2025 Bridal Guide County News Review

18 | THURSDAY , FEBRUARY 6 , 2025 COUNTY NEWS REVIEW

COUNTY NEWS REVIEW THURSDAY , FEBRUARY 6 , 2025 | 19

2025 Bridal Guide

The Perfect Place for your

• Banquet facilities that hold up to 500 people

• Full Kitchen , Stage & Bar

Consider wedding flowers carefully

Although many decorative elements help to create ambiance for a wedding celebration , perhaps none is more awe-inspiring than beautiful floral arrangements . Flowers offer visual appeal , captivating aromas and texture that can make a space more welcoming .

Engaged couples typically go to great lengths when planning their weddings , but flowers may not be as micromanaged as other elements . Some are content to let florists design their arrangements , but the average cost of wedding flowers in 2023 was $ 2,800 , according to The Knot Real Weddings Study . That price tag merits some input on the part of couples . Floral experts say couples should budget for floral arrangements coming in at 10 percent of the overall wedding budget , which is the industry standard . Therefore , for a $ 60,000 wedding a couple should assume their florals will cost $ 6,000 . It ’ s important to note that the cost of wedding flowers has been steadily increasing over the last few years due to inflation and climate change , says The Knot . So couples may need to be even more involved in floral decisions to maximize their dollars spent .

Here are some variables to consider when selecting wedding flowers .

• Greenery : Adding greenery to fill in spaces in floral arrangements can save some money . Centerpieces and bouquets that are floral-heavy will certainly cost more .

• Symbolism : Consider the meaning behind flowers to make choices even more personal . You also may want to select flowers that will complement the theme of the wedding . For example , traditional spring blooms like tulips and daffodils will coordinate with spring weddings .

• Flower varieties : Hardier varieties of flowers , such as daisies , mums , carnations , and protea , are less likely to wilt quickly in bouquets

The Isanti County Fairgrounds

• Beautiful grounds with a picturesque pond for outside ceremonies

• Camping available • Lodging close by

or centerpieces than some other blooms , even when they are cut . Such blooms can hold up in any weather and last the entire day so that arrangements will be picture-perfect no matter the hour .

• Venue : Couples may find that some venues already have faux flowers or other decor . That may mean couples do not need to have as many flowers or any elaborate arrangements .

• Size : A particularly large floral centerpiece can overwhelm a table , and a bouquet that is overly cumbersome may detract from the bride or her bridesmaids . Choose the correct scale for comfort in bouquets . For table arrangements , select a size that will not discourage conversation or block guests ’ view , nor take up too much real estate on the table .

• Allergies : Although they are cut , flowers in arrangements can trigger allergic responses in some people . Others may be bothered by overly aromatic flowers . Work with the florist to find blooms that will be best .

• Color scheme : Although white flowers always coordinate , many couples like some color in their arrangements . Be sure the flowers pick up the hues used in bridesmaid dresses or even the season of the year . Couples should take an active role

Reception

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How to manage the menu at your wedding reception

Wedding receptions are the culmination of a lot of planning . Though there may not be any insignificant decisions when planning the post-ceremony party , some choices will loom larger than others , including which foods will be served . When planning a wedding reception , couples can choose a venue that provides the food , such as a traditional reception center ; otherwise , the reception may take place at an outdoor location or a venue that is not equipped to prepare and serve food . In the latter instances , couples will contract with an outside caterer . In both situations certain factors can help determine who to use for reception food services .

Planning

A traditional reception center / catering hall is likely a wise choice for couples who prefer simplicity in wedding day meal planning . These facilities are experts at addressing all of the components that go into a reception . Such venues offer access

Reserve your date for 2025 ! to a cocktail area and banquet room , and the facility likely has a staff of chefs at the ready to dish up meals . While many reception centers offer restaurant-quality offerings , scouting venues and sampling dishes will provide an idea of how foods taste and help couples narrow down their choices .

Preferences

Some receptions are multi-course events starting from the moment guests arrive and snack on hors d ’ oeuvres to the dessert display served as a final course . Others are low-key and may not have full sit-down service . If you prefer a cocktail atmosphere only , certain venues may make more sense than others . Identifying how much food to have and the type of service desired can help pinpoint caterers to interview .

Chef access Having a specific chef or cuisine in mind may

Helpful advice to make your celebration a success with the best selection of Wines , Beer & Spirits ~ Imported & Domestic

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1107 S . Lake St . ~ Forest Lake 651- 464-7130 require separating the food from a venue . Reception centers likely will not allow couples to bring in their own food . Therefore , you will have to find a venue where outside food is possible . Then you can work with a favorite chef for catering services .

Location Some couples prefer to combine their ceremony and reception at one spot . This may be at a beachside location or in a converted country barn . If this seems like a scenario you are considering , then the venue will take priority and you ’ ll have to find an outside caterer to service the wedding .

Allergies

Food allergies and intolerances are on the minds of many nowadays . It is important to be mindful of food restrictions when speaking with caterers . Take careful inventory of work-arounds so that every guest at the wedding can be enjoy a safe , delicious meal .

The wedding reception menu is an important variable for engaged couples to consider . A host of factors may come into consideration as couples try to determine how to feed their guests come their wedding day .

1655 1st Ave E , Cambridge , MN 55008 763-689-2468