IN THE BACKYARD

Backyard weddings!  Maybe you are planning one.  Well, lets talk about the things you need to think about and consider when planning your nuptials at home.  Think about this, when you book a venue, you are getting a building, with a rain alternative.  You are also getting tables, chairs, bathrooms, parking.  When you have your wedding at home, you have to bring all of that in.  A tent is necessary, because the weather may not cooperate.  In addition to rain, it may be a blistering hot day and the tent provides shade. 

No matter how many bathrooms your home has, it won't accommodate your wedding guests- besides, do you want 100 people parading in and out of your home all day?  So, you need to rent bathrooms.  Now, these are not like what you see at construction sites or at a carnival.  These are really nice bathrooms, with an attendant.  However, you need to have a place to set them up and a water source.  

Parking- well, if you have acres, like my casual couple here, there is plenty of space for cars.  But, if you live in a neighborhood where street parking is your only option- like another wedding I did, there may be trouble with your neighbors.  So, think about using a shopping center, an open space or some other large space for cars and hire a shuttle to bring guests to the house.  

Permits are another consideration.  Noise ordinances, alcohol being served to a large group, the bathrooms, the catering trucks- all of these things should be discussed with your township or city before you hire anyone!  

Caterers usually have the insurance for handling your event.  But, if you are planning for the family to provide the food and your friends to serve the alcohol, you may want to invest in the proper insurance.  If anyone leaves your wedding behind the wheel and hurts or kills someone after drinking at your wedding, you are liable.  Not really something you want to have to face after celebrating your wedding.

Setting up and cleaning up.  The good thing about having a wedding at home is there is no pressure or time constraint.  You can set up days before and you can break down the day after.  And, make allowances for extra trash with your trash company.  Most caterers do all the cleaning up.  And, some take their trash with them.  Make sure you discuss with your caterer about clean up and what happens with the trash.  You may have to make special arrangements with your trash removal company beforehand.

So, here are examples of three of the home weddings I have done.   Maybe this will help you with planning your big day.

If you are like this couple, your family's home may be the perfect setting for your wedding.  Kate and Kody got married with pine trees as their backdrop.  Kate had a very country, shabby chic vision.  And, her mother in law has an eye for old things.  Dad did some building- the archway with old doors and a bunch of signs.  It was one of the sweetest and well thought out backyard weddings I have ever done. 

 

Adrianna and Paul had a formal affair at her aunt's home.  As you can see, the patio was a perfect place for cocktail hour and dinner in the tented yard was beautifully executed.  Whereas, Marilyn and Jason were getting ready to say I Do for the second time and had just bought their farm.  They wanted to welcome their guests to enjoy their wedding vows along with welcoming everyone to their new home.  They have several acres, complete with horses, chickens and various other four-legged friends- everyone was invited.  Even the chicken got into a picture or two.  So, here you have a formal affair, a beautiful, country wedding and a casual gathering of family and friends.  

Whatever you have dreamed about your wedding at the special place you grew up or live now, these tips will keep you from wedding day disasters.  As always, feel free to reach out to me with questions and HAPPY PLANNING!

WEATHER...OR NOT

One of the hardest things about planning a wedding is WEATHER!   Nobody can predict the weather a year away.  What you can do is have a PLAN B and hope for the best possible outcome.  Today, with a hurricane brewing in the Atlantic, I decided to help you plan for the unexpected cloud burst, the snowstorm or an impending rainy day.  

Outdoor weddings in late summer or early fall are beautiful.  However, it is also hurricane season.  If the venue has a built in plan B that's wonderful.  If they don't, you need to have one.  Rent a tent!  Not only will it keep the raindrops from ruining your day, but it will keep the sun from beating down on your guests if it is hot.  Tents can be beautiful.  There are so many styles to choose from and they even have chandeliers.  And, make sure you get a floor put in.  Nobody wants to be tramping around on damp ground in heels.  This wedding was at a private home.  The patio was perfect for cocktail hour.   But, it had rained quite a bit the week before and there was the threat of rain that day.  Beyond this lovely patio was a tent for dinner.  We didn't need to do it, but we could have put an awning from here to the tent entrance, in the event of rain.  As you can see, the rain held off and the day was overcast, but perfect.  One piece of advice- if it rains, have an umbrella and just dance in it!  You may be surprised to find that one of your favorite photos turns out to be a rainy one.

Now, lets talk about your winter wonderland wedding!  This one is a little trickier.  Snow can create some real stress when planning a wedding in the winter months.  What if it snows the night before?  What if there is a blizzard?  What if its icy?  Here are a few tips to keep you sane while you watch the weather forecast.  

Make sure that you arrange for your flowers.  If there  is bad snow on your wedding day, will the florist deliver your flowers or will you have to pick them up?  Arrange for transportation that can safely get you and your bridal party to your venue.  Or, perhaps plan your wedding at an inn, a hotel or some other venue that has lodging for you and your guests that doesn't require driving.  City weddings in the winter can be a great alternative.  Everything is with in a short walk.  Or, like this beautiful couple of mine, plan for a comfy, country inn that has it all right there.  Make sure the venue has cleared all walking paths and parking areas.  And, most of all, relax!  It will all turn out.  What could be better than a photo like this one to remember the adventure of your snow day vows!

Remember this- its your wedding day!  And, there is a special kind of magic in a wedding with weather.  Rain is good luck.  And, snow brings that fairy like quality to your winter dream.  So, don't worry about the weather.  It will all work out.  And, you will have that perfect day- and maybe some special photos to remember the magic.  Happy Planning!

WILL YOU STILL NEED ME,WHEN I'M 64

I am turning 64 on Saturday!  But, I am far from getting ready to retire!!!  So, what do I want for my birthday this year?  I want 2020 to be my BEST year ever!!  And, I need your help.  If you have been my client, if you read my blog and know someone getting married, if you want to gift someone the peace of mind on their wedding day- or, if you want to celebrate your birthday in a really special way- CONTACT ME!!!   I am ready to be that smiling face you see here, that voice of reason, your best investment in a very special time in your life- or of someone you love.  Come say Happy Birthday!!!  

VALU-ABLE ADVICE

You are a busy professional- building a career and planning a wedding.  I am here to help you make it easier to do both without the stress.  And, for all of you 2020 brides, this is an offer you can't refuse.  From now until the end of the year, you will have all the help you need and save money.  Maybe you are starting to shop for the holidays or need a bridal shower or engagement gift.  Here is a way to give the gift that no bride has on her registry.  A value and a big sigh of relief is in store for all of the brides who take advantage of these one time offers.  After the ball drops ushering in 2020, prices go up.  So, don't miss out on this year's prices, plus a savings.  Contact me for details on these amazing offers.  Happy Planning! 

CALL ME

I am SO excited to offer a new service!! I know there are a lot of you out there planning weddings. And, I also know you are busy, overwhelmed, confused and have a zillion questions.  So, I have the answer.  You don't have to hire a planner if you think your wedding will be fine without one.  However, you can take advantage of the extensive knowledge of a planner who has had 16 years of experience.  I have added a service that no one else has!  For $99, you can talk to me on the phone for an hour and ask me anything!  No pressure, no nonsense- NO MORE STRESS!!  All you have to do is email me to set up a time to talk on the phone.  How easy is that?!   We will cover as much as we can in that hour.  So, have your questions ready and a pen and paper handy for the answers.  Looking forward to talking with all of you.

AM I BLUE

Blue is such a dreamy color!  And, there are so many ways to use blue- from pale and ethereal,blended with another pastel or white, to adding deeper blues or red or orange.  

Dusty blue and yellow works beautifully.  Shades of blue, with a little white accent, navy and burgundy or pale blue with a mix of pale green in your flowers - oh, so many possibilities!

Where are your wedding dreams taking you?   And, how can I help?   I've seen it all and I can guide you in the direction of those dreams.  Let's write your fairy tale together!!  Happy Planning💙

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 Still looking for some smashing inspiration for your New Year's Eve wedding?  Look no further!  Here are some great ideas to help you pull it all together.

You can be elegant and still be festive.  Your wedding doesn't have to look like a typical New Year's Eve party.  So, take a look and then let me know how I can help you to bring in 2020 with a party no one will ever forget!  

DREAMING IN YELLOW AND BLUE

 Here is some Saturday inspiration for a dreamy wedding with shades of yellow, or a pastel palette of pale yellows and dusty blue.  If you are planning a spring/summer wedding, you won't be able to resist these ideas.  

                                                                 HAPPY PLANNING!

Questions?  Let me know how I can help!

BE A 2020 BRIDE

Are you planning a 2020 wedding?  I'm here to tell you there are so many new trends- from color to flower choices to venues.  You can be whatever kind of bride you have always dreamed you would be.  So, just wanted to pop in today to give you some inspiration.

Color is a very personal thing.  From dreamy pastels to rich jewel tones and from bright yellows to cool blues and pale greens, you can imagine your wedding in any combination or just choose one color and use a range of shades of that color.  Or, just be bold and GO WHITE!  

Fairy tale settings, grand ballrooms and unique urban locations are all options for your "I Do's".  Organic decor, green invitations, charitable donations as favors, yummy and innovative food from all kinds of caterers and your vision all go into the process.  Its your day!  There are endless possibilities.  Just close your eyes and dream the dream.  And, by the way, contact me!  I will help you navigate the journey.  It will be so much fun!! 

GREENVELOPE

The last thing couples in the midst of wedding planning need is uncertainty. Yet, that’s precisely what paper invitations can introduce to the planning process. 

For example, Has my invitation even reached the recipient? is a question you don’t want to be asking yourself as the RSVP date closes in. Beyond the uncertainty, there’s the issue of cost. Even if you 

went the “affordable” route, paper invitations and the postage required to send them can be expensive.   

If despite the risks you feel certain about opting for the paper invitation route, it’s best to set your budget beforehand. You’ll also likely need to cast a wide net in order to find the perfect design at the right price. 

But, there’s an option that you may not have considered yet -- an option that sacrifices nothing when it comes to elegance, but saves you time and money while keeping you up to date on who receives your wedding invitation, when, and what they do with it. 

The option I’m describing is online wedding invitations. And the company that best takes care of planning couples is Greenvelope. 

Greenvelope’s RSVP tracking tools are unmatched. Seriously. Upload your contact list and send an invite, and you’ll see that Greenvelope breaks things down in such a simple way: you can see at any 

time how many invites were sent, to whom, and who has or hasn’t opened it. Someone has opened it but has not RSVP'd?  Easy- using your Greenvelope account, you can start a conversation with them.  I really can't stress this enough: the whole thing is so easy to use.  If you ever run into trouble, though,  Greenvelope's customer service team is amazingly kind and responsive.  You actually get to talk to a human!

The icing on the cake for me when it comes to Greenvelope, though, is how gorgeous their invitation designs are.  For instance, they just released a new collection of designs inspired by the bright, energetic and eclectic floral arrangements or Manu Torres. 

You have to see how vibrant these designs are!  There are ten designs in all and each one is so expressive and unique.

I especially love how Greenvelope’s designers decided to use colors throughout the arrangements, and that there are multiple options for each design so that, if you’re looking for a palette that’s more 

muted, you can still get exactly what you want. 

Click this link to check out the amazing Manu Torres Collection.

CALLING ALL BRIDES

When a bride comes to me for help planning her wedding, she puts a trust in me that matters.  This is a huge day in her life and the lives of her family, friends- and let's not forget the groom.  So, I take my job very seriously and I make sure that I give her honest, informed and sincere advice, referrals and assistance, from beginning to end.  

 

That being said, some brides aren't ready to hire a planner or don't think they need or can afford one.  For those brides, I am now offering a new service.  

 For these brides, a phone consult on their time, for an affordable price, can bridge the gap between figuring it out on their own and being overwhelmed and getting affordable advice from a real expert without a huge investment in time and money.

 It's easy to do.  Just email me- wendyangell@gmail.com,and
 let me know when you would like to chat and your phone number. No sales pitch, no pressure.  Just real advice from a real planner at a convenient time.  So, get out your wedding notebook and relax.  

Looking forward to hearing your questions.