Western Nebraska Bride Guide 2026

2 | Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2026

WEDDINGS BY YOUNES From your grand entrance to the last song, our wedding planners will guide you through each and every detail, helping to ensure your reception is a magical night filled with special moments. What is included? Catering & Bar Service Setup & Cleanup Tables, Chairs , Linen & China Dance Floor & Stage

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Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2026 | 3

Elegant Spaces for Every Occasion Our elegant Grand Island venue sets the stage for unforgettable weddings, receptions, and celebrations of every kind. Discover beautifully appointed rooms designed to accommodate celebrations large and small. From intimate gatherings to grand receptions, each

space offers flexible layouts, tasteful decor, and access to professional planning and an inhouse culinary team.

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Real and faux options available Faux Rentals Bridal Bouquets Corsages Boutonnières Altar Pieces Centerpieces Toppers Faux Rentals Real and faux options avilable.

Bridal Bouquets Corsages Boutonnières Altar Pieces Centerpieces Toppers

Decor Rentals Backdrops Traveling Bar Service Full Wedding Planning Day of Coordination Setup/Teardown Crews Full Wedding Planning Day of Coordination Setup/Teardown Crews

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Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2026 | 5 The Yes Starts Here one (Grade D). Color grades increase up to Z, with the diamond being more yellow/ brown as the grading goes on. Clarity refers to tiny flaws (inclusions) in the diamond. A diamond that is Very Slightly Included will have inclusions not visible without magnification, making them a engagement ring. Instead, the ring should be chosen based on financial realism and means. The Knot’s 2024 Jewelry & Engagement Study indicates the average cost of an engagement ring in the United

Your Guide to ring shopping METRO CREATIVE SERVICES C with a lavish party that sees extended family and friends gather around tables enhanced by floral arrangements and delicious food. But long before guests can choose chicken or beef or newlyweds mail the final thank you note, couples must first take the initial step on the road to the wedding. That means getting engaged. Traditionally, engagements involve a sparkling gem that symbolizes love, fidelity and a whirlwind series of months poring over every possible wedding detail. Shopping for an engagement ring is a unique experience. A ring requires a significant financial investment and serves as a lifelong symbol of commitment to another person. To navigate this sparkling world of diamonds and settings, shoppers can focus on key areas, notably budget, gem classification and finding a reputable jeweler. ouples far and wide will tie the knot this year. Weddings join two lives together and often culminate Establish an engagement ring budget Those ready to pop the question need not adhere to the outdated “three months’ salary” rule when selecting an

States comes in at approximately $5,200. However, many couples spend less,

safe bet for saving money over those without any inclusions at all. Carat weight refers to the diamond’s weight and not its size. Diamonds just shy of the full- or half-carat mark tend to be less expensive but

showing that a marriage need not start on s h a k y financial footing

still look impressive. Choose a reputable seller

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due to the cost of a ring. If cost is a factor, lab-grown diamonds often cost 50 percent or more less than natural diamonds, yet they are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds. One also can consider another gemstone, particularly if diamonds are beyond a budget or seem too traditional. Know the four Cs Diamond shopping involves mastering the Four Cs, which refers to Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. A person should prioritize the cut above all else, and try to find a diamond in budget that has a cut that brings out the gem’s brilliance and fire. It can be challenging to distinguish a diamond’s color with the naked eye. Very often a near-colorless G-J diamond can look identical to a colorless

It’s best to choose a gem that has been graded by an independent laboratory like the Gemological Institute of America. Customers also should select a jeweler they trust, which may require some research and word-of-mouth recommendations. A knowledgeable jeweler also can make suggestions on setting and gem shape. Upon purchasing the engagement ring, one also might consider having it independently appraised for further purchase protection. An engagement ring purchase requires careful consideration and a significant investment. But once the stress of purchase wears away, the lasting memories of the engagement and wedding to come will make everything well worth it.

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The many ways to incorporate floral arrangements METRO CREATIVE SERVICES F lowers showcase the beauty and pageantry of the natural world. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The earth laughs in flowers,” and Lady Bird Johnson is quoted as saying, “Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” Flowers are inextricably tied to some of the most important events in a person’s life. Flowers wish people well, console those who are mourning, and symbolize love and affection. Flowers are an essential component of wedding day celebrations. Flowers symbolize love, fertility and new beginnings. According to The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of wedding flowers in 2025 was $2,723, which serves as a testament to how important flowers can be on these special days. Flowers are incorporated into many facets of a wedding. Couples planning their weddings can give thought to the many ways flowers can enhance this special day. Bouquets Wedding bouquets are some of the first arrangements people think of when planning a wedding. Historically, wedding bouquets contained herbs that were designed to ward off evil spirits. Today, one is much more likely to find a gathering of many beautiful flowers tied at the stems with ribbon. Bridesmaids carry bouquets as well, and flower girls toss flower petals along the aisle during the processional. Bouquets typically coordinate to the theme of the wedding and the color scheme. A bride’s bouquet tends to be similar in design to her bridesmaids’ but may feature more muted colored blooms to complement her gown. A Peony for Your Thoughts

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Centerpieces Flowers are a focal point during wedding receptions, taking up prime real estate in the center of tables. Knowledgeable florists can create pieces that are beautiful and will not obstruct the view or comfort of guests when seated. Additional floral arrangements may be included to enhance additional areas of the reception space, such as floral arches for photographs, vases placed near the seating chart and even flowers in the restrooms to make these spaces even

Boutonnieres and corsages Boutonnieres and corsages are customarily bestowed upon wedding party members and the parents of the happy couple. They also may be gifted to additional special people attending the wedding, such as grandparents or

other guests of honor. Altar arrangements

Floral decorations also may be placed around or near the altar for the wedding ceremony. Jewish celebrants may place flowers on a chuppah to add beauty and elegance. Flowers also are commonly used in Muslim wedding ceremonies, appearing in floral arches or even as a stunning floral wall during the Nikah to separate the bride and groom. During religious ceremonies, couples should heed the requirements of the house of worship and ensure that flowers are modest and within the parameters set for the faith. Aisle decorations Flowers may be used on the seatbacks or on the sides of pews. Small flowers, ribbons and greenery are hung to enhance the ambiance of the space.

more inviting. Toss bouquet

If a couple decides to adhere to traditional wedding customs, the bride will toss a smaller bouquet to eager single women ready to catch it. A tossed bouquet may feature fresh flowers or artificial silk flowers. This decoy bouquet enables the bride to return home with her actual bouquet to preserve it, but still participate in this classic tradition. Flowers enhance a wedding with their beauty, symbolism and aroma.

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Timeless wedding florals, custom-designed for your love story and your budget.

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details that might require unique transportation situations. For example, a wedding that takes place on an island would require a ferry service or water taxi. Couples tying the knot during the picturesque winter season can go the extra mile and commission horse-drawn sleighs. Rustic weddings have grown in popularity. A charming hayride can complete the picture for a wedding reception held at a farm or in a converted barn. After the festivities The couple also may need to consider transportation once the wedding has ended. Those going directly to a honeymoon may need a hired car to take them to the airport. Transportation also will be needed for any wedding party participants who did not take their own vehicles to the wedding, but rode in party buses or limousines. Wedding transportation may not be the most glamorous aspect of wedding planning, but well-coordinated transportation is a necessity that couples, their friends and family will appreciate.

classic ride. It’s important to find a service that will pick up the couple (separately) and their bridesmaids and groomsmen as well as parents of the bride or groom and bring them to the ceremony site. Drivers usually wait for the ceremony to end before taking passengers to photography locations and eventually the reception venue. Vendors typically price for hourly service with a minimal rental period. Larger vehicles

Navigating wedding transportation METRO CREATIVE SERVICES O n a couple’s wedding day, some effort will be required to transport the bride and groom and wedding party participants and guests. Coordinating transportation is a task couples must add to their planning checklist. Wedding transportation is perhaps best broken down into three categories: transportation for the couple and the wedding party, transportation for guests, and transportation for unique situations. These tips can make navigating wedding transportation needs go smoothly. Transportation for the couple and wedding party Ensuring that the couple and wedding party participants arrive to the ceremony (and later the reception venue) on time is essential. Couples and their attendants traditionally arrive in some sort of hired car, whether it’s a limousine or vintage/

will have a higher hourly rate. Transportation for guests

Although it’s not customary to offer transportation for all guests to the ceremony or reception venue, in the event of circumstances like hotel room accommodations close to the reception, couples may want to offer shuttle service between the reception center and hotel. If the wedding reception will be non- traditional, and take place at various stop-off spots, like a bar crawl, party buses or trolley service could be considered to keep all guests together. Unique situations Couples may want to enhance their wedding festivities with some specialized

Catering To Your Love

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Questions to ask when interviewing caterers METRO CREATIVE SERVICES A wedding reception is a joyous occasion that affords newlyweds and their guests an opportunity to celebrate into the evening. Various components combine to ensure a memorable reception, but food is a major highlight of the festivities for guests. That places a significant responsibility on couples to find a reception center or third-party caterer who can dish up food that will have guests saying “I do” to a great meal. These considerations and questions can help couples find the right caterer for their weddings. Does my venue mandate use of a particular catering service? The wedding planning website Zola advises that many wedding venues require couples to use a specific catering service. They may have an arrangement with a particular caterer who they trust, or the venue has in-house chefs and servers. In the earliest planning stages after the wedding date has been set, a couple should be sure to pick a venue that will serve the best food possible. Couples who have a specific caterer in mind may need to shop around for a venue that will allow outside vendors. Identify your preferred meal First and foremost, a couple should know how they want to have their food served and inquire with potential caterers about their standard options. Service types often include a formal sit-down dinner reception, a buffet dinner service, a family-style dinner, or a more minimal cocktail offering without a full dinner. The couple can cross out prospects that don’t offer the type of service they desire most. Ask what’s included A couple should determine if a catering service offers food prepared by professionals, the amount of flexibility related to menus, if table settings are included, and if cleanup is

part of the fee. Full-service catering typically includes all of this, while more limited service may be food brought in that requires the venue’s own staff to serve and clean. Compile the right questions It’s important to ask caterers some key questions to narrow down prospects. Some of these include: • Are you a participant in any local business associations? • What events with a similar concept have you catered? • How many weddings do you book each year? • Will my wedding be the only event you cater on that day? • How many guests can you accommodate? • Do you handle special food requests, such as gluten-free or kosher meals? • How many chefs and cooks prepare the meal, or are meals exclusively prepared by the business owner? • Do you allow substitutions or customization to a set menu? • Do you have references for other events you have catered? • Do you have any preferred vendors? • What do we need to know and do regarding delivery? Keep location in mind The distance a caterer has to travel to cater the wedding will affect the price. It’s helpful to find a caterer who knows the venue or has

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had experience with a similar place. What are the contingency plans?

When interviewing caterers, Cvent, an event management software company, suggests asking about any last-minute changes they’ve dealt with to gauge how the caterer handles problem-solving. Inquire about how they adapt if a certain menu item is no longer readily available or what they do if a piece of equipment breaks down the day of an event? Answers to these types of questions can separate seasoned professionals from those caterers who may not be as experienced. Food is a vital component of a wedding reception, which underscores the significance of finding a talented and experienced caterer.

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Gardens on Q , a romantic outdoor wedding venue and event destination in central Nebraska, offers scenic views, gorgeous gardens, and a late 1800’s Victorian style home all surrounded by fields of grain, grazing cattle, and a rustic barn.

We provide a wide variety of rentals and services to help make your wedding day dreams come true 111 West 3rd St Ogallala, NE 69153 308.778.6348 www. somethingborrowedne.com

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A Picture-Perfect Pair Why it pays to trust a pro with wedding photography METRO CREATIVE SERVICES U ser-friendly technology and greatly enhanced connectivity has changed the way people there are many reasons to trust this important job to an experienced pro. • Photographers can get great shots no matter the conditions. There’s a difference between snapping great shots of an idyllic setting on a smartphone and taking wedding day photographs couples will look back on for years to come. Experienced photographers have newlyweds note their wedding day seemed to fly by and was over before they knew it. Such sentiments may be even stronger when couples take on too much responsibility come the wedding day. A professional photographer will

coordinate shots and timelines with couples prior to the big day and take over getting bridal party members where they need to be when they need to be there. That frees up time for couples to spend more time with each other and their guests come the day of the wedding, which in turn can make it feel as though the day didn’t fly by. • You get a professionally finished product. Amateur photographers simply won’t produce as stunning a finished product as professionals who take and touch up photos for a living. A wedding day photo album is a keepsake couples will look back on for years, so it’s best to ensure its contents include photos taken and touched up by a skilled professional. Couples can find ways to cut costs with their wedding budgets. But it’s best to avoid cutting corners regarding photography, as there’s no way to turn back the clock and get better shots if the efforts of amateurs fall short of expectations.

cameras capable of far more than those on a smartphone, and these skilled professionals also possess the knowledge of how to get great shots in settings that might not be so conducive to photography. A dimly lit reception hall dance floor may prove challenging for untrained amateurs, but professional photographers know what to do to get great shots in such settings. Professionals also know how to utilize natural light to their advantage when taking shots outdoors. • Photographers handle the details. Couples have enough on their plate when planning weddings. Taking on photography duties requires identifying the right photo locations, knowing when to take photos to maximize surroundings, ensuring bridal party members are all ready to go so photos can be taken within tight deadlines, and post-wedding detailing. That’s a lot to take on, and it’s work best left to professionals. • Photographers free up time. Many

approach various tasks. The do-it- yourself home improvement trend is a testament to that shift, as homeowners now have access to professional grade tools and can easily take to social media for inspiration and instructions for renovations that were once the domain of experienced contractors. Though it can be fun and budget- friendly to embrace a DIY approach in many settings, that strategy is not ideal for every situation, including the day couples tie the knot. A couple’s wedding day is one to cherish forever, which is why it pays to rely on skilled professionals. That’s particularly so with wedding photography, which will serve as the official record of a day filled with love and laughs. Modern technology may compel some couples to think they can go without the services of a professional photographer on their wedding day, but

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319 W. THIRD ST • GRAND ISLAND, NE • 308-398-2222 Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 am to 6 pm & Sunday 1-5 pm

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• Reception Space to Seat Up to 375Guests • Full Service In-House Catering • Special Room Rates for Guests • Complimentary Honeymoon Suite For the Bride & Groom

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HANGING H LODGE Open for weddings June 1 - September 30 - Lodging accommodations - Wedding packages start at $3,000 - Spacious yards, barn backdrop, indoor arena & entertaining patio options - Event capacity up to 300 people

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Vows With A View

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celebrate into the wee hours. • Oceanfront venues: Perhaps no backdrop makes for more awe-inspiring wedding photos than the ocean. Beautiful photos, not to mention pleasant temperatures and laid back vibes, undoubtedly contribute to the appeal of oceanfront weddings. Couples considering oceanfront venues may be surprised to learn that just 5 percent of weddings took place on the sand in 2023, which could make it easier than some think to book these idyllic locales. • Botanical gardens: Floral arrangements feature prominently in many weddings, but what about saying “I do” in a venue where nature serves as your florist? Botanical gardens offer numerous spots for stunning photographs, and a formal garden can make for an impressive backdrop for the wedding ceremony. There’s no shortage of stunning locations for couples to tie the knot. Before choosing where to say “I do,” couples can explore a wide range of prospective venues.

indicates that 16 percent of couples who wed in 2023 did so in a religious institution or house of worship. Many couples still prefer to get married in a house of worship, but those with no such preference can consider a wide range of venues when trying to decide where to tie the knot. • Rustic setting: The popularity of the rustic aesthetic boomed in home interior design in the early decades of the twenty- first century, and that appeal also seems to have affected couples deciding where to get married. The Knot reports that more couples tied the knot in barn wedding venues (17 percent) than houses of worship in 2023, making these charming and often scenic venues worthy of consideration. • Historic locales: History buffs may feel there’s no greater place to say “I do” than a location that calls to mind bygone eras and notable events. Estates dating back centuries that feature expansive and awe-inspiring landscapes or mansions built during the Gilded Age can make for unique settings to tie the knot and

Unique locations to tie the knot METRO CREATIVE SERVICES C ouples must make a multitude of decisions when planning a wedding. One of the more significant decisions concerns where to tie the knot. The decision of where to get married was once a given. Indeed, the majority of weddings used to be held in houses of worship. A 2020 report in the Church Times estimated that 85 percent of all weddings in the early twentieth century were religious ceremonies. Many faiths require those seeking a religious wedding to get married in a house of worship, so one can reasonably conclude that a significant percentage of married couples in the early twentieth century said “I do” within a house of worship. The Church Times report indicated that percentage dipped to 49 percent by the late 1970s, and a recent report from The Knot

Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2026 | 17

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Effortless Elegance

Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2026 | 19

Simple touches that add an elegant feel to a wedding METRO CREATIVE SERVICES T he term “the perfect wedding” can be somewhat misleading. Couples have their own ideas regarding the perfect wedding, and no single vision is more worthy of that characterization than another. Tradition plays a big role at many weddings, as couples have long embraced customs like the first dance, cutting the cake together and even tossing the bridal bouquet at the reception. Traditional weddings often are associated with elegance, and there are many ways to create an elegant aesthetic at a wedding. • Consider candlelight. Candlelight can make any space feel cozy and warm. Lit candles also create a calming and elegant vibe at a wedding. A handful of thoughtfully placed candles around a ceremony space can add a sense of elegance to a wedding. That vibe can be maintained into the reception when candles are placed on dining tables.

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complement an elegant theme, and such simple decor is easy to pull off. It also provides instant appeal and a touch of class as guests enter the venue and take a seat. An elegant wedding aesthetic makes for great photographs and adds a memorable vibe to a ceremony and reception. Trusted service, quality care.

• Include some vintage items. Vintage items can add elegance because they call to mind traditional weddings of past eras. Unique vintage vases on seating tables or even as reception table centerpieces are simple to arrange and effective at adding an elegant touch. • Choose a signature cocktail. The drinks guests enjoy at the reception also can add some elegance to the festivities. Ask the reception hall bartender to collaborate on a classic cocktail, ideally one that might have been popular years ago or even a modernized version of a drink that calls to mind ceremonies of yesteryear. • Go traditional with wedding attire. More and more brides are choosing wedding gowns that go beyond the classic white dress. But brides who want something elegant may want to stick to traditional attire. The same goes for grooms, who can choose a traditional black tuxedo to add some simple elegance to the big day. • Set your sights on seating. There’s no area of a wedding that can’t be augmented with a little elegance, and that even goes for seating. Chair sashes

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More Than A Title

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Bridal Party roles explained METRO CREATIVE SERVICES E Such requests are an honor and bridal party members tend to be excited to play such a significant role on a couple’s wedding day. But bridal party members also do much to help engaged couples before the big day. Couples can choose to delegate as many tasks as they desire to bridal party members. Before delegating, couples can look to tradition to guide them in regard to asking their bridal parties to lend a hand. ngaged couples tend to ask their closest family members and friends to be in their bridal parties. • Best man: The best man toast at a wedding reception tends to be a jovial part of the festivities that couples and guests look forward to, so asking a best man to give such a speech is customary. Best man responsibilities also may include organizing a bachelor party or a similar type of get-together with fellow groomsmen and other guests prior to the wedding. A best man also may coordinate a gift for the groom if the groomsmen want to give the groom an item that requires pooling resources. • Maid/matron of honor: A maid/ Contact Us For Your Wedding Event Space Needs Full Kitchen - Patio - Plenty of Parking

party plans. • Bridesmaids: Bridesmaids can help a bride when she’s choosing her gown as well as the dresses bridesmaids themselves will wear. Bridesmaids also help the maid/matron of honor coordinate the bachelorette party and pitch in to help address any issues that arise on the day of the ceremony. • Groomsmen: Groomsmen can be tasked with helping the best man coordinate a bachelor party. Groomsmen also can be asked to schedule their tuxedo fittings to afford enough time for alterations and orders to be completed in time for the big day. • Parents: Parents’ roles have changed considerably in recent years. While the parents of the bride traditionally paid for the wedding and grooms’ parents were tasked with bankrolling the rehearsal dinner, many modern couples now foot some, if not all, of those bills themselves. Parents can still be asked to lend some financial assistance. In addition, couples can seek input from parents regarding reception traditions like father/daughter and mother/son dances. Many bridal party members are willing to do whatever it takes to make a couple’s wedding day as special as possible. Couples are still urged to discuss responsibilities with bridal party members prior to delegating tasks.

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matron of honor typically delivers a toast at the reception prior to the best man’s speech. A maid/matron of honor also may coordinate a bachelorette party and bridal shower in the weeks or months before the wedding. A maid/matron of honor tends to play a significant role on the wedding day as well. A maid/matron of honor may handle any problems that arise in the hours before the ceremony so the bride can relax. For example, a maid/ matron of honor may work to ensure the bride is shielded from issues affecting hair and makeup, the venue, last-minute gown concerns, and other unforeseen problems that can arise. A maid/matron of honor may need to do some delegating of her own prior to the ceremony, asking fellow bridesmaids to help coordinate

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Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2026 | 21 The Price of Perfection momentous occasions in the lives of couples. Recently engaged

together. Advanced wedding planning can be a wise move, particularly for couples footing the bill on their own or with minimal assistance from family members. A financial planner can help couples determine what they can afford and offer tips to grow their existing wealth with an eye on paying for their wedding. 3. Identify your priorities. The Knot reports that venue and rentals accounted for slightly more than one-quarter (27%) of couples’ wedding budgets in 2025. While venues and rentals are typically the biggest expense when planning a wedding, couples building a budget should identify their biggest priority. Some might want a stunning venue, while others might feel a backyard ceremony is perfect for them. Identifying your biggest priorities and then devoting enough funds to those areas can guide the budget- building process. Weddings can be expensive. Budgeting can help couples get the wedding they want without breaking the bank.

METRO CREATIVE SERVICES W eddings are couples likely know that weddings can be expensive.The experts at the online wedding resource Zola estimated that couples would spend around $36,000 on their weddings in 2025. If that figure produces some sticker shock, couples can rest easy in the knowledge that such estimates reflect a host of variables, not all of which are applicable to each wedding. It also can calm couples’ nerves to develop a budget as the first step in wedding planning. Once a budget is worked out, couples can then use that to guide their decisions. The need to budget for a wedding may seem obvious, but couples, particularly those tying the knot for the first time, might not know where to begin. Couples facing such a situation can consider these three budget-building tips for their wedding.

1. Identify where funds are coming from. Parents of the bride were once the traditional sources of wedding funds, but that’s less common than it used to be. According The Knot Real Weddings Study, the average age of marriage in 2024 was 32 years. That means many couples are now on relatively firm financial footing by the time they get married, prompting some to pay for the entire affair themselves. Couples looking to establish a wedding budget can first identify who’s helping to fund it. If couples are going it alone, then this is a simple step in the process. If parents and other relatives offer to pitch in, couples can count such offers toward the total amount of money they have to fund the big day. 2. Consider working with a financial planner. Another strategy to building a budget is to work with a professional to determine how much you can afford. Many couples now live together prior to getting engaged, and Zola notes that more than half (53%) even shop for rings

The Sweetest Tradition

22 | Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2026

and scope of the wedding as it is another complementary component of the larger celebration. • Wedding cakes can be quite costly. Wedding Wire estimates the average wedding cake costs around $500. One way for couples to save on their cake is to have a faux cake on display, with one tier that is made from cake and can be cut. Guests will then be served slices of a sheet cake that is much less expensive. • Couples have many flavors to choose from. Vanilla is classic and quite popular because it appeals to a vast number of people. Lemon, chocolate, and carrot are some other popular cake flavors. • When it comes to frosting a cake, there are various outer coatings that will encapsulate the cake to make it both beautiful and durable. Buttercream, Swiss meringue, fondant, cream cheese, and ganache all can be used in various applications. Some bakers attest that Swiss meringue, due to the addition of egg whites, makes it a more stable option over traditional buttercreams, particularly during warm weather. Of course, couples can opt for a “naked cake,” which usually has a scant amount of frosting so that the cake underneath peeks through. • A groom’s cake used to be tradition, but largely fell out of favor, although it is still alive and well in the American South. The groom’s cake typically is less ornate than the wedding cake, and favors the groom’s choices in style, interests and flavors. Couples and their guests look forward to indulging in wedding cake near the end of the reception. The looks and flavors of a wedding cake can be as unique as the couple saying, “I do.” cake tidbits to chew on.

Dig into wedding cake options METRO CREATIVE SERVICES S experiences knowing they have their entire lives ahead of them to enjoy together. However, there is another sweet treat that is shared near the conclusion of the wedding and it is typically served with tea and coffee: the wedding cake. Wedding cake traditions can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Cakes represented good luck and fertility for the couples tying the knot. The first wedding cakes were rather bland and breadlike, omething sweet comes near the end of a wedding reception and that is the joy the couple representing purity and virginity. Some were quite like the fruitcake now enjoyed during the holiday season. Eventually wedding cakes transformed into the sweet confections that are known today. The modern wedding cake as most know it debuted at the 1882 wedding of Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany. His wedding cake was actually the first to be completely edible. Previously, some cakes featured wooden broomstick pillars covered in icing, but the Duke’s cake used a hardened type of icing, according to Edible Art Bakery and Dessert Café. Couples today have many options when picking their wedding cakes. The following are some wedding cake tidbits to chew on. • Couples can choose among various cake styles. Many opt for a classic style, which is typically a white or ivory tiered cake with simple, elegant decorations. Rustic cakes may be much less ornate, while modern cakes may be rectangular or square and feature clean lines and minimalist decoration. The cake should fit the overall theme

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