Just Go With It

Weddings can be a tale of two events, the one you envisioned and the one you have.

I'm not saying it won't be the way you dreamed it would be.

I'm not saying it won't be fantastic.

It just might be a little different in a few ways.

How will you survive?

1. Plan in reality.

2. Enjoy the process and event day.

3. Relax.

"Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it"

Charles Swindoll

Plan

The biggest reason that an event doesn't pan out is due to poor planning.  Either not planning completely or not planning realistically.

If you are overwhelmed...

1- Do less and do it well.

2. Hire help

Is it realistic?

Bounce ideas off friends, read about them and ask your coordinator.

Someone who has done many weddings will be able to tell you if they think it will work, how they've seen it work in the past, possible problems and easy tweaks to make it work awesomely!

Enjoy!

This is easier said than done and is accomplished best by...

-knowing your event is well planned

&

practicing

We live in a fast paced, multitasking do it all world.  

Learn to take time for yourself-

-yoga

-meditation

-reading (no checking your phone!)

-taking a nap

-cook a slow dinner

- go out for drinks and sit in on a quiet patio with your fiance

- be still & be intentional.

Do less, do it better, ask for help and learn... to Enjoy Your Event!

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!

"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!