by Diana Warner | Mar 8, 2022 | Education, Inspiration, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Planning Tips
For some couples, it is very important to them to see their partner for the first time at their wedding ceremony. I get it, it’s a tradition that people love and have probably envisioned in their heads over and over again. Because of this a lot of people don’t give first looks a chance when it comes to planning out their wedding day. Or they listen to their parents who don’t want them to do it. So whether you are trying to decide on your own, or want to share with someone why you are doing a first look, I hope this will help. See, I am a big fan of first looks. As a Cleveland wedding planner, I find that they help make the day run smoothly and allow for so much more breathing room.
What is a First Look?
Before we jump in, I do want to make sure you understand what exactly a first look is and what it entails. A first look is a special moment between the couple, where they see each other for the first time BEFORE the ceremony. It can happen with your wedding party and immediate family watching over. Or as I recommend, just between you two….and of course your photographer and videographer to capture every second of it. We pick a secluded spot, get everyone into position and then book it out of the way. When your photo/video team is ready they will tell you what to do. Then while they capture it all while you take some time to drink it all in. Seriously, take your time. You won’t get this special moment again, so take it all in. This is the start of a very big day.
Top 10 Reasons to Have a First Look on Your Wedding Day
10.) You get the most out of your photographer and videographer. With a first look, you get MORE photos! By starting the photo train early, you can get all of your personal and wedding party shots done before the ceremony begins, and then you still have time during cocktail hour for family photos and anything else you missed before. It also gives your wedding day team time to shoot the reception area when they might not be able to normally because they’re trying to get all the basic ones captured. No first look and you have to cram everything into the cocktail hour which really limits what you can capture. You spend a lot of money on your day, so why not get more photos for your money?
9.) You can have your pictures taken anywhere you want. You can even have your pictures taken at multiple locations before the ceremony starts. Let’s say your heart is set on getting photos by the lake but there’s just no time to get there between the ceremony and reception. Enter the First Look.
8.) Daylight. Yep, lighting is a perk of a First Look. If your ceremony starts in the afternoon, and your photos are being done afterward, depending on the season you are now racing the light. If you do your photos before, you get beautiful natural light that isn’t fading. It can completely change the look and feel of your photos, just ask your photographer.
7.) Walking down the aisle can be nerve-wracking. Am I going to trip? Is my veil on straight? Am I smiling too much? Not enough? Did my parents get to the right seat in the front? Am I giving the right reaction? Am I doing this right? I had a groom once that didn’t want a first look. But the night before the wedding he was so nervous to give the right “reaction” he was becoming ill with the thought of all eyes on him. So we changed the plan to a first look, and it completely calmed his nerves. The stress of “getting it right”, all 30 seconds of it, can sometimes get in the way of enjoying it. A First Look gives you the opportunity to control the situation and not feel the pressure of all of your guest’s eyes on you. And by the time you walk down the aisle, your jitters will be gone, and you can truly enjoy the moment.
6.) You are guaranteed to capture “the look”. Capturing the first time you see each other during the ceremony is really difficult. There are so many variables and the timing has to be perfect. And if you only have a single shooter, who are they going to focus on? Having a first look means that THE shot is going to happen. Everything is set up and planned. The photo and video team can get the perfect angle, leading to the perfect shot.
5.) You get time alone. So often is the case that things are timed so that there is very little breathing room for the couple. You don’t want to keep your guests waiting, right? So you rush from one thing to the next, getting pulled and pushed in multiple directions. It’s exhausting, it’s overwhelming and halfway through the day you are just over it. With a first look, you get those moments alone, together. Probably one of the only moments you will get alone together until the day is done.
4.) It gives you more time for photos, plain and simple. Traditionally photos happen during the cocktail hour. That means your photographer has about 45 minutes to get all of your photos done. And that’s if you are having everything in one location. If there is traveling involved you now have to figure that time in there too. A First Look is planned to give you 2-3 hours to take photos. That also means you can have more FUN taking your photos. Who doesn’t like having FUN?
3.) Cocktails and Mingling. With all of the photos out of the way, you can actually enjoy your cocktail hour mingling with guests and thanking them for attending. You paid for it, you should enjoy it.
2.) There’s time to relax before the ceremony. Yes, sometimes it can mean an earlier start time, but when you are done with your first look and initial photos, you can relax again. Enjoying the entire day together with some close friends.
1.) Your ceremony will start on time. With my couples, I always add in extra time for those “running late” moments. Add into that your First Look, and you’ll be sitting around waiting for your wedding to start. It really comes down to the first look, and of course my amazing time management skills. But really, a first look gets everything started off on the right foot to run smoothly and on time.
BONUS: I have been married for 12 years at the writing of this blog, and I still vividly remember the first look I had with my husband. We were on the back porch of the house we rented for the weekend. Our wedding party and family were on the porch above looking down. He turned around and when we got closer to talk he covered my eyes from the sun because it was bright out. We had a few moments alone and that’s when the day really started for me. I felt happy and calm and off we went on our golf carts to take pictures. It was so special and still holds a huge place in my heart. Trust me, you will not regret it.
So there you have it. It still may not be your cup of tea, and that’s fine, but at least you took the time to consider it. And maybe if we sit down and chat about it in person, I can help ease any more fears you have about it. Contact me now and let’s set up a time.
Featured Image by: Vesic Photography
by Diana Warner | Jan 20, 2022 | Education, Wedding Planning Tips
If you’ve ever watched any wedding-related movie or television show, then you’ve probably caught on to the stereotypical archetype of the couple’s wedding planner or coordinator. They’re often portrayed as radical control freaks that sometimes have an attitude or act as though they can do no wrong and always with an earpiece. Fortunately for couples delving into the wedding planning process, these character attributes are nothing more than plot enhancers.
In fact, a well-rounded wedding coordinator can be a valuable asset to making your wedding one for the books. You don’t simply hire a coordinator to help bring your wedding timeline to fruition, but you hire them to help solve major problems.
Working with a wedding coordinator in Cleveland can ultimately save you money in places you wouldn’t quite think of. Here’s how:
Budgeting
Now wedding coordinators don’t typically create your budget, you do that. But they give their insight and advice on where you should be placing your monies to make the most out of it. I have a special budgeting program that each of my couples have access to that helps you see where your money is going, and what is left to spend. That way you can reallocate funds as you have extra or find that you just NEED that cotton candy champagne topper.
Experience Can Help Prevent Costly Mistakes
Most freshly engaged couples don’t have much experience in planning a wedding. Sure, they may have helped a friend, family member, or a member of their wedding party, but they’re relatively clueless for the most part. And this naivety can ultimately force couples to make some pretty costly mistakes. Mistakes equal money.
Perhaps they’ve signed a contract without realizing what they’ve actually signed up for, or they booked a caterer that barely knows what they’re doing, let alone can’t perform to the level that they need to.
This is where an experienced wedding coordinator, like me, can become vital. Let’s just say I have planned a few weddings, have likely experienced these same problems and have been forced to find solutions to help countless engaged couples before you. I also take a look at your contracts to make sure there are no red flags. If we can stop problems before they happen, we are better off.
Industry Connections
With years of experience comes trusted relationships with both venues and other wedding professionals. Wedding Coordinators spend time building these relationships and, based on their success (or lack thereof), will recommend working with those that they can trust will perform 100%. By using a recommended wedding professional, not only do you get top notch service, but you don’t take the chance of them not showing up or not performing to the best of their abilities.
As part of my industry connections, I also get insider information about new services or products that these wedding professionals offer, new venues that are in the works, and sometimes even getting an advanced look at new pricing for established services.
Time is Money
When it comes to saving you time, your wedding coordinator does just that.
With their experience they have developed all sorts of tips and tricks to help you as you plan. From advice for you as you progress, creating your timeline, coordinating the wedding day team, even sourcing items for you to rent or buy.
With so many weddings under their belt, they know what local companies carry what for rent. Or where to purchase something online. And if they don’t, they have a close knit group of wedding professionals and mad google skills to figure things out for you. So instead of wasting a bunch of time online or on the phone trying to find specific chairs for your sweetheart table, your wedding coordinator can point you in the right direction the first time. That’s time that you don’t need to waste when you knowingly have an A-list coordinaotr on your team to handle these tasks for you.
Wedding coordinators aren’t miracle workers, but with the right one in your back pocket, you will be less stressed on your wedding day. You can sit back, relax, and live in the moment.
If this sounds like the wedding experience you desire, contact me today and set up a consultation call or reach out for more information on how we can help you achieve your wedding day goals.
by Diana Warner | Mar 15, 2021 | Guest Experience, Kids, Wedding Planning Tips
Photo by: Johnny Joo
When wedding planning, one of the biggest questions that will come up, mostly from others, will be “Are you having kids at the wedding?”. Let’s break it down this way, you’re going to fit into one of these two types of people:
ONE: Ah, the squeals and cries of delight as a child is twirled around the dance floor. That totally makes me smile.
TWO: If one more kid trips on my dress on this dance floor, or cries one more time, my head is going to explode. This is why I didn’t want kids at the wedding.
If you fall under group number ONE, please continue reading. If you fall under group number TWO, please stop reading and refer to my blog on how to properly tell your guests your wedding is adult only.
So now that I know I have the attention of the right couples, let’s move forward. While wedding planning, you have decided to have kids in attendance. Awesome. But you also know like most people do, that kids have the attention span of a gnat. (I am a mother myself so I can say that.) What do you do to ensure that they have a fun time, but so do their parents? You make them feel special and give them something to do.
11 Ways to Entertain Kids on Your Wedding Day
1. If you plan to use bubbles for your exit of the ceremony venue, or maybe as part of your grand exit, what better way to treat the kids right than by getting them bubble guns. Young kids already have a hard time blowing bubbles, and bubble solution is like a magnet to dress clothes on anyone under the age of 18 (or over for that matter). Contain the solution and make it easier for them. BONUS POINTS if you get the ones that light up.
2. If they are your children or close to you, have them help with the ceremony. Be it as an assistant usher, or a reading/poem. Just including them in the wedding ceremony gives them something to look forward to. That means they pay more attention. Not always, but it helps. Just remember that it will not go perfectly and you must have patience.
Photo: Johnny Joo
3. Have an activity table set off to the side for just the kids. Fill it full of crafts, coloring books, toys, and puzzles. Things that will keep them coming back for more. TIP: When it comes to the crafts ALWAYS use self-adhesive items, never glue. And NEVER small items that suck to clean up like glitter. You think bubble solution is bad, wait till little Bobby shows his mom his newly decorated tie with Elmers and glitter.
4. Don’t have room for a table? That’s ok. As you are shopping for your wedding items, keep an eye out for fun things they can do individually at their seat. Then you create a little box or bag that they can have at their table to entertain them in their seat.
5. If you have space at your venue, have a separate room for the kids to disappear to. Fill it with fun, games, and a movie. More importantly, have a babysitter that will be in the room so that parents won’t have to worry. It keeps them entertained and their parents can still kind of get a night off.
Photo: Amy Galon Photography
6. Desserts. What kid doesn’t love desserts, or more importantly frosting? I know my daughter could care less about the cake, all she wants is the frosting. So make it fun for the kids. Have an area set up when they can decorate their own cupcake. In fact, make your entire cupcake bar a DIY station, and then all of your wedding guests can have some fun. There is a local company that does this for you. Their name is Crave Custom Wedding Cakes. They do all the decorating, but your guests pick it all out, so this does cut down on any potential messes. TIP: If you make the bar yourself, put down a drop cloth – tape down the edges if necessary. It will make cleanup a lot easier on you or the staff you hired.
7. Here’s something that will serve multiple purposes: a favor and entertainment for your guests. What I’m talking about is a photo booth. There are so many different kinds out there now that they can fit within anyone’s budget. Keep it simple with some DIY or go all out and get a Mirror Me Photobooth. Wedding guests of all ages will appreciate the fun this can bring to your event. Plus, with everyone getting a print of their images, that covers your favors as well.
8. You’re more than likely going to have wedding toasts made by someone important to you. Maybe by a wedding party member, or a family member, either way, it’s pretty much going to happen. So instead of having the kids toast with their soda or water, give them something fun: Milk and cookies. Honestly, just give everyone milk and cookies. I like champagne, don’t get me wrong, but milk and cookies are so different and so fun, and who doesn’t like milk and cookies?! Plus starting dinner off with some dessert first…..um….ok.
9. Is your wedding outdoors? I know there is a small window in Ohio that we get amazing weather that’s also dry and warm, but if you plan it right, you can have a lot of fun planning an outdoor wedding. Make sure while you’re choosing between wedding cakes and linens, that you fit into your budget something for yard games. Again, not only is this for the kids but for the adults as well. TIP: Get a bounce house. They’re cheap to rent and have a huge impact and if you get a big enough one, adults can jump too. I recommend reaching out to Jump With Us. In fact, scrap you’re whole vision and just do a carnival-themed wedding and then give me a call so that I can be your wedding planner. I am so in!
10. Your bouquet toss. Kinda fun and also kinda archaic. I remember being a single lady at a wedding and being pushed onto the floor to catch the bouquet, and frankly, I found it embarrassing. It has honestly started to become a very old tradition, and not always done anymore. All that aside, whether you decide to through a bouquet or not, you should throw a candy bouquet for the kids. It’s like the wedding version of a pinata.
11. MY FAVORITE: Set up a photo scavenger hunt for the kids. Place a card at their seat and on it list items they must find at the wedding. If they have a phone, they can use that and have their parents send them to you. On the list should be pictures that you want of your wedding day. Things like: a couple dancing, your dinner, someone wearing blue, someone toasting, etc. It’s kind of fun to see what the kids capture and it’s always from their perspective. It really can get you some fun pictures too. Take it up a notch and if they complete the hunt have a prize they can win. I would certainly have someone else being in charge of the prizes though. Perhaps your Wedding Planner, DJ, or Bartenders could have the items they can get when they’re done.
Hopefully, that gives you a few ideas as to what you can provide for your young guests on your wedding day. As a wedding planner, I thank you for doing everything you can to help keep the children from destroying items you have rented. As a parent, thank you for giving me my sanity for the evening.
by Diana Warner | Mar 10, 2021 | Inspiration, Guest Experience, Wedding Food, Wedding Planning Tips
I will preach over and over again, that your guest’s experience should be a top priority when planning your wedding. There are many things you can do to help ensure they have a great time. From the smallest detail to the amazing entertainment you book, it all comes together to ensure a great time for your guests at your wedding. One of the best ways to ensure a great time, and keep your guests energized throughout the evening, is by offering late-night snacks.
Here are my favorite Top 8 Late Night Wedding Snacks:
Build-Your-Own Nacho Bar
Like many good things in life, this one can get a little messy. Get a small plate with chips already laid out, and then have bowls full of various toppings. Make sure to have all the favorites, like pickled jalapenos, ground beef (or ground turkey), queso cheese, cilantro, and pico de gallo.
Gourmet Tacos
Alone or added on with your nacho bar, tacos are always a big hit. And it’s super easy to make high-quality ones, and with multiple filling options—anything from shredded beef, roast pork, cheese, avocado, and so on.
Dessert Bar
Cookies, brownies, cupcakes, cheesecakes, tarts, there are so many yummy options that come in mini sizes. What else could you ever ask for? I’ll leave it at that.
Burger Sliders
Another versatile option, and an all-around favorite, are burger sliders. You can have vegan, vegetarian, and meat-eating options so everyone is satisfied and represented.
Pizza
Can you really go wrong with a classic? It’s cheesy and filled with carbs to soak up the alcohol, and if they take a piece to go it’s always good cold in the morning.
Gourmet French Fry (or Tot) Bar
Getting potatoes of various colors and then making fries out of them might be the next big thing for food spreads. When a bunch of different colors is represented, the result is dazzling and beautiful, and very much unlike what we’re used to with standard fries.
Soft Pretzel Bar
Salted or without, and complete with dips of all flavors. Again, carbs are great to soak up the alcohol and there is just something about a nice warm, soft pretzel that not only boosts your energy to keep dancing….but makes you happy inside.
Anything That Can Be Miniaturized or Handheld
Think mini chicken and waffles, grilled cheese and tomato soup in a shot glass, Asian steamed buns, ice cream sundaes, mac and cheese…….seriously, the possibilities are endless. You just want to make sure that it is something that people can eat easily, with little mess and if possible one-handed while they are dancing the night away with a drink in the other hand.
by Diana Warner | Mar 1, 2021 | Etiquette, Wedding Planning Tips
You have graciously accepted the honor of standing in front of a crowd while all of the attention is on two people getting married – you are now a member of a wedding party, the honor attendants, entourage, groupies, whatever you want to call yourselves. Congratulations! Before I get into the main points I must first call out to those who bestowed upon you this honor.
These amazing people who you have asked to stand with you are some of your nearest and dearest. They are standing with you for a reason. They are important to you and it means the world to have them stand with you. If what I have just said is not true, then you have chosen people because you have to (aka relatives or you were in their wedding – which is a whole different situation) or you need to rethink why you chose your attendants.
These people are friends or family and have accepted your request to be a part of your big day. They did not sign up to help with every little thing that has to do with your wedding, like gluing 638 rhinestones onto every candle holder to represent how many days you’ve been together. They didn’t sign up to be required to listen to your every decision and/or issue while planning your wedding. They did not sign up to be treated like hired help, because they are not being paid. They signed up to be a part of your day, will do everything in their power to help when they can, plan and attend some pre-wedding parties, buy an outfit they can afford, walk 20 steps and stand still, smile at a photographer and keep you fed and hydrated all day. Other than that, you can expect nothing more. So what I am about to tell these honored attendants is not just good for them to know, but good for you to hear. That way you know what to expect of them and won’t be disappointed if nothing else happens. Now let’s begin with things you must and must not do as a member of this elite club.
WHAT YOU MUST DO
- Buy or rent your wedding attire. Look, buying a dress or renting a tux can be expensive, so make sure you let your couple know ahead of time if you will have any financial issues with this. That way they can make the decision to help cover the cost or choose someone else (which I hope they don’t do). The price of the attire should be within reason, meaning based on your age, employment status, etc. If it is not within reason for you, talk with your couple and see what can be worked out.
- Attend the wedding and the reception. Sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many people show up extra late or leave early that are in the wedding party. It even happened to yours truly, but we won’t go there. Unless there is an emergency or an unavoidable issue, you need to be at the ceremony and the reception on time, and for the entire time.
- Do not get drunk before the ceremony. And keep them from getting drunk too. Nothing holds up a wedding more than a liquored-up wedding party. They show up late, they don’t listen to instructions, they throw up on the alter…..it’s just bad. Drinking is going to happen, but do it in moderation. Once they say “I Do” then keep it flowing and have fun, but stay sober enough to be able to get through the entire reason for the day.
- Help plan and pay for pre-wedding parties. In general the maid/matron/man/person of honor is in charge of the pre-wedding parties (aka showers and bach parties), and the rest of the attendants chip in financially and with ideas. Even helping organize, prepare, and execute the events. Sometimes parents will offer to chip in or host showers. This should not be expected, but they should not be left out once planning starts. All this being said, if you cannot financially help with the festivities, make it known ASAP and help in other ways. Offer up your house, assemble all the favors, clean up when all is said and done. There are many ways to contribute if you cannot spend money. But if you are of a stable job, this is something you must be prepared for. And to those at the head of planning the parties, set a budget and stick to it.
- Help with setup. Now in an ideal world, every couple would hire a wedding planner (**cough cough** ME) or at least someone to set up their venues so that their friends and family don’t have to help. But it’s also not in everyone’s budget. So if your couple does not have a planner, and they ask for your help to set things up at the venues, help them. It’s a big undertaking and they will need all the hands they can get.
- Attend pre-wedding festivities. Now sometimes everyone’s lives do not correlate well together and schedules do not mesh. There are for sure legitimate reasons why some people may not be able to attend one of the pre-wedding parties, but do your best to be there. And if you can’t, at least still help with putting it together. Even if you live in another state you can send a check to the host and a gift to the couple, it’s called Amazon.
- Listen. Sometimes your couple is going to get stressed out while planning this wedding. IT’S GOING TO HAPPEN. So although I said earlier that you didn’t sign up to hear every little issue, you did sign up to be a friend during this time. Sit on the phone and just listen. Even if you have no clue how to help, be an ear to bitch to and go on your merry way.
- Make sure your couple is hydrated and fed all day. The wedding day will go by so fast, and they will be pushed and pulled in so many directions that sometimes they will not remember to drink or eat…..especially in the morning. It is your job to make sure they are taking care of themselves because they have a long day to get through.
Photo by: Johnny Joo
WHAT WOULD BE NICE FOR YOU TO DO
- Go shopping for THE dress. Now of course this is one of those things where schedules will not always align, especially the more people that are being asked to come. So if your schedule doesn’t match the appointment times, it’s ok. Dress shopping can be both fun and disappointing. Bridal dress sizes are all wonky and shopping for this outfit can have a lot of weight to it, so emotions run high. Be there for support in her decision.
- Help pick out your outfits. So do you have to? No. But if you don’t then you have no say in the end with what you are wearing. Plain and simple. Voice your opinion and wear something flattering. Stay home and wear the neon pink sequined dress with the giant bow on your butt. Your choice.
- Pay for your “extras” aka hair, makeup, shoes, jewelry, etc. Now here’s where I also say, don’t pay for your hair and makeup. The thing is, if you can financially afford it, then pay for it. If you cannot afford it then let your couple know. If they are REQUIRING you to have your hair and makeup done and you can’t afford it, then they should be paying for it. But do your best to get it done because you will look like the odd one out if everyone is all done up professionally and you did it yourself. Trust me, you CAN tell.
- Help with some of the wedding tasks. Depending on your couple there will either be minimal tasks to be done, or there will be so much DIY your fingers will no longer feel the pain of a glue gun anymore. Be ready and willing to help your couple assemble some wedding items: favors, invitations, centerpieces, etc. Make sure you make it clear from the beginning what you are able and willing to help create. Also, your couple knows you, so if they don’t ask you to help because they know you are not crafty-capable, don’t take offense. Not everyone wants glue fingerprints and glitter all over their escort cards. Be honest with yourself and put down the glue gun.
- Give a toast. Now in general it is a traditional and normal request to ask the people of honor to speak at the wedding reception. So if you are in that position be prepared for it and don’t say no. If you are any other member of the party you may be asked as well, sometimes even to speak at the rehearsal dinner. Just be honest with your couple if you feel you can do it or not.
WHAT YOU SHOULDN’T DO
- DO NOT ACCEPT THE ROLE IF YOU ARE NOT 100% INVESTED. Look, in the end, you have the right to be treated with kindness and as a human being. We all know there are some couples that feel they are entitled to more than they should be. That’s the nicest way I can put it. BUT you have agreed to be a part of this momentous occasion that comes with stress, high emotions, menial tasks, and a lot of working parts that need to come together. Sometimes it will get the best of them, and as a friend who is important enough to be standing by their side as they declare their lifelong commitment to each other……bite your tongue, smile and nod, glue the rhinestone……deal with it.
Photo by: Grace Hannah Photography
by Diana Warner | Jan 28, 2021 | Inspiration, Wedding Planning Tips
Every couple dreams of pulling off an epic wedding. But doing that takes a fair amount of hard work. There are months of planning and countless stressful nights to create a day of memories that will last a lifetime.
Are you making the right choices to ensure your wedding ceremony and reception stand out from the crowd? Or are you quietly fitting in with the rest of the wedding pack?
No matter what, no couple should ever have to worry about whether or not their wedding is unapologetically them or stress out that the day goes off without a hitch. They also shouldn’t be anxious about keeping their guests occupied with “wow” moments.
You hire me for just that reason! I’m the one that can bring “wow” ideas to the table for you. I help execute them or make sure the wedding day team has what they need to get it done, and done right. That’s not something you should be thinking or worrying about.
One of the most effortless conversations we can have is about adding moments of surprise and delight. These moments can help to entertain your guests and give them a long-lasting impression. And as your wedding planner, it’s important to me that you recognize your guest’s experience is important too.
Here are just a few ways that you can start planning “outside the box” and add a bit of surprise and delight into your wedding day:
Dream Up A Memorable Entrance
They say first impressions are everything, so why not make your wedding stand out right from the get-go?
Grand entrances can be an impressive experience for both the couple and their wedding guests. Say you want to entice your guests as they enter the venue space. You can opt to entertain them with live musicians or other performers as they mingle for cocktail hour or make their way to their designated tables. Your dramatic introduction can happen at either the ceremony or the reception (or both if you’re feeling fancy).
Another way to make a memorable entrance is by going over-the-top to introduce the happy couple and their wedding party. Try and recreate elements of your love story. Think of creative and unique ways to highlight how you met, your favorite activities to do together, or anything in-between.
Raise The Bar With Luxury Decor
No matter your budget, you can easily elevate the reception space with luxurious decor. But don’t get me wrong, luxurious doesn’t always mean more money. See your design elements can be something as simple as throw pillows or fabric-rich tablescapes to more off-the-wall and adventurous endeavors such as hanging installations or over-the-top light shows with accompanying music. These lush elements can help set the mood for the reception and put guests in the right vibe and headspace for the event.
Personally, I love hanging installments over sweetheart tables, head tables or dance floors. People will be taking a lot of pictures of you to in those spots. So make them extra photogenic.
Craft Different Scenes
Storytelling is a great way to bring your wedding to life. Every couple has a unique journey, whether it’s your family history or your extraordinary love story. Either of these can easily be divided up into stations.
Want to incorporate both partner’s family history and culinary traditions into your wedding menu? Try dividing each cuisine type into a section of the room and scatter in tidbits of family tradition and history throughout the tablescapes.
Another way to break up your reception area is by creating seating areas. Comfy chairs and couches with coffee tables. It brings people in for conversation when they need a break from the dance floor. Include wedding décor and pictures of you, and it’s like you’re inviting them into your living room.
But seriously, creating “wow” factors can be easy. Sometimes it just takes diving deeper into you as a couple to find the fun things to focus on. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me and let’s start a conversation that can lead to the “wow factor” your wedding deserves.
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