Tracy

Head Table or Sweetheart Table? Which one is better?

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There are so many small tasks and decisions that a couple has to make during their wedding planning process. One of them is choosing whether you and your future spouse want to sit at a head table or a sweetheart table. This blog post has all that you need to know about these two set ups so that you can decide which one best suits you.

First up is the head table. The head table is basically a large table, comes in many shapes and sizes, where you are sitting with your bridal party and also sometimes immediate family members. The pro’s of having this set up are:

  1. It provides another way for you to honor those that are close to you. While your wedding day is meant to honor you, shining a light on those who helped be a part of the celebration is always appreciated. It’s never a bad idea to make others feel special.
  2. Your guests won’t feel separated from you. With a head table you and your spouse can talk, laugh and interact with people and not feel so separate. This lets people feel more connected to you both.
  3. Those you love will surround you. There is nothing better than getting to sit down, relax and be at a table with the ones you cherish most, after such a big celebration. You can unwind, reflect, and make fantastic memories throughout the night.

Now, it’s time to move on to the sweetheart table. This type of table is a small table meant for just you and your spouse. It is usually decorated super cute and cozy for the couple. The benefits to having this type of seating arrangement is:

  1. You can spend some special alone time with your beloved. Despite what you may have heard, a wedding will really fly by so fast when the day comes. Oftentimes couples get so caught up in trying to speak to everyone that they do not spend along time with each other. It is super important to have a little one-on-one time during the day and a sweetheart table is great for that.
  2. You will feel obligated to get up to speak to everyone. Being seated at a sweetheart table will make you inclined to get up to speak to your guests, being that you are not seating with them. If seated at a head table, you may get so consumed in conversation with others that you do not get around to speaking to everyone.
  3. Your bridal party will be able to mingle with others. It isn’t uncommon for your bridal party to bring a date to your wedding. A great benefit for having a sweetheart table is that your bridal party can be seated with their significant others, instead of being split up from them.

Both options are great, so the decision comes down entirely to preference. We hope that this blog was helpful for you making your decision!

Source: https://www.insideweddings.com/news/planning-design/pros-and-cons-choosing-a-head-table-vs-sweetheart-table/2978/

 

Tracy Pope
Devoted to Your Event

 

The Meghan Markel Wedding Effect

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Ever since Meghan Markle’s formal title is “Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Sussex”, the effect of her wedding as a whole has impacted what couples, specifically brides, will want in their weddings. This month I want to focus my topic on the top trends the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markel has inspired what engaged couples do for their wedding: 

Personalization with a twist
The desire to customize wedding day details is certainly not a new notion but the bar has been raised considerably as soon as it was revealed that Prince Harry handpicked blooms for his bride’s bouquet. While couples will still want to put their stamp on the décor, menu and entertainment, wedding experts such as myself are expecting brides and grooms to take their requests and traditions to a whole new level. I am excited to see what requests will come. 

Hail to the boat neck
The dress that Meghan chose to wear for her wedding was certainly a polarizing one- some gave happy sighs while others scratched their heads. I personally looking at my particular style, was scratching my head; it doesn’t mean I frowned on the dress. I just expected something super glamorous with bling, lace and tulle! We see many brides wearing sweetheart necklines, mermaid style dresses and lace because that is what is popular. But now that the wedding is over, I do like Meghan’s choice. It is clean, simple and has that 1950’s flair. One thing is for sure- the neckline is a welcome change from the strapless gowns’ ongoing campaign for world domination. Better yet- it can be incorporated into nearly every season- unlike the sleeves and thicker fabric that also made up the gown.

Going local
If one thing was for sure, Prince Harry and Meghan wanted to celebrate with as many local elements as possible, which was evident from the florist selection to the reception menu. I think this will also be a popular trend and good news to local mom and pop establishments and other businesses. There is nothing like having the uniqueness of a local store or restaurant that provides one-of-a kind items or tastes you just can’t get anywhere else. 

Black and white is the new… black?
Since their engagement last November, the royal couple and photograph enthusiasts have released several dramatic black and white images of themselves. I think this is a trend and may have more couples requesting black and white photography. 

No wedding party? 

Bye-bye to big wedding parties and the headache of picking and choosing your besties to celebrate your big day. It was definitely noticed that Meghan Markle did not have bridesmaids, a Maid-of-Honor or groomsmen, joining her and Prince Harry down the aisle. She did ensure that a team of the cutest attendants you ever did see accompany her. I am not too sure if that will escape the minds of future brides and grooms but it is definitely a money saver and may start to be the new trend. Long ago, weddings were much smaller and had since started growing larger in the late 70’s, early 80’s; we can only wait and see. 

Breaking the traditional rules
Usually the Bride’s father will walk her down the aisle and we do see many variations these days with who walks the bride down the aisle and for Meghan, we heard her father Thomas Markle was not going to walk her down for reasons we can only speculate and it was reported due to his health. Meghan did opted to walk by herself and saved the final moments down with her future father-in-law just before she arrived at the altar. I kind of wished she would have had her mother walk with her but, like I tell all my brides, “it’s not my wedding, it your wedding, do what you want”. 

The most modern couples continue to break tradition but on a large scale, the recent royal wedding may inspired couples to break rules and do it their own way on a new level. After all, Meghan Markle broke hundreds of years of tradition in St. George’s Castle, and we’re all still standing.


(The photo is a copy of a wedding photo from a google images)

 

Tracy Pope
Owner, Devoted to Your Event

Alternative Wedding Venues

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In past decades getting married at a church was the expected thing to do, now with each year it seems like there is more and more variety with wedding venues. This blog post is for the bride who wants to find out about some of the most unique wedding venues there is that do not involve churches.

Winery weddings: Getting married in a winery or vineyard is a popular alternative place for a couple to get married. You’ll get beautiful scenery and not to mention the fantastic wine! The elegant couple will surely appreciate this type of venue.

Home weddings: Weddings at you or a family members home is always something that we view as very meaningful. A setting like that is usually super sentimental and you, and how awesome would it be to not have to pay anything at all for a wedding venue!

Hotel/ballroom weddings: Most people will travel to a nice nearby hotel or ballroom for their wedding reception, however it is not uncommon to have your wedding there as well! Again this will be extremely convenient for your guests, and not to mention you can have the entire space to yourself to really party all night long!

Beach weddings: Do you love the soft sounds of the waves, the warm sand and the beautiful views; well then a beach wedding is probably a great alternative for you. This is the perfect location for the couple who wants a more casual ceremony, because you can surely dress down for a wedding here. Beach wedding can also be very reasonably priced.

Private estate/mansion weddings: Want to flaunt your big day in true royalty style? Consider renting a mansion or private estate for the day! You can enjoy a taste of the lavish life and a great plus is that these venues will be so large that you can have your wedding a reception in the same place! Super convenient for your guests.

Museums, art gallery or library weddings: For the couple who wants a little bit of culture, getting married at a museum or gallery will definitely suit you. There are so many impressive features at these venues and your wedding photos can truly be one of a kind! 

There are truly so many different places that you and your future spouse can get married at, these are just some of the more popular ones! We hope this post helps you think outside of the box and feel confident knowing that you can really get creative with your wedding venues and explore more than the traditional church! If you’d like for Devoted to Your Event to help you in the process and take away the stress during this busy time, don’t hesitate to reach out, we’d be happy to help, it what we love to do!

Tracy Pope,
Devoted to Your Event

Using Pinterest for Wedding Planning (Tips)

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Digital resources are definitely very popular when it comes to wedding planning, and one of the more frequently used ones is Pinterest! So many future brides, females who are in long-term relationships, and just females in general seem to be able to get easily sucked into the wonderful, never ending world of Pinterest ideas such as wedding dresses, venue décor, floral arrangements, cake designs, wedding hair and makeup and so much more. 

When first deciding to use Pinterest, as an official resource for your wedding, be sure to start off with organization. You want to strategically keep all your wedding components on separate boards. We recommend using separate boards instead of pinning ALL of your wedding items on one board, because things can get overcrowded and lost.

Creating your board as a secret board is definitely a good idea, if you don’t want others to know what you are doing prior to the wedding. Once a board is secret you can pin as much as you want and no one will ever be able to see. 

The great thing about Pinterest is that you can be as broad or as specific as you wish. If you have no idea where or how to start searching, try the word “wedding.” And for those who know exactly what they want, you can search specific phrase like “blue rose bouquet” “DIY centerpiece” “summer wedding” and more! Clicking on images will also lead you to other similar photos, which is the very exact reason that people end up with hundreds of pins! 

Being descriptive with your vendors is key. A great way to do that is to make a note in the description of each pin noting why you like it and how you want to use it.
Another hidden gem on Pinterest is the fact that you can allow your vendors to collaborate on your boards, which will help them provide you with even more of an accurate depiction of your dream weddings.

When using Pinterest, definitely make sure that you are being realistic and true to yourself. Pin things that YOU like and not the most popular images. Also keep in mind that some of these images are from professionally styled photo-shoots, so go in with an understanding that all of these photos may not be fully achievable for your wedding, but more so for inspiration. 

With all of this information on your mind, you will surely be an expert on Pinterest in no time! If you’d like for Devoted to Your Event to help you in the process and take away the stress during this busy time, don’t hesitate to reach out, we’d be happy to help; it’s what we love to do!

Source: https://blog.wedsites.com/use-pinterest-wedding-planning/

Tracy Pope
Owner,
Devoted to Your Event

Guidelines to Having Children at Your Wedding

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Deciding on whether to have children at your wedding is a big decision to make…and one that you should solidify early on in your planning. Although small, children will play an influential part in your wedding planning and there will need to be some separate decisions made around them. If you are curious to know what you need to have ironed out before deciding to have or not to have children at your wedding, then stay tuned!

1. First it is important to know that you do not have to have children at your wedding. Evening weddings, weddings with open bars, and classier weddings do not always incorporate children. Daytime weddings, or more casual weddings are the ones where kids are seen most often. It is entirely up to the couple.

2. Be specific on your invite, address it to exactly whom you are inviting to avoid awkward calls from people asking if they can bring their children. Some even specify “adult-only reception” and other specific other things like “children welcomed” so that everyone is clear.

3. Offer childcare services or alternatives, if you can. There is nothing worse than inviting parents to a wedding but having them have to search around for a babysitter because all of the people who they would normally call will also be attending the wedding.

4. Consider using the children to help with other duties during the wedding. Along with the flower girl and ring bearer, there are jobs such as ushers, handing out programs, passing out wedding favors, etc. that can allow the kids to be productive during your ceremony. Just be sure that there is someone who is overseeing the children involved in the wedding.

5. If you are having children, consider having a different meal for them. They are usually less expensive and are not as fancy as the wedding meal. This is not a must, because some parents might confirm that their children can eat off their plates, or eat a normal meal.

6. Designate an area for the kids. Many couples have a “kids table” at the reception where they can get their special food, do small activities, and be entertained during the event. Additionally, some couples have separate rooms for the kids. This way they can really let loose in their own enclosed space.

So as you can see, there are several things to consider and keep at the forefront of your mind when planning for children at your wedding. If you have anymore questions contact Devoted To Your Event and we will help you come to the best decision for you big day! If you’d like for Devoted to Your Event to help you in the process and take away the stress during this busy time, don’t hesitate to reach out, we’d be happy to help; it’s what we love to do!

Source: https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/228425/children-your-wedding?slide=734933

Tracy Pope/Owner,
Devoted to Your Event

Updating your identity after marriage

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So, you just got married to the man of your dreams, you are ready to take on your new life with your new last name, but what exactly do you have to do to ensure that you officially change your name? Well, we have the answer for you here!

Step 1: Get your marriage license

Before you can officially drop your maiden name and embrace your new one, you will need to obtain your marriage license. Be sure you have the original or certified document.

Step 2: Change your Social Security card

To do this you will need to go online and file a request for a new Social Security card. Do not worry, the number will be the same, the only thing that will change is your name. Typically this new card will arrive within 10 business days.

Step 3: Change your license at the DMV

In order to get a new license you will need both documents you obtained in steps 1 and 2. Who knows, you might even be able to sneak in an updated license photo!

Step 4: Update your bank accounts and cards

This is important because you will surely need all information on your accounts and cards to match your license. Some wont even let you use your card without your name matching what is on your license. The most efficient way to change this information is to go into your local bank and have your license and marriage certificate handy. Don’t forget to ask for updated checks if you use them.

Step 5: Fill in the blanks

Once you have finished steps 1-4 the rest will be easy. It may be helpful to make a list of all of the things that you know your name is on; here are some of the common things:

  • Post office
  • Passport office
  • Voter registration office
  • Various Doctors’ offices
  • Employers and payroll
  • Electric and other utility companies
  • Credit card companies
  • Mortgage or landlord companies
  • Insurance companies

As you can see, changing your last name is not something that should be a hard task at all. There are many other routes that you can take as well to change this information, some in much less steps. Either way, congrats on your marriage or future marriage, and we wish you a happy transition process!

Source:  https://www.theknot.com/content/name-change-101

Amber Bentley
Social Media Manager/Event Assistant,
Devoted to Your Event

A Female’s Guide to Wedding Hat Etiquette

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When it comes to accessories, especially hats, it’s always best to know the unspoken rules when it comes to wearing it to a wedding. Here are some guidelines that make the case both for and against wearing hats to a wedding ceremony. You can surely use these to help you make your own decision!

Reasons to wear a hat:

1. It adds a special touch, or a little bit of flair, to your attire: When weddings come around, most like to get dressed up in a way that is different from normal. Adding a hat can play into those vibes.

2. You are having a traditional ceremony: A bride that decides on a more regal themed wedding may request that hats be worn for the ladies, and suits for the guys.

3. Mother of the Bride: If no one else wears a hat, the mother of the bride is always seen as the one person who is allowed to. It gives off a royal, classic air to show her importance on that special day.

4. It has a sentimental meaning: If wedding hats, for the male or female, have a special meaning or are tied to a loved one, that is a perfect way to pay homage to them on your big day.

Reasons against wearing a hat:

1. Modern wedding themes don’t call for that accessory: We all know that in this modern day and age, hats don’t go with all wedding themes. Keep in mind the theme of the ceremony and if hats don’t typical go with that, then try to avoid them.

2. It is an unnecessary expense: This could be true for both the wedding party as well as the guests. Finding a hat that is both

acceptable and matches your attire may not be cheap. On another note, most people would not end up wearing that hat again after the wedding day.

3. You may block someone’s view: Some wedding hats are cute and quaint, others are wide and flat, and then there’s the ones that are decorated with tall accessories. Wearing your hat could look fantastic, but keep in mind that you may block the view of several people behind you, which will not be enjoyable for them. Bigger is not always better.

4. It doesn’t match with your outfit: Don’t force what doesn’t work. Some outfits just shouldn’t be paired with a hat, and that is perfectly okay.

If you are really set on a wedding hat, and it is not coming together how you hoped, do not fret, here are some alternatives that you can wear: a headband, a jeweled slide or hair accessory, a fascinator, a floral crown, or even just a statement hairstyle!

Amber Bentley
Social Media Manager/Event Assistant,
Devoted to Your Event

Your New Year’s Eve Wedding

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So you want to get married on a special day, but want to avoid the typical Valentine’s Day, Fourth of July or Christmas weddings…well then a New Year’s Eve Wedding is a great option for you! Most people want to go out and celebrate New Years with their special loved ones, so why not invite everyone together to celebrate your wedding as well?

Brides.com mapped out several great tips that one would need to successfully pull off a New Year’s Eve wedding, and Devoted to Your Event is going to share them with you.

1. BOOK IN ADVANCE: New Year’s Eve is a super popular night for parties and events. If you want your dream wedding location then you need to secure your venue as early as possible. Along with the venue, you need to secure your vendors as well, such as your wedding planner (consider www.devotedtoyourevent.com!!!), your florists, caterers, DJ, and more.

2. Notify your guests earlier than normal: Most people will be thinking of their own New Year’s Eve plans.  If you want to ensure than no one makes plans on your big day, send out your invites early so everyone can plan to be there!

3. Provide transportation options: New Year’s Eve is a very popular time on the road, especially at night. You want to make sure that no one is stuck in traffic trying to get to your event, so consider providing a meet-up location and shuttle busses, cabs, etc. for guests to ride to and from your wedding/reception.

4. Be prepared for extra expenses: This day is considered a holiday to some, so that means that prices may be a little higher for things. Being prepared for this is a smart idea.

5. Confirm your vendors’ holiday plans: Your vendors are people and they have families that they want to be with for the holidays as well. Make sure you are aware of when they are working and when they are not, so that you don’t get upset if you cannot reach them on a certain day.

6. Time your wedding and reception so that you are still partying when the clock strikes midnight: Most people opt to have evening ceremonies when getting married on New Year’s Eve, so that they can start their reception around 9 and still be energized for a New Year’s Eve toast at midnight. Providing late night snacks in addition to your food is a great way to keep people energized the entire time.

7. Make midnight a memorable moment: Drop confetti, pass out champagne, do a big countdown, have a big screen where everyone can watch the ball drop in NYC, etc!

All in all, choosing to have a wedding on this day will be special no matter what! Just keep these tips in mind and really go all out to make this day memorable for you and your guests. If you want to read more check out Brides.com.

Happy Wedding Planning! And Happy New Year everyone!

Sincerely,

Devoted to Your Event LLC.

Written by Amber Bentley

Creative Wedding Menu Ideas

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Selecting your wedding menu can take a little time. Do you go with your favorite foods? Three course meal or five course? What about food allergies and special diets? All of these things, and more, should be considered during your selection process. However, to make things even more fun, we are going to share 9 wedding menu treats that can be created in addition to your main course!

Popsicle cocktails: Pair two things together that everyone loves, cocktails and popsicles, for a nice fruity treat. All you have to do is pour a half glass of your favorite champagne and stick a popsicle in the glass.

Cookies and milk: Serving cookies and milk during your cocktail hour is something that is not often done, but when it is, it’s a hit! Select your favorite cookie dough, whether it be chocolate milk, oatmeal raisin, sugar, etc., and sit it on the rim of a small shot glass filled with milk.  

Mini grilled cheese and tomato soup: This is another great idea for a snack with substance. Take your grilled cheese sandwich and cut it into 4-6 pieces and put each on top of a shooter glass filled with tomato soup.

Personal pizzas: You cannot go wrong serving pizza at any occasion. Having little bite sized versions will definitely be a snack that goes away quickly, especially if you have children at your wedding.

Mini chicken and waffles:  Serve mini fried chicken bites on top of a mini waffle and for added bonus you can pre-drizzle some syrup on some of them. These definitely work best with toothpicks or stick in them for easier serving.

Fried mac and cheese pops: Just reading this makes our mouths water! For this snack you will need breadcrumbs, the usual mac and cheese ingredients, and an ice cream scooper for easier serving.

Shrimp and grits: Most shrimp meals are a hit at events. Creating a mini shrimp and grits snack, in a bowl, fillo shell, or another edible item will be a hit.

Mini Tacos: You can really get creative with this whether you have beef, chicken, shrimp, etc! Add some lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, or the sauce of your choice

Strawberry shortcake in a jar:  Perfect dessert on the go! You can grab one of these and enjoy on the dance floor, or even take one on your way out.

The selection above is just some of DTYE’s favorites, but there are so many more options for you to choose from! Check out these links from TheKnot.com and Huffington Post:

https://www.theknot.com/content/creative-new-catering-trends

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/07/awesome-yummy-wedding-food-ideas_n_7740200.html

Amber Bentley
Social Media Manager/Event Assistant,
Devoted to Your Event

Planning a Cocktail Wedding Reception

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As you may already know, there are many different types of weddings and receptions that one can have. It is no longer all about having your ceremony at the church and your reception at a nice hotel or venue. The standard ideas are few and far between and many more casual, unique and fun traditions are becoming more like the norm. One trend in particular is swiftly growing, and that is the Cocktail Wedding Reception. This type of receptions is a lot more affordable and simple. Does this sound like something you are interested in? If so, then keep reading as we bring you the top tips you need to consider before planning your very own!

1. First up, it is important that you inform your guests. Letting them know in advance is very helpful because most people come to wedding receptions expecting a full course meal.

2. Incorporate appetizer stations. Since you wont be having full meals for your guests, you definitely want to make sure you have some food to snack on…especially if drinks are involved.

3. Presentation is key. To really embrace the “cocktail party” vibe, you should incorporate high top tables for standing, in addition to regular tables and chairs. Also with this type of party, having comfy lounge areas in the room is a good idea, especially for the elders.

4. Don’t have your reception during lunch or dinner time. If you have your reception in between those times, it will allow for your guests to eat before they come and also leave them time to still have dinner before calling it a night.

5. Make sure that YOU get to eat as well. If all you are serving is finger foods and appetizers, you have to be prepared for them to go quickly. Make sure your wedding planner or a family member is assigned to put aside two plates for you an your spouse.

6. Be generous with the alcohol. Make sure that you have a nice variety available for your guests, i.e. liquor, wine and beers. Don’t forget about your mixers as well.

7. Don’t forget your schedule. Whether you are having a traditional reception or a cocktail wedding reception, you still want to have a schedule made to ensure that you partake in all of the special moments, i.e. the first dance, cake cutting, tossing the bouquet, and more.

A cocktail wedding is no less than a normal wedding; it is all about preference! If a cocktail wedding is more your style, then take these tips with you as you plan your very own. And if you need a little more assistance, feel free to contact Devoted to Your Event,  where we assist you to “Host without the Hassle!”

Amber Bentley
Social Media Manager/Event Assistant,
Devoted to Your Event