When couples become engaged, what are the next things they should do?

Some people become confused by the myriad details involved. They have to choose a venue, figure out with both families how many invitations to send out and decide what time of the year is best.

Although it is possible to successfully navigate the murky waters of “wedding stuff,” it can be much easier with a wedding planner. There are several highly qualified businesses in Centre County that provide such services.

B Events is a wedding planning business run by Cori Kalupson and Megan Glenn under the umbrella of Best Event Rental. Each of the women draw from backgrounds that gave them experience in planning weddings, meetings and other events.

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“I don’t say that we must be your wedding planners," Kalupson said. "I am just emphasizing that a bride can really use some help with details. If you can’t see yourself using a wedding planner, enlist a good friend with organizational skill.”

Kalupson brings the knowledge of years of catering, sales and event planning in hotels, restaurants and private clubs. She is the sales manager at Paul’s Provisions.

Glenn was raised in her family’s event rental business. She also knew at an early age that she wanted to pursue a career in event management.

The two work well together and their respective talents complement each other. According to Kalupson, “Megan is the stronger designer. She can work with a client and from a piece of fabric, or a suggestion of color, visualize an entire range of possibilities. I am better at sales and logistics — things like making sure things are where they’re supposed to be at the right time.”

She said they also subcontract extra help when needed for setting up tables or some other aspects of the process.

NO WRONG VENUE

So what did I learn from the owners of B Events regarding trends in weddings? That weddings are as unique as the couples planning them. There is no wrong venue, nor a perfect plan either.

Venues of all types are used for today’s weddings.

The barn wedding is still popular, but the space can be decorated from the rustic to the elegant. Lighting, table treatments and flowers all contribute to the ambience.

Outdoor weddings are still popular and can be anywhere that has meaning for the couple.

The flower arrangements have changed and loosened from the formed balls of the 1990s. Both church weddings and those in a park are being treated with equal care by those whose work is flower sales and arrangement. Any bridal bouquet a bride visualizes is probably possible if the flowers are in season or obtainable.

SPENDING SMARTER

Asked about the cost factor in today’s weddings, Kalupson said, “I think that today’s couples are not necessarily spending less, but they’re spending smarter. They are considering options and doing their homework before buying a service.”

The main thing that couples should consider is what the most important part of the wedding is to them. To some, it is the music; others cite the flowers as being a prime focus.

Kit Henshaw, general manager/partner at Harrison’s Wine Grill and Catering and the Above the Valley Event Center, spoke by email about the trends she and manager Natalie Valdivia are seeing.

“Many couples are wanting to step away from a traditional hotel or banquet hall environment for their weddings,” said Henshaw. Gardens, parks, wineries and barns are among popular locations for wedding celebrations.

Additionally, according to Henshaw’s email, “The ease of the Internet makes planning destination weddings easier than ever, and in the Centre region that often means bringing together Penn State College friends who were there when the couple met, or perhaps an extended support system for two people who love the outdoors and all that our unique area offers guests during an out-of-town visit. “One wedding at Above the Valley was planned with the help of wedding planners, which eased the stress of the bride’s parents living half the world away in China.”

At both Above the Valley events and others that Harrison’s caters, a trend is that of couples integrating foods into their catering menus that represent their heritage, religion or important family favorites.

NOT JUST A SATURDAY EVENT

Saturday is no longer considered the only day to get married, and more couples are choosing their day to help their families and friends travel with ease and enjoy the occasion.

One couple recently got married on a Friday at Above the Valley, attended a Penn State football game on Saturday with their friends and held their reception on Sunday. Henshaw said this worked well for all concerned.

So, brides and grooms, it really is all about the two of you and what you want your wedding to be.

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