Tuesday, January 26, 2016

The Honeymoon!

Written by Decadent Details Events Assistant, Stephany LaCruz

Hello Our Beautiful Readers!
 
Today’s topic is probably the most fun out of the whole wedding planning process. The Honeymoon! Before you two even tie the knot, on top of planning your wedding you also need to plan for the Honeymoon. It is a whole vacation for just you two lovebirds to enjoy being married before having to get back to the stress of work, friends, and family.

In today’s post we will talk about some of the best honeymoon destinations for brides on a budget! No one loves going over budget, which is why people should have a separate budget for just the honeymoon. Makes life a whole lot easier! 

Here are my top 5 picks for Honeymoon Destinations on a Budget!

1. Mexico

 

Mexico is close to home with beautiful weather and beaches. The two of you can relax during the whole vacation taking in the sun or going around looking at everything Mexico can offer.

2. Canada

 
Oh Canada! For you more adventurous couples, Canada is a great choice, beautiful National Parks you can go hiking, explore waterfalls, and enjoy a stay in a secluded cabin. Perk: You can go visit Niagara Falls!

3. California

 

If you two are a more luxury type of couple, then California is the place to go! Beautiful shopping malls, even better restaurants, and the nicest hotels you could think of. Whether you want to go shopping, lounge at the beach, or try finding your favorite celebrities, California is the place for you.

4. Puerto Rica

 
Puerto Rico is a small island that you could easily discover the whole place while on your honeymoon. Puerto Rico has a great nightlife full of culture and delicious foods. This honeymoon destination is perfect for the foodie couple.

5. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is another great place for the more adventurous couple trying to cross things off their bucket lists. Costa Rica has beautiful beaches, wildlife, and resorts to enjoy your stay at.

That’s all for this weeks post Our Beautiful Readers, stay tuned for next weeks post! Have an amazing week!

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

10 Questions You Didn't Know To Ask


Unless it’s a diamond necklace or a brand new car, surprises are rarely welcome on your wedding day. To prevent any deer-in-headlight stares or tears the day-of, here are 10 questions you need to ask. We found this great article from Collin Cowie Weddings and wanted to share.

1. What staff will be present?You’ve secured your caterer, florist and photographer, but there’s probably some staff you forgot to ask about. For instance, bathroom attendants. After the tequila starts flowing and the lights go down, your female guests will flock to the washroom in carefully curated groups, so having someone who regularly maintains them throughout the event is so important. If you’re celebrating at a large venue with multiple events, make sure staff will greet your guests and direct them to the appropriate ballroom.

2. Will I own the photos?Ask your photographer who will own the rights to the photos after your wedding day. On top of a service fee, some photographers will require the bride and groom to buy the images for an additional cost.

3. Do you charge overtime fees?Ask all of your creative partners if they charge an overtime fee. If your party goes two hours over the scheduled end time, you can rack up some serious overtime fees between your DJ, catering staff, photographer and lighting crew. That’s a huge amount, so if there are charges be sure to pull the plug on time.

4. What's your specialty?Ask your photographer, florist, baker and caterer what their specialty is. If you’re looking for a wedding cake made entirely from fondant flowers, but the baker only works with fresh blooms, move on. As much as you may love their work, you don’t want to be the guinea pig.

5. Where is the food coming from?It’s so important to know exactly where your food is coming from. Are your eggs from pasture-raised hens in Pennsylvania, your fish farmed or wild, frozen or fresh? Knowing exactly what you’re eating will greatly determine the taste and quality.

6. Will my wedding be the only one on-site?Take it from someone who has worked in the event industry… if a venue has five ballrooms, management will try their absolute hardest to fill all five ballrooms on any given day. If you have your hopes set on being the only event in that venue on your wedding day, ask in advance and re-think your options if it’s not a possibility.

7. What lighting features do you offer?We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Lighting can change the entire feel of your event, so make sure you give enough attention to it! Ask about the venue's lighting capabilities and if they would be willing to install dimmer switches if they haven’t already.  Keep in mind that whatever you don't light up will fall into the darkness once the sun sets.  At the very least, use candles generously. They make everyone look young and fabulous.

8. What can I borrow?Ask creative partners if they have props or items that could alleviate your expenses. Ask the DJ and photographer if they have props, the cake baker for a topper, caterer for linens, limo driver for endless amounts of champagne…. Kidding on that last one (kind of). 

9. Can I see previous work?
Ask to see creative partners' previous work, and not just their best work they initially present to you. After viewing their portfolios, ask if they have any additional photos they can show you. Ask about testimonials and if you can speak to any previous clients. It's also perfectly acceptable to stalk their work on Google, but remember to take online reviews with a grain of salt.


10. What will staff wear?
Make sure you know exactly what your DJ, catering staff, bartenders and driver will be wearing on your wedding day. Make sure the look is cohesive and subtle. Hint: black will never go out of style. 

Remember: if you don’t ask, you don’t get! Don't be afraid to politely ask bold questions and get as much information as possible. You'll be happy you did in the long run. May we just say also, this is one of the many reasons why a Wedding Planner is so important because they either already know the answers to these questions
or can find out for you!

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Creating Your Wedding Hashtag

Creating a hashtag for your wedding is a wonderful way to help you compile all of the images shared on social media throughout the celebration. Need some help coming up with something unique, easy to remember, and personal? We found this great story on Bridal Guide which gives the 411 on how to create your own hashtag. We've added some of the fun hashtags a couple of our brides and grooms have used!

Brainstorm

Grab your partner, and maybe even a few close friends, and a blank sheet of paper. Start writing down all the key words, phrases and names for the wedding. Think location, date, last names, first names, nicknames, common interests, wedding theme, etc. Chances are, you will immediately start seeing some great possibilities.  Evelyn and Matthew had a Doctor Who themed wedding. They decided on #timeywimeywedding613 for their hashtag.



Narrow it down 
Traits of a perfect hashtag include brevity, comedy, meaning, something memorable, and a reflection of your personal identity or love story. Names can particularly lend themselves well to clever yet meaningful hashtags. For example, one of our couples used  #happilyelderafter since the groom's last name was Elder.




Do your homework
Before you finalize your hashtag, take to your social accounts and take it for a test run. If you search your desired hashtag, do hundreds or thousands of pictures come popup? If so, you may want to take a look at one of the others on your list. One of the main reasons for having a hashtag is to easily see all the photos being taken and shared, and that can be tricky if many others are using the same one.

Commit
Once you have that perfect hashtag, commit to it! Put it on your wedding website or on your stationery, like a mini enclosure card (but not on the invite itself!). Use it throughout the wedding planning process and at all other wedding-related events, like your engagement party, showers, cake tastings, and more. Incorporate it into décor through signage, in the program, or even on custom cocktail napkins or coasters. If you have a photo booth, make sure it's posted nearby!


 

Reap the rewards!
After so much thought and effort went into selecting and communicating that perfect hashtag, sit back and enjoy all the awesome photos coming in!! Don’t forget to save them or make a physical book so you can keep those memories close for years to come.

 
We'd love to hear what you and your fiancé chose for your hashtag!
 

 

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Wedding Planning: 10 Things Brides Forget To Do


Everything is checked off the list and the time to say "I Do" is nearing quickly. With all of the excitement, it's easy to forget common tasks. So we thought we would share this great article from the Huffington Post about the most common ones which brides either forget entirely or handle at the last minute and might have to settle with what they can find.  Don't be too hard on yourself if something gets forgotten...because the important part is that you become Mr. & Mrs. everything else is just icing on the cake!

1. Bring your marriage license: An important part of making it ‘Official!’ According to the Nashville Clerk, the marriage license is valid for thirty (30) days from issuance and is good for ceremonies performed anywhere in Tennessee. If you are having your ceremony in another state or even country, check with the jurisdiction where it's taking place to check on deadlines for applying for your marriage license well in advance of your wedding date and also whether a blood test or special documentation is required to complete your application. Gather your documents early so when it comes time to get your license, you have everything you need and can make the process as efficient as possible.

2. Vendor meals:  Be sure you remember to feed the people who are working nonstop to make your day flawless! Most caterers need your final guest count within two weeks of your day. Don't forget to include the number of vendors you'll have so the caterer can prepare a meal for them. Often caterers offer a "Vendor" meal which is usually less expensive and simpler than the meal you are serving your guests.  So be sure to include your band members or DJ, photographer, videographer (and any second shooters), as well as your planner and their assistants. Although vendors don't usually expect you are feeding them, they definitely appreciate it.

3. Favors:  If you plan to give your guests favors, don't make them an after thought especially if you plan to DIY or order them.  Figure out what you would like to give your guests as a "thank-you" for coming at least two months in advance of your wedding date. (Check out these favor ideas on our Wedding Favors Pinterest board)


4. Guestbook and pens: The Guestbook is a fun way to be creative and can also double as décor in your new home. Here are a few Guest Book Ideas to get your creative juices flowing. We love this wooden monogram one of our bride's used last fall. It is now hanging in their home. Also, don’t forget the pens!" 

 
5. Invitation suite: Everyone who's attending the wedding already has an invitation so why do you need to bring your invitation suite? This allows your photographer to capture your stationery (i.e. invitations, save the dates, escort cards, rsvp's, etc) for you, your stationer and calligrapher. Remember to pack at least one full invitation suite and any other stationery details (rehearsal dinner invites, shower invites, save-the-dates) that were mailed out during the engagement to bring with them in the bridal suite the day of the wedding. We recommend bringing two sets which allows the photographer to capture the front and back in the same frame!




6. Cake knife and toasting flutes:  Whether you received these as a gift, purchased them yourself, or are using a family heirloom, don't forget to include them with your reception items. Also, keep them in their original packages to avoid breakage!

7. Tech chargers: When you're getting ready with all of your girls in your bridal suite on the day of your wedding, the last thing you want is a dead phone! Have your electronics charged and ready to capture all of the fun moments. Also if you plan on using you're iPod for any part of the ceremony or reception music, (i.e. your favorite recording for the first dance you and your groom will dance to), make sure you have the right charger and the correct connection to your band’s or DJ’s sound system. Also, keep your phone charged overnight do it's ready to go as soon as you leave for the honeymoon."

8. Passport and identification: Speaking of the honeymoon, be sure your passport and driver’s license are up to date and packed safely in your carry-on luggage. Yes, it's ok that these documents will be in your maiden name. Airport Security will not let you get on the plane with expired identification so check to be sure they are both up to date at least 2 months before your honeymoon. Passports can take up to two months to receive.

After the Wedding

9. Thank-you notes:  It's easy to let things fall by the wayside in the aftermath of your big day as the dust begins to settle, but according to Emily Post contrary to popular myth, there is not have a year’s grace period in which to write thank you notes.  All thank-you notes should be written within three months of the receipt of the gift. Ideally, a response should be written on the day you receive a wedding gift. If that’s not possible, set a daily goal. It’s a lot easier to write three or four notes a day than to have to write a hundred notes in a month after the wedding!

10. Online reviews: The people that have worked so hard to make your wedding day dreams come to fruition are often forgotten once the big day has passed. The best thank-you you can give your vendors is an honest review online and an email follow up. If there is something you were less than pleased with, they will appreciate the courtesy of emailing or calling them before you post it all over Facebook and Instagram. Most vendors would love the opportunity to make things right with you even if you still need to tell the world. A review from you is the only way your vendors can continue to improve the level of service they provide to future brides, so your feedback is very important! Be sure to carve out time to review your vendors within six months of the big day.

Tell us: What did you forget to do before your wedding?