Things to Consider When Choosing your Wedding Venue

Picking a wedding venue can be exciting! During all that excitement here are few things you should take into consideration before choosing your wedding venue. 

Location

Take the time to think about your in town and out of town guest. Try to find a sweet spot where guest who are local won't have to travel 5 hours away. If your having out of town guest set a room block at a near by hotel where you'll be having your wedding.

The food

Are you only allowed to use the venues  preferred caterer? If so will they be able to make the cuisine you had in mind? Something else to consider is being able to bring in a outside caterer and will the venue have space to accommodate them. For example the kitchen capabilities.

Availability

Are you able to setup all of your decorations the night before? How soon can your vendors start arriving and setting up? What time will everything need to broken down and cleaned up?

Decor

Can you hang things on the wall and if so do need special material? Can you use confetti or balloons? 

Larger venues may offer a wedding planner and taking full advantage of that can eliminate a lot of stress. 

Make Your Bachelorette Party Count

Wedding planning is stressful, right? Besides the obvious decision of hiring a wedding planner, there's one more way to manage your stress leading up to your big day- your bachelorette party! Although it's meant to be a way to blow off some steam right before your wedding, bachelorette parties themselves have become full of traditions, do's and do not's, and high expectations. It's a big mistake to overlook the bachelorette party! Follow these tips to make your big night as wonderful as your big day will be!

Have a Vision

The first and arguably most important thing to decide is what you want your bachelorette party to look and feel like. Do you want a night to rival the movie "Hangover?" or do you prefer something quieter? Do you imagine you and your crew bar hopping all night, or staying in for a paint night with wine? Knowing your expectations and making them clear to your maid of honor will ensure you get the bachelorette party of your dreams!

Organize the Finances

Make sure that whatever you decide to do, it is affordable for your bridesmaids and other guests. If you dream of a presidential suite and bottle service in Las Vegas, keep in mind that many of your guests may not be able to afford that. Tuck that away for a post-honeymoon trip! Instead, think of an agenda that is manageable for everyone. This should be your maid of honor's job to figure out. Ask her to come up with a budget that works for everyone- then plan away!

Timeline

There are so many fun bachelorette party ideas out there, but don't feel obligated to overschedule! Our suggestion is to pick 1 or 2 "activities," followed by a night of bar hopping or wine tasting, for example. Make sure to consider time needed to have a snack or change clothes and freshen up if needed. Don't underestimate the importance of just relaxing with your friends and a couple of drinks!

Don't Drink and Drive

You know that list you have in your head of everything that could go wrong at your wedding? Add a DUI for you or one of your bridesmaids if you don't plan for transportation back from the bars. Not fun. An Uber of Lyft is such a simple and affordable way to get to and from the bars, you don't have an excuse NOT to go that route. If you and your guests are able to shell out the extra bucks, a limo or party bus is super memorable!

Keep it Personal

Don't make this just any night out on the town! Incorporate something special. Personalized matching temporary tattoos are super affordable, simple and fun! Maybe your crew is the scavenger hunt type- there are endless possibilities. If it's an overnight event, send your guests home with cute "hangover kits" filled with things like aspirin, bottled water, and mints. There are so many memorable ways to cherish your bachelorette party forever.

Wedding Etiquette- What Still Applies, and to Who?

Etiquette- it almost sounds like an antiquated word, doesn't it? With social etiquette, in general, becoming more relaxed in recent years, some people underestimate the importance of wedding etiquette. Yes- it's still important. 

However, with so many different styles and types of weddings, it can be difficult to determine which etiquette still applies and which may not. Mix an older generation with a new generation where many feel comfortable running to the grocery store in their pajama pants (which we're guilty of!) and it's even more confusing. 

Consider this your go-to guide on wedding etiquette so you can quit wondering and start having a good time at those weddings this summer! If you're planning your own wedding, use this guide to keep your guests in line.

White is Still A Big No

Remember when it was a considered bad etiquette to wear all white to a wedding? Yeah, it still is considered bad etiquette. Sure, having some white in your outfit is fine, but if you show up in an all-white dress or outfit, chances are, you will take attention away from the bride. So, save that bright white outfit for another occasion.

Social Media- to Post or Not to Post?

This is a newer, smartphone age etiquette conundrum. Many people take photos of the happy new couple on their phones and that's great! Many of those people also post it to Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms- right away. This can be frustrating for many brides, who have spent thousands of dollars on a professional photographer, only to have the first pictures of them in their beautiful dress unveiled to the world of social media by a guest who took it at a strange angle above Aunt Sally's perm on a smartphone.

Always RSVP

The number of brides that we've worked with who don't receive all of their RSVPs back is astounding. Always RSVP. Even if it's a "no." Imagine how stressful it is planning the biggest party of your life. Now imagine how stressful that would be if you only get 52 RSVPs from 150 invites. 

Without proper planning, the bride and groom either waste a ton of money on food for people who don't show up or don't have enough food when guests who didn't bother to RSVP attend. It doesn't take long- please RSVP.

Be on Time

This means the obvious- don't be late. Nothing throws off a beautiful, quiet ceremony like a guest rushing through the doors 5 minutes in. However, it also means don't be too early! A good time frame for arrival is 15 - 5 minutes before the start of the ceremony. If you arrive too early, you might throw off the family's plans, like pre-ceremony photography. You might even see the bride in her dress, which will ruin the magic of the ceremony for her and you!

Stick to the Registry

If you see a really cute slow cooker that you think they would love, resist the urge to buy it. It's likely not on the list because they already have a good slow cooker. It will help no one to fill up their home with useless items. Don't feel obligated to get something out of your budget, either. Most couples will have items in a large price range on their registry!

"Open Bar or Cash Bar" - The Positives and Negatives to a Open and Cash bar.

Every bride has wondered, "open or cash bar?" There are many positives and negatives to each, but the reality is that no one bar type fits every wedding! It depends on a number of factors,  like your budget and guests. 

Open Bar

Positives-

Guests save money

Starting with the obvious,  your guests won't have to shell out money for drinks (remember to put out a tip jar,  though!) There's not much more to elaborate on here- everyone loves saving money!

Party atmosphere

Ask yourself what type of partiers your guests are. Will there be a lot of your college friends there, ready to down shots and dance the night away? Do you want the reception to feel like a big party? Do you want it to go late into the night? An open bar almost guarantees a late night party! With the alcohol flowing, the dance floor will fill up and the guests will be more encouraged to keep the party going.  

Thanks guests and makes them feel more welcome

Your guests will really feel taken care of if they have complimentary drinks during your reception. It'll feel more like a party. It will also create fun memories that everyone will keep with them forever. 

Negatives- 

You spend a big chunk of your budget

Of course, an open bar is never cheap. If you've been stretching your wedding budget,  an open bar may not be in the cards for you. And that's ok!

Guests may get too drunk

Do you have a few guests that you just know will drink past their limits? To avoid any drama, damages, or obnoxious scenes, you may choose a cash bar instead. As we mentioned above,  it's all about knowing your guests. 

Driving home safety

This isn't a fun part of the night to think about, but it's important.  Do you feel your guests will drive home responsibly? The last thing you want on your wedding night is to feel responsible for a drunk driving incident. 

Cash Bar

Positives-

You save a ton of money on alcohol

Small budgets reap the benefits of a cash bar! 

Responsible drinking

Guests will be much more likely to drink responsibly with an open bar,  reducing the risk of any drunken accidents or scenes. 

Negatives-

Guests may feel restricted if on a budget

Guests on a budget or struggling financially may not be able to drink at your reception. 

Guests may get upset with bartender if they feel their order is incorrect 

Since guests are paying for each drink, they will be more critical of taste and ratios, potentially holding up the bar line. 

Party likely to end earlier

The longer guests stay, the more money is coming out of their pockets. This will make the reception more likely to end earlier.  

Compromising

A simple compromise to those on the fence is easy. You could have a limited open bar with just beer and wine. No liquor will likely keep "problem" relatives out of trouble. It's also more affordable. 

Another good option is limiting the hours of the open bar. An open bar that lasts through the first 2 hours of the reception is much cheaper than an open bar that lasts 4+ hours.  

Laugh Out Loud Questions to add to your "Wedding Shoe Game" Question List

Most people have attended a wedding where the newlyweds play the "Wedding Shoe Game". If you haven't seen it played or played it yourself this is how it works:

In the middle of the dance floor  place 2 chairs back to back. The bride sits in one chair and the groom in the other. They will then take their shoes off and give one shoe to one another. The couple should now be holding one of each. Someone from the bridal party or the DJ will read questions from a list like "Who's always late?" or "Who has the most friends?" The bride and groom will then hold up the corresponding shoe to match the answer 

We have come up with questions to keep your guest laughing and learning more about the happy couple. These questions will be great to mix in with the traditional questions of the "Wedding Shoe Game"

Who said " I love you first"

Who owns the most clothes?

Who is the best dancer?

Who is the better singer?

Who is older?

When you first met, who made the first move?

Who is the better dresser? 

Who starts the argument?

Who got better grades in school?

Who wears the pants in the relationship?

Who has control of the TV remote? 

Who spends more money?

Who was the most nervous about the "Big Day"?

Who complains more?

Who makes all the decisions?

Who holds their liqueur better?

Who is the biggest flirt? 

Who's idea was it to play this game?

Can't Get Enough of the Royal Wedding? 5 Ways to Give Your Wedding Guests the Royal Treatment

Transportation 

If your ceremony and reception are in separate places, offer a fun way for your guests to get from one place to another. Are you having an elegant fairytale wedding? Horsedrawn carriages would be the perfect unforgettable touch. Will your guests be downing shots and partying until late into the night? Get them prepped for the celebration with party busses! If you really want to set the tone (and make sure your guests don't get restless or bored between the ceremony and reception,) consider budgeting for a memorable transportation service for your guests. We promise- it's worth it!

  Cocktail Hour

Your guests will have worked up an appetite by the time they arrive at the reception. Don't let your guests get hungry and grumpy while they wait for you and your wedding party to take photos! Cocktail hour is an integral part of any wedding, especially when the wedding party is taking photos between the ceremony and reception. Don't worry-cocktail hour can be tailored to fit any budget! If you don't have the budget for formal waiters passing out appetizers, a couple of tables of food will do. Cheese platters, vegetable and fruit trays, and dips and crackers are popular food ideas. They're also easy and affordable! A limited bar is a great idea during cocktail hour, as well. Try two signature drinks in your wedding colors! 

 

Know Your DJ

The DJ is so important when it comes to setting the tone of the reception! Make sure to talk to your DJ extensively beforehand. Does he know who and when he is supposed to introduce at the beginning of the reception? Does he know which genres of music you prefer? Perhaps you want to play edited songs the first couple hours in order to keep your older guests comfortable. Do you want your guests to be able to request songs? These are all important things to make sure your DJ knows! The last thing you want is to spend your reception listening to music you and your guests don't like.  

 

Add a Surprise Treat

 Celebrating the newlyweds will leave guest wanting a late night snack! Set your reception apart from the rest by offering a surprise late night snack. Find out how much your local food trucks will charge to make a visit to your reception during the last hour. Tacos, burgers, or anything greasy would be a welcome surprise to your guests, especially if they've been drinking all night. Send them home happy and full!

Open bar

An open bar is worth figuring into your budget! Get your guests loosened up and ready to celebrate. Figure out which type of open bar will fit your wedding best. You might prefer to serve only wine and beer. If your guests are partiers, you may choose to also serve liquor. It's a smart choice to close the bar a half hour to an hour before the reception ends so that your guests aren't drinking up until the minute they leave- they won't want to have a hangover as a wedding favor!

4 Easy Saving Tips to Afford Your Dream Wedding

When someone asks you what your wedding budget is, do you have an answer? 
Do you have a savings plan? If you're like many of us, it can be 

difficult to get by even without spending money on a wedding. These 

foolproof savings plans may seem silly, but they are great ways to save up

 change!

One $5 Bill at a Time

This savings tip requires you to spend cash instead of carrying around your

cards, but the habit you create is one that you could very well carry

into post-wedding life, and continue saving! The only thing you have to 

do is save all of your $5 bills! Every time you get change, stash those $5 in 

your wedding savings shoebox. You'll be amazed at how quickly those $5

bills will add up to hundreds of dollars.

Honeymoon Now, or Honeymoon Later

It's becoming a popular option among brides and grooms to take a 

delayed honeymoon. Instead of jetting off the day after the wedding, 

spend a few months soaking in that newlywed bliss, all while still looking

forward to your honeymoon! This will allow you extra time to save for the

trip and gives you that extra money to spend on the wedding.

Budget Master

Does your budget tend to get away from you most months? Do you have

the best intentions of saving more this time but you still find yourself

unable to do so? The answer is envelopes- that's right, envelopes. Take 

each of your expendable bills (groceries, gas, wine, restaurants,) and label

an envelope with each expense. Budget what you plan to spend every month

on each, take the cash out and put it in the envelopes (and put

them somewhere safe!) Spend no more than what is physically there.

Make it a game. See how much you can have leftover in each envelope 

at the end of each week or month. You'll be impressed with how much

money is left over for saving when you stick to this method!

A Little This Week, A Little More Next Week

This is an easy way to start a savings plan that may seem intimidating. 

Some people prefer to walk into a pool, starting with their toes and, 

eventually, slowly submerging themselves. This method involves money,

not a pool (sorry- it's not your honeymoon yet!) Do this savings plan at a 

rate that is comfortable for you and your budget. For example, start week

1 by saving just $10. Next week, save $12. The week after that, save $14. 

By adding just $2 onto the total saved each month, you'll have $286 in 13 

weeks. Of course, you can always save more if you feel your budget allows it. But the point is, 
building slowly makes saving feel more possible!