4 FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022
CHARLES CITY PRESS • WEDDING & BRIDAL GUIDE
How to avoid wedding reception seating mistakes
Dos and don’ts of caring for wedding and engagement rings
Metro Editorial Library W eddings are celebrate the melding of two families into one. Weddings are a melting pot, and while the ultimate goal is for all guests invited to mingle and have a good time, preexisting relationships may cause some wedding-day interactions to great opportuni- ties for people to gather and be strained. However, with careful planning and some best behavior on the parts of all involved, getting hitched can go off without a hitch. It’s possible for guests who may have tumul- tuous pasts to keep the peace, but this also can be ensured through care- ful seating arrangements. This is just one factor couples need to consider
is not loose; otherwise, the diamond can become dislodged, according to Martha Stewart Weddings. Avoid touching dia- monds and other gemstones as much as possible when putting rings on and taking them off. Precious stones often are magnets for dust, dirt and body oil, according to Taylor Lanore, diamond consultant and engagement ring designer for Lauren B. Fine Jewelry and Diamonds. Grab the ring by the band. Use discretion when wearing rings while engag- ing in hands-on activities. Activities like cleaning dishes, moving furniture, gardening, or diving through waves at the beach warrant caution; otherwise, you risk damaging or making jewelry unnecessarily dirty. Store the ring in a safe location until you can safely wear it again. One of the most import- ant steps to safeguard wedding and engagement rings is to insure the jew- elry. The description of the ring, its cut, carat weight, metal, and other information offered through a certi- fied independent jewelry appraisal will be needed to insure the ring. Take a close-up photo of the jew- elry as well. Other items like laser inscription or a home security system can qualify jewelry owners for discounts on insurance. Consumers also can add a jewelry rider to a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. These are some ways to care for wedding jew- elry. Always consult with a jeweler before attempt- ing to clean items made of various materials.
Metro Editorial Library J ewelry is a key key notes that, in the United States, the average amount spent on an engagement ring is $5,500, while Canadians spend an average of $3,500. Jewelry costs can add up, especially when adding in the cost of wedding bands, which can cost as much as $1,000. The cost of jewelry only underscores the impor- tance of learning how to care for it and preserve its value. The best way to main- component of wed- dings. The financial resource CreditDon- tain jewelry depends on the makeup of the rings. The online jewelry guide Jew- elry Notes says gold rings without gemstones can be cleaned effectively with only soap and water. Simply pre- pare a solution of lukewarm water and mild dish soap in a small bowl. Soak the rings for 20 to 30 minutes. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean the jewelry of dirt. Rinse the residue under clean water. Rings with diamonds can be treated similarly with a mild soap-and-wa- ter solution. The Diamond Information Center also says to soak the diamond ring in equal parts cold water and ammonia for half an hour and let it air dry. Brand name jewelry cleaner also is another good option. This method only should be used with dia- monds; ammonia can’t be used with other gemstones. Maintaining jewelry also should include twice yearly visits to a jeweler who can check the prongs and make sure the setting
when deciding where guests will sit and dine at receptions. It’s important to avoid some common mistakes. Mistake #1: Not having a seating plan. Let guests sit where they want and chaos may ensue. People may think they’re entitled to certain seats, may hop into seats vacated by someone getting up to use the restroom or any number of other scenarios. Seating arrangements also ensure every- one is accounted for across the room. Mistake #2: Seating families sep- arately. Unless there are rifts between certain family members, it’s best to seat parents and children at the same tables. Mistake #3: Trying to force new friendships. Avoid trying to figure out who will get along by creating a potpourri table. A cousin in a band will not neces- sarily want to sit next to your coworker
who plays guitar simply because they have a shared love of music. A wed- ding is not the time to try to create new friendships. If it’s meant to be, they’ll connect in a more organic way. Mistake #4: The dreaded kids’ table. Young children can probably get away with sitting at a dedicated kids’ table, although it may mean their parents have to interrupt their experiences by check- ing on their kids throughout the night. A bigger faux pas is to sit teenagers or twentysomethings at the kids table even if they seem like youngsters to you. Set a strict cut-off age for a children’s table. Mistake #5: Being too strict in seat- ing. It’s one thing to direct couples or singletons to specific tables, quite another to assign specific seats. Do not dictate exactly where at the table a guest should
sit. Some people arrive early, others late, and it is up to them to work out how to arrange themselves at the table. Mistake #6: Failing to get family feedback. Always check with your par- ents and future in-laws as resources about how to seat certain guests. They’ll likely know who will make the best table-mates, especially if couples are not familiar with everyone on the guest list. Mistake #7: Not being aware of dis- abilities or needs. Be conscious of guests’ needs. An elderly relative may not be com- fortable in front of the DJ table. A person in a wheelchair may need easy access to and from the reception room. It’s import- ant to be mindful of these special needs. A seating plan for wedding recep- tions is an important consideration so that every guest can feel comfortable.
/RRN\RXUEHVWIRU\RXUELJGD\ visit www.cedarsoleil.com
The Area’s Premier Wedding Printer! Friendly, Personal Service
We’ll take the stress out of ordering your wedding printing! w
(319) 352-5822 215 W. Bremer Waverly, IA 2
www.printery.net julie@printery.net
204 N. Main St., Charles City, IA 50616 3 ( LQIR#FHGDUVROHLOFRP
It’s so much more
than just a dress... It’s a moment
Check out our NEW & EVER-GROWING SELECTION of Engagement Rings and Men’s Wedding Bands en’s Wedding Bands
Make your wedding planning simple #AKES s #ATERING s &LOWERS *OVVZLHU`[OPUNMYVTZPTWSL TLHSZ[VM\SSNV\YTL[IHUX\L[Z 4LH[ *OLLZL:HUK^PJOVY =LNL[HISL[YH`ZTHKL[VVYKLY ,_X\PZP[LÅVYHSHYYHUNLTLU[Z JYLH[LKI`V\YL_WLY[Z )LH\[PM\S^LKKPUNJHRLZWYLWHYLK I`V\YH^HYK^PUUPUNKLJVYH[VYZ &LOWERS TWSL \L[Z JOVY YKLY LU[Z Z LWHYLK YH[VYZ
Refer a friend and EARN UP TO $ 500 00 in-store merchandise s o e e c a d se
VɈ`V\Y^LKKPUNVYKLY^OLU `V\TLU[PVU[OPZHK]LY[PZLTLU[
105 W Main St., St, Lucas | 563.778.2232 www.marksjewelry.net Hours: Tues., Wed., Fri. 10am-5pm, Thurs. 10am-7pm, Sat. 10am-1pm 105 W Main St St Lucas | 563 778 223 05 W Main St St Lucas | 563 778 223 Since 1946
2810 S Federal Ave, Mason City 641-201-1032
Call: 641-228-1726 901 Kelly Charles City
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog