The state of Oklahoma and the Winter Olympics have something in common: both harbor athletes who are passionate about the sport of curling. And those Okie enthusiasts are hoping others will want to slide into the fun.
Curling is a sport in which two teams of four players each slide granite rocks, also called stones, down a sheet of ice toward a target. Each team tries to get more of its stones closer to the center of the target.
Fans of the sport say it’s a game that appeals to a variety of ages and ability levels. Curling also creates camaraderie among players, be it through league play, tournaments or just enjoying a drink after a match. Tulsa and Oklahoma City both offer clubs where players come together to compete or learn how to play.
“We just have a great time,” says Eric Vardeman, founder and president of the Tulsa Curling Club. “It’s a very social sport and a very social group. You can be as competitive as you want, or you can be as recreational as you want.”
Fair warning, though – curling can be addictive.
“I did one class and I got hooked,” says Mark Ngo, president of the Oklahoma Curling Club in OKC.
The Oklahoma City club meets at the Arctic Edge Ice Arena in Edmond, while the Tulsa club currently plays at the Oilers Ice Center. Ngo and Vardeman say that the Winter Olympics often spur interest in the sport locally, and both are encouraged by the passion they’ve seen so far. They hope their respective clubs can help grow a love for the sport, too.
Ngo says his dream “is to get enough memberships that we could start moving forward to get our own facility.” Vardeman mentions that the Tulsa group is excited about soon moving into the new WeStreet Ice Center, which is expected to open next year and will offer the club more space.
Those who are curious about curling can check out either club’s instructional classes to get started. For more information, visit okcurling.com and tulsacurlingclub.com.
Getting Started
Want to give curling a go? Vardeman and Ngo offer tips for that first class.
• Dress in layers. It may be cold on the ice initially, but you’ll warm up fast and may want to shed some clothes.
• Wear comfortable, rubber-soled athletic shoes. Curlers don’t play on ice skates. Instead, there are sliders that fit on shoes for play. Both clubs provide the equipment needed to participate in an instructional class.
• Give yourself some grace. It’s OK if you struggle a bit in your first classes. “It’s not a hard sport to learn, it’s just going to take some time to learn it,” says Vardeman.
• Make having fun the primary goal. Don’t take it too seriously.“We just ask people to have a good time,” says Ngo.
Image cutline:Typically played from fall to spring, curling involves two teams of four players, who slide granite rocks down a sheet of ice toward a target. Photo courtesy Tulsa Curling Club
Enabled in part by the intersection of numerous railroads and a massive western livestock market, Oklahoma National Stockyards emerged during 1910 as a public livestock market in southwest Oklahoma City. Massive packing plants simultaneously arrived next door to ‘the Yards,’ producing all kinds of meat products. These included Morris & Company, which later became Armour & Company, as well as Schwartzchild & Sulzberger, which later became Wilson & Company. As a result, a small city known as Packingtown enveloped thriving enterprises.
Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the four-block Packingtown area, renamed Stockyards City Historic District, is perched where Exchange Avenue and Agnew Avenue intersect I-40 and I-44. While fully renovated and modern, the area remains an island within OKC, with ambiance and appearance that haven’t changed much in the last century. The buildings are a bit weathered and the hitching posts are gone, but cowboy hats and boots are sold and worn everywhere, along with all things western.
The thriving area is home to historic and even world-famous business ventures. Two of those, birthed in 1910, include the iconic Cattlemen’s Steakhouse and Exchange Pharmacy – OKC’s oldest continually operating restaurant and pharmacy, respectively.
Stockyards City emerged in the 1910s and still provides ample tourist and business opportunity today. Photos courtesy Stockyards City
A host of other well-known shops and businesses cater to famous and global visitors, farmers, ranchers and locals. Those include National Saddlery, founded in 1926, which is a major go-to location for buckaroo gear. Additionally, the Professional Rodeo Association headquarters, which opened many doors for females in the rodeo world, is over 2,400 members strong and resides in the district. There are also authentic American Indian shops, plus trendy and cutting-edge retailers.
The Stockyards City Main Street Association keeps businesses buzzing and growing. The group’s annual family-friendly events, which lasso big crowds, are reminders of the Old West flavor that never really left the area.
But in the beginning, railroads and cattle drives were integral to the Yards’ origins. During the area’s first year in operation, over half a million farm animals thundered onto the scene. Hay, corn and oat sales hit over $74k by 1934. The Yards evolved into a cattle auction in 1961, became the nation’s number one cattle market by the 1980s, and the largest cattle auction in the world by 1996.
Over 102,000,000 head of livestock have now passed through the Yards, which includes 32 acres of cattle pens, plus real cowboys on horseback, and is the world’s largest stocker and feeder cattle market.
The venture has a contemporary and global presence that continues as a major cog in the area, state and national economic engine. Along with ranchers and buyers, the public is welcome at Monday and Tuesday auctions, with times posted on Facebook every Sunday night.
Rousing Beginnings
During Oklahoma’s early years, influential politicians pushed hard within the state’s landscape to create a sturdy infrastructure. This initiative included the 1910 transition of the state capital from Guthrie to OKC, the latter of which boasted a population of 60,000 at the time.
Part of this plan involved generating OKC’s first major industry – the Yards plus packing plants – an enterprise hub that created 2,400 jobs and held firm as OKC’s largest employer for years.
A commercial district mushroomed around the hub, plus housing and transportation, meeting the needs of workers, and farmers and ranchers who brought their livestock into the district.
Sporting events appeal to a broad range of people – from die-hard fans to those just looking for a fun night out on the town. If you’re on the hunt for another team to follow or just an event to visit, support one of these Oklahoma-based sporting franchises.
OKC Dodgers Baseball
The Oklahoma City Dodgers “has been continuous since 1962,” says Alex Freedman, the team’s director of communications. “The team was known as the 89ers from 1962 to 1997, the RedHawks from 1998 to 2014 and the Oklahoma City Dodgers since 2015.”
The Dodgers won league titles in 1963, 1965, 1992, 1996 and 2023. Last season, the team won 90 regular season games, which is the team’s most during the Bricktown Era – since 1998 – and the most generally since 1965 (91 wins).
Notable players who have moved onto the majors include Cody Bellinger (Chicago Cubs), Walker Buehler (LA Dodgers) and Nelson Cruz (Washington Nationals), among others. The team is the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, meaning many players move up to the majors through the LA-based team.
“When the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series in 2020, 16 of the 26 players on the roster, and 8 of the 9 on the field when the final out was made, were former OKC players,” says Freedman.
OKC Dodgers; Photo by Eddie Kelly / ProLook Photos
FC Tulsa Soccer
FC Tulsa is Oklahoma’s premier professional soccer club. Founded in 2015 as the Tulsa Roughnecks FC, the team relaunched under its current name prior to the 2020 season. That’s due to brothers and Tulsa natives J.W., Ryan and Kyle Craft, who purchased the franchise. FC Tulsa plays in the USL Championship, the second division of U.S. soccer.
In February 2020, the team signed the first broadcast television deal in club history. Additionally, FC Tulsa became the sixth professional U.S. club to represent the PUMA brand.
Despite the 2020 pandemic, the team finished with a record-breaking campaign that saw the club go 6W-2L-7D, snagging a USL Championship playoff berth – the second in club history.
FC Tulsa offers an adult indoor league for ages 16 and over. Plus, the Craft family launched north Tulsa’s first fully-funded youth soccer league. FC Tulsa Training Academy also offers soccer camps and clinics.
OKC Spark Softball
With the USA Softball Hall of Fame complex in Oklahoma City, it makes sense that OKC is the softball capital of the world. Thus, the 2022 launch of OKC Spark Softball created a boon for women’s fastpitch in the state. One of four teams in the Women’s Professional Fastpitch League, the Spark is the newest team in both Oklahoma and in women’s pro fastpitch at large.
Swinging into action during June 2023, the team’s first six games, played at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Gerry Pinkston Stadium in Edmond, included a roster featuring fan faves from Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma. These days, most Spark home games are played at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium.
The team’s inaugural season ended in August; in the eight-week summer season, the team amassed 21 wins. Additionally, pitcher Donnie Gobourne was the WPF strikeout leader with 104 strikeouts in only 16 appearances.
Photo courtesy OKC Spark/Hope Heinen
Tulsa Drillers Baseball
Double-A minor league team the Tulsa Drillers is the affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers major-league club and currently plays in the Texas League. The team began in 1977, when the two-year-old Lafayette Drillers were moved to Tulsa, keeping the name.
The Drillers have been Texas League champions four times – in 1982, 1988, 1998 and in 2018. Notable pro players that got their starts with the Drillers include retired pitcher Ubaldo Jiménez, retired shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and currently LA Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler.
OKC Blue Basketball
The Oklahoma City Blue competes in the NBA G League as a member of the Western Conference. The franchise began in 2001 as the Asheville Altitude in Asheville, N.C. The team relocated to Tulsa as the Tulsa 66ers. In 2008, the Oklahoma City Thunder purchased the team, relocating them to Oklahoma City.
As a professional basketball team affiliated with the Thunder, the Blue plays home games at OKC’s Paycom Center. As of this writing, the team is ranked 18 of 31 teams in the league.
OKC Blue; Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images
Tulsa Oilers Hockey
In terms of on-ice performance and longevity, the Tulsa Oilers hockey team is one of the most successful professional sports franchises in North American history.
Founded in 1928, the team has a 90+ year history, and began as an expansion member of the American Hockey Association. During the team’s inaugural season, the Oilers won the American Hockey Association Championship.
The Oilers team has existed as four separate franchises in five different leagues. In 2013, the Stevens brothers purchased the Oilers. Fans may enjoy home games in Tulsa’s state-of-the-art BOK Center, which is the 42nd largest indoor entertainment venue in the U.S. As of this writing, the Oilers are ranked No. 4 in the Western Conference of the ECHL.
Featured image credit: OKC Blue; photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images
Start your new year off right with a variety of performances and showcases on the stage.
In Tulsa, Celebrity Attractions starts strong with Hairspray, running Jan. 2-7 at the Tulsa PAC. Other goodies at the PAC include Amahl and the Night Visitors on Jan. 6-7; the show, presented by Tulsa Youth Opera, follows the three kings and their trip to Bethlehem. Stick around for Tulsa Symphony’s Ebb and Flow, playing Jan. 13 with in-demand composer Sarah Hicks. Theatre Tulsa welcomes its first show of the year at the PAC: Annie, running Jan. 19-Feb. 4. Other can’t-miss performances this month include comedian Anthony Jeselnik at River Spirit Casino Resort on Jan. 27 and Signature Symphony’s Inspirations, playing at the TCC Van Trease PACE on Jan. 27.
In OKC, the Civic Center Music Hall beckons with performances galore. Begin the month with the OKC Philharmonic, which offers Rachmaninoff! on Jan. 13 and Funky Fresh & Sugar Free on Jan. 14. Stick around for Les Miserables, presented by OKC Broadway, coming to town Jan. 16-21. Other performances in OKC include comedian Trey Kennedy on Jan. 13 at the Criterion; the Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration by the Norman Philharmonic on Jan. 15 at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church; and Armstrong Auditorium’s presentation of the Vida Guitar Quartet.
Around the state, don’t miss comedian John Mulaney at Winstar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville on Jan. 20; Gaslight Theatre’s presentation of As You Like It, Jan. 20-28 in Enid; and Come From Away, Jan. 23-24 at the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts.
You’ll enjoy a dynamic combo of sporting events in every corner of the state this month.
In Tulsa, the highly ranked Oilers continue their home games at the BOK Center on Jan. 5-7, 12-13 and 26-28. If micro-sprint racing is more your speed, don’t miss the Chili Bowl event, Jan. 7-13 at Expo Square. You’ll want to circle back to the BOK Center Jan. 19-20 for the Professional Bull Riding’s Unleash the Beast rodeo event.
Pro, semi-pro and college basketball are all in full swing this month. Our beloved NBA team, the OKC Thunder, plays at home – the Paycom Center –Jan. 2, 11, 13, 23, 29 and 31. Stick around the arena for the G-League OKC Blue on Jan. 2-3, 9-10 and 21. OU’s b-ball offerings can be found at Norman’s Lloyd Noble Center on Jan. 6, 13, 27 and 31 for the women and Jan. 6, 17, 23 and 27 for men. In Stillwater, visit the Gallagher-Iba Arena on Jan. 2, 6, 16, 23 and 27 for the Cowboys and Jan. 10, 17, 20 and 28 for the Cowgirls.
Other sporting goodies around the state include the Stampede at the E, Jan. 3-6; the International Finals Rodeo, Jan. 11-14; and the Kicker AMA Arenacross and Freestyle Motocross Show, Jan. 19-20 – all at Guthrie’s Lazy E Arena.
Photo caption: OKC Thunder; photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images
Although the holidays are behind us, you can still get your skate on at the following: Broken Arrow’s ice rink, 418 S. Main, through Jan. 7; Norman’s Crest on Ice, 2550 Mt. Williams Dr., through Jan. 7; Edmond’s ice rink, Mitch Park, through Jan. 15; and OKC’s Devon ice rink, Myriad Botanical Gardens, through Jan. 29.
In Tulsa, monthly events beckon – visit the First Friday Art Crawl in downtown Tulsa on Jan. 5 or the Second Saturday Architecture Tour at 100 E. Second St. on Jan. 13. Other must-visits include the Tulsa Martin Luther Jr. King Day Parade, beginning at N. Detroit Ave. and John Hope Franklin Blvd. on Jan. 15, as well as the Go Short, Go Long, Go Very Long races on Jan. 20 throughout the Tulsa River Parks Trail System. In the latter, runners can choose between 5-, 10-, 25- and 50K races. Lastly, venture to Expo Square for the Green Country Home and Garden Show on Jan. 26-28 and the Tulsa Boat, Sport and Travel Show on Jan. 29-Feb. 4.
Offerings are varied in Oklahoma City and range from the Arcadia Lake Eagle Watch on Jan. 5-7 to the Oklahoma City Spirit Fair – where visitors can pick up new spiritual gifts – on Jan. 6-7 at the Reed Conference Center. Head to the OKC Fairgrounds for the OKC RV and Boat Show from Jan. 12-14 and the OK Home and Garden Show from Jan. 19-21. Lastly, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration in the Gardens runs Jan. 15 at Myriad Botanical Gardens.
Around the state, visitors can enjoy the First Day Hike on Jan. 1 at a variety of state parks. For some high-Octane action, visit: Duncan Monster Truck Wars, Jan. 20 at Enid’s Stephens County Fairgrounds; the Mad Dog Demolition Derby, Jan. 20 at the Claremore Expo Center; and the Red River Showdown Go-Kart Racing event, Jan. 26-27, also at the Stephens County Fairgrounds. Lastly, head to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and Celebration on Jan. 15 at Muskogee’s Martin Luther King Community Center.
It’s January! As usual, the pickings are slim, but we’ll see what we can cobble together for one of the most depressing months of the year!
First up is Night Swim. Based on a short film, the plot revolves around the Waller family as they move into a new fixer-upper, only to find that a supernatural presence haunts the backyard swimming pool. The trailer is essentially an extended scene of the popular pool game Marco Polo. I’m not sure how good the idea of “spooky water” will be, but with horror producer hot-shots James Wan (director of The Conjuring) and Jason Blum (producer of sleeper hit M3GAN), this could have some hidden ingredients I just can’t see yet. Dive into the deep end on Jan. 5.
For some good ol’ action, look no further than The Beekeeper. Jason Statham stars as Mr. Clay, a former operative in a group called Beekeepers. Now he’s an actual beekeeper. When his friend gets robbed, he naturally takes it upon himself to absolutely obliterate all the criminals involved. The trailer has lots of death, bee jokes and the ever popular “this one guy took out all my men” lines. The plot seems comically undercooked, but Statham is a lauded action star through and through; that might just be enough to get you to the theaters when it opens Jan. 12.
Mean Girls; photo courtesy Paramount Pictures Main image cutline: Nightswim; photo courtesy Universal Pictures
For a musical twist on a classic comedy, check out Mean Girls. Based on the hit Broadway musical … which is based on the hit 2004 film … which is based on the hit 2002 book Queen Bees and Wannabes, this iteration takes the original plot and adds in music and dance. Starring Angourie Rice (The Nice Guys) as Cady, and relative newcomer Renee Rapp as Regina (who played the same role in the Broadway musical), the film looks like an excellent trip back in time with a few fun changes to the formula. Tina Fey returns to write the script and star in her original role as Ms. Norbury, with another return performance by Tim Meadows as Principal Duvall. Don’t miss out on being so fetch when it arrives on Jan. 12.
For a heist film, try Lift. Kevin Hart stars as a world class thief who is tasked with robbing a plane mid-flight. If he fails, he goes to prison for all his previous illegal deeds. Vincent D’Onofrio (Full Metal Jacket) and Jean Reno (Leon) also show up as a part of Hart’s crew and the main antagonist, respectively. The trailer is full of corny jokes and Ocean’s 11-style robbery shenanigans. If you’re bored on a Friday night, this movie might do the trick when it lands on Netflix Jan. 12.
Lastly, for an anime film nearly 25 years old, grab tickets for Cowboy Bebop: The Movie. Originally released in 2001, the film follows the bounty hunters Spike, Jet, Faye and Ed as they deal with an international terrorist who plans to use a biological weapon on innocent civilians. Based on the wildly popular anime of the same name, the film has beautiful animation, wonderful voice acting and some great fight choreography. Knowing a bit about the show helps, but it’s not needed to enjoy the story. It’s in theaters January 21-23.
President and CEO of the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce, Mike Neal has been working to improve the city since he took the job in 2006. Before moving to Oklahoma, Neal led chambers in Nashville and his hometown of Monroe, La. Outside work, Neal is involved in a variety of community efforts, including serving as the board chair of the Oklahoma Academy – a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the state through public policy. Neal and his wife, Jana, have two daughters. We caught up with Neal and got his thoughts on …
… the best part of his job.
The opportunity to be involved in so many different projects every day, and to work with a highly supportive business community, Chamber board and a phenomenally dedicated and devoted staff. I value and appreciate the partnerships we’ve developed with the mayor, city council members, county commissioners, state and federal elected officials, and legislative delegations – and our extremely collaborative tribal partners. I’m a people person, so I get energized by having the opportunity to work with so many talented partners.
… how Tulsa has transformed during his 17+ year tenure.
Downtown Tulsa is almost unrecognizable from what it was. Progress has been tremendous. We now have an extraordinary ability to attract events – and to showcase Tulsa to visitors during events like the PGA Championship, NCAA wrestling, USA Gymnastics, USA BMX and so many others. We’ve also seen tremendous growth across the region. There used to be competition between Tulsa and the suburbs, but now we work together and understand that a win for one is a win for our entire region. We have fabulous regional chambers and regional economic development partners who do such outstanding work in their respective communities, work that benefits us all.
… where he’d like Tulsa to be by 2050.
I’d like to see that Tulsa has attracted a number of new corporate headquarters. I’d like to see that we have continued to build on our thriving manufacturing base while taking advantage of the Tulsa Port of Catoosa, the Port of Inola, the Port of Muskogee and the MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor to further grow our economy. I know we will continue to support and build on our legacy industries of energy and aerospace/aviation. I look forward to completion of the new low water dam adjacent to Gathering Place, but also other low water dams, so we can more fully utilize the Arkansas River for recreational purposes.
Our region should continue to build on the success of the Tulsa Remote program in attracting talented young people from all across this country and around the world to come to Tulsa for job and career opportunities, and to raise families. In the next decades I’d like to see our entertainment districts more fully developed, contributing to an even more vibrant downtown, bustling wider community and suburbs. And as a golf fan, I look forward to us regularly hosting future PGA Championships and U.S. Opens at Southern Hills Country Club.
… what he’s looking forward to.
The continued growth and progress of the Chamber. We will continue to pursue our mission of transforming the Tulsa region by attracting and retaining employers, talent and tourism in support of long-term prosperity. We will go after big goals in our strategic areas of economic development, tourism, government affairs and community development. I’m also looking forward to the continued progress of our city – our downtown development, and utilization of the BOK Center and ONEOK Field. Both of those venues have been enormous catalysts for public and private investments. Outstanding public-private partnerships have been developed in collaboration with the city, county and state, as well as with our federal and tribal partners. And I’m excited about the opportunity to jump start construction of a new convention center hotel in downtown Tulsa, adjacent to a new medical district that is being expanded by OSU and the new VA hospital.
… the Oklahoma Academy.
The Oklahoma Academy is a statewide, nonprofit/nonpartisan membership organization founded by Gov. Henry Bellmon in 1967 to bring public attention to the major policy issues facing the state, and to provide objective research, develop consensus public policy recommendations and act as a catalyst for positive change on those issues. One way the Academy achieves this mission is through its annual Town Hall conference. The Academy just finished up this year’s Town Hall, which focused on our need for housing in Oklahoma. The commitment of the Town Hall participants to foster a dialogue on affordable, accessible and attainable housing was vital in addressing the pressing issues our state is currently facing. The Academy will release those recommendations at a press conference this month. In my second year as board chair, I will lead the Academy in launching a substantial $5 million endowment campaign. The achievement of this long-term investment will secure Governor Bellmon’s vision for years to come.
… his off-time.
In the early mornings you can find me at the gym. In the evenings I’ll be at a ballgame or a concert at the BOK Center. I’m a huge sports fan and enjoy watching football, basketball, baseball, soccer and hockey – and maybe occasionally attempting to play golf. I also walk 10 to 12 miles a day, so I am constantly moving. About twice a year, you can also find me at the Neal Family Vineyards in Napa Valley.
If you scour the internet, odds are you’ll find wedding advice ranging from logical to downright bonkers. But there are a few tried and true bits of guidance that most people can agree upon. A few include:
Think long and hard before landing on a wedding date.
You may jump at the chance to secure your dream venue, or your dream price, no matter the time of year. But careful consideration should be given to the exact date you land on. Think about the people you most want there – does that date work for them? How about weather conditions? Are there any major events in your city that will coincide with the date you desire, making parking, availability and general logistics more difficult?
Prioritize your guests.
This day is about you and your betrothed, no doubt about it. But remember that your guests should also be a priority on your big day. Don’t make them wait outside in the heat or cold for longer than you’d be willing to endure. Ensure food and drink are ample, and served at the correct time. Additionally, make sure you’re selecting a venue that can comfortably accommodate all of your guests.
Hire a planner.
If budget allows, a planner will greatly relieve you of some major stress – from dealing with vendors to delegating tasks, handling interpersonal disputes and everything in between.
Utilize credit.
Firstly, ensure your credit score is tip-top before embarking on the large financial journey that is throwing a wedding. After that, research credit card bonuses and perks, and consider signing up for the best deals. While it will take major forethought and budgeting, credit card reward points can help tremendously with airfare, honeymoons, down payments and more.
Get ready to edit.
After getting all your ducks in a row, you’ll more than likely have to trim some fat somewhere to make the day work. This editing could look like a lot of things – from cutting down your guest list to your bridal party, dress budget, number of hors d’oeuvres or total cocktails on the menu.
Trust the experts.
At the end of the day, those in the wedding industry likely know more than you when it comes to planning the big day. Don’t be afraid to rely upon, or defer to, their judgment if you’re unsure about something.
What to Look For
In today’s world, we may use the term ‘red flag,’ a little too liberally. Regardless, your wedding vendors shouldn’t have any. So, what should you look for when booking these all-important vendors?
In all vendors:
A strong social media presence, or at least an up-to-date website
Up-front pricing
Quick and friendly communication
Openness to suggestion/collaboration
Positive reviews
In a florist:
That in-person bouquets look exactly as they do on social media
A designer that can, and has, created your floral aesthetic before
In a baker:
The opportunity for a cake tasting
A variety of positive feedback – not only of the cake’s appearance, but its taste and how it was delivered
In a venue:
Up-front contracts with clear language
A happy and enthusiastic staff
Back-up plans or offerings in case of inclement weather or emergency
In a caterer:
A variety of positive feedback – not only of the food’s taste, but it’s appearance, temperature and delivery
Competitive – but not incredibly low – pricing.
Trend Forecast
Wedding trends seem to be changing every time you look. Experts agree that in 2024, the following will be seen more often than not:
Mixed company:
Although the tradition conveys that the bride and groom shouldn’t see each other until the ceremony or first look, many couples are eschewing that belief in 2024. Some wedding parties are getting ready all together, while other couples opt to hang out alone with their soon-to-be-spouse before the ceremony starts.
Late night bites:
If you’re planning a celebration that goes past 10 p.m., odds are your guests may get hungry again after dinner and drinks. Enter the late-night bite! From food trucks to pizza by the slice, many couples are bringing in another food option at the end of the evening – a sort of edible wedding favor, if you will.
Private vows:
Vows can often be incredibly personal and intimate, and more couples are realizing they’d rather keep those words between themselves. The pro of this is a shorter ceremony, meaning more time to party!
Candid photos:
From disposable cameras on reception tables to an editorial photographer, we’re seeing a shift away from numerous posed shots and a greater focus on capturing a wedding’s beautifully unplanned moments.
Mini dresses:
Whether brides are opting for a shorter dress just for the reception or for the entire sha-bang, minis are cycling back into style.
Audio guest books:
Many creative couples are setting up a phone at the reception, where guests can ‘leave messages’ of advice and love as opposed to signing a guest book. This better captures the essence of the day, and will likely give the couple some good laughs.
More sitting:
No, we don’t mean a move away from the dance floor. Instead, you’ll likely see more wedding parties sitting down in the front row instead of beside the bride and groom. Not only does this allow the most important people to the couple to be able to see the ceremony, but it also keeps from drawing focus away from the couple.
Etiquette 101
You’d think in the year 2024, people would know how to act at a wedding. But some things still need to be reiterated. Here are some equiette tips for anyone involved in the special day:
For the couple:
Don’t put registry information on the wedding invitation – You’ll have plenty of time to tout your registry. Your wedding inviation isn’t the time to start.
Always be on time – Your family and friends are working hard to help you plan your special day. Ensure that you’re always on time to showers, parties, fittings and the like so no one starts feeling slighted.
Don’t expect guests to pay for things day-of – Many of your guests and wedding party members have likely pitched in financially before your big day, from buying new outfits to transportation costs. Don’t ask them to pay for things at the wedding itself – like a cash bar on honeypot donation.
Don’t make guests wait – Barring major emergencies or usual circumstances, your wedding and reception should start on-time. Remember to value your guests’ time.
Avoid a singles table– Coming alone to a wedding shouldn’t be an ostracizing experience. Make sure your single guests are seated with their friends, not relegated to a table with other singles.
For parents/elders of the couple:
Don’t micromanage or make executive decisions – We know, you’ve done this before and just want to help. But remember that as a parent or elder of the couple, your job is to help in the ways the couple needs you to, not how you want to help.
Be upfront about budget contributions – Whether you plan on paying for the entire shindig or aren’t able to contribute anything, don’t dance around that conversation or use your finances as a bargaining chip.
Prepare your speech in advance – No one wants to hear a meandering speech, not even coming from the bride and groom. Make sure your delivery is well-rehearsed and succinct.
Remain positive about planning elements – So you hate the dress, the food, or the color scheme. Oh well. Keep that to yourself! The only thing you’ll be doing is making the couple feel bad about something they enjoy.
Don’t invite anyone that’s not on the guest list – No explanation necessary.
For the bridal party:
Prioritize the bride or groom – A simple bit of etiquette, but something that can often be forgotten. Even if things are a bit inconvenient or over-the-top, remember that this is the special day of someone you love. Just go with it! (Within reason, of course.)
Help plan – Everyone, even the couple, has a life outside planning this wedding. Make sure to offer as much help as your bandwidth allows.
Be prepared to pay for certain aspects of the wedding – For most wedding party members, the celebration isn’t a free ticket to paradise. Be prepared to shell out cash on portions of the celebration, from bachelor/bachelorette parties to clothing, make-up or accessories.
Block off the entire wedding day – Your friend’s wedding day is not the time for additional errands or obligations. From sunrise until long after sunset, your priority should be the wedding and the wedding only.
For guests:
RSVP on time – And if you don’t, prepare to lose your spot at the event. Most RSVPs can be made online now, no excuses!
Stick to the registry – No, the couple probably doesn’t want a hand-painted birdhouse. They worked hard to create a registry of the things they want and need – use it!
Stay engaged– The last thing a couple wants to see when they look out into the crowd is a bunch of people on their phones or talking to one another. Stay focused during the ceremony, and make sure to be present and social during the reception.
Don’t take any fashion risks – The couple has a vision for the wedding, so make sure you stick to the recommended dress theme. No feather boas … unless requested!
Oscar de la RentaGalia Lahav Le Etoile CollectionMonique Lhuillier; photo by Jose VillaAnne Barge, Blue Willow; photo by Laura GordonArava PolakCarol Hannah; photo by Savanna SturkieGahlia Lahav Le Reve CollectionGahlia Lahav Le Reve CollectionAlon Livne White; photo by Dudi HassonAnne Barge, Blue Willow; photo by Laura GordonBadgley MischkaEsé AzénaborGahlia Lahav Le Reve CollectionGalia Lahav Le Etoile CollectionGalia Lahav Le Etoile CollectionGalia Lahav Le Etoile CollectionGalia Lahav Le Etoile CollectionGalia Lahav Le Etoile CollectionGalia Lahav Le Etoile CollectionGalia Lahav Le Etoile CollectionGrace Loves LaceNicole MilanoPronoviasReem AcraPronoviasPronoviasReem AcraVera WangVera Wang
All photos courtesy the designer unless otherwise marked
