Wedding Day Redefined
New trends in nuptials follow pandemic pivot.
As people excitedly pull their masks off and enjoy a getting-back-to-normal social scene, couples previously hindered by the confines of COVID-19 are dusting off the wedding plans in hopes of seeing their ceremonies become in-person reality. While love is in the air, several local experts offer important insights into what’s hot amid the shift in happenings, with some sweet spins on tradition and details for happy couples to keep in mind.
Prepare To Be Flexible
When it comes to booking a venue, photographer, DJ… you name it, the resounding comment is to get ready to get in line.
“For about a year, people cancelled their weddings and parties,” explains Tim Magee, chef/owner of Calafuria in Reno. “Weekends are booking out pretty quickly. Everyone wants to get married on a Saturday; my advice would be to reconsider alternative days. You may even get a discount for booking during the week.”
Take a Pop-Up Approach
In a new take on micro weddings, The Virgil party and wedding venue in Reno is offering couples pop-up weddings – an unforgettable 90-minute event complete with an officiant to perform the marriage ceremony, a Champagne toast, and passed appetizers in a historic downtown location.
“We’re harkening back to Nevada’s history of quickie weddings in a really luxurious, elegant urban venue,” notes Rachel Macintyre, co-owner of The Virgil. “Couples select from a styled mood board, invite 50 guests or less, and enjoy seasonal small bites and charcuterie. It’s an affordable opportunity for those who want a high-end event without the big budget and for people looking for an intimate event that’s fun, playful, and back to our area’s roots.”
Be Perfectly Personalized
With fewer guests tending to be the trend, brides and grooms are spending more on tailor-made touches. Samantha Olson, director of events, sales, and marketing for The Club at ArrowCreek in Reno, notes the shift from over-the-top details to a few simple accents.
“Monograms are back in a big way,” she says. “I’m seeing them on table menus, napkins, and party favors. There is a lot of personalization, which is pretty cool because it costs a pretty penny when you’re doing it for 150 people but can be more realistic for 35 guests.”
Cut the Cake
Dessert bars and individual servings have replaced the traditionally grand, tiered cake tower. Nothing Bundt Cakes in Reno offers a great take on single-serving cakes, dubbed Bundtinis, as a fun way for guests to enjoy a sweet morsel.
“A lot of people do the Bundtinis out of simplicity,” explains Shele Faretto-Silveira, owner and operator of Nothing Bundt Cakes. “They don’t have to cut and plate a big cake. They do a smaller cake for themselves for the cutting ceremony.”
When it comes to selecting flavors, Faretto-Silveira says while her shop does offer many tasty options, it’s best to narrow it down. “I tell our brides it’s kind of like a box of chocolates and to limit the flavors, so one guest doesn’t take three or four, to be able to taste them all.”
Anne Archer, owner of Batch Cupcakery in Reno, also has seen a big push for dessert alternatives. She says macaron towers and naked cakes are big this year.
“You have a beautiful, simple, basic white cake decorated with flowers for the couple alongside a macaron tower,” Archer explains. “The naked cake is still popular because people are being health conscious. The macarons are made with almond flour, so they are gluten free, and you can have them in just about any color you want.”
Consider Backyard Commodes
With more couples opting for smaller gatherings at home, bathroom availability can be overlooked. Rather than having guests saunter through the house, look into renting lavatories.
“Hosting events at private homes is a great option, especially since a lot of venues are still at some kind of capacity limit,” explains Dominic Silva-Martin, special events account manager at Quick Space in Sparks. “Having those extra facilities outside protects the homeowners, family, and guests. Renting executive-level restrooms and sanitation stations prevents guests from walking through the house, and they stay a little more distant.”
Support Small Companies
With local business owners struggling to stay afloat, now is more important than ever to keep funds going back into the Reno-Tahoe economy. Corrin Courier, general manager of The Depot Craft Brewery Distillery in Reno, urges couples to consider Sierra-based vendors.
“We distill our own spirits and beer, which couples like to have when they have weddings here,” she says. “We’ve always focused on using products from smaller, regional brands because they need the business more.”
Designate Duties
For the couple planning sans an official wedding planning professional, be sure to ask one person to handle all of the day-of details. Iris Stille, business manager for Reno’s River School Farm, says, “A dedicated person who knows what is delivered when and what will be delivered next is essential. It doesn’t have to be a wedding planner, but should be someone close to the bride who can be a point person so we’re not bugging the bride or groom about where things go.”
Have the Finance Talk
Marriage is a legal partnership in which the couple is suddenly responsible for each other’s finances and the way they are handled. Elizabeth Bittner, attorney at Reno’s Bittner Legal, encourages couples to discuss finances before they say, “I do.”
“Nevada is what we call a community property state, which means that everything the parties acquire from the date of marriage to divorce is subject to equal division,” she explains. “Have a conversation. Ask if your partner thinks community property is fair or if they’d be interested in a prenuptial agreement to opt out of the community property requirement.”
Bittner also says it’s important to schedule a consultation with an attorney to review the legal options.
While everyone prepares to kiss virtual weddings goodbye, be sure to contact local experts for the latest in tips and trends. After all, they know the best ways to get on to happily ever after.
