The COVID weddings comeback is here
by Judy Stringer While the pandemic forced many couples to delay or downplay their nuptials during much of 2020 and a portion of 2021, weddings are roaring back. In its June update, industry research firm, The Wedding Report, said it expected 1.9 million weddings to take place nationally in 2021, nearly matching the 2.1 million […]
Study finds 41% fail to insure one of their biggest life purchases
by Judy Stringer It’s no secret that an engagement ring can be a serious investment. A recent survey by jewelry insurer BriteCo found 60% of respondents who purchased engagement rings in the last 10 years spent from $2,500 to upwards of $10,000 with a median price overall of $3,250. What’s more, buying an engagement ring […]
Planning, communication and self-care are keys to managing wedding stress
by Erica Peterson Planning a wedding can be stressful in and of itself, but doing so during a global pandemic can add a whole other layer of anxiety. That’s why it’s especially important that couples take the time to clearly document and discuss their expectations and boundaries before making plans, said Lisa Borchert, a licensed […]
Engagement ring trends stray away from traditional and allow for self-expression
by Jacqueline Mitchell In the past, shopping for an engagement ring was fairly straightforward: a round diamond ring was seen as the gold standard. While this traditional style remains a timeless option, many couples now look at engagement rings as a form of self-expression, with the style as unique as the person wearing it. “Before, […]
Bouquets and reception runners are going green
by Erica Peterson While wedding flowers often include colorful blooms, more brides are opting for fresh greenery in their bouquets and displays. Designers at Independence Flowers and Gifts said the most popular bouquet request these days is for the “boho look,” an earthy, flowing aesthetic that includes lots of greens, often things like eucalyptus and […]
Including children in wedding ceremony helps unite families
by Judy Stringer When the bride and/or groom have children from a previous marriage, a wedding ceremony involves much more than two people becoming husband and wife. It is the birth of a new family, and couples can embrace a number of creative and meaningful methods of symbolizing that new unity. Including the children in […]
Registry regrets: Couples wish robotic vacuum cleaners, air fryers were on list
by Judy Stringer Creating a wedding registry can be daunting. The registry represents an unparalleled opportunity to blend a couple’s tastes, needs and wants, and to make some major upgrades along the way. Before you sit down to register online or dash through stores armed with laser gun scanners, however, check out the results of […]
Couples should keep registry list tailored to interests, meaningful experiences
by Jacqueline Mitchell With new platforms that allow couples to easily register at multiple places and more couples asking for monetary gifts that go toward meaningful experiences, building a wedding registry has become as individualized as a couple’s interests and lifestyle. “These days, there is no one-size-fits formula for weddings, and registries are following suit,” […]
Some brides are saying yes to two dresses
by Jacqueline Mitchell Finding the perfect wedding dress is a momentous task for any bride. Some women are taking this a step further by debuting not one but two looks on their big day: one for the ceremony, and one for the reception. “I think it’s a trend, but I don’t think it’s as big […]
More couples look to add adventure to their honeymoon
by Erica Peterson Popular honeymoon destinations used to be places like Niagara Falls or a tropical beach, where couples could kick back and relax. But more newlyweds are looking for something a little more exciting. Gail Greening, a travel agent with the Hudson branch of the Akron Auto Club, said she has seen an uptick […]