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The rise of the microwedding The effects of reading on your personal heath BY METRO The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been far-reaching. People from all walks of life have had to confront the pandemic and the changes it wrought, and many of those changes could have some staying power. Wedding industry experts note that one of the more noticeable and potentially long-lasting ef- fects of the pandemic has been the rise of microwed- dings. The 2020 Real Weddings Study (COVID- 19 Edition) found that 58 percent of couples who planned to get married in 2020 ended up reducing their guest list by a sig- nificant percentage. The average reduction was 41 percent, and some suspect small ceremonies may be the new normal in the years ahead. Microweddings Microweddings are not necessarily a new trend, as couples have always had the option of getting married with only a small number of family and friends in attendance. However, microweddings could be an emerging trend, and cost may have a lot to do with that. The Wedding Planner Institute (WPI) notes that microwed- dings cost anywhere from $1,600 to $10,000, though the group notes that most microwed- dings fall somewhere in the middle of that range. A 2020 survey from TD Ameritrade found that 47 percent of re- spondents felt that cost of living was the biggest threat to their financial security and long-term investments. Engaged couples confronting the well-documented post- pandemic increase in cost of living, including an unprecedented rise in housing costs, could see expensive weddings as luxuries they simply can't afford. Microweddings could be viewed as a cost-effec- tive way to combat the rising cost of living that still allows couples to share their big day with their closest friends and family members. The WPI has urged wedding planners to offer microwedding packages in an effort to capitalize on this emerg- ing trend. Data from The Wedding Report indicated that the total number of weddings would rise to 2.77 mil- lion in 2021, an increase of roughly 650,000 over the yearly average. Even if only a fraction of couples who tie the knot in 2022 or 2023 opt for a microwedding, a preexisting microwed- ding package can help wedding planners secure their business. Couples who opt for microweddings may do so to save money, but also to avoid the effort and save the time re- quired to plan more lav- ish affairs. Such couples may be especially excited to work with wedding planners who can plan their weddings regard- less of how small the af- fair may be. What goes into the planning Nothing should be off the table when planning a microwedding. The fewer the people who will be there, the more freedom planners and couples may have. The WPI notes that microweddings afford planners and couples the chance to get personal in ways that may not be possible when organizing larger affairs. Planners can focus on small details and allow couples to make their ceremonies and receptions as personal as they would like. Couples who prefer microwed- dings tend to emphasize minimalism, so keeping things simple is something to keep in mind when planning microweddings. Microweddings are an emerging trend that provides a realistic op- tion for couples and the people they hire to help them plan their big day. BY METRO Books transport people to different times, provide a sense of escap- ism and introduce read- ers to different schools of thought. Individuals may read for pleasure and/or to expand their intellec- tual horizons. It's important to note that reading also may help improve mental and physical health. With so much to gain from read- ing, now is a great time to embrace those book clubs, resolve to read more and explore how picking up a good book may be just what the doc- tor ordered. Reduces stress Immersing yourself in a story requires focus and concentration. According to researchers at the Uni- versity of Sussex, it took just six minutes of read- ing for study participants to experience slower heart rates and reduced muscle tension. Stress is one of the biggest threats to overall health, as the stress hor- mone cortisol can lead to inflammation in the body that may impede the immune system, according to Piedmont Health. Finding ways to reduce stress, including through activities such as reading, is a win for anyone who wants to im- prove his or her health. Impacts longevity According to the 2016 study, "A Chapter a Day: Association of Book Reading With Longev- ity," by Bavishi A., Slade, M.D., reading exerts its influence on longevity by strengthening the mind. Reading positively impacts the way the brain creates synapses, optimizing neurological function. It also expands vocabulary, and helps with memory. Changes the brain A 2014 study pub- lished in NeuroReport determined that read- ing involves a complex system of signaling and networking in the brain. As one's ability to read matures, these networks become stronger and more sophisticated. MRI scans found that brain connectivity increased throughout studied read- ing periods and for days afterward. Increases empathy Through literary fic- tion, readers are exposed to the situations, feelings and beliefs of others. This can help a person develop a greater ability to empa- thize with others, accord- ing to Healthline. Helps improve sleep Reading is an effec- tive way to wind down and relax before going to bed. It can be a positive nighttime ritual, provided one reads a paper book or utilizes an e-reader that is not backlit, as bright lights from digital devices may hinder sleep quality. In fact, doctors at the Mayo Clinic often suggest read- ing as part of a regular sleep routine. Eases depressive feelings Individuals diagnosed with depression may feel isolated and estranged from other people. Books may reduce those feelings by helping a person temporarily es- cape his or her world into another. Also, books can serve as a common ground through which conversations over shared interests can begin with others. Reading has many positive health benefits, which is why resolving to read more can be beneficial. H6 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 001 Homes | Advertising Section