As you plan your ceremony and reception, consider the date and look at venues, the bits and pieces you’ve gathered begin to come together to form one picture. The images from magazines, photos you’ve taken, notes you’ve made and package wrappers, color swatches, paper samples and other collected critical pieces begin to form a picture of the entire wedding. What questions do you ask when it comes to choosing what matters most for your wedding?
Here are five tips for organizing basic wedding elements
What season suits your celebration?
Did you two meet on the ski slopes, or during a neighborhood snowball fight? Was it love at first sight over the lomi lomi salmon and poi at a luau during a Hawaiian vacation? Does the idea of walking on a carpet of multi-colored autumn leaves remind you of that walk on your first date? Scheduling your wedding date based on the season depends on where you live; if your heart is set on an outdoor wedding, many venues may be closed for winter, but those that are open may also be a bargain. Choosing the date based on the time of year you met is a wonderful way to draw guests into your personal story.
What’s your personal style?
Would you be happy on a pair of surfboards, riding the waves as the minister pronounces you man and wife, or are you the formal, ball gown-and-tux types whose invitations say, “Black tie, please” with no other options? Both partners should write down what matters to them in terms of color palette, decorations, music, food and dress style. Then share, compare and prepare to compromise. It’s not about every detail matching; it’s about blending styles so they complement each other.
Showcase a few big decorative ideas, and work in the details
Whether it’s acres of balloons rising above the tables, three-foot floral displays, personal china, a wrought iron gate, sparkly linens or even sculptural or photographic elements, big and bold personal decoration choices are another way to bring guests closer to your story; you’re not just any bride and groom, you’re a friend, son, daughter, aunt, uncle or sibling to these guests. Choose one or two bold elements and work in small details around them, rather than overwhelm with too much “wow!” factor.
When size matters: wedding party, guest list
The number of attendants and final guest count depends on your budget, but also ties into your style and the size of your chosen venue. A venue with bride and groom dressing suites is more comfortable for weddings with many attendants; it provides space for everyone to gather, have a drink, dress and relax before the ceremony. And a venue with flexible space for any type of ceremony and reception, from evening formal to stand-up cocktail and wedding cake, spares the couple from looking for two separate venues, sacrificing buffet tables, DJ or a second bar, paying for more space than they need or crowding in too little space.
Where the action is: the venue
Whether your wedding plans are a storybook dream or dramatic fantasy, WatersEdge Event & Conference Center offers indoor and outdoor weddings year-round, tailored to every couples’ needs and requests. From customized brunch, lunch, cake and hors d’ oeuvres menus to sit-down dinners for over 200 guests, groom and bridal suites, dozens of linen colors to choose from, DJs, fine flatware and china, floral designers and a coordinator on site throughout the event, our service is designed to make that special day exceptionally memorable.
Contact us today to start planning your “I Dos” with guests celebrating on a perfect day of joy and WatersEdge handling all the details.
