Kenzie Amick 4/27/17 Kenzie Amick 4/27/17

Wedding Planner vs. Venue Coordinator

We hear it all the time, “I don’t need a wedding planner. The venue provides one.” While venue coordinators are extremely helpful during the planning process, they have a different set of responsibilities. The main difference: the venue coordinator works for the venue, while a wedding planner works for you, the client.

Venue Coordinator

A venue coordinator's responsibilities revolve around ensuring that your experience with the venue goes smoothly. They work for the venue, acting as a liaison between you and the venue staff. Though responsibilities vary depending on whether catering is provided in house or not, typical duties include:

Contracting with you for necessary rooms and amenities
Providing catering menus and pricing
Arranging menu tastings and helping you decide on food and beverage choices
Assisting with space planning
Coordinating service staffing and security
Processing venue payments
On the day of your wedding, venue coordinators are there to turn on the lights, set out the tables and chairs, ensure the drinks are poured, and the space is cleaned up at the end of the night.
They are not there, for example, to ensure the cake is delivered or that the DJ knows the run of events for the day.

In fact, usually the venue coordinator you work with is often not on site the day of your wedding, leaving that responsibility to an event captain you likely will not have met. If they are on site, they usually leave after the meal has been served. Contact with the venue coordinator usually cuts off once the contracts are signed, and they are not involved in the planning process again until about a month or two before the wedding. Although venue coordinators can provide catering and vendor referrals, these recommendations are not based on the style of wedding you are planning or your budget and the venue’s involvement often ends at the referral. Their main focus is to ensure that they provide all of the items outlined in the venue contract in a smooth, efficient manner, not to give feedback on how to best decorate the space.

Wedding Planner

As a wedding planner, we are hired by, and works for, you as a consultant throughout the planning process. Of course, the level of planner involvement varies based on the services for which we were hired. However, typical responsibilities that we provide that are not provided by the venue coordinator include:

Regular consultations and guidance.
Budget and timeline development and management. This includes a final wedding timeline for the day of the event.
Vendor recommendations that are based on your specific budget and style.
Guidance with selection of all visual elements of the wedding including décor, fashion, invites, favors, and cake.
Vendor management and scheduling of, and attendance at, all vendor appointments.
Arranging of hotel blocks and group transportation.
Final audit of all planning to ensure all the final details are in place.
Final calls with all vendors to ensure counts, timing and other details are accurate and confirmed.
On-site coordination from the very start of set-up, all the way until the end of tear down.

We work with you to ensure you get the wedding of your dreams, with minimal stress. Then, day of, we do everything from keeping emergency kits on hand in case of tears or stains, to ensuring every vendor, including the venue, delivers an amazing experience for you and your guests.

In our opinion, every bride {and her mother!} needs at least a day-of coordinator to take care of all the details on the wedding day. We are offering 20% off for available 2017 dates for our day-of and week-of services. To inquire, click here. To learn more about other services a wedding planner can provide, click here. Happy planning!

Kenzie Amick 1/6/17 Kenzie Amick 1/6/17

101 Bridesmaids’ Gifts

Looking for the perfect way to say thank you to the girls for all their support on your big day? You've come to the right place. There are thousands of gifts you can give to your girls, but we are here to narrow it down to some of our favorites. Of course jewelry for the wedding is always a popular item {if you like the idea of the girls matching} but we also love the idea of getting ready robes. They make for great photos! Comfy {and compact} dancing shoes and make-up bags or totes are gifts your girls will enjoy using long after the I Do's. Toss in some little touches to pamper, and you're set! Whether your girls are down-to-earth, sassy, sweet, or fun, we hope this week's post gives you inspiration.

Kenzie Amick 11/11/16 Kenzie Amick 11/11/16

Save the Dates That Aren't Photos

Photo save the dates are lovely, but there are many ways you can give your guests a heads up on the date for your big day which are fresh and creative. Use props, send items, or even use something other than paper. {Just be sure to mirror the formality of the wedding.} Get inspired and have some fun!

Kenzie Amick 11/7/16 Kenzie Amick 11/7/16

Free Flowing Reception

Lawrence & Johnny's Wedding. Photography by Melissa Hesse of Rivets and Roses

Looking for something unique for your wedding reception? Always on the look-out for new and exciting trends, recently we’ve been planning a lot of free flowing receptions paired with shorter, stand-up ceremonies. Couples utilize the same space for both without the need for a flip. The ceremony flows seamlessly into the reception. These receptions are a bit different than the traditional reception, but your guests will love the freedom to mix and mingle {without being tied to a chair for two hours!} This format is more intimate and requires less space than a traditional sit down dinner which frees up non-traditional event spaces as an option. And, you can put the money you would have spent on larger two-room venues, linens and centerpieces into lounge groupings, food stations and vignettes of high tops and low cabs.

Start the night with a cocktail reception before the ceremony. {Who doesn’t want a cocktail in hand during a ceremony?} Roughly 45-60 minutes in, have the officiant lead guests to circle around you to begin the ceremony. Often we conduct this on the dance floor. Keep the ceremony to no longer than 15 minutes. Once you kiss, pass champagne for a toast, then open up food stations and activities to ensure options for guests {so not everyone rushes the food!} Spread the food stations throughout the room and utilize your space so guests are not concentrated in a specific area. This encourages guest to meander and mingle. If you are going to have a dance floor, place the dance floor in the middle of the room. Strategically placing it in the middle of the room will ensure energy in the center of the room and encourage guests to dance.

Make sure you plan for transitions throughout the evening to keep your guests engaged and interested. Music is a great way to set the mood for each portion of the evening. Transition food from passed appetizers to food stations to dessert then late night snacks. Open a whiskey station, a photo booth, pool tables, or have games for your guests.

Lastly, make sure your guest knows what to expect. This format is not the typical Minnesota wedding, so guests may be a little confused if you don’t spell it out for them. Create signage at the entrance of your reception that outlines the flow of the evening.

Although free-flowing receptions require some planning to ensure their success, this new trend could be perfect for you. And, of course, we are always happy to work with you to create your special wedding day.

Click here to see more photos from a free flowing reception wedding.

To read more about free-flowing receptions check out our recent article in Lavender magazine.

Kenzie Amick 10/28/16 Kenzie Amick 10/28/16

Invitations 101

As wedding planners, we often hear from couples that they don’t want to splurge on invitations. “People just throw them away!” But we know better; invitations set the mood for your wedding and should provide a clear indication as to the formality of the event. Think of invitations as one more element of decor since the look of the invitations should flow through to the day-of paper used. Think gorgeous escort cards, table numbers, menus and bar signage.

With so many printing and paper options to choose from, it can be confusing and a bit intimidating! No worries. We are here to help you understand your options when it comes to designing the perfect wedding invitation.

ELEMENTS OF INVITATION

Think of the following pieces as you consider your invitation suite.

Invitation
RSVP card
Details card
Envelope
RSVP envelope
Optional: envelope liner, belly band or ribbon to tie inserts together

PRINT TECHNIQUES

There are a number of printing techniques used for wedding invitations and it is certainly acceptable to mix techniques to get the look you want in the price range you want to spend.

Digital printing is a method that is most commonly used when it comes to general printing. In simple terms, think of a high-end printer. This form of printing produces a smooth image and is best used on standard cardstock. Because of the process, it is difficult to produce consistent results on natural or cotton papers. The advantage of digital printing is the cost. It is the least expensive option and it allows you to incorporate as many colors as you like for little or no additional cost.

Digital Invitation - Photography by Melissa Oholendt Photography

Offset printing (Lithography) is a process that uses ink impressions to create flat images. Although considered higher quality than digital printing, this is a budget-friendly option for brides in comparison to other methods. This option also allows brides the flexibility to pick more colors.

Letterpress is a classic and common technique used for wedding invitations. This method uses a printing press process. A plate is physically produced for your image - one plate per color. The plate is then pressed onto the paper producing a color impression in the paper. If a second color is used, this process is then repeated with a second plate. Because there is a cost to producing each plate and because each plate adds another step in the production process, using multiple colors increases the cost significantly.

Letterpress Invitation - Photography by Canary Grey Photography

Embossing uses a metal plate to stamp the paper to make a raised image. This process creates the opposite look of letterpress printing. This technique is best used for initials for a monogram, borders on invitations, enlarged text, or the return address on envelopes.

Foil printing is similar to letterpress in that a plate is produced with the foil image. The more foil and the more spread out the foil is on the invitation the higher the cost. That said, using all foil on an invitation is still less expensive than pairing with letterpress because there is only one plate and one pass-through of the invite on the press.

Foil Invitation - Photography by Photogen, Inc.

Engraving is the oldest form of printing. This process raises the letters and images by a using a copper plate pressed on the backside of the paper. The pressure from the plate rises creates a raised print. Next, it is coated with ink and blotted. This method is the most expensive method of printing, but is known for its timeless, formal look. Engraving is often used with black-tie weddings.

Thermography is a technique that uses heat and a resin to create raised images and letters on paper. The heat creates a slight rise in the lettering which is why this method often visually gets confused with engraving. However, if you turn the invitation over, you will easily be able to tell since thermography has a smooth back surface. Each ink is applied individually. Hence, we recommend sticking to 1-2 colors to save cost.

PAPER OPTIONS

The paper you use will certainly impact the price of your invitation suite. Here again it is perfectly acceptable to mix papers to get your look within your budget. Often couples will upgrade the paper for the invitation itself and then use a less expensive paper on the rsvp and details card. If you do this, be sure the colors either match exactly or use an accent color (such as blush) instead.

Standard card stock weights from 50 lb to 120 lb. The higher the weight of the paper, the thicker the paper.
Museum board is another type of paper that is used for wedding invitations. This paper is twice as thick as standard cardstock and allows for specialty finishes such as beveled or painted edges.
Cotton papers have a soft, linen feel to them that definitely add a luxe factor to your suite. This paper doesn’t work well with digital printing, but looks stunning with all other printing methods.

METHODS TO SAVE COST

Overwhelmed by the options and not sure how to get a gorgeous invitation within your budget?

Stick to one technique for the invitation suite
Consider using digital printing for your invitation suite
Limit colors with any process that involves a plate
Upgrade just the invitation card and digitally print RSVP and details cards

FINISHING THE INVITATION

Print methods don't only apply to the invitation, but also to the finishing of the envelopes. How do you want the return address on the back flap addressed? How about the rsvp envelopes? Many of the printing options shown above work here as well. What is your plan for guest addressing? Digital printing works well for this and enables you to incorporate different fonts and looks. It also saves you a lot of time and creates a more finished look to your invitation suite than hand addressing. Of course a classic favorite {and our personal favorite} is calligraphy. Be sure to consider all your options as calligraphy can cost less than the set up fees for some of the printing methods.

TIP: Don't blow your entire paper budget on the invitation suite. Remember you do need to consider the menus, bar signage, escort cards, and table numbers!

Still overwhelmed? We are happy to help you navigate the world of paper and invitations. Contact us here.

Kenzie Amick 8/18/16 Kenzie Amick 8/18/16

Wedding Planning 101: How to Create Your Seating Chart

Photography: Melissa Oholendt — Photography: **Melissa Oholendt**

Creating your seating chart is a tedious wedding planning task that can definitely be overwhelming. It’s one of the few things in the planning process that your wedding planner may not be able to do for you. {You know your guests best!} To streamline the process of creating your seating chart, we’ve created a list of tips and tricks to ease the process.

Harvest Table

Gone is the traditional head table with the wedding party lining one side of the table. Harvest, or barron’s tables as they are often called, are far more popular, with the bride and groom either on the end or in the middle facing their guests and their wedding party, and possibly spouses or guests, seated with them around the entire table. Flower girls, ring bearers, personal attendants and ushers are not generally seated at this table.

Depending on the layout of the room, we don’t recommend more than 24 people at a harvest table or it gets too large and creates, in essence, a wall in your room that inhibits the flow. Though you can set four guests along the side of each eight foot table, we recommend three at a harvest table to allow a little extra room.

Traditionally, the groom sits to the bride’s right and the best man to her left. The maid of honor sits to the groom’s right. The rest of the table should be filled with the bridal party and groomsmen alternating male/female. If you have a smaller head table, seat the best man and maid of honor with their significant others at your table and seat the remaining wedding party and their plus-ones at another table.

Family Tables

Family tables can be organized multiple ways, depending on your family dynamics. Divorced parents generally prefer to host their own tables. Each side then gets their table. Immediate family not at the harvest table are generally seated at this table. If immediate families are too large and if the future in-laws are close, both sets of parents and grandparents can be seated at one table and immediate families at other tables nearby.

Friends and Other Guests

Seating the remainder of your guests is the most time consuming part of this process. Use this as your opportunity to play matchmaker between your guests. Seating people whom you think will get along well will ensure guests are having a good time and could even spark new relationships. A key tactic here is to make sure you are not mixing it up too much though. Guests will want to sit with familiar faces so be sure they know at least a few people at the table.

If you have multiple children attending your wedding, consider creating a kids table and seating them all together. {Of course, hire supervision for this table!} If there are too few children coming to create a separate table, seat them with their parents.

Count and Table Placement

It’s always tricky to know how many guests you can seat at a round table. We recommend eight guests at a 60” round table and 10 at a 72” round. If you need to add that 9th or 11th person to round out a group, it can be done, but I would never suggest adding two guests to the counts above.

Keep in mind you don’t need to wait for every last RSVP to start assigning guests to tables. Group them in logical clusters and keep adding as you go. Once everyone is grouped and you know your final table count, then you may proceed with assigning them to table locations in the room. Trying to accomplish both tasks at once is just too overwhelming!

Count and Table Placement

Escort and Place Cards

After deciding on where your guests will sit, you can begin to figure out how you will lead them to their seats. There are a few different options here: escort cards, place cards, or a seating chart.

Escort cards are the most formal way to direct guests to their seat. This is the card that assigns your guest to a table. They vary in formality. The most elegant presentation is a calligraphed envelope with the guest’s name and a card with their table number inside. Or, add the table number to the outside and include a personal note in the envelope to add that special touch! Often, bi-fold cards are used as escort cards but there are many ways to be creative. Be sure to include a meal indicator on the escort card, unless you plan to also use place cards.

Place cards can be used by themselves or with escort cards. These {often} tented cards list the guest’s name and meal selection and are displayed at each place setting. If you plan to have a menu at each place setting, you may vary the menu’s look as the meal indicator and have the guest name calligraphed on top. Be sure to check with your caterer on what they will allow.

Seating charts can be displayed at the entrance to shows guests their table number. Keep in mind that if you have a plated meal, you will need to use place cards with meal indicators at each table.

Now that you know the basics, it’s time to start drafting up your seating chart! We recommend creating a spreadsheet, or if you’re not as tech savvy, a good ol’ paper chart works great too!

Kenzie Amick 8/4/16 Kenzie Amick 8/4/16

Wedding Planning 101: What's Worth Splurging For?

When it comes to wedding planning, budget doesn’t have to stop you from having the wedding of your dreams. Knowing what is worth splurging on, and what you can skip, is essential to getting the most bang for your buck. First things first, you must set your budget early on in the planning process. If you missed our wedding planning 101 on developing your budget, you can check it out here. Once you’ve decided on a number, follow this guide for what’s worth splurging on for your big day!

Entertainment

Great music, whether that be a live band or DJ, sets the tone for an unforgettable celebration. Spending extra to lock down top notch entertainment will definitely be worth it when you see your guests dancing the night away.

Photography

Hiring a quality photographer to capture all of the emotions and moments of your wedding day is essential. You’ll want to remember every second of this day for the rest of your lives, so splurge of a high quality photographer that will produce beautiful photos.

Transportation

Your guests will thank you for this one! Offering transportation is a courtesy your guests will definitely appreciate. Offering a ride from the hotel to the venue and rides home after the reception will give your guests one less thing to worry about. It’s also a great way to make sure your guests get home safely after having one too many at the open bar!

Decor

When it comes to decor, here’s what we recommend splurging on {in our preferred order}. First, upgrade {don’t just cover!!} the chairs. Nothing ruins a beautiful room like ugly, outdated chairs! Second, floor length linens. We hate to see the legs of tables so spend the extra on linens that touch the ground. Lighting is next because it sets the mood for your wedding and can completely transform a space. Having the right lighting can create a breathtaking ambiance and leave your guests in awe. Splurging on your floral arrangements is another sure way to stun guests. If your budget is too tight to afford fabulous florals, switch up your linens for a less expensive fabric, like polyester, {as long as they’re floor length} and use the money saved on florals.

Food and Drinks

Food is one of the most memorable elements for guests and is a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding. Choose foods you and your fiance love. If you’re dessert people, bring in a fun dessert display. If you love burgers and fries, serve late night snacks to fuel the dance party. Speaking of dance parties, offering a hosted bar is a sure way to keep the party going and guests will be thankful they don’t have to carry cash. If that’s not in your budget, hosting the cocktail hour and wine pours during dinner is a nice touch for your guests.

Hiring a Wedding Planner

We may be partial, but hiring a wedding planner to relieve your stress and help you navigate the wedding planning world is definitely worth it! Having a pro at your fingertips to answer questions, be a voice of reason, offer advice and take the work off your hands will make your wedding planning experience exciting rather than stressful. Contact us if you’re interesting in hearing about our services, we’d love to help you!

Kenzie Amick 7/21/16 Kenzie Amick 7/21/16

Wedding Planning 101: Bridal Shower Planning

Maids of honor, mothers of grooms and anyone else planning to throw a bridal shower, time to take notes {this post is for you!} To help you take the reigns in creating the perfect shower, we’ve compiled a handy set of tips!

1. First things first, talk to the bride to determine if the shower will be a daytime or evening party and if she has her heart set on a specific theme, color, style or location. Even though the planning is ultimately your responsibility, getting the bride’s input is essential to her loving the shower!

2. Choosing a theme for the shower can help direct the decor, location and also the type of gifts guests purchase for the couple. Think outside of the box when choosing a theme! A theme can be anything from a color scheme to an activity. Some of our favorite unique theme ideas are a cooking class shower, a wine tasting shower, a spa shower or a tea party shower. The options are endless!

3. Traditionally, showers are held in the host’s home, but there are endless options for location such as parks, restaurants, country clubs, and spas. If you’re opting for a location other than a home, be sure to make reservations ASAP!

4. Aim for the shower to be held a month or two before the wedding, unless special circumstances require differently. If you know the bride wants important family and friends there from out of town, coordinate with these guests to find a date that works for them. Sometimes this might mean postponing the shower until a few days before the wedding.

5. When creating the guest list for the shower, remember that showers tend to be more intimate affairs. You must also confirm that everyone invited to the shower is invited to the wedding. Send out invites to your guests four weeks before the shower. {No electronic invites please!!}

6. Decide on what food and drinks will be served depending on your theme and time of day. If you are hosting a shower before noon, opt for brunch foods and beverages. For an evening shower, consider a sangria bar with additional add-in fruit options. Add a personal touch to the shower by serving the bride's favorite food or drink. Keep the food light and beautifully presented. {The presentation is as important as the taste!} Select your menu so that you may prep as much food beforehand as possible to ease some stress the day of the shower.

Planning a bridal shower is no small feat, but we hope these tips help! You may also check out this checklist for the complete list of to-do items. Cheers to the bride!

Kenzie Amick 6/7/16 Kenzie Amick 6/7/16

Wedding Planning 101: Destination Weddings

Photo via Southern Weddings — Photo via *Southern Weddings*

We all know that planning a destination wedding is no small feat. A destination wedding is a special experience. It’s a way to share a place that truly captures you and your fiance's personalities and relationship. It’s also a great way to combine a wedding and vacation {who doesn’t want that?!} Yet, hosting your wedding at an unfamiliar {and far away} place, presents major challenges. To ensure your big day goes off without a hitch {no matter where it may be}, follow these tips and tricks that we’ve accumulated working with our couples.

1.Work with the vendor list provided

Most destination venues will already have a suggested list of vendors in the area to use. This is an easy way to find vendors in an unfamiliar location. Using the venue’s suggested list also ensures that vendors are reputable and that they have prior experience working at the venue, so they understand the kitchen, power limitations, whatever the possible issues might be. Venues will not risk listing a vendor if they do not trust them to provide great service! Using a suggested list will eliminate many headaches and hours spent searching for the perfect vendors in the area.

2. Look at local magazines and “best of” lists

Using magazines and local publications/websites to find “best of” lists is a great way to find vendors to broaden your options. Since you’ll be planning the wedding from afar, it’s important you choose your vendors wisely! “Best of” lists can give you an idea of who is most recommended in the area and can lead you to great vendors.

3. Take at least one planning trip

This may be the most important recommendation we have!! Take at least one trip to your location. Your planning trip should be jam packed with meetings and appointments. Be sure to do walk-throughs of the venues {rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception} and map out floorplans for each room, visit the hotel for guests, meet with your band/DJ, schedule a tasting with your caterer and bakery, meet with your florist to map out final details and plan a hair and makeup trial with your glam team. Don’t forget to apply for your marriage license and, if you can squeeze in time, explore the area so you can recommend activities for your guests.

4. Send invites early

Since a destination wedding requires guests to travel, informing them of your plans early is a must. Guests must plan for the extra expenses and time off of work that your wedding will require. It’s important to be fair to guests by giving them plenty of time to prepare! It’s also important to keep in mind that some guests may choose not to attend. Whether it be expense related or not, prepare for some guests to be unable to make the trip.

5. Check local laws

Different countries, even different states, have certain laws and requirements when it comes to marriage. The legal side of tying the knot can get tricky in some places, so be sure to do your research beforehand! Many countries have a “residency requirement,” which requires you to reside in the country for a certain time period before you’re allowed to get married. In most places this is a short amount of time, but others, like France, require you to arrive at least 40 days before you marry!

6. Make guests feel welcome

Most importantly, make your guests feel welcome and give them plenty of ideas for activities in the area! Start off the wedding weekend right by welcoming them to the hotel with a list of recommended restaurants, activities, and things to do.

Planning a destination wedding does take more time than planning a local wedding, but don’t let this discourage you from throwing the wedding of your dreams. You can always call on us to help take away the stress of planning a destination wedding!

Kenzie Amick 5/26/16 Kenzie Amick 5/26/16

Wedding Planning 101: Signage

Looking to add the perfect, finishing touches to your big day to contribute to the "wow" factor? If you ask us, it's all about signage! Don’t be lazy {or cheap!} with your day-of paper! It not only brands your event as unique, but it also makes the room beautiful, no matter where you look. Here are a couple of signage tips sure to impress your guests!

1. Welcome your guests the right way! Create welcome bag inserts that show guests all the locales they may need or want to know about over the wedding weekend and include additional information such as timing, transportation information, and after-party details. If you have a lot of out-of-town guests, it’s a fun idea to point out the bars, restaurants and shops worth visiting during their down-time!

2. It's a digital world! Social media is a powerful tool these days, for better or for worse. We suggest utilizing programs and signage near the guest book to indicate your social media preferences. Creating a hashtag specific to your wedding is a great way to share and view all the wedding day candids!

3. Create not-so-plain-ole programs! Shy away from the traditional, stuffy program design and play around with different layouts and designs to create visual interest for your guests.

4. Keep the energy up! Ultimately your wedding is your special day, but you want to ensure that your guests enjoy themselves as well! Eliminate the awkward time between the ceremony and reception by giving your guests something to do. Brainstorm with your fiancé and come up with a few of your favorite spots in the area, then print them on the back of your program. Need ideas? Why not send your guests to the spot where you shared your first kiss, or maybe even where he proposed? This is a great way to show off your digs to out-of-town guests.

5. Brand it! Keep your guests informed on what’s happening by utilizing signage throughout your day that incorporates your wedding colors. Frame drink menus and place them on the bar, especially if you have specialty “his & her” cocktails.

If you decide to forego chargers, work with your invitation provider and come up with beautiful menus to dress up each place setting. To keep it consistent, carry over that design to the escort cards. To help out your servers, let them know what each guest will be eating by placing cute letterpressed icons in the corner of each escort card: cow for beef, carrot for veggie {you get the picture}. If you’d rather not be reminded of what animal you’re about to eat, take a more subtle route by varying the design, such as all over lace for beef, lace on just the top for chicken, and lace on just the bottom for veggie.

Table numbers may seem like a minor detail, but don’t make them an afterthought. Keep in mind every guest will be looking at them while they attempt to find their seat.

6. Favors are a great way to incorporate cute signage. Include a personalized message with your favors to make them more personal.

That's a wrap! Reach out to your invite provider or contact us if you need help with your day-of paper. Our design team is happy to help make your signage dreams come true!

Kenzie Amick 5/17/16 Kenzie Amick 5/17/16

Wedding Planning 101: Transportation & Valet

Transportation may not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning but we are here to help make it as easy as possible! Transportation is one of those should I {or shouldn’t I} line items on the wedding budget. Guest transportation and/or valet services are greatly appreciated by guests, but are certainly not expected. Also, couples love the idea of unwinding with their wedding party off-site between the wedding and reception, and transportation is extremely helpful if you are planning to take off-site photos. Your timeline can quickly derail if everyone drives separately and having a vehicle that can accommodate your photographer and videographer alleviates the need and delay of finding parking. So where to start? No worries! We have mapped out the ultimate guide to ensure you and your guests arrive to your wedding and reception fashionably on-time {and have a safe ride home}!

Before you get a single quote, you need to clearly outline your needs for the day.

Consider the day and who needs transportation
Outline the timing, routing and passenger counts for each vehicle {be sure to allow plenty of time for loading and unloading, traffic, and slower moving vehicles when deciding if and how often vehicles can circle back for multiple trips!}
Contact multiple booking companies to obtain quotes

When considering group transportation options, here are some important things to keep in mind:

Flexibility in bookings – some companies don’t allow you to cancel or downsize the vehicle after the deposit is made. Often times, you don’t know how many guests you will have at a hotel until a month out from the wedding, so you don’t want to get caught with a larger vehicle than you need.
Vehicle minimums – the larger and more popular vehicles have a minimum number of contiguous hours you can book, so think about how to manage this and get the most from your rental.
Conversely, some vehicles are less expensive if you book them for the entire day than if you book two separate time slots. Thoroughly explore your options.
Ask about the age and condition of the vehicles. Smaller companies get their fleet as discards from the larger companies, so if you are interested in a lesser known company, go and physically look at the vehicles.
Think outside of the box! There’s many different transportations options out there, so don’t limit yourself to just a limo or a bus. Pedicabs, for example, are a great way to transport the wedding party to photo stops.
Hourly rates are just the start. Gratuity is always added on and there may be other fees as well. Be sure you get all-inclusive bids.

Of course, not every guest stays at a hotel, so you may want to consider valet services for venues with limited or strictly street parking. When calling for estimates, pull together the following information in advance:

Timing of event and flow of guests (will all be arriving at once?)
Total attendance
Expected number of cars
Ending time of event

Be sure you get estimates that contain all possible expenses: staffing fees, hooded meter fees, service fees/bonding fees, parking fees, gratuity and tax.

Lastly, be sure to provide the hotel with letters to guests which outline transportation details and also clue in the hotel bell stand and venues so they are not surprised when a large coach or valet stand pulls up! Some hotels redirect larger vehicles to less congested areas around the hotel, so make sure you ask so you may direct guests appropriately.

If you prefer to have someone else take the reins on this {not so fun} process, the Style-Architects Weddings + Events Team is happy to provide these services for you!

Kenzie Amick 5/10/16 Kenzie Amick 5/10/16

Wedding Planning 101: Entertainment

Here at SA, we’re always thinking of ways to make our couple’s big day as fun, entertaining and engaging as possible for guests. After all, your family and friends are there to celebrate with you, so why not make it memorable!?

1. Consider your Venue. First and foremost, we encourage couples to take advantage of all that their venue has to offer. If your venue has unique spaces, galleries or even VIP rooms, consider utilizing these spaces for fun guest experiences.

2. Mix-up the day. Let's face it - your guests have probably been to a million other weddings around the same time as yours {that's why they call it wedding season!} so why not create a new and different experience for them? Consider shying away from the traditional wedding flow and try cocktail hour before ceremony, especially on a Friday. It alleviates guest from traipsing in mid-ceremony! Ever heard of an East Coast style of service? With this, guests are invited to stretch their legs and dance in-between courses {great for creating high energy in the room}!

3. Music and Live Performances. Everyone loves live entertainment. Try out a band or a set of dueling pianos to jam out to your favorite songs. Are you set on a DJ? Consider mixing your DJ with live music accompaniment! There are several groups in the area which offer this fun and engaging alternative. Looking to go the extra mile and add more to the ambiance? You can never go wrong with entertainers such as dancers or live performers!

4. Activity Stations. In addition to everybody's go-to, the photo booth, there are so many other interactive ways to include your guests. Here are a couple of our favorites:

Eventsagram - a live, photo-streaming program that allows for the projection of your Instagram hashtag images on monitors at your venue!
Graffiti Wall - a new take on the old photo booth
A "guys" corner - comfy leather lounge seating with a whiskey/bourbon or cigar rolling station
Ice Cream or Latte bar {for those with a sweet tooth!}
Food stations, food trucks, or hot dog stands
Fun after-dinner liquor tastings
Mixologist - hire someone special to serve specialty craft cocktails

There you have it, just a few of our guest entertainment pearls of wisdom! Looking for some extra help with the flow of your day? Remember, our dream team of planners has your back. Click here for a list of our wedding planning services - we are happy to customize a package that is just right for you!

Kenzie Amick 5/3/16 Kenzie Amick 5/3/16

Wedding Planning 101: Hotel Accommodations

Whether you have the majority of guests coming in from out of town or not, it’s always a good idea to make your guests feel comfortable by booking a block of hotel rooms. As planners, we regularly help our clients in setting up these blocks. Luckily for us, we use online services which put hotels in a competitive bidding situation. But, even without this tool, you can still be prepared.

Here’s our tried and true process:

Go through your guest list and identify which guests you think will book a hotel. Will they want two beds, one king? When will they check in and out? Always keep in mind that guests may want a room prior to and after the day of the wedding! Tally the room nights by room type to come up with a good estimate of your needs. Try to be as accurate as you can. If the hotel is booking up as you run out of rooms, they may not be willing {or able} to add more rooms {or give you the same rate}. That doesn’t mean you purposely overcommit. Hotels know that couples often overcommit, so they typically won’t block more than 10-20 rooms initially to ensure they are not stuck with the excess inventory in the end.
Select several hotels from which you want bids. Consider price points and quality of hotel – you want to give your guests options. Also consider location and proximity to wedding activities and outside activities and services.
Contact the hotels, give your dates, and room tallies by night. Ask about guest transportation, financial commitment on your part, and amenities.
- Transportation Options
  - Free/greatly reduced transportation options are not available at many hotels and not at all in the heart of downtown Minneapolis.
  - You will need to consider what is more important – location or transportation. Of course, transportation can always be secured through an outside vendor.
- Commitment and Flexibility
  - Most couple want to book a “courtesy block” whereby you are not financially liable for unbooked rooms, however, if you know you will fill the rooms, getting a contracted block gets you better rates.
  - Contracted blocks require that you meet revenue commitments, generally 80% of the room block, or you pay for the lost revenue.
  - Regardless of the route you go, be sure you set realistic block sizes to ensure you have enough rooms but are not left paying out for lost revenue.
  - Don’t forget to ask about the cost to hand out welcome bags or to give information cards to guests!
- Amenities
  - Most hotels offer perks if a certain number of rooms are booked under the block. Often times you will get a free or upgraded suite or meal vouchers for guests. Be sure to ask what each hotel offers and the number of rooms that need to book for you to qualify.
  - Ask about online tools to manage the booking. Many hotels now allow you to manage this online, enabling you to get rooming lists and to check inventory any time you wish.

If this seems too daunting, or if you’d rather someone else take the reins, we are happy to help. Check out our list of wedding planning services and give us a call!

Kenzie Amick 4/26/16 Kenzie Amick 4/26/16

Wedding Planning 101: Branding

Whether you’ve just begun the planning process or are a few months deep, every bride has the same goal: to make their day unique. This Wedding Planning 101 is all about accomplishing just that. At Style-Architects Weddings + Events, we say, “don’t theme it, brand it!” After all, your wedding should reflect your style and personality as a couple {your “brand”}! But how do you accomplish this? Don’t fret. Luckily for you, branding is our forte! First, we recommend consulting our {vision development} post to help gather your thoughts and picture the details. We ask various questions to our couples to identify their personal style: the desired mood, adjectives to describe the look of their dream wedding, their imagined décor elements, and how the wedding should reflect them as a couple. Once we have an idea of your vision we begin the branding process.

There are various design and styling elements to consider when branding your wedding. Of course nearly every bride creates a Pinterest board with their ideas and inspiration for their special day. Start by collecting ideas for colors, patterns and fonts for print materials. Next, it’s important to also start thinking about furniture, china, linens, floral arrangements, cake, lighting, paper/signage and even the menu. Lastly, remember that it all needs to work together to create a cohesive style so delete what doesn’t fit. Even the fashion needs to fit the overall branding. Check out our post on {Wedding Planning 101: Fashion} where we share how to choose attire that fits the overall style of the wedding.

Paper and unique signage is a great way to brand your wedding, but the big “don’t” here is creating a logo which you slap all over your wedding. If one element is utilized on every décor element, the overall uniqueness and impact diminishes. Instead, take bits and pieces of a design element and incorporate in key areas of the design.

Whatever the direction of your overall vision, {we’ll say it again!} the key is to be sure your branding and overall look is cohesive. We all love the look of multiple styles, but that doesn’t mean you should pull them all together in one wedding! Enlist a friend {or a seasoned professional like Style-Architects Weddings + Events} to help you curate your overall look.

Our team has a package designed specifically for this step in the planning process. We provide you with the visual assistance you need to achieve your desired look and feel. Visit our Design + Branding package to learn more!

Kenzie Amick 4/19/16 Kenzie Amick 4/19/16

Wedding Planning 101: Invitation Etiquette

Calligraphy: Rosann Konieczny (http://rosannkcalligrapher.com)

If you read our last Wedding Planning 101: Guest List, then you’ve decided on who was lucky enough to get invited to your special day. Now that the list is complete, it’s time to conquer the invitations. This may seem like a minor step in the wedding planning process, but many couples don’t know the proper etiquette for addressing invitations. Do you write both of the guests names? Just the husband's name? What if the guests live together but are not married? And what about the kids? We’d be lying if we said there’s not an overwhelming amount of etiquette rules to remember, so let’s break it down into the most essential things to know.

First things first, let’s begin with how to address who you are inviting. Always use full, given names, not nicknames. If the couple is married, address them as “Mr. and Mrs.” followed by the husband’s first and last name. If the wife kept her maiden name, write the couples names in alphabetical order: Ms. Susan Jones and Mr. John Smith. If the couple has different titles, write their names separately. If the wife is a doctor, her full name is first followed by the husband's full name. If the husband is a doctor, the title should read “Dr. and Mrs.” and if both the husband and wife are doctors, address them as “Drs. Susan and John Smith.” If you are addressing a couple who live together but are not married, write their names on two separate lines with the primary guest on the first line. If you are addressing a single women under 21, she should be addressed as Miss, if she is 21 or over she should be addressed as Ms. Here are a few examples:

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Smith {Note we didn’t use Tony!}

Dr. Sharon and Mr. Gary Lawrence {Women is a doctor}

Dr. and Mrs. John Smith {John is the doctor}

Ms. Jane Smith {Unmarried woman over 21}

Next, how do you address children or {politely} make it clear that they’re not invited? The rule of thumb is to always list the names of every guest invited on the invitation. For infant boys through age 8, the proper title is Master. Boys age 8 – 16, there is no title. For boys 16 and up, the proper title is Mr. The proper title for girls is Miss. By listing all guests’ names {instead of just “and family”}, there’s no room for confusion. The childrens’ names are listed on the second line without a last name: Master John and Miss Abigail

Remember that this is your wedding, most likely the single most important {and formal} day of your life. The invitations should follow suit, so don’t sell your big day short with an informal invite {remember this isn’t a thank you note or a cocktail party invite!!}. Address labels {even the clear ones - yes, you can still tell it’s a label!} should not be used on a formal invite. Opt for beautiful calligraphy or have your invitation provider print the address information on the front and back flap for you using the same fonts as the invitation. If you must, use an address wrap. Yes it is a sticker, but if it is beautifully branded to match the invite and wraps around the envelope with the return address, then it is considered acceptable. It’s also important to remember to never use abbreviations. If there’s one time in life to spell it out, now’s the time! "Street," "Post Office Box," “Northwest” and "Apartment" should all be spelled out as well as city and state names and house numbers smaller than 20. If you don’t know if it is a condo or apartment, use the word “Unit.”

There you have it! Now there’s no excuse for etiquette faux pas on your invites! Complicated enough?! {We know it’s a lot to remember!} Bookmark, save, or copy this page so you can return back for a refresher on the proper way to address your invites. And if you are still questioning your etiquette, have one of our planners show you the do’s and don’ts.

Kenzie Amick 4/12/16 Kenzie Amick 4/12/16

Wedding Planning 101: Guest List

Deciding who gets invited to your wedding is arguably one of the most difficult steps in the wedding planning process. When you consider that the average cost of a wedding is approximately $180 per guest and often goes much, much higher, you want to make sure everyone on your list is a must-have at your wedding. So, how do you decide who makes the cut? Here are all of the tips you need to survive the process and to keep peace with extended family, friends and colleagues.

First and foremost, remember it is your {and your soon-to-be spouse’s} wedding! Parents do get more say in the matter if they are paying for the wedding, but the ultimate decision falls on the two of you when deciding whom to invite. We recommend starting off with a master guest list that includes everyone you and your fiancé would like to attend, considering parents’ lists as well.

When considering your max number to invite, think about your budget and how you picture your special day. Are you picturing a big lavish affair or a small, intimate evening with your closest family and friends? Think about both ceremony and reception spaces – don’t fill the venues just because you can. Nobody wants cramped guests, a blown budget, or a lack of intimacy at your wedding!

We are asked all the time, “What percentage should we plan on not attending?” This is a difficult question since the size of lists varies as well as the number of out-of-town guests. Smaller lists will have a higher percentage attend since it is typically a tighter group of your closest friends and family. We suggest you work down the list and estimate whether or not each guest will attend. Don’t plan on more than 15% declines. If it turns out to be more, you can be pleasantly surprised {from a budget perspective}, but you also want to make sure you have the space and the budget for 85% of your guests.

Now that you have an ideal guest count in mind, are you worried that your number is too large? Take a deep breathe, we have a helpful hint! Sit down {with a nice glass of vino} and organize your guest list by relationship: immediate family, extended family, family friends, your friends, and parents’ colleagues. Subdivide groups and then eliminate entire groups. For example, all second cousins may need to be chopped from the list.

If you wish to exclude children, address only the adult names on the envelope. Afraid your guests won’t catch the hint? Add the explicit wording to the website. You may want to consider adding a line to the rsvp card that reads:

____ Number of seats reserved for you

____ Number of guests attending

So what do you do when children appear on the completed rsvp card anyways? We recommend holding firm and politely disclosing that children are not invited. Making exceptions to this will create more hurt feelings with those who complied than with those who did not, so be firm with your request.

What about the infamous “plus one” quarrel? Unsure who to issue a plus one? This gesture is often extended to those with a truly “significant” other and to those few guests who are not familiar with other wedding guests. Be a gracious host and be sure to introduce these guests to other guests leading up to the wedding day if the opportunity presents itself.

Once you have a drafted invite list, it’s time to get organized. A computerized guest list will help you keep track of contact information, RSVPs, acceptances, regrets, meal choices, and even gifts. It also makes it easy to create escort cards. We assure you this will come in handy throughout the entire planning process!

Once you think you’ve settled on a guest list, do a final look over when it’s time to send out invitations. Don’t discount people from the invite list because you don’t think they’ll come- always give them the option. Trust us, your gesture to invite them goes a long way!

With these tips and some great online tools, you are now set to take on the guest list! Still need someone to talk it through with you? We’re happy to help!

Kenzie Amick 4/5/16 Kenzie Amick 4/5/16

Wedding Planning 101: Fashion

Attention all you brides and grooms to-be! As seasoned planners, we understand how important it is to look your absolute best on your special day while keeping the look cohesive with your overall wedding vision. To do so, many of our couples are looking to incorporate unique and fun fashion throughout their big day. We’ve seen a lot of dresses and a lot of suits in our day, and we’re excited to share with you some of the fashion knowledge we’ve accumulated over the years.

Let’s start with the bride, shall we? {After all, ladies are always first!} Your gown should fit cohesively with the overall style of your wedding. Of course, I assume that are you already working with our wedding planners to achieve that wedding design of your dreams, so think about your venue and your vision for tablescapes, cake, and all other décor elements. Are you planning a vintage-inspired wedding? Then we recommend going with a lace or beaded gown to fit with the “theme.” What about a contemporary, swanky night-club feel? Then why not play around with a fun and structural geometric gown that shows off those curves? Of course, we always recommend keeping an open mind on the silhouette and selecting a gown that best fits your body type. A gown is like a great pair of jeans - you may have to try on a bunch before finding the perfect fit and style!

What about those finishing touches that complete your overall ensemble? Have no fear, we are here to help advise you on the proper amount of jewelry to wear, how to accent your gown with a sash or belt, and whether you should select {or intentionally pass on} the various forms of headpieces. We always emphasize the rule “less is more” when it comes to jewelry. One great accessory is all you need. There is no need to over-power your beautiful gown with accessories, so keep it simple. It’s also important to remember that jewelry and accessories should coincide with the style and “theme” of your dress. A great way to do this is to pick out details from the dress and see how you can incorporate those into your other accessories. For example, if your dress has beautiful vintage lace, a veil with a similar vintage lace trim would look stunning! If you’re having a winter wedding, compliment your dress with a fur shawl.

Now on to the gents…It’s your big day, too, and you deserve to look dapper and properly suited {pun intended} for this occasion! Forget ill-fitted rental tuxes and think sleek, tailored, Don Draper suits. Although buying your own suit may stress you {and your wallet} out, it’s well worth it! Investing in a properly tailored fit ensures that you have a go-to piece for any event! Accessories aren’t just for women, either. We suggest playing around with fun pocket squares, colored ties, printed socks, or cuff links - all of which can be uniquely branded and personalized!

Many brides and grooms want that “mixed and mismatched” look for their bridesmaids and groomsmen, but don’t let those words fool you! This look may appear “unintentional” but there is much thought and stylization that goes into achieving this look. To begin, choose a color palette or silhouette that creates consistency throughout. This doesn’t mean choose ONE color. We often recommend a wide range of neutrals such as creams, blushes, and pewters, or olives, browns and tans. You can even play around with different textures, cuts, lengths, and necklines.

There you have it soon-to-be married couples - our favorite wedding fashion tips! Feel like this is all a bit too much? Our wedding team has you covered in your hour {or year} of need!

Kenzie Amick 3/29/16 Kenzie Amick 3/29/16

Wedding Planning 101: Videography

Video: Snowshoe Productions

Often overlooked in the initial planning process, few couples understand how well videography can capture your day as it naturally unfolds. Videography is an excellent way to hear the laughs, see the joy, and recall the remarks of your besties! What better way to celebrate your anniversary with your honey than curling up to a glass of vino and taking a trip down memory lane? But, with fees that vary widely, how do you start your search? Let us share with you our videography pearls of wisdom. From equipment techniques to package costs, we cover all the basics!

First off, don’t be afraid to ask for demos from various videographers. Look at both their short and longer edits. Does the music fit the theme of the video? Do you like what they’ve included and do the transitions flow nicely? Do you feel the emotion you want to feel watching your video? Is movement smooth or choppy? Are clips long or short? All videographers take different approaches to creating wedding videos, so watch demos to help you and your fiance decide which style you prefer.

So much of the shots are dependent on the equipment, so even though you may not know much about videography equipment, you need to ask! Is their work more stationary or do they use gliders, sliders and jibs to get a desired movie effect? Do their cameras capture movement in slow-motion? Who is mic’d and what sort of back-up microphone equipment do they use? If the technical details sound like a foreign language to you, don’t be afraid to ask your SA wedding planner for help. Although these details seem miniscule, they can greatly affect the quality of your video.

Also, be sure to ask about the finished product. Does the package only provide a highlight reel or are there extras? How long is the highlight reel? These can vary from 2 – 15 minutes, so be sure you know what you’re getting. Do they provide raw or extended coverage reels? The idea of raw footage sounds great, until you’re faced with 10 hours of video to filter through! If extended coverage is included, ask if and how the footage is broken up into chapters. Is it important to you to view your ceremony in full, start to end? Clearly communicate your expectations for the desired service package and understand the cost up front. Don’t make videography a budget-buster!

Last and certainly not least, choose someone you will be comfortable spending the day with and whom can work with your photographer. Ideally, the videographer and photographer collaborate and complement each other’s vision to ensure that they both capture all elements over the course of the day. Photographers and videographers can “bump” into each other throughout the day if both are not open to the other being there so make sure your videographer is willing to work with and not against your photographer.

Still on the fence about which videography company to select? Have no fear, our weddings team works with a number of videographers at different price points and can direct you to one that best fits your vision and budget.

Kenzie Amick 3/22/16 Kenzie Amick 3/22/16

Wedding Planning 101: Photography

After a memorable {and celebratory} engagement, there are a few wedding planning steps that should be completed ASAP. Securing your fabulous photographer is definitely one of them! As seasoned {wedding} vets, we are confident that we know just the questions and things to look out for when selecting yours! Of course, milling on various photographers’ websites seems like a quick {and easy} selection method. However, there are many factors to consider when selecting your wedding day photographer.

Of course we understand that all couples have a budget to cater to, but if there is one vendor worth a little extra penny stretching, we believe it’s your photographer {and a wedding coordinator!}. After all, wedding day photos last you a lifetime, so you deserve to look back at these photos with an undeniable smile on your face. When choosing your photographer, it is important to remember that you will be spending a lot of time with him or her. Often times, we remind our couples to choose somebody they feel comfortable with, somebody they could imagine sitting down and having a cup of coffee or glass of wine with. Think of your photographer as one of your wedding day “besties”!

We hear all the time that couples want that photojournalistic style, but styles differ within and it’s important to pay attention when scanning the albums. Do you prefer muted colors and a romantic feel, or do you prefer true-color images? Do you like a more artistic twist to your images? Classic edits or funky filtering?

Once you find a photographer that meets your style, we recommend asking about the style of editing taken to your photos. You can get a clear sense of a photographer’s editing methods by looking at sample wedding albums. Wedding photos should be flawlessly finished without bright, distracting exit signs in the background and blemished bridesmaids. Skin tones should look milky and bright, not as if everyone just received a bad spray tan.

Of course, as planners, we live for the details. While looking at sample albums, we encourage you to dig deep and pay attention to the little things that can make a big difference. For example, did the photographer straighten out the boutonnieres on the groomsmen and make sure shirts are tucked in before snapping? What about the alignment of the chairs? You’ve put so much time {and money} into this big day and the photos should show how beautiful it really was!

Before signing on the dotted line, check into the package features. Make sure to ask how many hours are included in the package. Often times, couples underestimate how much wedding day coverage they need. An engagement session is the perfect opportunity for you and your fiancé to practice feeling camera-ready and comfortable. And, as you already know, there are so many elements that go into a wedding day and it is important to have the second set of eyes {and hands} to capture those details in the room while the other is snapping family portraits. A second shooter is a must!

The best photographers book early so get going! There are hundreds of photographers, so the task can appear daunting, but keeping these tips in mind will ensure you find a photographer that is a match made in heaven!

Photography: Melissa Oholendt Photography

Kenzie Amick 3/15/16 Kenzie Amick 3/15/16

Wedding Planning 101: Decor

Hello and happy Tuesday to our beloved SA blog readers! Today, our team of planners is going to share exclusive tips and insights on the different decor options for your big day. Decor is an important facet to every wedding because it’s your opportunity to uniquely brand your wedding and to make it unlike anyone else’s.

Once you have the burdened budget established and you’ve chosen your {and your fiance’s} overall vision for the big day, it’s time for the fun part! There are a variety of elements that go into transforming your venue from a blank slate to a magical wedding space you’ve dreamt about for years.

Room configuration: First and foremost, getting an idea for the room configuration is a must. Think about guest count, type of dinner service, and venue shape. Is your head table the main focal point of the room? Where do you want the dance floor? {We always suggest in the center of the room!} Also, think about whether you want squares, rounds, farm tables or a mix of shapes! This will help with the positioning of the specialty tables, such as the bars, the cake, and escort card tables.

Florals: Once you have a particular floor plan in mind, it’s time to talk florals. However, with florals, there is much more than simply selecting the color palette. For example, you can’t get beautiful peonies all year, so keeping your wedding date in mind before marrying {pun intended} yourself to a certain type of flower is a must. Also consider the types of containers you imagine for your tablescapes. Are you a gold, silver, mercury glass, crystal, or clear glass type of bride? Establishing your overall style will help with the initial floral consult.

Lastly, we encourage you to play with looks and height when it comes to florals. We recommend mixing tall and low arrangements and dispersing them throughout the room to help create depth and interest. We generally avoid medium-height since nobody wants to play peek-a-boo at the table.

Lighting: Lighting is our most encouraged decor must-have. It sets the mood and illuminates all of your beautiful decor. Let’s face it, flowers are expensive, and it’s a shame to lose these beauties once the natural light dims and the dancing begins. Whether through additional lighting fixtures, pin spots, uplighting, gobos, or moving lights, investing in a lighting expert {or wedding planner} is the perfect way to transform your wedding reception or event space from standard to simply stunning.

Rentals: Don’t forget the other items that complete your overall look. For instance, chairs and other furniture rentals are definitely items worth splurging on. Often times, venues provide the traditional “banquet chair” that can be difficult to work with. Ghost chairs, chiavaris, vineyard chairs, antique chairs and garden chairs are all great options and cover a wide range of price points. Mixing chair styles is a great way to make an impact. If upgraded chairs are outside of the budget, no worries! It’s definitely worth covering banquet chairs with simple chair covers. {We suggest avoiding the sash!} You can also have fun with seating by renting lounge furniture. Whether vintage-inspired, or swanky and contemporary, additional rental pieces are great for catering to your event’s look while also providing comfort for your guests.

Similar to chairs, venues and caterers typically provide a generic lap-length black, white, or ivory poly linen which can usually be upgraded for minimal cost to floor length. If you are a bride looking for that certain extra “something” on the table, there are plenty of upgraded linen options in town! Check out our favorite spots, Linen Effects and Apres Party and Tent Rental. Even mixing these in sporadically can make all the difference.

As you can see, there are endless amount of decor options for your wedding day! Feeling a little overwhelmed by all the possibilities or not sure how to best spend your budget for maximum impact? No problem! Our weddings team offers great design + branding services catered to helping you achieve that beautiful wedding that you deserve!

Stay tuned for the next Wedding Planning 101 post on Photography.