Extol August-September 2018 | Page 83

Saving the Top of the Wedding Cake Most bakeries offer their clients a freshly-baked cake on their 1-year anniversary. Let’s be honest: Do you really want to eat a year-old freezer burnt cake? I think not. Sorry tradition, but that doesn’t even sound appetizing or celebratory. Trust me on this. Gift Registries Weddings can be expensive and honeymoons can be, too. When you and your betrothed are either already living together or have your own places, that’s already a lot of condensing of household items and a traditional registry may not be an ideal option. A lot of travel agencies offer honeymoon funds so that wedding guests can put money towards helping pay for the honeymoon. Consider this as an easy gift option for your guests. Outdoor Weddings Mother nature is unpredictable. If an outdoor wedding is a dream you’ve always had, look for venues with courtyards or patios attached so guests can still go outdoors if the weather is permitting but still have the option to go inside. Instead of hosting a full, open bar or a cash bar, a lot of venues offer beer and wine packages to help balance out costs. Also, consider a signature drink if you don’t to have (read: pay for) hard liquor but want more than beer and wine options. Food is one of the most important things at a reception. Most people will have appetizers and dinner but think about having after-dinner snacks as well. Most of your guests will drink and dance and might need something to munch on. If it’s in your budget, have a photo booth. Guests will have fun getting their pictures taken with all the props, and then at the end of the night you’ll have a memory book full of candid photos of your friends and family. Alexas Gregory has worked for years in the wedding industry and can often be found alongside her mother, Deborah Stumler Gregory, who owns Stumler’s Catering in Southern Indiana. There is no right or wrong way to host a wedding. That’s what can make planning both overwhelming and exciting at the same time. As long as you stay true to your personality, that’s what will make the day special and memorable to both you and your guests. ADVICE FROM ALEXAS If you aren’t a cake person, consider cupcakes, donuts, dessert bars or pies as the “cake” part of a wedding reception. Before your reception, make sure you’ve talked with your DJ or band and have an emcee scheduled for the evening. It’s sometimes a forgotten responsibility but can make or break a reception because they’ll help keep the flow of the reception. 326 Spring Street, Jeffersonville 812.920.0017 /sapphireonspring THE WEDDING ISSUE : EXTOL 87 /sapphireboutiqueonline