Outdoor Ceremonies

Photos: Verge Photography

Colorado is a gorgeous place to get married! Sunshine, mountains, great views almost anywhere you look. Of course you want to get married outside- but what about the weather and the elements?

We've got some great tips and ways to plan to help you have a better chance at those outdoor nuptials.

#1- You must relax.  

If you can be the kind of bride that can go with it, whatever the day may bring, then go for it. Plan that outdoor wedding! If it is going to keep you up at night worrying about it, then maybe you'd be better off planning a beautiful ceremony indoors. There's lots of beautiful options. Do whatever you need to Enjoy Your Event! (Including the planning.) You should be as relaxed as possible and enjoy the journey too.

Pick a site that is as relaxed as you and willing to be flexible and do multiple set ups.

#2- Pick a good month.  

Check the farmers almanac, the weather channel averages, ask the site when they've seen the best (and worst) weather, ask you aunt who lives close to the site, any research you can to get an idea for calmer weather chances. If you want to get married during a thunderstorm in Colorado, then 3pm in July would be a great time. If you'd like to have a calmer day then you might be better off earlier in the day (and in the year for that matter.)

#3- Have a really good plan B. Colorado is also unpredictable- weather wise. So plan your outdoor ceremony and put real thought and time into plan B. Put it into writing and give it to caterers and event staff to sign well beforehand. Then remind them closer to time. When you do your walk-through speak spend time on plan B as well.  

Questions to work through.

(Tell them what you want but be realistic too.)
-How long will they wait to decide? Who will decide?
-If the rain goes away can they quickly re-set outside? (probably if it wasn't a severe storm or set-up isn't extensive.)
-Does the site or caterer have the staff to handle such a move?
-Would you rather get married inside or wait it out and see? (offering your guests drinks and apps inside for an hour and milling around with them, makes this a great option.)

#4- Simplify-

Simplicity lends itself better to the ability to fit in an outdoor ceremony. Long ceremonies, extravagant flower installation, and separate ceremony and reception sites make flexibility hard.

#5- Space

Extra Space is also important. You can't move your ceremony inside if it's already set with dinner tables- unless your guests will just sit at their tables for the ceremony. (Which works by the way if everyone can see.) It's really nice if the site has an extra empty room or if you will utilize a room intended for your cocktail hour with little furniture set. (By the way if you do use your cocktail space for your ceremony and the storm goes away- happens in Colorado- you could have your cocktail hour outside and just have staff re arrange the chairs.)

Don't be afraid to try an outdoor wedding. But be realistic, relaxed and plan well.

Now go enjoy the outdoors!

Secrets and Event Hacks- Buffet Building

Welcome to a new Monday morning series... Event hacks.  
Quick little tips to save your event and help you 

Enjoy Your Event!

Today: Building a gorgeous buffet!

The secret... Styrofoam blocks.

1. Place table cloth on table. (skip the skirting to save money and just order long cloths.)

2.Take large Styrofoam blocks and place them on table.  (Use a little duct tape rolled over under them to make them stay put.)

3. Place another cloth over the blocks (usually a small square or round will work well.) at a diagonal.

4. Push fabric flat to the side of the box and use pearl corsage or boutineer pins to pin it to the box to secure the fabric.

5. Now you have levels to add pretty plates, risers and flowers to.  No boring buffet here!

Want other event hacks? See all of ours...

You should probably go here now... Pinterest

"It's Like Rain On Your Wedding Day"

You've made grandiose plans. It will be a beautiful event and it light up social media all weekend.

What if?...

You must consider the what if's. Do a walk through. Make a plan B (one that really is ok with you.) and then... Let it go.

Stop thinking, worrying, waking up at night. Leave it to your vendors and your wedding planner to carry it all out for you.

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?" Luke 12:25

If something goes wrong a good event planner will take care of it without you even knowing.

Your part in it? Relax and Enjoy Your Event! Yes I know you're the bride and it's all about you- so let it be all about you.  You're not fixing it, it's not your job.  Your job for the day? Focus on your new spouse and just enjoy.  Take it in like a guest.  Laugh, smile, enjoy your friends and family.

Remember if something does not go according to plan.  It's ok.  You must remind yourself.  It's just a vest.  It's just a cake.  It's just rain.  

We have been a part of some of the most amazing days with some truly amazing couples who laughed through rain and made a very memorable event for all.  
Who kept a secret that the cake on display was a Styrofoam decorated cake from a show and guests never knew when that beautiful tower was wheeled into the back and cake slices came out that it wasn't the same.  They just enjoyed their day.

Plan well.
Hire competent vendors.
and... Enjoy Your Event!

Destination Wedding- Right Near Home

Photo: Roddy Macinnes

Everyone loves the idea of a destination wedding but sometimes it's not feasible due to budget restraints, guest list (how can grandma come?) or other logistics.

Fear not!

Simply stage a 'destination wedding' right near you!

1. Set the Stage- 

Send out save the date cards early to get people excited.

Save The Date

For our wedding 

and a great vacation in beautiful___________________

We're planning lots of great things for you!

Start watching that airfare!

2. Pick a very cool hotel for you all to stay

One willing to offer a great rate (most) people can afford for a block of rooms.  

(make sure that the hotel sets it up so that guests pay themselves and not through you- you don't want to be out on a limb for unbooked rooms)

Great hotel perks...

• Close to lots of restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream shops and the like.
• Airport shuttle, so that your guests don't have to rent a car.
• Great breakfast area in the hotel so that your guests can mingle every morning.
• A pool, hot tub or steam room always entice.
• A great spa for guests to use and for a fun bridemaids thank you day.
• A great event space for you to rent.

3.Utilize the Hotels event space for a great deal-

Hotels are often willing to offer you great package deals the more you use.

• Book a block of 10 rooms to start (to get the deal) make sure you're not obligated and that the hotel will automatically add rooms as they book so you don't run out.
• Plan to rent their coolest event space for your reception.
• Use their in house caterer.

4. Book a cool restaurant near the hotel for the rehearsal dinner.

Within walking distance is awesome!

Some big cities have free shuttles, which work great too!

5. Make a website of your event weekend

Let your guests know of all the great things they can do!

Plan some things that some guests can do together if they wish, some wedding events and lots of options and time for guests to explore your location on their own.

Make sure to include 1 program for wedding party and other options for those not invited to the rehearsal dinner.

Friday

Rehearsal 5pm

Rehearsal Dinner 7pm

(Those not in the wedding party are invited to Comedy Works @6)

Drinks at Hotel Lounge 8-11pm Come one come all!

Saturday

Free Breakfast in the hotel atrium

Hotel Pool opens at 9 (Bar @11)

Ceremony at 5 pm

Reception 6-10 pm in the ___

Sunday

Meet in the lobby at 8am to go hiking (shuttle provided)

-or-

Colorado Rockies Baseball Game 1pm

Make sure to include contact names and sites to book needed tickets on.

6. Leave your guests a welcome bag at reception

include water, a candy bar, popcorn, an itinerary of optional activities, maps for wedding events and especially a list of great places near to visit- restaurants, ice cream, bars, sport events, art galleries, etc.

7. Book a room for you too!

For as many nights as your guests are there- stay with them at the hotel and enjoy your stay-cation.

(book first nights separately and the hotel will change you to that honeymoon suite for a night or two after your event.- better keep that room a secret!)

8. Relax and Enjoy!

Secrets and Event Hacks-Tulips

Welcome to a new Monday morning series... Event hacks.  
Quick little tips to save your event and help you 

Enjoy Your Event!

Today: Tulips

Spring events are perfect with tulips. 
Planning a spring wedding? Order lots.  

They are the only flower that grows after it's cut!

Hack- To get them to stand up- add a penny to the vase a couple of days before the event 

Or right when you receive them so they don't get damaged by lying on the floor.

Keeping Your Guests Happy

Photo: David Leong

You've planned the perfect guest list, 

                  they've traversed the globe to celebrate with you,

now's the time to think about your event from the perspective of a guest. (psst. you're a guest too!)

When you plan your event, you often think of the big items; site, clothes, music, food, photography.  But we challenge you to think about it from a different angle.  If you haven't started planning yet, this is a great framework to use.  It will be a fresh take and will alert you to what matters to you and what you'd like to skip- then your budget priorities will be so much easier. 

You've learned how to guide your guests and about the flow of the event, now comes the why.

Time of day...

You may have chosen the time of your event for many reasons; budget, availability, lighting, theme (dessert bar anyone?) but there's other things to consider about the time your guests will arrive..

Photo: Waferboard

Starving Guests...

When did they eat last?  When did you eat last for that matter. Sometimes clients have chosen an off time of day in hopes of saving some money on a full blown meal. Or perhaps on alcohol (think brunch not late night) but you should also consider- how long have they been traveling to get to your event? (up a mountain?) Will your ceremony end at an assumed meal time? Or will they be at your event for an extended period of time? Better plan ahead for food, and don't make them wait too long.

Traditionally no food or drink is offered prior to the ceremony.  But if your guests had to skip lunch to get to you on time, it might be nice to have a table set up as guests enter with water and crackers and cheese.  If your ceremony is in a church, then make sure to display a sign asking guests to refrain from bringing food and drink inside.  Perhaps a water station in the yard outside would be a nice arrival welcome for the weary traveler.  Remove or cover the food portion (leave the water) about 15 minutes prior to your ceremony start time to let guests know it's time to find a seat.

Photo: Faungg

Heat...

Something you want to consider for outdoor ceremonies (or indoor with poor ventilation.)

• Indoors- test the ac and or fans before hand and plan when they'll begin to run.  (Several hours prior to event, to ensure proper cool.  Ac's don't recover well to quick rises and you don't save by leaving them off until the last minute.  Let them run little bits in the am in prep.)
• If you've fallen in love with an old church with no ac and are marrying on a hot day, do everything you can to help your guests. offer handheld fans, a very cold water station just outside and ask the staff what they can do to help.  They often know some tricks of the space.  (Once you know the plan- alert your vendors!  Nothing ruins a cool room, like the doors left open while vendors set up.)
• Outdoors- plan shade if you can.  visit your site a couple weeks prior at the exact time of day to scope the cool and shady spots.  Place your ceremony there if you can, rent pretty white umbrellas for the guests if not. (even a few are nice), or set up some chairs in the shade for older guests or those who are not so great at dealing with the heat.

Bugs...

If your event is outdoor and evening, then you should ask the staff what bugs they normally deal with.  (This also applies to barn or backyard events.)  Have the staff use bug sprays leading up to the event. (Make sure they are environmentally friendly.  don't want to be breathing the remains of those!) And plan your event away from water sources.

Boredom & Sleep...

That's right! You heard me! Don't let your guests sit with nothing to do for long periods of time.  And please consider what they have the following day. (Church? Early flight home?) If you're event will go into the wee hours, then make sure that the main events; dinner, dessert, toasts, are done fairly early in case a guest must leave you early.

The Ride Home...

Ice cold waters for the ride home are a nice touch.  Especially if they've been 'partying heavily'.  

A thank you sign on the way out, shows your appreciation.

A polite sign near the exit for a local taxi company says "I love you, don't drive if you've indulged too much." but maybe not those exact words.

You've done all you can do, but we just want to say... You can't please everyone.  Just ignore any rude wedding guests and Enjoy Your Day!

Informing Your Guests, Without a Megaphone

Photo: Verge Photography

There's a good chance you will need your guests to move.  It makes for a great event if done correctly.

Even if your ceremony and reception are at the same location, you will need to alert your guests which way to go from the parking lot, where to place all those gifts, what to expect in the ceremony, where to go after you're wed to toast your nuptials, where to sit and when they're allowed to eat all that fantastic food!

It's best not to leave this to the imagination as wedding guests will take matters into their own hands.  (I've seen it happen) Fear not, and leave the megaphone at home...

Before- 

Save the Date- Your first 'sign' to your guests. When you're worried they might have other plans and don't have enough details for your formal invite- a Save The Date Card is perfect.  It can be informal and simple.

Invite- This sets the tone for your wedding.  If you're planning an upscale event, your invite better look it.  Want people to plan for a relaxed outdoor grassy event? Word it so they'll leave their heels and cocktail dresses at home. (Watch for our upcoming article on invite wording.)

Arrivals-

Hotel Guests- If you have some guests who will be staying at a hotel when they come to celebrate, it's nice to have a printed weekend itinerary ready for them. (include some important phone numbers and address' too.)  A easy to carry 1/4 sheet card of your favorite restaurants, ice cream shops and watering holes is also a plus so that they can grab something without guessing. 

Wedding Drive & Parking- If the route is confusing or has a tricky turn, then a well placed sign or balloon will make your guests day so much better.  If there are parking options then leave a well placed sign to make it obvious where to go.

The Big Event-

Ceremony-
Signs of where you'd like guests to sit, sides? where not to sit, 'reserved for family' and even a drink sign and a galvanized bin of cold water are very helpful to expectant celebrators.

Post Bliss-
Do you want your guests to stay seated after the event? Remain in the ceremony area? Move to another area? You may have your officiant announce this at the end or/and have a sign where guests can easily see upon arrival, what you wish for them to do after.

Reception & Special Thoughts-

Seating Charts- If you'd like your guests to sit somewhere specific then make an easy to read chart at the entrance to your reception. (Where on earth could you get advice about that?) If you're not bothered where they sit, then a cute sign saying so would be a welcome assurance for them to pick their favorite spot.

Photo Booths, Guest Books and Other Fun Ideas- If you've planned something special for your guests then place it somewhere your guests will see and leave a sign to encourage them to partake.

Food- If you have a buffet then it's nice for guests to know whether they should help themselves, wait until the prayer, or wait until they are dismissed by the caterers to chow down.  (Remember, if you're asking your guests to wait to eat the meal a long time, you should have snacks and water and drinks to tide them over.  They likely have not eaten in a while as they've been busy dressing and trekking to celebrate with you.  Nothing says thanks for coming more than food does.)

Favors & Parting Gifts- Leave your favors where your guests will depart from with a reminder that they are welcome to take one.  A sign for a taxi service or the name of a person willing to give someone a ride in case they've celebrated too much is also nice.

After-

Thank You's- It will surprise you to know that I'm terrible at thank you notes.  Lucky for you we live in an age that makes it very easy for you to show your gratitude.  Consider the recipient.  Send your grandma a handwritten note.  Email your vendors.  Text, tweet, instagram- just do something to let people know you love their gift (pretend if you need to.) and that it wasn't stolen.  Be creative and grateful and they'll know you love them.


Plan ahead, well ahead for all of your signage.  pretend you're a guest and make a list of what you want to know.

Goto
http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=wedding%20signs

http://blog.theknot.com/2013/09/18/romantic-funny-sayings-for-your-weddings-signs/

for ideas and start early.  The best wedding plans often get dropped or poorly implemented due to frustration and task overload in the end planning.

Enjoy your planning!

Easy Wedding Flowers

Wedding flowers can be over whelming. You don't know the names and really can't believe you have to spend so much on them.

Here's a few tips for planning those gorgeous buds...

1. Suit Yourself!

If you're Miss America you could put them in your red plastic cup. Just suit your personality. Make it you, not what you think you are supposed to have for your wedding. Anything goes. Get on Pinterest or TheKnot.com and start seeing what you like.

2. Order them from a wholesaler or even CostCo (cue gasp) and tie them up yourself. Better yet have your sister or someone close to you whom you trust do it so that you won't be stressed just days before your wedding.
Did you know that you don't usually need a wholesale license to order flowers from a wholesaler.  They can sell retail to you and you'll still save a bundle.

3. Pick some gorgeous ribbon beforehand to tie your flowers up once you've wired them together.

• Start with a center flower and while adding to your hand vary which flower you add next until your bouquet is big enough.  
• Wire the bouquet tightly and cut the end of the wire off and tuck it in.
• Use garden shears to cut all stems to same length- About 3" below where you'll hold them.
• Tie a pretty and thick ribbon around your bouquet then wrap it around to cover most of the stems.  Leave tendrils out or hot glue end to ribbon.
• leave the bottom of the flowers out and put them in a little water to keep them fresh until the ceremony.  This way the bouquet can be assembled the day before.

4. Relax, they're flowers.  They don't have to be perfect. Just a pretty accessory for you to carry.  Ancient brides carried flowers to mask body odor from their groom since they couldn't bathe often.  This probably isn't the case for you- so it's probably not as serious of an issue.

Enjoy Your Day!

Useful Favors

Favors can be overwhelming for many people. What to give and how to make so many is often a bit much to deal with. It often comes at a time when you are beginning to be overdone with so many details.

Here are some guidelines-

#1
You do not have to give favors. Really. Your budget is much better spent on food, drink and music.

#2
Favors began as something useful that your guests needed and that you as a wonderful host provided. Often with a very cute tag to let them know what newly married couple thought of their needs. Most favors were often matchbooks that your guests could carry around with them to smoke. Now that we know this leads to lung cancer it has thankfully not been the gift anymore. "No thank you- enabler!"

#3
Consider your event and 'walk through it' as a guest will. Think about what they might need or enjoy during your event or on the way home.
Some ideas...

• A very cold bottle of water for the road. Fill a galvanized bin with bottles of water (specially labeled if you have the time.) Then pour ice over them and place them conveniently on the way to the parking lot for your guests to grab.
• A fan for your guests is the perfect gift if your church lacks AC. You do not have to have them for all guests but it can be a very sweet gesture to provide some. "We're aware it's hot, we're sorry. We love you"
• Crayons and a mini coloring book might be a great idea if there will be lots of kids. Especially if you think there will be lots of sitting for them and no room to run around.
• A bag for your guests staying at a hotel might be very helpful after a long flight. Include a small bag of nuts or trail mix. A little bag of m&ms and a bottled ice tea or lemonade. A thoughtful note of the best places to go for an ice cream, coffee or pre-event snack is great as they will not have to spend their energy trying to find something good.

Think through your event like a guest and see if you can provide something for them to make their day or weekend nicer. If your budget doesn't allow for presents for them, notes of help are great. Schedules, phone numbers, restaurants, etc.

Show your guests how happy you are that they've come and that you truly want them to enjoy your event too.