Meet me ‘outside’ the courthouse: Couples unite in unique settings
by Judy Stringer Whether it’s curbside pickups, working from home or cocktails-to-go – there are some pandemic changes with staying power. Add to that list: Courthouse weddings performed outside of the courthouse. The Akron Municipal Court has held 65 off-site weddings over the last two years, a service it began in early 2021, according to […]
Cash gifts can help couples plan, save for future
by Melissa Martin Money has long been an acceptable wedding gift; however, asking for it outright has historically been a touchy subject. Seeing as many couples have lived on their own prior to marriage and may already have most household essentials, the once taboo topic is fast becoming more acceptable. According to the wedding planning […]
DIY adds personal touch to wedding day
by Laura Bednar Do-it-yourself may not be a term couples want to hear when planning a wedding, but the work it takes to handcraft decorations, bouquets or favors could be well worth the cost savings and add a personal touch to a couple’s special day. Brecksville resident Dr. Sarah Pruett has already started her DIY […]
Personalization allows guests to sample wedding couple’s favorites
by Melissa Martin When it comes to wedding planning, there’s nothing more important to most couples than making sure their big day is a reflection of themselves and who they are as a couple. One of the easiest ways to accomplish just that is through the creation of personalized food and drink menus that contain […]
As wedding costs soar, some couples lessen invites
Managing wedding expenses is seldom easy, yet amid stubbornly high inflation rates, budgeting is an even bigger concern for today’s couples. Price increases impact the cost of everything from the venue and food to bridal attire, entertainment and flower arrangements, and many couples are responding to these price hikes by reducing their guest count. The […]
Engagement rings now a customizable investment
by Laura Bednar Those searching for the perfect ring to pop the question are also looking for a unique way to showcase their love. Nathan Joviak, of Wills Jewelers in Northfield, said in his 40 years in the business, the biggest change he has seen is more special ordering of rings, rather than picking straight […]
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, […]