Blog - The Wedding Guys

FIND THE DATE: Collective Resource to Find open Wedding Vendors for 2020

May 7, 2020

FIND THE DATE is comprised of a collection of the top Minnesota Vendors that have open dates in the coming months to help create and host your upcoming Wedding Celebration. We hope this serves as a helpful resource for couples required to postpone or reschedule their wedding due to COVID-19, or still hoping to plan a wedding for 2020!

In all categories the ranges only reflect weekends, Friday-Sunday, but a majority of these vendors offer options for Thursday or week day events as well. As a team, we plan to keep all lists as updated as possible and for each vendor there are direct email links to be able to connect with each company.

Here is a list of all Categories available to select from based on your needs:

Congratulations on your Upcoming Wedding and Happy Planning!

You Should Know About BHLDN Bridesmaid Dresses

August 5, 2020

You’ve already asked your besties to be in your wedding. Now it’s time to find them what to wear. Ideally, you want it to be something they enjoy wearing, and we have a brand you need to check out. Known for its boho-vibe, Anthropologie has clothing, furniture, and even beauty products coveted by fashionistas and those in-the-know of the latest popular and indie-brands. Their wedding line BHLDN is a curated selection of well-priced and beautiful dresses. So, we wanted to give you a look at their bridesmaid gowns. With a variety of textures, fabrics, and colors, you should know about BHLDN bridesmaid dresses! Lucky for you, we have a selection right here for you to peruse.

BHLDN BRIDESMAID DRESS INSPO

Lori Conley, BHLDN General Merchandise Manager, tells us the inspiration behind their Fall Collection, “The decadence of the 1920s interpreted with a modern twist. We’ve infused touches of pearls, charmeuse, and geometric patterning to dial up the details this season. We love the way these details adorn sleek modern silhouettes, making them feel like the ultimate celebration of the new 20’s decade.”

Black charmeuse bridesmaid dress by BHLDN

Dark green charmeuse midi bridesmaid dress by BHLDN

White boho floral BHLDN bridesmaid dress

Dahlia dress english rose bridesmaid dress by BHLDN

Dark berry velvet bridesmaid dress by BHLDN — The latest BHLDN bridesmaid dresses are the perfect blend of vintage and modern

Images Courtesy of the designer.

What to Wear to Your Bridal Shower and Other Wedding Events

August 5, 2020

The choices are endless when it comes to what a bride can wear. From gorgeous ornate gowns to impeccable unadorned dresses there are many ways to make a bridal fashion statement. But the wedding day is not the only time a bride needs to get an outfit worthy of a celebration. For all those other times, you need to look like the principal, but these occasions are so different that it can be tricky finding just the right look. We have options for the shower, the bachelorette party, and even the rehearsal dinner that don’t scream “bride” but will still make you look and feel great. (Plus a few things for the honeymoon, because we just couldn’t resist!)

WHAT TO WEAR FOR THE SHOWER

For the bridal shower, it’s nice to strike a balance between looking “bridal” (this is a cute time to don a short white dress like this one from White House Black Market or the less conservative one by Reformation) and looking festive with a casual vibe. Most showers are daytime affairs, so think a whimsical floral flowy dress like this one by Aqua Blu, or wear a “something blue” like a fun Thym jumpsuit with metallic undertones. Top any of these with a delicate necklace and you’re good to go.

Short white bridal shower dress by White House Black Market — White House Black Market

Off the shoulder white dress for bridal shower by Reformation — White House Black Market

WHAT TO WEAR FOR THE BACHELORETTE

The outfit for your bachelorette party might be determined by the activities. We love a cute top and jeans for a night out on the town. These Rachel Parcell Jeans work with any top but pair particularly well with either of these contemporary pieces from ASOS. If you’re going to more formal locales, consider this green jumpsuit from Reformation with a pair of comfy heels.

Rachel Parcell blue jeans for bachelorette — Rachel Parcell @ Nordstrom

Wine color sleeveless top by Asos for bachelorette — Rachel Parcell @ Nordstrom

OPTIONS FOR THE REHEARSAL DINNER

Since rehearsal dinners can be almost anything these days (check out our story about how to change them up) it’s hard to say what’s best to wear. Still, we couldn’t help but pick out a few pieces that would get the job done for any fashionista. The white jumpsuit from White House Black Market sets the bridal tone, as does this modern white dress from Thym. For a bohemian spring-like vibe consider this floral dress by Wayf from Nordstrom. And if a dark dress is what you’re looking for, you can keep it casual with this dress from Aqua Blu. Pair any outfit choice with a bracelet that says “Grateful” from Jennifer Miller and you’ll be reminded what these festivities are all about.

White jumpsuit for rehearsal dinner by Whte House Black Market — White House Black Market

Lace and rose embellished white dress for rehearsal dinner — White House Black Market

WHAT TO WEAR FOR THE HONEYMOON

It’s hard to tell you what to pack for your honeymoon when we don’t know where you’re headed, but here are some fun finds that would work for beach activities, daytime sightseeing, or for a night out as newlyweds. This Hermoza Bodysuit works for day or night, as does this dress by Leith from Nordstrom. For sightseeing consider this amazing navy blazer bejeweled with the word “Love” by Jennifer Miller, which can be paired with anything from jeans to olive pants like these by Leith. Shore has cute dresses and bathing suits, and for other swimming options, consider these from Aqua Blu and Montce. You might do a lot of walking so a stylish flat is always practical, and these by Madewell at Nordstrom are timeless.

Green and black jumpsuit to wear for honeymoon by Hermoza — Hermoza

Orange scoop neck dress by Leith for honeymoon — Hermoza

Woman in white and blue swimsuit by Shore — Photo by Christine Wozz Photography

Woman on beach in tropical dress by Shore — Photo by Christine Wozz Photography

All photos courtesy of the designers or vendors where sold.

Amazing Gifts Your Bridal Party WILL LOVE

August 5, 2020

There are so many ways you can say thank you to friends and relatives that are in your bridal party. You can show your appreciation to those that spent the time, money, and memories with you leading up to your wedding day with everything from stationery to flasks. While those gifts are great, we’ve scoured the web to find unique gifts you’ll be proud to give, that won’t break the bank, and that they’ll love to receive. Check out these amazing gifts your bridal party will love!

HANDWRITING BRACELET

There are a lot of companies that monogram or personalize jewelry, but These bracelets from Sincerely Silver are sentimental and sweet. Engraved in your own handwriting, you can add your own personal message and your bridesmaid will always think of you when they wear it.

Rose gold bracelet engraved with "Love, Dad" by Sincerely Silver

Silver cuff bracelet with "Love, Mom" engraved by Sincerely Silver

FLOWER NECKLACE

This Jennifer Miller baguette floral necklace is timeless and works for formal events as well as for the everyday. It pairs well with any bridesmaid dress, so if you want to gift something they can wear to the wedding, this is a lovely option.

TRAVEL TIE CASE

If your groomsmen have their fair share of flasks and socks, this travel tie case from The Tie Bar is a more unique and useful gift. Take your gift up a notch and fill it with a tie he can wear to the wedding and your male bridal party members will be fashionably coordinated for great photo ops!

A PERSONALIZED PHONE CASE

Great for both men and women alike, a personalized phone case makes our amazing gifts list. Casetify allows you to choose fonts, colors, and names or monograms, so each gift can be as unique as the person receiving it.

All images courtesy of vendors

Vendor of the Week: Pocket Full of Posies

August 5, 2020

Roses, peonies, lilies, hydrangeas—where to begin? Choosing your wedding floral can be an overwhelming task, but a pro florist will ensure a seamless process.

Pocket Full of Posies is a local floral company specializing in fresh, hearty blooms from bouquets to boutonnieres and more. Susan, the shop’s owner, loves to curate trendy, beautiful designs while maintaining minimal waste and keeping sustainability in mind. Keep reading to discover how she got her start in the business, and what she’s up to when she’s not making stunning floral arrangements.

*Owner of Pocket Full of Posies, Susan Meyers*

Q: Let’s get to it, what’s your business’ specialty?

A: Wedding floral

Q: Where can we find you?

A: Lowertown Saint Paul, 141 4^th St E. Suite 206

Q: Tell us when and how your business began.

A: August 2018. I’m the owner and operator of Pocket Full of Posies, Susan Meyers. Formerly a full-time florist for 25 years and a wedding floral designer throughout my career, I’m focusing on my very own floral business in the heart of St. Paul in the Pioneer Endicott building. Pocket Full of Posies is a unique and urban shop focused on beautiful, fragrant, sustainable designs and gifts from local vendors.

Q: What makes your company unique from others?

A: I’m focusing on minimal waste with the freshest, heartiest blooms. All of the containers I use are reused and waste is minimal. From bouquets to boutonnieres, I’ll do it all for you and whoever’s day you need to brighten.

Q: How long have you been in the industry? What do you think has changed the most since then?

A: Since 1981. What has changed most in the industry is there are more choices and more DIY options. Personally, I think the DIY option can be very stressful for the bride and I try to do all I can to accommodate any budget. I listen and fulfill the vision of the couple.

Pink, white, and red floral bouquet for wedding by Pocket Full of Posies — *Susan works closely with clients to make their wedding floral vision come to life*

Q: Walk us through your average day.

A: Open the shop and put out flowers in the skyway for sale. Then, I fill orders for deliveries and take care of plants and merchandising. I like to keep the products fresh and beautiful!

Q: What would you want couples searching for your business type to know?

A: I keep up with the trends and I make sure the flowers you chose are long-lasting and fresh. Designs are what the couple has chosen.

Q: How far in advance should a couple book with you?

A: 3 months

Black bridal gown with peach and pink wedding floral bouquet — *Pocket Full of Posies stays on top of ever-changing floral trends*

Q: What does YOUR dream bouquet look like?

A: Soft and romantic and fragrant.

Q: What’s hot in floral trends right now?

A: The mini-mony route due to COVID, but flowers can still be a big statement. Pinterest is still hot for ideas and trends.

Q: What’s next for wedding floral trends?

A: Melon-hued color themes with pops of tangerine and blush. The melon hue is accented with contrasts from green, sunset yellow, and even teal. Brides will work more towards favored accent colors into new palettes!

Q: What are your other hobbies when you’re not creating beautiful floral arrangements?
A: Camping and kayaking

LIGHTNING ROUND!

Q: Do you have any favorite podcasts?

A: Anything MPR

Q: Who’s your most played artist on your streaming service?

A: I listen to the Current all day long

Q: Heels or flats?

A: Flats

Q: Mountains or Beach?

A: Beach

Q: When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: A florist, just like my mom

Q: You’re at brunch. Are you going for something sweet or savory?

A: Sweet

Q: Go-to comfort food?

A: Mac-n-cheese with Lobster

Q: Duck Duck Grey Duck or Duck Duck Goose?

A: Goose

Thanks for chatting with us, Susan! We love keeping up with your amazing work. Ready to begin designing your wedding floral? Reach Pocket Full of Posies by phone at 651.272.9632 or by email at apfposies@gmail.com.

**All images courtesy of Pocket Full of Posies**

For more floral inspo, be sure to follow us on Pinterest and check out our Flower Gallery!

Bars at Weddings That Take It Up a Notch

July 29, 2020

Wooden rustic wedding bar front by BeThings Rentals — **Photo courtesy of Tara Bielecki Photography**

There are several ways to personalize your wedding, make it your own, and stand out from others. One popular way is through personalizing the décor details. While many couples opt for monogrammed invites or motifs displayed throughout the event, it’s the subtleties that can pull an event together to make it cohesive. Ryan Hanson of BeThings Rentals tells us he’s seeing creative expression through bar fronts. “A bar front is a simple, dramatic way to really personalize the reception. Whether it is a pop of color, or the ability to thread through the reception a graphic pattern from the program or invitation, a chance to make your mark with a monogram, the opportunity to get creative is wide.” Here’s more of Hanson’s take on how to personalize the bar at a wedding.

BAR FRONTS MAKE A STATEMENT

While some might not realize you can rent a bar front, believe it or not, it can change the whole look of a room. By coordinating it with your colors or décor choices, it really can elevate a space. Plus, you might not realize how many people actually see it. As Hanson tells us, often the bar serves as a gathering space so making it look special is worthwhile. “We can incorporate the bar into the overall design scheme, add the couples monogram, make it a focal point or a gathering area. The bar is the most popular spot at any reception, all guests at one point will roll through to pick up their favorite drink so why not make it remarkable?”

Bar front at wedding with monogram, floral, and greenery by BeThings Rentals — **Photo by Melissa Oholendt Photography**

OTHER WAYS TO MAKE IT YOUR OWN

Besides the standard monogram, there are other ways to personalize the bar at a wedding.

“It can also be a piece of art, a meaningful photo, or a way to turn up the party. After all, when the sun goes down the bar lights up! Branding the bar offers a big impact in one simple item,” says Hanson.

Custom watercolor painting wedding bar front by BeThings Rentals — **Photo by Amanda Nippoldt Photography**

For other ideas on how to make your wedding your own, scour through Pinterest and Instagram for inspo. And don’t forget to use the expertise of your planner, stationer, baker, or florist for suggestions on how to make your wedding as unique as you want it to be. You can also take inspiration from your favorite dessert, as we show you creative ways to implement donuts. And wedding signs can make a personalized statement, so check out our Vendor of the Week Mini Memo Co. for beautiful examples.

Ways to Change up Your Rehearsal Dinner

July 29, 2020

Of all the wedding-related events to plan, the rehearsal dinner can be one of the trickiest. But the good news is, rehearsal dinners don’t have to be big, fussy, or formal.

It used to be that you would have a rehearsal the day before the wedding with the bridal party, and then everyone would have dinner and celebrate the couple of honor in an intimate setting. Often now rehearsal dinners don’t include a rehearsal at all, and they can be creative, fun, and something you actually look forward to. Think about it: you’ve got your besties and relatives in town to celebrate you, so you might as well have an event where you can see them before the wedding. Trust us, it’s nice to get that extra face time with your loved ones because the wedding day will most likely go faster than you ever imagined. Not sure where to start? Here are some alternative rehearsal dinner ideas that won’t rival your wedding and will still be fun and memorable.

CHANGE UP THE MEAL for your rehearsal dinner

One of the many ways you can make your rehearsal dinner event feel very different from your wedding is to take the word “dinner” away. There are no rules you have to make it a dinner, and switching up the meal, making it a brunch, or even just a cocktail hour, is a great way to make this event stand out. And if you host a brunch the day before the wedding there’s less pressure to stay out all night with everyone should you choose to get your rest. Also, there are so many creative venues to have brunches, and keeping the meal more eggs and waffles than steak and chicken most definitely makes it less like a wedding.

Rehearsal brunch in lieu of a rehearsal dinner

Alternatively, you can have a “dessert hour” rehearsal get-together. Think ice cream bar with all the fixings. Or a display of mini cakes, cupcakes, or other favorite desserts with a coffee station. Remember, the purpose of the rehearsal dinner (once the actual rehearsal is out of the way) is to give you another chance to see loved ones who have gathered for your celebration, so a dessert get-together, rather than a dinner, is just as sweet.

THE COCKTAIL HOUR CELEBRATION

Lobster rolls for a rehearsal dinner appetizer — *Photo courtesy of D’Amico Catering*

Should you skip a formal meal altogether, you could have a very classy and chic rehearsal “dinner” with food trucks that serve various cocktail hour favorites outside at a park or even someone’s backyard. If the weather is questionable you could always put up a tent, string some lights, and have a gorgeous party that looks effortless but is still beautiful. Physically distanced but still, a lot of fun, this type of event will feel and look unlike a wedding, but will be festive and is great for foodies and those that want a low-key vibe. And if food trucks are not your thing, you can serve individual items like lobster rolls, arancini, kebabs, or grab and go hors d’oeuvres.

INCLUDE AN ACTIVITY for your rehearsal dinner

Another way to differentiate your rehearsal dinner from your wedding is to incorporate an activity. Gather everyone for a softball game and have a catering company do a cookout. You can also consider a beach, pool, or backyard BBQ, with games like croquet, Kadima, or volleyball to keep your gathering the perfect get-together with a casual vibe.

Vendor of the Week: Stillwater Skin & Medical Spa

July 29, 2020

If you’re looking for a skin pick-me-up before your wedding or just because, Stillwater Skin and Medical Spa is sure to make you feel fresh and restored!

Owner Amy Haugen chatted with us about how her business is leading the way in esthetics and what her favorite products are right now.

*Amy Haugen, Owner of Stillwater Skin & Medical Spa*

Q: Let’s get to it, what’s your business’ specialty?

A: We are a full advanced esthetics spa specializing in injections, lasering, and body contouring.

Q: Where can we find you?

A: 6381 N Osgood Avenue, Stillwater, MN 55082

Q: Tell us when and how your business began.

A: My business began because of the need for advanced esthetics. To grow and expand the business to a more advanced, results-driven business. We pioneered it in the community.

Q: What makes your company unique from others?

A: We developed our own skincare line with customized treatments for your individual needs. Our memberships allow us to customize a treatment to the individual.

Esthetician skincare treatement on client at Stillwater Skin and Medical Spa

Q: How long have you been in the industry? What do you think has changed the most since then?

A: 30 years and technology has changed to most.

Q: Walk us through your average day.

A: First, I get up and work out. Then, I get into work to review each patient‘s treatment and treatment plans for the day. Then I go into services for the remainder of the day!

Q: What would you want couples searching for your business type to know?

A: Unisex, every skin type can benefit. Male or female. We offer several solutions to the client.

Woman provides skincare treatment to client at Stillwater Skin and Medial Spa

Q: How far in advance should a couple book with you?

A: 6-12 months to reach the optimum results.

Q: What’s one wedding trend you’re over?

A: Destination weddings. I like the big wedding parties.

Q: What’s hot in wedding beauty right now?

A: Injections, fillers, and neurotoxins while looking natural and flattering your natural beauty.

Q: Where do you find inspiration for wedding beauty?

A: The wedding shows and conventions. I am inspired by each bride I meet and the individual’s vision.

Q: What are some of your favorite products to use on clients?

A: Stillwater Skin’s personalized skincare regimen. Our famous hyaluronic acid is one of our favorite products to lock in moisture. We also make a hand sanitizer with hyaluronic acid.

LIGHTNING ROUND!

Q: What show are you binging right now?

A: Ozark

Q: You’re in charge of the lineup for your dream concert. Who are your headliners?

A: Bon Jovi, Jonas Brothers, and Bruno Mars

Q: Gold or Silver?

A: Gold

Q: Black Tie or Casual?

A: Black Tie

Q: You’re at brunch. Are you going for something sweet or savory?

A: Savory–eggs benedict

Q: Favorite board game?

A: Scramble

Q: Do you have any favorite podcasts?

A: Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald and Joe Rogan

Q: Mountains or Beach?

A: Beach

Q: Who would you like to sit next to on a plane?

A: Amy Schumer

If you’re ready to upgrade your skincare with a facial or skincare treatment with a professional skin and medical spa, call Amy herself at 651-342-1532 or shoot her an email at amy@stillwaterskin.com!

For more beauty inspiration, be sure to follow us on our blog for new content every week!

All images courtesy of Stillwater Skin & Medical Spa

Why You Should Consider a Vineyard for Your Wedding Venue

July 29, 2020

Think about it, vineyards are romantic, even for those that don’t drink wine. There are many reasons why you should consider a vineyard for your wedding: the rolling hills, the rows of grapes, the lush greenery….all of it makes for a beautiful backdrop to exchange vows. While many consider California to be wine country, we actually have some great wineries not far from us.

WAREHOUSE WINERY

Located just a few minutes west of Minneapolis, Warehouse Winery is the ideal place for an industrial-chic affair. As stated on their website, “With large open spaces, eclectic décor, and relaxed atmosphere, Warehouse Winery is the perfect place for any event!” The winery has a sound system with wireless microphones, tables, chairs, and lounge furniture. It also includes uplighting, a hospitality suite, and an iPod sound system to help enjoy the reception. The space also has a garage door that opens to an outdoor space creating more options for guests to linger. Having the outdoor area is definitely an added benefit. Especially with Summer and Fall being the most popular times of year to get married at the Warehouse Winery.

**Photos by Laura Alpizar Photography**, **Is It Rachelle, &** **Amanda Marie Studio**

Moody wedding reception at Minneapolis winery — **Photos by Laura Alpizar Photography**, **Is It Rachelle, &** **Amanda Marie Studio**

Given COVID-19 restrictions, the winery is still offering their event space, with limited guest counts per event, and with enforced physical distancing.

Consider Warehouse Winery for your shower, bachelor or bachelorette party or wedding. The staff there would be happy to assist with any celebratory event. You can gift their wine as a favor, or just serve it at your party. Consult their staff to see how they can help you with your celebration.

BOLD NORTH CELLARS (FORMERLY CARLOS CREEK WINERY)

KASEY MORRIS, Director of Events, tells us, “marrying at Bold North Cellars means your guests will be treated to award-winning and locally crafted wine and beer. The prettiest backdrops and dedicated staff will ensure you have nothing but joyful memories of your special day.”

Bride and groom outside at winery wedding — Photo by Clewell Photography

Bride and groom take photo outside at Bold North Cellars — Photo by Clewell Photography

In addition to beautiful scenery, Bold North Cellars also provides florists so you don’t have to hire an outside vendor. “We provide a personal Floral & Design Specialist, that can help you with fresh floral centerpieces to fit any style and fresh floral ceremony decor for your arbor and aisle and so much more,” says Morris. Couples also often choose to incorporate wine barrels throughout the property into their décor.

To back its “stress-free” motto, Bold North Cellars provides a wedding coordinator to ensure everything runs smoothly. This is particularly helpful during this time with physical distancing concerns. “We have spent extensive hours coming up with COVID mitigation that is in the best interest of our couples and their guests. A quick summary of our current COVID mitigation consists of screening guests prior to entering the event, with regulations provided by the state of MN. All staff must also wear masks, enhancing our already high standards of cleanliness with greater disinfecting of our spaces. There is an increased availability of hand sanitizer and touchless checkout will be used for a cash bar. Buffet & hors d’oeuvres will be served and there’s friendly signage reminding guests to enforce social distancing.”

The provided wedding coordinators help to create timelines and keep photography on schedule. As Morris states, the coordinators, “are going to have details laid out to help you stay within your desired timeframe and budget, making sure that you get to enjoy your day, all while ensuring you nail your scheduled highlights. Our wedding coordinators are masters of logistics.”

Bride and groom at Bold North Cellars in Minnesota — *THE TEAM AT BOLD NORTH CELLARS ENSURES YOU’LL HAVE STRESS-FREE CELEBRATION*
**Photo by Cameron & Tia**

Bold North Cellars is available all year round, so while most weddings take place May – October, “Our venue is the perfect place to celebrate your winter wonderland or your springtime soiree!” states Morris. She also mentioned that in addition to weddings they can host other celebrations.
“From anniversaries, proposals, bridal showers, bachelor & bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, birthdays, baby showers, celebrations of life, promotions, retirements, and so on… We are the place to celebrate all of life’s moments!”

And in celebrating these moments, should the hosts choose, they can purchase custom labeled wine and give it out as favors, as well as custom wine glasses and mini wine bottles, tying in their venue to the celebration seamlessly.

Here are some other wineries where you can have a summer date night to see if you’d like to consider one as your wedding venue. Once you try them out, you’ll see more reasons why you should consider a vineyard for your wedding.

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF WAREHOUSE WINERY & BOLD NORTH CELLARS

5 Dances You Need to Learn for Your Reception

July 22, 2020

Dancing is almost always an aspect of wedding receptions. And now, more than ever, with the popularity of so many dancing competition shows, people are looking to up their dancing abilities. For some insight we spoke with Caitlin Camarda, owner of Tulle Tuxedo Wedding Dance. She tells us what dances you need to learn before your wedding. Read on for all you need to know to be the real dancing queen (or king) of your own wedding day.

TOP DANCES TO LEARN

Depending on what you like to dance to, there are several dances you can learn. “Foxtrot is the classic Frank Sinatra/Michael Bublé songs—typically played through dinner,” says Camarda. She recommends learning the Foxtrot, along with the Hustle, Swing dancing, the two-step, and Merengue. “The Hustle, Swing and Merengue is the upbeat Top 40 music played throughout the rest of the reception and Nightclub Two Step is a fun dance for slow songs instead of just rocking back and forth.”

Couple practices wedding dances at Tulle Tuxedo Wedding Dance company

DANCE TRENDS

Despite changes in the popularity of various music styles, what’s hot in different types of dances isn’t dictated by trends. No matter what, people want everyone out on the dance floor at their wedding. So the more ways you know how to dance, the better. And once you know how to dance, you can use those moves for many types of music. Camarda notes that even the best couples, and the best dancers, might feel shy about dancing with their new life partner. That’s where some of her lessons would come in handy, “Couples want to have a good time at the reception but may feel shy and unsure about how to dance—especially with each other. Learning ballroom dance is a skill they can use on the dance floor for a lifetime.”

Looking for other dance inspo for your wedding? Check out these super father-daughter dances that will surprise and put a smile on your face.

Photos by Flow Event Group

Vendor of the Week: Epitome Papers

July 22, 2020

Blue and white classic wedding invitations from Epitome Papers

Your wedding invitations should reflect you and your fiancé’s personal style and help set the tone to your special day. Epitome Papers is a locally-owned company that sets out to create intricate and custom invites that will wow your guests while providing all the necessary details.

Scroll to meet owner, Evelyn Miller, and find out what trends are hot in wedding stationery and what she’s up to in her free time!

*Evelyn Miller, Owner of Epitome Papers*

Q: Let’s get to it, what’s your business’ specialty?

A: We create custom luxury invitations for your wedding or special event.

Q: Where can we find you?

A: 261 School Avenue Suite 110 Excelsior, Minnesota 55331

Q: Tell us when and how your business began.

A: Epitome Papers has been a part of Minnesota history since the early ’70s! Epitome first opened as a clothing store in St. Louis Park. Then we added our famous stationery while it was in the Galleria in the early 2000s. Finally, Epitome dropped its clothing and moved to just amazing stationery located in Excelsior, where I purchased the business in 2019!

Q: What makes your company unique from others?

A: We create completely custom luxury designs for our couples. Meaning we sit down with you and hear about who you and your fiancé are, what you want to see in your wedding invitations, and what colors and concepts you like. Then we pick the best printing process, paper, and other fun items for your invitation suite that will help tell your unique love story to your guests!

Q: How long have you been in the industry? What do you think has changed the most since then?

A: I, myself, have 10+ years of experience in print + design but have been in the wedding invitation business for three years now. In the time I have been running Epitome Papers, our industry has changed A LOT.

The wedding invitation business has split into two different tiers. You can order something quick and easy online and sort of build everything yourself with templates. Or you buy into the experience and work with a professional designer to create something unique. With recent COVID events, we have been adjusting to accommodate the ever-changing party sizes, postponements, and good health practices.

Stationer at Epitome Papers prepares blue and white wedding invitations — *Evelyn says creating the wedding invitations are her favorite part of the workday*

Q: Walk us through your average day.

A: I normally start my day responding and reaching out to our current clients, I always want to make sure they hear from me right away. Second, I go about the usual business needs (finances, order follow-ups with printers, social media, etc.) to make sure all the gears are turning as they should. Finally, I save the best for last and jump into any current orders that need designing or any needed artwork. It’s my favorite part of the day and takes up most of it 😊

Q: What would you want couples searching for your business type to know?

A: Don’t stress the little things and have fun! It is my job to guide you through the creative process and ensure you get what you are looking for. Leave it to us to sweat over the itty-bitty details and have fun creating!

Floral pink and white wedding invitation from Epitome Papers — *Epitome Papers will guide you through the creative process to help find your style*

Q: How far in advance should a couple book with you?

A: You want your invitations to be mailed 8 to 12 weeks before your wedding day, this way your guests have time to book hotel rooms if needed. So that we have plenty of time to create your custom design, schedule your initial consultation 3 to 4 months before your wedding date.

Q: What’s hot in invitation trends right now?

A: Foil printing! This is where you add sparkle or shine to the lettering in your invitation. The most popular is gold foil, but there are a lot of amazing new holographic that have been coming out! We love to add foil to our couple’s names on an invitation, so it adds a fun POP.

Q: What do you think we’ll see more in invitation trends?

A: I think we will begin to see a lot of more handmade papers, cotton papers, and other eco-friendly options. It already is becoming uncommon that the paper we use for our invitations isn’t recycled or non-paper based.

Coral and ivory floral wedding invitations with hand-written calligraphy from Epitome Papers — *We can expect to see more eco-friendly wedding invites, according to Miller*

Q: What are your other hobbies and passions besides creating invitations?

A: I love animals! I have two kittens (Ruby Soho & Cheddar Biscuit) as well as a puggle named Ryley. Eventually, it’s my goal to bring chickens and goats into the family. My biggest love with animals is horseback riding, I lease a quarter horse named Sierra who I absolutely adore. We go on trail rides a lot and I’m currently training to compete in local shows once COVID allows it.

LIGHTNING ROUND!

Q: Do you have any favorite podcasts?

A: RadioLab, I said God Damn!, Biz Bash Podcast and Levar Burton Reads are my weekly go to’s

Q: Who’s your most played artist on your streaming service?

A: The Devil Makes Three and Valerie June

Q: Heels or flats?

A: Flats for sure!

Q: Mountains or Beach?

A: Mountains

Q: Go-to cocktail (or mocktail)?

A: I’m more of a beer/cider kind of girl

Q: When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: An Artist or Zookeeper

Q: You’re at brunch. Are you going for something sweet or savory?

A: Savory, Eggs Benedict all the way!

Q: Go-to comfort food?

A: Mac & Cheese

Q: Duck Duck Grey Duck or Duck Duck Goose?

A: Don’t kill me Minnesota…. Duck Duck GOOSE

We’ll let “Duck Duck Goose” slide this time, Evelyn. Thanks for chatting with us and keeping us up to date on all things wedding invitations! Ready to start creating yours? Reach out to their team at info@epitomepapers.com!

For more on Epitome Paper’s expansive offerings, check out Calligraphy – Epitome Papers. Check back every week for new V-O-W’s!

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