Tag Archives: Wedding Venues

Important items for your Wedding day

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As a bride, many thoughts cross your mind while planning your event. For example, will I be happy with my flowers? Can I sit that person there? Will my wedding planner get my wedding style right, as well as a host of other things. On your wedding day, many things may go wrong, so it is important to plan for the little things that may not seem like a big  deal now, but on the d-day, they will matter a lot. Here is a list of items that may help.

Flip Flops are essential.

Be sure to have a pair of flip flops stashed within reach. The idea may not seem like it is a great one but when you look at the big picture, flip flops will come in very handy on your wedding day. How else will you give your legs a break like during long photo shoots. Also, Let your flip flops be stylish and match the theme and décor on the wedding day. There are so many fun, cute styles to choose from I say buy at least two pairs!

Pack your bags.

It is important to pack all the clothes and overnight items that you need for your honeymoon up front and leave it with a trusted person or in the car. This is because, after the wedding, you will not have time to go back and do the packing. Other aspects to consider are the toiletries and other items that the bridesmaids and groomsmen may need during the wedding. The bag should be marked properly and left in the care of a responsible & trusted person.

Your wing man…or woman.

You have to bear in mind that on your wedding day, you will be the center of attention. Therefore, everything, as pertains to planning and taking care of the vendors, will be out of the question on the wedding day. It is important to have a wedding planner but at the same time, the wedding planner might overlook some aspects that might ruin your envisioned wedding style. You will need somebody you fully trust to ensure that the venue has nothing left, the vendors have all received their checks and that the bridesmaids travel arrangements are taken care of after the wedding. Choose wisely.

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

The saddest comment to me is a recent bride saying that they were so overwhelmed by the commotion of the day that they forgot to enjoy the moment. Take the time to breathe in the day, sneak away for a stolen kiss with your new husband, watch as your family dances with abandon, laugh with all your bridesmaids throughout the day. It can be a magical day if you remember to enjoy it and live in the moment. Blink and the day will be over, it will be a shame to waste such precious moments on things that will be forgotten and overlooked.

 

Top 5 Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations for your Wedding

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What a diverse, exciting and absolutely gorgeous world we live in! And your honeymoon is the perfect opportunity to indulge your senses of sight, sound, taste, smell and touch with your partner in exotic new locales that will leave lasting memories of this wonderful start of your life together.

Some vacation destinations are inherently romantic and have developed stellar reputations for hosting weddings and honeymoons over the years. We have compiled a list of five, in no particular order, that have not only retained their popularity but continue to grow from strength to strength.

Italy
There are few names that inspire blissful daydreams of love more than Italy. Venice and its famed waterway gondola rides; Verona, the setting for Romeo and Juliet; and Rome, for its magnificent awe-inspiring architecture create an ideal romantic destination that has an almost magical ability to intensify your romantic feelings.
As it is part of Europe, amenities like transport and accommodation are first rate, and sampling authentic Italian fare in its native homeland is a gastronomic highlight you will remember.
Hawaii
Hawaii is, in fact, the largest of a chain of eight islands, called the Hawaiian Islands. Recognized for its almost unreal beauty of sky-high mountains and waterfalls, and beautiful volcanoes best seen from the air, scenes from the island have been featured in countless films, posters and on TV.
Hawaii offers endless choices of world-class entertainment and adventure from all water sports to sky-diving, and excellent, fresh cuisine to match.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is the sole Hindu island in the muslim nation of Indonesia. That it has retained its heritage is most evident in the beautiful, ancient temples that are still visited by its inhabitants and tens of thousands of tourists every year. Together with the crystal clear waters, they form the perfect backdrop for amazing honeymoon photos.
Bali is a great cultural getaway from the hustle and bustle that allows your partner and you to indulge in meaningful quiet time in picturesque settings.
Fiji
Another island known for its picturesque ocean views is Fiji, home to the original ‘Blue Lagoon’. Ringed with pristine white beaches that border lush green vegetation, Fiji offers the ideal cocktail of perfect weather, paradisaical vistas and excellent amenities that make for a memorable honeymoon adventure.
The food, the weather, the activities- they all come in huge helpings in Fiji and contribute to an exquisite honeymoon experience.
Mexico
This amazing country is a study in contrasts – from shimmering waters foaming on flawless white beaches to dense rainforest inhabited by exotic wildlife to ancient archeological sites, Mexico has something for everyone. The night and party scene is among the most vibrant anywhere in the world.
Choosing Mexico for your honeymoon vacation presents one huge problem – it will be torture when you have to leave!

No matter where you wind up, be sure to make the most of your time away. Your honeymoon should be a time that you reflect back on with a wistful smile and sigh of satisfaction.

Make it count!

 

 

 

 

The Perfect Beach Wedding Can Be Planned!

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Beach weddings can be romantic for sure, but disastrous if mother nature decides to drop a cloudy, rain shower on your special day. Depending on which beach your ceremony is being held, the weather patterns can dictate what month has the most predictable sunny days and early evenings. If you monitor the weather reports from past years and then watch closely as your selected date draws dear, you can predict the weather! This is significant because you always have an alternate plan in mind, like an inside plan for the ceremony, to avoid being a victim of a bad weather wedding.

There are several wonderful locations for beach weddings. Look for a beach that has fine bleached white sand and where the weather is usually full of balmy, warm breezes. Check online with your favorite weather sites to look ahead at beach weather forecasts; they have daily, weekly and monthly predictions for the most areas. If you take care to plan using weather forecasts, and plan for a later afternoon wedding. Anyone who dreams up their beach wedding wants the perfect sunset as well as no rain, excessive heat, or the occasional sand storm! You can use weather forecasts to help plan the timing of your ceremony so that you capture the sunset after you exchange vows.

Some say that your wish for a happy life together will come true if you see the tiny green flash of light when the sun sets. This moment occurs for split second as the large, orange sun disappears into the ocean’s horizon. Picture seeing that shortly after you have both said, “I do”. This special moment can be arranged by checking weather forecasts, as they can tell us when the sun will set for the evening.

So by beginning your beach wedding plans with the very important step of checking the weather, your beach wedding day should be a great success for you and your guests. It will be beautiful with the calming ocean waves and sea salt smell drifting about in the breezy, balmy air. Moments like this last a lifetime in our hearts and minds so it is worth being prepared!

Bridal Shows are Valuable Resources for a Bride-to-Be

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Getting engaged is one of the most exciting times of your life, but thinking about wedding planning can be one of the most stressful. How do you choose flowers? A venue? A dress? Decorations? And which of these decisions do you make first? One of the most convenient and smart ways that a bride-to-be can take stock of all her options is to attend a bridal show.

Some brides are eager to attend bridal shows, and others are afraid to set foot in one. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, you have to understand two things. The first is that bridal shows can expose you to more companies than it’s possible to see in months, all in the same place – so it’s almost always worth it to go! The second is that you have to be savvy and know how to get the most out of your time.

Start of by thinking like an expert party planner and drawing up your to-do and to-find lists before you go. If you’re starting from scratch, this can be overwhelming, but first think about venues for the ceremony and reception. If you’ve already made some choices, think of everything you have left to decide and rank these items according to importance. If you have a dress, bring a swatch or a good photo along so you can look at jewelry, veils, and bouquets. Prioritize. Getting music for the reception should come before you look at cake toppers, no matter how adorable they are.

Also, make sure you don’t take on a bridal show alone. A good friend can help you sort through your variety of options, and they can help you avoid impulsive decisions. Once you’re at the show, make sure you get contact information for every florist, caterer, and photographer you meet. Remember to ask if they oversee the wedding themselves or if you’ll end up working with a colleague or assistant. Asking for references is always acceptable. Best of all, many of them offer discounts to brides who book through a bridal show.

In the end, you’ll come home with business cards and brochures, and you’ll have a much better idea of all your exciting wedding choices. Instead of grasping in the dark, every future bride should attend a bridal show. You’re guaranteed to walk away with more than free samples of cake.

Wedding Planning in Winter

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Even though June may statistically be the most common month for weddings, it does not mean it is the only appropriate time of the year for a great celebration. Winter weddings are a popular option that can create a magical memory that is unlike any wedding held any other time of the year. Before anyone commits to a wedding during this time of year, there are many things they should consider first.

Just a quick visit to any party planning site will reveal that there are an endless amount of ways to decorate and plan a winter wedding. The decorations for this time of year are available everywhere, because a lot of Christmas and New Year’s Eve decor is perfect for a wedding celebration. Banquet halls with warm fireplaces and silver and blue or red and gold decorations are all perfect backgrounds for some stunning wedding photos.

During the winter, families are often in town visiting already because of the holidays. This makes it more affordable for out of town guests to attend weddings since they will not have to make a second trip in the summer for the event. However, holiday parties and busy schedules may make it difficult for friends to attend, and that should be remembered when making plans.

Money could be another issue because many are financially strapped during the winter. There are higher heat and utility bills, the holidays and an upcoming tax season. This is important for the bride and groom to consider too, because it could eventually restrict how they are able to celebrate their winter anniversary in the future.
Another concern, at least for those in northern climates, is winter weather. Just as a rain storm can ruin an outdoor summer wedding, snow and sleet could cancel a winter event. It could cause guests to be delayed or have their flights cancelled and could even lead to a honeymoon departure being delayed.
Winter weddings may not be for the excessive worrier or the faint of heart, but when they are planned correctly and make full use of the beauty of the season, few summer weddings can compare. Make certain to be aware of the pros and cons and use all of the party planning tips available to make a winter wedding a party that no one will ever forget.

Good Luck!

 

Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding

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Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding

Your wedding day is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life – not the day that drove you into the ground financially at full speed. Whether your budget is little or limitless, there are few ways you can save money on your wedding without compromising what you really want.

Wedding Calendar

Get married on a Friday or Sunday.
Saturday is the most expensive day of the week to get married – especially in the Spring and Summer. If you get married on a Friday or Sunday you could save yourself some big bucks – especially if you schedule your wedding in the late Fall or in the Winter.

Champagne Toast

Skip the champagne toast.
People can toast with anything they’re drinking. If you’re not keen on ditching the classic toast, you can also opt for prosecco which is still bubbly but less expensive than champagne.

Wedding Flowers

Stick to seasonal items.
Choose fruits that are in-season to save yourself some money on the catering. Thinking seasonally is also important when choosing your flowers. You’ll be surprised at how much choosing in-season items will save you!

signature-cocktails-1

Serve signature cocktails.
Alcohol is one of the biggest expenses of a wedding. Most wedding venues have a “you open it, you bought it” policy which will leave you paying for a bottle even if you only had one sip out of it. Consider offering a limited bar with signature cocktails that all use one type of liquor. You can also choose to serve just beer or wine.

Wedding Dresses

Shop designer or sample sales.
You can save up to 70 percent on wedding gowns, veils and accessories by shopping at sample sales. Your favorite designer’s websites might have a touring list of their sample sales or you can contact a local bridal gown salon to inquire about events.

Double up your escort cards as your favors to save money on your wedding

Combine place cards with the favors.
Add guests’ names to the favors to save on the cost of printed escort cards.

DIY Wedding Favors are a way to save money on your wedding

Make your own favors.
Making your own chocolate covered almonds and bagging them as favors is an inexpensive and delicious way to save money on favors.

Rent a house to save money on your wedding

Rent a house for the wedding and lodging.
Renting a house can act as a wedding venue, housing for out-of-town guests, and a secluded honeymoon venue for when the guests leave.

Wedding Vendor Booking Timeline

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Wedding Timeline for Booking Vendors

Once you’ve decided on the basic details for your wedding day, it’s time to start researching and booking vendors. After all – without them in place, your wedding timeline may fall apart. We’ve put together this wedding vendor booking timeline so that you don’t miss anything in the craziness of planning your big day.

12 Months

  • Ceremony venue
  • Reception venue
  • Wedding planner

10 Months

  • Photographer
  • Caterer
  • Florist
  • Videographer
  • Band
  • DJ

 

8 Months

  • Ceremony music
  • Officiate
  • Wedding dress
  • Stationer (save the dates)
  • Guest accommodations

 

7 Months

  • Cake baker
  • Bridesmaid’s dresses
  • Honeymoon travel consultant
  • Stationer (invitations)
  • Party rentals (chairs, linens, etc)
  • Hair stylist
  • Makeup artist

5 Months

  • Men’s attire
  • Bridal accessories
  • Transportation

3 Months

  • Wedding rings
  • Favors

28 Questions You Should Ask Your Wedding Venue Before Signing a Contract

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Questions You Should Ask Your Wedding Venue Before Signing a Contract

When comparing wedding venue options, it’s important to make sure you understand all the details of each offer so you can compare wisely and choose the best option. After all, choosing the cheaper venue only to be later surprised by a bill with unexpected costs is no fairytale.

Here are some questions you should ask your wedding venue before signing a contract:

  1. How many people can this location accommodate?
  2. What dates are available in the month I’m considering?
  3. What is the cancellation policy?
  4. Do you have a weather contingency plan for outdoor spaces?
  5. How much is the deposit? When is it due? Is it refundable? Is there a specific payment plan for the entire bill?
  6. Is there an added charge for using my own vendors? Sometimes wedding venues have their own coordinators, caterers and other professionals that are already included in their cost. It’s vital that you clarify these details so you know which responsibilities fall on you as well as to avoid double booking the same professionals.
  7. Can I bring my own food, drinks and cake? If you have the option to bring your own, discuss how it affects the price they first quoted you. Do they charge extra for this option or does it bring the original price down?
  8. Are party rentals included in this package? Chairs, tables, tablecloths, etc. Also be sure to ask what color linens are available so that you know when planning your colors and theme.
  9. Are there set up fees?
  10. Is there a charge for parking? If there is valet parking or a parking garage you should decide if you or the guests are responsible for the charges.
  11. What time can my vendors start setting up on the day of the wedding? How early can my deliveries be made?
  12. Does the venue provide assistance getting gifts or décor back to a designated car or hotel room?
  13. Is there a time limit? If so, what’s the cost of going over? Most venues only allow you to utilize the space for 4-6 hours.
  14. Is there a coat check service?
  15. What are the tax rates and other fees? State and local sales tax, hospitality fees, included gratuities, etc.
  16. Price per person. If you are charged per person, make sure you clarify how they will arrive at the final number. Your hired professionals (photographer, videographer, band, etc) will also need to eat. You need to know if and how they will be counted. Do you get a discount rate for these vendors? Make sure you are aware of all taxes and service charges per person.
  17. Do children have different pricing?
  18. Can we do a food tasting prior to finalizing our menu selection? Is there an additional charge for this?
  19. Do you provide cake cutting utensils?
  20. Do you offer on-site coordination? If so, what services are available and is there an additional charge for them?
  21. Do you offer any security services?
  22. Do you have liability insurance? If the venue doesn’t provide it you should look into getting your own in case someone gets injured during your reception.
  23. Do you provide overnight accommodations? Is there a discount for booking multiple rooms? Do you provide a complimentary room or upgrade for the newlyweds? What are the nearest hotels to the venue? (Some venues have partnerships with local hotels that offer a discount if you block rooms off).
  24. Do you have signage to direct guests to my event?
  25. What is the last possible date that we can make changes?
  26. Do you have sound equipment and speakers or will they need to be rented?
  27. Are there decoration limitations such as candles?
  28. Who will be our point person before the wedding? What about the day of the wedding? Can we meet them now?

The Best Lighting Options For Your Wedding

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The best kept secret when it comes to designing the perfect wedding all comes down to picking the right event lighting! Picking you ideal venue, florals, and rentals are all crucial, of course, but the right event lighting can tie all of the elements together and create the perfect ambiance. They call it mood lighting for a reason – both functional and beautiful, the right lighting design will set the stage for the atmosphere and feel that you’ve worked so hard to create!

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