or service charges often are built in. If you’re spending thousands of dollars, a 1- to 2-percent difference between venues will make a big difference. And if you’re looking at spots in different townships, again, the slight difference in local tax

can make a difference on your total bill.

Food Your per-entrée price is

going to cover pretty much everything that’s included in your package. So, yes, you don’t want to pay more for the same entrée you could get at a different location, but you need to look a bit further. Are you paying a per-item price or at the rate of the highest menu item? Are appetizers included in your per-plate price or are they a separate, per-guest expense? Is there a dessert course in addition to cake?

DrinksHow many hours of open

bar are included in your pack-age? How many bartenders will you have? How many beer

selections do you get? How much is a package upgrade or additional hours of service? Is there wine service during dinner (when the bar typically is closed)? Is it unlimited or is there a limited per-table quan-tity? Is there a champagne toast and after-dinner coffee service? Are you able to bring in your own alcohol?

Cake & FlowersSome venues may partner

with local vendors to include your cake and centerpieces as part of your package, or they may have an in-house expert on staff. You pick out or design your creation, and they make sure it’s set to go for your big day. Does your venue do this?

© Brides 365

venue: time and place makes perfect

Page 11: Bride's Guide 2014

PAGE 11 BRIDE’S GUIDE Wednesday, June 18 & Thursday, June 19, 2014

Aquarius Suite Aquarius Suite Aquarius Suite Aquarius Suite Aquarius Suite

408 South 3rd Street612-483-6771

www.konsbruckhotel.com

408 S. 3rd Street • Saint Peter507-934-3314 • lonestarbbqgrill.com408 S. 3rd Street • Saint Peter408 S. 3rd Street • Saint Peter408 S. 3rd Street • Saint Peter408 S. 3rd Street • Saint Peter408 S. 3rd Street • Saint Peter408 S. 3rd Street • Saint Peter408 S. 3rd Street • Saint Peter408 S. 3rd Street • Saint Peter408 S. 3rd Street • Saint Peter408 S. 3rd Street • Saint Peter408 S. 3rd Street • Saint Peter408 S. 3rd Street • Saint Peter408 S. 3rd Street • Saint Peter408 S. 3rd Street • Saint Peter408 S. 3rd Street • Saint Peter408 S. 3rd Street • Saint Peter

Lone Star BBQ

Texas BBQ Done RightFull Bar • Dine In or Take Out

For all of your catering needs, THINK BBQ!

NEW HOURS: Tues-Thurs: 11-8 • Fri: 11-9 • Sat: 9-9 • Sun: 9-7

106 Ferry Street | Le Sueur | 507-665-2238www.wise-furnitureco.com | Find us on Facebook!www.wise-furnitureco.com | Find us on Facebook!

Visit us Today!

Beautiful Gifts for the Newlyweds at Wise Furniture in Le Sueur

At Wise Furniture we have something for every room in

your Home!

Page 12: Bride's Guide 2014

PAGE 12 BRIDE’S GUIDE Wednesday, June 18 & Thursday, June 19, 2014

910 Old Minnesota Ave.507-931-4070 • 800-657-4802 HOURS: M-Th 8-7 | Fri 8-6 | Sat 8-4

DanWegscheid

MikeChmiel

JaredSkala

JeffBrand

JakePeymann

Jeep®

Lager’sSt. Peter

Lager’sSt. Peter

2014 DODGE DART SE AERO

2014 DODGE CHARGER SXT AWD

2014 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE

2014 TOWN AND COUNTRY TOURING-L

2014 DODGE AVENGER SE

2014 DODGE JOURNEY SXT

2014 JEEP COMPASS SPORT 4X4

2014 CHRYSLER 200 TOURING

2014 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO 4x4

2014 CHRYSLER 300 AWD

2014 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SXT

2014 DODGE DURANGO CITADEL AWD

2014 RAM 1500 CREW CAB SLT 4x42014 RAM 1500 QUAD CAB ST 4x4 2014 RAM 2500 CREW CAB SLT 4X4

LAGER’S ST. PETER IS HELPING DODGE CELEBRATE THEIR 100 YEAR EVENT WITH OUR OWN EVENT! WE’RE HAVING A NEW CAR CLEARANCE ON OUR OLDEST INVENTORY IN STOCK. THESE 16 VEHICLES HAVE BEEN DRASTICALLY REDUCED. PRICES ARE FOR THESE VEHICLES IN OUR INVENTORY ONLY- NO SUBSTITUTIONS!

1.4 Turbo, 6 Spd., 8.4” Touch Screen Controls, Alloy Wheels

3.6 V6, Remote Start, 8.4” Touch Screen with Back-up Camera, NAV

2.4 4Cyl., Auto, PW, PDL, Remote Entry, Alloy Wheels

5.7 Hemi, Tow Pkg, Heated Seats & Steering Wheel, Remote Start, Back-up Camera, 20” Wheels

5.7 Hemi, Tow Pkg, Remote Entry, Trailer Brake, Back-up Camera, 20” Wheels

4 Cyl., Auto, PW, PDL, Rallye Appearance Group

3.6 V6, Dual Zone A/C, 4.3” Touch Screen Controls, Alloy Wheels

2.4 4 Cyl., 9-Speed Automatic, Remote Start, Heated Seats, 8.4” Touchscreen Controls

6.4 Hemi, Tow Pkg., Heated Seats, 5th Wheel Prep, Back-up Camera

4 Cyl., Auto, 6.5” Touch Screen Controls, S-Appearance Group

Leather, Heated Front & Middle Seats, DVD, NAV, Back-up Camera

3.6 V6, P. Seat, PW, PDL, Tow Pkg., Satellite Radio, Alloy Wheels

3.6 V6, Heated Leather, Remote Start, Back-up Camera

P. Doors & Liftgate, P. Seat, Back-up Camera, Blacktop Appearance Pkg.

5.7 Hemi, Heated & Cooled Leather, NAV, Moonroof, 20” Wheels

$17,976*

$28,953*

$19,993*

$35,964**$29,979**

$16,996*

$19,988*

$26,997*

$39,981**

$17,992*

$30,979*

$31,970*

$29,998*

$23,991*

$44,943*

MSRP MSRP MSRP MSRP

MSRPMSRPMSRPMSRP

MSRP MSRP MSRP MSRP

MSRPMSRPMSRP

EVENT PRICE EVENT PRICE EVENT PRICE EVENT PRICE

EVENT PRICEEVENT PRICEEVENT PRICEEVENT PRICE

EVENT PRICE EVENT PRICE EVENT PRICE EVENT PRICE

EVENT PRICEEVENT PRICEEVENT PRICE

$20,990

$34,535

$23,985

$45,600$37,735 $49,715

$29,575 $34,585 $49,970

$25,990 $36,710 $29,670

$21,985 $25,480 $36,540

*Includes � nance cash. Must � nance with Lagers Finance Source to qualify. WAC. See salesperson for details. **Also includes current truck owner incentive. See salesperson for details.

#10606

#10550

#10280

#10542 #10710 #10671

#10757 #10762 #10718

#10693 #10529 #10527

#10615 #10541 #10574

LAST OF THE NEW 2013’S! DODGE CHARGER SUPERBEE.. $37,996*

DODGE DURANGO CREW AWD. $39,941*

DODGE DART SXT.................. $16,987*

JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA...... $33,962*