​Ever wanted to know the answers to your puzzling etiquette questions that left you guessing?  Here’s a few answers to the most asked etiquette questions that I receive.
 
Can I Have Someone Besides My Father Walk Me Down the Aisle?
The bride’s father traditionally walks her down the aisle, but you can have anyone who is significant—mom or stepdad, brother or sister—walk you down the aisle. You can even walk alone or with more than one person.

No matter who walks you down the aisle, don’t let it be a last-minute decision. The most important thing is to maintain an open and honest dialogue with anyone impacted by your choice.

What Are My Duties as a Bridesmaid?
Bridesmaids generally assist in the planning of the wedding, help the bride choose her dress, attend fittings for their own dresses, and attend any parties they are invited to. Though it often makes sense for bridesmaids to throw the bridal shower, they are not required to do so.

During the wedding festivities, bridesmaids act as an ambassador of sorts to the couple and may be expected to help with the little details that keep the day running smoothly. They should also participate in any activities like a receiving line or a bouquet toss.

Who Hosts the Bridal Shower?
Anyone from the bridesmaids to the mother of the bride to the mother of the groom can host a bridal shower. In any case, the hostess should consult with the bride about the guest list, because shower guests should also be invited to the wedding.

Is It Okay to Use Mobile Devices to Upload Pictures During the Wedding?
When in doubt, it’s better to ask the couple’s permission before posting photos to any social media outlet—especially during the ceremony. Uploading photos not only distracts you from participating in the moment, but it also broadcasts details of the event to people who may not have been invited.

How Do I Decide Who Can Bring a Date?
You should extend a plus one to anyone who is in a committed relationship, whether married, engaged, or in a live-in partnership—even if you haven’t met the other half. You are not obligated to give single guests and guests who are involved in more casual relationships the option to bring a date. You do, however, want to be consistent and avoid making exceptions.

If the invitation does not say, for example, John and guest, guests can assume they cannot bring a date. If someone does show up with an uninvited guest, avoid an uncomfortable situation by finding a place for them and follow up with the invited guest via a polite phone call afterward.

I’m Paying for the Wedding Myself, How Can I Tell My Parents I Don’t Want to Invite Certain People?
It may be best to give your parents an allotted number of spots they can fill as they wish. If there are certain people you do not want in attendance, it’s best to have a private and honest conversation when you first discuss the guest list. Don’t insist your parents feel comfortable with the situation but be clear about your wishes.

How Do I Deal with Guests Who Ask to Bring Kids Even After We’ve Made It Clear They're Not Invited?
You must nip this in the bud. Call the guest (even if they’ve contacted you through another medium, like email) and kindly, but firmly explain that the invitation was just for the adults and that you hope they can still attend. Don’t make exceptions—it’s not fair to other guests who respect your wishes. You can, however, invite the flower girl and the ring bearer without being hypocritical.

Who Should Host the Rehearsal Dinner?
Traditionally, the groom’s family hosts (and pays for) the rehearsal dinner and arranges a guest list in conjunction with the bride’s family. Though some families now choose to split the cost or let the bride and groom host their own rehearsal dinner, the groom’s family should get “first dibs.”

How Much Should I Tip My Wedding Vendors?
You do not have to tip vendors with whom you have a contract if the tip is built in the final bill. Depending on service and relationship, a small gift or a cash tip is at your discretion. You should, however, distribute tips to non-contracted staff like musicians and servers.

Meals for vendors are typically included in your contract, but you should plan to pay for their dinner regardless. Discuss meal options with your venue or caterer to find something that works with your budget.

How Long Do I Have to Send a Thank-You Note?
Though it’s best to send a thank-you note as soon as possible, you have approximately three months to express your gratitude. If the three-month timeframe has elapsed, send any lingering thank-you notes as soon as possible. Sending an email or putting generic thanks on social media, your wedding website, or anywhere else does not replace a handwritten note.

To save time, the bride and groom can both write thank-you notes and simply sign each one. If you’re in a serious time crunch, it’s acceptable to send an email that acts as a digital placeholder to say you received the gift and a thank-you a note will follow.

This just skims the surface of etiquette questions that you may have.  Contact me for more information.

Jodell Larkin
Starry Night Events, LLC
info@starrynighteventsstl.com
p:  636.294.4970
c:  636.636.5925

Information gathered from “Real Simple”

Every wedding planner tries to create a wonderful wedding day for their potential brides.  And most are very good at what they do.  But always consider several items before choosing the person responsible for your wedding day.
 
Here’s a couple things to look for when choosing a wedding planner or coordinator.

Look for a wedding planner who is flexible.  People in the wedding industry are busy.  But they should always make time for potential clients, as well as their existing clients.  Make sure they can meet with you in the evenings and on some weekends.  Keep in mind they may have other weddings scheduled, so try to work with them on meeting times that are convenient for both of you.  Make sure they meet with you several times in person to discuss details and not just on the phone.  This is the only way to get all the details correct.

Your wedding planner needs to be creative.  Ask for ideas when meeting with your wedding planner.  They are the experts.  Once they know your wedding vision or theme, they should be able to add wonderful ideas to accent the day.  If your planner doesn’t have a clue, this is a sign that you should move to the next planner.

Look for a wedding planner that provides extra skills, such as sewing.  This is key!  Every planner has a niche.  You may find a planner that sells jewelry or orders invitations for you.  There also may be a planner that does extra services such as calligraphy.  But a major service to consider are alterations or embroidery.  This is a service that I do in addition to my planning that saves a lot of money for my brides.  I alter wedding gowns, mother and grandmother of the bride and groom dresses, along with bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen suits.  I can also embroider wedding gown trains, alter scarves, along with my signature bridal handkerchiefs.  This is what sets me apart from all the other planners in the St. Louis area.      

You need a wedding planner that is very organized.  You want your day organized without having to do the work.  This is your day and you want to enjoy it.  Leave the stress to the wedding planner.  She/he should have all the details covered.  All this information should be discussed in past meetings, so there is nothing left undone.  When having a wedding planner your room layout and timeline should be perfect, and the look and feel of the wedding ceremony and reception should be in the planner’s soul.  She should be able to take care of anything within her power to make the day go smoothly.  An organized person makes the perfect celebration.

Make sure your wedding planner is a good fit for you and your wedding party.  When picking your wedding planner make sure you ask questions.  Make sure you are comfortable with the person you choose to orchestrate your day.  A wedding planner has a big job to fill, so make sure she goes over all the details before your wedding day.  Take all the extras she gives you and don’t hesitate to ask for something different.  Your wedding coordinator will let you know if she can provide the extras with or without an extra charge.

And lastly, make sure your wedding planner has great communications skills and is timely in answering your questions.  This is also very important.  You want answers as quickly as possible.  I would give the planner at least four to six hours to get back to you.  This is mainly because she could be with another client or at another function.  If she gets back sooner, all the better.  If she waits over 24 hours, I would skip over that person and look further.  One point I want to make is never pick your wedding planner with just an email.  It is extremely important to meet and interview your planner in person. 

Do not choose your planner based only on price.  I know you’re on a budget.  But you will be picking a person that you can rely on to make good decisions on all the details.  You need to sit down with at least two to three wedding planners and find out more about how they can make your dream wedding come true.  A good wedding planner will find out more about your vision and then explain how they can make this happen.  Also, do not just go with the coordinator at your reception venue.  They can only help you with the reception.  A separate wedding planner will work and plan the entire day, including all the vendors, while working in conjunction with the venue coordinator.  You will be much happier and less stressed when you hire a wedding planner for your wedding.

What do you look for when picking your wedding planner?  Give me a call and let me know.

Jodell Larkin
info@starrynighteventsstl.com
p:  636.294.4970
c:  636.688.5925   

Typically, the food at a wedding reception is the second largest expense of your well-planned wedding day.  I see today’s receptions now include a cocktail hour, full dinner, and late-night snack.  Fortunately, there are lots of ways you can cut costs while still having great food. Let’s talk about SEVEN of the best ways to save on food, your cake and snacks at your wedding.

LOOK FOR A VENUE THAT ALLOWS OUTSIDE CATERING

Many hotels and country clubs require you to use their catering service for your wedding.  Make sure you research their pricing on their dinner offerings before you sign the venue contract.  While you may get the room for a smaller fee, find out how much the food will cost per person.  You should especially look at the difference between the regular and top shelf bar prices per person if you are going for an open bar.

If you can find a venue that allows outside catering, you can shop around for a caterer in your price range, or one that caters to the theme of your wedding.  Keep in mind not all caterers are created equal.  Make sure you go to food tastings or at least taste their food before making your decision.

DECIDE WHAT STYLE OF DINNER YOU WANT TO SERVE YOUR GUESTS
There are three main styles of dinners caterers serve at wedding receptions.  The traditional buffet, plated dinner, and family style are all very popular.  The buffet dinner serves a large amount of food in the least amount of time.  This is usually the least expensive.  The plated dinner can run a little more depending on the main course choice, but has less food waste.  Plated dinners are more expensive because extra wait staff must be hired to serve meals to your guests. The family style option has recently become popular, but takes a little extra planning when seating your guests.  You need to make sure your table number counts do not change, since this would make changes in your platters food amounts at each table.  You can save some money if you choose wisely.

CREATE A DESSERT BAR
Wedding cakes can be really expensive! If you don’t have your heart set on a cake, create a dessert table instead. How fun it would be to have a nice selection of cupcakes, pies, Bundt cakes, cookies, or maybe even cheese cakes on your dessert table.  You can also have a candy bar, if candy is a favorite of either the bride or groom.  The newest idea is a donut wall, where each guest goes up and chooses his/her own donut for dessert.  All you need to have is a small cake to cut for the bride and groom. 
Jenna from Dearest Love shared lots of tips and ideas on How to Design the Perfect Dessert Bar on a Budget.   Take a look at Jenna's  post to get some great ideas.

JUST SERVE APPETIZERS AND DESSERTS
If you’re on a tight budget, have you thought about just serving appetizers and desserts?  This post on How to have a {Simple, Tasteful, & Inexpensive} Wedding Reception from Through the Lens of Hannah Diane has lots of great advice for saving money on the reception, especially on the food.  Consider starting your reception later than seven p.m. (not at meal time), so people won’t expect a full meal. Hannah has some tasteful ways to have a great reception without serving a full meal.
There are some great caterers out there who serve outstanding appetizers.  Talk to your caterer about what they can provide as far as heavy appetizers for your reception.  Then do a great dessert table that has lots of variety.  This can really cut down on the expense per person.

CONSIDER YOUR BAR OPTIONS
Instead of having an open bar, think about having beer, wine and one or two signature drinks.  This considerably cuts the cost of your bar bill, but still allows your guests several alcoholic options.  Also skip the Champagne Toast.  I would let your guests use whatever they are drinking to toast the bride and groom.

CUT BACK YOUR GUEST LIST
This can be hard to do, but remember that most caterers charge per person. Keeping the guest list smaller means a smaller bill from your caterer.  Do you really need to invite the friend of your office worker who you met one time?  Also, consider a child free reception.  Besides having your ring bearer and flower girl present at the beginning of the reception, maybe have the children stay home for this big party.  Just a thought!

DO IT YOURSELF
Meaning not you!  Do you have some friends or family members who love to cook? Try getting them on board to help you DIY the food for your wedding. Be sure to delegate and keep most the work off yourself.  You have enough to think of and should not be thinking about preparing food or decorating for your reception. 

This is where a wedding planner comes in to help with your “Day-of Wedding” responsibilities.  This person can help direct all your vendors, plus friends and family through the day.  You don’t want to add stress to your wedding day, so consider using a wedding planner to coordinate your day and make it beautiful without spending a fortune.  Think about what are the most important items on your agenda (you!) and leave the rest to us, the wedding planners.

Give me a call or send an email if you have any questions.  I am here to help! 

Jodell Larkin
info@starrynighteventsstl.com
p:  636.294.4970
c:  636.688.5925

​Some information taken from “A Savory Feast”, by Jenna

So, you’ve already sent out your “Save the Date” cards to your intended wedding guests.  It’s now time to start thinking about that ever important and confusing WEDDING INVITATION.  And keep in mind you don’t have to match your “Save the Date” cards.

Brides are working on their checklists more diligently than ever.  I would not act on the invitation process too early.  You have plenty else to do.  The couple should order their invitations between four to six months before the wedding.  Order 25 extra and other wedding stationary, such as thank you notes and place cards, if you want them to match.

The traditional time to send out your wedding invitations is about two months or eight weeks before the big day.  This gives your guests time to make airline and hotel reservations and plan time off work, if needed.

Wedding invitations can be seasonal, just like your actual wedding day. Think of ways to tie in your color scheme and season.  Or just pick the invitation that you fall in love with!   There are several things to consider when ordering your invitation package.  The three major categories are paper, printing, and wording.

PAPER – There are at least nine different kinds of paper to choose from, maybe even more if you talk to your professional printer.  The four main types of paper are Linen, Pearlescent, Vellum, and Parchment.  Linen is the most common, with Pearlescent running a close second.  These types of paper give a clean finish and are usually easier on the budget.  Vellum is a sheer paper that is commonly used in romantic invitations.  Parchment paper is slightly thicker than Linen.  Some other types of paper are Jacquard, which has a raised design, and corrugated, usually out of cardboard or some type of metal.  These types of invitations are for the more non-traditional couples.  There is also Handmade paper, which is usually thicker, can have slubs, and has a rough finish, Glassine, looking somewhat like cellophane paper, and Rice paper, which has a bumpier finish than linen.

PRINTING – I know of at least five kinds of printing on today’s wedding invitations.  There can be a difference in price, so be aware of what you are choosing.   Letterpress is the most common, since it is a process using a printing press.  Thermography printing is a process with raised letters, making a beautiful impression on the paper.  Offset printing is where an inked image is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket.  The offset transfer moves the image to the printing paper surface.  Engraved invitations are produced by embossing around lettering printed by another process (lithography or offset printing) to suggest the edges of an engraved plate.  And probably the most expensive and most time consuming is Calligraphy.  If this is created by hand, it is the most outstanding invitation a couple can use to invite their guests to their special day.

Wording – There are two kinds of wording on wedding invitations, Traditional and Contemporary.  As the bride and groom, this will be your choice.  The more traditional wording would read, “Mr. and Mrs. Jones, the parents of Alicia Jones request the honor…”  While the contemporary version would read like…” We invite you to join us in celebrating…”

There are two ways to have your guests respond to make up your guest list.  You can include a response card or have them send an email to your wedding website.  You decide which works best for you.  Also include any information that seems necessary in your invitation.  Maps are no longer necessary, since everyone has Google Maps or another form of directions on their phone/vehicle.

As you can see, ordering wedding invitations can be a confusing process.  But I am here to help.  Give me a call or send an email if you have questions or comments.
​
Jodell Larkin
info@starrynighteventsstl.com
p:  636.294.4970
c:  636.688.5925 

Photography:  Rosegold and Watercolor photo - Momental Designs
Stamp photo - 4lovepolkadots
Rustic Lace and Birch Bark - 4lovepolkadots
Watercolor photo - Taylor Lord Photography
Chalkboard photo - KristianRatnamDesign

If your wedding is in October or November, I’ve got some great ideas for decorating your venue.  Think pumpkins!  Fall is a time of gorgeous, warm colors and inspiring organic items to make your wedding the most colorful event of the year. 

If you’re having an outdoor wedding, think about the setting.  Make sure there are lots of trees in the background, with a lush setting for your ceremony and reception.  Autumn is such a magnificent backdrop with its reds, oranges, golds and yellows.  And don’t forget green, this year’s Pantone color.  You can do so much with Fall colors and the organic treasures the land provides.
​
First, let’s work on your ceremony.  If you want an outdoor service, consider pumpkins and beautiful autumn flowers to set the mood.  You can make a display at the beginning and end of the aisle and then either hang lanterns every couple rows, small pumpkins, or even colorful flowers that match the major display.  This would make a elegant presentation at your ceremony.

Moving to the reception, how about using a couple pumpkins and some type of fall display at the entrance of your venue.  This invites your guests to an evening of fun and celebration.  Use an item that reflects your wedding theme, such as a wagon full of pumpkins and flowers, plus berries, and even cornstalks setting around.  Use your imagination!

Once inside the venue, you can follow through with pumpkin place cards, which will help move your guests to their seating arrangements.  This makes a very attractive table and is a cute idea.  Your table setting could be key when thinking through your wedding theme.  I would consider pumpkin cake pops, but you might also vary a little with some sunflowers to break up the décor.  Maybe use sunflowers in your centerpieces, with small pumpkins, other flowers and berries to add interest.  Whatever you decide, make sure to make it colorful.  If you have white plates and napkins, use color in your centerpieces.  If you use white plates and colored napkins, you might tone your centerpiece down a bit.  In other words, keep it balanced. 

Brides are moving towards the typical cake, instead of dessert tables this year.  But you can do whatever you want.  I have two suggestions for an outstanding dessert table.  Look at the beautiful cake in this blog.   It follows through with the theme of the wedding I’ve suggested.  Its full of pumpkins, berries, flowers and Fall colors.  If you like something simpler, just use a Autumn flowers on the cake.  You can also do a cupcake tower, which is just as impressive.  This is a subject you need to determine with your family and budget. 

I’ve given you a few ideas for an Autumn (pumpkin) themed wedding.  If you would like more information on different themes for Fall, give me a call or send an email.  I would love to help you with your wedding.  I’ve got loads of ideas.

Jodell Larkin
Starry Night Events, LLC
info@tarrynighteventsstl.com
p:  636.294.4970
c:  636.688.5925

Many of you may be thinking about an outdoor wedding.  But have you ever thought of an Enchanted Forest Wedding?  The setting is a little more involved, but oh how beautiful the day can be.  Think fairytales and mystical!  There’s several aspects that make an enchanted forest wedding magical. 

Let’s start with the “Arrival”.  How do you want your entrance to your very special wedding to look?  Your background setting is big, beautiful trees, but you can make the most of the scene by adding candle lanterns, LED lights, and twinkle lights around the area.  Make it a relaxed and mysterious atmosphere with informal seating along the path to the ceremony.  Whimsical signs will draw your guests down the path to your ceremony.

Let's now create your "Atmosphere".  Once you’ve drawn your guests in, impress them with wonderful touches of a woodland wonderland.  This can be done using greenery, moss and gorgeous dusty style flowers.  Remember you’re in the woods, so you might consider a simple alter with flowers, lit with a lantern and items for the service.  Your place cards for the reception would be simple but elegant, with greenery for a touch of wilderness.

Your guests will be take a breath when you come down the aisle in your special wedding dress.  This could be highlighted with woodland fairies, or you might even consider a floral gown with a hint of color.  Your bouquet could be made of ferns and other greenery to keep your theme, and highlighted with flowers with that touch of color that mimics the colors in your gorgeous wedding gown.  Whatever you choose, lots of hanging ribbon always makes it more romantic. 

Everyone will be hungry and so you need to feed their "Appetite".  If you have access to a building for your reception, carry out your theme in a big way.  Use greenery and beautiful flowers to accent your tables.  Try to think of food that will create a satisfying meal.  Always remember to include foods that satisfy all the taste buds including salty, sweet, sour, and sweet throughout the evening.  And then there’s the cake!  This is where you can really use your imagination.  Have your baker create a one-of-a-kind cake that will have all your guests talking. 

"Amusement" is the next item to consider.  Make sure you have some form of entertainment for your guests.  In an enchanted forest setting, you might consider a scavenger hunt.  By this point in the day, you may be inside a building, but draw the people outside again and let them have some fun.  Use your imagination when entertaining your guests.  This can be the fun and exciting part of the day.

An enchanted forest wedding can be an impressive theme for your special day.  I assure you, you and your guests will remember your wedding for the rest of your lives.  No matter how you spend your day, make sure you have fun and take in every moment.
​
Jodell Larkin
info@starrynighteventsstl.com
p:  636.294.4970
c:  636.688.5925
Photographs from Chloe, HappyWedd.com

Everyone thinks of Christmas when you say you’re having a winter wedding.  But remember, there’s three more months of winter after Christmas.  So, you don’t have to go with the traditional red and green.  Think Valentine’s Day, the most romantic day of the year!  And maybe build your vision around “the love of your life”

It's no secret that the spring and summer months are among the most coveted times of year to tie the knot, but what you likely haven't realized is that a cozy winter wedding can be just as magical as an outdoor ceremony and reception beneath the stars. While a winter wedding date does force your party indoors, cool-weather celebrations offer the opportunity to plan a party with under-utilized seasonal details.  Think cozy lodges, warm fireplaces, and the ultimate rustic setting.

From snowy-white tablescapes to bold red and white flower arrangements I love how a winter wedding can look both romantic and unexpected. After months of soft blues, pinks and lavenders, a moody winter celebration is the perfect way to make your big day stand out. But let's make one thing clear: A stylish cold-weather wedding will look nothing like a holiday party.

If you're searching for winter inspiration, look no further than my Pinterest page under “Wonderful Winter Weddings”. I pulled together the most beautiful and unique ideas that are perfect for your big day. From big city bashes filled with winter greenery and glowing candlelight to snow-dusted mountain affairs, I pieced together the best ideas that you're bound to love.

Ready to see some favorite ideas from “Brides” Real Weddings? Then click through to see how real couples celebrated the winter season during their weddings and get planning quick — an early spring is in the forecast!

Let’s talk about some of the main aspects of your wedding.

Attire for Your Winter Wedding
If you want the elegant look of old Hollywood, put the groom in tails, and the bride in a white long silk dress with a white fur or faux fur wrap. Evoke the season with "ice" diamond or diamond-like jewelry. This year’s wedding gowns are moving towards sleeves or gowns with straps, but the bride still needs to look for wraps, shrugs, and capes, or dramatic coats. I've always loved the look of a bride in a white dress and a large red shawl, huddled against her groom who has a red boutonnière. But my personal favorite is the long white, hooded cape.  It’s so romantic against fresh, fallen snow.  


Where to Have a Winter Wedding
Look for an inn with a fireplace for an intimate winter wedding.  Look for an area lodge or venue that has a warm feel and is suitable for fantastic winter pictures. For a larger affair, you may be able to use a historic mansion or private club that will still have intimate warmth. Unless you're getting married in a state that will have guaranteed snow during your wedding date, you may want to avoid a room that has a large picture window. Imagine drifts of beautiful snow, but sometimes you can end up with a grey rainy day. But the weather outside may not be much of a concern if you have gorgeous decorations inside.  Be sure to ask what seasonal decorations they use.  You'll save money as many sites are already heavily decorated. Also, check to make sure your site will be adequately heated during the winter months; old churches can be especially drafty.

Planning the Menu
You can have all your favorite food but add some winter touches like a squash dish, or warm pumpkin soup. Consider serving spiced wine, or hot chocolate (alcoholic or non-) as special treats. Look for an all-white cake, decorated with snowflake patterns, silver embellishments, or sugar sculptures. You could even add in your specific wedding themed colors to tie everything together. Ask your caterer about using a decorative snow globe as a cake topper

Winter Wedding Flowers
Decide whether you want to go for a silver and white elegant look, or celebrate the season with reds for Valentine’s Day. For those who like silver, look for dusty miller, silver-dollar eucalyptus, and baby blue eucalyptus, mixed with white flowers such as roses, football mums, crocus, lilies and stephanotis. If you're looking for a brighter bouquet, consider red roses with holly and pine-tree greenery. Flowers such as tulips, roses, and ornamental berries generally will be less expensive choices.

The Décor for Your Winter Wedding
Follow the theme of winter with branches painted in white and silver for your centerpieces. Using three different heights is very popular and adds variation to the reception room.  Branches with lights and jewels can be used in the tall centerpieces, while medium centerpieces using lanterns, globes, or vases are special.  Low centerpieces with mainly flowers only round out the mix.

Favors
An inexpensive homemade favor is a pretty tin of spiced hot chocolate mix or hot cocoa mix with marshmallows. Also, consider a snow globe, with a bride and groom inside, or a valentine cookie cutter with a cookie recipe attached that says your names, wedding date, and "truly cut out for each other".

Special touches

• Have the bride and groom travel by horse and carriage to the reception, complete with a fur throw to keep them warm of course!
• Commission an ice sculpture to decorate the reception hall
• Use a crystal bouquet for that extra wintery feel. As a bonus, you'll get to keep your bouquet forever.
• Greet your guests with warm coffee or hot chocolate as soon as they come in the ceremony or reception site.

No matter how you plan your day, there’s always more ideas that a planner can help you with.  The ideas are always flowing.  And keep in mind a good planner has many connections with the best vendors.
​
For more information about winter weddings, contact me either phone or email below.
 
Jodell Larkin
Starry Night Events, LLC
www.info@starrynighteventsstl.com
p:  636.294.4970
c:  636.688.5925
Some information gathered from Brides.com and Nina Callaway
 

To answer Nancy's question:  The location of the venue with the fireplace is unknown.  But there are a couple venues in St. Charles County that have large fireplaces.  Chandler Hill Vineyards has a very nice, used fireplace that is lovely.  (wwwchandlerhillvineyards.com).  But if your looking for a large fireplace, Stone House of St. Charles is a brand new venue with a grand fireplace almost identical to this picture.  (www.shofsc.com  and then go to their Facebook page)  You may be able to replicate this picture with either venue.  Check them out and tell them I sent you.  

This is a continuation from my last blog of what’s popular for weddings in the coming year.  Some items are left over from last year, but look for the new and exciting ideas that will make your 2017 wedding a day your guests will always remember.

Invitations and Other Paper

Paper sometimes follows fashion.  “Wedding invitation styles often mimic what’s happening in fashion and home decor,” says Jill Ryder of Shindig Bespoke, a custom design studio based in New York City and Philadelphia. You can create that special invitation to express the theme of your wedding using several different forms of paper.  For 2017, the mixing two patterns, like stripes and florals, may be a popular way to get attention on the backs of cards or on envelope liners, as well as textured paper.

Decorating with Paper.  You may want to incorporate paper into your big-day décor by using floral bridesmaid bouquets. or even gorgeous centerpieces.  Paper is used to preserve special wedding "memory moments,".   Incorporating paper into your wedding day is quickly growing in popularity — and for good reason.  It’s economical, potentially eco-friendly and unique in any way you use it.  Tutera says, "there's so many interesting things you can do," and adds, "People are sort of surprised, like oh my gosh, look what you can do with paper."  Today’s brides are really into building beautiful floral walls to use in both their ceremony and reception venues.

The Intimate First Look
These are a keeper. Tutera gushes, "I love first looks. I think they're brilliant. It takes me forever to convince a bride and groom to do that," but he adds, "They're more personal — I love them." We here at BRIDES can't help but agree. (And they make for stunning and heartfelt photos, too.)  As a wedding planner/coordinator, I feel this makes the day start off just right.  And it makes great pictures!

The All-Important Reception

Elaborate Entrances.  "We are seeing a rise in elaborate entrances and we expect to see this trend continue into the New Year. This includes over-the-top décor as guests make their way to the event, as well as incorporating unique entertainment (think fire starters!) that grabs guests' attention." —Fabrice Orlando, Cocoon Events Management Group    I found that a simple, but elegant entrance sets the mood for the guests.  A bride can display her color scheme and tone the minute her guests arrive.

Create a Mood.  Lounge areas have been an important decor element at wedding cocktail hours for years, but as after-parties come into fashion wedding pros find themselves setting up more lounge-style seating vignettes closer to the dance floor.  You should also consider changing the lighting so the room has more of a club and cozy feel.

Creative Ice Breakers.  "Couples are looking for ways to engage their guests throughout the wedding day. Interactive food stations and lawn games are great for fostering engagement, as is unique entertainment (think fire eaters or contortionists!), which will give everyone something to talk about. We also love the idea of guests walking into a photo wall, either stationery or as a slideshow." —Fabrice Orlando, Cocoon Events Management Group   Another way to bring your guests together are fireworks.  After your ceremony or when people arrive at the reception, start the show.  They will be talking about it the rest of the night.

Vertical Impact.  "When it comes to wedding decor, couples are looking up for inspiration. They are taking advantage of the vertical visual space above guest tables and highlighting it with several options. Expect to see tall tapers paired with luxurious candelabras, low-hanging string lights or Edison bulbs and chandeliers in a variety of shapes and sizes in 2017." —Audrey Isaac, 100 Candles   Greenery is again in style and is awesome to work with, especially with a vertical twist.

Entertaining Your Guests

Reaching New Heights. Couples can’t get enough of the unique perspectives offered by drone technology for both videos and aerial stills, and pros are following suit, offering packages that include drone footage as an add-on option. Poised for take-off: professional-quality, user-friendly drones for non-pros (and perhaps a wedding guest), such as EHang Ghostdrone 2.0, which is controlled by your smartphone via the EHang Play mobile app.  I’ve had brides that added a drone to their photography package and were really pleased.

Snap and Chat.  Sara Fried says her clients are loving the newest takes on the traditional photo booth. “There’s the slo-mo booth, the animated GIF booth, the flip-book booth and others,” she says. “All are amazing ways to keep guests fully entertained.” Most booths will text the content directly to smartphones, so your friends can share immediately on social media — and you get copies of everything at the end of the night.

Cut and Share.  Instagram video edits are an increasingly popular package option from videographers, says Lisa Ashley, owner and curator of the Wedding Artists Collective, a specialty group of wedding photographers and videographers. These 60- to 90-second films “have the look and feel of a cinematic trailer and are wonderful representations of the day,” she says.

Mix it up.  Few brides want their tables to look “too perfectly organized,” says Amy Marella, owner of the hidden garden Floral Design in Los Angeles. “they want a more eclectic feel,” she says. Create the look by using a mix of containers and featuring two or three different centerpiece designs.

Stay Connected
Regardless of what trends, themes, or vibes you're going for, Tutera stresses the importance of remaining connected with your new spouse throughout the wedding day celebrations. "What's been happening is couples separate to their friends and don't hang out with their significant other on their celebration. That's not good. That's something I am trying to force people to understand is incredibly important." Noted!

Plan A Destination Wedding?

Faraway Destinations.  "While tropical paradises like Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas and Costa Rica still top the list of hot spots to tie the knot, we've seen Iceland, Canada and Italy emerge as popular locales for couples looking to go off the beaten path." —Megan Velez, Destination Weddings    There are always beautiful locations for a dream wedding in a far-away land.  Keep in mind I am a SANDALS expert and can help make your destination wedding an experience you’ll never forget and probably save you some money.

Planning Virtually.  "Couples have gone fully mobile with their wedding plans. Millennials are all about instant gratification, so they want their wedding planning right at their fingertips at any given moment. There's going to be a continued increasing in seeing the whole planning process online." —Li Zhou, LadyMarry   But I am always there to help. 
 
If you have any questions or need suggestions, give me a call or send an email.  I can help plan your 2017 wedding and take the stress out of the planning press.
Jodell Larkin
Starry Night Events, LLC
info@starrynighteventsstl.com
p  636.294.4970
c  636.688.5925

Some information gathered from the Bridal Guide and Brides.com
​