A wedding is such a special time in a couple’s life. They share a unique bond and deserve to celebrate it in an exceptional way. Many details of a wedding can be customized easily and affordably so that when the big day comes, it is sure to be one of a kind.
“Having the wedding of your dreams at a price in your budget is possible,†says Kim Novak, education manager for Pfaff Sewing Machines, a company that encourages creativity and individuality through sewing. “There are many details that can be personalized by the bride or groom themselves that will make the event unforgettable for them and their guests.â€
Here are some easy ways to customize the details of your wedding ceremony and reception:
* The Ceremony
Program: Whether traditional or contemporary, the ceremony should be unique to the couple. Pick songs that have special meaning during the ceremony. Create vows together so when you exchange them, you know they are something you wrote as a couple. Finally, create a who's who page in your ceremony programs, explaining your relationship to each person in your wedding party so guests learn why your wedding party is so special to you.
Fabric: From the fabric on the dress to the veil to the ring pillow, embroidery is a perfect way to add a personalized touch. For the ring pillow, why not embroider a special phrase expressing your commitment to one another? Sequins can easily be added to the garter to make it more fun or add your “Something Blue†with a quick monogram. Finally, add beads or beautiful embroidered lace to your veil for a classy and one of a kind piece that can be passed down through the generations.
“More brides are sewing and embroidering themselves thanks to new technologies,†adds Novak. “Machines like the Pfaff creative 2170 can create monograms and have downloadable programs that allow the bride quick and hassle-free customization options.â€
Pictures: Couples are beginning to create a collage of pictures and other meaningful items to display at the ceremony location for guests to view before and after the event. Choose a combination of portrait shots and candid shots. Personalize by adding special touches like decorative frames and written descriptions of the photos by the bride and groom. You can even turn your favorite picture into an embroidery design for a special centerpiece on your memory table.
* The Reception
Centerpieces: For a beautiful and simple centerpiece try placing vases with single flower stems or simply a bunch of baby’s breath. To personalize, place special items in the bottom of each vase. For example, put sea shells from your grandparent’s cabin decoratively in the bottom, or sand from a special beach where you both love to vacation. Flowers need not be the only idea for a perfect centerpiece. Why not try a simple pillar candle or group of votive candles? “For my wedding,†adds Sara Boughner, Pfaff education consultant, “I created my own table runners using the colors of our wedding. They were sewn in a snap with my Pfaff creative 4874 serger, saved the cost of renting and are mine to keep. For an extra special touch, I embroidered our monogram on the runner for the head table.â€
Ribbon: This is probably one of the least expensive ways to personalize your wedding. Ribbon can be ordered with your names and/or wedding date printed on it. Ribbon can be tied to anything from the centerpieces to the guest favors, even on the champagne flutes. A ribbon can be added to candles to coordinate with the colors of the wedding. To get a ribbon in a very special color, try using a Pfaff serger. Take lightweight fabric, perhaps even the fabric from the bridesmaids’ dresses, and simply sew a rolled hem with your serger to create one of a kind ribbon for decorating.
Guest Favors: There are many ideas for favors out there, so be sure to pick one that is special to you. For example, many candy companies will personalize their wrappers to create a special gift. Some couples create CD’s or small booklets of their favorite songs and poems. For an added touch, write a short, hand-written note thanking the guest for attending. Don’t forget about your gift bags! Add a personal touch with embroidery, stitching or beading.
“Sewing is an easy, affordable way to add special details to a wedding that will really make it stand out. With all the resources available, any bride, no matter how artistic, can save money and make their wedding unforgettable,†says Novak.
For more information about Pfaff, please visit www.pfaffusa.com.
Courtesy of ARA content
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Lanesborough Town Meeting to Vote Budget, Bylaws & Vehicle Purchases
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Tuesday's annual town meeting includes a $14 million operating budget, new short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and sign bylaws, and free cash article appropriations.
Voters will gather at Lanesborough Elementary School on June 9 at 6 p.m. to decide on 20 warrant articles.
The fiscal 2027 budget is up a little over 10 percent. Some of the main increases are the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School: the McCann assessment is up more than 30 percent based on factors including enrollment and the school renovation project, and Mount Greylock's is up 11 percent.
Article 11 is for the town to vote to approve from free cash the sum of $16,298.48 for the McCann Technical School roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. Article 3 is appropriate $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School assessment.
Another notable increase was in life and health insurance, showing an increase of about 26 percent.
Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. One of the articles asks the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses.
Many town departments are looking for new vehicles. The Fire Department is looking to replace its outdated 1996 fire engine. There are two articles related to the truck at a total of $813,366. Article 12 would transfer $225,000 from free cash into the Fire Truck Stabilization Fund; Article 13 would transfer $605,000 from the fund and authorize the borrowing of $208,366.08.
The total includes a $100,000 contingency cost to cover any additional costs if a 2026 model-year chassis cannot be secured before new emissions standards go into effect in 2027.
The board at its last meeting moved the $225,000 transfer to come before the borrowing article, changing the stabilization number. If the $225,000 is not voted on, then they will amend the next article's number on the floor, subtracting the $225,000. This shows the borrowing number significantly lower.
Article 17 asks for the transfer of $80,000 from free cash to replace a police cruiser.
Police Chief Rob Derksen's aim is to replace one vehicle every other year, meaning the oldest vehicle gets replaced about every 10 years.
He stressed that if delayed this year, the town may have to double up in a future year to get back on schedule, and that paying later usually costs more. The article will ask for $80,000 from free cash, the vehicles used to be funded by the BHRD.
Lastly, the Highway Department is looking to replace a 2014 International dump truck that will be a total of $330,000 and will take two to three years to receive.
Money will be used from last year's approval of $250,000 from free cash for the replacement of a 2012 highway front-end loader that was underspent $49,261. Town meeting is being asked to approve a transfer of $53,274.85 from free cash and the use of $227,464 from funds from the Sale of Town Real Estate to fund the balance.
Other free cash proposals include $1,200 to purchase software to support tracking and ongoing maintenance schedules of town-owned vehicles; $42,000 for the replacement of the Highway Department's storage shed roof, $200,000 to reduce the tax levy.
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