A wedding invitation is the first sneak peak into your big day. It is the prelude before the big performance.

The dictionary states the PRELUDE is:

1. An introductory performance, event, or action preceding a more important one; a preliminary or preface
2. A piece or movement that serves as an introduction to another section or composition and establishes the key, such as one that precedes a fugue, opens a suite, or precedes a church service.

When you look at this way, doesn’t it validate the importance of the invitation? Knowing the role it plays, why would you throw something together, keeping it cheap?

The invitation should do a handful of things. The most important, share all the details of the big day. Your names, dates, times, locations (ceremony & reception), directions, etc. If you work with a professional wedding planner or wedding printer, they will guide you on these selections. Next, it should mimic the style you plan to implement on your wedding day. If your invitation is formal and carries traditional elements, that should be carried through to your ceremony/reception. Look at this way, if your guest opens your invitation and says, “Wow, this is fancy”, then they should have the same response when they arrive at your ceremony/reception. Finally, this one is a must, ask for a proof (or make one if you are doing them yourself) and ask multiple people to read through the invitation to assure all is spelled correctly (as well as dates are correct, locations, etc.). I once received a wedding invitation and the word “love” was spelled “lvoe”. I was mortified for the couple and it made me question their level of commitment to the wedding; if they didn’t care to spell check then do they really care about getting married?
Classic spelling error from the movie MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING. Toula (the bride) has no idea her wedding invitations have been ordered (by her mother without her approval). Not only have then been ordered, they are all printed done and ready to go. Everyone is reading the invitations for the first time and an error is caught.

Ian (Toula’s groom): My parents’ names are Rodney and Harriet.
Toula (bride): [horrified, reading the inviation] Oh God, Rodney and HARRY!
Nick (Toula’s brother): We didn’t notice, so maybe they won’t.

In general, brides look at invitations as a “budget-eater” but instead, they should be allotted a reasonable budget. I have heard brides say, “these invitations are going to cost me an arm and a leg!” Really? You are willing to spend $25 a plate for meals, $23 a bottle for wine and even $1700 for the wedding dress of your dreams…but you won’t estimate $5.00 per invitation? Do the leg work, do the research, and find something that encompasses all the important elements of your wedding day…and remember, keep the words “CHEAP” and “THROW-AWAY” out of your invitation vocabulary!

Happy Planning!

Tina is a South Dakota resident with many ties and years in the SD wedding industry. Tina brings her passion for weddings to South Dakota Wedding Style in her monthly editorials and Do-it-Yourself Project Tutorials.

Celebrities may have the capability of changing or influencing wedding industry trends, but what stands true to the core are weddings are about personality, about the couple and why their love is what it is. We as a bridal nation are setting the tone and trend for what is the next big thing to come! Think about it, all it took was one couple to do a surprise hip-hop dance on their first husband and wife dance and the world went nuts! So where does the personality really fall at a wedding? Everywhere when you really spend sometime observing. It goes into the big things, the small things and everything in between.

Let’s start with the colors. Yes, we have all been to weddings that use the time of year as influence on color and décor; but we have also been to weddings where the color means so much more. I was at a wedding recently where the colors were purple and pink (simple enough), purple was the brides favorite but the pink was to honor her grandmother who had lost her battle with breast cancer (I know, a tear jerker through and through). When you are selecting your wedding colors, by all means, pick what you like! I do encourage you to take the time to really understand the color (maybe even look up their meanings, you might be surprised to find a deeper influence on your wedding décor and plans)!

Next up on the potential “personality” wedding chart, the ceremony. Ceremonies are the perfect time to load up on the couple’s personality! It seems, no matter what, some how some way, something special sneaks into everyone’s ceremony. We have all seen the crazy dances into and out of the church. One of my all time favorites was at a friends wedding ceremony. Traditional in all the sense of traditional, until the couple kissed and walked out, blasting into the speakers was the famous song from Shrek 2, Accidently in Love! Why was it so cute? The couple watched the movie on one of their first dates (and little did they know they were going to fall in love and get hitched)! Perfect for them in every way!

The reception is really the big chance for personality to be busting at the seams! Couples can show their personality in their entrance, in their video, in their thank you or speeches, tons of opportunity. So what really stands out? What makes it noteworthy? When it is about who you are! I had a bride recently tell me they weren’t doing a wedding cake at their reception, they were doing packages of powdered white donuts. Why you ask? It is the couple’s favorite (and who doesn’t love those little what powdered donuts, yummy)! Another couple had shared they weren’t doing what was considered the “normal” wedding video. Instead, they had complied pictures and videos from their grandparents and parents weddings and were surprising everyone with the collage of memories! I hope their favors are packs of tissues (everyone will need one)!

Trends will be trends and what is in “style” will only be in “style” for that time. What really stands out is you (as in the two of you). You make your south dakota wedding day what it is! Take the time to personalize it in a big way or small way (or everything in between)!
Happy Planning!

Tina Beal

Tina is a South Dakota resident with many ties and years in the SD wedding industry. Tina brings her passion for weddings to South Dakota Wedding Style in her monthly editorials and Do-it-Yourself Project Tutorials.

Thank you for sharing your Parkston South Dakota Wedding with us Katie and Sam.

From the Bride:

Sam and I decided to get married in Parkston, South Dakota because both of our extended families are from the mid west; mine from Parkston, SD and Fargo, ND and his from Monticello, IL.  We wanted the small town wedding with all of our family and as many friends possible.  Luckily a majority of our friends flew in from all over the country because they had never been to the mid west, less South Dakota!

Living in Virginia Beach, VA and planning a wedding in South Dakota wasn’t the easiest, but luckily my wedding planner, my mom, was a huge help.  She actually moved into our house in Parkston from California for a few months before the wedding to make sure all the preparations were in order.

Sam’s parents currently live outside of San Francisco, CA, near Napa Valley and my parents currently live north of San Diego, CA in a wine town called Temecula.  With that being said we decided it would be appropriate to have a wine themed wedding to incorporate details from our hometowns and bring a piece of our home to our family’s home.

Another major theme we wanted to incorporate into our wedding was a vintage feel.  My dress (Maggie Sottero, Artia purchased from Sandra Rose in Tyndall, SD), my birdcage with feathers, and my fur shawl seemed to compliment the 40’s look that I was going for.  Sam decided to wear his US Navy uniform and it’s style hasn’t changed in decades so it also fit the vintage look we were after.  A majority of the pictures taken not at the wedding or reception were at my grandparent’s farm a few miles out of town.  The old barns and building on site really added to the photos.

We were married as Sacred Heart Catholic Church, which is the church where I was baptized and where majority of my family members have been married; Sam and I like tradition and we felt that being married in this church was appropriate.  Catholic churches are usually so beautiful that they don’t need much décor which was a huge help as well.  We simply placed a few wine barrels with flowers at the front and a few wreathes on the doors.  The church alone provided the rest of the beauty.

My mother designed the entire layout and décor scheme for the wedding reception.  The reception was held at the American Legion in Parkston and is simply a clean slate to start with.  My mom created all the draping for the walls, the table cloths, runners, some of the centerpieces, and a majority of the accessories.  We brought in wine barrels from California for the bar area as reception tables and used corks for name card holders.  My mom was very keen on the small details that were part of the big picture.

The American Legion looked fantastic when all was said and done and was completely transformed from an empty hall into an elegant, swanky, and vintage reception for our guests.   We hope you all enjoy the wonderful pictures by Jeff Sampson Photography.

Thank you to Jeff Sampson Photography for all of the wonderful images. There were too many for just a collage. Click on the thumbnails below to view the images larger.

South Dakota Wedding Vendors:

Sioux Falls Wedding Photography by Jeff Sampson Photography
South Dakota Wedding Ceremony at Sacred Heart Catholic Church
South Dakota Wedding Reception at The American Legion
South Dakota Caterer, Marketplace Grill, Inwood, IA
South Dakota Florist, Cherry Bee’s, Mitchell, SD
Sioux Falls Wedding Dress by Maggie Sattero
Baker: Cousin of the bride Mikayla King

When planning your South Dakota Wedding, consider talking to Chef April of CJ Callaway’s in Sioux Falls. If you’re trying to decide what sweet touches you want to add to your wedding day, she is the perfect resource. She works bodly, pushing the creative edge to create the perfect dessert or cake for your event.

Her specialty is specialty cakes! She is still great with classic cakes, but her face lights up when someone brings in a unique cake idea. Tiffany Jewelry Boxes for a bridal shower cake, a real guitar they want made into a cake or a 6-tier topsy-turvy cake with peacock feathers spilling out are some of the fun cakes she has created.

For the last nine years Chef April has been creating desserts and cakes for CJ Callaway’s. She said things have changed a lot in the last nine years. The TV and Internet have exploded the cake industry. This not only adds pressure to cake designer’s skill level (constant education) but it also means they need to be able to compete with the likes of “Ace of Cakes” or “The Cake Boss.”

One of the things she loves most about her job is that each cake is unique and special. She says cakes are a neat way to be a part of special occasions because everybody takes pictures of the cake. Whether it’s the bride and groom cutting the cake or parents taking pictures of their children blowing out candles.

When it comes to weddings, some brides come in with a very clear vision (pictures, sketches, etc.), some come in with an idea but are looking for input and others come in and have no inclination as to what they want to do. She believes that those with no direction usually turn into her favorite. Free creative reign! She likes how fun it is to be given a few likes and dislikes and then an open door to create something special.

Chef April reminds couples that it’s okay if the cake is a big deal! Do research; spend a little time browsing either in a wedding magazine, a wedding cake book or online. This will at least give you a quick list of what you like and what you dislike. When deciding on the details of your cake, pick the flavors YOU LIKE! The ceremony is about uniting two people; the reception is about showing your guests who you are as a couple. If you love chocolate, serve all chocolate! If you love peanut butter or mint or raspberries, pick the flavor you like! It is your big day after all! The cake will be wonderful no matter what flavor you select!

Above all, be brave! All brides are on a budget, but you can easily turn your cake into the WOW factor without spending a fortune.

If you have any questions about sweet touches you want to add to your special day, give her a call to discuss options. If it’s something unique, she’ll probably say yes! She loves attempting new and unique cakes.

Chef April Austin, CJ Callaway’s
605.334.8888 ext. 5

CAKES@cjcallaways.com

All images by Studio Blu

Envision’s favorite part of their job is establishing a relationship with their clients throughout the planning process, along with helping them create, organize and set-up their event details. “It is the most gratifying feeling knowing we assisted in making their memorable day go off without a hitch and to their exact vision.”

One of Envision’s most memorable clients was Nicole who had come in four months before her wedding after firing her previous wedding planner. “She needed our assistance to pull off the details of her big day. We tackled this one with style. They were on no set budget, but knew what they liked and didn’t. We completed her invitations, accessories, ceremony/reception design, day-of planning, set-up and tear-down with ease. The wedding was beautiful, weather perfect and the entire event went perfect.”

Another memorable moment, “We had a bride who wanted an enchanted forest feel surrounding her head table. I volunteered my brother to cut down some prime branches in my parents’ grove. Hauled them hanging out of the back of my SUV to back to the studio. After a couple late nights in the studio parking lot and 15 cans of spray paint – they were ready for their debut. The day of the wedding we spent most of the afternoon positioning these, gluing white floral strands to branches and stranding pearls to create the perfect look. The guests loved them and they were the talk of the night. I have vowed since to never attempt this task again… we’ll see!”

Envision Wedding Studios tip for the happy couple, “Enjoy the day. The hours go by so fast and in the blink of an eye, the most memorable day of your life is over. Hire a professional to help make this day enjoyable and memorable. It is well worth the investment.”

Here are some design images of Leah’s

And here are some paper product designs of Leah’s

Envision Wedding Studio and AC Ellis teamed up once again to bring us a fun feast for the eyes. They took this concept board and made it a reality on a local South Dakota farm, just outside of Colton, with the help of some South Dakota wedding vendors. The cupcakes were created by O My Cupcakes in Sioux Falls and matched the colors of the creation yellows, whites and browns. The ice cream for the parlor was made by the SDSU Dairy Bar in Brookings, SD. Another famous location from Brookings is home to the Buy ‘Em By the Bag burgers, Nick’s Hamburger Shop. The floral design was provided by Sarah from House of Green in Brookings, SD. Sarah chose flowers that fit the light airy feel of the concept well.

While there weren’t models for this creation you can envision that the bride could wear either of the dresses from Interlude Bridal Shoppe. The short yellow dress is perfect for a small country wedding. Just in case the bride wants that long white dress the frills on this dress bring in the elements. Brides shouldn’t feel stuck to just one dress, how about they wear both. Grooms can also choose a casual outfit. Fergen’s Menswear contributed slacks and a shirt, a wonderful alternative to a tux. Although, they do have suits and tuxes at Fergen’s as well.

To view more images from this concept to creation watch the slideshow.

Sioux Falls Wedding Attire by Interlude Bridal
Brookings Wedding Attire by Fergen’s Menswear
Ice Cream by SDSU Dairy Bar
South Dakota Wedding Decor by Envision Wedding Studio
Brookings, SD Hamburgers by Nick’s Hamburger Shop
South Dakota Wedding Photography by AC Ellis Inc.
South Dakota Farm located in Colton, South Dakota
Sioux Falls, South Dakota Cupcakes by O My Cupcakes
Sioux Falls Wedding Floral by House of Green

So what could you do with these?

You could write your new married name or some of your favorite love words!

Write your bridesmaids names on them and have their dresses hanging on them the day of your South Dakota Wedding.

Hang one on your bedroom wall with the month of your wedding to remember your big day.

Use it for your wedding gown.

Hang some fancy lingerie from one with the word sexy for some fun bedroom décor. Bridesmaids, this could be a fun way to present some lingerie to the bride as a gift at her shower.

Hang some of your favorite or most memorable photos from it in your living room with the word family or friends.

The possibilities are endless!

All images from the Lila Frances etsy store.

BPM DJ Productions began in 1996 in Missouri. In 2003, Jake Hill moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota and has been providing seamless mixing of music (from all eras and genres) for weddings, school dances and corporate events in this area since. Jake got the DJ itch when he saw the movie “Juice” when he was younger and knew that he had to get some turntables and learn how to DJ.

What separates BPM DJ Productions from the competition is skill and experience. One of Jakes favorite quotes is an old hindu proverb, “the goal is not to be better than the other man, but to be better than one’s previous self.” With that said, Jake strives to improve his services with each and every event he participates in.

Since Jake began, the technology used in DJ-ing has changed significantly. Jake says, “its been both a blessing and a curse.” for example, “its much easier for new DJ’s to get started than it use to be, its also easy for them to use technology to cheat their way through their gigs, but there is no substitute for real skill acquired over the years with hard work and perseverance.”

“One of my favorite weddings was in Le Mars, IA.  I was treated very well from the moment I arrived, and the Bride and Groom were very appreciative of my skill.  I learned that the Groom’s brother had passed away before the wedding, and one of the Groom’s friends had to fill-in as the Best Man.  The Best Man gave a very emotional speech, which I recorded.  Then, later on in the dance portion of the evening, I re-played portions of the speech and then immediately dropped in “I’ll Be Missing You”  by P Diddy and Faith Evans.  Everyone sang along with tears in their eyes.  It was very emotional for everyone, myself included.” Jake loves to bring everyone together through music selection, mic work and technical DJ skill. He sets the tone for the evening and though its sometimes a challenge to keep everyone in the crowd happy, he does his best to “read the crowd.”

BPM DJ Productions would like to leave you with this tip:

“When shopping for vendors, do your research and ask around for recommendations.  It’s fairly easy for a vendor to create a nice looking website, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are any good.  When it comes to picking a DJ, pick one that fits the style of YOUR reception.  Not all DJs are the same.”

Great tip Jake, we agree!

For more images of Jake’s lighting check out our black and gold Sioux Falls Wedding Creation at the Washington Pavilion.