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BY WEDINSPIRE NOVEMBER 29, 2021 There’s certainly plenty of things to think about when planning your wedding, there’s the date, you guest list, the dress and lots of big decisions like who will make up your wedding party, such as your bridesmaids and best men. However, one decision that you absolutely should not underestimate is picking your wedding venue. The location you decide upon is one of the most instrumental parts of your wedding, the base for your day, the backdrop for your wedding photographs and the place in which memories of a lifetime will be created. So, how do you get this important decision right?
BUDGET
One thing that every couple should do is to figure out a realistic budget. Start by dictating what you want your final wedding spend to be plus a 5% contingency.
THE GUEST LIST
To choose your ideal wedding venue, you need to have an idea on the number of guests you want to invite to establish whether you are searching for a venue with a capacity for 50-75, over 100 or a dedicated small intimate venue suitable for Micro Weddings.
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THE AREA
The location of your wedding is entirely up to you as a couple, be it your local area, miles from home or in a completely different country but you need to narrow down areas before deciding on which venue is right for you. Your venue needs to match how you envisage your wedding. If a fairytale style comes to mind you could consider a castle, villa or country house whereas if you want an ultra modern celebration an industrial space may be more your style. If you dream of a rustic wedding, then a venue right in the heart of the country is a perfect option however if you feel like somewhat of a city slicker, then there are plenty of city-based venues in which you can say ‘I Do’. You can even find a wedding venue by the sea, at the top of a mountain, on a yacht or in the middle of a desert!
AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR DATE
Once you begin shortlisting venues, availability needs to be high on your priority list. Some venues will have their most desired dates booked 2-3 years in advance and as of 2020 postponements and cancellations have increased demand for popular dates. Be realistic when it comes to dates, the more flexible you can be, the more options you will have. Narrowing down to a couple of months across a particular year and stating you wish for a Saturday wedding is a good start. Weekday weddings are certainly becoming more and more popular, and we love the appeal. For one, it saves on your budget and weekends are seen very differently compared to centuries ago with many industries requiring weekend work hours as a norm. If guests really want to come to your wedding then they will regardless of the day of the week.
HOW MANY WEDDING VENUES SHOULD I VIEW?
There’s no magic number, but you can’t view them all, it comes down to creating a decisive shortlist. Photographs, reviews, videos, email contact and venue descriptions should be enough to allow you to choose a handful of suitable venues. Sometimes it’s always worth adding a wild card into your viewing list, otherwise how do you know that your favorites online are 100% the right place for you.
DREAM UP THE WAYS THAT YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE IT YOUR OWN
So, you have chosen your wedding venue, you know exactly where it is going to be held and you know the date. Well, now comes the fun of thinking of all the ways that you are going to decorate, design and theme the space to ensure that it is reflective of you both as a couple. Of course, the overall ambiance, atmosphere and vibe of your big day is going to come from the venue in its basic form, however, there is also likely to be plenty of things that you can do to further make it your own and create the perfect setting for the wedding of your dreams.
FIND YOUR PERFECT WEDDING VENUE
Being one of the first wedding planning decisions, booking your wedding venue certainly deserves some dedicated time and attention. There’s plenty of helpful tips to choose the right venue but relax, go with your heart and enjoy the exciting process.
BY BEHIND THE LENS NOVEMBER 29, 2021 HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PHOTOGRAPHING WEDDINGS FOR AND HOW DID YOU GET INTO IT?
The first wedding I photographed was back in 2016 shortly after stepping off a plane from Hawaii. This was an incredibly last minute wedding that had been thrown together for a couple in need. I think I received a call on the Thursday evening and by early Saturday morning I was driving very nervously to the venue! It was only some 6 months before that, that I had first picked up a camera ahead of my trip to Hawaii. Going so far afield and to a place so renowned for its beauty, I felt I needed to learn to take a good photograph. So I took the plunge, spent more money than I had on a reasonable camera and thus taught myself to shoot… I’ve been blagging my way ever since.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY?
That’s an interesting question, I enjoy the times that I’m allowed to be most creative and not having to watch the clock, so probably times like the getting ready shots or the definitely the couples portraits. Wedding days are always so fast paced, these are a few moments where time briefly stands still and I get to spend precious time with my clients.
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WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO COUPLES LOOKING FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
Find someone that appreciates their art. This way you really get those photos that Wow! Find someone that’s genuine. Genuine as a person, but also in their work, stay clear of fussy and formal photos, it’s painful in the moment and especially when you look back at two dimensional shots absent of memory. Candid documentary style photography is non intrusive and a sure fire way to capture those precious moments that last a life time.
FINALLY… WHAT’S THE BEST MOMENT YOU’VE HAD?
I’m a romantic at heart, so I think in all honesty the best moments are often when you truly see how much one person means to another. I’ve always struggled to be in touch with my own emotions so when you see a groom break down into tears during his speech or watch his wife walk down the aisle… that trumps all of the others.
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1. PLITVICE: EDEN COLLECTION
A clean, crepe silhouette with gentle draping over the bodice and waistline. Spectacular lace back finished with shoulder-to-hemline row buttons, and long fitted sleeves perfect for elegant, indoor ceremonies.
2. ALLURE BRIDAL: 9904
Perfect for a dreamy forest wedding or a backyard event full of twinkling fairy lights, this airy A-line gown is covered in the most gorgeous lace appliqués.
3. VERA WANG: VIVIANE COLLECTION
Beautiful light ivory ball gown dress with oversized lace embellishment. Corset-style illusion bodice featuring cut-away shoulders row-button finishing. Available with lined bodice.
4. JJ’S BRIDAL HOUSE
This mermaid wedding dress is made of lace and elegant organza. The ethereal strapless bodice features a dramatic sweetheart neckline. The organdy skirt with layers of cascading trims on the sweep train completes this incredible look.
5. ALL WHO WANDER IONA
The dress features a gorgeous deep V-neckline, curve-hugging silhouette. The delicate buttons down the V-shaped back lead to a dramatic train that is attached at the straps for a dreamy, ethereal effect.
6. ALLURE BRIDAL: 9862
Striking in its chic simplicity, this strappy A-line gown features illusion cutouts at the sides as well as the sweetheart neckline.
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BY ALISON LAESSER NOVEMBER 29, 2021 Right now, whether you’re planning a wedding at home or abroad, there are countless moving parts surrounding COVID-19—and what it means for your event, specifically, really depends on your wedding date, guest count, location, and extent of travel involved. At this point, it’s safe to say that any wedding in the near future will look differently, whether it’s allowed to happen on a smaller scale now or as you’d dreamed later on. To help you prepare for what you should do—and help if you do, sadly, have to change plans—we spoke with experts across the industry to give you a closer look at how COVID-19 is affecting wedding planning today, and how to prep for the future.
CHALLENGES OF PLANNING MID-PANDEMIC
According to Lee, the main things to consider: one, the health risks and guest safety, and, second, government COVID-19 guidelines. “Unfortunately, we’ve seen that these two do not always align. Sometimes laws being too lax when risks are high and sometimes being too strict when risks are low,” she says. “There has been an unpredictability and capriciousness to when government officials update COVID-19 rules so couples continue to plan for both hopeful and cautious scenarios until this is truly all behind us.” Laesser-Keck believes navigating all this uncertainty has been the year’s biggest obstacle. “In 2021, the challenge is the unknown, particularly not knowing how many guests will be allowed at events this summer,” she says. Every city, county, and state has different regulations, so anticipating that, while also making it seamless for guests, can be tough. Even if July ends up being okay, for example, the problem stems from the fact that you have to know what you’re dealing with right now—and we don’t know what we’re dealing with yet.
HOW TESTING AND VACCINES WILL AFFECT PLANNING
less system. “The testing is a goodpartial defense but I always caution against those who feel like it is fullproof and gives them a false sense of security,” Lee explains. “It’s helpful to determine who has had the virus for more than four days but not those who are not testing positive yet are still contagious.” Vaccine roll-out should add another layer of protection, especially as more Americans are fully vaccinated. “All of our clients are mandating testing and/or vaccination certificates,” Laesser-Keck says. “They aren’t afraid of travel, but they’re taking all the necessary precautions to make this a safe experience for their guests. If there’s even a question as to whether or not it’s safe, they’re not doing it. They’d much rather postpone by six months or so and have the wedding they envisioned.” “As long as effectiveness against new variants holds, vaccines are our get-out-of-jail cards,” Lee believes. “I really feel that is the key to unlock all these restrictions and allow us to gather safely again.”
WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU ARE PLANNING A 2022 WEDDING
The primary challenge is venue and vendor availability. We’ve never seen so much interest in weddings and gatherings in the history of our company. While While we’re seeing a greater emphasis it may seem exciting, it’s actually really on testing at weddings, planners and tough because we know that if we’re couples are aware that it’s not a flaw-
getting six inquiries a day, we can only imagine how many venues are getting. We’re already in a position of having to jump on decisions far sooner than we normally would, out of fear that our preferred venues and vendors won’t have availability. For now, Laesser-Keck is working overtime to get her 2022 clients set up because, as she says, “it will be nearly impossible to secure the right talent once the world opens back up.” Her advice? “Book everything as soon as possible! Whether you’re doing this by yourself or with a planner, you’ll want to book many of your vendors simultaneously as your venue to guarantee availability,” she says.
WHAT TO EXPECT IF YOU ARE PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING
When will a destination wedding abroad be possible, you ask? “It depends on the destination, but a good start is to begin researching how they’ve handled COVID-19 so far,” says Lee. “Are they the type of country that will just close down to tourists with 24 hours’ notice? Are they the type of country that hasn’t been big on regulations at all? Ultimately, you need to choose a destination that will make your guests feel comfortable. Some countries are really excelling at that, and some are not at all.” At this time, Laesser-Keck is booking weddings in Europe in spring 2022 and beyond, but anything before that is pivoting to the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean. “Travel restrictions are also still very much a factor with a lot of my clients’ parents or immediate family living abroad and unable to get to the wedding,” Lee adds. “These weddings will just have to wait until we can cross borders freely and be reunited again. I think that will be a sweet celebration.”
HOW TO NAVIGATE PLANNING NOW
While so much is still uncertain, it’s natural to have a million “what if” questions about the future. But don’t let that take away from the excitement that comes with wedding planning. “Be really, really excited!” says Aleah Purcell Valley is the co-founder of Valley & Company Events in Seattle. “This is the moment you’ve been waiting for, and while the landscape of the world might look different right now, your loved ones are going to be so excited to hug and celebrate your wedding.”
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HIRE A PLANNER
“I think through the 2020 experience, couples have really understood the importance of professional guidance,” Lee says. “It’s like do you want to go hike your first lion-infested mountain by some articles you researched online or have a guide walk with you? Laesser-Keck strongly advises hiring a planner— especially if you’re still searching for a venue. Now, more than ever, these strategies are vital. Also, if you have to postpone again, your planner’s relationships with vendors will be everything. Find an experienced planner you can really trust!
CONSIDER A SMALLER GUEST COUNT
“Smaller guest counts are preferable if you want to get married in 2021,” Laesser-Keck says. “If you already have a large guest count, go through your list, and highlight your must-haves. This way, if you have to cut due to regulations, you can easily do so.”
CONSULT YOUR VENDOR TEAM
“Your creative vendors are all itching to create and celebrate couples. Share the good news and focus on things you can actively plan right now. Be ready for that moment and have your plans in place to have the best wedding ever!”
WEDDING VOWS BRIDAL PARTY GIFTS RINGS AND CEREMONY GIFTS CHAMPAGNE JEWELRY / ACCESSORIES FIRST-AID KIT SEWING KIT AND SAFETY PINS EXTRA PAIR OF SHOES SNACKS AND GUM
BY MADELYN GOODNIGHT NOVEMBER 29, 2021 ding headcount, will you also have to arrange for dedicated childcare services? On the other hand, issuing an all-out ban on kids at your wedding is likely to ruffle some feathers. If you happen to have close family members with little ones, they may find this hard-line rule unaccommodating or even rude. Other guests with children will have to make plans for childcare ahead of time, which can be especially challenging at a desMAKE YOUR DECISION EARLY tination wedding, where they’re away from their regular go-to reThe two of you need to sort this matter out sources at home. well before you start writing your wedding invitations, and be forewarned, it’s a topic that tends to divide people. According to BE CLEAR ABOUT one survey, 25% of people believe that all YOUR DECISION guests should be able to bring children to Next, you need to let your guests a wedding. However, the reality is that ac- know what you’ve decided. You’ll commodating families on your big day is of- need to be 100% clear about the ten harder than imagined. There are a few policy for kids at your wedding, factors you have to consider. For one thing, but how you deliver this informachildren can be unpredictable and you will tion is up to you. You may want need to rely on their parents to take control. to include it within your wedding You also need to think about how having invitations or create a separate kids in attendance will affect your wedding page about children at your wedbudget; in addition to a larger overall wed- ding on your wedding website. Is your wedding going to be ‘family-friendly’ or ‘adults-only?’ It’s not exactly an easy question for couples to answer but it’s inevitably something you’ll have to address. While you don’t want to offend any of your guests, the thought of having infants, toddlers, or even older children in attendance at your wedding ceremony and reception can present a few challenges. Here’s what you need to know about how to handle this sometimes sensitive scenario—without getting on anyone’s bad side.
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CONSIDERATIONS FOR A KID-FRIENDLY WEDDING
Of course, if the two of you are ready to welcome families and children of all ages to join in your wedding day celebrations, you’ll need to take your youngest guests’ needs into consideration. Here are a few potential additions to plan for in advance: Possibly hiring a children’s entertainer, tabletop activities during the reception, options for a children’s menu, organized childcare. Whether or not you allow children at your wedding is a huge decision, and it’s not something that you should take lightly. Spend time discussing it with your significant other and determine together what works best for the two of you and your respective families. So long as you plan ahead and make a unified decision early on, you should have no problem navigating this tricky area of wedding etiquette.
A guest book doesn’t have to involve writing. At this summer wedding reception, the couple opted for an audio guest book that created a playlist of well wishes that could be listened to for years to come. They set out a phone which attendees were able to record messages.
Have your granny as a flower girl. Little ladies are adorable of course, but if no one obvious comes to mind, feel free to skip the customary flower girl. Or better yet, call on your 92 year old spitfire of a granny to assume the duty. She will feel very special to be a kid again and included.
To ensure guests were able to totally disconnect and be present during the wedding, this couple set up a phone check station, much like a coat check station. This also allows for the photographer to be the only one in charge of photos instead of the random aunt and third cousin.
Custom candles will help visually set the scene at the reception but think about scentscaping your event by sprinkling candles throughout the day. Scent is closely tied to memory so anytime you smell the scent in the future, memories of the big day will come flooding back.
WHITE
VS.
IVORY
ROSES
VS.
GREENERY
INTIMATE (>100)
VS.
GRAND (<100)
OUTDOOR
VS.
INDOOR
CAKE
VS.
CUPCAKES
LIVE BAND
VS.
DJ
BUFFET
VS.
SIT DOWN MEAL
VEIL
VS.
FLOWER/CROWN
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BY BEHINDTHEBRAIDS NOVEMBER 29, 2021 Bailey McKnight and Asa Howard recently tied the knot at their Utah wedding on October 3, 2021. This young couple has turned heads as micro-influencer and twin, Bailey becomes the first McKnight sister to celebrate a marriage. Many have questioned their reasoning for getting married young, but their outward love for each other greatly shows. Prior to their wedding, the couple grew with one another for four years. Throughout these photos, one will see their journey to becoming Mr. and Mrs. Asa McKnight-Howard. Yes, they both hyphenated. Photos on this page show their initial engagement announcement, as well as samples from their engagement photo session. One can find Bailey on social media as @brooklynandbailey and Asa on social media as @asa_howard.
Bailey and Asa exchange their own written vows at their wedding ceremony. The officiant of the wedding is John Luke Robertson.
Bailey McKnight and Asa Howard outside of their rehearsal dinner. This tradition is for the immediate family to share their speeches.
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This is an inside look at the rehearsal dinner set up. The overall theme for the wedding is greenery with purple accents and butterflies.
Here is a McKnight family photo with the newlywed couple, Bailey and Asa.
Bailey and Asa McKnight-Howard celebrated their wedding at Knotting Hill Place.
Planning a rustic fete? Wood blocks stained in the color of your choice is a relatively quick and easy project for anyone! Use as a way to identify table numbers for a centerpiece and they pull double duty.
“I’ve done a few weddings where they placed fruit on the tables or in baskets for the guests to enjoy with dinner,” shares Guenther. A quick trip to the local grocer or farmer’s market will have your guests thanking you for the fresh fruit treats.
No matter how you slic ed), using citrus is a grea up the celebration. Line es with thick or thin cut limes, or even oranges whole and fill them str You can use fake fruit fo
These flower and sand centerpieces are simply gorgeous. You can find both the sand and simple glass vases at a low price. Fresh flowers are used in this DIY project, but you could just as easily use faux flowers.
Live greenery always adds some vibrancy to wedding decor. Place any potted plant in a simple paper bag and decorate the bag with a twill tape bow. The bag adds a simple and organic look, and it can cover cheap plastic nursery pots.
These wooden lantern you’re handy with woo are free plans for four all kinds of options for y terpieces. Plus, they ca of inexpensive wood th paint to fit your weddin
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ce it (pun intendat way to brighten e clear glass vasslices of lemons, s, or keep them raight to the top. or the same effect!
Eucalyptus is the most reliable greenery when it comes to centerpiece decor. Depending on the type of tables you’ve selected for the reception, you can lay down loose strands, create a garland, or form the branches into a wreath around floating candles.
ns are quick if odworking. There sizes, giving you your wedding cenan be made out hat you stain or ng color scheme.
Perfect for a summer wedding, incorporating cut fruit throughout the table scape is a foolproof DIY no matter your budget! “I love adding fruit to tables as it’s an inexpensive way to add dimension, texture, and color to the tables,”
Instead of expensive fresh flowers, consider making some paper flowers to use as a frugal wedding centerpiece. You can make these beautiful flowers with any color of crepe paper you’d like. After the wedding, you can enjoy the flowers for years to come.
Succulents are inexpensive, and their different shapes, sizes, and colors look best when they’re grouped together. You can doll up some succulents in basic pots with craft paper and ribbons. Use them as your centerpieces and let guests take them home.