Times Call article 3-26-11

WWW.TIMESCALL.COM | SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2011 | SECTION C
OCCASIONS
IN BRIEF
Relaxed Conversations
Wedding cake
trends this season
In recent years, wedding
cakes have become more of
an artistic centerpiece than
just a confectionary treat.
Couples seek out renowned
wedding cake bakers for a
cake that will amaze the
crowd.
If television trends are any
indication, many people are
opting to spend several
hundred to thousands of
dollars on a customized
wedding cake. These fondant
and buttercream creations
may be elaborate in nature,
so much so they’ll likely need
to be ordered several months
in advance.
Couples looking for
something a bit different for
their upcoming nuptials,
many want to consider these
trends in wedding cakes.
• 3-D accents on the cake,
such as graphic appliques.
• A black-and-white motif
that gives the cake a
simplistic, yet trendy appeal.
• A lot of bold color in the
cake, instead of just white or
ivory.
• Dramatic monograms that
can add class to the cake.
• Cakes that mirror the style
of the wedding gown,
including fondant ruffles and
appliques.
Metro Services
Metro Services
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Weddings, anniversaries,
C8
engagements and birth. C2
Picnic-themed
rehearsal dinners
offer comfort for
friends and family
By Kendra Walker
Longmont Times-Call
In the midst of stressful wedding
planning and jittery nerves leading
up to the big day, it’s difficult to
dedicate time to organize yet another event: the rehearsal dinner.
Though it may seem like the unnoticed warm-up act before the
main headliner, the rehearsal dinner is still a key element to a successful wedding. This is a chance to
slow down the fast-paced planning
of the wedding week and take a moment to relax outside with a fun picnic-theme.
The rehearsal dinner is often the
first time the families of the bride
and groom come together to meet,
which can be challenging to interact across a table in a noisy restaurant with limited space. A picnicthemed dinner allows members of
the wedding party to move outside
in the fresh air and engage with
each other.
Bridget Nannen, owner of Greens
Point Catering in Longmont, has
noticed a recent trend moving away
from restaurants in the last few
years. The focus has now grown to
picnics. “The cost to do this is really
affordable,” she says for the budgetconscious bride. “It’s comfortable
and it doesn’t compete with the fancy wedding.” She stresses the im-
Courtesy Greens Point Catering, top left Lone Hawk Farm
Picnic-themed rehearsal dinners are the perfect setting for family and friends to get to know each other in a comfortable
environment with a beautiful scenery. Top left: Food prepared for rehearsal dinners at Lone Hawk Farm will take advantage of
the fresh produce and food grown on the farm.
portance that a picnic keeps the rehearsal dinner simple and familyoriented.
For food, Nannen suggests picking out a menu that represents the
family. “Personalization is easier
because it’s a smaller group to
feed,” she says. A family-style buffet allows the group to interact and
move freely.
Using local food from the farmers’ market or local farms is also a
unique way to introduce out-of-town
guests to local products. Lone Hawk
Farm provides an assortment of
fresh vegetables, eggs, flowers and
even hops for those daring enough
to brew their own beer. “We work
with the couple and also the caterer
to figure out what to incorporate into the menu,” says Kristin Lopez of
Lone Hawk Farm in Longmont.
When finding a location for a picnic rehearsal dinner, there is a
range of choices available, from
your own backyard to a park or
reservoir. Parks often have beautiful lit spaces at night and you won’t
be limited on time or space as you
would at a restaurant.
Many local farms, including Lone
Hawk Farm, rent out space for special events. It’s also important to
find a setting with optional rain
coverage for backup. “People like
having the choice between inside
and outside,” Lopez says.
Decorations for the dinner can be
as simple as placing red-checkered
blankets out on the lawn instead of
tables, or as sophisticated as rent-
ing chairs and couches. “We rent to
outdoor rehearsal dinners all the
time,” says Dan Kasid with All
Events Tent and Party Rental in
Longmont. It depends on how formal the dinner is, but he says tables
and chairs are requested the most
for these events.
Another perk to a picnic rehearsal dinner is the open space
available for children. Kids can
easily run around and play games,
keeping themselves entertained.
“They’re not stuck in a chair at a
restaurant,” Nannen says.
Simple can be more enjoyable
and memorable. Save the ornate
details for the wedding and make
the rehearsal dinner a comfortable
and personal experience for your
guests.
Is there a wedding
in your future?
JUST SAY “YES” AND LET US DO THE REST.
Dillard’s Computerized Wedding Registry gives family
and friends access to gift selections at more than 300
locations in 29 states. Guests may place an order by
calling our Wedding Services Desk at 1-800-345-5273
or by contacting us at www.dillards.com.
“Complete Your New Home”
Our Completion Program offers you 20% off most items
remaining on your registry. Ask our wedding
consultants for details.
“Interest-Free Club Option”
Use your Dillard’s credit card to take advantage of
an exceptional INTEREST-FREE option for china, silver,
crystal, collectibles and fine jewelry.
See a sales associate for details.
For more information or to make an appointment
with one of our Bridal Consultants, call Dillard’s at:
12-164641
Twin Peaks Mall
303-651-1600
DILLARD’S CELEBRATES
BEAUTY WEEK
Spring is the perfect time to see which fabulous
fresh colors, fragrances and other beauty products
are new this season. Dillard’s annual Beauty Week
in Longmont is currently happening and will run
through April 7. Make an appointment at Dillard’s
cosmetics counters and fragrance houses or take
an impromptu stroll through the department store’s
beauty section any time to achieve a stunning new
look for yourself.
Throughout Beauty Week, customers will discover
that each cosmetic counter and fragrance house
focuses on specific themes, which offer its attendees
a bevy of free gifts with the purchase of a beauty
product or consultation.
Beauty Week finds Estee Lauder focusing on their
Pure Color Lipstick line, which has been reformulated
for better color, moisture and to last longer.
The Lancome counter has a theme centered
around eyes and its Renergie Volumetry. Lancome
will give an eye makeover with this product or help
you discover the right colors in cosmetics for your
skin type.
Other cosmetic and fragrance lines to consider
visiting and perusing include Clinique, Mac, Clarins,
Origins, Shiseido, Dior, Guerlain, Philosophy, Donna
Karan, Thierry Mugler, Elizabeth Arden, Tools, Viktor
& Rolf, Erno Laszlo, The Edge Beauty and Carol &
Daughter.
No matter what interests you, whether it is
a complete makeover, skin care, cosmetics or
fragrances, discover what Beauty Week at Dillard’s
in Longmont has in store for you.