Events
February 10, 2022

Unique Baby Shower Ideas

If you or someone you know is expecting a new baby, a baby shower is the perfect way to celebrate. From these unique baby shower party tips, you’re bound to pull out some helpful ideas to set up your or your loved one’s baby shower. BABY SHOWER THEMES If the couple in question has decided to keep the gender of their child a secret, or you’re just looking for something a little more unique than a pink or blue-themed shower, check out these unique baby shower decoration ideas: MOMMY TO BEE There’s plenty to do with this punny theme focused around cute bees. Having a bee-themed baby shower is a great gender-neutral party theme, and there are so many cute decorations and games you can play that go along with this theme. Small honey pots from locally-sourced beekeepers and gifts like beeswax lip balms and honey face masks will special this party. You can even coordinate the dress code to colors like yellow, black and white. INTO THE WOODS Based on the popular musical, an Into the Woods theme can provide a whimsical, magical theme for a baby shower perfect for any fans of fairy tales, Broadway or woodland decor. Using decoratively placed branches and twigs from outside can provide a cost-effective, naturalistic touch to this theme. Other elements to include in your decor might be pinecones, fake leaves and tree trunk slices to display food and yummy baked goods. You can model this theme after a boy or girl if you know the baby’s gender and the parents want to use that in the party. For a boy baby shower, you might want to focus on the woodland, rustic theme and include princes and castles. Meanwhile, a girl’s Into the Woods baby shower can have more princesses and fairy tale elements. TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR This Twinkle Twinkle Little Star theme is another excellent gender-neutral baby shower design idea modeled after the classic nursery rhyme song. Using stars everywhere, make this party shine with twinkling glitter decorations. You can choose a gold or silver color palette and use different sized cut-out stars to decorate the tables, walls and ceilings. Many bakeries even have edible glitter to decorate baked goods like cupcakes or cakes. CULTURAL BABY SHOWER THEMES While the themes above present some great ideas for baby showers, many cultures and traditions have their own customs when welcoming a new baby into the family. The concept of a baby shower originated in ancient India with a celebration called seemantham. The mother-to-be was showered with dry fruits, sweets and other gifts. Music was an essential part of the ceremony, as it was known a baby’s ears could hear from the womb. Other traditions that have specific rituals for baby showers include: Afghani parents celebrate their baby on the sixth night after birth, and guests come to enjoy food and celebrations. Since they know the baby’s gender, guests come with gifts they know the baby needs. Tibetan couples host a pang-sai after the baby’s birth, where the guests come and bring gits of clothes and food. The most honored guest has the privilege of naming the newborn child. Chinese couples with a newborn host a full moon celebration with a banquet and guests who bring red envelopes filled with money. Parents often wait a whole year to celebrate the baby at the first birthday party in the French tradition. GAMES TO PLAY AT A BABY SHOWER While having a fun theme and good food is essential, what makes a baby shower fun are the games you get to play. Try out these cute baby shower ideas for games to keep guests engaged and ensure the expecting parents have a great time at their showers: Guess the baby: Collect baby pictures from all the guests, including the expecting couple and have guests guess who is who. The person who chooses the most right answers gets a prize. Price is right: Gather images of the most popular items parents need, such as cribs, strollers and diapers and have guests guess their price. Whoever guesses the closest on all the items will win a prize. As a special treat, guests can all pitch in to buy one of the big-ticket items to surprise the expecting couple. Baby bucket list: Have guests write down fun activities for the family to do with the baby once it comes. Place them all in a bucket so the new family can have some ideas of exciting activities to do together. Baby project runway: Find a few life-size baby dolls and collect scraps of clothing, buttons and other random assortments of crafting materials. Then, challenge groups of guests — this will work best with groups of two or three — to create a fashion-forward outfit from the materials provided. The expecting couple can then rate each group’s creation on a scale of 1-10. Diaper change: Using life-size baby dolls, host a diaper change crash course for all the guests, so they’re ready to help out the expecting parents when the baby comes. Afterward, hand out five to 10 newborn diapers per person so each guest can write encouraging messages or jokes on the diapers to make the first weeks of diaper changes more fun. Gender reveal surprise: Another game you can plan is to reveal the gender of the baby, should the couple choose to do so. Usually, the gender is kept secret from the couple, and they do a game or activity during the baby shower to reveal what gender their baby is. READ: Tips for Planning a Rehearsal Dinner CRAFT IDEAS FOR BABY SHOWERS To have an extra creative baby shower, arrange crafts and activities for guests to do during the celebrations. You can make these a set part of the day’s agenda or have a station for people to participate in crafting throughout the shower. Diaper Da Vinci: If your guests have a competitive streak in them, have them participate in an art contest at the baby shower. With a diaper as their canvas, have guests draw their best portraits of the expecting couple. Then, the couple can choose the winner. As a bonus, the couple can keep the diapers to use once the baby comes. Onesie decorating: Collect as many white onesies as there are guests and have each person decorate them using baby- and fabric-safe paint or pens. Letter-a-week: Have each guest decorate and write a letter to the new parents. Assign each person a particular week to send their letter, so the new parents will get an extra boost of encouragement, advice or humor in the weeks after the baby comes. Cupcake decorating: Combine crafting and dessert with cupcake decorating if your guests have a sweet tooth. Using different colored icing, sprinkles and even edible glitter, have guests decorate their own cupcakes. The best part? Eating your delicious creation afterward! PHOTO OPS FOR BABY SHOWERS Having friends and family together for a special occasion like a baby shower is the perfect opportunity to snap some photos for everyone to enjoy and look back on. The expecting couple, in particular, will appreciate any commemoration of their special day. Check out these adorable photo opportunity ideas: PORTABLE PHOTO BOOTH To add an extra fun flair to your party, you can hire a portable photo booth for the party. With a portable photo booth, guests can pose for photos with a special backdrop, and the photography equipment can print photos for guests to take home with them. The company can often compile an entire website for guests to look at all the pictures from the whole event. You can choose from actual booths that guests can enter or have a station with a backdrop, lights and camera. Sometimes, companies also send assistants to help with the operation of the camera machinery, which means your guests can focus on having a good time. DIY PHOTO BACKDROPS If you want a do-it-yourself (DIY) solution for photos, consider making your own backdrop and using polaroid cameras to take photos. If guests have a polaroid camera, you can request to borrow them to save some money. You can also purchase one or two inexpensive polaroid cameras for the special occasion. Just be sure to have plenty of film on hand, no matter which option you choose. First, choose a color that corresponds to the baby shower’s theme or decor to make the backdrop. You can get large rolls of paper from a local craft store or use a flat sheet. Then, add elements like banners, designs and balloons to accentuate the background of your photos. A great idea if you choose this route is to have a photobook out so guests can add their photos and write special messages. Then, gift the completed scrapbook to the expecting couple at the end of the baby shower. HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER To ensure you get the best photos from your baby shower, you can hire a professional photographer to capture special moments. While having a friend or loved one take photos at the event is great if you’re on a budget, professional photographers have training on things like lighting, angles and editing. When you hire a professional, you’re sure to get the very best quality photos, as long as you do your research. READ: Wedding Menu Planning Take a look at the photographer’s other work, and ask to see pictures from similar events. Talk to them about their rates, and provide food and drinks for them while they are working the event. CHOOSING THE FOOD AND DRINK FOR THE BABY SHOWER No party is complete without at least something for guests to snack on. There are various food choices you can select for your baby shower. SNACKS Snacks are an essential part of party planning. If you’re hosting your own baby shower, offer unique snacks to delight and satisfy your guests. Some popular, tasty snacks might include: Charcuterie board: A charcuterie board is essentially a collection of cheeses, crackers and other toppings. Many include meats like salami, ham, sausage, and smoked salmon, but you can also have a vegetarian charcuterie board. Adding spreads, jams, fruit and nuts make this option a complete meal. Popcorn bar: While most people are used to the standard microwave popcorn, you can put a gourmet twist on this classic snack by providing a popcorn bar. Select sweet and savory flavors, like caramel or cheddar and provide toppings. For sweet popcorn, have chocolate sauce and sprinkles, and savory popcorn can get additions like pretzels and chips. Soft pretzels: A warm, soft pretzel with a yummy dipping sauce is a perfect snack for a baby shower. Beer cheese, mustards, ranch or chocolate sauce are the ideal dips for salty or cinnamon pretzels. Fruit and veggies with dip: An assortment of chopped fruit and vegetables with dips is another great snack that’s always a popular option. COCKTAILS There are many creative cocktail ideas for baby showers. You can theme them by color in correspondence to the baby’s gender or follow the shower’s theme. For example, select strawberry flavored cocktails for a girl and blue cocktail syrup for a boy. Even if you choose classic drinks like wine and beer, you can use themed glassware to make them more exciting. If you want to make your baby shower extra special and host it at a venue, make sure you’re choosing somewhere with a premium selection of cocktails, wine and beer. While not everyone will drink, having a venue that provides wine, beer and even cocktails will make your guests happy and ensure everyone has a great time. PERFECT VENUES FOR A BABY SHOWER Many couples choose to host their baby shower with family and friends in their homes. Doing so can keep costs down and provide a cozy atmosphere for a small group of guests. However, you might want to host a baby shower for more than just a few members of your family and friends. In that case, you’ll want to outsource your venue. PARKS You can always host your baby shower at a local park to save money. In most cases, hosting an event at a park is free, though you may need to reserve a space in advance. If you choose the park, you’ll need to bring everything you need, which might include: Tables Chairs Canopy tent Food Drinks Coolers Plates Silverware COUNTRY CLUBS Rather than go through the hassle of bringing all your gear to the park or whittling down your guest list to include only the friends and family that can fit in your house or apartment, choose a location that’s sure to have the amenities, space and refreshments. A country club is a perfect venue for your baby shower. With gorgeous grounds, plenty of space to invite as many guests as you’d like and delicious food and drink options. Country clubs also have expert event planning staff, so you can be sure to have support every step of the way. These venues have options for every budget and party size.

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Weddings
February 10, 2022

How Far in Advance Should I Book My Wedding Venue?

Technically, you don’t have a wedding date until you book your venue, so it’s an integral factor in figuring everything else out about your special day. You also need that date to secure other vendors like caterers, bartenders, photographers, videographers and stylists. Plus, you can’t invite people without telling them when the wedding is. Many couples feel enormous pressure to book their wedding venue as soon as they get engaged, but you’re not out of luck if you don’t book your venue an hour after accepting your partner’s proposal. Continue reading to discover how far in advance to book a wedding venue, plus other considerations that will impact your timeline and bookings. WHEN TO START LOOKING FOR WEDDING VENUES The short answer is it’s never too early! Many people have an idea of what their dream wedding will look like very early in life — perhaps even before they have a partner they’re considering marrying. The venerable phrase “location, location, location” has penetrated many people’s consciousness, making the venue choice a paramount decision when planning a wedding. The venue is the backbone of the wedding ceremony and influences all other factors. Do you want an outside wedding? You’ll need tents in case it rains and maybe even a ground covering to protect everyone’s formal shoes. Are you dreaming of a spring wedding in the botanical gardens, surrounded by beautiful plants? You might have a lot of competition for your desired date. While many people begin looking to book their wedding venues about 12 months or more before their wedding date, you don’t always have to reserve that far in advance. If you’re considering a larger facility that can accommodate multiple events at one time or somewhere off the beaten path, you may even be able to score a reservation as little as six months in advance. WHAT TO CONSIDER ABOUT YOUR WEDDING VENUE These factors will likely influence how to find and when to book your venue. 1. SEASONS Different seasons of the year may bring various considerations on when to reserve your venue. Spring: Late spring is one of the most popular wedding dates, so venues will be competitive around this time. If you want a spring wedding, be sure to start your planning at least 12 months in advance to ensure you can book your venue and other vendors you need during this busy season. Since this is also the end of the rainy season in most parts of the country, have a contingency plan in place if there’s bad weather. Summer: Summer also boasts many weddings, particularly in June. Securing a venue in this season may require some quick thinking, and some sought-after venues may have bookings as far out as two to three years. Fall: Early fall boasts beautiful foliage, so wedding dates in September and October may still be competitive. However, you’ll have a much broader set of choices for mid- to late fall weddings, as this begins the wedding “off-season.” Holding a wedding during this time doesn’t guarantee your success with a later venue booking, but you’re likely to have better luck finding and securing your dream venue than in the late spring and summer. Winter: Winter weddings can be gorgeous, but the cold weather can deter many couples from hosting their nuptials during these months. As a result, winter proves to be one of the most flexible times to book wedding venues and vendors — with two exceptions. Christmas and New Year’s are competitive dates, so be sure to reserve far in advance if you want to secure a venue around one of these holidays. 2. POPULARITY Many cities have a few well-known wedding venues that host events year-round. If you have your eye on one of these facilities, you should already know you’re going to have plenty of competition for your dates. You might feel tempted to plan your wedding around the venue’s availability, but things can quickly get complicated if you choose a spot solely based on its popularity. Every couple is different, and so are their wedding needs and wants. The hottest venue in your area may not be a fit for you, so consider the conditions before you rush to book — especially so you don’t lose your deposit. A laid-back venue, such as a gorgeous golf course or park, may have more of your desired amenities than your city’s most popular spot. Read: Guide To Choosing the Best Wedding Reception in Central PA 3. GUEST LIST When booking your venue, also consider the number of guests and their respective age ranges. For large weddings, you want a venue that can accommodate the number of guests you invite. Even if you’re relatively confident that far-flung family and friends will send their regrets and not attend, planning for a smaller number than you invite can come back to bite you in the end. If you expect you’ll have lots of families with children attending your wedding, and perhaps some of your own, you may prefer a venue that keeps a strict eye on alcohol consumption and has safe areas for kids to play in. Some venues will even offer spaces for child care so parents can enjoy the wedding and kids can have a space just for them. 4. ACCESSIBILITY While most people don’t think about accessibility when planning their dream wedding, it’s an integral factor to make sure all your guests can enjoy your special day along with you. If your grandparents or older adults on your guest list use walkers or canes to get around, assess the venue’s conditions and whether they’re navigable. Similarly, wheelchair users will need unique considerations. If you find a spot that feels perfect except for mobility challenges like stairs or uneven ground, ask if the venue can make accessibility accommodations for you. HOW FAR IN ADVANCE TO BOOK A WEDDING VENUE Generally speaking, the wedding venue is the first thing a couple books when they begin planning a wedding. However, this isn’t always the case. Ideally, you should have your wedding venue booked 12 to 14 months in advance, however there are many exceptions to the rule. Check out the general booking timeline below for information on when to reserve your venue and vendors, but know that every wedding is different, so what works for one couple may not necessarily be perfect for you. GENERAL BOOKING TIMELINE Twelve to 14 months before your desired wedding date, you’ll want to reserve the following. Wedding planner: Some couples take a DIY approach to wedding planning, but a professional wedding planner can be an excellent idea if you’re planning for a lavish wedding with lots of moving parts. Some venues may also offer an event planner dedicated to your special day. Venue: Because you can’t book most other services until you have a date, choosing your wedding venue and reserving it for your special day should be one of the first steps you take. Around 10 months before your big day, once you have your date secured, you’ll want to start booking things like these. Photographer: Photographers and videographers can capture every moment and preserve precious memories from your wedding and reception. Be sure to ask for a review of a full wedding album if possible so you can see the photographer’s range — not only a handful of photos they’ve chosen to show. Florists: Having fresh flowers at a wedding is a traditional feature many couples put a lot of thought and time into. Booking your florist well in advance is crucial because demand is high, especially during the busy wedding season. Caterers: Deciding who will cater and what kind of food you will serve at your wedding is another essential early decision. Choosing your wedding menu can be a breeze if you’ve selected a venue that provides in-house catering. Eight months before your upcoming nuptials, book or purchase these elements. Ceremony music: The music you walk down the aisle to and play during your ceremony can be anything from a full live band to a single instrumentalist to a playlist compiled by a DJ. Whatever you choose, be sure to secure this about eight months before your wedding. Reception music: Many couples use different music for their reception and ceremony. From live bands to exciting DJs, there are many options you can choose from. Officiant: Whether you’d like a friend to get ordained and serve as your officiant or you’d prefer a professional officiant, such as a judge, justice of the peace or religious clergy member, be sure to secure your favorite officiant with plenty of notice, as they may be in high demand or have other responsibilities. Wedding attire: You should order wedding dresses, bridesmaids’ dresses and tuxedos at least eight months before the wedding to allow time to collect and tailor the attire, and provide second fittings to be sure everything fits perfectly. Guest accommodations: If you’re inviting people from out of town, it’s customary to reserve a block of rooms at a hotel nearby to ensure everyone has a place to stay. Save-the-date cards: Before sending your invitations, you’ll send save-the-date notices so loved ones know to put your wedding on their calendars. Generally, eight months is sufficient time for people to plan, but you should give up to a year’s notice if you’re hosting a destination wedding. Read: When to Send Wedding Invitations Between five and seven months before your wedding, you’ll want to secure the following elements. Stylists: Hair, nails and makeup are a central part of most weddings, and often, the couple will provide these services to everyone in the wedding party. If you’re going to have one or more stylists come to your venue to help you prepare and look your best, don’t wait until the last minute to arrange these services. Invitations: Around six months before your wedding, order your official invitations in your preferred style. While you don’t have to send these out until around six to eight weeks before the wedding, getting them in advance can help ease your mind if there are any delays in the printing or shipping process. Rentals: If your venue doesn’t provide things like tables, chairs and linens, you’ll want to reserve these with plenty of time in advance. Additionally, you may wish to secure equipment like sound systems and larger decorative elements if necessary. Cake: Choosing your cake or cakes might be the best part of your wedding planning! Select your favorite flavors, but consider an alternative dessert if your guests have any severe allergies, such as gluten or nuts. Transportation: Reserving transportation to and from your wedding can ensure the day goes smoothly and everyone arrives at the same time. This aspect can be vital if you plan to serve alcohol at your reception. Three months before the wedding, you need to figure out these factors. Favors: Many couples like to give small presents to their guests after the wedding. This gift is often simple, like a box of matches or a small succulent, accompanied by a thank-you note. Wedding rings: Choosing and ordering your rings three months before the wedding ensures you get what you want. Since it’s a piece of jewelry you’ll wear for the rest of your life, you want to take time picking the perfect ring. THE MOST POPULAR WEDDING VENUES If you need help choosing a wedding venue, check out the three most popular types of wedding venues. 1. HOUSE OF WORSHIP If you want a traditional wedding within you and your loved one’s religious traditions, you can choose a house of worship as your wedding venue. Generally, you’ll host the wedding ceremony within the house of worship and have a reception at a separate location, such as a park or hotel, but some offer reception space you can rent. Remember, some religious traditions’ customs and rules might dictate some elements of your wedding, such as food, dress and music. If your house of worship is in high demand, don’t forget to book it at least 12 to 14 months in advance. 2. HOTEL A hotel wedding is standard if you are traveling to a destination, but they also often host receptions for weddings held at separate locations. Pretty much anything goes at a hotel wedding, and you can usually decorate the room as you like. Sometimes the hotel will have sound equipment and tables and chairs in-house, so you won’t have to rent them from an outside company. One thing to remember about hotel weddings is that your wedding party probably will not be the only guests there, so crashers and other disturbances may be an issue to contend with. 3. COUNTRY CLUB AND GOLF COURSE With a country club or golf course wedding, you can get the best of both worlds. Country clubs and golf courses offer various indoor and outdoor options to accommodate different wedding sizes. You can select a more traditional indoor wedding, or try something different like exchanging your vows on the golf course. The benefits of a golf course wedding are numerous, and you can go as classy or laid-back as you want. Since these venues are in such high demand, you want to try to book as far in advance as possible.

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Weddings
January 28, 2022

The Ultimate Guide to Micro Weddings

When planning a wedding, there are a lot of things to consider to make the vision of your special day become a reality. If a massive, traditional wedding is not what you had in mind, there is a fantastic alternative that is equally beautiful and intimate. Micro weddings are changing the way couples everywhere do weddings, and it is easy to see why. From budget flexibility and less stress to planning freedom and more quality time with guests, it is no wonder why micro weddings are a popular route to take. Learn more about micro weddings and how to plan your own with this helpful guide full of tips and tricks. WHAT SIZE IS A MICRO WEDDING? Generally speaking, micro weddings are complete with an average of 10 to 50 guests, though this number tends to vary depending on the preferences of the couple and the policies of the venue. These guests usually only include close friends and family members instead of an extensive guest list. Micro weddings are often confused with elopements and minimonies, though there are differences that set them apart. Elopements typically only include the marrying couple, the officiant and perhaps a witness. Minimonies are similar to micro weddings in terms of guest size for the ceremony. However, minimonies include a much larger reception after the ceremony with extended guests, while micro weddings involve the same, limited number of guests from the start to finish of the event. WHAT IS THE COST OF A MICRO WEDDING? Traditional weddings are often considered to be a huge investment. In fact, the average cost of a traditional wedding today is upward of about $30,000. When facing such an expense, it is no wonder a lot of couples are left wondering if a massive celebration is really worth it. Couples that want to keep all of the traditional aspects of a wedding while celebrating in a more budget-friendly manner find micro weddings to be the perfect solution. Micro weddings tend to range from as low as $1,500 to as high as $10,000. This makes a huge difference when it comes to the investment couples feel is ideal for achieving their dream wedding. They do not have to sacrifice a celebration for their special day because it is more attainable for them compared to the alternatives. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A MICRO WEDDING? There are many reasons why more and more couples are choosing to have a micro wedding for their special day. BUDGET FLEXIBILITY Since micro weddings are smaller, they can be much less costly by default, which is nice for those who wish to keep everything sweet and simple. But that doesn’t mean you can’t plan an extravagant, luxe celebration if you so desire. Whether you want to keep costs to a minimum or wish to go all out, micro weddings allow you the ultimate flexibility to do what you feel is right within your budget. INTIMACY The smaller the wedding, the more intimate it becomes. Micro weddings are an excellent option for those who wish to spend quality time with their closest family and friends on their special day. You will have the chance to interact with all of your guests much more than simply taking only a couple of minutes to say hello during the entire duration of the event. The smaller number of guests is also a plus for those who do not feel comfortable being the center of attention in larger crowds. FREEDOM OF CREATIVITY While traditional weddings often come with certain expectations, micro weddings provide a whole other planning experience. Couples have the chance to plan something more suited to their personal tastes, allowing them to make more creative and unique choices for their wedding. They can select unconventional venues, run the day on a more relaxed schedule and skip any formalities they choose to create a day that is genuinely their own. LESS STRESS As micro weddings are done on a much smaller scale than traditional weddings, many couples find they help reduce the stress of planning altogether. Since there are fewer guests to keep track of, there is a reduced amount of everything including invitations and responses, seating, menu choices, table favors and other details. Less stress allows couples to enjoy their wedding day and enjoy the planning experience, as well. FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS While some couples feel their wedding provides an opportunity to make a grand entrance into their married lives, this is not the case for everyone. A lot of couples choose to have a micro wedding to place emphasis on the whole reason they are celebrating — their love and devotion to one another. Micro weddings allow couples to eliminate any details they feel are unnecessary or take away from the true meaning of their special day. HOW DO YOU THROW A MICRO WEDDING? If a micro wedding sounds right for you and yours, you may be wondering where to start. This list can help you get on track to planning your special day from start to finish. 1. IDENTIFY THE MUST-HAVES When getting ready to plan a wedding, it can be easy to get lost among the many details you can include. Make a list with your fiance to learn about one another’s must-haves for the big day and decide which ones should be the top priorities. You can then add in any extras once you have figured out the components that are simply non-negotiable to make your dream wedding a reality. READ: Golf Course Wedding Packages Since your wedding will be much smaller, you will be able to splurge on things you may not have been able to with a large wedding. You can also be more creative with every aspect of your event, from the venue to the wardrobe. A micro wedding gives you the chance to really run free with how you envision your special day to be, making it all the more special in the end. 2. DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET Setting a budget is an important first step to micro wedding planning. This will allow you to determine a feasible investment you can make and help ensure you do not exceed that amount. The beauty of micro weddings is that you can set the budget as high or as low as you see fit and have an extraordinary wedding day all the same. Take some time to sit down with your partner and determine how much you are willing to set aside for every detail of the event, from the invitations to the venue and everything in between. 3. SELECT A VENUE The venue is one of the key components to planning your ideal micro wedding. One of the nicest things about having a smaller wedding is the ability to hold your event in places that larger weddings cannot. Choose the venue before sending out your invitations. Venues tend to vary when it comes to how many people are able to attend, so it is important to keep that in mind. Seek out a venue that you both adore and tailor your guest list around the accommodations. That way, you are not met with having invited more people than the capacity of the venue. A lot of venues also offer packaged deals for micro weddings. This means that other important components, such as food, wedding planning and other services may be provided by the venue as a part of the overall cost. This can be extremely helpful when pulling together all of the wedding plans. 4. LIMIT THE GUEST LIST Micro weddings are considered to be much more intimate and less expensive for the simple reason that the number of people in attendance is limited. As you are finalizing your list of invitees, be selective in whom you choose to include. Agree on the number of people that fits within the capacity limits of your chosen venue and go from there. Discuss all of the options with your fiancé and decide who you want in attendance the most. Most couples prioritize their lists beginning with family and then friends. When making these decisions, think about who will help to make the day even more happy and memorable with their presence. Be sure to send out save the dates to your specially selected guests to give them enough notice that your wedding is coming up. You can always follow with formal invitations that include additional information for the wedding at a later date. 5. PICK THE PERFECT WARDROBE Regardless of the size of the wedding, every married couple should feel their absolute best as they say, “I do.” Whether you opt for a gorgeous ball gown or tuxedo, an adorable mid-length dress or a handsome pantsuit, the attire should be a reflection of your own style and preferences. There are no rules for micro weddings, which means your attire could be the most expensive and luxurious item in the room or the most simplistic if you so choose. You can base your attire on the color palette you chose or a special theme you wish to translate throughout the wedding. Whatever you decide, make sure you feel nothing short of incredible while you are wearing it to marry the love of your life. It also helps to designate a particular type of attire for your guests, as well. No matter if you are allowing casual dress or wish to see formal wear only, be sure to indicate this with your wedding invitation information. This will also help guests to feel less confused about what they should wear to honor you and your spouse on your wedding day. 6. BRING IN A PROFESSIONAL PLANNER Every couple wants their wedding day to be special, stress-free and as flawless as possible. Just because your wedding is smaller than the traditional, you don’t have to plan everything alone. Consider hiring a professional wedding planner to help you manage all of the ins and outs of planning. From helping you find the perfect venue to helping you select the perfect flowers, planners are experts at paying attention to every last detail. If there is something you would like to have for your wedding day, your planner will do their best to help make it a reality. They can also help make sure everything runs smoothly when it is time to walk down the aisle. This will give you more time to focus on enjoying the planning and any events leading up to the big day instead of feeling completely overwhelmed. 7. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER Your wedding will be a day to remember. Help preserve the most precious moments at your micro wedding by hiring a photographer and videographer. Having a smaller, more intimate wedding can offer the opportunity for more beautifully unique shots. Some photographers and videographers may be willing to work out a custom package that is best suited for your specific needs based on the size, amount of time needed and the number of shots desired. This can really help you save on professional photos that you will surely cherish for years to come. 8. SELECT WEDDING DECOR Every wedding, no matter the size, deserves beautiful decor to enhance the venue. An advantage to micro weddings is that you do not have to break the bank trying to decorate. A lot of venues that are geared toward micro weddings already provide the ideal backdrop. You can then add your own personal touches with simple floral arrangements and other decorative items. READ: How to Involve Your Kids in Your Wedding If you need inspiration, a lot can be found on the internet for any sort of micro wedding imaginable. Whether you want romantic charm or have a unique theme in mind, there are tons of ideas to run with for bringing in those elements. 9. SECURE AN OFFICIANT No matter the size of the wedding, an officiant is a necessity. There are many different officiants out there today offering a wide range of wedding services. Whether you want a religious officiant, a civil officiant or know someone who has simply been certified as an officiant, there is someone perfect for the job. Look around your area at different options for officiants and choose the one that seems to match you as a couple the best. Be sure to secure your officiant well before the wedding to ensure your nuptials will be official. 10. BRING IN THE MUSIC Music and dancing are considered by many couples an important part of the event. Consider hiring a professional DJ to help you celebrate with your family and friends. They will be able to help make announcements, such as when it is time to cut the cake or time for the first dance as newlyweds, keeping everything running smoothly. You can also personalize your music selections. If you absolutely do not like rap music but love classical, discuss this with your DJ. They will be more than happy to help you select a playlist that will please you and your guests. Want to make your intimate micro wedding feel even more close-knit and special? Opt for a band instead of a DJ. Lean toward something acoustic so your music selections can fit the closeness of your smaller guest list on the dance floor. 11. ADD MORE ENTERTAINMENT Games are becoming all the rage when it comes to entertainment, and a smaller guest list lets you enjoy these fun moments together. The Wedding Shoe Game is a popular activity that tests the couple’s knowledge of one another. They will be asked questions such as who is the best cook and respond without seeing one another’s answers — but the guests will. Moments such as this will offer up a few laughs for everyone in the room. 12. SELECT A DELICIOUS MENU A micro wedding means fewer guests to feed. This gives you the chance to have the flexibility to choose a menu that will surely wow your guests without costing a fortune. You could also offer your guests more options to choose from so everyone gets a more personalized meal as opposed to only two or three dinner options. Since micro weddings play by their own rules, you are not going to be confined to what traditional wedding guests expect as far as food and beverage. Check with your venue to see what tasty menu options they have for you to choose from. Most venues that also provide the catering will do their best to provide you with a satisfying and mouthwatering meal on your special day. 13. CREATE A GIFT REGISTRY Even though your wedding is smaller, it is still a wedding all the same. Be sure to include instructions for your guests regarding gifting ideas with a registry. This will be helpful to those who are unsure if they should bring gifts to your event because of the size. Those who would like to contribute to your new life together will have a guide for what you and your partner could use the most, taking pressure away from trying to select the perfect gift. 14. ADD PERSONAL TOUCHES Intimate micro weddings allow you to infuse more personal touches into your big day. Consider writing your own vows for one another at the ceremony. Include your dog in the wedding by assigning it to be the ring bearer if the venue allows it. Wear something that your mother or grandmother wore on the day she got married. Micro weddings provide the perfect opportunity to incorporate sentimental details at every point of your day, making it all the more memorable and meaningful for you and your guests, as well. 15. CREATE A UNIQUE GUEST EXPERIENCE A smaller guest list means you have the flexibility to add more unique and meaningful touches to the guest experience. Include a handwritten note at the place setting of each guest, thanking them for being there for your special day. Maybe you would like to create your own invitations to send out instead of having them printed or bought in the store. Maybe have their favorite drink waiting for them at the table or play their favorite song when it’s time to dance. There are a lot of ways to show your guests their presence means so much more to you than just simply being a witness to your vows. To ensure everyone gets a personalized experience, you could add questions to your invitation responses or wedding website. Ask guests what songs they’d like to hear, what food and drink they prefer or if they have any stories about you or your fiancé they’d like to share at the reception.

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Golf
November 4, 2021

The Best Golf Exercises for Seniors

Golf is a very involved sport that uses almost every part of the body. It blends balance, flexibility and strength into one concise swing that you attempt to replicate throughout nine or eighteen holes. Luckily, golf is also low-impact and doesn’t cause as much wear and tear on the body as in sports like football or basketball. This makes it an ideal sport for seniors looking to play well into their seventies and even eighties. Learn More About Memberships However, it’s vital to prevent strain and decrease the risk of injury to extend the longevity of your game. WHY ARE GOLF EXERCISES IMPORTANT? Golf warm-up exercises can sometimes seem tedious and inconsequential. Some days you might want to hop on a golf cart and drive to the first tee, neglecting any stretches or strength workouts. But as you grow older, you may find that some parts of your game are lacking, or there are areas of your body that start to ache more than usual. This is where the importance of golf exercises can be essential. Warming up your muscles can help better prepare you for a round of golf. Exercises can fine-tune your swing and also make you limber, stronger and more balanced. This will guard your body against natural wear and tear and also improve your game. With the correct exercise techniques and some simple workouts, you can continue to play golf at a high level and well into the future. AREAS TO TARGET FOR GOLF STRETCHES FOR SENIORS The game of golf involves various parts of the body, starting at your feet. An effective golf swing relies on the balance in your heels, toes and ankles. Your legs should be solid and stable, as they will be crucial to overall movement and keeping you set in your stance. Your core becomes involved as you rotate into a backswing. Strength in your arms and shoulders will dictate swing speed and give you the power to pull your club forward through the ball. All of this happens within seconds (depending on your swing speed), but in just that short time, you can see that the swing of the club is very intricate and involved. This complexity is why it’s important to target many different areas of the body for golf exercises. FEET AND ANKLES Your feet are the base of your swing; as you go through the motions, your weight shifts from one foot to the other. Similar to a tree with roots, you should have a firm, stable base that starts at the very bottom and feeds up the body from there. Aside from a swing, you’ll probably be doing a lot of walking on the golf course. Even if you have a golf cart, you’ll still be walking to your ball and back again. Weak ankles can contribute to sprains or fractures, and without the ability to walk or stand, your golf game could be in jeopardy. A few effective ankle exercises can go a long way in preventing injury. LEGS Your legs have to be sturdy to execute a skillful, reliable swing that can be replicated. A shaky base can alter your swing and send a shot flying in the wrong direction. Practicing strength in your legs will prepare you for long rounds and hundreds of swings. HIPS For a wide range of motion and good mobility, your hips will have to be able to turn and shift. Exercises and stretching can improve strength and rotation in your hips, and it will set you up for success on the golf course. CORE Your core is the nucleus of a golf swing, dictating rotation and reach. It allows you to load up on power and contributes to your speed as you come through the ball. A proper golf swing often looks as though you are unwinding through the ball. You can create this smooth motion with a strong core, and it will also defend against other issues like lower back pain. ARMS AND SHOULDERS You can make a full, complete swing with adequate mobility in your arms and shoulders. Your arms must rotate back on an axis, reaching into an apex aligned with your shoulders before coming back and swinging through the ball, finishing high over the other side of your body. Though you can complete a swing with a shorter backswing, it’s better to have that full range of mobility to contribute to speed and power. READ: Top Reasons Children Should Play Golf BACK The sport of golf, in general, can be difficult on the back. The constant turning and twisting can cause soreness or pain, and a tender back can leave your golf game lacking and weakened. But if you can improve your flexibility and utilize different stretches, you can help prevent back strain and lessen the discomfort during rounds. GOLF EXERCISES FOR SENIORS There are many different types of golf exercises that you can utilize to improve your game and promote longevity. Golf covers a vast range of movements, so these exercises typically fall into four general categories: Strength: You’ll need strength in your arms, legs and core to complete a full golf swing. Proper strength will give you the necessary power and accuracy to play golf at a high level. Flexibility: A full range of motion promotes golf success. Mobility in your hips, arms and shoulders will give you the capacity to strike the ball with speed and power. Flexibility appears everywhere in golf, in something as simple as putting a tee in the ground to releasing a driver through a ball. Luckily, there are a lot of excellent golf flexibility exercises for seniors. Endurance: Though you might be driving in a golf cart rather than walking eighteen holes, golf is still a sport that relies heavily on endurance. You’ll be repeating a swing over and over again (hopefully not too many times) and expending power and speed with each stroke. If your endurance is poor, you might start to feel tired after a couple of holes. As you begin to get older, it’s crucial to pay attention to your endurance and improve it as much as you can. With improved endurance, you’ll be able to play better and defend against fatigue. Balance: Putting, short chips, wedges from a bunker and driving all have one thing in common: they demand great balance. It doesn’t matter the type of shot you’re hitting – if you’re off-balance while swinging, the chances are the ball will not go where you want it to. Improve your balance to improve your overall game. GOLF STRETCHES FOR SENIORS After identifying the benefits of golf exercises, targeting areas to stretch and knowing the various categories involved, you may be looking for ways to put this knowledge into action. These are some great golf exercises for seniors that you can put to use right away. SIDE BEND The side bend is one of the easiest exercises to do. You can do it on tee boxes, fairways and even putting greens. Take a club, raise it horizontally over your head and lean to the right or left, curving your torso slightly as you go. You should feel a stretch in your back. It’s a simple exercise that frees your body up from stiffness and prepares your body for mobility. LUNGE AND RAISE Spread your feet to shoulder width and extend a club with both hands horizontally in front of you. Put one foot forward into a lunge position. It doesn’t have to be too far starting out – a small step will suffice, and you can extend farther it feels comfortable. From the lung position, raise the club slowly overheard with straightened arms. When you reach the apex, bring it back down to the horizontal position, take your lunged leg back in and repeat the process with the other leg extended. Lunge and raise is a great exercise to improve balance and strengthen your legs, ankles and shoulders. It mimics the muscles used in a golf swing and will prepare you for a day on the course. HAMSTRING STRETCH You’ll want to loosen your hamstrings before taking that first swing. For an effortless hamstring exercise, lay down on the ground. Bring one of your legs up to your chest and gently pull upwards just beneath the knee, raising it towards your chin. You could also try this standing – just lift one knee and pull upwards with both hands. The standing exercise gives you a great stretch and practices good balance, as well. BEAR SIT STRETCH The bear rotation is excellent for strengthening your hips and mirroring the rotating nature of a golf swing. It’s also very easy to do. Take a seat with your heels in the ground and your toes pointed upwards. Spread your feet about a shoulder-width apart, and then slowly bring your knees together, letting your hips do all the work. Release and let your knees fall back out, and then bring them back in. Repeat this for as long as you’d like. Read: When Should Kids Start Golf Lessons? HIP CROSSOVERS Hip crossovers are another effective stretch for your hips that increases mobility. Lay down on your back with your arms at your sides. Bend your knees and rotate across your body to one side. Make sure to keep your core right and try to remain stable the entire time. Being able to master this stretch will allow you to freely rotate in your golf swing, shifting weight from one side to the other. SWING REPETITION One of the most fundamental golf stretching exercises for seniors is swing repetition. Swing repetition is great for endurance, and it doesn’t even have to involve a ball. Get a club and line up as though you were hitting, focusing on making a full, complete swing. Set your target point and follow through. Repeat this same swing as many times as you want. It will help you develop muscle memory for your swing and will also build up your strength. You can instill a looser, more casual version of this exercise in a live golf round. While you’re waiting for someone else to tee off, move your body in the motion of your swing. You don’t have to focus on actual mechanics here – just concentrate on feeling the turn of your body and prepare yourself for the real swing. ONE-LEGGED PUTTING The one-legged putting exercise is another practice that utilizes several areas and categories all at once. Grab your putter and line up for a putt from ten to fifteen feet. Get in your stance, and now lift one foot slightly off the ground. Follow through with the putt, pretending you’re hitting the ball. Try to stay as stable and as still as you can. After you’ve mastered the shorter putts, you can step further away and try out longer, bigger strokes from a distance. One-legged putting is an excellent exercise because it focuses on balance, strengthening the ankles and stability. And when you go back to two feet, you’ll probably have better concentration. ARM CIRCLES You will probably remember this one from gym class in middle school. There’s a reason why it has stood the test of time. Lift your arms horizontally at your sides and make small, circular motions. Widen the circles until they become full, sweeping motions at your sides, and then bring them back into small circles. Arm circles are great at warming up your arms and shoulders and getting you ready for a full, complete swing. Because of their simplicity, arm circles act as an ideal golf warm-up exercise for seniors. DRIVER STRETCH Put one hand on the grip end of your driver and the other just in front of the head. Lift the driver and place it behind your neck. Plant your feet and turn your body on an axis, moving only your hips. Flex your core and stay focused on staying balanced, controlled and steady. ANKLE STRETCH Often referred to as the windshield-wiper technique, this exercise is perfect for improving mobility in the ankles. Sit on a chair or bench and rotate your ankles in one direction, bring them back to the center and turn them to the other direction. You could also try calf raises by lifting your heels off the ground and standing on your toes for a second or two before dropping back down and repeating. FOREARM STRETCH Your forearms are important parts of your swing, as you need them to be strong to deliver a powerful swing and avoid injury when you hit the ground. For a forearm stretch, hold your hand out in front of you with your palm facing outward. With your other hand, pull downwards on your palm until you feel a tightening in your forearm.

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Golf
May 24, 2021

Choosing the Right Golf Clubs for You

Are you new to golf and looking for your first club set? Maybe you’ve been golfing for years but want to review what to keep in mind when buying new clubs. If you started golfing by borrowing a friend’s clubs or renting from your local course and found it’s an excellent activity for you, it may be time to purchase your own set of clubs. You can save money in the long term by buying clubs and avoiding rental fees. Learn More About Memberships We’ve created a beginner’s guide to picking the best golf clubs to help you purchase the clubs you need to play at any course without breaking the bank. GETTING STARTED WITH GOLF CLUBS Beginner golfers may feel intimidated by golf’s frequently used terminology and the amount of equipment needed to play — but that doesn’t have to stop you. It’s simple to quickly learn all you need to know about the variety of clubs you can use. The United States Golf Association (USGA) limits the number of clubs you can carry to 14, but that full amount typically isn’t necessary as a beginner. You can start with a few essential clubs and add more as you continue playing and learn what feels best for you. As a beginner golfer, you may want to use forgiving clubs that offer game-improvement features. Game-improvement features mean the club has construction elements that limit the effect of a poor swing and poor contact with the ball. They make it easier to get the ball where you want it to go, even if your swing technique is still a work in progress. Each golfer has different preferences for club types based on their play style and swing. For example, if you commonly find yourself hitting long shots to get to the green, you may value an easy-to-hit hybrid over a more challenging wood or short-range iron. If you bring plenty of strength to your drives and spend most of your time hitting precise, short shots onto the green, you may prefer a few trusty irons. As a beginner, knowing how to buy golf clubs may rely on the types of situations you encounter and what club types work well for you. TYPES OF CLUBS It’s a good idea to have a general understanding of the types of clubs golfers use, even though you may not purchase all these types when you’re first starting. There are five primary types of golf clubs: 1. WOODS Woods earned their name because club manufacturers initially made them out of wood, and the term stuck. Now, they’re most commonly made from steel alloys or titanium. Woods are the longest clubs golfers use and also have the largest head. Drivers and fairway woods are both categorized as woods. You’ll typically use a wood to tee off and take long-range shots. Beginners may want to buy a driver with the largest head available because it can provide a more prominent sweet spot and be more forgiving while learning. 2. IRONS Sets of irons typically come numbered from a 3-iron to a 9-iron, with an unnumbered pitching wedge that sits above the 9-iron. A 2-iron also exists, but golfers use them infrequently, and they’re not necessary for beginners. The 1-iron is now obsolete, having been replaced by drivers and other utility clubs. The iron number range denotes loft, which is the angle the ball will travel. A higher-numbered iron will have more loft, so the ball will travel at a wider angle for a shorter distance. You can expect the distance to decrease by around 10-15 yards for each iron number you increase. For example, shots with your 3-iron may travel 10-15 yards farther than a shot with your 4-iron and 20-30 yards farther than your 5-iron. Beginners may want to choose cavity back irons because they distribute the weight around the head’s perimeter, making them more forgiving and more comfortable to hit with. READ: Top Reasons Children Should Play Golf 3. HYBRIDS Golfers use hybrids in place of irons, and they follow the same numbering format. A 3-hybrid is a replacement for a 3-iron, and so on. Hybrids are the newest categories of clubs and have seen a rise in popularity in recent years. Hybrids may be particularly suited for beginner golfers because they’re easier to hit than irons. The heads of hybrid clubs resemble a smaller version of woods. Hybrids are more forgiving than irons and offer many game-improvement features that irons don’t have. When deciding which golf clubs to choose, hybrids are a great option as a beginner. 4. WEDGES Wedges are a group of specialized irons you use in specific situations when you want the ball to ascend and descend quickly and at sharp angles. They’re most useful in your short game. For example, you can use a wedge to get your ball out of the sand or over any rough terrain with a chip shot or a pitch shot. These clubs look similar to irons but have higher angles to provide more loft. A few commonly used wedges are the pitching, sand and gap wedges. If you purchase an iron set, you’ll likely receive a pitching wedge with it. A pitching wedge should suit your needs as a beginner golfer until you decide what additional wedges would serve you well. If the course you golf at most has few sandpits, it may not be worth the money to purchase a sand wedge right away. 5. PUTTERS You use putters for your final few strokes on the green to get the ball into the hole. Putters are meant for precision and moving the ball short distances along the green. Putters are the most diverse club, with different head types, lengths and shapes. Choosing a putter comes down to personal preference and what feels best for you. It can be good to try out various styles until you find the putter you feel most comfortable with. HOW TO CHOOSE THE CORRECT GOLF CLUBS Now that you know more about the different types of clubs, we’ll dive into the process of choosing the correct golf clubs and some tips to help you select the best options for your game: 1. TEST BORROWED OR RENTED CLUBS You can first make sure you enjoy golf enough that you want to make the investment of buying your own club set. You may start by borrowing clubs from friends or family members or renting a set at a local course. By starting slowly, you can ease into the game and figure out what works best for you. There are many different styles and designs for golf clubs, so if you make a purchase when you’re first starting, you may realize another option would work better for you. For example, if you buy a set of irons, but try a friend’s hybrid and realize it is a much better fit, you’d have to spend more to get your own hybrids. Spending time at the driving range or on the course experimenting with different club styles can help you pinpoint a better outline of what you’re looking for when you’re ready to purchase. 2. BROWSE BEGINNER SETS AT GOLF SHOPS When you decide it’s time to purchase your own set of clubs, you can go to a discount golf or department store and browse their beginner sets. A specialized golf store may serve you well because they often have a large selection of used clubs in good condition that you can buy for a much lower price. Consider looking for clubs that advertise game-improvement features that make it easier to hit the ball where you want it to go. These features can give your game a boost while you’re still learning and won’t detract from it as you become more experienced. 3. CHOOSE BETWEEN GRAPHITE AND STEEL SHAFTS You’ll have the option of purchasing steel or graphite shafts for your clubs. Steel shafts are cheaper and more durable, so they may be the best option for beginners. Graphite shafts are lighter, which leads to a faster swing speed and more power. Try out both, and if you prefer graphite over steel and can find clubs in your price range, choose the clubs that feel best for you. Read: Golf Course Wedding Packages WHAT GOLF CLUBS SHOULD I BUY? While you can carry a maximum of 14 clubs in your bag, that amount isn’t necessary for a beginner. Having six to nine clubs can set you up nicely and leave you room for expansion. Many sets specifically designed for beginners have around six to nine clubs, so these options are a great starting point. If you want to pick clubs individually, you’ll need a putter, driver, a few irons or hybrids and one or two wood clubs. When it comes to irons, you don’t need each club from 3-iron to 9-iron. The small difference in loft between irons next to each other, like a 4-iron and a 5-iron, isn’t significant enough to make a big impact for beginner golfers. You can go with the odd-numbered irons like three, five, seven and nine to start. If you’ve experimented and found that you prefer using hybrids as opposed to irons, you can get a partial set of odd-numbered hybrids in place of irons. Pick up 3-wood and 5-wood clubs to finish off your set. As you continue golfing, you can buy additional clubs for your set as you feel you need them. Over time, add in some specialty wedges and the even-numbered wedges to build a complete set. SHOULD A BEGINNER GOLFER GET FITTED FOR CLUBS? A custom club fitting is a comprehensive process that involves a professional fitter asking you questions about your play style, needs and where you want to improve. After the interview-style session, you’ll perform test swings in front of the fitter, and they’ll analyze your form and technique. The fitter will then take into account your body dimensions, swing style and various other factors to pick out personalized clubs for you. You can choose to have a fitting for a single club or an entire set. The price for club fitting varies, but you can expect a fitting for a single club to cost around $50 to $100 and a fitting for an entire set to cost about $200 to $350 depending on where you go. Many fitters offer to discount the price of the fitting if you buy a set from them afterward. A fitting likely isn’t necessary if you’re a beginner golfer because you’re just starting to learn and aren’t too concerned with taking a few strokes off your game right away. It can help if you prioritize learning the basics and becoming a more confident golfer to get the most out of a custom fitting. Custom fittings are a great option to get a set of clubs that work best for you, though, so if you’re committed to developing your game, a fitting may be worth it. It may be a good idea to check out local fitting shops to see your area’s costs. Some golf courses also offer custom fittings, so if you’re a member, you could likely receive a free fitting. If you know which clubs you need but still question how to choose new golf clubs that fit you specifically, a custom fitting is a good idea. If you’re shorter than 5 feet 6 inches or taller than 6 feet 1 inch, it’s recommended that you go through a custom fitting. Those heights are outside the standard range for golf clubs, so you may have trouble finding a set that works for you without a fitting. A custom fitting could help you get clubs that work the best for your height and dimensions.

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Weddings
May 24, 2021

How to Plan a Wedding

It’s finally here. You’ve found the love of your life, and you’re excited to share your vows to declare your love in front of your family and closest friends. Perhaps you have a clear idea of what you want for your wedding, or maybe you feel lost among wedding industry lingo. No matter the case, after the excitement of engagement wears off, most people wonder how long it takes to plan a wedding and what is involved. Book Your Wedding Wedding planning takes time, attention to detail and communication so your day can be exactly how you imagined it. With some insider tips, you can feel confident and prepared when thinking about your big day. This step-by-step guide is designed to help you every step of the way. From sticking to a timeline and budget to choosing your wedding party and writing your vows, you and your love will be ready to say “I do” in no time. BEFORE YOU START Planning your wedding is like shopping for your dream house. You likely already have specific, nonnegotiable features in mind. However, there’s a lot to do before you get carried away with inspiration. Staying on top of the finer details means taking your time with every step, so nothing falls through the cracks. The foundation for a foolproof wedding plan is communicating with your partner and setting important boundaries that will help with your decision-making later on. Check out these pre-planning steps for success: 1. TALK TO YOUR PARTNER Your special day is about you and your partner. The choices you make are going to affect both of you, as well as represent your image as a couple. Together, you need to decide how big you want your wedding to be, the budget and the number of people in the wedding party. With all your closest friends and family giving their input and wanting to be involved, a wedding may come with many expectations. To make the day as smooth and joyous as possible, you and your partner need to talk about what decisions are nonnegotiable and necessary. As long as you and your love are on the same page, planning your wedding can be easier than you imagined. 2. SET A BUDGET The wedding industry is one of the largest in the nation. The word “wedding” can add hundreds of dollars onto the price tag for entertainment, food, attire and transportation. That’s why the most important part of planning a wedding is setting a budget and sticking to it. Of course, you can leave some wiggle room because the nonnegotiable things like the venue or dress may add up to a higher cost than you anticipated. Whether you have $100,000 to spend or $5,000, there are ways to set and manage your budget so you can have peace of mind. 3. DETERMINE YOUR WEDDING STYLE Planning the aesthetic of your wedding involves more than color schemes and seasons. You want your wedding to be unique and special, and your wedding style is a huge part of that. Are you a classic duo who loves candlelight, refined food and sophisticated decor? Or are you a free-spirited bohemian couple who loves natural floral elements, fringe and family-style dining? Finding your wedding style can help you choose your venue, wedding party dresses and suits, decorations, guest favors and flower arrangements. Looking through wedding magazines and online inspiration can help you determine your wedding style. READY, SET, PLAN Once you’ve set your budget and boundaries, you’re ready to start planning the big day. There’s a lot to do, and organization is key for sticking to deadlines and keeping up with everyday life. The following are some tasks you’ll want to accomplish: 1. CREATE A MASTER CHECKLIST A master checklist comes in many forms. A traditional binder, computerized spreadsheet and handwritten legal pad list are all efficient ways to stay on top of your timeline and tasks. Whichever way you choose to track your progress and checklists, make sure you’re updating the list daily and following through with each project. There are also apps available that can act as your personal wedding assistant. Tools like these can help set your deadlines and send important notification reminders to keep you accountable. You can also create your own master checklist on a spreadsheet if you prefer even greater organization. 2. MAKE A GUEST LIST Who are the most important people you want to share your day with? Making your guest list may sound like the easiest part of planning your big day, but it can prove to be one of the more difficult tasks. Your budget and venue will determine how many people you can invite. If your parents have requests about people they want to invite, you may have to make another compromise or set some boundaries. The guest list should have at least three drafts. The first draft is usually made up of you and your partner’s friend lists and family trees. The second draft will add the people you may have left out. This draft can also include removing people who may not be able to attend. The third draft is the nearly finalized copy. By the time you create it, you will know who won’t be able to make it for the date. Read: How to Choose a Wedding Catering Service Any variation after the third draft typically comes after the invitations have been sent out and people have returned their RSVPs. 3. CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING PARTY The wedding party is made up of the people you can’t imagine this day without. They are your best friends, siblings and closest connections. All these people hold a special place in your heart, and they’re all just as excited to share your day with you. The people in your wedding party will be your support system throughout the whole wedding process. They are there to help you make decisions and overcome any hiccups. If you’re planning a smaller wedding or don’t want to make the tough decision of who to include in your wedding party, you have the option of not having one at all. Remember, this day is about what you and your partner want. If you prefer to stand at the alter with only your love, you are welcome to do so. 4. CHOOSE A VENUE Perhaps the most classic wedding venue is a beautiful cathedral or church. However, times have changed, and wedding venues come in all shapes, sizes and forms. Today, anywhere can be a wedding venue if it suits you and your partner’s theme and tastes. Your wedding venue plays a huge role in: Setting your date. Creating your guest list. Planning the menu. Adding decorations. Choosing your wedding party outfits. Before you can plan most other details, you have to choose your venue. Do you want an outdoor wedding on a beautifully manicured golf course or tropical beach? Or do you see yourself walking down the aisle of a country lodge or airplane hanger? The location, capacity, availability, layout, price, restrictions and facilities will all play a role in choosing your picture-perfect venue. 5. VENDORS AND CONTRACTS Unless you plan to DIY most of your wedding, you’re going to have to work with one or more vendors to help create your special day. If you can’t imagine your day without a certain local DJ or photographer, you’ll have to act fast to secure your contracts with them. Remember to always read the fine print and ask for revisions and compromises where you need adjustments. Consider these two high-priority decisions: Entertainment: About 72% of brides said they wish they had taken more time to choose their reception entertainment. Whether you want a DJ or a band, the musical entertainment you choose for your reception will play an enormous role in setting the tone and getting the party going. The entertainment is the emcee for the night, so you’re trusting them to get your guests up on the dance floor to celebrate with you. Food and catering: If you want to save time in your master checklist, you can work with a venue that takes care of the catering for you, like Colonial Golf and Tennis Club. It will be one less thing for you to stress about while still ensuring you get the quality and taste you desire. 6. TO DRINK OR NOT TO DRINK? The answer to this question may be a simple yes or no. However, many couples have differing opinions when it comes to having an open bar or any alcoholic beverages at all. The decision all comes down to personal preference. Some religious traditions preclude alcohol consumption, so the choice is obvious. Whether you want to create your own special cocktails or limit the serving time, there is an option available for every budget. 7. PLAN YOUR PRE-WEDDING EVENTS In the hustle and bustle of planning a wedding, you can’t forget to make time for all the other special events that go along with the celebration. Of course, you’re not obligated to host every occasion. Traditionally a couple will mark the beginning of their engagement with an engagement party or dinner. This allows them to celebrate with their inner circle as they start their journey towards married life. There are also optional bridal or groom showers, where the bride or groom is given gifts in preparation for the upcoming wedding. And you can’t leave out the milestone bachelor and bachelorette parties. Even if you don’t want to partake in a wild party night, you can host a tasteful and intimate dinner with your friends to celebrate your last days as a single individual. 8. BUILD A REGISTRY Planning a wedding goes hand in hand with receiving gifts. With today’s technology and trends, your registry can come in many forms. If this is your first time getting married and living with your spouse, a gift registry helps your guests furnish your home. You also have the option of a honeymoon registry, where guests can pay for your vacation expenses like a dinner for two or couples massage. Registering for gifts is one of the most exciting parts of getting married. It keeps your guests from wondering what to get you and commemorates the occasion. 9. HIRE AN OFFICIANT Finding the right person to legalize your wedding vows can be a deeply personal experience. Whoever you choose will have to get to know you and your partner intimately so they can speak to the strength of your relationship. Your officiant will set the tone for the ceremony. If booking a justice of the peace or clergy member is aligned with your vision, you’ll have to thoroughly research your options. You can also ask a close family member or friend to usher you into your new shared life. Read: The Ultimate Guide to Micro Weddings 10. FIND YOUR DREAM DRESS AND TUX One of the highlights of the entire day is seeing your partner in their wedding clothes. Whether the bride is donning vintage lace or shining in rhinestones and embroidered silk, the dress will hold a special place in her heart forever. A groom’s tux no longer just comes in white, light blue, black, or grey. Suits are made in every cut and color today, which makes choosing the perfect silhouette and shade that much more fun. There is always the added excitement of spending the day with your closest friends searching for that perfect attire. Shopping for your dress or tux early on in the wedding planning process ensures you have plenty of time for tailoring and customizations. The same goes for your wedding party. 11. GET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE This is one of those smaller details that can easily slip through the cracks when you’re busy looking at the bigger picture. Unfortunately, getting married is not as easy as being declared married on the actual day. Depending on where you live, it can take a few weeks to apply for and attain a marriage license. So don’t forget to do your research — this website can get you started — and take the legal steps towards officially becoming partners for life. 12. WRITE YOUR VOWS If you’re not the best at expressing your feelings or never got the hang of writing down your thoughts, this step can seem daunting. Many couples prefer the traditional vows that promise commitment and comfort through thick and thin. If you want to personalize your vows, you don’t want to wait until the last minute in hopes that inspiration will strike. With each milestone of the wedding planning process, take a few minutes to reflect on how far you and your partner have come as individuals and as a couple. After dating and relationship growth, you have finally come to a point where you are ready to become one unit in love and life. It’s a beautiful time, and writing your vows allows you to appreciate it apart from the busyness of planning. If you don’t like the idea of sharing vows in the presence of your family and friends, you can set time aside before or after the wedding to share love letters to one another. If you ask your photographer to be there, it will make for an unforgettable moment you both can treasure for years to come. 13. TAKE TIME OFF The most important piece of advice is to take time off from planning to simply enjoy one another’s company. You will have emails, notifications, text messages, appointments and task lists that will demand your attention and time. Don’t forget that the reason you’re planning a wedding is so you can take this next step forward, hand in hand with the love of your life. Cherish every minute of it by having fun, spending quality time with your partner and taking a break from your busy schedule. HOW TO PLAN A SMALL WEDDING Not everyone dreams of having a big wedding, and that’s okay! The thing about a wedding is that it is your day. That means whatever you want or envision is what the day should be as long as your partner agrees. Many couples love the attention that a large wedding brings. But you may prefer a more intimate gathering that offers exclusivity and greater personalization while staying within an ideal budget. These tips can help you create the perfect private affair: 1. MATCH YOUR GUEST LIST TO THE VENUE Every venue will have a limitation on how many guests you can host on your wedding day. This may not seem like a concern when planning a small wedding, but smaller venues offer limited capacity, and you may need to cut down your guest list. If you are having trouble meeting an occupancy rate, start with listing the people you would ask to be in your wedding party. This ensures your closest friends will be included, along with your immediate relatives. 2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ACCOMMODATIONS Hosting a small wedding offers the benefit of using the venue’s accommodations to your advantage. Along with access to special amenities, you can reach out to local hotels and venues that have rooms so your special day becomes a weekend event. You can still save money while sharing the entire experience with a select group of guests. 3. GET CREATIVE From the entertainment to the menu, a small wedding can be a completely different experience. Get personal with your guests by changing up the traditional seating arrangements with an estate or U-shaped table. Add unique touches with customized place settings and decorations. Make time with each of your guests by planning games or activities that will get everyone moving and laughing. Let your personality shine through.

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Weddings
December 22, 2020

Christmas Themed Wedding Ideas and Inspiration

‘Tis the season to get married! Many families come together to celebrate Christmas and partake in holiday festivities. Next year, keep the festivities jolly by planning a Christmas themed wedding. When done right, Christmas weddings are luxurious and packed with holiday traditions like mulled wine, decorative trees and lights, and the wintery appeal of a snowy landscape. Here, we’ll outline the best themes, decor and planning tips to help you achieve your dream Christmas wedding. WHAT TO INCLUDE ON YOUR WINTER WEDDING CHECKLIST Wedding planning starts about a year before your wedding date. Wedding checklists are relatively seasonless, but the specific details — like your type of cake, wedding dress and decor — will vary depending on your wedding theme. For a Christmas wedding, some things to consider putting on your checklist include: Book the right venue: If you live in a colder climate, prepare for the colder weather by booking an indoor venue. It’s especially helpful if the wedding venue has beautiful outdoor scenery for a brief photo op in the snow. Decide on a Christmas theme: Christmas inspires many holiday wedding themes. Create a mood board of your favorite holiday festivities and aesthetics, then use it as inspiration when choosing a wedding theme. Place an order for decor rentals: Whether you’re relying on your interior design skills or working with a professional, browse local wedding rentals for Christmas decor that will bring your theme to life. Hire a wedding photographer: You’ll never forget your wedding day. A professional photographer provides photographs to hang around your house and keep in your memory book. Design and send wedding invitations: Wedding invitations set the mood for your wedding. Create a wedding invitation that embodies your wedding theme and get your guests excited to celebrate your big day. Prepare wedding favors: Just as wedding invitations set the tone for your wedding, wedding favors finish the story with a thoughtful “thank-you.” Choose a Christmas themed wedding favor that will keep your guests in a loving, festive mood. Choose flower arrangements: Winter flower arrangements take advantage of seasonal blooms like cotton, berries, poinsettias, gardenias, roses, dusty miller and more. Talk to your florists and choose the best wedding arrangements that correspond with your Christmas theme. Buy a wedding dress and bridal party attire: Every bride needs the perfect wedding dress. Winter weddings typically require more layers for comfort, so many brides choose long-sleeved styles or capelet accessories. Pick a menu: Christmas is a heart-warming holiday that requires festive foods and beverages. Talk to your venue’s caterer and decide on a menu with wintery hors d’oeuvres, savory main courses, chocolatey desserts and festive cocktails. Order your wedding cake: The sweetest part of your wedding is the perfect wedding cake. For your Christmas wedding, choose a cake that matches your wedding theme, like a gingerbread-flavored cake or snowy decorative frosting. Grab your wedding planner and a pen, and get inspired with the following Christmas wedding ideas. CHRISTMAS WEDDING THEMES Christmas weddings take inspiration from many Christmas traditions, like: Decorating Christmas trees with lights and ornaments Sipping hot chocolate in front of the fireplace Wrapping and exchanging gifts Making and decorating gingerbread houses Preparing for Santa’s visit with the children in the family Baking Christmas cookies Mailing holiday cards Going Christmas caroling Embrace these festivities by integrating their symbols into your wedding theme. Some examples of Christmas wedding themes include: 1. JINGLE BELLS Jingle bells, often called sleigh bells, are sweet and dainty decorations that embody the Christmas season. In modern folklore, Santa attaches jingle bells to his sleigh and reindeer to signal his arrival to homes worldwide. Traditionally, jingle bells are silver or gold with a small rounded shape and light-hearted jingle. Some Jingle Bell-themed decor to include in your wedding is: Jingle bell wedding wreaths Jingle bell garland Jingle bell Christmas tree ornament favors Jingle bell balloons Jingle bell-filled vases You don’t have to decorate your wedding venue with jingle bells from floor-to-ceiling. Rather, bring the Jingle Bell theme to life by consistently including them throughout your invitations, wedding decor, floral arrangements and favors. 2. WINTER WONDERLAND One of the best parts of Christmas is waking up to a snowy winter wonderland. Snow piled on pine trees, the icy reflection from the snow on the ground and the blue-grey sky are all defining characteristics of a winter wonderland. READ: What to Consider for an Outdoor Wedding Embody these characteristics in your wedding using: White and evergreen flower arrangements Cool-toned lighting Frosted tree branches, achieved by spray-painting branches white A clean, white color scheme with blue accents Snowflake-inspired wedding invitations If you think it’s going to snow on your wedding day, try finding a wedding venue with windows looking out on a snowy landscape. It’s the little details that let the Winter Wonderland theme shine. 3. HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS While a Winter Wonderland theme embraces the colder winter aspects, a Holly Jolly Christmas theme takes inspiration from crackling fires, mulled wine and plaid gift wrapping. Think about the feeling of waking up on Christmas morning and running downstairs to a gift-filled Christmas tree, decorative throw pillows, warm lighting and Santa’s half-eaten plate of cookies. Bring these fuzzy feelings into your wedding venue using decor like: Plaid accessories Decorated fireplaces Warm-toned lighting Lanterns and candles Red and evergreen flower arrangements Half-cut and sliced logs Christmas ornaments A Holly Jolly Christmas theme gives you more room for creativity. Think about your personal Christmas traditions to personalize your wedding even more. WINTER WEDDING COLOR SCHEMES In every other setting, a red and green Christmas color scheme would be ideal. But for your wedding, designers recommend picking one of the two colors to avoid going overboard. Once you’ve picked your wedding theme, start assembling your color scheme by picking a focal color, a companion color and an accent color. Some examples of Christmas color schemes that correspond with our three themes include: Red, white and gold: Following the Jingle Bell theme, use gold jingle bells as your accent color. Gold has warm tones that work well with warm-toned reds, like the classic Christmas red. Because red and gold are dominating colors, integrate plenty of white details — such as bold white blooms or white place settings — to keep the scheme feeling clean and fresh. White, cream and silver: A Winter Wonderland theme requires a clean color scheme to translate a snowy white appearance. Consider an all-white wedding, with layered shades of pure white and cream and silver or baby blue accent tones. Hunter green, navy and white: The Holly Jolly Christmas theme relies heavily on warm-toned lighting and colors. Hunter green resembles pine trees’ deep green color and pairs nicely with a rich navy blue. Integrate a refreshing accent color, such as white or light gray. Once you start shopping for decor, you’ll get a better idea of what colors best embody your Christmas wedding theme. Don’t be afraid to try a few color palettes before committing to one you love. CHRISTMAS WEDDING DECORATION IDEAS The decorations you have available may greatly influence your color scheme decision. Decorate your Christmas wedding venue with: Plaid blankets: Plaid is a common pattern during the Christmas season. Plaid bows, blankets, wrapping paper, stockings, napkins and other decorative elements instantly make your wedding venue feel cozy and festive. Candlelit lanterns: Lighting plays a big role in your wedding venue’s transformation. Your venue will supply basic lighting, but you may want to talk to a local wedding rental vendor about extra lighting fixtures, like warm candlelit lanterns or chandeliers. Ornament-filled vases: Ornaments are a Christmas staple. Include ornaments in your decorations by filling a large, clear vase with gold or silver ornaments, depending on your theme and color scheme. Decorated fireplaces: On snow days, getting cozy around the fireplace is a must. Bring the snow day tradition to your wedding venue by decorating the fireplace — or renting a decorative fireplace if your wedding venue doesn’t have one available — with garlands, evergreen, stockings and candles. Decoration rentals are just one part of your total venue decor. Flowers and greenery are equally important to traditional decorations. SEASONAL FLOWERS AND GREENERY There is no shortage of red, green and white flowers. When planning your wedding, make notes about the types of arrangements you’ll need, such as bridal bouquets, bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres and centerpieces. Your florists will walk you through the types of seasonal flowers available and make recommendations based on your vision, like: Christmas wreaths: Once the winter season hits, many households celebrate by putting a Christmas wreath on their front doors. Embrace this winter tradition by putting a large, chic Christmas wreath on your reception doorway, above the fireplace mantle, or outside as a photo op. Seasonal blooms: For your bouquet and other arrangements, integrate seasonal flowers like camellias, carnations, ranunculus, roses, star of Bethlehem, stephanotis and more. Filler flowers: Winter filler flowers come in an equally large variety and add depth to your arrangements. Examples include waxflower, statice, solidago, dusty miller, cotton, berries and baby’s breath. READ: How to Choose a Wedding Catering Service Another seasonal plant you might want to consider is a Christmas tree. A Christmas tree is perfect for a holiday wedding and can act as a focal point for wedding festivities. For example, guests can slowly decorate the tree throughout the night or pile their wedding gifts under the tree. CHRISTMAS WEDDING INVITATIONS Wedding invitations are your guests’ first glimpse into your wedding. Wedding invitations get your guests excited and set the tone for your wedding theme. It’s the little details that elevate your wedding invitations. Some details to consider using for your wedding invitations are: Handmade paper: Instead of using traditional wedding invitation paper, consider using handmade paper. Handmade paper looks and feels more luxurious than traditional paper. It is thicker, textured and has a rustic appearance. Dried flowers: Dried flowers and greenery make wedding invitations feel luxurious and well thought out. Use rustic-looking twine to tie on dried flowers like lavender, bakers fern, baby’s breath and waxflower. Ribbons: Another Christmas emblem is big, bold ribbons. Consider adding a three-dimensional ribbon to your wedding invitation. For example, you could have a festive wreath surrounding your and your partner’s names with a beautiful bow hanging from the bottom of the wreath. You can find premade wedding invitations online that already include these Christmas elements. Or, you can design your own wedding invitations with online stationery design tools and software. CHRISTMAS-THEMED WEDDING FAVORS Thank your guests for celebrating your wedding day with wedding favors they’ll enjoy and use. You don’t have to break the bank, either, as long as it’s thoughtful and meaningful. Simple winter wedding favors you can gift your guests include: Wedding ornaments: A holiday tradition for over 95 million U.S. households is decorating a Christmas tree with lights, garland, tinsel and, of course, ornaments. Design your own Christmas ornaments with your new shared last name or with an emblem of your wedding theme, like a jingle bell. Hot chocolate bombs: Very few people will turn down a cup of hot chocolate. Hot chocolate bombs are ingredient-filled balls of chocolate you place into a mug of hot milk, causing them to melt with chocolatey goodness. Your guests will enjoy a relaxing drink when they get home after your wedding. Festive-scented candles: Not much can top the coziness of candles. On a snowy winter night, lighting a festive-scented candle is just what your guests need to get in a merry spirit. Some companies allow you to create your own scent, and others allow you to customize a candle label. Either way, your guests will enjoy this wedding favor. When looking for the perfect Christmas wedding favor, look for a company that offers themed and customizable favors that match your wedding goals. WINTERY WEDDING CAKE IDEAS The sweetest part of every wedding is the delicious wedding cake. For your Christmas wedding, consider themed wedding cakes like: Red velvet cakes: Red is one of the most recognizable Christmas colors. If you include red in your color scheme, choose a red velvet cake for its vibrant red color. Naked cakes: A growing cake trend is a “naked cake,” which is a cake that is iced in between layers but mostly bare on the sides. The naked-cake effect gives a wintery and rustic appearance that’s especially fitting for a Winter Wonderland wedding theme. Gingerbread house-themed cakes: Gingerbread is a beloved Christmas flavor. Embrace this Christmas tradition by having a gingerbread-flavored cake, topped with a gingerbread town and adorable gingerbread men. Talk with your wedding baker and explore the many Christmas cake options and themes they can make.

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Weddings
December 22, 2020

Fall-Themed Wedding Ideas

Between the crisp air and the panorama of colorful leaves, fall holds a special place in many people’s hearts. It brings some fan-favorite holidays and delicious foods and flavors that only come once a year. If autumn is your favorite season or feels like the right time to tie the knot, you have plenty of creative fall wedding ideas to consider. To help you plan, we’ve compiled some tips for planning fall weddings, alongside ideas for decorating and selecting food and beverages. THINGS TO CONSIDER WITH FALL WEDDINGS Whether you have your heart set on that late September date or wondering if fall is the season for you, the time of year brings some unique considerations to the planning process. 1. WEATHER AND GUEST COMFORT While fall typically has temperate conditions compared to summer and winter, weather can still play a factor. Autumn can bring wind and rain, and that always calls for a backup plan. It’s crucial to choose a venue with an indoor space and rain plan you approve of. Another consideration is the chilly autumn air. You want your guests to enjoy your big day, so comfort is a top priority. Consider providing blankets or wraps for guests during an outdoor ceremony, and coordinate them with your wedding colors. Also, depending on the date, decide whether toasty outdoor space heaters can make your day even better. 2. EARLY SUNSET As you’re planning your ceremony, remember the days get shorter come fall. The later the date you set, the earlier sunset will arrive. Planning around daylight is crucial when you have an outdoor ceremony. Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, be sure to coordinate any outdoor photos with the amount of light you have to work with. Fall ceremonies tend to take place a bit earlier in the day than spring or summer events might. 3. PEAK AND SHOULDER WEDDING SEASONS Since 78% of all weddings occur between May and October, fall usually marks the end of wedding season. Many couples tie the knot in late spring through the late summer. Late October and November newlyweds have a few advantages. You’ll improve your odds of booking your preferred venue, since the demand starts to fizzle out during this time of year. It’s also more likely you’ll be able to snag your first choice of photographer, videographer and other vendors available on your chosen date. Still, don’t let the end of wedding season fool you. Autumn weddings are quite trendy, and many people set fall dates to take advantage of the beautiful season. September hosts 16% of ceremonies, and October another 14%, making these two months some of the most popular times to hold the ceremony. In 2019, Oct. 19 was the most popular wedding day of the year. Luck favors those who look ahead and book everything early. 4. FOLIAGE Most people who plan fall weddings dream of saying “I do” among the backdrop of the changing leaves. Foliage is one of the chief attractions of a fall wedding, and that requires getting the timing just right. Too early, and the leaves will still be green. Too late, and the trees will be barren. Foliage can shift a bit from year to year, and different parts of the country and species of trees see peak foliage at slightly different times. Talk to your venue about their peak foliage and do your homework as you set your date. The Farmers’ Almanac delivers foliage forecasts each year that may help you plan. 5. FALL DATE CONFLICTS One other thing to keep in mind is how your wedding day falls related to people’s other seasonal plans. You might want to avoid the weekend after Thanksgiving, since so many people go out of town. If Halloween falls on a weekend, you could give invitees with kids a tough choice by planning your wedding the same day. Unless you’re purposely planning your wedding around a Halloween theme, you might also want to avoid the date to maintain the desired mood. Another conflict around this time of year is sporting events. The World Series lands in October, the NBA and NHL both kick off their regular seasons and autumn is prime football season. It’s smart to plan your day around both families’ favorite team schedules. That way, you can keep your wedding party from huddling around the TV when they’re supposed to be prepping for the ceremony. You might also stop guests from compulsively checking scores on their phones throughout the event. FALL WEDDING DÉCOR Maybe the most exciting part about planning your wedding is choosing your decorations. You get to personalize everything to your and your partner’s tastes and add the details that will make your day — and your photos — look magical. When you decorate for a fall wedding, you have the option to incorporate many of the festive colors, textures and plant life associated with the season. READ: Golf Course Wedding Packages COLOR SCHEMES Your color palette is at the heart of your fall wedding decorations. Muted, earthy color schemes tend to go well with a fall atmosphere. If you have an outdoor wedding, choose colors to match the surrounding foliage. It’s a good idea to ask your venue what colors the trees turn in the fall, so you can play off the backdrop of all your wedding photos. For example, if the surrounding trees turn bright yellow, a navy blue and rusty orange color palette could be the perfect contrast. From dark and moody to pale and airy, every couple can approach a fall color scheme a little differently. Consider these on-trend fall wedding colors. Coppers: Coppers and bronzes add some shine to the natural earth tones associated with fall. Choose copper as one of your primary colors, or let it be a subtle accent in the table décor. Bronze candle holders and cutlery can add a sophisticated touch to many fall color schemes. Jewel tones: Emerald, ruby and amethyst, offset with a neutral slate gray or beige, can add a moody or colorful look. Burgundy and blush: Another popular color scheme for fall is deep red burgundy paired with a pale blush. Orange and beige: This color scheme is easy to pull off in a fall-inspired wedding. Incorporate amber maple leaves and pale beige linens to complete the theme. Neutrals: Neutral grays, beiges and tans look great at any time of year, especially in the fall. Let the colorful foliage take center stage and know your wedding photos will look stunning, no matter the background colors. Mauve and purple: Cool, dusty purples can create an excellent contrast with the oranges, reds and yellows of fall. They’re a perfect way to incorporate a stormy, moodier look into the décor. TABLESCAPES Delicious food is the top thing many couples and their wedding guests focus on. The table decor can influence how guests enjoy their meals, which makes your tablescape so crucial. A wedding table design will coordinate the flatware, cutlery, glassware, centerpieces and candleholders to complement your chosen color scheme. Here are some fall wedding table decorations to spruce up your spread. Pumpkins or gourds: Mini pumpkins and gourds make a creative seasonal alternative to a floral arrangement as a centerpiece. Fall weddings can even use small pumpkins as name cardholders. For a unique look, have a calligrapher write names on the pumpkins themselves. Fruit: Apples, pears and cranberries are seasonally appropriate and ideal complements to most fall color palettes. Velvet: Soft and luxurious, velvet is a popular texture to incorporate into fall décor. On the tablescape, it can make an excellent table runner, placemat or even napkins. Burlap: For more rustic table linens, you could go with burlap. The material works well for table runners, full table cloths or placemats. Rustic wood: In keeping with a fall-inspired look, wood makes a lovely decorative element on the table. You might choose wooden flatware or incorporate branches into the centerpiece. Another popular option is to use round wood slices with bark around the edges as name cards or larger ones under the place settings. FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS The florals in your fall wedding bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages and reception décor need to match your color scheme and be in season for this time of year. Your florist can tell you more about what they can source and arrange for you in the fall. Here are some popular elements to include in a fall bouquet and carry throughout the decorations. Dahlias: Dahlias bloom into beautiful, round-headed blossoms between two and four inches. They’re available year-round in reds, pinks, purples, oranges, yellows, whites and bi-colors. They’re an excellent choice for fall bouquets because they can match many color schemes. Roses: Like dahlias, roses come in many shades. A romantic choice for fall is golden roses, whose petals sport a lively goldenrod color. Besides the classic reds and whites, roses come in blushes and corals, browns, ivories, purples or bluish purples, yellows and even greens. Chrysanthemums: Chrysanthemums range from one-inch button poms to eight-inch spider mums. These flowers are quintessentially gorgeous autumnal blooms. Smaller varieties make great filler flowers, while larger heads can make wonderful bouquets. They have a pinwheel shape with spindle-like petals that come in many colors. Find them in reds, browns, oranges, greens, purples, yellows and bi-colors. Leaf accents: A creative florist can incorporate fall leaves as a filler or even in place of flowers. Maple leaves are a perennial favorite, thanks to their rich oranges and yellows. Pine cones: Pine cones are another creative alternative to traditional flowers. Accent them with white or blush roses and sprigs of pine or other greenery. Greenery: Most floral arrangements have at least a touch of green to break up the other colors in the composition. Sprigs of rosemary, sage, seeded or unseeded eucalyptus, ferns and olive branches are excellent choices. READ: Christmas Themed Wedding Ideas and Inspiration FALL WEDDING FOOD AND BEVERAGE IDEAS Another fun part of wedding planning is menu tasting. Great food makes for happy guests, and a bit of liquid courage can liven up any reception. Meanwhile, 77% of wedding guests say they pay the most attention to the food. Getting the delightful tastes and dining options right is so crucial. Luckily, fall brings many familiar flavors that can put guests in the right spirit and satisfy their cravings. AUTUMN-INSPIRED DINING As the air gets chilly and people prepare for the human version of winter hibernation, your guests will crave warm, hearty meals. A fall wedding can reflect that desire by incorporating foods that offer a feeling of satiation. Hearty meats, filling side dishes and seasonal vegetables are perfect for fall. As you select your fall menu, consider some of these flavors and foods. Maple: Maple flavors complement the changing season. Incorporate them into your entrée with maple-glazed ham and into your hors d’oeuvres with maple-glazed bacon-wrapped scallops. Cinnamon and spice: Pumpkin spice, cloves and cinnamon instantly add a fall flair to any menu. When selecting your wedding meal, consider dishes that incorporate these classic fall spices. Nuts: Many nuts come into season come August through November, and as a result, we tend to think of nuts when it comes to fall-themed menus. Almond-encrusted dishes or pecan fillings make the perfect additions to your fall-themed wedding. An early fall wedding can bridge the transition from summer to fall with coconut shrimp. Harvest-inspired foods: An hors d’oeuvres spread featuring cheeses and in-season vegetables alongside an assortment of mustard dipping sauces can remind guests of the abundant harvests that characterize the season. FALL-THEMED BEVERAGES Festive drinks are an excellent way to put your guests in touch with the season. Consider rustic bar décor to complete the look. Whiskey barrels or wooden crates can make rustic accent pieces to bring your fall wedding bar to life. When it comes to drink selections, consider incorporating the following. German beer: An October wedding is the perfect time to embody the spirit of Oktoberfest in your festivities. What better way to do so than with imported German beers and fall-inspired lagers? Dressed up coffee bar: Fall is the season of warm beverages. While most weddings bring out a coffee bar for dessert, go the extra mile with your selection of hot coffee. You’ll warm your guests from the inside out with a classy Vietnamese coffee bar. Incorporate an array of cordials and spirits, so guests can dress up their coffee how they please. Signature cocktail: Every wedding is better with a signature cocktail, giving you an excellent opportunity to bring in a taste of fall. Incorporate autumnal flavors with apple cider, cinnamon, bourbon, spiced rum, maple syrup, ginger or orange peels. A bourbon apple cider, a maple old fashioned or a light apple ginger spritzer are all excellent seasonally inspired drinks. Don’t forget to give your creation a fun name personalized to you and your spouse-to-be. FALL WEDDING CAKES Apple, gingerbread, carrot and even pumpkin spice are all tasty choices for your autumnal wedding cake. No matter the flavor you choose, you can incorporate a fall theme through the cake decorations. Here are some ideas. In-season florals and foliage: Classic fall cake decorations involve fall florals or even colorful leaves. Match your cake décor to your floral arrangements by having it garnished with a few of the same types of seasonal flowers. Or, add a touch of fall with some colorful leaves. Naked cakes: One of the latest trends in wedding cakes is “naked cakes.” Instead of a full coating of frosting, naked cakes might only have frosting between the layers and leave the cake itself exposed. A honey-colored, fall-flavored cake will match a rustic atmosphere perfectly. Dress yours up with some berries or decorative leaves. Mini pies: While they’re not exactly a cake, nothing feels more seasonally appropriate than a delicious apple or pumpkin pie. If you want to get creative with your wedding dessert selection, you might forgo the cake altogether in favor of some adorable personal-sized pies.

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Events
October 28, 2020

How to Plan an Adult Halloween Party

It’s finally that time of year again when the costumes come out and you get to play tricks on friends, family and co-workers. Planning an adult Halloween party takes time, but that’s half the fun. If you’re not sure where to start, follow these steps. 1. SET A DATE, TIME AND LOCATION One of the best tips on planning an adult Halloween party is to figure out where the festivities will take place ahead of time. Start thinking about your options for a location before October comes around. Whether you’re having people over at your house or you plan on renting a venue, mark the date and spread the word. Make your party official with online or mail invitations. Be sure to let your guests know whether costumes are mandatory or optional. 2. MAKE A GHOUL’S LIST… OR GUEST LIST Set limits to the guest list, and specify on the invitation whether a plus-one is welcome. You’ll want to get an exact headcount for the evening. It’s best to set an RSVP date on the invitation so the costumes aren’t the only thing surprising you. 3. ESTABLISH A FUN OR SCARY THEME A great Halloween party needs a solid theme. Adult Halloween party ideas can encompass anything you put your mind to. Try to get creative with themes based on horror movies or pop culture. READ: Throwing a Summer Engagement Party If you’re struggling to decide on a theme, you can’t go wrong with turning your home or venue into a haunted mansion or a graveyard. 4. SET A BUDGET AND ASK FOR HELP You can host an adult-themed Halloween party without breaking the bank. Opt for decorations that can be used more than once if you entertain frequently. Hollow pumpkin figures, fake cobwebs and broomsticks are always in style and available at discount stores. Don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring adult beverages or their favorite dish. This kind of coordination can save you hours of prep time before the big night. 5. FOOD DYES AND FILLERS ARE YOUR BEST FRIENDS As a host, it’s your duty to make foods, beverages and snacks frightening for all. It’s amazing what you can do with some food coloring within a chocolate fountain or mixed drink. From blood to critters and insects, let your imagination run wild. Here are a few ideas for inspiration: Mini hotdogs resemble severed witch fingers. Use cookie trays shaped like spiders and ghosts. Incorporate cherry or strawberry fillings to make desserts “bleed.” 6. ORGANIZE PARTY ACTIVITIES Your adult Halloween party ideas should include games and activities. Deem a winner for a costume contest, see who carves the best pumpkin, tell scary stories by the fireside or make a scavenger hunt with prizes. 7. MAKE A SPOOKY MUSIC PLAYLIST Remember to keep the party moving with songs that talk about monsters, witches and zombies. There are sure to be dozens of Halloween playlists on your favorite streaming service. Connect a speaker to your phone, laptop or tablet for dancing. READ: What to Consider for an Outdoor Wedding 8. GIVE OUT HALLOWEEN PARTY FAVORS Party favors are a thoughtful way to say thank you for attending your seasonal bash. Make up bags with vampire teeth, masks, mini alcohol bottles and other treats.

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