The Central Minnesota Wedding Association Blog

Changing Blogs - Subscribe to Our New Feed

2010-11-08T21:53:00.003-06:00

This will be the last post on the CMWA Blogger Blog. Please follow us on our new blog that is built into our new website.

Our New Blog:
http://www.idoido.org/blog

Become a Fan on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/centralminnesotaweddingassociation

Twitter:
http://twitter.com/bridesbff

Walking Down the Shoe Aisle: A T.J. Maxx Wedding

2010-08-12T17:50:00.003-05:00

Everyone wants their wedding to be unique...but where is the line? Walking down the shoe aisle at TJ Maxx? Or having your ceremony at the local Home Depot? What do you think?

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Our New Board of Directors

2010-07-29T22:10:00.004-05:00

The Central Minnesota Wedding Association elected its new board of directors at their meeting on July 27, 2010 at Blackberry Ridge in Sartell, MN.

The 2010-2012 board includes (from left to right)

Dennis Zerwas, Jr., DZ Photography

Megan Cyzcalla, Reichel's Catering and Event Center

Rollie Carlson, St. Cloud Country Club

Gina Artisensi-Skime, The Crown Room Banquet Center

Jim Beck, Blooming Creations

Shannon Kritzeck, JF Kruse Jewelers

The board of directors votes on new member applications to the association and helps guide the direction of the CMWA along with Adam Welz (President) and Jake Sturgis (Vice President).

Average Cost of Wedding is on the Rise

2010-07-12T17:39:00.001-05:00

In the first half of 2010 the average cost of a wedding increased 21.9% from $19,581 (2009) to $23,867. 45 product and services saw gains in spending while 26 saw declines. Planner/Consultant A La Carte Services (up 84.2% at $1,171), Gift/s for the Bride (up 53.1% at $253), and Planner/Consultant For Getting Started (up 50.4% at $920) saw the biggest gain in spending. Other Jewelry (down 61.7% at $304), Reception Accessories (down 55.3% at $200), and Ceremony Accessories (down 49.7% at $207) saw the biggest decline in spending.

The biggest difference was the increase in demand for products and services. 53 products and services saw gains in demand, 4 saw no change, while 13 saw declines. Other Travel/Transportation (up 178.6%), Musician/s, Soloist, or Ensemble (up 66.7%), and Other Jewelry (up 65.2%) saw the biggest gain in demand. Facial (down 15.2%), Manicure & Pedicure (down 8.4%), and Teeth Whitening (down 8.1%) saw the biggest decline in demand.

Full details and downloads are located here: http://goo.gl/bX33

Information courtesy of The Wedding Report.

Today's Tip: Don't Leave an Envelope of Wedding Cash on Top of Your Car

2010-06-22T08:46:00.003-05:00

A newlywed couple from Pennsylvania lost their envelope of wedding cash after their reception. The groom placed the envelope along with a photo album on the roof of his wife's car. He says he didn't know she was leaving.

A good Samaritan found the envelope and returned it to the couple a day later.

I thought these things kind of went without saying...but I'll say it anyway.

Don't leave an envelope with $3,600 cash on top of a car!

Check out the full story here:
http://kdka.com/local/newlyweds.lose.money.2.1764844.html

Video can be found here:
http://kdka.com/video/?id=73580@kdka.dayport.com

The New Way to Deliver a Wedding Toast

2010-06-21T07:57:00.004-05:00

If you are one of those people who is terrified of speaking in front of a room of people for a wedding toast, we may have a solution for you.

Make a rap video.

Adam Welz recently saw someone put together a pretty cool video that was delivered as a toast at the wedding reception.

If you cannot access the video, use the direct link to the YouTube page.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4niKxZ0hus

If you like the idea, but can't pull the video and editing pieces together, contact one of our Videographers in the Central Minnesota Wedding Association.

There are three great videography companies that are part of the group:

Fun with Flowers

2010-05-26T07:41:00.000-05:00

You've scheduled your first meeting with a florist, but perhaps you feel a little intimidated – you don't know anything about flowers. Or maybe you have a few favorites, but are just not sure how to pull it all together. Relax! Your florist will love the opportunity to make suggestions and recommendations for your wedding.

It is important for you to have photos and color swatches of your dress and the attendants’ dresses for your first flower meeting. Seeing your dress helps the florist determine the style of bouquet and types of flowers. Your attendants' dresses can sometimes change your color theme. Make sure you have finalized your color choices for all the dresses, since changes may affect the use of certain flowers.

Aside from your personal preference and style, the location of the wedding and reception are factors to consider when determining your colors. When you have chosen your reception venue, remember its décor – you don’t want your flowers or style of design to clash.

You may find it helpful to think of colors you see in nature and the flowers that are available during the season your wedding is planned. Pinks, greens, lavender and yellows are great springtime colors. The bright colors of summer are deep pinks, reds, oranges, yellows and blues. Autumn colors are rich and fiery reds, orange, turquoise, golds and mahogany. Winter colors shade toward white, silver, green, red, purple and brown.

The color wheel can also guide your decisions, and there are three types of combinations that work particularly well for weddings. Monochromatic is a variation of one color in tints, tones and shades. This is often considered the most subtle and pleasing color combination. An analogous combination consists of any three colors next to each other on the color wheel, and is one of the more popular color groupings. Complimentary colors are any two that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel, and will give you a more dramatic effect.

Orange is becoming increasingly popular – and not just for fall events. It can be paired with many colors, including purple, lilac, lime green, burgundy, magenta, turquoise, sky blue, brown, gold, silver and pewter. Many brides are using bold colors for their bouquets. If bold colors are not for you, look at using shades of white, and bringing in touches of colors that are in your attendants’ bouquets.

Lucky for all of us, there are no rules dictating colors for your flowers. It is all about your personal style and what you like.

When you are browsing Web sites or magazines, collect photos of bouquets or flowers that you like and bring them to your meeting. This will help the florist recommend flowers and materials to match the style and look you desire, while keeping in mind the availability of flowers for the season.

Have fun choosing your flowers. Rely on your floral designer’s creativity and experience to make your wedding florals as individual as you are!

By Debbie Rogers of Distinctly Debbie

Kids at Your Wedding?

2010-05-11T20:31:00.003-05:00

As if choosing your wedding guest list wasn't hard enough with the limitations of space and budget, you face an even tougher dilemma... Should you have children at your wedding?

There is no easy answer to this one. It really depends on you. Are you super close with your nieces and nephews? Does your family party together with the kids on a regular basis? If so, it might be hard to imagine NOT having them as a part of your wedding.

Let's explore some of the pros and cons to keeping the kiddies.

Cons

* Kids are kids. They can be delightful, but then can also be disruptive and noisy, especially during those "quiet moments" in the church.

* The parents of those children will spend the entire night chasing them around, wiping snotty noses and swatting bottoms instead of enjoying themselves.

* You're likely spending more than $20 per plate to feed your guests. The extra expense to feed children who are going to throw most of it on the floor can make you want to scream.

Pros

* Parents will easily be able to attend because they won't have to make special arrangements.

* If you have a close family, having the kids there everyone who is special to you and makes them a part of your memories.

* Kids have lots of energy and energy is FUN. They'll be the first ones on the dance floor and will give the ladies an excuse to get up with them.

* They're just so darn cute! Especially in those mini-tuxedos and flower girl dresses.

Choose what's right for you. If you can't imagine your day without the kids, invite them. If the thought of screaming babies gives you wedding nightmares, make your reception "Adults Only." And don't let your family and friends pressure you.

Make one general rule and stick with it. If you decide not to have kids, don't allow any. This makes it easier to explain. "I'm sorry, we just don't have enough space/budget/patience for kids at the wedding." When you start making exceptions, things can get ugly.

Do yourself and your guests a favor and HIRE BABYSITTERS. Pay someone to watch and play with the children. This way their parents will actually be able to relax and enjoy themselves, and the kids can still be a part of the day.

Give the kids a diversion. Provide a kiddie craft table with coloring books and crayons at the very least. A gift bag stocked with toys can keep them occupied.

What's your take on children at weddings? Leave a comment and share your experience.

Portions of this post came from:
http://www.besthudsonvalleyweddingever.com/how-to-plan-a-wedding/having-kids-at-your-wedding

Get Me to the Church On Time, In Style and As I Like

2010-04-25T20:38:00.002-05:00

As you plan your perfect day, you need to consider your transportation. If you have planned an elegant wedding day with several attendants, the car service that will probably come to mind is limousine. Whether your wedding party is large or small, a limousine is a great option.

Extravagant or economical, there is a package, size and color for every want or need. Other transportation choices may be a horse-drawn carriage, a vintage car, a party bus or your Uncle Louie’s tractor and wagon. Whatever your choice, make it special and memorable for the most anticipated day of your life.

As with any big decision, there are concerns to weigh. The weather may be an issue if your choice of transportation is open air; have a back-up plan in place in case of rain. Also, make sure that you choose a reputable company to provide your transportation. Your next-door neighbor or a friend of a friend may have a limousine or vintage car they are willing to rent inexpensively, but if they don’t show up, don’t have the proper licensing or insurance, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment and frustration. Before booking your ride, do a little homework. Talk with friends and family as to what they have seen, heard, or used. Many companies are rated with the Better Business Bureau. Go online or call them for more information. Ask to see the limousine, car or buggy. Most owners and companies are very willing to show off their rides.

Limousines have become the most popular type of wedding transportation over the past decade. They are usually beautiful and provide a safe alternative to driving, especially if you have chosen to have any type of alcoholic beverage before or after your ceremony. Once a car is chosen for you and the wedding party, it's time to think about your guests.

Wedding-guest transportation is a newer trend, but has become more and more popular. Many brides and grooms are now considering how to get out-of-town guests to and from the ceremony and reception sites. Sometimes out-of-town guests have difficulty finding the reception hall. Also, if you are serving alcoholic beverages to your guests, making sure they get back to the hotel or motel safely is a wonderful idea and will give you and your parents peace of mind. Several local bus or tour companies can provide you with economical mode of transportation.

Whether you have chosen a limousine, car, buggy or tractor and wagon, you can choose from a full-day package or just a ride from the church to the reception – a nice feature that can be arranged far in advance or as a last-minute detail. Whichever you choose on your special day, remember to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Article written by CMWA member, Tami Spanier of Pearl Limousine

New Website...New Blog

2010-04-12T17:17:00.003-05:00

After nearly a year of development, we have launched a brand-new website to make your wedding planner even easier. The site has been re-built from the ground up and features new tools to help you find vendors for your wedding day.

The website address is the same as always...http://www.idoido.org/

The blog site will be changing to: http://www.idoido.org/blog

If you subscribe to the blog via an RSS feed, please update your settings to the new address. This blog will disappear on May 1, 2010- so you will need to change your settings.

We hope you like the new design...let us know your thoughts!

Dressing It Up

2010-03-30T07:57:00.003-05:00

More than ever, brides are looking for ways to bring an element of individuality to their wedding day. We have lots of brides come in with fun, fresh ideas that ask us, “Can I do that?” Almost always, the answer is “yes!” The old rules are no longer the gold standard for modern weddings. Here are a few fashion ideas and trends seen over the last several months.

Wear one look for the ceremony and another for the reception.
We have sold two gowns to countless brides – one more traditional for the ceremony and another more avant-garde gown for the reception. Have you ever tried on a gown that was super sassy and you loved it, but you could not imagine actually wearing it for the wedding? Instead, it could be a great option for a reception gown. Generally, these gowns tend to have elements that reflect the personal style you display in your day-to-day life – ruffles, a low-cut back, deep-V in the front, lots of sparkles, a killer slit up the side – you name it. The reception dress is definitely a party gown and a great way to show your personal sense of style. With lots of designers pushing the envelope right now, there are lots of choices available.

Another second dress option is to look at some of the tea-length gowns available in bridal stores. You can even find some darling options in the bridesmaid section. There are many companies who offer beautiful, well-made bridesmaids gowns in silk or lace. Many of these companies make these gowns in white or ivory (they are usually a bit more expensive than their colored counterparts). We have seen brides change into an ivory tea length gown and pair it with fun shoes, a sash, bow, or over-the-top jewelry that matches the color of the bridesmaids’ gowns. It's always very cute in pictures. Whichever style you choose, long or short, the reception gown is usually easier to move and dance in.

If wearing two dresses is not for you, you can also achieve this effect by changing up some key elements of your look from wedding to reception. Perhaps your ceremony look is classic: subtle makeup, simple jewelry and a veil. For the reception, swap out the classic jewelry and go for something with a little drama, like a set of chandelier earrings and a big gemstone bracelet. You could add smoky makeup to your eyes, wear a deeper shade of lipstick, or switch your veil for a silk flower or feather comb placed behind your ear. In an instant, you're a party bride!

Choose different gown-styles in the same color for bridesmaids.
Every bride hopes to choose a style of bridesmaids dress that her attendants would love to wear again. Why not choose three to five styles of gowns from a designer that you would like to see in your wedding and let your bridesmaids choose which one suits them best. It is often win-win: You've picked the styles that reflect your day, and your bridesmaids have a little say in how they will look that day, too. Varieties of styles offer a visual interest while the color creates continuity in your wedding-party's appearance.

Match flower girls to the bridesmaids' apparel.
Another trend we are seeing is having the flower girls wear dresses that match the bridesmaids’ gowns and not the bridal gown. There are many bridesmaid companies that offer these tiny dresses. They are a darling way to mix up the status quo.

Article written by Ingrid Kent at Mestads Bridal and Formal Wear

Google Takes On Wedding Planning

2010-03-22T17:24:00.003-05:00

Is anyone safe from Google? They seem to be a player in just about every industry. They have recently introduced a new feature through their "Google Docs" that has a number of templates to help you with your wedding planning.

If you are a "do it yourself" bride, a number of free tools are available.

Wedding planner

Address book

Budget planner

To-do list

Seating chart

Reception menu

Wedding album

Music list

Photographer

Guest list

Schedule

If you have used a Google Doc, you will find these incredibly easy to use. These are nice because they are stored online- and you can allow others helping to plan your wedding access to these documents. The changes are then made in real-time...so there is no more emailing your guest list back and forth with your mother-in-law.

If you have a smart phone, you most likely have access to a Google Doc "app" in which you can access and update your data on-the-go.

This technology does not replace the skills of a wedding planner, but it is a great option for people that are looking to take care of things themselves.

Bridal Store Brawl - Video

2010-03-10T07:03:00.003-06:00

Just when you thought you've seen it all. An upset customer and her family members start a brawl inside of a bridal store in Michigan.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/09/bridal-store-brawl-caught_n_492134.html

Do Your Homework When Choosing Vendors

2010-03-04T07:40:00.003-06:00

It seems pretty obvious..."Do Your Homework When Choosing Vendors for Your Wedding". But what does that exactly mean? Which questions should you be asking? Who should you be contacting for more information?

It may seem like a lot of work to do if you have a dozen or so different vendors for your wedding...but it is a MUST!

Our organization, the Central Minnesota Wedding Association, can certainly help you get started. Vendors in our association cannot just put up an awning and get listed on our website or Bride Guide.

Each new member in our association submits an application to our Board of Directors. Applications are reviewed, reference calls are made, work samples are taken into account and a vote is cast.

Once in our association, members commit to doing business that adhere to our Code of Ethics. If a vendor falls short, we are not afraid to remove them from the association.

Don't be afraid to ask prospective vendors questions! For some sample questions, check out this link.

See what the Better Business Bureau has to say about vendors you are looking into. They also offer some tips on their website.

Be sure to take a look at some past work samples and ask to talk to some former clients. Ask them about their experience with the vendor you are looking into- and if there were any 'surprises' after the wedding.

Your wedding is not a day that you want to be dealing with substandard vendors. Do your homework and make sure you are choosing only those that are the highest quality!

Do It Yourself or Doing Yourself In?

2010-03-01T07:59:00.002-06:00

Napkin holders made out of spent toilet paper rolls? We all know the importance of holding the line on the wedding budget these days...but where do you draw the line? The media is great at showing how "easy" making invitations and centerpieces is.

But is it worth it?

Having a budget is important for your wedding. It's also important to figure out what pieces of your wedding are the most important to you and your spouse-to-be. The dress? The photos? The venue? The cake?

The weeks leading up to your wedding can get a little stressful with a lot of small details needing attention. If you are choosing to do some things yourself, don't wait until the last minute. Get as many things done early as possible. You'll thank yourself later.

For more information on this topic at a national level, check out:
http://ow.ly/16Gt91

Cold Feet Are OK at This Wedding

2010-01-31T16:26:00.007-06:00

I've heard of weddings that take place in some unique places...but never on a frozen lake in the middle of winter!

Lori Gluth and Todd Hansen exchanged vows on Lake Minnetonka on January 30th. The ceremony literally took place on the lake, inside of a semi-heated tent.

This was the first wedding 'on ice' that the Bayview Event Center has hosted...and I'm guessing it probably won't be the last.

Check out the video and read more about this wedding here.

Win $1,500 in Free Jewelry on 1/23

2010-01-22T08:37:00.002-06:00

The Engagement (After) Party is tomorrow night at Mestad's. The event will take place from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (after the store closes!)

You'll have a chance to win $1,500 worth of jewelry from J.F. Kruse for just showing up!

You'll also be able to informally chat with some of the top wedding experts in the area, as you plan your big day.

Here are the details:

The Engagement (After) Party

Saturday, January 23rd
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Mestads Bridal and Formal Wear
2716 Division Street
St. Cloud, MN 56301

Mestads is opening their doors after-hours for this special event. Please RSVP before the event by calling 320-252-9634.

The Engagement Party at Mestads

2010-01-16T08:11:00.000-06:00

We know wedding fairs are not for everyone. It can be overwhelming walking into a room full of vendors and not knowing where to start...and standing in long lines while trying to elbow your way through a convention hall.

We also know it can be very convenient to have a bunch of vendors all in one spot, so you are able to get a lot of planning done in a short amount of time.

We thought there has to be a way to bring vendors to one place and have a really laid-back atmosphere that is not overwhelming to walk into. So we started talking to fellow vendors in the St. Cloud area and came up with a new concept. We're calling it "The Engagement (After) Party."

Picture a place with a handful of Central Minnesota's top wedding professionals, looking to give you some tips and advice for planning your wedding. In a casual atmosphere, you'll sip on your favorite beverage while talking to wedding pros about your big day. No high pressure sales...no booths to visit...no long lines to stand in...and free parking.

And what if you were able to win $1,500 worth of jewelry from J.F. Kruse for just showing up? Sound good?

Here are the details:

The Engagement (After) Party

Saturday, January 23rd
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Mestads Bridal and Formal Wear
2716 Division Street
St. Cloud, MN 56301

Mestads is opening their doors after-hours for this special event. Please RSVP before January 21 by calling 320-252-9634.

So stay home this weekend and watch the Vikings game...We'll have all the resources you need next weekend at "The Engagement (After) Party".

2010 Vendor Awards

2010-01-14T20:41:00.000-06:00

The Central Minnesota Wedding Association announced its 2010 Vendor Awards at their meeting on January 14, 2010.

Winners for the awards were nominated in December by recently married couples and industry professionals in the area. The nominations were then sent to a panel of wedding industry experts for review. They were judged on the quality of services they provided and their commitment to their industry and the community.

Congratulations to the 2010 CMWA Vendors of the Year!

Accomodations:
The Pillar Inn

Cakes:
Anna's Wedding Cakes

Catering:
Reichel's Catering

Décor and Rentals:
We've Got It Covered

Music/Entertainment:
Pianist for Parties

Florists:
Blooming Creations

Invitations:
Rengel Printing

Jewelers:
J.F. Kruse

Photo Booth:
Snap Shot Parties

Photography:
Yapuncich Photography

Reception Venue:
The Crown Room

Transportation:
Pearl Limousine

Travel:
Bursch Travel

Tuxedos and Dresses:
Mestads Bridal and Formal Wear

Videography:
Capture Video

Really Bad Engagement Photos

2010-01-04T19:25:00.004-06:00

Engagement photos are part of the process in the months before your wedding. There's, love, romance and sometimes that awkward moment or two. Like when you realize it's not just your boyfriend, but Spider Man that you are marrying.

Some of these engagement photos are pretty funny. Check 'em out! Be sure to click on "newer entries" on the bottom of the page- as there are a few different pages to view. I'm pretty sure none of the photographers in the CMWA could be found guilty of taking any of these.

Enjoy!
Jake

You're Engaged...Now What?

2010-01-03T12:05:00.004-06:00

This is one of the most popular times of the year to get engaged- and now that the holidays are officially over, you or one of your friends may be wondering, "What do I do now that I'm engaged?"

Shortly after I proposed to my wife, we organized a dinner with our parents. I think this is an important step to see how much or how little they want to contribute with their time and money. It also helped us get a better feeling for our guest list, as our parents gave us a good idea of the number of their friends they wanted to invite to the wedding.

It's important to have an idea for your wedding budget before you get too into the planning process. One of your first decisions should be where your reception will take place. This is going to be your biggest expense of your wedding day.

Choosing your ceremony and reception location(s) should be top on your list. The rest of your vendors will want to know what your date is- so they can make sure they have availability.

Choosing the rest of the vendors is up to you. However, I would suggest finding a few areas of the wedding that are most important to you- and what you and your fiancee want to make a priority. Find the best company for these areas and don't skimp! If having the best flowers is what you value most, don't settle! Find a vendor that will deliver exactly what you want- even if they are not the "cheapest".

Here's a list of wedding vendors to help you get started.

Cakes/Desserts
Catering
Dress/Tuxedo
Groom's Dinner Venue
Decor/Rentals
Music/Entertainment
Florist
Hotel
Invitations
Jewelry
Photographer
Reception Venue
Transportation
Travel Agent
Videography
Other fun things, like a Photo Booth

Check out our website, http://www.idoido.org to get the contact information for wedding vendors along the I-94 corridor in Central Minnesota...from Rogers to Monticello to St. Cloud to Alexandria and beyond!

**Photo Courtesy of Yapunich Photography

Make a Nomination Today!

2009-12-28T18:24:00.003-06:00

There are just a few more days for you to nominate your favorite Central Minnesota wedding vendor!

We are looking to recognize wedding vendors in the area that provide great service to their clients and also give back to their industry and community.

The nomination process is really simple- and should take only a couple minutes.

Visit http://www.idoido.org/vote to make a nomination today! The nomination deadline is December 31, 2009. Vendors will be recognized at the next meeting of the Central Minnesota Wedding Association on January 14, 2010.

Wedding Dancers Update

2009-12-23T12:10:00.003-06:00

The Minnesota couple that made dancing down the aisle cool recently updated Meredith Viera on the Today Show about what they have been up to since their video hit it big on YouTube.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The whole thing seems to have cooled off, at least for now. We'll see what the summer of 2010 brings...What do you think will be the next wedding "sensation"?

Changes in Marriage Prep

2009-12-13T12:52:00.002-06:00

If you are planning to get married in a Catholic Church within the Diocese of St. Cloud, your marriage preparation will come out of a new program. Beginning next year there will be a pre-marriage inventory and workbook the Diocese will publish for engaged couples. This replaces a curriculum that has been used for nearly 30 years.

There will be about 170 questions in this new "inventory" that will range in topic from intimacy to finances.

You'll want to check with your priest if you have questions on the changes. More information about marriage preparation in the St. Cloud Diocese can be found here.

Nominate Your Favorite Vendor

2009-12-08T16:46:00.003-06:00

It's that time of year again! The Central Minnesota Wedding Association is collecting nominations for the 2010 Vendor Awards.

We are looking to recognize wedding vendors in the area that provide great service to their clients and also give back to their industry and community.

The nomination process is really simple- and should take only a couple minutes.

Visit http://www.idoido.org/vote to make a nomination today! The nomination deadline is December 31, 2009. Vendors will be recognized at the next meeting of the Central Minnesota Wedding Association on January 14, 2010.

Here is a list of the vendors that won in 2009.

Icing Dreams specializing in unique wedding cakes, 3-D cakes, cookies and cheesecakes perfect for any occasion; located in Waite Park. icingdreams@hotmail.com 320.257.4246

Reichel's offers a variety of home cooked meals and personalized menus perfect for weddings, showers, meetings and specials occasions in an event center that seats up to 400; located in Annandale. Contact reichelscatering@yahoo.com 320.274.2291

Events Extraordinaire works around your schedule so all you have to do is show up to your customized event! Located in St. Cloud. Contact jean@eventsbyjean.com 320.267.8609

Pianist For Parties is one of Minnesota’s finest solo pianists with a repertoire of music for all occasions including weddings, corporate events, receptions, and special occasions. Contact Sharon@pianistforparties.com 612.845.1970

Blooming Creations is a family owned and operated floral service committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts for weddings and all occasions; located in Waite Park. Contact bloomingcreations@teleflorist.com 320.257.7673.

Hampton Inn And Suites offers excellent customer service for guests and is conveniently located within walking distance of event centers and is just off of I-94 in Rogers. Contact hamptonsuitesrogers@zmchotels.com 763.425.0044.

Rengel Printing offers a wide variety of custom and nationally ordered invitations and has been serving St. Cloud and the central Minnesota area for three generations. Contact info@rengelprinting.com 320.251.5951.

J.F. Kruse Jewelers specializes in unique designer collections, custom-made jewelry and superb values on hand-selected and independently certified diamonds; located in St. Cloud. Contact info@jfkrusejewlers.com 320.253.4755.

Snap Shot Parties rents state-of-the-art and easy to use photo booths anywhere in Minnesota; located in St. Cloud. Contact Ezra@SnapShotParties.com 320.310.0812.

The Crown Room offers an elegant ambiance for any event including wedding receptions, business luncheons or anniversary celebrations; located in Rogers. Contact GinaA@5sqc.com 763.428.8181.

Pearl Limousine, a one of a kind service, offering luxurious Cadillac and Mercedes Limousines; located in St. Cloud. Contact pearllimo@rearscope.com 320.251.1101.

Bursch Travel assures you the most accurate information and the best travel production selection available, at the least expensive cost; located in Waite Park. Contact leeh@hurschtravel.com 320.251.3180.

Mestad’s is a premier bridal salon with hundreds of different wedding gowns, bridesmaid’s gowns, tuxedos and accessories to choose from; located in St. Cloud. Contact info@mestads.com 320.252.9634.

Northern Lights Video specializes in creating cinematic wedding videos that can capture your beautiful wedding using HD cameras; located in Zimmerman. Contact jeff@northernlightsvideo.com 763.856.9193.

Mulligan’s Event Center offers a completely private setting overlooking the Sartell Golf Course with tow large patios, a waterfall and a water fountain – the perfect setting for celebrating with family and friends; located in Sartell. Contact missy@mulligansevents.com 320.656.9000.

2009 CMWA Bride Panel

2009-12-01T17:19:00.005-06:00

The Central Minnesota Wedding Association held its second annual bridal panel on November 17th. We had five brides who were married within the last 12 months share their wedding planning stories - as they searched and booked different wedding vendors.

A couple of the common themes I heard:

Email is the preferred way to communicate with brides (no more phone!)
It's not all about money. People are willing to spend a bit more to get quality service.
Money is being spent on the things the couple is passionate about.

We had approximately 50 vendors in the audience, who were able to ask questions and learn first-hand what engaged couples are looking for when choosing vendors for their wedding. I always enjoy going to events like this one. It gives me some great insight on how the wedding industry is changing and what people are expecting.

Many people ask me what the future of the industry looks like for 2010...and it's looking good! Most reception hall managers tell me their Saturday nights are almost fully booked this summer- and many of their Friday nights are also booked. This should trickle down to other vendors in the coming weeks and months. The reception hall is typically the first or second thing that is booked. (You do need a DATE to get married!)

If you are a vendor and are interested in what happened at the Bride Panel, send me an email and I will send you a link to the .MP3 version of the panel.

I did take a picture on my phone at the event...it's pretty horrible. It does not do justice to the time Gina and her staff put into making The Crown Room look spectacular for the panel.

Engaged? Book Your Vendors Soon!

2009-11-22T16:31:00.000-06:00

Here's a little tip if you are engaged and still looking for vendors for your wedding. Most engagements occur between Thanksgiving Day and Valentine's Day...so that means there will be a lot more engaged couples booking vendors for their 2010, 2011 (and beyond) weddings.

So that means reception halls, photographers, florists, and others, are going to start filling up their calendars from a new "rush" of brides who are just getting engaged.

If you are engaged...get on our website and start making some phone calls and emails to vendors that you haven't booked yet.

If you think you might be getting engaged...make sure you start making phone calls to get your vendors booked shortly after you say "I do."

A Great Wedding Fair

2009-11-18T21:19:00.003-06:00

The Central Minnesota Wedding Association handed out nearly 200 Bride Guides at the MyMinnesota wedding fair that happened this past weekend in Monticello.

This is a great fair. I have been to my share of wedding fairs...as a vendor and as someone looking to get married. And honestly, some of the wedding fairs aren't all that great. But I was really impressed with the organization and professionalism of this fair. So kudos to the people at Majirs that helped put this event on!

If you're looking for an upcoming fair, you'll have to wait a couple of months! There are no local wedding fairs until January. Checkout our website for upcoming fairs- and check out a few of our great vendors while you're there!

My Minnesota Wedding Fair - November 14

2009-11-09T17:04:00.003-06:00

One of the best local wedding fairs is taking place this weekend in Monticello. The 9th annual "My Minnesota Wedding Bridal Expo" will be held Saturday, November 14th at the Monticello Community Center.

This is a great chance to meet a lot of vendors in a small amount of time. Nearly 60 vendors will be at this fair.

Tickets are $5 at the door, but brides are FREE if you send an email to advertise@majirs.com with your name, address, e-mail address, your groom's name and your wedding date.

Please visit www.myminnesotawedding.com for a complete list of vendors and for more information about the bridal expo.

The details:

9th Annual " My Minnesota Wedding Bridal Expo"
Saturday, November 14th
1 to 4:30 p.m.
Style Show at 4:30 in the Mississippi Room

Monticello Community Center
505 Walnut Street
Monticello, MN 55362

Customized Jewelry Event

2009-11-02T20:14:00.004-06:00

J. F.Kruse Jewelers invites you to a custom design party, "It's Your Story...Wear It!"

You will hear stories from customers and employees who have made custom designed jewelry created at J. F. Kruse Jewelers.

The stories are remarkable. Some customers have used heirlooms, keeping the sentimental value of stones and metals while creating something meaningful of their own.

There will be door prizes, wine and appetizers!

Don't worry about a long sales pitch... There will be 15 minutes of "education", and 90 minutes of entertainment!

Event Details

Location:
Westside Liquor Learning & Event Center
1001 2nd St. S., Suite 1005
Sartell, MN 56377

Time:
November 12, 2009
7 - 8:30 p.m.

RSVP: pam@buzz-company.com or Pam at 320-266-8198 (please RSVP by November 9)

You will learn about how to:

Create something uniquely yours
Update your style pieces
Give new style to inherited pieces

Door prizes will include:

$200 toward a custom designed piece at J. F. Kruse Jewelers
Gift Certificates to local restaurants

Each person attending will receive a goodie bag with fun gifts!

India Night Will Explain Traditional Wedding Ceremonies

2009-10-29T16:13:00.004-05:00

St. Cloud State's India Heritage Club is hosting “Vivaah: Experience the Wedding of a Lifetime,” which will explain the traditional Indian wedding ceremony and rituals that are a part of the ceremony.

The event starts at 5:30 p.m. on November 7th in Atwood Memorial Center at St. Cloud State University.

Tickets are available at the door or at the Atwood Memorial Center Information Desk starting November 2.

$8 for students
$12 for faculty and members of the community
Free for children 5 and younger

The India Heritage Club is a student organization that works to promote and share Indian culture.

For more information about the event, contact Neha Patankar at pane0903@stcloudstate.edu or Priyam Chibber at chpr0601@stcloudstate.edu.

2009 Bride Panel

2009-10-26T09:55:00.003-05:00

The Central Minnesota Wedding Association is hosting its second annual Bridal Panel on Tuesday, November 17th. This is a chance for wedding vendors to hear first-hand from brides about their wedding planning experiences.

Would you be willing to share your wedding planning experiences with a room full of local vendors?

What was the most frustrating part of planning your wedding? The best part?
What is some information you wish you would have known at the start of the planning process?
Where did you do most of your research and find vendors?

If you are a newlywed (married within the last year) and would like to serve on this panel and get a great meal and other free stuff, shoot me an email!

If you are a local wedding vendor and would like a complimentary ticket to attend this event, shoot me an email!

This was a huge hit last year for vendors and newlyweds...it would be great to see you this year!

Tips for the Bride on a Budget

2009-10-16T15:40:00.003-05:00

Gina Artisensi-Skime from The Crown Room put together some great tips for the Bride on a Budget. Take a look at these tips before you finalize vendors for your wedding!

Don't look at the word budget (the amount of money that is available for, required for, or assigned to a particular purpose) as a negative. Rather, look at it as getting the most professional "bang" services for your buck. Here's a few tricks of the trade to stretch your professional wedding-day dollars.

When establishing your budget, decide what aspects and services are the most important to creating your perfect wedding day and rank them.

Next, select the top three services of importance to you and your fiancé and begin to research the pricing per category and establish this portion of your overall budget. The reception venue and catering, entertainment (disc jockey or band) and your photography are generally the top three items that consume the majority of your wedding-budget dollars.

Choosing a reception venue is like selecting that perfect wedding dress: You want the venue to fit your personality and provide an ambiance, menu, and service that you would like your guests to experience. Inquire about any complimentary mirror tiles, centerpieces, candles, or specialty linen napkin colors that the facility may be able to contribute to your wedding day without any additional charges.

If you find that you are exceeding your budget, look into a Friday evening or a Sunday wedding reception that may include a decreased food and beverage minimum at your reception venue. Consider an off-season wedding date or inquire about any special wedding bundles with a reception venue and a hotel. Do not assume that a buffet-style reception will always be the least expensive route to go; most plated-meal services can be customized into a lower price category than a buffet.

Don't compromise a professional vendor service – even if your wedding-budget dollars are getting tight. Professionals are masters of their craft for a reason: They know their job and they do it well. An iPod or other MP3 Player cannot replace a professional disc jockey. An iPod will not be able to introduce the bridal party for a Grand Entrance into the reception venue; it will not lead your guests in an interactive dance or know how to change-up the music to the correct genre when the dance floor is empty. Inquire to see if the disc jockey or entertainer offers reduced rates on Friday or Sunday weddings or take advantage of the Bridal Show Specials.

Find a professional photographer that captures every little moment of your "day of days." You will find photographers in all price categories, but go with your gut – if the deal is too good to be true, it probably is. Request to view portfolios of recent wedding albums, as well as references from previous clients. Your photographer may be with you from sunup to sundown; ensure that you are comfortable with his or her personality and style. Feel free to ask your photographer about any off-season or weekly discounts or offers.

Sticking to your overall budget will decrease any financial stress between you and your hubby-to-be. Keep in mind that your guests are present at your wedding ceremony and reception to celebrate your marriage and not all of the other extras!

Bridal Resources

2009-10-05T18:06:00.003-05:00

Two major wedding publications folded today...Modern Bride and Elegant Bride. Their publisher, Conde Nast, shut down a total of four different magazines today.

I think this is a sign of engaged couples and advertisers favoring more local resources. Our 2010 Bride Guide grew from 2009 - despite a difficult economy. We have received a lot of compliments about the guide and our focus on the local area. We provide a resource that no national company can compete with.

All of our vendors are approved through our board of directors. When you book a vendor from our association, you know they provide quality services and abide by our code of ethics.

Have you picked up a copy of our 2010 Bride Guide? Shoot me an email and I will throw one in the mail for you. I think you'll agree that we have the best local guide in the area.

The Most Common Honeymoon Mistakes to Avoid

2009-09-23T17:28:00.002-05:00

I went to Aruba with my wife for our honeymoon...

I would like to thank Jan Moeser from Elk River Travel for providing the list of the "most common honeymoon mistakes to avoid."

Not starting your honeymoon planning early.
The number one mistake most couples make is leaving your honeymoon planning until the last minute. This trip is the first of hopefully many vacations together as husband and wife; let’s not underestimate the importance of it. Not only can you save significantly if you book early, you better your chances of getting your first and or second choice of resort or cruise.

Not taking a honeymoon.
Okay, life is busy, hectic and sometimes downright chaotic. But seriously: Will your job, company or family really fall apart if you take some much deserved time for yourselves? Now is the time to relax! You’ve survived your wedding day, danced the hokey-pokey and now it’s time for you. Even if it’s only a day or two, take the time and make it special. The last thing you want to do is look back years from now and regret that you didn’t take time for yourselves.

Forgetting to bring your sense of humor.
No matter how carefully you plan your trip, sometimes things can go wrong—even at a world-class honeymoon destination. Don’t let anything ruin the overall purpose of your trip, which is to have a fun and romantic time with your spouse. Laugh it off and you’ll only remember the good stuff. Just think of any hiccups as great stories to tell the grandkids.

Scheduling all of your time with activities.
With all the pre-wedding excitement, mad dashing and last-minute issues, you may not realize how exhausted you are. Most likely, it'll certainly hit you a day or two after the Big Day. So even though eight hours of fishing sounds wonderful, don’t plan it for the first part of your honeymoon. Instead, consider say, a couples’ massage, as the best way to start your honeymoon. Be sure to leave yourselves enough relaxation time.

Not using a travel agent to help you plan your honeymoon.
Travel agents are your advocates: They offer personalized service, travel knowledge, and can be someone to lend a hand or ear when you’re looking for the perfect place to begin your life together. Travel agents don’t work for an airline, cruise or tour company – they work for you. Let the experts find you the best values, industry deals and discounts that only they have access to. Let them do the many hours of research for you; they understand you’re a little busy right now.

Our Newest Members

2009-09-12T10:16:00.006-05:00

We are always looking to add great vendors in the Central Minnesota to our wedding association. The CMWA only wants to promote vendors of the highest quality and has an application process that each new member must apply through.

Members must agree to run their business according to our code of ethics, provide references of past clients, and be accepted by a majority vote of our board of directors.

We are thrilled to welcome these 11 new members to our group!

Classic Hall (Annandale, MN)
Bridal Boutique & Outlet (St. Cloud, MN)
D'Angelo Sound and Light
Refine Dermatique (Albertville, MN)
We've Got it Covered
Tip Top Tux (Multiple Locations)
Prime Mortgage Vicki Erickson (320) 529-4944
AJHeckman Photography
PM Enterprises
D.J. Bitzan Jewelers (St. Cloud, MN)
Princess Bride Cinematic Videography

We will have more about these vendors and their services in future blog posts...check out their websites and learn more about their great services!

2010 Bride Guide - Unveiled

2009-08-31T20:46:00.003-05:00

We are proud to present the 2010 Bride Guide, featuring great ideas to help you plan your wedding with the help of the finest wedding professionals in Central Minnesota.

When we started the Central Minnesota Wedding Association in February 2008, we did not want to have the most vendors, just the best vendors in the region. Businesses featured in this guide are truly the best our area has to offer. They are guided by our code of ethics and are committed to professionalism in all aspects of their business. Our vendors commit to ongoing professional training to remain at the top of the industry.

Our Web site, www.idoido.org, will provide you with the most up-to-date information about wedding events happening in the area. The site will also connect you with our vendors and other great resources to help make your wedding planning easier.

The wedding industry has seen a number of changes over the past year. People planning weddings and our vendors have been affected by the difficult economic times. While your first instinct may be to cut services, we encourage you to consult with one of our professional vendors to see what they can offer. We have seen many couples take on too many additional wedding-planning tasks, only to get frustrated and stressed out on their wedding day.

Don’t try and do everything yourself. Our association and our members are here to help you plan your wedding. We are professionals who love to work with engaged couples and find solutions that will work within your budget.

2010 Bride Guide Preview

2009-08-18T08:00:00.007-05:00

The 2010 Bride Guide is going to rock. We have been working hard behind the scenes to put together Central Minnesota's best resource for people planning a wedding. Take a look at some of the images from our recent photo shoot for the guide.

If you can't see the video display, click here.

We'd like to thank some of our association members that helped make things possible.

Bella Photography
Edge Gallery
Mestad's
J.F. Kruse Jewelry
101 Market

The 2010 Bride Guide will be available at your favorite St. Cloud area bridal shows, wedding shops and our website starting in mid-September.

One More Reason to Get a Limo

2009-08-17T14:37:00.004-05:00

A newly married bride still wearing her wedding gown flew off the back of a motorcycle being driven by her husband in Waite Park on Saturday.

According to police, the groom was arrested after the crash. The two were in the midst of their wedding reception when the accident happened.

The bride broke her leg and wrist in the crash.

Just another reason to hire one of our professional transportation vendors in the Central Minnesota Wedding Association for your wedding!

Pearl Limousine 320-251-1101

Renee's Royal Valet 763-551-1919

Why You Shouldn't Skip the Video at your Wedding

2009-08-16T20:57:00.003-05:00

Being a videographer myself, I may be a bit biased on this topic. I can't tell you how many people tell me after their wedding, "I wish we would have had a video."

Many people are skipping the professional video to save some money, but a lot of others are seeing the advantages of hiring a pro. I can honestly tell you that 2009 will be among the best years for my video business. I think more and more people are seeing professional wedding videos that don't make you fall asleep- or make you sea-sick while watching them...and want one for their wedding!

I recently came across a post on another blog regarding the benefits of having a wedding video...here is what they had to say.

Life Moves, Photos Don't
Photos are a wonderful way to capture moments in time. Video captures time itself. At a wedding I recently videotaped one of the bridesmaids composed a song and sang it to the bride and groom at their reception. They are moved each time they watch it. Many times video of toasts by parents and grandparents create lasting keepsakes of far away family members.

Make it an Event
Watching a well-edited video of your wedding can be an event in itself. Have a premiere party! When you watch the video together, you share the experience with friends and family. With DVDs so easy to mail, many new couples send copies to relatives who couldn't attend the wedding. Many save the videos to share with their children some day.

It's a New Networked World
Ask your videographer if they can help you share your video online. Video isn't just on TV anymore. Post in on Facebook, add it to your blog, load it on your iPhone so you can watch the first time you have to be away from your loved one.

Safety Net
Even the best photographers in the world can make mistakes or misunderstand your wishes. I recently worked with a bride who called me in tears because certain relatives were not represented in her photos. The bride had hired a well known photographer with a good reputation, but for some reason, the photos were not there. You can imagine how relieved she was to find that I had recorded several scenes with these family members.

PLEASE...Use a Pro
Everyone's got a video camera these days, so why not just ask a friend to capture your wedding? There's a simple answer. Your wedding is not just any day. Anyone can bake a cake, but you need something really special for your wedding. You want a beautifully crafted wedding cake. So you hire a professional with the right experience, attitude and equipment. With a professional videographer you can relax and enjoy your day knowing you've hired someone with the right experience, attitude and equipment. And you know in a few months you'll be celebrating the premiere!

The two videographers in the Central Minnesota Wedding Association are:

Capture Video 952-476-6872 (ask for me, Jake!)

Northern Lights Video 763-856-9193 (ask for Jeff)

Recent Changes to MInnesota Marriage Laws

2009-08-04T20:17:00.003-05:00

The 2009 Minnesota Legislature passed modifications to the state statute governing marriages in Minnesota. These changes took effect August 1, 2009.

This reading is a bit dry, but if you are getting married there are some important things to keep in mind.

The “legal custodial” parent(s) must give consent and appeal to the courts for authorization for their child who has reached the age of 16 but is under the age of 18 years of age to marry.
A person must be 21 years or older in order to perform marriages in MN.
Persons authorized to perform a marriage ceremony in MN are required to assure that the couple has obtained a Minnesota marriage license and that the individuals appearing before them are the persons named on the marriage license.
A Minnesota marriage license can only be used within the geographical boundaries of Minnesota.
Both the bride & groom must apply for the marriage license.
The social security numbers of the applicants will be collected and if they do not have a social security number they must certify as such.
A person who has been convicted of a felony is restricted from changing their name unless they follow the procedure outlined in MS 259.13.
The Educator’s Statement (required with a reduced fee marriage license) must be signed by the established educator, dated, notarized and appear on the educator’s letterhead in order to be accepted.
Allows Local Registrars to charge a fee of $100 if the officiant fails to file the marriage certificate within five days of the marriage.

There are some other housekeeping issues pertaining to the marriage statute that have changed. If this stuff really interests you, review the entire statute to become familiar with marriage requirements. If you have questions, contact your County Local Registrar who administers Marriage Applications, Licenses and Certificates.

Not So Fast Down the Aisle...

2009-08-02T19:09:00.002-05:00

Today's Minneapolis Star Tribune had an interesting article about the now infamous wedding dance down the aisle. It comes from the perspective of clergy in the church.

Is it inappropriate or sacrilegious to boogie down the aisle at the church? I guess it depends on who you ask. Some clergy think this is a great way to express the joy of getting married, while others would never allow this to happen in their church.

The article also brought up a cultural difference that I had not thought about. In the West, there is not typically a connection with worship and dance, at least during a wedding ceremony. While in other parts of the world, dance is more deeply connected with worship.

Personally, I thought the dance was very creative and fun. It matched the style of the couple and they were able to express themselves in a way during their ceremony that few others have done before. I don't think it should replace the typical wedding processional, and I certainly hope that not everyone tries to recreate this at their upcoming weddings.

The spoofs have already started. I watched the "JK Divorce Video" earlier this weekend. I know we have not seen or heard the end of this.

Choosing a Photographer and Videographer

2009-07-27T17:15:00.004-05:00

As your wedding day draws closer, you will have spent tireless hours on the finer details of your special day. Now, you need someone to help capture the people and things that make your wedding day unique.

• Where do you start looking?
• Do you really need a professional?
• Why do prices vary so much?

The Search
There are a lot of great photographers and videographers in the Central Minnesota area. Each company has its own style and unique way of doing things. Ask to look at examples from past weddings they have shot. Pay attention to the style and quality of the images. Can you picture yourself in the photos or video? Would you be happy with their final product?

Narrow your search based on research in magazines, Web sites and bridal fairs. Contact a few different companies to set-up meetings. You will want to make sure your photographer and videographer are people you can get along with. Remember, you will be spending a large portion of your wedding day with these people!

Be sure to ask questions about their experience level, delivery timelines, payments & contracts and the final product. Do you have rights to the final images or raw video? Who will be the actual people shooting your wedding?

Hiring Professionals
Aunt Sally just bought her own digital camera and really wants to save you some money and shoot your wedding for free. While this may sound appealing, it may end up costing you more in the long-run.

Professional photographers and videographers shoot weddings for a living. They have experience in getting unique angles and know how to anticipate shots that Aunt Sally couldn’t dream of. Professionals know how to work with wedding parties and properly pose and frame shots. They also carry an arsenal of professional lights, filters, microphones and tripods to obtain the best possible images and sound from your wedding.

Friends and family may have good intentions of saving you money, remember this is your wedding day. You will only walk down the aisle once with this person- and you don’t want to look back and remember your wedding day as being unfocused and out-of-frame.

Investment
It is important to frame the purchase of your photographer or videographer as an investment. Remember, these are the images you will hold onto for the rest of your life. The cost of this investment varies quite a bit; depending on a variety of factors.

This investment can vary depending on experience level of the photographer/videographer, equipment used, location of the company and coverage options. Some companies charge by the hour- and others may charge by the day. Compare all of the factors that matter most to you- and determine who you can trust and who can provide you the best value.

Remember, not all photo and video packages are created equally. Be sure to ask questions and see what is included- and what is extra. Some companies may throw in “extras” that other companies charge for. Ask to see a copy of their contract and read all of the fine-print before making your decision.

MN Couple's Processional Gets National Attention

2009-07-24T16:02:00.004-05:00

I have been to a lot of weddings...but I have never seen anything like this. Jillian and Kevin Heinz recently posted the video of their processional on YouTube for their family and friends...and now more than a million people have watched the first part of their ceremony.

You really do have to watch the video, because trying to explain this with text really does not do it any justice.

The couple is flying to New York to appear on a few different national morning talk shows...and we hope to catch up with some of their wedding party members, who live here in Central Minnesota in a future blog...

Will a dancing processional catch-on and become the next wedding trend?

Skydiving + Wedding = Disaster

2009-07-16T18:15:00.002-05:00

If anyone is planning to rent a plane instead of a limo after their ceremony...leave your flowers at the church!

A bride in Italy let her flowers go...which then got caught in one of the plane's rotors. Whoops.

The limo or bus is probably a safer choice...and probably a little less expensive!

Speaking of weddings in distant places, I just got back from a vacation that brought me through Lake Tahoe, Sonoma and San Francisco. There were a TON of weddings last weekend that I was able to peek at. All of them are beautiful places this time of year. Many people who are wanting to do a destination wedding are looking at domestic options...which can be a little cheaper and closer to home for you and your guests.

If you are considering a destination wedding, contact one of the travel agents in our association.

Bursch Travel

Elk River Travel

Pineapple Travel

Mestad's 2010 Gown Preview (Video)

2009-07-07T14:30:00.006-05:00

Mestads wanted to offer brides a way to enjoy their wedding planning while relaxing and watching a Fashion Show. Adam Welz, of Prime Time DJs, dropped the tunes, Capture Video recorded and edited the event, and Stems and Vines supplied us with beautiful bridal bouquets.

Brides relaxed on the leather sofas, sipped wine and champagne, enjoyed delicious cupcakes by Icing Dreams, and took in the sights. Fun was had by all. Sometimes it is just fun to sit back T

The Pronovias 2010 preview event was a celebration of beautiful wedding gowns. Pronovias, based out of Barcelona, Spain, is Europe's hottest bridal design house. Pronovias gowns have classic lines yet have a bit of an edge to them. Because they are European gowns, the finishing touches to the dress feel special and fresh.

Mestad's staff travels around the world to hand select the most beautiful and best fitting gowns in a variety of price points. This fashion show highlights just that. The Pronovias gowns shown in this video were seen on the runways of Barcelona Spain just a week prior to the June 26th event.

Pronovias gowns span a range of price points - about $1100 - $3000. Manuel Mota and Elie Saab also have lines under the Pronovias label. These gowns start at $2,500.

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If you are reading this through Facebook, or another RSS reader that does not support video, please click on the link below.

http://idoidocmwa.blogspot.com/

2010 Bride Guide

2009-07-06T14:50:00.004-05:00

Believe it or not, we are more than halfway though 2009...and 2010 is less than six months away!

The staff at the Central Minnesota Wedding Association is gearing up for our 2010 Bride Guide that will be distributed at area businesses and wedding fairs starting this fall.

We are always looking for great local vendors to join our association...so if you know of any great businesses that have provided exceptional service during your wedding planning process, we want to hear about them!

One of the goals of our wedding association is to not offer the most vendors in the area, but just the best! We don't take any old business that throws up an awning and calls themselves a "floral expert"...We screen each applicant to make sure they will provide excellent service to brides in the area- and they are obligated to sign our association code of ethics.

So if you know about a great business that caters to people during their wedding planning process, shoot me an email! jake@idoido.org

In our first year, the 2009 Bride Guide received more awards than any other local bridal publication...the 2010 Bride Guide is going to turn some more heads!

The Ultimate Garter Toss (Video)

2009-06-26T14:10:00.005-05:00

As a wedding videographer, I have seen my fair share of garter tosses throughout the years. However, the garter toss at my wedding I was taping last weekend certainly stood out.

The guys worked on a choreographed dance before the ceremony that they would do at the reception prior to the garter toss.

These guys had a lot of fun...with their Converse wedding shoes and pink canes! It was a wedding to remember!

Video - Brides on a Budget

2009-06-25T09:09:00.002-05:00

Not sure why the video is not displaying...

KARE-11 ran a story last night about brides on a budget. There is some interesting information- but as I have said before, the easiest way to cut wedding costs is trimming your guest list! Fewer meals, center pieces, invitations, etc... means spending less money. While this sounds easy- it is difficult when you actually have to start crossing off friends and co-workers from your guest list!

kare11.com | Twin Cities, MN | itake KARE of your MONEY:/i Brides on a Budget

Couple With Swine Flu says "I Do"

2009-06-22T06:40:00.004-05:00

Imagine getting news less than 48 hours before your wedding...you and your fiancee both have "Swine Flu".

This happened to a couple near Chicago...and the wedding still went on. "In sickness and in health" certainly took on a new meaning.

Hopefully the surgical masks and latex gloves don't become the newest 2009 wedding trend.

Read the entire story from the Chicago Tribune.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-swine-flu-wedding-19-jun19,0,7449508.story

Mestad's Event - June 26

2009-06-18T10:02:00.002-05:00

The staff over at Mestad's just told me about a great event they are hosting on Friday, June 26th.

Pronovias 2010
Gown Preview and Fashion Show

Icing Dreams will be there...with lots of treats to sample
Stems and Vines will be providing the flowers
Prime Time DJ and Adam Welz will be spinning the music
Capture Video will be documenting the night and putting together a short video
Mestad's will be showing off some of the newest wedding dress designs

There will be wine, appetizers and desserts...and the feel for the evening will be very informal.

If you have not been to Mestad's new store in St. Cloud, this would be a great chance to check it out. It is absolutely gorgeous.

Visit Mestad's Web site for more information about the event.

See you there!

Weddings With a Hitch

2009-06-06T09:11:00.002-05:00

Most of us have been to weddings where things didn't go quite as planned...

In Saturday's Star Tribune, writer Kim Ode features a few weddings mishaps...It's always more funny when it doesn't involve you!

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/47059082.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUHPYDiaK7DUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

Enjoy...feel free to comment on any wedding stories you have!

More than a Web site

2009-06-03T20:33:00.005-05:00

Many people planning weddings only get to see one side of the Central Minnesota Wedding Association...our work connecting you to vendors in our group through our Web site and Bride Guide.

There's another side of our organization that works with wedding vendors in the Central Minnesota area to educate them about new trends and bring them together as a group to share ideas and network with other vendors.

Last night we had our bi-monthly meeting at The Pillar Inn in Cold Spring...just west of St. Cloud. If you are looking for a great bed and breakfast, or a place for a ceremony with fewer than 40 people...this is it.Here you see Adam Welz, the CMWA President, playing "Wedding Pictionary." Games like these kind of bring the "kid" out in you- and you forget how much fun you can have playing a silly game.

Most of the night was dedicated toward networking with other wedding vendors. This was a lot of fun (and it wasn't all about weddings!). We got to meet people and hear about their interests outside of work, and really start to build relationships. That truly is the key to networking...because you never want to refer someone that you don't trust- because if that person doesn't follow through, it makes you look bad.

It is so cool that we can have multiple photographers, florists, cake decorators and reception hall planners all work together toward- and put the fact that many of them are competing for the same business aside. I often refer Northern Lights Video to clients if my busisness, Capture Video is booked on a particular day.

I'll share more about what our organization does in future blogs...but I thought you might find it interesting that we are a lot more than a Web site.

Wedding Day Survival Kit

2009-06-01T22:19:00.002-05:00

My wife was recently a personal attendant for a wedding- and was in-charge of putting together a kit that would include everything the ladies may need for the day.

She didn't use everything that she had packed, but the good news is a lot of that stuff we can now use in our house. Take a look at the list and leave a comment if there is anything that we missed- or a tip from past experiences.

(Being a guy, a really don't have a lot of experience with many of the things on this list!)

Clothes

Static Guard
Febreze (mini bottle)
Tide Pen
Double sided tape (Try Hollywood Fashion Tape)
White chalk (to hide any stains on the gown)
Packing tape (sounds weird, but it does everything from repairing headpieces and hems to removing lint)
Sewing kit (with scissor)
Safety pins

Face

Makeup for touch-ups
Mirror
Tissues
Blotting papers
Make-up eraser pen
Q-tips

Hair

Brush
Hairpins
Hairspray

Smile

Floss
Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
Gum
Mints

Nails

Clear nail polish
Super glue
Nail file

Body

Tampons
Deodorant
Advil/Tylenol/Motrin
Alka-Seltzer
Tums
Band-aids
Visine
Purell

Feet

Slippers
Various foot cushions
Blister Blockers

Holiday Weekend Weddings

2009-05-26T17:36:00.003-05:00

I admit, I was not thrilled about going to a wedding over Memorial Day weekend. One of my wife's friends from college got married on Sunday...and I have become friends with the couple over the last few years...great people.

I was an Usher/Videographer for the day...which actually worked out pretty well. I had my business partner running the main camera for the day- so I ran the second camera for the ceremony and got a few other shots here and there.

Enough about me. The big question here is- "Is it OK to plan your wedding on a holiday weekend?"

I guess the answer depends on who you ask and what your motives are to have your wedding over a long weekend.

For this couple, there were a lot of people from out-of-town that needed to travel to Minnesota for the wedding. The groom grew-up in Nebraska- and still has a lot of friends and family there. Their goal was to provide people an extra travel day by having it over Memorial Day weekend. I think that makes a lot of sense...and I am sure their out-of-town guests really appreciated the extra day.

If most of the people coming to your wedding are less than a plane ride away, I would take a look at your motives...People here in Minnesota really value their holiday weekends- with cabin trips and other personal vacations that are planned around these holidays. You may upset some people if you are asking them to give up their weekend.

The 4th of July falls on a Saturday this year...anyone have any weddings planned for that weekend?

Changing Your Name

2009-05-12T22:10:00.005-05:00

Many women choose to change their last name after the wedding...but where do you start?

Before you can file anything...you need a certified copy of your marriage license.

However, you can get information ready prior to your wedding. Many people need to contact the following agencies for a name change.

Social Security Administration
Passport
Department of Motor Vehicles (Driver’s License)
Employer and/or School
Financial and Credit Card companies
Insurance companies
Utility companies

A good rule of thumb is to look through your mail and see who continues to send you mail to your old name. Contact these institutions and send them the necessary paperwork to get your name changed. This can be a time-consuming process, but it is necessary to prevent major headaches down the road!

A couple of other tips...

Wait until you return from your honeymoon, if you are taking one. You will need your legal documents to travel and it can take weeks or months to get a new driver’s license or passport.
Change your driver’s license and social security card first. Once you have these documents changed, it is much easier for you to change your name other places.
Tell your employer or school about your name change before your wedding. They can have your new email address or business cards ready after your wedding.

Visit www.idoido.org/namechange for links to help you change your name!

Find us on Facebook

2009-05-10T18:40:00.003-05:00

We're on Facebook...and we want you to become our "fan."

We already have more than 100 fans of the Central Minnesota Wedding Association- people from St. Cloud, Alexandria, Minneapolis, Buffalo, St. Paul...but we want you.

Visit our Facebook site at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Central-Minnesota-Wedding-Association/16781904562

Check it out and become a fan!

Wedding Planning for Guys?

2009-05-03T21:15:00.003-05:00

Good or bad...most guys don't do a whole lot when it comes to wedding planning...but should they?

I was the exception to the rule when I was planning my wedding in 2007. Since I had been to a number of different churches and reception halls as part of my job as a wedding videographer- I think I had a better idea of what I wanted than most guys. My wife tells people that I did more of the planning then she did. I'm not sure about that.

After we got engaged, we divided up different areas of the wedding planning that we would each be in charge of...and this worked really well for us. I enjoy planning events and I think the day was even more special for me since I had a good chunk of time invested into the planning of the day. I wasn't simply "showing up."

There is an article in today's New York Times that talks about this and offers some additional resources for guys who are helping to plan their wedding.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/fashion/weddings/03FIELD.html?_r=1&ref=style

What do you think?

You Get What You Pay For!

2009-04-30T20:20:00.004-05:00

Many people planning weddings are looking for ways to cut their budget in these difficult economic times. I would encourage you to do your homework before booking a vendor that is "the cheapest." A lot of times, you get what you pay for!

My friend Tammy recently shared her story with me...

We found a 'great deal' online for our photographer..... We had a simple wedding no attendants should be pretty easy. That day she took 300+ candid shots, NO posed put together shots, She then did not follow up with her contract and give us 2 parent albums, and one full of 100 pictures for us. We followed-up with calls and many emails no response so took her to small claims court, she did not show, of course the judge ruled on our behalf but what did we get? a loss of the $ in court fees. The joys!

Make sure you do your research and ask for referrals of past clients! Unfortunately, like in most businesses, there are some vendors out there that do not provide quality services.

All vendors in the Central Minnesota Wedding Association must abide by a code of ethics and go through a screening process prior to becoming a member. We hope this gives local brides a sense of trust in choosing vendors for their wedding.

Meredith and Derek's Wedding

2009-04-27T19:07:00.004-05:00

I don't watch a lot of television...mostly news programming and sports. However, there are a few shows that I do watch...and Grey's Anatomy is one of them. I hope I am not the only guy who admits to watching this soap opera of a television show. My wife got me into the show a few years ago...and now I think it is the only show we actually sit down and watch together.

For people who follow the show, they know Meredith and Derek are planning a wedding- which has been a LONG time in the making. Their on-again, off-again relationship has gone on for a few seasons- and we'll see what kind of twists and turns the writers throw in as we get closer to the "wedding date."

I found it a little odd that they have set up a wedding page on "The Knot" about their wedding. They are a fictional couple...with a real wedding website. I'm not sure what to think about that.

http://www.theknot.com/ourwedding/MeredithGrey&DerekShepherd

I am glad to see on their "gift registry" page, they have a few different charities that people can donate to.

I know this is a great way for them to promote the show...but is it really good for anything else?

I'm curious to hear your thoughts...

Do I need a travel agent for my honeymoon?

2009-04-23T07:32:00.006-05:00

I wrote in my last blog about my honeymoon to Aruba...and how my wife and I would have never picked Aruba, if it weren't for the advice of our travel agent. Her experience allowed her to find us a place to honeymoon in August, while staying outside of the hurricane belt.

We had enough decisions to make about our wedding- and it was so nice to let someone else do the research on airfare, prices, hotels, excursions, etc... Our travel agent had other couples visit Aruba- and was able to provide insight that we would have never found if we were just booking our trip online.

Some travel agents do not charge any service fees...while others may charge a small service fee for their services. Do some research and find a travel agent that can meet your needs- and stay within your budget.

Bursch Travel is a great local travel agent, and there are a number of others in the Central Minnesota Wedding Association.

Happy planning!

The Honeymoon

2009-04-21T17:14:00.005-05:00

I know a lot of couples struggle with what to do for their honeymoon...

Should we take a big trip and go somewhere out of the country?
Should we take a road trip and stay a little closer to home?
Do we do take our honeymoon right after the wedding...or wait until later?
Do we even need to go on a honeymoon?

I know my wife and I struggled with these questions as we thought about what we wanted to do for our honeymoon. As we were discussing this with my parents, my dad gave me a piece of wisdom that I still remember very clearly.

"You only have one chance in your life to take a honeymoon...if you wait and do it later- it's just a vacation."

My wife and I were considering a weekend trip to our family cabin near Shell Lake, WI...but after listening to others, we decided to plan a trip to Aruba for our honeymoon. I think we made the right decision.

Our wedding was in August...and we knew that we wanted to go somewhere warm. We had gone on vacations together, but we never went somewhere warm.

I called our travel agent to discuss different honeymoon options. A big reason we chose Aruba was that it is outside of the hurricane belt. This is something I would have never considered on my own...and am glad our travel agent knew her stuff!

In my next post, I will highlight a great travel agency that is a member in the Central Minnesota Wedding Association and is GREAT to work with when planning your honeymoon.

Wedding Weekend

2009-04-13T15:25:00.004-05:00

Ok, this will be my last post for a while about "Destination Weddings" but I thought I would share a video I recently finished for some clients I went to Mexico with for their wedding.

The first couple of minutes are the two days before the wedding- and some of the fun things that people were doing...the rest of the video focuses on the wedding day.

The couple's personality is very fun and outgoing- so I wanted to create a video recap that fit with their "style". I have received a TON of compliments from their family and friends that have viewed the video, so I think I was able to accomplish this.

One thing to watch for, that is kind of funny. The original boutonnieres for the guys were gigantic! You'll see some of the guys making fun of the flowers in the video. The part that did not make the video was the mother of the groom and the wedding coordinator from the resort working feverishly to create new boutonnieres before the ceremony. You'll see the guys had on NO flowers for most of the pictures before the ceremony- and had "custom made" flowers from pulling flowers from the centerpieces to be used for the ceremony and reception!

"Must Know" for Destination Weddings

2009-03-26T17:11:00.003-05:00

In my last blog, I wrote generally about my experience with destination weddings- and have a few more tips to share.

The biggest thing people planning the wedding need to realize is that if your wedding is outside of the United States- the customs and culture in the country you are visiting are also different. Specifically, how people respond to "scheduled" events and timelines. People in Mexico have a very different interpretation of time than we do in the United States. Their culture is a lot more laid back and not as concerned with the minutes hand on the clock.

If you are the type of person that needs everything to be "on-time" - a destination wedding may not be for you. In my experience, there is always something that is "running late" hours before the wedding starts...flowers, chairs, officiant, etc...

Most of the resorts do have "wedding coordinators"- but often times this person is juggling multiple weddings or working on other projects at the resort.

My biggest pieces of advice for people...hire a travel agent to help you work with the resort and go into the wedding realizing that all of your plans may be subject to change. If it is outdoors- there is always a chance that it could rain- or something may not show up on time.

Find a travel agent you can trust and has experience working with destination wedding resorts. Their services are less money than you think and will make your wedding planning experience a lot more pleasant and less stressful.

We have a number of great travel agents in the Central Minnesota Wedding Association- be sure to check them out during your search!

Destination Weddings

2009-03-25T19:41:00.006-05:00

Despite a difficult economy, many couples are looking into planning a destination wedding. Many guests are able to use the wedding as a vacation from work, if planned in advance.

In February, I traveled to Isla Mujeres for a wedding for a couple of my friends. It was absolutely beautiful. It was so nice to have an excuse to get the heck out of Minnesota for almost a week and "celebrate" with many friends.

One advantage of a destination wedding that never occured to me was the amount of time that you are able to spend with your friends and family. I remember my wedding, which was just a 18 months ago, and one of my least favorite parts looking back at it was the lack of time that I was able to spend with my close friends and family. I realize that spending a week or weekend with some of your family members could be enough to put you over the edge- but there is usually enough going on that they can't get on your nerves too much!

Destination weddings that are within the state or region are also gaining popularity for this reason. People can kick back and relax and not have to worry about driving home after the reception starts getting a little more fun...while spending more than a few hours on a day that all of your closest friends and family are all together at one place.

Tomorrow I will write about a couple of things to watch out for...and a "must have" if you are planning a destination wedding.

Mestads

2009-03-10T22:35:00.005-05:00

The wedding gown.

Something you have dreamt of since you were a young girl. It sets the tone for the entire wedding and has to be perfect. Mestads, the primer bridal salon in Central Minnesota, has the selection and expertise to help you find the perfect gown.

Mestads has a long history of providing picture perfect wedding gowns. Cathy Mestad opened her first store in 1980 in Rochester. She then followed up by opening the St. Cloud location in 1990.

As a full service bridal salon, Mestads carriers wedding gowns, bridesmaid gowns, mothers gowns, flower girl dresses and a large selection of prom gowns. Don’t worry guys – they also have a selection of tuxedos.

With hundreds of gowns to choose from, brides are sure to find the style they’ve been searching for. Mestads carries a wide range of exclusive companies. From moderate to couture bridal gowns, there is something for every type of wedding. Manager Crista says the store favorite is the company Pronovias from Barcelona, Spain.

Mestads stays ahead of the competition because of their attention to the customer. They make finding the perfect wedding dress a fun and memorable experience by hosting special events for brides.

The first Thursday of the month is Girls Night Out at Mestads. Local vendors are brought in to showcase different items for brides to look at pertaining to their wedding, while brides and bridesmaids enjoy food and wine. A discount is also offered on the bridesmaids gowns.

In addition to Girls Night Out, Mestads also hosts different trunk shows on the weekends. In a trunk show, a designer of a gown company comes to the store and showcases the current line they have on display at the fashion shows. It is a great way for brides to check out the newest styles while deciding on the perfect gown.

Some advice for brides – try to begin your quest for the perfect wedding gown at least one year before your wedding. This may sound early, but some designers can take more than six months for the gown to arrive in the store once the order is placed.

Mestads has the selection and expertise to help you find the wedding gown of your dreams. Visit their new location in the Division Place Fashion Center. For more information, visit www.mestads.com or call 320.252.9634.

Renee's Royal Valet

2009-02-25T19:44:00.004-06:00

I have had the opportunity to work a number of weddings with Renee's Royal Valet as the provider for wedding transportation- and the word "professional" is the first thing that comes to mind when I think about their service.

They own a variety of custom-built cars:

H2 Hummer Limousines
Excursion SUV Limousines
Lincoln Town Car Limousines

All vehicles have modern upgrades like flat panel TV’s, touch screens, phenomenal sound systems and optic lighting.

Renee’s Royal Valet was founded by Renee Aymar in 1992. She saw a need in the industry for more professionalism as well as quality, custom-built vehicles.

Scott Helb bought the company from Aymar and has continued to set the bar high for the limousine industry.

Renee's Royal Valet offers three guarantees:

All vehicles are meticulously clean
All drivers are professional
All vehicles arrive on time

You may assume all vehicles you hire always arrive on time, but Scott says, “A lot of people in the industry don’t get that...we do.”

A leader in the industry, Renee’s Royal Valet has been awarded many honors including being voted #1 Limousine Service in America and awarded “Operator of the Year” by Limousine and Chauffeured Transportation Magazine.
Weddings are Renee’s Royal Valet Service’s specialty, but they also do many other occasions including bachelor/bachelorette parties, proms, anniversaries, wine tours and pub crawls in the Minneapolis area.

Renee’s Royal Valet Service wants all customers to have flawless experience. To help engaged couples in the planning process, they offer some great advice. The article, 10 Most Common Errors, is featured on their Web site and covers everything you need to know about hiring a vehicle for your wedding or special event including – how to research the company, valid rental contracts, types of vehicles and much more.

You should arrive to your wedding in style and luxury - Renee’s Royal Valet Service is here to make that happen. For more information, testimonials and expert advice visit the web site at www.reneeslimousines.com or call 763.551.1919.

2009 Vendor Awards

2009-02-16T12:09:00.002-06:00

The Central Minnesota Wedding Association is pleased to present the 2009 association awards winners. Association members voted on 16 winners based on service, creativity and industry leadership during 2008.

CMWA 2009 Award Winners:

Icing Dreams specializing in unique wedding cakes, 3-D cakes, cookies and cheesecakes perfect for any occasion; located in Waite Park. icingdreams@hotmail.com 320.257.4246

Reichel's offers a variety of home cooked meals and personalized menus perfect for weddings, showers, meetings and specials occasions in an event center that seats up to 400; located in Annandale. Contact reichelscatering@yahoo.com 320.274.2291

Events Extraordinaire works around your schedule so all you have to do is show up to your customized event! Located in St. Cloud. Contact jean@eventsbyjean.com 320.267.8609

Pianist For Parties is one of Minnesota’s finest solo pianists with a repertoire of music for all occasions including weddings, corporate events, receptions, and special occasions. Contact Sharon@pianistforparties.com 612.845.1970

Blooming Creations is a family owned and operated floral service committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts for weddings and all occasions; located in Waite Park. Contact bloomingcreations@teleflorist.com 320.257.7673.

Hampton Inn And Suites offers excellent customer service for guests and is conveniently located within walking distance of event centers and is just off of I-94 in Rogers. Contact hamptonsuitesrogers@zmchotels.com 763.425.0044.

Rengel Printing offers a wide variety of custom and nationally ordered invitations and has been serving St. Cloud and the central Minnesota area for three generations. Contact info@rengelprinting.com 320.251.5951.

J.F. Kruse Jewelers specializes in unique designer collections, custom-made jewelry and superb values on hand-selected and independently certified diamonds; located in St. Cloud. Contact info@jfkrusejewlers.com 320.253.4755.

Snap Shot Parties rents state-of-the-art and easy to use photo booths anywhere in Minnesota; located in St. Cloud. Contact Ezra@SnapShotParties.com 320.310.0812.

Jane Bailey Photography makes your wedding day all about you not only through capturing photos, but being a part of it from the planning on through well after the wedding; located in St. Cloud. Contact gunther@janebailey.com 320.240.1200.

The Crown Room offers an elegant ambiance for any event including wedding receptions, business luncheons or anniversary celebrations; located in Rogers. Contact GinaA@5sqc.com 763.428.8181.

Pearl Limousine, a one of a kind service, offering luxurious Cadillac and Mercedes Limousines; located in St. Cloud. Contact pearllimo@rearscope.com 320.251.1101.

Bursch Travel assures you the most accurate information and the best travel production selection available, at the least expensive cost; located in Waite Park. Contact leeh@hurschtravel.com 320.251.3180.

Mestad’s is a premier bridal salon with hundreds of different wedding gowns, bridesmaid’s gowns, tuxedos and accessories to choose from; located in St. Cloud. Contact info@mestads.com 320.252.9634.

Northern Lights Video specializes in creating cinematic wedding videos that can capture your beautiful wedding using HD cameras; located in Zimmerman. Contact jeff@northernlightsvideo.com 763.856.9193.

Mulligan’s Event Center offers a completely private setting overlooking the Sartell Golf Course with tow large patios, a waterfall and a water fountain – the perfect setting for celebrating with family and friends; located in Sartell. Contact missy@mulligansevents.com 320.656.9000.

Icing Dreams

2009-02-08T20:57:00.004-06:00

When thinking of weddings cakes, things come to mind like white, frosting and miniature bride and groom figures – but wedding cakes can be so much more than that. Icing Dreams Specialty Cakes, located in Waite Park, is here to help engaged couples design the perfect cake reflecting personality and style.

Icing Dreams specialize in unique wedding cakes, 3-D cakes, cookies and cheesecakes. With more than 20 flavors including Key Lime, Bailey’s Irish Cream and Mocha, there is a flavor to satisfy all taste buds. Not only are Icing Dream’s cakes delicious, they are very unique.

Owners Dana Thomsen and Karen Kuhn know the baking industry, and with 28 years combined experience, they have big dreams for cake making. “We wanted something more elaborate then plain sheet cakes. We wanted to use our creativity to offer something different than chocolate and marble,” said Karen.

And since July 2006, that is exactly what they’ve been doing. From extravagant wedding cakes to specialty cakes shaped as Nintendo Wii consoles and potato salad, no request is too big or small.

New features for Icing Dreams include Cake Shooters, miniature cakes served “shot style” inspired by favorite bar shots like grasshoppers and lemon drops – good for showers and parties. Candy tables, a popular trend for weddings, is another new feature available.

Karen and Dana have big plans for 2009. “We are booking tons of weddings,” said Dana. The duo plans on doubling their weddings from 2008 and are doing a lot of different cakes.

Their advice for brides – book early because popular dates fill up fast. They also advise brides to do their research and to take advantage of taste tests and consultations. Doing this ensures you get the cake you’ve been dreaming of.

For more information, pictures and testimonials, visit Icing Dreams Specialty Cakes website at www.icingdreamsspecialtycakes.com and remember that you don’t have to drive to the cities to get the perfect cake for you wedding or special occasion.

New Year, New Engagement

2009-01-26T21:17:00.003-06:00

Was one of your gifts this holiday season a small wrapped box enclosed with an engagement ring? The blessing of an engagement truly brings excitement for the new year! Informing all your family and friends is only the beginning. After a few days your holiday and nuptial celebrating starts to subside- and the overwhelming amount of planning and things to do starts to add up.

When preparing for your wedding day, dozens of ideas and details and venues come to mind. Our site, www.idoido.org is a great place to start. We limit the number of vendors in our association – and screen our vendors before they join.

One of the first things is to set the wedding date. Choosing your church and reception hall are usually among the first things booked for a wedding. Your other wedding vendors will generally want to know if they are available for your date- before you get too far in the booking process.

The next thing you need to take into account is the amount of people you plan to invite and amount of money you plan to spend for your big day. The expense for invitations, wedding dress and tuxedo, photography, catering, transportation, music, honeymoon, etc. need to all be assessed. Getting an idea or ballpark of reasonable costs will help save you and your spouse future finances.

If you are looking to trim costs- the best thing to do is to take a second look at your guest list. The fewer people you invite...

The fewer invitations you have to send
The fewer meals you need to order
The fewer tables you need to decorate, etc…

Send me an email if you need any help getting started!

The Spectacles of Northern Lights

2009-01-13T21:17:00.002-06:00

We have some great members in the Central Minnesota Wedding Association- and we are going to start highlighting some of them in this blog- as a way for you to learn more about them.

Usually, when you hear the word “northern lights," the first thing that springs to mind is the natural light displays in the night sky. However there is another type- one that lights up the eyes of a bride- Northern Lights Ballroom & Banquet Center.

Located right near Milaca in Pease, MN is the all-inclusive facility that is an accommodating host to many weddings. The venue is spacious with four rooms and and a captivating chandelier lit canopy.

Northern Lights is offering a fantastic special for 2009 weddings:
Book your wedding on any available date for this year- and you will receive a half-price room rate.

If you need another great reason to scope out the Northern Lights Ballroom & Banquet Center, make a reservation for the Valentine's Day Dinner and Dancing event. Couples can come for an all-you-can-eat meal and dance the night away on Saturday, February 14th. Call 320-369-4622 for reservations.

People planning weddings also will not want to miss the Northern Lights Wedding & Prom Expo on Sunday, March 1st.

Check out http://www.northernlightsbanquet.com for more details.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T12:13:00.002-06:00

The Central Minnesota Wedding Association wishes you a happy 2009! We have big plans for 2009 to enhance your wedding planning experience.

We are committed to connecting engaged couples to the best vendors Central Minnesota has to offer.

Stay tuned for some exciting announcements that will make your wedding planning even easier in 2009!

Flowers for Winter Weddings

2008-12-17T22:35:00.002-06:00

Happy December Readers! As winter is settling in, Central Minnesota Wedding Association would like to educate our readers about trends for winter flowers. We talked to Lesa from 101 Market to get the inside scoop.

A common flower being used this winter is the Stephanotis, a beautiful flower from an evergreen vine. It's a popular flower for wedding bouquets with a jeweled or pearl pin placed in the center. White and green Calla Lilies and any blue flower such as Delphinium and Carnations are beautiful flowers that add a splash of color to delicate displays. As always, red and white Roses are another typical flower found in winter weddings. However, an elegant candy apple green rose is also becoming increasingly seen.

Lesa says December weddings sometimes use Poinsettias to tie in the holiday season. Floral bouquets of Calla Lilies with a silver wire for a caging effect are a beautiful accent along with pom-poms which are tiny spider like flowers that people think resemble snowflakes.

Other accessories include jeweled pins or pearl pins. Lesa suggests brides purchase these from a place like Claire’s Boutique in the mall because they are often less expensive than wholesale pins.

She also suggests some other cost friendly suggestions to stretch your floral budget and stay classy. Try to use your flowers for more than one use. For example, have the flower girl walk down the aisle and place her flowers around the unity candle. The guest book flower bouquet could be the bouquet the bride throws. Pew flowers could double for the back of chairs at the reception or become the center pieces.

Lesa's last piece of advice is to go with the feeling of the wedding. Do not get stuck on certain flower choices because you can save money by finding similar choices. It can end up achieving the same look that is wanted. Winter weddings are elegant and beautiful with the white snow back drop. Hopefully, these floral suggestions from Lesa are just what you need to add color to your fairytale wedding.

CMWA Commercial

2008-11-01T12:19:00.002-05:00

The Economy

2008-10-29T18:06:00.004-05:00

Everyone is feeling the pinch.

From the bride and groom, to their parents, to many of the vendors, the economy is affecting everyone.

So what are some ways to still have a great wedding, but cut down on some of your costs? I have 5 ideas to get you started on trimming costs on your wedding.

1. Prioritize. Talk with your future spouse and decide what you both feel is very important. Is it flowers, the photographer, the cake? Establish what your priorities are- then take a look at what could be trimmed down or eliminated.

2. Look at your guest list. The largest cost for most weddings is at the reception. If you trim two or three tables from the guest list- that is less money on food, centerpieces, table cloths, drinks, etc.

3. Have a smaller bridal Party. If you have already called your friends to be in your wedding, it's probably a bit late for this. But if you have not put together your bridal party, consider lowering the number. This means less money at the rehearsal dinner, for bridal party gifts and you could downsize your mode of transportation from the ceremony to the reception.

4. Have your ceremony and reception at the same venue. You can save big on transportation and other costs by having your ceremony and reception at the same place. Not all reception halls can accommodate a ceremony- so be sure to look into this before you book your venue.

5. Look beyond Saturdays. Saturday is the most popular day for weddings- and many venues and vendors will give discounts for weddings that are not on a Saturday. You can also find discounts for booking a wedding during a non-peak month (November - April).

We have a lot more tips for planning your wedding on our Web site, http://www.idoido.org

Happy wedding planning!

Grandview Lodge

2008-10-13T18:00:00.003-05:00

It's not too often I get to attend a wedding- and not have to worry about working at it. That was the case over the weekend as I spent Saturday night near Nisswa, MN at Grandview Lodge. My wife's friend, Julie, got married to her best friend, Brandon. There was family coming from North Dakota and the Twin Cities- so Nisswa was the middle point to have the wedding.

We did not make it to the ceremony portion of the day, because I was taping a wedding at the Basillica in Minneapolis. From what I was told, it was a beautiful outdoor wedding on a perfect day in October.

At the reception, I must admit, it was a little weird not having a camera in my hand. I think this is the only wedding in the past year that I have not worked at. I usually end up doing something for family and friends- but I did not for this one, since I knew I would be running late from the wedding in Minneapolis.

Ok, funny story. When we arrived, my wife said she would get the keys to our room- since she made the reservation and I would find our seats at the reception- and we would meet. As I walked from the car, I could see a wedding reception happening outside- so I went to the outdoor bar and grabbed a beer. I walked inside- and looked around, and the room wasn't decorated in the way I thought it would be for Julie and Brandon. I walked over to the gift table and saw all sorts of gifts for Brian and Katie. Wrong wedding. I found my wife a few minutes later and we found the correct reception hall. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Brian and Katie for the complimentary beverage.

The fall colors were awesome- and it was neat to get away and attend a wedding as a guest, not a vendor.

Wisconsin Wedding

2008-10-06T20:34:00.004-05:00

I have a great job. As a wedding videographer and vice-president of the Central Minnesota Wedding Association, I get to spend many of my days when people are at their best. I get to enjoy months, and sometimes years worth of preparation on the day when family and friends come together to celebrate the union of two becoming one.

This past weekend, I was part of a very intimate wedding. I was the only person who was not a friend or family member. There was no photographer, no florist, no decorator. Just twelve people plus the bride and groom at the family cabin to celebrate marriage.

The atmosphere was fun and very laid back. We were at a beautiful cabin near Balsam Lake, Wisconsin. The weather was absolutely perfect, it was a great day for a wedding.

The wedding started around 6 p.m. on the deck. You could hear the birds chirping and the squirrels jumping from branch to branch. The ceremony lasted only 10 minutes but included music from the groom's brother-in-law playing guitar- and a candle-lighting ceremony that included everyone (all 10 people) lighting each other's candles.

A champagne toast followed the ceremony- with everyone giving words of encouragement to the newlyweds. Everyone was going to a local restaurant to celebrate some more.

I feel lucky to be able to be a part of different families each weekend. It is neat to have the opportunity to document these special events that many people will treasure for a lifetime.

The video from the wedding will be shown this weekend at the reception that will be held at Windows of Minnesota (top of the IDS tower). Hopefully everyone will be able to feel like they were able to attend the ceremony from the video I will edit together.

New Munich Wedding

2008-10-03T11:15:00.003-05:00

I love fall weddings. There is something about the feeling of the bright sun hitting you at the same time the crisp autumn air cools you off.

I videotaped a wedding on Saturday, September 27th in New Munich, MN - and the entire day was perfect. The weather was great, the people were great and the footage I captured looks great as well.

The wedding was at the Catholic church in New Munich. It was gorgeous. You can tell the building holds a lot of history. We took a lot of photos outside the church doors- on the cement stairs that lead up to the church. I used my fisheye lens quite a bit and am excited to see how all of the images look when they are edited together.

The reception was just up the road in Sauk Center. The room was decorated beautifully with lots of earth tone colors with large flower centerpieces and some accent lighting. You could tell the bride had spent a lot of time putting all of the details together.

Bride Guide

2008-09-21T22:29:00.003-05:00

Long time...no blog.

We have been feverishly working on producing the most comprehensive bridal guide Central Minnesota has ever seen! Alas, it has been printed!

We have created quite the "buzz" with this publication. We distributed outside the St. Cloud Bridal Expo on September 14th- and had many compliments from brides and vendors about its design and content.

We were not able to reach an agreement with the organizers of the St. Cloud Wedding Expo before the September show...so you can see CMWA President Adam Welz got a little wet handing out the guides outside the St. Cloud Civic Center.

The CMWA is committed to raising the bar for wedding in Central Minnesota. We want to connect brides with the best vendors the area has to offer. So far, we have been very successful.

We are looking forward to expanding our presence in the area and bringing fresh ideas to vendors and brides.

The "Bride Guide" is available in the stores of all of our members - and we will be distributing the guide at a number of upcoming wedding fairs. Shoot us an email if you want us to mail you a copy!

Things I Have Learned So Far: Invites

2008-07-29T09:50:00.004-05:00

Well, I'm just the intern for the summer. I'm not getting married any time soon. But I have been learning a few things in the last two months.

I've been reading wedding magazines like it's my job (I guess it is!). There are some really cool things that can be done. Especially when it comes to invitations.

Find some really awesome invitations. Those are the first impression when it comes to the wedding. As a design nerd, the invites tell me what to expect at the wedding. They set the mood and style.

Check out this site to explore vendors and ideas. Here's a list of some other cool sites with beautiful invitations:

Go green with Oblation Papers

When putting together your invitations, the wording is important. Techinically, the way the wording goes represents who is paying for/hosting the wedding. This page at My Gatsby can help you figure that out. You don't have to go with tradition. Do it your way.

Even places like Target now sell coordinating save-the-date cards, invitations and thank yous that you can print yourself.

And remember that invitations don't have to be formal anymore. You can find just the right invite to match your personality.

I also worked at Archiver's for a year and a half. I encountered many people wanting to make their own invitations, but many times they had no idea what they were getting into & where to start. If you know what you're doing when it comes to paper crafts, go for it. If you've never held a stamp before, I recommend just ordering some! Seriously. There are plenty of ways to personalize and add something special through the big printers. Trust me when I say that making invites takes a lot of time & may not end up saving you that much money in the end.

Recently, I helped my friend make her invites. We ended up spending 20+ hours and 3 trips to the store to finish them. Plus because her guest list wasn't finalized before we started, she still had to make several more afterwards. They turned out great & just what she had in mind, but it was a LOT of work.

So, my advice for you:

-Order your invites. Unless you really know what you're doing.

-Have your guest list finalized before you order/make your invites.

-Order/make 5-10 extras just in case. You may think of a few more people you really want to invite, even if you've finalized your list. Mistakes do happen. So if a few don't turn out just right, you'll have a few back-ups. Plus, you'll want to save on for yourself, too.

Have fun!

Getting Started

2008-07-23T12:39:00.004-05:00

"So, I'm engaged. I'm so excited for the wedding, but I don't even know where to begin!"

Is that you? Let this entry help you get started. Also, don't forget to check out CMWA's Virtual Mall to begin your vendor research.

But wait: get organized! Start a file or notebook where you can keep track of everything related to your wedding in one place!

What are the first things you need to get figured out? Of course, the first question you'll be asked is "when's the wedding?" so set a date. You could go at this two ways. First, you could choose a date and then find your sites that are available that date. You could do this if the date is more important to you than the place. Or, you could choose sites that you love & then set your date based on their availability. This includes your ceremony and reception sites, if they will be different.

Next, start calling photographers, videographers, DJs, and any other musicians right away. Especially if you're planning a spring or summer wedding, these vendors can get booked quickly. Find out how long they will hold your date if you're not sure if you're going to use them.

Another thing to jump on is the formal wear for the wedding party. Most of the time, bridesmaids dresses aren't made until they're ordered. This can take several months to get them in to your bridesmaids. Then they will need to be altered for each girl. Remember: always take into account the body shapes of your bridesmaids & pick a dress style that you like, but that will also flatter everyone.

And of course, your dress is important, too! Depending on how you get your dress, you may need to order and wait for this as well. Don't forget that you'll need to have several fittings in order to make it perfect for you.

It's never too early to start compiling your guest list. You will need to have this finalized early enough to order your invitations, wait for them to come in, address & send them no later than 6 weeks before the wedding. You may be surprised how long deciding your guest list can take. Especially since you need to coordinate with your fiancé's side, too.

Things that can wait until closer to the wedding include:

registering for gifts: this should be done about 3 months before the wedding
gifts for your wedding party & those involved if not getting paid
Cake - most bakers prefer to meet with you 1-2 months ahead
Rehearsal dinner location
Honeymoon plans

Don't forget to apply for your marriage license several months in advance. Also look into what you'll do about insurance, name changes and everything else you'll need to have done once you're married.

Good luck!

Welcome!

2008-06-23T10:26:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the blog of the Central Minnesota Wedding Association!

We are eager to help you plan your wedding in central Minnesota by connecting you with excellent vendors and businesses to fulfill your needs. Each business has committed themselves to our Code of Ethics, assuring you that you are working with a trustworthy business.

Our mission:

The Central Minnesota Wedding Association exists to join wedding industry businesses in networking relationships and to be a comprehensive resource for engaged couples in the greater central Minnesota area.

Check back often for more ideas, insights and vendor spotlights! And don't forget to become a fan of us on Facebook!

Lauren, the intern