Deerfield GolfClub, Author at Deerfield Golf Club

6 Ways Couples Can Lower Wedding Fees

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Deerfield GolfClub

The average wedding budget costs brides and grooms (and the parents of the bride and groom) $28,385. Plus, couples also spent an average of $1,184 on rehearsal dinners and $457 on morning-after wedding brunches. So how can you make sure you’re maximizing your budget for the happiest day of your life? Take advantage of the hottest 2015 wedding trends to get the most out of your wedding experience.

2015 Wedding Dress Trends
For Fall of 2015 especially, deep-V and halter top necklines are all over the latest bridal collections. And the operative word in that sentence is “deep,” like, really deep. And for brides that want to show off their shoulders, 2015’s latest crop of wedding dresses should be right up your alley. Feathers and fringes have also appeared in designer bridal collections this year. Plus, metallic colors have carried over from many 2014 collections.

2015 Wedding Trends — White Glove Affairs
Since at least 2010, casual wedding themes have reigned supreme, with laid-back wedding theme ideas like “Wild West” and “Rustic” topping many lists. Inventive guest entertainment options like photo booths and disposable cameras became standard at many receptions, replacing button-up events. This year, more brides are opting for white glove ceremonies and receptions, and so more traditional themes are making a comeback.

There’s nothing wrong with a casual, laid back wedding reception, but there’s nothing wrong with going formal for the most important day of your life, either.

For The Indecisive Bride — The Three Wedding Dresses Trend
If you’re incredibly indecisive (and you can afford it!), some 2015 brides are choosing NOT to find the absolutely perfect wedding dress. Instead, they find three dresses — a formal gown for the walk down the aisle, a thin sheath for the reception, and a fringe-covered or feathered dress for the after-party.

Of course, even if you just limit yourself to two dresses, wedding traditionalists might still think you’re overdoing it.

Gay Weddings
Now that the Supreme Court has legalized gay marriage in all 50 states, you might face some extra competition when trying to book wedding venues and vendors. Although certain liberal states have long been a destination for gay and lesbian couples, states that only recently started issuing same-sex marriage licenses will see a backlog in gay weddings in 2015 and 2016. So make sure you make reservations further in advance for the next few years.

Beautiful Wedding Places — Outdoor Weddings Still On The Rise
Although this trend usually peaks in the summer time, more and more brides and grooms choose to say “I Do” at an outdoor venue. In fact, Hudson Valley Weddings estimates that up to 35% of wedding ceremonies take place outside at romantic wedding places.

Ethnic-Inspired Wedding Brunches
Although pancake, bacon, and egg lovers might be disappointed, fusion cuisine is taking over brunch in 2015. As morning-after wedding brunches become standard at most weddings, brides are rushing to outdo each other with exciting new menus for wedding brunches.

Tips From The Deerfield Golf Academy Part Two

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Deerfield GolfClub

Tip #2 – Putting

One of the most important aspects of putting is being able to see your intended line. In putting, one must accomplish two tasks:

Start the ball on the correct line
Get the correct speed

In order to see the intended line, one must position their eyes in a manner that will give the best chance. One of the most common faults seen during putting lessons is incorrect posture. Most people typically stand too tall with their eyes too far inside their intended starting line. This may also come from an improper length putter.

When putting, try to get your eyes somewhat over the golf ball. While they don’t have to be EXACTLY over the ball, one should try to be as close as possible. If you find that you are trying to do this, but are having a hard time, have a teaching professional check the length of your putter or provide you with drills specific to your needs. Ben Austin, PGA and Michael Tobiason of the Deerfield Golf Academy are available for private lessons and/or short game clinics to help you improve putting!

Refer to this photo as an excellent reference for good setup, as the eyes are directly over the ball. The other lines indicate good balance. Use these tips, and you will surely see an improvement on your putting!

Tips From The Deerfield Golf Academy Part One

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Deerfield GolfClub

Tip #1 Chipping

One of the biggest problems that we see with ameteur golfers is the desire to get “under the ball” when chipping. When golfers try to get “under” the ball, they start to develop bad habits which can cause problems in every aspect of the game. Instead of trying to get under the ball, try to have a slightly descending blow into the ball. An easy way to think about chipping is a lower case “y”.

Try setting up with your weight slightly on your front foot and lean the club forward. By doing this, you create a lower case “y”. If you are able to pivot or use your body correctly, this “y” will not change.

If you need more help with your chipping, Ben Austin, PGA and Michael Tobiason are available to help you improve!

Attention Brides: The Hot Wedding Trend of 2015 Is…

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Deerfield GolfClub

Brunches! Not only are brunches delicious — but they can frequently be cheaper options, as well.

Weddings are supposed to be the happiest day of your life. In fact, they’re often such joyous occasions that many Americans end up getting married two or three times. As the cost of planning a wedding continues to rise, brides are more interested than ever in finding fun yet affordable eating options for their receptions.

While many brides still spend their post-proposal days flipping through the pages of bridal magazines, the modern bride is much more likely to plan her dream wedding online — we’re now living in the Pinterest Age of wedding planning.

But that perfect dream wedding doesn’t come cheap. So just how much are brides spending in 2015?

The average wedding ceremony and reception budget is $28,385, which is sometimes more than what many newlyweds make in a year. But, of course, there’s also the rehearsal dinner of your dreams. In 2013, U.S. brides spend an average of almost $1,200 on their rehearsal dinners, up from about $1,100 the year before. And in 2015, morning after wedding brunches are also popular among brides.

Many couples plan a three day affair (okay, poor choice of words). Three day nuptials include a rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception, followed by a Sunday brunch buffet. On average, those after wedding brunch dishes cost up to $450 in total.

However, because almost 35% of weddings are now held outdoors, according to Hudson Valley Weddings, many summer brides are choosing morning ceremonies. Holding a morning ceremony can help brides book in-demand, unique wedding places, while also avoiding the sweat-inducing (and makeup destroying) summer sun.

So for couples that say “I Do” right after sunrise, a Saturday or Sunday morning brunch buffet makes more sense than a traditional dinner. And in 2015, ethnic-inspired brunch dishes are the latest “hot trend” on catering menus. For example, Asian-flavored syrups, Chorizo scrambled eggs, or coconut milk pancakes and crepes can add a touch of class to plain old breakfast items.

For brides and grooms who opt for a morning ceremony, or who don’t want to plan three days of wedding festivities, then a Sunday brunch buffet is a popular solution.

After all, everyone loves brunch, and what brunch wouldn’t be improved by mimosas and wedding cake?

Three Golf Swing Myths and How to Avoid Them on the Green

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Deerfield GolfClub

Did you know that an 18-hole round of golf can burn nearly 2,000 calories? That’s because walking around the course equates to about 5 miles, and if you carry your own clubs, you’re burning even more because of the resistance. If it’s a hot day and you’d prefer to stick to a cart or a caddy, you’re still burning nearly 1,300. In other words, learn how to play golf! It’s good for your health.

Of course, a lot of golfers spend most of their time on the green frustrated about their swing or their putting performance. The trick is not to over-analyze every little detail of the game, though of course that’s easier said than done. But it also helps to know what not to do when you’re getting ready for your first drive. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of three driving myths to help you face the facts.

Myth #1: “Keep your head down.”

The Misnomer: It’s important to keep your head locked into position so you can keep an eye on the ball at all times. This helps your eyes coordinate with your arms and shoulders, meaning when you follow through on the swing, you’ll always make contact and send the ball where you want it to go.

The Real Deal: By focusing too much on your head’s position, you’re actually taking away the concentration on other crucial things — namely, the fluid motion of your body during its swing. When you don’t allow your head to move naturally, you’re actually slashing your chances of contact because you’re stifling your body’s full range of motion. And when you’re trying to play golf, that’s never a good idea.

Myth #2: “Swing harder for more power.”

The Misnomer: You see this all the time when you set up at a new driving green: golfers who mistook “solid contact” for “complete annihilation.” It’s an easy trap to fall into, of course — you notice you’re swinging too slowly so you overcompensate by swinging harder but not necessarily faster.

The Real Deal: Ask any professional, the key is just making contact, not crushing the ball with everything you’ve got. If you’re trying to hit as far as you can by winding up further to get more power, you’re actually throwing off your body’s natural rhythm and therefore, the entire swing in general.

Myth #3: “Your left arm should be straight.”

The Misnomer: Certain pros have played their best golf games ever by keeping their left arms locked in place during their swings. While this might work for them — and for countless others at public golf tournaments and local golf club events across the nation — it might not work for everyone. The left-arm lock is a preference, not a rule.

The Real Deal: It’s a bit like the fixed-head problem we mentioned above. Plenty of golfers over-think their swings, causing them to lose focus and ultimately shank or slice their drives and chips. In order to find your swing, spend some serious time practicing and getting comfortable in your own skin. Try to make it as natural as taking a step or paddling into water.

For more times on how to play golf like a pro, talk to an actual pro. He or she might just have a few secret tips to show you.

Three Things You Absolutely Need to Consider When You’re Choosing a Wedding Venue

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Deerfield GolfClub

One of the biggest decisions a couple has to make when planning their wedding is choosing the venue. It’s one of the largest expenses and plays a huge role in setting the tone of the wedding itself. Whether you’re looking for traditional or unique wedding places, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when you’re picking the place you’re going to tie the knot. Here’s a short checklist of things to look for in the best places to have a wedding.

1. Is the venue going to suit the theme and feel of your wedding?
You should absolutely visit any venue you’re thinking about before you make any decisions to be able to get a good sense of the mood and the atmosphere of the place. When you do, you should be thinking about the feel you’re going for with your ceremony. Is it small, intimate, and informal? Or is it big, solemn, and formal? The overall feel of the wedding should inform your choice in venue.

2. Can the venue accommodate all of your guests?
When you visit a venue, you should also make sure you’re thinking of logistics. What kind of altar are you going to need? How many people are you going to seat? Are any of your guests going to need handicap accessibility? Make sure that you go over all of these things with the manager of the venue to make sure that they can accommodate you. Some of the best places to have a wedding reception and ceremony have an outdoor space — 35% of weddings are outdoor occasions, according to Hudson Valley Weddings. Outdoor spaces are more adaptable than indoor spaces.

3. Can you hold both the wedding and reception there?
It’s also worth considering whether or not you can hold the wedding and the reception there. The average budget for the ceremony and reception alone is upward of $28,000 and most venues that can accommodate both are less expensive. Additionally, places that can do both a ceremony and reception can provide the catering as well, which is also generally less expensive than the average $1,184 spent on rehearsal dinners and the $457 spent on wedding brunches.

What are you looking for in a wedding venue? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!

Three Tips and Ideas for Your Day After Wedding Brunch

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Deerfield GolfClub

Brunch is one of the trendiest meals there are right now — people come out in droves every Sunday for mimosas and waffles. Brunch actually started across the pond in England, and took about 30 years to catch on in the U.S. Brunches have been a part of wedding celebrations for some time. Most couples choose to hold a brunch the day after the wedding, since it’s the perfect chance to gather in a smaller setting with close friends and family without all of the distractions that come with the ceremony and reception. Here are a few tips and ideas for throwing a day after wedding brunch.

1. Plan an interesting menu
Having a brunch is great, but chances are your guests have attended at least a handful of them. The best thing about a brunch — besides a relaxing atmosphere and the company of course — is the menu, and here’s your chance to really wow your guests with something interesting. In a survey, 67% of respondents said that ethnic-inspired brunch dishes and items like chorizo scrambled eggs, coconut milk pancakes, and Asian-flavored syrups are a hot trend in 2015.

2. Definitely send an invitation
One essential tip for having a day after wedding brunch is to send invitations. Since it’s a much more laid back affair than the wedding ceremony and reception, some couples don’t find it necessary to send a separate invitation, but you definitely should. This way, you’ll be able to get a pretty accurate count of the number of people who are planning to attend. Even if you’re having a brunch buffet style, you’ll need to let your caterer know roughly how many people you’re going to feed, so drop the brunch invite in with the formal wedding invitation.

3. Keep things light
Some couples feel pressured to deliver another impressive event after their wedding and reception, but you don’t really have to go all out for a brunch. In fact, the average couple spends significantly less money on their brunch than they do on rehearsal dinners. In 2013, couples spent an average of $1,184 on their rehearsal dinners but only an average of $457 on their after-wedding brunch. The brunch should be about thanking your guests and spending time with them.

Do you have any tips or tricks for throwing a day after wedding brunch? Feel free to share them with us!

Three Things You Can’t Have a Brunch Without

Posted on March 6, 2015 by Deerfield GolfClub

Putting together an event for family and friends can seem like a daunting affair — especially when there’s food involved. The guest list, the menu, the space, and all of the other details can loom over you, causing stress and anxiety over something that should just be fun. This is one of the reasons that a brunch is such a popular event. It’s a pretty laid-back way to get a group together for a meal and event, but that doesn’t mean that every brunch will go off without a hitch. The details of the brunch will be up to you, but here are three things you absolutely cannot throw a brunch without.

CocktailsCocktails are a staple of any brunch event. The three most popular daytime drinks are mimosas (which are made of champagne and citrus juice — usually orange), bellinis (which are made from champagne and peach puree), and Bloody Marys, which are tomato juice and vodka based concoctions. Just because the event is in the morning does not mean that cocktails aren’t allowed (unless you’d prefer a dry party). Bloody Marys are probably the most famous. Though its exact origins are unknown, some say it was invented by a Parisian barman in 1921.
A Buffet-Style MenuNot every brunch actually requires a buffet, but it’s going to make things go a lot easier. By serving a brunch buffet, you don’t have to worry about having to plate individual dishes or cook per everyone’s different requests. Brunch dishes are actually pretty easy to serve buffet style, like scrambled eggs, or a waffle bar, or a selection of hot meats. A brunch buffet is also a better way to get guests to interact with their food and have a more dynamic dining experience.
An OccasionThe last thing you absolutely have to have to throw a brunch is an occasion. Sure, you could have a brunch for no reason, but that doesn’t really lend itself well to having an eventful and interesting party. This doesn’t mean it has to be a once in a lifetime event — though wedding brunches are growing in popularity, some choose to have a brunch instead of an office or holiday party. Sunday brunch is pretty common, so to set your party apart, choose a holiday or some milestone to celebrate.

Do you have any other tips or ideas for having a brunch? Feel free to share them with us in the comments section below.

Three Things You Need to Know If You’re Throwing a Wedding Brunch

Posted on January 30, 2015 by Deerfield GolfClub

Weddings are, in some ways, becoming less and less traditional as more couples opt for experiences that are unique and suit their preferences exactly rather than adhering to tradition. One of the ways this is happening is a growing trend of brunch weddings, which focus on a morning-time ceremony and meal rather than the afternoon or evening. If you’re considering going this route, here are a few things to note.

1. Don’t Curb the Cocktails
One thing to note about having a wedding brunch rather than dinner reception is that it does not mean that you cannot serve cocktails. In fact, cocktails are a staple of any Sunday brunch, and are light enough to pair with brunch dishes. Common brunch cocktails include things like mimosas, which are champagne and citrus juice, like orange. Bloody Marys are also a popular choice, which are made from vodka, tomato juice, spices, and hot sauce. Either way, just because the meal is a mid-morning affair does not mean you have to skip the alcoholic beverages if you don’t want to.

2. Brunch is Not Synonymous with Informal
Another important thing to note about opting for a wedding brunch is that it does not mean it has to be informal. Though the most popular way to serve brunch is a brunch buffet, you can still opt for individual servings and fancy decor. Of course, since the morning sets a more informal tone to begin with, make sure that you temper that with the service and decor if you’re going for a more formal feel.

3. Timing is Everything.
When is comes to planning wedding brunches, timing is very important. The trick is to plan the ceremony at a time that is not too early so that people have time to get ready and attend, while still planning the meal before it gets too late. Brunches are usually served in the late morning, but can go through the afternoon if necessary. If this happens, you may want to include some heartier menu options to tide your guests over.

Do you have any questions about planning a brunch wedding? Feel free to ask us in the comments section below.

The Hottest Wedding Trends Of 2015

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Deerfield GolfClub

Wedding trends have to start somewhere. For example, the age-old tradition of wearing a white wedding dress hasn’t been around forever. In fact, Queen Victoria began that trend in 1840, when she wore a lavish white wedding dress. If you are planning to make it official within the next year, know the very latest in wedding trends. Here are the highlights of 2015 wedding trends.

It’s The Year Of Plentiful Greens

This year will be all about sustainable living and going green — and that trend is going to stay strong during wedding ceremonies and receptions. “Herbs like rosemary and mint, lemon leaf, magnolia leaf, ivy, smilax and maidenhair fern are being strung together and used in surprising ways — as table runners or chair swags, to frame cocktail menus, to redefine tent ceilings or to give chandeliers a soft edge,” Bridal Guide writes. With that in mind, green venues and outdoor wedding places — such as country club weddings and golf course weddings — will be very popular this year. And brides and grooms won’t stop there. Green living will play a role in more than just the bouquet and venue. Modern wedding menus are also more likely to include fresh, locally farmed selections, a trend most commonly called, “farm-to-table dining.”

More Wedding Cakes Go Naked

The most recent wedding trends aren’t just about the various places to have a wedding reception. “Wedding cakes without any icing are becoming quite the trend for rustic, casual weddings,” according to Wedding Wire. And that’s not the only thing that’s changing, when it comes to wedding foods and drinks. More couples are keeping it strictly casual, with a brunch buffet or with a cake and punch wedding. A cake and punch wedding entails serving smaller portions, such as appetizers and petit fours, instead of a full-fledged meal. What are the trendiest wedding ideas of 2015? Go green with creative, herbal bouquets and decorations, and break out of the norm with a low-key meal, such as a brunch buffet or a cake and punch reception.

Author: Deerfield GolfClub