A Delightful Day - Event Planning - Blog

1 Month to Plan a Wedding- Catering

Catering and the cake are the yummiest part of wedding planning. Having great food and good fun are the two elements of your reception that can create the ultimate party, or kill the buzz! I'm sure that we have all been to weddings of our friends or family members that we have walked away starving and said, "Where's the nearest restaurant?". You don't want you guests to walk away saying this, but what delicious and personal food that you two choose at your reception. There are several things to consider when choosing the right caterer for your evening. Here are a few tips and reminders to consider when interviewing and meeting with caterers:

• Look at caterers first and foremost on their websites and see the presentation that they create with their food whether doing hor's doeurves, a buffet, or a plated dinner. Presentation is everything, it's what entices your guests to partake. Do they take the time to consider what your decor looks like, what colors your using and implement these into their displays? Does it look appetizing to you? Or do they just slap chaving dishes on your table and leave it at that. Presentation is everything!
• Talk to other brides, family members, or friends and see who they used and who they would recommend. Obviously if those that are invited to your wedding thought a caterer was great, they may be worth while checking out.
• Discuss with your caterer the ability to taste! You want to taste what is on your menu, and even more items if possible, to make sure that you're both happy with the menu that you have created, your menu items compliment each other, and there aren't any changes/additions that you want to make to your menu.
• Consider all of your guests and if there are any special diets, i.e. glutin free, vegetarian's, or children, and make sure that there are items available on the menu for them.
• Don't forget your vendors! More and more vendors are thinking about themselves and including a clause in their contract about being supplied a meal if working over a certain period of time. When you're working at a 9-5 job you're given a lunch break, so all of your vendors should. They are on their feet a long time that day and you don't want your vendors starving and not taking care of you the way you hired them to! And you don't want them going off site for a meal, as they may miss an important part of your party. The best time for them to eat is at the beginning of the reception, when you and your guests eat, because this is down time and they can come back refreshed and ready to begin again! I always say consider your photographers and their assistants, videographers, bands/DJ and their members, and your planner and assistants. You don't have to feed your vendors what you guests are eating, or even off the buffet, but many caterers will offer a less expensive alternative. Some vendors do require a hot meal, as stated in their contract, so definitely keep that in mind.
• The big decision, the difference between buffet vs. plated.... many believe that buffets are going to be a more cost effective option because there isn't a large number of staff needed. Don't be fooled, there is a little thing called portions. You can't control how many chicken breasts or servings of potato's that your guests are going to take. With plated dinners, they are pre-plated so each of your guests gets the same amount of food on each plate, 1 serving per item. There isn't this control with buffet's and even with food stations, and sometimes even caterers can't quite determine what's going to be more popular and may run out of some items, or there overplanning and overcharging what isn't needed. But, you and your fiance' may have a preference of one over the other, so just keep in mind the extra costs that may accrue.

~ Mary Alice, Nashville Wedding Planner
A Delightful Day

Summer Table Trends

I love finding new wedding trends and my good friend Michelle of Lemiga Events and Studio Wed in Atlanta has shared some beautiful summer table trends with me and I had to pass them on to you. In March Michelle opened the Atlanta branch of Studio Wed, which is a stylish and sophisticated planning studio where Atlanta's best wedding vendors come to the bride. Meet with a photographer in the morning and chat with a florist in the afternoon. Best of all, there's no cost to the bride to use StudioWed's services. There are two locations at this time, Asheville, North Carolina, and Atlanta to serve their area, or destination brides, and more locations are on the horizon. Enjoy these gorgeous tablescapes over the next three days. Today's table theme is Summer Romance with it's yellow's and creme's with accents of aqua. Michelle and her Studio Wed vendors collaborated on the tablescaping and chose linens with high texture, along with flowers with texture as well. Unique, vintage pieces accented the centerpieces and I love the use of the Georgia peaches at the place settings and a vintage bottle of limonata. See the complete posting here with vendors listed.  I hope this inspires your Summer tablescape!

Photos taken by Blue World Studios, Atlanta.

Up next, a Modern Peacock table. Happy Summer Planning!

~ Mary Alice, Nashville Wedding Planner
A Delightful Day

1 Month to Plan a Wedding- Stationary

Photo taken by Kate Crafton.

Stationary, including your save-the-date, invitation, programs, menus, etc., are such a fun part of your wedding design! This is your opportunity to really infuse your theme into the first looks at your wedding that your guests are going to have. Your guests are going to notice your attention to detail when they see that there is a flow between the items that they received in the mail and what they see on the day of. Okay, maybe it's more the women than the men that notice! But, you can splurge, or be as savvy, as your would like on your stationary. There are many options available to you whether you choose to use a custom designer like our Amber of Sweet Life Designs or opting to use a stationary shop for different lines that they offer. More and more brides are opting for custom because you can most definitely create a custom line of your own for more reasonable than you might think. Here are some suggestions and tips on choosing the best stationary for you:

• Sending a save-the-date isn't a requirement, however, I always suggest them for my couples that have a large amount of guests that are from out of town. They need that heads up of your wedding date and putting that on the calendar, as well as making their travel arrangements. Typically you want to send these out months in advance, however, I think if you get more than 6-8 months out, your guests will put your save-the-date in a pile and not remember it. However, if you're looking at a holiday or a busy travel weekend, a year in advance would definitely suffice. Your save-the-date can match the rest of your invitation and papergoods suite that you choose to use, or can be something completely different. Typically something simple, like a postcard size, one or two sided card, can be sufficient. You want to make sure that your card includes dates and location... most important info that your guests need to know to begin arrangements.
  
  
  
• There are so many rules of etiquette to follow with invitations and your wedding planner can help you in this direction. However, there are also many etiquette books from Crane or Emily Post to guide you in the correct form and function of invitations. As times as changing, so are standards, but many of our tried and true rules still follow. Look to these guides as to how to address each issue and question that may arise.
  
• Choosing your invitation is a big portion of your wedding planning. It will convey all the information that your guests will need to know, as well as the formality of your wedding, whether casual, beach side, semi-formal, formal, black tie, etc. If you're having a beach side wedding with the two of you barefoot, you don't want to send a super formal invitation where you guests will dress to the nine's and will be on the beach. Each unmarried guest over the age of 18 should technically receive their own invitation, addressed to themselves.
  
  
  
• Many brides question as to whether to have children attend. There is no easy way to address this, but it is best to offer babysitting services if you feel that many children will be included. Also, the way that you address your invites, have only the guests that are invited, i.e. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Jones, not including their children's names. You're hoping they will get the picture. Also, word of mouth would assist in this as well as to the party not quite being "children friendly."
  
• There are several cards that can be included in your invitation suite: RSVP card- a pre-stamped must have to know your total guest count and your sanity for your budget, Reception card- this isn't needed if you have the ceremony and reception at one location, but is needed if in different locations and this can provide directions as well, and Directions card- Needed if your guests are going to be going from place to place, especially for those out of town guests.
  
• Programs are another way to bring your theme together, as the picture show above followed their beach theme that was on the invitation. This is an opportunity to explain any customs or traditions that will be performed, as well as show the structure for the ceremony.
  
  
  
  
  
• Escort cards and place cards both serve a different purpose. Escort cards will be set outside of the reception and will direct your guests as to which table they will be seated at. The place card is located at the table itself to show them the seat they will be placed at. Your place cards aren't needed if you're not assigning a particular seat to your guests. Escort cards would only be needed in this situation, giving the guests the choice as to where to sit at their designated table.
  
  
  
  
  
• Other papergoods to consider would be favor labels, donation cards, candy bar labels, menus, bar and station/buffet signage, etc.

All of the work featured in this post is by our very own Sweet Life Designs.

Happy Planning!

~ Mary Alice, Nashville Wedding Planner
A Delightful Day

Nashville University Club Wedding

Photo by Evan Baines.

I just had to share the beautiful post that Rhonda Patton did on Daniele and Andre's May 16th wedding. Check out the beautiful purple love haze here! A full recap of their wedding to come soon!!!

~ Mary Alice, Nashville Wedding Planner
A Delightful Day

1 Month to Plan a Wedding- The Officiant

I apologize for the stall on the 1 Month to Plan a Wedding postings! We've been busy little bees around here getting things accomplished for 2 large weddings we have coming up!

In thinking about your wedding plans, one of the last things on brides minds is the officiant. Many brides already have someone in mind, maybe their family pastor or priest or a family member who could perform the ceremony. Others will opt to find a local minister available to perform their ceremony. Here in the Nashville area, there are several "traveling" ministers who will perform ceremonies for couples who don't have a home church here in the area or a minister to perform. One of A Delightful Day's favorites is Minister Ralph Griggs who charges a flat rate and also offers a pre-marital counseling program to assist you in your marriage license costs.

 


Here are some things to consider when choosing a minister:

• Does the church, cathedral, or temple that you're choosing to hold your ceremony offer you a minister's services? Many Cathedral's or Temple's require you to use their home priest or officiant instead of bringing in your own. There are very few churches that will allow you to bring in your own minister onto their own "turf". 
• Think about a proper amount to budget for as a thank you to your minister. Most don't require a set fee, however, they do request that a gift or donation be given to the church in honor of his or her service at your wedding. Most don't require a prepay as well, so on the day of have your coordinator, or another member of your wedding party, give the gift in a sealed envelope with a thank you note to him and your appreciation of his service at your wedding.
• Some minister's or priest's will opt to run the ceremony rehearsal the day before. This is something that should be discussed ahead of time with your coordinator so that he or she feels comfortable in that situation and knows going in to the rehearsal what is asked of their presence there. 
• The question is always asked, should my minister be asked to be a part of the rehearsal dinner and other wedding festivities? It is considered etiquette to invite the minister, and his wife, to your rehearsal dinner, as well as the reception. They can make a choice as to whether to accept this invitation or choose not to attend. 
• Do check your state's requirements for an officiant, especially if you want to opt to have a friend become ordained to perform your ceremony. On your state's site, it will also include the rules as to what is legal and what is not, and what you're expected to provide for your marriage license.
• Look to your officiate for guidance on the structure of your wedding ceremony and think about what is important to you and your fiance'. Do you want to have any particular readings? Any song performances? These do need to be okay'ed with your officiant to make sure that they follow the churches standards, as some choices may be too secular for the ceremony and setting.
• Make sure that whoever you choose, you feel comfortable with them. Interview them, talk to them about their typical ceremony, and make sure that you both feel comfortable with them being a part of this huge day for both of you! 

Happy Planning!

~ Mary Alice, Nashville Wedding Planner
A Delightful Day

Nashville Event Lighting Giveaway

Nashville Event Lighting is doing a great lighting giveaway through Franklin Is... Register now through July 31st for the possibility to receive 50% off lighting services for your wedding! Click here to find out more information and to register to have a beautifully lighted event by Nashville Event Lighting!  Good luck and happy planning!

~ Mary Alice, Nashville Event Planner
A Delightful Day

Nashville Wedding Vendors

Who would have known that an avid scrapbooker had such a wonderful talent hidden underneath?! That was the case with my friend Amber V, who has recently branched out onto the wedding scene and is developing and uncovering her talent. Enjoy Amber and John's work of Lotus Blossom Photography! Such a fun couple!

Name: Amber and John Vongsamphanh
 

Photo Credit to Emily T Photography.

Business: Lotus Blossom Photography

Your Site Address and/or Blog Address:   main site - www.lotusblossomphotography.com  blog - www.lotusblossomphotography.net.

How would you describe your style or work:  We are best described as a fun, fresh husband and wife photography team.  Our style is photojournalistic with a punch of modern color. 

Favorite Thing About Your Job?
Amber: I love that everyday is a new opportunity to top my best shot ever.
John: I enjoy the excitement that comes with capturing a couple's special moments.

Magazine Must Have…
Amber: I'm not a big magazine reader...do catalogs count??  If so then J Crew is my #1.
John: Golf Magazine

Guilty Pleasure… 
Amber: Dessert.  All of them please. 
John: Guys don't feel guilty for enjoying themselves!

 

What Do You Do When You First Wake Up?
Amber: Roll over, grab my phone and use it to check my e-mail and FB.  I'm an addict.
John: Look at the clock.
 
When It Rains…
Amber: I have lots of muddy footprints to clean!  We have four dogs - two pugs, a Golden Retriever, and a Golden/Pyrenees mix.
John: I get wet?

MAC or PC…  
Amber: Mac - John took the plunge first and I followed suit this past December.
John: Mac

What’s on your iPod? 
Amber: Booty Music.  I'm hopelessly addicted to early 90s rap.
John: Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Deirks Bentley, etc. 

 

Travel Dreams…  
Amber: I actually took my dream trip to China in 2007.  It was everything I had hoped for!  Next up is London in August.
John: I hope to make it to Australia one day soon.

One piece of advice for Brides-to-be...
Amber:  It sounds so cliche, but enjoy every minute of it because it goes by fast and it truly will be the happiest day of your life!
John: Go easy on your groom.  Even if he acts uninterested in your planning, he really just wants what makes you happy.

~ Mary Alice, Nashville Wedding Planner

A Delightful Day

Bride's Night Out

When do bride's ever get the opportunity to come together for cocktails and share about their wedding plans??? Ashley's Bride Guide has co-created and sponsored a night for engaged brides to connect, vent, and share about their personal wedding planning journey's. The event will be hosted at ALoft hotel in Cool Springs, an uber-cool, modern hotel that is perfect for an intimate event like this. Catering will be provided by Down South Delights and ALoft will be hosting the bar with fusion cocktail tasting. See more information here and register. Happy Planning!

~ Mary Alice, Nashville Wedding Planner
A Delightful Day

Nashville Wedding Vendors

Brides are always looking for a way to make their event fun for their guests. One of my favorite ways to make your wedding reception a blast, and takes people back to their childhood, is renting a old fashioned photobooth from PhotoBooth Nashville. Meet Amy, the owner, and see fun pictures of the photobooth in action! 


Name:  Amy Lysyczyn

Business:     Photo Booth Nashville
 
This adorable picture taken by Mary Claire Crow, was a wedding of ours from December '07 that you can see here.

Your Site Address and/or Blog Address:   www.photoboothnashville.com

How would you describe your style or work:    We bring the FUN to your events!

Favorite Thing About Your Job?     I love the fact that I am now running a company that has the sole purpose of helping people to have FUN, be happy and to celebrate!

Magazine Must Have…     Honestly, totally not “wedding industry related,” but Country Weekly.

Guilty Pleasure…      Candy

 What Do You Do When You First Wake Up?   Listen to sweet sounds of chatter from my little girl on the monitor.

When It Rains…     I love to cuddle up and watch movies.

MAC or PC…       PC

What’s on your iPod?  Country and Christian Music….okay….and some of the Pop music that’s hot.

 Travel Dreams…   I dream of going to Australia and New Zealand.  Most days I am just dreaming of the beach though.  I LOVE the ocean.

One piece of advice for Brides-to-be...   Never forget or lose focus in the planning stages, that the marriage is much more important than the chaos of the wedding.  Also, pick stuff that’s FUN.  I say that not because that is what we do, but really because it’s a celebration and that is the most important thing to do!

~ Mary Alice, Nashville Wedding Planner
A Delightful Day

Lack of blogging...

I apologize for the last few days and not having the plan a wedding in 30 days up... will post updates tomorrow! More planning to come!

~ Mary Alice, Nashville Wedding Planner
A Delightful Day